Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (ENCOR) v1.2InfrastructureMedium
A network engineer is designing a new wireless network for a large office building. The design requires centralized management, seamless roaming for users across floors, and efficient deployment of multiple SSIDs with consistent security policies. Which wireless architecture would best meet these requirements?
- AController-based AP architecture
- BAutonomous AP architecture
- CMesh AP architecture
- DCloud-managed AP architecture
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Controller-based AP architecture
A controller-based AP architecture centralizes management, provides seamless roaming capabilities through centralized control, and allows for consistent application of security policies across numerous access points and SSIDs.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Autonomous APs are managed individually, lacking centralized control, seamless roaming, and consistent policy enforcement for large deployments.
- C. Mesh AP architecture is primarily for extending wireless coverage where cabling is difficult, not specifically for centralized management or seamless roaming across large wired deployments.
- D. Cloud-managed AP architecture also offers centralized management but the question implies a traditional on-premise controller for 'controller-based' benefits, and 'Cloud-managed' is a subset of managed architectures not explicitly addressing the 'controller' aspect directly in the options provided.
Controller-Based Wireless
A controller-based wireless architecture uses a centralized Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) to manage and configure multiple lightweight Access Points (APs), providing centralized control, seamless roaming, and consistent policy enforcement.
- Centralized management via WLC.
- Seamless roaming for clients.
- Consistent security and QoS policies.
- Scalable for large deployments.
Memory trick: For control and roam, the controller makes the home.