WCS Vs WLSE

[aforrow]

Could you please tell me what is the difference between the WLSE and the WCS?

[Sushil Kumar Katre]

Hi,

WLSE is the management solution to manage Cisco IOS based Access Points. Autonomous solution.

While WCS is used to manage multiple Wireless LAN Controllers which is mandatory component when you are using Lightweight AP.

We can be more specific if you tell us more about your requirement and focus area.

-> Sushil

[westLionelp]

Can WLSE application be used for both Lightweight APs and Autonomous APs with IOS or do you need both WCS and WLSE.

What is the cost difference between WCS and WLSE

Thanks, westlp@uah.edu

[Sushil Kumar Katre]

Hi,

WLSE can only support IOS based AP and not the Lightweigh APs.

Have a look at this [from the Q&A] -

Q. Does CiscoWorks WLSE support Cisco Aironet lightweight access points or Cisco Aironet autonomous access points that have been converted to run LWAPP?

A. No. Cisco Aironet lightweight access points and Cisco autonomous access points that have been converted to run LWAPP are not supported by Cisco Works WLSE. These devices are supported by the Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS).

However you can WLSE can be converted to WCS to manage the controller and the lightweight APs.

No idea about costing.

-> Sushil

[Rob Huffman]

Hi Lionel,

Just to add a note to the good info from Sushil (+5 Points for this Sushil). There is a specially priced migration package in place to go from the WLSE to WCS;

Have a look at these hints as to the capabilities of the WLSE as WCS;

Standalone access point monitoring-Cisco WCS supports standalone access point status and alarm monitoring. Standalone access points can be placed and viewed on Cisco WCS heat maps. Cisco Aironet standalone access points can be monitored in preparation for migrating these access points to run LWAPP and operate with a wireless LAN controller in the unified architecture.

Migration to the Cisco UWN is simplified with a built-in Cisco WCS tool that simplifies the process of converting Cisco Aironet standalone access points to lightweight access points. Up to ten Cisco Aironet standalone access points of the same model number can be upgraded simultaneously using the tool.

Release Notes for Cisco Wireless Control System 4.2.62.0 for Windows or Linux

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/wireless/wcs/release/notes/WCSRN4_2.html#wp44440

Conversion of a WLSE Autonomous Deployment to a WCS Controller Deployment

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps6305/products_configuration_guide_chapter09186a00806b71db.html

Customers that have purchased the CiscoWorks WLSE are encouraged to transition to the Cisco WCS and the Cisco Unified Wireless Network. Customers can use the CiscoWorks WLSE to Cisco WCS conversion CDs (Cisco WCS SKU Family WCS-WLSE-UPG-K9) to convert an existing CiscoWorks WLSE (Model 1130-19 and 1133) to operate as a Cisco WCS server.

The CiscoWorks WLSE and CiscoWorks WLSE Express support standalone access points and standalone WLAN bridges.

Cisco WCS is a component of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network. Cisco WCS supports Cisco Aironet lightweight access points and Cisco wireless LAN controllers. With Cisco Unified Wireless Network Software Release 4.2, Cisco WCS also supports status and alarm monitoring of Cisco Aironet standalone access points and includes a built-in tool that simplifies the process to migrate these access points to operate as lightweight access points. Feature development on the Cisco WCS will continue at an accelerated rate in conjunction with the release of new features for the Cisco wireless LAN controller family.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/wireless/ps5679/ps5861/prod_white_paper0900aecd804f1a23_ns337_Networking_Solutions_White_Paper.html

Supported Cisco WLSE Management Stations

The conversion from WLSE management station to WCS management station is supported on the Cisco WLSE 1130-19 or 1133 hardware platforms.

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Note The conversion from WLSE management station to WCS management station is not supported on the Cisco WLSE 1030 Express platform.

Guidelines and Tools for Migrating to the Cisco Unified Wireless Network

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/wireless/ps5679/ps5861/prod_white_paper0900aecd804f1a23_ns337_Networking_Solutions_White_Paper.html

For the WLSE to WCS conversion the important factor is what the current WLSE Model is. Have a look;

Customers can use the CiscoWorks WLSE to Cisco WCS conversion CDs (Cisco WCS SKU Family WCS-WLSE-UPG-K9) to convert an existing CiscoWorks WLSE (Model 1130-19 and 1133) to operate as a Cisco WCS server. This SKU family is price adjusted to make transitioning from CiscoWorks WLSE to Cisco WCS cost-effective.

WCS-WLSE-UPG-K9

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/wireless/ps5755/ps6301/ps6305/product_data_sheet0900aecd804b4646_ps3915_Products_Data_Sheet.html

Hope this helps!

Rob

[dennischolmes]

I would also make sure to upgrade the WLSE to WCS with Location Services as this will allow you to add future growth as needed for RFID and will also allow you to locate a single 802.11 device without the need of a location server. To do that later is pricey and painful to install so yes it is better to do it in the initial purchase.