9800-CL in Azure.

[tomab]

Hi,

I would like to deploy a 9800-CL controller in Azure. In the Azure marketplace the only available version is IOS XE 17.7.1, however we have 2702 APs so I need 17.3.

I've tried downgrading but the controller then fails to boot the older image with the error:

This issue is mentioned on page 5 of this document:

If VM is installed using 17.6 ISO or OVA image, the downgrade to 17.3.4 fails
during bootup with the following error message:
IOSXE image not compatible with installation.Failing boot..

Is there anyway of me getting an IOS XE 17.3.x image to run in Azure or will I need to stick with an on-prem (VMware for us) controller until our 2702s are replaced?

thanks.

[Arshad Safrulla · Accepted solution]

Hi You cannot downgrade it as Azure support for 9800 started from 17.7. Your options are that you look for VMWare azure solution and then deploy the 9800 as a VM running 17.3 code or install 9800 in a on-prem supported hypervisor and deploy 9800 as a vm there. 
whatever the case 2702 is going EOL soon and you better look for options to replace it.

You can also explore the options of running Mobility express or EWC if there are capable AP/switch in your existing network. Be noted  seamless roaming between AP’s registered to different WLC’s may become a challenge.