AP ios version is same as wlc

[interfacedy]

Hi Please see the below table and its link. The first column is wlc version and third column is supported APs. AP ios version always follow wlc version once joining to wlc Why it list second column which is AP IOS version? What is that mean?  Thank you

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/compatibility/matrix/compatibility-matrix.html

[Kasun Bandara · Accepted solution]

Hi,

AP IOS means, the version of OS installed for AP. its not same as WLC version always. there is a separate small OS running inside of AP and that is responsible to maintain the connection between WLC and AP as well as clients.

[interfacedy]

Can you provide a link? Thanks!

[Kasun Bandara]

Find below links are usefull

https://community.cisco.com/t5/wireless-mobility-documents/understanding-access-point-os-images/ta-p/3123952

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/access_point/15-3-3/configuration/guide/cg15-3-3.html

[patoberli · Accepted solution]

If you look at an AP booting up on the console, you will actually see the 15.x version listed in the log output and not the 8.10.x (in your example, it's also valid for the older releases) string. This table here then helps you to know which actual release is running on the AP.

This is because of the past, when you could still run the APs in autonomous mode. Then you had to download the correct autonomous IOS, which had then a 15.x string (or 12.x for the older releases) in the download portal. I think it's still the same with the recovery image.

[interfacedy]

Please see below screenshot where there are several ios 16,12, 17.7.1 etc. The version 15.3 that we are talking about above is the same term system? Thank you!

[Scott Fella · Accepted solution]

You are jumping from AireOS to the 9800's.  The easy way to look at this is, if you are using a controller AireOS or the 9800's, then only focus on the controller image and not the ios image.  If the ap's are compatible with the image on the controller, then the ap will join.  If the ap is not compatible, well you know the answer to this.  I don't want to confuse you more, but you don't need to know the ios image unless you are really having problems or trying to do something not standard.

AireOS image is 8.5.x, 7.x.x, 8.10.x, etc.  You see the pattern.

IOS-XE 9800 image is 16.3.x, 17.x.x, 17.7.1.