180CHAPTER 10: CONFIGURING MAP ACCESS POINTS

Similar to ports configured for directly connected MAPs, distributed MAP configurations are numbered and can reference a particular MAP. These numbered configurations do not, however, reference any physical port.

Distributed MAP Network Requirements

Because Distributed MAPs are not directly attached to a WX, they require additional support from the network in order to function. Information on the booting and operation sequence for Distributed MAPs is covered in the section “Boot Process for Distributed MAPs” on page 189.

„Power — PoE must be provided on one of the Ethernet connections to the MAP. Be sure to use a PoE injection device that has been tested by 3Com. (Contact 3Com for information.)

„DHCP — By default, a Distributed MAP uses TCP/IP for communication, and relies on DHCP to obtain IP parameters. Therefore, DHCP services must be available on the subnet that the MAP is connected to. DHCP must provide the following parameters to the MAP:

„IP address

„Domain name

„DNS server address

„Default router address

„Static IP configuration—If DHCP is not available in the network, a Distributed MAP can be configured with static IP information that specifies its IP address, as well as the WX switch it uses as its boot device.

„DNS — If the intermediate network between the WX switch and Distributed MAP includes one or more IP routers, create a 3COMWX.mynetwork.com entry on the DNS server. The entry needs to map this name to the system IP address of the switch. If the subnet contains more than one WX in the same Mobility Domain, you can use the system IP address of any of the WX switches. (For redundancy, you can create more than one DNS entry, and map each entry to a different WX switch in the subnet.)

The DNS entry allows the MAP to communicate with a WX that is not on the MAP subnet. If the MAP is unable to locate a WX on the subnet, the MAP sends DNS requests to 3COMWX, where the DNS suffix for mynetwork.com is learned through DHCP.

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3Com WXR100 3CRWXR10095A, WX4400 3CRWX440095A, WX1200 3CRWX120695A, WX2200 3CRWX220095A Distributed MAP Network Requirements

WX1200 3CRWX120695A, WX4400 3CRWX440095A, WXR100 3CRWXR10095A, WX2200 3CRWX220095A specifications

The 3Com WX2200 (3CRWX220095A), WX4400 (3CRWX440095A), WX1200 (3CRWX120695A), and WXR100 (3CRWXR10095A) are part of a robust suite of wireless networking solutions offered by 3Com, designed to meet the needs of modern enterprise environments. These devices provide reliable connectivity, flexibility, and scalability, making them ideal for businesses of all sizes.

The 3Com WX2200 is a high-performance wireless switch that supports up to 64 access points, making it suitable for medium to large deployments. It boasts advanced features such as dynamic RF management, which optimizes channel selection and power levels based on real-time network conditions. This ensures maximum coverage and minimizes interference, leading to improved user experiences. Additionally, it supports dual-band operation and can seamlessly integrate with various wireless access points, providing enhanced throughput and robust performance.

The WX4400 is designed for high-density environments and offers extensive scalability. It supports up to 128 access points and is equipped with advanced security features, including WPA2 enterprise encryption and role-based access control. This switch also features intelligent load balancing, allowing it to dynamically distribute user traffic across available access points, thus enhancing overall network efficiency.

The WX1200, positioned as an entry-level solution, is well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers a user-friendly management interface, allowing IT staff to quickly configure and monitor the network. This device supports a variety of deployment scenarios and can be easily integrated into existing infrastructure. It also comes equipped with essential security features to protect the network from unauthorized access.

The WXR100 complements the series by providing simplified management for access points, ensuring that businesses can easily deploy and maintain their wireless networks. It supports various management protocols and integrates with a variety of third-party systems, enhancing inter-operability. With Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, the WXR100 can deliver power to connected access points, reducing the complexity and costs associated with additional power infrastructure.

Together, these solutions embody 3Com's commitment to delivering high-quality networking products that enhance connectivity and performance. With features such as scalability, advanced security, dynamic load balancing, and centralized management, the WX2200, WX4400, WX1200, and WXR100 form a comprehensive wireless networking ecosystem tailored for today’s enterprise challenges.