Configuring AP access points 251Nortel WLAN Security Switch 2300 Series Configuration GuideConfiguring a Template for Automatic AP ConfigurationYou can use a configuration template to deploy unconfigured Distributed APs. A Distributed AP that does nothave a configuration on an WSS switch can receive its configuration from the template instead.The template assigns a Distributed AP number and name to the AP, from among the unused valid AP numbersavailable on the switch. The template also configures the AP with the AP and radio parameter settings in thetemplate. The AP and radio parameter settings in the template are configurable. (See “Configuring aTemplate” on page 252.)The template does not control SSIDs, encryption parameters, or any other parameters managed by serviceprofiles. You still need to configure a service profile separately for each SSID.An WSS switch can have one template.How an Unconfigured AP Finds an WSS Switch To Configure ItThe boot process for a Distributed AP that does not have a configuration on an WSS switch is similar to theprocess for configured Distributed APs. After the AP starts up, it uses DHCP to configure its IP connectionwith the network. The AP then uses the IP connection to contact an WSS switch.The WSS switch contacted by the AP determines the best switch to use for configuring the AP, and sends theAP the IP address of that switch. The best switch to use for configuring the AP is the switch that has a templatewith a high bias setting. If more than one WSS has a template with a high bias setting, the switch that has thegreatest capacity to add new unconfigured APs is selected.An WSS switch’s capacity to add new unconfigured Distributed AP’s is the lesser of the following:• Maximum number of APs that can be configured on the switch, minus the number that are configured• Maximum number of APs that can be active on the switch, minus the number that are activeFor example, suppose the Mobility Domain has two WSS switches, with the capacities and loads listed inTable 13.For WSS-2360 A:• The Number of APs that can be configured on the switch, minus the number that are configured, is30 - 25 = 5.• The Number of APs that can be active on the switch, minus the number that are active, is 12 - 8 = 4.• The lesser of the two values is 4. The switch can have up to 4 more APs.Table 13: Example WSS-2360 AP Capacities and LoadsWSS-2360 A WSS-2360 BMaximum Configured 30 30Maximum Active 12 12Number Currently Configured 25 20Number Currently Active 8 12
