A wireless LAN controller (WLC) is a network device used to monitor and manage wireless access points in an organization. WLCs are connected to routers and allow devices from across the organization to connect to the router via access points. WLCs are generally used in combination with the
Lightweight Access Point Protocol (LWAPP) to manage light-weight access points in bulk by the network administrator or
network operations center
A network operations center (NOC, pronounced like the word ''knock''), also known as a "network management center", is one or more locations from which network monitoring and control, or network management, is exercised over a computer, tele ...
. The
wireless LAN
A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a wireless computer network that links two or more devices using wireless communication to form a local area network (LAN) within a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, campus, or office building ...
controller is part of the Data Plane within the Cisco Wireless Model.
The WLAN controller automatically handles the configuration of wireless
access-points. It centralizes wireless network infrastructure and handles bandwidth allocation to the access points (APs). Before the use of WLCs were widespread, APs had to handle connections individually, leading to unstable data links and poor connections. The use of WLCs solves this problem.
Benefits of WLCs
* WLCs provide an added layer of security to APs by providing authentication at a higher level, detecting rogue devices, and protecting the network behind a firewall.
* WLCs allow for centralized AP deployment.
* They simplify network maintenance operations.
References
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External links
"Why is a Controller required in a wireless network" ExcITingIP.com, March 2010
*
Facts About The Advantages Of Wireless 5 GHz:", Bestofwhatsapp.in, September 2019
Wireless networking