Understanding Modes Supported by APs

Fat

A Fat AP can provide Wi-Fi coverage independently without the need of an additional management and control device. Since Fat APs work independently, each Fat AP must be separately configured. Deploying multiple Fat APs to provide Wi-Fi coverage in a large area leads to high configuration and maintenance costs. In addition, STAs cannot roam between Fat APs because the Fat APs control network access independently.

Therefore, Fat APs are usually deployed to provide small-scale Wi-Fi coverage in household or SOHO environments. In enterprise scenarios, the "AC + Fit AP" and "cloud management platform + cloud AP" networking modes are typically used.

Small-scale Wi-Fi coverage scenarios, such as household or SOHO environments

Fit

Fit APs cannot provide Wi-Fi coverage independently. They must work with an AC. The AC manages and controls all connected Fit APs. The AC delivers configurations to Fit APs in batches. Therefore, you do not need to configure Fit APs one by one. This greatly reduces WLAN management and maintenance costs. In addition, STAs can roam between Fit APs because user access authentication is managed by the AC in a unified manner. The "AC + Fit AP" networking mode is widely used for Wi-Fi network deployment in medium- and large-sized campuses, such as shopping malls, supermarkets, hotels, and enterprise offices.

In small Wi-Fi coverage scenarios, a small number of APs are required. If an additional AC is deployed, the cost of the entire wireless network is high. In such a scenario, Fat APs are recommended if wireless roaming is not required. If wireless roaming is required, cloud APs are recommended.

Medium- and large-sized campuses, such as shopping malls, supermarkets, hotels, and enterprise offices

Cloud

Cloud APs can be managed by the cloud management platform. Cloud APs provide similar functions as Fat APs, and can be deployed to build small networks in household or SOHO environments. The "cloud management platform + cloud AP" networking mode is similar to the "AC + Fit AP" mode. Cloud APs are managed and controlled by the cloud management platform in a unified manner. Therefore, cloud APs can be applied to large- and medium-sized networks.

Cloud APs support plug-and-play and are easy to deploy. They can be flexibly expanded out of space restrictions. Therefore, cloud APs are widely used in multi-branch scenarios.

Wireless network scenarios of various scales, such as retail, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and hotels