Troubleshooting Issues with the Controller

In this section:

  1. Application Logs
    The SmartZone controller generates logs for all applications running on the server, each playing a critical role in network management and functionality.
  2. Logging In to the Controller CLI
    The Command Line Interface (CLI) allows you to manage and configure the controller using text-based commands. It provides access to configuration options and troubleshooting actions that may not be available through the web GUI. The CLI is also useful when the GUI is inaccessible, such as during system recovery.
  3. Managing a Cluster Node
    A SmartZone cluster supports up to four nodes and distributes the database tables across members to tolerate a single node failure without service loss. If two nodes fail in a 3‑ or 4‑node cluster, the cluster enters an out‑of‑service (OOS) state and operations become unpredictable until at least one node is restored. GUI access may be unavailable in this condition.
  4. Troubleshooting SmartZone Node not Joining the Cluster
    When integrating a new node into a SmartZone cluster, various issues can arise related to network reachability, firmware version consistency, form-factor compatibility, interface configuration, IP version alignment, VM resource levels, and latency requirements.
  5. Performing a Wipeout Upgrade for a Controller Node
  6. Checking the SmartZone Cluster Status
    Monitoring the health and operational integrity of a SmartZone (SZ) cluster is a critical task for network administrators, especially in environments where high availability and performance are paramount. The show cluster-state command in the SZ CLI provides a comprehensive snapshot of the cluster’s current status, including management service availability, node readiness, ongoing operations, and system mode, as shown in the following example:
  7. Troubleshooting the Controller Services
    The SmartZone (SZ) controller runs multiple interdependent services that manage APs, authentication, configuration, and analytics. When troubleshooting, it is essential to verify the health of these services using both the web UI and CLI, and to know how to restart or recover them if needed.
  8. Changing the Controller IP Address
    Update the controller node IP address using either the single-interface or three-interface configuration. Ensure uninterrupted connectivity for APs, ICX switches, and Data Plane nodes. This procedure covers both web UI and CLI methods, and includes the required updates to dependent systems.
  9. Changing the Controller Password
    Change the admin (login) and enable (privileged mode) passwords on a SmartZone controller using the web UI or CLI.
  10. Controller Event Threshold
  11. Troubleshooting High CPU Issues
    When dealing with high CPU or memory consumption on a controller, it is crucial to collect and analyze specific information before reaching out to RUCKUS Support. Controllers experiencing these issues may exhibit various symptoms that you need to document thoroughly for the promptest resolution.
  12. Troubleshooting Upgrade Failures
    Upgrading a SmartZone cluster may lead to various issues if the environment is not properly prepared. The following checklist outlines critical pre-upgrade steps and verification tasks designed to minimize the risk of upgrade failures.
  13. Controller Configuration Backup
  14. Cluster Backup and Restore
    The controller offers different methods to back up and restore the cluster configuration. This backup includes the software image, network configuration, database, and AP firmware. The following sections describe these processes. Periodically backing up the cluster enables you to restore it in the event of an emergency. RUCKUS also recommends that you back up the cluster before you upgrade the controller software.
  15. Network Configuration Backup and Restore
    In addition to backing up and restoring the controller's network configuration from its own database, the controller supports backup and restore of its network configuration from an FTP server using the CLI.
  16. Third Party Service
    SZ 5.1 update - reused across platforms
    SmartZone controller supports integration for Ekahau and Aeroscout/Stanley tags, and information is forwarded to the Ekahau and Aeroscout servers. This enhancement provides support for Real-Time Location Service (RTLS) tags without requiring them to be associated to the network.
  17. Chatbot
    The primary function of the Chatbot (called Chat now) is to assist users by answering their queries. It engages in human-like conversations through text messages on the chat interface. Additionally, the Chatbot helps in opening new Support cases and fetching information about existing ones.
  18. Help with the GUI and APIs
    The Help tab provides access to online REST API and administration guides.