Summary

Question

Customer Environment

Workaround

Resolution

License pooling was introduced in ZoneDirector version 9.9, enabling pooling between ZoneDirectors in Smart Redundancy (SR) mode. This allows a pair of ZoneDirectors to share their AP licenses, providing flexibility and resilience in network management.

Key Features

1. Pooling of Licenses: When two ZoneDirectors in SR mode have different license levels, the total number of licenses is displayed in the Smart Redundancy dashboard widget.
2. Automatic Management: If the primary ZoneDirector fails, the standby ZoneDirector assumes the primary role and continues to manage all APs.
3. 60-Day License Pool: The licenses are pooled for 60 days. If the primary ZoneDirector is not replaced within this period, the standby ZoneDirector reverts to managing only its licensed APs.
4. License Pool Adjustment: If the total licenses in the pool decrease (due to the 60-day timer), the user must choose how to derive the new license pool. APs will be disconnected in a Last In, First Out (LIFO) manner if the license pool capacity is reduced after 60 days.
5. Compatibility: Both ZoneDirectors in SR mode must be of the same series (e.g., both ZD 1100, 3000, 5000, or 1200) and must be configured correctly to communicate and share licenses.

Example Scenario

• Total Available AP Licenses: 150
• ZoneDirector 2 (ZD2): ZD 3000 with 50 AP Licenses
• ZoneDirector 1 (ZD1): ZD 3000 with 100 AP Licenses

If ZD1 goes down, ZD2 can manage all 150 APs for 60 days. After 60 days, if ZD1 is not replaced, ZD2 can only manage its original 50 AP licenses.

Requirements for Smart Redundancy

1. Same Series: Both controllers must belong to the same series.
2. Smart Redundancy Configuration: The SR option must be enabled on both controllers.
3. IP Configuration: Each controller must have the IP address of the other.
4. Network Configuration: Both controllers must be on the same network.
5. Disabling SR: When SR is disabled, each ZoneDirector reverts to using its own pre-SR installed licenses.

Important Considerations

• Temporary Licenses: ZoneDirectors with temporary licenses cannot be part of an SR pair.
• License Limit: The pooled license cannot exceed the maximum AP license limit supported by the ZoneDirector model.

Summary

Smart Redundancy in ZoneDirectors enhances network resilience by allowing license pooling and automatic failover management. However, careful configuration and timely replacement of failed ZoneDirectors are crucial to maintaining optimal network performance.