Chapter 8 Virtual Controller; Master Election Protocol; Virtual Controller Ip Address; Specifying Name And Ip Address For The Virtual Controller - Dell PowerConnect W-IAP175P User Manual

Dell Instant does not require an external controller to regulate and manage the Wi-Fi network. Any IAP in the
Dell Instant network dynamically takes up the role of a Virtual Controller (VC) without impacting the network. It
coordinates, stores, and distributes all the settings required to provide a centralized functionality to regulate and
manage the Wi-Fi network. The virtual controller also functions like any other AP with full RF scalability. It also
acts as a node, coordinating DHCP address allocation for network address translated clients ensuring mobility of
the clients when they roam between different IAPs.

Master Election Protocol

The Dell Instant network supports 16 IAPs without any external controller. However, there is a need to manage
the network. The Master Election Protocol enables the Dell Instant network to dynamically elect an IAP to take
on a VC role, allow graceful failover to a new virtual controller when the existing VC is down, and avoid race
conditions. This protocol ensures stability of the network during initial startup or when the VC goes down by
allowing only one IAP to self-elect as a VC.

Virtual Controller IP Address

You can specify a single static IP address that can be used to manage a multi-AP Dell Instant network. This IP
address is automatically provisioned on a shadow interface on the IAP that takes the role of a virtual controller.
When an IAP becomes a virtual controller, it sends three Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) messages with the
static IP address and its own MAC address to update the network ARP cache.

Specifying Name and IP Address for the Virtual Controller

To specify name and IP address for the virtual controller, perform the following steps:
1. At the top right corner of WebUI, click the Settings link. The Settings box appears.
Figure 58
2. Enter a name for virtual controller in the Name text box.
Dell PowerConnect W-Instant Access Point 5.0.3.0-1.1.0.0 | User Guide
Specifying Virtual Controller Name and IP Address
Chapter 8
Virtual Controller
Virtual Controller | 67