Which port is required to allow APs to join a WLC when directed broadcasts are used on a Cisco IOS switch?

Question

Options

• AUDP 5246
• BTCP 5246
• CTCP 5247
• DUDP 5247

• A
  86% (32)
• B
  3% (1)
• C
  8% (3)
• D
  3% (1)

Explanation

CAPWAP Control Channel – UDP 5246

UDP 5246 is the correct port because CAPWAP (Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points) uses this UDP port for the control plane, which handles AP discovery, authentication, and the joining process between an AP and a Wireless LAN Controller (WLC). When directed broadcasts are used on a Cisco IOS switch, this port must be permitted to allow APs to reach the WLC. Option B (TCP 5246) is wrong because CAPWAP is a UDP-based protocol - it does not use TCP for its communications. Option C (TCP 5247) is doubly incorrect as it combines the wrong transport protocol with the data channel port number. Option D (UDP 5247) is the CAPWAP data plane port used to tunnel actual wireless client traffic, not the control channel needed for APs to join.

Memory Tip: Think "6 before 7" - 5246 = Control (APs join first), 5247 = Data (traffic flows after). And remember: CAPWAP is always UDP, never TCP, because low-overhead, fast delivery is critical for wireless management traffic.

No community discussion yet for this question.