Technological Evolution
Wireless Standards and Performance
- TL-WA901N: 802.11n (Wireless N) with single-band operation
- EAP Series: 802.11ac/ax (Wi-Fi 5/6) with dual-band simultaneous operation
- Speed Difference: From 300Mbps (TL-WA901N) to 1750Mbps+ (modern EAPs)
Antenna Technology
- TL-WA901N: Basic MIMO with three external antennas
- EAP Series: Advanced MU-MIMO, Beamforming, internal optimized antennas
- Coverage: Significant improvements in range, penetration and client capacity
Management Capabilities
Standalone vs. Centralized Management
- TL-WA901N: Primarily individual device management
- EAP Series: Full Omada SDN integration with centralized control
- Scalability: From single-device to cloud-managed enterprise deployments
Advanced Features
- TL-WA901N: Basic Multi-SSID and operating modes
- EAP Series: Zero-touch provisioning, seamless roaming, band steering, advanced QoS
Power and Installation Options
Power Over Ethernet
- TL-WA901N: Passive PoE only (proprietary)
- EAP Series: Standard 802.3af/at PoE support with multiple powering options
- Installation Flexibility: Both offer flexible placement, but modern EAPs have standardized mounting options
Form Factor Evolution
Design Philosophy
- TL-WA901N: Traditional “box with antennas” design
- EAP Series: Purpose-built form factors (ceiling mount, wall plate, outdoor)
- Aesthetic Consideration: From functional networking equipment to architecturally integrated solutions
Security Capabilities
Authentication and Encryption
- TL-WA901N: Basic WPA/WPA2 security
- EAP Series: Enterprise-grade WPA3, RADIUS, captive portal, and guest networking
- Network Protection: Significant enhancements in isolation, monitoring and threat detection
Target Audience Shift
Market Positioning
- TL-WA901N: SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) users
- EAP Series: SMB to enterprise environments
- Use Case Evolution: From basic connectivity to mission-critical business infrastructure
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