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The Cisco® 5500 Series Wireless Controller, shown in Figure 1, is a highly scalable and flexible platform that enables systemwide services for mission-critical wireless networking in medium-sized to large enterprises and campus environments. Designed for 802.11n performance and maximum scalability, the 5500 Series offers enhanced uptime with:
• RF visibility and protection
• The ability to simultaneously manage up to 500 access points
• Superior performance for reliable streaming video and toll- quality voice
• Sub-second stateful failover of all access points and clients from the primary to standby controller
Figure 1. Cisco 5500 Series Wireless LAN Controller
Features
Optimized for high-performance wireless networking, the Cisco 5500 Series Controller offers improved mobility and prepares the business for the next wave of mobile devices and applications. The 5500 Series supports a higher density of clients and delivers more efficient roaming, with at least nine times the throughput of existing 802.11a/g networks.
The 5500 Series automates wireless configuration and management functions and allows network managers to have the visibility and control needed to cost-effectively manage, secure, and optimize the performance of their wireless networks. With integrated Cisco CleanAir® technology, the 5500 Series protects 802.11n performance by providing cross-network access to real-time and historic RF interference information for quick troubleshooting and resolution.
The Cisco 5508 Wireless Controller supports Cisco Application Visibility and Control(AVC), the technology that includes the Network-Based Application Recognition 2 (NBAR-2) engine, Cisco's deep packet inspection (DPI) capability. The NBAR-2 engine can classify applications, applies quality of service (QoS) setting to either drop or mark the traffic, and prioritizes business-critical applications in the network. Cisco AVC uses NetFlow Version 9 to export the flows to Cisco Prime™ Infrastructure or a third-party NetFlow Collector. The 5508 also supports Bonjour Services Directory to enable Bonjour Services to be advertised and utilized in a separate Layer 3 network. Wireless Policy engine is a wireless profiler and policy feature on the Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controller that enables profiling of wireless devices and enforcement of policies such as VLAN assignment, QoS, ACL and time-of-day-based access.
As a component of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network, this controller provides real-time communications between Cisco Aironet® access points, the Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS), and the Cisco Mobility Services Engine to deliver centralized security policies, wireless intrusion prevention system (IPS) capabilities, award-winning RF management, and QoS.
Software Licensing Flexibility
Base access point licensing offers flexibility to add up to 500 additional access points as business needs grow. The licensing structure supports a variety of business mobility needs as part of the basic feature set, including the Cisco OfficeExtend solution for secure, mobile teleworking and Cisco Enterprise Wireless Mesh, which allows access points to dynamically establish wireless connections in locations where it may be difficult or impossible to physically connect to the wired network.
Table 1 lists the features of the Cisco 5500 Series Wireless LAN Controllers.
Table 1. Cisco 5500 Series Wireless LAN Controller Features
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Feature |
Benefits |
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Scalability |
• Supports 12, 25, 50,100, 250, or 500 access points for business-critical wireless services at locations of all sizes
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High Performance |
• Wired speed, nonblocking performance for 802.11n networks
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RF Management |
• Provides both real-time and historical information about RF interference impacting network performance across controllers, via systemwide Cisco CleanAir technology integration
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OfficeExtend |
• Supports corporate wireless service for mobile and remote workers with secure wired tunnels to the Cisco Aironet® 1130 or 1140 Series Access Points
• Extends the corporate network to remote locations with minimal setup and maintenance requirements (zero-touch deployment)
• Improves productivity and collaboration at remote site locations
• Separate SSID tunnels allow both corporate and personal Internet access
• Reduced CO2 emissions from decrease in commuting
• Higher employee job satisfaction from ability to work at home
• Improves business resiliency by providing continuous, secure connectivity in the event of disasters, pandemics, or inclement weather
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Comprehensive End-to-End Security |
• Offers control and provisioning of wireless access points (CAPWAP)-compliant DTLS encryption to help ensure full-line-rate encryption between access points and controllers across remote WAN/LAN links
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Enterprise Wireless Mesh |
• Allows access points to dynamically establish wireless connections without the need for a physical connection to the wired network
• Available on select Cisco Aironet access points, Enterprise Wireless Mesh is ideal for warehouses, manufacturing floors, shopping centers and any other location where extending a wired connection may prove difficult or aesthetically unappealing
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High Performance Video |
• Integrates Cisco VideoStream technology as part of the medianet framework to optimize the delivery of video applications across the WLAN
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End-to-End Voice |
• Supports Unified Communications for improved collaboration through messaging, presence, and conferencing
• Supports all Cisco Unified IP Phones for cost-effective, real-time voice services
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High Availability |
• An optional redundant power supply that helps to ensure maximum availability
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Environmentally Responsible |
• Organizations may choose to turn off access point radios to reduce power consumption during off peak hours
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Mobility, Security and Management for IPv6 & Dual-Stack Clients |
• Secure, reliable wireless connectivity and consistent end-user experience
• Increased network availability through proactive blocking of known threats
• Equips administrators for IPv6 troubleshooting, planning, and client traceability from a common wired and wireless management system
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Table 2 lists the product specifications for Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controllers.
Table 2. Product Specifications for Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controllers
Tables 3 and Table 4 list the ordering and accessories information for Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controllers.
Table 3. Ordering Information for Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controllers
Table 4. Accessories for Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controllers
Additive Capacity Upgrade Licenses
Tables 5 and 6 list additive capacity upgrade licenses for the Cisco 5500 Series.
