Embedded Wireless Controller on 9300-U

[techno.it]

Hi Folks

I have 9300-U 48 port switch and 5 x 9120 Wifi6 access points. Can this switch be configured as embedded as wireless controller without DNAC and SD-Access deployment. This is very small and single site deployment and purchasing separate WLC will be just waste of resources.

Appreciate any insights and suggestions.

[marce1000]

 -  What exact model are you referring to with '9300-u' ? Post full model name and or as seen from show version

 M.

[techno.it]

C9300-48U-A

[Leo Laohoo]

Yes, it can be done if the switch is running 17.X.X firmware.  

Use 17.3.X firmware on the switch (Install Mode) and then install the eWLC file (GUI or CLI).

[Arshad Safrulla]

eWLC in 9300 switches are discontinued and announced EOL. At the moment newer versions only support SD-Access. 

Products - Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Switches (Non-SD-Access) Deployment Guide - Cisco

I would highly recommend you to consider deploying eWLC in Catalyst AP instead of the Switches. Feature wise both are same.

eWLC in AP deployment guide;

Embedded Wireless Controller Conversion on Catalyst 9100 Access Points - Cisco

[Leo Laohoo]

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@Arshad Safrulla wrote:

eWLC in 9300 switches are discontinued and announced EOL. At the moment newer versions only support SD-Access. 

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I do not think so.  

The latest eWLC for the 9300 is 17.7.1 (release date 07 December 2021).

[Arshad Safrulla]

It only supports SD-Access mode, doesn't support autonomous mode. Last version it supported is 17.3.X

[techno.it]

@Arshad Safrulla 

Out of 5 APs I have, one can be configured as eWLC ?

[Arshad Safrulla]

Yes, you can covert 1 AP to be EWC. Also you want to have a redundant eWLC that is also possible. But IMHO, site is very small you should be able to survive with one ewlc.

Refer the configuration guide;

Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points Configuration Guide, IOS XE Amsterdam 17.3.x - AP Priority [Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points] - Cisco

[techno.it]

@Arshad Safrulla 

Awesome. Thank you.

Any specific licensing requirements that I should be concerned of  or DNA Advantage license are enough ?

[Arshad Safrulla]

DNA licenses are needed only if you are connecting this AP to a physical or virtual appliance WLC or SD-Access. If you don't have any plans to connect these AP's to a WLC appliance then I would say RMA it and get the credit if possible. EWLC doesn't need any DNA licenses, you just need to pay for SmartNet.