Wireless APs

The ExtremeWireless APs are enterprise-class access points that deliver secure wireless access via the Layer 3 tunnel for enterprise deployments. They provide advanced RF capabilities, security, reliability, and scalability. Individual services may also be configured to be handled locally.

The Wireless AP (Access Point) provide an unmatched level of flexibility and performance for complex, time-sensitive functions including QoS (Quality of Service), encryption, and network intrusion and detection.

The Wireless AP physically connects to a LAN infrastructure and establishes an IP connection with the ExtremeWireless Appliance. You configure and manage global or individual functions on Wireless APs using the Extreme Networks ExtremeWireless Software, which runs on the ExtremeWireless Appliance.

All communication between the ExtremeWireless Appliance and the Wireless AP is carried out using a UDP-based protocol. The IP traffic coming from the Wireless AP is encapsulated and directed to the ExtremeWireless Appliance. The ExtremeWireless Appliance exposes the packets and forwards or bridges them to the appropriate destinations, while managing sessions and applying roles (policies).

Extreme Networks offers cloud-enabled ExtremeWireless APs . ExtremeCloud supports a variety of deployment models, from the simple deployment of one or more cloud-enabled APs to deployments of cloud-enabled APs with cloud-enabled switches, both of which can be deployed with existing on-premise equipment. For more information about ExtremeCloud™, see ExtremeCloud™Information Center.

For more information about ExtremeWireless APs, and the firmware supported, see ExtremeWireless Hardware Firmware Support Matrix.

Note

The configuration process for all Wireless APs is identical, unless otherwise specified.

For detailed information on a specific AP, see the User Guide and appropriate AP Installation Guide.

Mesh and WDS

A Mesh network or Wireless Distribution System (WDS) enables you to expand the network by wirelessly interconnecting Wireless APs rather than physical connections via a wired network. A mesh network is a self-healing, dynamic network; a WDS deployment is also known as a static form of a mesh network. Mesh and WDS deployments are ideally suited for locations where installing Ethernet cabling is costly or difficult.