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USER’S GUIDE

High Performance Wireless Networks

Wireless Arrays

XR Series

May 5, 2012

Release 6.1

DRAFT5

Summary of content (200 pages)

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USER’S GUIDE Wireless Arrays DRAFT5 XR Series May 5, 2012 Release 6.
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Trademarks is a registered trademark of Xirrus, Inc. All other trademarks and brand names are marks of their respective holders. Please see Legal Notices, Warnings, Compliance Statements, and Warranty and License Agreements in “Appendix C: Notices” on page 431. Xirrus, Inc. 2101 Corporate Center Drive Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 USA Tel: Fax: 1.805.262.1600 1.800.947.7871 Toll Free in the US 1.866.462.3980 www.xirrus.
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Wireless Array Table of Contents List of Figures...................................................................................... xi Introduction ......................................................................................... 1 The Xirrus Family of Products ............................................................................... 1 Nomenclature .................................................................................................... 3 Why Choose the Xirrus Wireless Array? ..
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Wireless Array Hyperlinks ....................................................................................................... 19 Product Specifications — XR Array Family ........................................................ 20 Installing the Wireless Array........................................................... 21 Installation Prerequisites ...................................................................................... 21 Optional Network Components ........................................
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Wireless Array Installing Your Wireless Array ............................................................................ 58 Choosing a Location ....................................................................................... 58 Wiring Considerations ............................................................................ 58 Mounting the Array ....................................................................................... 61 Dismounting the Array .........................................
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Wireless Array Network Map .................................................................................................. 99 Content of the Network Map Window ................................................ 99 Spanning Tree Status .................................................................................... 102 Routing Table ................................................................................................ 103 ARP Table ..............................................................
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Wireless Array Network ................................................................................................................. 156 Network Interfaces ...................................................................................... 157 Network Interface Ports ........................................................................ 158 Network Bonds ............................................................................................. 160 DNS Settings ...................................
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Wireless Array SSID Limits ............................................................................................. 236 Web Page Redirect Configuration Settings ....................................... 237 WPA Configuration Settings .............................................................. 241 RADIUS Configuration Settings ......................................................... 242 Active IAPs ....................................................................................................
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Wireless Array Roaming Assist .............................................................................................. 299 WDS ....................................................................................................................... 302 About Configuring WDS Links ........................................................... 302 Long Distance Links .............................................................................. 303 WDS Client Links ...........................................
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Wireless Array Configuration Commands .................................................................................. 350 acl .................................................................................................................... 350 admin .............................................................................................................. 351 cdp ................................................................................................................... 352 clear ...........
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Wireless Array Configuring a Global SSID using WPA-PEAP ......................................... 388 Configuring an SSID-Specific SSID using WPA-PEAP ........................... 389 Enabling Global IAPs ................................................................................... 390 Disabling Global IAPs .................................................................................. 391 Enabling a Specific IAP ................................................................................
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Wireless Array Security ........................................................................................................... 414 VLAN Support .............................................................................................. 417 Array Monitor and Radio Assurance Capabilities .......................................... 420 Enabling Monitoring on the Array ..................................................... 420 How Monitoring Works ..........................................................
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Wireless Array List of Figures Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3. Figure 4. Figure 5. Figure 6. Figure 7. Figure 8. Figure 9. Figure 10. Figure 11. Figure 12. Figure 13. Figure 14. Figure 15. Figure 16. Figure 17. Figure 18. Figure 19. Figure 20. Figure 21. Figure 22. Figure 23. Figure 24. Figure 25. Figure 26. Figure 27. Figure 28. Figure 29. Figure 30. Figure 31. Figure 32. Figure 33. Figure 34. Xirrus Arrays: XR Series ............................................................................
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Wi-Fi Array Figure 35. Figure 36. Figure 37. Figure 38. Figure 39. Figure 40. Figure 41. Figure 42. Figure 43. Figure 44. Figure 45. Figure 46. Figure 47. Figure 48. Figure 49. Figure 50. Figure 51. Figure 52. Figure 53. Figure 54. Figure 55. Figure 56. Figure 57. Figure 58. Figure 59. Figure 60. Figure 61. Figure 62. Figure 63. Figure 64. Figure 65. Figure 66. Figure 67. Figure 68. Figure 69. Figure 70. Figure 71. xii Network Interface Ports—XR-2000 Series ??OK?? ..............................
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Wireless Array Figure 72. Figure 73. Figure 74. Figure 75. Figure 76. Figure 77. Figure 78. Figure 79. Figure 80. Figure 81. Figure 82. Figure 83. Figure 84. Figure 85. Figure 86. Figure 87. Figure 88. Figure 89. Figure 90. Figure 91. Figure 92. Figure 93. Figure 94. Figure 95. Figure 96. Figure 97. Figure 98. Figure 99. Figure 100. Figure 101. Figure 102. Figure 103. Figure 104. Figure 105. Figure 106. Figure 107. Figure 108. Station RSSI Values ............................................................
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Wi-Fi Array Figure 109. Figure 110. Figure 111. Figure 112. Figure 113. Figure 114. Figure 115. Figure 116. Figure 117. Figure 118. Figure 119. Figure 120. Figure 121. Figure 122. Figure 123. Figure 124. Figure 125. Figure 126. Figure 127. Figure 128. Figure 129. Figure 130. Figure 131. Figure 132. Figure 133. Figure 134. Figure 135. Figure 136. Figure 137. Figure 138. Figure 139. Figure 140. Figure 141. Figure 142. Figure 143. Figure 144. Figure 145. xiv VLANs..............................................
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Wireless Array Figure 146. Figure 147. Figure 148. Figure 149. Figure 150. Figure 151. Figure 152. Figure 153. Figure 154. Figure 155. Figure 156. Figure 157. Figure 158. Figure 159. Figure 160. Figure 161. Figure 162. Figure 163. Figure 164. Figure 165. Figure 166. Figure 167. Figure 168. Figure 169. Figure 170. Figure 171. Figure 172. Figure 173. Figure 174. Figure 175. Figure 176. Figure 177. Figure 178. Figure 179. Figure 180. Figure 181. Figure 182. DSCP Mappings.......................................
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Wi-Fi Array Figure 183. Figure 184. Figure 185. Figure 186. xvi Setting the Cell Size for All IAPs.......................................................... 395 Setting the Cell Size for a Specific IAP ................................................ 396 Configuring VLANs on an Open SSID................................................ 397 Configuring Radio Assurance Mode (Loopback Testing)................
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Wireless Array Introduction These topics introduce the Xirrus Wireless Array, including an overview of its key features and benefits.  “The Xirrus Family of Products” on page 1.  “Why Choose the Xirrus Wireless Array?” on page 3.  “Wireless Array Product Overview” on page 5.  “Key Features and Benefits” on page 12.  “Advanced Feature Sets” on page 14.  “About this User’s Guide” on page 17. The Xirrus Family of Products Figure 1.
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Wireless Array  Xirrus Management System (XMS) XMS is used for managing large Array deployments from a centralized Web-based interface. The XMS server is available pre-installed on the Xirrus Management Appliance series, or as a software package to be installed on your own server hardware (optionally under VMware). Figure 2 illustrates the elements of the Xirrus Management System. Users start the XMS client simply by entering the URL of the XMS server on a web browser.
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Wireless Array Nomenclature Throughout this User’s Guide, the Xirrus Wireless Array is also referred to as simply the Array. In some instances, the terms product and unit are also used. When discussing specific products from the Xirrus family, the product name is used (for example, XR-4830). The Wireless Array’s operating system is referred to as the ArrayOS. The Web Management Interface for browser-based management of the Array is referred to as WMI.
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Wireless Array  802.11a Operates in the 5 GHz range with a maximum speed of 54 Mbps.  802.11b Operates in the 2.4 GHz range with a maximum speed of 11 Mbps.  802.11g Supports a higher transmission speed of 54 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz range and is backwards compatible with 802.11b.  802.11n Uses multiple antennas per radio to boost transmission speed as high as 450Mbps, increasing throughput, range, and maximum number of users. 802.11n is backwards compatible with 802.11a/b/g.
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Wireless Array Wireless Array Product Overview Part of the family of Xirrus products, the Wireless Array is a high capacity, multimode device designed with four times the coverage and eight times the bandwidth and user density compared with legacy thin access point wireless products. Its distributed intelligence eliminates the use of separate controllers and their accompanying bottlenecks. Each radio, with its directional high-gain antennas, can achieve 450 Mbps throughput. Figure 3.
