Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers

Cisco® Wireless LAN controllers are ideal for small, mid-sized, enterprise business and service provider wireless LAN deployments and provide system-wide wireless LAN functions, such as security policies, intrusion prevention, RF management, quality of service (QoS), and mobility. They work in conjunction with Cisco lightweight access points and Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS) Software to support business-critical wireless applications. From voice and guest access services to location tracking, WLAN controllers provide the control, scalability, and reliability that IT managers need to build secure, enterprise-scale wireless networks—from branch offices to outdoor campuses.

Cisco wireless LAN controllers smoothly integrate into existing enterprise and service provider networks. They communicate with Cisco lightweight access points over any Layer 2 (Ethernet) or Layer 3 (IP) infrastructure using the Lightweight Access Point Protocol (LWAPP) (Figure 3). This emerging IETF standard helps ensure that communication between access points and wireless LAN controllers remains secure, and it enables important wireless LAN configuration and management functions to be completely automated for cost-effective wireless LAN operations.