CCNP Architecture Practice Question
A network administrator is configuring a Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) and needs to ensure that the management interface is reachable from the wired network. Which interface on the WLC is used for out-of-band management and is typically assigned an IP address on the management VLAN?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming the AP-manager interface handles management because it manages access points, but it is specifically for AP communication, not administrative access.
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
✓
Management interface
The management interface on a Cisco WLC is used for out-of-band management, providing administrative access via GUI, CLI, and RADIUS. It is assigned an IP address on the management VLAN and is critical for controller reachability. Dynamic, AP-manager, and virtual interfaces serve different purposes.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Management interface
Why this is correct
The management interface on a Cisco WLC is used for out-of-band management, including GUI, CLI, and RADIUS communication. It is typically assigned an IP address on the management VLAN and is essential for controller reachability. It is the primary interface for administrative access.
- ✗
Virtual interface
Why it's wrong here
The virtual interface is used for mobility and DHCP relay functions, not for management. It is a logical interface with an IP address that is not routable and is used for specific services like web authentication. It does not provide out-of-band management access to the WLC.
- ✗
Dynamic interface
Why it's wrong here
Dynamic interfaces are user-defined and map to VLANs for client traffic. They are not used for out-of-band management. They are created for specific WLANs and are assigned to VLANs that carry user data. The management interface is separate and used for administrative access.
- ✗
AP-manager interface
Why it's wrong here
The AP-manager interface is used for communication with access points, typically for CAPWAP tunnels. It is not used for out-of-band management. While it can be on the same VLAN as the management interface in some designs, its purpose is AP management, not administrative access to the WLC.
Visual reference
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
About these practice questions
This 350-401 question is part of Courseiva's 1,923-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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 350-401 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 350-401 exam.