Autonomous APs
Autonomous APs run Cisco IOS, are programmed individually, and act independently.
They can be centrally managed with the CiscoWorks Wireless
LAN Solution Engine (WLSE) and can use Cisco Secure Access Control
Server (ACS) for RADIUS and TACAS+ authentication. Redundancy
consists of multiple APs.
Lightweight Access Points
Lightweight APs divide the 802.11 processing between the AP and a Cisco
Wireless LAN Controller (WLC). This is sometimes called “split MAC,”
because they split the functions of the MAC layer—Layer 2. Their management
components also include the Wireless Control System (WCS) and a
location-tracking appliance. Redundancy consists of multiple WLCs. The AP
handles real-time processes, and the WLC handles processes such as:
■ Authentication
■ Client association/mobility management