ruckus wireless proprietary and confidential agenda: wi-fi fundamentals deep dive on ruckus wi-fi...

RUCKUS WIRELESS PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL

Agenda:

Wi-Fi FundamentalsDeep dive on Ruckus Wi-FiEngineering Ruckus Wireless NetworkCommon Mistakes and Oops in Wi-Fi DesignTroubleshooting Ruckus Wi-Fi NetworkProduct Roadmap

Jakub Banasiaksystem engineer Ruckus Wireless


Wi-Fi Fundamentals (Part 1)

Jakub Banasiaksystem engineer Ruckus Wireless

3RUCKUS WIRELESS PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL

History of PHY 802.11b 802.11a 802.11g 802.11n 802.11ac

Amendment Approved July 1999 July 1999 June 2003 Oct 2009 Dec 2012

(DRAFT)

Maximum Data Rate 11 Mbps 54 Mbps 54 Mbps 300 - 600

Mbps 433 - 6,770

Mbps

Supported Modulation HR/DSSS OFDM HR/DSSS &

OFDMHR/DSSS &

OFDM OFDM

RF Band 2.4 GHz 5 GHz 2.4 GHz 2.4 / 5 GHz 5 Ghz

Number of Spatial Streams

1 1 1 1 to 4 1 to 8

Channel Width 22 MHz 20 MHz 20 MHz 20 / 40 MHz 80/160 MHz


802.11n. It is not only MIMO

MIMO

Transmit Beamforming (TxBF)

Maximal Ratio Combining (MRC)

Spatial Multiplexing (SM)

Space Time Block Coding (STBC)

40 MHz Channels

Channel Bonding

More Subcarriers

Non-HT Duplicate Format

Optional Short Guard Intervals

Modulation Rates

Antenna Selection

PHY Enhancements

MAC Enhancements

Frame Aggregation

Block ACKs

RIFS

SMPS

PSMP


802.11n details


Data rates in 802.11nWhat does it really mean ?


Channel bonding


TxBF sends the same data on all participating radios, but has the effect of “focusing” transmissions at a target station by changing the phase of each transmission at the transmitter

TxBF sends the same data on all participating radios, but has the effect of “focusing” transmissions at a target station by changing the phase of each transmission at the transmitter

MIMO: Chip BeamForming

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MIMO AP

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MIMO STA

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Sig

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issi

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set

Signal Reception (combined, in-phase) – improved SNR

Path Delay

Path Delay

Am

plit

ude

Time

Am

plit

ude

Time

Am

plit

ude

Time


123456

123

Data StreamTransmit Streams

456

Transmitter and receiver both participate

Concurrent transmission on the same channel

N-fold increase in throughput

Requires MIMO APs and STAs

Being able to completely control the integrity of the signal pathis essential to get the performance and reliability you’re expecting

MIMO: Spatial Multiplexing


Key concepts: combination and phase


How chip-based beamforming works


Beamforming: only one signal allowed


SM and chip BF are mutually exlusive


11n reality

▪Some 11n techniques increase throughput

▪Some 11n techniques increase reliability

▪Generally you can’t have both at the same time

▪ But smart AP systems engineering can help


BeamFlex + spatial muliplexing


2.4GHz

▪Only 3 non-overlapping channels (1, 6 and 11)

▪Propagates better through obstructions like walls (is this a good or bad thing)

▪Widely adopted frequency for millions of devices e.g. SmartPhones

▪Heavily congested frequency

▪Channel Bonding to get 40MHz channels is not feasible


Interference Packet Loss Retransmission

Wi-Fi Interference Basics

▪ 802.11 is a shared medium operating in the unlicensed bands

▪ Many interfering sources don’t respect 802.11 protocols

▪ Interference effects both TX and RX

▪ If a Wi-Fi device hears an interfering signal, it will defer and not transmit

▪ Interference also impacts your ability to receive error-free packets

▪ Mitigating Wi-Fi interference is all about managing the spectrum


Realities of Co-Channel Interference

*Circle represents > -70 dBm *Circles represent > -95 dBm

Signals don’t stop at -70dBm


Signal to Interference & Noise Ratio (SINR)

▪When faced with interference, it’s SINR that matters

▪Higher SINR = Higher data rates and capacity

▪So how do you get a high SINR?▪ You can either increase signal or decrease interference

▪ Adaptive (smart) antenna systems do both!

