User guide

HWC_VNSIntro.fm
A31003-W1010-A100-1-7619, July 2005
HiPath Wireless Controller, Access Points and Convergence Software V3.0: User Guide
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Virtual network services (VNS): Introduction
Overview
6 Virtual network services (VNS): Introduction
6.1 Overview
Virtual Network Services (VNS) are the key to the advantages that the Controller, Access
Points and Convergence Software system has to offer. This technique provides a versatile
means of mapping wireless networks to the topology of an existing wired network.
When you set up a VNS on the HiPath Wireless Controller, you are defining a subnet for a group
of wireless device users. This VNS definition creates a virtual IP subnet where the HiPath
Wireless Controller acts as a default gateway to wireless devices.
Before you begin to define a VNS, you should have determined:
● a user access plan for both individual users and user groups
● the RADIUS attribute values that support the user access plan
● the location and identity of the Wireless APs that will be used on the VNS
● the routing mechanism to be used on the VNS
● the network addresses that the VNS will use
● the type of authentication for wireless device users on the VNS
● the specific filters to be applied to the defined users and user groups to control network
access
● what privacy mechanisms should be employed between the Wireless APs and the wireless
devices
● whether the VNS is to be used for voice traffic
The user access plan should analyze the enterprise network and identify which users should
have access to which areas of the network. What areas of the network should be separated?
Which users can go out the World Wide Web?
The Controller, Access Points and Convergence Software system relies on authenticating
users via a RADIUS server (or other authentication server). To make use of this feature, you
will, of course, require such an authentication server on the network. Make sure that the
server's database of registered users, with login identification and passwords, is current.