Device Management Interface & VRF Issues | C9800-40-K9 | 17.9.4

[CoachChan]

Hello Everyone,

I am seeking help with the Device Management Interface and the default VRF Mgmt-Intf.

I would like to change the current device management interface to TenGig0/0/0 but when attempting to do so, I get this error.

"Error in Configuring Ethernet | Management interface VRF Mgmt-intf supports one loopback interface only."

I found that the only other interface with "Mgmt-intf" enabled is GigabitEthernet0 and it will not allow me to remove the "Mgmt-intf" although it states it saved successfully. This port is admin up but operational down.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! I will provide any commands as necessary, I did not want to post a full "sh run" do to possible sensitive information.

[marce1000]

  - I presume that  VRF Mgmt-Intf can not be separated from the Service Port (SP) ; GigabitEthernet0 ; whilst
    the other interfaces are for data traffic.
    What do you mean by :This port is admin up but operational down ; can you not make a connection with it ?

 M.

[CoachChan]

Thank you for the quick reply @marce1000,! Please note that I inherited this WLC and have not worked on any of these before. So I am learning as I go. So forgive me If I leave out important information or if you have to explain what seems to be common knowledge.

I can confirm there is no physical connection to the SP port currently. Should this connection be an access port to our Switch Management Network? How should this port be set up?

[marce1000 · Accepted solution]

   >...I can confirm there is no physical connection to the SP port currently. Should this connection be an access port to our Switch Management Network? How should this port be set up?
  - It's advisable to use the SP for management on these big boxes , yes the Switch Management Network is a place it should be connected to (an access port indeed). You can configure a static IP on it , or use DHCP for ip address provisioning

     >...Please note that I inherited this WLC and have not worked on any of these before
     Then you may find this document useful : https://www.ciscolive.com/c/dam/r/ciscolive/global-event/docs/2024/pdf/BRKEWN-2094.pdf

     + Also note that when configuring or staging (making ready) a 9800 WLC you can always evaluate
       it's configuration by using the CLI command show tech wireless (not simple 'show tech')
       and feed the output from that into
                                           Wireless Config Analyzer
      Actually consider this procedure manually before production use !!

 M.

[balaji.bandi]

You can use any interface for manangement, not sure what configuration you applied to get error. (or this could be bug - try upgrade to 17.9.5 or above and test it)

As long as there is no other Overlap IP and that should work any interface, also you do not need VRF if you using anything in band management

Note:  you can not use G0 interface for different use.

If you like further assistance post below information :

#show run

#show vrf

#sh run vrf Mgmt-vrf

#show ip interface brief

suggestion also from the Guide :

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/9800/17-9/config-guide/b_wl_17_9_cg/m_config-wmi.html?bookSearch=true

[CoachChan]

Thank you for the quick reply @balaji.bandi! Please note that I inherited this WLC and have not worked on any of these before. So I am learning as I go. So forgive me If I leave out important information or if you have to explain what seems to be common knowledge.

I will upgrade to 17.9.5 if capable. We have multiple 2700 Cap Airs that may not be compatible in our deployment.

I've attached all the command outputs as you requested.

My goal was to change what is needed to match a day 0 configuration without having to start from scratch. We recently tried to remove an L2/L3 switch provided by our ISP and we could not move forward due to not getting the WLC to communicate properly. We are trying to determine if it is the WLC and/or Nexus config errors that caused this issue.

[jagan.chowdam · Accepted solution]

I recommend starting with the "Gigabit Ethernet Management Interface Overview" section.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/9800/9800-L/installation-guide/b-wlc-ig-9800-L/Power-Up-and-Initial-Configuration.html#Gigabit_Ethernet_Management_Interface_Overview

You can refer to this image to better understand the various interfaces and network connectivity options available for the 9800 controller:

Jagan Chowdam

/**Pls rate useful responses**/

[marce1000 · Accepted solution]

  - Here you will find an example for configuring the SP : https://community.cisco.com/t5/wireless/9800l-wlc-configuration-on-ge0-interface/m-p/4573951/highlight/true#M239803
                          (in this case DHCP is used)

 M.