Wireless LAN Architecture

Summary

Chapter 7 delves into Wireless LAN architecture, exploring client devices, radio transceivers, and their chipsets. It distinguishes between external and internal radio card formats and their manufacturers' support for various frequencies and technologies. The chapter discusses client utilities for configuring network interface cards and the three types available. It outlines the logical planes of operation: management, control, and data, and describes three primary Wireless LAN architectures: autonomous, centralized, and distributed. It also touches on specialty infrastructures like wireless worker bridges, home Wi-Fi routers, and real-time location systems, providing a comprehensive overview of Wireless LAN components and their functionalities.

Takeaways

• 📡 Wireless LAN client devices are equipped with a half-duplex radio transceiver that can be internal or external and require drivers and software utilities for operation.
• 🔌 Radio card formats include external formats like PC Card, Compact Flash (CF), and internal formats like Mini PCI and embedded 802.11 radio.
• 🛠️ Radio cards from various manufacturers may support 2.4 or 5 GHz bands and can be compatible with 802.11 and HT technology or legacy standards.
• 🛂 Client utilities facilitate the configuration of wireless network interface cards, including settings for SSID, transmit power, security, WMM quality of service, and power management.
• 🔧 There are three types of client utilities: integrated operating system client utilities, vendor-specific client utilities, and third-party client utilities.
• 🌐 The logical planes of operation in wireless LAN architecture include management control plane for administration, control plane for intelligent interaction between network equipment, and data plane for traffic forwarding.
• 🏢 Three primary wireless LAN architectures are autonomous, centralized, and distributed, each with different management and control mechanisms.
• 🌐 Autonomous wireless LAN architecture uses standalone APs with individual configuration, potentially managed centrally by a Wireless Network Management System (WNMS).
• 🏭 Centralized wireless LAN architecture employs a wireless LAN controller at the network core, managing controller-based APs (lightweight or thin APs).
• 🔄 Distributed wireless LAN architecture organizes multiple standalone APs into groups, with each AP handling local traffic forwarding and centralized management through a WNMS.
• 🆕 Unified wireless LAN architecture integrates wireless LAN controller capabilities into wired network infrastructure devices, allowing combined management of wireless and wired networks.

Q & A

What is a wireless LAN client device?

A wireless LAN client device is a device that connects to a wireless network using a half-duplex radio transceiver, which can be in various hardware formats and chipsets.

What are the two types of radio card formats mentioned in the script?

The two types of radio card formats mentioned are external and internal. Examples of external formats include PC card and Compact Flash (CF), while internal formats include Mini PCI and embedded 802.11 radio.

What is the role of drivers in a wireless LAN client device?

Drivers are required for the wireless LAN client device to communicate with the operating system and to interface with the end user, allowing for settings adjustments related to security and performance.

What are the functions of client utilities in wireless LAN?

Client utilities allow for the configuration of wireless network interface cards, including settings for SSID, transmit power, security, WMM Quality of Service capabilities, and power management.

What are the three types of client utilities discussed in the script?

The three types of client utilities are integrated operating system client utilities, vendor-specific client utilities, and third-party client utilities.

What is the purpose of the management control and data planes in wireless LAN architecture?

The management control and data planes are logical planes of operation that handle management, administration, and monitoring (management plane), and the actual forwarding of traffic (data plane) in a wireless LAN.

What is the main purpose of wireless LAN architecture?

The main purpose of wireless LAN architecture is to provide a wireless portal into a typical 802.3 Ethernet infrastructure.

What are the three primary wireless LAN architectures mentioned in the script?

The three primary wireless LAN architectures are autonomous wireless LAN architecture, centralized wireless LAN architecture, and distributed wireless LAN architecture.

How does a wireless LAN controller function in a centralized wireless LAN architecture?

In a centralized wireless LAN architecture, the wireless LAN controller resides in the core and utilizes controller-based APs, also known as lightweight or thin APs, moving all three logical planes of operation out of the APs to the controller.

