5/26/05 Management Interface
OL-7426-03
Each physical Distribution System port can also have between one and 512 Operator-Defined Interfaces
assigned to it. Each Operator-Defined Interface is individually configured, and allows VLAN communica-
tions to exist on the Distribution System port(s).
Refer to the Configuring the Cisco Wireless LAN Controller section for configuration instructions.
About the Management InterfaceManagement Interface
The logical Management Interface controls Layer 2 communications between Cisco Wireless LAN
Controllers and Cisco 1000 Series lightweight access points.
The Management Interface is assigned to one physical port (Cisco WLAN Solution Wired Connections),
through which it communicates with other network devices and other access points. However, the
Management Interface can also communicate through all other physical ports except the Service Port
as follows:
•Sends messages through the Layer 2 network to autodiscover and communicate with other
Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers through all physical ports except the Service Port.
•Listens across the Layer 2 network for Cisco 1000 Series lightweight access point LWAPP polling
messages to autodiscover, associate with, and communicate with as many Cisco 1000 Series
lightweight access points as it can.
The Management Interface uses the burned-in Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Distribution System MAC
address, and must be configured for the following:
•VLAN assignment.
•Fixed IP Address, IP netmask, and default gateway.
•Physical port assignment.
•Primary and Secondary DHCP Servers.
•Access Control List, if required.
Refer to the Configuring the Cisco Wireless LAN Controller section for configuration instructions.
CAUTION: Cisco recommends that you assign one set of VLANs for WLANs and a
different set of VLANs for Management Interfaces to ensure that Cisco Wireless LAN
Controllers properly route VLAN traffic.
Note: Should a Cisco Wireless LAN Controller fail, its dropped Cisco 1000 Series
lightweight access points poll the network for another Cisco Wireless LAN Controller.
When an online Cisco Wireless LAN Controller has any remaining Cisco 1000 Series
lightweight access point ports, the Management Interface listens to the network for
Cisco 1000 Series lightweight access point polling messages to autodiscover,
associate with, and communicate with as many Cisco 1000 Series lightweight access
points as it can. Refer to the Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Failover Protection section
for more information.
Note: The Management Interface cannot be assigned to the dedicated Cisco Wireless
LAN Controller Service Port.