SonicWALL Distributed Wireless Solutions

SonicWALL makes distributed wireless networking secure, simple and cost-effective with the first total security solution that integrates universal 802.11a/b/g wireless with an enterprise-class firewall/VPN gateway. SonicWALL’s innovative Distributed Wireless Solution scales to virtually any network deployment, whether you’re adding wireless into an existing network infrastructure or creating a new wireless network from the ground up.

Larger companies can take advantage of SonicWALL's trusted wireless security functionality by deploying SonicPoints throughout any network. SonicPoints are IEEE 802.11a/b/g satellite access points that provide secure wireless LAN connectivity to users on the network. SonicPoints are automatically configured and centrally managed and updated by any SonicWALL TZ 170 or PRO series security appliance. As a complement to the core components of the Distributed Wireless Solution, SonicWALL also provides solution enablers that aid in the rapid deployment of a wireless network.

SonicWALL’s new wireless solution is built around our award-winning line of Internet security appliances. Within a large office building, network administrators can deploy the appropriate PRO series or TZ 170 appliance as the gateway device, then simply distribute SonicPoints at optimal locations throughout the building. This eliminates the need for a separate wireless switch appliance at the network perimeter, providing airtight wireless mobility for employees as well as secure Internet access for guests.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Comprehensive Security. SonicWALL’s Distributed Wireless Solution provides total security enforcement for both the wired and wireless networks through a single security platform.
• Low TCO. SonicWALL’s Distributed Wireless Solution removes the need to implement and separately manage an expensive wireless-specific solution running in parallel to your wired network.
• Scalable Coverage. SonicWALL’s Distributed Wireless Solution extends wireless coverage area by simply adding SonicPoints to the network as needed.
• Granular Access Control. SonicWALL’s Distributed Wireless Solution allows network administrators to apply firewall rules and security policies to all wireless and wired traffic.
• Seamless Inter-office Mobility. SonicWALL’s Distributed Wireless Solution ensures secure, uninterrupted network access while roaming from one SonicPoint to another.
• Dual Band Wireless Monitoring. SonicWALL’s Distributed Wireless Solution detects rogue access points on both the 2.4 and 5 GHz spectrums.
• Convenient Guest Internet Access. SonicWALL’s Distributed Wireless Solution provides easy creation of guest Internet accounts without compromising the integrity of your network.
• Impenetrable Wireless Security. SonicWALL’s Distributed Wireless Solution guarantees the highest level of security by enforcing IPSec VPN connectivity to the WLAN for all wireless traffic.
• Standards-based Solution. SonicWALL’s Distributed Wireless Solution supports current and future wireless security standards such as WPA and 802.11i without needing to upgrade hardware.

Architecture:

SonicWALL recommends the following guidelines for managing SonicPoints with TZ, PRO and NSA series appliances: (assuming most current firmware release as of 1/8/08)

Please click on the image above to see a larger version of our Distributed Wireless Solution architecture.

Core Components

SonicWALL SonicPoint
SonicPoints are tri-mode, dual band, dual radio, IEEE 802.11a/b/g compliant, satellite access points that provide secure mobility and wireless LAN connectivity for users on the network.

• IEEE 802.11a/b/g Compliant. SonicPoints allow interoperability with any standards-compliant 802.11a/b/g wireless clients
• Automatically Provisioned. SonicPoints provide plug-and-play capabilities for automatic configuration and management from the SonicWALL gateway security appliance using pre-defined profiles
• WPA Support using TKIP or AES. In keeping with industry standards, SonicPoints can also support WPA for added security to the wireless network
• IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet Injector (PoE). Accepts Power-over- Ethernet (PoE) allowing easy deployment, especially where electrical power is not readily accessible

Solution Enablers:

SonicWALL Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Injector
The SonicWALL PoE Injector is an IEEE 802.3af compliant power injector featuring an advanced auto-sensing algorithm that automatically detects the presence of PoE-compatible devices and injects the appropriate power into the data cable. A plug-and-play device, the PoE Injector fits easily into wireless Ethernet infrastructures and requires no configuration or management. When deployed into a wireless network, the PoE Injector reduces costs, lowers downtime, and provides easier maintenance and greater flexibility than traditional cabling.

Features & Benefits:

• PoE Injector Remote power feeding - Reduce the cost of deploying a wireless network infrastructure by supplying power directly to the SonicPoint through a standard Ethernet cable
• IEEE 802.3af compliant - Deliver standards-based 802.3af Ethernet (PoE) automatically to SonicPoints or any 802.3af-compliant appliance
• Ease-of-use - Take advantage of the plug-and-play capability to enable rapid deployment of your wireless infrastructure
• Advanced auto-sensing algorithm - Utilize built-in intelligence to automatically determine and supply power to only those devices that can accept 802.3af power over the Ethernet connection
• Interlocking - Easily line up multiple PoE injectors by interlocking one to the next