Dell PowerConnect W-Airwave 7.6 User Manual
Dell PowerConnect
W-AirWave 7.6
User Guide
Copyright
© 2013 Aruba Networks, Inc. Aruba Networks trademarks include , Aruba Networks®, Aruba Wireless Networks®, the registered Aruba the Mobile Edge Company logo, and Aruba Mobility Management System®.
Dell™, the DELL™ logo, and PowerConnect™ are trademarks of Dell Inc.
All rights reserved. Specifications in this manual are subject to change without notice.
Originated in the USA. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Open Source Code
Certain Aruba products include Open Source software code developed by third parties, including software code
subject to the GNU General Public License (GPL), GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL), or other Open
Source Licenses. Includes software from Litech Systems Design. The IF-MAP client library copyright 2011
Infoblox, Inc. All rights reserved. This product includes software developed by Lars Fenneberg, et al. The Open
Source code used can be found at this site:
http://www.arubanetworks.com/open_source
Legal Notice
The use of Aruba Networks, Inc. switching platforms and software, by all individuals or corporations, to terminate
other vendors’ VPN client devices constitutes complete acceptance of liability by that individual or corporation for
this action and indemnifies, in full, Aruba Networks, Inc. from any and all legal actions that might be taken against it
with respect to infringement of copyright on behalf of those vendors.
Jan 2013 | 0510897-12 Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave 7.6 | User Guide
Contents
Introduction 1
A Unified Wireless Network Command Center 1
AirWave Management Platform 1
VisualRF 2
RAPIDS 2
Master Console and Failover 3
Integrating AirWave into the Network and Organizational Hierarchy 3
Administrative Roles 4
Configuring AirWave 5
Before You Begin 5
Formatting the Top Header 5
Customizing Columns in Lists 7
Resetting Pagination Records 8
Using the Pagination Widget 9
Using Export CSV for Lists and Reports 9
Defining Graph Display Preferences 10
Customizing the Dashboard 10
Adding Widgets 11
Available Widgets 11
Search Preferences 14
Setting Severe Alert Warning Behavior 15
Defining General AirWave Server Settings 16
AMP Setup > General 16
General Settings 16
Automatic Authorization Settings 17
Top Header Settings 18
Search Method 18
Home Overview Preferences 18
Display Settings 19
Device Configuration Settings 19
AMP Features 20
External Logging Settings 20
Historical Data Retention Settings 21
Firmware Upgrade Defaults 23
Additional AMP Services 23
Performance Settings 24
Defining AirWave Network Settings 25
Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave 7.6 | User Guide | iii
Primary Network Interface Settings 25
Secondary Network Interface Settings 26
Network Time Protocol (NTP) Settings 26
Static Routes 27
Creating AirWave Users 27
AirWave User Roles 29
User Roles and VisualRF 29
Creating AirWave User Roles 29
Configuring Login Message, TACACS+, RADIUS, and LDAP Authentication 33
Setting Up Login Configuration Options 34
Setting Up Single Sign-On 34
Setting Up Certificate Authentication 34
Specifying the Authentication Priority 35
Configuring RADIUS Authentication and Authorization 35
Integrating a RADIUS Accounting Server 36
Configuring TACACS+ Authentication 37
Configuring Cisco ACS to Work with AirWave 38
Configuring LDAP Authentication and Authorization 39
Enabling AirWave to Manage Your Devices 40
Configuring Communication Settings for Discovered Devices 41
Loading Device Firmware Onto AirWave (optional) 43
Loading Firmware Files onto AirWave 44
Using Web Auth Bundles in AirWave 46
Setting Up Device Types 46
Configuring Cisco WLSE and WLSE Rogue Scanning 47
Introduction to Cisco WLSE 47
Initial WLSE Configuration 48
Adding an ACS Server for WLSE 48
Enabling Rogue Alerts for Cisco WLSE 48
Configuring WLSE to Communicate with APs 48
Discovering Devices 48
Managing Devices 49
Inventory Reporting 49
Defining Access 49
Grouping 49
Configuring IOS APs for WDS Participation 49
WDS Participation 49
Primary or Secondary WDS 50
Configuring ACS for WDS Authentication 50
Configuring Cisco WLSE Rogue Scanning 50
Configuring ACS Servers 52
Integrating AirWave with an Existing Network Management Solution (NMS) 53
Auditing PCI Compliance on the Network 54
Introduction to PCI Requirements 54
PCI Auditing 55
iv | Dell PowerConnec t W-AirWave 7.6 | User Guide
Enabling or Disabling PCI Auditing 56
Deploying WMS Offload 57
Overview of WMS Offload in AirWave 57
General Configuration Tasks Supporting WMS Offload in AirWave 58
Additional Information Supporting WMS Offload 58
Configuring and Using Device Groups 59
AirWave Groups Overview 60
Viewing All Defined Device Groups 61
Configuring Basic Group Settings 62
Adding and Configuring Group AAA Servers 69
Configuring Group Security Settings 70
Configuring Group SSIDs and VLANs 74
Configuring Radio Settings for Device Groups 78
Cisco WLC Group Configuration 81
Accessing Cisco WLC Configuration 81
Navigating Cisco WLC Configuration 82
Configuring WLANs for Cisco WLC Devices 82
Defining and Configuring LWAPP APGroups for Cisco Devices 85
Viewing and Creating Cisco AP Groups 85
Configuring Cisco Controller Settings 86
Configuring Wireless Parameters for Cisco Controllers 87
Configuring Cisco WLC Security Parameters and Functions 87
Configuring Management Settings for Cisco WLC 88
Configuring Group PTMP Settings 88
Configuring Proxim Mesh Radio Settings 89
Configuring Group MAC Access Control Lists 91
Specifying Minimum Firmware Versions for APs in a Group 91
Comparing Device Groups 92
Deleting a Group 93
Changing Multiple Group Configurations 94
Modifying Multiple Devices 95
Using Global Groups for Group Configuration 98
Discovering, Adding, and Managing Devices 101
Device Discovery Overview 101
Discovering and Adding Devices 101