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Wireless Array XR Wireless Array Product Family XR-1000 and XR-2000 Series Arrays xxx Shelly - check pagination before final. These Arrays include models with one Gigabit Ethernet port and two or four multi-state radios (2.4GHz or 5GHz) that can support 300Mbps or 450Mbps, connecting upwards of 320 users at one time. The Xirrus XR-1000 Series Wireless Array is a two slot chassis available in a two multi-state (2.
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Wireless Array XR-1220 XR-1230 XR-2220 XR-2230 XR-2420 XR-2430 Integrated RF spectrum analyzer, threat sensors Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 1 Gigabit Uplink Ports 1 1 1 1 1 1 600 Mbps 900 Mbps 600 Mbps 900 Mbps 1.2 Gbps 1.
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Wireless Array XR-6000 Series Arrays These Arrays include models with four Gigabit Ethernet ports and up to sixteen radios, connecting up to 1280 users at one time and offering a maximum wireless bandwidth of 7.2 Gbps (up to 450 Mbps per radio). Smaller models may be upgraded to sixteen radios later when your needs change. A 10 Gigabit modular Ethernet expansion port (DVI connector) is available to meet high traffic demands. It is used only with an optional Xirrus 10 Gig fiber optics adapter.
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Wireless Array Why Choose the Xirrus Wireless Array? Enterprise Class Security The latest and most effective wireless encryption security standards, including WPA (Wireless Protected Access) and WPA2 with 802.11i AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) are available on the Wireless Array. In addition, the use of an embedded RADIUS server (or 802.
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Wireless Array All radios are activated with coverage spanning 360 degrees. If within range, clients will always receive coverage regardless of their geographic position relative to the Array. Radios may be assigned to 2.4 GHz and/or 5.0 GHz bands in any desired pattern.  Partial pattern coverage If desired, the Wireless Array can be deployed close to an exterior wall.
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Wireless Array Interface (WMI). The WMI enables easy configuration and control from a graphical console, plus a full complement of troubleshooting tools and statistics. Figure 5. WMI: Array Status In addition, a fully featured Command Line Interface (CLI) offers IT professionals a familiar management and control environment. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is also supported to allow management from an SNMP compliant management tool, such as the optional Xirrus Management System.
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Wireless Array Key Features and Benefits This section describes some of the key product features and the benefits you can expect when deploying the Wireless Array (the XR-7630 product is used as an example in this section). High Capacity and High Performance Figure 6. Layout of IAPs (XR-7630) The XR-7630 version of the Wireless Array (Figure 6) enables wireless connectivity and easily handles time-sensitive traffic such as voice.
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Wireless Array data rates in all directions. With a Wireless Array deployed, far fewer access points are needed and wired-like resiliency is delivered throughout your wireless network. Your Wireless Array deployment ensures:  Continuous connectivity if an IAP (radio) fails.  Continuous connectivity if an Array fails.  Continuous connectivity if a WDS link or switch fails.  Continuous connectivity if a Gigabit uplink or switch fails.
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Wireless Array EAP-SIM, EAP-GRC, and LEAP (Lightweight Extensible Authentication Protocol) passthrough. Intrusion detection and prevention provide proactive monitoring of the environment for threats. Applications Enablement The Wireless Array’s QoS (Quality of Service) functionality combined with true switch capabilities enable high density video and Voice over Wireless LAN deployments. Compliant with 802.1p and 802.1Q standards.
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Wireless Array with other lower speed stations. This ensures optimal performance for high-speed 802.11n stations without compromise.
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Wireless Array The complete feature set of the RSM package includes:  Wireless IDS/IPS (Intrusion Detection/Prevention System)  Wireless stateful firewall  User group policies  Authenticated guest access gateway  NAC integration Xirrus Advanced RF Analysis Manager (RAM) The RF Advanced Analysis Manager (RAM) tests and troubleshoots 802.11n wireless networks. The deployment of 802.11n presents a set of unique challenges based on technology differences with legacy 802.
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Wireless Array  Performance Analysis – Embedded traffic generation enables the throughput of the Array’s wireless or wired interfaces to be analyzed.  Failure Recovery – Radio Assurance provides an automatic self-test and self healing mechanism that ensures continuous system operation.
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Wireless Array 18  Configuring the Wireless Array Contains procedures for configuring the Array using its embedded Web Management Interface.  Using Tools on the Wireless Array Contains procedures for using utility tools provided in the Web Management Interface. It includes procedures for upgrading the system firmware, uploading and downloading configurations and other files, using diagnostic tools, and resetting the Array to its factory defaults.
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Wireless Array Notes and Cautions The following symbols are used throughout this User’s Guide:  ! This symbol is used for general notes that provide useful supplemental information. This symbol is used for cautions. Cautions provide critical information that may adversely affect the performance of the product. Screen Images Some screen images of the Web Management Interface have been modified for clarity.
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Wireless Array Product Specifications — XR Array Family Please refer to the Xirrus web site for the latest specifications for these Arrays— www.xirrus.
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Wireless Array Installing the Wireless Array The instructions for completing a successful installation include the following topics:  “Installation Prerequisites” on page 21.  “Planning Your Installation” on page 24.  “Installation Workflow” on page 56.  “Installing Your Wireless Array” on page 58.  “Powering Up the Wireless Array” on page 62.  “Establishing Communication with the Array” on page 65.  “Performing the Express Setup Procedure” on page 69.
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Wireless Array ! The Array’s Ethernet ports should be connected to an Ethernet switch, not an Ethernet hub — if a hub is used, we recommend that you do not bondpair Ethernet ports.  Secure Shell (SSH) utility To establish secure remote command line access to the Array, you need a Secure Shell (SSH) utility, such as PuTTY. The utility must be configured to use SSH-2, since the Array will only allow SSH-2 connections.  Secure Web browser Either Internet Explorer (version 7.
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Wireless Array Optional Network Components The following network components are optional.  Xirrus Management System (XMS) The optional XMS offers powerful management features for small or large Wireless Array deployments.  External RADIUS server Although your Array comes with an embedded RADIUS server, for 802.1x authentication in large deployments you may want to add an external RADIUS server. Client Requirements The Wireless Array should only be used with Wi-Fi certified client devices.
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Wireless Array Planning Your Installation This section provides guidelines and examples to help you plan your Xirrus Wireless Array deployment to achieve the best overall coverage and performance. We recommend you conduct a site survey to determine the best location and settings for each Array you install. The following topics are discussed:  “General Deployment Considerations” on page 24  “Coverage and Capacity Planning” on page 26  “IEEE 802.
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Wireless Array wireless range from between 3 and 90 feet (1 to 30 meters). Position your devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized. 2. Be aware of the direct line between each device. For example, a wall that is 1.5 feet thick (half a meter) at 90° is actually almost 3 feet thick (or 1 meter) when viewed at a 45° angle.
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Wireless Array Coverage and Capacity Planning This section considers coverage and capacity for your deployment(s), including placement options, RF patterns and cell sizes, area calculations, roaming considerations, and channel allocations.  Note that several advanced features in this section are part of the Xirrus Advanced RF Performance Manager (RPM). They require the license installed on the Array to include support for RPM. Please see “About Licensing and Upgrades” on page 321.
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Wireless Array RF Patterns The Wireless Array allows you to control — automatically or manually — the pattern of wireless coverage that best suits your deployment needs. You can choose to operate with full coverage, half coverage, or custom coverage (by enabling or disabling individual sectors). Full (Normal) Coverage In normal operation, the Array provides a full 360 degrees of coverage. Figure 9.
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Wireless Array Custom Coverage Where there are highly reflective objects in proximity to the Array, you can turn off specific radios to avoid interference and feedback. reflective object Figure 11. Custom Coverage Capacity and Cell Sizes Cell sizes should be estimated based on the number of users, the applications being used (for example, data/video/voice), and the number of Arrays available at the location.
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Wireless Array Fine Tuning Cell Sizes Adjusting the transmit power allows you to fine tune cell sizes. There are four standard sizes — Small, Medium, Large, or Max (the default is Max). There is also an Auto setting that automatically determines the best cell size, and a Manual setting that allows you to choose your power settings directly. Small Medium Large Figure 13.
