topic [Autonomous] Cisco AIR CAP-3502E-C-K9 in Wireless

[Autonomous] Cisco AIR CAP-3502E-C-K9

RyanAP — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:20:02 GMT

Did now AIR CAP-3502E-C-K9 can be fully autonomous or still limited to Site survey mode only?

Re: [Autonomous] Cisco AIR CAP-3502E-C-K9

Enes Simnica — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 07:10:38 GMT

hello @RyanAP The 3502E can technically run autonomous IOS, but Cisco no longer provides autonomous images for this model, and some region-specific SKUs were never supported for conversion.
So in practice, that model is lightweight-only and stays limited to controller/site-survey mode. Long story short my G; If u need a standalone AP, u’d need a 3502 SAP model or a different AP family...........

hope it helps and pEACE!!

-Enes

Re: [Autonomous] Cisco AIR CAP-3502E-C-K9

Rasika Nayanajith — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 06:54:17 GMT

As long as you have the correct image (ap3g1-k9w7.tar), you can use it to run the AP in full autonomous mode. Below is the process for converting from lightweight to autonomous.

https://mrncciew.com/2013/12/13/ap-conversion-using-mode-button/

HTH
Rasika
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Re: [Autonomous] Cisco AIR CAP-3502E-C-K9

RyanAP — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 01:58:17 GMT

Thanks! But, after going to Autonomous Mode on AP 3502e, is it true that Ethernet speed will be capped at 10/100? Can it use Gigabit one? Because i have bandwith over 150 Mbps. Thanks!

Re: [Autonomous] Cisco AIR CAP-3502E-C-K9

Rasika Nayanajith — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 02:06:35 GMT

No it is not true. As long as you have switchport that can provide 1Gbps, AP should negotiage 1Gbps.

HTH
Rasika