Cisco CCNA WLAN Architectures and Concepts 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a split-MAC architecture, which functions are handled by the Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) rather than the AP?
- RF transmission and beacon generation
- Client authentication and association management (Correct answer)
- 802.11 frame encryption at the AP level
- Physical layer signal modulation
Correct answer: Client authentication and association management
In split-MAC architecture, the WLC handles management functions like client authentication and association, while the AP handles real-time functions like RF transmission.
Question 2: What is the purpose of the CAPWAP data tunnel between an AP and a WLC?
- To carry management and control messages only
- To encapsulate and forward client data traffic to the WLC (Correct answer)
- To synchronize firmware updates across all APs
- To provide redundant paths between APs
Correct answer: To encapsulate and forward client data traffic to the WLC
The CAPWAP data tunnel encapsulates 802.11 client frames and forwards them to the WLC for centralized processing and routing.
Question 3: Which 802.11 amendment introduced the concept of high-throughput (HT) with MIMO and channel bonding up to 40 MHz?
- 802.11a
- 802.11g
- 802.11n (Correct answer)
- 802.11ac
Correct answer: 802.11n
802.11n introduced MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) and optional 40 MHz channel bonding, significantly increasing throughput.
Question 4: An organization wants APs to continue serving clients even if the WLC becomes unreachable. Which feature enables this?
- FlexConnect (HREAP) local switching mode (Correct answer)
- Monitor mode AP deployment
- Rogue AP detection
- WLC high availability pairing
Correct answer: FlexConnect (HREAP) local switching mode
FlexConnect (formerly HREAP) allows APs to locally switch client traffic and maintain client associations even when the WLC connection is lost.
Question 5: What differentiates an SSID from a BSSID in WLAN terminology?
- SSID is a 48-bit MAC address; BSSID is a human-readable network name
- SSID is the human-readable network name; BSSID is the MAC address of the AP radio (Correct answer)
- SSID identifies the frequency band; BSSID identifies the channel
- SSID is used only in infrastructure mode; BSSID is used only in ad-hoc mode
Correct answer: SSID is the human-readable network name; BSSID is the MAC address of the AP radio
The SSID is the logical network name clients see, while the BSSID is the Layer 2 MAC address of the specific AP radio forming that BSS.
Question 6: Which statement correctly describes a Mesh AP in a Cisco WLAN deployment?
- It connects to the WLC only via a wired Ethernet uplink
- It uses a wireless backhaul link to reach the wired network through a Root AP (Correct answer)
- It operates exclusively in monitor mode scanning for rogue devices
- It requires a separate CAPWAP tunnel for each client association
Correct answer: It uses a wireless backhaul link to reach the wired network through a Root AP
Mesh APs use a wireless backhaul (often on a separate radio) to connect back to a Root AP that has a wired uplink, extending coverage without cabling.
Question 7: Which 802.11 service set type allows two wireless clients to communicate directly without an AP?
- BSS (Basic Service Set)
- ESS (Extended Service Set)
- IBSS (Independent Basic Service Set) (Correct answer)
- DSS (Distribution Service Set)
Correct answer: IBSS (Independent Basic Service Set)
An IBSS (Independent BSS), also called an ad-hoc network, allows devices to communicate peer-to-peer without requiring an access point.
Cisco CCNA WLAN Architectures and Concepts 2
In a split-MAC architecture, which functions are handled by the Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) rather than the AP?