Release Notes for Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers and Lightweight Access Points for Release 7.6.120.0

Supported Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Platforms

The following Cisco WLC platforms are supported in this release:

• Cisco 2500 Series Wireless LAN Controllers
• Cisco 5500 Series Wireless LAN Controllers
• Cisco Flex 7500 Series Wireless LAN Controllers
• Cisco 8500 Series Wireless LAN Controllers
• Cisco Virtual Wireless Controllers on Cisco Services-Ready Engine (SRE) or Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Module for Integrated Services Routers G2 (UCS-E)
• Cisco Wireless Controllers for high availability (HA Cisco WLCs) for the Cisco 2500 Series, 5500 Series, Wireless Services Module 2 (WiSM2), Flex 7500 Series, and 8500 Series WLCs
• Cisco WiSM2 for Catalyst 6500 Series Switches

Supported Access Point Platforms

The following access point platforms are supported in this release:

• Cisco Aironet 2700 and 700W Series Access Points.
• Cisco Aironet 3500p Access Point.
• Cisco 1040, 1130, 1140, 1240, 1250, 1260, 1600, 2600, 3500, 3600, 3700, Cisco 600 Series OfficeExtend Access Points, 700 Series, AP801, and AP802
• Cisco Aironet 1530 Series outdoor 802.11n mesh access points, Cisco Aironet 1550 (1552) Series outdoor 802.11n mesh access points, Cisco Aironet 1520 (1522, 1524) Series outdoor mesh access points
• AP801 and AP802 are integrated access points on the Cisco 800 Series Integrated Services Routers (ISRs). For more information about the stock-keeping units (SKUs) for the access points and the ISRs, see the following data sheets:

– AP860:

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/routers/800-series-routers/data_sheet_c78_461543.html

– AP880:

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/routers/887-integrated-services-router-isr/data_sheet_c78_459542.html

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/routers/800-series-routers/data_sheet_c78-613481.html

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/routers/880-3g-integrated-services-router-isr/data_sheet_c78_498096.html

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/routers/880g-integrated-services-router-isr/data_sheet_c78-682548.html

– AP890:

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/routers/800-series-routers/data_sheet_c78-519930.html

Note AP802 is an integrated access point on the next generation Cisco 880 Series ISRs.

Note Before you use an AP802 series lightweight access point with Cisco WLC software release 7.6.120.0, you must upgrade the software in the Next Generation Cisco 880 Series ISRs to Cisco IOS 15.1(4)M or later releases.

Unsupported Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Platforms

The following Cisco WLC platforms are not supported:

• Cisco 4400 Series Wireless LAN Controller
• Cisco 2100 Series Wireless LAN Controller
• Cisco Catalyst 3750G Integrated Wireless LAN Controller
• Cisco Wireless LAN Controller software on Cisco SRE running on ISM 300, SM 700, SM 710, SM 900, and SM 910
• Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series and 7600 Series WiSM
• Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Module (NM/NME)

Cisco WLAN Express Setup for Cisco 2500 Series Wireless Controller

7.6.120.0 introduces Cisco WLAN Express Setup on Cisco 2500 Series Wireless Controller. It includes easy to use GUI Configuration Wizard, an intuitive monitoring dashboard and several Cisco Wireless LAN best practices enabled by default.

Important Notes

• If you use the CLI configuration wizard or AutoInstall, Cisco WLAN Express Setup will be bypassed and associated features will not be enabled.
• If you upgrade to 7.6.120.0 and do not perform a new configuration of the controller using the GUI Configuration Wizard, Cisco WLAN Express Setup will not be enabled. You must use the GUI Configuration Wizard to enable Cisco WLAN Express Setup features.
• After you upgrade to 7.6.120.0, you can clear the controller configuration and then use the GUI Configuration Wizard to enable Cisco WLAN Express Setup features.
• If you downgrade from 7.6.120.0 to an older release, Cisco WLAN Express Setup features will be disabled. However, the configurations generated through Cisco WLAN Express Setup will not be removed.

Setting up Cisco 2500 Series Wireless Controller Using Cisco WLAN Express Setup

1. Connect and power on the controller.

2. Connect a computer to port 2 of the controller using an Ethernet cable. The controller uses auto-sense. You can use a straight-through Ethernet cable.

