Instead of something connecting to Wi-Fi and then a VPN, it becomes where the agent makes the decisions and participates in the enforcement of getting to resources. That same managed endpoint may participate in Wi-Fi connectivity, just like if we were doing 802.1x on a wired network or connecting via a VPN. Wireless security is more important than ever as the traditional perimeter dissolves and remote work via Wi-Fi-connected devices increases.
An enterprise-grade wireless network is more than just a collection of WiFi Access Points (APs). At the minimum, it’s characterized by superior security and performance; centralized configuration and management; and a much higher capacity for user density. Enterprises looking to cover specific areas can now build networks to suit their needs. With the right infrastructure, organizations can provide service to rural areas and other places that aren’t typically covered by commercial networks. Remote mining operations, agriculture, and the oil industry are just a few examples where enterprise LTE can provide coverage where other solutions fall short. Because the certificate is self-signed, guest users can expect to see a pop-up alert similar to the following when they are redirected to the authentication page shown in Figure 10-54.
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This helps give you an idea of ideal access point placement but can also aid in identifying troublesome building materials such as concrete, stone masonry, and sheet metal.
Leasing space on the CBRS network guarantees spectrum availability and provides built-in mechanics to prevent signal interference. We explain what private LTE is, how it works, and why your enterprise might need it. Step 3 Define the IP address and file path on the TFTP server where the files reside. Step 3 Configure the maximum number of concurrent user logins (between 0-8). In this example, the guest WLAN has been re-assigned to the lowest QoS class.
Foreign WLC-Guest WLAN Configuration
Generally speaking, onsite controllers are more compatible with legacy WiFi devices and are not dependent on Internet connection speeds and availability. On the other hand, cloud based controllers are more capable of handling geographically dispersed business units and readily support zero-touch deployments. Take a closer look at the pros and cons of using each type enterprise wireless deployment of controller to determine which one is more suitable for your organization. Regular wireless networks can only satisfy some of these regulatory requirements. Thus, if you want to achieve compliance or just establish stronger security, it’s best if your network already has these capabilities out of the box instead of putting together a hodge podge of solutions.
- For more information about cabling solutions for your network, see “Structured Cabling Considerations for 2.5GBASE-T and 5GBASE-T.”
- Wireless security needs to be constantly reevaluated as wireless architecture changes and new endpoints, such as IoT devices, connect to the network.
- Enterprises can even connect their neighboring offices through roof-mounted antennas if needed.
- For instance, Wi-Fi is great for providing network access to offices, while enterprise LTE can support devices at a sold-out baseball stadium.
- Cellular connectivity has built in features that help provide a consistent and robust connection, even under difficult conditions.
It is assumed the reader is familiar with the WLC initialization and configuration process required upon initial bootup using the serial console interface. The following procedures assume there is already a deployed infrastructure of controllers and LAPs with the possible exception of the anchor WLC(s). The guest anchor priority feature provides a mechanism that gives “active/standby” load distribution amongst the anchor WLCs.
Guest WLAN Configuration on the Anchor WLC
The last issue involves protocols intended for use on home networks where there is no infrastructure like in the enterprise — things like DNS servers and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol [DHCP]. Instead, a suite of protocols, like Apple’s Bonjour and multicast DNS, allows things to talk to each other. It’s not ad hoc from a strict Wi-Fi definition, but effectively, they’re using network infrastructure.
That said, there are some newer mechanisms designed to address ease and add security without further impacting the user. One example is Wi-Fi Enhanced Open, which adds encryption to an open network, such as a guest network at Starbucks or a hotel. Usually, those networks are not encrypted because there has to be a key exchange in order to have encryption. While it’s not perfect, we are heading toward adding security without impacting users. If your use case is covered by data privacy laws and regulations such as HIPAA, compliance with their requirements is paramount. These legislations provide guidelines for security features such as authentication, intrusion prevention, encryption, and more.
Since private LTE/5G was built with a macro-scale in mind, each access point will cover about four times more space compared to Wi-Fi indoors, and ten times more outdoors. With higher power levels, less hardware is needed to provide proper coverage – simplifying deployments next to an existing Wi-Fi network. Try to map out what devices you will have in a coverage area and anticipate their use case and needs. This will help you get an understanding of how you will build out the network. For example, having separate VLANs for each type of service helps manage the network easier, implement security policies, and troubleshoot network problems.
The following default mobility group parameters should already be defined on the foreign WLC(s) as part of a standard centralized WLAN deployment. To support auto-anchor mobility for guest access, the anchor WLC(s) must also be configured with a mobility group domain name. Any credentials that may have been applied to the controller by the management system are shown when an admin logs into the controller. A local lobby admin account has privileges to modify or delete any guest credentials that were previously created by the management system.