SDA Fabric WLC to Connect traditional APs in Branch

[kashif.kamal]

Hi, 

    I have SDA implemented in the HO with the fabric-enabled WLC and fabric APs, but in the branch, we still don't have SDA, is it possible to connect traditional APs in the branch to the fabric-enabled WLC in the HO?

If possible, how the APs in the branch will establish the CAPWAP tunnel? will it use another port on the WLC or the same Mgmt port that is used to connect to the DNAC?

[balaji.bandi · Accepted solution]

No not possible, But WLC 9800 can support both option Fabric Wireless and OTT setup.

https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/docs/cloud-systems-management/network-automation-and-management/dna-center/deploy-guide/cisco-dna-center-sd-access-wl-dg.pdf

or you need to run Local WLC (or EWC to support Local AP)

[kashif.kamal]

So it means It doesn't support if the branch is non-SDA, as for OTT the branch should be SDA and AP is traditional.

If we have SD-WAN between the HO and branch will it be useful in this case? If somehow we can connect the traditional AP of the branch over the SD-WAN to the Fabric WLC?  

[balaji.bandi]

SD-WAN and SD-Access integrated, if the switch is part of Fabric, you can bring AP in  to Fabirc Wireless.

[kashif.kamal]

wht if the branch switch is not part of the fabric, is it possible then?

[balaji.bandi]

for Clarity :

your branch need to be part of Fabirc for the AP join Fabric Wireless. if not, its not going to work.

On Cat 9800 you have Option to deploy SD-Access and Traditional Wireless Option both - check the version of cod Cat 9800 running and steps.

[martin.sweeney]

HI Balaji,

We are transitioning to SDA at our HQ office. We have split our HA 9800 WLC to support our SDA migrated WAPs and left the other WLC to support non-fabric WAPs (including WAPS at 100 MPLS GRE encrypted branch offices out-of-scope). I was led to believe the fabric enabled WLC could support both fabric and non-fabric but your comments suggest otherwise. At some stage we must restore HA to the fabric WLC.
Bit of a dilemma …hope you can offer some advice?

Regards

Marty