Note AutoInstall starts on port 1. If port 1 is connected to network and if AutoInstall gets a configuration file from the TFTP server, it interrupts the configuration process and disables the GUI Configuration Wizard on port 2.

a. The port LED will be green if both the machines are properly connected.

b. The controller might take some time to be fully powered on and the GUI to be available on the computer. The LEDs on the front panel of the controller indicate the system status:

– The controller is not ready if the LEDs are blinking or are amber in color.

– The controller is ready if the SYS LED is green and ALM LED is off.

– When you connect the computer to port 2, the machine gets an IP address 192.168.1.x (100 and above).

3. Open a client web browser at http://192.168.1.1 from the computer connected to port 2 to access the controller GUI configuration.

Turn off the computer's other network connections (for examples, WiFi) if there is an IP conflict.

4. Create an admin account.

5. Click Start.

6. In Step 1—You setup your controller and configure the parameters.

7. In Step 2—You create your wireless network.

By default, you must create your Employee network.

– Security Method—The default security method is WPA2 Personal. If you choose WPA2 Personal, you must configure the passphrase. If you choose WPA2 Enterprise, you must configure the RADIUS IP address and shared secret.

Guest network is optional.

– Security Method—The default security method is Web Consent. Choose Web Consent if you do not want any preconfigured password. A guest user has to acknowledge an Accept Use Policy (AUP) policy. Select WPA Personal if you want guest users to be authenticated using a password to gain access to the guest network.

8. Verify the configured parameters and click Apply and OK. The controller reboots.

9. Disconnect the computer from port 2 of the controller.

10. Connect port 1 of the controller to the network switch trunk port.

11. Connect access points to the network switch.

12. Access points will join the controller and the configured wireless network is available.

13. Connect wireless clients to the wireless network.

14. Connect the computer to the network and access the controller GUI.

15. After you login, you can view the new dashboard. For more details, see New Dashboard of Cisco 2500 Series Wireless Controller Using Cisco WLAN Express Setup. Click Advanced to view the legacy Monitor Summary page. From the Monitor Summary page, click the Home icon to view the new dashboard.

New Dashboard of Cisco 2500 Series Wireless Controller Using Cisco WLAN Express Setup

The new dashboard of the Cisco 2500 Series Wireless Controller with Cisco WLAN Express Setup provides a summary of the configured wireless networks, access points, active client devices, rogues, and interferers. You can also view details of top access points, applications, operating systems, and clients as a table or as a pie chart.

When you click the elements that appear on top of the dashboard, you can view the details in the corresponding pages:

Click the Dashboard Settings icon on the top right corner of the GUI to configure the dashboard options. You can change the data format to rate or volume.

• If you choose volume, the cumulative data appears for Top Applications, Top Access Points, and Top Client Devices portlets.
• If you choose rate, the last 90 seconds data appears for the Top Applications, Top Access Points, and Top Client Devices portlets.
• There is no impact on the Top Operating Systems when you switch the data format between rate and volume.

You can also choose the default landing page of the controller GUI in the options page as the new dashboard or the legacy Monitor Summary page by changing the Landing Page option.

Default Configurations of Cisco 2500 Series Wireless Controller Using Cisco WLAN Express Setup

When you configure your Cisco 2500 Series Controller using the Cisco WLAN Express Setup, the following parameters are enabled or disabled. These settings are different from the default settings obtained when you configure the controller using the CLI wizard, and different from the default settings on other controller platforms.

Types of Releases

Software Release Recommendations

For detailed release recommendations, see the software release bulletin:

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/8500-series-wireless-controllers/bulletin-c25-730741.pdf

Solution Compatibility Matrix

For more information about the Cisco Wireless solution compatibility matrix, see http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/compatibility/matrix/compatibility-matrix.html.

Guidelines and Limitations

• When you are upgrading from a release that is prior to Release 7.6.X, Cisco lightweight access point (LAP) is unable to set up DTLS with Cisco WLC when LAP tries to join Cisco WLC using ap3g1-k9w8-tar.152-4.JB4.tar image. The workaround is as follows:

1. Downgrade the Cisco WLC to 7.4.121.0.

LAP would still not join the Cisco WLC as it is running the 7.6 image in it, which it once downloaded.

2. Delete the 7.6 image from LAP CLI, so it boots from the rcvk image.

Booting from the rcvk image lets it form DTLS with out-of-order packet situation.

The rcvk image should not be 7.6 image. If it fails on rcvk image too, then probably we have 7.6 based rcvk image in it.

3. Download the 7.4 rcvk image in the AP, via archive download-sw /force /overwrite commands.

LAP downloads the 7.4 code and boots using it. Using 7.4 code on both the ends, will get the DTLS session up, with out-of-order packets.

Key point is to not use 7.6 image at either ends, LAP or WLC.

Further Problem Description : LAP with MTU 1400 is unable to set up DTLS with Cisco WLC. The cert present by the AP, arrive on the Cisco WLC properly fragmented but out of order. According to Cisco WLC debug dtls, it fails with the following “debug dtls all enable” logs on Cisco WLC:

• Cisco WLC Release 7.3.112.0, which is configured for new mobility, might revert to old mobility after upgrading to Release 7.6, even though Release 7.6 supports new mobility. This issue occurs when new mobility, which is compatible with the Cisco 5760 Wireless LAN Controller and the Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series Switch, are in use. However, old mobility is not affected.

The workaround is as follows:

a. Enter the following commands:

b. After the reboot, press Esc on the console, and use the boot menu to select Release 7.6.

c. After booting on Release 7.6, set back the primary boot, and save the configuration by entering the following command:

Note The epings are not available in Cisco 5500 Series WLC when New Mobility is enabled.

Note If you downgrade from a Cisco WLC release that supports new mobility to a Cisco WLC release that does not support new mobility (for example, Release 7.6 to Release 7.3.x) and you download the 7.6 configuration file with new mobility in enabled state, the release that does not support new mobility will have the new mobility feature in enabled state.

• If you have ACL configurations in the Cisco WLC and downgrade from a 7.4 or a later release to a 7.3 or an earlier release, you might experience XML errors on rebooting the Cisco WLC. However, these errors do not have any impact on any functionality or configurations.
• When FlexConnect access points (known as H-REAP access points in the 7.0.x releases) that are associated with a Cisco WLC that has all the 7.0.x software releases prior to Release 7.0.240.0 upgrade to Release 7.6.120.0, the access points lose the enabled VLAN support configuration. The VLAN mappings revert to the default values of the VLAN of the associated interface. The workaround is to upgrade from Release 7.0.240.0 or a later 7.0.x release to Release 7.6.120.0.
• When a client sends an HTTP request, the Cisco WLC intercepts it for redirection to the login page. If the HTTP request intercepted by the Cisco WLC is fragmented, the Cisco WLC drops the packet because the HTTP request does not contain enough information required for redirection.
• A client whose home page is an HTTPS (HTTP over SSL, port 443) one is not redirected by Web Auth to the web authentication dialog box. Therefore, it is not possible for such a client to get authenticated, and eventually, fails to connect to the network. The workaround is for the client to open an HTTP (port 80) web page.
• We recommend that you install Release 1.9.0.0 of Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Field Upgrade Software (FUS), which is a special AES package that contains several system-related component upgrades. These include the bootloader, field recovery image, and FPGA/MCU firmware. Installing the FUS image requires special attention because it installs some critical firmware. The FUS image is independent of the runtime image. For more information, see http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/release/notes/fus_rn_OL-31390-01.html

Note The FUS image installation process reboots the Cisco WLC several times and reboots the runtime image. The entire process takes approximately 30 minutes. We recommend that you install the FUS image in a planned outage window.

Note If you are using a Cisco 2500 Series controller and you intend to use the Application Visibility and Control (AVC) and NetFlow protocol features, you must install Release 1.9.0.0 of Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Field Upgrade Software (FUS). This is not required if you are using other controller hardware models.

• After you upgrade to Release 7.4, networks that were not affected by the existing preauthentication ACLs might not work because the rules are now enforced. That is, networks with clients configured with static DNS servers might not work unless the static server is defined in the preauthentication ACL.
• On Cisco Flex 7500 Series WLCs, if FIPS is enabled, the reduced boot options are displayed only after a bootloader upgrade.

Note Bootloader upgrade is not required if FIPS is disabled.

• If you have to downgrade from one release to another, you might lose the configuration from your current release. The workaround is to reload the previous Cisco WLC configuration files saved on the backup server, or to reconfigure the Cisco WLC.
• It is not possible to directly upgrade to Release 7.6.120.0 release from a release that is earlier than Release 7.0.98.0.
• You can upgrade or downgrade the Cisco WLC software only between certain releases. In some instances, you must first install an intermediate release prior to upgrading to Release 7.6.120.0. Table 5 shows the upgrade path that you must follow before downloading Release 7.6.120.0.

• When you upgrade the Cisco WLC to an intermediate software release, you must wait until all of the access points that are associated with the Cisco WLC are upgraded to the intermediate release before you install the latest Cisco WLC software. In large networks, it can take some time to download the software on each access point.
• Cisco Prime Infrastructure 1.4.1 is needed to manage Cisco WLC software Release 7.6.120.0.
• You can upgrade to a new release of the Cisco WLC software or downgrade to an earlier release even if Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) is enabled.
• When you upgrade to the latest software release, the software on the access points associated with the Cisco WLC is also automatically upgraded. When an access point is loading software, each of its LEDs blinks in succession.
• We recommend that you access the Cisco WLC GUI using Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 or a later version or Mozilla Firefox 17 or a later version.

For the Cisco WLAN Express Setup for Cisco 2500 Series Wireless Controller feature, we recommend the following browsers:

– Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 or a later version

– Mozilla Firefox 26 or a later version

– Apple Safari 6 or a later version

• Cisco WLCs support standard SNMP Management Information Base (MIB) files. MIBs can be downloaded from the Software Center on Cisco.com.
• The Cisco WLC software is factory installed on your Cisco WLC and is automatically downloaded to the access points after a release upgrade and whenever an access point joins a Cisco WLC. We recommend that you install the latest software version available for maximum operational benefit.
• Ensure that you have a TFTP, FTP, or SFTP server available for the software upgrade. Follow these guidelines when setting up a server:

– Ensure that your TFTP server supports files that are larger than the size of Cisco WLC software Release 7.6.120.0. Some TFTP servers that support files of this size are tftpd32 and the TFTP server within the Prime Infrastructure. If you attempt to download the 7.6.120.0 Cisco WLC software and your TFTP server does not support files of this size, the following error message appears:

“TFTP failure while storing in flash.”

– If you are upgrading through the distribution system network port, the TFTP or FTP server can be on the same subnet or a different subnet because the distribution system port is routable.

• When you plug a Cisco WLC into an AC power source, the bootup script and power-on self test is run to initialize the system. During this time, press Esc to display the bootloader Boot Options menu. The menu options for the Cisco 5500 Series WLC differ from the menu options for the other Cisco WLC platforms.

Bootloader menu for Cisco 5500 Series WLC:

Bootloader menu for other Cisco WLC platforms:

Enter 1 to run the current software, enter 2 to run the previous software, enter 4 (on a 5500 series Cisco WLC), or enter 5 (on another Cisco WLC platform) to run the current software and set the Cisco WLC configuration to factory defaults. Do not choose the other options unless directed to do so.

Note See the Installation Guide or the Quick Start Guide pertaining to your Cisco WLC platform for more details on running the bootup script and power-on self test.

• The Cisco WLC bootloader stores a copy of the active primary image and the backup image. If the primary image becomes corrupted, you can use the bootloader to boot with the backup image.

With the backup image stored before rebooting, choose Option 2: Run Backup Image from the boot menu to boot from the backup image. Then, upgrade with a known working image and reboot the Cisco WLC.

• You can control the address(es) are sent in the CAPWAP discovery responses when NAT is enabled on the Management Interface using the following command:

config network ap-discovery nat-ip-only { enable | disable }

Here:

– enable — Enables use of NAT IP only in a discovery response. This is the default. Use this command if all the APs are outside the NAT gateway.

– disable —Enables use of both NAT IP and non-NAT IP in a discovery response. Use this command if APs are on the inside and outside the NAT gateway; for example, Local Mode and OfficeExtend APs are on the same Cisco WLC.

Note To avoid stranding APs, you must disable AP link latency (if enabled) before you use the disable option for the config network ap-discovery nat-ip-only command. To disable AP link latency, use the config ap link-latency disable all command.

• You can configure 802.1p tagging by using the config qos dot1p-tag { bronze | silver | gold | platinum } tag. For Release 7.2.103.0 and later releases, if you tag 802.1p packets, the tagging has impact only on wired packets. Wireless packets are impacted only by the maximum priority level set for QoS.
• You can reduce the network downtime using the following options:

– You can predownload the AP image.

– For FlexConnect access points, use the FlexConnect AP upgrade feature to reduce traffic between the Cisco WLC and the AP (main site and the branch). For more information about the FlexConnect AP upgrade feature, see the Cisco Wireless LAN Controller FlexConnect Configuration Guide.

Note Predownloading Release 7.6.120.0 on a Cisco Aironet 1240 access point is not supported when upgrading from a previous Cisco WLC release. If predownloading is attempted on a Cisco Aironet 1240 access point, an AP disconnect will occur momentarily.

• Do not power down the Cisco WLC or any access point during the upgrade process; otherwise, you might corrupt the software image. Upgrading a Cisco WLC with a large number of access points can take as long as 30 minutes, depending on the size of your network. However, with the increased number of concurrent access point upgrades supported, the upgrade time should be significantly reduced. The access points must remain powered, and the Cisco WLC must not be reset during this time.
• If you want to downgrade from Release 7.6.120.0 to Release 6.0 or an earlier release, perform either of these tasks:

– Delete all the WLANs that are mapped to interface groups, and create new ones.

– Ensure that all the WLANs are mapped to interfaces rather than interface groups.

• After you perform these functions on the Cisco WLC, you must reboot the Cisco WLC for the changes to take effect:

– Enable or disable link aggregation (LAG)

– Enable a feature that is dependent on certificates (such as HTTPS and web authentication)

– Add a new license or modify an existing license

– Increase the priority for a license

– Enable the HA

– Install the SSL certificate

– Configure the database size

– Install the vendor-device certificate

– Download the CA certificate

– Upload the configuration file

– Install the Web Authentication certificate

– Make changes to the management interface or the virtual interface

– For TCP MSS to take effect

Upgrading to Cisco WLC Software Release 7.6.120.0 (GUI)

Step 1 Upload your Cisco WLC configuration files to a server to back them up.

Note We highly recommend that you back up your Cisco WLC configuration files prior to upgrading the Cisco WLC software.

Step 2 Follow these steps to obtain the 7.6.120.0 Cisco WLC software:

a. Click this URL to go to the Software Center:

https://software.cisco.com/download/navigator.html

b. Choose Wireless from the center selection window.

c. Click Wireless LAN Controllers.

The following options are available:

– Integrated Controllers and Controller Modules

– Standalone Controllers

d. Depending on your Cisco WLC platform, select one of these options.

e. Click the Cisco WLC model number or name.

The Download Software page is displayed.

f. Click a Cisco WLC software release number. The software releases are labeled as follows to help you determine which release to download:

• Early Deployment (ED) —These software releases provide new features and new hardware platform support as well as bug fixes.
• Maintenance Deployment (MD) —These software releases provide bug fixes and ongoing software maintenance.
• Deferred (DF) —These software releases have been deferred. We recommend that you migrate to an upgraded release.

g. Click a software release number.

h. Click the filename ( filename.aes).

i. Click Download.

j. Read the Cisco End User Software License Agreement and click Agree.

k. Save the file to your hard drive.

l. Repeat steps a. through k. to download the remaining file.

Step 3 Copy the Cisco WLC software file ( filename.aes) to the default directory on your TFTP, FTP, or SFTP server.

Step 4 (Optional) Disable the Cisco WLC 802.11a/n and 802.11b/g/n networks.

Note For busy networks, Cisco WLCs on high utilization, or small Cisco WLC platforms, we recommend that you disable the 802.11a/n and 802.11b/g/n networks as a precautionary measure.

Step 5 Choose Commands > Download File to open the Download File to Controller page.

Step 6 From the File Type drop-down list, choose Code.

Step 7 From the Transfer Mode drop-down list, choose TFTP, FTP, or SFTP.

Step 8 In the IP Address text box, enter the IP address of the TFTP, FTP, or SFTP server.

Step 9 If you are using a TFTP server, the default values of 10 retries for the Maximum Retries text field, and 6 seconds for the Timeout text field should work correctly without any adjustment. However, you can change these values if desired. To do so, enter the maximum number of times that the TFTP server attempts to download the software in the Maximum Retries text box and the amount of time (in seconds) that the TFTP server attempts to download the software, in the Timeout text box.

Step 10 In the File Path text box, enter the directory path of the software.

Step 11 In the File Name text box, enter the name of the software file ( filename.aes).

Step 12 If you are using an FTP server, follow these steps:

a. In the Server Login Username text box, enter the username to log on to the FTP server.

b. In the Server Login Password text box, enter the password to log on to the FTP server.

c. In the Server Port Number text box, enter the port number on the FTP server through which the download occurs. The default value is 21.

Step 13 Click Download to download the software to the Cisco WLC.

A message appears indicating the status of the download.

Step 14 After the download is complete, click Reboot.

Step 15 If you are prompted to save your changes, click Save and Reboot.

Step 16 Click OK to confirm your decision to reboot the Cisco WLC.

Step 17 Re-enable the WLANs.

Step 18 For Cisco WiSM2 on the Catalyst switch, check the port channel and re-enable the port channel if necessary.

Step 19 If you have disabled the 802.11a/n and 802.11b/g/n networks in (Optional) Disable the Cisco WLC 802.11a/n and 802.11b/g/n networks., re-enable them.

Step 20 To verify that the 7.6.120.0 Cisco WLC software is installed on your Cisco WLC, click Monitor on the Cisco WLC GUI and view the Software Version field under Controller Summary.

Downloading and Installing a DTLS License for an LDPE Cisco WLC

Step 1 Download the Cisco DTLS license.

a. Go to the Cisco Software Center at this URL:

https://tools.cisco.com/SWIFT/LicensingUI/Home

b. On the Product License Registration page, choose Get New > IPS, Crypto, Other Licenses.

c. Under Wireless, choose Cisco Wireless Controllers (2500/5500/7500/8500/WiSM2) DTLS License.

d. Complete the remaining steps to generate the license file. The license file information will be sent to you in an e-mail.

Step 2 Copy the license file to your TFTP server.

Step 3 Install the DTLS license. You can install the license either by using the Cisco WLC web GUI interface or the CLI:

• To install the license using the web GUI, choose:

Management > Software Activation > Commands > Action : Install License

• To install the license using the CLI, enter this command:

license install tftp ://ipaddress /path /extracted-file

After the installation of the DTLS license, reboot the system. Ensure that the DTLS license that is installed is active.

Upgrading from an LDPE to a Non-LDPE Cisco WLC

Step 1 Download the non-LDPE software release:

a. Go to the Cisco Software Center at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/cisco/software/navigator.html?mdfid=282585015&i=rm

b. Choose the Cisco WLC model.

c. Click Wireless LAN Controller Software.

d. In the left navigation pane, click the software release number for which you want to install the non-LDPE software.

e. Choose the non-LDPE software release: AIR-X-K9-X-X.X.aes

f. Click Download.

g. Read the Cisco End User Software License Agreement and then click Agree.

h. Save the file to your hard drive.

Step 2 Copy the Cisco WLC software file ( filename.aes) to the default directory on your TFTP server or FTP server.

Step 3 Upgrade the Cisco WLC with this version by performing Copy the Cisco WLC software file ( filename.aes) to the default directory on your TFTP, FTP, or SFTP server. through To verify that the 7.6.120.0 Cisco WLC software is installed on your Cisco WLC, click Monitor on the Cisco WLC GUI and view the Software Version field under Controller Summary. detailed in the “Upgrading to Cisco WLC Software Release 7.6.120.0” section.

Features Not Supported on Cisco 2500 Series WLCs

• Wired Guest Access
• Bandwidth Contract
• Service Port
• AppleTalk Bridging
• Right-to-Use licensing
• PMIPv6
• High Availability (1:1)
• Multicast-to-Unicast

Note The features that are not supported on Cisco WiSM2 and Cisco 5500 Series WLCs are not supported on Cisco 2500 Series WLCs too.

Note Directly connected APs are supported only in the Local mode.

Features Not Supported on WiSM2 and Cisco 5500 Series WLCs

• Cisco WLAN Express Setup
• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
• Port Mirroring
• VPN Termination (such as IPsec and L2TP)
• VPN Passthrough Option

Note You can replicate this functionality on a Cisco 5500 Series WLC by creating an open WLAN using an ACL.

