when the primary fails. AP Fallback ensures that APs return to the primary controller when it recovers, minimizing downtime for clients.

Part $2$: Implementing FlexConnect for Remote Office Deployment

$2\mathrm{.}1$ Setting Up FlexConnect Mode

In this part $2,$ you will use APs in FlexConnect mode, allowing them to locally switch traffic at the branch office while being managed by a central WLC$.$

Steps:

Configure WLC for FlexConnect:

Open the WLC in Packet Tracer.

Go to Wireless $>$ FlexConnect Groups.

Create a new FlexConnect Group and add the APs.

Configure APs for FlexConnect:

Select each AP and go to the High Availability tab.

Set the APs to FlexConnect Mode under Wireless $>$ FlexConnect $>$ Mode.

$2\mathrm{.}2$ Configure SSID for Local Switching

Configure SSID with FlexConnect:

Go to the WLC Wireless $>$ WLANs.

Edit the WLAN profile for the SSID used by the APs.

Set the FlexConnect Local Switching option for this SSID.

Set VLANs for Local Traffic:

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For local switching, map the SSID to the appropriate VLANs based on the network design.

Under WLAN $>$ VLAN Mapping, map the SSID to a local VLAN.

$2\mathrm{.}3$ Test FlexConnect Mode

Disconnect the WAN Link:

Disconnect or simulate a WAN failure by disabling the link between the branch office AP and the WLC$.$

Test Local Switching:

$2\mathrm{.}3$ Test FlexConnect Mode

Disconnect the WAN Link:

Disconnect or simulate a WAN failure by disabling the link between the branch office AP and the WLC$.$

Test Local Switching:

Test local traffic on the AP by connecting a laptop or mobile device to the AP$.$

Verify that the AP continues to switch traffic locally even without WAN connectivity.

Reconnect WAN Link:

Restore the WAN link and observe the AP reconnecting to the WLC$.$

FlexConnect allows APs in remote offices to switch traffic locally, reducing latency and conserving WAN bandwidth. The APs can continue to operate in Standalone Mode during WAN outages, ensuring local traffic is not disrupted.

Part $3$: Implementing Redundancy and FlexConnect Best Practices

$3\mathrm{.}1$ Configuring FlexConnect Smart AP Image Upgrade

Create a FlexConnect Group:

In the WLC$,$ go to Wireless $>$ FlexConnect Groups.

Create a group for the APs at the branch office.

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Configure Smart AP Image Upgrade:

In the FlexConnect Group, select Image Upgrade.

Configure the Master AP to manage the upgrade process for the entire group.

Set up fallback and retry options to handle failures in the upgrade process.

$3\mathrm{.}2$ Test Smart Image Upgrade

Trigger AP Upgrade:

Initiate a firmware upgrade for the APs in the FlexConnect group.

Verify that the Master AP distributes the upgrade to other APs.

Observe Upgrade Process:

Monitor the upgrade process and ensure that all APs receive the new image via the master AP $,$ reducing WAN load.

Mode

WAN Link:

ct or simulate a WAN failure by disabling the link between the bra and the WLC$.$

tching:

$1$ traffic on the AP by connecting a laptop or mobile device to the at the AP continues to switch traffic locally even without W ity.

N Link:

he WAN link and observe the AP reconnecting to the WLC$.$

Ps in remote offices to switch traffic locally, reducing latency dwidth. The APs can continue to operate in Standalone Mode du gg local traffic is not disrupted.

g Redundancy and FlexConnect Best Practices

Connect Smart AP Image Upgrade

$2\mathrm{.}3$ Test FlexConnect Mode

Disconnect the WAN Link:

Disconnect or simulate a WAN failure by disabling the link between the branch office AP and the WLC$.$

Test Local Switching:

Test local traffic on the AP by connecting a laptop or mobile device to the AP$.$

Verify that the AP continues to switch traffic locally even without WAN connectivity.

Reconnect WAN Link:

Restore the WAN link and observe the AP reconnecting to the WLC$.$

FlexConnect allows APs in remote offices to switch traffic locally, reducing latency and conserving WAN bandwidth. The APs can continue to operate in Standalone Mode during WAN outages, ensuring local traffic is not disrupted.

Part $3$: Implementing Redundancy and FlexConnect Best Practices

$3\mathrm{.}1$ Configuring FlexConnect Smart AP Image Upgrade

Create a FlexConnect Group:

In the WLC$,$ go to Wireless $>$ FlexConnect Groups.

Create a group for the APs at the branch office.

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Configure Smart AP Image Upgrade:

In the FlexConnect Group, select Image Upgrade.

Configure the Master AP to manage the upgrade process for the entire group.

Set up fallback and retry options to handle failures in the upgrade process.

$3\mathrm{.}2$ Test Smart Image Upgrade

Trigger AP Upgrade:

Initiate a firmware upgrade for the APs in the FlexConnect group.

Verify that the Master AP distributes the upgrade to other APs.

Observe Upgrade Process:

Monitor the upgrade process and ensure that all APs receive the new image via the master AP $,$ reducing WAN load.

Chapter $11$: Wireless QoS Principles

Chapter $11$: Wireless QoS Principles

This practical work will guide you through simulating and impleme