SNRSINR

ReceiveSignalLevel

NoiseFloor

INTERFERENCE

T I M E


Smart RF Interference Mitigation

-70dBmsignal

Interference -77dBm

(cordless phone)

-60dBm signal

Increases Signal Level to Client

With Beamforming

17dB SINR

Without Beamforming

7dB SINR


Omnidirectional antenna


Directional antenna

Typically gain is bigger than omni becuase energy is squizzed in one direction


Adaptive antenna with beamforming


Reducing Co-Channel InterferenceCLIENT1

CLIENT2

CLIENT3CLIENT4


2.4GHz

11

1

1 6

6

11

11

61

Use ChannelFly… If manually planning

channels: Keep them APs as well

spaced as possible

At desired signal level have overlap of between 10% (data) to 20% (VoIP)

2.4Ghz Channel Planning


Why channels 1,6,11 often suck

• Lots of APs on these channels in urban environments

• Most of those APs are far away from our AP

• Most of those APs are using 1mbps for beacon/mgmt

• Leaving 1,6,11 easily fixes this problem!


It’s All About Channel Capacity2 . 4 G H z R F C H A N N E L

O B S E R V E D T H R O U G H P U T ( M b p s )

TI

ME

(m

iscr

ose

conds)

0

500Competing approaches:▪ Go off channel

to listen only

▪ Listen for beacons, frame errors, RF interference

▪ Take a very small snapshot in time

▪ Don’t provide a complete view of the entire spectrum


How ChannelFly Works

▪ Evaluates all channels in the spectrum by using them

▪ Continuously learns each channel’s Mbps throughput potential (potential capacity)

▪ Evolves its channel decision intelligence based on the probability another channel has more capacity. Based on patented BeamFlex principals.

▪ Learns channel capacity by monitoring actual channel activity

▪ Evaluates capacity based on client traffic, probes – does not require associated clients

▪ The learning process allows adaption to all RF environments

▪ Avoids interference from Wi-Fi and non Wi-Fi noise sources

▪ Provides fast reaction time to significant drops in throughput.

▪ Channel capacity evaluations are done every 15 sec.


Understanding ChannelFly Phases

Expect frequent channel changes during the initial learning period

Infrequent changes, some randomness

The bigger the capacity drop the more likely a channel change will occur

Self-monitoring channel change frequency and adapts internal ‘temperature’ parameter

The Reacting Phase


Mitigating any channel change penalty

▪ Coordinated channel changes w/out service interruption

▪ Change announced in advanced and synchronized with beacons

▪ Clients

▪ Extremely fast change but does varies from chip to chip

▪ Packets buffered at AP, no loss

▪ Supported by all 5 GHz clients

▪ Supported by most 2.4 GHz clients (Apple, Intel, most Android, Qualcomm, Atheros, Broadcom, …

▪ Mesh

▪ Packets buffered so no packet loss as mesh tree is synchronized

▪ Some jitter expected

Uses 802.11h channel change announcement


Comparing the Differences

CAPABILITIES Cisco Aruba Meru HP Ruckus

Controller-based channel management

Stand-alone channel management

Requires off-channel background scanning for full spectrum visibility

Decisions based on true channel capacity

Maintains a table of channels and their available throughput

Client friendly channel changes


40MHz

40MHz

40MHz

40MHz

The Wi-Fi Spectrum: 5 GHz5.25 GHz

5.35 GHz

5.470 GHz

5.725 GHz

5.825 GHz

5.15 GHz

UNII-1 UNII-2DFS

UNII-3UNII-2e DFS

24 non-overlapping 20 MHz channels

11 non-overlapping 40 MHz channels

Creates channel planning problems similar to 2.4 GHz

5 GHz isn’t a panacea, RF management is still king

149153

157161

3640

4448

NO

N-D

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AN

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5GHz: The Now and Future of WiFi

▪5GHz band has 6-7 times the available bandwidth of 2.4GHz in most countries.

▪Large number of channels allows frequency reuse factors of 4,7,9, or 12+ (compared to 3 for 2.4)

▪Allows much denser AP placement


Engineering a Ruckus network(Part 2)


Past


Now

Interference

Your WLAN

Neighbouring WLAN


Coverage versus Capacity

Coverage Capacity

AP count prefer low prefer high

Limiting factor Path loss Interference

Obstacles bad good

Frequency lower betterhigher better

Antenna pattern omni bettersector better

AP placement higher better lower better

Design metric SNR area SINR area

Everything Changes!