SNMP/HTTP Scanning 102
Adding Networks for SNMP/HTTP Scanning 102
Adding Credentials for Scanning 103
Defining a Scan Set 104
Running a Scan Set 104
The Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) 106
Authorizing Devices to AirWave from APs/Devices > New Page 106
Manually Adding Individual Devices 107
Adding Devices with the Device Setup > Add Page 107
Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave 7.6 | User Guide | v
Adding Multiple Devices from a CSV File 110
Adding Universal Devices 111
Assigning Devices to the Ignored Page 112
Unignoring a Device 112
Monitoring Devices 113
Viewing Device Monitoring Statistics 113
Understanding the APs/Devices > Monitor Pages for All Device Types 114
Monitoring Data Specific to Wireless Devices 115
Evaluating Radio Statistics for an AP 120
Overview of the Radio Statistics Page 121
Viewing Real-Time ARM Statistics 121
Issues Summary section 121
802.11 Radio Counters Summary 122
Radio Statistics Interactive Graphs 122
Recent ARM Events Log 123
Detected Interfering Devices Table 124
Active BSSIDs Table 125
Monitoring Data for Mesh Devices 125
Monitoring Data for Wired Devices (Routers and Switches) 126
Understanding the APs/Devices > Interfaces Page 128
Auditing Device Configuration 129
Using Device Folders (Optional) 130
Configuring and Managing Devices 131
Moving a Device from Monitor Only to Manage Read/Write Mode 132
Configuring AP Settings 133
Setting a Maintenance Window for a Device 138
Configuring Device Interfaces for Switches 139
Individual Device Support and Firmware Upgrades 142
Troubleshooting a Newly Discovered Down Device 144
Setting up Spectrum Analysis in AirWave 146
Spectrum Configurations and Prerequisites 146
Setting up a Permanent Spectrum Dell AP Group 147
Configuring an Individual AP to run in Spectrum Mode 148
Configuring a Controller to use the Spectrum Profile 148
Creating and Using Templates 151
Group Templates 151
Supported Device Templates 151
Template Variables 152
Viewing and Adding Templates 152
Configuring General Template Files and Variables 155
Configuring General Templates 155
IOS Configuration File Template 156
Device Configuration File on APs/Devices > Audit Configuration Page 156
Using Template Syntax 157
Using AP-Specific Variables 157
vi | Dell PowerConnec t W-AirWave 7.6 | User Guide
Using Directives to Eliminate Reporting of Configuration Mismatches 157
Ignore_and_do_not_push Command 158
Push_and_exclude Command 158
Using Conditional Variables in Templates 158
Using Substitution Variables in Templates 159
Configuring Templates for Dell PowerConnect W-Instant 160
Configuring Templates for AirMesh 161
Configuring Cisco IOS Templates 162
Applying Startup-config Files 162
WDS Settings in Templates 162
SCPRequired Settings in Templates 163
Supporting Multiple Radio Types via a Single IOS Template 163
Configuring Single and Dual-Radio APs via a Single IOS Template 164
Configuring Cisco Catalyst Switch Templates 164
Configuring Symbol Controller / HP WESM Templates 164
Configuring a Global Template 166
Using RAPIDS and Rogue Classification 169
Introduction to RAPIDS 169
Viewing Overall Network Health on RAPIDS> Overview 170
Setting Up RAPIDS 171
RAPIDS Setup 171
Basic Configuration 171
Classification Options 173
Containment Options 173
Filtering Options 173
Additional Settings 174
Defining RAPIDSRules 174
Controller Classification with WMSOffload 174
Device OUI Score 175
Rogue Device Threat Level 175
Viewing and Configuring RAPIDS Rules 176
Deleting or Editing a Rule 178
Recommended RAPIDS Rules 178
Using RAPIDS Rules with Additional AirWave Functions 179
Viewing Rogues on the RAPIDS > List Page 179
Overview of the RAPIDS > Detail Page 181
Viewing Ignored Rogue Devices 183
Using RAPIDS Workflow to Process Rogue Devices 183
Score Override 183
Using the Audit Log 184
Additional Resources 185
Performing Daily Administration in AirWave 187
Monitoring and Supporting AirWave with the System Pages 187
Using the System > Status Page 188
Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave 7.6 | User Guide | vii
Viewing Device Events in System > Syslog & Traps 189
Using the System > Event Log Page 190
Viewing, Delivering, and Responding to Triggers and Alerts 191
Viewing Triggers 191
Creating New Triggers 191
Setting Triggers for Devices 194
Setting Triggers for Interfaces and Radios 195
Setting Triggers for Discovery 196
Setting Triggers for Clients 196
Setting Triggers for RADIUS Authentication Issues 197
Setting Triggers for IDS Events 198
Setting Triggers for AirWave Health 198
Delivering Triggered Alerts 199
Viewing Alerts 199
Responding to Alerts 200
Monitoring and Supporting WLAN Clients 201
Overview of the Clients Pages 201
Monitoring WLAN Users in the Clients > Connected and Clients > All Pages 202
Monitoring Rogue Clients With the Clients > Rogue Clients Page 205
Supporting Guest WLAN Users With the Clients > Guest Users Page 206
Supporting VPN Users with the Clients > VPN Sessions Page 208
Supporting RFID Tags With the Clients > Tags Page 209
Evaluating and Diagnosing User Status and Issues 210
Evaluating User Status with the Clients > Client Detail Page 210
Mobile Device Access Control in Clients > Client Detail and Clients > Connected 211
Classifying Dell Devices in Client Detail 212
Quick Links for Clients on Dell Devices 212
Using the Deauthenticate Client Feature 213
Viewing a Client’s Association History 213
Viewing the Rogue Association History for a Client 213
Evaluating Client Status with the Clients > Diagnostics Page 214
Managing Mobile Devices with SOTI MobiControl and AirWave 214
Overview of SOTI MobiControl 214
Prerequisites for Using MobiControl with AirWave 214
Adding a Mobile Device Management Server for MobiControl 215
Accessing MobiControl from the Clients > Client Detail Page 215
Monitoring and Supporting AirWave with the Home Pages 216
