What protocol allows for centralized management of multiple wireless access points?

• 300-420 : All Parts

Lightweight access point protocol (LWAPP) is a protocol used to allow centralized management of access points (APs). The management components are removed from the APs and centralized into a wireless LAN controller. This controller can coordinate WLAN access, managing the load on the APs and user movement between APs. A lightweight AP receives control and configuration from the WLAN controller.

LWAPP defines the following activities:

• Packet encapsulation, fragmentation, and formatting
• Access point certification and software control
• Access point discovery, information exchange, and configuration

The processing of 802.11 data and the handling of management protocols and access point capabilities is distributed between the lightweight access point and the WLAN controller. For example, the AP handles the transmission of beacon frames and responses to probe request frames and the controller handles authentication. The WLC enhances:

• Mobility
• Authentication
• Security management

When lightweight APs are used, the data path from one wireless station to another includes the AP and its controller.

Wi-Fi protected access (WPA) is an encryption and authentication protocol for wireless access. It supports 802.1x authentication and EAP on a wireless client. The AP would function as the authenticator.

WEP is a wireless encryption protocol that uses static keys and no authentication.

Ad hoc is a WLAN mode used for peer-to-peer connectivity. Ad hoc 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