MSM7xx Controllers Configuration Guide v6.4.0

AP survivability
APs that are configured with non-access-controlled VSCs using distributed deployment can continue
providing services even when communication with the controller has been interrupted. This minimizes
service interruptions caused by the AP needing to rediscover or resynchronize with the controller.
Distributed deployment means that the AP directly handles the service. It does not use the controller.
For example:
• 802.1X authentication via a third-party RADIUS server
• MAC-based authentication via a third-party RADIUS server
• Traffic routing to the default gateway
• Use of an external DHCP server
• Use of an external DNS server
For AP survivability to work, the external servers must be reachable.
To configure this feature, select Controlled APs >> Configuration > Services. (This feature can also
be configured at the Group and AP level.)
VSC services
When an AP loses contact with its controller, it automatically disables services on all
access-controlled VSCs (except as noted earlier). When this option is enabled, the AP will also
disable services on VSCs that are not access-controlled.
NOTE: This only affects services defined on the VSCs, and does not affect other functions, such
as monitoring, scanning, and local mesh.
NOTE: Regardless of the setting of this option, when an AP loses contact with its controller it
immediately initiates discovery to find a new controller. If it finds a new controller, its configuration
will be updated with the settings on the new controller (which may change the setting of this
parameter). If the AP re-establishes contact with its original controller, its configuration settings do
not change.
No VSC services if controller is unreachable
• If this option is enabled, the AP disables services on all non-access-controlled VSCs after it
loses contact with its controller. This means AP survivability is disabled.
• If this option is disabled, the AP continues to offer services on all non-access-controlled VSCs
even after it loses contact with its controller. Default setting.
Switch ports
You can use this option to disable traffic on the switch ports when an HP 517 or MSM317 loses
contact with its controller.
178 Working with controlled APs