Table 5. Ordering Information for Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controllers Additive Capacity Licenses (e-Delivery Product Authorization Keys [PAKs])
Table 6. Ordering Information for Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controllers Additive Capacity Licenses (Paper PAKs)
The additive capacity licenses allow for the increase in access point capacity supported by the controller up to a maximum of 500 access points. As an example, if a controller was initially ordered with support for 250 access points, that capacity could be later increased to up to 500 access points by purchasing a 250-access-point additive capacity license (1x-LIC-CT5508-250A).
A certificate with a PAK is required to add additional access point capacity on the Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controller.
The certificate may be expedited via email. If a paper certificate is required for customs, it should be ordered to ship via U.S. mail. Each additive capacity license and PAK must be registered prior to installation.
Ordering and installing the Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controller additive capacity licenses is a three-step process:
1. Select the correct SKU for email or paper delivery.
2. Register the PAK certificate (see Registering PAK Certificate).
3. Install the license on the Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controller (see Installing License).
Please review the Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Configuration Guide, Release 6.0 or later, for detailed ordering, registration, and installation information for the 5500 Series additive capacity licenses.
Electronic delivery of the same PAKs is available by ordering the e-License SKUs as listed in Table 5. If a paper certificate is required, please use the SKUs listed in Table 6.
PAK Certificate Registration
Customers are required to register a PAK certificate for all upgrade licenses for the Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controllers. Customer email address and host name are required to register the PAK certificate at: http://www.cisco.com/go/license.
Installing License on Cisco WCS Server
Follow these steps to install a license file. If you need additional help, contact Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) at 800 553-2447 or tac@cisco.com.
1. Install Cisco WCS software if not already completed.
2. Save the license file (.lic) to a temporary directory on your hard drive. (You will receive an email from Cisco with an attached license file)
3. Open a supported version of the Internet Explorer browser.
4. In the location or address field, enter the following URL, replacing IP address with the IP address or host name of the Cisco WCS server: https: // <IP address>.
5. Log in to the Cisco WCS server as system administrator. (Be aware that usernames and passwords are case-sensitive.)
6. From the Help menu, select Licensing.
7. On the Licensing page, from the Command menu, select Add License.
8. On the Add License page, click Browse to navigate to the location where you saved the .lic file.
9. Click Download. The Cisco WCS server imports the license.
Table 7 shows the optional DTLS license for Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controllers.
Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS) is required for all OfficeExtend deployments to encrypt the Data Plane traffic. Customers planning to install this device physically in Russia must order the controller with DTLS disabled and then obtain a physical PAK in order to enable a DTLS license and should not download the license from Cisco.com. Please consult your local government regulations to ensure that Data DTLS encryption is permitted.
If a customer chooses SWC5500K9-60, SWC5500K9-70 or SWC5500K9-72, DTLS Data Encryption is enabled by default. When a customer orders the 5500 Series and chooses either SWC5500LPE-K9-70 or SWC5500LPE-K9-72 in the Optional Licenses tab, data DTLS Encryption is disabled.
The DTLS Paper PAK license is designated for customers who purchase a controller with DTLS disabled due to import restrictions but get permission to add DTLS support after initial purchase. This optional DTLS license is required for Cisco OfficeExtend deployment.
Table 7. Optional Licensing for Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controllers (PAKs)
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Part Number |
Description |
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LIC-CT5508-LPE-K9 |
5508 Wireless Controller DTLS License (Paper PAK) |
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L-LIC-CT55-LPE-K9= |
Cisco 5508 Controller DTLS License (electronic Certificate) |
Other customers can simply use the procedure outlined below in order to download the DTLS license from Cisco.com.
To obtain a data DTLS license, follow these steps:
Step 1. Browse to http://cisco.com/go/license
Step 2. On the Product License Registration page, choose Licenses Not Requiring a PAK
Step 3. Choose Cisco Wireless Controllers DTLS License under Wireless
Step 4. Complete the remaining steps to generate the license file. The license will be provided online or via email
Step 5. Copy the license file to your TFTP server
Step 6. Install the license by browsing to the WLC Web Administration Page:
Management --> Software Activation --> Commands --> Action: Install License
Step 7. Browse to: Cisco 5508 Wireless Controller Software Download Page
Step 8. Choose the release that corresponds to the SW running on your WLC
Step 9. Choose the NON LDPE software release: AIR-CT5500-K9-X-X-XX.aes
Step 10. Complete the remaining steps to download the software
Service and Support
Realize the full business value of your wireless network and mobility services investments faster with intelligent, customized services from Cisco and our partners. Backed by deep networking expertise and a broad ecosystem of partners, Cisco professional and technical services enable you to successfully plan, build, and run your network as a powerful business platform. Our services can help you successfully deploy the Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controller and integrate mobility solutions effectively to lower the total cost of ownership and secure your wireless network.
To learn more about Cisco Wireless LAN service offers, visit: http://www.cisco.com/go/wirelesslanservices.
Summary
The Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controller is designed for 802.11n performance and offers maximum scalability for enterprise and service provider wireless deployments. It simplifies deployment and operation of wireless networks, helping to ensure smooth performance, enhance security, and maximize network availability. The Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controller manages all the Cisco access points within campus environments and branch locations, eliminating complexity and providing network administrators with visibility and control of their wireless LANs.
For More Information
For more information about Cisco wireless controllers, contact your local account representative or visit: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps6366/index.html.
For more information about the Cisco Unified Wireless Network framework, visit: http://www.cisco.com/go/unifiedwireless.