Cambium Networks XN8 Wireless LAN Array User Manual XN PDF
Xirrus, Inc. Wireless LAN Array XN PDF
Contents
Users Manual pt3of5
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write privileges on the Array (i.e., the new user will be able to change
the configuration of the Array). The default admin user is deleted.
b. New Admin Password: If desired, enter a new administration
password for managing this Array. Choose a password that is not
obvious, and one that you can remember. If you forget your
password, you must reset the Array to its factory defaults so that the
password is reset to admin (its default setting).
c. Confirm Admin Password: If you entered a new administration
password, confirm the new password here.
10. 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. Time Zone: Select your time zone from the choices available in the
pull-down list.
b. 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).
c. Use Network Time Protocol: Check this box if you want to use an
NTP server to synchronize the Array’s clock. This ensures that Syslog
time-stamping is maintained across all units. Without an NTP server
assigned (no universal clock), each Array will use its own internal
clock and stamp times accordingly, which may result in
discrepancies. 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.
d. NTP Primary Server: If you are using NTP, enter the IP address or
domain name of the NTP server.
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.
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f. Set 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).
g. Set 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).
11. 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.
Figure 88. LEDs are Switched On
12. Click on the Apply button to apply the new settings to this session, or
click Save to apply your changes and make them permanent.
This ends the Express Setup procedure.
LED on
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140 Configuring the Wi-Fi Array
Network
This is a status only window that provides a snapshot of the configuration
settings currently established for the 10/100 Ethernet 0 interface and the Gigabit 1
and Gigabit 2 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 89. Network Interfaces
WMI windows that allow you to change or view configuration settings associated
with the network interfaces include:
z“Network Interfaces” on page 141
z“DNS Settings” on page 148
z“CDP Settings” on page 149
See Also
DNS Settings
Network Interfaces
Network Status Windows
Spanning Tree Status
Network Statistics
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Network Interfaces
This window allows you to establish configuration settings for the 10/100 Fast
Ethernet interface and the Gigabit 1 and Gigabit 2 interfaces.
Figure 90. Network Settings
#Gigabit 2 settings will “mirror” Gigabit 1 settings (except for MAC
addresses) and cannot be configured separately.
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142 Configuring the Wi-Fi Array
When finished making changes, click on the Apply button to apply the new
settings to this session, or click Save to apply your changes and make them
permanent.
Network Interface Ports
The following diagram shows the location of each network interface port on the
underside of the Array.
Figure 91. Network Interface Ports
Procedure for Configuring the Network Interfaces
Configure the Fast Ethernet and Gigabit 1 network interfaces (some Gigabit 2
settings cannot be configured separately and will mirror Gigabit 1). The fields for
each of these interfaces are the same, and include:
1. Enable Interface: Choose Yes to enable this network interface (Fast
Ethernet, Gigabit 1 or Gigabit 2), or choose No to disable the interface.
Serial
Fast Ethernet
Gigabit 1
Gigabit 2
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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.
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. This option is only available for
the Gigabit interfaces—management is always enabled on the 10/100
interface (sometimes called the Management Port).
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: Data is transmitted 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). Half-duplex allows data
transmission in one direction at a time only (for example, a walkie-
talkie is a half-duplex device. If the Auto-Negotiate feature is
disabled, you can manually choose Half or Full duplex for your data
transmission preference.
b. Speed: If the Auto-Negotiate feature is disabled, you can manually
choose the desired data transmission speed from the pull-down list. If
configuring the Fast Ethernet interface the options are 10 Megabit or
100 Megabit. If configuring the Gigabit 1 or Gigabit 2 interfaces the
options are 100 Megabit or Gigabit.
5. Port mode: Select the desired behavior for the gigabit Ethernet ports from
the following options:
a. Active Backup (gig1/gig2 failover to each other)—This mode
provides fault tolerance and is the default mode. Gigabit 1 acts as the
primary link. Gigabit2 is the backup link and is passive. Gigabit2
assumes the IP properties of Gigabit1. If Gigabit 1 fails the Array
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144 Configuring the Wi-Fi Array
automatically fails over to Gigabit2. When a failover occurs in this
mode, Gigabit2 issues gratuitous ARPs to allow it to substitute for
Gigabit1 at Layer 3 as well as Layer 2. See Figure 92 (a).
b. Aggregate Traffic from gig1 & gig2 using 802.3ad—The Array sends
network traffic across both gigabit ports to increase link speed to the
network. Both ports act as a single logical interface (trunk), using a
load balancing algorithm to balance traffic across the ports.
