Release Notes for Cisco Wireless Controllers and Lightweight Access Points for Cisco Wireless Release 8.1.131.0
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Table of Contents
Cisco Wireless Controller and Cisco Lightweight Access Point Platforms
Supported Cisco Wireless Controller Platforms
Supported Access Point Platforms
Unsupported Cisco Wireless Controller Platforms
Software Release Support for Access Points
Software Release Types and Recommendations
Software Release Recommendations
Upgrading to Cisco WLC Software Release 8.1.131.0
Upgrading to Cisco WLC Software Release 8.1.131.0 (GUI)
Special Notes for Licensed Data Payload Encryption on Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers
Downloading and Installing a DTLS License for an LDPE Cisco WLC
Upgrading from an LDPE to a Non-LDPE Cisco WLC
Interoperability with Other Clients
Features Not Supported on Cisco WLC Platforms
Features Not Supported on Cisco 2504 WLC
Features Not Supported on Cisco WiSM2 and Cisco 5508 WLC
Features Not Supported on Cisco Flex 7510 WLCs
Features Not Supported on Cisco 5520, 8510, and 8540 WLCs
Features Not Supported on Cisco Virtual WLCs
Features Not Supported on Mesh Networks
Features Not Supported on Access Point Platforms
Features Not Supported on Cisco Aironet 1830 and 1850 APs
Features Not Supported on Cisco Aironet 1550 APs (with 64-MB Memory)
Cisco Mobility Express Solution Release Notes
Supported Cisco Aironet Access Points
Compatibility with Other Cisco Wireless Solutions
New Features and Functionalities
Installing Mobility Express Software
FCC Safety Compliance Statement
Obtaining Documentation and Submitting a Service Request
Release Notes for Cisco Wireless Controllers and Lightweight Access Points for Cisco Wireless Release 8.1.131.0
First Published: November 06, 2015
This release notes document describes what is new in Cisco Wireless Release 8.1.131.0, instructions to upgrade to this release, and open and resolved caveats for this release. Unless otherwise noted, in this document, all Cisco Wireless Controllers are referred to as Cisco WLCs, and all Cisco lightweight access points are referred to as access points or Cisco APs.
Note
For information specific to the Cisco Mobility Express solution, see “Cisco Mobility Express Solution Release Notes” section.
Revision History
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Cisco Wireless Controller and Cisco Lightweight Access Point Platforms
The section contains the following subsections:
- Supported Cisco Wireless Controller Platforms
- Supported Access Point Platforms
- Unsupported Cisco Wireless Controller Platforms
Supported Cisco Wireless Controller Platforms
The following Cisco WLC platforms are supported in this release:
- Cisco 2500 Series Wireless Controllers (Cisco 2504 Wireless Controller)
- Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controllers (5508 and 5520 Wireless Controllers)
- Cisco Flex 7500 Series Wireless Controllers (Cisco Flex 7510 Wireless Controller)
- Cisco 8500 Series Wireless Controllers (8510 and 8540 Wireless Controllers)
- Cisco Virtual Wireless Controllers on the Cisco Services-Ready Engine (Cisco SRE) or the Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Module for Cisco Integrated Services Routers G2 (UCS-E)
Kernel-based virtual machine (KVM) is supported in Cisco Wireless Release 8.1.131.0 and later releases.
Note After KVM is deployed, we recommend that you do not downgrade to a Cisco Wireless release that is older than Release 8.1.131.0.
- Cisco Wireless Controllers for High Availability for Cisco 2504 WLC (no AP SSO support), Cisco 5508 WLC, Cisco 5520 WLC, Cisco Wireless Services Module 2 (Cisco WiSM2), Cisco Flex 7510 WLC, Cisco 8510 WLC, and Cisco 8540 WLC.
Note AP Stateful switchover (SSO) is not supported on Cisco 2504 WLCs.
For information about features that are not supported on the Cisco WLC platforms, see Features Not Supported on Cisco WLC Platforms.
