Configure redundancy between 2 active Cisco Wireless Controllers (5508)

[Harold Bueno]

We have two (2) WLC 5508 currently in production, each with associated Access Points and Wireless devices. Now we would like to configure the redundancy between the two wireless controllers. I have not done configuring two devices in production with associated APs and Wireless devices so I'd like to get the opinion from the group. Shall I move/copy all APs and wireless devices to the primary WLC before configuring the redundancy? What else should we consider to successfully implement a redundancy between the 2 controllers and without affecting the existing users? Thanks in advance!

WLC #1 --- 12 APs and 170 wireless devices (roaming users between WLC#1 and WLC#2)

WLC #2 --- 8 APs and 170 wireless devices (roaming users between WLC#1 and WLC#2)

[Leo Laohoo]

roaming users between WLC#1 and WLC#2

Inter-controller roaming is not recommended.  

If redunancy is key, then put all the APs in one controller and enable HA SSO.

[Harold Bueno]

Hi Leo, thank you very much for the quick note and suggestion. It is really appreciated.

[Harold Bueno]

Hi again,

What is the maximum cable length allowed for redundancy? Our WLCs are located on different sites with about 1 kilometer apart but a fiber optic cable is available - just waiting for media converter and fiber patch cables to complete the connection.

Thank you

[patoberli]

This depends on the software version you are running. With >7.5 you can run the redundancy port over a switched/routed network and latency isn't anymore that important.

See here for the exact details: http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/technotes/8-1/HA_SSO_DG/High_Availability_DG.html

The chapter named "High Availability in Release 7.5" is probably the one you're looking at.