Cisco Aironet 3500 AP without the controller

[JonathanIliev]

Hi 

I have 3 Cisco Aironet 3500 Access Points. Now I've heard that the 3500 Series require the WLC controller in order to configure the Access Points. Is there any way to configure the Access Points without the hardware controller. Is there like a software controller I can use? Is there like a Docker - version of the controller? 

I'm kind of new with Cisco gear so your help will be much appreciated.

Thanks

[Sandeep Choudhary]

Hi,

You need a separate virtual or physical controller to manage these APs (3500 series).

3500 series APs come with either autonomus(standalone) image or Lightweight image (Need WLC to Manage).

If you could have bought other APs like 3800/2800/4800 (with mobility express image)..or newer APs then you could have used AP/WLC with same device together.

Regards

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[JonathanIliev]

Massive thanks for your answer, helped a lot!

But one more question, is there a way to manually install the standalone image via the console?

[Sandeep Choudhary · Accepted solution]

Yes you convert from Lightweight to Autonomous :

Info: 

• k9w7 – autonomous IOS
• k9w8 – full lightweight IOS 

Here are the posts:

https://mrncciew.com/2012/10/20/lightweight-to-autonomous-conversion/

https://www.speaknetworks.com/converting-cisco-wireless-access-point-lightweight-mode-autonomous-mode-vice-versa/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c70mOOpqMsg

Regards

Dont forget to rate helpful posts

[JonathanIliev]

Thanks a lot, u are a life saver