IETF RFC 5414 PDF

Introduction

The popularity of wireless local area networks (WLANs) has led to numerous but incompatible designs and solutions. The CAPWAP Architecture Taxonomy [RFC4118] describes major variations of these designs. Among them, the Local MAC (Media Access Control) and Split MAC architecture designs are notable categories.

Wireless LAN Control Protocol (WiCoP) recognizes the major architecture designs and presents a common platform on which WLAN entities of different designs can be accommodated. This enables interoperability among wireless termination points (WTPs) and WLAN access controllers (ACs) of distinct architecture designs. WiCoP therefore allows for cost-effective WLAN expansions. It can also accommodate future developments in WLAN technologies. Figure 1 illustrates the WiCoP operational structure in which distinct control elements are utilized for Local MAC and Split MAC WTPs.

WiCoP also addresses the increasing trend of shared infrastructure WLANs. Here, WLAN management needs to distinguish and isolate control for the different logical groups sharing a single physical WLAN. WiCoP manages WLANs through a series of tunnels that separate traffic based on logical groups.

The WiCoP operational structure in Figure 1 shows that each WTP uses a number of tunnels to distinguish and separate traffic for control and for each logical group. The protocol allows for managing WLANs in a manner consistent with the logical groups that share the physical infrastructure.