Table 1: Wireless IDS Features
 AirDefense Enterprise 4.0AirMagnet Distributed 4.0Red-Detect 3.6
Hardware PlatformVendor-provided server with Red Hat LinuxUser-provided server; requires WindowsVendor-provided server with Red Hat Linux
Supported wireless standards802.11a,b,g802.11a,b,g802.11a,b,g; Bluetooth
Rogue AP and client detectionYesYesYes
Rogue connection blockingYesYesWith add-on
Administrative alertingMultiple methodsMultiple methodsSNMP only without add-ons
Enforceable policiesYesYesWith Red-Vision add-on
AP configurationYesWith third-party add-onWith Red-Vision add-on
Performance monitoringYesYesYes
Base price$10,000$8995$8995
Rating4 out of 54.5 out of 53 out of 5
RecommendationAirDefense is a good choice for midsized to large businesses that want a prebuilt server with the OS already hardened against known security threats.For the price, Air-Magnet provides a great bundle that will save you money as your wireless network grows. However, you must buy a Windows server OS license and keep that OS hardened.Red-M is a far more expensive solution for midsized and large businesses, but small businesses can benefit from the pricing model. Without the pricey Red-Vision and counter-measure add-ons, Red-M is inferior to its competitors.