Контроллер и точки доступа IEEE 802.11n Siemens

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Company-wide WLAN based on Extreme Networks (Enterasys) Wireless Controller and SCALANCE WLC711 IWLAN controller

The SCALANCE WLC711 IWLAN controller is the optimum solution for IWLAN installations with up to 48 access points (in redundant mode even up to 96 access points). By using SCALANCE W access points and client modules, different applications in the industrial environment or a comparable environment can communicate via a centrally managed IWLAN. SCALANCE W access points for controller operation are available for use both outdoors and for cabinet-free use in an industrial environment (e.g. on the shop floor).

The SCALANCE WLC711 IWLAN controller can be integrated in the corporate WLAN and allows the implementation of a WLAN throughout the office, outdoor and industrial areas. This allows use of mobile WLAN phones, laptops, smart phones and tablets in the same wireless network, while complying with security policies for different user groups, and guaranteeing defined quality of service (QoS) for different devices.

Application examples

With the SCALANCE WLC711 IWLAN controller, the benefits of a controller solution, long-familiar in corporate networks, now also become available for typical industrial and industry-related applications:

• Plant-wide wireless infrastructures in factory automation and process automation, e.g. for mobile operator control or logistics applications
• Industry-related applications, e.g. container terminals, road or underground rail tunnels, where IWLAN is required for transmitting visualization, video, and voice data

SCALANCE WLC711 IWLAN controller in redundancy mode

Обзор

The network infrastructures in the industrial and office areas are coming ever-closer together. This applies also in the area of wireless communication, causing a constant increase in the number of access points and WLAN clients to be managed. If such networks are established with a large number of stand-alone access points, with each one having to be configured separately, this results in huge costs for initial configuration and operation.

Central wireless LAN controllers enable low-cost, user-friendly and secure operation of large WLAN infrastructures here. Management of the WLAN clients connected to such WLANs is significantly simplified thanks to their division into user groups with different security policies.

The SCALANCE WLC711 IWLAN Controller is a device for centralized management (configuration, diagnostics, firmware updates, access control, security settings, coordination) of a wireless LAN in the industrial environment.

• Fast establishment of a new WLAN or expansion of an existing WLAN with the help of the SCALANCE W786C and SCALANCE W788C controller-based access points
• Parallel operation of different services (e.g. communication between programmable controllers, Internet access, Voice-over-IP telephony and video transmission) on the same controller-based WLAN infrastructure without requiring additional SSIDs for this purpose.
• Seamless transition between production WLAN and corporate WLAN
• Simplified commissioning as well as increased reliability and security thanks to the central management functions of the IWLAN controller in comparison to a WLAN comprising stand-alone access points that have to be configured individually

Функции

Fundamental principles of controller-based Industrial Wireless LAN

The SCALANCE WLC711 IWLAN controller enables centralized management of an Industrial Wireless LAN. It automatically detects new access points, establishes a connection to them, and manages and coordinates access points and clients. Thanks to the Layer 3 architecture, access points located in different Layer 2 subnets can also be managed. This function allows wireless expansion of an existing Ethernet network without having to make changes to the existing network topology.

With the IWLAN controller, the IWLAN wireless infrastructure can be divided into logical, service-based networks (Virtual Network Services). Different services, security requirements and access criteria can thus be reliably managed, and different user groups such as administrators, commissioning engineers, or visitors can use the same wireless network.

In the same way, different applications such as Voice-over-IP (VoIP), video and Internet access can use the same infrastructure. The result is optimal capacity utilization of the IWLAN network.

If applications with high reliability and availability requirements are to communicate wirelessly, either two IWLAN controllers can be operated redundantly or the access points can be set up redundantly (overlapping of the radio links due to two wireless cards in the device).

In applications where cable connections are not possible or are only possible with difficulty, the controller-based access points can be reliably integrated into the network even without a cable connection. Thanks to the mesh algorithms, the access points can resume communication in the event of a network error.

The controller-based access points of the SCALANCE W780C series can only be used with the SCALANCE WLC711 IWLAN controller and can only be configured using this IWLAN controller.

The IWLAN controller connects, manages and coordinates all access point and clients such that the WLAN environment appears like several IP subnets with central management. The individual connections are additionally managed here, and the stations can therefore move securely and reliably throughout the entire radio network.

Diagnostics and management functions

As well as centralized management and wireless network configuration, the SCALANCE WLC711 IWLAN controller also offers error recording, wireless network monitoring, and documentation of network statistics.

Особенности

• Reduced commissioning overhead and operation of larger IWLAN installations (up to 48 access points or 96 access points in redundant mode) thanks to configuring from a central location
• Investment protection thanks to seamless integration into existing IWLAN installations or into an existing corporate WLAN
• Saving on redundant infrastructures (e.g. separate network for Internet access and voice transmission) thanks to multiple use of the same infrastructure for different services
• Avoidance of a single point of failure thanks to optional parallel operation of two controllers; the WLAN remains functional even if the controller(s) fail(s)
• Increased reliability when operating the IWLAN through complete, coordinated portfolio of IWLAN Controller SCALANCE WLC711, industrial access points and SCALANCE W client modules, as well as the suitable accessories (antennas, connecting cables, power supplies)
• Flexible configuration of networks thanks to the use of an integrated wireless mesh solution
• Dynamic Radio Management supports the optimal alignment of the entire WLAN network
• In the controller-based WLAN, the bandwidth or the assignment of the access points can be automatically influenced by the IWLAN Controller SCALANCE WLC711 depending on the requirements. This ensures optimal utilization of the WLAN by the IWLAN client modules.

Дальнейшая информация

Supplementary WLAN solutions for office environments can be found on the Internet at:
http://www.extremenetworks.com