1. WLAN Mesh in CAPWAP Architecture
May 2004
WLAN Mesh in CAPWAP Architecture
Tyan-Shu Jou, Ted Kuo, and Ming Sheu
Janusys Networks, Inc.
Date: May 10, 2004
Tyan-Shu Jou, et al., Janusys Networks

2. CAPWAP Taxonomy Draft 02 Centralized WLAN architecture
Month 2002
doc.: IEEE /xxxr0
May 2004
CAPWAP Taxonomy Draft 02
Centralized WLAN architecture
Local MAC
Split MAC
Remote MAC
Distributed Mesh Architecture:
“WTPs are capable of forming a distributed network among themselves”
Tyan-Shu Jou, et al., Janusys Networks
John Doe, His Company

3. ESS Mesh Might be a Hybrid Architecture
Month 2002
doc.: IEEE /xxxr0
May 2004
ESS Mesh Might be a Hybrid Architecture
Mesh nodes form a distributed network
A centralized control may exist for control, configuration, user access control, and monitoring purpose
Local MAC
Split MAC
Remote MAC may not make much sense in this case
Tyan-Shu Jou, et al., Janusys Networks
John Doe, His Company

4. May 2004
CAPWAP Tunnels
Mesh nodes can utilize the “virtual tunnels” to forward data traffic to the wire-wireless border node.
In this case, management function may still exist in a different AC entity.
Tyan-Shu Jou, et al., Janusys Networks

5. Mutual Authentication
May 2004
Mutual Authentication
WTP-WTP mutual authentication becomes a must.
Tyan-Shu Jou, et al., Janusys Networks

6. CAPWAP Problem Statement
May 2004
CAPWAP Problem Statement
Large-scale wireless networks expose the following issues:
Management Control
Consistent Configuration
Dynamic Nature
Securing Access
ESS Mesh with centralized control can help
Tyan-Shu Jou, et al., Janusys Networks

7. More Complicated Models
May 2004
More Complicated Models
Mesh nodes can be separated into active nodes and passive nodes
Tunnels to border nodes may be utilized (for certain traffic)
AC may exist for management, user access control, and/or configuration
Tyan-Shu Jou, et al., Janusys Networks

8. A Multi-Tier Split-Architecture ESS Mesh Network
May 2004
A Multi-Tier Split-Architecture ESS Mesh Network AC
Link between active nodes can be wired or wireless
Border Node
Link between passive node and active node can be wired or wireless
Active Node
Passive Node
STAtion
Tyan-Shu Jou, et al., Janusys Networks