System Configuration Overview

The following section provides a high-level overview of the steps involved in the initial configuration of ExtremeWireless:

1. Before you begin the configuration process, research the type of WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) deployment that is required. For example, topology and VLAN (Virtual LAN) IDs, SSIDs, security requirements, and filter roles.
2. Prepare the network servers. Ensure that the external servers, such as DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and RADIUS servers (if applicable) are available and appropriately configured.
3. Install the controller. For more information, see the documentation for your controller.
4. Perform the first time setup of the controller on the physical network, which includes configuring the IP addresses of the interfaces on the controller.
   1. Create a new physical topology and provide the IP address to be the relevant subnet point of attachment to the existing network.
   2. To manage the controller through the interface configured above, select the Mgmt checkbox on the Interfaces tab.
   3. Configure the data port interfaces to be on separate VLANs, matching the VLANs configured in Step 3 above. Ensure also that the tagged vs. untagged state is consistent with the switch port configuration.
   4. Configure the time zone. Because changing the time zone requires restarting the controller, it is recommended that you configure the time zone during the initial installation and configuration of the controller to avoid network interruptions. For more information, see Configuring Network Time.
   5. Apply an activation key file. If an activation key is not applied, the controller functions with some features enabled in demonstration mode. Not all features are enabled in demonstration mode. For example, mobility is not enabled and cannot be used.
      

      Caution

      Whenever the licensed region changes on the ExtremeWireless Appliance, all APs are changed to Auto Channel Select to prevent possible infractions to local RF regulatory requirements. If this occurs, all manually configured radio channel settings will be lost.Installing the new license key before upgrading will prevent the ExtremeWireless Appliance from changing the licensed region, and in addition, manually configured channel settings will be maintained. For more information, see the ExtremeWireless Maintenance Guide.
5. Configure the controller for remote access:
   1. Set up an administration station (laptop) on subnet 192.168.10.0/24. By default, the controller's Management interface is configured with the static IP address 192.168.10.1.
   2. Configure the controller‘s management interface.
   3. Configure the data interfaces.
   4. Set up the controller on the network by configuring the physical data ports.
   5. Configure the routing table.
   6. Configure static routes or OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) parameters, if appropriate to the network.

      For more information, see Configuring the ExtremeWireless Appliance for the First Time.

6. Configure the traffic topologies your network must support. Topologies represent the controller‘s points of network attachment, and therefore VLANs and port assignments need to be coordinated with the corresponding network switch ports. For more information, see Configuring a Basic Data Port Topology.
7. Configure roles. Roles are typically bound to topologies. Role application assigns user traffic to the corresponding network point.
   • Roles define user access rights (filtering or ACL (Access Control List))
   • Polices reference user's rate control profile.

     For more information, see Configuring Roles.

8. Configure WLAN services.
   • Define SSID and privacy settings for the wireless link.
   • Select the set of APs/Radios on which the service is present.
   • Configure the method of credential authentication for wireless users (None, Internal CP, External CP, GuestPortal, 802.1x[EAP])

     For more information, see Configuring WLAN Services.

9. Create the VNSs.

   A VNS binds a WLAN Service to a Role that will be used for default assignment upon a user‘s network attachment.

   You can create topologies, roles, and WLAN services first, before configuring a VNS, or you can select one of the wizards (such as the VNS wizard), or you can simply select to create new VNS.

   The VNS page then allows for in-place creation and definition of any dependency it may require, such as:

   • Creating a new WLAN Service
   • Creating a new role
   • Creating a new class of service (within a role)
   • Creating a new topology (within a role)
   • Creating new rate controls, and other Class of Service parameters

     The default shipping configuration does not ship any pre-configured WLAN Services, VNSs, or Roles.

10. Install, register, and assign APs to the VNS.
    • Confirm the latest firmware version is loaded. For more information, see Performing AP Software Maintenance.
    • Deploy APs to their corresponding network locations.
    • If applicable, configure a default AP template for common radio assignment, whereby APs automatically receive complete configuration. For typical deployments where all APs are to have the same configuration, this feature will expedite deployment, as an AP will automatically receive full configuration (including VNS-related assignments) upon initial registration with the controller. If applicable, modify the properties or settings of the APs. For more information, see Configuring the ExtremeWireless APs.
    • Connect the APs to the controller.
    • Once the APs are powered on, they automatically begin the Discovery process of the controller, based on factors that include:
      • Their Registration mode (on the AP Registration screen)
      • The enterprise network services that will support the discovery process