Wireless LAN controller
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A wireless LAN controller (WLC) is a network device used to manage wireless access points in a computer network.[1] WLCs are connected to routers and allow devices from across the organization to connect to the router via access points. WLCs use the Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points protocol (CAPWAP) to allow network administrators or network operations center to manage light-weight access points in bulk. CAPWAP replaced the previously used Cisco-proprietary Lightweight Access Point Protocol (LWAPP).[2][3][4][5] The wireless LAN controller is part of the Data Plane within the Cisco Wireless Model.
The WLAN controller automatically handles the configuration of wireless access points. It centralizes wireless network infrastructure and handles bandwidth allocation to the access points (APs). Before the use of WLCs were widespread, APs had to handle connections individually, leading to unstable data links and poor connections. The use of WLCs solves this problem.
Characteristics of WLCs
[edit]Deployment
[edit]The major deployment models for WLCs are as follows:[6][7]
- Centralized
- Cloud-based
- Embedded
Benefits of WLCs
[edit]The benefits of using WLCs are as follows:[8][9]
- WLCs allow for centralized AP deployment and management, simplifying network maintenance operations.
- WLCs add an additional layer of security to the network by providing central web authentication, firewall integration, and detection of rogue APs.[10]
- WLCs allow clients to move between APs (a behavior termed as user roaming), allowing uninterrupted service.[11][12]
References
[edit]- ↑ "What is a WLAN controller?". Cisco. Retrieved 4 September 2026.
- ↑ Conradi, Gabe. "Current Status and Overview of the CAPWAP Protocol". cse.wustl.edu. Washington University in St. Louis. Retrieved 2 September 2026.
The [RFC5412] that defines LWAPP has been marked as "Historic", as it has been superseded by the CAPWAP specification [RFC515] [Section 5].
- ↑ "LWAPP Vs CAPWAP". thenetworkdna.com. February 2, 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2026.
- ↑ "Autonomous Vs LWAP Vs CAPWAP". learningnetwork.cisco.com. Cisco. February 16, 2020. Retrieved 2 September 2026.
- ↑ Panagiotopoulou, Vasiliki (January 2015). "Controller-based WLAN Design and Evaluation". ResearchGate.
- ↑ "Cisco WLC Deployment Models". networklessons.com. Retrieved 2 September 2026.
- ↑ "Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Deployment Models". study-ccna.com. Retrieved 2 September 2026.
- ↑ "Wireless LAN Controller (Wireless AC) Explained". community.fs.com. FS Community. 2020-11-06. Retrieved 2022-12-09.
- ↑ Scott, Christian (3 January 2025). "What is a Wireless LAN Controller?". cbtnuggets.com. CBT Nuggets. Retrieved 12 April 2026.
- ↑ "Central Web Authentication - Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controller Software Configuration Guide, Cisco IOS XE 26.1.x". Cisco. April 10, 2026. Retrieved 4 September 2026.
- ↑ "Understanding Client Roaming". networkacademy.io. Archived from the original on 17 March 2025. Retrieved 12 April 2026.
- ↑ "Wireless Intracontroller WiFi Roaming Explained". study-ccnp.com. Archived from the original on 8 December 2022. Retrieved 12 April 2026.
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