Aruba Networks Version 3.3 manual Mobility Controller

Mobility Controller

The Aruba Mobility Controller is the center of the User-Centric Network. The Mobility Controller is a part of a purpose built, scalable appliance family that runs the ArubaOS operating system and software modules. It provides network administrators the ability to manage the system state and rapidly scope problems for individual users across a single Master/Local controller cluster in a network. Refer to the Aruba Mobility Management System (MMS) in Chapter 9, “Controller Clusters and the Mobility Management System™” on page 63 to manage more than one Master/Local Controller cluster.

The Mobility Controller provides advanced RF features that take guess work and maintenance out of maintaining a wireless LAN. With RF Plan, a predictive site survey can be performed with nothing more than a floor plan and coverage requirements. Once installed, the system’s Adaptive Radio Management (ARM) takes over. This distributed and patented algorithm runs to constantly monitor the RF environment, and adjust AP power and channel settings without user intervention; even in the face of interference or AP failure. RF Live shows the actual real time coverage using “heat maps” overlaid on the floor plan, while RF Locate allows Wi-Fi®clients and active RFID tags to be triangulated on the same set of floor plans.

Once the RF is running, security is initiated. Aruba Mobility Controllers use a multi-layered system to provide continuous protection of the network. The system constantly scans the environment looking for threats to users, and takes proactive action to contain rogue access points and potential attackers. Strong encryption and authentication techniques are routinely used to ensure users can safely connect to the network and that all transmissions are secure. The Mobility Controller uses a stateful firewall to monitor client traffic for policy violations and to provide high touch services.

Now that RF is present and secure, users are ready to roam the enterprise. Aruba’s IP Mobility feature provides the capability for users to roam the enterprise without losing their connection or changing their IP address, even when moving between APs or controllers. This is critical when the organization moves to Voice over WLAN and dual mode phones.

10 Aruba’s User-Centric Network Architecture Campus Wireless Networks Validated Reference Design Version 3.3 Design Guide