Supported Access Point Platforms
The following access point platforms are supported in this release:
- Cisco Aironet 1040 Series Access Points
- Cisco Aironet 1140 Series Access Points
- Cisco Aironet 1260 Series Access Points
- Cisco Aironet 1600 Series Access Points
- Cisco Aironet 1700 Series Access Points
- Cisco Aironet 1830 Series Access Points
- Cisco Aironet 1850 Series Access Points
- Cisco Aironet 2600 Series Access Points
- Cisco Aironet 2700 Series Access Points
- Cisco Aironet 3500 Series Access Points
- Cisco Aironet 3600 Series Access Points
- Cisco Aironet 3700 Series Access Points
- Cisco Aironet 600 Series OfficeExtend Access Points
- Cisco Aironet 700 Series Access Points
- Cisco Aironet 700W Series Access Points
- Cisco AP802 Integrated Access Point
- Cisco AP803 Integrated Access Point
- Cisco ASA 5506W-AP702
- Cisco Aironet 1530 Series Access Points
- Cisco Aironet 1550 Series Access Points
- Cisco Aironet 1570 Series Access Points
- Cisco Industrial Wireless 3700 Series Access Points
Note The Cisco 1040 Series, 1140 Series, and 1260 Series access points have feature parity with Cisco Wireless Release 8.0. Features introduced in Cisco Wireless Release 8.1 and later are not supported on these access points.
For information about features that are not supported on some access point platforms, see Features Not Supported on Access Point Platforms.
Note Cisco AP802 is an integrated access point on the Cisco 800 Series Integrated Services Routers (ISRs). For more information about the stock-keeping units (SKUs) for the AP802s and the Cisco ISRs, see the following data sheets:
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/routers/800-series-routers/data_sheet_c78_461543.html
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
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/routers/800-series-routers/data_sheet_c78-519930.html
Before you use a Cisco AP802 series lightweight access point with Cisco Wireless Release 8.1.131.0, you must upgrade the software in the Cisco 880 Series ISRs to Cisco IOS 15.1(4)M or later releases.
Unsupported Cisco Wireless Controller Platforms
The following Cisco Wireless Controller 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 Controller software for Cisco SRE Internal Services Module (ISM) 300, Cisco SRE Service Module (SM) 700, Cisco SRE Service Module (SM) 710, Cisco SRE Service Module (SM) 900, and Cisco SRE Service Module (SM) 910.
- Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series and 7600 Series WiSM
- Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Module (NM/NME)
What’s New in This Release
Cisco Hyperlocation
Cisco Hyperlocation is an ultra-precise location solution that attaches to the back of your Cisco Aironet 3700i and 3600i Series wireless access points. It combines Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technologies to pinpoint beacons, inventory, and personal mobile devices. While some other networks use multiple access points to get location coordinates within 5 to 7 meters of accuracy, Cisco Hyperlocation can track locations to within a single meter.
You can integrate Cisco Hyperlocation with other Cisco wireless solutions for additional uses. Combining it with Cisco Connected Mobile Experiences (CMX), for instance, can result in more precise location analytics that help you deliver more targeted content to users. When you use CMX with Cisco CleanAir® frequency scanning, it’s simple to locate failed, lost, and even rogue beacons.
For more information about Cisco Hyperlocation, see the following documents:
- Cisco CMX Release Notes
- The Hyperlocation section in the Cisco Wireless Controller Configuration Guide
Software Release Support for Access Points
Table 2 lists the Cisco WLC software releases that support specific Cisco access points. The First Support column lists the earliest Cisco WLC software release that supports the corresponding access point. For APs that are not supported in ongoing releases, the Last Support column lists the last release that supports the corresponding APs.
Note Third-party antennas are not supported with Cisco indoor APs.
Software Release Types and Recommendations
This section contains the following topics:
Release Types
Software releases that provide bug-fix support and ongoing software maintenance. These releases are categorized as Maintenance Deployment (MD) and may be part of the AssureWave program.4 These are releases with long life and ongoing software maintenance. |
Provides you with a software release that offers stability and long support duration with periodic maintenance releases (MRs). |
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Software releases that provide new features and new hardware platform support in addition to bug fixes. These releases are categorized as Early Deployment (ED). These are short-lived releases. |
Allows you to deploy the latest features and new hardware platforms or modules. |
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.html
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.
