Huawei Layer 3 switches can serve as DHCP servers and gateways for APs, enabling Layer 3 connectivity to the AC and client devices.

Network Design Overview

In a typical enterprise WLAN deployment:

• Layer 3 switch acts as the aggregation switch and DHCP server for APs and clients.
• Wireless Access Controller (AC) manages APs and establishes tunnels for centralized forwarding.
• APs connect to the Layer 3 switch, often via PoE-enabled ports.
• Upstream router provides Internet access and NAT services if required .

VLANs are used to separate management, AP, and client traffic. For example:

• Management VLAN for APs (e.g., VLAN 2)
• AC VLAN (e.g., VLAN 100)
• Client VLANs (e.g., VLAN 200, 300)
• AP VLAN (e.g., VLAN 400) for tunnel establishment .

Layer 3 Switch Configuration Steps

1. Enable Layer 3 on the switch interface By default, Huawei switch ports operate in Layer 2 mode. To use Layer 3 functions, convert the interface:

   interface gigabitethernet 0/0/2[Switch-GigabitEthernet0/0/2] undo portswitch[Switch-GigabitEthernet0/0/2] ip address 192.168.2.1 255.255.255.0

   This allows the switch to route traffic between VLANs and act as a gateway .

2. Configure VLANs and assign interfaces

   vlan batch 2 100 200 300 400 interface gigabitethernet 0/0/2[Switch-GigabitEthernet0/0/2] port link-type trunk[Switch-GigabitEthernet0/0/2] port trunk allow-pass vlan 2 400

   This ensures APs can communicate with the management VLAN and establish tunnels with the AC .

3. Enable DHCP for APs and clients

   dhcp enable ip pool AP_POOL[Switch-dhcp-pool] network 192.168.2.0 24[Switch-dhcp-pool] gateway-list 192.168.2.1[Switch-dhcp-pool] option 43 ip-address 192.168.100.1

   Option 43 provides the AC's IP address to APs for discovery .

4. Configure static routes if needed

   ip route-static 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.168.100.1

   This allows APs and clients to reach the AC and upstream router for Internet access .

5. Enable PoE for AP ports

   [Switch-GigabitEthernet0/0/2] poe enable

   Ensures APs receive power over Ethernet .

Verification

• Ping the AC from the Layer 3 switch to confirm connectivity.
• Ensure APs obtain IP addresses from the DHCP pool.
• Test client connectivity through the AP to verify VLAN routing and Internet access .

Summary

By configuring VLANs, enabling Layer 3 interfaces, setting up DHCP with Option 43, and providing PoE, Huawei Layer 3 switches can effectively manage AP access and client traffic in a campus network. This setup supports centralized forwarding, inter-VLAN routing, and scalable WLAN deployment.