First Published: April 11, 2022

Release Notes for Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points, Cisco IOS XE Cupertino 17.8.x


Note

The documentation set for this product strives to use bias-free language. For purposes of this documentation set, bias-free is defined as language that does not imply discrimination based on age, disability, gender, racial identity, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and intersectionality. Exceptions may be present in the documentation due to language that is hardcoded in the user interfaces of the product software, language used based on standards documentation, or language that is used by a referenced third-party product.

Introduction to Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points

The Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points is a version of the Cisco IOS XE-based controller software on Catalyst access points. In this solution, a Catalyst access point (AP) that is running the Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points software, is designated as the primary AP. Other APs, referred to as subordinate APs, associate to this primary AP.

The Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points provides enterprise-level WLAN features while maintaining operational simplicity and affordability. This solution is targeted at small and medium-sized business (SMB) customers or distributed enterprises, and can be run at single site deployments.

  • The controllers come with high availability (HA) and seamless software updates. This keeps your services on always, both during planned and unplanned events.

  • The deployment can be managed using a mobile application, Cisco Digital Network Architecture (DNA) Center, Netconf/Restconf, web-based GUI, or CLI.

What's New in Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points, Cisco IOS XE Cupertino 17.8.1

Table 1. New and Modified Software Features

Feature Name

Description and Documentation Link

Automated Software Download Version 4 (ASDv4) Migration

Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points requires Automated Software Download Version 3 (ASDv3) to download software from Cisco.com.

However, ASDv3 is being replaced by ASDv4 from July 2022. Consequently, the software download feature will not work on older Cisco IOS XE releases.

We recommend that you upgrade your device software image to Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.3.5a, Cisco IOS XE Bengaluru 17.6.3, Cisco IOS XE Cupertino 17.8.1, or a later release to enable the software download feature with ASDv4.

Base WGB on Indoor 11ax APs

From this release, Workgroup bridge (WGB) is supported on the following Cisco Catalyst 9100 Series Access Points.

  • Cisco Catalyst 9105

  • Cisco Catalyst 9115

  • Cisco Catalyst 9120

Simplifying WGB Configuration

This feature helps to import a running workgroup bridge (WGB) configuration and deploy it in multiple WGBs in a network.

The following commands are introduced:

  • copy configuration upload

  • copy configuration download

For more information, see the chapter Workgroup Bridges.


Note

Cisco Catalyst 9136 series Access Points do not run Cisco Embedded Wireless Controllers (EWC) and does not join EWC on access points.

Interactive Help

The Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controller GUI features an interactive help that walks you through the GUI and guides you through complex configurations.

You can start the interactive help in the following ways:

  • By hovering your cursor over the blue flap at the right-hand corner of a window in the GUI and clicking Interactive Help.

  • By clicking Walk-me Thru in the left pane of a window in the GUI.

  • By clicking Show me How that is displayed in various parts of the GUI. Clicking Show me How triggers a specific interactive help that is relevant to the context you are in.

    For instance, Show me How in Configure > AAA walks you through the various steps for configuring a RADIUS server. Choose Configuration> Wireless Setup > Advanced and click Show me How to trigger the interactive help that walks you through the steps relating to various kinds of authentication.

The following features have an associated interactive help:

  • Configuring AAA

  • Configuring FlexConnect Authentication

  • Configuring 802.1x Authentication

  • Configuring Local Web Authentication

  • Configuring OpenRoaming

  • Configuring Mesh APs


Note

If the WalkMe launcher is unavailable on Safari, modify the settings as follows:

  • Navigate to Preferences > Privacy.

  • On the Website tracking field, uncheck the checkbox to disable Prevent cross-site tracking.

  • On the Cookies and website data field, uncheck the checkbox to disable Block all cookies.

Supported Cisco Access Point Platforms

The following Cisco access points are supported in the Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points network. Note that the APs listed as primary APs can also function as subordinate APs.

