2.0 CCNA - Network Access

2.7 Describe physical infrastructure connections of WLAN components (AP,WLC, access/trunk ports, and LAG)

Physical infrastructure connections in a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) refer to the physical connections between various components of the network, including access points (APs), wireless LAN controllers (WLCs), access and trunk ports, and Link Aggregation (LAG).

1. Access Points (APs): APs are the main components that provide wireless access to the network. They can be connected to the network through either a wired Ethernet connection or a wireless connection to a nearby AP.

2. Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs): WLCs are central components in a WLAN that provide management and control for connected APs. They are typically connected to the network through a wired Ethernet connection.

3. Access Ports: Access ports are switch ports that provide a direct connection between a switch and an end device, such as a laptop or desktop computer. Access ports are typically configured as untagged members of a single VLAN.

4. Trunk Ports: Trunk ports are switch ports that provide a connection between switches and support the tagging of multiple VLANs. Trunk ports are used to connect APs to switches and WLCs.

5. Link Aggregation (LAG): LAG is a technology that allows multiple physical links to be aggregated together to form a single logical link, providing increased bandwidth and redundancy. LAG can be used to connect APs, WLCs, and switches to improve network performance and reliability.

2.8 Describe AP and WLC management access connections (Telnet, SSH, HTTP,HTTPS, console, and TACACS+/RADIUS)

AP and WLC management access connections refer to the various methods that can be used to access and manage the configuration of access points (APs) and wireless LAN controllers (WLCs). The following are the most common methods of accessing APs and WLCs:

1. Telnet: Telnet is a remote login protocol that allows administrators to log into a remote device and manage its configuration. Telnet is not secure and should only be used in secure, internal networks.

2. SSH: SSH is a secure shell protocol that provides encrypted communications between a client and a server. SSH is a more secure alternative to Telnet and is often used to access APs and WLCs over untrusted networks.

3. HTTP: HTTP is a widely used protocol for accessing web pages and other resources on the Internet. HTTP can be used to access the graphical user interface (GUI) of APs and WLCs, but it is not secure and should be used in conjunction with encryption, such as HTTPS.

4. HTTPS: HTTPS is a secure version of HTTP that uses SSL or TLS encryption to protect the data being transmitted between the client and server. HTTPS is the recommended method for accessing the GUI of APs and WLCs.

5. Console: A console connection allows administrators to access the command-line interface (CLI) of a device using a serial cable and a terminal program. Console connections are typically used to access APs and WLCs during initial configuration or when other management access methods are unavailable.

6. TACACS+/RADIUS: TACACS+ and RADIUS are authentication protocols that allow APs and WLCs to be centrally managed and secured. TACACS+ and RADIUS can be used to authenticate administrators accessing the device and to provide centralized management of access control policies.