APs mode in lightweight giving service without WLC?

[albertofdez]

Hi,

A colleague told me that it is possible to configure a WLC that the APs will continue to provide service to the users while the controller is switched off or defective.

Does anyone know what is this technology and how to set it up?

Best regards.

[Sandeep Choudhary]

Hi,

I dont think it can happend in normal case but yes if you have flexonnect(Hreap) type scenario then you can use local switching if WLC is down.(Central Authentication, Local Switching)

HREAP MODE:

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless-mobility/wireless-lan-wlan/81680-hreap-modes.html

HREAP Design:

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless/5500-series-wireless-controllers/71250-h-reap-design-deploy.html

Regards

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[albertofdez]

Hi Sandeep,

I believe that I have not explained correctly.

My case is next, I have a 2504 WLC that manages 60 APs mode in lightweight. These APs are in the same network as the WLC.

Is there any technology/settings that allow only a single WLC exist if this is turned off or stops working the APs will continue to provide service to customers?

Best regards.

[Sandeep Choudhary · Accepted solution]

HI Albert,

Now I got you point :)

Depending on your deployment model, if they are dedicated lightweight APs(ie, not configured under HREAP) then when the controller reboots or dead, then AP goes "down".

Remember, the APs form LWAPP-encapsulated tunnels back to the controllers and they pipe all of the traffic over those tunnels, allowing the controller to place the traffic onto the wired LAN correctly. No connection to controller = no tunnel = no traffic hitting the LAN.

So conclusion from my point of view: There is no specific technology or setting that allow LAPs to work without WLC.

 Workaround: There can be 2 alternative to escape from this scenario:

1. Configure APs to be H-REAP mode.(specially used for remote sites)

2. Configure 2nd WLC (For redudency) in same mobility group and same virtual interface ip address.

Regards

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[albertofdez]

Thanks