Access Points Discussion : In no less than 250 words, descri…
Access Points Discussion : In no less than 250 words, describe the difference between a fat AP and a thin AP. What is needed to deploy a thin AP? Are there any security considerations to think about between the 2 different APs? Respond to two other learners
Answer
Difference between Fat AP and Thin AP
A wireless Access Point (AP) is a networking device that enables wireless devices to connect to a wired network. In the context of APs, there are two main types: fat APs and thin APs. The main difference between these two types lies in their functionality, management, and deployment.
A fat AP, also known as a standalone AP, is a self-sufficient device that performs all the necessary functions for wireless connectivity, such as user authentication, encryption, and network management. It is a complete, standalone device that has its own processing power, memory, and operating system. Fat APs were commonly used in the early days of Wi-Fi networks when the wireless infrastructure was less complex and required minimal management.
On the other hand, a thin AP, also called a lightweight AP, offloads most of its functionality to a centralized controller. The thin AP is essentially only responsible for transmitting and receiving wireless signals. The controller, which can be either a physical appliance or a virtual software-based solution, takes care of tasks such as user authentication, encryption, and access control. Thin APs are commonly used in larger-scale Wi-Fi deployments, where centralized management and scalability are critical.
To deploy a thin AP, several components are needed. Firstly, a centralized controller must be installed, either as a physical appliance or a virtual instance running on a server. This controller acts as the brain of the wireless network, controlling and managing the thin APs. Secondly, the thin APs themselves need to be installed at strategic locations to provide optimal coverage. The exact number and placement of thin APs depend on the size and layout of the deployment area.
When it comes to security considerations, both fat APs and thin APs have their own vulnerabilities and safeguards. Fat APs, being standalone devices, require individual configuration and management, which can be more time-consuming and prone to errors. However, since they operate independently, compromising one fat AP does not directly impact the security of other APs in the network. Thin APs, on the other hand, heavily rely on the centralized controller for security functions such as encryption and user authentication. If the controller is compromised, it could potentially affect the security of the entire network, as all thin APs depend on it for these critical functions.
In conclusion, the main difference between fat APs and thin APs lies in their functionality and management. Fat APs are standalone devices that perform all the necessary functions for wireless connectivity, while thin APs offload most of their functionality to a centralized controller. To deploy a thin AP, a centralized controller and strategically placed thin APs are required. Security considerations vary between the two types, with fat APs being more independent but requiring individual management, and thin APs relying heavily on the security of the centralized controller.