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USER’S GUIDE
Wireless Arrays
DRAFT5
XR Series
May 5, 2012
Release 6.1
High Performance Wireless Networks
Wireless Array
™
XR Series
All rights reserved. This document may not be reproduced or
disclosed in whole or in part by any means without the written
consent of Xirrus, Inc.
Part Number: 800-0022-001
(Revision D)
Trademarks
is a registered trademark of Xirrus, Inc. All other trademarks and brand
names are marks of their respective holders.
Please see Legal Notices, Warnings, Compliance Statements, and Warranty and
License Agreements in “Appendix C: Notices” on page 431.
Xirrus, Inc.
2101 Corporate Center Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
USA
Tel:
Fax:
1.805.262.1600
1.800.947.7871 Toll Free in the US
1.866.462.3980
www.xirrus.com
Wireless Array
Table of Contents
List of Figures...................................................................................... xi
Introduction ......................................................................................... 1
The Xirrus Family of Products ............................................................................... 1
Nomenclature .................................................................................................... 3
Why Choose the Xirrus Wireless Array? .............................................................. 3
Wireless Array Product Overview ........................................................................ 5
XR Wireless Array Product Family ................................................................ 6
XR-1000 and XR-2000 Series Arrays ....................................................... 6
XR-4000 Series Arrays ............................................................................... 7
XR-6000 Series Arrays ............................................................................... 8
Enterprise Class Security ................................................................................. 9
Deployment Flexibility .................................................................................... 9
Power over Gigabit Ethernet (PoGE) .................................................... 10
Enterprise Class Management ...................................................................... 10
Key Features and Benefits ..................................................................................... 12
High Capacity and High Performance ........................................................ 12
Extended Coverage ......................................................................................... 12
Non-Overlapping Channels .......................................................................... 13
SDMA Optimization ...................................................................................... 13
Fast Roaming ................................................................................................... 13
Easy Deployment ............................................................................................ 13
Secure Wireless Access .................................................................................. 13
Applications Enablement .............................................................................. 14
Advanced Feature Sets .......................................................................................... 14
Xirrus Advanced RF Performance Manager (RPM) .................................. 14
Xirrus Advanced RF Security Manager (RSM) .......................................... 15
Xirrus Advanced RF Analysis Manager (RAM) ......................................... 16
About this User’s Guide ........................................................................................ 17
Organization .................................................................................................... 17
Notes and Cautions ........................................................................................ 19
Screen Images .................................................................................................. 19
Your User’s Guide as a PDF Document ...................................................... 19
Wireless Array
Hyperlinks ....................................................................................................... 19
Product Specifications — XR Array Family ........................................................ 20
Installing the Wireless Array........................................................... 21
Installation Prerequisites ...................................................................................... 21
Optional Network Components ................................................................... 23
Client Requirements ....................................................................................... 23
Planning Your Installation .................................................................................... 24
General Deployment Considerations .......................................................... 24
Coverage and Capacity Planning ................................................................. 26
Placement .................................................................................................. 26
RF Patterns ................................................................................................ 27
Capacity and Cell Sizes ........................................................................... 28
Fine Tuning Cell Sizes ............................................................................. 29
Roaming Considerations ........................................................................ 30
Allocating Channels ................................................................................ 30
Deployment Examples ............................................................................ 33
IEEE 802.11n Deployment Considerations ................................................. 35
MIMO (Multiple-In Multiple-Out) ........................................................ 36
Multiple Data Streams — Spatial Multiplexing ................................... 37
Channel Bonding ..................................................................................... 38
Improved MAC Throughput ................................................................. 39
Short Guard Interval ............................................................................... 39
Obtaining Higher Data Rates ................................................................. 40
802.11n Capacity ...................................................................................... 41
Failover Planning ............................................................................................ 41
Switch Failover Protection ..................................................................... 43
Power Planning ............................................................................................... 44
Power over Gigabit Ethernet ................................................................. 44
Security Planning ............................................................................................ 45
Wireless Encryption ................................................................................ 45
Authentication ......................................................................................... 45
Port Requirements .......................................................................................... 47
Network Management Planning .................................................................. 51
WDS Planning ................................................................................................. 52
Common Deployment Options .................................................................... 55
Installation Workflow ........................................................................................... 56
ii
Wireless Array
Installing Your Wireless Array ............................................................................ 58
Choosing a Location ....................................................................................... 58
Wiring Considerations ............................................................................ 58
Mounting the Array ....................................................................................... 61
Dismounting the Array .................................................................................. 61
Powering Up the Wireless Array ......................................................................... 62
Array LED Operating Sequences ................................................................. 63
LED Boot Sequence ................................................................................. 63
LED Operation when Array is Running .............................................. 64
Establishing Communication with the Array .................................................... 65
Using the Serial Port ....................................................................................... 66
Using the Ethernet Ports ................................................................................ 66
Starting the WMI ............................................................................................. 67
Logging In ........................................................................................................ 67
Entering the License .............................................................................................. 67
Performing the Express Setup Procedure ........................................................... 69
Procedure for Performing an Express Setup .............................................. 70
Securing Low Level Access to the Array ..................................................... 76
The Web Management Interface ................................................... 79
An Overview .......................................................................................................... 80
Structure of the WMI ............................................................................................. 81
User Interface ......................................................................................................... 83
Utility Buttons .......................................................................................... 85
Logging In ............................................................................................................... 87
Applying Configuration Changes ....................................................................... 87
Character Restrictions .................................................................................... 88
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array ........................................... 89
Array Status Windows .......................................................................................... 90
Array Summary .............................................................................................. 90
Content of the Array Summary Window ............................................ 91
Array Information .......................................................................................... 95
Array Configuration ....................................................................................... 96
Admin History ................................................................................................ 97
Network Status Windows ..................................................................................... 97
Network ........................................................................................................... 98
iii
Wireless Array
Network Map .................................................................................................. 99
Content of the Network Map Window ................................................ 99
Spanning Tree Status .................................................................................... 102
Routing Table ................................................................................................ 103
ARP Table ...................................................................................................... 103
DHCP Leases ................................................................................................. 104
Connection Tracking/NAT ......................................................................... 104
CDP Neighbors ............................................................................................. 105
Network Assurance ...................................................................................... 106
RF Monitor Windows .......................................................................................... 107
IAPs ................................................................................................................. 108
Spectrum Analyzer ...................................................................................... 109
Intrusion Detection ...................................................................................... 112
Channel History ............................................................................................ 114
Radio Assurance ........................................................................................... 116
Station Status Windows ...................................................................................... 118
Stations ........................................................................................................... 119
Location Map ................................................................................................. 120
RSSI ................................................................................................................. 125
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) ........................................................................ 127
Noise Floor ..................................................................................................... 129
Max by IAP .................................................................................................... 131
Station Assurance ......................................................................................... 132
Statistics Windows ............................................................................................... 134
IAP Statistics Summary ................................................................................ 134
Per-IAP Statistics ........................................................................................... 135
Network Statistics ......................................................................................... 137
VLAN Statistics ............................................................................................. 138
WDS Statistics ................................................................................................ 139
Filter Statistics ............................................................................................... 140
Station Statistics ............................................................................................ 140
Per-Station Statistics ..................................................................................... 141
System Log Window ........................................................................................... 142
IDS Event Log Window ...................................................................................... 143
Configuring the Wireless Array................................................... 147
Express Setup ........................................................................................................ 149
iv
Wireless Array
Network ................................................................................................................. 156
Network Interfaces ...................................................................................... 157
Network Interface Ports ........................................................................ 158
Network Bonds ............................................................................................. 160
DNS Settings .................................................................................................. 167
CDP Settings .................................................................................................. 168
Services .................................................................................................................. 170
Time Settings (NTP) ..................................................................................... 171
NetFlow .......................................................................................................... 173
Wi-Fi Tag ....................................................................................................... 175
System Log ..................................................................................................... 176
SNMP .............................................................................................................. 179
DHCP Server ................................................................................................. 182
VLANs ................................................................................................................... 185
Understanding Virtual Tunnels .......................................................... 185
VLAN Management ..................................................................................... 187
Security .................................................................................................................. 190
Understanding Security ........................................................................ 191
Certificates and Connecting Securely to the WMI ............................ 194
Using the Array’s Default Certificate ................................................. 194
Using an External Certificate Authority ............................................. 195
Admin Management .................................................................................... 196
Admin Privileges .......................................................................................... 198
Admin RADIUS ............................................................................................ 200
About Creating Admin Accounts on the RADIUS Server ............. 200
Management Control ................................................................................... 203
Access Control List ....................................................................................... 209
Global Settings .............................................................................................. 212
External Radius ............................................................................................. 216
About Creating User Accounts on the RADIUS Server .................. 216
Internal Radius .............................................................................................. 219
Rogue Control List ........................................................................................ 222
SSIDs ...................................................................................................................... 224
Understanding SSIDs ............................................................................ 225
Understanding QoS Priority on the Wireless Array ........................ 226
SSID Management ........................................................................................ 231
SSID List (top of page) .......................................................................... 232
Wireless Array
SSID Limits ............................................................................................. 236
Web Page Redirect Configuration Settings ....................................... 237
WPA Configuration Settings .............................................................. 241
RADIUS Configuration Settings ......................................................... 242
Active IAPs .................................................................................................... 243
Per-SSID Access Control List ...................................................................... 244
Groups ................................................................................................................... 246
Understanding Groups ......................................................................... 246
Using Groups ......................................................................................... 247
Group Management ..................................................................................... 248
Group Limits .......................................................................................... 250
IAPs ........................................................................................................................ 253
Understanding Fast Roaming .............................................................. 255
IAP Settings ................................................................................................... 256
Global Settings (IAP) ................................................................................... 261
Beacon Configuration ........................................................................... 263
Station Management ............................................................................. 263
Advanced Traffic Optimization .......................................................... 264
Global Settings .11an .................................................................................... 270
Global Settings .11bgn .................................................................................. 274
Global Settings .11n ...................................................................................... 279
Advanced RF Settings .................................................................................. 282
About Standby Mode ............................................................................ 282
RF Monitor .............................................................................................. 283
RF Resilience .......................................................................................... 284
RF Power & Sensitivity ......................................................................... 285
RF Spectrum Management ................................................................... 287
Station Assurance .................................................................................. 288
Intrusion Detection ....................................................................................... 291
DoS Attacks ............................................................................................ 292
Impersonation Attacks .......................................................................... 293
About Blocking Rogue APs .................................................................. 294
RF Intrusion Detection and Auto Block Mode .................................. 294
DoS Attack Detection Settings ............................................................. 295
Impersonation Detection Settings ....................................................... 296
LED Settings .................................................................................................. 297
DSCP Mappings ............................................................................................ 298
vi
Wireless Array
Roaming Assist .............................................................................................. 299
WDS ....................................................................................................................... 302
About Configuring WDS Links ........................................................... 302
Long Distance Links .............................................................................. 303
WDS Client Links .......................................................................................... 304
Filters ..................................................................................................................... 308
Filter Lists ...................................................................................................... 309
Filter Management ....................................................................................... 311
Clusters .................................................................................................................. 314
Cluster Definition ........................................................................................ 315
Cluster Management ................................................................................... 316
Cluster Operation ........................................................................................ 317
Using Tools on the Wireless Array............................................... 319
System Tools ......................................................................................................... 320
About Licensing and Upgrades ........................................................... 321
System ..................................................................................................... 322
Automatic Updates from Remote Image or Configuration File .... 323
Configuration ......................................................................................... 324
Diagnostics ............................................................................................. 326
Web Page Redirect ................................................................................. 328
Network Tools ........................................................................................ 329
Progress and Status Frames ................................................................. 331
CLI ......................................................................................................................... 332
Options .................................................................................................................. 333
Logout .................................................................................................................... 336
The Command Line Interface ...................................................... 337
Establishing a Secure Shell (SSH) Connection ................................................. 337
Getting Started with the CLI .............................................................................. 339
Inputting Commands ................................................................................... 339
Getting Help .................................................................................................. 339
Top Level Commands ......................................................................................... 341
Root Command Prompt ............................................................................... 341
configure Commands ................................................................................... 342
show Commands .......................................................................................... 345
statistics Commands ..................................................................................... 348
vii
Wireless Array
Configuration Commands .................................................................................. 350
acl .................................................................................................................... 350
admin .............................................................................................................. 351
cdp ................................................................................................................... 352
clear ................................................................................................................. 353
cluster ............................................................................................................. 354
contact-info .................................................................................................... 355
date-time ........................................................................................................ 356
dhcp-server .................................................................................................... 357
dns ................................................................................................................... 358
file .................................................................................................................... 359
filter ................................................................................................................. 362
Air Cleaner ............................................................................................. 363
group .............................................................................................................. 366
hostname ........................................................................................................ 366
interface .......................................................................................................... 367
load ................................................................................................................. 367
location ........................................................................................................... 368
management .................................................................................................. 368
more ................................................................................................................ 370
netflow ............................................................................................................ 371
no ..................................................................................................................... 372
quit .................................................................................................................. 374
radius-server .................................................................................................. 374
reboot .............................................................................................................. 375
reset ................................................................................................................. 375
restore ............................................................................................................. 376
run-tests .......................................................................................................... 377
security ........................................................................................................... 379
snmp ............................................................................................................... 380
ssid .................................................................................................................. 381
syslog .............................................................................................................. 382
uptime ............................................................................................................. 383
vlan .................................................................................................................. 384
wifi-tag ........................................................................................................... 385
Sample Configuration Tasks .............................................................................. 386
Configuring a Simple Open Global SSID .................................................. 387
viii
Wireless Array
Configuring a Global SSID using WPA-PEAP ......................................... 388
Configuring an SSID-Specific SSID using WPA-PEAP ........................... 389
Enabling Global IAPs ................................................................................... 390
Disabling Global IAPs .................................................................................. 391
Enabling a Specific IAP ................................................................................ 392
Disabling a Specific IAP ............................................................................... 393
Setting Cell Size Auto-Configuration for All IAPs .................................. 394
Setting the Cell Size for All IAPs ................................................................ 395
Setting the Cell Size for a Specific IAP ....................................................... 396
Configuring VLANs on an Open SSID ...................................................... 397
Configuring Radio Assurance Mode (Loopback Tests) .......................... 398
Appendices..................................................................................... 401
Appendix A: Quick Reference Guide ............................................................... 403
Factory Default Settings ...................................................................................... 403
Host Name ..................................................................................................... 403
Network Interfaces ....................................................................................... 403
Serial ........................................................................................................ 403
Gigabit 1 and Gigabit 2 ......................................................................... 404
Server Settings ............................................................................................... 404
NTP .......................................................................................................... 404
Syslog ...................................................................................................... 404
SNMP ...................................................................................................... 405
DHCP .............................................................................................................. 405
Default SSID .................................................................................................. 406
Security .......................................................................................................... 406
Global Settings - Encryption ............................................................... 406
External RADIUS (Global) .................................................................. 407
Internal RADIUS .................................................................................... 408
Administrator Account and Password ...................................................... 408
Management .................................................................................................. 408
Keyboard Shortcuts ............................................................................................. 409
Appendix B: Technical Support ........................................................................ 411
General Hints and Tips ....................................................................................... 411
Frequently Asked Questions .............................................................................. 412
Multiple SSIDs ............................................................................................... 412
ix
Wireless Array
Security ........................................................................................................... 414
VLAN Support .............................................................................................. 417
Array Monitor and Radio Assurance Capabilities .......................................... 420
Enabling Monitoring on the Array ..................................................... 420
How Monitoring Works ............................................................................... 420
Radio Assurance ........................................................................................... 421
Radio Assurance Options ..................................................................... 422
RADIUS Vendor Specific Attribute (VSA) for Xirrus ..................................... 423
Upgrading the Array via CLI ............................................................................. 424
Sample Output for the Upgrade Procedure: ............................................. 425
Contact Information ............................................................................................ 429
Appendix C: Notices ........................................................................................... 431
Notices ................................................................................................................... 431
EU Directive 1999/5/EC Compliance Information ........................................ 435
Compliance Information (Non-EU) ................................................................... 442
Safety Warnings ................................................................................................... 443
Translated Safety Warnings ............................................................................... 444
Software License and Product Warranty Agreement ..................................... 445
Hardware Warranty Agreement ....................................................................... 451
Glossary of Terms.......................................................................... 453
Index................................................................................................ 465
Wireless Array
List of Figures
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Figure 3.
Figure 4.
Figure 5.
Figure 6.
Figure 7.
Figure 8.
Figure 9.
Figure 10.
Figure 11.
Figure 12.
Figure 13.
Figure 14.
Figure 15.
Figure 16.
Figure 17.
Figure 18.
Figure 19.
Figure 20.
Figure 21.
Figure 22.
Figure 23.
Figure 24.
Figure 25.
Figure 26.
Figure 27.
Figure 28.
Figure 29.
Figure 30.
Figure 31.
Figure 32.
Figure 33.
Figure 34.
Xirrus Arrays: XR Series ............................................................................ 1
The Xirrus Management System .............................................................. 2
Wireless Array (XR Series) ........................................................................ 5
Wireless Coverage Patterns ...................................................................... 9
WMI: Array Status.................................................................................... 11
Layout of IAPs (XR-7630) ........................................................................ 12
Wall Thickness Considerations .............................................................. 25
Unit Placement.......................................................................................... 26
Full (Normal) Coverage........................................................................... 27
Adjusting RF Patterns .............................................................................. 27
Custom Coverage ..................................................................................... 28
Connection Rate vs. Distance ................................................................. 28
Transmit Power......................................................................................... 29
Overlapping Cells..................................................................................... 30
Allocating Channels Manually ............................................................... 32
Deployment Scenario (54 Mbps) — Per Sector...................................... 33
Deployment Scenario (36 Mbps) — Per Sector...................................... 33
Deployment Scenario (18 Mbps) — Per Sector...................................... 34
Classic 802.11 Signal Transmission ........................................................ 36
MIMO Signal Processing ......................................................................... 36
Spatial Multiplexing................................................................................. 37
Channel Bonding ...................................................................................... 38
MAC Throughput Improvements.......................................................... 39
Computing 802.11n Data Rates .............................................................. 40
Port Failover Protection ........................................................................... 41
Switch Failover Protection ..................................................................... 43
Port Requirements for XMS .................................................................... 47
WDS Link................................................................................................... 52
A Multiple Hop WDS Connection ......................................................... 53
WDS Failover Protection ......................................................................... 53
Installation Workflow .............................................................................. 56
Array Placement ....................................................................................... 58
LED Locations ........................................................................................... 62
Network Interface Ports—XR-1000 Series ............................................ 65
List of Figures
xi
Wi-Fi Array
Figure 35.
Figure 36.
Figure 37.
Figure 38.
Figure 39.
Figure 40.
Figure 41.
Figure 42.
Figure 43.
Figure 44.
Figure 45.
Figure 46.
Figure 47.
Figure 48.
Figure 49.
Figure 50.
Figure 51.
Figure 52.
Figure 53.
Figure 54.
Figure 55.
Figure 56.
Figure 57.
Figure 58.
Figure 59.
Figure 60.
Figure 61.
Figure 62.
Figure 63.
Figure 64.
Figure 65.
Figure 66.
Figure 67.
Figure 68.
Figure 69.
Figure 70.
Figure 71.
xii
Network Interface Ports—XR-2000 Series ??OK?? .............................. 65
Network Interface Ports—XR-4000 Series ............................................ 65
Network Interface Ports—XR-6000 Series ............................................ 66
Express Setup ............................................................................................ 69
Web Management Interface .................................................................... 80
WMI: Frames ............................................................................................. 83
Major Menu Sections Collapsed (on left) .............................................. 84
WMI: Utility Buttons................................................................................ 85
Feedback Form.......................................................................................... 86
Logging In to the Wireless Array ........................................................... 87
Array Summary ........................................................................................ 90
Disabled IAP (Partial View) .................................................................... 93
IAP Cells .................................................................................................... 94
Array Information .................................................................................... 95
Show Configuration ................................................................................. 96
Admin Login History............................................................................... 97
Network Settings ...................................................................................... 98
Network Map ............................................................................................ 99
Spanning Tree Status.............................................................................. 102
Routing Table .......................................................................................... 103
ARP Table ................................................................................................ 103
DHCP Leases........................................................................................... 104
Connection Tracking .............................................................................. 104
CDP Neighbors ....................................................................................... 105
Network Assurance................................................................................ 106
RF Monitor — IAPs ................................................................................. 108
RF Monitor — IAPs ................................................................................. 108
RF Spectrum Analyzer........................................................................... 110
Intrusion Detection/Rogue AP List..................................................... 112
RF Monitor — Channel History............................................................. 114
RF Monitor — Channel History (Rotated) ........................................... 115
RF Monitor — Channel History (Text) ................................................. 115
Radio Assurance ..................................................................................... 116
Stations ..................................................................................................... 119
Location Map........................................................................................... 120
Controls for Location Map .................................................................... 122
Minimizing stations................................................................................ 123
List of Figures
Wireless Array
Figure 72.
Figure 73.
Figure 74.
Figure 75.
Figure 76.
Figure 77.
Figure 78.
Figure 79.
Figure 80.
Figure 81.
Figure 82.
Figure 83.
Figure 84.
Figure 85.
Figure 86.
Figure 87.
Figure 88.
Figure 89.
Figure 90.
Figure 91.
Figure 92.
Figure 93.
Figure 94.
Figure 95.
Figure 96.
Figure 97.
Figure 98.
Figure 99.
Figure 100.
Figure 101.
Figure 102.
Figure 103.
Figure 104.
Figure 105.
Figure 106.
Figure 107.
Figure 108.
Station RSSI Values ............................................................................... 125
Station RSSI Values — Colorized Graphical View ............................ 126
Station Signal-to-Noise Ratio Values .................................................. 127
Station SNR Values — Colorized Graphical View.............................. 128
Station Noise Floor Values ................................................................... 129
Station Noise Floor Values — Colorized Graphical View ................ 130
Max by IAP .............................................................................................. 131
Station Assurance ................................................................................... 132
IAP Statistics Summary Page................................................................ 135
Individual IAP Statistics Page ............................................................. 136
Network Statistics................................................................................... 137
VLAN Statistics....................................................................................... 138
WDS Statistics ......................................................................................... 139
Filter Statistics ......................................................................................... 140
Station Statistics ...................................................................................... 140
Individual Station Statistics Page......................................................... 141
System Log (Alert Level Highlighted) ................................................ 142
IDS Event Log ........................................................................................ 143
WMI: Express Setup .............................................................................. 149
Network Interfaces ................................................................................. 156
Network Settings .................................................................................... 157
Network Interface Ports......................................................................... 158
Network Bonds ....................................................................................... 161
Port Modes (a, b)..................................................................................... 162
Port Modes (c) ......................................................................................... 163
Port Modes (d) ........................................................................................ 164
Mirroring Traffic..................................................................................... 166
DNS Settings............................................................................................ 167
CDP Settings............................................................................................ 168
Services..................................................................................................... 170
Time Settings (Manual Time)................................................................ 171
Time Settings (NTP Time Enabled)...................................................... 172
NetFlow.................................................................................................... 174
Wi-Fi Tag.................................................................................................. 175
System Log .............................................................................................. 176
SNMP ....................................................................................................... 179
DHCP Management ............................................................................... 182
List of Figures
xiii
Wi-Fi Array
Figure 109.
Figure 110.
Figure 111.
Figure 112.
Figure 113.
Figure 114.
Figure 115.
Figure 116.
Figure 117.
Figure 118.
Figure 119.
Figure 120.
Figure 121.
Figure 122.
Figure 123.
Figure 124.
Figure 125.
Figure 126.
Figure 127.
Figure 128.
Figure 129.
Figure 130.
Figure 131.
Figure 132.
Figure 133.
Figure 134.
Figure 135.
Figure 136.
Figure 137.
Figure 138.
Figure 139.
Figure 140.
Figure 141.
Figure 142.
Figure 143.
Figure 144.
Figure 145.
xiv
VLANs...................................................................................................... 185
VLAN Management ............................................................................... 187
Security..................................................................................................... 190
Import Xirrus Certificate Authority..................................................... 194
Admin Management .............................................................................. 196
Admin Privileges ................................................................................... 198
Admin RADIUS ...................................................................................... 201
Management Control ............................................................................. 203
Pre-login Banner ..................................................................................... 204
Access Control List ................................................................................. 210
Global Settings (Security) ...................................................................... 212
External RADIUS Server ....................................................................... 216
Internal RADIUS Server ........................................................................ 219
Rogue Control List ................................................................................. 222
SSIDs......................................................................................................... 224
Four Traffic Classes ................................................................................ 226
Priority Level—IEEE 802.1p (Layer 2)................................................. 227
Priority Level—DSCP (DiffServ - Layer 3) ......................................... 227
SSID Management .................................................................................. 231
SSID Management .................................................................................. 235
WPR Internal Splash Page Fields (SSID Management)..................... 238
Customizing an Internal Login or Splash Page.................................. 241
Setting Active IAPs per SSID ................................................................ 243
Per-SSID Access Control List ................................................................ 244
Groups...................................................................................................... 246
Group Management .............................................................................. 248
IAPs........................................................................................................... 253
Source of Channel Setting ..................................................................... 254
IAP Settings ............................................................................................. 256
Global Settings (IAPs) ............................................................................ 261
Global Settings .11an .............................................................................. 270
Global Settings .11bgn ........................................................................... 274
Global Settings .11n ................................................................................ 279
Advanced RF Settings............................................................................ 282
Station Assurance (Advanced RF Settings) ........................................ 289
Intrusion Detection Settings.................................................................. 291
LED Settings ............................................................................................ 297
List of Figures
Wireless Array
Figure 146.
Figure 147.
Figure 148.
Figure 149.
Figure 150.
Figure 151.
Figure 152.
Figure 153.
Figure 154.
Figure 155.
Figure 156.
Figure 157.
Figure 158.
Figure 159.
Figure 160.
Figure 161.
Figure 162.
Figure 163.
Figure 164.
Figure 165.
Figure 166.
Figure 167.
Figure 168.
Figure 169.
Figure 170.
Figure 171.
Figure 172.
Figure 173.
Figure 174.
Figure 175.
Figure 176.
Figure 177.
Figure 178.
Figure 179.
Figure 180.
Figure 181.
Figure 182.
DSCP Mappings...................................................................................... 298
Roaming Assist ....................................................................................... 300
WDS .......................................................................................................... 302
.Configuring a WDS Link ...................................................................... 303
WDS Client Links ................................................................................... 304
Filters ........................................................................................................ 308
Filter Lists ................................................................................................ 309
Filter Management ................................................................................ 311
Clusters .................................................................................................... 314
Cluster Definition ................................................................................... 315
Cluster Management.............................................................................. 316
Cluster Mode Operation........................................................................ 317
Cluster Mode Activation ....................................................................... 317
Viewing Statistics in Cluster Mode...................................................... 318
System Tools............................................................................................ 320
Saving the Diagnostic Log..................................................................... 327
Managing WPR Splash/Login page files............................................ 328
System Command (Ping)....................................................................... 329
Radius Ping Command.......................................................................... 329
Radius Ping Output................................................................................ 330
CLI Window ............................................................................................ 332
WMI Display Options ............................................................................ 333
iPhone Style Option................................................................................ 334
Login Window ........................................................................................ 336
Logging In................................................................................................ 338
Help Window.......................................................................................... 339
Full Help .................................................................................................. 340
Partial Help.............................................................................................. 340
Air Cleaner Filter Rules ......................................................................... 364
Configuring a Simple Open Global SSID............................................ 387
Configuring a Global SSID using WPA-PEAP................................... 388
Configuring an SSID-Specific SSID using WPA-PEAP..................... 389
Enabling Global IAPs............................................................................. 390
Disabling Global IAPs............................................................................ 391
Enabling a Specific IAP.......................................................................... 392
Disabling a Specific IAP......................................................................... 393
Setting the Cell Size for All IAPs.......................................................... 394
List of Figures
xv
Wi-Fi Array
Figure 183.
Figure 184.
Figure 185.
Figure 186.
xvi
Setting the Cell Size for All IAPs.......................................................... 395
Setting the Cell Size for a Specific IAP ................................................ 396
Configuring VLANs on an Open SSID................................................ 397
Configuring Radio Assurance Mode (Loopback Testing)................ 399
List of Figures
Wireless Array
Introduction
These topics introduce the Xirrus Wireless Array, including an overview of its key
features and benefits.

