Management VLAN for APs

Customizing the Management VLAN is a crucial configuration for network devices such as APs as it allows you to separate management traffic (such as configuration, monitoring, and firmware updates) from regular user traffic. By placing management traffic on a dedicated VLAN, you enhance security and improve network efficiency.

Feature Overview

The AP Management VLAN parameter in the AP configuration allows you to customize the VLAN settings for APs through the RUCKUS One web interface. This feature provides flexibility in network management by allowing specific VLAN configurations at the AP level. You can change the management VLAN ID from the default VLAN 1 to another VLAN from the RUCKUS One web interface, allowing AP management traffic to be routed through a VLAN other than VLAN 1.

Limitations

When an AP’s management interface VLAN is changed, it can lead to temporary disconnection from the network. The AP will need to re-establish connectivity with the network after the VLAN change. Adjust your network environment settings as described in Prerequisites to reconnect the AP. The RUCKUS One web interface provides a confirmation message about the potential disconnections so you can make informed decisions when changing the AP’s management VLAN.

After changing the AP Management VLAN, the AP will reboot automatically.

Requirements

The upper link switch that connects to the access point (AP) must be capable of handling tagged traffic. This ensures proper communication between the AP and the switch.

Considerations

When displaying VLAN IDs in the RUCKUS One web interface, the following priorities are considered:

  1. VLAN ID in the AP Configuration: The VLAN ID specified in the AP configuration takes precedence. This means that if you have explicitly set a VLAN ID for a specific access point (AP), it will be used for that AP.
  2. VLAN ID in the Venue Configuration: If the AP configuration does not specify a VLAN ID, the system will fall back to the VLAN ID defined in the venue configuration. The venue configuration provides global settings that apply to all APs within that venue.

The AP Management VLAN ID value is limited to a positive integer from 1 to 4094. The default value is 1.

Best Practices

This feature has no special recommendations for feature enablement or usage.

Prerequisites

Ensure that the corresponding VLAN is configured on the switch where the AP is connected. Also ensure that the switch port connected to the AP is set to the correct VLAN.
Note: If the switch connecting to an AP is configured incorrectly, the AP may become isolated. This could hinder subsequent switch setup to restore the connection between the AP and RUCKUS ACX.