Users Guide

Dell PowerConnect W AirWave 7.1 | User Guide Introduction | 13
Chapter 1
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Dell PowerConnect W AirWave Wireless Management Suite, or AWMS. AWMS
makes it easy and efficient to manage your wireless network by combining industry-leading functionality with an
intuitive user interface, enabling network administrators and helpdesk staff to support and control even the
largest wireless networks in the world.
This User Guide provides instructions for the installation, configuration,
and operation of the AirWave Wireless
Management Suite. This chapter includes the following topics:
 “AWMS—A Unified Wireless Network Command Center” on page13
 “AWMS Navigation Basics” on page22
 “Integrating AWMS into the Network and Organizational Hierarchy” on page15
If you have any questions or comments,
please contact Dell support.
AWMS—A Unified Wireless Network Command Center
AWMS is the only network management software that offers you a single intelligent console from which to
monitor, analyze, and configure wireless networks in automatic fashion. Whether your wireless network is simple
or a large, complex, multi-vendor installation, AWMS manages it all.
The AirWave Wireless Management Suite supports hardware from leading wireless v
endors, including Dell,
Alcatel-Lucent, Aruba Networks, Avaya, Cisco (Aironet and WLC), Colubris Networks, Enterasys, Juniper
Networks, LANCOM Systems, Meru, Nomadix, Nortel, ProCurve by HP, Proxim, Symbol, Trapeze, Tropos, and
many others.
The components of the AirWave Wireless Management Suit
e are listed here, and detailed below:
 The Dell PowerConnect W AirWave Management Platform (AMP) wireless network management software,
including the Dell PowerConnect W Configuration feature that supports global configuration of Dell
PowerConnect W controllers.
 VisualRF location and RF mapping software module
 RAPIDS rogue access point detection software module
 Master Console and Failover tabs.
AirWave Management Platform™
The AirWave Management Platform (AMP) is the centerpiece of the Dell PowerConnect W AirWave wireless
management solution, offering the following functions and benefits:
 Core network management functionality:
 Network discovery
 Configuration of APs & controllers
 Automated compliance audits
 Firmware distribution
 Monitoring of every device and user connected to the wireless network
 Real-time and historical trend reports
 Granular administrative access