What are the characteristics of a FAT AP and a FIT AP?

Created: Dec 17, 2016 15:46:37Latest reply: Mar 27, 2022 10:58:33 10397 10 5 0 1

Hello there, Community friends!

This post explains what are the characteristics of a FAT AP and a FIT AP. It will also depict the differences between them and what is the applicable scenarios. Please check the table below.

FAT AP vs. FIT AP

Item	FAT AP	FIT AP
Function	It integrates the WLAN physical layer functions, service data encryption, user authentication, QoS, network management, roaming technologies, and application layer functions.	A FIT AP has only the encryption and radio functions and cannot work independently of an AC.
Network solution	A FAT AP can provide wireless access independently. Each AP is an independent node. The channels and power on each AP are configured independently. The AP is easy to install. The APs work independently, so the FAT APs do not support large-sized, continual, and cooperative WLANs and do not support advanced applications. Each AP requires an independent security policy. If there are a lot of APs on the network, network management, maintenance, and upgrade are difficult. Quality on WLANs is difficult to measure.	FIT APs must be work with an AC to provide wireless access. An AC allocates channels for AP groups and automatically adjusts transmit power. The AC FIT AP mode reduces interference between APs and increases network coverage range. Both Layer 2 roaming and Layer 3roaming are supported. Unauthorized APs are easily detected and processed. Maintenance and operation data is collected by the AC, but not APs. The AC provides powerful AP processing capability and higher performance than AP.
Management and maintenance	FAT APs have complex structure and are difficult to manage in a centralized manner.	Fit APs can go online with zero configuration. All configurations are performed on the AC, which facilitates centralized management of Fit APs and enables functions that are not supported by Fat APs, such as Layer 3 roaming and user-based rights delivery.
Application scenario	FAT AP applies to SOHO or small-scale WLANs.	FIT AP applies to large-scale enterprise WLANs, and industry and carrier WLANs