Cisco CCNA (200-301)Network AccessMedium
A branch office has a single lightweight AP whose CAPWAP control connection to the central WLC traverses an unreliable WAN link. The design requirement is that wireless clients must still authenticate and pass traffic locally even if the WAN link to the WLC fails. Which AP mode meets this requirement?
- AFlexConnect mode
- BMonitor mode
- CSniffer mode
- DLocal mode
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. FlexConnect mode
FlexConnect mode allows an AP to switch client data locally and, in standalone mode, continue authenticating clients using locally stored credentials or open/PSK authentication even when the CAPWAP link to the WLC is down. Local mode fully depends on the WLC for control and typically tunnels all data, and monitor/sniffer modes don't serve clients at all.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Monitor mode dedicates the AP radio to RF scanning, not client service.
- C. Sniffer mode captures packets for analysis and does not serve clients.
- D. Local mode APs tunnel client data to the WLC and rely heavily on WLC connectivity.
FlexConnect AP Mode
An AP mode designed for branch offices that allows local switching of client traffic and authentication even when the WLC connection is lost.
- Supports standalone mode during WAN outages
- Can locally switch data traffic instead of tunneling all traffic to WLC
- Ideal for remote/branch sites with WAN links to central WLC
- Contrasts with Local mode which needs continuous WLC connectivity
Memory trick: Flex bends but doesn't break when the WAN link snaps.