Cisco Unified Wireless Mesh — Minimum components to purchase Cisco's Unified Wireless Solution supports mesh networking. Which minimum set of devices must you have to run a Cisco mesh deployment?

Introduction / Context:
Enterprise Cisco WLANs commonly use lightweight access points (LAPs) joined to a Wireless LAN Controller (WLC). In a mesh deployment, APs may function as mesh root or mesh nodes, but centralized control remains central to Cisco's Unified Wireless architecture. Understanding which components are required versus optional avoids unnecessary purchases.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question targets the essential components for Cisco's mesh solution.
• “WCS” (legacy Wireless Control System) or Cisco Prime Infrastructure provides management/monitoring, not core forwarding/control.
• Specialized “bridge” hardware is not mandatory for modern lightweight mesh AP deployments.

Concept / Approach:
A lightweight AP needs to join a WLC to operate in Unified mode. Mesh roles (root and mesh APs) still register to the controller via CAPWAP and rely on WLC for control-plane policy, client state, and mobility. Therefore, at minimum you need a WLC and compatible mesh-capable APs. Management platforms like WCS/Prime add convenience but are not strictly required for functionality. A standalone bridge may be used in specific point-to-point links, but it is not an absolute requirement for Unified mesh WLAN.

Step-by-Step Solution:
List possible components: WCS/Prime (management), WLC (control), LAPs (radios), optional bridges.Identify mandatory control-plane: WLC.Identify mandatory RF endpoints: Access points.Select “Controller and Access point.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Controller configuration guides show mesh AP registration and operation dependent on an available WLC; without a controller, LAPs cannot serve clients in Unified mode.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• WCS + Controller: WCS is optional; APs are still required.
• Bridge only: Not a Unified mesh solution; lacks controller and AP infrastructure.
• WCS + Bridge only / AP only: Missing the WLC, so Unified mesh cannot operate.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing autonomous (controller-less) APs with Unified (controller-based) deployments; the mesh feature discussed here refers to the latter.

Final Answer:
Controller and Access point