Implementation of Cisco FlexConnect
Mikko Jaakonsaari · Theseus (Ammattikorkeakoulujen) · 2019
Controller-dependant & centrally switched wireless access points are easy to manage and set up. However when the amount of sites increases, wireless performance may become sub-optimal. Cisco FlexConnect enables access points to switch user data locally at a remote site, thus improving network performance and optimizing routing. This thesis describes the implementation of FlexConnect, describing necessary changes and configurations for each participating network device and server. The thesis also describes alternatives to the chosen solution that provide the same functionality similar to FlexConnect on other vendors’ network equipment. Due to the nature of the thesis, the majority of the source material is available online, and consists of vendor documentation and standards based off of International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Internet Engineering Taskforce’s (IETF) Requests For Comments (RFC). Network performance was tested by comparing routes to servers located in various data centers and by comparing download and upload speeds over the wireless network. The tests were performed before and after the FlexConnect implementation to provide comparable data. The results demonstrated improved routing performance in a multiple site network environment. Recommendations for further actions were also provided for next steps in improving wireless performance.