In this guide, I’m going to cover the process of creating a Linux server to visualize a lot of the network telemetry (statistics) that the Cisco Catalyst 9800 offers. Network telemetry can include client statistics, access-point statistics, network statistics and controller statistics. All of these tools are open source, and free for personal use. The
Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points
Overview You may have noticed when the Catalyst 9100 Access Points were initially released, they didn’t support Mobility Express (AP as a controller) functionality. That’s because Cisco has been cooking up something much better. The Catalyst 9100 Access Points now support what Cisco is calling “Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points.” The name
Introducing the Cisco Catalyst 9130 Access Point
Cisco’s latest addition to the Catalyst 9100 Series Access Point Platform is one of their most flexible APs in the last few years. The Catalyst 9130 Wi-Fi 6 Access Point features a Tri-Radio setup, which allows you to run dual-5GHz radios while also having 2.4GHz enabled. I see this as being very helpful in environments
Building a Catalyst 9800-CL Lab with an Intel NUC
This guide is intended to walk you through the process of installing VMware ESXi on an Intel NUC, so that you can install multiple Cisco Catalyst 9800-CL Virtual Machines for Lab/Training/Testing use. The Intel NUC is a fantastic platform to install the Catalyst 9800-CL because of the very small form factor, silent operation, multiple connectivity
MFD4 – Metageek Tools Update
I’ll start by saying that I haven’t had the pleasure of using a new Metageek tool in a very long time. I bought the original WiSpy (2.4GHz only) when it was first introduced, and I later bought a WiSpy dBx (dual-band). I’ve used both, with various versions of Chanalyzer, on both MacOS and Windows over
Deploying and Configuring the Cisco Catalyst 9800-CL in VMware – a Detailed Guide
The intent of this post is to get your Catalyst 9800-CL online with a trunked network interface. I will be writing another post to cover configuring WLANs, go over the new configuration model, and best practices. First off, don’t let the length of this post scare you. I promise it really is simple if you
Cisco Catalyst 9100 Series: 802.11ax APs to be excited about
The Catalyst 9100 platform is Cisco’s entry into the 802.11ax/Wi-Fi 6 Access Point realm. The platform currently includes 3 Access Point models of varying capabilities, which I will discuss below. The Elephant in the Room Catalyst? Why Catalyst? What happened to Aironet? In a word, marketing. However, the more I hear the reasoning behind the
Introducing the Cisco Catalyst 9800 Wireless Controllers
Catalyst 9800 – Cisco’s newest Wireless Controller Architecture The Catalyst 9800 Wireless Controller is an exciting beast. It is based on IOS-XE, rather than the traditional Cisco direction of releasing controllers running AireOS (from the Airespace acquisition almost 15 years ago!). I know what you’re thinking… The horrible 5760 was also based on IOS-XE! Fear not,
Wireless Assurance with Cisco DNA Center
Introduction to Wireless Assurance with Cisco DNA Center If you haven’t worked with Cisco DNA Center before, you may be wondering about its capabilities when it comes to wireless networks and wireless clients. Cisco is still at the early stages of integrating wireless features into DNA Center, but some of the work they have done
Cisco Live Survival Guide
I continue to update this list as I learn new tips to share! My most recent updates are for Cisco Live 2022, with the newer tips at the end of the list. I have attended Cisco Live US every year since 2012. Cisco Live is what you make of it. If you properly prepare, it