| Explanation & Hint:
In a wireless network architecture that uses a Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) with split MAC operations, certain functions are handled by the WLC and others are handled by the lightweight access points (APs). When using split MAC, the WLC performs the following functions:
- Association and Re-association of Roaming Clients:
- The WLC manages client associations and re-associations, especially when clients roam between different APs. The WLC ensures that clients have a seamless roaming experience by managing their credentials and maintaining their session as they move.
- Frame Queuing and Packet Prioritization:
- The WLC is responsible for managing queues for handling data frames and prioritizing packets. This includes implementing Quality of Service (QoS) policies to prioritize traffic, such as voice over IP (VoIP) over regular data traffic.
The other functions listed are typically performed by the lightweight APs in a split MAC architecture:
- Packet Acknowledgments and Retransmissions:
- The AP handles acknowledgments of packets and retransmissions at the MAC layer due to its proximity to the client devices and the need for immediate response to maintain efficient communication.
- Beacons and Probe Responses:
- Beacons and probe responses are used to announce the presence of a wireless network and respond to clients scanning for networks. These are transmitted directly by the APs.
- Frame Translation to Other Protocols:
- While not typically described as a function of split MAC architecture, frame translation or encapsulation may occur within the network infrastructure, but it is not a primary function associated with split MAC operations in a wireless context.
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