vWLC license

[Leftz]

Hi, Please see below highlighted with triangle. The first one has "60 day evaluation license" and second one does not have. Why it has difference between the two? The first one need to buy license after 60 days? and the second one cannot work at all unless buying license? Thank you

[rmfalconer · Accepted solution]

I don't know this for sure but my thoughts are that you don't need a large scale controller for an evaluation. Evaluations are typically limited in scale and can be done with the small controller.

[Scott Fella · Accepted solution]

The 60 day is only allowed for eval version.  This version is the smallest install type.  Any other install types, small, medium and large, will require a license in order for access points to join.

[michaelzhq]

Hi Scott, we have a customer using two vWLCs (non HA) currently, they are planning to move to C9800-CL but still need vWLC for an uncertain period of time due to compatibility required for older AP models. They have an immediate requirement to add another vWLC so have one standalone vWLC for legacy APs and an HA pair for newer C9K APs.

Knowing of vWLC is end of sale (end of support in 2027 though) but vWLC AP licenses are still orderable, I have following question:

Since vWLC supports Smart Licensing starting with release 8.2, assuming the customer uses CSSM, for the new vWLC, can they simply download the vWLC software, install it, register it with Smart License portal then consume the existing APs licenses when a failover happens (understanding vWLC supports N+1 HA only)?

[michaelzhq]

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless/catalyst-9800-series-wireless-controllers/215635-licensing-on-9800-wireless-lan-controlle.html#anc16

this is a link for C9800, is it also valid for vWLC with CSSM?

Q. How does CSSM licensing work with controllers in N+1 HA?

A. N+1 HA refers to a setup where one WLC has all APs joined to it while the other is on standby. If the main controller goes down or becomes unreachable, all APs join the standby one.

In this case, simply connect both controllers to the smart licensing servers. If failover happens, the licenses show up on your smart account as "consumed" by the standby controller.

[interfacedy · Accepted solution]

@Scott Fella we ordered physical 9800. but the shipment was delayed a lot. so we had to try several version of virtual WLC 9800 instead before we got physical wlc 9800.  there is slight difference between these several versions, but they can work well without license. Not sure how the license works among 9800 series. How do you think so? 

[Scott Fella · Accepted solution]

When you order access points, that is where you need dna license. Doesn’t matter what controller model as smart account is required.