WLAN controllers – A must in a VoWLAN network?

To optimise the handover, some manufacturers' solutions manage the WLAN data centrally in the WLAN controller. These solutions then use so-called thin APs, i. e. access points with no intelligence of their own. The disadvantage of these solutions is that all the data traffic is centrally decoupled so that a load is put on the networks. Since the introduction of 802.11n technology, the data volume has risen substantially, so solutions using thin APs have become even less significant in comparison with intelligent, fat APs. Since the introduction of the WPA2-PSK security standard and fast roaming in compliance with 802.11r, the handover problem in the case of WLAN solutions with fat APs has been resolved, too.

The bintec WLAN Controller™ solution works with mit intelligent access points (fat APs) that manage the basic data locally. This scenario has considerable performance benefits in comparison with thin client solutions. The bintec WLAN Controller™ is not obligatory for a VoWLAN installation, but it makes installation far easier and it simplifies system monitoring.