How would like to individually manage your wireless network consisting of 6, 10, 20 access points? Maybe you already do? Cumbersome and not practical in today’s environment.
Time to bring in the Wireless Controller – the heart of the wireless network. The controller contains the features necessary to manage, control, monitor and support the wireless network. Typically management can be configured via a web interface or via SNMP. (Simple Network Management Protocol).
Typical WLAN controller features:
Centralized Management: The functions of lightweight access points are managed at the controller. Functions such as signal channel, access point power and data rates. Additional proprietary features include configuration settings and the ability to install firmware updates. That is the ability to roll out software updates to all the access points from one point of management. No more sneaker net for rebooting devices, no logging into each individual AP to monitor and install updates. No more mixed and matched firmware across all your AP’s. Easily maintain all the OS updates to the AP’s.
These management features include monitoring network status pages providing for a quick review of network uptime, usage, connected users, access point status, errors, rogue AP’s, bandwidth usage and security notifications. Basically the status of all the WLAN devices.
Continue reading The WLAN Controller – Single point of management for the WLAN →