Upgrading to Cisco WLC Software Release 8.1.131.0
Guidelines and Limitations
- When you change the WLAN profile name, then FlexConnect APs (using AP-specific VLAN mapping) will become WLAN-specific. If FlexConnect Groups are properly configured, the VLAN mapping will become Group-specific.
- If you are using Cisco Virtual Wireless Controller and upgrade from Release 8.0.x to Release 8.1.x, the AP counts from the license are not retained. The workaround is to remove the license file and manually add the AP count using the Right to Use Licensing feature.
For more information about using the Right to Use Licensing feature, see the Configuring Right to Use Licensing section in the Cisco Wireless Controller Configuration Guide.
- 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.
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 the 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, Cisco Wireless 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 downgrade from Release 8.1.131.0 to a 7.x release, the trap configuration is lost and must be reconfigured.
- If you upgrade from Release 8.0.110.0 to a later release, the config redundancy mobilitymac mac-addr command's setting is removed. You must manually reconfigure the mobility MAC address after the upgrade.
- If you are upgrading from Release 8.0.140.0 or 8.0.15x.0 to a later release and also have the multiple country code feature configured, the feature configuration is corrupted after the upgrade. For more information, see CSCve41740.
- If you have ACL configurations in a Cisco WLC, and downgrade from a 7.4 or later release to a 7.3 or earlier release, you might experience XML errors on rebooting the Cisco WLC. However, these errors do not have any impact on any of the functionalities or configurations.
- If you are upgrading from a 7.4.x or earlier release to a release later than 7.4, the Called Station ID type information is mapped to the RADIUS Accounting Called Station ID type; which, by default, is set to apradio-mac-ssid. You can configure the RADIUS Authentication Called Station ID type information by using the config radius auth callStationIdType command.
- When FlexConnect APs (known as H-REAP APs 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 8.1.131.0, the APs 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 and later 7.0.x releases to Release 8.1.131.0.
Note In case of FlexConnect VLAN mapping deployment, we recommend that the deployment be done using FlexConnect groups. This allows you to recover VLAN mapping after an AP rejoins the Cisco WLC without having to manually reassign the VLAN mappings.
- When a client sends an HTTP request, the Cisco WLC intercepts it for redirection to the login page. If the HTTP GET request that is intercepted by the Cisco WLC is longer than 2000 bytes, the Cisco WLC drops the packet. Track CSCuy81133 for a possible enhancement to address this restriction.
- 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 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 access control lists 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 the 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 8.1.131.0 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 8.1.131.0. Table 5 shows the upgrade path that you must follow before downloading Release 8.1.131.0.
If you upgrade directly to 7.6.x or a later release from a release that is earlier than 7.5, the predownload functionality on Cisco Aironet 2600 and 3600 APs fails. The predownload functionality failure is only a one-time failure. After the upgrade to 7.6.x or a later release, the new image is loaded on the said Cisco APs, and the predownload functionality works as expected.
- 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.
- 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.
Note Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 might fail to connect over HTTPS because of compatibility issues. In such cases, you can explicitly enable SSLv3 by entering the config network secureweb sslv3 enable command.
- Cisco WLCs support standard SNMP 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 8.1.131.0. 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 8.1.131.0 Cisco WLC software and your TFTP server does not support files of this size, the following error message appears:
– 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 Cisco 5500 Series WLC), or enter 5 (on Cisco WLC platforms other than 5500 series) 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 addresses that are sent in the Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points (CAPWAP) discovery responses when NAT is enabled on the Management Interface using the following command:
config network ap-discovery nat-ip-only { enable | disable }
– 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 of 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 } command. For Release 7.2.103.0 and later releases, if you tag 802.1p packets, the tagging has an impact on only 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 Controller Configuration Guide.
Note Predownloading Release 8.1.131.0 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.
- To downgrade from Release 8.1.131.0 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 the following functions on the Cisco WLC, 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 of a license
– Install the vendor-device certificate
– Upload the configuration file
– Install the Web Authentication certificate
– Make changes to the management interface or the virtual interface
Upgrading to Cisco WLC Software Release 8.1.131.0 (GUI)
Step 1 Upload your Cisco WLC configuration files to a server to back up the configuration files.
