D-Link DWS-3250 Gigabit Unified Wireless Switch

D-Link Updated: 2008-10-06 RSS
D-Link DWS-3250 Gigabit Unified Wireless Switch

D-Link's xStack 3200 Series switches are designed to provide effortless wireless technology convergence with traditional Layer 2 data access switching, emphasizing on security, performance, and resiliency. Featuring the latest stacking technology from D-Link, the xStack DWS-3250 can stack up to 8 units, providing up to 400 Gigabit ports. It can stack with other D-Link switches such as the DXS/DWS-3227, DXS/DWS-3227P, and DXS/DWS-3250, providing extraordinary flexibility. It provides 48 built-in copper Gigabit ports, including 4 combo SFP slots for easy, flexible connection to fiber-based Gigabit media. The DWS-3250 is also equipped with 2 module slots that support 10 Gigabit Ethernet for both copper CX-4 and fiber XFP connections. When stacking through CX-4 interfaces, a stacking bandwidth of 48Gbps can be achieved for a total switching fabric capacity of up to 240Gbps. In addition, the DWS-3250 also supports IP static routing, 4000 VLANs, and up to 64 trunk groups, making the DWS-3250 the most feature rich, high capacity switching solution in its class by far. The DWS-3250 comes standard with a 10-client AP license upgradeable to 50, and is capable of supporting 50 APs per switch/stack with up to 800 WLAN clients.

Unified Wireless Management
In a mixed network of wired and wireless environments, predictable coverage and security become paramount. The need for a switching solution capable of addressing these needs in both the wired and wireless environment becomes key. The DWS-3250 is capable of meeting this demand and more. With a simple optional firmware upgrade, the DWS-3250 transforms from a standard Layer 2+ switch into an integrated wired and wireless switching solution capable of providing powerful wireless security, easy deployment, the ability to detect rogue access points, and centralized management for all compatible WLAN components. Centralized management has become crucial for wireless technologies deployed in real-time inventory, data mining, and an array of personal electronics that demand mobility and seamless integration such as PDA and 3G/VoIP mobile phones. The DWS-3250 is a wireless switch providing secure, seamless roaming between access points ensuring clear, uninterrupted data and voice communication throughout your wireless network infrastructure.

DNA Stacking Architecture
Distributed Network Architecture (DNA) is a combination of hardware and software that is embedded in the latest D-Link 3200 Series of xStack switches. Switches built with DNA are easily stackable with little or no system downtime for expansion. For example, the DWS-3200 Series switches are self-healing by quickly discovering failures in the stack and re-routing traffic to automatically avoid the failed device and discover the new topology. The flexibility of DNA lets network designers choose the right topology for connecting their devices whether it be through a 10 GbE interface or using a 1000Base-X port to connect between wiring closets. The DWS-3200 Series switches can be used in a number of topologies such as ring or chain stacking. When changes are made to the stack, DNA automatically discovers the new topology and reconfigures the system to accommodate the changes. In the unlikely event of equipment failure, the switches rapidly reconfigure the stack to avoid the failed switch, resulting in extremely fast failover times and little to no downtime. In addition, the DWS-3200 Series allows the network administrator to maintain transparency of system features such as Port Mirroring, VLANs, and Link Aggregation across the stack. Unlike other stacking solutions, this feature allows an administrator to add and remove ports from VLANs without having to configure the VLAN on each switch and without the added hassle of creating VLAN trunks between devices. This also allows, through the use of port mirroring, the ability to monitor any port throughout the stack without having to be physically connected to the same device. This flexibility allows for better troubleshooting, faster configuration, and a lower risk of configuration errors.

Comprehensive Security
The DWS-3250 is equipped to handle many of today's emerging security vulnerabilities previously delegated to only standalone firewalls. It incorporates built-in ACLs for searching out and filtering such threats as: Denial of Service attacks, Trojan Horses, Worms, and more. Other access rules can also be set up to prevent network and 802.1x authentication login. In addition, port-based security can also be set up to protect the integrity of the network. Furthermore, the DWS-3250 protects against attacks towards the CPU itself and improves utilization to meet existing network demands to maximize device responsiveness to user configuration activities. Also, well-known port numbers for allowed applications can be pre-programmed, which will allow these applications faster service and reduce the load on the CPU.

High Availability
The DWS-3250 supports “Shortest-Path” switching, which improves resiliency, uptime and network efficiency. It also supports an optional Redundant Power Supply (DPS-500). It includes support for 802.3ad Link Aggregation and 802.1w Rapid Spanning Tree for increased network reliability and availability.

