WLC 5520: Join request received from an unsupported AP (9130AX)

[mattnicomn]

02/15/22 9:17AM EST: The APs(9130AXs) have failed over to one of the backup WLCs.

02/16/22 8:00AM EST: I am having issues with joining 9130AXs to a WLC 5520(version 8.10.162.0). The APs joined for a day or so then fell off the WLC "wireless view". Now if I go into the AP join "statistics", it shows that the reason for not joining is, "Join request received from an unsupported AP".

WLC 5520 Emergency Image Version: 8.3.143.0

I verified online with the Catalyst 9130AX Data sheet to see that the WLC5520 is compatible.

Supported wireless LAN controllers

●  Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers

●  Cisco 3500, 5520, and 8540 Series Wireless Controllers and Cisco Virtual Wireless Controller

[Scott Fella · Accepted solution]

The WLC matrix is what you should reference.

Cisco Wireless Solutions Software Compatibility Matrix - Cisco

The 5520 with the supported code from the above link is compatible with the 9130's.  So some questions we need to ask for more info:

• Is this a new setup or just adding ap's to an existing working environment
• What other model access points are joined to this controller
• NTP correct and country code defined and matches the ap model
• Have you tried to factory reset
• You have enough ap license
• AP and controller on the same subnet
• What did the output on the ap console show you during boot up

If any ap was joined for a long period of time, then the controller, code and ap are compatible.  I would look at the console output, reset the ap or check the connection and verify that the ap is getting an ip address and can get to the gateway.

[Leo Laohoo]

Console into the AP and reboot the AP. 
Post the entire boot-up process.  

[mattnicomn · Accepted solution]

Thank you Scott for the response. It lead me to find on the availability tab, the primary and secondary WLC were not set.