Cisco Cisco Aironet 1310 Access Point Bridge Information Guide

Page of 21
Lightweight Access Point FAQ
Document ID: 70278
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Contents
Introduction
 LAP FAQ
 Related Information
Introduction
This document provides information on the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Cisco Lightweight
Access Points (LAPs).
Refer to Cisco Technical Tips Conventions for more information on document conventions.
LAP FAQ
Q. What is a Cisco Lightweight Access Point (LAP)?
A. The Cisco LAP is part of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network architecture. A LAP is an
AP that is designed to be connected to a wireless LAN (WLAN) controller (WLC). The LAP
provides dual band support for IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g and simultaneous air
monitoring for dynamic, real−time radio frequency (RF) management. In addition, Cisco
LAPs handle time−sensitive functions, such as Layer 2 encryption, that enable Cisco WLANs
to securely support voice, video, and data applications.
APs are lightweight, which means that they cannot act independently of a wireless LAN
controller (WLC). The WLC manages the AP configurations and firmware. The APs are
zero touch deployed, and individual configuration of APs is not necessary. The APs are
also lightweight in the sense that they handle only real−time MAC functionality. The APs
leave all the non−real−time MAC functionality to be processed by the WLC. This
architecture is referred to as the split MAC architecture.
Q. Can I configure the LAP to operate independent of a wireless LAN
controller (WLC)?
A. No, LAPs cannot function independent of WLCs. LAPs function in conjunction with a
WLC only. The reason is that the WLC provides all the configuration parameters and
firmware that the LAP needs in the registration process.