Monitoring AirWave with the Home > Overview Page 216
Viewing the RF Performance Page 218
Viewing and Updating License Information 219
The Home > Search Page 220
Accessing AirWave Documentation 222
Configuring Your Own User Information with the Home > User Info Page 222
Using the System > Configuration Change Jobs Page 225
Using the System > Firmware Upgrade Jobs Page 225
viii | Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave 7.6 | User Guide
Using the System > Performance Page 226
Supporting AirWave Servers with the Master Console 229
Using the Public Portal on Master Console 230
Adding a Managed AMP with the Master Console 230
Using Global Groups with Master Console 231
Backing Up AirWave 232
Viewing and Downloading Backups 232
Running Backup on Demand 232
Restoring from a Backup 232
Using AirWave Failover for Backup 233
Navigation Section of AirWave Failover 233
Adding Watched AirWave Stations 233
Logging out of AirWave 234
Creating, Running, and Emailing Reports 235
Overview of AirWave Reports 235
Reports > Definitions Page Overview 235
Reports > Generated Page Overview 237
Using Daily Reports 238
Viewing Generated Reports 238
Using Custom Reports 239
Using the Dell PowerConnect W License Report 240
Using the Capacity Planning Report 240
Using the Client Session Report 242
Using the Configuration Audit Report 243
Using the Device Summary Report 244
Using the Device Uptime Report 246
Using the IDS Events Report 247
Using the Inventory Report 248
Using the Memory and CPU Utilization Report 248
Using the Network Usage Report 249
Using the New Clients Report 250
Using the New Rogue Devices Report 250
Using the PCI Compliance Report 252
Using the Port Usage Report 253
Using the RADIUS Authentication Issues Report 254
Using the RF Health Report 255
Using the Rogue Clients Report 256
Using the Rogue Containment Audit Report 257
Using the VPN Session Report 257
Defining Reports 258
Emailing and Exporting Reports 262
Emailing Reports in General Email Applications 262
Emailing Reports to Smarthost 263
Exporting Reports to XML, CSV, or PDF 263
Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave 7.6 | User Guide | ix
Using VisualRF 265
Features 266
Useful Terms 266
Starting VisualRF 267
Basic QuickView Navigation 267
Network View Navigation 268
Overlays 268
Type section 268
Floors section 269
Frequencies section 269
Display Menu 269
Device Types section 269
Floorplan Features section 269
Relations section 269
Edit Menu 270
Mesh View Navigation 271
Using the Settings in the VisualRF > Setup Page 272
Server Settings 273
Location Settings 274
Location Calculation Timer Settings 275
Attenuation Settings 276
Adding a New Attenuation 277
VisualRF Resource Utilization 277
Configuring QuickView Personal Preferences 278
Increasing Location Accuracy 281
Adding Exterior Walls 282
Location Training for Stationary Devices 283
Adding Client Surveys 284
Adding Regions 285
Adding Location Probability Regions 285
Adding a Wiring Closet 286
Viewing Port Status on Deployed Switches 287
Fine-Tuning Location Service in VisualRF > Setup 288
Configuring Infrastructure 288
Deploying APs for Client Location Accuracy 289
Using QuickView to Assess RF Environments 290
Viewing a Wireless User’s RF Environment 290
Tracking Location History 291
Checking Signal Strength to Client Location 291
Viewing an AP’s Wireless RF Environment 292
Viewing a Floor Plan’s RF Environment 293
Viewing a Network, Campus, Building’s RF Environment 293
Viewing Campuses, Buildings, or Floors from a Tree View 294
Planning and Provisioning 294
Creating a New Campus 295
x | Del l Power Connect W-AirWave 7.6 | User Guide
Creating a New Building in a Campus 295
Importing a Floor Plan 297
Editing a Floor Plan Image 298
Cropping the Floor Plan Image 298
Sizing a Non-CAD Floor Plan 299
Removing Color from a Floor Plan Image 299
Assigning Campus, Building and Floor Numbers 299
Assigning Optional Planner, Owner, or Installer Information for the Floor Plan 300
Controlling the Layers in the Uploaded Floor Plan (CAD only) 300
Error Checking of CAD Images 300
Last Steps in Editing an Uploaded Image 301
Provisioning Existing Access Points onto the Floor Plan 301
Automatically Provisioning APs onto a Floor Plan 302
Tweaking a Planning Region 304
Auto-Matching Planned Devices 305
Printing a Bill of Materials Report 305
Importing and Exporting in VisualRF 306
Exporting a campus 306
Importing from CAD 306
Batch Importing CAD Files 307
Requirements 307
Pre Processing Steps 307
Upload Processing Steps 307
Post Processing Steps 308
Sample Upload Instruction XML File 308
Common Importation Problems 308
Importing from a Dell PowerConnect W-Series Controller 308
Pre-Conversion Checklist 308
Process on Controller 309
Process on AirWave 309
VisualRF Location APIs 309
Sample Device Location Response 309
Sample Site Inventory Response 309
About VisualRF Plan 310
Overview 310
Minimum requirements 310
VisualRF Plan Installation 311
Differences between VisualRF and VisualRF Plan 311
Index 313
Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave 7.6 | User Guide | xi
xii | Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave 7.6 | User Guide
Chapter 1
Introduction
Thank you for choosing Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave. AirWave makes it easy and efficient to manage your
wireless network by combining industry-leading functionality with an intuitive user interface, enabling network
administrators and helpdesk staff to support and control even the largest wireless networks in the world.
The User Guide provides instructions for the installation, configuration, and operation of AirWave. This chapter
includes the following topics:
l "A Unified Wireless Network Command Center" on page 1
l "Integrating AirWave into the Network and Organizational Hierarchy " on page 3
If you have any questions or comments, please contact Dell support at dell.com/support.
