In the Cisco Unified architecture, which solution supports fast roaming when preshared keys cannot keep up?

Question

Options

• AEnhanced Distributed Channel Access
• BCisco Centralized Key Management
• CCisco Radius Server
• DWired Equivalent Privacy

• B
  81% (13)
• C
  6% (1)
• D
  13% (2)

Explanation

Cisco Centralized Key Management (CCKM) is a Cisco-proprietary protocol designed specifically for fast roaming in enterprise wireless environments. When a client roams between access points using PSK, the standard reauthentication process requires a full 4-way handshake at each AP - too slow for latency-sensitive applications like VoIP. CCKM solves this by caching session keys on a central controller (the WDS), allowing clients to re-associate with a new AP using a single exchange instead of a full handshake.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• A (EDCA): Enhanced Distributed Channel Access is a QoS mechanism (part of 802.11e/WMM) for prioritizing traffic types - unrelated to key management or roaming speed.
• C (Cisco RADIUS Server): RADIUS handles AAA (authentication, authorization, accounting) but is not a fast-roaming key management solution on its own.
• D (WEP): Wired Equivalent Privacy is a deprecated, broken encryption protocol - it predates modern roaming concerns entirely.

Memory tip: Think "Centralized Keys = Centralized Roaming Control." The word Centralized is the clue - keys are cached centrally so APs don't have to reauthenticate from scratch, making roaming fast. CCKM = Cacheid Keys Mean fast moves.

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