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Wireless Array Sharp Cell This patented Xirrus RF management option automatically creates more intelligently defined cells and improves performance by creating smaller, highthroughput cells. By dynamically limiting each cell to a defined boundary (cell size), the trailing edge bleed of RF energy is reduced, thus minimizing interference between neighboring Wireless Arrays or other Access Points. To enable the Sharp Cell feature, go to “RF Power & Sensitivity” on page 285.
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Wireless Array automatically selecting and setting channels on the Array to the best channels available. This function is typically executed when initially installing Arrays in a new location and may optionally be configured to execute periodically to account for changes in the RF environment over time.
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Wireless Array Manual Channel Selection You can manually assign channels on a per radio basis, though manual selection is not recommended (and not necessary).  To avoid co-channel interference, do not select adjacent channels for radios that are physically next to each other. Maintain channel separation Figure 15.
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Wireless Array Deployment Examples The following examples employ 802.11a cells, each offering minimum throughputs of 54 Mbps, 36 Mbps, and 18 Mbps per sector respectively, and assume a floor plan covering a total area of about 60,000 square feet (5574 sq m). Figure 16. Deployment Scenario (54 Mbps) — Per Sector Figure 17.
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Wireless Array Figure 18.
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Wireless Array IEEE 802.11n Deployment Considerations The Xirrus Arrays support IEEE 802.11n on all IAPs, in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Use of 802.
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Wireless Array should review the settings for your deployment, especially channel bonding. A global setting is provided to enable or disable 802.11n mode. See “Global Settings .11n” on page 279 to configure 802.11n operation. MIMO (Multiple-In Multiple-Out) MIMO (Multiple-In Multiple-Out) signal processing is one of the core technologies of 802.11n. It mitigates interference and maintains broadband performance even with weak signals. Prior to 802.11n, a data stream was transmitted via one antenna.
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Wireless Array Multipath signals were considered to be interference by 802.11a/b/g radios, and degraded performance. In 802.11n, these signals are used to enhance performance. This extra sensitivity can be used for greater range or higher data rates. The enhanced signal is the processed sum of individual antennas. Signal processing eliminates nulls and fading that any one antenna would see.
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Wireless Array Channel Bonding Channel bonding increases data rates by combining two adjacent 20 MHz channels into one 40 MHz channel. This increases the data rate to slightly more than double. A bonded 40 MHz channel is specified in terms of the Primary channel and the adjacent channel to Bond. The Bond channel is represented by +1 to use the channel above the Primary channel, or -1 to use the channel below.
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Wireless Array Improved MAC Throughput These changes make 802.11n transmission of MAC frames 40% more efficient than legacy transmission:  MAC data frames are combined and given a single PHY header.  Implicit Block ACK acknowledges all data frames within a combined frame.  Spacing between frames is reduced.
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Wireless Array Obtaining Higher Data Rates The data rate increase obtained by using 802.11n on an Array is incremental, based on the technologies that are applied and the options that you select:  Higher encoding rates (Mandatory in 802.11n)  Spatial Streams (Mandatory, but multiplier varies directly with number of streams selected.)  Channel Bonding (Mandatory in 802.11n, apply multiplier to IAP if it is bonded.)  Short Guard Interval (Optional) See Figure 24 to see the 802.
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Wireless Array 802.11n Capacity 802.11n offers major increases in capacity over previous 802.11 standards, as shown in the table below. 802.11 Mode # Channels Max Theoretical Capacity 802.11 a/n: 3 Streams 23 23 * 450 Mbps = 10.2 Gbps 802.11 a/n: 2 Streams 23 23 * 300 Mbps = 6.8 Gbps 802.11 a/n: 1 Stream 23 23 * 150 Mbps = 3.4 Gbps 802.11 a 23 23 * 54 Mbps = 1.2 Gbps 802.11 g/n: 3 Streams 3 3 * 450 Mbps = 1.35 Gbps (1 or 2 streams have proportionally lower capacity) 802.
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Wireless Array In addition, the Array has full failover protection between the bonded-pair Gigabit ports (see following table). Interface Bridges Data? Bridges Management Traffic? Fails Over To: Gigabit port Yes Yes Bonded port DHCP or static Bonded Gigabit port Yes Yes Bonded port Same IP address The Wireless Array Gigabit Ethernet ports actually support a number of modes:  802.
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Wireless Array Switch Failover Protection To ensure that service is continued in the event of a switch failure, you can connect Arrays having multiple Gigabit ports to more than one Ethernet switch (not a hub). Ethernet connections Backup switch Ethernet switch Figure 26. Switch Failover Protection  Gigabit Ethernet connections must be on the same subnet.
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Wireless Array Power Planning All XR Series Array models support Power over Gigabit Ethernet (PoGE) with an integrated splitter. Power over Gigabit Ethernet To deliver power to the Array, you must use Xirrus Power over Gigabit Ethernet (PoGE) modules. They provide power over Cat 5e or Cat 6 cables to the Array without running power cables. Specific models of the Array are compatible with specific PoGE modules. For details, please see the Power over Gigabit Ethernet Installation and User Guide.
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Wireless Array Security Planning This section offers some useful guidelines for defining your preferred encryption and authentication method. For additional information, see “Understanding Security” on page 191 and the Security section of “Frequently Asked Questions” on page 412.  Note that several advanced features in this section are part of the Xirrus Advanced RF Security Manager (RSM). They require the license installed on the Array to include support for RSM.
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Wireless Array also be authenticated via RADIUS when preferred, or to meet particular security standards.  Xirrus Internal RADIUS server Recommended for smaller numbers of users (about 100 or less). Supports EAP-PEAP only  Pre-Shared Key Uses a pass-phrase or key that is manually distributed to all authorized users. The same passphrase is given to client devices and entered into each Array.
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Wireless Array Port Requirements A number of ports are used by various Array features and by the Xirrus Management System (XMS). The Port Requirements table on page 48 lists ports and the features that require them (XMS port requirements are included in the table for your convenience). If you are using a feature, please make sure that the ports that it requires are not blocked by firewalls or other policies, and that they do not conflict with any other port assignments.
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Wireless Array The following table lists port requirements for the Array and for XMS, how they are used, and whether they may be changed. Port Application Peer Configurable Array 48 icmp Ping XMS Server No 20 tcp 21 tcp FTP Client Yes 22 tcp SSH Client Yes 23 tcp Telnet Client Yes 25 tcp SMTP Mail Server No 69 udp TFTP TFTP Server No 123 udp NTP NTP Server No 161 udp SNMP XMS Server No 162 udp SNMP Traphost Note Up to four Traphosts may be configured.
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Wireless Array Port Application Peer Configurable XMS icmp Ping Arrays No 22 tcp SSH Arrays Yes 25 tcp SMTP Mail Server Yes 123 udp NTP NTP Server No 161 udp SNMP Arrays No 162 udp SNMP Traphost 1 Arrays Via XMS config file 443 tcp HTTPS Arrays No 514 udp Resident Syslog server Internal* Via XMS config file 1099 tcp RMI Registry Internal* No 2000 tcp XMS Back-end Server Internal* No 3306 tcp MySQL Database Internal* No 8001 tcp Status Viewer Internal* No 8
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Wireless Array See Also Management Control External Radius Services VLAN Management 50 Installing the Wireless Array
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Wireless Array Network Management Planning Network management can be performed using any of the following methods:  Command Line Interface, using an SSH (Secure Shell) utility, like PuTTY. The utility must be set up to use SSH-2, since the Array will only allow SSH-2 connections.  Web-based management, using the Array’s embedded Web Management Interface (WMI). This method provides configuration and basic monitoring tools, and is good for small deployments (one or two units).
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Wireless Array WDS Planning WDS (Wireless Distribution System) creates wireless backhauls between Arrays, allowing your wireless network to be expanded using multiple Arrays without the need for a wired backbone to link them (see Figure 28). WDS features include:  One to three IAPs may be used to form a single WDS link, yielding up to 1350 Mbps bandwidth per link. Up to three different WDS links may be created on a single Array.
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Wireless Array Figure 29. A Multiple Hop WDS Connection  Multiple WDS links can provide link redundancy (failover capability - see Figure 30). A network protocol (Spanning Tree Protocol — STP) prevents Arrays from forming network loops. Figure 30.
