Users Guide
14 | Introduction Dell Networking W-AirWave 8.2.4 | User Guide
For additional information that includes a comprehensive inventory of all pages and settings that support Dell
Networking W Configuration, refer to the W-AirWave 8.2 Controller Configuration Guide.
Instant Configuration
Dell Networking W-Instant (Instant) is a system of access points in a Layer 2 subnet. The Instant APs (W-IAPs) are
controlled by a single W-IAP that serves a dual role as both an W-IAP and primary Virtual Controller (VC),
eliminating the need for dedicated controller hardware. This system can be deployed through a simplified setup
process appropriate for smaller organizations, or for multiple geographically dispersed locations without an on-
site administrator.
With AirWave, IT can centrally configure, monitor, and troubleshoot DellInstant WLANs, upload new software
images, track devices, generate reports, and perform other vital management tasks, all from a remote location.
A Virtual Controller or Instant AP can authenticate to the W-AirWave server using a pre-shared key, or using two-
way certificate-based authentication using an SSL certificate sent from W-AirWave to the Instant device. Virtual
Controllers push data to W-AirWave via HTTPS. If your enterprise has a security policy that restricts the use of
port 443 for inbound communication, you can change the port W-AirWave uses to communicate with Instant
devices.
For additional information that includes a comprehensive inventory of all pages and settings that support
Instant Configuration, refer to the Dell Networking W-Instant in W-AirWave 8.2 Deployment Guide.
VisualRF
VisualRF monitors and manages radio frequency (RF) dynamics within your wireless network. Visual RF provides:
l Accurate location information for all wireless users and devices.
l Up-to-date heat maps and channel maps for RF diagnostics; it adjusts for building materials and supports
multiple antenna types.
l Floor plan, building, and campus views.
l Visual display of errors and alerts.
l Easy importing of existing floor plans and building maps.
l Planning of new floor plans and AP placement recommendations.
RAPIDS
RAPIDS is a powerful and easy-to-use tool for monitoring and managing security on your wireless network.
RAPIDs provides:
l Automatic detection of unauthorized wireless devices.
l Rogue device classification that supports multiple methods of rogue detection.
l Wireless detection, using authorized wireless APs to report other devices within range to calculate and display
rogue location on a VisualRF map.
l Wired network detection of rogue APs located beyond the range of authorized APs and sensors, routers, and
switches. RAPIDs ranks devices according to the likelihood they are rogues, runs multiple tests to eliminate
false positive results, and identifies the switch and port to which a rogue device is connected.
Integrating W-AirWave into the Network and Organizational Hierarchy
W-AirWave generally resides in the network operations center and communicates with various components of
your WLAN infrastructure. In basic deployments, W-AirWave communicates solely with indoor wireless access
points (and WLAN controllers over the wired network. In more complex deployments, W-AirWave seamlessly