What is the difference between fat AP and thin AP?

The fat AP itself will integrate many functions, and all the functions of the thin AP are loaded through the backend server, switch controller, etc.

Classification of wireless APs: according to power: high-power wireless AP, low-power wireless AP by number of connections: fat AP, thin AP by use: RM2028 industrial-grade wireless AP, home wireless routing (AP).

Wireless AP can be understood as the wireless switch at the very end, then we can also understand fat AP and thin AP in this way, thin AP is similar to a 4-port or 8-port switch, thin switch. Thick APs are similar to switches with 32 or 48 ports. Of course, just for the sake of understanding, it is generally not called a thin switch, at best it is called a small switch.

The difference between the use of fat AP and thin AP: Thin AP is similar to "thin PC", which generally adopts a separate layout, due to the large number of APs, for the convenience of management, it is generally used with AC. AC is the abbreviation of APCONTROLLER, which means AP controller.

Simply say that 1 unit and 1 building 50 thin AP, just imagine changing the wifi password, if it is like a wireless router at home, change it one by one, very annoying. AC can be centrally managed, and there is no need to log in to the management interface one by one to manage individually.

Fat AP: Antenna-fed coverage; The ceiling antenna + feeder is installed in the aisle, penetrating the room on both sides, and a set of APs is connected to 4 antennas, which is equivalent to 4 APs, reducing the number of APs and avoiding co-channel interference. Wireless coverage equipment, simple installation and low cost.

Fat AP: Ceiling-mounted wireless AP coverage; Thin AP: Panel-based wireless AP coverage.

Fat AP is a kind of fat AP with complex configuration functions (independent and complete operating system), such as the wireless AP small router you use at home. To put it simply, a fat AP can work independently without relying on other devices. Thin AP is suitable for large-scale deployment, usually needs to cooperate with switches, controllers and other devices for networking, all the configuration of thin AP is from the server, so thin AP cannot work independently.

The so-called thin AP generally refers to the wireless gateway or bridge, and the fat AP generally refers to the wireless router.

1. Differences: 1. Thin APs are mostly used in environments with high requirements, and authentication servers or switches that support authentication functions are generally required to achieve authentication. If the thin AP requires a dedicated wireless controller, it can only be used by issuing the configuration through the wireless control trouser device, and the relevant configuration cannot be carried out in the apparatus itself, which is suitable for large-scale wireless deployment.

2. Fat APs are mostly used in home and small networks, with relatively complete functions, and generally one device can achieve access, authentication, routing, VPN, address translation, and even firewall functions.

Second, the use of the occasion.

1. Applicable places for fat AP:

Fat AP can be regarded as a wireless router to use, which is generally used in the home network, small office space, small supermarket, and restaurant.

2. Applicable places for thin AP:

A thin AP is a wireless network node, which cannot be used alone and must be used in conjunction with AC services to expand the coverage area of the wireless network. Generally, thin APs are suitable for schools, large offices, hotels, and guesthouses.

Features that wireless APs have

1. An important function of AP is relay, the so-called relay is to amplify the wireless signal once between two wireless points, so that the remote client can receive a stronger wireless signal.

For example, I place an AP at point A, and there is a client at point C, there is a distance of 120 meters between them, and the signal from point A to point C has been weakened a lot, so I put an AP at point B at 60 meters in the middle as a relay, so that the signal of the client at point C can be effectively enhanced, ensuring the transmission speed and stability.

2. Another important function of AP is bridging, bridging is to link two endpoints to realize data transmission between two short wireless APs, and if you want to connect the two wired LANs, you generally choose to bridge through AP.

For example, I have a wired LAN composed of 15 computers at point A and a wired LAN composed of 25 computers at point B, but the distance between the two points at AB is very far, more than 100 meters, and it is impossible to connect through wires, which requires an AP to be set up at point A and point B.

Enable the AP bridging function, so that the LAN of the two points of AB can transmit data to each other. It should be reminded that the AP without WDS function does not have wireless signal coverage for the two points after bridging.

The above content reference: Encyclopedia-AP

The meaning of AP fat and skinny mode is as follows:

Wireless APs are divided into two types: fat APs and Fit APs, and fat APs have independent configuration interfaces, which can be configured separately without the need to manage them through AC controllers. Thin APs cannot be configured by themselves, and a dedicated device (wireless controller) is required for centralized control and management configuration. Fat AP and Fit AP are distinguished by how they work and function. Of course, some fat and thin APs can indeed be distinguished in appearance, such as fat APs with WAN mouths.

Differences in the networking scale and application scenarios of fat and thin APs:

Fat APs are generally used in the construction of small and burning wireless networks, which can work independently and do not require the cooperation of AC. It can be used in a small number of households, small businesses, or small offices.

Thin APs are generally used in the construction of medium and large wireless networks, requiring a certain number of APs to cooperate with ACs to build a large wireless network coverage, and the use scenarios are generally shopping malls, supermarkets, scenic spots, hotels, meals, beverages, entertainment, and enterprise offices. <>