AP2802I-B-K9 WLC Compatibility

[Elnook]

I am thinking about adding a WLC to my home learning lab, I have AP2802I-B-K9 I am trying to find out what AP's are compatible with WLC AIR-CT2504-5-K9 as I was thinking about purchasing a used one. Thanks

 

[ammahend]

8.5 is the last supported code, so basically any AP that supports this code will work.

check compatibility matrix here

you may be better off spinning an EVE-NG lab new virtual controller with a new AP, than wasting money on those old APs

[Haydn Andrews]

Cisco has a really good compadibility matrix for wireless

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

Shows what first and last supported code for APs and WLCs

The 2504 has a max code train of 8.5 which is EOL
The 2800 series has support from 8.2.110.0 so if your running the 2504 on 8.5 code it will work

For home lab, I generally like to use virtual controllers as it gives me more flexiability to try different code version

For instance you could build a 9800-CL and connect the 2800 to that, which would allow you to learn on the current code version which has a completely different set of interfaces and commands vs the 2504

[Elnook]

Thanks, what software do I use to setup a virtual controller and is there a free version for learning with?

[marce1000]

        >....Thanks, what software do I use to setup a virtual controller and is there a free version for learning with?
   - The controller platforms are not designed for that and APs must be licensed , (normally) , however for the
     9800 virtual controller you have https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/9800/9800-cloud/installation/b-c9800-cl-install-guide/b-c9800-cl-install-guide_chapter_01100.html#concept_tm2_44n_jlb

                  Using the 9800 platform is better for learning as it is 'the path to the future' (smile)

 M.

[ammahend]

Follow this

you can google for 9800 as well. 

[Elnook]

Hi Hadyn, 

I like your suggestion, I have built a 9800-CL in EVE-NG and want to connect my physical 2800 AP to it, EVE-NG is in bridged mode in VMWare Workstation and has wireless connection to my home lab, do you know the config to get the 9800-CL in EVE-NG to be able to connect to my home network over wireless? EVE-NG can ping my home network  default gateway but the 9800 cannot. Any suggestions would be appreciated, thanks

[RxTx]

Hi,

You already have 2802 and this AP support Mobility Express which it is a good basic controller compared with 2504.

With 2802 ME or 2504 or vWLC you can use cheap AP 2702/3702 and "newer AP 2802/3802".

If you want for your home lab and your money in this case it is one important factor then remember that "newer AP 2802/3802" require more power and more expensive injector / PoE switch that must support LLDP negotiation so stick with AP 2702/3702 for lab / home user.