AvaLAN Wireless Systems

AvaLAN Wireless Systems, established in 2004 and headquartered in Madison, Alabama, operates as a developer and manufacturer of long-range industrial wireless radios and cryptographic technology. The company was founded in Palo Alto, California, by Michael Derby, who currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer. Derby has over two decades of experience in wireless technology, was a member of the IEEE standards development organization for 802.11, 802.15, and 802.16 wireless standards, and holds postgraduate degrees in engineering from Clarkson and an MBA from Cornell University. In 2008, Matthew Nelson, who has over 20 years of experience in the wireless technology business, was appointed President and CEO. Prior to AvaLAN, Nelson held positions at Avocent, Motorola, and 3COM, and holds a BS in computer information systems and an MBA from Regis University.

AvaLAN has positioned itself within the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sector by focusing on creating secure and reliable connections for industrial devices rather than consumer electronics like computers and mobile phones. The company's business model revolves around selling hardware, software, and services, including managed routers and cloud-based solutions, to a diverse client base that includes large retailers, digital signage manufacturers, government entities, and companies in the energy, healthcare, and industrial automation sectors. A significant market for AvaLAN is the retail fueling industry, providing PCI-compliant secure networking solutions that connect forecourt infrastructure, such as dispensers and payment systems, to the convenience store. This focus was solidified by the company's acquisition by Dover Corporation in April 2021, after which it became part of the Dover Fueling Solutions (DFS) operating unit.

The company's product portfolio is designed for installations that require long-range connectivity, immunity to interference, and high data security. It specializes in the unlicensed 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.8 GHz radio bands, as well as cellular technologies. Products include encrypted wireless Ethernet bridges, extenders, and data communications equipment designed for simple, plug-and-play setup. These solutions are engineered for challenging wireless environments, providing connectivity for IP surveillance cameras, access control systems, industrial automation, SCADA systems, digital signage, and remote sensing. A key feature of their technology is a proprietary protocol and encryption, which provides layers of security and reliability required for industrial applications. Their offerings include both standalone and embedded products for indoor and outdoor use, featuring capabilities like remote diagnostics and a built-in spectrum analyzer.

Keywords: industrial wireless radios, cryptographic technology, long-range wireless, IIoT connectivity, secure networking, 900 MHz wireless, wireless Ethernet bridge, Dover Fueling Solutions, Michael Derby, Matthew Nelson, retail fueling networks, digital signage connectivity, SCADA communications, industrial automation wireless, access control systems, encrypted wireless, PCI compliance, perimeter security, remote location networking, interference immunity