Table 2. Cisco APs Supported in Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points

Primary AP

Subordinate AP

Cisco Catalyst 9115 Series

Cisco Catalyst 9117 Series

Cisco Catalyst 9120 Series

Cisco Catalyst 9124AXE/I/D

Cisco Catalyst 9130

Cisco Catalyst 9105AXI

Cisco Aironet 1540 Series

Cisco Aironet 1560 Series

Cisco Aironet 1815i

Cisco Aironet 1815w

Cisco Aironet 1830 Series

Cisco Aironet 1840 Series

Cisco Aironet 1850 Series

Cisco Aironet 2800 Series

Cisco Aironet 3800 Series

Cisco Aironet 4800 Series

Cisco Catalyst 9115 Series

Cisco Catalyst 9117 Series

Cisco Catalyst 9120 Series

Cisco Catalyst 9124AXE/I/D

Cisco Catalyst 9130

Cisco Catalyst 9105AXW

Cisco Catalyst 9105AXI

Cisco Catalyst Industrial Wireless 6300 Heavy Duty Series Access Points

Cisco 6300 Series Embedded Services Access Points
Table 3. Image Types and Supported APs in Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points

Image Type

Supported APs

ap1g4

Cisco Aironet 1810 Series

Cisco Aironet 1830 Series

Cisco Aironet 1850 Series

ap1g5

Cisco Aironet 1815i

Cisco Aironet 1815w

Cisco Aironet 1540 Series

Cisco Aironet 1850 Series

ap1g6

Cisco Catalyst 9117 Series

ap1g6a

Cisco Catalyst 9130

Cisco Catalyst 9124AXE/I/D

ap1g7

Cisco Catalyst 9115 Series

Cisco Catalyst 9120 Series

ap1g8

Cisco Catalyst 9105 Series

ap3g3

Cisco Aironet 2800 Series

Cisco Aironet 3800 Series

Cisco Aironet 4800 Series

Cisco Aironet 1560 Series

Maximum APs and Clients Supported

Table 4. Scale Supported in Cisco EWC Network

Primary AP Model

Maximum APs Supported

Maximum Clients Supported

Cisco Catalyst 9105 AWI

50

1000

Cisco Catalyst 9115 Series

50

1000

Cisco Catalyst 9117 Series

50

1000

Cisco Catalyst 9120 Series

100

2000

Cisco Catalyst 9124AXE/I/D

100

2000

Cisco Catalyst 9130

100

2000

Note

If 25 to 100 APs have joined the EWC network, the maximum clients on the EWC internal AP is limited to 20.

Compatibility Matrix

The following table provides software compatibility information:

Table 5. Compatibility Information

Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points

Cisco ISE

Cisco CMX

Cisco DNA Center

Cupertino 17.8.x

3.0

2.7

2.6

2.4

2.3

10.6.3

10.6.2

10.6

10.5.1

See Cisco DNA Center Compatibility Information

Supported Browsers and Operating Systems for Web UI


Note

The following list of Supported Browsers and Operating Systems is not comprehensive at the time of writing this document and the behavior of various browser for accessing the GUI of the EWC is as listed below.

Table 6. Supported Browsers and Operating Systems

Browser

Version

Operating System

Status

Workaround

Google Chrome

77.0.3865.120

macOS Mojave Version 10.14.6

Works

Proceed through the browser warning.

Safari

13.0.2 (14608.2.40.1.3)

macOS Mojave Version 10.14.6

Works

Proceed through the browser warning.

Mozilla Firefox

69.0.1

macOS Mojave Version 10.14.6

Works only if exception is added.

Set the exception.

Mozilla Firefox

69.0.3

macOS Mojave Version 10.14.6

Works only if exception is added.

Set the exception.

Google Chrome

77.0.3865.90

Windows 10 Version 1903 (OS Build 18362.267)

Works

Proceed through the browser warning.

