Your AP is running as an EWC WLC and at least one other AP is running as EWC. You can convert it to capwap mode by a number of methods:
For EWC: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless/embedded-wireless-controller-on-catalyst-access-points/215303-embedded-wireless-controller-conversion.html#anc18
Accessing AP Console From EWC (former apciscoshell)
When console cable is plugged into the AP running EWC image, an EWC prompt will be shown by default. If, for any reason, access to the underlying AP shell is required, it can be done using:
EWC#wireless ewc-ap ap shell username admin
admin@192.168.129.1's password: Cisco123
To exit back to EWC shell, use:
AP1>logout
Connection to 192.168.129.1 closed.
EWC#
Note: This command is equivalent to apciscoshell that was previously available in Mobility Express controllers.
Converting EWC Back To Lightweight CAPWAP Mode
If AP running in EWC mode needs to be converted back to lightweight capwap mode, it can be done via:
AP1#ap-type capwap
AP is the Master AP, system will need a reboot when ap type is changed to CAPWAP
. Do you want to proceed? (y/N) y
Important: This command will perform a complete factory reset of both AP and EWC partition. Make sure to backup existing EWC configuration before conversion.
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/embedded-wireless-controller-catalyst-access-points/white-paper-c11-743398.html#Conversion
Converting EWCs to CAPWAP using option 43
DHCP option 43 is a vendor-specific option and is used for providing WLC IP addresses to the access point. Using option 43 with a specific subtype option, you can have the EWC convert to CAPWAP and join a WLC appliance or virtual controller. After the AP receives DHCP option 43 and subtype 0xF2 at bootup, the AP type will be converted to CAPWAP, and the AP will follow the regular joining process.
The DHCP configuration on the switch is shown below.
Switch(dhcp-config)#option 43 hex F2056464645801
Personally I recommend removing the IOS-XE EWC code from them completely because they have a nasty habit of unexpectedly re-activating EWC when they can't reach the WLC. Also note that running EWC and WLC together at the same time is NOT SUPPORTED. To completely remove the EWC re-flash them using the process at:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless/catalyst-9120axi-access-point/217537-repairing-c9120-c9115-access-points-from.html
