Elements of the ExtremeWireless Solution

This architecture allows a single controller to control many APs, making the administration and management of large networks much easier.

There can be several controllers in the network, each with a set of registered APs. The controllers can also act as backups to each other, providing stable network availability.

In addition to the controllers and APs, the solution requires three other components, all of which are standard for enterprise and service provider networks:

• RADIUS Server (Remote Access Dial-In User Service) or other authentication server
• DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) Server (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). If you do not have a DHCP Server on your network, you can enable the local DHCP Server on the controller. The local DHCP Server is useful as a general purpose DHCP Server for small subnets. For more information, see Setting Up the Data Ports.
• SLP (Service Location Protocol)

As illustrated in the above figure, the ExtremeWireless Appliance appears to the existing network as if it were an access point, but in fact one controller controls many APs. The controller has built-in capabilities to recognize and manage the APs. The controller:

• Activates the APs
• Enables APs to receive wireless traffic from wireless devices
• Processes the data traffic from the APs
• Forwards or routes the processed data traffic out to the network
• Authenticates requests and applies access roles

Simplifying the APs makes them cost-effective, easy to manage, and easy to deploy. Putting control on an intelligent centralized controller enables:

• Centralized configuration, management, reporting, and maintenance
• High security
• Flexibility to suit enterprise
• Scalable and resilient deployments with a few controllers controlling hundreds of APs

The ExtremeWireless system:

• Scales up to Enterprise capacity — ExtremeWireless Appliances are scalable:
  • C5210 — Up to 1000 APs, 2000 APs in Controller availability mode
  • C5110 — Up to 525 APs, 1050 APs in Controller availability mode
  • C4110 — Up to 250 APs, 500 APs in Controller availability mode
  • C25 — Up to 50 APs, 100 APs in Controller availability mode
  • C35 — Up to 125 APs, 250 APs in Controller availability mode
  • V2110 (Small Profile) — Up to 50 APs, 100 APs in Controller availability mode
  • V2110 (Medium Profile) — Up to 250 APs, 500 APs in Controller availability mode
  • V2110 (Large Profile) — Up to 525 APs, 1050 APs in Controller availability mode

  • In turn, each wireless AP can handle a mixture of secure and non-secure clients. AP per radio support is up to 200 clients, of which 127 are clients with security. With additional controllers, the number of wireless devices the solution can support can reach into the thousands.

• Integrates with existing network — A controller can be added to an existing enterprise network as a new network device, greatly enhancing its capability without interfering with existing functionality. Integration of the controllers and APs does not require any re-configuration of the existing infrastructure (for example, VLAN (Virtual LAN)s).
• Integrates with the Extreme Networks Extreme Management Center Suite of products. For more information, see Extreme Networks Extreme Management Center Integration.

  Plug-in applications include:

  • Automated Security Manager
  • Inventory Manager
  • NAC Manager
  • Role Control Console
  • Policy Manager
• Offers centralized management and control — An administrator accesses the controller in its centralized location to monitor and administer the entire wireless network. From the controller the administrator can recognize, configure, and manage the APs and distribute new software releases.
• Provides easy deployment of APs — The initial configuration of the APs on the centralized controller can be done with an automatic “discovery” technique.
• Provides security via user authentication — Uses existing authentication (AAA) servers to authenticate and authorize users.
• Provides security via filters and privileges — Uses virtual networking techniques to create separate virtual networks with defined authentication and billing services, access roles, and privileges.
• Supports seamless mobility and roaming — Supports seamless roaming of a wireless device from one wireless AP to another on the same controller or on a different controller.
• Integrates third-party access points — Uses a combination of network routing and authentication techniques.
• Prevents rogue devices — Unauthorized access points are detected and identified as either harmless or dangerous rogue APs.
• Provides accounting services — Logs wireless user sessions, user group activity, and other activity reporting, enabling the generation of consolidated billing records.
• Offers troubleshooting capability — Logs system and session activity and provides reports to aid in troubleshooting analysis.
• Offers dynamic RF management — Automatically selects channels and adjusts Radio Frequency (RF) signal propagation and power levels without user intervention.