Heterogeneous AP Management

This section describes the WiNG 5.9.X access points capability of being deployed as virtual controllers (VCs). It also provides an overview of heterogeneous adoption.

The family of supported access points enable high performance with secure and resilient wireless voice and data services to remote locations with the scalability required to meet the needs of large distributed enterprises.

The AP7522, AP7532, AP7562, AP7632, AP7662, AP8543 and AP8533 model access points can now use WiNG software as its on-board operating system. The unique software enables the access point to function as a Standalone “thick” access point, or a virtual controller AP capable of adopting and managing up to 64 other access points.

The AP7502, AP7602, AP7612, AP7622 and AP8163 model access points can now use WiNG software as its on-board operating system. The unique software enables the access point to function as a Standalone “thick” access point, or a virtual controller AP capable of adopting and managing up to 24 access points.

The WiNG heterogeneous AP management feature enables access points to adopt and manage different types of AP model when functioning as a virtual controller.

Note

A higher family AP can manage a lower family AP whereas, a lower family AP cannot manage a higher family AP.

Note

AP6522 and AP6562 are not currently equipped to adopt to managing up to 64 access points of the same model. Only access points on WAVE-1 and WAVE-2 platforms can adopt and manage 64 APs.

The recommended way to administer a network populated by numerous access points is to configure them directly from the virtual controller AP. If a single access point configuration requires an update from the virtual controller AP‘s assigned profile configuration, the administrator should apply a device override to change just that access point‘s configuration. For more information on applying an override to an access point‘s virtual controller AP assigned configuration and profile, see Device Profile Overrides .

The WiNG architecture is a solution designed for 802.11n and 802.11ac networking. It leverages the best aspects of independent and dependent architectures to create a smart network that meets the connectivity, quality and security needs of each user and their applications, based on the availability of network resources including wired networks. By distributing intelligence and control amongst access points, a WiNG network can route directly via the best path, as determined by factors including the user, location, the application and available wireless and wired resources. WiNG extends the differentiation offered to the next level, by making available services and security at every point in the network. managed traffic flow is optimized to prevent wired congestion and wireless congestion. Traffic flows dynamically, based on user and application, and finds alternate routes to work around network choke points.

Note

The WiNG 7.1 AP505 and AP510 model access points can be deployed as virtual controllers. However, heterogeneous adoption is not supported. An AP505 can only adopt another AP505. And an AP510 can only adopt another AP510 model access point.