AP compatibility with CT3504-K9

[abtt-39]

Hello,

I currently have an AIR-CT3504-K9 wifi controller and 1832I-K9 APs.

I would like to buy new AP, but without changing the controller for the moment.

These APs ( and controller) don't seem to be wifi 6 compatible

Later, I will change the controller but in the meantime,
which AP should I buy, which is both compatible with this controller ( CT3504) and which is also wifi 6 compatible for later?

[balaji.bandi]

It depends what code is running on your AP ( as Controller)

check the cisco AP wifi6 compatible matrix :

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/access_point/feature-matrix/ap-feature-matrix.html#_Toc118737958

Another suggestion : it depends on the setup what you have and how many AP in place ....if you new Cat 9K, that can be act as EWC (like controller and also give you wifi 6) - then you can use 3504 as sub-ordinate AP to join Cat 9K ( check the matrix and support before you make a decision)

[abtt-39]

ok thanks.

The actual version of the 3405 is "Product Version  8.5.140.0", so it's airOS, i think? we have 60 AP, I would like to buy 40 more AP

[balaji.bandi · Accepted solution]

Long Life suggests to go to Cat 9100 with the latest code suggested by @Rich R 

8.10.185.0 code - when you planning upgrade (make sure you check the compatibility list again)

[Rich R · Accepted solution]

I think @balaji.bandi meant "you can use 1832 as sub-ordinate AP"

Based on your planned AP numbers I'd stick with the 3504 WLC for now (up to 150 APs and 3000 clients) whereas EWC supports an absolute max of 100 APs.  To support the WiFi 6 (Catalyst 91xx) APs you'll need to upgrade the 3504 to 8.10.185.3 code (link below).

[abtt-39]

Hello,

I'm going back to this thread because I haven't upgraded the controller yet, I want to upgrade it, as indicated, from 8.5.140.0 to  8.10.185.0(ED) suggested release. unfortunately, I do not have access to the download, when we bought the controller, we bought the maintenance for 1 year only.
I will see with a commercial to be able to obtain the possibility of downloading it.
I will also buy 40 AP C9130AXI-E ( I = Internal antenna?)
Actual access points ( 60) are 1832I-K9

That would give me 100 access points so,
Below 150

Supported wireless LAN controllers

● Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers
● Cisco 3504, 5520, and 8540 Wireless Controllers and Cisco Virtual Wireless Controller
Note: C9130AXE-STA-x is not supported on AireOS controllers.

C9130AXI-E = compatible with AireOS?

When we update the controller, then the AP's are automatically updated? The fact that the APs will be of 2 different models does not pose a problem?

Thanks

[Rich R]

> I = Internal antenna?
Yes

> C9130AXI-E = compatible with AireOS?
Yes.  See https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/compatibility/matrix/compatibility-matrix.html#aireos-ctr_ap_support

> When we update the controller, then the AP's are automatically updated?
Correct - you can pre-download the new code to the existing APs before reloading onto the new code so that it's just a quick reload when the controller reloads.

> The fact that the APs will be of 2 different models does not pose a problem?
No, but generally considered best to keep all the same type of AP in a single zone.

[abtt-39]

Hi Rich R, and thank you for all these details. I see that in the accounting matrix for AirOS ( 8.10.185.0)
I see that in the accounting matrix, the following APs are also compatible:
Lightweight APs:9130E, 9130I, 9120, 9117, 9115, 9105

I also have the possibility to buy AP for a good price:
C9115AXI-E
C9120AXI-E
C9130AXI-E
The first 2 are less expensive, but looking at the datasheet, I don't really see the difference.

do I have to buy with DNA licenses? We don't use  DNA center. But on cisco switches, for example, you have to buy with the license.

My controller tells me that I have 150 "RTU" type license with current use = 70 remaining count = 80

[Rich R · Accepted solution]

There's not a lot of difference between 9115 and 9120.  The main advantages of 9120:
- Flexible radio 0 -can operate as 2.4GHz or 5GHz radio so you can have dual 5GHz radios
- Cisco RF ASIC which is supposed to improve performance and offer more features
- Slightly higher internal antenna gain

You don't need DNA licenses for using the APs with an AireOS WLC or EWC (without DNAC) but you will need them if you ever migrate to a 9800 WLC regardless of whether you use DNAC or not because you can only get the 9800 network license by buying an initial  DNA subscription - they come packaged together.  The DNA subscription expires but the network license is perpetual. You can buy the APs with DNA Opt-out and buy the licenses separately if/when needed.