“The Xirrus Family of Products” on page 1.

“Why Choose the Xirrus Wireless Array?” on page 3.

“Wireless Array Product Overview” on page 5.

“Key Features and Benefits” on page 12.

“Advanced Feature Sets” on page 14.

“About this User’s Guide” on page 17.
The Xirrus Family of Products
Figure 1. Xirrus Arrays: XR Series
The Xirrus family of products includes the following:

The XR Series of Xirrus Wireless Arrays
The newest Xirrus Wireless Arrays have been completely redesigned to
provide distributed intelligence, integrated switching capacity of up to 10
Gbps, increased bandwidth, and smaller size. The radios support
IEEE802.11 a, b, g, and n clients, and feature the capacity and
performance needed to replace switched Ethernet to the desktop.
Modular radios allow you to increase the number of radios, upgrade to
more powerful radios, or even upgrade later to future technologies like
802.11ac and 802.11.ad as they are introduced.
Introduction
Wireless Array

Xirrus Management System (XMS)
XMS is used for managing large Array deployments from a centralized
Web-based interface. The XMS server is available pre-installed on the
Xirrus Management Appliance series, or as a software package to be
installed on your own server hardware (optionally under VMware).
Figure 2 illustrates the elements of the Xirrus Management System. Users
start the XMS client simply by entering the URL of the XMS server on a
web browser. The XMS server manages a number of Wireless Arrays via
SNMP.
Figure 2. The Xirrus Management System
If you need detailed information about this product, refer to the XMS
User’s Guide.

Xirrus Power over Gigabit Ethernet (PoGE)
The PoGE modules eliminate the need for running separate power
cabling. Additionally, an available eight port module provides
distributed power to multiple Arrays, facilitating backup power when
connected via a UPS.
Introduction
Wireless Array
Nomenclature
Throughout this User’s Guide, the Xirrus Wireless Array is also referred to as
simply the Array. In some instances, the terms product and unit are also used.
When discussing specific products from the Xirrus family, the product name is
used (for example, XR-4830). The Wireless Array’s operating system is referred to
as the ArrayOS. The Web Management Interface for browser-based management
of the Array is referred to as WMI.
The XR Series Arrays have very flexible radio capabilities — each of the radios
may be independently configured to support IEEE802.11a, 11b, 11g, or 11n clients
or a combination of client types. One radio is typically assigned as the RF monitor
radio, supporting intrusion detection and prevention, self-monitoring, and other
services. Radios support both 2.4GHz and 5 GHz, and are named iap1, iap2, ...
iapn.
The Xirrus Management System is referred to as XMS. The Power over Gigabit
Ethernet system may be referred to as PoGE.
Why Choose the Xirrus Wireless Array?
The deployment of wireless is a necessity as businesses strive for greater
flexibility in the workplace and the need for employee mobility rises. The user
community is placing spiraling and often unanticipated demands on the wireless
network, with the rapid proliferation of devices such as iPads and wireless
enabled phones. Xirrus Wireless Arrays have the capability to support the large
number of user devices present in today’s environments, with superior range and
coverage. Wireless is compatible with standard Ethernet protocols, so
connectivity with existing wired infrastructure is transparent to users — they can
still access and use the same applications and network services that they use
when plugged into the company’s wired LAN (it’s only the plug that no longer
exists).
Wireless has come a long way in the past few years and now offers the
performance, reliability and security that Enterprise customers have come to
expect from their networks. The technology is being driven by four major IEEE
standards:
Introduction
Wireless Array

802.11a
Operates in the 5 GHz range with a maximum speed of 54 Mbps.

802.11b
Operates in the 2.4 GHz range with a maximum speed of 11 Mbps.

802.11g
Supports a higher transmission speed of 54 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz range
and is backwards compatible with 802.11b.

802.11n
Uses multiple antennas per radio to boost transmission speed as high as
450Mbps, increasing throughput, range, and maximum number of users.
802.11n is backwards compatible with 802.11a/b/g.
Whether you have just a handful of users or thousands of users, wireless has the
scalability and flexibility to serve your needs.
See Also
Key Features and Benefits
Wireless Array Product Overview
The Xirrus Family of Products
Introduction
Wireless Array
Wireless Array Product Overview
Part of the family of Xirrus products, the Wireless Array is a high capacity, multimode device designed with four times the coverage and eight times the
bandwidth and user density compared with legacy thin access point wireless
products. Its distributed intelligence eliminates the use of separate controllers and
their accompanying bottlenecks. Each radio, with its directional high-gain
antennas, can achieve 450 Mbps throughput.
Figure 3. Wireless Array (XR Series)
The Wireless Array (regardless of the product model) is Wi-Fi® compliant and
simultaneously supports 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n clients. The multistate design allows you to assign radios to 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands (or both) in
any desired arrangement. Integrated switching and active enterprise class
features such as VLAN support and multiple SSID capability enable robust
network compatibility and a high level of scalability and system control.
The optional Xirrus Management System (XMS) allows global management of
hundreds of Arrays from a central location.
Multiple versions of the Array with different numbers of Integrated Access Points
(IAPs) support a variety of deployment applications.
Introduction
Wireless Array
XR Wireless Array Product Family
XR-1000 and XR-2000 Series Arrays
xxx Shelly - check pagination before final. These Arrays include models with one
Gigabit Ethernet port and two or four multi-state radios (2.4GHz or 5GHz) that
can support 300Mbps or 450Mbps, connecting upwards of 320 users at one time.
The Xirrus XR-1000 Series Wireless Array is a two slot chassis available in a two
multi-state (2.4GHz or 5GHz) radio configuration supporting up to 160 users with
up to 900Mbps of bandwidth (up to 450 Mbps per radio). The XR-1000 provides
flexibility for delivering wireless service in low user density scenarios,
challenging deployments in areas with high RF attenuation, and in isolated or
physically separated locations. The elliptical-shaped coverage pattern produced
by its directional antennas is ideal for covering facilities with central hallways and
adjacent rooms commonly found in office buildings, hotels, and dormitories.
The Xirrus XR-2000 Series Wireless Array is a four slot chassis available in a four
multi-state (2.4GHz or 5GHz) radio configuration supporting up to 320 users with
up to 1.8Gbps of bandwidth. These models support a range of low to highperformance applications, including offices, hospitals, campuses and classrooms,
and hotels.
Like all XR Arrays, these models integrate multi-state radios with high gain
directional antennas, an onboard multi-gigabit switch, controller, firewall, threat
sensor and spectrum analyzer all built on a modular chassis designed for future
extensibility.
XR-1220
XR-1230
XR-2220
XR-2230
XR-2420
XR-2430
2x2
3x3
2x2
3x3
2x2
3x3
# Integrated antennas
12
Integrated wireless
switch ports
Feature
No. radios: 802.11 
a/b/g/n/monitor
Radio type
Introduction
Wireless Array
XR-1220
XR-1230
XR-2220
XR-2230
XR-2420
XR-2430
Integrated RF spectrum
analyzer, threat sensors
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
1 Gigabit Uplink Ports
600
Mbps
900
Mbps
600
Mbps
900
Mbps
1.2
Gbps
1.8
Gbps
480
480
480
480
960
960
Feature
Wireless bandwidth
Users supported
XR-4000 Series Arrays
These Arrays include models with two Gigabit Ethernet ports and four or eight
radios (IAPs), connecting up to 640 users at one time and offering a maximum
wireless bandwidth of 3.6 Gbps (up to 450 Mbps per radio). Smaller models may
be upgraded to eight radios later when your needs change.
Feature
XR-4420
XR-4430
XR-4820
XR-4830
Number of radios:
802.11a/b/g/n/monitor
2x2
3x3
2x2
3x3
# Integrated antennas
12
16
24
Integrated wireless
switch ports
Integrated RF spectrum
analyzer, threat sensors
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
1 Gigabit Uplink Ports
1.2 Gbps
1.8 Gbps
2.4 Gbps
3.6 Gbps
960
960
1920
1920
Radio type
Wireless bandwidth
Users supported
Introduction
Wireless Array
XR-6000 Series Arrays
These Arrays include models with four Gigabit Ethernet ports and up to sixteen
radios, connecting up to 1280 users at one time and offering a maximum wireless
bandwidth of 7.2 Gbps (up to 450 Mbps per radio). Smaller models may be
upgraded to sixteen radios later when your needs change. A 10 Gigabit modular
Ethernet expansion port (DVI connector) is available to meet high traffic
demands. It is used only with an optional Xirrus 10 Gig fiber optics adapter.
XR-6820
XR-6830
XR-7220
XR-7230
XR-7620
XR-7630
12
12
16
16
Radio type
2x2
3x3
2x2
3x3
2x2
3x3
Number of 
integrated antennas
16
24
24
36
32
48
Integrated wireless switch
ports
16
16
16
16
16
16
Integrated RF spectrum
analyzer, threat sensors
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
1 Gigabit Uplink Ports
External 10 Gigabit Modular
Expansion Port
Wireless bandwidth (Gbps)
2.4
3.6
3.6
5.4
4.8
7.2
Users supported
896
896
1344
1344
1792
1792
Feature
Number of radios:
802.11a/b/g/n/monitor
See Also
Key Features and Benefits
Wireless Array Product Overview
Power over Gigabit Ethernet (PoGE)
Introduction
Wireless Array
Why Choose the Xirrus Wireless Array?
Enterprise Class Security
The latest and most effective wireless encryption security standards, including
WPA (Wireless Protected Access) and WPA2 with 802.11i AES (Advanced
Encryption Standard) are available on the Wireless Array. In addition, the use of
an embedded RADIUS server (or 802.1x with an external RADIUS server) ensures
user authentication — multiple Arrays can authenticate to the optional XMS,
ensuring only authorized Arrays become part of the wireless network. With the
Xirrus Advanced Feature Sets, intrusion detection and prevention, site
monitoring, and RF spectrum analysis are performed in the background by the
Array automatically.
Deployment Flexibility
Xirrus’ unique multi-radio architecture generates 360 degrees of sectored highgain 802.11a/b/g/n coverage that provides extended range and the highest
possible data rates for a large volume of clients. Each sector can be adjusted
automatically or manually, creating a pattern of wireless coverage perfectly
tailored to individual customer needs. For example:
outside wall
Figure 4. Wireless Coverage Patterns
Figure 4 depicts the following two scenarios:

Full pattern coverage
Introduction
Wireless Array
All radios are activated with coverage spanning 360 degrees. If within
range, clients will always receive coverage regardless of their geographic
position relative to the Array. Radios may be assigned to 2.4 GHz and/or
5.0 GHz bands in any desired pattern.

Partial pattern coverage
If desired, the Wireless Array can be deployed close to an exterior wall. In
this case, half of all available radios have been deactivated to prevent
redundant signals from “bleeding” beyond the site’s perimeter wall. This
configuration may also be used in those cases where you want to restrict
wireless coverage to selected areas of the building’s interior.
Power over Gigabit Ethernet (PoGE)
The Xirrus Power over Gigabit Ethernet modules provide power to your Arrays
over the same Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable used for data, eliminating the need to run
power cables and provide an AC power outlet in proximity to each unit. Managed
modules provide the ability to control power using XMS.
Enterprise Class Management
The Wireless Array can be configured with its default RF settings, or the RF
settings can be customized using the Array’s embedded Web Management
10
Introduction
Wireless Array
Interface (WMI). The WMI enables easy configuration and control from a
graphical console, plus a full complement of troubleshooting tools and statistics.
Figure 5. WMI: Array Status
In addition, a fully featured Command Line Interface (CLI) offers IT professionals
a familiar management and control environment. SNMP (Simple Network
Management Protocol) is also supported to allow management from an SNMP
compliant management tool, such as the optional Xirrus Management System.

Introduction
For deployments of more than five Arrays, we recommend that you use the
Xirrus Management System (XMS). The XMS offers a rich set of features
for fine control over large deployments.
11
Wireless Array
Key Features and Benefits
This section describes some of the key product features and the benefits you can
expect when deploying the Wireless Array (the XR-7630 product is used as an
example in this section).
High Capacity and High Performance
Figure 6. Layout of IAPs (XR-7630)
The XR-7630 version of the Wireless Array (Figure 6) enables wireless
connectivity and easily handles time-sensitive traffic such as voice. This model
includes four Gigabit uplink ports for connection to the wired network. Its sixteen
IAPs (radios) provide a maximum wireless capacity of 7.2 Gbps, which offers
ample reserves for the high demands of current and future applications. Of the
sixteen IAPs, fifteen operate as radios which may be set up to serve your choice of
client types — any or all of 802.11a/b/g/n (5 GHz or 2.4 GHz bands), providing
backwards compatibility with 802.11b and 802.11g.
In the recommended configuration, one IAP is configured in RF monitoring and
intrusion detection/prevention mode.
Extended Coverage
One XR-7630 solution enables you to replace fifteen access points (including one
omnidirectional IAP for monitoring the network). Fifteen IAP radios with
integrated directional antennas provide increased wireless range and enhanced
12
Introduction
Wireless Array
data rates in all directions. With a Wireless Array deployed, far fewer access
points are needed and wired-like resiliency is delivered throughout your wireless
network. Your Wireless Array deployment ensures:

Continuous connectivity if an IAP (radio) fails.

Continuous connectivity if an Array fails.

Continuous connectivity if a WDS link or switch fails.

Continuous connectivity if a Gigabit uplink or switch fails.
Non-Overlapping Channels
Complete use of non-overlapping channels limits interference and delivers
maximum capacity. On the XR-7630, up to 16 non-overlapping channels are fully
utilized across the 5GHz and 2.4GHz spectrums.
SDMA Optimization
SDMA (Spatial Division Multiple Access) technology provides full 360° coverage
while allowing independent channel and power output customization. Also
supports fast inter-zone handoffs for time-sensitive applications and roaming.
Fast Roaming
Utilizes the Xirrus Roaming Protocol (XRP) ensuring fast and seamless roaming
capabilities between IAPs or Arrays at both Layer 2 and Layer 3.
Easy Deployment
The Xirrus Management System (XMS) offers real time monitoring and
management capabilities for the wireless network — ideal for the Enterprise
market. It also allows you to import floor plans to help you plan your
deployment. The Xirrus Wireless Array chassis has a plenum rated, lockable and
tamper resistant case.
Secure Wireless Access
Multiple layers of authentication and encryption ensure secure data
transmissions. The Wireless Array is 802.11i compliant with line-rate encryption
support for 40 and 128 bit WEP, WPA and WPA2 with TKIP and AES encryption.
Authentication is provided via 802.1x, including PEAP, EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS,
Introduction
13
Wireless Array
EAP-SIM, EAP-GRC, and LEAP (Lightweight Extensible Authentication Protocol)
passthrough. Intrusion detection and prevention provide proactive monitoring of
the environment for threats.
Applications Enablement
The Wireless Array’s QoS (Quality of Service) functionality combined with true
switch capabilities enable high density video and Voice over Wireless LAN
deployments. Compliant with 802.1p and 802.1Q standards.
Advanced Feature Sets
The Wireless Array offers a family of powerful functionality packages, including
the RF Performance Manager (RPM), RF Security Manager (RSM), and RF
Analysis Manager (RAM). These packages are separately licensed for operation
on your Array.
Xirrus Advanced RF Performance Manager (RPM)
The Xirrus RPM optimizes the bandwidth usage and station performance of
802.11n wireless networks. Leveraging the multiple integrated access point
(multi-radio) design of the Xirrus Wireless Array, RPM manages the allocation of
wireless bandwidth to wireless stations across multiple RF channels. The result
maximizes overall network performance with superior flexibility and capacity.
Today's wireless infrastructure is faced with ever increasing numbers and
variations of wireless enabled clients, whether in the form of notebooks, netbooks,
smart phones, IP phones, printers, projectors, cameras, RFID tags, etc. The advent
of higher speed 802.11n wireless and its increased use of the 5GHz spectrum adds
to the number of variables today's wireless networks must accommodate.
Backwards compatibility with older clients is crucial, however their operation in a
wireless network can significantly hinder the performance of faster clients. As an
example, 802.11b wireless stations communicate more than 10 times slower than
802.11n stations.
With each of the Array’s multiple radios operating on a different channel, RPM
selects the ideal radio for each station. High-speed stations are grouped together
on radios with other high speed stations, while lower speed stations are combined
14
Introduction
Wireless Array
with other lower speed stations. This ensures optimal performance for high-speed
802.11n stations without compromise.
The complete feature set of the RPM package includes:

WDS (Wireless Distribution System) for point-to-point communication

Wireless Mode per IAP

Sharp Cell technology

Wireless Data Rate Optimization

Wireless Traffic Shaping

Wireless Voice Call Admission Control

Fast Layer 2 and 3 Roaming

Standby Mode
Xirrus Advanced RF Security Manager (RSM)
The Xirrus RSM improves security and minimizes the risk in deploying 802.11n
wireless networks. Leveraging an integrated 24/7 threat sensor and hardwarebased encryption/decryption in each Array, RSM secures the wireless network
from multiple types of threats. The result delivers uncompromised overall
network security with superior flexibility and performance.
Today's wireless networks face a number of potential security threats in the form
of rogue access points, ad-hoc clients, unauthorized clients, wireless-based
attacks, eavesdropping, etc. As 802.11n is increasingly adopted in enterprise
networks, defending against these threats becomes more critical. With the Array’s
dedicated threat sensor radio scanning all channels in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz
spectrums, RSM searches for security threats and automatically mitigates them.
High performance encryption/decryption in the enterprise wireless network is a
must. The wireless network needs to support each client using the highest level of
encryption (WPA2 Enterprise/128 bit AES) and without degrading the overall
performance of the network. Xirrus incorporates hardware-based encryption/
decryption into each Array, delivering line-rate encryption at the edge of the
network instead of at a choke point within a centralized controller.
Introduction
15
Wireless Array
The complete feature set of the RSM package includes:

Wireless IDS/IPS (Intrusion Detection/Prevention System)

Wireless stateful firewall

User group policies

Authenticated guest access gateway

NAC integration
Xirrus Advanced RF Analysis Manager (RAM)
The RF Advanced Analysis Manager (RAM) tests and troubleshoots 802.11n
wireless networks. The deployment of 802.11n presents a set of unique challenges
based on technology differences with legacy 802.11a/b/g networks, both on the
wireless infrastructure and client side. Xirrus' RAM equips each Wireless Array
with a powerful set of tools and features to optimally tune and verify an 802.11n
installation, as well as give IT administrators the ability to troubleshoot issues
that may occur within the wireless environment.
The 802.11n standard will continue to evolve over the next several years with
additional performance and optional functions, along with ongoing stream of
IEEE 802.11 amendments. This changing wireless landscape mandates that
appropriate tools are available to the user to analyze, optimize, and troubleshoot
their changing environments.
The distributed architecture of the Array enables the execution of powerful
wireless and networking analysis at the edge of the network where packets
traverse the wireless-to-wired boundary. The Array includes an embedded
wireless controller with the necessary computing and memory resources to
provide these functions securely at the network's edge.
The key elements of the RAM package include:
16

RF Analysis – An embedded Spectrum Analyzer leverages the dedicated
threat sensor radio in each Wireless Array to provide a continual view of
utilization, interference, and errors across all available wireless channels.

Packet Analysis – Integrated packet capture provides filterable views of
all traffic traversing on the wired and wireless interfaces of the Array.
Introduction
Wireless Array

Performance Analysis – Embedded traffic generation enables the
throughput of the Array’s wireless or wired interfaces to be analyzed.

