By being able to see specific applications on the Wi-Fi links, the controller can then apply pre-determined policies to manage and optimize them. Voice or video applications, which are sensitive to jitter and latency, might be given priority treatment by the WLAN, for example. Or some applications, such as bandwidth hungry Netflix streaming video might be blocked; other applications might be given a specific bandwidth allocation.

Previously, Ciscos WLAN firmware had some limited ability to identify applications. But the inclusion of AVC will now make this broader, deeper, and more specific, and allow IT to associate more granular controls on specific applications, according to Spain.