Finding Your Wavelength in Wireless

Episode 2

Infrastructure Devices

Infrastructure Devices

• Access Points

– SOHO

– Enterprise

– Controller-less

– Mesh

Mobility Controllers

Mobility Controller

Main component for most wireless networks. The controller stores all of the configuration for the connected APs

Mobility Controller cont.

• Centralized Administration – The use of a controller allows the control of the network from one location. This means all configuration and monitoring can be achieved from one location instead of having to travel to different locations.

Mobility Controller cont.

• The controller allows a network to function seamlessly to the client. They can move about the building and remain on the network. The controller handles the roaming chores, that the client will never know about

• Controller may have the ability to support PoE. This is especially important if you are using controller based AP’s that require Poe.

• As expected a controller based AP will require a controller to function.

Wireless Access Point

• Highly experienced professionals refer to them as WAPs* As this indicates you are experienced, by using industry lingo.

• Actually NEVER call them WAPs. Take my word for it!

*This is not at all accurate.

Wireless Access Point cont.

• There are many different flavors of Aps.– Controller Based – Obtains config from controller

– Cooperative – Can function without the use of a controller

– Autonomous• SOHO – you have one in your home. Self contained unit

with all services housed. Rounting,DHCP, DNS, and Configuration originates from device.

• Enterprise – Similar to SOHO in function but with much more robust security options, and multiple operation modes

Wireless Access Point

• The AP is a very important part of the wlan. The AP is responsible for the transmission of the SSIDs which you will connect to.

• APs contain a radio. This piece of hardware is where transmission originates from

• Most APs are capable of transmitting in both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. The AP will need a radio fro each band.

Wireless Access Point cont.

• While the Controller is the “Boss” of the WLAN, it is a paper weight without APs.

• APs forward packets to the controller for the appropriate response then relays the response to the client.

• Depending on the data forwarding model, the “lifting” is done on the AP or controller. (More on this in later episodes)

SOHO Access Point / Router

You probably have one of these in your home.

While these devices are usually talked down on they are quite powerful devices.

These devices are an all-in-one device. They contain routing capabilities, dns, dhcp and allow configuration.

The downside is they do not have as many features as the enterprise grade AP. This means they are not a s powerful or secure as the enterprise versions.

PoE Power over Ethernet

• PoE is defined in IEEE 802.3 StandARD

• Yes Ethernet. Even though we are talking wireless the AP is usually wired (More on Mesh in a min).

• The AP requires a power source. This can be regular 110v outlet or it can obtain it from a PoE device.

PoE cont.

• There are two main versions of PoE.– 802.3af -2003 which can deliver up to 15.4 watts

– 802.3at -2009 can deliver up to 22.5watts

• Both of these amendments were rolled into 802.3 – 2012

• PoE is desired because of its potential to save money due to the ability to not need a traditional power source.

PoE Sources

• PoE can originate from a couple of places.

– PoE Switches are capable of powering dozens of devices

– PoE injectors provide PoE specific power with the use of a traditional powersource.

PoE Sources cont.

• Some Aps can also provide PoE power to devices.

PoE Port------------