Cisco FlexConnect Reviews

Cisco FlexConnect Description

FlexConnect is a wireless solution designed for deployment in branch and remote offices, allowing users to manage access points (AP) from a central corporate location via a wide area network (WAN) without needing individual controllers at each site. This system permits the configuration and oversight of access points from a distance, ensuring efficient management of network resources. FlexConnect access points have the capability to handle client data traffic locally and can authenticate users on-site if their connection to the main controller fails, but they can also relay traffic back to the controller when connected. In this connected state, the access points are further able to execute local authentication processes. Clients can be managed on a per-WLAN basis, where data can be sent to the controller using CAPWAP (Central Switching) or routed locally through the AP's LAN port (Local Switching). With the Local Switching option, the access points can differentiate client traffic by tagging it into separate VLANs, effectively isolating it from the management traffic. This flexibility enhances network performance and security for branch offices significantly.