Cisco 5700 Series Wireless Controller - Multisite Use?

[michaelgitonga]

Hi,

Can the Cisco 5700 Series Wireless Controller be used in a Multi-site configuration? I.e. as a Controller managing over 400 Access Points spread out in over 50 branches over an IP MPLS WAN?

[Ric Beeching · Accepted solution]

It can but your access layer switches at the branches will need to be 3650/3850 switches as the 5760 WLC does not support APs in FlexConnect mode therefore the APs must be connected to a converged architecture compliant switch.

Does that make sense?

Ric

[michaelgitonga]

Hi,

I have the following setup and requirements:

• Cisco 2960-X POE+ switches at branches
• Requirement of IEEE 802.11ac which the 5520 WLC supports - confirm?
• AIR-AP1852E-E-K9 at branches
• AIR-AP2802E-E-K9 at branches - does the 2802 support FlexConnect?
• AIR-AP3802E-E-K9 at branches - does the 3802 support FlexConnect?

Kindly explain more on difference between FlexConnect AP deployment and Local Mode AP deployment. Does the 2960-X support the configuration of FlexConnect AP deployment in more than 50 branches and one WLC at datacenter?

[Rasika Nayanajith · Accepted solution]

As Ric said, I would not choose this WLC model for such design. It is good for a local mode AP deployment.

I would go with 5520 WLC model with FlexConnect AP deployment for such a requirement.

HTH

Rasika

[michaelgitonga]

Hi,

I have the following setup and requirements:

• Cisco 2960-X POE+ switches at branches
• Requirement of IEEE 802.11ac which the 5520 WLC supports - confirm?
• AIR-AP1852E-E-K9 at branches
• AIR-AP2802E-E-K9 at branches - does the 2802 support FlexConnect?
• AIR-AP3802E-E-K9 at branches - does the 3802 support FlexConnect?

Kindly explain more on difference between FlexConnect AP deployment and Local Mode AP deployment. Does the 2960-X support the configuration of FlexConnect AP deployment in more than 50 branches and one WLC at datacenter?

[Rasika Nayanajith]

Hi Michael,

Requirement of IEEE 802.11ac which the 5520 WLC supports - confirm?

Yes, 5520 support 802.11ac standard

Pls refer this design document in FlexConnect

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/8-1/Enterprise-Mobility-8-1-Design-Guide/Enterprise_Mobility_8-1_Deployment_Guide/ch7_HREA.html

In simple terms, Local mode AP establish a CAPWAP tunnel between AP & WLC where all traffic from users tunnel back to WLC. Irrespective of where APs located, wireless users get IP defined on the switch where WLC connects.

If you deploy Local mode AP in your HQ/Branch office wireless setup, all branch wireless users get IP from HQ where the WLC resides.

If you want branch office users get IP from the branch it self (where AP connected switch terminate wireless traffic), then you have to configure AP onto FlexConnect mode. Still you require WLC to manage those AP & control traffic is CAPWAP back to WLC.

So FlexConnect design is the most common design for HQ/Branch set up where HQ has a WLC and each branch simply has APs only (no WLCs at each branch)

AIR-AP1852E-E-K9 at branches
AIR-AP2802E-E-K9 at branches - does the 2802 support FlexConnect?
AIR-AP3802E-E-K9 at branches - does the 3802 support FlexConnect?

Yes those AP model support FlexConnect mode. If this is for indoor deployment, I would not consider External Antenna AP model.(Check 3802I/2802I models)

Refer this document for 2800/3800 deployment guide for more details.

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/technotes/8-3/b_cisco_aironet_series_2800_3800_access_point_deployment_guide/b_cisco_aironet_series_2800_3800_access_point_deployment_guide_chapter_01.html

HTH

Rasika

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[michaelgitonga]

Hi,

Why wouldn't you consider External Antenna AP model for indoor deployment? By the way, I am considering an environment with thick walls and many obstacles. Thank you for your responses. Also, do the 2800 and 3800 support MESH?

[Ric Beeching]

For mesh the level of support is dictated by the WLC. As per the link below, the 5760 WLC does not support mesh so you would need to use a 5550/5520 in order to get that going with any AP. The 3800/2800 APs would support mesh if hosted on the appropriate WLC.

External antenna APs are normally used to direct the signal in a particular direction, say down a hallway, along some shelving in warehouses or maybe in a lift shaft to provide particular coverage.

Regarding the thick walls and obstacles - it depends on what coverage you are going for from the AP. If you are going to ceiling mount and try for 360 degree coverage there isn't much advantage in using external antennas over the internal models. At the end of the day that all comes down to appropriate planning of AP placements usually based on a predictive site survey or a proper site survey.

Cheers,

Ric

[michaelgitonga]

Hi Ric,

Thank you for your assistance.

[michaelgitonga]

Hi Rasika,

Thank you for your assistance.