High Density Capacity Strategies

▪5GHz

▪Shrink cell sizes to the extent possible▪ Increase AP count to the extent possible

▪Frequency re-use via sector antenna

▪Frequency re-use via structural separation

▪Non-traditional 2.4GHz channel plans

▪Configuration optimizations & adaptive algorithms


Decrease Cell Sizes

▪Goal is maximize number of small, non-interfering cells

▪Put APs as close to the users as possible

▪Use structures to isolate APs from each other when possible


ZoneFlex 7782

▪ 3x3:3 dual-band outdoor AP with dynamic beamforming – 900 Mbps throughput

▪ Advanced features

▪ TxBF, LDPC, STBC

▪ Spectrum Analysis

▪ Radios: 2.4 GHz @ 23 dBm/chain (28 dBm/631 mw)5 GHz @ 21 dBm/chain (26 dBm/398 mw)Dual-Band sniffer radio

▪ GPS

▪ Power: AC, PoE in

▪ Ports: dual 10/100/1000

▪ PoE out: 25W at short distances* (~10 ft)

▪ Available: 4Q12

A Dual-Band Outdoor AP for Carrier Service Provider WLAN Networks

7782 (int omni)7782-S (int sector)7782-N (int narrow sector)7782-E (external only)

Product Variants


Software Configurations

▪OFDM Only

▪Disable background scanning

▪Limit # of SSIDs if possible

▪Disable ‘services’ that potentially deny service

▪Reducing TX Power dosn’t change signal to self-interference ratio.


Results of Capacity Optimization Dense Noisy Environment (Ruckus HQ)

2x30%


Best solution for planning and deploying a Ruckus network (Part2)


If Its So Simple – Why Plan??!!

Its not just about RF planning, its about project planning!!

• Gives you credibility with your prospective customer

• Gives you a better chance of winning the project

• Deliver the right solution - first time

Reliable

Scalable

Coverage

Performance

Customer Satisfied

Poor Planning = Poor Results!


Define Network RequirementsTools: Ruckus Network Design Questionnaire

Ruckus Best Practice System Design Guidelines

▪Define the service coverage area

▪Identify the applications to be used on the network

▪Define all types of devices that will require communications

▪Develop a data traffic model for each application

▪Define network service availability expectations


RF Plan & DesignTools: Ruckus ZonePlanner

Metageek ChanalyzerPro Metageek InSSIDer WiFi Analytics for Android

▪ Perform onsite survey and RF Spectrum Analysis

▪ Determine specific mounting locations for APs

▪ Create Estimate Heat Map using ZonePlanner

▪ Develop project BOM and cost model including APs, Ethernet switches, cabling, etc. for a total cost of ownership estimation

▪ Determine Authentication model for different user groups on the network


RF Plan & Design: Where to Mount APs


RF Plan & Design- Mesh Guidelines▪ Do not mix 802.11g and 802.11n APs – they will not

mesh together

▪ Utilize 2 or more RAPs: To prevent having a single point-of-failure, deploy 2 or more RAPs so that there is an alternate path

▪ Deploy as many roots as possible: maintain a reasonable RAP:MAP ratio - 1:3 would be best, 1:5 would be reasonable, and 1:7 or worse is not recommended.

▪ Design for a three-hop maximum: Avoid excessive hops.


RF Plan & Design:Mesh AP Placement Guidelines

▪ Place a root in the middle of the mesh: minimize the # hops required to reach the MAPs.

▪ Distribute roots evenly throughout coverage area

▪ Recommended that the APs are all at similar elevation

▪ Do not mount wireless backhaul near AP. A distance of 10’ or more is best to avoid interference

= Root

= Mesh

Roots are evenly spaced. Preferred scenario

Roots are clumped together


RF Plan & Design:Expected Mesh Performance

Distance(Meters) Speed

100 Meters 180 Mbps

200 Meters 140 Mbps

400 Meters 75 Mbps

800 Meters 33 Mbps

Mesh node to mesh node throughput (UDP)


IP Network Plan & Design

▪ Determine network architecture requirements (centralized ZD, multiple ZDs at different sites, Autonomous APs managed via FM)

▪ Determine IP addressing schemes for wireless device management, applications and connected endpoints

▪ Segment the network – VLAN assignments by application, department, etc.

▪ Determine Authentication model for different user groups on the network

▪ Determine location of network resources; DHCP server, AAA Servers, Sysog server, etc.


