At what point is a wireless controller needed?

[ajagskara]

I work for an MSP and also do sales into some enterprise clients, I have a client with 4x 3602 APs and another 17x 3702 APs ready to be installed.

A colleague of his told him he needs a wireless controller now, he wants to know if that is a requirement, or just best practice (his colleague couldn't really elaborate why)

He has 3x 3750X (48port, POE) currently installed.

My current understanding is that he doesn't NEED a wireless controller at this point, but that it would just make managing things a lot easier, is that right or am I off-base here?

Thanks

[Leo Laohoo]

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@ajagskara wrote:

My current understanding is that he doesn't NEED a wireless controller at this point

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The numbers alone tells me he needs a WLC. 

WLC has many beneficial benefit over autonomous IOS:  Management of RF, TPC, RRM, CleanAir is the biggest benefit. Managing one controller is easier than managing 20 APs individually.  

Without a WLC, each AP will boot up in Channel 1 all the time.  

[Flavio Miranda]

You are right at some point. And he is the one to say. First of all, if he doesn´t have any client complain on the wireless network, then, keep going as is. 

 But, if he is strugling with clients complain and had to changing wireless parameter all the time, then he needs a WLC.  WLC also makes realy bad devisions and a lot of times I though I could do better ajusting Wireless parameter by myself. 

[marce1000]

                    >...another 17x 3702 APs ready to be installed.

 - Definitely needs a controller , besides of centralized management of all AP's , the controller optimizes coverage cells from the AP's by adjusting transmit power and channel assignment (as Leo said)

 M.