2.7 WLAN Components Flashcards
Summarize physical infrastructure connections of WLAN components (AP, WLC, access/trunk ports, and LAG). (24 cards)
What is the role of an Access Point (AP) in a WLAN?
It connects wireless devices to the wired network.
APs provide wireless coverage, allow network access, and manage device communication.
How does an Access Point (AP) connect to a network switch?
Using ethernet cables.
APs are typically connected to switches via Ethernet cables, often utilizing Power over Ethernet (PoE) to supply both power and data through a single cable, simplifying deployment.
True or False:
Access Points (APs) in a WLAN are connected directly to the WLC.
False
APs connect to switches, and the WLC communicates with APs over the network using CAPWAP.
What is Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points?
(CAPWAP)
A protocol for communication between WLCs and APs.
CAPWAP ensures secure configuration, management, and data traffic between WLCs and APs.
What is the purpose of the Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) in a WLAN?
It manages APs and wireless network configurations.
WLCs centralize AP management, control wireless traffic, and enforce network policies.
True or False:
The WLC manages AP configurations, not client traffic.
False
The WLC manages both AP configurations and wireless traffic.
Describe the physical connection between a WLC and a network switch.
WLC connects to a switch via a trunk port.
The trunk port allows the WLC to handle multiple VLANs and manage AP traffic across different network segments.
Why is VLAN tagging used in trunk ports of a WLAN?
It identifies VLAN traffic over a shared link.
VLAN tagging ensures that multiple VLANs can coexist on a trunk link using the 802.1Q standard.
What is the difference between an access port and a trunk port?
Access port carries one VLAN, trunk port carries multiple VLANs.
Access ports are used to connect devices like APs, while trunk ports connect network devices such as WLCs and switches.
Where can you adjust the WLAN client session timeout on a WLC GUI?
In the Advanced tab.
The Advanced tab contains settings for session timeouts and other features like peer-to-peer blocking and coverage hole detection. The session timeout must be enabled before changing its value.
How frequently does an access point broadcast beacons for each WLAN?
10 times per second.
This equates to a beacon every 100 milliseconds, which can generate significant network traffic if multiple WLANs are configured.
What is the maximum number of WLANs a Cisco WLC supports?
512
While the WLC can support 512 WLANs, each access point can only have 16 WLANs active at any given time.
List three configurations for a WLC’s internal logical interface.
- DHCP server
- Subnet mask
- Default gateway
DHCP server: Provides dynamic IP address assignment for devices.
Subnet mask: Identifies the network range for routing and addressing.
Default gateway: Routes traffic to networks outside the local subnet.
How do ports and interfaces differ in a WLC context?
- Port: A physical connection to an external network.
- Interface: A logical connection within the controller.
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings in the context of Cisco wireless LAN controllers.
What are three key WLAN configuration parameters on a WLC?
- Wireless security type
- Controller interface and VLAN number
- SSID string
These parameters are critical for ensuring the WLAN operates securely and is properly identified on the network.
Which WLC interface manages CAPWAP tunnels with APs?
Management
Management interface handles management traffic and is essential for maintaining communication with APs, alongside other management functions.
List three Layer 2 security protocols for WLAN on a WLC.
- 802.1x
- WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2)
- CKIP (Cisco Key Integrity Protocol)
802.1x: Protocol for network access control and authentication.
WPA2: Wireless encryption standard providing strong security.
CKIP: Cisco’s proprietary encryption method for wireless security.
What three tabs are available when adding a WLAN on a WLC?
- QoS (Quality of Service)
- Policy-mapping
- Security
QoS: Configures Quality of Service settings for traffic prioritization.
Policy-mapping: Defines policies for controlling WLAN traffic flow.
Security: Sets up security protocols and authentication methods.
What is Link Aggregation in a WLAN?
(LAG)
It combines multiple links into one logical connection.
LAG is often managed with protocols like LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol).
List the benefits of using LAG in WLAN network infrastructure.
- Increased bandwidth
- Redundancy
- Load balancing
Increased bandwidth: Combines multiple links to provide higher data transfer rates.
Redundancy: Ensures network reliability by offering alternative paths in case of link failure.
Load balancing: Distributes traffic evenly across multiple links to optimize network performance.
What protocol is commonly used to aggregate links into a LAG connection?
LACP
(Link Aggregation Control Protocol)
LACP automatically manages and configures link aggregation for improved network performance.
Why are redundant connections important in WLAN using LAG?
It prevents network failure and improves bandwidth.
LAG ensures traffic is distributed and provides redundancy in case of link failure.
What is the role of PoE in the physical WLAN infrastructure?
It provides both power and data over Ethernet cables.
PoE eliminates the need for separate power cables, simplifying installation and reducing costs.
Describe the typical physical connection setup for an AP in a WLAN?
It is connected to a switch via Ethernet, often using PoE.
This setup allows the AP to provide wireless coverage while receiving power and data over a single Ethernet connection.
