Cisco CCNA (200-301)Network FundamentalsMedium
A wireless engineer is designing a campus network using a centralized wireless architecture. A single WLC will manage dozens of lightweight APs across multiple buildings. Which statement correctly describes this architecture?
- AEach AP independently makes forwarding decisions and stores its own configuration locally
- BThe WLC handles centralized management, RF coordination, and control-plane functions for all associated APs
- CAPs communicate directly with each other using a mesh protocol without any WLC involvement
- DThe WLC only provides DHCP services and does not participate in wireless management
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The WLC handles centralized management, RF coordination, and control-plane functions for all associated APs
In a centralized (split-MAC) wireless architecture, lightweight APs forward control traffic to a WLC via CAPWAP. The WLC centrally manages configuration, RF channel/power settings, roaming, and security policies for all APs it controls.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This describes autonomous APs, not lightweight APs in a centralized architecture.
- C. This describes a wireless mesh topology without WLC control, not the scenario described.
- D. The WLC's primary role is wireless management, not just DHCP, which is a separate service.
Centralized WLC Architecture
A design where a wireless LAN controller centrally manages configuration, RF settings, and control functions for multiple lightweight access points.
- Uses CAPWAP tunnels between APs and WLC
- Simplifies large-scale wireless deployments
- Contrasts with autonomous AP model where each AP is independently configured
Memory trick: 'One brain, many antennas' — WLC is the brain for all APs.