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Wireless Array WDS links have a Host/Client relationship similar to the usual IAP/station pattern for Arrays:  A WDS Client Link associates/authenticates to a host (target) Array in the same way that a station associates to an IAP. The client side of the link must be configured with the root MAC address of the target (host) Array.  A WDS Host Link acts like an IAP by allowing one WDS Client Link to associate to it. An Array may have both client and host links.
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Wireless Array Common Deployment Options The following table lists some typical and recommended deployment options for a number of the features that have been discussed in this chapter.
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Wireless Array Installation Workflow This workflow illustrates the steps that are required to install and configure your Wireless Array successfully. Review this flowchart before attempting to install the unit on a customer’s network.
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Wireless Array Common Deployment Options Failover Planning Installation Prerequisites Planning Your Installation Power Planning Wireless Array Product Overview Security Planning Installing the Wireless Array 57
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Wireless Array Installing Your Wireless Array This section provides instructions for completing a physical installation of your Xirrus Wireless Array. Choosing a Location Based on coverage, capacity and deployment examples previously discussed, choose a location for the Array that will provide the best results for your needs. The Wireless Array was designed to be mounted on a ceiling where the unit is unobtrusive and wireless transmissions can travel unimpeded throughout open plan areas.
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Wireless Array Once you have determined the best location for your Wireless Array, you must run cables to the location for the following services: Power  No power cable to the Array is required if using PoGE modules. The PoGE module requires a dedicated AC power outlet (100 240 VAC). Network  Gigabit POE1 — the total of all Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable segments from the Gigabit Ethernet switch to an Array Ethernet port must be less than 100m long.
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Wireless Array See Also Failover Planning Installation Prerequisites Installation Workflow Mounting the Array Power over Gigabit Ethernet (PoGE) 60 Installing the Wireless Array
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Wireless Array Mounting the Array A number of options are available for mounting Arrays:  Ceiling mount  Wall mount  Secure mount in a locking indoor enclosure  I-Beam mount in a protective enclosure (gymnasium mount)  Factory enclosure A detailed Quick Installation Guide is provided with the mounting option that you selected when ordering your Array. Please follow the provided instructions carefully.
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Wireless Array Powering Up the Wireless Array When powering up, the Array follows a specific sequence of LED patterns showing the boot progress, and following a successful boot will provide extensive status information. Ethernet Activity and Status LEDs IAP LEDs Figure 33. LED Locations Array LED settings may be altered or disabled entirely for diagnostic purposes or for personal preference.
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Wireless Array Array LED Operating Sequences Use the following tables to review the operating sequences of the Array’s LEDs.
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Wireless Array LED Operation when Array is Running The normal LED operation when the Array is running is shown in the table below. Note that behavior may be modified using “LED Settings” on page 297 or via the CLI. LED Status Reason IAP LED is OFF IAP is down IAP LED is solid ON IAP is up, but no associations and no traffic IAP LED heartbeat IAP is up, with stations associated but no traffic IAP LED flashing IAP is up, passing traffic Flashing at 10 Hz Flashing at 5 Hz Flashing at 2.
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Wireless Array Establishing Communication with the Array The Array may be configured through the Command Line Interface (CLI) using SSH, or on a browser via the graphical Web Management Interface (WMI). You may use the CLI via the serial management port (console—on all Arrays except the XR-1000 Series) or any of the Gigabit Ethernet ports. You can use the WMI via any of the Array’s Ethernet ports. Gigabit POE (gig1) Figure 34.
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Wireless Array Serial (Console) Gigabit POE1 (gig1) Gigabit POE2 (gig2) Gigabit 3 (gig3) Gigabit 4 (gig4) Figure 37. Network Interface Ports—XR-6000 Series  The Xirrus Xircon utility may also be used to communicate with Arrays locally as an alternative to using a serial connection to the console. This is especially useful for the XR-1000, which does not have a console port.
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Wireless Array 3. Alternatively, you may query the Array using the CLI via the serial port. Log in using the default user name admin and password admin. Use the show ethernet command to view the IP addresses assigned to each port. Starting the WMI Use this procedure to log in to the WMI via your Web browser. 1. Establish a network connection and open your Web browser. 2. Connect to the Wireless Array using its host name or IP address as described in the previous section.
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Wireless Array 1. This procedure assumes that you have pointed a browser to the Array’s IP address to start WMI, and that you have logged in with the default username and password above. 2. In the left had frame, in the Tools section, click System Tools. 3. License Key: Enter the key that was provided for the Array. The key was provided to you in an email as an attachment in the form of an Excel file (.xls). Enter the key exactly as it appears in the file. Click the Upgrade button to apply the key. 4.
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Wireless Array Performing the Express Setup Procedure The Express Setup procedure establishes global configuration settings that enable basic Array functionality. Changes made in this window will affect all radios. Figure 38.
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Wireless Array Procedure for Performing an Express Setup 1. Host Name: Specify a unique host name for this Array. The host name is used to identify the Array on the network. Use a name that will be meaningful within your network environment, up to 64 alphanumeric characters. The default is Xirrus-WiFi-Array. 2. Location Information: Enter a brief but meaningful description that accurately defines the physical location of the Array.
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Wireless Array  For improved security, you should also take the additional steps described in “Securing Low Level Access to the Array” on page 76. c. 9. Configuration Server Protocol: Choose DHCP to instruct the Array to use DHCP to assign IP addresses to the Array’s Ethernet interfaces, or choose Static if you intend to enter IP addresses manually. If you choose the Static IP option, you must enter the following IP Settings:  Address: Enter a valid IP address for this Array.
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Wireless Array required to use a VPN connection through a secure SSH utility, like PuTTy. • WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) — An optional IEEE 802.11 function that offers frame transmission privacy similar to a wired network. WEP generates secret shared encryption keys that both source and destination stations can use to alter frame bits to avoid disclosure to eavesdroppers. • WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) — A Wi-Fi Alliance standard that contains a subset of the IEEE 802.
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Wireless Array 10. Admin Settings: This section allows you to change the default admin username, password, and privileges for the Array. You may change the password and leave the user name as is, but we suggest that you change both to improve Array security. a.  New Admin User (Replaces user “admin”): Enter the name of a new administrator user account.
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Wireless Array b. Time Zone: Select your time zone from the choices available in the pull-down list. c. Auto Adjust Daylight Savings: If you are not using NTP, check this box if you want the system to adjust for daylight savings automatically, otherwise leave this box unchecked (default). d. Use Network Time Protocol: Check this box if you want to use an NTP server to synchronize the Array’s clock.
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Wireless Array seconds, am/pm) in the corresponding fields. If you don’t want to adjust the current time, this box should be left unchecked (default). k. Adjust Date (month/day/year): If you are not using NTP, check this box if you want to adjust the current system date. When the box is checked, the date fields become active. Enter the revised date (month, day and year) in the corresponding fields. If you don’t want to adjust the current date, this box should be left unchecked (default). 12.
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Wireless Array Securing Low Level Access to the Array ??Please review this whole section carefully. This section on Xircon disable and XBL password is being included in both the XR manual and the XN manual, on the assumption that when the XS 6.1 releases, it will include the Xircon options. OK?? Most management of the Xirrus Array is done via the Web Management Interface (WMI) as you just saw in “Performing the Express Setup Procedure” on page 69.
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Wireless Array Xircon access to the Array may be controlled:  You may enable or disable all Xircon access to the Array as instructed in the procedure below. There are also options to allow access only to CLI (i.e., ArrayOS access) or only to XBL.  Since XR-1000 Array models do not have a console port, these models have Xircon access to both XBL and CLI enabled by default.
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Wireless Array http://www.xirrus.com XR4012802207C# 3. Type configure to enter the CLI config mode. hostname#configure 4. If Xircon access at the XBL level is to be allowed, use the following three commands to change the XBL username and password from the default values of admin/admin. In the example below, replace newusername and newpassword with your desired entries. Note that these entries are case-sensitive.
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Wireless Array The Web Management Interface This topic provides an overview of the Xirrus Wireless Array’s embedded Web Management Interface (WMI), used for establishing your network’s configuration settings and wireless operating parameters. It also includes login instructions.
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Wireless Array An Overview The WMI is an easy-to-use graphical interface to your Wireless Array. It allows you to configure the product to suit your individual requirements and ensure that the unit functions efficiently and effectively. Figure 39.
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Wireless Array Structure of the WMI The content of the WMI is organized by function and hierarchy, shown in the following table. Click on any item below to jump to the referenced destination.
