Lightweight AP

[Bojan Zivancevic]

Can someone explain to me the purpose of the WLAN controllers?

When should one choose to deploy lightweight AP instead of the classic one (1100, 1200).

Thanks

[thisisshanky]

The beauty about this product is that its hands-free configuration. It downloads config and policy information from a central server called WCS. This is much similar to Airspace corporation's access points. (Well Cisco has acquired Airspace now). It comes in different models with internal as well as external antenna connector options. This product requires the purchase of WCS, other wise it cannot operate. With traditional 1100, 1200, each AP is separately configured, and just to manage these APs WLSE is used. Its not mandatory that we use WLSE for the proper operation of the AP. Lightweight APs are just as useful as the 1100/1200 in any kind of application such as Enterprise networks, Universities, Schools etc.

HTH

[Saurav Lodh]

Wireless Controllers support systemwide functions to deliver:

• Flexibility to configure wireless policy, management, or security settings at any time

through centralized provisioning and management

• Faster response to business needs by centrally managing wireless networks

• Standardized access point configuration for software versioning

• Wireless intrusion prevention system (wIPS) capabilities

• Networkwide quality of service (QoS) for voice and video across wired and wireless

networks

• Networkwide centralized security policies across wired and wireless networks

• Industry-leading mobility, security, and management for IPv6 and dual-stack clients,

equipping administrators for IPv6 troubleshooting, planning,

For Cisco WLCs please visit

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/modules/ps2706/at_a_glance_c45-652653.pdf