In a split-MAC deployment, which device is responsible for prioritizing packets and responding to beacon and probe requests?

In a split-MAC deployment, which device is responsible for prioritizing packets and responding to beacon and probe requests?

• A. Lightweight AP
• B. Switch
• C. WLC
• D. Router

Answer: (A)

In split-MAC deployments, the MAC layer is handled at the access point, with the controller guiding policy and coordination. The device that prioritizes packets at the MAC layer is the lightweight access point, which applies QoS (like WMM) to decide which frames get airtime first. It also handles management frames, including beacon transmissions and responses to probe requests, which are part of how clients discover and connect to the network. The switch mainly forwards frames at Layer 2, not involved in 802.11 MAC management. The Wireless LAN Controller centralizes control and policy but does not generate beacons or answer probes itself. The router handles IP routing, not wireless MAC management. So, the lightweight access point is responsible for both prioritizing packets and responding to beacon and probe requests.

In split-MAC deployments, the MAC layer is handled at the access point, with the controller guiding policy and coordination. The device that prioritizes packets at the MAC layer is the lightweight access point, which applies QoS (like WMM) to decide which frames get airtime first. It also handles management frames, including beacon transmissions and responses to probe requests, which are part of how clients discover and connect to the network.

The switch mainly forwards frames at Layer 2, not involved in 802.11 MAC management. The Wireless LAN Controller centralizes control and policy but does not generate beacons or answer probes itself. The router handles IP routing, not wireless MAC management.

So, the lightweight access point is responsible for both prioritizing packets and responding to beacon and probe requests.