Chapter 12 - Configuring Virtual Access Points

Abstract

This chapter discusses Virtual Access Points (VAPs) to fine tune wireless access for segmented user groups. It provides an overview of the steps involved, and then a more in-depth examination of the configuration needed for a multi-purpose VAPs deployment. The process of how VAPs are implemented and used to create multiple unique SSIDs through a single access point is elaborated. The features of a VAP are much like that of the wired VLAN. Installation procedures include configuring the proper security zones and VLANs, then configuring and pushing VAP changes out to one or more SonicPoints. VAPs provide a method for using a single wireless access point to provide multiple wireless network environments for different classes of users. Since VAPs work in conjunction with VLAN tagging, one can think of them as an extension of the wired VLAN into the wireless space. In the simplest terms, VAPs allow a single physical Access Point to present itself as multiple discrete Access Points—each with its own authentication methods and access rights. One can control network access by configuring different VAPs with different profiles, accessible by different user classes. A SonicPoint VAP deployment requires several steps to configure. Each VAP is configured on a separate virtual subinterface. VAP objects and VAP groups can be used to organize multiple VAPs and simplify the configuration and maintenance processes.