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200-301 · Question #1171

Which two functions does a WLC perform in the lightweight access-point architecture that an AP performs independently in an autonomous architecture? (Choose two.)

The correct answer is A. managing RF channels, including transmission power B. handling the association, authentication, and roaming of wireless clients. In a lightweight AP architecture, the Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) takes over the management of RF channels and client association/authentication/roaming, functions that autonomous APs handle independently.

Submitted by chiamaka_o· Mar 5, 2026

Question

Which two functions does a WLC perform in the lightweight access-point architecture that an AP performs independently in an autonomous architecture? (Choose two.)

Options

  • Amanaging RF channels, including transmission power
  • Bhandling the association, authentication, and roaming of wireless clients
  • Csending and processing beacon frames
  • Dencrypting and decrypting traffic that uses the WAP protocol family
  • Epreventing collisions between wireless clients on the same RF channel

How the community answered

(19 responses)
  • A
    63% (12)
  • C
    21% (4)
  • D
    11% (2)
  • E
    5% (1)

Why each option

In a lightweight AP architecture, the Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) takes over the management of RF channels and client association/authentication/roaming, functions that autonomous APs handle independently.

Amanaging RF channels, including transmission powerCorrect

In a lightweight AP architecture, the WLC centrally manages and optimizes the RF environment, including dynamic channel assignment, transmission power control, and interference mitigation across all connected APs.

Bhandling the association, authentication, and roaming of wireless clientsCorrect

The WLC handles the control plane functions for client connectivity, including initial association, authentication, and facilitating seamless roaming between APs for wireless clients.

Csending and processing beacon frames

Both autonomous and lightweight APs (under WLC control) are responsible for sending and processing beacon frames to advertise the WLAN and allow clients to discover and connect.

Dencrypting and decrypting traffic that uses the WAP protocol family

Encrypting and decrypting wireless traffic (e.g., WPA/WPA2/WPA3) is primarily performed by the AP itself, whether autonomous or lightweight, as part of its responsibility to secure the over-the-air communication with clients.

Epreventing collisions between wireless clients on the same RF channel

Preventing collisions on the wireless medium (e.g., using CSMA/CA) is a fundamental MAC layer function performed by the AP itself in both autonomous and lightweight architectures.

Concept tested: Differentiating autonomous vs. lightweight AP architectures and WLC functions

Source: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/8-0/configuration-guide/b_cg80/b_cg80_chapter_0100.html

Topics

#WLC functions#Lightweight AP architecture#Autonomous AP architecture#Wireless client management

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