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Wireless Array Configuration Windows Express Setup Network Network Interfaces Network Bonds DNS Settings CDP Settings Services Time Settings (NTP) NetFlow Wi-Fi Tag System Log SNMP DHCP Server VLANs VLAN Management Security Admin Management Admin Privileges Admin RADIUS Management Control Access Control List Global Settings External Radius Internal Radius Rogue Control List SSIDs SSID Management Active IAPs Per-SSID Access Control List Groups Group Management 82 Configuration Windows (cont’d) IAPs IAP Set
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Wireless Array User Interface The WMI has been designed with simplicity in mind, making navigation quick and easy. In the following example, you’ll see that windows are divided into left and right frames. Left frame Right frame Array info Pull-down menu Help Log Message counters Click to configure/view statistics Figure 40.
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Wireless Array The left frame contains three main elements:  Menu organized by function (for example, Network, SSIDs, Security, etc.). Click a heading, such as Network, to display a summary of its current configuration, as well as an associated pull-down menu. The three major menu sections (Status, Configuration, Tools) may each be collapsed down to hide the headings under them. Click again to display the headings. (Figure 41 )  Three Log Messages counters are located at the bottom of the menu.
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Wireless Array you to quickly confirm that WMI is connected to the correct Array. The current Uptime since the last reboot is also shown.  Some settings are only available if the Array’s license includes appropriate Xirrus Advanced Feature Sets. If a setting is unavailable (grayed out), then your license does not support the feature. See “About Licensing and Upgrades” on page 321. Note that WMI provides options which allow you to change its appearance and behavior.
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Wireless Array page at http://www.xirrus.com/public/feedback/. Refer to Figure 43 on page 86 to see a sample of the feedback form.  Click on the Print button to send a print file of the active window to your local printer.  Click on the Help button to access the Array’s online help system.
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Wireless Array Logging In Use this procedure to log in to the WMI via your Web browser. 1. Establish a network connection and open your Web browser. 2. If your network supports DHCP and DNS, enter the Array’s default host name in the browser’s URL. The default host name is simply the Array’s serial number (for example, XN0823091CACD). Otherwise, enter the Array’s IP address. This may be determined as described in “Using the Ethernet Ports” on page 66. 3.
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Wireless Array upper right of each page) in order to make sure that these changes will be applied after rebooting. This will save the entire current configuration, not only the changes on current WMI page. Character Restrictions When inputting strings in the WMI (for example, assigning SSIDs, host name, password, etc.), use common alphanumeric characters. Some of the fields in the WMI will not accept special characters, so use of the following characters should typically be avoided: & 88 < > ' “ / \
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Wireless Array Viewing Status on the Wireless Array These windows provide status information and statistics for your Array using the product’s embedded Web Management Interface (WMI). You cannot make configuration changes to your Array from these windows. The following topics have been organized into functional areas that reflect the flow and content of the Status section of the navigation tree in the left frame of the WMI.
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Wireless Array Array Status Windows The following Array Status windows are available:  Array Summary — displays information on the configuration of all Array interfaces, including IAPs.  Array Information — provides version/serial number information for all Array components.  Array Configuration — shows all configuration information for the Array in text format.  Admin History — shows all current and past logins since the last reboot.
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Wireless Array Content of the Array Summary Window The Array Summary window is sub-divided into the Ethernet Interfaces section and the Integrated Access Points (radio) section, providing you with the following information:  Ethernet Settings Summary This section provides information about network interface devices. To make configuration changes to these devices, go to “Network Interfaces” on page 157. • Interface: Lists the network interfaces that are available on the Array: (gig1 and gig2).
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Wireless Array   92 Bond Settings Summary This section provides information about the relationship that has been selected for the Gigabit ports. For detailed explanations and to make configuration changes, see “Network Bonds” on page 160. • Bond: Lists all network bonds that have been configured. • Mode: Shows the type of relationship that has been selected for the Gigabit ports. • Ports: Shows the Gigabit ports that are part of this bond.
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Wireless Array Figure 46. Disabled IAP (Partial View) • Channel: Shows which channel each IAP is using, and the channel setting. To avoid co-channel interference, adjacent radios should not be using adjacent channels. To make channel selections for a specific IAP, go to “IAP Settings” on page 256. • Wi-Fi Mode: Shows the 802.11 client types that the IAP has been configured to support. • Antenna: Shows which antenna is being used by each IAP.
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Wireless Array Figure 47. IAP Cells 94 • Tx Power: Shows the transmit power for each IAP. • Rx Threshold: Shows the receive threshold for each IAP. • Stations: Informs you how many client stations are currently associated with each IAP. XN Arrays can handle up to 96 concurrent users per individual IAP, thus 16-port XN models can handle 1536 users per Array. • WDS Link/Distance: The WDS Link on this radio (if any), and whether the link has been set to support Long Distance Links.
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Wireless Array Array Information This is a status only window that shows you the current firmware versions utilized by the Array, serial numbers assigned to each module, MAC addresses, licensing information, recent boot timestamps, and current internal temperatures and fan speed. Note that the License Features row lists the features that are supported by your Array’s license. See “About Licensing and Upgrades” on page 321 and “Advanced Feature Sets” on page 14 for more information. Figure 48.
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Wireless Array Array Configuration This is a status only window that allows you to display the configuration settings assigned to the Array, based on the following filter options:  Running — displays the current configuration (the one running now).  Saved — displays the saved configuration from this session.  Lastboot — displays the configuration as it was after the last reboot.  Factory — displays the configuration established at the factory. Figure 49.
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Wireless Array Admin History It is useful to know who else is currently logged in to an array while you're configuring it. It's also nice to see who has logged in since the array booted. This status-only window shows you all administrator logins to the Array that have occurred since the last reboot. To determine who is currently logged in, check which entries say active in the Logout Time column. Figure 50.
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Wireless Array  CDP Neighbors — lists neighboring network devices using Cisco Discovery Protocol.  Network Assurance — shows results of connectivity tests for network servers. Network This window provides a snapshot of the configuration settings currently established for Array’s wired interfaces. This includes the Gigabit interfaces and their bonding settings. DNS Settings are summarized as well. You can click on any item in the Interface or Bond columns to go to the associated configuration window.
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Wireless Array Network Map This window offers detailed information about this Array and all neighboring Arrays, including how the Arrays have been set up within your network. Figure 52. Network Map The Network Map has a number of options at the top of the page that allow you to customize your output by selecting from a variety of information that may be displayed. You may sort the rows based on any column that has an active column header, indicated when the mouse pointer changes to the hand icon .
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Wireless Array  Location: The location assigned to the Array. To establish the location information, go to “Express Setup” on page 149.  Array OS: The software version running on the Array.  IAP: The number of IAPs on the Array.  (IAP) Up: Informs you how many IAPs are currently up and running. To enable or disable all IAPs, go to “Express Setup” on page 149. To enable or disable individual IAPs, go to “IAP Settings” on page 256.
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Wireless Array Software (enabled by default)  Enable/disable display of the Array OS column. Firmware  Boot Loader: The software version number of the boot loader on each Array.  SCD Firmware: The software version number of the SCD firmware on each Array. IAP Info (enabled by default)  Enable/disable display of the IAP/Up columns. Stations  Stations: Tells you how many stations are currently associated to each Array. To deauthenticate a station, go to “Stations” on page 119.
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Wireless Array Spanning Tree Status Multiple active paths between stations can cause loops in the network. If a loop exists in the network topology, the potential exists for the duplication of messages. The spanning tree protocol is a link management protocol that provides path redundancy while preventing undesirable loops. For a wireless network to function properly, only one active path can exist between two stations.
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Wireless Array Routing Table This status-only window lists the entries in the Array’s routing table. The table provides the Array with instructions for sending each packet to its next hop on its route across the network. Figure 54. Routing Table See Also VLANs Configuring VLANs on an Open SSID ARP Table This status-only window lists the entries in the Array’s ARP table. For a device with a given IP address, this table lists the device’s MAC address.
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Wireless Array DHCP Leases This status-only window lists the IP addresses (leases) that the Array has allocated to client stations. For each, it shows the IP address assigned from one of the defined DHCP pools, and the MAC address and host name of the client station. The start and end time of the lease show how long the allocation is valid. The same IP address is normally renewed at the expiration of the current lease. Figure 56.