Failure Recovery – Radio Assurance provides an automatic self-test and
self healing mechanism that ensures continuous system operation.

Netflow Support

Network Tools: ping, RADIUS ping, traceroute
About this User’s Guide
This User’s Guide provides detailed information and procedures that will enable
wireless network administrators to install, configure and manage the Wireless
Array so that end users can take full advantage of the product’s features and
functionality without technical assistance.
Organization
Topics and procedures are organized by function under the following chapter
headings:

Introduction
Provides a brief introduction to wireless technology, an overview of the
product, including its key features and benefits, and presents the product
specifications.

Installing the Wireless Array
Defines prerequisites for deploying and installing the Array and provides
instructions to help you plan and complete a successful installation.

The Web Management Interface
Offers an overview of the product’s embedded Web Management
Interface, including its content and structure. It emphasizes what you
need to do to ensure that any configuration changes you make are
applied, and provides a list of restricted characters. It also includes
instructions for logging in to the Array with your Web browser.

Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
Describes the status and statistics displays available on the Array using
its embedded Web Management Interface.
Introduction
17
Wireless Array
18

Configuring the Wireless Array
Contains procedures for configuring the Array using its embedded Web
Management Interface.

Using Tools on the Wireless Array
Contains procedures for using utility tools provided in the Web
Management Interface. It includes procedures for upgrading the system
firmware, uploading and downloading configurations and other files,
using diagnostic tools, and resetting the Array to its factory defaults.

The Command Line Interface
Includes the commands and the command structure used by the Wireless
Array’s Command Line Interface (CLI), and provides a procedure for
establishing a Telnet connection to the Array. This chapter also includes
some sample key configuration tasks using the CLI.

Appendix A: Quick Reference Guide
Contains the product’s factory default settings.

Appendix B: Technical Support
Offers guidance to resolve technical issues, including general hints and
tips to enhance your product experience, and a procedure for isolating
problems within an Array-enabled wireless network. Also includes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Xirrus contact information.

Appendix C: Notices
Contains the legal notices, licensing, and compliance statements for the
Array. Please read this section carefully.

Glossary of Terms
Provides an explanation of terms directly related to Xirrus product
technology, organized alphabetically.

Index
The index is a valuable information search tool. Use the index to locate
specific topics discussed in this User’s Guide. Simply click on any page
number in the index to jump to the referenced topic.
Introduction
Wireless Array
Notes and Cautions
The following symbols are used throughout this User’s Guide:

This symbol is used for general notes that provide useful supplemental
information.
This symbol is used for cautions. Cautions provide critical information that
may adversely affect the performance of the product.
Screen Images
Some screen images of the Web Management Interface have been modified for
clarity. For example, an image may have been cropped to highlight a specific area
of the screen, and/or sample data may be included in some fields.
Your User’s Guide as a PDF Document
This User’s Guide is also made available as a secure PDF (Portable Document
Format) file and can be viewed using the Adobe® Acrobat Reader® product. It
cannot be edited or modified. If you don’t have Acrobat Reader, you can
download it free-of-charge from: http://www.adobe.com.
Hyperlinks
If you click on body text that appears in the color TEAL (with the exception of
headings or notes) the embedded hyperlink within the text will immediately take
you to the referenced destination. All internal and external cross-references,
including page numbers within the List of Figures and the Index, have associated
hyperlinks. After “jumping” to a referenced topic, if you want to return to the
previous page (reference source), simply click on Acrobat’s previous page button.
Introduction
19
Wireless Array
Product Specifications — XR Array Family
Please refer to the Xirrus web site for the latest specifications for these Arrays—
www.xirrus.com
20
Introduction
Wireless Array
Installing the Wireless Array
The instructions for completing a successful installation include the following
topics:

“Installation Prerequisites” on page 21.

“Planning Your Installation” on page 24.

“Installation Workflow” on page 56.

“Installing Your Wireless Array” on page 58.

“Powering Up the Wireless Array” on page 62.

“Establishing Communication with the Array” on page 65.

“Performing the Express Setup Procedure” on page 69.
Installation Prerequisites
Your Wireless Array deployment requires the presence of hardware and services
in the host wired/wireless network, including:

Power Source
Most Arrays are powered via Xirrus Power over Gigabit Ethernet. PoGE
supplies power over the same Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable used for data, thus
reducing cabling and installation effort. PoGE power injector modules are
available in 1-, 2-, and 8-port configurations and are typically placed near
your Gigabit Ethernet switch. An AC outlet is required for each injector
module. Current Array models have integrated splitters, so no separate
splitter is required.

Ethernet ports
You need at least one 100/1000 BaseT port to establish wired Gigabit
Ethernet connectivity. XR Series Arrays have one, two, or four Gigabit
ports, depending on the model (see “XR Wireless Array Product Family”
on page 6).
Installing the Wireless Array
21
Wireless Array
The Array’s Ethernet ports should be connected to an Ethernet switch, not
an Ethernet hub — if a hub is used, we recommend that you do not bondpair Ethernet ports.

Secure Shell (SSH) utility
To establish secure remote command line access to the Array, you need a
Secure Shell (SSH) utility, such as PuTTY. The utility must be configured
to use SSH-2, since the Array will only allow SSH-2 connections.

Secure Web browser
Either Internet Explorer (version 7.0 or higher), Mozilla Firefox (version
3.0 or higher), Chrome (version 3.0 or higher), or Safari (version 5.0 or
higher). A secure Web browser is required for Web-based management of
the Array. The browser must be on the same subnet as the Array, or you
must set a static route for management as described in the warning
above.

Serial connection capability
To connect directly to the console port on the Array (all models except
XR-1000 Series), your computer must be equipped with a male 9-pin
serial port and terminal emulation software (for example,
HyperTerminal). The Xirrus Array only supports serial cable lengths up
to 25’ per the RS-232 specification.
Use the following settings when establishing a serial connection:
Bits per second
Data bits
Parity
Stop bits
Flow control
22
115,200
None
None
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Optional Network Components
The following network components are optional.

Xirrus Management System (XMS)
The optional XMS offers powerful management features for small or large
Wireless Array deployments.

External RADIUS server
Although your Array comes with an embedded RADIUS server, for
802.1x authentication in large deployments you may want to add an
external RADIUS server.
Client Requirements
The Wireless Array should only be used with Wi-Fi certified client
devices.
See Also
Coverage and Capacity Planning
Deployment Examples
Failover Planning
Planning Your Installation
Installing the Wireless Array
23
Wireless Array
Planning Your Installation
This section provides guidelines and examples to help you plan your Xirrus
Wireless Array deployment to achieve the best overall coverage and performance.
We recommend you conduct a site survey to determine the best location and
settings for each Array you install.
The following topics are discussed:

“General Deployment Considerations” on page 24

“Coverage and Capacity Planning” on page 26

“IEEE 802.11n Deployment Considerations” on page 35

“Failover Planning” on page 41

“Power Planning” on page 44

“Security Planning” on page 45

“Port Requirements” on page 47

“Network Management Planning” on page 51

“WDS Planning” on page 52

“Common Deployment Options” on page 55

For a complete discussion of implementing Voice over Wi-Fi on the Array,
see the Xirrus Voice over Wireless Application Note in the Xirrus
Resource Center.
General Deployment Considerations
The Wireless Array’s unique multi-radio architecture generates 360 degrees of
sectored high-gain 802.11a/b/g/n coverage that provides extended range.
However, the number, thickness and location of walls, ceilings or other objects
that the wireless signals must pass through may affect the range. Typical ranges
vary depending on the types of materials and background RF (radio frequency)
noise at your location. To maximize wireless range, follow these basic guidelines:
1.
24
Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the Array and your
receiving devices to a minimum — each wall or ceiling can reduce the
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
wireless range from between 3 and 90 feet (1 to 30 meters). Position your
devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.
2.
Be aware of the direct line between each device. For example, a wall that
is 1.5 feet thick (half a meter) at 90° is actually almost 3 feet thick (or 1
meter) when viewed at a 45° angle. At an acute 2° degree angle the same
wall is over 42 feet (or 14 meters) thick! For best reception, try to ensure
that your wireless devices are positioned so that signals will travel
straight through a wall or ceiling.
90°
45°
2°
> 42 feet\
14 m
1.5 feet/
.5 m
~ 3 feet/
1m
Figure 7. Wall Thickness Considerations
3.
Try to position wireless client devices so that the signal passes through
drywall (between studs) or open doorways and not other materials that
can adversely affect the wireless signal.
See Also
Coverage and Capacity Planning
Deployment Examples
Common Deployment Options
Installation Prerequisites
Installing the Wireless Array
25
Wireless Array
Coverage and Capacity Planning
This section considers coverage and capacity for your deployment(s), including
placement options, RF patterns and cell sizes, area calculations, roaming
considerations, and channel allocations.

Note that several advanced features in this section are part of the Xirrus
Advanced RF Performance Manager (RPM). They require the license
installed on the Array to include support for RPM. Please see “About
Licensing and Upgrades” on page 321.
Placement
Use the following guidelines when considering placement options:
1.
The best placement option for the Array is ceiling-mounted within an
open plan environment (cubicles rather than fixed walls).
2.
Keep the Array away from electrical devices or appliances that generate
RF noise. Because the Array is generally mounted on ceilings, be aware of
its position relative to lighting (especially fluorescent lighting) — we
recommend maintaining a distance of at least 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters).
100 ft/ 30m
100 ft/
30 m
100 ft/ 30 m
Figure 8. Unit Placement
3.
26
If using multiple Arrays in the same area, maintain a distance of at least
100ft/30m between Arrays if there is direct line-of-sight between units, or
at least 50ft/15m if a wall or other barrier exists between units.
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
RF Patterns
The Wireless Array allows you to control — automatically or manually — the
pattern of wireless coverage that best suits your deployment needs. You can
choose to operate with full coverage, half coverage, or custom coverage (by
enabling or disabling individual sectors).
Full (Normal) Coverage
In normal operation, the Array provides a full 360 degrees of coverage.
Figure 9. Full (Normal) Coverage
Half Coverage
If installing a unit close to an exterior wall, you can deactivate half of the radios to
prevent redundant signals from “bleeding” beyond the wall and extending
service into public areas. The same principle applies if you want to restrict service
to an adjacent room within the site.
outside wall
Figure 10. Adjusting RF Patterns
Installing the Wireless Array
27
Wireless Array
Custom Coverage
Where there are highly reflective objects in proximity to the Array, you can turn
off specific radios to avoid interference and feedback.
reflective
object
Figure 11. Custom Coverage
Capacity and Cell Sizes
Cell sizes should be estimated based on the number of users, the applications
being used (for example, data/video/voice), and the number of Arrays available
at the location. The capacity of a cell is defined as the minimum data rate desired
for each sector multiplied by the total number of sectors being used.
Figure 12. Connection Rate vs. Distance
Figure 12 shows relative connection rates for 802.11n vs. 802.11a/g and 802.11b,
and the effect of distance on the connection rates. Wireless environments can vary
greatly so the actual rates may be different depending on the specific network
deployment.
28
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Fine Tuning Cell Sizes
Adjusting the transmit power allows you to fine tune cell sizes. There are four
standard sizes — Small, Medium, Large, or Max (the default is Max). There is also
an Auto setting that automatically determines the best cell size, and a Manual
setting that allows you to choose your power settings directly.
Small
Medium
Large
Figure 13. Transmit Power
Auto Cell Size is an automatic, self-tuning mechanism that balances cell size
between Arrays to guarantee coverage while limiting the RF energy that could
extend beyond the organizational boundary. Auto Cell uses communication
between Arrays to dynamically set radio power so that complete coverage is
provided to all areas, yet at the minimum power level required. This helps to
minimize potential interference with neighboring networks. Additionally, Arrays
running Auto Cell automatically detect and compensate for coverage gaps caused
by system interruptions. To enable the Auto Cell Size feature, go to “RF Power &
Sensitivity” on page 285. For a complete discussion of the Auto Cell size feature,
see the Xirrus Auto Cell Application Note in the Xirrus Resource Center.
If you are installing many units in proximity to each other, we recommend that
you use Auto Cell Size; otherwise, reduce the transmit power using manual
settings to avoid excessive interference with other Arrays or installed APs. See
also, “Coverage and Capacity Planning” on page 26.
Installing the Wireless Array
29
Wireless Array
Sharp Cell
This patented Xirrus RF management option automatically creates more
intelligently defined cells and improves performance by creating smaller, highthroughput cells. By dynamically limiting each cell to a defined boundary (cell
size), the trailing edge bleed of RF energy is reduced, thus minimizing
interference between neighboring Wireless Arrays or other Access Points. To
enable the Sharp Cell feature, go to “RF Power & Sensitivity” on page 285. For
more information about this feature, see the Xirrus Sharp Cell Application Note in
the Xirrus Resource Center.
Roaming Considerations
Cells should overlap approximately 10 - 15% to accommodate client roaming.
ROAMING
10 - 15% overlap
Figure 14. Overlapping Cells
Allocating Channels
Because the Wireless Array is a multi-channel device, allocating the best channels
to radios is important if peak performance is to be maintained.
Automatic Channel Selection
We recommend that you allow the Array to make intelligent channel allocation
decisions automatically. In the automatic mode, channels are allocated
dynamically, driven by changes in the environment. Auto Channel assignment is
performed by scanning the surrounding area for RF activity on all channels, then
30
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
automatically selecting and setting channels on the Array to the best channels
available. This function is typically executed when initially installing Arrays in a
new location and may optionally be configured to execute periodically to account
for changes in the RF environment over time. Auto Channel selection has
significant advantages, including:

Allows the Array to come up for the first time and not interfere with
existing equipment that may be already running, thereby limiting cochannel interference.

More accurately tunes the RF characteristics of a wireless installation than
manual configuration since the radios themselves are scanning the
environment from their physical location.

May be configured to run periodically.
To set up the automatic channel selection feature, go to “Advanced RF Settings”
on page 282.
Installing the Wireless Array
31
Wireless Array
Manual Channel Selection
You can manually assign channels on a per radio basis, though manual selection
is not recommended (and not necessary).

To avoid co-channel interference, do not select adjacent channels for radios
that are physically next to each other.
Maintain channel separation
Figure 15. Allocating Channels Manually
See Also
Deployment Examples
Failover Planning
Installation Prerequisites
32
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Deployment Examples
The following examples employ 802.11a cells, each offering minimum
throughputs of 54 Mbps, 36 Mbps, and 18 Mbps per sector respectively, and
assume a floor plan covering a total area of about 60,000 square feet (5574 sq m).
Figure 16. Deployment Scenario (54 Mbps) — Per Sector
Figure 17. Deployment Scenario (36 Mbps) — Per Sector
Installing the Wireless Array
33
Wireless Array
Figure 18. Deployment Scenario (18 Mbps) — Per Sector
See Also
Coverage and Capacity Planning
Failover Planning
Planning Your Installation
34
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
IEEE 802.11n Deployment Considerations
The Xirrus Arrays support IEEE 802.11n on all IAPs, in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
bands. Use of 802.11n offers significant benefits:

Higher data rates

Higher throughput

Supports more users

More robust connections

Increased coverage area

More secure connections — supports WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2)
These benefits result in better support for a wide range of applications such as
voice and video, intensive usage such as CAD/CAM and backups, dense user
environments, and for manufacturing and warehousing environments.

While 802.11n increases coverage area by almost doubling the reach, you
must consider the legacy wireless devices in your network. Wireless stations
connecting using 802.11a/b/g will still be subject to a reach of up to 100 feet,
depending on the environment.
The techniques that 802.11n uses to realize these performance improvements, and
the results that can be expected are discussed in:

“MIMO (Multiple-In Multiple-Out)” on page 36

“Multiple Data Streams — Spatial Multiplexing” on page 37

“Channel Bonding” on page 38

“Improved MAC Throughput” on page 39

“Short Guard Interval” on page 39

“Obtaining Higher Data Rates” on page 40

“802.11n Capacity” on page 41
Two very important techniques to consider are Channel Bonding and Multiple
Data Streams — Spatial Multiplexing because they contribute a large portion of
802.11n’s speed improvements and because they are optional and configurable, as
opposed to the parts of 802.11n that are fixed. While the settings for 802.11n IAPs
come pre-configured on the Array for robust performance in typical usage, you
Installing the Wireless Array
35
Wireless Array
should review the settings for your deployment, especially channel bonding. A
global setting is provided to enable or disable 802.11n mode. See “Global Settings
.11n” on page 279 to configure 802.11n operation.
MIMO (Multiple-In Multiple-Out)
MIMO (Multiple-In Multiple-Out) signal processing is one of the core
technologies of 802.11n. It mitigates interference and maintains broadband
performance even with weak signals.
Prior to 802.11n, a data stream was transmitted via one antenna. At the receiving
end, the antenna with the best signal was selected to receive data. (Figure 19)
Figure 19. Classic 802.11 Signal Transmission
MIMO signal processing uses multiple antennas to send and receive data. It takes
advantage of multipath reflections to improve signal coherence and greatly
increase receiver sensitivity (Figure 20).
MIMO Processed Signal
Antenna 1 Signal
Attenuation
Receiver
Antenna 2 Signal
Antenna 3 Signal
Frequency Across Subcarriers
Figure 20. MIMO Signal Processing
36
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Multipath signals were considered to be interference by 802.11a/b/g radios, and
degraded performance. In 802.11n, these signals are used to enhance
performance. This extra sensitivity can be used for greater range or higher data
rates. The enhanced signal is the processed sum of individual antennas. Signal
processing eliminates nulls and fading that any one antenna would see. MIMO
signal processing is sophisticated enough to discern multiple spatial streams (see
Multiple Data Streams — Spatial Multiplexing). There are no settings to configure
for MIMO.
Multiple Data Streams — Spatial Multiplexing
Spatial Multiplexing transmits completely separate data streams on different
antennas (in the same channel) that are recombined to produce new 802.11n data
rates. Higher data rates are achieved by splitting the original data stream into
separate data streams. Each separate stream is transmitted on a different antenna
(using its own RF chain). MIMO signal processing at the receiver can detect and
recover each stream. Streams are then recombined, yielding higher data rates.
Data Stream
Tx 1
Rx 1
Tx 2
Rx 2
Transmitter
Tx N
Receiver
Data Stream
Rx M
Figure 21. Spatial Multiplexing
Spatial multiplexing can double, triple, or quadruple the date rate, depending on
the number of transmit antennas used. You can configure the number of chains
(i.e., streams) separately for transmitting and receiving. By default, the Array uses
three chains for transmitting and receiving (see “Global Settings .11n” on
page 279).
Installing the Wireless Array
37
Wireless Array
Channel Bonding
Channel bonding increases data rates by combining two adjacent 20 MHz
channels into one 40 MHz channel. This increases the data rate to slightly more
than double.
A bonded 40 MHz channel is specified in terms of the Primary channel and the
adjacent channel to Bond. The Bond channel is represented by +1 to use the
channel above the Primary channel, or -1 to use the channel below. In the example
shown, Channel 40 is the Primary channel and it is bonded to Channel 36, the
channel below it, by specifying -1. Be aware that Channel Bonding can make
channel planning more difficult, since you are using two channels for an IAP. We
recommend the use of the 5 GHz band, since it has many more channels than the
2.4 GHz band, and thus more channels are available for bonding.
The Array provides an Automatic Channel Bonding setting that will
automatically select the best channel for bonding on each IAP. If you enable this
option, you may select whether bonding will be dynamic (the bonded channel
changes in response to environmental conditions) or static (the bonded channel
will not be changed. See “Global Settings .11n” on page 279. To configure channel
bonding manually, on a per-IAP basis, see “IAP Settings” on page 256.
Ch#
36
Ch# (40, -1)
40
20 MHz 20 MHz
Standard 802.11 channels are
effectively 20MHz wide.
40 MHz
Channel bonding combines
two adjacent 20MHz channels
into a single 40MHz channel
providing increased throughput.
Figure 22. Channel Bonding
38
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Improved MAC Throughput
These changes make 802.11n transmission of MAC frames 40% more efficient than
legacy transmission:

MAC data frames are combined and given a single PHY header.

Implicit Block ACK acknowledges all data frames within a combined
frame.

Spacing between frames is reduced.
Frame Aggregation
Legacy Operation
Data Frame
ACK Frame
Data Frame
ACK Frame
High Throughput Operation
Data Frame
ACK Frame
Data Frame
sss
PHY Header
Block ACK Frame
MAC Header
sss
sss
1 2
Data Frame Payload
ACK Frame Payload
RIFS Usage (Reduced Inter-Frame Spacing)
Legacy Operation
Data Frame
Data Frame
ACK Frame
ACK Frame
SIFS
sss
ACK Frame
SIFS
High Throughput Operation
Data Frame
Data Frame
Data Frame
Data Frame
sss
RIFS
Block ACK
Request
Frame
Block ACK
Response
Frame
1 2
RIFS
sss
SIFS
Figure 23. MAC Throughput Improvements
Short Guard Interval
This option reduces the wait time between signals that are being sent out over the
air. The guard interval provides immunity to propagation delays and reflections,
and is normally 800 ns (long). By using a short guard interval (400 ns), the data
rate is increased by approximately 11%. The short interval may be used in many
environments (especially indoors). If the short guard interval is used in an
inappropriate environment, the signal quality will suffer and throughput will
decrease. See “Global Settings .11n” on page 279 to configure the guard interval.
Installing the Wireless Array
39
Wireless Array
Obtaining Higher Data Rates
The data rate increase obtained by using 802.11n on an Array is incremental,
based on the technologies that are applied and the options that you select:

Higher encoding rates (Mandatory in 802.11n)

Spatial Streams (Mandatory, but multiplier varies directly with number of
streams selected.)

Channel Bonding (Mandatory in 802.11n, apply multiplier to IAP if it is
bonded.)

Short Guard Interval (Optional)
See Figure 24 to see the 802.11n data rate increase for an IAP. Apply this increase
to the 802.11 a, b or g data rates selected for the Array.
Choose New Base
Encoding + Modulation
BPSK (6.5)
QPSK (13, 19.5)
QAM-16 (26, 39)
QAM-64 (58.5, 65)
Optionally
Multiply by 2, 3, 4
for the Number of
Additional
Spatial Streams
Optionally
Multiply By 2.077
to Bond
Two 20MHz
Channels
Optionally
Multiply by 1.11 for
Shorter Guard Interval
to Increase
Symbol Rate
New 11n
Data Rate
Figure 24. Computing 802.11n Data Rates
40
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
802.11n Capacity
802.11n offers major increases in capacity over previous 802.11 standards, as
shown in the table below.
802.11 Mode
# Channels
Max Theoretical Capacity
802.11 a/n: 3 Streams
23
23 * 450 Mbps = 10.2 Gbps
802.11 a/n: 2 Streams
23
23 * 300 Mbps = 6.8 Gbps
802.11 a/n: 1 Stream
23
23 * 150 Mbps = 3.4 Gbps
802.11 a
23
23 * 54 Mbps = 1.2 Gbps
802.11 g/n: 3 Streams
3 * 450 Mbps = 1.35 Gbps
(1 or 2 streams have
proportionally lower capacity)
802.11 g
3 * 54 Mbps = 162 Mbps
802.11 b
3 * 11 Mbps = 33 Mbps
Failover Planning
This section discusses failover protection at the unit and port levels.
To ensure that service is continued in the event of a port failure, you can utilize
two Gigabit Ethernet ports simultaneously as a bonded pair (on Arrays with two
or more Gigabit ports).
Multiple port connections
Ethernet switch
Figure 25. Port Failover Protection
Installing the Wireless Array
41
Wireless Array
In addition, the Array has full failover protection between the bonded-pair
Gigabit ports (see following table).
Interface
Bridges
Data?
Bridges
Management Traffic?
Fails Over
To:
Gigabit port
Yes
Yes
Bonded
port
DHCP or static
Bonded
Gigabit port
Yes
Yes
Bonded
port
Same
IP address
The Wireless Array Gigabit Ethernet ports actually support a number of modes:

802.3ad Link Aggregation

Load Balancing

Broadcast

Link Backup

Mirrored
For more details on Gigabit port modes and their configuration, please see
“Network Bonds” on page 160.
42
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Switch Failover Protection
To ensure that service is continued in the event of a switch failure, you can
connect Arrays having multiple Gigabit ports to more than one Ethernet switch
(not a hub).
Ethernet connections
Backup switch
Ethernet switch
Figure 26. Switch Failover Protection

Gigabit Ethernet connections must be on the same subnet.
See Also
Coverage and Capacity Planning
Deployment Examples
Installation Prerequisites
Network Management Planning
Planning Your Installation
Power Planning
Security Planning
Installing the Wireless Array
43
Wireless Array
Power Planning
All XR Series Array models support Power over Gigabit Ethernet (PoGE) with an
integrated splitter.
Power over Gigabit Ethernet
To deliver power to the Array, you must use Xirrus Power over Gigabit Ethernet
(PoGE) modules. They provide power over Cat 5e or Cat 6 cables to the Array
without running power cables.
Specific models of the Array are compatible with specific PoGE modules. For
details, please see the Power over Gigabit Ethernet Installation and User Guide.

