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Backward compatibility with traditional centralized wireless deployment mode on the WLC 5508, WiSM2, and WLC
5760 helps ensure that customers can migrate to the Cisco Catalyst 3850-based converged access approach in
phases, providing a continued controller for existing access points. This migration also provides investment
protection on the existing wireless controller infrastructure. A phased adoption of the new Cisco Catalyst 3850
helps ensure that migration to the converged access mode of wireless is seamless. Figure 6 shows a Cisco
Catalyst 3850 in the campus type deployment.
Figure 6. Mobility Controller (MC) and Mobility Agent (MA)
Branch
The Cisco Catalyst 3850 is optimized for branch deployments when it operates in mobility controller mode. In this
mode, not only can the switch terminate CAPWAP tunnels from the access points and provide client connectivity, it
can also manage mobility within the branch. This eliminates the need for a local controller in every branch in
addition to the access-layer switches. Also, complete visibility into the wired plus wireless traffic means that the
WAN router can prioritize the right wired plus wireless traffic in and out of the branch. Figure 7 shows a Cisco
Catalyst 3850 in a branch access type deployment.