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WiLMA - Advantages of a Distributed WLAN Architecture
Comparison of systems: centralized WLAN intelligence or distributed data flow with centralized administration via WiLMA
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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.
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