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Wireless Array You may sort the rows based on any column that has an active column header, indicated when the mouse pointer changes to the hand icon . Click Refresh to update the information at any time. Click Auto Refresh to instruct the Array to refresh this window automatically. See Also Filters CDP Neighbors This status-only window lists devices on the Array’s network that support the Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP). Figure 58.
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Wireless Array Network Assurance This status-only window shows the results of ongoing network assurance testing. Figure 59. Network Assurance The Array checks connectivity to network servers that you have configured (for example, DNS and NTP servers) on an ongoing basis. For each server, this list shows the server’s host name (if any), IP address, and status. Network assurance must be enabled on the Array in order to perform these connectivity tests and display this information.
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Wireless Array RF Monitor Windows Every Wireless Array includes an integrated RF spectrum analyzer as a standard feature. The spectrum analyzer allows you to characterize the RF environment by monitoring throughput, signal, noise, errors, and interference levels continually per channel. This capability uses the assigned threat-sensor (monitor) radio. The associated software is part of the ArrayOS.
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Wireless Array IAPs The RF Monitor — IAPs window displays traffic statistics and RF readings observed by each Array IAP (radio). Note that the data is an instantaneous snapshot for the IAP — it is not an average or a cumulative total. To graph these values over time for a particular channel, see “Channel History” on page 114. For detailed information on the measurements displayed, please see “Spectrum Analyzer Measurements” on page 111. Figure 60.
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Wireless Array You may sort the rows based on any column that has an active column header, indicated when the mouse pointer changes to the hand icon . Click Refresh to update the information at any time. Click Auto Refresh to instruct the Array to refresh this window automatically. Spectrum Analyzer  The RF measurements for this feature are obtained by the monitor radio. You must have a radio set to monitor mode for any data to be available. See “IAP Settings” on page 256.
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Wireless Array Select Display Options Click Channel number to highlight Figure 62. RF Spectrum Analyzer The Spectrum Analyzer offers several display options: 110  To display horizontal bar graphs, click the Rotate checkbox at the bottom of the data window.  In the rotated view, if you wish to view data as a numerical table, click the Text checkbox. Click again to return to a graphical display. The text option is only available in the rotated view.
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Wireless Array  When viewing a graphical display, click Bars to have the bar graphs displayed against a gray background — you may find this easier on the eyes. This operation is not available when Text is selected.  You may sort the rows based on any column that has an active column header, indicated when the mouse pointer changes to the hand icon Sorting is only available in the rotated view.  . At the bottom left of the frame, you may select whether to display only 2.
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Wireless Array some channels since the monitor radio is set to receive at a very sensitive level, enabling it to hear packets from devices at far distances.  Average RSSI: Average RSSI level seen on 802.11 packets received on the channel. A dash value “-“means no RSSI data was available for the interval.  Average Data Rate: Average data rate over time (per byte, not per packet) seen on 802.11 packets received on the channel. A dash value “-“means no data rate information was available for the interval.
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Wireless Array The Intrusion Detection window provides the easiest method for classifying rogue APs as Blocked, Known, Approved, or Unknown. Choose one or more APs using the checkbox in the Select column, then use the buttons on the upper left to classify them with the following actions: Approve, Set Known, Block, or Set Unknown.
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Wireless Array Channel History The RF Monitor — Channel History window focuses on traffic statistics and RF readings observed for just one channel that you select in the Channel field. A new set of readings is added every 10 seconds for a 5 GHz channel, or every 5 seconds for a 2.4 GHz channel. For descriptions of the measurements displayed, please see “Spectrum Analyzer Measurements” on page 111. Figure 64. RF Monitor — Channel History Figure 64 presents the data in graphical form.
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Wireless Array You also have the option of clicking the Rotate checkbox to give each statistic its own column. In other words, the graph for each statistic will grow down the page as new readings display at the top. (Figure 65) Figure 65. RF Monitor — Channel History (Rotated) If you select Rotate and Text together, data is presented as a numerical table. (Figure 66) Click Pause to stop collecting data, or Resume to continue. Figure 66.
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Wireless Array Radio Assurance  Radio Assurance mode is only available if the Array’s license includes the Xirrus Advanced RF Analysis Manager (RAM). If a setting is unavailable (grayed out), then your license does not support the feature. Please see “About Licensing and Upgrades” on page 321. When Radio Assurance mode is enabled, the monitor radio performs loopback tests on the Array’s radios.
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Wireless Array times, if any, that radio assurance has performed each of the following types of resets since the last reboot, as described in Radio Assurance:  Monitor  Beacon  Phy  MAC  System (i.e.
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Wireless Array Station Status Windows The following Station Status windows are available:  Stations — this list describes all stations associated to the Array.  Location Map — displays a map showing the approximate locations of all stations associated to the array.  RSSI — for each associated station, this displays the Received Signal Strength Indicator at each of the Array’s IAPs.  Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) — for each associated station, this displays the SNR at each of the Array’s IAPs.
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Wireless Array Stations This status-only window shows client stations currently visible to the Array. You may choose to view only stations that have Associated to the Array, or only stations that are Unassociated, or both, by selecting the appropriate checkboxes above the list.
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Wireless Array  Deny Access: Sends a de-authentication frame to the selected station and explicitly denies it access by adding its MAC address to the Deny List in the Access Control List window. To permit access again, go to “Access Control List” on page 209 and delete the station from the Deny list.  Deauthenticate: Sends a de-authentication frame to the selected station. The station may re-authenticate.
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Wireless Array The map and Array are shown as if you were looking down on the Array from above, say from a skylight on the roof. Thus the positions of the radios are a mirror image of the way they are typically drawn when looking at the face of the Array. Radios are marked on the map to show the orientation of the Array. A station is identified by the type of Preferred Label that you select: Netbios Name, IP Address, MAC Address, or Manufacturer.
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Wireless Array Controls and items displayed on the Location Map window  The Location Map has its own scroll bars in addition to the browser’s scroll bars. If you narrow the browser window, the map’s scroll bar may be hidden. Use the browser’s bottom scroll bar if you need to move it into view. Scale Preferred Label Minimize stations Stations  to display Replace background Zoom in Zoom out Reset display Rotate map Environment Setting Station counts Figure 70.
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Wireless Array Normal station display Minimized station display Figure 71. Minimizing stations  Custom Image: Use this feature to replace the default background image with your own image of the floor plan of your location. Click the Browse button and browse to the desired file on your computer. This may be a .gif, .jpg, .jpeg., .png, .htm, or .html file. The scale of the file should be 100 feet per inch. Then click Upload (see below).
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Wireless Array  Environment: This field is located on the top right of the window. Select the type of environment for this Array’s deployment: Indoor open (few walls or obstructions), Indoor walled (typical wall or cubicle construction), or Indoor dense (many walls or obstructions, or unusually dense walls).  Scale: This view-only value shows the approximate distance represented by each hashmark on the default map background.
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Wireless Array RSSI For each station that is associated to the Array, the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) window shows the station’s RSSI value as measured by each IAP. In other words, the window shows the strength of the station’s signal at each radio. You may choose to display Unassociated Stations as well with a checkbox at the bottom of the window. Figure 72. Station RSSI Values By default, the RSSI is displayed numerically.
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Wireless Array Figure 73. Station RSSI Values — Colorized Graphical View In either graphical or tabular view, you may sort the rows based on any column that has an active column header, indicated when the mouse pointer changes to the hand icon . Click on the Refresh button to refresh the station list, or click in the Auto Refresh check box to instruct the Array to refresh this window automatically.
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Wireless Array Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) For each station that is associated to the Array, the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) window shows the station’s SNR value as measured by each IAP. In other words, the window shows the SNR of the station’s signal at each IAP radio. The signalto-noise ratio can be very useful for determining the cause of poor performance at a station.
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Wireless Array Figure 75. Station SNR Values — Colorized Graphical View In either graphical or tabular view, you may sort the rows based on any column that has an active column header, indicated when the mouse pointer changes to the hand icon . Click on the Refresh button to refresh the station list, or click in the Auto Refresh check box to instruct the Array to refresh this window automatically.
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Wireless Array Noise Floor For each station that is associated to the Array, the Noise Floor window shows the ambient noise affecting a station’s signal as measured by each IAP. The noise floor is the RSSI value when the station is not transmitting, sometimes called a Silence value. In other words, the window shows the noise floor of the station’s signal at each IAP radio. The noise floor value can be very useful for characterizing the environment of a station to determine the cause of poor performance.
