Fix a client to an AP

[Patrick McHenry]

Is there a way, in the controller, to fix a client to a specific AP? So, the client always associates with the same AP? Or must this be done at the client side? The Windows client doesn't seem to have the option.

Thanks, Pat.

[Andrew Betz]

Hi Pat,

Good question, I'm afraid that the client makes all of the Association decisions, so this will need to be configured in your supplicant.  You can try loading a new supplicant, or perhaps a Windows Zero Configured Plug-in (ie. Intel) for Windows 7 which would allow this functionality.

Alternatively, you can leverage AP Groups to allow a single AP to broadcast a specific WLAN.  You'll first need to create a new WLAN, and then add that WLAN to a new AP Group.  Once the AP Group is configured, move your AP into the group.  If you wish for the new WLAN to not appear in the default-group AP Group, give it a WLAN ID greater than 16.  We use this technique many times in the TAC to force a client onto a specific AP for testing.

Best,

Drew

[Patrick McHenry]

Thanks for the suggestion but, couldn't I create a new WLAN, then with WLAN override, remove that WLAN from every AP except for the one I want the device to connect to? I'm only considering this option as the site is rather small with only 12 APs.

As far as the AP Group is concerned, when I create the new WLAN (with an ID greater than 16), will it automatically be a part of the AP Group that I create? Then like you mentioned, apply the one AP to the new group.

Thanks, Pat.

[Andrew Betz · Accepted solution]

Pat,

Good idea on WLAN Override.  The decision to deploy AP Groups versus WLAN Override can be determined based on WLC Code.  If you're running 5.2, or later, you'll want to deploy AP Groups, otherwise WLAN Override will be your best bet.

In 5.2, or higer: If the WLAN has a WLAN ID greater than 16, that WLAN will not be included in the default-group, and will mantually need to be added to your new AP Group (I'm afraid this one doesn't happen automatically).

Hope that helps!

Drew

[Patrick McHenry]

Thanks, Drew!

[Andrew Betz]

Anytime!  Good luck!

Take Care,

Drew