Network Management
The DWS-3250 features a variety of network management options: Console CLI, Telnet, Web GUI, SNMPv1/v2/v3, and RMON. It also supports a variety of advanced traffic management options including: Layer 3 Static Routing, Bandwidth Control, Broadcast Storm Control, Private VLANs, and support for IGMP Snooping. The D-Link exclusive DNA stacking technology is also supported, which allows up to 8 D-Link DWS-3250 switches to be stacked together and managed as a single unit, regardless of its physical environment.

Advanced QoS
The DWS-3250 provides a robust and consistent set of QoS/CoS, supporting 8 priority queues for 802.1p/ToS/DiffServ, with classification and marking based on MAC SA/DA, IP SA/DA, and/or TCP/UDP. It also provides extensive support for GARP/GVRP, 802.1q, and port-based VLANs for up to 4000 groups per device.

Wireless AP License
The xStack DWS-3250 provides secure, seamless roaming between access points ensuring clear, uninterrupted data and voice communication throughout your wireless network infrastructure. The DWS-3250 supports an optional 25 or 50 client AP license and is capable of supporting up to 50 APs per switch/stack with up to 800 WLAN clients.

Centralized AP Management
The xStack DWS-3250 is capable of centralized management of compatible wireless access points. No longer will each individual access point need to be configured independently. Now your entire wireless network can be managed through a single interface. The xStack DWS-3250 includes support for automatic discovery of APs with real-time monitoring, providing visibility into utilization and performance of WLAN users and devices.

Wireless Security
The D-Link xStack DWS-3250 provides Enhanced Wireless Security features to ensure your data is protected from hackers. Support for WEP, WPA™ and WPA2™ encryption guarantees the privacy of your network data. Rogue AP detection and containment ensure that only the APs you install are able to function on your network. AP detection allows identification of APs into “known” and “rogue” classifications. The switch uses the APs to continuously scan radio channels in an attempt to identify transmissions of unauthorized WLAN nodes facilitating notification and/or jamming of the rogue signals.

Seamless Wireless Roaming
When a user roams between APs connected to different broadcast domains, the user's IP address is no longer valid after the move to the new AP. This means the user's device (laptop, PDA, VoIP phone) will need to change its IP address, thus breaking the active session. This can create a huge problem with “always connected” devices such as VoIP phones and PDAs. The need for a solution to provide seamless roaming between APs on different subnets becomes essential to maintaining active sessions and VoIP calls.

The D-Link DWS-3250 addresses this problem by bringing AP configurations and support directly into the switch itself. This allows the user to move between access points with seamless mobility. To the user's PDA or VoIP phone, the move appears as if it were between APs on a single broadcast domain. This means the user's device will retain its VLAN membership and IP address guaranteeing uninterrupted communication.

Inter-Switch Roaming
The xStack DWS-3250 supports roaming of wireless stations between access points attached to different switches. The seamless inter-switch roaming procedure allows a station's VLAN membership (IP subnet) and QoS parameters to be retained when roaming between APs connected to multiple switches throughout the network. Inter-Switch roaming is an extremely beneficial feature when creating a large WLAN environment such as a campus or multi-floor office. Inter-Switch roaming allows the user complete freedom to roam between switches located in different buildings or on different floors without disconnection or need for re-authentication.

Supported Access Points
Designed for the xStack 3200 series line of wireless switches, the DWL-2130AP, DWL-2230AP, DWL-7130AP, and DWL-7230AP wireless thin access points offer a flexible solution for integration with the xStack 3200 series wireless switch series. With distinct models for every topology, these access points offer a variety of features ranging from support for 802.11a/b/g as well as support for Power over Ethernet (PoE). When used in conjunction with the xStack DXS/DWS-3227, DXS/DWS-3227P, and DXS/DWS-3250, these thin access points unlock the power of wireless switching and facilitate advanced features such as centralized AP management, seamless Layer 3 roaming, and rogue AP detection and jamming.

XStack 3200 Wireless AP License
All DWS-3227, DWS-3227P, and DWS-3250 models are wireless enabled and ship standard with support for up to 10 access points. All DXS-3227, DXS-3227P, and DXS-3250 models require the purchase of a license (DS-710) to unlock the wireless switching functionality and 10 AP support.

The xStack 3200 series is a true pay-as-you-grow solution. As your business grows and the need for a larger wireless coverage area becomes necessary, all xStack 3200 series switches can be upgraded with the simple purchase of either the DS-725 license key (supporting 25 APs) or the DS-750 license (supporting 50 APs). For the end-user purchasing a license key is as simple as contacting your reseller or D-Link sales representative. Resellers may contact their distribution channel for additional information or purchase.