When using Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable, power can be provided up to a distance of
100m.
See Also
Coverage and Capacity Planning
Deployment Examples
Failover Planning
Network Management Planning
Security Planning
44
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Security Planning
This section offers some useful guidelines for defining your preferred encryption
and authentication method. For additional information, see “Understanding
Security” on page 191 and the Security section of “Frequently Asked Questions”
on page 412.

Note that several advanced features in this section are part of the Xirrus
Advanced RF Security Manager (RSM). They require the license installed
on the Array to include support for RSM. Please see “About Licensing and
Upgrades” on page 321.
Wireless Encryption
Encryption ensures that no user can decipher another user’s data transmitted
over the airwaves. There are three encryption options available to you, including:

WEP-40bit or WEP-128bit
Because WEP is vulnerable to cracks, we recommend that you only use
this for legacy devices that cannot support a stronger encryption type.

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
This is much more secure than WEP and uses TKIP for encryption.

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2) with AES
This is government-grade encryption — available on most new client
adapters — and uses the AES–CCM encryption mode (Advanced
Encryption Standard–Counter Mode).
Authentication
Authentication ensures users are who they say they are, and occurs when users
attempt to join the wireless network and periodically thereafter. The following
authentication methods are available with the Wireless Array:

RADIUS 802.1x
802.1x uses a remote RADIUS server to authenticate large numbers of
clients, and can handle different authentication methods (EAP-TLS, EAPTTLS, EAP-PEAP, and EAP-LEAP Passthrough). Administrators may
Installing the Wireless Array
45
Wireless Array
also be authenticated via RADIUS when preferred, or to meet particular
security standards.

Xirrus Internal RADIUS server
Recommended for smaller numbers of users (about 100 or less). Supports
EAP-PEAP only

Pre-Shared Key
Uses a pass-phrase or key that is manually distributed to all authorized
users. The same passphrase is given to client devices and entered into
each Array.

MAC Access Control Lists (ACLs)
MAC access control lists provide a list of client adapter MAC addresses
that are allowed or denied access to the wireless network, and can be
used in addition to any of the above authentication methods. ACLs are
good for embedded devices, like printers and bar-code scanners (though
MAC addresses can be spoofed). The Array supports 1,000 global ACL
entries. You may also define per-SSID access control lists, with up to 1000
entries each.
See Also
Failover Planning
Network Management Planning
Power Planning
46
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Port Requirements
A number of ports are used by various Array features and by the Xirrus
Management System (XMS). The Port Requirements table on page 48 lists ports
and the features that require them (XMS port requirements are included in the
table for your convenience). If you are using a feature, please make sure that the
ports that it requires are not blocked by firewalls or other policies, and that they
do not conflict with any other port assignments.
As an example, XMS port requirements are illustrated in Figure 27. XMS requires
ports 161, 162, and 443 to be passed between Arrays and the XMS server.
Similarly, ports 9090 and 9091 are required for communication between the XMS
server and XMS clients, and port 25 is typically used by the XMS server to access
an SMTP server to send email notifications.
SSID Traffic on
VLANs A, B, etc.
Management over
Native VLAN
Internal
Resources
Trunked 802.1q
VLAN Connection
Traffic from Arrays
VLAN A
Traffic from Arrays
VLAN B
L2 Switching
Infrastructure
External Network /
Internet
Firewall
XMS Server
Ports:
161, 162, 443
XMS Client*
SMTP Server*
Ports:
9090, 9091
Ports:
25
* XMS Client and SMTP Server may be internal or external resources.
Figure 27. Port Requirements for XMS
Installing the Wireless Array
47
Wireless Array
The following table lists port requirements for the Array and for XMS, how they
are used, and whether they may be changed.
Port
Application
Peer
Configurable
Array
48
icmp
Ping
XMS Server
No
20 tcp
21 tcp
FTP
Client
Yes
22 tcp
SSH
Client
Yes
23 tcp
Telnet
Client
Yes
25 tcp
SMTP
Mail Server
No
69 udp
TFTP
TFTP Server
No
123 udp
NTP
NTP Server
No
161 udp
SNMP
XMS Server
No
162 udp
SNMP Traphost Note Up to four Traphosts
may be configured.
XMS Server
Yes - but
required by
XMS
443 tcp
HTTPS (WMI,WPR)
Client
Yes
514 udp
Syslog
Syslog Server
No
1812, 1645
udp
RADIUS (some
servers use 1645)
RADIUS Server
Yes
1813, 1646
udp
RADIUS Accounting
(some servers still use
1646)
RADIUS Accounting
Server
Yes
2055 udp
Netflow
Client
Yes
5000 tcp
Virtual Tunnel
VTUN Server
Yes
22610 udp
XRP (Xirrus Roaming)
Arrays
Yes
22612 udp
Xircon (Console Utility)
Admin Workstation
Yes
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Port
Application
Peer
Configurable
XMS
icmp
Ping
Arrays
No
22 tcp
SSH
Arrays
Yes
25 tcp
SMTP
Mail Server
Yes
123 udp
NTP
NTP Server
No
161 udp
SNMP
Arrays
No
162 udp
SNMP Traphost 1
Arrays
Via XMS
config file
443 tcp
HTTPS
Arrays
No
514 udp
Resident Syslog server
Internal*
Via XMS
config file
1099 tcp
RMI Registry
Internal*
No
2000 tcp
XMS Back-end Server
Internal*
No
3306 tcp
MySQL Database
Internal*
No
8001 tcp
Status Viewer
Internal*
No
8007 tcp
Tomcat Shutdown
Internal*
During
installation
8009 tcp
Web Container
Internal*
During
installation
9090 tcp
XMS Webserver
XMS client
During
installation
9091 tcp
XMS Client Server
XMS client
Via XMS
config file
9092 tcp
XMS Client Server
XMS client
Via XMS
config file
9443 tcp
XMS WMI SSL
XMS web client
No
* Internal to XMS Server, no ports need to be unblocked on other network devices
Installing the Wireless Array
49
Wireless Array
See Also
Management Control
External Radius
Services
VLAN Management
50
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Network Management Planning
Network management can be performed using any of the following methods:

Command Line Interface, using an SSH (Secure Shell) utility, like PuTTY.
The utility must be set up to use SSH-2, since the Array will only allow
SSH-2 connections.

Web-based management, using the Array’s embedded Web Management
Interface (WMI). This method provides configuration and basic
monitoring tools, and is good for small deployments (one or two units).

Centralized Web-based management, using the optional Xirrus
Management System (XMS), which can be run on a dedicated Xirrus
appliance or your own server. The XMS is used for managing large
Wireless Array deployments from a centralized Web-based interface and
offers the following features:

Globally manage large numbers of Arrays (up to 500)

Seamless view of the entire wireless network

Easily configure large numbers of Arrays

Rogue AP monitoring

Easily manage system-wide firmware updates

Monitor performance and trends
 Aggregation of alerts and alarms
See Also
Failover Planning
Power Planning
Security Planning
Installing the Wireless Array
51
Wireless Array
WDS Planning
WDS (Wireless Distribution System) creates wireless backhauls between Arrays,
allowing your wireless network to be expanded using multiple Arrays without
the need for a wired backbone to link them (see Figure 28). WDS features include:

One to three IAPs may be used to form a single WDS link, yielding up to
1350 Mbps bandwidth per link. Up to three different WDS links may be
created on a single Array.

Automatic IAP Load Balancing

If desired, you may allow clients to associate to a BSS on the same radio
interface used for a WDS Host Link. This will take bandwidth from the
WDS link.
Figure 28. WDS Link

52
Multiple links per Array allow you to configure multi-hop connections.
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Figure 29. A Multiple Hop WDS Connection

Multiple WDS links can provide link redundancy (failover capability - see
Figure 30). A network protocol (Spanning Tree Protocol — STP) prevents
Arrays from forming network loops.
Figure 30. WDS Failover Protection
Installing the Wireless Array
53
Wireless Array
WDS links have a Host/Client relationship similar to the usual IAP/station
pattern for Arrays:

A WDS Client Link associates/authenticates to a host (target) Array in the
same way that a station associates to an IAP. The client side of the link
must be configured with the root MAC address of the target (host) Array.

A WDS Host Link acts like an IAP by allowing one WDS Client Link to
associate to it. An Array may have both client and host links.
WDS configuration is performed only on the client-side Array. See “WDS” on
page 302. Note that both Arrays must be configured with the same SSID name.
54
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Common Deployment Options
The following table lists some typical and recommended deployment options for
a number of the features that have been discussed in this chapter.
Number of Wireless Arrays
Function
One or Two
Three or More
Power
Power over Gigabit
Ethernet
Power over Gigabit Ethernet
UPS backup
(recommended)
Failover
Recommended
Highly recommended
VLANs
Optional
Optional use,
Can be used to put all APs
on one VLAN or map to
existing VLAN scheme
Encryption
Authentication
WPA2 with AES
(recommended)
WPA2 with AES
(recommended)
PSK or 802.1x
802.1x keying
Internal RADIUS server
EAP-PEAP
External RADIUS server
Pre-Shared Key
Management
Internal WMI
XMS (SNMP)
Internal CLI (via SSHv2)
See Also
Coverage and Capacity Planning
Deployment Examples
Network Management Planning
Planning Your Installation
Power Planning
Security Planning
Installing the Wireless Array
55
Wireless Array
Installation Workflow
This workflow illustrates the steps that are required to install and configure your
Wireless Array successfully. Review this flowchart before attempting to install the
unit on a customer’s network.
Determine the number of Arrays needed
Choose the location(s) for your Wireless Arrays
Run Ethernet cables for PoGE
(<100m total distance from switch)
Install the mounting plate
Connect the cables and turn on the power
Verify that the Ethernet link and radio LEDs are functioning correctly
Log in to WMI and enter your license
Perform the Express Setup procedure
Figure 31. Installation Workflow
See Also
Coverage and Capacity Planning
Deployment Examples
56
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Common Deployment Options
Failover Planning
Installation Prerequisites
Planning Your Installation
Power Planning
Wireless Array Product Overview
Security Planning
Installing the Wireless Array
57
Wireless Array
Installing Your Wireless Array
This section provides instructions for completing a physical installation of your
Xirrus Wireless Array.
Choosing a Location
Based on coverage, capacity and deployment examples previously discussed,
choose a location for the Array that will provide the best results for your needs.
The Wireless Array was designed to be mounted on a ceiling where the unit is
unobtrusive and wireless transmissions can travel unimpeded throughout open
plan areas.
You also have the option of mounting the Array on a wall, using the optional wall
mount assembly kit.
Choose a location that is central to your users (see the following diagram for
correct placement.
WRONG
RON
RO
ON
WRONG
RON
RO
O G
ON
CORRECT
ORRE
ORREC
Figure 32. Array Placement
Wiring Considerations
Before using the Xirrus Power over Gigabit Ethernet modules (PoGE) to distribute
power, see “Power over Gigabit Ethernet (PoGE)” on page 10.
58
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Once you have determined the best location for your Wireless Array, you must
run cables to the location for the following services:
Power

No power cable to the Array is required if using PoGE modules.
The PoGE module requires a dedicated AC power outlet (100 240 VAC).
Network

Gigabit POE1 — the total of all Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable segments
from the Gigabit Ethernet switch to an Array Ethernet port must
be less than 100m long. The Array must be connected to PoGE
networks without routing cabling to the outside plant, to ensure
that cabling is not exposed to lightning strikes or possible high
voltage crossover.

Gigabit POE2—For Arrays with a second POE port, the same
restrictions listed above apply.

Serial cable (optional) — cable lengths up to 25’ per the RS-232
specification.
Important Notes About Network Connections
Read the following notes before making any network connections.

When the unit’s IP address is unknown or a network connection has not
been established, the serial cable is used for connecting directly with the
Command Line Interface (CLI) via HyperTerminal. When a network
connection is established, the Array can be managed from any of the
available network connections, either Gigabit 1 or Gigabit 2. 
For the XR-1000, the Xirrus Xircon utility may be used locally to set up an
IP address if necessary.
The Array’s Ethernet ports should be plugged into an Ethernet switch, not an
Ethernet hub — if a hub is used, we recommend that you connect only one
Ethernet port.
Installing the Wireless Array
59
Wireless Array
See Also
Failover Planning
Installation Prerequisites
Installation Workflow
Mounting the Array
Power over Gigabit Ethernet (PoGE)
60
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Mounting the Array
A number of options are available for mounting Arrays:

Ceiling mount

Wall mount

Secure mount in a locking indoor enclosure

I-Beam mount in a protective enclosure (gymnasium mount)

Factory enclosure
A detailed Quick Installation Guide is provided with the mounting option that
you selected when ordering your Array. Please follow the provided instructions
carefully.
Dismounting the Array
To dismount any other Array model
For all Array models, push up on the Array (i.e., push it against the mounting
plate). Then turn the Array to the left to remove it. This is similar to dismounting
a smoke detector.
Installing the Wireless Array
61
Wireless Array
Powering Up the Wireless Array
When powering up, the Array follows a specific sequence of LED patterns
showing the boot progress, and following a successful boot will provide extensive
status information.
Ethernet Activity
and Status LEDs
IAP LEDs
Figure 33. LED Locations
Array LED settings may be altered or disabled entirely for diagnostic purposes or
for personal preference. Changes are made via the Array’s Command Line
Interface or the Web Management Interface — refer to “LED Settings” on page 297.
62
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Array LED Operating Sequences
Use the following tables to review the operating sequences of the Array’s LEDs.

“LED Boot Sequence” on page 63

“LED Operation when Array is Running” on page 64
LED Boot Sequence
The normal boot LED sequence is as follows:
Array Activity
Status LED
IAP LEDs
Power ON
Blinking GREEN
All OFF
Boot loader power ON
self-test
Blinking GREEN
All ON
Image load from
compact FLASH
Blinking GREEN
Spinning pattern (rotate all
to ON, then all to OFF)
Image load failure
Blinking ORANGE
All OFF
Hand off to ArrayOS
Solid GREEN
All OFF
System software
initialization
Solid GREEN
Walking pattern — (LED
rotating one position per
second)
Up and running
Solid GREEN
ON for IAPs that are up:
OFF for IAPs that are down.
Behavior may be changed
using “LED Settings” on
page 297.
Installing the Wireless Array
63
Wireless Array
LED Operation when Array is Running
The normal LED operation when the Array is running is shown in the table
below. Note that behavior may be modified using “LED Settings” on page 297 or
via the CLI.
LED Status
Reason
IAP LED is OFF
IAP is down
IAP LED is solid ON
IAP is up, but no associations and
no traffic
IAP LED heartbeat
IAP is up, with stations
associated but no traffic
IAP LED flashing
IAP is up, passing traffic
Flashing at 10 Hz
Flashing at 5 Hz
Flashing at 2.5 Hz
Traffic > 1500 packets/sec
Traffic > 150 packets/sec
Traffic > 1 packet/sec
IAP LED is GREEN
IAP is operating in the 2.4 GHz
band
IAP LED is ORANGE
IAP is operating in the 5 GHz
band
IAP LED flashing ORANGE to
GREEN at 1 Hz
The radio is in monitor mode
(standard intrude detect)
Ethernet LEDs are dual color
Ethernet LED is ORANGE
Transferring data at 1 Gbps
Ethernet LED is GREEN
Transferring data at 10/100 Mbps
See Also
Installation Prerequisites
Installation Workflow
Installing Your Wireless Array
LED Settings
64
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Establishing Communication with the Array
The Array may be configured through the Command Line Interface (CLI) using
SSH, or on a browser via the graphical Web Management Interface (WMI). You
may use the CLI via the serial management port (console—on all Arrays except
the XR-1000 Series) or any of the Gigabit Ethernet ports. You can use the WMI via
any of the Array’s Ethernet ports.
Gigabit POE (gig1)
Figure 34. Network Interface Ports—XR-1000 Series
Serial (Console)
Gigabit POE (gig1)
Figure 35. Network Interface Ports—XR-2000 Series ??OK??
Serial (Console)
Gigabit POE (gig1)
Gigabit 2 (gig2)
Figure 36. Network Interface Ports—XR-4000 Series
Installing the Wireless Array
65
Wireless Array
Serial (Console)
Gigabit POE1 (gig1)
Gigabit POE2 (gig2)
Gigabit 3 (gig3)
Gigabit 4 (gig4)
Figure 37. Network Interface Ports—XR-6000 Series

The Xirrus Xircon utility may also be used to communicate with Arrays
locally as an alternative to using a serial connection to the console. This is
especially useful for the XR-1000, which does not have a console port.
Using the Serial Port
If using the serial port to make your connection, use serial settings of 8 bits, no
parity, no flow control, 1 stop bit (8N1) and a speed setting of 115200 baud. Use
the communication package of your choice.
Using the Ethernet Ports
By default, the Array's Ethernet interfaces use DHCP to obtain an IP address. If
the Array is booted and does not receive DHCP addresses on Gigabit Ethernet
ports, then both Gigabit1 and its bonded pair port will default to 10.0.2.1.
If the Array is connected to a network that provides DHCP addresses, the IP
address can be determined by the following three methods:
66
1.
The simplest way to address the Array is using its default hostname
which is the Array’s serial number (for example, XR40123091CACD). If
your network provides DHCP and DNS, then you can use this hostname.
2.
Otherwise, examine the DHCP tables on the server and find the addresses
assigned to the Array (Xirrus MAC addresses begin with 000F7D).
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
3.
Alternatively, you may query the Array using the CLI via the serial port.
Log in using the default user name admin and password admin. Use the
show ethernet command to view the IP addresses assigned to each port.
Starting the WMI
Use this procedure to log in to the WMI via your Web browser.
1.
Establish a network connection and open your Web browser.
2.
Connect to the Wireless Array using its host name or IP address as
described in the previous section.
Logging In
When logging in to the Array, use the default user name and password — the
default user name is admin, and the default password is admin.
See Also
Installation Workflow
Performing the Express Setup Procedure
Powering Up the Wireless Array
Entering the License
A license is needed to operate the Wireless Array at full functionality. Without a
license, the Array may only be powered up and have a basic network
configuration.
The Array’s license determines many of the features that are available on the
Array. For example, automatic cell sizing and channel allocation require a license
supporting the RF Performance Manager (RPM). Also, IEEE 802.11n operation on
XN model Arrays requires a license.
The Array’s license is not installed at the factory. You must enter your license
before proceeding to the next step, Performing the Express Setup Procedure.
The procedure below describes entering the license key using the WMI. If you are
using the Xirrus Management System (XMS), you may use it to easily manage and
upgrade large numbers of licenses for the wireless network.
Installing the Wireless Array
67
Wireless Array
1.
This procedure assumes that you have pointed a browser to the Array’s
IP address to start WMI, and that you have logged in with the default
username and password above.
2.
In the left had frame, in the Tools section, click System Tools.
3.
License Key: Enter the key that was provided for the Array. The key was
provided to you in an email as an attachment in the form of an Excel file
(.xls). Enter the key exactly as it appears in the file. Click the Upgrade
button to apply the key.
4.
Now you may verify the features provided by the key. In the Status
section of the left hand frame, click Array and then click Information.
Check the items listed in the License Features row.

68
If you are installing a large number of licenses and do not have XMS, a
Xirrus Licensing Tool may be acquired from Xirrus Support to help push
licenses to large number of Arrays.
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Performing the Express Setup Procedure
The Express Setup procedure establishes global configuration settings that enable
basic Array functionality. Changes made in this window will affect all radios.
Figure 38. Express Setup
Installing the Wireless Array
69
Wireless Array
Procedure for Performing an Express Setup
1.
Host Name: Specify a unique host name for this Array. The host name is
used to identify the Array on the network. Use a name that will be
meaningful within your network environment, up to 64 alphanumeric
characters. The default is Xirrus-WiFi-Array.
2.
Location Information: Enter a brief but meaningful description that
accurately defines the physical location of the Array. In an environment
where multiple units are installed, clear definitions for their locations are
important if you want to identify a specific unit.
3.
Admin Contact: Enter the name and contact information of the person
who is responsible for administering the Array at the designated location.
4.
Admin Email: Enter the email address of the admin contact you entered
in Step 3.
5.
Admin Phone: Enter the telephone number of the admin contact you
entered in Step 3.
6.
License Key: If Xirrus issued you a license that differs from the current
value shown, enter it now.
7.
Configure SNMPv2: Select whether to Enable SNMPv2 on the Array, and
change the SNMP Community Strings if desired. If you are using the
Xirrus Management System (XMS), these strings must match the values
used by XMS. The default values for the Array match the defaults in
XMS. For more details, including SNMPv3, see “SNMP” on page 179.
8.
Configure the Gigabit network interfaces. The fields for each of these
interfaces are the same, and include:
a.
Enable Interface: Choose Yes to enable this network interface, or
choose No to disable the interface.
b. Allow Management on Interface: Choose Yes to allow management
of the Array via this network interface, or choose No to deny all
management privileges for this interface.
70
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array

For improved security, you should also take the additional steps described in
“Securing Low Level Access to the Array” on page 76.
c.
9.
Configuration Server Protocol: Choose DHCP to instruct the Array
to use DHCP to assign IP addresses to the Array’s Ethernet interfaces,
or choose Static if you intend to enter IP addresses manually. If you
choose the Static IP option, you must enter the following IP Settings:

Address: Enter a valid IP address for this Array. To use any of the
remote connections (Web, SNMP, or SSH), a valid IP address
must be used.

Subnet Mask: Enter a valid IP address for the subnet mask (the
default is 255.255.255.0). The subnet mask defines the number of
IP addresses that are available on the routed subnet where the
Array is located.

Default Gateway: Enter a valid IP address for the default
gateway. This is the IP address of the router that the Array uses
to forward data to other networks.

