Solved: Can WLC communicate with Lightweight AP through Layer 3?

hxmengmetro · ‎06-23-2010

We totally have 20 automous access points in several remote sites. We probably expand the current wireless network in the future. Say 50 will be enough. We plan to change these automous AP to lightweight ones. Get the WLC to control them. My question is: Can WLC communicate to lwap through lwapp at layer 3? If so, we only need one WLC sitting at HQ datacenter.

Thanks.

Lou

rsreeves1 · ‎06-23-2010

Yes, LWAPP (or CAPWAP if you use more recent versions of WLC code) can use Layer 3 for communication between the WLC and APs.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/docs/wireless/controller/6.0/configuration/guide/c60ovrv.html#wp1069102

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rsreeves1 · ‎06-23-2010

Yes, LWAPP (or CAPWAP if you use more recent versions of WLC code) can use Layer 3 for communication between the WLC and APs.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/docs/wireless/controller/6.0/configuration/guide/c60ovrv.html#wp1069102

hxmengmetro · ‎06-23-2010

Thanks. So I just need one WLC for all the LAP in all the remote sites. I can't open that link since it's for partner.

Lou

rsreeves1 · ‎06-23-2010

Yes, we have WLCs installed in our data centers that manage APs at numerous locations around their regions. As long as there is IP reachability between the WLC and APs, it can work. There are some small caveats, though. How do these remote sites connect to the data center? If there are private point-to-point lines or MPLS tunnels, you shouldn't have a problem. If they use VPN across a WAN, then I would recommend that you install WLC code version 6.0 or later. In the previous version (5.2), there's a bug that prevents APs from being able to join the controller in this scenario. Also, using NAT anywhere between the APs and WLC isn't advisable. Lastly, there shouldn't be excessive latency between them. If I recall correctly, they don't tolerate much higher than 80 ms.

hxmengmetro · ‎06-23-2010

We have private p2p link. All the APs don't come back through VPN. The latency is very low. So that should be not a problem. Cool. I'm glad we just need one. This WLC is still expensive these days. I was thinking the price should be just $4k.

Thanks for your help!!!

Lou