The destination IP address of a packet is used to determine its
outgoing adapter. For non-IP traffic (such as ARP), the last byte of the
destination MAC address is 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 92 (b).
Figure 92. Port Modes (a-b)
c. Bridge traffic between gig1 & gig2—Traffic received on Gigabit1 is
transmitted by Gigabit2; similarly, traffic received on Gigabit2 is
transmitted by Gigabit1. This allows the Array to act as a wired
bridge and allows Arrays to be daisy-chained and still maintain
wired connectivity. See Figure 93 (c).
Gig1 Gig2
Primary Link Secondary Link:
carries all traffic
if primary fails
Switch
Gig1 Gig2
Switch
Links split traffic based on
destination address , using
802.3ad link aggregation
Destinations
(a) Active backup (b) Aggregate using 802.3ad
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d. Transmit Traffic on both gig1 & gig2—Transmits incoming traffic on
both Gigabit1 and Gigabit2. Any traffic received on Gigabit1 or
Gigabit2 is sent to the onboard processor. This mode provides fault
tolerance. See Figure 93 (d).
Figure 93. Port Modes (c-d)
e. Load balance traffic between gig1 & gig2—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 94 (e).
f. Mirror traffic on both gig1 & gig2—all traffic received on the Array
is transmitted out both Gigabit1 and Gigabit2. All traffic received on
Gigabit1 is passed on to the onboard processor as well as out
Gigabit2. All traffic received on Gigabit2 is passed on to the onboard
processor as well as out Gigabit1. This allows a network analyzer to
be plugged into one port to capture traffic for troubleshooting, while
Gig1 Gig2
Switch
Gig1 and Gig2 are bridged.
Traffic received on either link
is repeated to the other
Gig1 Gig2
Gig1 Gig2
Switch
Received wireless traffic is
sent to both links
Traffic from either link is
processed for transmission
(c) Bridge traffic (d) Transmit on both ports
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the other port provides network connectivity for data traffic. See
Figure 94 (f).
Figure 94. Port Modes (e-f)
Gig1 Gig2
Switch
Array load balances outgoing
traffic based on source and
destination address
Destinations
Gig1 Gig2
Received wireless traffic is
sent to both links
Gig1 Gig2
Traffic from Gig1 is processed
for wireless transmission and
copied to Gig 2
Gig1 Gig2
Traffic from Gig2 is processed
for wireless transmission and
copied to Gig1
Switch Switch
Switch
Network
Analyzer Network
Analyzer Network
Analyzer
(e) Load balance traffic
(f) Mirror traffic
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6. Configuration Server Protocol: 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. IP 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.
b. IP 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.
7. Static Route (IP Address/Mask): (Fast Ethernet port only) The 10⁄100
Ethernet Port may be used for managing the Array out of band from the
Gigabit Ethernet ports. The 10⁄100 port will route only management
traffic, using a static route that may be configured using this field.
8. When done configuring all interfaces as desired, click on the Apply
button to apply the new settings to this session, or click Save to apply
your changes and make them permanent.
See Also
DNS Settings
Network
Network Statistics
Spanning Tree Status
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DNS Settings
This window allows you to establish your DNS (Domain Name System) settings.
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 on the Apply button to apply the new settings to
this session, or click Save to apply your changes and make them permanent.
Figure 95. 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).
5. Click on the Apply button to apply the new settings to this session, or
click Save to apply your changes and make them permanent.
See Also
Network
Network Interfaces
Network Statistics
Spanning Tree Status
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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. Wi-Fi Arrays can
both advertise their presence by sending CDP announcements, and gather and
display information sent by neighbors (see “CDP Neighbors” on page 103).
