In WiFi coverage, the most commonly used networking methods are “Mesh Networking” and “Thin AP + AC Networking“ However, besides Mesh Networking and Thin AP + AC Networking, there are three other wireless networking methods, namely Fat AP Networking, Wireless Bridge Networking and Industrial 4G/5G Router Networking
Among them:
· Fat AP operates independently, is easy to configure but has some management inconveniences
· In Thin AP + AC Networking, the AC centrally manages the Thin APs
· Mesh Networking can automatically construct a mesh network, which not only allows for flexible expansion but also provides better signal coverage
· Wireless Bridge Networking is typically used for long-distance wireless connections, enabling interconnectivity between different regional networks
· Industrial 4G/5G Router Networking generally utilizes 4G/5G networks, making it convenient, fast, and mobile
Fat AP Networking
Fat AP (Fat Access Point), also known as standalone AP, is a complete wireless network device that has independent functions such as RF, management, and encryption
Since each Fat AP can be configured individually, various parameters including SSID (wireless network name), WiFi password, channel, and frequency band can be set as needed
In Fat AP Networking, each AP operates independently without relying on other devices for management and control
Fat AP = Independent full-function router, managing itself
Applicable scenarios:
Small-scale scenarios such as small businesses, offices, or branch offices
Advantages:
· Installation and configuration are relatively simple, with low costs, and do not require additional devices for targeted management
· For small businesses with low network technology requirements, it is easy to use and maintain
Disadvantages:
· As the business scales up, the number of Fat APs needs to be increased according to demand, but the increase in Fat APs significantly raises management difficulty
Thin AP + AC Networking
The so-called Thin AP (Fit Access Point) simply removes many functions such as routing, DNS, and DHCP services from the Fat AP, retaining only the wireless access function. The APs we commonly use are Thin APs, which cannot operate independently and must be managed by an AC to form a complete WiFi coverage system for normal operation
Thin AP = Limbs, AC = Brain
Applicable scenarios:
Medium to large enterprises, campuses, shopping malls, etc., where the coverage area is large and the number of users is high, as well as smart home network environments
Advantages:
· Large-scale deployment and management can be carried out according to the actual needs of the usage environment, achieving unified network policies and security controls, thus effectively improving network stability and performance
· With the application of the AC controller, administrators can easily configure and monitor all APs in various sub-regions, effectively reducing management costs
Disadvantages:
· The overall equipment cost, including AC and AP, is relatively high, and specialized AC equipment needs to be purchased during network planning
Mesh Networking
Mesh Networking, as a new type of wireless networking technology, can automatically construct a mesh network based on multiple Mesh nodes (where the Mesh nodes refer to Thin APs), with data transmission paths existing between each node. If a node in the mesh network fails or has poor signal, data will automatically choose other paths for transmission, ensuring normal data transmission
Mesh = Each node is a router, helping each other to forward data
Applicable scenarios:
Enterprises or smart scenarios with high requirements for network coverage and stability, such as large warehouses, exhibition halls, sports venues, and smart home systems
Advantages:
· The network coverage range of Mesh Networking is very wide, with good signal stability and strong scalability, allowing users to flexibly add or reduce nodes based on actual needs
· Deployment is relatively simple, requiring no complex wiring, just leaving a network cable between the AC controller and AP locations
Disadvantages:
· The transmission rate of some products may be affected by the number of AP nodes and the distance between APs, especially under high load conditions, the network performance of the devices may decline, and the overall cost of the equipment is relatively high
Wireless Bridge Networking
A wireless bridge essentially extends a wired network through a wireless link, using two or more wireless bridges to connect two or more networks (or devices) via wireless signals, achieving the effect of a direct wired connection
Wireless Bridge = Using air as a network cable
Applicable scenarios:
Building interconnection, factory/port/mining area, video surveillance return, temporary network setup
Advantages:
· Easy wiring, avoiding long-distance fiber/cable pulls, saving construction costs
· Can be quickly deployed for temporary networks or complex terrains, with relatively low costs and easy expansion
Disadvantages:
· Transmission speed is usually lower than wired due to wireless frequency and interference limitations, and link quality stability is often affected by weather, obstacles, and co-frequency interference
· Although directional antennas can cover several kilometers or even tens of kilometers, they usually require an unobstructed line of sight
Industrial 4G/5G Router Networking
Industrial 4G/5G routers are devices that access the internet or private networks through carrier cellular networks (4G LTE/5G NR), and their networking method uses cellular networks as a “wide area transmission channel” to connect terminal devices, subnets, or branch offices located in different places. Common networking methods include “VPN networking, private APN, MEC/edge computing integration”
Industrial 4G/5G Router Networking = Using carrier networks as “transmission fiber”
Applicable scenarios:
· Remote monitoring and data collection, such as factory production lines, energy stations (electricity, water conservancy, oil and gas) can upload operational data to monitoring centers via 4G/5G
· Intelligent transportation/vehicle networking
· In places without fiber/cable coverage, using 4G/5G routers to return high-definition camera footage
· In disaster sites or temporary command centers, 5G industrial routers can quickly set up wireless private networks
· IoT/Industrial Internet, for example, IoT devices (such as charging piles, vending machines, sensors) distributed nationwide can uniformly access the platform via 4G/5G
Advantages:
· Flexible networking, not relying on fiber and cables, as long as there is carrier signal, networking can be established
· Utilizing carrier cellular networks, nationwide interconnectivity can be achieved
· Compared to 4G, 5G has higher bandwidth and latency can reach millisecond levels, suitable for real-time control
· Suitable for temporary and emergency network needs
· Supports mobility, maintaining network connectivity in mobile scenarios such as vehicles and ships
Disadvantages:
· Requires long-term payment of carrier data fees
· Highly dependent on carrier network quality, performance may be affected in remote areas or places with weak signals
· During peak loads at base stations, bandwidth may experience rate drops or latency fluctuations
· Public network transmission is vulnerable to attacks
Review area transmission has been enabled
Friends, come and have a “knee-to-knee talk”
To be continued…
Hope you gain a lot after reading
See you next time!
