2602 AP in Stand-Alone- Utilizing Both Bands

[awatson20]

We typically use the 2602 series AP in lightweight mode, however I have a scenario where we are going to be installing one with the stand-alone software.  I understand that we will not be able to utilze certain features that you get with the WLC such as RRM, rogue detection, and clean air.

We do want to utilze both the 2.4GHZ and 5GHZ bands.  In order to do this with the 2602 stand-alone AP, will we have to configure 2 separate SSID's?  I really do not want to do this to if I do not have to to minimize confusion for clients. Thanks.

[Scott Fella]

Here is a good support doc that show you how to setup multiple SSID's and vlans

https://supportforums.cisco.com/docs/DOC-14496

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[awatson20]

Thanks.  In this scneario, we are not deploying multiple vlans.  This is simply connecting a 2602 stand-alone AP to a SOHO network with only 1 vlan.  It is going to be manily used for guest access to the internet.  On most home type AP's you have to setup a SSID on the 2.4GHZ and another to use the 5GHZ, then the client can choose which one to connect to.

My question is around that.  Do you have to setup 2 SSID's to be able to connect to both bands on he 2602, or can  you configure a it in a way similar to how band-select works on a WLAN configured on a WLC? Thanks.

[Scott Fella]

No... You can setup one SSID and assign it to both radios or just one.

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[Scott Fella]

If you only want one SSID, you need to decide if the users will be places on the same subnet as the AP or not. The AP will need to be on a native vlan if you decide to trunk. Here is another guide.

https://supportforums.cisco.com/docs/DOC-16087

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[awatson20]

Great, thanks.  If a single SSID can be setup and configured on both dot11radio0 and dot11radio1, then that is how I will do it.  Thanks for the links.

[Scott Fella]

No problem... it's usually best to use multiple vlans and keep the management separate from the user traffic.  If you don't have a switch that supports a trunk, then you are stuck with everything being on one subnet.

Thanks,

Scott

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[awatson20]

Exactly, this AP will be connecting to a small SOHO router/switch.  There will be no trunking.  How will the clients decide on which band to connect to? 

[Scott Fella · Accepted solution]

That decision is based on the client devices.  The device will choose which one it will associate to.  You could always tweak the settings on the wireless device to prefere one band over the other.  There isn't any setting on the AP to have the devices prefer one over the other.  Hope this helps.

Thanks,

Scott

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