Can a Cisco 3650 Switch Serve as a Wireless Access Point Controller?

Many network administrators wonder if a Cisco 3650 switch can be used as a dedicated access point controller. This article aims to clarify this question and provide insights into the capabilities of the Cisco 3650 and 3850 series switches in managing wireless access points.

Understanding the Cisco 3650 and 3850 Switches

The Cisco 3650 and 3850 series switches are Layer 3 switches designed for routing and switching tasks. These devices are often used in campus environments, small businesses, and branch offices. While they have some integrated features to manage access points, they are not ideal for serving as a dedicated Wireless LAN Controller (WLC).

Limitations and Functionality

The Cisco 3650 is primarily a Layer 3 switch and can handle routing and switching tasks efficiently. However, it has limited capability in managing a large number of access points directly. Direct management of several access points through a Cisco 3650 switch is possible but is not ideal for large deployments. For organizations requiring robust and scalable wireless network management, a dedicated wireless LAN controller is recommended.

Advantages of Dedicated WLC

A dedicated Wireless LAN Controller like the Cisco WLC provides centralized management, advanced security features, and enhanced network performance. It can handle a large number of access points and clients, offering sophisticated management and monitoring tools. The WLC also supports advanced features such as Steinberg roaming, which ensures smooth transitions between access points for wireless clients.

Use of Integrated Wireless Controllers

For smaller campus or branch environments, the Cisco Catalyst 3650 and 3850 series switches can serve as integrated wireless controllers. These switches are designed to manage access points more efficiently, allowing for the direct connection of up to 1-50 access points per switch or stack. The 3850 series can handle up to 1-100 access points per switch or stack, supporting up to 2000 clients per stack. These switches also support PoE (Power over Ethernet), so they can power access points directly through the switch, eliminating the need for additional power supplies.

Centralized Management with Cisco Catalyst 3650 and 3850

The Cisco Catalyst 3650 and 3850 series switches can take on the role of wireless controllers in small to medium-scale deployments. As integrated wireless controllers, these switches provide a cost-effective solution for managing a limited number of access points. They offer the convenience of centralized management, enabling administrators to configure and monitor access points from a single interface.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information on the Cisco Catalyst 3650 and 3850 series switches, you can refer to the following resources:

These resources provide technical specifications, features, and detailed information to help you make informed decisions regarding your network infrastructure.