• Configuration of 802.3 bridging, AppleTalk, and Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE)
• Fragmented Pings on any interface
• Right-to-Use licensing

Features Not Supported on Cisco Flex 7500 WLCs

• Cisco WLAN Express Setup
• Static AP-manager interface

Note For Cisco Flex 7500 Series WLCs, it is not necessary to configure an AP-manager interface. The management interface acts like an AP-manager interface by default, and the access points can join on this interface.

• L3 Roaming
• VideoStream
• TrustSec SXP
• IPv6/Dual Stack client visibility

Note IPv6 client bridging and Router Advertisement Guard are supported.

• Internal DHCP Server
• Access points in local mode

Note An AP associated with the Cisco WLC in the local mode should be converted to the FlexConnect mode or Monitor mode, either manually or by enabling the autoconvert feature. On the Cisco Flex 7500 WLC CLI, enable the autoconvert feature by entering the config ap autoconvert enable command.

• Mesh
• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
• Cisco Flex 7500 Series WLC cannot be configured as a guest anchor Cisco WLC. However, it can be configured as a foreign Cisco WLC to tunnel guest traffic to a guest anchor Cisco WLC in a DMZ.
• Multicast

Note FlexConnect local-switched multicast traffic is bridged transparently for both wired and wireless on the same VLAN. FlexConnect access points do not limit traffic based on IGMP or MLD snooping.

• PMIPv6
• New Mobility

Features Not Supported on Cisco 8500 WLCs

• Cisco WLAN Express Setup
• TrustSec SXP
• Internal DHCP Server

Features Not Supported on Cisco Virtual WLCs

• Cisco WLAN Express Setup
• Internal DHCP server
• TrustSec SXP
• Access points in local mode
• Mobility/Guest Anchor
• Multicast

Note FlexConnect local-switched multicast traffic is bridged transparently for both wired and wireless on the same VLAN. FlexConnect access points do not limit traffic based on IGMP or MLD snooping.

• IPv6
• High Availability
• PMIPv6
• New Mobility
• WGB
• VideoStream
• Outdoor mesh access points

Note Outdoor APs in the FlexConnect mode are supported.

• Indoor mesh access points
• Application Visibility and Control (AVC)
• Client downstream rate limiting for central switching

Features Not Supported on Mesh Networks

• Multicountry support
• Load-based CAC (mesh networks support only bandwidth-based CAC or static CAC)
• High availability (fast heartbeat and primary discovery join timer)
• AP acting as supplicant with EAP-FASTv1 and 802.1X authentication
• Access point join priority (mesh access points have a fixed priority)
• Location-based services, which are deployed on outdoor mesh networks have a lesser degree of accuracy due to AP density

Open Caveats

Table 8 lists the open caveats in the 7.6.120.0 Cisco WLC software release.

Resolved Caveats

Table 9 lists the caveats that have been resolved in Release 7.6.120.0.

Warnings

Warning This warning means danger. You are in a situation that could cause bodily injury. Before you work on any equipment, be aware of the hazards involved with electrical circuitry and be familiar with standard practices for preventing accidents. Use the statement number provided at the end of each warning to locate its translation in the translated safety warnings that accompanied this device. Statement 1071

Warning Only trained and qualified personnel should be allowed to install, replace, or service this equipment. Statement 1030

Warning Do not locate the antenna near overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can come into contact with such circuits. When installing the antenna, take extreme care not to come into contact with such circuits, as they may cause serious injury or death. For proper installation and grounding of the antenna, please refer to national and local codes (e.g. U.S.: NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Article 810, Canada: Canadian Electrical Code, Section 54). Statement 280

Warning This product relies on the building’s installation for short-circuit (overcurrent) protection. Ensure that a fuse or circuit breaker no larger than 120 VAC, 15A U.S. (240 VAC, 10A international) is used on the phase conductors (all current-carrying conductors). Statement 13

Warning This equipment must be grounded. Never defeat the ground conductor or operate the equipment in the absence of a suitably installed ground connector. Contact the appropriate electrical inspection authority or an electrician if you are uncertain that suitable grounding is available. Statement 1024

Warning Read the installation instructions before you connect the system to its power source. Statement 10

Warning Do not work on the system or connect or disconnect any cables (Ethernet, cable, or power) during periods of lightning activity. The possibility of serious physical injury exists if lightning should strike and travel through those cables. In addition, the equipment could be damaged by the higher levels of static electricity present in the atmosphere. Statement 276

Warning Do not operate the unit near unshielded blasting caps or in an explosive environment unless the device has been modified to be especially qualified for such use. Statement 364

Warning In order to comply with radio frequency (RF) exposure limits, the antennas for this product should be positioned no less than 6.56 ft. (2 m) from your body or nearby persons. Statement 339

Warning This unit is intended for installation in restricted access areas. A restricted access area can be accessed only through the use of a special tool, lock and key, or other means of security. Statement 1017

Safety Information

Follow the guidelines in this section to ensure proper operation and safe use of the Cisco WLCs and access points.

