Wireless LAN (WLAN) Access

There is an irreversible shift in the enterprise towards workplace mobility. Mobile workers require portable technology in the form of laptops, PDAs and mobile phones, along with specialized mobile applications and a corresponding network capable of supporting this level of mobility.

By definition, the existing fixed, or wired, network cannot meet the need for mobility. It is inflexible, it has no visibility into who or what is connected, and it cannot follow a user to deliver consistent user experience and security policies. As workforce mobility continues to grow, the expectation is that the edge of the network will become predominantly wireless. Workers will not connect to a cable; they will connect to the network through the air using Wireless LAN (WLAN) technology.

Making wireless the primary connection in the enterprise requires pervasive wireless coverage and a network designed for scale and high availability. Aruba provides significant advantages in creating this environment, including:

• Increased security with strong authentication and encryption and wireless intrusion protection
• Centralized encryption architecture for improved security, scale, and deployment flexibility
• RF optimization and control using Automated Radio Management (ARM)
• Seamless Layer2 & Layer3 roaming
• Integrated RF planning & administrative tools with real-time coverage views
• User-centric access control
• Controller and AP redundancy

While many WLAN systems require multiple appliance-based add-ons to address the full functionality of RF, Security and Mobility, Aruba Networks integrates these capabilities in the same system. Having all functionality centralized not only improves manageability, but also traffic optimization, security, TCO, troubleshooting, etc.