Configuring the WLC

The following instructions describe how to configure the AutoWDS of a central WLC for preconfigured integration.

Note: Ensure that the AutoWDS APs, which integrate with the network as WLAN clients, are able to reach a DHCP server via the WLC-TUNNEL-AUTOWDS interface. Without an IP address, the APs do not search for the WLC and thus do not receive a configuration from it.

Open the configuration dialog in LANconfig and click on WLAN controller > Profiles > AutoWDS to access the AutoWDS dialog.
Click on AutoWDS activated to enable the feature on the device.
Enter the name of the AutoWDS base network under AutoWDS-Rollout-SSID. By default LANconfig uses the identifier AutoWDS-Rollout.

The SSID specified here acts as the management network for all APs that are searching for the AutoWDS network and, apart from the passphrase, it offers no further options for configuration. The WLC internally connects the specified SSID automatically using a WLC tunnel (WLC-TUNNEL-AUTOWDS). Normal WLAN clients are unable to use this management network.

Important: In this case, enter a custom AutoWDS rollout SSID that is different from the LANconfig default.

Note: Setting up this AutoWDS base network reduces the maximum number of SSIDs that your device can support on a physical WLAN interface by 1.
Under WPA2 passphrase you enter a key to secure the AutoWDS base network.

Select the most complex key possible, with at least 8 and maximum 63 characters. The key requires at least 32 characters to provide encryption of suitable strength.
Under Used radio bands you specify the frequency band used by the APs for the AutoWDS base network.
Select the WLAN profile with the SSID which is to be enhanced with AutoWDS.

The APs with this WLAN profile serve as anchor APs and support the AutoWDS base network. At the same time, associated APs receive this WLAN profile via AutoWDS as a default configuration, which they use to transmit the corresponding SSID.
Close the dialog window with OK and save the configuration to the device.

The WLC now assigns the AutoWDS settings to all managed AutoWDS-capable APs in your WLAN. These now form the basis for your AutoWDS base network. For future reconfiguration processes, the APs use only the SSID and passphrase stored here, unless configured otherwise (see Differences between the integration modes).

This concludes the configuration of the WLC. We now continue with the configuration of the APs.