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Cisco vWLC in EVE-NG for controller practice

The vWLC is in the Add Node list of every CloudLabBox workspace, with AireOS releases from 8.0 to 8.10. Use it to practise controller set-up and configuration: interfaces, WLANs and RADIUS.

Choose a planCheck it in the free demo

Vendor
Cisco
In Add Node
10 images
Template
vwlc
Newest
vwlc-8.10.196

Installed versions

Every vWLC name in the Add Node image list, exactly as you’ll pick it.

Started in our checksEach links to the tested tip below.

Template vwlc

vWLC

10 images on this template. Newest first.

  • vwlc-8.10.196
  • vwlc-8.10.171
  • vwlc-8.10.151
  • vwlc-8.10.142
  • vwlc-8.10.121
  • vwlc-8.7.102Started in our checks
  • vwlc-8.3.141
  • vwlc-8.1.111
  • vwlc-8.0.152
  • vwlc-8.0.121.0

Add it to a lab

In Add Node, choose the template, then the image. The template fills in these settings; change them before you start the node.

Add Node defaults for vWLC, read from the EVE-NG templates on 28 October 2026
ImageTemplateCPURAMInterfacesConsole
vWLCvwlc12048 MB2 interfacestelnet

EVE-NG admits a node by the CPU and RAM set on it, so a running node counts against your plan at these values. This template starts nodes at 1 vCPU and 2,048 MB, which fits the free demo’s 6 vCPU and 8 GB, so you can start one there and open its console.

See default usernames and passwords Read every node tip

A controller behind a core router

Put a vWLC behind an IOSv router, run its configuration wizard, then add dynamic interfaces, WPA2-Enterprise WLANs and RADIUS server settings from the CLI. You practise the AireOS configuration model without real access points.

  • 1×vWLC vwlc1 vCPU, 2048 MB
  • 1×IOSv vios1 vCPU, 1024 MB

Added with these defaults, the lab uses 2 vCPU and 3 GB of RAM. The smallest plan that fits is Lite, with 6 vCPU and 8 GB: £3 a day, or £0.50 an hour On-Demand.

Choose a planGive nodes more CPU or RAM and you add that instead.

Licences are yours to bring

CloudLabBox doesn't provide Cisco licences or subscriptions. Access-point and feature licensing on the vWLC are Cisco's to grant, so bring your own entitlement if your lab needs one.

The images run only inside your CloudLabBox workspace; they aren’t available to download.

Questions about vWLC

What is Cisco vWLC?

The Cisco Virtual Wireless LAN Controller (vWLC) runs AireOS 8 as a virtual machine, for wireless controller configuration labs: WLANs, interfaces, RADIUS and the controller CLI.

Which vWLC network adapter is which?

The vwlc template adds two network adapters. On a vWLC the first is the service port and the second is the data port that carries the management and dynamic interfaces, so connect your lab network to the second.

Should I use the vWLC or the Catalyst 9800-CL?

The vWLC runs AireOS 8, Cisco's older controller software, which suits AireOS-based study material and networks. The Catalyst 9800-CL runs IOS XE and replaced AireOS controllers; both are installed.

Cisco vWLC: how long should the first boot take?

Allow about 5-10 minutes for first-time installation and startup, watching the console before restarting the node. vwlc-8.7.102 reached the Cisco configuration wizard and the prompt to terminate autoinstall. Complete the wizard with your management network, country and time settings. Access-point joining, the web interface and feature entitlement have not been verified.

From the node tips, updated 9 October 2026.

Which vWLC images are installed?

10 images, all listed on this page exactly as Add Node shows them. The newest is vwlc-8.10.196.

How much CPU and RAM does a vWLC node use?

When you add one, the vwlc template adds 1 vCPU and 2048 MB of RAM. You can change both in Add Node, and your plan counts what each running node is set to.

More images

CloudLabBox is independent of the vendors named on this page. Their names identify the images in the workspace’s Add Node list.