topic WLC Max Throughput in Wireless

WLC Max Throughput

ZK916 — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 12:48:02 GMT

Hello,

I could not find any clear explanation related to the max throughput associated with the C9800-L WLC.

The datasheet (link below) says that the base max throughput is 5Gbps and with the boost license is 10Gbps.

I wanted some clarification as to whether this base max throughput relates to the max ingress and egress packets that all interfaces can handle or relates to the max throughput that the CPU can handle?

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/catalyst-9800-series-wireless-controllers/datasheet-c78-742434.html

Thanks in advance.

~zK

Re: WLC Max Throughput

Mark Elsen — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 12:54:21 GMT

- This table below seems to confirm your figures : as far as your statement concerning the CPU ; these devices are more complex then that , and probably the core cpu doesn't even care as those limits are related to other components (too) ; such as network interfaces and switching infrastructure beyond that

- Added info : https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/catalyst-9800-series-wireless-controllers/nb-06-cat9800-ser-wirel-faq-ctp-en.html
>...

Table 1. Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controller appliances scale and performance

Product	Number of access points	Number of clients	Throughput
9800-L	250	5000	Up to 5 Gbps
9800-L with performance license	500	10,000	Up to 9 Gbps
9800-40	2000	32,000	Up to 40 Gbps
9800-80	6000	64,000	Up to 80 Gbps

Re: WLC Max Throughput

balaji.bandi — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 12:58:30 GMT

Maximum Throughput that box can handle.

Re: WLC Max Throughput

ZK916 — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 16:58:55 GMT

Thanks for your input.

I find it interesting that this particular platform supports 250 WAPs and up to 5000 clients but can only process 5Gbps with the base license.

Best, ~sK

Re: WLC Max Throughput

balaji.bandi — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 17:14:47 GMT

Correct you need to plan correctly looking at the Future model.

It also depends on the deployment method. if you doing CAPWAP / Flex - then all the traffic go via WLC

if you deploy different switching method, Only Control Traffic go via WLC.

Re: WLC Max Throughput

Scott Fella — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 20:00:37 GMT

This comes back to data that has been collected through the years. There were large organizations that would only use a single 1 gig link with no issues, so seeing a 5GHz limit for base I would say is fine. I knew a few large customers that only used 1 Gig links on a 5508 with more than 250 ap's. I didn't suggest that, but that is what they did.

Re: WLC Max Throughput

Leo Laohoo — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:20:06 GMT

Take the "recommended" number of APs with extreme caution.

I've just been told "ideal" AP load condition of a 9800-80 to be 4800 (or 80%). If this is the load condition of a monster 9800-80 then treat the same to the "baby" WLC.