Can WLC 5508 release process from memory?

[Arie --]

Hi,

I have a WLC 5508 with software version 8.0.121.0. I have monitored the memory utilization since WLC is up. The memory utilization started at 57% and after 2 months it showed the increment to around 62%. Then, I have disconnected the WLC from network for a month, where the WLC doesn't serving any AP and traffic but still power on. I monitored the memory again and still stuck at 62%.

My question: Why don't the WLC release the process from the memory? Because I'm afraid that the memory will always increase and make the WLC become hang when the memory is full.

Thank you.

Regards,

Arie

[Sandeep Choudhary]

Hi,

Thats normal.

I have a 2504 WLC with Zero AP connected to it memory usage is 52%.

Regards

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[Freerk Terpstra]

I noticed the same, but it will never be higher than 63% and stay there is my experience. Some controllers have it from the reload straight away, for some it require some up-time to reach it. Using the last AVC protocol pack also influence this, it does not matter if the controller is standalone or in HA-SSO.

For me the funny thing is that with our testing 5508 (which is running on 8.2 software), the memory usage is around 25% lower comparing to 8.0 (?)

[Arie --]

Hi, I also have experience with other WLC 5508 in HA-SSO where the primary WLC could reach 75% and not for so long, the WLC failover to the secondary. 

Do you know how the WLC can release the process from its memory? 

Have you found that 8.2 software is more stable than 8.0? Maybe I will try to upgrade to 8.2.

Thank you.

[Freerk Terpstra · Accepted solution]

I guess only the developers can tell you how those "garbage collector" processes work under the hood. To be honest I would not worry about it until you hit the 90% mark. Upgrading to 8.1 or 8.2 is not something I currently recommend, but if you are planning to do so please make sure your access-points are still supported.