Introduction

The Cisco 9800-CL Wireless Controller is a robust virtualized solution for modern wireless network management, offering scalability and flexibility for enterprise deployments. Setting up the initial configuration correctly is critical for smooth operation, whether you’re configuring it for a lab environment, testing purposes, or production networks.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through configuring the Cisco 9800-CL Wireless Controller using the Command Line Interface (CLI). We’ll focus on essential tasks, including VLAN setup, management IP assignment, and secure self-signed certificates. Your controller will be operational and ready for further customization by the end.

Watch the Full Video Tutorial

Prefer a visual walkthrough? Check out my YouTube video where I demonstrate the entire Cisco 9800-CL Wireless Controller initial setup step by step.

🎥 Watch Now: Cisco 9800-CL CLI Setup Tutorial

Let’s get started!

Why Use the CLI for Cisco 9800-CL Configuration?

While the web interface is available, using the CLI provides several advantages:

• Greater control over the configuration process.
• Faster deployment for advanced users comfortable with command-line workflows.
• Repeatable scripts for consistent setups across environments.

Prerequisites

Before beginning, ensure you have the following:

• A virtual machine environment (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V).
• Access to the CLI (via console, SSH, or telnet).
• An IP addressing plan for management VLAN and gateway.
• The Cisco 9800-CL software image installed.

Step-by-Step Cisco 9800-CL Setup Using the CLI

1. Access the Controller and Enable Privileged Mode

WLC>en
WLC#config t

2. Configure Console Logging

WLC(config)#line console 0
WLC(config-line)#logging synchronous
WLC(config-line)#exit

3. Set the Hostname and User Account

WLC(config)#hostname WLC-LAB
WLC-LAB(config)#username cisco privilege 15 password cisco

4. Configure Management VLAN and IP Address

WLC-LAB(config)#interface vlan 1
WLC-LAB(config-if)#ip address 192.168.88.77 255.255.255.0
WLC-LAB(config-if)#no shutdown
WLC-LAB(config-if)#exit

5. Set a Default Route

WLC-LAB(config)#ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.168.88.1

6. Configure Wireless Management Interface

WLC-LAB(config)#wireless country US
WLC-LAB(config)#wireless management interface vlan 1

7. Configure vWLC Self-Signed Certificate (vWLC-SSC)

WLC-LAB#wireless config vwlc-ssc key-size 2048 signature-algo sha256 password 0 Cisco123

8. Verify Configuration and Connectivity

Check the interface status and IP assignment:

WLC-LAB#show interfaces status
WLC-LAB#show ip interface brief

Test connectivity to the default gateway:

WLC-LAB#ping 192.168.88.1

9. Save the Configuration

Save your changes to ensure they persist after reboot:

WLC-LAB#write memory

Summary of Commands

Here’s a quick recap of the commands used:

• Enable Privileged Mode: en
• Set Logging Synchronous: Avoids command disruptions.
• Set Hostname: hostname WLC-LAB
• Create Local User: username cisco privilege 15 password cisco
• Configure VLAN 1: Assign IP and bring the interface up.
• Set Default Route: ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.168.88.1
• Configure Wireless Management: wireless management interface vlan 1
• Generate vWLC Self-Signed Certificate: wireless config vwlc-ssc
• Verify Status: show interfaces status, show ip interface brief
• Test Connectivity: ping
• Save Configuration: write memory

Conclusion

Setting up the Cisco 9800-CL Wireless Controller using the CLI may initially seem complex, but following this guide ensures a smooth and efficient process. You’ve laid the foundation for a reliable wireless network, from configuring the management VLAN to securing your setup with a self-signed certificate.