How to Manage APs through NXC Controller

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This example shows how to use the NXC controller to manage APs via manual setting, DHCP option 138 and broadcast. In this case shown as below, there are two subnets in the environment. The APs can find NXC controller in the same subnet via broadcasting without any settings.

The APs in different subnet can find NXC controller by manually setting NXC controller’s IP or DHCP option 138 in DHCP server.

 

Figure.   Manage APs through NXC Controller

 

Note:

All network IP addresses and subnet masks are used as examples in this article. Please replace them with your actual network IP addresses and subnet masks. This example was tested using USG20v2 (Firmware Version: V4.15), NXC5500 (Firmware Version: 5.40), GS2210-8HP (Firmware Version: V4.30).

1.1 Configuration in the AP

1     In the same subnet (for AP1 and AP2), the APs don’t need to do any setting. The APs can find the NXC controller via broadcast and NXC controller always accepts APs to managed list by default. The NXC controller manages the APs without any setting.

2     In the different subnet (for AP3 and AP4), the APs need to set the NXC controller’s IP manually. Go to CONFIGURATION > Network > AC Discovery, set Discovery Setting to Manual and set the NXC controller’s IP 192.168.1.55 to Primary static AC IP. Click Apply to apply the setting.

3     Or, you can use DHCP option 138 in the DHCP server for the APs which are in the different subnet from NXC controller.

1.2 Test the Result

1     When the APs and the NXC controller are in the same subnet, the NXC controller manages the APs without any settings. The result is visible in MONITOR > Wireless > AP Information > AP List.

2     When the APs and the NXC controller are in the different subnets, the APs can find NXC controller through manually setting NXC controller’s IP or DHCP option 138. After the APs find the NXC controller, the NXC controller can manage the APs. The result is visible in MONITOR > Wireless > AP Information > AP List.

1.3 What Could Go Wrong?

1     To make sure the NXC controller goes to correct traffic routing, please remember to set up the gateway in NXC controller.

2     When you use the manual NXC controller IP or DHCP option 138, please make sure the NXC controller’s IP is correct so that the APs can find the NXC controller.