Click the Apply button for this interface when done making IP
changes.
SSID Settings: This section specifies the wireless network name and
security settings.
a.
SSID (Wireless Network Name): The SSID (Service Set Identifier) is
a unique name that identifies a wireless network. All devices
attempting to connect to a specific WLAN must use the same SSID.
The default for this field is “xirrus.”
For additional information about SSIDs, go to the Multiple SSIDs
section of “Frequently Asked Questions” on page 412.
b. Wireless Security: Select the desired wireless security scheme (Open,
WEP, WPA, WPA2, or WPA-Both). WPA2 is recommended for the
best Wi-Fi security.
•
Open — This option offers no data encryption and is not
recommended, though you might choose this option if clients are
Installing the Wireless Array
71
Wireless Array
required to use a VPN connection through a secure SSH utility,
like PuTTy.
•
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) — An optional IEEE 802.11
function that offers frame transmission privacy similar to a wired
network. WEP generates secret shared encryption keys that both
source and destination stations can use to alter frame bits to
avoid disclosure to eavesdroppers.
•
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) — A Wi-Fi Alliance standard that
contains a subset of the IEEE 802.11i standard, using TKIP or AES
as an encryption method and 802.1x for authentication.
•
WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) — WPA2 is the follow-on
security method to WPA for wireless networks and provides
stronger data protection and network access control. It offers
Enterprise and consumer Wi-Fi users with a high level of
assurance that only authorized users can access their wireless
networks. Like WPA, WPA2 is designed to secure all versions of
802.11 devices, including 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n,
multi-band and multi-mode.
•
WPA-Both (WPA and WPA2) — This option makes use of both
WPA and WPA2.
For more information about security, including a full review of all
security options and settings, go to “Understanding Security” on
page 191.
c.
WEP Encryption Key/Passphrase: Depending on the wireless
security scheme you selected, enter a unique WEP key or WPA
passphrase. This field and the one below only appear if you select a
Wireless Security option other than Open.
d. Confirm Encryption Key/Passphrase: If you entered a WEP key or
WPA passphrase, confirm it here.
e.
72
Click Apply SSID Settings when done.
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
10. Admin Settings: This section allows you to change the default admin
username, password, and privileges for the Array. You may change the
password and leave the user name as is, but we suggest that you change
both to improve Array security.
a.

New Admin User (Replaces user “admin”): Enter the name of a new
administrator user account. Be sure to record the new account name
and password, because the default admin user will be deleted! Note
that the Array also offers the option of authenticating administrators
using a RADIUS server (see “Admin Management” on page 196)).
For improved security, you should also take the additional steps described in
“Securing Low Level Access to the Array” on page 76.
b. New Admin Privilege Level: By default, the new administrator will
have read/write privileges on the Array (i.e., the new user will be
able to change the configuration of the Array). If you wish the new
account to have different privileges, select the desired level from the
drop-down list. For more information about user privileges, please
see “Admin Privileges” on page 198.
c.
New Admin Password: Enter a new administration password for
managing this Array. If you forget this password, you must reset the
Array to its factory defaults so that the password is reset to admin (its
default setting).
d. Confirm Admin Password: If you entered a new administration
password, confirm the new password here.
e.
Click Apply Admin Settings when done.
11. Time and Date Settings: This section specifies an optional time (NTP Network Time Protocol) server or modifies the system time if you’re not
using a server.
a.
Current Array Date and Time: This read-only field shows the current
time for your convenience.
Installing the Wireless Array
73
Wireless Array
b. Time Zone: Select your time zone from the choices available in the
pull-down list.
c.
Auto Adjust Daylight Savings: If you are not using NTP, check this
box if you want the system to adjust for daylight savings
automatically, otherwise leave this box unchecked (default).
d. Use Network Time Protocol: Check this box if you want to use an
NTP server to synchronize the Array’s clock. Use of NTP is
mandatory for Arrays to be managed with XMS (the Xirrus
Management System), and ensures that Syslog time-stamping is
maintained across all units. If you check Yes, the NTP server fields
are displayed. If you don’t want to use an NTP server, leave this box
unchecked (default) and set the system time on the Array manually.
e.
NTP Primary Server: If you are using NTP, enter the IP address or
domain name of the NTP server.
f.
NTP Primary Authentication: If you are using authentication with
NTP, select the type of key: MD5 or SHA1. Select None if you are not
using authentication (this is the default). For more information on
authenticated NTP, see “Time Settings (NTP)” on page 171.
g.
NTP Primary Authentication Key ID: Enter the key ID, which is a
decimal integer.
h. NTP Primary Authentication Key: Enter your key, which is a string
of characters.
74
i.
NTP Secondary Server: Enter the IP address or domain name of an
optional secondary NTP server to be used in case the Array is unable
to contact the primary server. You may use the authentication fields
as described above if you wish to set up authentication for the
secondary server.
j.
Adjust Time (hrs:min:sec): If you are not using NTP, check this box if
you want to adjust the current system time. When the box is checked,
the time fields become active. Enter the revised time (hours, minutes,
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
seconds, am/pm) in the corresponding fields. If you don’t want to
adjust the current time, this box should be left unchecked (default).
k. Adjust Date (month/day/year): If you are not using NTP, check this
box if you want to adjust the current system date. When the box is
checked, the date fields become active. Enter the revised date (month,
day and year) in the corresponding fields. If you don’t want to adjust
the current date, this box should be left unchecked (default).
12. IAP Settings:
Enable/Configure All IAPs: Click on the Execute button to enable and
auto configure all IAPs (a message displays the countdown time — in
seconds — to complete the auto-configuration task). When an IAP is
enabled, its LED is switched on. (see also “Array LED Operating
Sequences” on page 63.)
13. Click on the Save changes to flash button at the top right if you wish to
make your changes permanent.
This ends the Express Setup procedure.
See Also
Establishing Communication with the Array
Installation Prerequisites
Installation Workflow
Logging In
Multiple SSIDs
Security
Installing the Wireless Array
75
Wireless Array
Securing Low Level Access to the Array
??Please review this whole section carefully. This section on Xircon disable and
XBL password is being included in both the XR manual and the XN manual, on
the assumption that when the XS 6.1 releases, it will include the Xircon options.
OK?? Most management of the Xirrus Array is done via the Web Management
Interface (WMI) as you just saw in “Performing the Express Setup Procedure” on
page 69. Another often used option is CLI—see “The Command Line Interface”
on page 337. The Array also has a lower level interface: XBL (Xirrus Boot Loader),
which allows access to more primitive commands. You won’t normally use XBL
unless instructed to do so by Xirrus Customer Support. For proper security, you
should replace the default XBL login username and password with your own, as
instructed below. XBL has its own username and password, separate from the
ArrayOS Admin User and Password (used for logging in to the WMI and CLI)
that you changed in Step 10 on page 73. ?? xxx Is changing XBL password really
only necessary if Xircon is enabled? There aren’t other ways to get at XBL that
would benefit from securing the password?
Xirrus also provides the Xircon utility for connecting to Xirrus XR Arrays that are
not reachable via the normal access methods (such as SSH or WMI) and that do
not have a physical console port (XR-1000), or whose console port is not
accessible. Xircon discovers Arrays on your network subnet by sending IP/UDP
broadcast packets. Once an Array is discovered, Xircon can establish an encrypted
console session to the Array via the network even if the Array IP configuration is
incorrect. Xircon allows you to manage the Array using CLI, just as you would if
connected to the console port. Xircon also has an option for easily accessing XBL.
In normal circumstances Xirrus Arrays should be configured and managed
through secure shell (SSH) or via the Web Management Interface (WMI). A
connection is established using either the Array hostname or DHCP-assigned IP
address, or via the other options described in “Using the Ethernet Ports” on
page 66. Xircon may be needed in special circumstances as directed by Xirrus
Customer Support for troubleshooting Array problems or IP connectivity. (In this
case, see the Xircon User Guide for detailed information.)
76
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Xircon access to the Array may be controlled:

You may enable or disable all Xircon access to the Array as instructed in
the procedure below. There are also options to allow access only to CLI
(i.e., ArrayOS access) or only to XBL.

Since XR-1000 Array models do not have a console port, these models
have Xircon access to both XBL and CLI enabled by default. For Arrays
that do not have a console port, to avoid potentially being locked out of
the Array, Xircon should always be enabled at the XBL level at least.

Warning: If you disable Xircon access completely on XR-1000 models, you
must ensure that you do not lose track of the username and password to log in
to CLI/WMI! There is no way to recover from a lost password, other than
returning the Array to Xirrus.
On all other Array models (those with a console port), Xircon access to
both XBL and CLI is disabled by default. If Xircon is not going to be used
to access an Array, we recommend leaving Xircon access disabled.
Procedure for Securing Low Level Array Access
Use the following steps to replace the default XBL username and password, and
optionally to change the type of Xircon management access that is allowed. These
steps use CLI commands.
1.
To access CLI via the WMI, click CLI under the Tools section on the left
(for detailed instructions see “CLI” on page 332). Skip to Step 4 on
page 78.
To access CLI via SSH, see “Establishing a Secure Shell (SSH)
Connection” on page 337. Then proceed to the next step.
2.
At the login as prompt, log in to CLI using the username and password
that you set in Step 10 on page 73.
login as: jsmith
jsmith@xr4012802207c's password:
Xirrus Wi-Fi Array
ArrayOS Version 6.1.2-3299
Copyright (c) 2005-2012 Xirrus, Inc.
Installing the Wireless Array
77
Wireless Array
http://www.xirrus.com
XR4012802207C#
3.
Type configure to enter the CLI config mode.
hostname#configure
4.
If Xircon access at the XBL level is to be allowed, use the following three
commands to change the XBL username and password from the default
values of admin/admin. In the example below, replace newusername
and newpassword with your desired entries. Note that these entries are
case-sensitive.
(config)#boot-env set username newusername
(config)#boot-env set password newpassword
(config)#save
5.
Enter the following commands if you wish to change Xircon access
permission:
(config)# management
(config-mgmt)# xircon 
(config-mgmt)# save
(config-mgmt)# exit
(config)#
 may be one of :

on enables both CLI and XBL access

off disables both CLI and XBL access

aos-only enables only CLI (i.e. ArrayOS) access

boot-only enables only XBL access
Note that there is a WMI setting for changing Xircon access, timeout
period, and the UDP port used. This may be used instead of CLI if you
wish. See “Management Control” on page 203. Note that you cannot
change the XBL username and password via the WMI.
78
Installing the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
The Web Management Interface
This topic provides an overview of the Xirrus Wireless Array’s embedded Web
Management Interface (WMI), used for establishing your network’s configuration
settings and wireless operating parameters. It also includes login instructions.
The following topics are discussed:

An Overview

Structure of the WMI

User Interface

Logging In

Applying Configuration Changes
The Web Management Interface
79
Wireless Array
An Overview
The WMI is an easy-to-use graphical interface to your Wireless Array. It allows
you to configure the product to suit your individual requirements and ensure that
the unit functions efficiently and effectively.
Figure 39. Web Management Interface
80
The Web Management Interface
Wireless Array
Structure of the WMI
The content of the WMI is organized by function and hierarchy, shown in the
following table. Click on any item below to jump to the referenced destination.
Status Windows
Array Status Windows
Array Summary
Array Information
Array Configuration
Admin History
Network Status Windows
Network Map
Spanning Tree Status
Routing Table
ARP Table
DHCP Leases
Connection Tracking/NAT
CDP Neighbors
Network Assurance
RF Monitor Windows
IAPs
Spectrum Analyzer
Intrusion Detection
Channel History
Radio Assurance
Station Status Windows
Stations
Location Map
RSSI
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)
Noise Floor
Max by IAP
Station Assurance
The Web Management Interface
Statistics Windows
IAP Statistics Summary
Per-IAP Statistics
Network Statistics
VLAN Statistics
WDS Statistics
Filter Statistics
Station Statistics
Per-Station Statistics
System Log Window
IDS Event Log Window
81
Wireless Array
Configuration Windows
Express Setup
Network
Network Interfaces
Network Bonds
DNS Settings
CDP Settings
Services
Time Settings (NTP)
NetFlow
Wi-Fi Tag
System Log
SNMP
DHCP Server
VLANs
VLAN Management
Security
Admin Management
Admin Privileges
Admin RADIUS
Management Control
Access Control List
Global Settings
External Radius
Internal Radius
Rogue Control List
SSIDs
SSID Management
Active IAPs
Per-SSID Access Control List
Groups
Group Management
82
Configuration Windows (cont’d)
IAPs
IAP Settings
Global Settings (IAP)
Global Settings .11an
Global Settings .11bgn
Global Settings .11n
Advanced RF Settings
Intrusion Detection
LED Settings
DSCP Mappings
Roaming Assist
WDS
WDS Client Links
Filters
Filter Lists
Filter Management
Clusters
Cluster Definition
Cluster Management
Cluster Operation
Tool Windows
System Tools
CLI
Options
Logout
The Web Management Interface
Wireless Array
User Interface
The WMI has been designed with simplicity in mind, making navigation quick
and easy. In the following example, you’ll see that windows are divided into left
and right frames.
Left frame
Right frame
Array info
Pull-down menu
Help
Log Message counters
Click to configure/view statistics
Figure 40. WMI: Frames
The Web Management Interface
83
Wireless Array
The left frame contains three main elements:

Menu organized by function (for example, Network, SSIDs, Security, etc.).
Click a heading, such as Network, to display a summary of its current
configuration, as well as an associated pull-down menu. The three major
menu sections (Status, Configuration, Tools) may each be collapsed
down to hide the headings under them. Click again to display the
headings. (Figure 41 )

Three Log Messages counters are located at the bottom of the menu. They
provide a running total of messages generated by the ArrayOS Syslog
subsystem during your session — organized into Critical, Warning, and
General messages. Click on a counter to display the associated Syslog
messages. Messages at the selected level or higher will be shown. For
more information, please see “System Log Window” on page 142.

The Array representation contains shortcut links. Click a radio to view
statistics for it. Click the center of the Array to display the IAP Settings
window, which allows you to configure the Array’s radios.
Figure 41. Major Menu Sections Collapsed (on left)
The right frame displays the status information or configuration parameters for
the Wireless Array. This is where you review the Array’s current status and
activity or input data (if you want to make changes). The green Array information
bar at the top of the frame describes the Array — the Name and IP address allow
84
The Web Management Interface
Wireless Array
you to quickly confirm that WMI is connected to the correct Array. The current
Uptime since the last reboot is also shown.

Some settings are only available if the Array’s license includes appropriate
Xirrus Advanced Feature Sets. If a setting is unavailable (grayed out),
then your license does not support the feature. See “About Licensing and
Upgrades” on page 321.
Note that WMI provides options which allow you to change its appearance and
behavior. You may change:

Style — changes the colors and appearance of WMI (i.e., its “skin”).

Refresh Interval — the refresh time when automatic refresh is selected.

Close menu section when deselected — changes the behavior of the
menu in the left frame.

Clear screen when loading new page.
See “Options” on page 333 for more information.
Utility Buttons
At the bottom of each window you will find a set of useful buttons — a Feedback
button, a Print button and a Help button.
Print button
Feedback button
Help button
Figure 42. WMI: Utility Buttons

Click on the Feedback button to generate a Web page that allows you to
submit your comments to Xirrus, Inc. You can also access the feedback
The Web Management Interface
85
Wireless Array
page at http://www.xirrus.com/public/feedback/. Refer to Figure 43 on
page 86 to see a sample of the feedback form.

Click on the Print button to send a print file of the active window to your
local printer.

Click on the Help button to access the Array’s online help system.
Submitting Your Comments
When submitting comments via the Feedback button (Figure 43 , ensure that you
provide as much detail as possible, including your contact information, the
product model number that the comment relates to, and the ArrayOS software
version (if known). When finished, click on the Submit button to submit your
comment.
Figure 43. Feedback Form
86
The Web Management Interface
Wireless Array
Logging In
Use this procedure to log in to the WMI via your Web browser.
1.
Establish a network connection and open your Web browser.
2.
If your network supports DHCP and DNS, enter the Array’s default host
name in the browser’s URL. The default host name is simply the Array’s
serial number (for example, XN0823091CACD).
Otherwise, enter the Array’s IP address. This may be determined as
described in “Using the Ethernet Ports” on page 66.
3.
To log in to the Array’s Web Management Interface, enter admin for both
the user name and password.
Figure 44. Logging In to the Wireless Array
Applying Configuration Changes
In most of the WMI configuration windows, your changes to settings are applied
to the Array as you make them. In most cases, there is no separate Apply button
to click to make the changes take effect. There are a few exceptions to this rule. In
these cases, a particular section of a page may have its own Apply Settings
button right below the settings.
In both cases described above, the changes that you have made are not saved to
the latest configuration file in the Array’s flash memory, so they will not be
restored after a reboot. Click the Save changes to flash button (located on the
The Web Management Interface
87
Wireless Array
upper right of each page) in order to make sure that these changes will be applied
after rebooting. This will save the entire current configuration, not only the
changes on current WMI page.
Character Restrictions
When inputting strings in the WMI (for example, assigning SSIDs, host name,
password, etc.), use common alphanumeric characters. Some of the fields in the
WMI will not accept special characters, so use of the following characters should
typically be avoided:
88
“
The Web Management Interface
Wireless Array
Viewing Status on the Wireless
Array
These windows provide status information and statistics for your Array using the
product’s embedded Web Management Interface (WMI). You cannot make
configuration changes to your Array from these windows. The following topics
have been organized into functional areas that reflect the flow and content of the
Status section of the navigation tree in the left frame of the WMI.

“Array Status Windows” on page 90

“Network Status Windows” on page 97

“RF Monitor Windows” on page 107

“Station Status Windows” on page 118

“Statistics Windows” on page 134

“System Log Window” on page 142

“IDS Event Log Window” on page 143
Configuration and Tools windows are not discussed here. For information on
these windows, please see:

“ Configuring the Wireless Array” on page 147

“Using Tools on the Wireless Array” on page 319
Note that the Status menu section may be collapsed down to hide the headings
under it by clicking it. Click again to display the headings. (See Figure 41 on
page 84)
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
89
Wireless Array
Array Status Windows
The following Array Status windows are available:

Array Summary — displays information on the configuration of all Array
interfaces, including IAPs.

Array Information — provides version/serial number information for all
Array components.

Array Configuration — shows all configuration information for the Array
in text format.

Admin History — shows all current and past logins since the last reboot.
Array Summary
This is a status only window that provides a snapshot of the global configuration
settings for all Wireless Array network interfaces and IAPs. You must go to the
appropriate configuration window to make changes to any of the settings
displayed here — configuration changes cannot be made from this window.
Clicking on an interface or IAP will take you to the proper window for making
configuration changes.
Figure 45. Array Summary
90
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Content of the Array Summary Window
The Array Summary window is sub-divided into the Ethernet Interfaces section
and the Integrated Access Points (radio) section, providing you with the
following information:

Ethernet Settings Summary
This section provides information about network interface devices. To
make configuration changes to these devices, go to “Network Interfaces”
on page 157.
•
Interface: Lists the network interfaces that are available on the Array:
(gig1 and gig2).
•
State: Shows the current state of each interface, either enabled or
disabled.
•
Mgmt: Shows whether Array management traffic is allowed on this
interface.
•
Auto Neg: Shows whether auto-negotiation is in use on this interface,
to determine settings for speed, parity bits, etc.
•
LED: Shows whether LED display of interface status is enabled.
•
Link: Shows whether the link on this interface is up or down.
•
Duplex: Shows whether full duplex mode is in use.
•
Speed: Shows the speed of this interface in Mbps.
•
MTU Size: Shows the Maximum Transmission Unit size that has
been configured. This is the largest packet size (in bytes) that the
interface can pass along.
•
DHCP: Shows whether DHCP on this port is enabled or disabled.
•
IP Address: Shows the current IP address assigned to each network
interface device.
•
Subnet Mask: Shows the subnet mask, which defines the number of
IP addresses that are available on the routed subnet where the Array
is located.
•
Gateway: Shows the IP address of the router that the Array uses to
transmit data to other networks.
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
91
Wireless Array


92
Bond Settings Summary
This section provides information about the relationship that has been
selected for the Gigabit ports. For detailed explanations and to make
configuration changes, see “Network Bonds” on page 160.
•
Bond: Lists all network bonds that have been configured.
•
Mode: Shows the type of relationship that has been selected for the
Gigabit ports.
•
Ports: Shows the Gigabit ports that are part of this bond.
•
Port Mode: Shows the relationship that has been selected for the
Ethernet ports. See “Network Bonds” on page 160 for details
•
Active VLANs: Shows the VLANs that are active in this bond.
•
Mirror: Shows whether mirroring is enabled on this bond.
Integrated Access Points Section
This section provides information about the Integrated Access Points
(IAPs) that are contained within the Array. How many IAPs are listed
depends on which product model you are using. To make configuration
changes to these IAPs, go to “IAP Settings” on page 256.
•
IAP: Lists the IAPs that are available on the Array.
•
State: Shows the current state of each IAP, either up or down. IAPs
that are down are shown in RED. Figure 46 shows an example where
iap7 is down.
•
AP Type: Shows the types of 802.11 clients supported by this IAP (11/
a/b/g/n) and the number of separate data streams transmitted and
received by the antennas of each IAP for 802.11n. For example, 3x3
means that the IAP supports three transmit chains and three receive
chains. See “Multiple Data Streams — Spatial Multiplexing” on
page 37.
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Figure 46. Disabled IAP (Partial View)
•
Channel: Shows which channel each IAP is using, and the channel
setting. To avoid co-channel interference, adjacent radios should not
be using adjacent channels. To make channel selections for a specific
IAP, go to “IAP Settings” on page 256.
•
Wi-Fi Mode: Shows the 802.11 client types that the IAP has been
configured to support.
•
Antenna: Shows which antenna is being used by each IAP.
•
Cell Size: Indicates which cell size setting is currently active for each
IAP — small, medium, large, max, automatic, or manually defined by
you. The cell size of an IAP is a function of its transmit power and
determines the IAP’s overall coverage. To define cell sizes, go to “IAP
Settings” on page 256. For additional information about cell sizes and
the importance of planning for and defining the optimum cell sizes
for your Array, go to “Coverage and Capacity Planning” on page 26.
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
93
Wireless Array
Figure 47. IAP Cells
94
•
Tx Power: Shows the transmit power for each IAP.
•
Rx Threshold: Shows the receive threshold for each IAP.
•
Stations: Informs you how many client stations are currently
associated with each IAP. XN Arrays can handle up to 96 concurrent
users per individual IAP, thus 16-port XN models can handle 1536
users per Array.
•
WDS Link/Distance: The WDS Link on this radio (if any), and
whether the link has been set to support Long Distance Links. See
“WDS” on page 302.
•
MAC Address/BSSID: Shows the MAC address for each IAP.
•
Description: The description (if any) that you set for this IAP.
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Array Information
This is a status only window that shows you the current firmware versions
utilized by the Array, serial numbers assigned to each module, MAC addresses,
licensing information, recent boot timestamps, and current internal temperatures
and fan speed.
Note that the License Features row lists the features that are supported by your
Array’s license. See “About Licensing and Upgrades” on page 321 and
“Advanced Feature Sets” on page 14 for more information.
Figure 48. Array Information
You cannot make configuration changes in this window, but if you are
experiencing issues with network services, you may want to print the content of
this window for your records.
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
95
Wireless Array
Array Configuration
This is a status only window that allows you to display the configuration settings
assigned to the Array, based on the following filter options:

Running — displays the current configuration (the one running now).

Saved — displays the saved configuration from this session.

Lastboot — displays the configuration as it was after the last reboot.

Factory — displays the configuration established at the factory.
Figure 49. Show Configuration
If you want to see just the differences between the Running, Saved, Lastboot, and
Factory configurations, you can do this by choosing a configuration option from
the Select Config pull-down menu then selecting an alternative configuration
option from the Select Diff pull-down menu.
To also include the default configuration settings in the output, choose your
configuration then click in the Include Defaults check box. If Include Defaults is
disabled, then only the changes from the default configuration are shown.
96
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Admin History
It is useful to know who else is currently logged in to an array while you're
configuring it. It's also nice to see who has logged in since the array booted. This
status-only window shows you all administrator logins to the Array that have
occurred since the last reboot. To determine who is currently logged in, check
which entries say active in the Logout Time column.
Figure 50. Admin Login History
Network Status Windows
The following Network Status windows are available:

Network — displays a summary of network interface settings.

Network Map — displays information about this Array and neighboring
Arrays that have been detected.

Spanning Tree Status — displays the spanning tree status of network
links on this Array.

Routing Table — displays information about routing on this Array.

ARP Table — displays information about Address Resolution Protocol on
this Array.

DHCP Leases — displays information about IP addresses (leases) that the
Array has allocated to client stations.

Connection Tracking/NAT — lists connections that have been established
for client stations.
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
97
Wireless Array

CDP Neighbors — lists neighboring network devices using Cisco
Discovery Protocol.