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 Cisco Wireless Release 8.1.131.0 software:
a. Click this URL to go to the Software Center:
http://www.cisco.com/cisco/software/navigator.html
b. Choose Wireless from the center selection window.
c. Click Wireless LAN Controllers.
The following options are displayed. Depending on your Cisco WLC platform, select either of these options:
– Integrated Controllers and Controller Modules
d. Select the Cisco WLC model number or name.
The Download Software page is displayed.
e. The software releases are labeled as follows to help you determine which release to download. Click a Cisco WLC software release number:
- 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.
f. Click the filename ( filename.aes).
h. Read the Cisco End User Software License Agreement and click Agree.
i. Save the file to your hard drive.
j. Repeat steps a. through i. 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, and 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 value 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) for which 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, perform these steps:
a. In the Server Login Username text box, enter the username with which to log on to the FTP server.
b. In the Server Login Password text box, enter the password with which 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 For Cisco WiSM2 on the Catalyst switch, check the port channel and re-enable the port channel if necessary.
Step 18 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 19 To verify that the 8.1.131.0 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.
Special Notes for Licensed Data Payload Encryption on
Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers
Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS) is required for all Cisco 600 Series OfficeExtend Access Point deployments to encrypt data plane traffic between the APs and the Cisco WLC. You can purchase Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers with either DTLS that is enabled (non-LDPE) or disabled (LDPE). If DTLS is disabled, you must install a DTLS license to enable DTLS encryption. The DTLS license is available for download on Cisco.com.
Important Note for Customers in Russia
If you plan to install a Cisco Wireless LAN Controller in Russia, you must get a Paper PAK, and not download the license from Cisco.com. The DTLS Paper PAK license is for customers who purchase a Cisco WLC with DTLS that is disabled due to import restrictions, but have authorization from local regulators to add DTLS support after the initial purchase. Refer to your local government regulations to ensure that DTLS encryption is permitted.
Note Paper PAKs and electronic licenses that are available are outlined in the respective Cisco WLC platform data sheets.
Downloading and Installing a DTLS License for an LDPE Cisco WLC
Step 1 To download the Cisco DTLS license:
a. Go to the Cisco Software Center at this URL:
https://tools.cisco.com/SWIFT/LicensingUI/Home
b. From the Product License Registration page from the Get Other Licenses drop-down list, click IPS, Crypto, Other....
c. In the Wireless section, click Cisco Wireless Controllers (2500/5500/7500/WiSM2) DTLS License and click Next.
d. Follow the on-screen instructions 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 either by using the Cisco WLC web GUI interface or the CLI:
Management > Software Activation > Commands > Action : Install License
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:
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
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 Step 3 through Step 19 detailed in the “Upgrading to Cisco WLC Software Release 8.1.131.0” section.
Interoperability with Other Clients
This section describes the interoperability of Cisco WLC Software, Release 8.1.131.0 with other client devices.
Table 6 describes the configuration used for testing the client devices.
Table 7 lists the client types on which the tests were conducted, including laptops, handheld devices, phones, and printers.
Features Not Supported on Cisco WLC Platforms
This section lists the features that are not supported on the different Cisco WLC platforms:
- Features Not Supported on Cisco 2504 WLC
- Features Not Supported on Cisco WiSM2 and Cisco 5508 WLC
- Features Not Supported on Cisco Flex 7510 WLCs
- Features Not Supported on Cisco 5520, 8510, and 8540 WLCs
- Features Not Supported on Cisco Virtual WLCs
- Features Not Supported on Mesh Networks
Note In a converged access environment that has Cisco WLCs running AireOS code, High Availability Client SSO and native IPv6 are not supported.
Features Not Supported on Cisco 2504 WLC
- Autoinstall
- Cisco WLC integration with Lync SDN API
- Bonjour Gateway
- Application Visibility and Control (AVC) for FlexConnect local switched access points
Note However, AVC for local mode APs is supported.
- Bandwidth Contract
- Service Port
- AppleTalk Bridging
- Right-to-Use Licensing
- PMIPv6
- AP Stateful Switchover (SSO) and client SSO
- 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 Cisco WiSM2 and Cisco 5508 WLC
- 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.
