CCNA Switching and Network Access Practice Question
A network administrator is configuring a new wireless LAN controller (WLC) and access points (APs). The APs are connected to switch ports that are configured as access ports in VLAN 10. The administrator wants the APs to obtain IP addresses from a DHCP server and then join the WLC. Which protocol does the AP use to discover the WLC's IP address?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse the method of providing the WLC IP (like DHCP Option 43 or DNS) with the actual discovery protocol (CAPWAP).
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
CAPWAP Discovery Request
Access points use CAPWAP to discover and join a wireless LAN controller. After getting an IP address, the AP sends CAPWAP Discovery Requests via broadcast or multicast. The WLC responds, and the AP establishes a CAPWAP tunnel. DHCP Option 43 and DNS are methods to provide the WLC IP, but the protocol itself is CAPWAP. LWAPP is outdated. Therefore, CAPWAP Discovery Request is the correct answer.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
DNS resolution of CISCO-CAPWAP-CONTROLLER
Why it's wrong here
The AP can use DNS to resolve the hostname 'CISCO-CAPWAP-CONTROLLER' to find the WLC IP, but this is a method, not a protocol. The protocol used for the actual discovery and join process is CAPWAP. DNS is just one way to provide the IP address. The question asks for the protocol, so this is not the best answer.
- ✓
CAPWAP Discovery Request
Why this is correct
After obtaining an IP address, the AP uses CAPWAP (Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points) to discover and join the WLC. It sends a CAPWAP Discovery Request via broadcast or multicast to find the controller. The WLC responds, and the AP then establishes a CAPWAP tunnel. This is the standard protocol for AP-WLC communication. Thus, this is the correct answer.
- ✗
LWAPP Discovery Request
Why it's wrong here
LWAPP (Lightweight Access Point Protocol) is the predecessor to CAPWAP and is deprecated. Modern Cisco WLCs and APs use CAPWAP. While older APs might use LWAPP, the scenario does not specify legacy equipment, and CCNA 200-301 focuses on current technologies. Therefore, LWAPP is not the correct protocol for discovery in this context.
- ✗
DHCP Option 43
Why it's wrong here
DHCP Option 43 is used to provide the AP with the WLC's IP address during DHCP, but it is not a protocol for discovery; it is a DHCP option. The AP can use it to learn the WLC IP, but the question asks for the protocol used to discover the WLC. The actual discovery protocols are CAPWAP or broadcast/multicast. So this is not the correct answer.
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Key term
IP address
An IP address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication.
Key term
Wireless LAN
A Wireless LAN (WLAN) is a network that connects devices like laptops and phones to each other and the internet using radio waves instead of physical cables.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
This 200-301 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-301 exam.