With WLANs making the move from nice-to-have backup connectivity to a legitimate replacement for wired Ethernet connectivity, enterprise network managers are faced with the need to better manage and secure their Wi-Fi operations. That’s where WLAN controllers fit in.
Rather than individually configuring and controlling a fleet of autonomous APs, you can use WLAN controllers to manage wireless AP discovery and provisioning, authentication, roaming, firewall and VLAN policy, network surveillance and much more.
Our buyer’s guide to enterprise WLAN controllers introduces you to wireless LAN controllers , telling you where these devices can fit into your existing network, explaining which features you should look for, and helping you avoid mistaken assumptions that can slow down your wireless deployment plans. Once you’re up to speed, we’ll step you through the three WLAN controller vendors most dominant in the market today: Cisco, Motorola and Aruba.