From Wired to Wireless: Exploring WLAN Technology and FS Wi-Fi 7 Solution
Jan 21, 20251 min read
Wired local area networks (LANs), which use cables or fiber optics as transmission media, are widely used. However, the high installation costs, fixed locations, and limited wired connection mobility have become significant drawbacks. As the demand for network portability and mobility continues to grow, traditional wired networks can no longer meet these needs. This gave rise to WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) technology. Today, WLAN has become an economical and efficient way to access networks. This article will first explain what a WLAN network is, followed by an overview of common enterprise WLAN deployment methods, and finally introduce FS's Wi-Fi 7 products, solutions, and key technical features.
What is WLAN?
WLAN, or Wireless Local Area Network, refers to a local area network built using wireless technologies. While Wi-Fi is the most common technology associated with WLAN, it also includes others such as infrared, Bluetooth, and ZigBee. WLAN technology allows users to easily connect to a wireless network and move freely within the coverage area, eliminating the constraints of wired networks.
Wireless networks can be categorized based on their application scope: WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network), WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), WMAN (Wireless Metropolitan Area Network), and WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Network).
In a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), several key components work together to ensure smooth connectivity and efficient network management. These components include:
AP (Access Point): An Access Point is a device that connects wireless clients to the wired network. It provides signal coverage within a designated area, allowing users to access the network wirelessly.
WAC (Wireless Access Controller): The WAC is responsible for managing and configuring Access Points (APs), authenticating and managing wireless users, handling broadband access, and ensuring security. It serves as the central controller for the wireless network.
PoE Switch (Power over Ethernet Switch): PoE technology allows Ethernet cables to not only transmit data but also supply power to devices such as wireless access points. PoE switches are used to power these devices while simultaneously providing data connectivity over the same network cable.
RADIUS Server: The RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) server is responsible for handling user authentication and access control. It receives requests for user access, authenticates the users, and returns the necessary information, such as whether access is granted or denied.
Portal Server: The Portal server handles the authentication requests from client devices. It provides a portal service with a web-based authentication interface, facilitating interactions between the access devices and the clients for user authentication.
Together, these elements enable secure, efficient, and reliable WLAN operations.
Main WLAN Network Deployment Types
In today's rapidly evolving wireless landscape, various WLAN deployment types have emerged to cater to different business needs and operational requirements:
FAT AP Mode | WAC + FIT AP Architecture | Cloud Management Mode |
 |  |  |
A standalone access point mode where each AP operates independently and requires individual configuration, offering basic functionality at a low cost, making them ideal for homes and small-scale stores. | This centralized model features a Wireless Access Controller (WAC) managing multiple Fit APs. It offers advanced features but requires higher skill levels from network administrators, making it ideal for medium—to large enterprises. | With the SDN Controller deployed in the cloud or a data center, Cloud APs are centrally managed and configured via the Internet, offering advanced features, making it an ideal solution for multi-branch enterprises. |
Note: FIT AP and FAT AP refer to two modes of wireless access points. A FAT AP operates independently, with built-in software for management and configuration, making it suitable for small-scale networks. In contrast, a FIT AP relies on a central wireless controller for management, offering centralized control, scalability, and features like seamless roaming and load balancing, which are ideal for larger and more complex networks.
Each of these deployment types offers unique benefits tailored to specific use cases, enabling businesses to achieve seamless connectivity and efficient management in diverse scenarios.
After examining the primary WLAN architecture models—FAT AP Mode, WAC + FIT AP Architecture, and Cloud Management Mode—it becomes evident that cloud management stands out due to its distinct advantages. By enabling centralized control, seamless scalability, and advanced features, this approach addresses the growing demands of modern networks for efficiency and flexibility. Building on these strengths, FS's Wi-Fi 7 solution takes full advantage of the cloud management model, delivering a cutting-edge, high-performance wireless experience. Let's explore how FS's Wi-Fi 7 solution is redefining WLAN deployments.
FS Wi-Fi 7 Large Campus Network Solution: Revolutionizing WLAN Performance for Ultra-Bandwidth Connectivity
The FS Wi-Fi 7 solution leverages a spine-leaf architecture with EVPN-VXLAN to streamline network deployment and enable effortless scalability, ensuring continuous and reliable service delivery. It establishes 100G ultra-high bandwidth between aggregation switches and the access layer, supporting multi-gigabit speeds (2.5G/5G/10G) and 90W Power over Ethernet (PoE) at the access points. This Wi-Fi 7 solution meets the demands of Wi-Fi 7 access, providing a high-bandwidth, low-latency backbone network for the entire campus and accommodating future growth in network capacity.
