WLAN Architectural Evolution: Why is it Important?

1
WLAN Architectural EvolutionWhy is it Important?

• www.extremenetworks.com

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Historical Observation of Technical Uptake

• Why?
• Simplicity
• Price
• Performance

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Architectural Metrics
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1 Thick Access Points
Wireless Network
Wired Network
WLAN Model Thick AP
Laptop (wireless user)
Overlay
Thick Access Point
Managed Device
Thick
Separate
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2 Thick AP with Wireless Gateways

• Wireless Network

Wired Network
Desktop (wired user)
WLAN Model Wireless Gateway
Laptop (wireless user)
WLAN Integration
Overlay
Thick Access Point
Managed Device
AP Mgmt Footprint
Normal
Management
Separate
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3 Thin AP with One-Armed WLAN Switch
Wireless Network
Wired Network
Desktop (wired user)
WLAN Model One Armed W-Switch
Laptop (wireless user)
WLAN Integration
Overlay
Thick Access Point
Managed Device
AP Mgmt Footprint
Thin
Management
Separate
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4 Thin Access Point with Access WLAN Switch
Wireless Network
Wired Network
Desktop (wired user)
WLAN Model Thin AP, WLAN Switch
Laptop (wireless user)
WLAN Integration
Overlay
Thick Access Point
Managed Device
AP Mgmt Footprint
Thin
Management
Separate
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5 Thin AP, Integrated WLAN Switch
Wired Network

• Integrated Wireless

WLAN Model Thin AP, Integrated WLAN Switch
Desktop (wired user)
Laptop (wireless user)
Integrated
Thick Access Point
Managed Device
Thin
Single
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Enough Synergy to Warrant Integration?
Wireless
Wired
L2/L3 Switching NMS Policy Mgmt QoS Authentication
Auditing
Encryption
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Access Point Evolution
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Architectural Summary
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Extreme Networks Unified Access ArchitectureNew
Products, Existing Software

• Summit 300-48
• 48-port 10/100 Layer 2/Layer 3/WLAN/other Power
  over Ethernet (PoE) switch
• 802.3af compliant
• 4 10/100/1000 uplink ports
• 11 600W power supply units (PSUs)
• 7 year life expectancy
• Expansion slot use
• Altitude 300
• Dual radio wireless port
• 802.11a 5GHz
• 802.11g (backward compatible to .11b) 2.4GHz
• PoE
• Ceiling-mount, wall-mount, table-top mounting
  options
• Fixed and detachable options
• ExtremeWare (6.2e-a) and EPICenter (4.1.1)
• Enhanced security, scalability, availability,
  mobility, planning and management

Altitude 300
PoE
Summit 300-48
LAN
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Unified Access Radio Frequency Manager

• Unified Access RF Manager
• Includes Prediction Tool
• Measurement tool using PDA
• Optimization tool for post-installations
• Features
• Full-featured design software for all WLAN
  technologies
• Comprehensive radio wave propagation prediction
  in 2D/3D
• Supports multiple, multi-story buildings in a
  campus environment
• Comprehensive physical infrastructure management
  functionality
• Used to design and maintain networks consisting
  of hundreds of access points across entire
  campuses

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WLAN Architectural EvolutionWhy is it Important?

• www.extremenetworks.com