The distributed edge intelligence and dedicated monitor radio in the Xirrus Array provide unparalleled Monitoring and Analysis capability in a Xirrus wireless network solution.
Packet/Traffic Capture
Every modular AP in the Xirrus Array can be placed into a capture mode to capture wireless network traffic. In addition, traffic can be captured off any wired network interface. Packets can be analyzed using a standard packet analysis tools for understanding what may be causing connectivity or performance issues. With traffic capture available via every wireless device, a network administrator can get remote visibility across the entire network via the Xirrus Management System (XMS) rather than only the area where a traditional laptop analyzer is being used. In packet capture mode, the network administrator can specify the type of traffic to capture including filtering on elements such as management frames, MAC address, IP address, and protocol types. The capture can be run until a specified number of packets are captured or for a specified amount of time.
Spectrum Analysis
The Xirrus wireless solution includes embedded Spectrum Analyzer functionality in every Array that enables wireless environment monitoring distributed across the entire network. Each Array has a modular AP that can be dedicated for threat detection and spectrum analysis operation. Spectrum analysis allows network administrators to quickly determine if there are interference issues within the RF environment, whether Wi-Fi or non-Wi-Fi related. With an analyzer in each Array, network administrators have visibility across the entire network from the desktop. Remote access ensures an administrator is more likely to catch the issue as it is happening rather than deploying a resource to a remote site with a handheld analyzer.
Event and Log Management
Xirrus Arrays and the Xirrus Management System (XMS) provide detailed information on network usage and events. Every Array tracks and reports on key events in the network as they occur. Notifications can be configured to be saved locally on each Array, sent to a central syslog server, and/or sent to the central XMS system. Emails can be configured to alert of major events – from the XMS or from the Array itself. The XMS aggregates network statistics to provide administrators visibility into events across the entire network. The XMS aggregates and stores this data to provide an understanding of network usage, client types, and types of data traffic over time for network planning purposes. XMS data can be viewed in easy to read reports that can be run once or set up to run on a scheduled basis. The reports can then be exported or sent out via email.
In addition, each Array has a built in Netflow analyzer. With Netflow, discrete data sessions and traffic types can be tracked across the network. The Array aggregates usage statistics and sends them to a Netflow analysis tool. Administrators are able to identify top talkers, usage statistics, and the most common types of data traversing the network.
Resource Assurance Management
The distributed design of the Array provides processing power and intelligence at the network edge not available in traditional thin AP designs with central control. With these resources, the Xirrus Array can apply proactive and pre-emptive monitoring of resources to detect and respond to issues. These capabilities are divided into the three areas. Station Assurance continuously monitors wireless clients for potential issues. If a client is detected encountering connectivity or performance issues, a notification is logged enabling the network administrator to respond to the issue proactively before the end-user complains.
Radio Assurance executes local testing of Array radio resources and self-healing to ensure wireless service availability. The monitor radio periodically functions as a wireless client to detect problems with multiple options available for remediation. Finally, Network Assurance actively monitors the status of key network elements, including the Gateway, RADIUS servers, and DNS servers. If key resources are unreachable, notifications are logged and optionally proactive action performed to correct the situation.
Fully Distributed Monitoring
Complete monitoring and analysis capabilities are built into every Array. With such functionality positioned across the network, administrators have complete visibility to issues without leaving the NOC. If an issue does occur, multiple options are available to troubleshoot and diagnose remotely with resources in every Array that can be applied to the task.
Faster Resolution Time
Xirrus Monitoring and Analysis Services greatly reduce the time to identify, isolate, and resolve issues. Resource Assurance Management functions will often identify issues before users notice. With distributed analysis, network administrators can identify issues from their desk, eliminating the time and expense of deploying resources to the physical location. With detailed logs and reports, administrators can quickly gain visibility to the issue and get the network back to its optimum working state.
Fewer Tools to Manage
With multiple, powerful analysis tools available in the Xirrus solution, network administrators ultimately have fewer tools to use. The build in functions can be used for a majority of the functionality required, simplifying training and lowering capital expenditures. Multiple administrators can leverage the functionality within the system simultaneously and at the appropriate location when needed.
More Scalable Solution
With localized intelligence in each Array, the monitoring and analysis functionality of the system scales directly as Arrays are added. In traditional centralized enterprise wireless solutions, the controller becomes a potential bottleneck for monitoring and analysis functionality, as well as a single point of failure. A Xirrus solution becomes more powerful as requirements grow and more components are added to the system.
The Xirrus Monitoring and Analysis services are included in the base ArrayOS operating system and the Xirrus RF Analysis Manager (RSM) Network Services package.
Click here for ordering information.