The VSM is the Edge Controller of Abloomy’s Smart-Edge architecture. It can be either an on-premises appliance or deployed on commercial off-the-shelf servers in the data centers of customers or public cloud providers. Under the control of the CSP or ACS, the VSM is the execution node of Abloomy’s cloud service.
With programmability, the VSM can be orchestrated with cloud-managed functions hosted by the ACS or CSP, based on the policies of the customer’s cloud account. It can execute these functions at the edge closest to the customer, in infinitely large-scale distributed deployment scenarios, to guarantee low latency, security, and data privacy—the fundamental requirements for any IoT application.
With these cloud-managed functions, the VSM not only provides all the functions of a traditional WiFi controller such as network management and optimization, NAC and other wireless security functions but also provides portal, authentication and WiFi marketing functions.
With SD-WAN, firewall, NAT, VPN and routing functionalities, it also functions as a network gateway to construct a performance-assured network infrastructure that connects employees, branches, HQ, DCs, and the cloud, all while ensuring high security, deep visibility, and 100% centralized programmability.
The VSM is plug-and-play and makes the network seamlessly scalable. Once configured, the VSM can work independently even after losing connection with the ACS and CSP, and has N+N redundancy, creating an extremely reliable shared computing resource pool.
Both Abloomy APs and VSMs support zero-touch provisioning. When an AP or VSM registers in the cloud platform, the platform will push predefined configurations to the device, avoiding on-site work.
Abloomy adapts a distributed WiFi network architecture based on our Smart-Edge technology, creating a flexible, modularized management system for both network functions and applications. The distributed VSM layer can be scaled seamlessly and automatically creates N+N redundancy backups.
Interference in WLAN radio affects AP’s normal operation. The Abloomy platform optimizes AP’s radio allocation through adaptive channel selection, avoiding interference from neighboring APs.
The Abloomy centralized architecture easily allows roaming. The CSP series controller supports roaming across subnets without re-authentication.
Multiple authentication methods are included, such as Facebook, Google+, 802.1X, username and password, non-authentication, automatic authentication and more. After the first SMS/Social media authentication, subsequent access does not require authentication, which not only improves the user experience, but also saves on SMS expenses.
The VSM can capture and filter browsed URL information based on firewall policies from the CSP.
Role based access control is the main advantage of Abloomy products. The platform can define different levels of access roles and authorize differentiated services for the users.
Based on the policies, the data forwarding can be done either locally by AP or centrally by VSM.
Abundant portal templates are available for customers to customize their ad page. The customer can use single page or multi-page portals to present more information.
By caching content locally, customers can save bandwidth by embedding content URL links in the portal page
and enabling their Wi-Fi users to locally access videos, articles, and apps, creating a much better user experience. Meanwhile, the backend system will record statistics on viewed and downloaded content to better understand user preferences and fine-tune marketing strategies.
Social media integration improves the interactions and relationships between businesses and customers, building up long-term marketing strategies.