How to config standalone AP to working properly when WLC has shutdown

[eeebbunee]

Dear Engineer & Professional,

Can it be possible to config AP can working without WLC?

For now, our AP is sending and receiving data by a Cisco Wireless Controller 2504 so when WLC is down, all of AP stop working.

I would like to config AP to working properly in case of Controller disaster, can you tell me on how to?

[Kasun Bandara]

it depends on your configuration mode. check below thread

https://community.cisco.com/t5/wireless/if-a-wlc-fails/td-p/2089671

[Manuka Rajapaksha]

You can convert the AP in to the standalone mode and use without a WLC If you have just a single AP. 

Assuming you have multiple APs:

1. 2504 controller "had" the option to use HA node with the part number AIR-CT2504-HA-K9. Unfortunately, it marked as "End-of-sale" since 2018. 
2. You can also use a secondary controller in this case.

Note: Since all the 2500 series controllers are End-of-sale and going to be "End-of-Support" in 2023, you may need to upgrade the controller hardware in to new 9800 series controller or the Mobility express option. (check the AP compatibility).

[Flavio Miranda · Accepted solution]

Flexconnect can help you pritty much. But, not perfect.  When the Access Point is in fleconnect mode, if it drops from the WLC, the radios keep working and users are able to use the network normally.  The limitation is that no new users are able to joing.

You can also have the possibility of configure a backup Radius server on flexconnect AP group and this way overcome the above limitation.