Question 1mediummulti select
Full question →mediummulti selectObjective-mapped
Which two functions are commonly handled by a wireless LAN controller in a controller-based deployment? (Choose two.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Best answer
Centralized management of lightweight APs
Correct. Centralized AP management is a core controller role.
B
Distractor review
Per-host DHCP address assignment on every WLAN
A controller may integrate with DHCP-related workflows, but DHCP lease assignment is not its universal per-host core function.
C
Best answer
Policy enforcement for SSIDs and WLAN settings
Correct. Policy and WLAN settings are commonly centralized on the controller.
D
Distractor review
Providing STP root bridge election for the campus
STP root election is a switching function, not a WLAN controller role.
E
Distractor review
Replacing all Layer 2 switching functions in the access layer
A WLC does not replace the campus switching fabric.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common exam trap is selecting DHCP address assignment or Layer 2 switching functions like STP root bridge election as WLC responsibilities. Candidates may incorrectly assume the WLC handles DHCP leases directly or controls switching protocols. However, DHCP is typically provided by dedicated servers, and STP is managed by switches, not wireless controllers. Misunderstanding these roles leads to choosing incorrect answers that seem related to network control but fall outside the WLC’s scope. Recognizing that the WLC focuses on centralized AP management and WLAN policy enforcement helps avoid this pitfall.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
A wireless LAN controller (WLC) is a central device in a controller-based wireless network architecture that manages multiple lightweight access points (APs). The WLC centralizes configuration, monitoring, and control of APs, enabling consistent wireless policy enforcement and streamlined network management. It handles tasks such as AP provisioning, RF management, and client roaming to optimize wireless performance and security across the network. In Cisco networks, the WLC is responsible for centralized management of lightweight APs, which are simplified APs that rely on the controller for intelligence and configuration. The controller enforces WLAN policies, including SSID settings, security parameters, and QoS policies, ensuring uniform wireless access behavior. This centralized approach contrasts with autonomous APs, where each AP is individually configured and managed. A common exam trap is to confuse the WLC’s role with functions like DHCP address assignment or Layer 2 switching tasks such as STP root bridge election. While the WLC integrates with DHCP services and the campus network, it does not perform per-host DHCP lease assignment or replace core switching functions. Understanding these boundaries helps avoid selecting incorrect options related to DHCP or switching in controller-based wireless questions.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- A wireless LAN controller centralizes the management and configuration of multiple lightweight access points in a Cisco wireless network.
- The WLC enforces WLAN policies such as SSID configurations, security settings, and QoS parameters consistently across all managed APs.
- Lightweight APs depend on the WLC for control and do not operate independently like autonomous APs.
- The WLC does not perform per-host DHCP address assignment but integrates with DHCP servers to support client IP addressing.
- Spanning Tree Protocol root bridge election is a Layer 2 switching function and is not handled by the wireless LAN controller.
- Wireless LAN controllers optimize client roaming by managing authentication and session continuity across APs.
- The WLC centralizes RF management tasks such as channel assignment and power control to reduce interference.
- Replacing all Layer 2 switching functions in the access layer is outside the scope of a wireless LAN controller’s responsibilities.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A router learns the same prefix from both OSPF and EIGRP. Which route is installed by default?
Question 2
A router shows this output: R1#show ip ospf neighbor Neighbor ID Pri State Dead Time Address Interface 10.1.1.2 1 FULL/DR 00:00:34 192.168.12.2 GigabitEthernet0/0 10.1.1.3 1 2WAY/DROTHER 00:00:39 192.168.12.3 GigabitEthernet0/0 Which statement is correct?
Question 3
What is the OSPF metric called?
Question 4
A non-root switch has two uplinks toward the root bridge. One path has a lower total STP cost than the other. What role will the lower-cost uplink have?
Question 5
A router interface applies this ACL inbound: 10 deny tcp any any eq 80 20 permit ip any any A user reports that web browsing to a server by IP address fails, but ping works. Which statement best explains the behavior?
Question 6
A router learns route 198.51.100.0/24 from OSPF with AD 110 and also has a static route to the same prefix configured with AD 150. Which route is installed?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
A wireless LAN controller centralizes the management and configuration of multiple lightweight access points in a Cisco wireless network.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Centralized management of lightweight APs — Wireless LAN controllers commonly centralize AP management and apply WLAN policies consistently across access points. They do not replace every switching or DHCP function in the network.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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