Lightweight APs used with WLC

[fdouble08]

After reading the Cisco documentation, it seems that the Lightweight AP's are reduced to ceiling/wall decorations when the WLC is off the network or otherwise unreachable.  Is this true?  Do they provide for no client connectivity whatsoever if the WLC fails?  Does all client traffic pass from a LAP to the WLC before being sent to it's destination?  In particular this is in regards to 1142n APs and an 5508 WLC.

Thanks!

[George Stefanick · Accepted solution]

Hi fdouble08,

This would be correct. If the WLC dies your LWAPP access points lose connectivity as well and become ArtCisco. There is mode calle HREAP which allows for local switching if teh controller fails but this is used mainly for remote offices. You can read more about HREAP here...

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/wireless/controller/6.0/configuration/guide/c60hreap.html

Traffic orginating at the LWAPP ap is sent to the controller for LAN distribution, correct.

Geo

[Leo Laohoo · Accepted solution]

it seems that the Lightweight AP's are reduced to ceiling/wall decorations when the WLC is off the network or otherwise unreachable.

Not entirely true.  Depending on your design, you can configure H-REAP.

H-Reap Design and Deployment Guide
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/customer/products/ps6087/products_tech_note09186a0080736123.shtml

H-REAP Modes of Operation Configuration Example
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/customer/tech/tk722/tk809/technologies_configuration_example09186a00807cc3b8.shtml

Hybrid Remote Edge Access Point (H-REAP) Basic Troubleshooting
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/customer/tech/tk722/tk809/technologies_tech_note09186a008081103d.shtml

Hope this helps.  Please don't forget to rate useful posts.  Thanks.

[Leo Laohoo]

Thanks for the ratings.