Deployment

▪ Designate a location for all equipment to be stored and staged upon delivery

▪ Record equipment details in Asset Management database

▪ Install server hardware, operating systems, ZoneDirector, RADIUS, DHCP, FlexMaster, and other required NMS

▪ Record and secure server logins, passwords, etc

▪ Use DHCP addressing not Static

▪ Use DHCP Option 43 or DNS information to inform APs about the IP address of ZD

▪ Use VLAN separation to isolate traffic from different user groups and minimize broadcast domains

▪ Use Untagged VLAN for AP Management Traffic

▪ Document everything!

▪ Test everything!


Network Acceptance

Ruckus Tools: Ruckus Acceptance Test PlanZoneDrectorSpeedFlexZAP

▪ Verify that network devices are discovered and reachable in network management systems

▪ Examine software configurations and correct any anomalies that may impact performance

▪ Conduct coverage area testing – with target client devices

▪ Conduct final network acceptance testing

▪ Upon test completion, notify all parties that the network is ready for production


Validating coverage and performance

▪Test coverage and performance with target clients i.e if your customer will use iPhones, then test with iPhones or a similar Android device

▪Apple have locked down their devices, and do not expose information like RSSI, BSSID, etc.

▪Tools are available for Android e.g. WiFi Analytics Tool

▪ https://market.android.com/details?id=com.pinapps.amped

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.pinapps.amped




Metageek InSSIDer and ChanalyzerPro

▪InSSIDer shows WiFi signal strength

▪ChanelyzerPro shows 802.11 traffic and identifies external sources of interference

▪15% discount for Ruckus partners


New Field Tools (still under development)

SpeedFlex on iPad Site Survey for iPad


Operate & Maintain

▪ Develop Troubleshooting procedures for various network equipment and connections

▪ Consider a training component for Operations & Maintenance handoff to the network administrators

▪ Introduce Ruckus Support team for ongoing support engagements.

▪ Monitor client activity on network. Identify high density areas, and also identify areas with marginal coverage

▪ Determine if additional wireless coverage is necessary and schedule follow-up installations

▪ Initiate remote corrective action or dispatch field technicians to make adjustments

▪ Using ZoneDirector / FlexMaster reports to monitor and investigate underperforming outdoor mesh links or PTP links

▪ Run SpeedFlex or ZAP throughput tests to measure performance

▪ Schedule Auto Channel Maintenance Window on PTP Links


ZonePlannerTM

(Part2)


ZonePlanner

▪It is a predictive modeling tool

▪Garbage in , Garbage out

▪Nothing beats doing an on-site survey

▪ZonePlanner can be combined with onsite survey to refine the coverage predictions

▪Provides nice reports to your clients


Common Attenuation NumbersAttenuation is a reduction of signal as it passes through any object, including air

Material Received Signal Loss (2.4GHz

Received Signal Loss (5GHz)

Drywall 3 – 4 dB 3 – 5 dB

Cubicle Wall 2 – 4 dB 4 – 9 dB

Brick / Concrete 6 – 18 dB 10 – 30 dB

Glass (window) 2 – 3 dB 6 – 8 dB

Tinted glass 13 dB 30 dB

Firewall 13 – 19 dB 25 – 32 dB


Target RSSI

General Edge of Coverage Signal Strength: For internet/low bandwidth application data the edge of

coverage signal should be no greater than -75dBm

For Enterprise application data the edge of coverage signal should be no greater than -70dBm

For Enterprise VoFI, high bandwidth (HD) video and Ekahau/Aeroscout RF location services the edge of coverage signal should be no lower than -60dBm

Whenever specified, follow the manufacturers recommended signal level

RF Signal Strength


Not all clients are created equal


Ruckus AP Transmit Gain and Receive Sensitivity

Model Band Tx Ant Gain (dBi)Tx Pwr Max Total (dBm) Rx Ant Gain (dBi) 6M Rx Sensitivity

ZF7341 2.4 GHz 4 26 3 -96

ZF7343 2.4 GHz 4 26 3 -96

ZF7363 2.4 GHz 4 26 3 -96

ZF7363 5 GHz 4 24 2 -97

ZF7962 2.4 GHz 5 28 2 -98

ZF7962 5 GHz 5 28 3 -97

ZF7025 2.4 GHz 4 16 4 -92

ZF7762 2.4 GHz 5 28 2 -98

ZF7762 5 GHz 5 28 3 -97

ZF7762-S 2.4 GHz 10 28 9 -98

ZF7762-S 5 GHz External 28 External -97

ZF7762-T 2.4 GHz 7 28 4 -98

ZF7762-T 5 GHz External 28 External -97

ZF7731 5 GHz 14 22 14 -95


Take the Guesswork Out of WLAN Planning

▪Wi-Fi planning software that lets network administrators design and optimize Ruckus Smart Wireless LANs prior to deployment.

