Accelerating preconfigured integration by pairing

Through the one-time pairing of WLC and APs, you can further reduce the effort required for the preconfigured integration. For pairing, you reset an AP and connect it via LAN to the WLC used for running your managed WLAN including AutoWDS. In the reset state, the AP is automatically in managed mode after being switching on. Once the AP finds the WLC and the WLC accepts the AP, the AP automatically receives all relevant certificates and partial configurations required to configure the parameters in the device. Pairing is then complete. On location, a coworker installs the AP and switches it on. Your device then searches for the preconfigured AutoWDS base network.

The following steps summarize the pairing procedure. They also include the steps for automatic configuration assignment, which further simplifies the pairing of a high number of APs.

Start LANconfig and, on your WLC, set up a managed WLAN with a valid WLAN profile, if you have not already done so. In LANconfig you configure this type of profile under WLAN controller > Profiles > WLAN profiles.
Activate AutoWDS for this WLAN profile as described in Configuring the WLC.
Create a profile that is valid for all APs under WLAN controller > AP configuration > Access point table with the button Default. Assign the WLAN profile you created earlier to this profile
Enable the option Automatically provide APs with a default configuration under WLAN controller > General.
Optional: To avoid having to manually accept unassociated APs in LANmonitor by allowing the WLC to do this automatically, you should additionally select the option Automatically accept new APs (auto-accept).

Important: For security reasons, you should only enable this option if you have connected the unassociated APs to the WLC via a LAN interface. To exclude the possibility of rogue AP intrusion, make sure that no other devices are connected with the WLC.
Send the configuration to the WLC.
Reset the unassociated AP and connect the device to the WLC via the LAN.
The device automatically starts to search for a WLC.
In LANmonitor, you accept the new AP under Wireless LAN > New APs, unless you have set up automatic acceptance.
The WLC sends the device those parts of the configuration that it needs for its future operation in managed mode. After successful configuration, LANmonitor lists the device in the Active APs.

This completes the pairing and the AP is ready for AutoWDS operation.