A Unified Wireless Network Command Center
AirWave is the only network management software that offers you a single intelligent console from which to
monitor, analyze, and configure wireless networks in automatic fashion. Whether your wireless network is simple or a
large, complex, multi-vendor installation, AirWave manages it all.
AirWave supports hardware from leading wireless vendors including the following:
l Dell PowerConnect W-Series
l Aruba Networks
l Avaya
l Cisco (Aironet and WLC)
l Enterasys
l Juniper Networks
l LANCOM Systems
l Meru
l Nortel
l ProCurve by HP
l Proxim
l Symbol
l Trapeze
l Tropos
and many others.
The components of the AirWave are in the next section.
AirWave Management Platform
The AirWave Management Platform (AMP) is the centerpiece of AirWave, offering the following functions and
benefits:
Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave 7.6 | User Guide Introduction | 1
l Core network management functionality:
n Network discovery
n Configuration of APs & controllers
n Automated compliance audits
n Firmware distribution
n Monitoring of every device and user connected to the network
n Real-time and historical trend reports
l Granular administrative access
n Role-based (for example, Administrator contrasted with Help Desk)
n Network segment (for example, Retail Store network contrasted with Corporate HQ network)
l Flexible device support
n Thin, thick, mesh network architecture
n Multi-vendor support
n Current and legacy hardware support
VisualRF
VisualRF is a powerful tool for monitoring and managing radio frequency (RF) dynamics within your wireless
network, to include the following functions and benefits:
l Accurate location information for all wireless users and devices
l Up-to-date heat maps and channel maps for RF diagnostics
n Adjusts for building materials
n Supports multiple antenna types
l Floor plan, building, and campus views
l Visual display of errors and alerts
l Easy import of existing floor plans and building maps
l Planning of new floor plans and AP placement recommendations
RAPIDS
RAPIDS is a powerful and easy-to-use tool for monitoring and managing security on your wireless network, to
include the following features and benefits:
l Automatic detection of unauthorized wireless devices
l Rogue device classification that supports multiple methods of rogue detection
l Wireless detection:
n Uses authorized wireless APs to report other devices within range.
n Calculates and displays rogue location on VisualRF map.
l Wired network detection:
n Discovers rogue APs located beyond the range of authorized APs/sensors.
n Queries routers and switches.
n Ranks devices according to the likelihood they are rogues.
n Multiple tests to eliminate false positive results.
n Provides rogue discovery that identifies the switch and port to which a rogue device is connected.
2 | Introduction Dell PowerConnect W-AirWav e 7.6 | User Guide
Master Console and Failover
The Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave Master Console and Failover tools enable network-wide information in easy-tounderstand presentation, to entail operational information and high-availability for failover scenarios. The benefits of
these tools include the following:
l Provides network-wide visibility, even when the WLAN grows to 50,000+ devices
l Executive Portal allows executives to view high-level usage and performance data
l Aggregated alerts
l Failover
n Many-to-one failover
n One-to-one failover
The Master Console and Failover servers can be configured with a Device Down trigger that generates an alert if
communication is lost. In addition to generating an alert, the Master Console or Failover server can also send email
or NMS notifications about the event.
Integrating AirWave into the Network and Organizational Hierarchy
Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave generally resides in the NOC and communicates with various components of your
WLAN infrastructure. In basic deployments, AirWave communicates solely with indoor wireless access points (and
WLAN controllers over the wired network. In more complex deployments, AirWave seamlessly integrates and
communicates with authentication servers, accounting servers, TACACS+ servers, LDAP servers, routers, switches,
network management servers, wireless IDS solutions, helpdesk systems, indoor wireless access points, mesh devices.
AirWave has the flexibility to manage devices on local networks, remote networks, and networks using Network
Address Translation (NAT). AirWave communicates over-the-air or over-the-wire using a variety of protocols.
The power, performance, and usability of AirWave become more apparent when considering the diverse components
within a WLAN. Table 1 itemizes some example network components.
Table 1:
Components of a WLAN
Component Description
Autonomous AP Standalone device which performs radio and authentication functions
Thin AP Radio-only device coupled with WLAN controller to perform authentication
WLAN controller Used in conjunction with thin APs to coordinate authentication and roaming
NMS Network Management Systems and Event Correlation (OpenView, Tivoli, and so forth)
RADIUS Authentication RADIUS authentication servers (Funk, FreeRADIUS, ACS, or IAS)
RADIUS Accounting AirWave itself serves as a RADIUS accounting client
Wireless Gateways Provide HTML redirect and/or wireless VPNs
TACACS+ and LDAP Used to authenticate AirWave administrative users
Routers/Switches Provide AirWave with data for user information and AP and Rogue discovery
Help Desk Systems Remedy EPICOR
Rogue APs Unauthorized APs not registered in the AirWave database of managed APs
Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave 7.6 | User Guide Introduction | 3
Administrative Roles
The flexibility of AirWave enables it to integrate seamlessly into your business hierarchy as well as your network
topology. AirWave facilitates various administrative roles to match each individual user's role and responsibility:
l A Help Desk user may be given read-only access to monitoring data without being permitted to make
configuration changes.
l A U.S.-based network engineer may be given read-write access to manage device configurations in North America,
but not to control devices in the rest of the world.
l A security auditor may be given read-write access to configure security policies across the entire WLAN.
l NOC personnel may be given read-only access to monitoring all devices from the Master Console.
