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Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (ENCOR) v1.2InfrastructureMedium

A network architect is designing a wireless network for a large university campus with thousands of users. The design requires centralized control over access points, seamless roaming for students and faculty across buildings, and simplified management of wireless policies and security. Which wireless architecture best meets these requirements?

  1. AAutonomous AP architecture
  2. BController-based architecture
  3. CCloud-managed AP architecture
  4. DMesh AP architecture
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Correct answer: B. Controller-based architecture

A controller-based wireless architecture uses a centralized Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) to manage all access points (APs). This provides centralized control, enables seamless Layer 2 and Layer 3 roaming, and simplifies the deployment and management of wireless policies and security across a large campus.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Autonomous APs are managed individually and do not provide centralized control or seamless roaming for large deployments.
  • C. Cloud-managed AP architecture also provides centralized management but typically through a cloud portal, which might be an option but 'controller-based' is a more direct and traditional answer for on-premise centralized control.
  • D. Mesh AP architecture is primarily for extending wireless coverage without Ethernet cabling and doesn't inherently provide the centralized management and advanced roaming capabilities for thousands of users across a campus.

Controller-based Wireless Architecture

A wireless network design where a centralized Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) manages and controls multiple access points (APs), providing centralized policy enforcement, security, and mobility.

  • Centralized management of APs.
  • Enables seamless Layer 2 and Layer 3 roaming.
  • Simplifies policy deployment and security.
  • Scalable for large deployments (campus, enterprise).

Memory trick: Wireless: Many ways to connect, one best for control.

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