This window allows you to establish your CDP settings. When finished, click on
the Apply button to apply the new settings to this session, or click Save to apply
your changes and make them permanent.
Figure 96. CDP Settings
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.
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See Also
CDP Neighbors
Network
Network Interfaces
Network Statistics
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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 97. Services
The following sections discuss configuring services on the Array:
z“Time Settings (NTP)” on page 152
z“System Log” on page 154
z“SNMP” on page 157
z“DHCP Server” on page 158
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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. Synchronizing the Array’s clock with an NTP server
ensures that Syslog time-stamping is maintained across all units.
Figure 98. Time Settings (Manual Time)
Procedure for Managing the Time Settings
1. Time Zone: Select the time zone you want to use (normally your local
time zone) from the pull-down list.
2. Auto Adjust Daylight Savings: Check this box if you want the system to
adjust for daylight savings automatically, otherwise leave this box
unchecked (default).
3. Use Network Time Protocol: select whether to set time manually or use
NTP to manage system time.
4. 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,
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).
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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, 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).
5. 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 99. Time Settings (NTP Time Enabled)
b. 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.
6. Click on the Apply button to apply the new settings to this session, or
click Save to apply your changes and make them permanent.
See Also
Services
SNMP
System Log
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System Log
This window allows you to enable or disable the Syslog server, define a primary
and secondary server, 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 100. System Log
Procedure for Configuring Syslog
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).
3. Local File Size (1-500): 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 500.
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4. Primary Server Address (Domain or IP): If you enabled Syslog, enter the
domain name or IP address of the primary Syslog server.
5. Secondary Server Address (Domain or IP): If you enabled Syslog, you
may enter the domain name or IP address of another Syslog server to
which messages will also be sent. (Optional)
6. Email Notification: 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 SMTP Address (Domain or IP): The domain name 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.
b. Email SMTP User/Email SMTP Password: Specify a user name and
password for logging in to an account on the mail server designated
in Step a.
c. Email SMTP From: Specify the “From” email address to be displayed
in the email.
d. Email SMTP To: Specify the entire email address of the recipient of
the email notification.
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.
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c. Primary Server: Choose the preferred level of Syslog reporting for the
primary server. The default level is Debugging and more serious.
d. Secondary Server: Choose the preferred level of reporting for the
secondary server. The default level is Information and more serious.
(Optional)
e. Email SMTP Server: Choose the preferred level of Syslog reporting
for the email notifications. The default level is Warning and more
serious. This prevents you mailbox from being filed up with a large
number of less severe messages such as informational messages.
8. Click on the Apply button to apply the new settings to this session, or
click Save to apply your changes and make them permanent.
See Also
System Log Window
Services
SNMP
Time Settings (NTP)
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SNMP
This window allows you to enable or disable SNMP and define the SNMP
parameters. SNMP allows remote management of the Array by the Xirrus
Management System (XMS).
NOTE: If you are managing your Arrays with XMS (the Xirrus Management System),
it is very important to use the correct Read-Write Community String for proper
operation of XMS with the Array. Both XMS and the Array must have the same value
for this string.
Figure 101. SNMP
Procedure for Configuring SNMP
1. Enable SNMP: Choose Yes to enable SNMP functionality, or choose No
to disable this feature. When used in conjunction with the Xirrus
Management System, SNMP must be enabled on each Array. The default
for this feature is Yes (enabled).
2. SNMP Read-Only Community String: Enter the read-only community
string. The default is xirrus_read_only.
3. SNMP Read-Write Community String: Enter the read-write community
string. The default is xirrus.
4. SNMP Trap Host IP Address: Enter the IP address of an SNMP
management station that is to receive SNMP traps. You may specify up to
four hosts that are to receive traps.
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5. SNMP Trap Port: Enter the trap port for each trap host that you entered.
The default is port 162.
6. Send Auth Failure Traps: Choose Yes to log authentication failure traps
or No to disable this feature.
7. Click on the Apply button to apply the new settings to this session, or
click Save to apply your changes and make them permanent.