▪Includes unique Ruckus Wireless 802.11n coverage maps for operating mode, channel width and network performance, provides manual and automatic AP placement, and robust modeling capabilities.

▪Accounts for building materials, obstructions, AP configurations, antenna patterns, and other variables


ModelingDesign new networks or upgrade existing

▪Automatically place APs on site floor plans

▪Specify the min. signal coverage expected, transmit power, and media type of the AP

▪Mark coverage areas and areas where APs cannot be placed


ReportingAvailable when plan is complete

▪Generate reports with all the information needed to properly install the network

▪Provides a list of required Ruckus APs, their ideal placement and configuration settings

▪Allows you to use ZonePlanner to predict network data rate information


Floor Plans


Floor Plans with Walls added


Antennas


Signal Coverage


Heat Maps


Reporting


Reporting Options


Performing a Site Survey (Part 2)


Goal of site survey?

▪How many APs do you need?

▪What can you place APs?


Preparing for a Site Survey

▪Get a floor plan (as accurate as possible) and print it out

▪Discuss with customer the desired goals:▪ What areas need to be covered

▪ What kind of devices will use the WLAN

▪ What applications will use the WLAN

▪ Minimum acceptable bandwidth

▪Make sure the customer is prepared to shut off an existing APs that will not be part of the final deployment


The Site Survey (2)

▪Use an RF spectrum analysis tool such as Metageek Wi-Spy/Channalyzer to check for sources of interference▪ Wireless (non-802.11) surveillance cameras

▪ Microwave PIR motion sensors / wireless alarms & access systems

▪ Bluetooth devices

▪Do a Passive survey using a tool such as Metageek inSSIDer to gauge signal strength ▪ Typical min. signal for casual internet access <-75dB

▪ Typical min. signal for VoIP & intensive Enterprise Apps <-60dBm

▪ Make an allowance for client with poorest RF capability!!


What About Spectrum Interference?

Any good site survey takes into account other sources of RF outside the customer’s deployment, these can include

▪ Neighboring wireless networks

▪ RF emitting machinery

▪ Cordless telephones/microwaves, etc.

▪ Other? Never know unless you check …


Site Survey Tools

▪Ruckus Wireless NFR kit▪ 1 ZoneDirector 1100

▪ 1 Ruckus AP

▪Laptop with wireless card that supports all radios required (a/b/g/n)

▪Power strip (squid)

▪Extension cables


Site Survey Tools

▪Optional, but desirable▪ Portable battery (12V DC or 120VAC)

▪ Single port, gigabit POE adapter or POE switch

▪ Client(s) with similar performance (radios) to customer devices

▪ Tripod/Speaker stand


Site Survey Tools

▪Optional, but desirable▪ Client(s) with similar performance (radios) to

customer devices, for example WiFi phone set of customer

▪T-Bar on stand allows for both 7363 and 7962; height allows for placement close to installation location

▪Outdoor APs can be mounted to post part of stand

▪PoE and Ethernet cables allows for placement without requirement of extension cords


Site Survey Tools

▪ Keep the AP in the correct orientation & height as close as to where it will be deployed

▪ Use a 2-5M telescopic pole to raise it up to required height (it will stand by itself if it reaches floor to ceiling)

▪ The example shows an AP mounted on a ‘decorators’ pole

▪ 200W portable power pack (http://www.maplin.co.uk/200w-portable-power-pack-225153) which will run an AP for several hours

▪ Make up a power lead with DC cigarette plug one end and DC jack (2.1mm x 5.5mm) the other end – don’t use the AC inverter

6mm hole drilled through centre of AP lid (with lid removed!)

