Wireless Controller Port
The physical connection to the switched network infrastructure exists through the wireless controller port. The device’s physical ports include controller ports. The main physical controller ports are as follows:
- Service Port (SP): Used for out-of-band management, initial boot, and system recovery. A computer must be connected to the service port when configuring the controller via the GUI.
- Redundant Port (RP): Additional controllers can be connected to this port to enable redundant operation.
- Distribution Ports: Management and all access point traffic pass through these ports. The distribution port is connected when the switch port is in trunk mode. The 4400 and 5500 series controllers contain 4 and 8 distribution ports respectively.
- The console port is used for out-of-band management, system recovery, and early boot operations.
Physical Infrastructure Connections of WLAN Components
The IETF Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points Protocol (CAPWAP) standard are used by Lightweight Cisco Access Points for the purpose of communicating with wireless controllers and other lightweight access points on your network.