 
|
 |
|||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||
|
  
 
|
 Implementing Multiple SSIDs By Jim Geier
April 24, 2003
A service set identifier (SSID) is a unique label that distinguishes one WLAN from another. Wireless devices use the SSID to establish and maintain connectivity. As part of the association process, a wireless network interface card (NIC) must have the same SSID as the access point. An SSID contains up to 32 alphanumeric characters, which are case sensitive. Traditional access points are only capable of supporting a singe SSID. Now some companies, such as Cisco and Symbol, are offering enterprise-class access points that support multiple SSIDs. Some examples of products that support multiple SSIDs are the Cisco 1100 Series access point, which can support up to 16 separate SSIDs, and the Symbol Mobius Axon Wireless Switch, which can support up to 32 separate SSIDs. This logically divides the access point into several virtual access points all within a single hardware platform. Many companies want to take advantage of this technology because using access points to support more than one application, such as public Internet access and inventory control, increases flexibility and keeps costs down. Options for Multiple SSIDsMultiple SSIDs allow users to access different networks through a single access point. Network managers can assign different policies and functions for each SSID, increasing the flexibility and efficiency of the network infrastructure. Here are some possible settings you could assign to each SSID:
Shared WLANs Come AliveThe use of multiple SSIDs means more flexibility when deploying a shared WLAN infrastructure. Instead of supporting only one type of application, possibly one that requires significant authentication and encryption, the WLAN can also maintain other applications that don't require such stringent controls. For example, the access point could support both public and operational users from a single access point. The benefits of a shared infrastructure are certainly cost savings and enabling of mobile applications. Rather than having two separate WLANs (which probably isn't feasible), a company can deploy one WLAN and satisfy all requirements. The combination of multiple applications enables the ones having lower return on investment to be part of the WLAN. Sometimes a company needs to have several applications supported together to make the costs of deploying a WLAN feasible. Jim Geier provides independent consulting services to companies developing and deploying wireless network solutions. He is the author of the book, Wireless LANs and offers workshops on deploying WLANs. Join Jim for discussions as he answers questions in the 802.11 Planet Forums.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rethinking the Datacenter
Putting the Green into IT
Managing the Modern Network
Evaluating Software as a Service for Your Business
Is Your Disaster Recovery Plan Good Enough? 
IE 7
Firefox 2.0
