Deployment Options for Wi-Fi 7 (On-Premises)

[thisisdisign]

Hi everyone.

When implementing Wi-Fi 7 APs, are there any recommendations on which WLC deployment mode to choose (e.g., Centralized Design (Local Mode) or Distributed Design (FlexConnect))?
Considering the increase in bandwidth, I feel that a Centralized Design, where data traffic passes through the WLC, might not be ideal. Are there any concerns specific to the deployment options for Wi-Fi 7?

[Rich R · Accepted solution]

WiFi 7 itself is irrelevant to what design you choose - that must come from your requirements and yes, higher throughput might be a factor you want to consider.  It also depends what features you intend to use - some features are only supported in Local Mode/centrally switched WLANs, while some features work better for centrally switched WLANs (eg p2p blocking).

So design according to your requirements specification - just as you would have before.

Specific to the Cisco WiFi 7 APs:
- Obviously you can expect higher throughput as you mentioned so you want to think about mGig switch ports to support higher than 1G per AP.
- The WiFi 7 APs have higher PoE power requirements, so if you haven't already - time to think about UPOE (802.3bt) switches.
The baby 9172i will still work on 802.3af power with severely reduced functionality (only 2.4GHz radio) but even that AP (the smallest in the WiFi 7 range) needs 802.3bt for full functionality to be enabled, although everything except USB will work on 802.3at (PoE+).

[Scott Fella]

Just to add, central switching is something that was a norm with many installations.  FlexConnect is an option especially if you under the limit of access points 100 - 300 depending on code.  FlexConnect allows for lower budget if you have multiple site and only want to have to manage a few controllers for the environment.  Each design has its place which also depends on the folks that will be supporting the wireless.  This has no impact on any gains with throughput.  As long as your infrastructure is up to date and is reliable, then you should have no issues with either option.  You need to also look at the client side, because if they don't support wifi 7or even wifi 6, then set your expectations properly.  I run FlexConnect at home, but that is just because I prefer that at home.