WiLMA - Advantages of a Distributed WLAN Architecture
Comparison of systems: centralized WLAN intelligence or distributed data flow with centralized administration via WiLMA
| WLAN Controller / Switch with Centralized Intelligence | Decentralized Intelligence with WiLMA Management | |
| Scalability | Expensive; not always possible, as HW appliances are only able to manage a limited number of APs | Cost-effective, because the WiLMA server can be installed as software solution in an existing environment |
| Availability | Expensive, as redundant hardware is required | No centralized operation-critical components: Funkwerk access points do not depend on permanent availability of the WiLMA-server |
| Data flow | Any data is always led through controller / switch | Data is directly exchanged between the terminals if possible |
| Load on the switches / controller | Total load = payload x 2 | Single load on the switch, only low load caused by management protocol |
| Delay / jitter with VoIP | High, because voice packets are processed several times | Low (with optimized design and configuration of the access points) |
| Suitability for high data rates, e.g. with IEEE 802.11n | Controller and access points need to be exchanged, no protection of investment | Only access points need to be exchanged or extendedge/pj |
Conclusion: Compared to a conventional, centralized WLAN controller/switch solution, the integration of a centralized administration through WiLMA, combined with the decentralized WLAN intelligence of the Funkwerk access points, offers signifi cantly improved investment protection and a high degree of future-proofi ng. Besides, it provides a high level of availability and cost-effectiveness.