6mm x 30mm bolt pushed through from the inside and secured with epoxy glue after screwing into the nut

6mm nut dropped into hollow centre of pole mount and secured with epoxy glue

Extending decorators pole from a hardware store

This section unscrews from the pole and remains on the AP for ease of transportation


Site Survey Configuration

Test laptop192.168.0.5With SpeedFlex installed

ZoneDirector192.168.0.2

Access Point192.168.0.3

Power options for ZD and AP”•AC adapter for AP & ZD to AC outlet•POE adapter for AP


Site Survey Configuration Test

Make sure the following works before beginning the survey:▪ Wireless network is configured for correct radios

▪ Laptop can connect to wireless network

▪ Laptop can ping AP and ZD

▪ Run SpeedFlex successfully

▪ http://192.168.0.2/perf


Running SpeedFlex

▪If you try to run SpeedFlex the first time, you will get the following error:


Running SpeedFlex

▪Click the download link for your OS (Windows or Mac) to download the client portion of the software


Running SpeedFlex

▪Copy the downloaded file to a safe place and then run, you will get a terminal window with the following message:

SpeedFlex version 1.83, Copyright (C) 2004-2006 Ruckus Wireless, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Built Jul 11 2008 at 14:30:54

Entering infinite loop. Enjoy the ride


Running SpeedFlex

Once the program is running, go back to the web page and click the Start button to begin the test


Running SpeedFlex

▪Important! To get a consistent reading, remain still while SpeedFlex is running.

Progress indicator


Running SpeedFlex

▪When the test is complete, you will see the test results.


Onsite Setup

▪When onsite, begin at the edge of where coverage should begin,. Power up the AP and ZD using one of the power options.

▪Mount the AP as it would normally be deployed (usually dome facing down).

▪If the AP will be on the ceiling, use a tripod to get it as close to the ceiling as possible for most accurate results.


Onsite Methodology

▪Begin at the edge of the coverage area

▪Install the AP at a potential installation spot

▪Connect laptop to wireless test SSID

▪Run SpeedFlex, record results on floor plan

▪Walk to a different spot (about 50’) and repeat until coverage has been completely surveyed


Site Survey Walkthrough Example

Client A is running SpeedFlex against AP (B). The shaded area is how far Client A can get from the AP and still maintain 15-20Mbps as reported by SpeedFlex.


Site Survey Walkthrough Example

The next step is to move the AP to one of the points on the boundary and test again.

Previously testedarea

Boundary of previously testedarea

New area


Walkthrough Result


Final Survey Deliverable (Example)


Summary – Steps to Success

▪Pre-survey preparation▪ Understand what the customer wants to achieve

▪ Get floor plans

▪ Make sure the survey gear works before you go

▪On-site survey▪ Be thorough - follow the walkthrough methodology!

▪ Check for spectrum interference

▪ Confirm construction materials


Common WiFi Design Mistakes and Oopsies(Part3)


Common Design Snafus

▪Site surveys

▪AP installation

▪AP location

▪Mesh design

▪Client performance


How Site Surveys Can Go Wrong

▪Didn’t do any survey

▪Did not do active survey▪ BeamFlex real-world performance requires active data

transmission during survey

▪Didn’t check for current/background RF interference


Why You Should Care About RF

This background RF is so severe 2.4 GHz is completely unusable!

Unacceptably high noise floor


AP Installation Snafus

▪All mounting positions are not created equal

▪Orientation can affect overall signal strength

▪Typical best practice is to mount the AP dome down for optimal coverage and signal strength▪ Non-optimal mounting can have a significant impact on overall

coverage and performance

▪BeamFlex is very tolerant, but … why not get the most for your money?


AP Location, Location, Location

▪Where to mount an AP is as important as how

▪Put the AP as close to the clients as possible

▪Separate APs as much as possible


Poor AP Placement

2nd Floor

3rd Floor

APs are installed directly above each other!

Causes unnecessary interference

More APs that would normally be required for coverage


Good AP Placement

2nd Floor

3rd Floor

Staggered design minimizes interference and maximizes coverage


Horizontal Staggering is Good Too

APs have perfect visibility to each other, and at least one will be on the same channel!

BeforeAfter

AP visibility is minimized and we get better coverage!


Mesh Boo-Boos Keep mesh hops to a minimum – preserve capacity Single root AP for mesh = single point of failure

Root AP

Mesh AP Mesh AP

Mesh AP

Mesh AP

Mesh AP

Mesh AP

Mesh AP


What’s wrong with this picture?

Client Performance

802.11n ClientSSID = corpWPA2-TKIP PSK

7962 a/b/g/n AP

802.11n standard mandates maximum of legacy speeds (54 Mbps) for WEP/TKIP encryption.

Full 802.11n speed is only available for open networks or WPA2-AES.


Application Pitfalls - Voice

▪Didn’t plan for 100% coverage▪ Phones get into dead spots and drop calls

▪Didn’t add enough APs for high RSSI▪ Most phones require -65 dB at a minimum, everywhere


Application Pitfalls - Video


2942 b/g

If there are 6 different video streams, 6 x 20 Mbps = 120 Mbps.This will not work for a 54 Mbps AP!

mbps

mbps

mbps

High-Def Video

(20 Mbps)

High-Def Video

(20 Mbps)


Application Pitfalls - Data


7962 a/b/g/n

25 clients simultaneously trying to transmit means somebody will have to wait – leading to timeouts and slowness.

