AP can broadcast ssid if it join to vWLC and Flex mode?

[interfacedy]

Hi Looks like AP cannot broadcast ssid if the AP join to vWLC and is Flex mode. Is it possible we configure it so that the AP can broadcast ssid? Thanks

[Leo Laohoo]

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@interfacedy wrote:

Is it possible we configure it so that the AP can broadcast ssid?

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No, it cannot. 

How will the AP know what SSIDs to broadcast without a WLC?  Remember, the WLC knows all the config.  The AP is just an "extended antenna".  

The concept of controller-based WLAN is all the configuration and management is done on a single "box".  

[interfacedy]

Thanks Leo. question is after ap become local mode from Flex mode, the ap begin to have ssid its sent out then we can see its ssid if this vWLC(for example version 8.5). Is this true? Some one said it is true. But occasionally I found this is not true. I am not sure if I did the test correctly.

[Leo Laohoo · Accepted solution]

In FLEX mode, the AP boots up with ZERO config.  The only thing the AP will know is WHO/WHERE the WLC is (DHCP Option 43).  

AP boots up and joins the controller.  Controller pushes the config to the AP.  If and when the WLC goes offline, the AP will still be able to broadcast the SSID.  As long the APs does not reboot, the AP will continue to broadcast the SSID. 

While the WLC is offline or nowhere to be contacted, if there is a local authentication server present, the AP will be able to accept new wireless client(s).  If there is no local authentication server present, plus the WLC is offline or nowhere to be contacted, the AP will not accept new wireless clients. 

Again, it is very important the AP must not reboot.  Once the AP reboots, all the config is lost and the process starts from the beginning.

Does this make any sense?

[interfacedy]

Very good, Thank you Leo!