When a client device roams between access points that are joined to the same controller, even if the access points are in different AP groups with different IP addresses, the type of roam that occurs is known as an intra-controller roam. This is because the access points are managed by the same controller, and the client remains within the same VLAN across the roam. The intra-controller roam is seamless and efficient, as the client's session and authentication state are maintained by the controller, allowing for uninterrupted service.
Mobility, or roaming, is a wireless LAN client's ability to maintain its association seamlessly from one access point to another securely and with as little latency as possible. Three popular types of client roaming are:
Intra-Controller Roaming: Each controller supports same-controller client roaming across access points managed by the same controller. This roaming is transparent to the client as the session is sustained, and the client continues using the same DHCP-assigned or client-assigned IP address.
Inter-Controller Roaming: Multiple-controller deployments support client roaming across access points managed by controllers in the same mobility group and on the same subnet. This roaming is also transparent to the client because the session is sustained and a tunnel between controllers allows the client to continue using the same DHCP- or client-assigned IP address as long as the session remains active.
Inter-Subnet Roaming: Multiple-controller deployments support client roaming across access points managed by controllers in the same mobility group on different subnets. This roaming is transparent to the client because the session is sustained and a tunnel between the controllers allows the client to continue using the same DHCP-assigned or client-assigned IP address as long as the session remains active.
Reference:https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/7-
4/configuration/guides/consolidated/b_cg74_CONSOLIDATED/b_cg74_CONSOLID A TED_chapter_01100.html In three types of client roaming above, only with Inter-Subnet Roaming the controllers are in different subnets.