IP Encyclopedia > Leader AP

What Is Leader AP?

The leader AP function is an extended function of Fat APs. Like a WAC, a Fat AP enabled with the leader AP function can be deployed to build a WLAN together with multiple Fit APs. On this WLAN, the Fat AP manages and configures the Fit APs in a unified manner, enabling STAs to easily roam between APs. Leader APs are applicable to SOHO offices, hotels, apartments, and houses.

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Why Is Leader AP Needed?

Some large stores may require independent WLAN deployment and management. A single Fat AP cannot meet coverage and roaming requirements. Multiple Fat APs are difficult to configure and manage, and the roaming experience cannot be ensured. The WAC + Fit AP architecture increases the cost (for example, due to the use of WACs and licenses) for stores, and network resources in this architecture cannot be fully leveraged.

This is where the leader AP function comes in. This function requires only simple configurations when a few APs are available to deploy a WLAN while ensuring good roaming experience. After one AP on the WLAN is switched to the Fat AP mode, it can function as the leader AP to manage other Fit APs. The leader AP function achieves simple networking, plug-and-play power supply over Ethernet cables, and quick Wi-Fi configuration through a mobile app.

How Does Leader AP Work?

The leader AP + Fit AP networking architecture is similar to the WAC + Fit AP networking architecture.

Leader AP networking architecture

The leader AP can be considered as a combination of a WAC and a Fit AP. The leader AP function, can manage only its own Fit AP module as well as manage other Fit APs.

Similarities between a leader AP and a WAC:

A leader AP functions as a WAC to manage multiple Fit APs. A leader AP establishes a CAPWAP tunnel with each Fit AP to transmit management packets. Fit APs can go online with zero configuration on a leader AP. All configurations are delivered by the leader AP to the Fit APs.
A leader AP supports direct (bridge) and tunnel (tunnel) forwarding modes, depending on whether service packets are transmitted over CAPWAP tunnels.
STAs can roam between Fit APs.

Differences between a leader AP and a WAC:

A leader AP also serves as a Fit AP and is used to build a WLAN together with other Fit APs. Services configured on a leader AP take effect on both itself and other Fit APs.
The number of Fit APs managed by a leader AP is much fewer than that managed by a WAC, but Fit AP management is not under license control.
STAs can roam between a leader AP and Fit APs.

What Networking Modes Are Supported by Leader AP?

A leader AP can work in bridge or gateway mode, depending on whether it functions as a gateway.

Bridge mode

A leader AP in bridge mode functions as a network bridge and works with an independent gateway in the uplink direction. The leader AP and Fit APs communicate with each other on a Layer 2 network. The independent gateway has the DHCP service enabled and allocates IP addresses to STAs and APs. The direct forwarding mode is recommended, which reduces the load on the leader AP, so that the leader AP can manage more Fit APs.

Network where a leader AP works in bridge mode

Gateway mode

In gateway mode, a leader AP itself functions as the gateway, and no independent gateway is required. The leader AP and Fit APs communicate with each other on a Layer 2 network. In the uplink direction, the leader AP has NAT enabled and connects to the Internet. In the downlink direction, the leader AP connects to a switch and communicates with Fit APs. The leader AP has the DHCP service enabled and allocates IP addresses to Fit APs and STAs. In this mode, services are forwarded through CAPWAP tunnels to the leader AP for processing. Therefore, the leader AP is heavily loaded and can manage a limited number of Fit APs. When the service traffic is heavy, the leader AP may become a bottleneck for service forwarding.