See Also
Services
System Log
Time Settings (NTP)
DHCP Server
This window allows you to create, modify and delete DHCP (Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol) pools and enable or disable DHCP server functionality.
DHCP allows the Array to provide wireless clients with IP addresses and other
networking information. The DHCP server will not provide DHCP services to the
wired side of the network.
If you enable the DHCP server, you need to define the DHCP lease time (default
and maximum) and establish the IP address range that the DHCP server can use.
Figure 102. DHCP Management
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Procedure for Configuring the DHCP Server
1. New Internal DHCP Pool: Enter a name for the new DHCP pool, then
click on the Create button. The new pool ID is added to the list of
available DHCP pools.
2. On: Click this checkbox to make this pool of addresses available, or clear
it to disable the pool.
3. Lease Time—Default: This field defines the default DHCP lease time (in
seconds). The factory default is 300 seconds, but you can change the
default at any time.
4. Lease Time—Max: Enter a value (in seconds) to define the maximum
allowable DHCP lease time. The default is 300 seconds.
5. Network Address Translation (NAT): Check this box to enable the
Network Address Translation feature.
6. Lease IP Range—Start: Enter an IP address to define the start of the IP
range that will be used by the DHCP server. The default is 192.168.1.100.
7. Lease IP Range—End: Enter an IP address to define the end of the IP
range that will be used by the DHCP server. The DHCP server will only
use IP addresses that fall between the start and end range that you define
on this page. The default is 192.168.1.200.
8. Subnet Mask: Enter the subnet mask for this IP range for the DHCP
server. The default is 255.255.255.0.
9. Gateway: If necessary, enter the IP address of the gateway.
10. Domain: Enter the DNS domain name. See also, “DNS Settings” on
page 148.
11. DNS Servers (1 to 3): Enter the IP address of the primary DNS server,
secondary DNS server and tertiary DNS server. See also, “DNS Settings”
on page 148.
12. Click Apply to apply the new settings to this session, or click Save to
apply your changes and make them permanent.
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See Also
DHCP Leases
DNS Settings
Network Map
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VLANs
This is a status only window that allows you to review the current status of
assigned VLANs. A VLAN (Virtual LAN) is comprised of a group of devices that
communicate as a single network, even though they are physically located on
different LAN segments. Because VLANs are based on logical rather than
physical connections, they are extremely flexible. A device that is moved to
another location can remain on the same VLAN without any hardware
reconfiguration.
In addition to listing all VLANs, this window shows your settings for the Default
Route VLAN and the Native (Untagged) VLAN (Step 1 page 162).
Figure 103. VLANs
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VLAN Management
This window allows you to assign and configure VLANs. After creating a new
VLAN (added to the list of VLANs), you can modify the configuration
parameters of an existing VLAN or delete a selected VLAN.
Figure 104. VLAN Management
Procedure for Managing VLANs
1. Default route: This option allows you to choose a default VLAN route
from the pull-down list. When you click Apply the VLAN you choose
will appear in the corresponding VLAN Number field. The IP Gateway
must be established for this function to work.
#The Wi-Fi Array supports dynamic VLAN assignments specified by
RADIUS policy settings. When RADIUS sends these assignments, the
Array dynamically assigns wireless stations to VLANs as requested.
VLAN tags on traffic are passed through the Array (i.e., VLAN tags are
not stripped). Once a station has been dynamically moved to a new
VLAN, it will be shown in the Stations window as a member of the new
VLAN. (Figure 67 on page 112)
It is critical to configure all VLANs to be used on the Array, even those
that will be dynamically assigned.
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2. Native VLAN: This option allows you to choose the Native VLAN from
the pull-down list. When you click Apply the VLAN you choose will
appear in the corresponding VLAN Number field.
3. New VLAN Name/Number: Enter a name and number for the new
VLAN in this field, then click on the Create button. The new VLAN is
added to the list.
4. VLAN Number: Enter a number for this VLAN (1-4095).
5. Management: Check this box if you want to allow management over this
VLAN.
6. DHCP: Check this box if you want the DHCP server to assign the IP
address, subnet mask and gateway address to the VLAN automatically,
otherwise you must go to the next step and assign these parameters
manually.
