Access Points

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An access point (AP) is a wireless network device that acts as a portal for devices to connect to a local area network. The built-in network intelligence in access points supports advanced capabilities like AI-powered RF optimization, dynamic segmentation, service assurance, and smart management options for improved IT and user experiences. APs are used to extend an existing network's wireless coverage and increase the number of users that can connect to it. 

HPE Aruba Networking Central supports the following types of access points based on the operating system:

IAP—Instant Access Points (IAPs) run on HPE Aruba NetworkingInstant operating system that virtualizes HPE Aruba Networking Mobility Controller capabilities on 802.11 APs and offers a feature-rich enterprise-grade Wi-Fi solution.

AOS-10 AP—AOS-10 APs run on HPE Aruba Networking Wireless Operating System 10 operating system that requires no manual CLI configuration or maintenance windows. Once the AOS-10 AP is plugged in, the device connects and receives its running configuration from the cloud using zero-touch provisioning, allowing remote workers and sites to onboard and configure wireless connectivity without on-site IT support.

Instant Access Points (IAPs) offer an enterprise-grade networking solution with a simple setup. The WLAN solution with IAPs supports simplified deployment, configuration, and management of Wi-Fi networks.

Access Points run the HPE Aruba NetworkingInstant software that virtualizes HPE Aruba NetworkingMobility Controller capabilities on 802.11 APs and offers a feature-rich enterprise-grade Wi-Fi solution. IAPs are often deployed as a cluster. An IAP cluster includes a conductor AP and set of other APs that act as member APs.

In an IAP deployment scenario, only the first AP or the conductor AP that is connected to a provisioning network is configured. All other IAPs in the same VLAN join the conductor AP inherit the configuration changes. The IAP clusters are configured through a common interface called Virtual Controller. A Virtual Controller represents the combined intelligence of the IAPs in a cluster.

IAPs establish WebSocket connections with HPE Aruba Networking Central by exchanging TPM certificates.

HPE Aruba Networking IAPs can be deployed in the following modes in HPE Aruba Networking Central:

• Cluster mode—In this mode, several IAPs form a cluster when connected to a provisioning network and a conductor Instant AP is elected. In the cluster mode, new IAP onboarded to HPE Aruba Networking Central can join an existing Instant AP cluster.
• Standalone mode—In this mode, individual IAPs are provisioned in groups and managed from HPE Aruba Networking Central.

Network administrators can manage IAPs through the Aruba Instant UI, HPE Aruba Networking Central, or AirWave management system.

For information on how to configure IAPs using the Aruba Instant UI, see the Aruba Instant User Guide.

For more information on how to provision, configure, and monitor IAPs in HPE Aruba Networking Central, see the following topics:

• Configuring Instant APs in HPE Aruba Networking Central
• Monitoring Access Points in HPE Aruba Networking Central

HPE Aruba Networking Wireless Operating System 10 access points run on a cloud-managed operating system that requires no manual CLI configuration or maintenance windows. This makes them easy to deploy and manage, even for large networks. Once the HPE Aruba Networking Wireless Operating System 10 AP is plugged in, the device connects to the cloud and receives its running configuration automatically using zero-touch provisioning. This allows remote workers and sites to onboard and configure wireless connectivity without on-site IT support.

The HPE Aruba Networking Wireless Operating System 10 APs support a number of new features and capabilities, including cloud-based AI, 802.11k/v/r Wi-Fi security standards, WPA3 encryption method, and Dynamic Authorization. These APs also offer advanced scalability to meet the needs of any network size.

HPE Aruba Networking Wireless Operating System 10 APs can be deployed in the following modes in HPE Aruba Networking Central:

• Bridge mode—In this mode, the HPE Aruba Networking Wireless Operating System 10 APs act as simple wireless bridges between the wireless interface and the wired network deployed at a site. This mode is typically used for small networks or for connecting remote APs to a wired network. For information on configuring HPE Aruba Networking Wireless Operating System 10 APs in a LAN setup in bridge mode, see Bridge Mode Deployment.
• Tunnel mode—In this mode, the HPE Aruba Networking Wireless Operating System 10 APs tunnel all traffic to a central controller. The HPE Aruba Networking Wireless Operating System 10 APs set up a secure mobility tunnel for clients that roam between the VLANs, and the client traffic is encapsulated and routed to a tunnel endpoint. This mode is typically used for larger networks or for networks that require centralized management. For information on configuring HPE Aruba Networking Wireless Operating System 10 APs in a LAN setup in tunnel mode, see Tunnel and Mixed Mode Deployment.
• Mixed mode—In this mode, the HPE Aruba Networking Wireless Operating System 10 APs are configured in bridge mode and tunnel mode. In mixed mode, the HPE Aruba Networking Wireless Operating System 10 APs can intelligently determine if client traffic must be bridged or tunneled based on the client VLAN. This mode is typically used for networks that have a mix of small and large deployments. For information on configuring HPE Aruba Networking Wireless Operating System 10 APs in a LAN setup in mixed mode, see Tunnel and Mixed Mode Deployment.