2.6 Cisco Wireless Architectures Flashcards
Summarize Cisco Wireless Architectures and AP modes. (14 cards)
What is Distributed Architecture in Cisco wireless networks?
An architecture where APs operate independently without a central WLC.
Distributed architecture refers to APs operating independently without a central Wireless LAN Controller (WLC), typically used in smaller networks.
True or False:
In a distributed architecture, APs rely on a central controller for management.
False
In distributed architectures, APs often operate independently.
What is the architecture where APs are managed by a central WLC?
Centralized
In a centralized architecture, the Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) handles the configuration, monitoring, and updating of all Access Points (APs), ensuring consistency in policies, settings, and security.
What are the benefits of using a centralized wireless architecture?
- Centralized AP management
- Simplified configuration
- Scalability
- Seamless firmware updates
Centralized architectures are well-suited for large networks, offering efficiency and centralized control over APs.
What is the role of a Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) in a Cisco network?
It manages APs, enforces policies, and monitors the network.
The WLC centralizes AP configuration, ensuring consistent performance, firmware updates, and security policies across large deployments.
What tunneling protocol does a LAP use to encapsulate data to a WLC?
CAPWAP
(Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points)
CAPWAP is used to encapsulate both control and data traffic between lightweight access points (LAPs) and wireless LAN controllers (WLCs).
In a unified WLC deployment, where is the WLC primarily located?
Core Layer
In a unified WLC deployment, the controller is situated at the core layer, where it manages traffic flowing through CAPWAP tunnels.
What is the purpose of an embedded WLC in Cisco wireless networks?
They manage smaller networks.
They are deployed on Cisco routers or switches and are typically used in environments with fewer access points, providing cost-effective centralized management for smaller setups.
List the key AP modes used in Cisco wireless networks.
- Standalone (Autonomous) Mode
- Lightweight Mode
- FlexConnect Mode
- Mesh Mode
- Monitor Mode
- Rogue AP Detection Mode
Standalone (Autonomous) Mode: Self-managed AP without a WLC.
Lightweight Mode: APs managed by a central WLC.
FlexConnect Mode: Combines centralized management with local traffic forwarding.
Mesh Mode: APs connect wirelessly to extend coverage.
Monitor Mode: APs monitor wireless channels for security and interference.
Rogue AP Detection Mode: Detects unauthorized APs in the network.
How do Lightweight APs differ from Autonomous APs?
- Lightweight APs: Rely on a WLC for configuration, management, and operation.
- Autonomous APs: Self-managed and configured independently, without the need for a WLC.
Lightweight APs are ideal for large networks with centralized control and scalability, while Autonomous APs are suited for smaller, simpler, independent setups.
How do APs in Rogue AP Detection Mode detect unauthorized access points?
APs listen for unauthorized devices and flag them as rogue.
This mode helps ensure that unauthorized APs, which could introduce security risks, are identified and mitigated.
What describes APs wirelessly extending coverage in Cisco networking?
Mesh mode
This mode is often used in outdoor or difficult-to-wire environments, offering flexible coverage without the need for additional wiring.
True or False:
Mesh Mode requires additional wired infrastructure to function.
False
Mesh mode operates using wireless connections between APs, eliminating the need for wired links, and is particularly useful in hard-to-wire environments.
List the AP architectures that separate data from management traffic.
- Split-MAC
- Meraki
- Mobility Express
Split-MAC: Splits management and data functions between the AP and controller.
Meraki: A cloud-managed solution that separates data and management traffic.
Mobility Express: Cisco APs that act as both controller and access point, separating traffic.
