Aironet Mobility Express newbie question

[terkobitel2]

I don't often use Cisco wireless equipment, but when I have in the past, I have simply set up single APs in autonomous mode. It looks to me as if there are no current Cisco products that can operate like this anymore. The datasheets all speak of using a WLC or Mobility Express.

I have no experience with Mobility Express. Can I assume that, like with regular WLCs, if the "master" AP goes down, all other APs are also affected?

Thanks for any input.

[alfoorti]

Hello!

Not really,  Mobility Express is an AP that works as a WLC and as AP both on the same box, in case the Master AP goes down another AP can take the role of the Master AP but it has to be running a mobility Express Image, if there is no  other AP running an ME image then the network will be down completely.

Here is some info about the Next prefer master on ME APs

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/technotes/8-8/b_cisco_mobility_express_8_8/b_cisco_mobility_express_8_8_chapter_01001.html

[Scott Fella]

Just to add, having a controller or controller feature within the ap is a better solution than autonomous. Like what was mentioned, redundancy depends on how it is setup and how many other AP’s can take over the role. My suggestion is if you are looking at new equipment, look at the 9100 access points that run EWC. This replaces the Mobility Express solution and to me is a lot better.

https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/catalyst-9800-series-wireless-controllers/q-and-a-c67-743152.pdf

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/collateral/enterprise-networks/mobility-express/guide-c07-741338.html