4 | Introduction Dell PowerConnect W-AirWav e 7.6 | User Guide
Chapter 2
Configuring AirWave
This section contains the following procedures to deploy initial AirWave configuration:
l "Formatting the Top Header" on page 5
l "Customizing Columns in Lists" on page 7
l "Resetting Pagination Records" on page 8
l "Using the Pagination Widget" on page 9
l "Using Export CSV for Lists and Reports" on page 9
l "Defining Graph Display Preferences" on page 10
l "Customizing the Dashboard" on page 10
l "Setting Severe Alert Warning Behavior" on page 15
l "Defining General AirWave Server Settings" on page 16
l "Defining AirWave Network Settings" on page 25
l "Creating AirWave User Roles" on page 29
l "Creating AirWave Users" on page 27
l "Configuring Login Message, TACACS+, RADIUS, and LDAP Authentication" on page 33
l "Enabling AirWave to Manage Your Devices" on page 40
l "Setting Up Device Types" on page 46
l "Configuring Cisco WLSE and WLSE Rogue Scanning" on page 47
l "Configuring ACS Servers " on page 52
l "Integrating AirWave with an Existing Network Management Solution (NMS) " on page 53
l "Auditing PCI Compliance on the Network" on page 54
l "Deploying WMS Offload" on page 57
NOTE: Additional configurations are available after basic configuration is complete.
Before You Begin
Remember to complete the required configurations in this chapter before proceeding. AirWave support remains
available to you for any phase of AirWave installation.
Formatting the Top Header
The Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave interface centers around a horizontal row of tabs with nested subtabs.
A row of statistics hyperlinks called Top Header Stats above the tabs represents commonly used subtabs. These
hyperlinks provide the ability to view certain key statistics by mousing over, such as number and type of Down
Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave 7.6 | User Guide ConfiguringAirWave | 5
devices, and serve as shortcuts to frequently viewed subtabs. Figure 1 illustrates the navigation bar. More information
on hyperlinks, tabs, and subtabs is a available in the
Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave 7.6 Installation Guide
.
Figure 1: Navigation Bar Displaying Down Device Statistics
You can control the Top Header Stats links that appear from the AMP Setup > General page, as described in
"Defining General AirWave Server Settings" on page 16. Top Header Stats can also be customized for individual
users on the Home > User Info page. There you can select the statistics to display for certain device types and
override the AMP Setup page.
All possible display options for users are shown in Figure 2, and these fields are described in detail in "Configuring
Your Own User Information with the Home > User Info Page" on page 222.
NOTE: A confirmation message does not appear when you make modifications to the Top Header Stats.
6 | Configuring AirWave Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave 7.6 | User Guide
Figure 2: Home > User Info Top Header Stats Display Options
You can also set the severity level of critical alerts displayed for a user role. For details including a description of
what constitutes a severe alert, see "Setting Severe Alert Warning Behavior" on page 15.
Customizing Columns in Lists
Customize the columns for any list table selecting Choose Columns, as shown in the figure below. Use the up/down
arrows to change the order in which the column heads appear.
Figure 3: Choose Columns Drop down List
Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave 7.6 | User Guide ConfiguringAirWave | 7
More information about the universal list elements is available in Common List Settings in the
W-AirWave 7.6 Installation Guide
You can also control which column heads appear for each user role. Navigate to the Home > User Info page, and
then select Yes in the Customize Columns for Other Roles field. This exposes the Choose Columns for Roles drop
down menu in all tables shown in Figure 4.
The first column shows the user roles that were customized, if any. The second column allows you to establish leftto-right columns and order them using the arrows.
.
Dell PowerConnect
Figure 4: Table with Choose Columns for Roles Menu Selected
Resetting Pagination Records
To control the number of records in any individual list, select the link with Records Per Page mouseover text at the
top left of the table, as shown in Figure 5. AirWave remembers each list’s pagination preferences.
Figure 5: Records Per Page Drop Down Menu
To reset all Records Per Page preferences, click the Reset reset button in the Display Preferences section of the
Home > User Info page, as shown in Figure 6.
8 | Configuring AirWave Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave 7.6 | User Guide
Figure 6: Home > User Info > Display Preferences section
Using the Pagination Widget
The pagination widget is located at the top and bottom of every list table, as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7: Pagination Widget
Use the down arrow next to Page 1 to see all the page numbers for that table in a drop down menu. From here, you
can jump to any portion of the table. Select the > symbol to jump to the next page, and >| to jump to the last
page.
Using Export CSV for Lists and Reports
Some tables have a Export CSV setting you can use export the data as a spreadsheet. See Figure 8 for an example of
a list with the Export CSV option selected.
Figure 8: List with CSV Export Selected
AirWave also enables CSV exporting of all report types. For more information, see "Exporting Reports to XML, CSV,
or PDF" on page 263.
Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave 7.6 | User Guide Configuring AirWave | 9
Defining Graph Display Preferences
Many of the graphs in AirWave are Flash-based, which allows you to adjust the graph settings attributes as shown in
Figure 9.
Figure 9: Interactive Graphs on the Home > Overview Page
This Flash-enabled GUI allows for custom settings and adjustments as follows:
l Drag the slider at the bottom of the screen to move the scope of the graph between one year ago and the current
time.
l Drag the slider between graphs to change the relative sizes of each.
l Deselect checkboxes to change the data displayed on each graph. The button with green arrows refreshes data on
the graph.
The Show All link displays all of the available checkboxes supporting the Flash graphs. Once a change to the slider
bars has been made, the same change can be applied to all other Flash graphs on that page with a Set time range
button ( ).
NOTE: A non-Flash version of the AirWave user page is available if desired. Instead of Flash, it uses the RRD graphs that were used in
earlier versions of AirWave. For non-Flash graphs, select the graph to open a popup window that shows historical data. Contact Dell
support for more information on activating this feature in the AirWave database.
Customizing the Dashboard
You can rearrange or remove widgets appearing on the Home > Overview dashboard by selecting the Customize link
to the right of this window, as shown in Figure 10.
Figure 10: Customize Button on the Home > Overview Page
The Customize workspace that appears is shown in Figure 11.
10 | Configuring AirWave Dell PowerConnec t W-Air Wave 7.6 | User Guide
Figure 11: Customize Overview Page
Adding Widgets
The Available Widgets section on the left holds all available graphical elements (widgets). Select any blue widget tile
with a verbal description enclosed, and it immediately turns into a graphical element with a description.
