Cloud Managed Networks

 View Only
Back to discussions
Expand all | Collapse all

Roaming between Virtual Controller network and Campus Controlled network

This thread has been viewed 14 times

  • 1.  Roaming between Virtual Controller network and Campus Controlled network

    Posted Dec 14, 2020 02:11 PM
    Hey folks, I've got a campus with approximately 200 AP205 managed by a 7205 MC running 8.6.0.3. Recently we built an addition to the campus and deployed ~70 iAP505s (managed in Aruba Central). We are broadcasting the same SSID's in front of the same VLANs on each environment and I am wondering if it's possible to setup/configure/tweak the configuration so that roaming between the two environments is smoother. I've heard about VLAN mobility between two different campus controllers but not sure if it's possible in my scenario.

    Thanks!


    ------------------------------
    Aaron MacKinnon
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Roaming between Virtual Controller network and Campus Controlled network

    Posted Dec 15, 2020 05:37 PM
    Edited by ProbeRequest Dec 15, 2020 05:37 PM
    I don't believe there is any direct integration between a Mobility Controller and an Instant Virtual Controller in regards to roaming.

    Ultimately this may not be an issue. It comes down to the users experience. Hopefully the users don't notice they've transitioned - but there are a few things to think about to ensure they don't know they've transitioned.

    Is the SSID setup for Open, Personal or Enterprise security/authentication? The client itself should take care of re-establishing access as far as the 4-way handshake goes, if you're got Personal or Enterprise setup.

    The biggest thing to ensure is that when a device transitions from the one environment to another (controller to instant, or vice versa) that they don't have to jump layer 3 boundaries or get a new IP address. In short, make sure the client is on the same subnet/VLAN when they move between the environments. It sounds like you have this setup well already.

    Some clients will do this more gracefully than others but it's highly possible that a client would attempt to do a fast transition to the new environment, that fail and then a full re-authentication occurs. Don't assume that a full DHCP will occur after this, however.
    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Roaming between Virtual Controller network and Campus Controlled network

    Posted Dec 16, 2020 09:25 AM
    I would not expect smooth roaming between two different WLAN environments. If you can, don't mix multiple WLAN solutions in one physical area. If it is in different buildings, with large enough distance to not roam while connected, its not an issue. But even if you offer the exact VLAN/roles in both environments, you should expect a less smooth roaming experience. For most stationary clients it will be fine, but clients constantly moving over the 'roaming-edge' those will probably experience hick-ups. If you have to mix in one location temporarily, make sure you put those edges between the different networks in a location where it is least a problem.

    Note that clientmatch in such a deployment might need to be disabled in the area where you have overlap as when a client is pushed to a better AP, that AP has to be from the same deployment. You might end up clients being pushed between the IAP and Controller system.

    Absolutely prevent a mix where APs broadcasting the same SSID are in the same space (pepper&salt).

    ------------------------------
    Herman Robers
    ------------------------
    If you have urgent issues, always contact your Aruba partner, distributor, or Aruba TAC Support. Check https://www.arubanetworks.com/support-services/contact-support/ for how to contact Aruba TAC. Any opinions expressed here are solely my own and not necessarily that of Hewlett Packard Enterprise or Aruba Networks.
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


Related Content