Network Assurance — shows results of connectivity tests for network
servers.
Network
This window provides a snapshot of the configuration settings currently
established for Array’s wired interfaces. This includes the Gigabit interfaces and
their bonding settings. DNS Settings are summarized as well. You can click on
any item in the Interface or Bond columns to go to the associated configuration
window.
Figure 51. Network Settings
WMI windows that allow you to change or view configuration settings associated
with the network interfaces include:
98

“Network Interfaces” on page 157

“Network Bonds” on page 160

“DNS Settings” on page 167

“CDP Settings” on page 168
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Network Map
This window offers detailed information about this Array and all neighboring
Arrays, including how the Arrays have been set up within your network.
Figure 52. Network Map
The Network Map has a number of options at the top of the page that allow you
to customize your output by selecting from a variety of information that may be
displayed. You may sort the rows based on any column that has an active column
header, indicated when the mouse pointer changes to the hand icon . Click
Refresh to update the information at any time. Click Auto Refresh to instruct the
Array to refresh this window automatically.
Content of the Network Map Window
By default, the network map shows the following status information for each
Array:

Array Name: The host name assigned to the Array. To establish the host
name, go to “Express Setup” on page 149. You may click the host name to
access WMI for this Array.

IP Address: The Array’s IP address. You may click the address to access
WMI for this Array. If DHCP is enabled, the Array’s IP address is
assigned by the DHCP server. If DHCP is disabled, you must assign a
static IP address. To enable DHCP or to assign a static IP address for the
Array, go to “Express Setup” on page 149.
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
99
Wireless Array

Location: The location assigned to the Array. To establish the location
information, go to “Express Setup” on page 149.

Array OS: The software version running on the Array.

IAP: The number of IAPs on the Array.

(IAP) Up: Informs you how many IAPs are currently up and running. To
enable or disable all IAPs, go to “Express Setup” on page 149. To enable
or disable individual IAPs, go to “IAP Settings” on page 256.

SSID: Informs you how many SSIDs have been assigned for the Array. To
assign an SSID, go to “SSID Management” on page 231.

(SSID) On: Informs you how many SSIDs are enabled. To enable or
disable SSIDs, go to “SSID Management” on page 231.

In Range: Informs you whether the Array is within wireless range of
another Wireless Array.

Fast Roam: Informs you whether or not the Xirrus fast roaming feature is
enabled. This feature utilizes the Xirrus Roaming Protocol (XRP) ensuring
fast and seamless roaming capabilities between IAPs or Arrays at both
Layer 2 and Layer 3. To enable or disable fast roaming, go to “Global
Settings (IAP)” on page 261.

Uptime (D:H:M): Informs you how long the Array has been up and
running (in Days, Hours and Minutes).
To see additional information, select from the following checkboxes at the bottom
of the page. This will show the columns described below.
Hardware

Model: The model number of each Array (XN16, XS4, etc.), plus the
amount of RAM memory and the speed of the processor.

Serial: Displays the serial number of each Array.
License
100

License: The license key of each Array.

Licensed Features: Lists the optional features enabled by the key, if any.
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Software (enabled by default)

Enable/disable display of the Array OS column.
Firmware

Boot Loader: The software version number of the boot loader on each
Array.

SCD Firmware: The software version number of the SCD firmware on
each Array.
IAP Info (enabled by default)

Enable/disable display of the IAP/Up columns.
Stations

Stations: Tells you how many stations are currently associated to each
Array. To deauthenticate a station, go to “Stations” on page 119.
The columns to the right (H, D, W, and M) show the highest number of
stations that have been associated over various periods of time: the
previous hour, day, week, and month.
Default

Sets the columns displayed to the default settings. By default, only
Software and IAP Info are selected.
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
101
Wireless Array
Spanning Tree Status
Multiple active paths between stations can cause loops in the network. If a loop
exists in the network topology, the potential exists for the duplication of
messages. The spanning tree protocol is a link management protocol that
provides path redundancy while preventing undesirable loops. For a wireless
network to function properly, only one active path can exist between two stations.
To facilitate path redundancy, the spanning tree protocol defines a tree that spans
all stations in the network and forces certain redundant data paths into a standby
(blocked) state. If one segment in the spanning tree becomes unreachable, the
spanning tree algorithm reconfigures the network topology and reestablishes the
link by activating the standby path. The spanning tree function is transparent to
client stations.
Figure 53. Spanning Tree Status
This window shows the spanning tree status (forwarding or blocked) for path
segments that terminate on the gigabit ports and WDS links of this Array. You
may sort the rows based on the VLAN Name or Number columns by clicking the
column header. Click Refresh to update the information at any time. Click Auto
Refresh to instruct the Array to refresh this window automatically.
See Also
Network
Network Interfaces
Network Status Windows
VLANs
WDS
102
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Routing Table
This status-only window lists the entries in the Array’s routing table. The table
provides the Array with instructions for sending each packet to its next hop on its
route across the network.
Figure 54. Routing Table
See Also
VLANs
Configuring VLANs on an Open SSID
ARP Table
This status-only window lists the entries in the Array’s ARP table. For a device
with a given IP address, this table lists the device’s MAC address. It also shows
the Array interface through which this device may be reached. The table typically
includes devices that are on the same local area network segment as the Array.
Figure 55. ARP Table
See Also
Routing Table
ARP Filtering
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
103
Wireless Array
DHCP Leases
This status-only window lists the IP addresses (leases) that the Array has
allocated to client stations. For each, it shows the IP address assigned from one of
the defined DHCP pools, and the MAC address and host name of the client
station. The start and end time of the lease show how long the allocation is valid.
The same IP address is normally renewed at the expiration of the current lease.
Figure 56. DHCP Leases
See Also
DHCP Server
Connection Tracking/NAT
This status-only window lists the session connections that have been created on
behalf of clients. This table may also be used to view information about current
NAT sessions.
Figure 57. Connection Tracking
Click the Show Netbios checkbox at the bottom of the page to display NetBIOS
name information for the source and destination location of the connection. The
Netbios columns will replace traffic statistics columns.
104
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
You may sort the rows based on any column that has an active column header,
indicated when the mouse pointer changes to the hand icon . Click Refresh to
update the information at any time. Click Auto Refresh to instruct the Array to
refresh this window automatically.
See Also
Filters
CDP Neighbors
This status-only window lists devices on the Array’s network that support the
Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP).
Figure 58. CDP Neighbors
The Array performs discovery on the network on an ongoing basis. This list
shows the devices that have been discovered — Cisco devices and other devices
on the network that have CDP running. For each, it shows the device’s host name,
IP address, manufacturer and model name, the device interface that is connected
to the network (i.e., the port that was discovered), and the network capabilities of
the device (switch, router, supported protocols, etc.).
CDP must be enabled on the Array in order to gather and display this
information. For details and some restrictions, see “CDP Settings” on page 168.
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
105
Wireless Array
Network Assurance
This status-only window shows the results of ongoing network assurance testing.
Figure 59. Network Assurance
The Array checks connectivity to network servers that you have configured (for
example, DNS and NTP servers) on an ongoing basis. For each server, this list
shows the server’s host name (if any), IP address, and status.
Network assurance must be enabled on the Array in order to perform these
connectivity tests and display this information. See “Management Control” on
page 203.
See Also
Management Control
106
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
RF Monitor Windows
Every Wireless Array includes an integrated RF spectrum analyzer as a standard
feature. The spectrum analyzer allows you to characterize the RF environment by
monitoring throughput, signal, noise, errors, and interference levels continually
per channel. This capability uses the assigned threat-sensor (monitor) radio. The
associated software is part of the ArrayOS.
The following RF Status windows are available:

IAPs — displays current statistics and RF measurements for each of the
Array’s IAPs.

Spectrum Analyzer — displays current statistics and RF measurements
for each of the Array’s channels.

Intrusion Detection — displays rogue APs that have been detected by the
Array.

Channel History — charts ongoing statistics and RF measurements for
one selected channel over time.

Radio Assurance — displays counts of types of problems that caused each
IAP to reset.

Some status information is only available if the Array’s license includes
Advanced Feature Sets. For example, the Spectrum Analyzer requires the
Xirrus Advanced RF Analysis Manager (RAM). If a feature is
unavailable, then your license does not support the feature and you will get
an error message if you try to set the feature. See “About Licensing and
Upgrades” on page 321.
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
107
Wireless Array
IAPs
The RF Monitor — IAPs window displays traffic statistics and RF readings
observed by each Array IAP (radio). Note that the data is an instantaneous
snapshot for the IAP — it is not an average or a cumulative total. To graph these
values over time for a particular channel, see “Channel History” on page 114. For
detailed information on the measurements displayed, please see “Spectrum
Analyzer Measurements” on page 111.
Figure 60. RF Monitor — IAPs
Figure 60 presents the data as a graphical display, enabled by selecting the Graph
checkbox on the upper left. If this option is not selected, data is presented as a
numerical table.
Figure 61. RF Monitor — IAPs
108
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
You may sort the rows based on any column that has an active column header,
indicated when the mouse pointer changes to the hand icon . Click Refresh to
update the information at any time. Click Auto Refresh to instruct the Array to
refresh this window automatically.
Spectrum Analyzer

The RF measurements for this feature are obtained by the monitor radio. You
must have a radio set to monitor mode for any data to be available. See
“IAP Settings” on page 256.
Spectrum analysis on Wireless Arrays is a distributed capability that
automatically covers the entire wireless network, since a sensor is present in every
unit. Arrays monitor the network 24/7 and analyze interference anywhere in the
network from your desk. There’s no need to walk around with a device as with
traditional spectrum analyzers, thus you don’t have to be in the right place to find
outside sources that may cause network problems or pose a security threat. The
Array monitors all 802.11 radio bands (a/b/g/n), not just those currently used for
data transmission.
The RF Spectrum Analyzer window displays instantaneous traffic statistics and
RF readings for all channels, as measured by the Array’s monitor radio. This
differs from the RF Monitor-IAPs window, which displays values measured by
each IAP radio for its current assigned channel. For the spectrum analyzer, the
monitor radio is in a listen-only mode, scanning across all wireless channels. Each
channel is scanned in sequence, for a 250 millisecond interval per channel. The
spectrum analyzer window presents the data as a graphical display of vertical bar
graphs for each statistic as shown in Figure 62 (the default presentation), or
horizontally as bar graphs or numerical RF measurements. The measurements
displayed are explained in “Spectrum Analyzer Measurements” on page 111.
As an aid to viewing data for a particular channel, click the channel number. The
channel will be highlighted down the page (or across the page for a rotated view,
in both text and graph modes). Click additional channels to highlight them for
easy comparison. To remove the highlighting from a channel, click the channel
number again. Click Refresh to update the information at any time. Click Auto
Refresh to instruct the Array to refresh this window automatically.
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Wireless Array
Select Display Options
Click Channel number to highlight
Figure 62. RF Spectrum Analyzer
The Spectrum Analyzer offers several display options:
110

To display horizontal bar graphs, click the Rotate checkbox at the bottom
of the data window.

In the rotated view, if you wish to view data as a numerical table, click the
Text checkbox. Click again to return to a graphical display. The text
option is only available in the rotated view.
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Wireless Array

When viewing a graphical display, click Bars to have the bar graphs
displayed against a gray background — you may find this easier on the
eyes. This operation is not available when Text is selected.

You may sort the rows based on any column that has an active column
header, indicated when the mouse pointer changes to the hand icon
Sorting is only available in the rotated view.

At the bottom left of the frame, you may select whether to display only
2.4 GHz channels, 5 GHz channels, or both (the default is both). Note that
the data is an instantaneous snapshot — it is not an average or a
cumulative total.
Spectrum Analyzer Measurements
The spectrum analyzer displays the following information:

Packets/Sec: Total number of wireless packets per second on the channel,
both valid and errored packets.

Bytes/Sec: Total number of wireless bytes per second on the channel,
valid packets only.

802.11 Busy: Percentage of time that 802.11 activity is seen on the channel.

Other Busy: Percentage of time that the channel is unavailable due to
non-802.11 activity.
The total busy time (802.11 Busy plus Other Busy) will never total more
than 100%. The remaining time (100% minus total busy time) is quiet
time — the time that no activity was seen on the channel.

Signal to Noise: Average SNR (signal to noise ratio) seen on the channel,
calculated from the signal seen on valid 802.11 packets less the noise floor
level. A dash value “-“means no SNR data was available for the interval.

Noise Floor: Average noise floor reading seen on the channel (ambient
noise). A dash value “-“means no noise data was available for the
interval.

Error Rate: Percentage of the total number of wireless packets seen on the
channel that have CRC errors. The Error rate percentage may be high on
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Wireless Array
some channels since the monitor radio is set to receive at a very sensitive
level, enabling it to hear packets from devices at far distances.

Average RSSI: Average RSSI level seen on 802.11 packets received on the
channel. A dash value “-“means no RSSI data was available for the
interval.

Average Data Rate: Average data rate over time (per byte, not per packet)
seen on 802.11 packets received on the channel. A dash value “-“means
no data rate information was available for the interval. A higher date rate
(above 6 Mbps) typically indicates user data traffic on the channel.
Otherwise, the data rate reflects control packets at the lower basic rates.
Intrusion Detection
This window displays all detected access points, according to the classifications
you select from the checkboxes at the top — Blocked, Unknown, Known, or
Approved. This includes ad hoc access points (station-to-station connections). For
more information about intrusion detection, rogue APs, and blocking, please see
“About Blocking Rogue APs” on page 294.
Classify APs
Select APs to Display
Figure 63. Intrusion Detection/Rogue AP List
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Wireless Array
The Intrusion Detection window provides the easiest method for classifying
rogue APs as Blocked, Known, Approved, or Unknown. Choose one or more APs
using the checkbox in the Select column, then use the buttons on the upper left to
classify them with the following actions: Approve, Set Known, Block, or Set
Unknown.
You can sort the results based on the following parameters by clicking the desired
column header:

SSID

Security

BSSID

Type

Manufacturer

Status

Channel

Discovered

RSSI

Last Active
You can refresh the list at any time by clicking on the Refresh button, or click in
the Auto Refresh check box to instruct the Array to refresh the list automatically.
See Also
Network Map
Rogue Control List
SSIDs
SSID Management
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Wireless Array
Channel History
The RF Monitor — Channel History window focuses on traffic statistics and RF
readings observed for just one channel that you select in the Channel field. A new
set of readings is added every 10 seconds for a 5 GHz channel, or every 5 seconds
for a 2.4 GHz channel. For descriptions of the measurements displayed, please see
“Spectrum Analyzer Measurements” on page 111.
Figure 64. RF Monitor — Channel History
Figure 64 presents the data in graphical form. New data appears at the left, with
older readings shifting to the right. To make the data appear as a barchart, click
the Bar checkbox which will shade the background.
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Wireless Array
You also have the option of clicking the Rotate checkbox to give each statistic its
own column. In other words, the graph for each statistic will grow down the page
as new readings display at the top. (Figure 65)
Figure 65. RF Monitor — Channel History (Rotated)
If you select Rotate and Text together, data is presented as a numerical table.
(Figure 66)
Click Pause to stop collecting data, or Resume to continue.
Figure 66. RF Monitor — Channel History (Text)
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Wireless Array
Radio Assurance

Radio Assurance mode is only available if the Array’s license includes the
Xirrus Advanced RF Analysis Manager (RAM). If a setting is
unavailable (grayed out), then your license does not support the feature.
Please see “About Licensing and Upgrades” on page 321.
When Radio Assurance mode is enabled, the monitor radio performs loopback
tests on the Array’s radios. When problems are encountered, the Array can take
various actions to correct them by performing different levels of reset on the
affected radio. This window shows which resets, if any, have been performed on
which radios since the last reboot.
The Array’s response to radio problems is controlled by the Radio Assurance
Mode selected, as described in “RF Resilience” on page 284. If you have selected
Failure Alerts & Repairs (with or without reboots), then the Array can take
corrective action if a problem is detected. Note that radio assurance requires RF
Monitor Mode to be enabled in Advanced RF Settings to turn on self-monitoring
functions. It also requires a radio to be set to monitoring mode. For a detailed
discussion of the operation of this feature and the types of resets performed, see
“Radio Assurance” on page 421.
Figure 67. Radio Assurance
For each of the Array’s radios, this window shows the radio’s state, its type (IEEE
802.11 type and antenna type—2x2 or 3x3), the assigned channel, and the selected
802.11 wireless mode. To the right, the table shows counts for the number of
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times, if any, that radio assurance has performed each of the following types of
resets since the last reboot, as described in Radio Assurance:

Monitor

Beacon

Phy

MAC

System (i.e., reboot the Array)
See Also
IAPs
Xirrus Advanced RF Analysis Manager (RAM)
RF Resilience
Radio Assurance
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Wireless Array
Station Status Windows
The following Station Status windows are available:

Stations — this list describes all stations associated to the Array.

Location Map — displays a map showing the approximate locations of all
stations associated to the array.

RSSI — for each associated station, this displays the Received Signal
Strength Indicator at each of the Array’s IAPs.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) — for each associated station, this displays
the SNR at each of the Array’s IAPs.

Noise Floor — for each associated station, this displays the ambient noise
(silence) value at each of the Array’s IAPs.

Max by IAP — for each IAP, this shows the historical maximum number
of stations that have been associated to it over various periods of time.

Station Assurance — displays stations that are having connectivity
problems.

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Some status information is only available if the Array’s license includes the
Xirrus Advanced RF Analysis Manager (RAM). If a feature is
unavailable, then your license does not support the feature and you will get
an error message if you try to set the feature. See “About Licensing and
Upgrades” on page 321.
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Wireless Array
Stations
This status-only window shows client stations currently visible to the Array. You
may choose to view only stations that have Associated to the Array, or only
stations that are Unassociated, or both, by selecting the appropriate checkboxes
above the list. The list always shows the MAC address of each station, its IP
address, the SSID used for the association, the Group (if any) that this station
belongs to, its VLAN, its QoS, the IAP used for the association, transmit and
receive rates, the RSSI for each station, and how long each association has been
active (up time).
You may click other checkboxes above the list to show a number of additional
columns:

Identification: shows more identifying information for the station — its
User Name, Host Name, Manufacturer, Device Type, and Device Class
(for example, notebook, iPad, etc.).

Security: includes security settings used by the connection —
Enc(ryption) type, Cipher used, Key Mgmt used, and Media supported
by the station.

Connection Info: shows the Band (5GHz or 2.4 GHz) and Channel(s)
used (plus bonded channel, if any, for 802.11n). Shows additional RF
measurements that affect the quality of the connection: SNR (signal to
noise ratio) and Silence — the ambient noise (floor) value.
Figure 68. Stations
You may sort the rows based on any column that has an active column header,
indicated when the mouse pointer changes to the hand icon . Click again to
reverse the sort order. You may select a specific station and perform one of the
following actions by clicking the associated button:
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Wireless Array

Deny Access: Sends a de-authentication frame to the selected station and
explicitly denies it access by adding its MAC address to the Deny List in
the Access Control List window. To permit access again, go to “Access
Control List” on page 209 and delete the station from the Deny list.

Deauthenticate: Sends a de-authentication frame to the selected station.
The station may re-authenticate.
Click on the Refresh button to refresh the station list, or click in the Auto Refresh
check box to instruct the Array to refresh this window automatically.
See Also
Access Control List
Station Status Windows
Location Map
The Location Map shows the approximate locations of stations relative to this
Array. The location of each station is computed based on the RSSI of its signal as
received by the Array. The distance is adjusted based on the environment setting
that you selected. You may display just the stations associated to this Array,
unassociated stations (shown in gray), or both. The station count is shown on the
right, above the map. You may also choose to display only 5 GHz stations (shown
in orange) or 2.4 GHz stations (shown in green), or both.
Array
Hover mouse to
show details
Associated Stations
orange - 5 GHz
green - 2.4GHz
Unassociated Station
Figure 69. Location Map
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Wireless Array
The map and Array are shown as if you were looking down on the Array from
above, say from a skylight on the roof. Thus the positions of the radios are a
mirror image of the way they are typically drawn when looking at the face of the
Array. Radios are marked on the map to show the orientation of the Array.
A station is identified by the type of Preferred Label that you select: Netbios
Name, IP Address, MAC Address, or Manufacturer. If multiple stations are near
each other, they will be displayed slightly offset so that one station does not
completely obscure another. You may minimize a station that is not of interest by
clicking it. There is also a Minimize All button.
You may replace the range-finder background image above with your own
custom image of the floorplan of the area served by the Array — see “Working
with the Custom Image” on page 124
Hover the mouse over a station to show detailed information. (Figure 69) For a
station that is associated to this Array, the details include:

The IAP, Channel, and SSID to which the station is associated.

The MAC and IP address and Netbios name of the station.

The TX Rate and RX Rate of this connection.

The approximate Distance of this station from the Array. The distance is
estimated using the received signal strength and your environment
setting. The environment determines the typical signal attenuation due to
walls and other construction that affect signal reception.
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Wireless Array
Controls and items displayed on the Location Map window

The Location Map has its own scroll bars in addition to the browser’s scroll
bars. If you narrow the browser window, the map’s scroll bar may be hidden.
Use the browser’s bottom scroll bar if you need to move it into view.
Scale
Preferred
Label
Minimize stations
Stations 
to display
Replace background
Zoom in
Zoom out
Reset display Rotate map
Environment
Setting
Station counts
Figure 70. Controls for Location Map
122

Display Associated/Unassociated: Select whether to display stations that
are associated to the Array, stations that are not associated, or both.

Display 2.4 GHz/5 GHz: Select whether to display 802.11bg(n) stations,
or 802.11a(n) stations, or both.

Minimize All: All stations are shown by default with their NetBIOS
name or IP or MAC address. If the map is too cluttered, you can reduce
the display for each station to a small rectangle. (Figure 71) You may still
display detailed information for the station by hovering over it. To
enlarge all rectangles, clear the Minimize All checkbox.

Preferred Label: This field is located on the top of the window towards
the right. It selects the type of label to be displayed for stations: Netbios
Name, IP Address, MAC Address, or Manufacturer. If you select
NetBIOS (this is the default), then that name, if known, will be used to
label each Array. Else, its IP or MAC address will be used, in that order.

Auto Refresh: Instructs the Array to refresh this window automatically.

Refresh: Updates the stations displayed.
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Wireless Array
Normal station display
Minimized station display
Figure 71. Minimizing stations

Custom Image: Use this feature to replace the default background image
with your own image of the floor plan of your location. Click the Browse
button and browse to the desired file on your computer. This may be a
.gif, .jpg, .jpeg., .png, .htm, or .html file. The scale of the file should be 100
feet per inch. Then click Upload (see below). For more information on
using the custom, image, see “Working with the Custom Image” on
page 124.

Upload: After browsing to the desired custom image, click the Upload
button to install it. The map is redisplayed with your new background.
No hash marks (for the map scale) are added to the image display.

Reset: Click this button to restore the map display to the factory settings.
All attributes are restored — including the stations selected for display, the
scale, the rotation, and the background map.

Rotate: Click this button to rotate the orientation of the entire map. It
rotates the map 45o counter-clockwise.

Enlarge: Click this button to enlarge (zoom in on) the map. The displayed
Scale is updated with the new scale for the map.

Reduce: Click this button to reduce (zoom out on) the map.
The displayed Scale is updated with the new scale for the map.
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Wireless Array

Environment: This field is located on the top right of the window. Select
the type of environment for this Array’s deployment: Indoor open (few
walls or obstructions), Indoor walled (typical wall or cubicle
construction), or Indoor dense (many walls or obstructions, or unusually
dense walls).

Scale: This view-only value shows the approximate distance represented
by each hashmark on the default map background.

