Wireless Data Encryption

[JDMJeffy84]

Hello all,

I currently have WLC running 7.4 and would like to enable Encryption.

I can see I can enable Encryption globally under all APs. 

My question is:
- What does this encrypt? AP to Controller?
- What consequences does this have other than performance and reboot of APs
- Will this make packet sniffing harder for users connected to the Wireless Network?

Thanks for your help guys!

[petenixon]

Hi.

The encryption function encrypts user data from AP to controller (capwap control packets are already encrypted). Depending on your model of controller, the performance can drastically degrade to the point of unusable.

[JDMJeffy84]

Thanks!

[Sandeep Choudhary · Accepted solution]

Hi,

- What does this encrypt? AP to Controller?

When data encryption is enabled, traffic is encrypted at the access point before it is sent to the controller and at the controller before it is sent to the client.

- What consequences does this have other than performance and reboot of APs

As per cisco recommandation, Encryption limits throughput at both the controller and the access point.

- Will this make packet sniffing harder for users connected to the Wireless Network?

Yes

Regards

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