Question

Difficulty: EasyNetwork Components Roles and Functions

In a centralized Cisco wireless network deployment using Split-MAC architecture, operational tasks are divided between Lightweight Access Points (LAPs) and the Wireless LAN Controller (WLC). Which two functions are performed by the Wireless LAN Controller rather than the Lightweight Access Points? (Select two.)

  1. Executing Radio Resource Management (RRM) to dynamically adjust RF channels and power levels across access pointsAnswer
  2. Aggregating wireless client authentication traffic and managing integration with central RADIUS serversAnswer
  3. C
    Terminating Layer 2 broadcast domains to eliminate the need for Layer 3 routing devices
  4. D
    Operating directly on top of a client host operating system as a Type 2 hypervisor to process frame transmission

Answer

The Wireless LAN Controller handles Radio Resource Management (RRM) for dynamic channel/power optimization and processes centralized client authentication requests.
In a centralized Split-MAC architecture, the Wireless LAN Controller performs high-level management and control-plane tasks. This includes Radio Resource Management (RRM) to continuously calculate optimal channel assignments and transmit power for all connected access points, as well as handling centralized client authentication and external RADIUS server communications.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify control-plane and management functions in a centralized Split-MAC wireless architecture.
Radio Resource Management (RRM) and centralized AAA/RADIUS security integration belong to the WLC.
Lightweight Access Points handle real-time frame transmission, beacons, and signal measurements, while system-wide management is offloaded to the central WLC.
2
Evaluate the incorrect choices to identify misconceptions regarding component roles.
A WLC does not replace Layer 3 routers for broadcast domain isolation, nor does it function as a Type 2 hypervisor.
Layer 3 devices break broadcast domains, and physical wireless frame transmission is handled by AP radio hardware.

Key Concept

Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) vs Lightweight Access Point (LAP) Functional Roles
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