topic Re: SD Access brownfield wireless in Software-Defined Access (SD-Access)

SD Access brownfield wireless

KevinR99 — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 13:52:55 GMT

In the latest version of Catalyst Center, 2.3.7.7, the WLC Learn Device Config feature is shown as Deprecated. I assume it will therefore disappear from future versions.

What then would be the method to add an existing WLC with many SSIDs, tags and profiles to Catalyst Center ?

Thanks, Kev.

Re: SD Access brownfield wireless

KevinR99 — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 16:50:31 GMT

I think I've worked out why this feature is being deprecated. Unless I am mistaken it just doesn't work properly. I have had numerous issues with it.

What's the alternative to onboard an existing controller with all its settings Cisco ?

Re: SD Access brownfield wireless

Preston Chilcote — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 17:22:00 GMT

Look out for a replacement feature in an upcoming release.

But to be clear, you can still use Wireless Assurance features without learning device configs or defining wireless network profiles. I've seen many customers benefit from creating new wireless profiles from scratch to fix the technical debt (like having tons of WLANS) sometimes left behind by previous network engineers. Starting from a clean slate can be a good thing in some cases.

Re: SD Access brownfield wireless

Andrii Oliinyk — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 17:37:21 GMT

let's sort it out.
1) u have fully configured WLC (l.c. 9800) with locally (flexconnect) & centrally switched SSIDs & APs joined to WLC & configured to serve for either set of SSIDs. u discovered WLC & made it managed. Now u want to auto-update Wireless Settings in Design / Network Settings? is it your case? or
2) u have prerequisites as in 1) & u want to assign WLC arbitrary Fabric's WLC role?
other words: what r your input states & outcome u want to achieve with CatC?

Re: SD Access brownfield wireless

Andrii Oliinyk — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 17:38:46 GMT

"Starting from a clean slate can be a good thing in some cases."
but not in Manufacturing/Industrial WLAN :0|

Re: SD Access brownfield wireless

KevinR99 — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 08:42:23 GMT

So are you saying we should not use the Learn device configuration workflow that has been there since as long as I can remember in Catalyst Center and some new replacement is on the horizon? In the meantime we just bring existing brownfield WLC's onboard for assurance and then go through a manual SSID by SSID process of converting them to fabric mode if that's what is wanted?

I wonder if anyone successfully used Learn Device config because I have had many issues with it. Is that why it's being "deprecated"