This is especially true if a large amount of data is being transferred.

Network loginNetwork login


Summary

▪Site Surveys▪ Make it real-world

▪APs▪ Dome down is beautiful

▪ Location, location, location

▪Clients▪ Maximize performance – avoid WPA and TKIP

▪Applications▪ Apps have needs too!


ZoneDirector WebGUI and Troubleshooting (Part3)


ZoneDirector Setup WizardOnly runs when a ZD controller is in factory default configuration


ZoneDirector WebGUI Home Page

On-line help

Ping, Trace Route & Real Time Monitoring

Click to add more Widgets

to the Dashboard

Refresh this Widgets

data

Remove this Widget from the

DashboardShow

more data in Monitor

tabClick & drag

Widget header to

reposition it

Click blue hyperlink text in Widgets to be taken to the respective context in the

Monitor tab

High level system

overview

Detail system

information &

monitoring

Configure the

system

General system admin

& debug


Light Weight Access Point Protocol

▪ LWAPP is the management protocol used between ZoneFlex APs and ZoneDirector controllers

▪ Control frames contain configuration and status information

▪ Data frames contain encapsulated data packets

▪ Layer 2 (L2) LWAPP (MAC-level)

▪ Ethernet frame type 0x88bb

▪ Not routable across network segments/subnets

▪ Layer 3 (L3) LWAPP (Network/IP-level)

▪ LWAPP encapsulation in UDP packets

▪ UDP 12223 – LWAPP Control frames

▪ UDP 12222 – LWAPP Data frames

▪ Routable across network segments/subnets


No ZD List

AP->ZoneDirector Discovery Process

▪AP runs the Discovery process until it successfully joins a ZoneDirector

STARTL2

Discovery

Wait

ZD Selected

JoinZD Not Found

ZD Not Found

ZD SelectedRestart

Discovery

L3 Discovery


L3 Discovery Configuration

▪Use the AP CLI command ‘set director <options>’

▪ Use ‘get director’ to see current configuration/status

▪Use DHCP option 43

▪ When AP gets its IP via DHCP also gets ZD IP via option 43

▪Use DNS

▪ AP will perform a lookup for the host ‘zonedirector’ in the domain returned in the DHCP response i.e. ‘zonedirector.thecloud.net’


Troubleshooting AP –> ZD Connection

▪The AP can behind NAT, but the ZD must be on a routable IP i.e. not behind a NAT device

▪Check management data path FW and security policies:▪ AP -> ZD L3 LWAPP - UDP port 12222 and 12223

▪ ZD -> AP firmware upgrade - TCP port 21 (the FireWall must be stateful for PASV FTP transfers)

▪Check the Network configuration:▪ If L2 LWAPP check the L2 switches pass Ethertype 0x88bb

▪ VLANs

▪ Management VLANs

▪ Routing


Troubleshooting AP –> ZD Connection- AP CLI

▪Use the AP CLI command ‘get director’

▪On the ZD ensure that APs are either to be auto-approved else manually approve their join to the ZD:

Primary/Secondary Controller details only set if configured on the ZD

IP address of the last ZD the AP was connected to

Indicates that the AP is currently being managed by this ZD (RUN state). Any continuing period of states below indicate an issue in AP->ZD comms:IDLE, DISCOVERY, SULK


Troubleshooting AP –> ZD Connection - ZD WebGUI▪Use the Dashboard ‘Currently Managed AP Widget’ or

Monitor -> Access Points to get AP connection status:

▪Use the Dashboard ‘Most Recent System Activities’ or Monitor -> All Events/Activities to get AP related events:

Get Support

Info

Get RF Debug

Info

Configure

Wherever available use the Search box to filter

lists

Ping & Trace route

Reboot

Other states:Disconnected; Upgrading Firmware; Provisioning; Isolated (Mesh); Approval Pending


Troubleshooting Client Connections - ZD WebGUI (1)▪Use Monitor -> Currently Active Clients to see if the client

is visible (how do you determine the client?)

