08-16-2019 07:14 AM - edited 07-05-2021 10:52 AM
Hi guys,
I am trying to figure out the best path for upgrading and expading our wireless network (by extending into a new building), and I would really need your feedback.
We have the following infrastructure:
1. WLC Controller 2504 with the following sysinfo:
Manufacturer's Name.............................. Cisco Systems Inc.
Product Name..................................... Cisco Controller
Product Version.................................. 8.0.121.0
Bootloader Version............................... 1.0.20
Field Recovery Image Version..................... 7.6.101.1
Firmware Version................................. PIC 20.0
Build Type....................................... DATA + WPS
2. 3 APs connected so far:
AIR-CAP1702I-E-K9
AIR-CAP1702I-E-K9
AIR-LAP1042N-E-K9
To this, I want to add 4 more APs: AIR-AP2802E-E-K9
I understand that I need to upgrade the software to the latest version, which I found to be 8.5, but on some link I found to be 8.8. My questions are:
1. What is the latest version - 8.5 or 8.8?
2. If 8.5, can I make the upgrade in one step? If 8.8 I know I have to make 2 steps
3. Will all my old APs still be supported in the new version?
4. How do I do the pre-download process properly, to limit the downtime?
5. Any other advices?
This is my first time upgrading the WLC controller, I really don't want to mess it up, we're a production environment and things might get sensitive if the WiFi is down on a Monday morning. I can afford downtime during the weekend, but none Monday-Friday.
Your feedback is highly appreciated!
Solved! Go to Solution.
08-19-2019 02:06 AM
08-20-2019 01:21 AM - edited 08-20-2019 01:23 AM
Sounds like it doesn't get enough power. The 2800 series require PoE+, does your switch provide 30W?
One more thing, it can take up to 20 minutes on the first boot + software upgrade, but it shouldn't take longer than that.
08-20-2019 03:50 AM
08-16-2019 07:24 AM
08-18-2019 10:55 PM
Hi,
Thank you very much for your reply.
Now, one thing at a time:
1. It should be no tragedy to get rid of the oldest AP, the 1042, and replace it with a 2800 series.
2. From what I've read so far, 8.5 would be the latest major I can update to, since the 2504 will actually go out of support at the end of the year - please correct me if I'm wrong
3. Also, from what I understand, 8.5 would be the middle path that supports both the older ones and the new 2800 series.
Is this correct?
08-18-2019 11:48 PM
08-18-2019 11:58 PM - edited 08-19-2019 12:05 AM
I'm not sure I understand correctly. The idea is to use the 2800s with the WLC, and the older ones as slaves for these ones?
I found the answer - I need to remove the WLC from the scheme.
One more question - any idea how long the WiFi would be unavailable in case of the WLC upgrade with preloading the APs?
08-19-2019 12:45 AM
Not too long, think in the order of a minute of 5 if all goes well, maybe a little bit longer, but not that much.
08-19-2019 01:01 AM
Around 7-10 minutes, depending if the preload went correct (including switching the image) and how quick the 2504 reloads.
One more thing, make sure the WLC has the correct time and is synced with an NTP server, this is important for the future!
08-19-2019 01:35 AM
I got the 8.2 and the 8.5 versions, I'll do this upgrade in 2 steps. Thank you so much for your help on this!
Is it possible that I can load the software, preload it on the APs and only reboot tomorrow morning? Or do I have to reboot immediately after the import of the software? And also, do I have to connect the new 2800 series to the network before or after the upgrade?
08-19-2019 02:06 AM
08-19-2019 02:11 AM
Great! Guys, thanks a lot! I figure that I will proceed as follows:
1a. Backup (upload) the current configuration of the controller
1b. Download the new software on the controller
2. Preload the image to the APs
3. Wait until tomorrow morning to reboot the controller (not sure if I need to do something to the APs or it will be an automatic process)
4. Check if everything works as expected
5. Add the new 2800 series APs to the network
6. Enjoy the new extended WiFi :)
Thank you so much for your advices!
08-19-2019 02:23 AM
08-19-2019 02:27 AM - edited 08-19-2019 02:51 AM
OK, got it, thanks.
One more question (you can see that this is my first time...) - my primary image now is 8.0.121 and backup is 7.6. How do I make the backup also 8.0.121, so in case that something goes wrong, it will boot into the current 8.0.121?
L.E. I just finished downloading the 8.2.170 image on the controller, preloaded the APs, waiting for the right time to reboot. Wish me luck! If all goes well, will move on to 8.5, and change the oldest AP. Lots of adrenaline now :)
08-19-2019 03:47 AM
08-19-2019 04:00 AM
I've suspected that this is the case, once I've seen it creating the backup during the code download.
Again, thanks, and I hope it won't be the case to come back for recovery information :) I'll keep you updated once it is done.
08-20-2019 12:06 AM
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