What is the role of a Wireless Network Management System (WNMS) in wireless LAN architecture?

A Wireless Network Management System (WNMS) provides a central point of management for autonomous APs, moving the management plane out of the AP and can be either software or hardware appliance, vendor-specific or vendor-neutral.

What is a unified wireless LAN architecture and how does it differ from other architectures?

A unified wireless LAN architecture is a fairly new design that integrates wireless LAN controller capabilities into wired network infrastructure devices, allowing for the combined management of both wireless and wired networks, and providing seamless integration.

Outlines

00:00

📡 Wireless LAN Architecture Overview

This section delves into the architecture of Wireless LANs, focusing on client devices and their functionalities. It discusses the role of radio transceivers, the necessity of drivers and software utilities for user interaction, and the configuration of security and performance settings. The paragraph distinguishes between external and internal radio card formats, explains the capabilities of integrated circuits in radio cards, and touches on the support for different frequency bands and technologies. It also outlines the three types of client utilities: integrated operating system, vendor-specific, and third-party. The management plane responsibilities, including administration and monitoring, are also covered, as well as the data plane's role in forwarding traffic. The architecture's purpose is to provide wireless access to Ethernet infrastructure, with three primary architectures being autonomous, centralized, and distributed.

05:04

🔌 Advanced Wireless LAN Infrastructures

The second paragraph introduces newer architectural designs that integrate wireless LAN controller capabilities into wired network infrastructure. It emphasizes the seamless integration of wireless and wired networks and the shift from PHY-defined access. The paragraph covers various types of specialty wireless LAN infrastructure, including Wireless Worker Bridge (WGB) for wired infrastructure connectivity, wireless LAN bridges for connecting wired networks, home Wi-Fi routers for SOHO internet connections with security features, and mesh access points that use proprietary routing protocols. It also mentions the wireless LAN array, which combines multiple access points into a single device, and embedded wireless LAN controller technology that simulates a virtual AP system. The paragraph concludes with real-time location systems (RTLS) for tracking Wi-Fi devices and Voice over Wi-Fi telephones that operate on standard wireless LAN infrastructure.

Keywords

💡Wireless LAN

Wireless LAN, or WLAN, refers to a wireless local area network that allows electronic devices to communicate within a limited area without the need for physical connections. In the context of the video, Wireless LAN is the central theme, focusing on the architecture and components that enable wireless connectivity. The script discusses various aspects of WLAN, including client devices, radio transceivers, and different types of architectures that facilitate wireless communication.

💡Duplex Radio Transceiver

A duplex radio transceiver is a device that can both transmit and receive signals simultaneously. It is a critical component in wireless communication, allowing for two-way communication without interference. In the script, the duplex radio transceiver is mentioned as a part of wireless LAN client devices, highlighting its role in enabling communication between devices and the network.

💡Radio Card Formats

Radio card formats refer to the physical design of wireless network interface cards that can be either external or internal to a device. Examples given in the script include external formats like PC card and Compact Flash (CF), and internal formats like Mini PCI and embedded 802.11 radio. These formats determine how the radio card is integrated into a device and affect its connectivity capabilities.

💡Client Utilities

Client utilities are software applications that allow users to configure and manage their wireless network interface cards. They provide interfaces for setting up wireless LAN security, performance, and other settings. The script mentions three types of client utilities: integrated operating system client utilities, vendor-specific client utilities, and third-party client utilities, each serving different needs and preferences of users.

💡Management Control and Data Planes

In the context of wireless LAN architecture, the management control and data planes are logical divisions that handle different aspects of network operations. The management plane is responsible for administration and monitoring, while the control plane facilitates interactions between network equipment. The data plane, also known as the user plane, is where actual data traffic is forwarded. These planes are integral to the operation of wireless networks, as discussed in the script.

💡Autonomous Wireless LAN Architecture

Autonomous Wireless LAN Architecture is a setup where each access point operates independently, with its own configuration. The script explains that in this architecture, a Wireless Network Management System (WNMS) may be used to centralize the management of these standalone access points, providing a unified point of control without requiring all functions to be handled by a central controller.

