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Difficulty: MediumCisco Wireless Architectures and AP Modes

In a centralized Cisco wireless deployment operating under the split-MAC architecture, operational responsibilities are divided between the Lightweight Access Point (AP) and the Wireless LAN Controller (WLC). Which two functions are performed directly by the Lightweight AP? (Select two options.)

  1. Real-time 802.11 frame transmission and acknowledgment generationAnswer
  2. 802.11 MAC-layer frame encryption and decryptionAnswer
  3. C
    802.11 client authentication processing and state management
  4. D
    Dynamic channel allocation and transmit power control via Radio Resource Management (RRM)

Answer

The two functions performed directly by the Lightweight AP are real-time 802.11 frame transmission and acknowledgment generation, and 802.11 MAC-layer frame encryption and decryption.
In a Cisco split-MAC wireless architecture, time-sensitive real-time 802.11 MAC functions are offloaded to the Lightweight AP. These include frame transmissions, ACK generation, beaconing, probe responses, and hardware-based wireless encryption/decryption. This ensures low latency and strict adherence to 802.11 timing rules.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the split-MAC architecture model in Cisco centralized wireless networks.
Recognize that split-MAC divides 802.11 protocol handling into real-time functions on the AP and non-real-time management functions on the WLC.
Real-time functions require microsecond-level latency responsiveness that cannot survive CAPWAP tunnel transmission delays to the WLC.
2
Identify AP-specific real-time MAC functions.
Select frame acknowledgment (ACK) handling, beaconing, probe responses, and hardware encryption/decryption as AP responsibilities.
These tasks take place directly at the physical and medium access control layers on the local RF interface.
3
Identify WLC management and control functions.
Categorize client authentication, association tracking, 802.11 to 802.3 frame conversion, and Radio Resource Management (RRM) as WLC tasks.
Centralizing these tasks allows unified policy control, seamless roaming, and intelligent RF orchestration.

Key Concept

Split-MAC architecture division of real-time vs non-real-time functions between Lightweight APs and WLCs
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Topics

Cisco Wireless Architectures and AP Modes

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