Users Guide

Dell Networking W-Series ArubaOS 6.4.x| User Guide AirGroup | 1029
Chapter 40
AirGroup
AirGroup is a unique enterprise-class capability that leverages zero configuration networking to allow mobile
device technologies, such as the AirPrint wireless printer service and the AirPlay mirroring service, to
communicate over a complex access network topology.
The W-600 Series controllers do not support AirGroup.
Zero Configuration Networking
Zero configuration networking is a technology that enables service discovery, address assignment, and name
resolution for desktop computers, mobile devices, and network services. It is designed for flat, single-subnet IP
networks such as the home network of a user.
The suite of protocols introduced by Apple® for zero configuration networking over IP is referred to as
Bonjour®. Bonjour is supported by most of the Apple product lines including the Mac OS X® operating
system, iPhone®, iPod®, iPad®, Apple TV® and AirPort Express®. Bonjour is also included within popular
software programs such as Apple iTunes®, Safari, and iPhoto®. Bonjour® can be installed on computers
running Microsoft Windows® and is supported by most new network-capable printers.
Bonjour locates devices such as printers, other computers, and the services offered by these devices by using
multicast Domain Name System (mDNS) service records. Bonjour uses the link-scope multicast addresses, so
each query or advertisement is limited to a specific VLAN. In large universities and enterprise networks,
Bonjour capable devices connect to the network using different VLANs. As a result, an iPad on one enterprise
VLAN will not be able to discover the Apple TV that resides on another VLAN. Broadcast and multicast traffic is
filtered out of a wireless LAN network in an effort to reduce network traffic. This inhibits Bonjour (mDNS)
services, which rely on multicast traffic.
ArubaOS supports DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance); a network standard that is derived from UPnP
(Universal Plug and Play) in addition to the mDNS protocol. DLNA uses the Simple Service Discovery Protocol
(SSDP) for service discovery on the network. DLNA provides the ability to share digital media between
multimedia devices, like Windows and Android, similar to how mDNS supports Zero Configuration Networking
to Apple devices and services. ArubaOS ensures that DLNA seamlessly works with the current mDNS
implementation. All the features and policies that are applicable to mDNS are extended to DLNA. This ensures
full interoperability between compliant devices.
AirGroup Solution
AirGroup leverages key elements of Dell’s solution portfolio including the ArubaOS software for Dell controllers
and Dell ClearPass Policy Manager (CPPM).
AirGroup performs the following functions:
l Enables users to discover network services across IP subnet boundaries in enterprise wireless and wired
networks.
l Enables users to access the available AirGroup services such as AirPrint and AirPlay.
l Permits users to access conference room Apple TV during presentations, based on group-based access
privileges.