RG Nets rXg on the Control Plane with Clint Kennedy

The RG Nets rXg automates myriad access and subscriber services, including NAC with multiple PSK & 802.1X authentication, subscriber self service and provisioning, PMS and billing integration, LBS, NAT and more. Complex subscriber services can be configured and delivered by non-IT staff through intuitive portals.

In the presentation by Clint Kennedy and Alek Murray from RG Nets at Networking Field Day 33, the focus was on the control plane functionalities of their rXg platform. The rXg is designed to automate a wide array of access and subscriber services, such as network access control (NAC) with multiple pre-shared keys (PSK) and 802.1X authentication, subscriber self-service and provisioning, integration with property management systems (PMS) and billing, as well as location-based services (LBS). The control plane handles clustering and subscriber provisioning, allowing non-technical staff to manage complex subscriber services through intuitive portals. The platform supports both data and management planes, which will be discussed in future sessions.

One of the key features demonstrated was subscriber self-provisioning, where users can connect to the network, select billing plans, and manage their own credentials. This is particularly useful in environments such as hotels, multi-dwelling units (MDUs), convention centers, and airports. The system also supports sponsored guest workflows, allowing enterprise networks to manage guest access efficiently. The front office manager interface simplifies network management for non-technical staff, enabling them to perform tasks such as reconnecting rooms, changing billing plans, and providing refunds. Additionally, the conference portal allows event planners to manage wired and wireless infrastructure dynamically, including creating SSIDs and configuring network settings on demand.

The presentation also highlighted the flexibility and security of the rXg platform, which supports multiple pre-shared keys and 802.1X authentication with full LDAP and RADIUS integration. This allows for secure network access even for devices that do not support 802.1X. The platform’s integration with property management systems enables seamless connectivity for users based on room numbers or loyalty numbers, reducing the need for IT intervention. Enhanced location-based services provide real-time mapping and tracking capabilities, useful in large venues like malls or hospitals. The platform’s ability to manage various vendor equipment through APIs, SNMP, and shell commands further underscores its versatility and robustness in handling diverse networking environments.