07-22-2020 12:41 AM - edited 07-05-2021 12:18 PM
Greetings;
I am planning to purchase Cisco Catalyst 9000 series switch (to replace Cisco 3850 with wireless features), but I am a bit confused about the models of 9000 series. I saw Catalyst 9200, 9300, 9400 Series switches, etc... The switch I want is for small to large campus access deployments.
1. Which model of this series that can be configured as Wireless Controller?
1.1. If yes, what is its latest IOS that support this feature of being wireless controller?
2. What license types are required for that model that support wireless features?
Any helpful information for Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series will be appreciated
Thank you.
Solved! Go to Solution.
07-22-2020 01:05 AM
@Rene MUGIRANEZA wrote:
1. Which model of this series that can be configured as Wireless Controller?
9200, 9300 & 9400 can be configured as a WLC, HOWEVER, you will need DNAc. DNAc is mandatory.
07-22-2020 12:54 AM
Hi there,
The c9000 range does not offer an converged access solution like the 3850 did.
You need to look at the dedicated c9800:
To navigate the c9000 range take a look at the switch selector:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/switches/switch-selector.html
The only lightweight WLC option would be the embedded C9100 APs:
cheers,
Seb.
07-22-2020 01:05 AM
@Rene MUGIRANEZA wrote:
1. Which model of this series that can be configured as Wireless Controller?
9200, 9300 & 9400 can be configured as a WLC, HOWEVER, you will need DNAc. DNAc is mandatory.
07-22-2020 01:12 AM
07-22-2020 03:12 AM
07-23-2020 02:20 AM
07-23-2020 03:40 AM - edited 07-23-2020 03:41 AM
Let me repeat it again: DNAc is MANDATORY.
DNAc stands for DNA centre. It is an appliance (and not an activation license).
07-23-2020 04:27 AM
07-23-2020 04:54 AM
@Scott Fella wrote:
The appliance will cost you more than your switches
And the price of the license and optional features cost more than the cheapest DNAc appliance.
07-23-2020 04:27 PM - edited 07-25-2020 12:48 AM
So to summarise/paraphrase what the others are saying above: if you are not ready to move to Software Defined networking with DNA centre (very different to WLC + APs) then DO NOT try to run 9800 EWC on 9300 switches. If you want to go that way then make sure you know what you are doing because it is completely different to what you were doing with converged access switches. Rather review and select the 9800 WLC which is most appropriate for your requirements instead.
07-24-2020 08:29 AM - edited 07-24-2020 08:30 AM
As the others mentioned, don't do this.
What you can do, either a Catalyst 9100 AP with the controller function https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/wireless/embedded-wireless-controller-on-catalyst-access-points/index.html
Or a WLC 3504 if you prefer to have it standalone. Those two options are good for up to 50 APs. The 3504 is a bit older, but should continue for several years.
If you need more than that, it's time for a 9800 WLC.
[edit]
Or actually, now that the 9800-L is out, scratch the 3504 and go directly to the new controller generation.
Discover and save your favorite ideas. Come back to expert answers, step-by-step guides, recent topics, and more.
New here? Get started with these tips. How to use Community New member guide