Cisco Lightweight Wireless AP Modes

Lightweight Access Points (APs) can operate in different modes depending on the network’s needs client access, security, or RF analysis. Each mode has a specific role and is managed by a Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) via a CAPWAP tunnel.

In this guide, you’ll quickly learn the purpose of each AP mode and how to choose the right one for your wireless environment.

Local Mode is the default mode for most APs and it’s what you’ll encounter in most deployments. In this mode, the AP sends all client traffic from every WLAN through a CAPWAP tunnel to the Wireless LAN Controller (WLC).

Figure 1 – Local Mode: Client traffic is tunneled to the WLC

• The AP can broadcast one or more Basic Service Sets (BSSs), allowing wireless clients to connect.

• When it’s not handling client traffic, the AP performs tasks like detecting interference, measuring noise levels, identifying rogue devices, and monitoring for IDS (Intrusion Detection System) events.

Think of Local Mode as the “standard” operating mode ensuring traffic management through the WLC while also monitoring the wireless environment.

Imagine you have a WLC located at your central office, but your APs are deployed at remote sites.

Figure 2 – FlexConnect Mode (Connected): Traffic is tunneled to the WLC over WAN

What happens if the WAN link between the AP and WLC goes down? Normally, the CAPWAP tunnel would stop working, and your wireless network could face disruptions.

Figure 3 – FlexConnect Mode (Disconnected): AP switches traffic locally when the tunnel is down

This is where FlexConnect Mode becomes invaluable. In this mode, the AP can locally switch traffic even when the CAPWAP tunnel to the WLC is unavailable.

Key Features:

• Ensures uninterrupted service by switching traffic locally during WAN outages.

• Enables APs to handle local VLAN and SSID traffic without WLC dependency.

Bridge Mode is your go-to solution for creating wireless backhaul links, whether indoors or outdoors. It supports mesh networks, enabling multiple APs to connect wirelessly and extend coverage over large areas.

Figure 4 – Bridge/Mesh Mode: APs connect wirelessly to extend coverage and link remote sites

• Ideal for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint links.

• Enables CAPWAP traffic to travel over wireless links instead of wired connections.

This mode is commonly used for outdoor deployments, such as connecting buildings on a campus or providing coverage in remote areas where running cables is impractical.

Flex+Bridge Mode is a hybrid that combines the benefits of FlexConnect and Bridge modes. It allows APs to: