Upgrading WAP561 to WAP571?

[james1333]

We have an office with 50 users (80 devices) and 2 WAP561 Access Points in cluster mode.  We're finding the network slow at times and would like to upgrade so devices can connect at higher speeds and access points that can handle higher loads.  We're thinking about replacing the WAP561 with WAP571s and moving the WAP561s into conference rooms or areas with poor WIFI coverage.  

The WAP571s are pretty new and there's not much out there in terms of reviews.  Does anyone have experience with them?  

Alternate device suggestions for our upgrade are also welcome.  We'd like to have the new devices be able to cluster with the existing WAP561 devices with minimal effort.

[Jorge Obregon]

Hello, 

I hope you are doing well. I have not had the opportunity to work with the new WAP571 but I can recommend you to contact a cisco SBSC presales representative so they can advise you since they handle this type of questions and comparisons.  1800-553-6387 they will be able to help you on this

Regards,

[Michiel Beenen]

Instead of the default 'call cisco' reply im going to try to give you some insight.

The WAP 571 have better antenna's (3x3 on both bands), and they seem to be giving a bit better coverage from our first testing (15% better on 2.4ghz and about 20% better on 5ghz) compared with the 561 models. If you want a bit cheaper model that is able to work with 50 users aswell try looking at the WAP 371 instead. the 571 is simply the bigger brother that can handle even more connected users (upto 200).

[Arun Thomas]

I still dont understand why cisco is limiting system memory to 64MB RAM & 32 MB Flash for WAP371 when the lower model WAP150 comes with 256MB RAM & 128MB Flash

Even the wireless throughput for WAP150 is far better than 371

WAP 150 - 1.2 Gbps   2x2 MIMO at 5Ghz & 2x2 MIMO at 2.4Ghz

WAP 371 - 950 Mbps  3x2 MIMO at 5Ghz & 2x2 MIMO at 2.4Ghz

Since the power adaptor is included in box, WAP150 seems to be a value for money model