An access point (AP) is a wireless network device that acts as a portal for devices to connect to a local area network. The built-in network intelligence in access points supports advanced capabilities like AI Artificial intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. AI reduces trouble tickets by identifying the network entity that is facing problems through event correlation and root cause analysis.-powered RF Radio Frequency. RF refers to the electromagnetic wave frequencies within a range of 3 kHz to 300 GHz, including the frequencies used for communications or Radar signals. optimization, dynamic segmentation, service assurance, and smart management options for improved IT and user experiences. APs are used to extend an existing network's wireless coverage and increase the number of users that can connect to it.
Aruba Central supports the following types of access points based on the operating system:
- IAP—Instant Access Points (IAPs) run on ArubaInstant operating system that virtualizes Aruba Mobility Controller capabilities on 802.11 802.11 is an evolving family of specifications for wireless LANs developed by a working group of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). 802.11 standards use the Ethernet protocol and Carrier Sense Multiple Access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) for path sharing. APs and offers a feature-rich enterprise-grade Wi-Fi Wi-Fi is a technology that allows electronic devices to connect to a WLAN network, mainly using the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radio bands. Wi-Fi can apply to products that use any 802.11 standard. solution.
- ArubaOS 10 AP—ArubaOS 10 APs run on ArubaOS 10 operating system that requires no manual CLI configuration or maintenance windows. Once the ArubaOS 10 AP is plugged in, the device connects and receives its running configuration from the cloud using zero-touch provisioning, allowing remote workers and sites to onboard and configure wireless connectivity without on-site IT support.
Instant APs
Instant Access Points (IAPs) offer an enterprise-grade networking solution with a simple setup. The WLAN Wireless Local Area Network. WLAN is a 802.11 standards-based LAN that the users access through a wireless connection. solution with IAPs supports simplified deployment, configuration, and management of Wi-Fi networks.
Access Points run the ArubaInstant software that virtualizes ArubaMobility Controller capabilities on 802.11 APs and offers a feature-rich enterprise-grade Wi-Fi solution. IAPs are often deployed as a cluster. An IAP cluster includes a conductor AP and set of other APs that act as member APs.
In an IAP deployment scenario, only the first AP or the conductor AP that is connected to a provisioning network is configured. All other IAPs in the same VLAN Virtual Local Area Network. In computer networking, a single Layer 2 network may be partitioned to create multiple distinct broadcast domains, which are mutually isolated so that packets can only pass between them through one or more routers; such a domain is referred to as a Virtual Local Area Network, Virtual LAN, or VLAN. join the conductor AP inherit the configuration changes. The IAP clusters are configured through a common interface called Virtual Controller. A Virtual Controller represents the combined intelligence of the IAPs in a cluster.
IAPs establish WebSocket connections with Aruba Central by exchanging TPM Trusted Platform Module. TPM is an international standard for a secure cryptoprocessor, which is a dedicated microcontroller designed to secure hardware by integrating cryptographic keys into devices. certificates.
Supported Deployment Modes
Aruba IAPs can be deployed in the following modes in Aruba Central:
- Cluster mode—In this mode, several IAPs form a cluster when connected to a provisioning network and a conductor Instant AP is elected. In the cluster mode, new IAP onboarded to Aruba Central can join an existing Instant AP cluster.
- Standalone mode—In this mode, individual IAPs are provisioned in groups and managed from Aruba Central.
Configuration and Management
Network administrators can manage IAPs through the Aruba Instant UI, Aruba Central, or AirWave management system.
For information on how to configure IAPs using the Aruba Instant UI, see the Aruba Instant User Guide.
For more information on how to provision, configure, and monitor IAPs in Aruba Central, see the following topics:
ArubaOS 10 APs
The ArubaOS 10 APs support a number of new features and capabilities, including cloud-based AI, 802.11k 802.11k is an IEEE standard that enables APs and client devices to discover the best available radio resources for seamless BSS transition in a WLAN./v/r Wi-Fi security standards, WPA3 encryption method, and Dynamic Authorization. These APs also offer advanced scalability to meet the needs of any network size.
Supported Deployment Modes
ArubaOS 10 APs can be deployed in the following modes in Aruba Central:
- Bridge mode—In this mode, the ArubaOS 10 APs act as simple wireless bridges between the wireless interface and the wired network deployed at a site. This mode is typically used for small networks or for connecting remote APs Remote APs extend corporate network to the users working from home or at temporary work sites. Remote APs are deplyed at branch office sites and are connected to the central network on a WAN link. to a wired network. For information on configuring ArubaOS 10 APs in a LAN Local Area Network. A LAN is a network of connected devices within a distinct geographic area such as an office or a commercial establishment and share a common communications line or wireless link to a server. setup in bridge mode, see Bridge Mode Deployment.
- Tunnel mode—In this mode, the ArubaOS 10 APs tunnel all traffic to a central controller. The ArubaOS 10 APs set up a secure mobility tunnel for clients that roam between the VLANs, and the client traffic is encapsulated and routed to a tunnel endpoint. This mode is typically used for larger networks or for networks that require centralized management. For information on configuring ArubaOS 10 APs in a LAN setup in tunnel mode, see Tunnel and Mixed Mode Deployment.
- Mixed mode—In this mode, the ArubaOS 10 APs are configured in bridge mode and tunnel mode. In mixed mode, the ArubaOS 10 APs can intelligently determine if client traffic must be bridged or tunneled based on the client VLAN. This mode is typically used for networks that have a mix of small and large deployments. For information on configuring ArubaOS 10 APs in a LAN setup in mixed mode, see Tunnel and Mixed Mode Deployment.
