# Cisco WLC Deployment Models

**URL:** <https://forum.networklessons.com/t/cisco-wlc-deployment-models/8990>\
**Category:** Lessons Discussion\
**Created:** [November 26, 2019, 1:30pm UTC](https://forum.networklessons.com/t/cisco-wlc-deployment-models/8990 "2019-11-26T13:30:11Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 6

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**Author:** ![lagapidis](https://cdn-forum.networklessons.com/user_avatar/forum.networklessons.com/lagapidis/32/4949_2.png) [@lagapidis](https://forum.networklessons.com/u/lagapidis)\
**Post date:** [July 15, 2025, 3:15am UTC](https://forum.networklessons.com/t/cisco-wlc-deployment-models/8990/6 "2025-07-15T03:15:46Z")

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Hello David

> [@davidilles](#):
>
> What is the difference between EWC and Mobility Express? Is EWC the more modern option for 9800 WLCs while Mobiliy Express was for older APs/AireOS WLCs?

EWC runs on modern IOS-XE platforms, including the newer Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points. This is the same software platform as the 9800 series controllers. So it’s a scaled down version of the same software as the independent controller running on the switch, but it runs on the specific series of access points.

Cisco Mobility Express is based on the older AirOS platform and lacks many of the advanced capabilities of EWC.

I hope this has been helpful!

Laz

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