Wireless Networking

Aruba wireless networks have comprehensive security at their heart. Access priviledges and QoS can be based on user id, device, application, time of day etc, offering a highly secure solution whilst preserving flexibility and optimal performance. These parameters are all configured via a centralised controller, with links to access points deployable over a vendor-independent infrastructure.

Defining security in this way allows both guest and employee networks to share the same infrastructure without risk. User policies can be linked into corporate databases, e.g. Radius servers and Microsoft Active Directory.

With the advent of large numbers of employee owned handheld devices such as iPhones and iPads network security has become a critical issue.

Aruba have a very neat and secure method of extending the corporate network to remote, home or mobile users with no loss of flexibility or security.

Remote access points are automatically VPN-linked across an unsecure network (e.g. the Internet) back to the central controller. According entirely to pre-determined configuration, the user(s) in the remote network are offered their standard access and QoS priviledges as though directly connected within the Corporate network. Corporate guests can also be offered unsecure access via the same remote infrastructure.

Wireless integrity is crucial in a business wireless environment. Aruba wireless solutions guarantee wireless integrity via the use of ARM, their patented Adaptive Radio Management functionality.

The Aruba controller centrally optimises the wireless environment by gathering information from the access points and dynamically allocating wireless channels and power levels, and users to access points. This allows high density wireless networks to be deployed, even in the presence of external wireless networks. The use of ARM leads to a dramatically simplified deployment, continued operation even if the wireless environment changes dramatically, which overall leads to a reduction in the number of access points required, lower equipment costs and reduced installation and maintenance costs.

Guest networks are easy to implement and manage, sharing the corporate infrastructure whilst being completed isolated, so that just Internet access or very specific restricted access is enabled. Different policies can be implemented depending on parameters such as the time of day, e.g. lower guest bandwidth offered during working hours, higher guest bandwidth at lunch times and just outside office hours, with no guest access available the rest of the time.

The widespread availability of employee owned handheld wireless devices such as iPads and iPhones is creating problems for corporates. These devices can increase productivity, but also create security problems. Aruba are at the forefront of the wireless sector and can address all of the relevant issues today. Click for more information about supporting handheld wireless devices.