Can i use multiple WLC (with different version) in same network

[Rittichai Jitpukdeebodintra]

Hello

I want a suggestion on my cisco wireless network. which combine with many generation of an APs?

2*1250, 1*1040, 2*1140, 2*1600, 2*1700, 2*2700, 2*3700, 1*1815i and @1*3800

and now i have order 1*9115.

That made me need  to upgrade WLC, but i can not go above 8.3 because of some legacy APs (1250,1040,1140,1600)

So, i have some question.

1 is it ok to have 2 WLC on same network? eg. Old 8.0 for legacy devices and ME (may be 9800CL) for a newer one.

2 What is the best practice to i setting WLCs for 2 type to devices? (do i need to set vlan on my switch one for legacy WLC and one for New WLC)

3 how i can sync a wireless setting for 2 types of WLC?

Thank guys.

[Rasika Nayanajith]

1. Yes, you can have two different WLCs in this situation

2. With AireOS(5508) & IOS-XE based (9800), you cannot have roaming clients. best way is isolate those legacy APs in certain area that all are managed by 5508. Use newer AP managed by 9800 in one area.

3. Here is a config converter tool that you can get 9800 configs from 5508 (or any legacy WLC configs)

https://community.cisco.com/t5/other-wireless-mobility-subjects/wlc-config-converter/td-p/2895495 

HTH

Rasika

*** Pls rate all useful responses ***

[Rittichai Jitpukdeebodintra]

Thank for useful reply Rasika.

How can i do this. i found that when i add a new 9800-CL to same network it seem all AP will disconnect from old wlc and try to join 9800-CL, then all supported AP successfully join a new 9800-CL, but a legacy AP which not supported by 9800-CL will not join both WLC.

[Scott Fella]

Set your high availability on each AP to start with.

[Rittichai Jitpukdeebodintra]

As this right?

[Scott Fella]

That is right. The controller name must match the actual controller and is case sensitive.

[Rittichai Jitpukdeebodintra]

Thanks Scott

In my case it is wlc_60 right?

 

[Scott Fella]

If that is the hostname of the WLC? You would know from either the main page in the GUI or if you run a show sysinfo from the cli.

[Scott Fella · Accepted solution]

Also, like Rasika mentioned. To be safe, just separate the legacy and new networks. This way you don’t get any AP’s bouncing around especially if one controller goes down.  For example, I have AireOS at home and also a 9800, but placed them in separate subnets. I also defined the high availability in each ap which is a best practice.

[Rittichai Jitpukdeebodintra]

Thanks @Rasika Nayanajith @Scott Fella your kindness response

so can I used VLAN instead?

[Scott Fella]

If you mean “use vlan” by putting the old wlc and AP’s in one vlan and the new wlc and AP’s in another, then yes.
Again, keep in mind that there is no mobility function, roaming, between the old and the new controller since you need 8.5 with a special code or else 8.8. So you need to look at this guide, then the wlc matrix guide to determine what code your AP’s support:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/technotes/8-8/b_c9800_wireless_controller-aireos_ircm_dg.html#id_85242

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/compatibility/matrix/compatibility-matrix.html#40691

[Scott Fella]

Just to add, if you are placing these new AP’s in the same location with the old and roaming isn’t supported, you will have poor user experience. What you really need to look at is how to migrate a to the new and start getting rid of the old. Mixing all these various ap models that have different features and support will cause you issue and isn’t the way to go.

[Rittichai Jitpukdeebodintra]

Thanks Scott

Now i'm looking to get rid all of old n APs.

[Scott Fella]

Yeah that is the best way. Do one floor or a whole building at a time so roaming doesn’t break. That is what you will need to look into and figure out the best way to migrate.