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Wireless Array Figure 77. Station Noise Floor Values — Colorized Graphical View In either graphical or tabular view, you may sort the rows based on any column that has an active column header, indicated when the mouse pointer changes to the hand icon . Click on the Refresh button to refresh the station list, or click in the Auto Refresh check box to instruct the Array to refresh this window automatically.
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Wireless Array Max by IAP This status-only window shows the maximum number of client stations that have historically been associated to the Array. For each IAP, the list shows the IAP’s state and channel number, the current number of stations associated, and the highest number of stations that have been associated over various periods of time: hour, day, week, month, and year.
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Wireless Array Station Assurance Station assurance monitors the quality of the connections that users are experiencing on the wireless network. This window shows client stations that have had connectivity issues. You may enable or disable the station assurance feature and set thresholds for the problems that it checks, such as excessive packet retry or packet error rates, or stations that are unable to stay associated to the Array.
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Wireless Array entries and start fresh to add problem stations to the list as they are detected. Click on the Refresh button to refresh the station list, or click Auto Refresh to instruct the Array to refresh this window automatically.
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Wireless Array Statistics Windows The following Array Statistics windows are available:  IAP Statistics Summary — provides an overview of the statistical data associated with all IAPs. Expands to show links for displaying detailed statistics for individual IAPs.  Per-IAP Statistics — provides detailed statistics for an individual IAP.  Network Statistics — displays statistical data associated with each network (Ethernet) interface.
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Wireless Array Figure 80. IAP Statistics Summary Page See Also System Log Window Global Settings (IAP) Global Settings .11an Global Settings .11bgn IAPs Per-IAP Statistics This is a status only window that provides detailed statistics for the selected IAP. If you click the link for IAP All in the left frame, each detailed statistic field will show the sum of that statistic for all IAPs. For a summary of statistics for all IAPs, see “IAP Statistics Summary” on page 134.
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Wireless Array Figure 81. Individual IAP Statistics Page You can Refresh the data (update the window with the latest information) or Clear the data (reset all content to zero and begin counting again) at any time by clicking on the appropriate button. You can also click in the Auto Refresh check box to instruct the Array to refresh this window automatically. See Also System Log Window Global Settings (IAP) Global Settings .11an Global Settings .
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Wireless Array Network Statistics This is a status only window that allows you to review statistical data associated with each network (Ethernet) interface and its activity. You can Refresh the data (update the window with the latest information) or Clear the data (reset all content to zero and begin counting again) at any time by clicking on the appropriate button. You can also click in the Auto Refresh check box to instruct the Array to refresh this window automatically.
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Wireless Array VLAN Statistics This is a status only window that allows you to review statistical data associated with your assigned VLANs. You can refresh the information that is displayed on this page at any time by clicking on the Refresh button, or select the Auto Refresh option for this window to refresh automatically. The Clear All button at the lower left allows you to clear (zero out) all VLAN statistics. Figure 83.
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Wireless Array WDS Statistics The main WDS Statistics window provides statistical data for all WDS client and host links. To access data about a specific WDS client or host link, simply click on the desired link in the left frame to access the appropriate window. You may also choose to view a sum of the statistics for all client links, all host links, or all links (both client and host links). Figure 84.
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Wireless Array Filter Statistics The Filter Statistics window provides statistical data for all configured filters. The name, state (enabled — on or off), and type (allow or deny) of each filter is shown. For enabled filters, this window shows the number of packets and bytes that met the filter criteria. Click on a column header to sort the rows based on that column. Click on a filter name to edit the filter settings. Figure 85.
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Wireless Array You can Refresh the data (update the window with the latest information) at any time by clicking on the appropriate button. You can also click in the Auto Refresh check box to instruct the Array to refresh this window automatically. See Also Per-Station Statistics Per-Station Statistics This window provides detailed statistics for the selected station.
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Wireless Array System Log Window This is a status only window that allows you to review the system log, where system alerts and messages are displayed. Although there are no configuration options available in this window, you do have the usual choice of deciding how the event messages are sorted by clicking in the column header for the desired field (Time Stamp, Priority, or Message).  Time Stamp — sorts the list based on the time the event occurred.
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Wireless Array IDS Event Log Window This status only window displays the Intrusion Detection System (IDS) Event log, listing any detected attacks on your network. For descriptions of the types of attacks detected, as well as the settings to fine-tune IDS on the Array, please see “Intrusion Detection” on page 291. The displayed messages may be filtered by using the Filter Event setting, which allows you to select just one type of intrusion to display.
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Wireless Array 144  Current — the count of this type of event for the current period.  Average — the average count per period of this type of event.  Maximum — the maximum count per period of this type of event.
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Wireless Array Use this Space for Your Notes Viewing Status on the Wireless Array 145
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Wireless Array 146 Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
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Wireless Array Configuring the Wireless Array The following topics include procedures for configuring the Array using the product’s embedded Web Management Interface (WMI). Procedures have been organized into functional areas that reflect the flow and content of the WMI.
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Wireless Array This chapter only discusses using the configuration windows on the Array.
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Wireless Array Express Setup Use the Express Setup page to establish global configuration settings that enable basic Array functionality. Any changes you make in this window will affect all radios. Figure 90.
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Wireless Array When finished, click Save changes to flash if you wish to make your changes permanent. Procedure for Performing an Express Setup 1. Host Name: Specify a unique host name for this Array. The host name is used to identify the Array on the network. Use a name that will be meaningful within your network environment, up to 64 alphanumeric characters. The default is Xirrus-WiFi-Array. 2.
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Wireless Array b. Allow Management on Interface: Choose Yes to allow management of the Array via this Gigabit interface, or choose No to deny all management privileges for this interface. c. 9. Configuration Server Protocol: Choose DHCP to instruct the Array to use DHCP to assign IP addresses to the Array’s Ethernet interfaces, or choose Static if you intend to enter IP addresses manually.
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Wireless Array • Open — This option offers no data encryption and is not recommended, though you might choose this option if clients are required to use a VPN connection through a secure SSH utility, like PuTTy. • WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) — An optional IEEE 802.11 function that offers frame transmission privacy similar to a wired network. WEP generates secret shared encryption keys that both source and destination stations can use to alter frame bits to avoid disclosure to eavesdroppers.
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Wireless Array e. Click Apply SSID Settings when done. 10. Admin Settings: This section allows you to change the default admin username, password, and privileges for the Array. You may change the password and leave the user name as is, but we suggest that you change both to improve Array security. a. New Admin User (Replaces user “admin”): Enter the name of a new administrator user account.
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Wireless Array b. Time Zone: Select your time zone from the choices available in the pull-down list. c. Auto Adjust Daylight Savings: If you are not using NTP, check this box if you want the system to adjust for daylight savings automatically, otherwise leave this box unchecked (default). d. Use Network Time Protocol: Check this box if you want to use an NTP server to synchronize the Array’s clock.
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Wireless Array j. Adjust Time (hrs:min:sec): If you are not using NTP, check this box if you want to adjust the current system time. When the box is checked, the time fields become active. Enter the revised time (hours, minutes, seconds, am/pm) in the corresponding fields. If you don’t want to adjust the current time, this box should be left unchecked (default). k. Adjust Date (month/day/year): If you are not using NTP, check this box if you want to adjust the current system date.
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Wireless Array Network This is a status-only window that provides a snapshot of the configuration settings currently established for the Ethernet interfaces. DNS Settings and CDP Settings (Cisco Discovery Protocol) are summarized as well. You must go to the appropriate configuration window to make changes to any of the settings displayed here (configuration changes cannot be made from this window). You can click on any item in the Interface column to “jump” to the associated configuration window.
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Wireless Array Network Interfaces XR-1000 and XR-2000 Series Arrays have one Gigabit Ethernet interface, while XR-4000 Series Arrays have two, and XR-6000 Series models have four. This window allows you to establish configuration settings for these interfaces. Figure 92.
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Wireless Array When finished making changes, click Save changes to flash if you wish to make your changes permanent. When the status of a port changes, a Syslog entry is created describing the change. Network Interface Ports The following diagram shows the location of each network interface port on the underside of the Array. XR-6000 Series XR-4000 Series Console Gigabit1 POE Gigabit2 POE Gigabit3 Gigabit4 Console Gigabit1 POE Gigabit2 Figure 93.
