What type of traffic does CAPWAP encapsulate?

CAPWAP, or Control And Provisioning of Wireless Access Points, encapsulates both control and data messages between Lightweight Access Points (LAPs) and Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs). This is a crucial function because it allows for centralized management of access points, enhancing the configuration and overall management of wireless networks.

The control messages include commands for configuration and management, while the data messages consist of user data packets traversing the wireless network. By encapsulating both types of messages, CAPWAP ensures that all necessary communication between access points and controllers is secure and efficient.

This comprehensive encapsulation is fundamental for maintaining the integrity and performance of wireless communication within enterprise networks, as it allows WLCs to effectively manage access points and provide seamless connectivity to users.