Motorola AP-7131 Series, Reference Manual

Page: 427 / 954

CHAPTER 6
WIRELESS CONFIGURATION
A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a data-communications system and wireless local area network that flexibly extends
the functionality of a wired LAN. A WLAN links two or more computers or devices using spread-spectrum or OFDM modulation
based technology. WLANs do not require lining up devices for line-of-sight transmission, and are thus, desirable for wireless
networking. Roaming users can be handed off from one access point to another, like a cellular phone system. WLANs can
therefore be configured around the needs of specific user groups, even when they are not in physical proximity.
WLANs can provide an abundance of services, including data communications (allowing mobile devices to access applications),
E-mail, file and print services or even specialty applications (such as guest access control and asset tracking).
Each WLAN configuration contains encryption, authentication and QoS policies and conditions for user connections. Connected
access point radios transmit periodic beacons for each BSS. A beacon advertises the SSID, security requirements, supported
data rates of the wireless network to enable clients to locate and connect to the WLAN.
WLANs are mapped to radios on each access point. A WLAN can be advertised from a single access point radio or can span
multiple access points and radios. WLAN configurations can be defined to provide service to specific areas of a site. For
example, a guest access WLAN may only be mapped to a 2.4 GHz radio in a lobby or conference room providing limited
coverage, while a data WLAN is mapped to all 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz radios at the branch site to provide complete coverage.
The wireless configuration is comprised of the following policies:
• Wireless LANs
• WLAN QoS Policy
• Radio QoS Policy
• Association ACL
• SMART RF
• MeshConnex Policy
• Mesh QoS Policy
• Passpoint Policy