Drag the widgets you want to appear on the Home > Overview dashboard across to the gridlines and arrange them
in the right section, within the gridlines. A widget snaps back to the nearest available gridline if you drop it across
two or more lines and turns red if you attempt to place it over gridlines already occupied by widgets. Widgets with a
green top banner are properly placed and set to appear when you select Save. Widgets that remain in the left section
will not appear; although they can be reinstated by selecting Restore Defaults.
Available Widgets
Table 2 describes the list of available widgets along with a description for each. Note that when a widget is enabled,
the information that displays can vary based on the user’s permission level. Certain roles, for example, limit the top
folder that a user can view.
Table 2:
Available Widgets
Widget Description
The Client graph is enabled by default and, by default, shows the maximum number of
attached clients over the last two hours. Select the Show All link to view more
specific client information on the graph, such as the total and average clients for a
specific SSID, the maximum VPN sessions, etc. The available check boxes within this
graph are determined by the SSIDs that AirWave is aware of from polling the device.
Client/Usage Graphs
The Usage graph is enabled by default and, by default, shows the average bits-persecond in/out information and average VPN in/out information. Select the Show All
link to view usage information for specific SSIDs. The available checkboxes within
this graph are determined by by the SSIDs that AirWave is aware of from polling the
device.
The information in these graphs is color coded to match the selected check boxes.
The Monitoring Status pie shows the percentage of total devices that are up and the
Monitoring and Config Pie
Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave 7.6 | User Guide Configuring AirWave | 11
number and perctentage of devices that are currently down. Clicking within this pie
chart takes you to the APs/Devices > Down page.
Widget Description
The Configuration Compliance pie shows the percentage of devices that are
mismatched, good, unknown, and those with auditing disabled. It also provides a
summary of the total number of devices that are mismatched. Clicking within this pie
chart takes you to the APs/Devices > Mismatch page.
These pie charts are enabled by default.
The Alert Summary table is enabeld by default and provides the number of AirWave
alerts, IDS events, and RADIUS authentication issues over the last 2 hours, the last 24
hours, and the total since the last AirWave reboot.
l Click on AirWave Alerts to drill down to more detailed alert information. This
information displays in the current page. You can return to the Alert Summary
Alert Summary
graph by selecting the Home Overview link.
l Click on IDS Events to drill to more detailed event information. This link takes you
to the RAPIDS > IDS Events page.
l Click on RADIUS Authentication Issues to drill to more detailed RADIUS
authentication information. This information displays in the current page. You can
return to the Alert Summary graph by selecting the Home Overview link.
Quick Links
RAPIDS: Acknowledged
RAPIDS: Classification Pie
RAPIDS: Classification Summary
IDS Events
The Quick Links section is enabled by default. This section provides the user with easy
navigation to a specific folder, group, report, or common task.
The Acknowledged RAPIDS Devices pie chart shows the percentage of
acknowledged and unacknowledged RAPIDS that the user has visibility into. The
RAPIDS information appears from the moment a rogue is discovered until it is
deleted. Ignored rogues, however, are not included in this chart.
This chart also displays on the RAPIDS > Overview page.
The RAPIDS: Classification Pie shows the percentage of devices classified as Valid,
Suspected Neighbor, Suspected Valid, Suspected Rogue, Rogue, and Neighbor that
are attached to AirWave. The RAPIDS information appears from the moment a rogue
is discovered until it is deleted. Ignored rogues, however, are not included in this
chart.
This pie chart can also be viewed on the RAPIDS > Overview page.
The RAPIDS: Classification Summary table shows the number of devices classified as
Valid, Suspected Valid, Neighbor, Suspected Neighbor, Suspected Rogue, Rogue,
and Unclassified that are attached to AirWave. In addition, contained rogue
information will appear if Manage rogue AP containment is set to Yes on the RAPIDS
> Setup page.
The RAPIDS information appears from the moment a rogue is discovered until it is
deleted. Note that ignored rogues are not included in this chart.
This table can also be viewed on the RAPIDS > Overview page.
The IDS Events table shows the number and type of attacks logged by the intrusion
detection system over the last 2 hours, the last 24 hours, and the total since the last
AirWave reboot. This is the same table that displays on the RAPIDS > Overview page.
The RAPIDS: OS Pie chart shows the top 9 rogue devices by OS, Others, Unknown,
RAPIDS: OS Pie
and Not Scanned. The RAPIDS information appears from the moment a rogue is
discovered until it is deleted. Note that ignored rogues are not included in this chart.
This pie chart can also be viewed on the RAPIDS > Overview page.
The RAPIDS: OS Summary table shows the top 9 rogue devices by OS, Others,
Unknown, and Not Scanned. The RAPIDS information appears from the moment a
RAPIDS: OS Summary
rogue is discovered until it is deleted. Note that ignored rogues are not included in
this chart.
This table can also be viewed on the RAPIDS > Overview page.
12 | Configuring AirWave Dell PowerConnec t W-Air Wave 7.6 | User Guide
Widget Description
This chart lists the folders and the number of APs in each folder whose usage is
greater than the cutoff (or usage threshold). The cutoff represents 75% of the
Top Folders By AP Usage
Top Folders By A Radio Channel
Usage
Top Folders By BG Radio Channel
Usage
Top Folders By A Radio Client
Count
maximum usage, where the maximum usage is the AP with the highest usage
regardless of the folder in which it resides. The cutoff value is displayed within the
title, and this value can vary. The chart takes into account approved APs with radios
based on the last 24 hours. In addition, this chart is updated every hour.
This chart shows the folders and the number of A radios (5GHz) in each folder whose
channel usage is greater than the cutoff (or usage threshold) as measured by Mbps.
This cutoff is on the on the AMP Setup > General page using the Configure Channel
Busy Threshold option. If this option is not configured, then the cutoff is 75% of the
‘maximum,’ where the ‘maximum’ refers to the AP that has the highest usage
regardless of the folder in which it resides. The cutoff value is displayed within the
title, and this value can vary. This chart takes into account approved APs with ‘A’
radios based on the last 24 hours. In addition, this chart is updated every hour.
