mediumMultiple Choice
CCNP Practice Question: Runs the following command on a Cisco WLC: WLC#…
A network engineer runs the following command on a Cisco WLC:
WLC# show ap inventory all
AP Inventory Information ----------------------- AP Name: AP-1 Base MAC: aabb.cc00.0100 Model: AIR-CAP3702I-A-K9 Software: 8.5.151.0
AP Name: AP-2 Base MAC: aabb.cc00.0200 Model: AIR-AP2802I-B-K9 Software: 8.5.151.0
AP Name: AP-3 Base MAC: aabb.cc00.0300 Model: AIR-AP3802I-A-K9 Software: 8.5.151.0
Based on this output, what can be concluded?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that AP model numbers with 'CAP' versus 'AP' indicate autonomous vs. lightweight mode, but in reality, both prefixes can denote lightweight APs; the key differentiator is the software image and the presence of a WLC in the network.
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
✓
All APs are running the same software version and are compatible with the WLC.
The output shows all three APs (AIR-CAP3702I-A-K9, AIR-AP2802I-B-K9, AIR-AP3802I-A-K9) are running software version 8.5.151.0, which is a valid Cisco IOS-XE release for the WLC. All listed models are lightweight (CAPWAP-based) APs that are compatible with a Cisco WLC running the same major code train. The WLC can manage mixed-model APs as long as they are supported in its software release, and version 8.5.151.0 supports these 3700, 2800, and 3800 series APs.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
All APs are running the same software version and are compatible with the WLC.
Why this is correct
In a WLC-centric deployment, all access points must run a software release that is supported by and interoperable with the controller's firmware. Here, every AP displays the identical version 8.5.151.0, which indicates a uniform, compatible codebase. This consistency, combined with the WLC successfully listing them without join errors, confirms that all APs are running the same software and are fully compatible with the WLC.
- ✗
AP-1 is a lightweight AP and AP-2 and AP-3 are autonomous APs.
Why it's wrong here
The output clearly shows all three APs are managed by the same WLC, which only controls lightweight (CAPWAP) access points. Autonomous APs operate independently and would not appear as connected under the controller's 'show ap' summary. Merely being named 'AP-1' or having a different model does not imply a different operational mode; all CAP and AIR-AP models here are lightweight APs.
- ✗
AP-3 has a hardware failure because its model is different.
Why it's wrong here
A hardware failure is not indicated by a different model number, and mixed-model access point deployments are common in enterprise wireless networks. The WLC output lists all APs with the same software version and does not show the 'down' or 'fail' states that would accompany hardware faults. If AP-3 had failed, it would not have joined the WLC or reported a running firmware version, so the differing model is simply a normal part of the hardware mix.
- ✗
The WLC is running a software version that only supports AP-2 and AP-3.
Why it's wrong here
If the WLC's software only supported AP-2 and AP-3, then AP-1 would be rejected, fail to join, or remain in a 'Downloading' or 'Not Joined' state. However, the output shows all APs, including AP-1, are present with the same running software version, proving they are all supported by the current WLC firmware. The WLC successfully maintains list entries for each AP, which would be impossible if its software version lacked support for any of them.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.