What Are Characteristics of a Fat AP and a Fit AP? What Are Differences Between Them? What Are Their Applicable Scenarios?

Function

It integrates the WLAN physical layer (PHY) functions, service data encryption, user authentication, QoS, network management, roaming, and application layer functions.

A Fit AP has only the encryption and radio functions and cannot work independently of an AC.

Network solution

A Fat AP can provide wireless access independently.

• Each AP is an independent node. The channels and power on each AP are configured independently. The AP is easy to install.
• The APs work independently, so the Fat APs do not support large-sized, continual, and cooperative WLANs and do not support advanced applications.
• Each AP requires an independent security policy. If there are a lot of APs on the network, network management, maintenance, and upgrade are difficult.
• Quality on WLANs is difficult to measure.

Fit APs must be work with an AC to provide wireless access.

• An AC allocates channels for AP groups and automatically adjusts transmit power. The AC + Fit AP mode reduces interference between APs and increases network coverage range.
• Roaming handover at Layer 2 or Layer 3 is supported.
• Rogue APs can easily be detected and processed.
• Maintenance and operation data is collected by the AC, but not APs. The AC provides powerful AP processing capability and higher performance than AP.

Management and maintenance

Fat APs have complex structure and are difficult to manage in a centralized manner.

Zero configuration: All configurations are performed on the AC. This facilitates centralized management of Fit APs. Additionally, functions that are not supported by the Fat AP, such as Layer 3 roaming and user-based permission delivery, are available for Fit APs.

Applicable scenario

Fat APs apply to SOHO or small-scale WLANs.

Fit APs apply to large-scale enterprise WLANs, and industry and carrier WLANs.