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
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"Integrating AirWave into the Network and Organizational Hierarchy" on page 15

"Supported Browsers" on page 16
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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, 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 listed here, and detailed below:
The AirWave Management Platform (AMP) wireless network management software, including the ArubaOS
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Configuration feature that supports global and group configuration of Dell PowerConnect W-Series devices,
as well as the VisualRF location and RF mapping software module and the RAPIDS rogue access point
detection software module
Master Console and Failover tabs
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NOTE: Dell PowerConnect W-Series AirWave Wireless Management Suite (AWMS), AirWave, and AirWave Management
Platform (AMP) refer to the same product set and are used interchangeably.

AirWave Management Platform

The AirWave Management Platform (AMP) is the centerpiece of 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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Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave | User Guide
Chapter 1
Introduction
Introduction | 13