User Guide

Wireless Array
Introduction 3
Nomenclature
Throughout this User’s Guide, the Xirrus Wireless Array is also referred to as
simply the Array. In some instances, the terms product and unit are also used.
When discussing specific products from the Xirrus family, the product name is
used (for example, XR-4830). The Wireless Array’s operating system is referred to
as the ArrayOS. The Web Management Interface for browser-based management
of the Array is referred to as WMI.
The XR Series Arrays have very flexible radio capabilities — each of the radios
may be independently configured to support IEEE802.11a, 11b, 11g, or 11n clients
or a combination of client types. One radio is typically assigned as the RF monitor
radio, supporting intrusion detection and prevention, self-monitoring, and other
services. Radios support both 2.4GHz and 5 GHz, and are named iap1, iap2, ...
iapn.
The Xirrus Management System is referred to as XMS. The Power over Gigabit
Ethernet system may be referred to as PoGE.
Why Choose the Xirrus Wireless Array?
The deployment of wireless is a necessity as businesses strive for greater
flexibility in the workplace and the need for employee mobility rises. The user
community is placing spiraling and often unanticipated demands on the wireless
network, with the rapid proliferation of devices such as iPads and wireless
enabled phones. Xirrus Wireless Arrays have the capability to support the large
number of user devices present in today’s environments, with superior range and
coverage. Wireless is compatible with standard Ethernet protocols, so
connectivity with existing wired infrastructure is transparent to users — they can
still access and use the same applications and network services that they use
when plugged into the company’s wired LAN (it’s only the plug that no longer
exists).
Wireless has come a long way in the past few years and now offers the
performance, reliability and security that Enterprise customers have come to
expect from their networks. The technology is being driven by four major IEEE
standards: