11-13-2013 01:06 AM - edited 03-07-2019 04:35 PM
Hi all,
I wanted to know that in Cisco wireless or in general, is it possible to connect lightweigt access point with controller without any wired connection ? or a ethernet connection between an AP and WLC is mandatory ???
11-13-2013 01:12 AM
Hi,
a wired connection is mandatory because the controller has got no wireless card.
It is the distribution service point for wireless to wired ethernet.
Regards
Alain
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11-13-2013 01:20 AM
Sir, this was my guess but i think it should be mentioned in some faq or document. Or is it so simple that it wasnt even mentioned anywhere. :-( i am again depressed why i didnt got it in the first place
11-13-2013 01:14 AM
or a ethernet connection between an AP and WLC is mandatory ???
Jonn,
You need an ethernet switch to connect an AP to the network and the WLC to the network.
If you want to "directly connect" an AP to the WLC, this is in form of the 2504 but you must understand that this setup is not recommended and not supported by Cisco TAC.
11-13-2013 01:26 AM
Sorry Sir, are you saying that WLC supports WLAN itself ? i also remember reading that we can manage WLC via wireless, but above member said that WLC doesnt support wireless.
11-13-2013 01:32 AM
The 2504 Wireless LAN Controller comes with some PoE RJ45 ports meaning you can patch your Access Points straight into them, without the need to go through a switch. This approach is a little pointless if you already have a PoE switch or you need more than a few access points.
Management via wireless (I believe), allows you to access the GUI of the Wireless LAN Controller whilst you are connected to one of the SSID's on that same controller.
11-13-2013 01:38 AM
But Sir the question remains, i think adding wireless functionality to WLC wont be that difficult. Is there some specific reason that AP needs to be connected via wired in order to be controlled ?
11-13-2013 01:43 AM
Is there some specific reason that AP needs to be connected via wired in order to be controlled ?
Jonn,
I think you are getting confused with the 3650/3850 line of switches.
These switches have WLC built-in. So the APs can be directly connected to the WLC.
11-13-2013 01:52 AM
Sir i am new to this so thats why i am getting confused. Actually all the documents i have read so far, have mentioned wired connection between AP and WLC. I want to know is this mandatory in the case of 5508 WLC. As above member said, is it correct that WLC cant connect to APs over wireless because they dont have wireless card ?
11-13-2013 01:53 AM
Sir just to add, i am asking about APs directly connecting to WLC not via wired but wireless connection.
11-13-2013 01:56 AM
Sir i will clarify with a scenario.
Lets say i have a room where i have installed LAP. Now, in order to connect this LAP to WLC, i need some sort of connection back to WLC. I want to know is it possible that this connection is completely wireless ?
11-13-2013 02:29 AM
Hi Jonn
No its not possible. The WLC is a controller for the Access Points, it has no 'Wireless' card built into it.
Access Points need to have a physical ethernet cable which plug into the LAN. They use this to communicate with the WLC, which is also plugged into the LAN.
11-13-2013 02:45 AM
Sir, i tried to look up this fact in configuration guides etc but couldnt find it. Can you refer me any document on this ?
11-13-2013 02:50 AM
Hi,
look at cisco WLC datasheets and you'll find no wireless NIC enumerated
Regards
Alain
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11-13-2013 03:01 AM
Sir, why is that so ? i mean is it only Cisco or there is some technology issue that WLC dont have wireless support ?
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