Users Guide

102 | Access Points Dell PowerConnect ArubaOS 5.0 | [User Guide
Basic Configuration
You configure APs using the WebUI and the CLI. Table 22 list the basic configuration functions and features.
AP Names and Groups
In the user-centric network, each AP has a unique name and belongs to an AP group.
AP Names
Each AP is identified with an automatically-derived name.
z the name is the AP’s Ethernet MAC address in the format xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx
You can assign a new name (up to 63 characters) to an AP; the new name must be unique within your network.
For example, you can rename an AP to reflect its physical location within your network, such as “building3-
lobby”.
Table 22 AP Configuration Function Overview
Features and
Function
Description
Wireless LANs A wireless LAN (WLAN) permits wireless clients to connect to the network. An AP broadcasts the SSID
(which corresponds to a WLAN configured on the controller) to wireless clients. APs support multiple
SSIDs. WLAN configuration includes the authentication method and the authentication servers by
which wireless users are validated for access.
The WebUI includes a WLAN Wizard that provides easy-to-follow steps to configure a new WLAN.
NOTE: All new WLANs are associated with the ap-group named “default”.
AP operation An Dell AP can function as an air monitor (AM) performing network and radio frequency (RF)
monitoring. You can also specify the regulatory domain (the country) which determines the 802.11
transmission spectrum in which the AP will operate. Within the regulated transmission spectrum, you
can configure 802.11a, 802.11b/g, or 802.11n (high-throughput) radio settings.
Quality of Service
(QoS)
Configure Voice over IP call admission control options and bandwidth allocation for 5 GHz (802.11a) or
2.4 GHz (802.11b/g) frequency bands of traffic.
RF management Configure settings for balancing wireless traffic across APs, detect holes in radio coverage, or other
metrics that can indicate interference and potential problems on the wireless network.
Adaptive Radio Management (ARM) is an RF spectrum management technology that allows each AP to
determine the best 802.11 channel and transmit power settings. ARM provides several configurable
settings.
Intrusion Detection
System (IDS)
Configure settings to detect and disable rogue APs, ad-hoc networks, and unauthorized devices, and
prevent attacks on the network. You can also configure signatures to detect and prevent intrusions and
attacks.
Mesh Configure Dell APs as mesh nodes to bridge multiple Ethernet LANs or extend wireless coverage. A
mesh node is either
z a mesh portal—an AP that uses its wired interface to reach the controller
z or a mesh point—an AP that establishes a path to the controller via the mesh portal
Mesh environments use a wireless backhaul to carry traffic between mesh nodes. This allows one
802.11 radio to carry traditional WLAN services to clients and one 802.11radio to carry mesh traffic as
well as WLAN services. Chapter 7, “Secure Enterprise Mesh” on page189 contains more specific
information on the Mesh feature.
Note: The 802.11n features, such as high-throughput and 40 MHz configuration settings, are supported on APs that are 802.11n
standard complaint; Dell’s W-AP120 Series, W-AP90 Series.