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Commonly confused · Wireless & Mobility

Autonomous AP vs Lightweight AP: What's the Difference?

An autonomous access point is configured and managed individually and handles all wireless functions itself. A lightweight access point offloads management and control to a wireless LAN controller, typically using CAPWAP, so many APs can be managed centrally.

Autonomous Access Point

Full definition
vs

Lightweight Access Point

Full definition
Autonomous Access PointLightweight Access Point
ManagementEach AP configured individuallyCentrally by a wireless LAN controller
Split MACNo; AP does everythingYes; real-time functions on AP, management on WLC
Tunnel protocolNoneCAPWAP (UDP 5246 control, 5247 data)
RF managementManual per APAutomatic channel and power (RRM)
RoamingLimited, slowerFast, controller-coordinated
ScaleSmall sitesEnterprise deployments
Related optionNot applicableCloud-managed APs (e.g. Meraki, Mist) use a cloud controller
Remember it

Autonomous APs think for themselves; lightweight APs take orders from the controller.

Exam tip

Expect questions on split-MAC duties and CAPWAP ports. Also know FlexConnect lets a lightweight AP switch traffic locally at a branch and keep serving clients if the WLC link fails.

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