Ben Paxton

Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) have become an integral part of modern networking infrastructures, providing seamless connectivity and mobility to users. To ensure the smooth operation of WLAN components, it’s essential to understand the physical infrastructure connections that interconnect these components. In this blog post, we will delve into the key aspects of physical connections for WLAN components, including Access Points (APs), Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs), access/trunk ports, and Link Aggregation Groups (LAGs).

• Access Points (APs):
  APs are the primary devices responsible for providing wireless connectivity to clients. They are strategically placed throughout the coverage area to ensure seamless access to the WLAN. APs require both power and network connectivity for their operation. The following are the key physical connections for APs:
  • Power Source:
    APs can be powered using Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches or individual power adapters. PoE is a popular choice as it simplifies cabling requirements by combining power and data transmission over a single Ethernet cable.
  • Ethernet Port:
    APs have one or more Ethernet ports that connect to the wired network infrastructure. These ports can operate in access or trunk mode, depending on the deployment requirements.

• Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs):
  WLCs provide centralized management and control for multiple APs within the WLAN. They play a crucial role in managing wireless traffic, security policies, and radio frequency optimization. The physical connections for WLCs include:
  • Power Source:
    Similar to APs, WLCs can be powered using PoE switches or individual power adapters, depending on the model and deployment scenario.
  • Ethernet Ports:
    WLCs come with multiple Ethernet ports, typically categorized as management and data ports. The management port connects to the management network for administrative purposes, while the data ports connect to the APs and handle client data traffic.

• Access/Trunk Ports:
  Access and trunk ports are Ethernet ports on network switches that connect to APs and WLCs. The configuration of these ports depends on the type of connection required:
  • Access Port:
    Access ports are used to connect individual APs to the switch. Each access port is assigned to a specific VLAN, and all traffic from the AP is tagged with that VLAN.
  • Trunk Port:
    Trunk ports are used when multiple VLANs need to be carried over a single link. They enable communication between the WLC and APs across different VLANs.

• Link Aggregation Groups (LAGs):
  Link Aggregation Groups, also known as port channels or EtherChannels, allow multiple physical links to be combined into a single logical link. LAGs provide increased bandwidth and redundancy for high-performance WLANs.

Understanding the physical infrastructure connections of WLAN components is essential for designing and deploying robust wireless networks. Properly configuring access/trunk ports and LAGs, and ensuring reliable power sources for APs and WLCs, are critical aspects of building a high-performing WLAN infrastructure. By paying attention to these details, network administrators can ensure seamless wireless connectivity and optimize the performance of their WLAN deployments.