Chapter 1 Introduction; Airwave-A Unified Wireless Network Command Center; Airwave Management Platform - Dell PowerConnect W-Airwave User Manual

Thank you for choosing Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave. AirWave 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 AirWave. This chapter
includes the following topics:
"AirWave—A Unified Wireless Network Command Center" on page 13

"Integrating AirWave into the Network and Organizational Hierarchy" on page 15
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If you have any questions or comments, please contact Dell support at support.dell.com.
AirWave—A Unified Wireless Network Command Center
Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave 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, AirWave manages it all.
AirWave supports hardware from leading wireless vendors including Dell PowerConnect W-Series, Aruba
Networks, Avaya, Cisco (Aironet and WLC), Enterasys, Juniper Networks, LANCOM Systems, Meru, Nortel,
ProCurve by HP, Proxim, Symbol, Trapeze, Tropos, and many others.
The components of the AirWave are detailed below:

AirWave Management Platform

The AirWave Management Platform (AMP) is the centerpiece of Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave, offering the
following functions and benefits:
Core network management functionality:
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Network discovery
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Configuration of APs & controllers
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Automated compliance audits
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Firmware distribution
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Monitoring of every device and user connected to the network
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Real-time and historical trend reports
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Granular administrative access
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Role-based (for example, Administrator contrasted with Help Desk)
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Network segment (for example, "Retail Store" network contrasted with "Corporate HQ" network)
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Flexible device support
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Thin, thick, mesh network architecture
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Multi-vendor support
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Current and legacy hardware support
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Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave 7.4 | User Guide
Chapter 1
Introduction
Introduction | 13