User's Guide

Table Of Contents
hwc_intro.fm
9034530-02, March 2010
HiPath Wireless Controller, Access Points and Convergence Software V7.11, User Guide
17
Overview of the HiPath Wireless Controller, Access Points and Convergence Software solution
2 Overview of the HiPath Wireless Controller, Access
Points and Convergence Software solution
This chapter describes HiPath Wireless Controller, Access Points and
Convergence Software concepts, including:
Conventional wireless LANs
Elements of the HiPath Wireless Controller, Access Points and Convergence
Software solution
HiPath Wireless Controller, Access Points and Convergence Software and
your network
The next generation of Siemens wireless networking devices provides a truly
scalable WLAN solution. Siemens Wireless APs are fit access points controlled
through a sophisticated network device, the HiPath Wireless Controller. This
solution provides the security and manageability required by enterprises and
service providers.
The HiPath Wireless Controller, Access Points and Convergence Software
system is a highly scalable Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) solution
developed by Siemens. Based on a third generation WLAN topology, the
Controller, Access Points and Convergence Software system makes wireless
practical for service providers as well as medium and large-scale enterprises.
The HiPath Wireless Controller, Access Points and Convergence Software
system provides a secure, highly scalable, cost-effective solution based on the
IEEE 802.11 standard. The system is intended for enterprise networks operating
on multiple floors in more than one building, and is ideal for public environments,
such as airports and convention centers that require multiple access points.
This chapter provides an overview of the fundamental principles of the HiPath
Wireless Controller, Access Points and Convergence Software system.
The HiPath Wireless system
The HiPath Wireless Controller is a network device designed to integrate with an
existing wired Local Area Network (LAN). The rack-mountable HiPath Wireless
Controller provides centralized management, network access, and routing to
wireless devices that use Wireless APs to access the network. It can also be
configured to handle data traffic from third-party access points.
The HiPath Wireless Controller provides the following functionality:
Controls and configures Wireless APs, providing centralized management
Authenticates wireless devices that contact a Wireless AP
Assigns each wireless device to a VNS when it connects
Routes traffic from wireless devices, using VNS, to the wired network