topic Re: Inter Release Compatibility Matrix between IOS-XE Software and Air in Wireless

Inter Release Compatibility Matrix between IOS-XE Software and AireOS

ryosaeba86 — Fri, 10 May 2024 09:24:34 GMT

Hi All,

My question is very simple... after the EOL of the wireless systems based on AireOS software (WLC 5508 & 5520) is there a minimum inter-operability release between these old systems and the new FireOS (WLC 9800 series)?

I need to guarantee seamless roaming (fast roaming) between "old" and new.

Thanks,

Re: Inter Release Compatibility Matrix between IOS-XE Software and Air

Mark Elsen — Fri, 10 May 2024 09:46:14 GMT

Google on : Cisco wireless compatibility matrix

Then with Find in browser look for : IRCM

M.

Re: Inter Release Compatibility Matrix between IOS-XE Software and Air

eglinsky2012 — Fri, 10 May 2024 13:56:55 GMT

FYI, more info on IRCM: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/technotes/8-8/b_c9800_wireless_controller-aireos_ircm_dg.html

For seamless L3 roaming:

Cisco IOS XE code: Release 16.12.5 or 17.3.3 and above.
AireOS code: Release 8.5.176 IRCM or 8.10.151 and above
- Per software download page, 8.5.182.104 is the latest IRCM version. I'm not sure if there are any newer escalation builds that might resolve more bugs. It may be worth confirming with TAC if you require the 8.5 version based on WAP model limitations.

I have AireOS 8.10.190.x in a mobility group with IOS 17.9.4a.

Re: Inter Release Compatibility Matrix between IOS-XE Software and Air

Rich R — Fri, 10 May 2024 16:20:53 GMT

Always refer to TAC recommended link below.
For 5520 currently 8.10.190.0
For 5508 latest IRCM release is 8.5.182.108 (link below)

Note 9800 series WLCs run IOS-XE not FireOS!

> I need to guarantee seamless roaming (fast roaming) between "old" and new.
Refer to the links already provided and take note of the IRCM restrictions and limitations.

Re: Inter Release Compatibility Matrix between IOS-XE Software and Air

ryosaeba86 — Tue, 14 May 2024 08:51:46 GMT

Hi,

I want to better describe my problem.
The environment is the metro railway one where Interl-WLC L2 Roaming is performed between Client and AP.
The following devices are currently installed:

WLC 1 and 2

AIR-CTW5508-K9

8.0.152.12

WLC 3 and 4

AIR-CT5520-K9

8.5.161.9

AP (first batch)

AIR-LAP1242AG-9-K9

8.0.152.12

AP (second batch)

AIR-AP1852E-E-K9

8.5.161.9

Client

MARC C3251	15.0(1) M9
WMIC C3201-K9W7-M	12.4(25d) JA2

The primary goal is to change the Client (which like all the other devices are in EOS), obviously having the least possible impact on everything else.
At the moment studying the Compatibility Matrix I only have this Solution:

Client: Cisco Catalyst IW9167EH-x-WGB (I need railway certificate) (First Cisco IOS XE Release Support Cisco IOS XE Cupertino 17.9.3)

AP:AIR-AP3802E-x-K9 (First Cisco IOS XE Release Support Cisco IOS XE Denali 16.3.1). Instead of 1242AG.

WLC: Controller 9800

In practice I would not only change the AIR-AP1852E-E-K9 APs that support Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.10.1 (First Release)

I will use the Cisco Release IOS XE Cupertino 17.9.3 for all devices.

I know the impact is big but I don't see any valid alternatives. What do you think?

Thanks,

Re: Inter Release Compatibility Matrix between IOS-XE Software and Air

Rich R — Tue, 14 May 2024 08:50:17 GMT

Mostly agree but not with the selected IOS-XE version 17.9.3 (apart from anything else it has a critical security vulnerability) - refer to the TAC recommended link below.
Currently 17.9.5 is recommended but you could also consider 17.12.3 as there are a number of known issues with 17.9.5

Re: Inter Release Compatibility Matrix between IOS-XE Software and Air

ryosaeba86 — Wed, 15 May 2024 07:16:12 GMT

Hi,

thanks for the clarification.

Re: Inter Release Compatibility Matrix between IOS-XE Software and Air

ryosaeba86 — Thu, 16 May 2024 17:27:51 GMT

Hi, I have another question about this topic...

Can you confirm that the WGB Client needs to be compatible about IOS with the AP IOS ?

My doubt is.. in order for a wgb client to be compatible with the rest of the installed APs, I must rightly check if the client is compatible with the IOS version of wlc and AP?