2006 WLC and 802.11N

[garyrivers]

I have a 2006 WLC with 6 1242 APs and was wondering what should I expect when I replace 1242 with an 802.11n AP.

i know that the new AP will not run at full speed but other than that, I don't know.

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks, Gary

[Leo Laohoo]

2006 and 802.11n .... Hmmmm ... If memory serves me correct the only 802.11n AP that you can use is a 1250 because the WLC 2000 won't support firmwares 5.X and higher.

[George Stefanick]

leo is correct ...

[garyrivers]

Thanks for getting back.

I think I see what you're saying......

So I can add an 802.11N AP to the controller, BUT it will not run at the N speed, etc.  Right?

Here's why i ask:

I do not have the $$$ budgeted to aquire both the new .N APs and the controller that will handle them. So what we're thinking is purchasing 1 or 2 of the APs and let them run on our 2006 WLC, knowing that i WILL not see the speed difference, etc until next year, when i get the new WLC.

Thoughts?

[George Stefanick]

Actually no ...

The 1142 and 3500 require CAPWAP, introduced in 5.2 code release, so the 2006 wont support them. The 2006 only does LWAPP release 4.2.

So if you need N, your only option is the 1252s with a 2006. And keep in mind the use 802.3at power. More than your standard 802.3af

[Leo Laohoo · Accepted solution]

So I can add an 802.11N AP to the controller

The only 802.11n AP you can use is the 1250.

BUT it will not run at the N speed, etc.  Right?

You can enable 802.11n but because the controller has 10/100BaseTx speed then you have a bottleneck.

So what we're thinking is purchasing 1 or 2 of the APs and let them run on our 2006 WLC, knowing that i WILL not see the speed difference, etc until next year, when i get the new WLC.

You're not making things easy for me are you?

Ok.  So you know when is your next financial bucket will come in.  How about saving your money.  1250 in an office environment .... Hmmm ... I won't recommend it.  Plus the 1250 requires 20.0 watts of power (because you are running 4.X firmware).   SO you either use a switch that can pour 20.0 PoE power, a power injector or remove one of the radio modules.

If you get, for instance, the 1040 (aka baby "N") or the 1140 plus the 5508 then you can really run 802.11n.