Can a Cisco Aironet (AIR-SAP26021-A-K9) be used without WLC?

[DanisoMapiri]

We were recently gifted some Aironet units (AIR-SAP26021-A-K9) but unfortunately they came without the Wireless LAN Controllers. Is there any possibility of using them as APs while we wait to procure the controllers? 

Our procurement processes are rather long, made even more so because we'll have to procure from overseas.

Thanks

Dannie

[Rasika Nayanajith · Accepted solution]

Yes, they can.

If they came up with a LightWeight ( something like k9w8 in image name) you have to convert it to Autonomous (image name with k9w7) code. You have to get the required autonomous image & that require a valid maintenance contract with Cisco (otherwise you have to approach a Cisco partner & see if they can help)

Here is the conversion processs in case you got the AP with lightweight image.

http://mrncciew.com/2012/10/20/lightweight-to-autonomous-conversion/

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

Once you converted, you can do a basic configuration like below & connect it to DHCP enable switchport to get your wireless AP working.

conf t
hostname <AP_HOSTNAME>
!
dot11 ssid <SSID_NAME>
   authentication open
   authentication key-management wpa version 2
   guest-mode
   wpa-psk ascii <SSID_PASSWORD>
!
interface Dot11Radio0
 encryption mode ciphers aes-ccm
 ssid <SSID_NAME>
 no shutdown
!
interface Dot11Radio1
 encryption mode ciphers aes-ccm
 ssid <SSID_NAME>
 no shutdown
!
interface BVI1
 ip address dhcp
!
end
write memory
!

HTH

Rasika

**** Pls rate all useful responses ****

[Rasika Nayanajith]

Thanks Nicolas for endorsement.

[sobhardw]

2600 series access point is available in both controller-based (Unified) and standalone (Autonomous) configurations and supports:

• Simultaneous single-band or dual-band (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) radios
• Integrated antennas on 2602I access point models (AIR-CAP2602I-x-K9, AIR-AP2602I-UXK9)
• External antennas for rugged 2602E access point models (AIR-CAP2602E-x-K9, AIR-AP2602E-UXK9)

Please refer to the below link for more information on 2600 series :

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/access_point/2600/quick/guide/ap2600getstart.html