Microsoft Edge

44.18362.267.0

Windows 10 Version 1903 (OS Build 18362.267)

Works

Proceed through the browser warning.

Mozilla Firefox

68.0.2

Windows 10 Version 1903 (OS Build 18362.267)

Works

Proceed through the browser warning.

Mozilla Firefox

69.0.3

Windows 10 Version 1903 (OS Build 18362.267)

Works only if exception is added.

Set the exception.

Google Chrome

78.0.3904.108

macOS Catalina 10.15.1

Does not work

NA

Upgrading the Controller Software

This section covers the various aspects of upgrading the controller software.

For information on ASDv4 migration, see the What's New in Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points, Cisco IOS XE Cupertino 17.8.1 section.


Note

Before converting from CAPWAP to embedded wireless controller (EWC), ensure that you upgrade the corresponding AP with the CAPWAP image in Cisco AireOS Release 8.10.105.0. If this upgrade is not performed, the conversion will fail.

Finding the Software Version

The following table lists the Cisco IOS XE 17.8.x software for Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points.

Choose the appropriate AP software based on the following:

  • Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points software to be used for converting the AP from an unified wireless network CAPWAP lightweight AP to a Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points-capable AP (primary AP)

  • AP software image bundle to be used either for upgrading the Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points software on the primary AP or for updating the software on the subordinate APs or both

Prior to ordering Cisco APs, see the corresponding ordering guide for your Catalyst or Aironet access point.

Table 7. Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points Software

Primary AP

AP Software for Conversion from CAPWAP to Cisco EWC

AP Software Image Bundle for Upgrade

AP Software in the Bundle

Cisco Catalyst 9115 Series

C9800-AP-universalk9.17.08.01.zip

C9800-AP-universalk9.17.08.01.zip

ap1g7

Cisco Catalyst 9117 Series

C9800-AP-universalk9.17.08.01.zip

C9800-AP-universalk9.17.08.01.zip

ap1g6

Cisco Catalyst 9120 Series

C9800-AP-universalk9.17.08.01.zip

C9800-AP-universalk9.17.08.01.zip

ap1g7

Cisco Catalyst 9124AXE/I/D

C9800-AP-universalk9.17.08.01.zip

C9800-AP-universalk9.17.08.01.zip

ap1g6a

Cisco Catalyst 9130

C9800-AP-universalk9.17.08.01.zip

C9800-AP-universalk9.17.08.01.zip

ap1g6a

Guidelines and Restrictions

Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP)v3 is not supported on Cisco Aironet Wave 2 APs.

Embedded Wireless Controller SNMP configuration is supported in DNAC.

High memory usage on AP running Embedded Wireless Controller. Enabling crash kernel on the AP consumes additional memory on the AP. Hence, if crash kernel is enabled, the overall memory usage of the device will increase and will impact the scale numbers. On Cisco Catalyst 9130 Access Points, the memory consumption is a high of 128 MB.

During the EWC HA pair selection, after a power outage, the standby AP fails to come up in the new EWC HA pair. Another EWC capable AP becomes the standby AP and fails to come up as well. To avoid this situation, ensure that the same IP address is enforced on the active or standby APs during HA pair selection.

Interoperability with Clients

This section describes the interoperability of the controller software with client devices.

The following table describes the configurations used for testing client devices.

Table 8. Test Configuration for Interoperability

Hardware or Software Parameter

Hardware or Software Type

Release

Cisco IOS XE Cupertino 17.8.x

Access Points

  • Cisco Aironet Series Access Points

    • 1540

    • 1560

    • 1815i

    • 1815w

    • 1830

    • 1840

    • 1850

    • 2800

    • 3800

    • 4800

  • Cisco Catalyst 9105AX Access Points

  • Cisco Catalyst 9115AX Access Points

  • Cisco Catalyst 9117AX Access Points

  • Cisco Catalyst 9120AX Access Points

  • Cisco Catalyst 9124AXE/I/D Access Points

  • Cisco Catalyst 9130AX Access Points

Radio

  • 802.11ax

  • 802.11ac

  • 802.11a

  • 802.11g

  • 802.11n (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz)

Security

Open, PSK (WPA2-AES), 802.1X (WPA2-AES) (EAP-FAST, EAP-TLS), WPA3.

Cisco ISE

See Compatibility Matrix.

Types of tests

Connectivity, traffic (ICMP), and roaming between two APs

The following table lists the client types on which the tests were conducted. Client types included laptops, hand-held devices, phones, and printers.

Table 9. Client Types

Client Type and Name

Driver / Software Version

Wi-Fi 6 Devices (Mobile Phone and Laptop)
Apple iPhone 11 iOS 14.1

Apple iPhone SE 2020

 iOS 14.1
Dell Intel AX1650w Windows 10 ( 21.90.2.1)
DELL LATITUDE 5491 (Intel AX200) Windows 10 Pro (21.40.2)
Samsung S20 Android 10
Samsung S10 (SM-G973U1) Android 9.0 (One UI 1.1)
Samsung S10e (SM-G970U1) Android 9.0 (One UI 1.1)
Samsung Galaxy S10+ Android 9.0

Samsung Galaxy Fold 2

 Android 10

Samsung Galaxy Flip Z

 Android 10

Samsung Note 20

 Android 10

Laptops
Acer Aspire E 15 E5-573-3870 (Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377) Windows 10 Pro (12.0.0.832)
Apple Macbook Air 11 inch OS Sierra 10.12.6
Apple Macbook Air 13 inch OS Catalina 10.15.4
Apple Macbook Air 13 inch OS High Sierra 10.13.4
Macbook Pro Retina OS Mojave 10.14.3
Macbook Pro Retina 13 inch early 2015 OS Mojave 10.14.3

Dell Inspiron 2020 Chromebook

Chrome OS 75.0.3770.129

Google Pixelbook Go

Chrome OS 84.0.4147.136

HP chromebook 11a

Chrome OS 76.0.3809.136

Samsung Chromebook 4+

Chrome OS 77.0.3865.105
DELL Latitude 3480  (Qualcomm DELL wireless 1820) Win 10 Pro (12.0.0.242)
DELL Inspiron 15-7569 (Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3165) Windows 10 Home (18.32.0.5)
DELL Latitude E5540 (Intel Dual Band Wireless AC7260) Windows 7 Professional (21.10.1)
DELL XPS 12 v9250 (Intel Dual Band Wireless AC 8260 ) Windows 10 (19.50.1.6)
DELL Latitude 5491 (Intel AX200) Windows 10 Pro (21.40.2)
DELL XPS Latitude12 9250 (Intel Dual Band Wireless AC 8260) Windows 10 Home (21.40.0)

Lenovo Yoga C630 Snapdragon 850 (Qualcomm AC 2x2 Svc)

Windows 10(1.0.10440.0)
Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga 460 (Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 9260) Windows 10 Pro ( 21.40.0)
Note 
For clients using Intel wireless cards, we recommend you to update to the latest Intel wireless drivers if advertised SSIDs are not visible.

Tablets
Apple iPad Pro iOS 13.5
Apple iPad Air2 MGLW2LL/A iOS 12.4.1
Apple iPad Mini 4 9.0.1 MK872LL/A iOS 11.4.1
Apple iPad Mini 2 ME279LL/A iOS 12.0
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 – 11ac Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4A
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 – 11ax Intel AX201 chipset. Driver v21.40.1.3
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – 11ax Intel Wi-Fi chip (HarrisonPeak AX201) (11ax, WPA3)
Microsoft Surface Pro X – 11ac & WPA3 WCN3998 Wi-Fi Chip (11ac, WPA3)