Associated, Unassociated, Total Stations: These view-only values show
the station counts observed by the Array.
See Also
Station Status Windows
Working with the Custom Image
After you have uploaded a custom image (see Custom Image and Upload in
“Controls and items displayed on the Location Map window” on page 122), you
should move the display of the Array on your map to correspond with its actual
location at your site.
To move the Array on the map, simply click it, then drag and drop it to the
desired location. The Array will continue to follow the mouse pointer to allow
you to make further changes to its location. When you are satisfied with its
location, click the Array again to return to normal operation.
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Wireless Array
RSSI
For each station that is associated to the Array, the RSSI (Received Signal Strength
Indicator) window shows the station’s RSSI value as measured by each IAP. In
other words, the window shows the strength of the station’s signal at each radio.
You may choose to display Unassociated Stations as well with a checkbox at the
bottom of the window.
Figure 72. Station RSSI Values
By default, the RSSI is displayed numerically. You may display the relative
strength using color if you select Colorize Intensity, with the strongest signals
indicated by the most intense color. (Figure 72) If you select Graph, then the RSSI
is shown on a representation of the Array, either colorized or numerically based
on your selection. (Figure 73) The stations are listed to the left of the Array — click
on a station to show its RSSI values on the Array.
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Wireless Array
Figure 73. Station RSSI Values — Colorized Graphical View
In either graphical or tabular view, you may sort the rows based on any column
that has an active column header, indicated when the mouse pointer changes to
the hand icon . Click on the Refresh button to refresh the station list, or click in
the Auto Refresh check box to instruct the Array to refresh this window
automatically.
See Also
Station Status Windows
RF Monitor Windows
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Wireless Array
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)
For each station that is associated to the Array, the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)
window shows the station’s SNR value as measured by each IAP. In other words,
the window shows the SNR of the station’s signal at each IAP radio. The signalto-noise ratio can be very useful for determining the cause of poor performance at
a station. A low value means that action may need to be taken to reduce sources of
noise in the environment and/or improve the signal from the station.
Figure 74. Station Signal-to-Noise Ratio Values
You may choose to display Unassociated Stations as well with a checkbox at the
bottom of the window.
By default, the SNR is displayed numerically. (Figure 74) You may display
the relative value using color if you select Colorize Intensity, with the highest
SNR indicated by the most intense color. (Figure 75) If you select Graph, then
the SNR is shown on a representation of the Array, either colorized or numerically
based on your selection. The stations are listed to the left of the Array — click on a
station to show its SNR values on the Array.
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Wireless Array
Figure 75. Station SNR Values — Colorized Graphical View
In either graphical or tabular view, you may sort the rows based on any column
that has an active column header, indicated when the mouse pointer changes to
the hand icon . Click on the Refresh button to refresh the station list, or click in
the Auto Refresh check box to instruct the Array to refresh this window
automatically.
See Also
Station Status Windows
RF Monitor Windows
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Wireless Array
Noise Floor
For each station that is associated to the Array, the Noise Floor window shows
the ambient noise affecting a station’s signal as measured by each IAP. The noise
floor is the RSSI value when the station is not transmitting, sometimes called a
Silence value. In other words, the window shows the noise floor of the station’s
signal at each IAP radio. The noise floor value can be very useful for
characterizing the environment of a station to determine the cause of poor
performance. A relatively high value means that action may need to be taken to
reduce sources of noise in the environment.
Figure 76. Station Noise Floor Values
You may choose to display Unassociated Stations as well with a checkbox at the
bottom of the window.
By default, the noise floor is displayed numerically. (Figure 76) You may display
the relative value using color if you select Colorize Intensity, with the highest
noise indicated by the most intense color. If you select Graph, then the ambient
noise is shown on a representation of the Array, either colorized or numerically
based on your selection.(Figure 77) The stations are listed to the left of the
Array — click on a station to show its values on the Array.
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129
Wireless Array
Figure 77. Station Noise Floor Values — Colorized Graphical View
In either graphical or tabular view, you may sort the rows based on any column
that has an active column header, indicated when the mouse pointer changes to
the hand icon . Click on the Refresh button to refresh the station list, or click in
the Auto Refresh check box to instruct the Array to refresh this window
automatically.
See Also
Station Status Windows
RF Monitor Windows
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Wireless Array
Max by IAP
This status-only window shows the maximum number of client stations that have
historically been associated to the Array. For each IAP, the list shows the IAP’s
state and channel number, the current number of stations associated, and the
highest number of stations that have been associated over various periods of time:
hour, day, week, month, and year. In other words, the Max Station Count shows
the “high water mark” over the selected period of time — the maximum count of
stations for the selected period, rather than a cumulative count of all stations that
have associated. This information aids in network administration and in planning
for additional capacity.
Figure 78. Max by IAP
You may click an IAP to go to the IAP Settings window. Click on the Refresh
button to refresh the station list, or click Auto Refresh to instruct the Array to
refresh this window automatically.
See Also
IAPs
Station Status Windows
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Wireless Array
Station Assurance
Station assurance monitors the quality of the connections that users are
experiencing on the wireless network. This window shows client stations that
have had connectivity issues. You may enable or disable the station assurance
feature and set thresholds for the problems that it checks, such as excessive packet
retry or packet error rates, or stations that are unable to stay associated to the
Array. Please see “Station Assurance” on page 288 for more information about
these settings. When the Array detects that a station has reached the threshold
value for one or more of the issues checked, it adds the station to this page. In
addition, an event is triggered, a trap is generated, and a Syslog message is
logged.
For each station, this list shows the MAC address, its IP address, its host name, its
device type, device class, and manufacturer. It also shows the values of the
various statistics that were monitored for problems as described in “Station
Assurance” on page 288: associated time, authentication failures, packet error
rate, packet retry rate, packet data rate, RSSI, signal to noise ratio (SNR), and
distance.
Figure 79. Station Assurance
You may click the Clear Inactive button to remove stations that are no longer
connected to the Array from the list. Click the Clear All button to remove all
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Wireless Array
entries and start fresh to add problem stations to the list as they are detected.
Click on the Refresh button to refresh the station list, or click Auto Refresh to
instruct the Array to refresh this window automatically.
See Also
IAPs
Station Status Windows
Station Assurance
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Wireless Array
Statistics Windows
The following Array Statistics windows are available:

IAP Statistics Summary — provides an overview of the statistical data
associated with all IAPs. Expands to show links for displaying detailed
statistics for individual IAPs.

Per-IAP Statistics — provides detailed statistics for an individual IAP.

Network Statistics — displays statistical data associated with each
network (Ethernet) interface.

VLAN Statistics — provides statistical data associated with your assigned
VLANs.

WDS Statistics — provides statistical data for all WDS client and host
links.

Filter Statistics — provides statistical data for all configured filters.

Station Statistics — provides statistical data associated with each station.
IAP Statistics Summary
This is a status only window that provides an overview of the statistical data
associated with all IAPs. It also shows the channel used by each IAP. For detailed
statistics for a specific IAP, see “Per-IAP Statistics” on page 135. Click the Unicast
Stats Only checkbox on the lower left to filter the results, or clear the checkbox to
show statistics for all wireless traffic.
You can Refresh the data (update the window with the latest information) or
Clear the data (reset all content to zero and begin counting again) at any time by
clicking on the appropriate button. You can also click in the Auto Refresh check
box to instruct the Array to refresh this window automatically.
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Wireless Array
Figure 80. IAP Statistics Summary Page
See Also
System Log Window
Global Settings (IAP)
Global Settings .11an
Global Settings .11bgn
IAPs
Per-IAP Statistics
This is a status only window that provides detailed statistics for the selected IAP.
If you click the link for IAP All in the left frame, each detailed statistic field will
show the sum of that statistic for all IAPs. For a summary of statistics for all IAPs,
see “IAP Statistics Summary” on page 134. Use the Display Percentages
checkbox at the lower left to select the output format — check this option to
express each statistic as a percentage of the total at the top of the column, or leave
it blank to display raw numbers.
A quick way to display the statistics for a particular IAP is by clicking the Array
graphic at the bottom left of the WMI window. Click the desired IAP, and the
selected statistics will be displayed. See “User Interface” on page 83.
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135
Wireless Array
Figure 81. Individual IAP Statistics Page
You can Refresh the data (update the window with the latest information) or
Clear the data (reset all content to zero and begin counting again) at any time by
clicking on the appropriate button. You can also click in the Auto Refresh check
box to instruct the Array to refresh this window automatically.
See Also
System Log Window
Global Settings (IAP)
Global Settings .11an
Global Settings .11bgn
IAPs
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Wireless Array
Network Statistics
This is a status only window that allows you to review statistical data associated
with each network (Ethernet) interface and its activity. You can Refresh the data
(update the window with the latest information) or Clear the data (reset all
content to zero and begin counting again) at any time by clicking on the
appropriate button. You can also click in the Auto Refresh check box to instruct
the Array to refresh this window automatically. If you are experiencing problems
on the Array, you may also want to print this window for your records
Figure 82. Network Statistics
See Also
DHCP Server
DNS Settings
Network
Network Interfaces
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Wireless Array
VLAN Statistics
This is a status only window that allows you to review statistical data associated
with your assigned VLANs. You can refresh the information that is displayed on
this page at any time by clicking on the Refresh button, or select the Auto Refresh
option for this window to refresh automatically. The Clear All button at the lower
left allows you to clear (zero out) all VLAN statistics.
Figure 83. VLAN Statistics
See Also
VLAN Management
VLANs
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Wireless Array
WDS Statistics
The main WDS Statistics window provides statistical data for all WDS client and
host links. To access data about a specific WDS client or host link, simply click on
the desired link in the left frame to access the appropriate window. You may also
choose to view a sum of the statistics for all client links, all host links, or all links
(both client and host links).
Figure 84. WDS Statistics
See Also
SSID Management
WDS
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Wireless Array
Filter Statistics
The Filter Statistics window provides statistical data for all configured filters. The
name, state (enabled — on or off), and type (allow or deny) of each filter is shown.
For enabled filters, this window shows the number of packets and bytes that met
the filter criteria. Click on a column header to sort the rows based on that column.
Click on a filter name to edit the filter settings.
Figure 85. Filter Statistics
See Also
Filters
Station Statistics
This status-only window provides an overview of statistical data for all stations.
Stations are listed by MAC address, and Receive and Transmit statistics are
summarized for each. For detailed statistics for a specific station, click the desired
MAC address in the Station column and see “Per-Station Statistics” on page 141.
Figure 86. Station Statistics
Note that you can clear the data for an individual station (see Per-Station
Statistics), but you cannot clear the data for all stations using this window.
140
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Wireless Array
You can Refresh the data (update the window with the latest information) at any
time by clicking on the appropriate button. You can also click in the Auto Refresh
check box to instruct the Array to refresh this window automatically.
See Also
Per-Station Statistics
Per-Station Statistics
This window provides detailed statistics for the selected station. This window is
accessed from the Station Statistics window — click the MAC address of the
desired entry in the Station column to display its Per-Station Statistics window.
Receive and Transmit statistics are listed by Rate — this is the data rate in Mbps.
For a summary of statistics for all stations, see “Station Statistics” on page 140.
You can Refresh the data (update the window with the latest information) or
Clear the data (reset all content to zero and begin counting again) at any time by
clicking on the appropriate button. You can also click in the Auto Refresh check
box to instruct the Array to refresh this window automatically.
Figure 87. Individual Station Statistics Page
See Also
Station Statistics
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
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Wireless Array
System Log Window
This is a status only window that allows you to review the system log, where
system alerts and messages are displayed. Although there are no configuration
options available in this window, you do have the usual choice of deciding how
the event messages are sorted by clicking in the column header for the desired
field (Time Stamp, Priority, or Message).

Time Stamp — sorts the list based on the time the event occurred.

Priority — sorts the list based on the priority assigned to the message.

Message — sorts the list based on the message category
The displayed messages may be filtered by using the Filter Priority option, which
allows control of the minimum priority level displayed. For example, you may
choose (under Services >System Log) to log messages at or above Debug level
but use Filter Priority to display only those at Information level and above.
Figure 88. System Log (Alert Level Highlighted)
Use the Highlight Priority field if you wish to highlight messages at the selected
priority level. Click on the Refresh button to refresh the message list, or click on
the Clear All button at the upper left to delete all messages. You can also click in
the Auto Refresh check box to instruct the Array to refresh this window
automatically.
Note that there is a shortcut way to view system log messages. If you click Log
Messages near the bottom of the left hand frame, WMI displays counts of log
messages at different severity levels. Click a count to display just those messages
in the System Log window. See Figure 40 on page 83 for more information.
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Wireless Array
IDS Event Log Window
This status only window displays the Intrusion Detection System (IDS) Event log,
listing any detected attacks on your network. For descriptions of the types of
attacks detected, as well as the settings to fine-tune IDS on the Array, please see
“Intrusion Detection” on page 291.
The displayed messages may be filtered by using the Filter Event setting, which
allows you to select just one type of intrusion to display. For example, you may
choose to display only beacon flood attacks.
Figure 89. IDS Event Log
Use the Highlight Event field if you wish to highlight all events of one particular
type in the list. Click on the Refresh button to refresh the message list, or click the
Auto Refresh check box to instruct the Array to refresh this window
automatically.
Although there are no configuration options available in this window, you do
have the usual choice of deciding how the event messages are sorted by clicking
in the column header for the desired field.

Time Stamp — the time that the event occurred.

IAP — the affected radio.

Channel — the affected channel.

Event — the type of attack, as described in Intrusion Detection.

SSID — the SSID that was attacked.

MAC Address — the MAC address of the attacker.

Period — the length of the window used to determine whether the count
of this type of event exceeded the threshold.
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143
Wireless Array
144

Current — the count of this type of event for the current period.

Average — the average count per period of this type of event.

Maximum — the maximum count per period of this type of event.
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Wireless Array
Use this Space for Your Notes
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
145
Wireless Array
146
Viewing Status on the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Configuring the Wireless Array
The following topics include procedures for configuring the Array using the
product’s embedded Web Management Interface (WMI). Procedures have been
organized into functional areas that reflect the flow and content of the WMI.
The following WMI windows allow you to establish configuration parameters for
your Array, and include:

“Express Setup” on page 149

“Network” on page 156

“Services” on page 170

“VLANs” on page 185

“Security” on page 190

“SSIDs” on page 224

“Groups” on page 246

“IAPs” on page 253

“WDS” on page 302

“Filters” on page 308

“Clusters” on page 314
After making changes to the configuration settings of an Array you must click on
the Save changes to flash button at the top of the configuration window,
otherwise the changes you make will not be applied the next time the Array is
rebooted.

Some settings are only available if the Array’s license includes appropriate
Xirrus Advanced Feature Sets. If a setting is unavailable (grayed out),
then your license does not support the feature. See “About Licensing and
Upgrades” on page 321.
Note that the Configuration menu section may be collapsed down to hide the
headings under it by clicking it. Click again to display the headings. (See
Figure 41 on page 84.)
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Wireless Array
This chapter only discusses using the configuration windows on the Array. To
view status or use system tools on the Array, please see:
148

“Viewing Status on the Wireless Array” on page 89

“Using Tools on the Wireless Array” on page 319
Configuring the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Express Setup
Use the Express Setup page to establish global configuration settings that enable
basic Array functionality. Any changes you make in this window will affect all
radios.
Figure 90. WMI: Express Setup
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Wireless Array
When finished, click Save changes to flash if you wish to make your changes
permanent.
Procedure for Performing an Express Setup
1.
Host Name: Specify a unique host name for this Array. The host name is
used to identify the Array on the network. Use a name that will be
meaningful within your network environment, up to 64 alphanumeric
characters. The default is Xirrus-WiFi-Array.
2.
Location Information: Enter a brief but meaningful description that
accurately defines the physical location of the Array. In an environment
where multiple units are installed, clear definitions for their locations are
important if you want to identify a specific unit.
3.
Admin Contact: Enter the name and contact information of the person
who is responsible for administering the Array at the designated location.
4.
Admin Email: Enter the email address of the admin contact you entered
in Step 3.
5.
Admin Phone: Enter the telephone number of the admin contact you
entered in Step 3.
6.
License Key: If Xirrus issued you a license that differs from the current
value shown, enter it now.
7.
Configure SNMP: Select whether to Enable SNMPv2 on the Array, and
set the SNMPv2 community strings. The factory default value for the
Read-Only Community String is xirrus_read_only. The factory default
value for the Read-Write Community String is xirrus. If you are using
the Xirrus Management System (XMS), the read-write string must match
the string used by XMS. XMS also uses the default value xirrus.
8.
Configure the Gigabit Ethernet network interface settings. Please see
“Network Interfaces” on page 157 for more information.
The fields for each of these interfaces are similar, and include:
a.
150
Enable Interface: Choose Yes to enable this network interface, or
choose No to disable the interface.
Configuring the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
b. Allow Management on Interface: Choose Yes to allow management
of the Array via this Gigabit interface, or choose No to deny all
management privileges for this interface.
c.
9.
Configuration Server Protocol: Choose DHCP to instruct the Array
to use DHCP to assign IP addresses to the Array’s Ethernet interfaces,
or choose Static if you intend to enter IP addresses manually. If you
choose the Static IP option, you must enter the following IP Settings:
•
Address: Enter a valid IP address for this Array. To use a remote
connection (Web, SNMP, or SSH), a valid IP address must be
used.
•
Subnet Mask: Enter a valid IP address for the subnet mask (the
default is 255.255.255.0). The subnet mask defines the number of
IP addresses that are available on the routed subnet where the
Array is located.
•
Default Gateway: Enter a valid IP address for the default
gateway. This is the IP address of the router that the Array uses
to forward data to other networks.
•
Click the Apply button for this interface when done making IP
changes.
SSID Settings: This section specifies the wireless network name and
security settings.
a.
The SSID (Wireless Network Name) is a unique name that identifies
a wireless network (SSID stands for Service Set Identifier). All devices
attempting to connect to a specific WLAN must use the same SSID.
The default SSID is xirrus. Entering a value in this field will replace
the default SSID with the new name.
For additional information about SSIDs, go to the Multiple SSIDs
section of “Frequently Asked Questions” on page 412.
b. Wireless Security: Select the desired wireless security scheme (Open,
WEP or WPA). Make your selection from the choices available in the
pull-down list.
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Wireless Array
•
Open — This option offers no data encryption and is not
recommended, though you might choose this option if clients are
required to use a VPN connection through a secure SSH utility,
like PuTTy.
•
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) — An optional IEEE 802.11
function that offers frame transmission privacy similar to a wired
network. WEP generates secret shared encryption keys that both
source and destination stations can use to alter frame bits to
avoid disclosure to eavesdroppers.
•
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) — A Wi-Fi Alliance standard that
contains a subset of the IEEE 802.11i standard, using TKIP or AES
as an encryption method and 802.1x for authentication. WPA is
the stronger of the two wireless security schemes.
•
WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) — WPA2 is the follow-on
security method to WPA for wireless networks and provides
stronger data protection and network access control. It offers
Enterprise and consumer Wi-Fi users with a high level of
assurance that only authorized users can access their wireless
networks. Like WPA, WPA2 is designed to secure all versions of
802.11 devices, including 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n,
multi-band and multi-mode.
•
WPA-Both (WPA and WPA2) — This option makes use of both
WPA and WPA2.
For more information about security, including a full review of all
security options and settings, go to “Understanding Security” on
page 191.
c.
WEP Encryption Key/Passphrase: Depending on the wireless
security scheme you selected, enter a unique WEP key or WPA
passphrase. This field and the one below only appear if you select a
Wireless Security option other than Open.
d. Confirm Encryption Key/Passphrase: If you entered a WEP key or
WPA passphrase, confirm it here.
152
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Wireless Array
e.
Click Apply SSID Settings when done.
10. Admin Settings: This section allows you to change the default admin
username, password, and privileges for the Array. You may change the
password and leave the user name as is, but we suggest that you change
both to improve Array security.
a.
New Admin User (Replaces user “admin”): Enter the name of a new
administrator user account. Be sure to record the new account name
and password, because the default admin user will be deleted! Note
that the Array also offers the option of authenticating administrators
using a RADIUS server (see “Admin Management” on page 196)).
b. New Admin Privilege Level: By default, the new administrator will
have read/write privileges on the Array (i.e., the new user will be
able to change the configuration of the Array). If you wish the new
account to have different privileges, select the desired level from the
drop-down list. For more information about user privileges, please
see “Admin Privileges” on page 198. Take care to make sure to leave
yourself enough read/write privileges on at least one account to be
able to administer the Array.
c.
New Admin Password: Enter a new administration password for
managing this Array. If you forget this password, you must reset the
Array to its factory defaults so that the password is reset to admin (its
default setting).
d. Confirm Admin Password: If you entered a new administration
password, confirm the new password here.
e.
Click Apply Admin Settings when done.
11. Time and Date Settings: This section specifies an optional time (NTP Network Time Protocol) server or modifies the system time if you’re not
using a server.
a.
Current Array Date and Time: This read-only field shows the current
time for your convenience.
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Wireless Array
b. Time Zone: Select your time zone from the choices available in the
pull-down list.
c.
Auto Adjust Daylight Savings: If you are not using NTP, check this
box if you want the system to adjust for daylight savings
automatically, otherwise leave this box unchecked (default).
d. Use Network Time Protocol: Check this box if you want to use an
NTP server to synchronize the Array’s clock. Use of NTP is
mandatory for Arrays to be managed with XMS (the Xirrus
Management System), and ensures that Syslog time-stamping is
maintained across all units. Without using an NTP server (no
universal clock), each Array will use its own internal clock and stamp
times accordingly, which may result in discrepancies. If you select
Yes, the NTP server fields are displayed. If you don’t want to use an
NTP server, select No (default) and set the system time on the Array
manually.
e.
NTP Primary Server: If you are using NTP, enter the IP address or
domain name of the NTP server.
f.
NTP Primary Authentication: (optional) If you are using
authentication with NTP, select the type of key: MD5 or SHA1. Select
None if you are not using authentication (this is the default). For
more information on authenticated NTP, see “Time Settings (NTP)”
on page 171.
g.
NTP Primary Authentication Key ID: Enter the key ID, which is a
decimal integer.
h. NTP Primary Authentication Key: Enter your key, which is a string
of characters.
i.
154
NTP Secondary Server: Enter the IP address or domain name of an
optional secondary NTP server to be used in case the Array is unable
to contact the primary server. You may use the authentication fields
as described above if you wish to set up authentication for the
secondary server.
Configuring the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
j.
Adjust Time (hrs:min:sec): If you are not using NTP, check this box if
you want to adjust the current system time. When the box is checked,
the time fields become active. Enter the revised time (hours, minutes,
seconds, am/pm) in the corresponding fields. If you don’t want to
adjust the current time, this box should be left unchecked (default).
k. Adjust Date (month/day/year): If you are not using NTP, check this
box if you want to adjust the current system date. When the box is
checked, the date fields become active. Enter the revised date (month,
day and year) in the corresponding fields. If you don’t want to adjust
the current date, this box should be left unchecked (default).
12. IAP Settings:
Enable/Configure All IAPs: Click on the Execute button to enable and
auto configure all IAPs (a message displays the countdown time — in
seconds — to complete the auto-configuration task). When an IAP is
enabled, its LED is switched on.
13. Click Save changes to flash at the upper right to make your changes
permanent, i.e., these settings will still be in effect after a reboot.
Configuring the Wireless Array
155
Wireless Array
Network
This is a status-only window that provides a snapshot of the configuration
settings currently established for the Ethernet interfaces. DNS Settings and CDP
Settings (Cisco Discovery Protocol) are summarized as well. You must go to the
appropriate configuration window to make changes to any of the settings
displayed here (configuration changes cannot be made from this window). You
can click on any item in the Interface column to “jump” to the associated
configuration window.
Figure 91. Network Interfaces
WMI windows that allow you to change or view configuration settings associated
with the network interfaces include:

