Using WLSE in a mass deployment

[b.withrow]

My company will soon start deploying 802.11b wireless into our 1700 branch locations. The stores are small and will only require 1 Ap for the most part. We have three concerns: 1)security 2)interference 3) management

Does anybody here have a similar situation? If so, how did you resolve the three issues? I am looking at evaluating WLSE but I'm leary of of the learning curve it will involve (like most Cisco Works software).

Also, I have never used the 1000 series lightweight AP's. I understand you cannot use WLSE to manage those, but are they a good option for this scenario?

Sorry for the vagueness of the questions, but we are just starting to investigate this and want to have some places to start.

Thanks in advance.

[jmagnusson]

the WLSE has been a great tool for upgrading AP's and backup configs. New routers have an option for wireless also - if you need only 1 ap could be good choice.

I think Cisco is leaning towards LWAPP ..

alot of options !!!

[djoconnor]

Hi,

We have 107 retail store locations most with only 1 or two AP's and use WLSE to manage them.

1. Security

We use EAP/PEAP authentication for laptops and hand held devices plus SSID broadcast ON, and no vlans. Successful and failed logins are logged centrally - they are also logged on our RADIUS server (IAS). Mostly works fine.

2. Interference

These are logged as faults and the Received Signal Strenth. Rouge APs also show up there. In small box retail areas there are lots of wireless traffic so expect to see a lot of interference and lots of other wireless networks (Our AP's can see over 600 other wireless networks).

3. Management

IOS upgrades are easy. IOS config changes are relatively easy but are very biased toward a small number of large sites (as is a lot of other functionality). Auto config downloads are basically unmanagable and will require changes in your DHCP server config that breaks other things we have (MS RIS). You can do partial IOS config changes so perhaps that may be of help.