802.11ax Deployment
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Deployment Considerations
802.11ax Deployment
The FAP-U43xF are backward compatible with 802.11ac, 802.11a/n and 802.11b/g/n clients,
so you can upgrade your network today, and the existing client base will work with the new
FAP-U43xF. Fortinet provides solutions for multi-channel architecture. Enterprises can add the
FAP-U to their existing network to support additional capacity as part of their existing deploy-
ment. However, there are recommended best practices for operating a network that includes
both 11n and 11ac APs.
WLAN Controller
Customers are required to upgrade the controller software, FortiWLC (SD) to version 8.5.1 or
later to support the FAP-U43xF.
FAPs support two data plane modes, bridged and tunneled. In bridged mode, also known as
the remote AP mode, the data traffic from the client is bridged locally at the access layer or
edge switch. Control and AP management traffic is still sent between the AP and the controller
in bridged mode. In tunneled mode, all data, AP management, and control traffic is passed
through the controller.
Clients per AP
The BYOD phenomenon has changed the enterprise network landscape and has forced IT
managers to plan ahead for all types of user-owned mobile devices. BYOD typically means cli-
ent densities are increasing, as it is not unusual for users to carry two or three WLAN-capable
devices at a time. With BYOD, the client count per AP/radio has continued to rise, as one
would expect. What follows are some general client density guidelines for the FAP-U43xF.
•
Maximum ESS profiles supported – 8/radio
•
(ARRP enabled) Maximum number of clients supported – 512 clients/radio
Summary of Contents for FAP-U43 F Series
Page 6: ...Table of Contents iv...
Page 10: ...Supported Controller Types 4...
Page 14: ...Switch and PoE Guidelines 8...