CAPWAP Problem Statement

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• CAPWAP Problem Statement
• Pat Calhoun
• pcalhoun_at_airespace.com

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Manager
Manager
AC
AP
AP
AP
AP
AP
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Problem 2 Configuration mess

• In a large network, the issue isn't 100s of APs,
  but 1000s of APs.
• Due to their numbers, directly managing every one
  of these devices is difficult and error prone

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Problem 3 It's ONE network

• Traditional APs only have visibility into their
  own cell
• Configuration changes on the AP does not take
  into account how it could impact neighboring APs
• RF configuration algorithms require real-time
  access to load RF data - so they must be run in
  the data path
• Central security enforcement provides a greater
  view into potential security attacks and
  increases control

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Problem 4 Access Point Authorization

• Authentication and Authorization of APs increases
  network security

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A new architecture is here to stay

• There are at least 6 start-ups selling
  hierarchical 802.11 systems
• The incumbents have either announced or are
  shipping next gen 802.11 products
• The market has spoken... but interoperability
  between the AP and the AC is the issue

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Interoperability benefits the comsumer

• The end goal is plug 'n play
• LWAPP enabled APs interoperates with any LWAPP
  controller