Features Not Supported on Cisco Flex 7510 WLCs
Note For Cisco Flex 7500 Series WLCs, it is not necessary to configure an AP-manager interface. The management interface acts as an AP-manager interface by default, and the access points can join on this interface.
Note IPv6 client bridging and Router Advertisement Guard are supported.
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 (use Flex + Bridge mode for mesh-enabled FlexConnect deployments)
- 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 Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) or MLD snooping.
Features Not Supported on Cisco 5520, 8510, and 8540 WLCs
- Internal DHCP Server
- Local Authentication
- Wired Guest
- Mobility controller functionality in converged access mode
Note We recommend that you do not use the multicast-unicast mode in these Cisco WLCs.
Features Not Supported on Cisco Virtual WLCs
- Cisco Aironet 1830 and 1850 Series APs
- Internal DHCP server
- TrustSec SXP
- Access points in local mode
- Mobility/Guest Anchor
- Wired Guest
- 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.
Features Not Supported on Mesh Networks
- Load-based call admission control (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
Features Not Supported on Access Point Platforms
- Features Not Supported on Cisco Aironet 1830 and 1850 APs
- Features Not Supported on Cisco Aironet 1550 APs (with 64-MB Memory)
Features Not Supported on Cisco Aironet 1830 and 1850 APs
- Cisco Virtual Wireless Controller
- Mesh mode
- Flex mode
- Monitor mode
- Sniffer mode
- Workgroup Bridge (WGB) mode
- OfficeExtend mode
- Enhanced Local Mode (ELM)
- Integrated BLE
- Basic spectrum analysis
- USB-based Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) device support
- Cisco CleanAir
- Cisco Wireless ClientLink 3.0
- Rogue Location Discovery Protocol (RLDP)
- Cisco Compatible eXtensions (CCX) Specification
- 802.1x supplicant for AP authentication on the wired port
- Static WEP key for TKIP or CKIP
- Dynamic Transmit Power Control (DTPC)
- Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) and Common Criteria
- 40-MHz Rogue detection
- Native IPv6
- Telnet
Note For Cisco Aironet1850 Series AP technical specifications with details on currently supported features, see the Cisco Aironet 1850 Series Access Points Data Sheet.
Caveats
Cisco Bug Search Tool
The Bug Search Tool (BST), which is the online successor to the Bug Toolkit, is designed to improve the effectiveness in network risk management and device troubleshooting. The BST allows Cisco partners and customers to search for software bugs based on product, release, keyword, and aggregates key data, such as bug details, product, and version. The tool has a provision to filter bugs based on credentials to provide external and internal bug views for the search input.
To view the details of a caveat listed in this document:
1. Access the BST (use your Cisco user ID and password) at https://tools.cisco.com/bugsearch/.
2. Enter the bug ID in the Search For: field.
Note Using the BST, you can also find information about the bugs that are not listed in this section.
Open Caveats
Use Cisco Bug Search Tool (BST) to view the details of a caveat listed in this section. For more information about the BST, see the “Cisco Bug Search Tool” section
Resolved Caveats
Use the Cisco BST to view the details of a caveat listed in this section. For more information about the Cisco BST, see the “Cisco Bug Search Tool” section.
Cisco Mobility Express Solution Release Notes
Note The Cisco Mobility Express wireless network solution is available starting from Cisco Wireless Release 8.1.122.0 only.
The Cisco Mobility Express wireless network solution provides a wireless LAN controller functionality bundled into, currently, the Cisco Aironet 1850 and 1830 series access points. This functionality provides a simplified Wi-Fi architecture with limited enterprise-level WLAN capability to small and medium deployments.
In the Cisco Mobility Express wireless network solution, one access point, running the Cisco Mobility Express wireless controller, is designated as the primary AP. Other access points, referred to as Subordinate APs, associate to this primary AP.
The primary AP operates as a wireless LAN controller, to manage and control the subordinate APs, and also operates as an access point to serve clients. The subordinate APs behave as normal lightweight access points to serve clients.