💡Centralized Wireless LAN Architecture

Centralized Wireless LAN Architecture utilizes a wireless LAN controller that manages all the access points in the network. These access points, referred to as 'lightweight' or 'thin' APs, offload their management, control, and data plane functions to the central controller. This architecture is highlighted in the script as a way to streamline operations and provide a single point of management for all wireless network components.

💡Distributed Wireless LAN Architecture

Distributed Wireless LAN Architecture involves multiple standalone access points that work together to provide a cohesive network. Each access point handles local forwarding of user traffic, while a Wireless Network Management System (WNMS) provides centralized management. This architecture is mentioned in the script as a way to balance local intelligence with centralized control, allowing for scalability and flexibility.

💡Wireless LAN Array

A Wireless LAN Array is a single hardware device that contains multiple access points, often with directional antennas to provide sector coverage. The script describes this as a self-contained indoor sector array, which can offer enhanced coverage and performance in specific areas. This technology is an example of how wireless infrastructure can be optimized for different environments.

💡Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS)

Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) are used for tracking the real-time location of devices within a network. The script mentions that RTLS can track 802.11 radio devices and Wi-Fi tags, using algorithms like signal strength and time of arrival to determine the location coordinates. This technology is particularly useful for applications that require precise location data, such as asset tracking or navigation assistance.

Highlights

Introduction to wireless LAN client devices and their components.

Explanation of the duplex radio transceiver and its hardware formats.

Requirement of drivers and software utilities for wireless LAN devices.

Differentiation between external and internal radio card formats.

Description of radio card shipments and their support for various frequencies and technologies.

Functionality of client utilities in configuring wireless network interface cards.

Types of client utilities: integrated, vendor-specific, and third-party.

Concept of management control and data planes in wireless LAN architecture.

Role of the MACD management plane in administration and monitoring.

Control plane protocols facilitating intelligent interaction between network equipment.

Data plane's responsibility for traffic forwarding in wireless LANs.

Overview of the three primary wireless LAN architectures: autonomous, centralized, and distributed.

Details on autonomous wireless LAN architecture and its use of standalone APs.

Centralized wireless LAN architecture utilizing wireless LAN controllers and thin APs.

Distributed wireless LAN architecture with independent intelligence and control mechanisms.

Introduction to unified wireless LAN architecture for combined management of wireless and wired networks.

Specialty wireless LAN infrastructure operating outside of 802.11 standards.

Wireless worker bridge (WGB) for connecting wired infrastructure devices.

Wireless LAN bridges for connectivity between wired networks with non-route configurations.

Home Wi-Fi router's role in providing shared wireless access and security features.

Wireless LAN mesh access points and their use of proprietary routing protocols.

Wireless LAN array's configuration with multiple access points and directional antennas.

Embedded wireless LAN controller technology and its virtual AP system.

Real-time location systems (RTLS) for tracking 802.11 radio devices and Wi-Fi tags.

Voice over Wi-Fi telephones supporting wireless security on 2.4 or 5 gigahertz bands.

Chapter 7 summary on wireless LAN client devices, architecture, and specialty infrastructure.

