Configuring The Access Point; The Controller Discovery Process - Cisco Aironet 2600 Getting Started Manual

Kensington lock slot
1
DC Power connection
2
Gbit Ethernet port
3
7

Configuring the Access Point

This section describes how to connect the access point to a wireless LAN controller. Because the
configuration process takes place on the controller, see the Cisco Wireless LAN Controller
Configuration Guide for additional information. This guide is available on Cisco.com.

The Controller Discovery Process

The access point uses standard Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points Protocol
(CAPWAP) to communicate between the controller and other wireless access points on the network.
CAPWAP is a standard, interoperable protocol which enables an access controller to manage a
collection of wireless termination points. The discovery process using CAPWAP is identical to the
Lightweight Access Point Protocol (LWAPP) used with previous Cisco Aironet access points.
LWAPP-enabled access points are compatible with CAPWAP, and conversion to a CAPWAP controller
is seamless. Deployments can combine CAPWAP and LWAPP software on the controllers.
The functionality provided by the controller does not change except for customers who have Layer 2
deployments, which CAPWAP does not support.
In a CAPWAP environment, a wireless access point discovers a controller by using CAPWAP discovery
mechanisms and then sends it a CAPWAP join request. The controller sends the access point a
CAPWAP join response allowing the access point to join the controller. When the access point joins
the controller, the controller manages its configuration, firmware, control transactions, and data
transactions.
For additional information about the discovery process and CAPWAP, see the Cisco Wireless
Note
LAN Controller Software Configuration Guide. This document is available on Cisco.com.
CAPWAP support is provided in controller software release 5.2 or later. However, your
Note
controller must be running release 7.2.110.0 or later to support 2600 series access points.
Console port
4
Security padlock and hasp (padlock not
5 included)
Mounting bracket pins (feet for desk or
6
table-top mount)
9