Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) Basic Configuration Guide

March 1, 2025

This guide covers the essential steps to configure a Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) for basic wireless connectivity.

1. Initial Setup of Cisco WLC

Before configuring the WLC, ensure:
✔ You have console access via CLI (Command Line Interface) or GUI (Graphical User Interface).
✔ The WLC is powered on and connected to the network.
✔ The APs can communicate with the WLC via CAPWAP.

Step 1: Connect to the WLC

You can access the WLC using:

Console Connection: Using a serial connection and tools like PuTTY or Tera Term.
Web GUI: Open a web browser and go to https://<WLC-IP-Address>
SSH: If enabled, use ssh admin@<WLC-IP-Address>

Step 2: Configure Basic Settings (Using CLI)

Use the setup wizard or enter the following manually:

config time ntp server 192.168.1.1  # Set NTP server
config time timezone IST -5 30      # Set timezone
config country IN                   # Set country code
config mgmt ip 192.168.1.100 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.1  # Assign management IP
config save                          # Save configuration

2. Configuring Basic Wireless Settings

Now, configure the WLAN (SSID) and associate it with an interface.

Step 3: Create a VLAN & Interface

config interface create VLAN10 10
config interface address VLAN10 192.168.10.1 255.255.255.0 192.168.10.254
config interface vlan VLAN10 10
config interface port VLAN10 1
config interface dhcp VLAN10 primary 192.168.10.2
config save

Step 4: Create a Wireless SSID

config wlan create 1 MyWiFi VLAN10
config wlan security wpa2 enable 1
config wlan security wpa2 aes enable 1
config wlan security wpa2 psk set-key 1 MySecurePassword
config wlan enable 1
config save

3. Configure APs to Join the WLC

Ensure APs are set to CAPWAP mode and can discover the WLC.

Step 5: Enable AP Management

config ap mgmt-vlan enable
config ap primary-base WLC-Name 192.168.1.100 AP-MAC
config save

Step 6: Verify AP Connection

show ap summary

4. Enabling DHCP for Wireless Clients

The WLC can use an external DHCP server or its own DHCP service.

Step 7: Enable DHCP on WLC

config dhcp create-pool MyPool
config dhcp address range 192.168.10.50 192.168.10.100 MyPool
config dhcp dns-servers 8.8.8.8 MyPool
config dhcp enable MyPool
config save

5. Save and Verify Configuration

Step 8: Save Configuration

config save

Step 9: Verify Settings

show wlan summary
show interface summary
show ap summary

6. Access WLC GUI for Management

Open a web browser and go to:
https://<WLC-IP-Address>

Navigate to WLANs > Create a New WLAN to manage SSIDs.

Configure Security Settings (WPA2/WPA3, 802.1X).

Save and apply the settings.

7. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue	Solution
APs not joining WLC	Ensure APs have correct CAPWAP settings and IP connectivity.
Clients not getting IPs	Check DHCP configuration on WLC or external DHCP server.
Weak signal or coverage issues	Adjust AP placement, power levels, and channel settings.
WLC unreachable via GUI	Ensure HTTP/HTTPS access is enabled on the WLC.

8. Summary

✅ Basic WLC setup: IP, timezone, country, VLANs.
✅ Create SSID & Security: WPA2/WPA3 authentication.
✅ Configure APs: Ensure APs join the WLC correctly.
✅ Enable DHCP: Assign IPs dynamically to wireless clients.
✅ Save and verify the configuration.

The Lazy Networker