Cisco WLC 5508 AIR-CT5508-K9 Cisco wireless LAN controller
Brand: Cisco | Category: Network Equipment
SKU: CSC-AIR-CT5508-K9 | Part #: AIR-CT5508-K9 | MPN: AIR-CT5508-K9
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About the Cisco WLC 5508 AIR-CT5508-K9 Cisco wireless LAN controller
The Cisco WLC 5508 AIR-CT5508-K9 is a 1U rack-mount wireless LAN controller engineered for mid-to-large enterprise campus networks. This controller delivers up to 8 Gbps of system throughput and supports up to 500 access points with full licensing, making it suitable for organizations requiring scalable, centralized wireless management across distributed facilities. The unit ships with 12 base access point licenses included and can manage up to 7,000 concurrent wireless clients, ensuring robust capacity for high-density deployments. Cisco designed the 5500 Series to operate across IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n wireless standards and supports both CAPWAP and LWAPP tunneling protocols for flexible access point provisioning.
Network engineers and IT procurement teams standardizing on Cisco wireless infrastructure choose the AIR-CT5508-K9 for its redundant architecture and carrier-grade reliability. The controller features 8 x 1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet service ports plus a dedicated 10/100/1000BASE-T management port, alongside a serial console for out-of-band access. Dual redundant AC power supplies—with one included and a second bay available for optional installation—ensure uninterrupted operation in mission-critical environments. Operating safely between 0°C and 40°C with input voltage tolerance of 100–240 VAC at 50–60 Hz, the WLC 5508 adapts to data center and distributed office conditions while maintaining the compact 1.75-inch height required for dense rack environments.
Organizations deploying Cisco wireless solutions across multiple sites benefit from the centralized control and simplified management that the WLC 5508 provides. The approximately 15 lb weight and 1.75 x 17.5 x 18 inch footprint integrate seamlessly into standard 19-inch rack infrastructure without requiring specialized mounting hardware. If you are evaluating this controller for your wireless network backbone, contact Omnixon Global to request a formal quotation on the Cisco WLC 5508 AIR-CT5508-K9 and discuss configuration options tailored to your deployment requirements.
```Technical Specifications
| Brand | Cisco |
| Category | Network Equipment |
| SKU | CSC-AIR-CT5508-K9 |
| Part Number | AIR-CT5508-K9 |
| Condition | New |
| Manufacturer Part Number | AIR-CT5508-K9 |
| Product Series | Cisco 5500 Series Wireless LAN Controller |
| Form Factor | 1U Rack-Mount (1.75 in / 44.45 mm) |
| Maximum Access Point Support | 500 APs (with full licensing) |
| Base Access Point Licenses Included | 12 |
| Maximum Concurrent Wireless Clients | 7,000 |
| Service Ports | 8 x 1000BASE-T (RJ-45) Gigabit Ethernet |
| Management Port | 1 x 10/100/1000BASE-T dedicated management (RJ-45) |
| Console Port | 1 x RJ-45 serial console |
| System Throughput | Up to 8 Gbps |
| Power Supply | Dual redundant AC power supplies (one included, second bay optional) |
| Input Voltage | 100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 158°F) |
| Relative Humidity (Operating) | 10% to 95% non-condensing |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 1.75 x 17.5 x 18 in (44.45 x 444.5 x 457.2 mm) |
| Weight | Approximately 15 lb (6.8 kg) |
| Supported Wireless Standards (via managed APs) | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n |
| Supported Tunneling Protocols | CAPWAP, LWAPP |
| Security Standards | WPA, WPA2, 802.1X, AES, TKIP, EAP (multiple variants) |
| High Availability | Stateful Switchover (SSO) with 1:1 controller pairing |
| Operating System | Cisco AireOS |
Frequently Asked Questions about Cisco WLC 5508 AIR-CT5508-K9 Cisco wireless LAN controller
What does the Cisco Cisco WLC 5508 AIR-CT5508-K9 Cisco wireless LAN controller do?
The Cisco Cisco WLC 5508 AIR-CT5508-K9 Cisco wireless LAN controller is enterprise networking hardware for data-center, campus, and branch deployments. Common roles include core/distribution switching, server uplinks, top-of-rack fabric, and edge connectivity in mixed Cisco/Juniper/Arista environments.
Is the Cisco Cisco WLC 5508 AIR-CT5508-K9 Cisco wireless LAN controller compatible with my infrastructure?
The Cisco Cisco WLC 5508 AIR-CT5508-K9 Cisco wireless LAN controller interoperates with standard switching protocols (LACP, MLAG/VPC, 802.1Q, OSPF/BGP). For specific cross-vendor scenarios — Cisco-to-Arista MLAG peering, fabric integration with Cumulus/SONiC, or migration from legacy Catalyst — our network engineers map a compatibility plan as part of the RFQ.