Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Practice Test

What role does an access point in wIPS monitor mode play?

1. Acts as a wireless controller

2. Aggregates and stores alarms from controllers and access points

3. Filters untrusted network traffic

4. Provides secure file transfer via wireless networks

The correct answer is: Aggregates and stores alarms from controllers and access points

An access point in wireless Intrusion Prevention System (wIPS) monitor mode plays a crucial role by aggregating and storing alarms from controllers and other access points. In this mode, the access point is primarily focused on monitoring wireless traffic and detecting potential security threats such as unauthorized access or abnormal behavior in the wireless environment. By collecting and aggregating data from various access points and controllers, the wIPS system can analyze this information to identify patterns of malicious activity, allowing for effective threat detection and response. This aggregation process is essential for creating a comprehensive security posture for the wireless network, enabling administrators to take informed actions based on the alarms generated. The other potential roles listed do not align with the primary function of the access point in the context of wIPS monitor mode. For instance, while a wireless controller manages access points and orchestrates their activities, it does not perform the same monitoring functions in the aggregated manner as an access point in wIPS. Additionally, filtering untrusted network traffic and providing secure file transfer are functionalities typically associated with firewalls or secure network protocols rather than the specific monitoring role of wIPS access points, which is focused on detecting and reporting security incidents.