Which protocol is primarily used for client-to-controller communication in Aruba networks?

In Aruba networks, CAPWAP (Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points) is the primary protocol used for client-to-controller communication. This protocol is designed to enable a secure and efficient way to manage and communicate between wireless access points and a centralized controller. CAPWAP encapsulates the data and control messages that are exchanged, providing mechanisms for access point discovery, configuration, and maintenance.

By utilizing CAPWAP, Aruba networks can centralize wireless management, allowing administrators to configure and update access points from a single location. This helps in simplifying network management while improving the responsiveness and scalability of the system. The protocol ensures that the data packets from clients connected to the access points are sent to the controller for processing, enabling a seamless user experience and secure client connectivity.

In contrast, other protocols like HTTP are primarily used for web communication, CIFS is used for file sharing, and SNMP is meant for network management. These protocols serve different functions and are not optimized for the specific needs of wireless access point and controller communications in an Aruba networking environment.