Aruba Networks Submits Draft For A New Wi-Fi Protocol to The IETF



Introduces the Secure Light Access Point Protocol to the Internet Engineering Task Force

SUNNYVALE, CA-/7 April, 2005 - Wi-Fi Technology Forum/- Aruba Networks announced that Partha Narasimhan, wireless architect at Aruba, has submitted to the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) a draft for a new protocol that simplifies the control and management of wireless LAN (WLAN) devices by centralized WLAN controllers. The Internet Draft was co-authored by Dan Harkins at Trapeze Networks.

The new protocol is designed to speed up interoperability between best-of-class access points (APs) and wireless LAN (WLAN) switches. This is another step Aruba Networks has taken to give enterprises more choices in deploying wireless environments.


To build and manage large wireless environments, corporations are quickly moving to a centralized architecture that uses simplified, or thin, APs and sophisticated WLAN switches or controllers. WLAN controllers integrate many of the processing-intensive functions previously found in conventional APs and are designed to dynamically control many access points from a single point. However, today's solutions remain largely single-vendor implementations.

Consequently, the IETF Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points (CAPWAP) group has been chartered to define new interoperability mechanisms that make it easier to mix and match equipment from different suppliers.

Enter the Secure Light Access Point Protocol
The new Secure Light Access Point Protocol (SLAPP), submitted to the CAPWAP working group, is a simple discovery and authentication mechanism that operates independently of the underlying access technology. SLAPP can be used with various technologies, such as 802.11, 802.16 and RFID, to automatically interconnect devices of all types to a centralized control system.

One of the first uses of SLAPP will be providing easy interoperability between WLAN controllers and thin access points from different vendors. SLAPP can be used by access points of any kind to discover one or more controllers, perform a security association and negotiate an extension for control and provisioning functions (see "How SLAPP Works" below).

"We believe that simplicity is the key to developing long-lasting and truly useful standards," said Partha Narasimhan, wireless architect at Aruba Networks and co-author of the SLAPP Internet Draft. "Instead of forcing the industry into a single monolithic control protocol, SLAPP provides complete flexibility to enable any control protocol to be used. Now vendors can easily differentiate while users reap the benefits, all within a standards-based context."

Narasimhan noted that SLAPP creates a framework over which other protocols can be built without restricting architectural choices. "Other attempts to create WLAN switch-to-AP standards forced a complex control protocol that restricted architectural choices. SLAPP does just the opposite, allowing anyone to innovate their own control protocol that can then be negotiated in the SLAPP-ing process," concluded Narasimhan.

How SLAPP Works
Using SLAPP, a device, such as an AP, first discovers one or more controllers through any one of a variety of existing standard protocols, such as DHCP, DNS or IP multicast. Once a controller has been discovered, the device performs a security association that includes mutual authentication. Upon completion of this process, the devices negotiate what control protocol will be used for subsequent inter-device communications.

The Internet Draft of the SLAPP protocol is currently under review for comment within the IETF's CAPWAP working group. The Internet Draft is available at
http://www.ietf.org/internet-drafts/draft-narasimhan-ietf-slapp-00.txt

About Aruba Wireless Networks, Inc.
Based in Sunnyvale, California, Aruba Networks (Aruba) is a fast-growing enterprise infrastructure company. Aruba pioneered the concept of centralized network systems to enable wireless, security and mobility services. The company's products help corporations address fundamental new changes taking place in enterprise networks caused by user mobility, security and wireless technology.

Aruba markets and manufactures a complete line of fixed and modular mobility controllers, wired and wireless access points and advanced mobility software. Privately-held, Aruba has operations in the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific and India and employs staff around the world. Aruba has received over $59 million in three rounds of venture funding from top-tier venture firms - Matrix Partners, Sequoia Capital, Trinity Ventures and WK Technology Fund. Visit Aruba Wireless Networks at http://www.arubanetworks.com