Mobile Phones
Apple iPhone 5 iOS 12.4.1
Apple iPhone 6s iOS 13.5
Apple iPhone 8 iOS 13.5
Apple iPhone X MQA52LL/A iOS 13.5
Apple iPhone 11 iOS 14.1
Apple iPhone SE MLY12LL/A iOS 11.3
ASCOM SH1 Myco2 Build 2.1
ASCOM SH1 Myco2 Build 4.5
ASCOM Myco 3 v1.2.3 Android 8.1
Drager Delta VG9.0.2
Drager M300.3 VG2.4
Drager M300.4 VG2.4
Drager M540 DG6.0.2 (1.2.6)
Google Pixel 2 Android 10
Google Pixel 3 Android 11

Google Pixel 3a

Android 11
Google Pixel 4 Android 11
Huawei Mate 20 pro Android 9.0
Huawei P20 Pro Android 9.0

Huawei P40

Android 10
LG v40 ThinQ Android 9.0

One Plus 8

Android 10

Oppo Find X2

Android 10

Redmi K20 Pro

Android 10
Samsung Galaxy S7 Andriod 6.0.1
Samsung Galaxy S7 SM - G930F Android 8.0
Samsung Galaxy S8 Android 8.0
Samsung Galaxy S9+ - G965U1 Android 9.0
Samsung Galaxy SM - G950U Android 7.0

Sony Experia 1 ii

Android 10
Sony Experia xz3 Android 9.0

Xiaomi Mi10

Android 10
Spectralink 8744 Android 5.1.1
Spectralink Versity Phones 9540 Android 8.1
Vocera Badges B3000n 4.3.2.5
Vocera Smart Badges V5000 5.0.4.30
Zebra MC40 Android 5.0
Zebra MC40N0 Android Ver: 4.1.1
Zebra MC92N0 Android Ver:  4.4.4
Zebra TC51 Android 7.1.2
Zebra TC52 Android 8.1.0
Zebra TC55 Android 8.1.0
Zebra TC57 Android 8.1.0
Zebra TC70 Android 6.1
Zebra TC75 Android 6.1.1
Printers
Zebra QLn320 Printer LINK OS 6.3
Zebra ZT230 Printer LINK OS 6.3
Zebra ZQ310 Printer LINK OS 6.3
Zebra ZD410 Printer LINK OS 6.3
Zebra ZT410 Printer LINK OS 6.3
Zebra ZQ610 Printer LINK OS 6.3
Zebra ZQ620 Printer LINK OS 6.3

Wireless Module

Intel 11ax 200

 Driver v22.20.0

Intel AC 9260

 Driver v21.40.0

Intel Dual Band Wireless AC 8260

Driver v19.50.1.6

Caveats

Caveats describe unexpected behavior in Cisco IOS releases. Caveats that are listed as Open in a prior release are carried forward to the next release as either Open or Resolved.


Note

All incremental releases will cover fixes from the current release.

Cisco Bug Search Tool

The Cisco Bug Search Tool (BST) allows partners and customers to search for software bugs based on product, release, and keyword, and aggregates key data such as bug details, product, and version. The BST is designed to improve the effectiveness in network risk management and device troubleshooting. The tool has a provision to filter bugs based on credentials to provide external and internal bug views for the search input.

To view the details of a caveat, click the corresponding identifier.

Open Caveats for Cisco IOS XE 17.8.1

Caveat ID

Description

CSCwa31604

AP ethernet link is not stable when port speed is set to auto.

CSCwa75556

Device reloads unexpectedly due to IAPP when receiving IAPP TLV with a header type of 4.

CSCwa99904

Controller deletes client when DHCP release is sent by client during posture.

CSCwb05551

Cisco Catalyst 9100 AP is crashing with no coredumps.

CSCwb17255

The show aaa servers command output shows WNCD platform state as DEAD.

CSCwb01752

XOR radio is displaying Radio Type as "802.11ax - 2.4/5 GHz".