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Wireless Array The LED will still light during the boot sequence, then turn off. This option is only available for the Gigabit interfaces. 3. Allow Management on Interface: Choose Yes to allow management of this Array via the selected network interface, or choose No to deny all management privileges for this interface. 4. Auto Negotiate: This feature allows the Array to negotiate the best transmission rates automatically.
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Wireless Array b. Subnet Mask: If you selected the Static IP option, enter a valid IP address for the subnet mask (the default for Class C is 255.255.255.0). The subnet mask defines the number of IP addresses that are available on the routed subnet where the Array is located. c. Default Gateway: If you selected the Static IP option, enter a valid IP address for the default gateway. This is the IP address of the router that the Array uses to transmit data to other networks. d.
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Wireless Array Figure 94. Network Bonds Procedure for Configuring Network Bonds Configure the bonding behavior of the Gigabit network interfaces. The fields for each of these bonds are the same, and include: 1. Bond Mode: Select the desired behavior for a set of bonded Gigabit Ethernet ports from the following options. For a more detailed discussion of the use of the Gigabit ports and the options below, please see the Xirrus Gigabit Ethernet Port Modes Application Note in the Xirrus Resource Center.
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Wireless Array call two ports that are bonded Gigabitx and Gigabity. x Shelly - paginate and check refs for XR and XN versions!! a. Active Backup (gig ports fail over to each other) — This mode provides fault tolerance and is the default mode. Gigabitx acts as the primary link. Gigabity is the backup link and is passive. Gigabity assumes the IP properties of Gigabitx. If Gigabitx fails, the Array automatically fails over to Gigabity.
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Wireless Array TCP or UDP, the source and destination IP addresses are used to do the calculation. If the packet is TCP or UDP over IP then the source IP address, destination IP address, source port number and destination port number are all used to do the calculation. The network switch must also support 802.3ad. If a port fails, the trunk degrades gracefully — the other port still transmits. See Figure 95 (b). c. Transmit Traffic on all gig ports — Transmits incoming traffic on all Gigabit ports.
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Wireless Array (d) Load balance traffic Figure 97. Port Modes (d) d. Load balance traffic between gig ports — This option provides trunking, similar to option (b) — Aggregate Traffic from gig1 & gig2 using 802.3ad, but it uses a different load balancing algorithm to determine the outgoing Gigabit port. The outgoing port used is based on an exclusive OR of the source and destination MAC address. Like option (b), this mode also provides load balancing and fault tolerance. See Figure 97 (d). 164 2.
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Wireless Array 4. Set Active VLANs: Create and manage the list of VLANs that are allowed to be passed through this port. Traffic will be dropped for VLANs that are not in this list. ??Is this correct?? You may view the complete list of VLANs whose traffic will be passed in the Active VLANs list, above. The default setting is to pass All VLANs. a. To add a VLAN to the list of allowed VLANs, type its name or number??OK??, and click Add.
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Wireless Array Figure 98. Mirroring Traffic 6. When done configuring bonds as desired, click Save changes to flash if you wish to make your changes permanent.
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Wireless Array DNS Settings This window allows you to establish your DNS (Domain Name System) settings. The Array uses these DNS servers to resolve host names into IP addresses. The Array also registers its own Host Name with these DNS servers, so that others may address the Array using its name rather than its IP address. An option allows you to specify that the Array’s DNS servers will be assigned via a DHCP server on the wired network.
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Wireless Array 5. Use DNS settings assigned by DHCP: If you are using DHCP to assign the Array’s IP address, you may turn this option On. The Array will then obtain its DNS domain and server settings from the network DHCP server that assigns an IP address to the Array, rather than using the DNS Server fields above. You may also configure that DHCP server to assign a host name to the Array. 6. Click Save changes to flash if you wish to make your changes permanent.
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Wireless Array Procedure for Configuring CDP Settings 1. Enable CDP: When CDP is enabled, the Array sends out CDP announcements of the Array’s presence, and gathers CDP data sent by neighbors. When disabled, it does neither. CDP is enabled by default. 2. CDP Interval: The Array sends out CDP announcements advertising its presence at this interval. The default is 60 seconds. 3.
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Wireless Array Services This is a status-only window that allows you to review the current settings and status for services on the Array, including DHCP, SNMP, Syslog, and Network Time Protocol (NTP) services. For example, for the DHCP server, it shows each DHCP pool name, whether the pool is enabled, the IP address range, the gateway address, lease times, and the DNS domain being used.
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Wireless Array Time Settings (NTP) This window allows you to manage the Array’s time settings, including synchronizing the Array’s clock with a universal clock from an NTP (Network Time Protocol) server. We recommend that you use NTP for proper operation of SNMP in XMS (the Xirrus Management System), since a lack of synchronization will cause errors to be detected. Synchronizing the Array’s clock with an NTP server also ensures that Syslog time-stamping is maintained across all units.
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Wireless Array 4. Use Network Time Protocol: select whether to set time manually or use NTP to manage system time. 5. Setting Time Manually a. Adjust Time (hrs:min:sec): If you are not using NTP, check this box if you want to adjust the current system time. When the box is checked, you may enter a revised time (hours, minutes, seconds, am/pm) in the corresponding fields. If you don’t want to adjust the current time, this box should be left unchecked (default). b.
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Wireless Array c. NTP Primary Authentication Key ID: Enter the key ID, which is a decimal integer. d. NTP Primary Authentication Key: Enter your key, which is a string of characters. e. NTP Secondary Server: Enter the IP address or domain name of an optional secondary NTP server to be used in case the Array is unable to contact the primary server. You may use the authentication fields as described above if you wish to set up authentication for the secondary server.
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Wireless Array Figure 104. NetFlow  Some features, such as Netflow, are only available if the Array’s license includes the Xirrus Advanced RF Analysis Manager (RAM). If a setting is unavailable (grayed out), then your license does not support the feature. See “About Licensing and Upgrades” on page 321. Procedure for Configuring NetFlow 174 1. Enable NetFlow: Choose Yes to enable NetFlow functionality, or choose No to disable this feature. 2.
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Wireless Array Wi-Fi Tag This window allows you to enable or disable Wi-Fi tag capabilities. When enabled, the Array listens for and collects information about Wi-Fi RFID tags sent on the designated channel. These tags are transmitted by specialized tag devices (for example, AeroScout Tags). A Wi-Fi tagging server (such as AeroScout) then queries the Array for a report on the tags that it has received.
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Wireless Array System Log This window allows you to enable or disable the Syslog server, define primary, secondary, and tertiary servers, set up email notification, and set the level for Syslog reporting for each of the servers and for email notification — the Syslog service will send Syslog messages that are at the selected severity or above to the defined Syslog servers and email address. Figure 106. System Log Procedure for Configuring Syslog 176 1.
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Wireless Array 3. Local File Size (1-2000 lines): Enter a value in this field to define how many Syslog records are retained locally on the Array’s internal Syslog file. The default is 2000. 4. Primary Server Address (Hostname or IP) and Port: If you enabled Syslog, enter the hostname or IP address of the primary Syslog server. You may also change the port used on the server if you do not wish to use 514, the default port. 5.
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Wireless Array 7. Syslog Levels: For each of the Syslog destinations, choose your preferred level of Syslog reporting from the pull-down list. Messages with criticality at the selected level and above will be shown. The default level varies depending on the destination. a. Console Logging: For messages to be echoed to the console, the default level is Critical and more serious. This prevents large numbers of non-critical messages from being displayed on the console.
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Wireless Array SNMP This window allows you to enable or disable SNMP v2 and SNMP v3 and define the SNMP parameters. SNMP allows remote management of the Array by the Xirrus Management System (XMS) and other SNMP management tools. SNMP v3 was designed to offer much stronger security. You may enable either SNMP version, neither, or both. Complete SNMP details for the Array, including trap descriptions, are found in the Xirrus MIB, available at support.xirrus.
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Wireless Array Procedure for Configuring SNMP SNMPv2 Settings 1. Enable SNMPv2: Choose Yes to enable SNMP v2 functionality, or choose No to disable this feature. When used in conjunction with the Xirrus Management System, SNMP v2 (not SNMP v3) must be enabled on each Array to be managed with XMS. The default for this feature is Yes (enabled). 2. SNMP Read-Write Community String: Enter the read-write community string. The default is xirrus. 3.