▪Sample % Signal Strength to RSSI mapping:Delet

e Client

Ping & Trace route (assuming route from ZD to

client)

25% or greater desired

Click hyperlink to switch to RSSI view

Click hyperlink to view Client

detail

Click hyperlink to switch to AP

detail

% 99 83 69 54 39 25 14 7 0

RSSI

>44 39 33 27 21 15 11 5 <6

Acceptable values


Troubleshooting Client Connections- ZD WebGUI (2)▪Client details from Monitor -> Currently Active Clients

Check the event details for this client

– roaming events, disconnections, low

signal, etc.

Check IP is valid

>10% of Tx packet count could indicate a

problem


Troubleshooting Client Connections- ZD WebGUI (3)▪AP details from Monitor -> Access Points

Noise floor of <-85; 10Ks or more PHY errors; >50% total

AirTime utilisation may indicate performance

and connectivity impacting interference

Check IP is valid

Check WLAN are deployed


Real Time Monitoring

Launch from the Toolbox Maximum period of data capture is 24 hours Uses CPU resource so disable if not using it


Rogue Device Detection Monitor -> Rogue Devices

Might not be enabled at this time on The Cloud deployments

Periodic background scanning detects any Wi-Fi devices not connected to this ZD

Classifies different type of Rogue Devices Of interest are SSID Spoofing and MAC Address Spoofing

Known Rogue Devices can be acknowledged


Graphical Map View

Monitor -> Map View Import your own floor-plans/maps under Configure -> Maps

Area for unplaced

APs

1

Remove an AP from the

Map

Mesh Link

Disconnected APIndicates Mesh AP

and number of hops from Root AP

Indicates Root

AP

Rotate Map

Select Map to view

Zoom slider

Background density slider

Map scaling toolClick+drag+relea

se:Left to DecreaseRight to Increase


Event Logs and Alarms

Monitor -> All Events/Activities

Monitor - >All Alarms


Smart Redundancy

Active

Standby

ZoneDirector 1:1 High Availability Failover occurs ~90 seconds following

active controller failure and results in small service disruption as APs are re-provisioned

ZD must be same type and have same license

ZD <-> ZD - TCP port 443 and port 33003

Easy to Use Automatic synchronization of ZDs

configuration Single IP address manages both controllersDashboard Smart Redundancy

Status Widget


Mesh Topology

= Root AP

= MAP AP

= LAP AP

Icons vary to display current AP roles.

Signal is wireless link RSSI % up and down.


Signal Value Best Practice

▪ Ensure signal >= 25%: The signal value under Neighbor APs that shows “Connected” should be 25% or better.

▪ If it is lower, the AP needs to be relocated

▪ Ensure minimum two uplink options for every MAP

▪ Under Neighbor APs, confirm 2 uplinks

▪ Both should be at >25%

▪ Use >35% for more conservative


Gathering Debug Information

2. Click Apply and then reproduce the issue

1. Enable Debug context(s) as instructed

3. After reproducing the issue Save Debug Info and send to support, then turn of Debug

Debug can be enabled by specific client or AP MAC


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Dynamic PSKCaptive PortalRadius AuthenticationZero ITBYOD(Part4)


Dynamic PSKZero IT


Dynamic PSK and Zero-IT

▪ Solves the problem of deploying and managing WLAN security for client devices

▪ Zero-IT Activation▪ Eliminates the need for manual configuration of WLAN SSIDs and security

settings by end users or IT personnel ▪ Automatically provisions clients with WLAN SSID and WEP/WPA

key/passphrase

▪ Dynamic PSK (and Dynamic Certificate)

▪ Provides strong security by generating a unique key for each client (max PSKs = max clients per ZD model)▪ WPA/WPA2: 63-byte pre-shared key▪ 802.1x EAP: x.509 certificate

▪ User’s Dynamic PSK/Certificate is automatically deactivated▪ After a configurable period of time▪ When Local Database user account is deleted

▪ Note: Zero-IT Activation must be enabled


Solution: Dynamic PSK

1 2

3

4

How It Works…


How Dynamic PSK™ Works

RADIUS/AD

ZoneDirector

IDS

Router

1. First time user connects to Ethernet port

5. User can now connect securely to the WLAN

3. Once authenticated, ZoneDirector auto-provisions the requisite WLAN settings and a unique, dynamic PSK in user’s wireless settings

Internet

2. User specifies URL to be automatically configured for WLAN access

4. Key is bound to both user and device until invalidated


Simplifying Client Security

▪Issue: Configuring security on each and every client doesn’t scale, problematic

▪Wanted: Method to automate client configuration without compromising security

▪Solution: Dynamic PSK

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Documents

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