CSCwb10265

Cisco Catalyst 9120 AP fails to forward traffic to wireless client for about 60 seconds.

CSCwb21141

WLAN configuration is not pushed to APs on specific wncd.

CSCwb36531

Cisco Catalyst 9130 AP is not able to process fragmented EAP frames from client when doing EAP-TLS.

CSCwa33537

Cisco Catalyst 9117AX AP radio reloads unexpectedly due to partial command issues.

CSCwa88777

1-2% nano write error on Kioxia Nand.

CSCwb01500

Tx power of an AP shows incorrect value on AP iCAP Radio 1 page.

CSCwb15031

Client is not able to pass traffic after roaming using WPA2 OKC.

CSCwb31470

No data for certain parameters in APs in Cisco DNA-C.

CSCwb42262

Cisco Catalyst 9124AX AP took longer time to change to static IP; CAPWAP DTLS teardown is also observed.

CSCwa44152

Rogue detection/containment debug with BSSID filter option is not working.

CSCwb46170

SELinux denials observed during platform testing.

Resolved Caveats for Cisco IOS XE 17.8.1

Caveat ID

Description

CSCvz82550

Perform the configured action or alarm only when APs hit high CPU or memory usage.

CSCvz86070

Controller crashes after 11i-fast inter-wncd roam with aaa-override.

CSCvz88475

Disable target wake time (TWT) and TWT broadcast by default.

CSCwa40959

Cisco Catalyst 9136 AP: Google Remote Procedure Call (gRPC) server crash is observed.

CSCwa65724

Memory leak and Linux IOSd core are observed on the standby controller.

CSCvz36463

Cisco Catalyst 9130 AP: The AP flashes insufficient power LED when USB is enabled on PoE+ Switch.

CSCvz38425

Remove audit data option from link latency in AP Profile feature.

CSCvz90902

Cisco Catalyst 9130 AP: Probe suppression for macro-micro cell client steering is not working.

CSCvz91097

Cisco Catalyst 9130 AP: RADIUS TTLS method authentication failure is observed.

CSCwa34086

Multicast Domain Name System (mDNS) cache details shows default mDNS policy for wired services instead of custom mDNS policy.

CSCwa34872

Memory leak is observed on the controller.

CSCwa35350

AP flaps when WNCd to which it maps report high CPU utilization.

CSCwa37963

Unable to add more than one MAC address starting with 000 in wired service filter.

CSCwa38466

Client stays in web authentication state when moves from FlexConnect central authentication to FlexConnect local authentication.

CSCwa38566

Memory leak is observed on the controller.

CSCwb05110

mDNS wired-filter changes are not working.

CSCwb06831

For Basic Service Set (BSS) coloring, controller webUI is showing mismatch between controller side and AP side.

Troubleshooting

For the most up-to-date, detailed troubleshooting information, visit the Cisco TAC website at:

https://www.cisco.com/en/US/support/index.html

Go to Product Support and select your product from the list, or enter the name of your product. Look under Troubleshoot and Alerts to find information about the problem that you are experiencing.

Related Documentation

Information about Cisco IOS XE 16 is available at:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/ios-nx-os-software/ios-xe/index.html

All the support documentation for Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points are available at: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/wireless/catalyst-9100ax-access-points/tsd-products-support-series-home.html

Cisco Validated Designs documents are available at:

https://www.cisco.com/go/designzone

Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points

For support information, see the following documents:

Installation guides for Catalyst Access Points are available at:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/wireless/catalyst-9100ax-access-points/products-installation-guides-list.html

For all Cisco Wireless Controller software-related documentation, see:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/wireless/catalyst-9800-series-wireless-controllers/tsd-products-support-series-home.html

Wireless Products Comparison

Cisco Connected Mobile Experiences

Cisco Connected Mobile Experiences Documentation

Cisco DNA Center

Cisco DNA Center Documentation

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