For more information on the solution, including set up and configuration, see the Cisco Mobility Express User Guide for Release 8.1, at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/access_point/mob_exp/1/user_guide/b_ME_User_Guide.html
Supported Cisco Aironet Access Points
Supported Features
- License—Does not require any licenses (Cisco Right-To-Use License or Swift) for access points.
- Operation— The primary AP can concurrently function as controller (to manage APs) and as an AP (to serve clients).
- Initial configuration wizard.
- Priming at distribution site.
- Default Service Set Identifier (SSID), set from factory—Yes, for initial provisioning only.
- Management—Through a web interface monitoring dashboard.
- Cisco Wireless Controller Best Practices.
- Quality of Service (QoS).
- Multicast with default settings.
- Application Visibility and Control (AVC)—Limited HTTP, with only Application Visibility and not Control. Deep packet inspection with 1,500+ signatures.
- WLAN access control lists (ACLs).
- Roaming—Layer 2 roaming without mobility groups.
- IPv6—For client bridging only.
- High Density Experience (HDX)—Supported when managing access points that support HDX.
- Radio Resource Management (RRM)—Supported within AP group only.
- WPA2 Security.
- WLAN-VLAN Mapping.
- Guest WLAN login (Web Authorization).
- Local EAP Authentication (Local Radius Server).
- Local Profile.
- Network Time Protocol (NTP) Server.
- Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) and Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP).
- Clean Air.
- Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).
- Management - SSH / Telnet / Admin users.
- Reset to factory defaults.
- Serviceability - Core file and core options, Logging and syslog.
- Cisco Prime Infrastructure.
- CMX 10.x - Only Location Presence.
- BYOD - On boarding only.
- UX Regulatory Domain.
- Allow Authentication, Authorization, Accounting (AAA) Override.
- IEEE 802.11k
- IEEE 802.11r.
– Supported: Over-the-Air Fast BSS transition method
– Not Supported: Over-the-DS Fast BSS transition and Fast Transition PSK authentication
- Passive Client
- Voice with Call admission control (CAC), with Traffic Specification (TSpec)
- Fast SSID
- TACACS (Terminal Access Controller Access Control System)
- Management over wireless
- High Availability and Redundancy—Built-in redundancy mechanism to self-select a primary AP and to select a new AP as primary in case of a failure. Supported using VRRP.
- Software upgrade with pre image download
- Migration to controller-based deployment.
Compatibility with Other Cisco Wireless Solutions
See the Cisco Wireless Solutions Software Compatibility Matrix, at the following URL:
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/compatibility/matrix/compatibility-matrix.html
New Features and Functionalities
This release focuses on bug fixes. No new features or functionalities have been introduced in this release in comparison to the previous release.
Software Release Information
Cisco Mobility Express software for Cisco Wireless Release 8.1.131.0, is as follows:
Installing Mobility Express Software
See the Getting Started section in the Mobility Express User Guide at the following URL:
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/access_point/mob_exp/1/user_guide/b_ME_User_Guide.html
Caveats
The open caveats applicable to the Cisco Mobility Express solution are listed under the “Caveats” section. All caveats associated with the Cisco Mobility Express solution have Cisco Mobility Express mentioned in the headline.
Installation Notes
This section contains important information to keep in mind when installing Cisco WLCs and access points.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- When installing an antenna, remember:
– Do not work on a wet or windy day.
– Do dress properly—shoes with rubber soles and heels, rubber gloves, long-sleeved shirt or jacket.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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 Wireless Controllers and APs.
Note To meet regulatory restrictions, all external antenna configurations must be installed by experts.
Personnel installing the Cisco WLCs and APs must understand wireless techniques and grounding methods. APs 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. After the installation, access to the Cisco WLC should be password protected by the installer to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and ensure proper unit functionality.
Service and Support
Troubleshooting
Step 1 For the most up-to-date, detailed troubleshooting information, see the Cisco TAC website at:
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/index.html
Step 2 Choose Product Support > Wireless.
Step 3 Choose your product and click Troubleshooting to find information about 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 Controller Configuration Guide
- Cisco Wireless Controller Command Reference
- Cisco Wireless Controller System Message Guide
You can access these documents at http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/wireless/wireless-lan-controller-software/tsd-products-support-series-home.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.
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