“Network Interfaces” on page 157

“Network Bonds” on page 160

“DNS Settings” on page 167

“CDP Settings” on page 168
See Also
DNS Settings
Network Interfaces
Network Status Windows
Spanning Tree Status
Network Statistics
156
Configuring the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Network Interfaces
XR-1000 and XR-2000 Series Arrays have one Gigabit Ethernet interface, while
XR-4000 Series Arrays have two, and XR-6000 Series models have four. This
window allows you to establish configuration settings for these interfaces.
Figure 92. Network Settings
Configuring the Wireless Array
157
Wireless Array
When finished making changes, click Save changes to flash if you wish to make
your changes permanent. When the status of a port changes, a Syslog entry is
created describing the change.
Network Interface Ports
The following diagram shows the location of each network interface port on the
underside of the Array.
XR-6000 Series
XR-4000 Series
Console
Gigabit1 POE
Gigabit2 POE
Gigabit3
Gigabit4
Console
Gigabit1 POE
Gigabit2
Figure 93. Network Interface Ports
Procedure for Configuring the Network Interfaces
Configure the Gigabit network interfaces. The fields for each of these interfaces
are the same, and include:
158
1.
Enable Interface: Choose Yes to enable this network interface, or choose
No to disable the interface.
2.
LED Indicator: Choose Enabled to allow the LED for this interface to
blink with traffic on the port, or choose Disabled to turn the LED off.
Configuring the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
The LED will still light during the boot sequence, then turn off. This
option is only available for the Gigabit interfaces.
3.
Allow Management on Interface: Choose Yes to allow management of
this Array via the selected network interface, or choose No to deny all
management privileges for this interface.
4.
Auto Negotiate: This feature allows the Array to negotiate the best
transmission rates automatically. Choose Yes to enable this feature, or
choose No to disable this feature — the default is enabled. If you disable
the Auto Negotiate feature, you must define the Duplex and Speed
options manually (otherwise these options are not available).
a.
Duplex: Full-duplex mode transmits data in two directions
simultaneously (for example, a telephone is a full-duplex device
because both parties can talk and be heard at the same time). Halfduplex allows data transmission in one direction at a time only (for
example, a walkie-talkie is a half-duplex device). If the AutoNegotiate feature is disabled, you can manually choose Half or Full
duplex for your data transmission preference.
b. MTU: the Maximum Transmission Unit size. This is the largest packet
size (in bytes) that the interface can pass along.
c.
5.
Speed: If the Auto-Negotiate feature is disabled, you must manually
choose the desired data transmission speed from the pull-down list.
For configuring the Gigabit interfaces the options are 10 Megabit or
100 Megabit. (Note that 1000 Megabit speed can only be set by AutoNegotiation.)
Configuration Server Protocol / IP Settings: Choose DHCP to instruct
the Array to use DHCP when assigning IP addresses to the Array, or
choose Static IP if you intend to enter IP addresses manually. If you select
the Static IP option you must specify the IP address, IP subnet mask and
default gateway.
a.
Address: If you selected the Static IP option, enter a valid IP address
for the Array. To use any of the remote connections (Web, SNMP, or
SSH), a valid IP address must be established.
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159
Wireless Array
b. Subnet Mask: If you selected the Static IP option, enter a valid IP
address for the subnet mask (the default for Class C is 255.255.255.0).
The subnet mask defines the number of IP addresses that are
available on the routed subnet where the Array is located.
c.
Default Gateway: If you selected the Static IP option, enter a valid IP
address for the default gateway. This is the IP address of the router
that the Array uses to transmit data to other networks.
d. Click the Apply button for this interface when done making IP
changes.
6.
When done configuring all interfaces as desired, click Save changes to
flash if you wish to make your changes permanent.
See Also
Network Bonds
DNS Settings
Network
Network Statistics
Spanning Tree Status
Network Bonds
On models with more than one Gigabit port these ports may be bonded, i.e.
configured to work together in sets. For example, one port may provide active
backup or load balancing for another, or other options as described in this section.
XR-6000 Series Arrays have four Gigabit ports, and you may specify which ports
are bonded to work together as a pair. You may also bond all four ports to work
together in one group.
??True?? You may use the mirror option to bridge traffic between Gigabit ports or
to duplicate traffic from bonded ports to another port for troubleshooting with a
network analyzer.

160
If a set of Gigabit ports have been bonded, any changes you make to the
settings of one member will be reflected in the settings of the other members.
They cannot be configured separately.??x true??
Configuring the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Figure 94. Network Bonds
Procedure for Configuring Network Bonds
Configure the bonding behavior of the Gigabit network interfaces. The fields for
each of these bonds are the same, and include:
1.
Bond Mode: Select the desired behavior for a set of bonded Gigabit
Ethernet ports from the following options. For a more detailed discussion
of the use of the Gigabit ports and the options below, please see the Xirrus
Gigabit Ethernet Port Modes Application Note in the Xirrus Resource Center.
The modes below describe the relationship between a set of Gigabit
ports—for example, load balancing or active backup. Use the Bond Ports
field to select the ports that are bonded (set in Step 2). Two or more ports
may be bonded. In Arrays that have four Gigabit ports, you have the
option of bonding all four ports together. ??True?? In this discussion, we
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161
Wireless Array
call two ports that are bonded Gigabitx and Gigabity. x Shelly - paginate
and check refs for XR and XN versions!!
a.
Active Backup (gig ports fail over to each other) — This mode
provides fault tolerance and is the default mode. Gigabitx acts as the
primary link. Gigabity is the backup link and is passive. Gigabity
assumes the IP properties of Gigabitx. If Gigabitx fails, the Array
automatically fails over to Gigabity. When a failover occurs in this
mode, Gigabity issues gratuitous ARPs to allow it to substitute for
Gigabitx at Layer 3 as well as Layer 2. See Figure 95 (a).??Are more
than 2 ports in this bond OK? How would it work??
(a) Active backup
(b) Aggregate using 802.3ad
Figure 95. Port Modes (a, b)
b. Aggregate Traffic from gig ports using 802.3ad — The Array sends
network traffic across all member Gigabit ports to increase link speed
to the network. These ports act as a single logical interface (trunk),
using a load balancing algorithm to balance traffic across the ports.
For non-IP traffic (such as ARP), the last byte of the destination MAC
address is used to do the calculation. If the packet is a fragment or not
162
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Wireless Array
TCP or UDP, the source and destination IP addresses are used to do
the calculation. If the packet is TCP or UDP over IP then the source IP
address, destination IP address, source port number and destination
port number are all used to do the calculation. The network switch
must also support 802.3ad. If a port fails, the trunk degrades
gracefully — the other port still transmits. See Figure 95 (b).
c.
Transmit Traffic on all gig ports — Transmits incoming traffic on all
Gigabit ports. Any traffic received on Gigabit ports is sent to the
onboard processor.
This mode provides fault tolerance. See
Figure 96 (c).
(c) Transmit on all ports
Figure 96. Port Modes (c)
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Wireless Array
(d) Load balance traffic
Figure 97. Port Modes (d)
d. Load balance traffic between gig ports — This option provides
trunking, similar to option (b) — Aggregate Traffic from gig1 & gig2
using 802.3ad, but it uses a different load balancing algorithm to
determine the outgoing Gigabit port. The outgoing port used is based
on an exclusive OR of the source and destination MAC address. Like
option (b), this mode also provides load balancing and fault
tolerance. See Figure 97 (d).
164
2.
Bond Ports: Select the ports to be members of this bond for the behavior
specified by Bond Mode. By default, Bondn contains only the Gign port
for convenience in use with the Mirror option; these default memberships
are removed as appropriate when the ports are added to other bonds. In
Arrays that have four Gigabit ports, you also have the option of bonding
all four ports together.
3.
Active VLANs: Active VLANs is a read-only field that shows the VLANs
that you have selected to be passed through this port. You may modify
this list by making selections in Set Active VLANs.
Configuring the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
4.
Set Active VLANs: Create and manage the list of VLANs that are
allowed to be passed through this port. Traffic will be dropped for
VLANs that are not in this list. ??Is this correct?? You may view the
complete list of VLANs whose traffic will be passed in the Active VLANs
list, above. The default setting is to pass All VLANs.
a.
To add a VLAN to the list of allowed VLANs, type its name or
number??OK??, and click Add. To allow all VLANs (current or
future) to be passed, click the All button.
b. To remove a VLAN from the list of allowed VLANs, type its name or
number, and click Delete. To remove all VLANs from the Active
VLANs list, click None.
c.
5.
To allow only the set of currently defined VLANs (see “VLANs” on
page 185) to be passed, click the Current button. Essentially, this
“fixes” the Active VLANs list to contain the Array’s currently defined
VLANs, and only this set, until you make explicit changes to the
Active VLANs list. If you create new VLANs, they will not be passed
unless you take action to add them to the list. ??All OK??
??Is this correct?? Mirror — Specify one of the active bonds (Bondx) that is
to be mirrored by this port (Gigabity). All wireless traffic received on the
Array is transmitted out both Bondx and Gigabity. All traffic received on
Bondx is passed on to the onboard processor as well as out Gigabity. All
traffic received on Gigabity is passed on to the onboard processor as well
as out Bondx. This allows a network analyzer to be plugged into Gigabity
to capture traffic for troubleshooting, while the bonded ports provide
network connectivity for data traffic. See Figure 98.
??True?? Mirroring is also used to bridge traffic between gig ports —
Traffic received on Bondx is transmitted by Gigabity; similarly, traffic
received on Gigabity is transmitted by Bondx. This allows the Array to act
as a wired bridge and allows Arrays to be daisy-chained and still
maintain wired connectivity.
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Wireless Array
Figure 98. Mirroring Traffic
6.
When done configuring bonds as desired, click Save changes to flash if
you wish to make your changes permanent.
See Also
Network Interfaces
DNS Settings
Network
Network Statistics
Spanning Tree Status
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Wireless Array
DNS Settings
This window allows you to establish your DNS (Domain Name System) settings.
The Array uses these DNS servers to resolve host names into IP addresses. The
Array also registers its own Host Name with these DNS servers, so that others
may address the Array using its name rather than its IP address. An option allows
you to specify that the Array’s DNS servers will be assigned via a DHCP server
on the wired network.
Note that the DNS servers defined here are not used by wireless clients — servers
for stations associated to the Array are defined along with DHCP pools. See
“DHCP Server” on page 182. At least one DNS server must be set up if you want
to offer clients associating with the Array the ability to use meaningful host
names instead of numerical IP addresses. When finished, click Save changes to
flash if you wish to make your changes permanent.
Figure 99. DNS Settings
Procedure for Configuring DNS Servers
1.
DNS Host Name: Enter a valid DNS host name.
2.
DNS Domain: Enter the DNS domain name.
3.
DNS Server 1: Enter the IP address of the primary DNS server.
4.
DNS Server 2 and DNS Server 3: Enter the IP address of the secondary
and tertiary DNS servers (if required).
Configuring the Wireless Array
167
Wireless Array
5.
Use DNS settings assigned by DHCP: If you are using DHCP to assign
the Array’s IP address, you may turn this option On. The Array will then
obtain its DNS domain and server settings from the network DHCP
server that assigns an IP address to the Array, rather than using the DNS
Server fields above. You may also configure that DHCP server to assign a
host name to the Array.
6.
Click Save changes to flash if you wish to make your changes
permanent.
See Also
DHCP Server
Network
Network Interfaces
Network Statistics
Spanning Tree Status
CDP Settings
CDP (Cisco Discovery Protocol) is a layer 2 network protocol used to share
information (such as the device manufacturer and model, network capabilities,
and IP address) with other directly connected network devices. Wireless Arrays
can both advertise their presence by sending CDP announcements, and gather
and display information sent by neighbors (see “CDP Neighbors” on page 105).
This window allows you to establish your CDP settings. When finished, Save
changes to flash if you wish to make your changes permanent.
Figure 100. CDP Settings
168
Configuring the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Procedure for Configuring CDP Settings
1.
Enable CDP: When CDP is enabled, the Array sends out CDP
announcements of the Array’s presence, and gathers CDP data sent by
neighbors. When disabled, it does neither. CDP is enabled by default.
2.
CDP Interval: The Array sends out CDP announcements advertising its
presence at this interval. The default is 60 seconds.
3.
CDP Hold Time: CDP information received from neighbors is retained
for this period of time before aging out of the Array’s neighbor list. Thus,
if a neighbor stops sending announcements, it will no longer appear on
the CDP Neighbors window after CDP Hold Time seconds from its last
announcement. The default is 180 seconds.

CDP works on untagged interfaces. It will not always work with tagged
interfaces on Cisco devices, since they might switch from using CDP to DTP
on tagged trunk links.
See Also
CDP Neighbors
Network
Network Interfaces
Network Statistics
Configuring the Wireless Array
169
Wireless Array
Services
This is a status-only window that allows you to review the current settings and
status for services on the Array, including DHCP, SNMP, Syslog, and Network
Time Protocol (NTP) services. For example, for the DHCP server, it shows each
DHCP pool name, whether the pool is enabled, the IP address range, the gateway
address, lease times, and the DNS domain being used. There are no configuration
options available in this window, but if you are experiencing issues with network
services, you may want to print this window for your records.
Figure 101. Services
The following sections discuss configuring services on the Array:
170

“Time Settings (NTP)” on page 171

“NetFlow” on page 173

“Wi-Fi Tag” on page 175

“System Log” on page 176

“SNMP” on page 179

“DHCP Server” on page 182
Configuring the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Time Settings (NTP)
This window allows you to manage the Array’s time settings, including
synchronizing the Array’s clock with a universal clock from an NTP (Network
Time Protocol) server. We recommend that you use NTP for proper operation of
SNMP in XMS (the Xirrus Management System), since a lack of synchronization
will cause errors to be detected. Synchronizing the Array’s clock with an NTP
server also ensures that Syslog time-stamping is maintained across all units.
It is possible to use authentication with NTP to ensure that you are receiving
synchronization from a known source. For example, the instructions for
requesting a key for the NIST Authenticated NTP server are available at 
http://www.nist.gov/pml/div688/grp00/upload/ntp_instructions.pdf.
The Array allows you to enter optional authentication information.
Figure 102. Time Settings (Manual Time)
Procedure for Managing the Time Settings
1.
Current Array Date and Time: Shows the current time for your
convenience.
2.
Time Zone: Select the time zone you want to use (normally your local
time zone) from the pull-down list.
3.
Auto Adjust Daylight Savings: Check this box if you want the system to
adjust for daylight savings automatically, otherwise leave this box
unchecked (default).
Configuring the Wireless Array
171
Wireless Array
4.
Use Network Time Protocol: select whether to set time manually or use
NTP to manage system time.
5.
Setting Time Manually
a.
Adjust Time (hrs:min:sec): If you are not using NTP, check this box if
you want to adjust the current system time. When the box is checked,
you may enter a revised time (hours, minutes, seconds, am/pm) in
the corresponding fields. If you don’t want to adjust the current time,
this box should be left unchecked (default).
b. Adjust Date (month/day/year): If you are not using NTP, check this
box if you want to adjust the current system date. When the box is
checked, you may enter a revised date (month, day and year) in the
corresponding fields. If you don’t want to adjust the current date, this
box should be left unchecked (default).
6.
Using an NTP Server
a.
NTP Primary Server: If you are using NTP, enter the IP address or
domain name of the NTP server.
Figure 103. Time Settings (NTP Time Enabled)
b. NTP Primary Authentication: (optional) If you are using
authentication with NTP, select the type of key: MD5 or SHA1. Select
None if you are not using authentication (this is the default).
172
Configuring the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
c.
NTP Primary Authentication Key ID: Enter the key ID, which is a
decimal integer.
d. NTP Primary Authentication Key: Enter your key, which is a string
of characters.
e.
NTP Secondary Server: Enter the IP address or domain name of an
optional secondary NTP server to be used in case the Array is unable
to contact the primary server. You may use the authentication fields
as described above if you wish to set up authentication for the
secondary server.
See Also
Express Setup
Services
SNMP
System Log
NetFlow
This window allows you to enable or disable the sending of NetFlow information
to a designated collector. NetFlow is a proprietary but open network protocol
developed by Cisco Systems for collecting IP traffic information. When NetFlow
is enabled, the Array will send IP flow information (traffic statistics) to the
designated collector.
NetFlow sends per-flow network traffic information from the Array. Network
managers can use a NetFlow collector to view the statistics on a per-flow basis
and use this information to make key decisions. Knowing how many packets and
bytes are sent to and from certain IP addresses or across specific network
interfaces allows administrators to track usage by various areas. Traffic flow
information may be used to engineer networks for better performance.
Configuring the Wireless Array
173
Wireless Array
Figure 104. NetFlow

Some features, such as Netflow, are only available if the Array’s license
includes the Xirrus Advanced RF Analysis Manager (RAM). If a setting
is unavailable (grayed out), then your license does not support the feature.
See “About Licensing and Upgrades” on page 321.
Procedure for Configuring NetFlow
174
1.
Enable NetFlow: Choose Yes to enable NetFlow functionality, or choose
No to disable this feature.
2.
NetFlow Collector Host (Domain or IP): If you enabled NetFlow, enter
the domain name or IP address of the collector.
3.
NetFlow Collector Port: If you enabled NetFlow, enter the port on the
collector host to which to send data.
Configuring the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
Wi-Fi Tag
This window allows you to enable or disable Wi-Fi tag capabilities. When
enabled, the Array listens for and collects information about Wi-Fi RFID tags sent
on the designated channel. These tags are transmitted by specialized tag devices
(for example, AeroScout Tags). A Wi-Fi tagging server (such as AeroScout) then
queries the Array for a report on the tags that it has received. The Wi-Fi tagging
server uses proprietary algorithms to determine locations for devices sending tag
signals.
Figure 105. Wi-Fi Tag
Procedure for Configuring Wi-Fi Tag
1.
Enable Wi-Fi Tag: Choose Yes to enable Wi-Fi tag functionality, or choose
No to disable this feature.
2.
Wi-Fi Tag UDP Port: If you enabled Wi-Fi tagging, enter the port on the
Array which the Wi-Fi tagging server will use to query the Array for
tagging data. When queried, the Array will send back information on the
tags it has observed. For each, the Array sends information such as the
MAC address of the tag transmitting device, and the RSSI and noise floor
observed.
3.
Wi-Fi Tag Channel: If you enabled Wi-Fi tagging, enter the 802.11
channel on which the Array will listen for tags. The tag devices must be
set up to transmit on this channel. Only one channel may be configured,
and it must be an 802.11b/g channel in the range of Channel 1 to 11.
Configuring the Wireless Array
175
Wireless Array
System Log
This window allows you to enable or disable the Syslog server, define primary,
secondary, and tertiary servers, set up email notification, and set the level for
Syslog reporting for each of the servers and for email notification — the Syslog
service will send Syslog messages that are at the selected severity or above to the
defined Syslog servers and email address.
Figure 106. System Log
Procedure for Configuring Syslog
176
1.
Enable Syslog Server: Choose Yes to enable Syslog functionality, or
choose No to disable this feature.
2.
Console Logging: If you enabled Syslog, select whether or not to echo
Syslog messages to the console as they occur. If you enable console
logging, be sure to set the Console Logging level (see Step 7 below).
Configuring the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
3.
Local File Size (1-2000 lines): Enter a value in this field to define how
many Syslog records are retained locally on the Array’s internal Syslog
file. The default is 2000.
4.
Primary Server Address (Hostname or IP) and Port: If you enabled
Syslog, enter the hostname or IP address of the primary Syslog server.
You may also change the port used on the server if you do not wish to use
514, the default port.
5.
Secondary/Tertiary Server Address (Hostname or IP) and Port:
(Optional) If you enabled Syslog, you may enter the hostname or IP
address of one or two additional Syslog servers to which messages will
also be sent. You may also change the port used on each server if you do
not wish to use 514, the default port.
6.
Email Notification: (Optional) The following parameters allow you to
send an email to a designated address each time a Syslog message is
generated. The email will include the text of the Syslog message.
a.
Email Syslog SMTP Server Address (Hostname or IP) and Port: The
hostname or the IP address of the SMTP server to be used for sending
the email. Note that this specifies the mail server, not the email
recipient. You may also change the port used on the server if you do
not wish to use 25, the default SMTP port.
b. Email Syslog SMTP User Name: Specify a user name for logging in
to an account on the mail server designated in Step a.
c.
Email Syslog SMTP User Password: Specify a password for logging
in to an account on the mail server designated in Step a.
d. Email Syslog SMTP From: Specify the “From” email address to be
displayed in the email.
e.
Email Syslog SMTP Recipient Addresses: Specify the entire email
address of the recipient of the email notification. You may specify
additional recipients by separating the email addresses with
semicolons (;).
Configuring the Wireless Array
177
Wireless Array
7.
Syslog Levels: For each of the Syslog destinations, choose your preferred
level of Syslog reporting from the pull-down list. Messages with
criticality at the selected level and above will be shown. The default level
varies depending on the destination.
a.
Console Logging: For messages to be echoed to the console, the
default level is Critical and more serious. This prevents large
numbers of non-critical messages from being displayed on the
console. If you set this level too low, the volume of messages may
make it very difficult to work with the CLI or view other output on
the console.
b. Local File: For records to be stored on the Array’s internal Syslog file,
choose your preferred level of Syslog reporting from the pull-down
list. The default level is Debugging and more serious.
c.
Primary Server: Choose the preferred level of Syslog reporting for the
primary server. The default level is Debugging and more serious.
d. Secondary/Tertiary Server: Choose the preferred level of reporting
for the secondary/tertiary server. The default level is Information
and more serious. (Optional)
e.
8.
Email SMTP Server: Choose the preferred level of Syslog reporting
for the email notifications. The default level is Warning and more
serious. This prevents your mailbox from being filled up with a large
number of less severe messages such as informational messages.
Click Save changes to flash if you wish to make your changes
permanent.
See Also
System Log Window
Services
SNMP
Time Settings (NTP)
178
Configuring the Wireless Array
Wireless Array
SNMP
This window allows you to enable or disable SNMP v2 and SNMP v3 and define
the SNMP parameters. SNMP allows remote management of the Array by the
Xirrus Management System (XMS) and other SNMP management tools. SNMP v3
was designed to offer much stronger security. You may enable either SNMP
version, neither, or both.
Complete SNMP details for the Array, including trap descriptions, are found in
the Xirrus MIB, available at support.xirrus.com, in the Downloads section (login
is required to download the MIB).
NOTE: If you are managing your Arrays with XMS (the Xirrus Management System),
it is very important to make sure that your SNMP settings match those that you have
configured for XMS. XMS uses both SNMP v2 and v3, with v3 given preference.
Figure 107. SNMP
Configuring the Wireless Array
179
Wireless Array
Procedure for Configuring SNMP
SNMPv2 Settings
1.
Enable SNMPv2: Choose Yes to enable SNMP v2 functionality, or choose
No to disable this feature. When used in conjunction with the Xirrus
Management System, SNMP v2 (not SNMP v3) must be enabled on each
Array to be managed with XMS. The default for this feature is Yes
(enabled).
2.
SNMP Read-Write Community String: Enter the read-write community
string. The default is xirrus.
3.
SNMP Read-Only Community String: Enter the read-only community
string. The default is xirrus_read_only.
SNMPv3 Settings
180
4.
Enable SNMPv3: Choose Yes to enable SNMP v3 functionality, or choose
No to disable this feature. The default for this feature is Yes (enabled).
5.
Authentication: Select the desired method for authenticating SNMPv3
packets: SHA (Secure Hash Algorithm) or MD5 (Message Digest
Algorithm 5).
6.
Privacy: Select the desired method for encrypting data: DES (Data
Encryption Standard) or the stronger AES (Advanced Encryption
Standard).
7.
Context Engine ID: The unique identifier for this SNMP server. We
recommend that you do not change this value. The Context Engine ID
must be set if data collection is to be done via a proxy agent. This ID helps
the proxy agent to identify the target agent from which data is to be
collected.
8.
SNMP Read-Write Username: Enter the read-write user name. This
username and password allow configuration changes to be made on the
Array. The default is xirrus-rw.
9.
SNMP Read-Write Authentication Password: Enter the read-write
password for authentication (i.e., logging in). The default is xirrus-rw.
Configuring the Wireless Array

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