CAPWAP vs LWAPP

Rashmi Bhardwaj | Blog,BUZZ,Wireless
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CAPWAP vs LWAPP

Before discussing CAPWAP vs LWAPP, let’s understand the two terms first.

What is LWAPP?

LWAPP is an abbreviation for Lightweight Access Point Protocol. LWAPP was introduced in RFC5412 and defined the process of authenticating an AP with a controller, distributing firmware and configuration and defining the transport header for LWAPP traffic.

 

 

What is CAPWAP?

CAPWAP is an abbreviation for Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points and interoperable protocol that enables a Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) to manage access points (AP) or wireless termination points (WTP). CAPWAP is based on the Lightweight Access Point Protocol (LWAPP).

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LWAPP-enabled access points can discover and join a CAPWAP controller, and conversion to a CAPWAP controller is seamless.

The LWAPP protocol was the first protocol to be proposed. It was initially designed by Airespace, which was later bought out by Cisco in 2005.

Comparison : CAPWAP vs LWAPP protocols –

PARAMETER
CAPWAPLWAPP
Abbreviation for
Control and Provisioning of Access Points
Lightweight Access Point Protocol
Introduction year
2009
2005 (bought by Cisco)
Controller Software Release
Release 5.2 or later
Releases prior to 5.2
DTLS Security
YesNo
L2 Mode
Not Supported
Supported
Data plane encryption
5500 WLCs only
No
Fragmentation
CAPWAP fragmentation
IP fragmentation
MTU discovery
YesNo
Protocol control ports
5246
12222
Protocol data ports
5247
12223
Related RFC
RFC 4564, RFC 5418, RFC 5415 , RFC 4347
RFC5412

 

Download the difference table here.

Related- Wireless Interview Questions

 

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