FCC Safety Compliance Statement

FCC Compliance with its action in ET Docket 96-8, has adopted a safety standard for human exposure to RF electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC-certified equipment. When used with approved Cisco Aironet antennas, Cisco Aironet products meet the uncontrolled environmental limits found in OET-65 and ANSI C95.1, 1991. Proper operation of this radio device according to the instructions in this publication results in user exposure substantially below the FCC recommended limits.

Safety Precautions

For your safety, and to help you achieve a good installation, read and follow these safety precautions. They might save your life!

1. If you are installing an antenna for the first time, for your own safety as well as others, seek professional assistance. Your Cisco sales representative can explain which mounting method to use for the size and type of antenna you are about to install.

2. Select your installation site with safety as well as performance in mind. Electric power lines and phone lines look alike. For your safety, assume that any overhead line can kill you.

3. Call your electric power company. Tell them your plans and ask them to come look at your proposed installation. This is a small inconvenience considering your life is at stake.

4. Plan your installation carefully and completely before you begin. Successfully raising a mast or tower is largely a matter of coordination. Each person should be assigned to a specific task and should know what to do and when to do it. One person should be in charge of the operation to issue instructions and watch for signs of trouble.

5. When installing an antenna, remember:

a. Do not use a metal ladder.

b. Do not work on a wet or windy day.

c. Do dress properly—shoes with rubber soles and heels, rubber gloves, long-sleeved shirt or jacket.

6. If the assembly starts to drop, get away from it and let it fall. Remember that the antenna, mast, cable, and metal guy wires are all excellent conductors of electrical current. Even the slightest touch of any of these parts to a power line completes an electrical path through the antenna and the installer: you!

7. If any part of an antenna system should come in contact with a power line, do not touch it or try to remove it yourself. Call your local power company. They will remove it safely.

8. If an accident should occur with the power lines, call for qualified emergency help immediately.

Installation Instructions

See the appropriate quick start guide or hardware installation guide for instructions on installing Cisco WLCs and access points.

Note To meet regulatory restrictions, all external antenna configurations must be installed by experts.

Personnel installing the Cisco WLCs and access points must understand wireless techniques and grounding methods. Access points with internal antennas can be installed by an experienced IT professional.

The Cisco WLC must be installed by a network administrator or qualified IT professional, and the proper country code must be selected. Following installation, access to the Cisco WLC should be password protected by the installer to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and ensure proper unit functionality.

Troubleshooting

For the most up-to-date, detailed troubleshooting information, see the Cisco TAC website at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/index.html

Click Product Support > Wireless. Then choose your product and Troubleshooting to find information on the problem you are experiencing.

Related Documentation

For more information about the Cisco WLCs, lightweight access points, and mesh access points, see these documents:

• The quick start guide or installation guide for your particular Cisco WLC or access point
• Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Configuration Guide
• Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Command Reference
• Cisco Wireless LAN Controller System Message Guide
• Cisco Wireless Mesh Access Points, Design and Deployment Guide

You can access these documents at this URL: http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/index.html

Obtaining Documentation and Submitting a Service Request

For information on obtaining documentation, submitting a service request, and gathering additional information, see What’s New in Cisco Product Documentation at: http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/general/whatsnew/whatsnew.html

Subscribe to What’s New in Cisco Product Documentation, which lists all new and revised Cisco technical documentation, as an RSS feed and deliver content directly to your desktop using a reader application. The RSS feeds are a free service.

Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. To view a list of Cisco trademarks, go to this URL: www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company. (1110R)

Any Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and phone numbers used in this document are not intended to be actual addresses and phone numbers. Any examples, command display output, network topology diagrams, and other figures included in the document are shown for illustrative purposes only. Any use of actual IP addresses or phone numbers in illustrative content is unintentional and coincidental.

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