HP MSM7XX User Manual

Working with controlled APs
Key concepts
6-3
Key concepts
The controller provides centralized management of APs operating in controlled mode.
Controlled mode greatly simplifies the set up and maintenance of a Wi-Fi infrastructure by
centralizing the configuration and management of distributed APs.
Note Starting with software version 5.x, APs operate in controlled mode by default. If you update
an AP from an earlier release, the AP boots in autonomous mode. Subsequently resetting the
AP to factory defaults switches it to controlled mode. For details on working with
autonomous APs, see Working with autonomous APs on page 19-1, and Resetting to factory
defaults on page C-1.
Plug and play installation
In most cases, initial configuration of an AP is not required. Simply power it up and plug it
into a network that provides access to a controller. The AP will automatically discover and
authenticate itself with the controller. The AP does not offer wireless services until it
successfully connects and synchronizes with a controller. Layer 3 networks may require the
APs first to be provisioned.
Automatic software updates
Once an AP establishes a management tunnel with a controller its software is automatically
updated to match the version installed on the controller.
Centralized configuration management
All AP configuration settings are defined using the controller management tool and are
automatically uploaded to all controlled APs with a single mouse select. For added flexibility,
APs can be assigned to groups, enabling each group to have customized configuration
settings. If needed, the individual settings for each AP in a group can also be customized.
Manual provisioning
By default, APs operating in controlled mode will automatically discover and connect with a
controller on most network topologies. However, in certain cases it may be necessary to
manually configure (provision) connectivity and discovery options. Manual provisioning can
be done directly on the AP, or via the controller. When using the controller, provisioning can
be applied to entire groups making it easy to customize many APs at once. When working
with a controller team, APs must be provisioned to discover each team member to ensure
that failover is supported. The APs must be able to migrate to a new team member if the
current team member with which they are associated becomes unavailable.
Secure management tunnel
Once authenticated, a secure management tunnel is established between the AP and the
controller to support the exchange of management traffic between the two devices.

HP MSM7XX Specifications

General

Brand	HP
Model	MSM7XX
Category	Controller
Language	English