Using WLC to provide IP addresses via DHCP

[johnruffing]

Using version 4.0, there is supposed to be a new feature that permits IP addresses to be assigned to the APs via the WLC's internal DHCP server.

However, there does not appear to be any information describing how this would be done.

Has anyone tried this yet?

[Stephen Rodriguez · Accepted solution]

Yes, before I built up my DHCP server, I was using the internal dhcp on the WLC. Works like a champ. All you need to do is build the scope on the WLC, and point the AP manager and management interfaces dhcp server option at the management interface.

[Vasil_HJ1]

Please help !

I am using WLC 2000, with 1231AG in lw mode.

I have the management and the AP interface on same subnet, plus a DHCP server on the same subnet where management IP is the DHCP server IP. I enabled the radio, created SSID and hooked up the AP's on the same network. I can not make the AP associate with the WLC.

If I have external DHCP, the WLC sees the AP but does nothing else (red lights blinking).

When I use the internal DHCP the WLC does not see the AP at all !

Can you tell me what is that I am doing wrong here ? The AP is out of the box, I did not configure it at all.

[ankbhasi]

Hi Vasil,

If the AP is out of box I don't think it will work in lwapp mode as by default itwill be a autonomous AP and you have to upgrade your AP from autonomous ap to LWAPP ap.

Have a look at this link and see if this helps you

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/wireless/ps430/prod_technical_reference09186a00804fc3dc.html#wp23144

Regards,

Ankur

[Vasil_HJ1]

Thanks for thre reply,

Unfortunately, it is not the case. The AP's that i purchased are configured in LWAPP and do not require any configuration before they get attached to the network. I just can't make them be seen or see the DHCP. other sugestions ?

Thanks, Vasil

[gsingson]

If you do run the Upgrade to LW, make sure that the time on your PC is synched with the time on the WLC (give or take 10 minutes) and that the time zone in the WLC is 0 (it is set to 0 by default).

[segopala]

Hi Vasi,

can you send me

"debug lw events enable" from the controller - with the AP mac mentioned

Please send me the running - config from the Controller

have you created the DHCP scope ; basically you need to create the DHCP scope and mention the management ip as the DHCP sever

Since this is the new AP from the BOX ; how?s the AP discovering the controller :

Internal DHCP Server

The controllers contain an internal DHCP server. This server is typically used in branch offices that do not already have a DHCP server. The wireless network generally contains 10 access points or fewer, with the access points on the same IP subnet as the controller. The internal server provides DHCP addresses to wireless clients, direct-connect access points, appliance-mode access points on the management interface, and DHCP requests that are relayed from access points. Only lightweight access points are supported.

DHCP option 43 is not supported on the internal server. Therefore, the access point must use an alternative method to locate the management interface IP address of the controller, such as local subnet broadcast, DNS, priming, or over-the-air discovery.

check out the internal DHCP server option

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/products/ps6366/products_configuration_guide_chapter09186a00806b5985.html

Hope this will resolve your problem

let me know if you need more info

Seema

[Vasil_HJ1]

Thanks for the response. I really, really need help with this.

This is my network layout. I am running external DHCP server (IP 192.168.0.1 , I can change that, just to make this thing work ), management interface is 192.168.0.2 and AP interface is 192.168.0.3

The scope of the DHCP is 10-254, same subnet of course.

I have 2 questions:

1 Why is the AP picking up 192.168.0.9 ? The scope starts from 10 ?

2 What IP should I use on the DNS server for CISCO-WIRELESS-CONTROLLER ? The management or the AP interface ?

On the WLC log I have the error:

Mon Sep 4 15:00:36 2006 [VERBOSE] spam_lrad.c 1154: nimMcastApplianceGetPortMap return error for interface 1 -- returning default index 50

Mon Sep 4 14:59:11 2006 [ERROR] spam_lrad.c 2544: Security processing of Image Data failed from AP 00:17:59:67:76:80

Mon Sep 4 14:59:11 2006 [ERROR] spam_crypto.c 653: Failed decryption of message from AP 00:17:59:67:76:80 <-- this is the AP's MAC

On the AP I have:

*Mar 1 00:00:24.497: %LWAPP-5-CHANGED: LWAPP changed state to DISCOVERY

Translating "CISCO-LWAPP-CONTROLLER.schiller"...domain server (192.168.1.2) [OK]

*Mar 1 00:00:34.642: %DHCP-6-ADDRESS_ASSIGN: Interface FastEthernet0 assigned D

HCP address 192.168.0.9, mask 255.255.255.0, hostname AP0017.5967.7680

*Mar 1 00:00:45.139: LWAPP_CLIENT_ERROR_DEBUG: spamHandleDiscoveryTimer : Found

the discovery response from MASTER Mwar

*Mar 1 00:00:45.150: %LWAPP-5-CHANGED: LWAPP changed state to JOIN

examining image...

*Sep 4 14:58:09.750: %LWAPP-5-CHANGED: LWAPP changed state to IMAGE

*Sep 4 14:58:29.749: LWAPP_CLIENT_ERROR: not receive read response(0)Xmodem

Please help, I am desperate, I have to enable the network ASAP.

Sincerely,

Vasil