Figure: Wi-Fi 7-Based 100G SDN Campus Network Architecture
1. Unified PicOS® and AmpCon-Campus Platform: Streamlining Automation for Deployment and Operations
Planning and Preparation: Flexible Deployment for Diverse Needs
The AmpCon-Campus SDN controller supports local, virtualized, and cloud-based deployments, catering to varying business requirements. It simplifies maintenance by enabling unified management of multiple devices and synchronized upgrades, reducing complexity and ensuring operational efficiency for campus networks.
Deployment and Initial Configuration: Simplifying Onboarding
Zero-Touch Provisioning: Devices are automatically onboarded and preconfigured without manual intervention.
Remote Branch Deployment: Supports batch deployment of branch networks, allowing remote configuration and management at scale.
Automated Network Configuration: Automates the setup of both physical and virtual network layers, streamlining the deployment process and reducing time-to-service.
Operations and Optimization: Proactive Monitoring and Management
Automated Topology Discovery: Provides a visual representation of the network structure, enabling administrators to quickly understand and manage the network.
Telemetry and Real-Time Monitoring: Delivers actionable insights through real-time data collection and analysis, enabling rapid identification and resolution of issues.
Performance Optimization: Uses analytics to fine-tune network resources, improving overall performance and utilization.
The combination of PicOS® and AmpCon-Campus, an automated management software-hardware platform, transforms campus network deployment and operation. By enabling centralized control, zero-touch provisioning, and seamless system upgrades, this unified solution significantly enhances efficiency and scalability.
To see more about the PicOS® switches, click on the video below:
2. Spine-Leaf Network Architecture: Building Large-Scale Cloud-enabled Campus Networks
The spine-leaf architecture, combined with EVPN-VXLAN technology, is redefining the foundation of large campus networks. This modern approach delivers secure, highly reliable, and flexible scalability to support business growth and evolving connectivity needs. Key features and benefits include:
Multi-Purpose Network with Tenant Isolation for Enhanced Security
Deploying EVPN-VXLAN within the Spine-Leaf framework enables the creation of virtual overlay networks on a single physical underlay. This allows native traffic isolation, ensuring critical business operations remain secure from interference. The architecture simplifies resource management and enhances flexibility, making it easier to accommodate diverse workloads while maintaining robust security.
Simplified Architecture with BGP for Superior Scalability
EVPN leverages BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) as a unified control plane, streamlining the network architecture. This resolves the scalability and complexity challenges inherent in traditional Ethernet bridging in large-scale environments. With efficient routing control, organizations can implement horizontal scalability and quickly respond to the demands of new applications and services.
Figure: VXLAN with BGP EVPN
Distributed Gateway for Seamless Roaming and Efficient Forwarding
The architecture supports local forwarding for inter-subnet traffic, eliminating the bottlenecks associated with centralized gateways. Distributed gateways ensure high-performance traffic handling between subnets, improving overall network availability and enabling seamless roaming experiences across the campus.
3. High-Performance PoE Switches and Wi-Fi 7 APs: Elevating WLAN Performance to New Heights
FS Wi-Fi 7 solution adopts advanced PoE switches and Wi-Fi 7 access points to meet the demands of modern large campus networks.
S5870-48MX6BC-U: Advanced PicOS® PoE Switch for High-Density Networks
The S5870-48MX6BC-U switch, powered by the Broadcom Trident 3 chip, offers robust VXLAN support, and low latency, ensuring seamless data handling in multi-tenant environments. With 25G/100G uplink ports and 2.5G/10G Multi-Gigabit downlink ports, it supports high-bandwidth applications like Wi-Fi 7, while its 2100W IEEE 802.3bt 90W PoE simplifies high-density deployments.
AP-N755: Redefining Connectivity Boundaries with Next-Generation Wi-Fi 7
The AP-N755 Wi-Fi 7 access point redefines wireless connectivity with lightning-fast 24.436 Gbps throughput and 320 MHz channels, supporting bandwidth-intensive tasks like 8K streaming and AR/VR. Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and the 6 GHz band enhance device capacity and reduce congestion in high-density environments. Advanced MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies ensure low latency for real-time applications, making FS solutions ideal for high-density, bandwidth-intensive scenarios like enterprise campuses, AR/VR applications, and telemedicine.
