show wlan summary
Displays a summary of all WLANs configured on a Cisco wireless controller, used to quickly verify WLAN IDs, names, SSIDs, status, security settings, and interface bindings.
show wlan summaryWhen to Use This Command
- After configuring multiple WLANs, verify that each WLAN is enabled and has the correct SSID and security settings.
- Troubleshoot client connectivity issues by checking if the target WLAN is in 'Enabled' state and bound to the correct interface.
- Audit WLAN configurations for compliance, ensuring only authorized SSIDs are active and using expected security policies.
- Before making changes, take a snapshot of current WLAN settings to compare after modifications.
Command Examples
Basic WLAN summary
show wlan summaryNumber of WLANs: 3 WLAN ID WLAN Profile Name / SSID Status Interface Name ------- ---------------------------------------- ------- ----------------- 1 Corporate / Corporate-Net Enabled management 2 Guest / Guest-Access Enabled guest 3 IoT / IoT-Sensors Disabled iot
Line 1: Total number of WLANs configured (3). Column 'WLAN ID': Numeric identifier for each WLAN (1, 2, 3). Column 'WLAN Profile Name / SSID': Shows the profile name and the broadcast SSID. Column 'Status': 'Enabled' means the WLAN is active and broadcasting; 'Disabled' means it is not. Column 'Interface Name': The interface (VLAN) to which the WLAN is mapped.
WLAN summary with additional details (verbose)
show wlan summary verboseNumber of WLANs: 2 WLAN ID WLAN Profile Name / SSID Status Interface Name Security ------- ---------------------------------------- ------- ---------------- --------------- 1 Corporate / Corporate-Net Enabled management WPA2+AES 2 Guest / Guest-Access Enabled guest Open
Same as basic output but adds a 'Security' column showing the encryption method (e.g., WPA2+AES, Open). Useful for quick security posture checks.
Understanding the Output
The 'show wlan summary' command provides a high-level overview of all WLANs on the controller. The 'Number of WLANs' line indicates how many WLAN profiles exist. Each row represents one WLAN. The 'WLAN ID' is a unique numeric identifier used in other commands. The 'WLAN Profile Name / SSID' shows both the internal profile name and the SSID broadcast to clients. 'Status' is critical: 'Enabled' means the WLAN is operational and clients can associate; 'Disabled' means it is not broadcasting. 'Interface Name' shows the VLAN or interface that the WLAN is mapped to, which determines the subnet and gateway for clients. In verbose mode, an additional 'Security' column shows the encryption type (e.g., 'WPA2+AES' for secure, 'Open' for no encryption). Good values: all expected WLANs present, status 'Enabled' for active networks, security set appropriately. Bad values: missing WLANs, 'Disabled' status on WLANs that should be active, 'Open' security on corporate networks. Watch for mismatched interface names that could cause connectivity issues.
CCNA Exam Tips
CCNA exam may ask which command to verify WLAN status; remember 'show wlan summary' is the quick check.
Know that 'Disabled' status means the WLAN is not broadcasting; clients cannot see or connect to it.
The 'Interface Name' column is key for VLAN mapping; exam scenarios may test troubleshooting when clients get wrong IP addresses.
Be aware that 'show wlan summary' does not show detailed security settings like PSK or 802.1X; use 'show wlan <id>' for that.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Confusing 'Disabled' with 'Down' — a disabled WLAN is administratively off, not a connectivity issue.
Mistake 2: Assuming all WLANs are enabled by default; always verify status after configuration.
Mistake 3: Overlooking the interface binding; clients may connect but get no IP if the interface is misconfigured.
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