AirDefense
AirDefense is a wireless intrusion prevention system that monitors RF spectrum 24x7, now integrated into Extreme Networks' AI-powered Extreme Platform ONE. It serves enterprise and government buyers globally across healthcare, education, government, and large venues.
- Company typePublic
- Founded2001
- HeadquartersAlpharetta, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What AirDefense does
AirDefense, founded in 2001 and headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, is a wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS) that monitors the RF spectrum 24x7 to detect and remediate wireless threats across enterprise networks. Originally developed as a standalone product, AirDefense was acquired by Motorola in 2008 and later transferred to Extreme Networks (NASDAQ: EXTR) as part of Motorola's enterprise WLAN divestiture in 2013. Today, AirDefense's WIPS capabilities are integrated into Extreme Networks' broader portfolio as the security layer of Extreme Platform ONE, the company's flagship AI-powered unified networking, security, and AI operations platform.
The AirDefense solution operates as a sensor-based monitoring system that continuously scans the airwaves for unauthorized access points, rogue devices, and wireless attacks, providing policy enforcement and threat remediation across enterprise Wi-Fi environments. Its underlying technology leverages Extreme Networks' ExtremeCloud IQ cloud management platform, which unifies management for wired, wireless, SD-WAN, and security under AI-driven operations. Adjacent platform components such as Extreme Agent ONE (autonomous AI networking), Multi-Beam Wireless (industry-first multi-beam Wi-Fi for large venues), and the Wi-Fi 7 portfolio expand the wireless context in which AirDefense's RF monitoring applies.
AirDefense's commercial model operates through Extreme Networks' hybrid distribution: direct enterprise field sales combined with the Extreme Partner First channel ecosystem of more than 11,000 partners spanning resellers, managed service providers, technology alliances, and consultants across 100+ countries. Revenue is generated through quote-based, multi-year enterprise contracts that bundle hardware (wireless access points, sensors), subscription/cloud management (ExtremeCloud IQ), professional services, and managed service delivery. Target buyers include federal government, healthcare, higher education, K-12, sports/venues, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, and financial services organizations, with named flagship deployments at Nissan Stadium, Anfield, Paris airports (Groupe ADP), E.ON, Hyatt Hotels, and the University of Florida.
AirDefense firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- AirDefense
- Legal name
- Extreme Networks, Inc.
- Website
- https://airdefense.net
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 2001
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- AirDefense is a wireless intrusion prevention system that monitors RF spectrum 24x7, now integrated into Extreme Networks' AI-powered Extreme Platform ONE. It serves enterprise and government buyers globally across healthcare, education, government, and large venues.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
AirDefense industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Wireless Network Security
- NAICS
- Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Intrusion Prevention/Detection Systems (IPS/IDS) (HDADABAH)
Keywords
Where AirDefense is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Alpharetta
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
AirDefense business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales: Sale of networking hardware including switches, wireless access points, and related equipment. Broad edge-core portfolio with consistent operations.
- Cloud Management/Subscription: Subscription-based cloud networking solutions including ExtremeCloud IQ and cloud-based network management with AI capabilities.
- Professional Services: Professional services, maintenance services, and premier support services for implementation and ongoing support.
- Managed Services: Managed service provider partnerships delivering networking solutions to end customers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Quote-based enterprise pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
AirDefense product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Motorola AirDefense Enterprise is a wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS) that monitors the airwaves 24x7 to detect and prevent wireless threats, unauthorized devices, and rogue access points for enterprise and government environments. The solution provides continuous wireless security monitoring and policy enforcement across enterprise Wi-Fi networks.
Product overview
Note: This data extraction pertains to Extreme Networks, not AirDefense as specified in the request. Extreme Networks offers a unified AI-powered networking platform (Extreme Platform ONE™) that combines networking, security, and AI capabilities. The portfolio includes cloud-based management (ExtremeCloud™ IQ), network fabric solutions, wireless access (Wi-Fi 6/7), wired access (switches), SD-WAN, and integrated security. The platform offers AI-powered autonomous networking capabilities, with recent launches including Extreme Agent ONE and Extreme Multi-Beam Wireless™ for large venues.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Extreme Platform ONE™: AI-powered unified networking, security, and management platform
- ExtremeCloud™ IQ
- Extreme Partner First™
- Extreme Academy
Products and services
- Motorola AirDefense Enterprise
Quantifiable outcome
- Reduces manual tasks up to 90%
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use AirDefense
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments9 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
AirDefense technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability2 records
Feature5 records
AirDefense partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.
