Managing Virtual Controllers

Access points set to function as Standalone APs can be re-defined as Virtual Controllers as required, and Virtual Controllers can reverted back to Standalone APs. Consider setting the access point to a Virtual Controller when more than one access points (of the same model) are deployed are require management from a centralized access point. Up to 64 Dependent mode access points can be connected to, and managed by, a single Virtual Controller AP of the same model.

Note

If designating the access point as a Standalone AP, it is recommended that the access point‘s UI be used exclusively to define its device configuration, and not the CLI. The CLI provides the ability to define more than one profile, while the UI only provides one per access point model. Consequently, the two interfaces cannot be used collectively to manage profiles without an administrator encountering problems.

Note

The recommended way to administer a network populated by numerous access points is to configure them directly from the designated Virtual Controller AP. If an access point‘s configuration requires an exception from the Virtual Controller AP‘s assigned profile configuration the administrator should apply a Device Override to change just that access point‘s configuration.

Note

WiNG 5.9.X model access points support heterogeneous virtual controller adoption. For more information on the supported adoption hierarchy, see Heterogeneous AP Management.

Note

The WiNG 7.1 AP505 and AP510 model access points can be deployed as virtual controllers. However, heterogeneous adoption is not supported. An AP505 can only adopt another AP505. And an AP510 can only adopt another AP510 model access point.

To define a Standalone AP as a Virtual Controller AP:

1. Select Configuration → Devices → Virtual Controller.
   

   Virtual Controller Screen

   
2. This Virtual Controller screen lists all peer access points within this Virtual Controller‘s radio coverage area. Each listed access point is listed by its assigned System Name, MAC Address and Virtual Controller designation.
3. Either select an access point from those displayed and select Edit, or use the device browser in the lower left-hand side of the UI to select an access point.
   

   Managing Virtual Controller - AP Designation Screen

   
4. Select the Set as Virtual Controller AP radio button to change the selected access point‘s designation from Standalone to Virtual Controller AP. Remember, only one Virtual Controller can manage (up to) 64 access points of the same model. Thus, an administrator should take care to change the designation of a Virtual Controller AP to Standalone AP to compensate for a new Virtual Controller AP designation.
5. Click OK to save the changes.

   Click Reset to revert to the last saved configuration. Select Delete to remove obsolete rows as needed.