Branch Office Deployments

Typically large in number, branch offices vary in size from one to scores of workers, and require the same level of reliable connectivity and high security as corporate headquarters. IT managers are sensitive to equipment cost and deployment time because of the number of sites that must be deployed. Centralized management of remote branches is essential because most branch offices lack local IT staff. Large branch offices often employ both wired and wireless LAN networks, and therefore any viable solution must enforce policies across both types of networks: wireless LAN-only solutions are not suitable for this purpose.

Aruba offers a wide array of cost-effective solutions for branch office deployment, including high performance 802.11n connectivity and resilient mesh forwarding that doesn't require a local controller. For smaller branches the most cost-effective solution is to use Remote Access Point software, which provides enterprise connectivity and follow-me security by enabling role-based user access controls, stateful firewall and split-tunneling on any Aruba access point into which it is loaded. To optimize local traffic flow, the software's split-tunneling feature directs only corporate traffic back to the Mobility Controller, while Internet access and printer traffic remain local.

Remote Access Point: An Ideal Solution for Branch Offices

The Remote Access Point features plug-and-play installation at the branch - `configuration data are preloaded and remotely managed from the data center. In many instances deployment consists of mailing one or more configured access points to the branch office and then plugging in local power and a wide area network (typically DSL, cable modem, or LAN). The Remote Access Point(s) will find the data center, establish an IPsec tunnel to one or redundant data centers, and start operating without manual intervention. Aruba's AAA Fast-Connect and credential caching helps offload AAA requirements in the data center and improves scalability. No other competing solution is as inexpensive or simple to deploy.

For large branch offices, Aruba offers a variety of Mobility Controllers that provide locally autonomous operation, but are centrally managed from, and enforce policies set by, the remote data center. Mobility Controllers can enforce policies across both wired and wireless LANs, a major benefit because it eliminates the need for a parallel wired network policy enforcement system. Aruba's Secure Enterprise Mesh provides a fast, low-cost method of adding a wireless LAN to an existing office or a new office without existing infrastructure, as well as creating a completely wire-free branch office.