Wallys Tech WL-AC1000 is an access point (AP) controller designed to manage and optimize the operation of multiple access points (APs) within large-scale wireless networks that you may find in factories, airports, hotels, train stations, etc…
The WL-AC1000 is powered by a quad-core Arm processor coupled with 1GB RAM, 8MB NOR flash, and 256MB NAND flash. It is equipped with four GbE ports and one 2.5GbE port to connect the access points through switches. It’s available as a desktop version and a 1U enclosure to mount in a rack.
Wallys Tech WL-AC1000 specifications:
- SoC – Quad-core ARM 64-bit A53 @ 1 .8 GHz processor (likely some Qualcomm QCS part)
- System Memory – 1GB (2x 512MB) DDR3L
- Storage
- 8MB NOR flash
- 256MB NAND Flash
- Networking
- Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port with PoE
- 3x Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 ports
- 2.5Gbps Ethernet RJ45 port
- Power Supply – 24V DC
- Dimensions
- WL-AC1000-E – 192 x 122 x 41mm (desktop)
- WL-AC1000-1U – 483 x 202 x 45mm (1U enclosure for rack mount)
- Temperature Range – -40 to +70 ºC
The AP controller is accessible through a web dashboard that allows the centralized management of multiple access points within a single graphical user interface.
Key features include:
- Batch configuration – Configure multiple devices simultaneously for quick deployment across large networks.
- Device firmware upgrade management (batch upgrades support)
- Remote WiFi configuration (SSID, security protocols, and bandwidth management) for each AP.
- Delete offline devices – Automatically or manually remove offline or inactive devices from the network
- Whitelist – Import and manage a whitelist of authorized devices, preventing unauthorized devices from connecting to the network.
- Execute Command – Execute custom commands across multiple devices simultaneously for bulk configuration tasks and troubleshooting.
- Multiple subnets setup for more flexible and scalable network topologies
A limitation is that it only works with Wallys’ DR5018, DR5018S, DR6018, DR6018S, and DR6018C access points for now, although the documentation mentions support for “compatible third-party devices”. I asked if other OpenWrt devices could be supported, but a company representative confirmed the solution was only compatible with Wallys’ access points.
Since a host computer is required to access the WL-AC1000 dashboard, I asked why a hardware solution was needed since users could load a program on a laptop to perform remote configuration and firmware upgrades in a similar. The only feature that would not be supported is the automatic removal of offline devices if the laptop is not always on. I was told that “hardware AP is better than software, it’s local, data is secure”. But I’m unconvinced since a program could also be used only run on the local network, you don’t need the cloud for everything… I assume its multiple Ethernet ports must have some benefits for larger installations. An article on LinkedIn also mentions time synchronization between access points, a feature that may be important for industrial environments where precise time synchronization is essential.
Wallys Tech told CNX Software the sample price is just $200 for the WL-AC1000 AP controller, I assume that’s for the desktop version. You can find more details on the product page.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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It is OK what it “locked” to some AP/vendor as usually those AP controllers exist in some ecosystem from manufacturer with a list of compatible devices and/or firmware version on them.
I saw some kind of software to manage OpenWRT devices, but they look… not mature let’s say.
In general benefit of good AP controller is centralized SSID management, auth, logs, and “fast roaming” set of standards: 802.11i/r/k/v/OKC