Users Guide

Dell PowerConnect W-Series ArubaOS 6.1 | User Guide Access Points | 107
Chapter 4
Access Points
In ArubaOS, related configuration parameters are grouped into profiles that you can apply as needed to an AP
group or to individual APs. When an AP is first installed on the network and powered on, the AP locates its host
controller and the AP’s designated configuration is “pushed” from the controller to the AP. This chapter gives an
overview of the basic function of each AP profile, and describes the process to install and configure the APs on
your network.
The following topics are included in this chapter:
 “Basic Functions and Features” on page107
 “AP Configuration Profiles” on page110
 “Profile Hierarchy” on page114
 “Deploying APs” on page116
 “Provisioning Installed APs” on page120
 “Configuring a Provisioned AP” on page125
 “Managing RF Interference” on page132
 “AP Channel Assignments” on page135
 “AP Console Settings” on page137
Basic Functions and Features
You configure APs using the WebUI and the CLI on the controller. Table 21 list the basic configuration
functions and features.
Table 21 AP Configuration Function Overview
Features and
Function
Description
Wireless LANs A wireless LAN (WLAN) permits wireless clients to connect to the network. An AP broadcasts the SSID
(which corresponds to a WLAN configured on the controller) to wireless clients. APs support multiple
SSIDs. WLAN configuration includes the authentication method and the authentication servers by which
wireless users are validated for access.
The WebUI includes a WLAN Wizard that provides easy-to-follow steps to configure a new WLAN.
NOTE: All new WLANs are associated with the ap-group named “default”.
AP operation An Dell AP can function as an AP that serves clients, as an air monitor (AM) performing network and radio
frequency (RF) monitoring, or as a hybrid AP that both serves clients and performs spectrum analysis a
single radio channel. You can also specify the regulatory domain (the country) which determines the 802.11
transmission spectrum in which the AP will operate. Within the regulated transmission spectrum, you can
configure 802.11a, 802.11b/g, or 802.11n (high-throughput) radio settings.
NOTE: The 802.11n features, such as high-throughput and 40 MHz configuration settings, are supported on
APs that are 802.11n standard compliant.
Quality of Service
(QoS)
Configure Voice over IP call admission control options and bandwidth allocation for 5 GHz (802.11a) or 2.4
GHz (802.11b/g) frequency bands of traffic.