C200P operating modes and topologies

The C200P is a versatile network device that integrates router and AP Controller functionalities, offering two operating modes: Main Router and AP Controller (default) and AP Controller. This instruction provides setup instructions and network topology recommendations for optimal performance.

1. Main Router and AP Controller (Default)

In this mode, the C200P functions as both a router and an AP Controller. 
It is recommended to manage ≤10 APs and ≤100 clients.

Topology 1: Internet - C200P - Switch - APs

• Use Case: Suitable when managing multiple APs (requires a switch to expand port capacity).
• Setup Requirements:
  • Connect the modem to the C200P WAN port, the C200P LAN port to a switch, and APs to the switch.
  • Ensure the C200P and APs are in the same VLAN, as AP management traffic does not carry VLAN tags.
• SSID VLAN Support:
  • Enabling SSID VLAN will make client data carry VLAN tag when sent out from AP.
  • The C200P does not support VLANs or VLAN interfaces.
  • To enable SSID VLANs, the switch must support VLANs, VLAN interfaces, and DHCP servers to assign IP addresses to wireless clients in the SSID VLAN.

Topology 2: Internet - C200P - APs

• Use Case: Suitable for small networks with ≤4 APs (limited by the C200P’s 4 LAN ports).
• Setup Requirements:
  • Connect the modem to the C200P WAN port and APs directly to the C200P LAN ports.
  • The C200P, APs, and wireless clients operate in the same network.
• SSID VLAN Support:
  • SSID VLANs are not supported in this topology, as the C200P does not support VLANs or VLAN interfaces.

Note: The C200P will support VLAN and VLAN interface through firmware upgrade in the future. At that time, it will be possible to support SSID VLAN in the above topologies 1 and 2 without the switch supporting VLAN.

2. AP Controller Mode

In this mode, the C200P functions solely as an AP Controller, managing AP configuration and Captive Portal authentication data. 

It supports ≤200 APs, with client device count limited only by the gateway or switch capacity.

Topology: Internet - Router - Switch - APs & C200P

• Setup Requirements:
  • Connect the modem to a router, the router to a switch, and both the C200P and APs to the switch.
  • Change the C200P to AP Controller mode:
    • Login to the C200P web interface.
    • Navigate to Quick Setup and select AP Controller mode.
  • Ensure the C200P and APs are in the same VLAN, as AP management traffic does not carry VLAN tags.
• SSID VLAN Support:
  • To enable SSID VLANs, the gateway or switch must support VLANs, VLAN interfaces, and DHCP servers to assign IP addresses to wireless clients in the SSID VLAN.

For further assistance, contact our support team at support@cudy.com.