Cisco 5508 Controller – LAG Mode

[athan1234]

Hi everyone,

I need to know if it’s possible to configure the Cisco 5508 Wireless Controller to use LAG mode with LACP.

The controller is running version 8.0.133.0.

I’m migrating this controller to new Cisco Meraki 9300M switches managed through the Meraki Cloud, and the only way to create a LAG on the switches is via LACP. However, I can’t find any option on the controller to enable LACP. So far, the only way I've managed to connect it is using a static trunk configuration.

Is there any way to enable or support LACP on the 5508 controller?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[MHM Cisco World]

I already reply you in last post 

No lacp for old wlc 

Only wlc 9800 support lacp. 

You need to use mode On in switch and in wlc just enable it. 

MHM

[athan1234]

So, the customer doesn’t have LACP available on the controller? Do you have any other ideas?

The customer currently has two controllers in HA, but now there's only one port from the controller connected to one port on the Meraki 9300M switch.

Any suggestions on how to improve this setup or make it more resilient? Maybe a different controller software version includes the LACP option?

[MHM Cisco World]

Sorry this wlc 5500 is end years ago

There is no new update. 

MHM

[athan1234]

What is the best way to do it?
Should I create a single link to one of the controllers? Or at least establish two links to different stacked switches to achieve some redundancy, where Spanning Tree would block one of the ports?

In this scenario, the issue is that a single link does not provide the same bandwidth as a port-channel with two or three links.

Another option would be to add an intermediate switch, create a port-channel between this switch and the Meraki switches, and have all connections go through this intermediate switch.

[MHM Cisco World]

If SW is stack to each other then your design is optimal. 

Wlc will connect using PO to two SW members of stack 

That excellent 

MHM

[athan1234]

The issue is that the Meraki switch is not compatible with the required mode On. For this reason, I will need to proceed with a single design.

[MHM Cisco World]

Sorry for that limitations 

So solution 

Either use single link 

Or as you suggest before use SW inbetween'

This SW have PO (mode ON to each of wlc 5500) and have PO (mode lacp) to switch stack.

MHM

[athan1234]

This is a single cable. It is a good idea to have Spanning Tree blocking one port on each link, and for the controller to work with a single link for both the main and backup connections.  The wlc  is backup . The three switches are configured in a stack.

[MHM Cisco World]

Wlc dont run stp so your last design will make loop' mac of wlc and/or ap and/or wifi users will flapping between two port.

What I meaning by single link is only single link from wlc to any of stack sw.

MHM

[athan1234]

Thanks, buddy. I appreciate your reply.

[MHM Cisco World]

Friend you are so welcome 

Goodluck 

MHM

[marce1000]

  - @athan1234     FYI : https://www.firewall.cx/cisco/cisco-wireless/how-to-configure-wlc-lag-and-port-channel-with-nexus-catalyst-switches.html

    M.

[johnsonjame]

Hi there!

You're correct in noticing the limitation. The Cisco 5508 WLC only supports static LAG, not LACP.
That means you’ll need to use a static port-channel (mode “on”) on your Meraki 9300M switches to connect with the WLC, LACP (dynamic negotiation) isn't supported on the 5508.

Setup Tips:

• Ensure LAG is enabled on the WLC (as shown in your image).
• On the Meraki switch, manually configure the port-channel using "mode on" (no LACP).
• All member ports should be set identically (trunk, same allowed VLANs, native VLAN, etc.).

For more official info:
Cisco WLC 5508 LAG Configuration Guide

[athan1234]

Thanks @johnsonjame

The issue with the Cisco Meraki 9300M is cloud management using version C.17.5. There is no IOx available, so the only way to set it up is in LACP mode