User's Manual Part 1

Access / One
®
Network
14 Welcome to Access/One Network
1
Network Servers
The network server is a critical component in your Access/One Network. It consists
of a hardware platform and base software. The network server can be installed into
any node within the network—wired nodes are preferred, and at least one network
server should be installed in a wired node.
The software running on the network server provides much of the intelligence within
the system and facilitates most of Access/One Network’s unique features and
functions. Overseeing the overall management and control of the system, the
network server provides distributed functionality that enables your Access/One
Network to function effectively as a secure wireless system that easily scales as your
Enterprise network grows.
Some of the key features provided by the network server include advanced security,
dynamic operation, network management, traffic prioritization and control, and
enhanced user mobility and tracking.
◗ Advanced Security
The network server enables your Access/One Network to provide a full array
of standards-based tools to secure the network. In addition to using the same
security servers and virtual private network (VPN) software that is used on
wired networks, Access/One Network offers enhanced system-level security
against attackers and rogue access points. All of the wireless mesh links, as
well as network management and control data, are encrypted using the
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), making it nearly impossible for
attackers to intrude into the network. In addition, whenever a user is
authenticated, the network server ensures that user security is maintained
while they roam the network.
◗ Dynamic Operation
Each network node automatically associates itself with the best available
network server (least congested and closest). If the wireless environment
changes for any reason, associations are automatically re-evaluated to ensure
that the network remains at its peak performance.