This chart shows the folders and the number of BG radios (2.4GHz) in each folder
whose channel usage is greater than the cutoff (or usage threshold) as measured by
Mbps. This cutoff is on the on the AMP Setup > General page using the Configure
Channel Busy Threshold option. If this option is not configured, then the cutoff is 75%
of the ‘maximum,’ where the ‘maximum’ refers to the AP that has the highest usage
regardless of the folder in which it resides. The cutoff value is displayed within the
title, and this value can vary. This chart takes into account approved APs with ‘BG’
radios based on the last 24 hours. In addition, this chart is updated every hour.
This chart shows the folders and the number of A radios (5GHz) in each folder whose
client count is greater than the cutoff. The cutoff represents 75% of the ‘maximum,’
where the ‘maximum’ is the radio that has the highest client count regardless of the
folder. The cutoff value is displayed within the title and can vary. This chart takes into
account approved APs with A radios based on the last 24 hours. In addition, this chart
is updated every hour.
Top Folders By BG Radio Client
Count
Top Clients By Total Traffic
Clients By AOS Device Type
Clients By Device Type
Clients By Device Mfgr
Clients By Device Model
This chart shows the folders and the number of BG radios (2.4GHz) in each folder
whose client count is greater than the cutoff. The cutoff represents 75% of the
‘maximum,’ where the ‘maximum’ is the radio that has the highest client count
regardless of the folder. The cutoff value is displayed within the title and can vary.
This chart takes into account approved APs with BG radios based on the last 24 hours.
In addition, this chart is updated every hour.
The widget looks at currently connected clients as well has client historical
information over the past 24 hours and then displays the top 10 clients with the must
usage. You can click on a MAC address to view more information about any of the
clients that display on this table. This table is updated every hour.
This pie chart shows the percentage of clients that have attached to AirWave over the
last 24 hours based on the AOS device type.
This pie chart shows the percentage of clients that have attached to AirWave over the
last 24 hours based on the device type (such as a specific operating system or smart
phone type).
This pie chart shows the percentage of clients that have attached to AirWave over the
last 24 hours based on the client manufacturer.
This pie chart shows the percentage of clients that have attached to AirWave over the
last 24 hours based on the device model (such as the smart phone type).
Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave 7.6 | User Guide Configuring AirWave | 13
Widget Description
Clients By Mfgr & Model
Clients By Device OS
Clients By Device OS Detail
Clients By Network Vendor
Client Signal Distribution
This pie chart shows the percentage of clients that have attached to AirWave over the
last 24 hours based on the client manufacturer and model.
This pie chart shows the percentage of clients that have attached to AirWave over the
last 24 hours based on the device operating system (such as Windows or Android).
This pie chart shows the percentage of clients that have attached to AirWave over the
last 24 hours based on the device operating system version (such as Windows NT 6.1).
This pie chart shows the percentage of clients that have attached to AirWave over the
last 24 hours based on each device’s network interface vendor.
The Client Signal Distribution chart shows the number of attached devices that have a
signal quality within a set of ranges.
Search Preferences
For each user, you can customize the search results to display only desired categories of matches on the Home >
User Info page. Go to the Search Preferences section and select the desired search type from the Search Method
drop down. This search type will be used when a user types an entry in the Search field and then clicks Enter without
selecting a specific search type.
l Use System Defaults: The Search Method will be based on the system-wide configuration setting. This method is
configured on the AMP Setup > General page.
l Active clients + all devices: This looks at all active clients (not historical) and all devices. This search is not case-
sensitive.
l Active clients + all categories: This looks at all active clients (not historical) and all categories. This search is not
case-sensitive.
l Active clients + all categories (exact match): This looks at all active clients (not historical) and all categories.
This search returns only matches that are exactly as typed (IP, username, device name, etc). This search is casesensitive for all searched fields.
l Active + historical clients + all categories: This looks at all active and historical clients and all categories. This
search is not case-sensitive.
l Active + historical clients + all categories (exact match): This looks at all active and historical clients and all
categories. This search returns only matches that are exactly as typed (IP, username, device name, etc). This
search is case-sensitive for all searched fields.
NOTE: A confirmation message does not appear after you make modifications to Search Preferences.
Figure 12: Home > User Info Search Preferences
14 | Configuring AirWave Dell PowerConnec t W-Air Wave 7.6 | User Guide
Setting Severe Alert Warning Behavior
You can control the alert levels you can see on the Alerts top header stats link from the Home > User Info page.
The Severe Alert Threshold determines the severity level that results in a Severe Alert. Specify either Normal,
Warning, Minor, Major, or Critical as the severity alert threshold value. These threshold values are tied to triggers
that are created on the System > Triggers page. For example, if a trigger is defined to result in a Critical alert, and if
the Severe Alert Threshold here is defined as Major, then the list of Severe Alerts will include all Major and Critical
alerts. Similarly, if this value is set to Normal, which is the lowest threshold, then the list of Severe Alerts will include
all alerts.
When a Severe Alert exists, a new component named Severe Alerts will appear at the right of the Status field in bold
red font. This field is hidden if there are no Severe Alerts. In addition, only users who are enabled for viewing Severe
Alerts on the Home > User Info page can see severe alerts.
The Severe Alert Threshold drop down menu, located in the Top Header Stats section of the Home > User Info
page is shown in Figure 13.
Figure 13: Home > User Info > Severe Alert Threshold Drop Down Menu
Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave 7.6 | User Guide Configuring AirWave | 15
Defining General AirWave Server Settings
This section describes all pages accessed from the AMP Setup tab. It also describes two pages in the Device Setup
tab: the Communication and Upload Files pages. After required and optional configuration tasks in this chapter are
complete, continue to later chapters in this document to create and deploy device groups and device configuration
and discovery on the network.
