Wireless configuration, Chapter 6 – Brocade Mobility RFS Controller System Reference Guide (Supporting software release 5.5.0.0 and later) User Manual
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Brocade Mobility RFS Controller System Reference Guide
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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 wireless controller connected 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), e-mail, file and print services or even specialty applications
(such as guest access control and asset tracking).
Each wireless controller 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 connected 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.
RFS4000 and RFS6000 series wireless controllers and NX4500 and NX6500 series service
platforms support a maximum of 32 WLANs. Brocade RFS7000 model wireless controllers support
up to 256 WLANs. A Brocade NX9000 series service platforms supports up to 1000 WLANs.
The wireless configuration is comprised the following policies:
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These policies can be separately selected within the Configuration > Wireless pane located in top,
left-hand, side of the UI.