7. IP Address: If the DHCP option is disabled, enter a valid IP address for
this VLAN association.
8. Subnet Mask: If the DHCP option is disabled, enter the subnet mask IP
address for this VLAN association.
9. Gateway: If the DHCP option is disabled, enter the IP gateway address
for this VLAN association.
10. Delete: To delete the selected VLAN, simply click the Delete button to
remove the VLAN from the list.
11. Click Apply to apply the new settings to this session, or click Save to
apply your changes and make them permanent.
See Also
VLAN Statistics
VLANs
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164 Configuring the Wi-Fi Array
Security
This status- only window allows you to review the Array’s security parameters. It
includes the assigned network administration accounts, Access Control List
(ACL) values, management settings, encryption and authentication protocol
settings, and RADIUS configuration settings. There are no configuration options
available in this window, but if you are experiencing issues with security, you
may want to print this window for your records.
Figure 105. Security
For additional information about wireless network security, refer to:
z“Security Planning” on page 42
z“Understanding Security” on page 165
zThe Security section of “Frequently Asked Questions” on page 334.
Security settings are configured with the following windows:
z“Admin Management” on page 168
z“Management Control” on page 169
z“Access Control List” on page 172
z“Global Settings” on page 174
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Wi-Fi Array
Configuring the Wi-Fi Array 165
z“External Radius” on page 177
z“Internal Radius” on page 180
z“Rogue Control List” on page 182
Understanding Security
The Xirrus Wi-Fi Array incorporates many configurable security features. After
initially installing an Array, always change the default administrator password
(the default is admin), and choose a strong replacement password (containing
letters, numbers and special characters). See also, “Character Restrictions” on
page 89. When appropriate, issue read only administrator accounts.
Other security considerations include:
zSSH versus Telnet: Be aware that Telnet is not secure over network
connections and should be used only with a direct serial port connection.
When connecting to the unit’s Command Line Interface over a network
connection, you must use a Secure SHell (SSH) utility. The most
commonly used freeware providing SSH tools is PuTTY.
zConfiguration auditing: The optional Xirrus Management System (XMS)
offers powerful management features for small or large Xirrus Wi-Fi
deployments, and can audit your configuration settings automatically. In
addition, using the XMS eliminates the need for an FTP server.
zChoosing an encryption method: Wireless data encryption prevents
eavesdropping on data being transmitted or received over the airwaves.
The Array allows you to establish the following data encryption
configuration options:
•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)—this option provides minimal
protection (though much better than using an open network). An
early standard for wireless data encryption and supported by all
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Wi-Fi Array
166 Configuring the Wi-Fi Array
Wi-Fi certified equipment, WEP is vulnerable to hacking and is
therefore not recommended for use by Enterprise networks.
•WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2—these are much
stronger encryption modes than WEP, using TKIP (Temporal Key
Integrity Protocol) or AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) to
encrypt data.
WPA solves security issues with WEP. It also allows you to
establish encryption keys on a per-user-basis, with key rotation
for added security. In addition, TKIP provides Message Integrity
Check (MIC) functionality and prevents active attacks on the
wireless network.
AES is the strongest encryption standard and is used by
government agencies; however, old legacy hardware may not be
capable of supporting the AES mode (it probably won’t work on
older wireless clients). Because AES is the strongest encryption
standard currently available, WPA2 with AES is highly
recommended for Enterprise networks.
Any of the above encryption methods can be used and an Array can
support multiple encryption methods simultaneously, but only one
method may be selected per SSID (except that selecting WPA-Both allows
WPA and WPA2 to be used at the same time on the same SSID).
Otherwise, if multiple security methods are needed, you must define
multiple SSIDs.
The encryption mode (WEP, WPA, etc.) is selected in the SSIDs >SSID
Management window (see “SSID Management” on page 189).
The encryption standard used with WPA or WPA2 (AES or TKIP) is
selected in the Security>Global Settings window under WPA Settings
(see “Global Settings” on page 174).
zChoosing an authentication method: User authentication ensures that
users are who they say they are. For this purpose, the Array allows you to
choose between the following user authentication methods: