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If you are a home or small-office user, the information provided below is for informational purposes only. Wi-Fi switches, or controllers, are not commonly used by home or small-office users. They set up a small network by connecting via Wi-Fi to an AP or broadband Wi-Fi router, which accesses the Internet by means of a DSL, cable, or another type of modem.
Wi-Fi Switches and Controllers
Large Wi-Fi networks have numerous access points (AP) spread throughout a building or campus. The traditional model utilizes autonomous APs (fat clients) as independent devices working in conjunction with backend servers to authenticate network computers and users. This type of environment is acceptable but can become expensive and difficult to manage.
Wi-Fi switches, or controllers, entered the scene a few years ago to reduce the total cost of administering Wi-Fi networks. Switches serve as the central nervous system for a group of lightweight access points (LWAP) often referred to as "thin clients." Switches can also control autonomous APs. The end result is cost savings through proactive network management and lower hardware expenses, especially if LWAPs are deployed.
Sample features:
- Track hundreds or thousands of Wi-Fi devices within the Wi-Fi Local Area Network (WLAN)infrastructure.
- Centralized management (e.g. radio resource management - IEEE* 802.11k) of APs and clients
- IT can design and monitor more efficiently
- Can include integrated AAA server for network authentication
Basic Wi-Fi Components and Terminology
Autonomous Access Point: Stand-alone Wi-Fi hub that allows any computer that has a Wi-Fi network adapter to communicate with another computer and to connect to the Internet. This device is typically used in an enterprize or corporate environment with a large number of users.
Ad Hoc Network: A communication configuration in which every computer has the same capabilities, and any computer can initiate a communication session. Also known as a peer-to-peer or computer-to-computer network.
Broadband Wi-Fi Router: Stand-alone Wi-Fi hub that allows any computer that has a Wi-Fi network adapter to communicate with another computer and to connect to the Internet. This device is typically used in a home or small-office environment with a relatively small number of users.
Client Computer: The computer that obtains its Internet connection by sharing either the host computer's connection or the AP/router's connection.
Infrastructure Network: Wi-Fi network centered around an access point (AP) or broadband Wi-Fi router. In this environment, the AP not only provides communication with the wired network, but also mediates Wi-Fi network traffic in the immediate neighborhood.
Internet Service Provider (ISP): Subscribers obtain access to the Internet from their homes, small businesses or corporate networks by paying these providers for service.
Lightweight Access Point (LWAP): Scaled-down access point that funnels user authentication and association requests to a central Wi-Fi switch.
Modem: DSL, cable or other types of hardware connected to both the AP/router and external line leading to an Internet Service Provider.
Wi-Fi Network Adapter: Hardware device on client stations consisting of a radio and antenna(s) used for transmitting and receiving Wi-Fi frames. Antennas may also be integrated into the client device itself.
The adapter contains additional components to enable Wi-Fi communication, and it may be embedded in the client or it could be an external PCMCIA card.
Wi-Fi Switch: Control point for a group of lightweight access points (LWAP) or autonomous APs.
This applies to:
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