Chapter 6 Wireless Configuration - Motorola Solutions WiNG 5.2.6 Reference Manual

CHAPTER 6 WIRELESS CONFIGURATION

A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a data-communications system and wireless local area network that flexibly
extends the functionalities of a wired LAN. A WLAN links two or more computers or devices using spread-spectrum or
OFDM modulation based technology. A WLAN does not require lining up devices for line-of-sight transmission, and are
thus, desirable for wireless networking. Roaming users can be handed off from one access point to another, like a cellular
phone system. WLANs can therefore be configured around the needs of specific user groups, even when they are not in
physical proximity.
WLANs can be used to provide an abundance of services, including data communications (allowing mobile devices to
access applications), email, file and print services or even specialty applications (such as guest access control and asset
tracking).
Each WLAN configuration contains encryption, authentication and QoS policies and conditions for user connections.
Connected access point radios transmit periodic beacons for each BSS. A beacon advertises the SSID, security
requirements, supported data rates of the wireless network to enable clients to locate and connect to the WLAN.
WLANs are mapped to radios on each access point. A WLAN can be advertised from a single access point radio or can
span multiple access points and radios. WLAN configurations can be defined to only provided service to specific areas of
a site. For example a guest access WLAN may only be mapped to a 2.4GHz radio in a lobby or conference room providing
limited coverage, while a data WLAN is mapped to all 2.4GHz and 5GHz radios at the branch site providing complete
coverage.
The wireless configuration is comprised the following policies:
• Wireless LANs
• Configuring WLAN QoS Policies
• Radio QoS Policy
• AAA Policy
• Association ACL
• Smart RF