topic Re: Cisco 5508 Controller – LAG Mode in Wireless

Cisco 5508 Controller – LAG Mode

athan1234 — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 10:35:35 GMT

Hi everyone,

I need to know if it’s possible to configure the Cisco 5508 Wireless Controller to use LAG mode with LACP.

The controller is running version 8.0.133.0.

I’m migrating this controller to new Cisco Meraki 9300M switches managed through the Meraki Cloud, and the only way to create a LAG on the switches is via LACP. However, I can’t find any option on the controller to enable LACP. So far, the only way I've managed to connect it is using a static trunk configuration.

Is there any way to enable or support LACP on the 5508 controller?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Re: Cisco 5508 Controller – LAG Mode

MHM Cisco World — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 10:37:11 GMT

I already reply you in last post

No lacp for old wlc

Only wlc 9800 support lacp.

You need to use mode On in switch and in wlc just enable it.

MHM

Re: Cisco 5508 Controller – LAG Mode

athan1234 — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 10:40:48 GMT

So, the customer doesn’t have LACP available on the controller? Do you have any other ideas?

The customer currently has two controllers in HA, but now there's only one port from the controller connected to one port on the Meraki 9300M switch.

Any suggestions on how to improve this setup or make it more resilient? Maybe a different controller software version includes the LACP option?

Re: Cisco 5508 Controller – LAG Mode

MHM Cisco World — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 10:43:28 GMT

Sorry this wlc 5500 is end years ago

There is no new update.

MHM

Re: Cisco 5508 Controller – LAG Mode

athan1234 — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 10:55:29 GMT

What is the best way to do it?
Should I create a single link to one of the controllers? Or at least establish two links to different stacked switches to achieve some redundancy, where Spanning Tree would block one of the ports?

In this scenario, the issue is that a single link does not provide the same bandwidth as a port-channel with two or three links.

Another option would be to add an intermediate switch, create a port-channel between this switch and the Meraki switches, and have all connections go through this intermediate switch.

Re: Cisco 5508 Controller – LAG Mode

MHM Cisco World — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 11:03:15 GMT

If SW is stack to each other then your design is optimal.

Wlc will connect using PO to two SW members of stack

That excellent

MHM

Re: Cisco 5508 Controller – LAG Mode

Mark Elsen — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 11:06:03 GMT

- @athan1234 FYI : https://www.firewall.cx/cisco/cisco-wireless/how-to-configure-wlc-lag-and-port-channel-with-nexus-catalyst-switches.html

Re: Cisco 5508 Controller – LAG Mode

athan1234 — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 12:00:28 GMT

The issue is that the Meraki switch is not compatible with the required mode On. For this reason, I will need to proceed with a single design.

Re: Cisco 5508 Controller – LAG Mode

MHM Cisco World — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 13:14:18 GMT

Sorry for that limitations

So solution

Either use single link

Or as you suggest before use SW inbetween'

This SW have PO (mode ON to each of wlc 5500) and have PO (mode lacp) to switch stack.

MHM

Re: Cisco 5508 Controller – LAG Mode

athan1234 — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 12:47:34 GMT

This is a single cable. It is a good idea to have Spanning Tree blocking one port on each link, and for the controller to work with a single link for both the main and backup connections. The wlc is backup . The three switches are configured in a stack.

Re: Cisco 5508 Controller – LAG Mode

MHM Cisco World — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 12:42:13 GMT

Wlc dont run stp so your last design will make loop' mac of wlc and/or ap and/or wifi users will flapping between two port.

What I meaning by single link is only single link from wlc to any of stack sw.

MHM

Re: Cisco 5508 Controller – LAG Mode

johnsonjame — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 16:12:43 GMT

Hi there! 👋

You're correct in noticing the limitation. The Cisco 5508 WLC only supports static LAG, not LACP.
That means you’ll need to use a static port-channel (mode “on”) on your Meraki 9300M switches to connect with the WLC, LACP (dynamic negotiation) isn't supported on the 5508.

Setup Tips:

Ensure LAG is enabled on the WLC (as shown in your image).
On the Meraki switch, manually configure the port-channel using "mode on" (no LACP).
All member ports should be set identically (trunk, same allowed VLANs, native VLAN, etc.).

For more official info:
Cisco WLC 5508 LAG Configuration Guid e

Re: Cisco 5508 Controller – LAG Mode

athan1234 — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 17:14:49 GMT

Thanks @johnsonjame

The issue with the Cisco Meraki 9300M is cloud management using version C.17.5. There is no IOx available, so the only way to set it up is in LACP mode

Re: Cisco 5508 Controller – LAG Mode

athan1234 — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 17:16:15 GMT

Thanks, buddy. I appreciate your reply.

Re: Cisco 5508 Controller – LAG Mode

MHM Cisco World — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 17:37:13 GMT

Friend you are so welcome

Goodluck

MHM