The Aruba Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) is used to manage and control Aruba Access Points (APs) for enterprise wireless networks. This guide provides a step-by-step configuration using both CLI and GUI.
1. Initial Setup of Aruba WLC
Before configuration, ensure:
✔ You have console or SSH access to the controller.
✔ The controller is powered on and connected to the network.
✔ APs can communicate with the controller.
Step 1: Access the Controller
- Console Access: Use a terminal emulator like PuTTY.
- SSH Access:shellCopyEdit
ssh admin@<Aruba-WLC-IP> - Web GUI:
- Open a browser and go to
https://<Aruba-WLC-IP> - Login using admin/admin (default credentials).
- Open a browser and go to
2. Basic Controller Configuration Using CLI
Step 2: Set Up Management Interface
configure terminal
interface vlan 1
ip address 192.168.1.100 255.255.255.0
exit
🔹 Assigns IP to the management VLAN.
Step 3: Set Hostname and Domain
configure terminal
hostname Aruba-WLC
ip domain-name example.com
exit
🔹 Defines hostname and domain name.
Step 4: Configure Time and NTP
configure terminal
clock timezone IST 5 30
ntp server 192.168.1.1
exit
🔹 Ensures accurate time sync.
Step 5: Configure VLAN and DHCP
configure terminal
interface vlan 10
ip address 192.168.10.1 255.255.255.0
ip helper-address 192.168.10.2 # DHCP Server IP
exit
🔹 Creates VLAN 10 and configures DHCP relay.
3. Configuring SSID and Security
Step 6: Create a Wireless Network (SSID)
configure terminal
wlan ssid-profile MyWiFi
essid MyWiFi
opmode wpa2-psk
exit
🔹 Creates an SSID named “MyWiFi” with WPA2-PSK.
Step 7: Assign VLAN to the SSID
configure terminal
vlan 10
exit
wlan virtual-ap MyWiFi-VAP
wlan ssid-profile MyWiFi
vlan 10
exit
🔹 Maps WLAN to VLAN 10.
Step 8: Configure WPA2-PSK Security
configure terminal
wlan ssid-profile MyWiFi
wpa-passphrase MySecurePassword
exit
🔹 Enables WPA2-PSK authentication.
4. Configuring APs to Join the Controller
Step 9: Enable AP Management
configure terminal
ap system-profile default
ap-name ArubaAP-1
ip address 192.168.1.10
exit
🔹 Allows APs to register with the controller.
Step 10: Verify APs
show ap database
🔹 Displays a list of connected APs.
5. Enable DHCP for Wireless Clients
Step 11: Configure DHCP on WLC
configure terminal
ip dhcp pool WirelessClients
network 192.168.10.0 255.255.255.0
default-router 192.168.10.1
dns-server 8.8.8.8
exit
🔹 Assigns IPs dynamically to wireless clients.
6. Save and Verify Configuration
Step 12: Save Configuration
write memory
🔹 Saves the configuration permanently.
Step 13: Verify WLAN and AP Status
show wlan ssid-profile
show ap database
show clients
🔹 Displays configured SSIDs, connected APs, and wireless clients.
7. Configuring Aruba WLC Using Web GUI
Login to Web GUI:
Open https://<Aruba-WLC-IP> and login with admin credentials.
Basic Setup Wizard:
Navigate to Configuration > Wizards > Startup Wizard.
Create an SSID (WLAN):
Go to Configuration > Wireless > WLANs
Click Add, enter SSID Name, and choose Security Type (WPA2-PSK).
Assign VLAN & Interface:
Go to Configuration > VLANs
Create VLAN 10 and assign it to the SSID.
Enable APs:
Go to Configuration > AP Management
Verify APs are registered.
8. Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| APs not joining WLC | Ensure APs have correct IP and VLAN settings. |
| Clients not getting IPs | Verify DHCP settings and VLAN assignments. |
| Weak Wi-Fi signal | Adjust AP placement, power levels, and channel settings. |
| WLC GUI not accessible | Ensure HTTP/HTTPS access is enabled. |
9. Summary
✅ Basic WLC setup: Management IP, VLANs, DHCP.
✅ Configure SSID & Security: WPA2-PSK authentication.
✅ Ensure APs join WLC: AP management enabled, VLANs mapped.
✅ Save and verify configuration.
The Lazy Networker 
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