This is short lab how to install WLC controller and lightweight Access Points in the very simple topology. All credit is taken from David Bombal course. I doing this lab by me only for learning purpose.

Wi-Fi LAN topology

This is a created topology with a single controller (WLC) and two lightweight Access Points. Access points are connected to the same VLAN. This is strongly not recommended in the production environment due to security issues.

First, we set up WLC controller with management settings like subnet mask, default gateway, etc.

WLC AP IP address configuration

Now we need to login to the WLC to assign a name and password.

As shown on picture below, use WLC controller IP address. The default IP address is 192.168.1.1. The first login requires only HTTP protocol. But the second login (after initiation process, what you will see on the next pictures, we need use more safe connections which is HTTPS).

In the first window, follow the form as shown below. Ensure that required information is correctly filled.

The first form of controller setting

In the production, the management VLAN is separated from the network. Here we are ignoring it due to simplicity and reduce typing.

Below we can see two methods of encryption and data authorisation through the created networks on Wi-Fi channels.

Both methods are designed for different purpose. WPA-Personal method is used in the home and small networks where password is shared between users with access tot he network. The encryption key is periodically updated.

WPA-Enterprise is more advanced feature where the Radius server is implemented for user authentication. The encryption key is automatically generated and distributed using EAP protocol.