Both Cisco and Aruba have "local switching" capabilites. The differences are in the subtlties like site survivability, Hybrid-extended and independent WLANS at the same time,  and power requirements / impact on radio signal. I dont have current detail on the specifics in this area

Hi Catalin, Cisco have Adaptive AP functionnality named H-REAP. Have a look : http://motopedia.mot-solutions.com/wiki/H-REAP Matt

Hi , Cisco HREAP does support the AP to be up when the controller is down. It does some basic functions like beacon and allow clients as long as they use open or pre-shared keys. Fast roaming between APs is not supported because that requires sharing of key cache which is held at the controller. There several other features missing such as: RRM, WIPS/WIDS , CleanAir, L3 Mobility, VLAN load balancing, Stateful SIP ALG, Fast roaming with WPA2/802.1X. The list goes on.. I have a detailed presentation on this uploaded on Sales Rack: http://compass.mot.com/doc/352239547/Wireless_Summit_Competitive_Update_... Thanks, Rajiv