Wireless - Aggressive Client Load Balancing

Aggressive Client Load Balancing is a feature used in Cisco Wi-Fi deployments involving Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs) and lightweight Access Points (APs). This feature is designed to distribute wireless clients more evenly across multiple access points to optimize network performance and enhance user experience. Here's how it works:

  1. Client Distribution: When a wireless client tries to connect to a network, the WLC can direct it to an AP that is less loaded in terms of the number of connected clients, rather than allowing the client to connect to the nearest AP which might be heavily loaded.
  2. Thresholds and Metrics: The WLC uses certain thresholds and metrics to decide whether to redirect a client to a different AP. These metrics can include factors like the number of clients connected to an AP, the signal strength of the client, and the data rates.
  3. Balancing Process: If the WLC determines that an AP is overloaded, it can deny association requests from new clients or even disassociate existing clients, suggesting they connect to a less loaded AP nearby.
  4. Performance Improvement: By balancing the client load, this feature helps in improving overall network performance, reducing congestion on individual APs, and enhancing user experience by potentially increasing data rates and decreasing latency.
  5. Configurable: Network administrators can configure the aggressiveness of the load balancing process. This means they can set how much of a difference in client load between APs will trigger the load balancing action.
  6. Seamless to Users: Ideally, this process is seamless to the end-users. They might notice improved performance, but the transition from one AP to another is typically smooth without any noticeable disruption.

Aggressive Client Load Balancing is particularly useful in environments where there are many APs and a high density of wireless clients, such as in large office buildings, universities, or public venues. It's important to configure this feature carefully to ensure it works effectively without causing unnecessary disconnections or performance issues.