What is the difference between Roof-top Access Points (RAPs) and Pole-top Access Points (PAPs) as modes of lightweight Mesh Access Points (MAPs)?
A. These are the modes that the outdoor MAPs can operate as part of the mesh network. The mesh networking solution, which is part of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network Solution, enables two or more Cisco Aironet Lightweight MAPs to communicate with each other over one or more wireless hops to join multiple LANs or to extend 802.11b wireless coverage. These access points are used as part of the mesh network and operate in two modes: • RAP • PAP RAP—Cisco MAPs that operate in RAP mode are the parent node to any bridging or mesh network and connect a bridge or mesh network to the wired network. Therefore, there can only be one RAP for any bridged or mesh network segment. In a mesh network, Cisco MAPs are configured, monitored, and operated from and through any Cisco WLAN controller (WLC) deployed. Any MAP that has the wired connection to the WLC assumes the role of RAP. This RAP uses the backhaul wireless interface to communicate with neighboring PAPs. PAP—Cisco MAPs that operate in PAP m
