topic Re: Embedded Wireless Controller on 9300-U in Wireless

Embedded Wireless Controller on 9300-U

techno.it — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 10:13:53 GMT

Hi Folks

I have 9300-U 48 port switch and 5 x 9120 Wifi6 access points. Can this switch be configured as embedded as wireless controller without DNAC and SD-Access deployment. This is very small and single site deployment and purchasing separate WLC will be just waste of resources.

Appreciate any insights and suggestions.

Re: Embedded Wireless Controller on 9300-U

Mark Elsen — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 10:16:50 GMT

- What exact model are you referring to with '9300-u' ? Post full model name and or as seen from show version

Re: Embedded Wireless Controller on 9300-U

Leo Laohoo — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 10:31:09 GMT

Yes, it can be done if the switch is running 17.X.X firmware.

Use 17.3.X firmware on the switch (Install Mode) and then install the eWLC file (GUI or CLI).

Re: Embedded Wireless Controller on 9300-U

Arshad Safrulla — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 10:57:10 GMT

eWLC in 9300 switches are discontinued and announced EOL. At the moment newer versions only support SD-Access.

Products - Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Switches (Non-SD-Access) Deployment Guide - Cisco

I would highly recommend you to consider deploying eWLC in Catalyst AP instead of the Switches. Feature wise both are same.

eWLC in AP deployment guide;

Embedded Wireless Controller Conversion on Catalyst 9100 Access Points - Cisco

Re: Embedded Wireless Controller on 9300-U

Leo Laohoo — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 11:10:13 GMT

@Arshad Safrulla wrote:

eWLC in 9300 switches are discontinued and announced EOL. At the moment newer versions only support SD-Access.

I do not think so.

The latest eWLC for the 9300 is 17.7.1 (release date 07 December 2021).

Re: Embedded Wireless Controller on 9300-U

Arshad Safrulla — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 11:47:27 GMT

It only supports SD-Access mode, doesn't support autonomous mode. Last version it supported is 17.3.X

Re: Embedded Wireless Controller on 9300-U

techno.it — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 12:41:38 GMT

C9300-48U-A

Re: Embedded Wireless Controller on 9300-U

techno.it — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 12:43:44 GMT

@Arshad Safrulla

Out of 5 APs I have, one can be configured as eWLC ?

Re: Embedded Wireless Controller on 9300-U

Arshad Safrulla — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 12:53:16 GMT

Yes, you can covert 1 AP to be EWC. Also you want to have a redundant eWLC that is also possible. But IMHO, site is very small you should be able to survive with one ewlc.

Refer the configuration guide;

Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points Configuration Guide, IOS XE Amsterdam 17.3.x - AP Priority [Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points] - Cisco

Re: Embedded Wireless Controller on 9300-U

techno.it — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 13:07:35 GMT

@Arshad Safrulla

Awesome. Thank you.

Any specific licensing requirements that I should be concerned of or DNA Advantage license are enough ?

Re: Embedded Wireless Controller on 9300-U

Arshad Safrulla — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 13:24:27 GMT

DNA licenses are needed only if you are connecting this AP to a physical or virtual appliance WLC or SD-Access. If you don't have any plans to connect these AP's to a WLC appliance then I would say RMA it and get the credit if possible. EWLC doesn't need any DNA licenses, you just need to pay for SmartNet.

Re: Embedded Wireless Controller on 9300-U

benjammin1001 — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 02:57:46 GMT

EDIT: Nevermind - looks like maybe I found what I need.

-------------------------------------

Hey there -- sorry to break in mid-conversation (although this thread is old).

I'm just getting started with a C9300 a client order and then Cisco dragged its feet delivering and then the client wasn't ready for install until now. Total delay time was like 2yrs. (I know. Right?)

Anyway - the C9300-48UN-A came with 17.6 installed on it already. I originally wanted to put the EWC on it.

So what's the procedure now to accomplish this?

(yes, the unit has like 5yrs of DNA licensed to it)

Is there a document someone can point me to? It's an exercise in drowing in tech-docs trying to find something current and accurate as to how to set this up. (it's connecting to about (18) 9166 and (5) 9124 APs.

Thanks,

-Ben