Cisco Aironet AIR-SAP2602I-E-K9 WAP's in standalone config and roaming

[latitudegroup]

Hey guys,

I'm quite "green" where wireless tech is concerned but have a few questions I was hoping somebody may be able to assist me with.

I've a number of AIR-SAP2602I-E-K9 WAP's which I'd like to install in a standalone configuration (no controller). These will connect into our L2 switching infrastructure providing access to our corporate network to wireless enable devices. In total I have 10 WAP's that will cover 2 floors within our office building. I'd like to configure seamless roaming allowing users to walk around the building without noticing as their device connects from one WAP to the next.

I'm guessing I just configure each WAP individually with its own static IP address and configure the SSID / wireless network / security but what I'm wondering is whether there is a method of exporting the completed config from one WAP and importing into the others to prevent the requirement of recreating the SSID and configuration on each WAP over and over. I'm also unsure as to how I would then configure roaming between the WAP's and also how to make them aware of one another (as I'm sure they'd need to be to allow seamless roaming). I can't find any real documentation on specifically this - only on controller based deployments.

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you greatly to anyone that takes the time to read this post and respond.

Many thanks in advance.

[Scott Fella]

First thing to do is create a configuration for one of your access points.  Since this will be standalone, you can always use that configuration and just change the hostname and ip address and upload that to a different access point.  Seamless roaming works if your using open, wep or WPA/WPA2 preshared key.  If you want to use 802.1x, then you will have to configure WDS which will allow for seamless roaming.

Basic configuration:

https://supportforums.cisco.com/document/61936/autonomous-ap-and-bridge-basic-configuration-template

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/wireless/aironet-1100-series/products-configuration-examples-list.html

WDS configuration:

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless-mobility/wireless-lan-wlan/116597-config-wds-radius-00.html

-Scott

[latitudegroup]

Hey Scott Fella!

Thank you greatly for your response! Much appreciated.

So between AIR-SAP2602 AP's configured with same SSID's, VLAN's and security configuration, seamless roaming will just inherently function so long as you are utilising open, wep or WPA/WPA2 preshared key? However, 802.1x requires WDS to be configured?

If this is the case - fantastic.

[Scott Fella · Accepted solution]

Does it have to be configured, no, but if your using wireless voice, you probably do need to or if you also have sensitive applications.  The reason being is the time it takes to complete a roam. If you look at this doc, go to the Roaming section and it will show you some roaming times. 

 http://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/docs/voice_ip_comm/cuipph/7925g/7_0/english/deployment/guide/7925dply.pdf

-Scott

[latitudegroup]

Scott - you're a star.  Thank you very much for your assistance.