WLAN Architecture
A WLAN has the wired side and wireless side. On the wired side, an AP connects to the Internet using Ethernet. On the wireless side, a STA communicates with an AP using 802.11. The WLAN architecture on the wireless side includes the autonomous architecture.
Autonomous Architecture
In autonomous architecture, Fat APs implement wireless access without requiring an AC, as shown in Figure 2-5.
The autonomous architecture was widely used in early stage of WLAN construction. Fat APs have powerful functions and can work independently of ACs; however, Fat APs have complex structure and are difficult to manage in a centralized manner. When an enterprise has a large number of APs deployed, AP configuration and software upgrade bring large workload and high costs. Therefore, the autonomous architecture is used less and less.
In autonomous architecture, STAs associate with a Fat AP to access a WLAN. For details, see STA Access.