University of Minnesota
Wireless Network Design

The "BIG" Problem

In order to provide high-end features, APs need to be powerful boxes.

Powerful boxes cost more money.

Cheapo Quality

Cost $250..$300
Tend to be smaller in size
No per-connection login or encryption

Minimal filtering capabilities
Stolen/broken box is small loss

Cost $800..$1500 (3 to 5 times more)
Tend to be bigger than the cheapos
Per-connection login & encryption
- cannot be used due to client diversity!
Better filtering capabilities
Stolen/broken box is bigger loss

Cheapo		Quality
Cost $250..$300 Tend to be smaller in size No per-connection login or encryption Minimal filtering capabilities Stolen/broken box is small loss		Cost $800..$1500 (3 to 5 times more) Tend to be bigger than the cheapos Per-connection login & encryption - cannot be used due to client diversity! Better filtering capabilities Stolen/broken box is bigger loss

Um... so how much do I gain from putting in an expensive box over a cheap one? $550 worth? $1200 worth?

[07] March, 2001