3-2
Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Configuration Guide
OL-9141-03
Chapter 3 Configuring Ports and Interfaces
Overview of Ports and Interfaces
Overview of Ports and Interfaces
Three concepts are key to understanding how controllers connect to a wireless network: ports, interfaces,
and WLANs.
Ports
A port is a physical entity that is used for connections on the controller platform. Controllers have two
types of ports: distribution system ports and a service port. The following figures show the ports
available on each controller.
Note
The controller in a Cisco Integrated Services Router and the controllers on the Cisco WiSM do not have
external physical ports. They connect to the network through ports on the router or switch, respectively.
Figure 3-1
Ports on the Cisco 2000 Series Wireless LAN Controllers
Figure 3-2
Ports on the Cisco 4400 Series Wireless LAN Controllers
Note
Figure 3-2
shows a Cisco 4404 controller. The Cisco 4402 controller is similar but has only two
distribution system ports. The utility port, which is the unlabeled port in
Figure 3-2
, is currently not
operational.
155242
Serial console
port
Distribution
system ports 1-3
Distribution
system port 4
146999
STATUS
ALARM
LINK
SERVICE
CONSOLE
LINK
ACT
LINK
ACT
UTILITY
1
PS1
PS2
ACT
LINK
ACT
2
3
4
Distribution system
ports 1-4
Service
port
Serial
console port