- Tennessee TitansflagshipStrategic partnership to power new Nissan Stadium with advanced antenna technology and Wi-Fi 7, first venue to deploy Extreme Multi-Beam Wireless technology.
- Liverpool FCcorePartnership to create connected fan experience at Anfield stadium with over 1,100 new access points.
- Groupe ADP (Paris Airports)corePartnership to future-proof IT networks at largest Paris airports using Extreme Fabric to meet growing demands.
- E.ONcoreImplementation of AI-native cloud networking solutions resulting in 20% operational cost reduction.
- Hyatt HotelscorePartnership to enhance guest satisfaction through seamless digital experiences at Hyatt properties.
- University of FloridaflagshipFirst-ever college stadium Wi-Fi 7 deployment at The Swamp, establishing innovative stadium connectivity benchmark.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
AirDefense competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Fortinet: Fortinet is a broad incumbent in network security with integrated wireless offerings through FortiAP and FortiGate, competing with AirDefense's security analytics in enterprise and mid-market deployments.
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE): HPE owns Aruba and Juniper and is the parent of two of the most direct AirDefense competitors. HPE competes broadly for enterprise networking and security spend, including the stadium and higher education verticals where AirDefense has marquee wins.
- Juniper Networks (HPE): Juniper Networks, now part of HPE, competes with Extreme/AirDefense in enterprise wired and wireless LAN and Mist AI-driven networking, addressing the same large enterprise and venue customer base.
- Palo Alto Networks: Palo Alto Networks is a broad incumbent in enterprise cybersecurity with growing wireless and SASE capabilities. Its Prisma platform competes for the security portion of the stack where AirDefense operates.
Direct peers
- Cisco: Cisco is a direct competitor in enterprise wireless networking and network security, offering its own Wireless Intrusion Prevention System capabilities integrated into the broader Cisco WLAN portfolio. Both companies target large enterprises with integrated networking and security stacks.
- WatchGuard Technologies: WatchGuard provides network security appliances and wireless solutions targeted at mid-market and distributed enterprises, competing for the same IT buyer evaluating wireless security investments.
- Aruba Networks (HPE): Aruba, an HPE company, is a direct competitor in enterprise wireless LAN and integrated wireless security (ClearPass). Both compete for the same stadium, higher education, and large enterprise customers seeking AI-enhanced Wi-Fi and integrated policy enforcement.
- NETSCOUT Systems: NETSCOUT (owner of AirMagnet) provides wireless network performance and security monitoring solutions that overlap with AirDefense's WIPS heritage. Both target enterprise WLAN teams needing visibility into Wi-Fi threats and performance.
Others
- Motorola Solutions: Motorola Solutions was a prior owner of AirDefense and continues to operate in adjacent enterprise wireless and public safety communications, providing ecosystem context for AirDefense's heritage and customer base.
Emerging players
- Rohde & Schwarz (7signal): Rohde & Schwarz acquired 7signal, a Wi-Fi performance and security monitoring vendor, making it a direct competitor in the wireless network monitoring space where AirDefense has historically competed.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
AirDefense social profiles
Digital presenceAirDefense financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
AirDefense leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
AirDefense funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
AirDefense M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about AirDefense
What does AirDefense do?
Motorola AirDefense Enterprise is a wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS) that monitors the airwaves 24x7 to detect and prevent wireless threats, unauthorized devices, and rogue access points for enterprise and government environments. The solution provides continuous wireless security monitoring and policy enforcement across enterprise Wi-Fi networks.
Is AirDefense a public or private company?
AirDefense is a public company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was AirDefense founded?
AirDefense was founded in 2001. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is AirDefense based?
AirDefense is headquartered in Alpharetta, United States, in the North America region.
How does AirDefense make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are cloud Management/Subscription, professional Services and managed Services.
Who are AirDefense's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Fortinet, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Juniper Networks (HPE) and Palo Alto Networks. Direct peers are Cisco, WatchGuard Technologies, Aruba Networks (HPE) and NETSCOUT Systems. Motorola Solutions is listed as an others. Rohde & Schwarz (7signal) is listed as an emerging player.
Does AirDefense have an API?
No public API is recorded for AirDefense.
What industry is AirDefense in?
AirDefense's product category is Wireless Network Security. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDADABAH, Intrusion Prevention/Detection Systems (IPS/IDS). Its NAICS code is 561621 and its SIC code is 7373.