In what mode does an LWAPP-enabled access point operate?

• 300-420 : All Parts

Lightweight access point protocol (LWAPP)-enabled access points operate in lightweight mode. LWAPP is a protocol used to allow centralized management of APs. The management components are removed from the APs, and a WLAN controller provides a single point of management. This controller coordinates WLAN access, managing the load on the APs and user movement between APs. Upon starting, an LWAPP-enabled access point must obtain an IP address. It can then discover the controller using DHCP, DNS, or a subnet broadcast. When multiple wireless controllers are detected by an AP, it chooses to associate with the controller that has the fewest existing associated APs.

Individually configured APs that operate without central management are operating in autonomous mode. This would be the opposite of lightweight mode, which is made possible by LWAPP. Autonomous access points can be upgraded to lightweight. If they are upgraded, they will only function in conjunction with a WLAN controller. Moreover, when an autonomous access point is upgraded to lightweight, the console port only provides read access to the unit.

Characteristics that autonomous and lightweight access points have in common:

• Both support Power over Ethernet (PoE)
• Both can use a Cisco Secure Access Control server (ACS) for security

A wireless gateway bridge (WGB) is used to connect a computer without a wireless network card to a wireless network, but not separate WLANs. The WGB can connect up to eight computers to a WLAN. The WGB connects to the root AP through a wireless interface.

Ad hoc is a WLAN mode used for peer-to-peer connectivity. Ad hoc mode allows wireless-enabled computers to communicate with each other without having an AP involved.

Objective:
Layer 2 Technologies
Sub-Objective:
Configure and verify other LAN switching technologies