Cisco C9800 WLC FlexConnect Configuration

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the configuration of FlexConnect on the Cisco Catalyst 9800 Wireless LAN Controller (WLC). Using Tags and Profiles, you will learn how to assign settings to access points for effective WLAN broadcasting. This is particularly relevant for network engineers looking to streamline their wireless network management.

Step 1: Access the Cisco Catalyst 9800 WLC

1. Launch your Cisco Catalyst 9800 WLC running in VMware.
2. Log in using the admin credentials.
3. Ensure that your device is updated to the latest firmware for optimal performance.

Step 2: Configure Tags and Profiles

1. Navigate to the Configuration section in the WLC interface.
2. Select Tags & Profiles from the menu.

Create a new Tag

• Click on Add.
• Enter a meaningful name for the Tag.
• Configure the settings as per your network requirements.

Create a Profile

• Click on Add under the Profiles section.
• Enter a descriptive name for the Profile.
• Assign the previously created Tag to this Profile.
• Adjust additional settings such as SSID, VLAN, and security parameters.

Step 3: Assign Tags and Profiles to Access Points

1. Go to the Access Points section in the WLC interface.
2. Select the access points that you want to configure.
3. Click on Edit.

In the settings, assign the appropriate Tag and Profile to each access point

• Use the dropdown menus to select the Tag and Profile.
4. Save the changes.

Step 4: Configure FlexConnect Settings

1. Navigate to the FlexConnect section under Access Points.

Enable FlexConnect for each access point

• Check the box to enable FlexConnect mode.

Configure the necessary settings

• Define local switching if required.
• Adjust any specific WLAN settings for FlexConnect.
2. Apply and save your settings.

Step 5: Verify Configuration

1. After completing the configuration, navigate to the Monitor section.

Check the status of the access points

• Ensure they are connected and operating in FlexConnect mode.
2. Review the WLAN settings to confirm they align with your requirements.

Conclusion

You have successfully configured FlexConnect on the Cisco Catalyst 9800 WLC using Tags and Profiles. This setup allows for more flexible and efficient WLAN management. Next steps could include further optimization of your network settings or exploring advanced features in your WLC setup. For detailed insights and troubleshooting tips, consider referring to the companion blog post or joining the community discussions.