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Bridging mode

As explained in Acing the CCNA Exam: Volume 2 Advanced Networking and Security

DHCP bridging mode is a wireless LAN controller mode that forwards client DHCP messages without acting as a DHCP proxy.

DHCP bridging mode controls how a wireless LAN controller handles DHCP messages from wireless clients. When enabled, the WLC forwards the messages unchanged while translating 802.11 frames into Ethernet frames. section 21.1.2 section 21.4

The initial configuration wizard distinguishes bridging mode from the default proxy behavior:

  • Enable bridging mode to forward client DHCP messages as-is, with only 802.11-to-Ethernet frame translation. section 21.1.2
  • Accept the default NO option to make the WLC operate in proxy mode, functioning essentially like a DHCP relay agent. section 21.1.2 section 21.4
  • Select the setting during the WLC initial configuration wizard when it asks how to handle wireless-client DHCP traffic. section 21.1.2
Configure DHCP Bridging Mode [yes][NO]:

Use the wizard prompt to identify and configure the DHCP bridging-mode choice. section 21.1.2

The exam-relevant distinction is direct forwarding with bridging enabled versus relay-like proxy processing when bridging is disabled. section 21.4

How Acing the CCNA Exam: Volume 2 Advanced Networking and Security covers it

How deep it goes
Explains frame translation, unchanged forwarding, and the default proxy alternative through the initial configuration prompt.
Examples
Uses the WLC initial configuration wizard and its Configure DHCP Bridging Mode prompt as the concrete configuration example.
What you can do after
Configure the WLC’s DHCP forwarding choice during initial setup and distinguish bridging mode from proxy mode.
How it connects
Connects DHCP bridging mode with DHCP relay agents, wireless clients, WLCs, 802.11 frames, and Ethernet frames.
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Related concepts

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