Networking

Enterprise Wi-Fi with WLC and CAPWAP

Network Design diagram · made in Skemio

Network diagram illustrating lightweight wireless access points connected over CAPWAP tunnels through distribution switches to a centralized wireless LAN controller.
Network diagram illustrating lightweight wireless access points connected over CAPWAP tunnels through distribution switches to a centralized wireless LAN controller.
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What it shows

  • Lightweight APs handle real-time RF tasks (802.11 beaconing, ACKs).
  • CAPWAP splits control and data planes across UDP ports 5246 and 5247.
  • Centralized WLC manages fast-roaming keys, RF channels, and dynamic power.

The takeaway

Centralized WLC architectures use CAPWAP tunnels to turn access points into unified antenna endpoints.

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