To assess different client types directly on a Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controller without external servers, the administrator must use the device classification feature. This native capability allows the controller to identify connecting devices by examining specific protocol attributes, primarily from DHCP and HTTP traffic (such as DHCP options and HTTP User-Agent strings). The controller then matches this information against its built-in device profiles to classify the client type (e.g., Apple iPhone, Windows 10). This process is performed locally on the controller, fulfilling the stated requirement.

A. native profile: This is a generic term. "Device classification" is the specific and official name for the feature that performs this function on the Catalyst 9800.

B. MAC classification: This is only one technique (using the OUI) within the broader device classification feature and is not sufficient on its own for comprehensive client-type assessment.

C. local profile: This term is not used to describe the client-type identification feature on the Catalyst 9800. The feature is called "device classification," even though it runs locally.

1. Cisco Systems

"Security Configuration Guide

Cisco IOS XE Bengaluru 17.6.x (Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers)".

Reference: Chapter: "Device Profiling and Classification"

Section: "Information About Device Profiling and Classification".

Content: "Device profiling and classification enables the Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controller to identify the type of device that is connecting to the network... The controller uses protocols such as HTTP

DHCP

and so on

to identify the end devices. The controller has a default built-in device profile for most of the common device types." This confirms the feature is native and its name is "Device Classification".

2. Cisco Systems

"Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controller Software Configuration Guide

Cisco IOS XE Cupertino 17.9.x".

Reference: Chapter: "Device Profiling and Classification"

Section: "Device Profiling and Classification".

Content: "The device profiling and classification feature on the controller allows you to identify the end devices by using protocols

such as HTTP

DHCP

and so on... The controller uses the DHCP and HTTP protocols to classify a device." This reinforces that the feature is built-in and details the primary protocols used for local classification.