Transcripts

chapter 7 wireless lan architecture

in this chapter you will learn about the

following

wireless line client devices

it's a hat duplex radio transceiver

which can exist in many hardware formats

and chipsets

it requires drivers to communicate with

operating system as well as software

utility to interface with end user

allowing user to set wireless lan

security and performance settings

radio card formats there are two types

of radio card formats

external and internal example for

external rpc

pc card compact flash cf

an example for internal on mini pci and

embedded 802.11 radio

radio card ships is his group of

integrated circuits working together to

act as a transceiver from numerous

manufacturers

solder radio card manufacturer

it may support 2.4 or 5 gigahertz

only or both they support

802.11 and ht technology or only legacy

transmission methods

client utilities allows configuration of

wireless network interface cards such as

ssid transmit power security settings

wmm quality of service capabilities and

power management

and three types of client utilities are

integrated operating system client

utilities

second vendor-specific client utilities

and the last one

is third-party client utilities

management control and data planes

the logical planes of operation or

management control and data

macd management plane

is responsible for management

administration and monitoring

control is the protocols that provide

the intelligent interaction between

network equipment

data also known as the user plane where

traffic is actually forwarded

plane may be divided between access

points wireless line controllers and

wireless network management servers

wireless lan architecture

main purpose is to provide a wireless

portal into a typical 802.3 ethernet

infrastructure

three primary wireless lan architectures

are first

autonomous wireless lan architecture

second

centralized wireless lan architecture

and the last one is distributed wireless

lan architecture

autonomous wireless lan architecture

will use autonomous

that or standalone ap where the

configuration is performed on each

individual ap

wnms may be used to centralize device

management

wnms stands for wireless network

management system

it provides central point of management

for autonomous aps

moves the management plane out of the

autonomous ap can be software or

hardware appliance

can be vendor specific or vendor neutral

deployed at the core layer of the wired

network most solutions use simple

network management protocol

snmp to manage and monitor the wireless

lan

next is centralized wireless lan

architecture

it uses wireless lan controller that

resides in the core and utilizes

controller-based aps

also known as liquid or thin aps

all three logical planes of operation

have been moved out of the aps

to the wireless line controller some

tasks may still be handled by the ap

under the direction of the controller

based on the figure

you can see that for centralized

wireless lan architecture

wireless line controller controlled the

thin aps

distributed wireless lan architecture

network nodes provide independent

distributed intelligence

multiple standalone aps are organized

into groups

aps work together to provide control

mechanism

most of the intelligence and

capabilities of the wireless line

controller

distributed wireless lan architecture

each ap is responsible for local

forwarding of user traffic where

data plane resides in the ap management

is provided centrally utilizing a wnms

server

unified wireless lan architecture

fairly new architecture design

integrates wireless line controller

capabilities into wired network

infrastructure devices

it allows for the combined management of

the wireless and wired network

access is no longer defined by the phy

providing seamless integration

specialty wireless lan infrastructure

typically operate outside of the defined

802.11 standards

i will briefly explain for each on next

pages

wireless worker bridge wgb wireless

connectivity for wired infrastructure

devices

it connects to a bss and acts as a

client station

wireless lan bridges provides wireless

connectivity between two

or more wired networks two major

configuration settings are rooted in

non-route

also known as parent and child the

bridge can be point to point or point to

multi-point

home wifi router provides shared

wireless access to a soho internet

connection

provides a level of security

provides features such as configurable

802.11 radio card

routing protocols such as rip network

and port address translation

nat and p8t port forwarding firewall

layer 2 security wep wpa personal and or

wpa2

personal dhcp and multiple air hornet

switch ports

wireless lan mesh access points uses

proprietary layer 2 routing protocols

mesh aps typically support 2 radios 2.4

and 5

gigahertz radios

5 gigahertz radios usually used for mesh

infrastructure and 2.4 gigahertz

radios usually used to provide client

access

wireless lan array

multiple access points in a single

hardware device

directional antennas provide sector

coverage for each radio

simply a self-contained indoor sector

array

embedded wireless line controller

technology built in

virtual ap system

multiple ap share a single bss id

utilizes proprietary methods clients

believe they are connected to a single

ap

clients experience zero handoff time

where handoff is handled by a central

wireless line controller

use a single channel architecture sca

real-time location systems rtls

real-time tracking of 802.11 radio

devices

real-time tracking of eight of wi-fi

rf5d tags

uses signal strength and road time of

arrival algorithms to determine location

coordinates

real-time location systems application

can display a map with a device location

alerts or asset information

voice over wi-fi telephone

support for wireless security use 2.4 or

5 gigahertz banks

operates on typical wireless lan

infrastructure

chapter 7 summary wireless lan client

devices

wireless lan architecture specialty

wireless lan

infrastructure end of chapter

thank you for watching and listening