A Lightweight Access Point (LAP) can work in one of the following modes based on the user requirement –
- Local Mode
- Flex-Connect Mode
- Sniffer Mode
- Monitor Mode
- Rogue Mode
All the different modes of LAP operation have been detailed as below –
Local mode -This is default mode of lightweight access point. In local mode lightweight access point acts as if controller and AP are in same location. And it sends all the traffic (control and data) to controller. If we loose connection to controller, access point will dissociate
Flex-connect mode -This is a mode where AP join the controller but switch data packet locally.In this mode AP and controller could be or could not be on same site. Flex connect mode with we can have more resiliency as even if we loose connection to controller. AP continues serving the existing associated clients.
Sniffer Mode – It is the mode required to take over the air packet captures. In this mode AP listens the communication between nearby client and AP.To capture the traffic AP listens on specific channel. We need to set the AP in sniffer mode.
Monitor Mode– AP in this mode is dedicated for scanning the rogue devices all the time. This can only detect wireless rogues devices. In monitor mode AP does not serve the clients.
Rogue Mode– This mode is also for detecting the rogue devices on wired network. This AP connects to wired infrastructure using trunk port and listens for all the traffic coming from all vlans.If there is any mac address declared as rogue device by another AP than this AP reports it to controller. And it can also trigger the alerts for rogue devices.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I am here to share my knowledge and experience in the field of networking with the goal being – “The more you share, the more you learn.”
I am a biotechnologist by qualification and a Network Enthusiast by interest. I developed interest in networking being in the company of a passionate Network Professional, my husband.
I am a strong believer of the fact that “learning is a constant process of discovering yourself.”
– Rashmi Bhardwaj (Author/Editor)
