1. Cisco@Work Case Study: Cisco Global Wireless LAN Software Migration
This publication describes how Cisco has benefited from the deployment of its own products. Many factors may have contributed to the results and benefits described; Cisco does not guarantee comparable results elsewhere.
CISCO PROVIDES THIS PUBLICATION AS IS WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Some jurisdictions do not allow disclaimer of express or implied warranties, therefore this disclaimer may not apply to you.
Cisco Information Technology
November 3, 2004

2. Overview Challenge Solution Results Next Steps
Migrate from VxWorks to Cisco IOS® Software on Cisco® Aironet® 350 and Aironet 1200 access points
Solution
Form a global cross-functional Wireless IOS Migration team to design and manage the migration
Results
Migrated software on 98 percent of access points to date, enabling support for all new and enhanced features available in Cisco IOS Software
Next Steps
Continue to enhance the capabilities of the Cisco global WLAN

3. Challenge─Migrate from VxWorks to Cisco IOS Software
Develop global strategy for migration
The one-time migration of all access points worldwide from VxWorks to Cisco IOS® Software posed a significant effort in planning, development, testing, and coordination
Identify stable release
Cisco® Aironet® 350s and Aironet 1200s were deployed on the network, and Cisco IT had to identify a release of Cisco IOS Software that would ensure a stable, error-free operation with all standard client bases

4. Challenge─Migrate from VxWorks to Cisco IOS Software (continued)
Ensure network management support
Cisco® IT had to ensure that existing support would function correctly on the Cisco Aironet® 350s and Aironet 1200s running Cisco IOS® Software, and that MIB support would function correctly within the existing management tools
Train the support team
The unique attributes of supporting Cisco IOS Software on Aironet access points would require training personnel who were accustomed to using management tools developed for VxWorks

5. Solution─Migration Summary
Over a 5-month period, Cisco® IT migrated almost all the access points worldwide to Cisco IOS® Software
6-step process
Develop an efficient migration process
Develop a standard access point configuration
Identify a stable, reliable Cisco IOS Software image
Determine that configuration and Cisco IOS Software image integrated with existing network management tools
Conduct pilot testing
Migrate all access points worldwide

6. Solution─Develop Migration Process
3-step process for migrating large numbers of access points
Prepare list of hosts to be converted from VxWorks to Cisco IOS® Software
Replace VxWorks with Cisco IOS Software using appropriate tool
Load new standard access point configuration
Several tools to aid engineers in the migration
CiscoWorks Wireless LAN Solution Engine (WLSE) (preferred)
Cisco® Aironet® Conversion tool
Custom script based on the Cisco Aironet Conversion tool

7. Solution─Develop Standard Configuration
Develop standard access point configuration supporting Cisco® Aironet® 350s and Aironet 1200s
Challenge was to develop a standard configuration that would integrate access points running Cisco IOS® Software into existing WLAN
Step 1: Ensure existing configuration included Cisco LEAP, TKIP, SSIDs, and other required features
Step 2: Identify new features to be incorporated into the configuration
Step 3: Resolve all issues discovered

8. Solution─Identify Appropriate Cisco IOS Software Image
Cisco® IT evaluated all Cisco IOS Software features that would best support a WLAN
Tested in lab
Tested at pilot sites
Selected Cisco IOS® Software Release 12.2(13)JA1 as image best suited to current WLAN environment (mid 2004)
Subsequently upgraded to Cisco IOS Software Release 12.2(13)JA2
Most recently upgraded to Cisco IOS Software Release 12.2(15)JA (late 2004)

9. Solution─Integration with Existing Tools
Configuration and Cisco IOS® Software image integrated with existing network management tools
Verified that network management tools such as monitors, syslogs, configuration backup, and SNMP would continue to support access points
Conducted extensive lab and pilot testing and comprehensive audits following migration

10. Solution─Pilot Testing
Pilot tests conducted in several sites, after lab testing
San Jose
Amsterdam
Sydney
Research Triangle Park
Same conversion methods used at all sites to test for issues
Pilots provided engineers with experience in migrating access point software

11. Solution─Global Migration
Issues were resolved and procedures thoroughly tested, then full global implementation was performed
Training presentation delivered to all WLAN support personnel in each region prior to migration
All 40 buildings in San Jose converted using CiscoWorks WLSE within a 2½ week period, after hours

12. Results─Summary
As of August 2004, software on 98 percent of access points converted to Cisco IOS® Software
Deployment took only 236 hours (about one access point every 5 minutes)
Entire migration completed within 5 months
Service disruption minimal resulting from work performed outside of business hours
Fewer than 1% of access points failed to be converted and were replaced
WLAN now capable of supporting new and enhanced features available in Cisco IOS Software

13. Results─Poised for Improvement
Cisco® IT uses a single operating system across wired and wireless network devices
Reduces the need for additional training and support
Eases troubleshooting and debugging processes
Increases ease of upgrading to future enhancements
Ensures support for new Cisco IOS® Software features: Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) standards, WDS support for CiscoWorks WLSE, and others
Saves power on wireless PCs by supporting client Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) caching on access points
Extends QoS into the wireless environment to support successful delivery of voice and data traffic

14. Next Steps─Positioned for Upgrade to 802.11g
CiscoWorks WLSE, currently deployed in San Jose, will be expanded globally as budget allows
Amsterdam campus currently piloting Cisco® Catalyst® 6500 Series Wireless LAN Services Module (WLSM), which allows secure Layer 3 roaming across wireless LANs

15. For additional Cisco IT case studies on a variety of business solutions,
go to Cisco Work
This publication describes how Cisco has benefited from the deployment of its own products. Many factors may have contributed to the results and benefits described; Cisco does not guarantee comparable results elsewhere.
CISCO PROVIDES THIS PUBLICATION AS IS WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Some jurisdictions do not allow disclaimer of express or implied warranties, therefore this disclaimer may not apply to you.
Rich Gore
© 2004 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 15 15 15