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Wireless & Mobility · Intermediate

Central Switching

Forwarding client data through a CAPWAP tunnel to the controller, which bridges it to the wired network.

Definition

Central switching simplifies policy and VLAN design because client VLANs exist only at the controller. It adds controller load and tunnel overhead. Local switching at the AP is the alternative, used by FlexConnect and most cloud-managed designs.

Exam tip

Centrally switched clients receive IP addresses from VLANs on the WLC side.

Related terms