RF Domain

An access point‘s configuration consists of numerous elements including an RF Domain, WLAN and device specific settings. RF Domains are used to assign regulatory, location and relevant policies to access points of the same model. For example, an AP 6532 RF Domain can only be applied to another AP 6532 model access point.

An RF Domain allows an administrator to assign configuration data to multiple access points deployed in a common coverage area (floor, building or site). In such instances, there are many configuration attributes these access points share, as their general client support roles are quite similar.

However, an access point‘s RF Domain configuration may need periodic refinement from its original RF Domain designation. Unlike a RFS series wireless controller, an access point supports just a single RF domain. Thus, administrators should be aware that overriding an access point‘s RF Domain configuration results in a separate configuration that must be managed in addition to the RF Domain configuration. Thus, a configuration should only be overridden when needed. For more information, see RF Domain Overrides in the AP Device Context.

The access point‘s RF Domain can have a WIPS sensor configuration applied. For more information on defining a WIPS sensor configuration for use with the access point‘s RF Domain, see RF Domain Sensor Configuration .

Note

The WiNG 7.1 OS enforces interoperability with access points running the WiNG 5.9.X OS. WiNG 7.1 wireless controllers and service platforms are capable of provisioning and managing both WiNG 5.9.X and WiNG 7.1 APs.

If you have a mixed deployment, with access points running both WiNG 7.1 and WiNG 5.9.X firmware, we recommend that you place these APs in separate RF Domains.

To review the configurations of existing RF Domains:

1. Go to Configuration → Devices.
   The RF Domain screen displays.
2. Use the following (read-only) information to determine whether the RF Domain policy needs to be edited.

   RF Domain	Lists each policy's name, as assigned when it was created. The RF Domain name cannot be changed as part of the edit process. Only one RF Domain can be assigned to a controller or access point at one time.
   Location	Displays the physical location assigned to the RF Domain. This name could be as specific as the floor of a building, or as generic as an entire site. The location defines the physical area where a common set of devices are deployed using the policy's RF Domain configuration.
   Contact	Lists the contact (administrator) assigned to respond to events created by, or impacting, each listed RF Domain.
   Time Zone	Displays the geographic time zone set for each RF Domain policy. RF Domains can contain unique country codes and time zone information for controllers and access points deployed across different states or countries, thus making them ideal for managing device configurations across different geographical deployments.
   Country Code	Display the two-digit country code set for the policy. The country code must be set accurately to avoid illegal operation, as device radios transmit in specific channels unique to their country of operation.