This integrated Wi-Fi 7 solution empowers businesses with reliable, high-performance connectivity for large campuses, event venues, and cutting-edge applications.
Key Products in the FS Wi-Fi 7 Large Campus Network Solution
Below is an overview of the core products utilized in the FS Wi-Fi 7 solution, highlighting their features:
Product | Category | Description | Key Features |
 | PicOS® Data Center Switch | N8550-64C, 64-Port Ethernet L3 Data Center Switch, 64 x 100Gb QSFP28, PicOS®, Support MLAG, Broadcom Chip, Front-to-Back Airflow | Broadcom BCM56970 Tomahawk 2 Chip, 6.4Tbps Troughput PicOS® Supports MLAG & EVPN Multihoming Support for VXLAN as an L2 gateway Security Features: ACL, RADIUS, TACACS+ & DHCP Snooping AmpCon Automates Deployment & Lifecycle Management Support Ansible, RESTCONF, NETCONF for Automation 1+1 Hot-swappable Power Supplies, 3+1 Smart Fans | |
 | PicOS® Campus Switch | S5890-32C, 32-Port Ethernet L3 Switch, 32 x 100Gb QSFP28, PicOS®, Support MLAG, Broadcom Chip, Front-to-Back Airflow | Broadcom BCM56870 Trident 3 Chip, 6.4 Tbps Throughput PicOS® Supports MLAG, EVPN-VXLAN, EVPN Multihoming, LLDP ACLs, 802.1X, SSH, DAI, DHCP Snooping, etc. for Security Ansible, OpenFlow, and NETCONF for Network Automation sFlow for Advanced Network Traffic Monitoring and Analysis 1+1 Hot-swappable Power Supplies, 4+1 Hot-swappable Smart Fans | |
 | PicOS® Campus Switch | S5870-48MX6BC-U, 48-Port Ethernet L3 PoE++ Switch, 36 x 2.5Gb PoE++ Ports, 12 x 10Gb PoE++ Ports @2100W, with 4 x 25Gb SFP28 and 2 x 100Gb QSFP28 Uplinks, PicOS®, Support EVPN-VXLAN&MLAG, Broadcom Chip | Broadcom Trident 3 Chip, Intel Atom/Denverton C3558 4-cores 2.2 GHz x86 Processor Up to 48 PoE/PoE+/PoE++ Ports & Total Budget 2100W 100G Uplink for Network Expansion, 10G/2.5G PoE for Wi-Fi 7 Access PicOS® Supports EVPN-VXLAN, MLAG, OSPF, etc. AmpCon-Campus Automates Deployment & Lifecycle Management Security Features: ACL, RADIUS, TACACS+ & DHCP Snooping Enhance Security with TPM 2.0 Chip with SPI Interface 1+1 Hot-swappable Power Supplies, 2+1 Hot-swappable Smart Fans | |
 | Wi-Fi 7 Access Point | AP-N755, Cloud Managed Wi-Fi 7 802.11be 24.436Gbps Indoor Access Point, Seamless Roaming & 4 × 4 MU-MIMO Five Radios, Manageable via Airware, Controller or Standalone (Without PoE Injector) | Wi-Fi 7 with 16 Spatial Streams and 6 GHz Support Ultra-Wide 320MHz Band for Speeds up to 24.436Gbps Smart Radio Guarantees Network Security and Continuity 10G Ethernet Port Ensures Full Bandwidth Connection Network Management for Easy O&M |
Note: Our Wi-Fi 7 solution is backward compatible, allowing it to coexist with access points operating on all previous standards. This means organizations can upgrade gradually, using existing Wi-Fi 5 and 6 equipment alongside the new system until they're ready for a full transition.
Conclusion
The FS Wi-Fi 7 large campus network solution represents a significant leap forward in wireless and campus networking, combining cutting-edge technologies like Wi-Fi 7, spine-leaf architecture, and PicOS® software for unparalleled performance, scalability, and automation. From high-density, high-performance switches to advanced access points, every component is designed to meet the demands of modern enterprises, ensuring seamless connectivity, low latency, and exceptional reliability.
Ready to transform your large campus network? Contact FS experts today to design a custom solution tailored to your unique needs and future-proof your infrastructure with the power of Wi-Fi 7.