Cisco WLAN Controller with APs

[connorowens20]

Hello,

I am contemplating purchasing the Cisco WLAN 2601 Controller for a small business that will use a few Cisco Aironet 3602I APs. I am just concerned if there are any compatibility issues before I make this purchase. If I understand correctly, any WLAN controller should work with any AP, correct? I have already considered getting Cisco Small Business APs with Single Point Setup, but have decided against getting those devices and would like to have a WLAN controller to make things easier. If this will work as a setup, is there any software costs, or any costs in general that would be associated with installation and running of the Controller and APs such as a Cisco account or something? Let me know if this would work. Thanks!

Connor 

 

[Daniel Ordóñez Flores · Accepted solution]

Hi @connorowens20 

Are you sure about the model?  I couldn´t find it. If you're talking about 2106, then the last software version is 7.0.252. The first versión that supported 3602i model was 7.2.103. So, unfortunately, the APs won't join the WLC. But, if its a small network, you can convert your APs in an autonomous model.

You can check this Matrix to check the compatibility.

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[connorowens20]

Daniel,

Will I need some type of Cisco Business account to convert these APs to autonomous? We are a very small business and so we are just now getting into Cisco networking. I would like to avoid monthly charges or service charges besides the hardware charges for the purchase of the Controller and APs.

Connor

[Leo Laohoo]

Get the 2800 with Mobility Express image.
2106 is a very, very old WLC. You won't find many APs that will be supported and the firmware can no longer be downloaded.