Refer to the following topics for configuration information:
l "AMP Setup > General" on page 16
l "Defining AirWave Network Settings" on page 25
l "AirWave User Roles" on page 29
l "Creating AirWave Users" on page 27
l "Configuring Login Message, TACACS+, RADIUS, and LDAP Authentication" on page 33
l "Enabling AirWave to Manage Your Devices" on page 40
l "Setting Up Device Types" on page 46
AMP Setup > General
The first step in configuring AirWave is to specify the general settings for the AirWave server. Figure 14 illustrates
the AMP Setup > General page. Select Save when the General Server settings are complete and whenever making
subsequent changes. These settings are applied globally across the product (for all users).
Figure 14: AMP Setup > General Page Illustration (Partial View)
General Settings
Browse to the AMP Setup > General page, locate the General section, and enter the information described in
Table 3:
16 | Configuring AirWave Dell PowerConnec t W-Air Wave 7.6 | User Guide
Table 3:
AMP Setup > General > General Section Fields and Default Values
Setting Default Description
System Name
Default Group
Device
Configuration Audit
Interval
Automatically repair
misconfigured
devices
Send debugging
messages
Nightly
Maintenance Time
(00:00 - 23:59)
Access
Points
Daily
Disabled
Enabled
04:15
Defines your name for your AirWave server, with a maximum limit of 20
alphanumeric characters.
Sets the device group that this AirWave server uses as the default for devicelevel configuration. Select a device group from the drop-down menu. A group
must first be defined on the Groups > List page to appear in this drop-down
menu. For additional information, refer to. "Configuring and Using Device
Groups" on page 59.
This setting defines the interval of queries which compares actual device
settings to the Group configuration policies stored in the AirWave database. If
the settings do not match, the AP is flagged as mismatched and AirWave sends
an alert via email, log, or SNMP.
NOTE: Enabling this feature with a frequency of Daily or more frequently is
recommended to ensure that your AP configurations comply with your
established policies. Specifying Never is not recommended.
If enabled, this setting automatically reconfigures the settings on the device
when the device is in Manage mode and AirWave detects a variance between
actual device settings and the Group configuration policy in the AirWave
database.
If enabled, AirWave automatically emails any system errors to Dell support at
dell.com/support to assist in debugging.
Specifies the local time of day AirWave should perform daily maintenance.
During maintenance, AirWave cleans the database, performs backups, and
completes a few other housekeeping tasks. Such processes should not be
performed during peak hours of demand.
Enables AirWave to check automatically for multiple update types. Check daily
Check for software
updates
Yes
for AirWave updates, to include enhancements, device template files, important
security updates, and other important news. This setting requires a direct
Internet connection via AirWave.
Automatic Authorization Settings
On the AMP Setup > General page, locate the Automatic Authorization section. These settings allow you to
control the conditions by which devices are automatically authorized into AP groups and folders. AirWave validates
the Folder and Group to ensure that both settings have been set to valid drop down options. Table 4 describes the
settings and default values in this section.
Table 4:
AMP Setup > General > Automatic Authorization Fields and Default Values
Setting Default Description
Globally add new controllers and autonomous devices to:
l The New Device List (located in APs/Devices > New).
l The same folder and group as the discovering device.
Add New Controllers
and Autonomous
Devices Location
New Device List
l The same group and folder of their closest IP neighbor on the same
subnet.
l Choose a group and folder. If you select this option, enter the
folder/group in the Auto Authorization Group and Auto Authorization
Folder fields that display.
NOTE: This setting can be overridden in Groups > Basic.
Dell PowerConnect W-AirWave 7.6 | User Guide Configuring AirWave | 17
Setting Default Description
Globally add new thin APs to:
l The New Devices list.
l The same folder and group as the discovering device.
Add New Thin APs
Location
New Device List
l The same group and folder of their closest IP neighbor on the same
subnet.
l Choose a group and folder. If you select this option, enter the
folder/group in the Auto Authorization Group and Auto Authorization
Folder fields that display.
NOTE: This setting can be overridden in Groups > Basic.
Automatically
Authorized Virtual
Controller Mode
Manage
Read/Write
Specify whether Virtual Controller mode for Instant APs will be in Manage
Read/Write mode or Monitor Only mode.
Top Header Settings
On the AMP Setup > General page, locate the Top Header section to select the Top Header Stats to be displayed
at the top of the interface.
Search Method
On the AMP Setup > General page, locate the Search Method section. Select one of the following drop down
options as the system-wide default search method. This default search type will be used when a user types an entry
in the Search field and then clicks Enter without selecting a specific search type.
l Active clients + all devices: This looks at all active clients (not historical) and all devices. This search is not case-
sensitive.
l Active clients + all categories: This looks at all active clients (not historical) and all categories. This search is not
case-sensitive.
l Active clients + all categories (exact match): This looks at all active clients (not historical) and all categories.
This search returns only matches that are exactly as typed (IP, username, device name, etc). This search is casesensitive for all searched fields.
l Active + historical clients + all categories: This looks at all active and historical clients and all categories. This
search is not case-sensitive.
l Active + historical clients + all categories (exact match): This looks at all active and historical clients and all
categories. This search returns only matches that are exactly as typed (IP, username, device name, etc). This
search is case-sensitive for all searched fields.
Per-user search preferences can be set in the Home > User Info page; refer to "Search Preferences" on page 14.
Home Overview Preferences
On the AMP Setup > General page, locate the Home Overview Preferences section. Table 5 describes the settings
and default values in this section.
Table 5:
18 | Configuring AirWave Dell PowerConnec t W-Air Wave 7.6 | User Guide
AMP Setup > General > Home Overview Preferences Fields and Default Values
Setting Default Description
Configure Channel
Busy Threshold
Channel Busy
Threshold (%)
Yes
n/a
Whether you want to configure the threshold at which a channel is considered to
be busy at the Top Folders By Radio Channel Usage Overview widget.
The threshold percent at which the radio channel is considered busier than normal.
This field is only available if the Configure Channel Busy Threshold setting is Yes.
Loading...