The foundations of networking: switches, routers, and

wireless access points – PART II

An access point acts like an amplifier for your network. While a router provides the bandwidth,
an access point extends that bandwidth so that the network can support many devices, and those
devices can access the network from farther away.
But an access point does more than simply extend Wi-Fi. It can also give useful data about the
devices on the network, provide proactive security, and serve many other practical purposes.
*Access points support different IEEE standards. Each standard is an amendment that was
ratified over time. The standards operate on varying frequencies, deliver different bandwidth,
and support different numbers of channels.
Wireless Networking
To create your wireless network, you can choose between three types of deployment: centralized
deployment, converged deployment, and cloud-based deployment. Need help figuring out which
deployment is best for your business? Talk to an expert.
1. Centralized deployment
The most common type of wireless network system, centralized deployments are traditionally
used in campuses where buildings and networks are in close proximity. This deployment
consolidates the wireless network, which makes upgrades easier and facilitates advanced
wireless functionality. Controllers are based on-premises and are installed in a centralized
location.
2. Converged deployment
For small campuses or branch offices, converged deployments offer consistency in wireless and
wired connections. This deployment converges wired and wireless on one network device—an
access switch—and performs the dual role of both switch and wireless controller.
3. Cloud-based deployment
This system uses the cloud to manage network devices deployed on-premises at different
locations. The solution requires Cisco Meraki cloud-managed devices, which provide full
visibility of the network through their dashboards.

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