topic C9800-CL-K9 Licensing for multiple deployments in Wireless

C9800-CL-K9 Licensing for multiple deployments

jay3 — Wed, 03 May 2023 17:35:43 GMT

Hi everyone,

Do I need to purchase multiple C9800-CL-K9 SKU's if I need to deploy the controller across multiple sites?

For example:

I have 20 access points that I need to deploy across two independent sites for the same customer. I need the sites to have 10 access points each. Do I need to purchase 2 x C9800-CL-K9 for both sites or I can just purchase one, then deploy it on the two sites individually? There is no license requirement for the controller itself, so if I add access points to the controller with valid licenses will that suffice?

Thanks in advance.

Re: C9800-CL-K9 Licensing for multiple deployments

Flavio Miranda — Wed, 03 May 2023 19:17:13 GMT

License for WLC is not necessary:

Q. Do I need to license the 9800 controller itself?

A. No. Like on older AireOS based controllers, there is no special license for the 9800 controller itself (if no access points are joined to it).

You only need to license the Access Points that are joined to the controller.

However, it is the controller which communicates with Smart Licensing and it is the controller that verifies the licensing of all the joined access points.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless/catalyst-9800-series-wireless-controllers/215635-licensing-on-9800-wireless-lan-controlle.html#anc4

Re: C9800-CL-K9 Licensing for multiple deployments

Rich R — Fri, 05 May 2023 01:06:31 GMT

But you need to buy support for each instance of 9800-CL if you expect to be able to get TAC support and software updates for them.
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/catalyst-9800-cl-wireless-controller-cloud/nb-06-cat9800-cl-cloud-wirel-data-sheet-ctp-en.html#Orderinginformation