Controllers with different versions

[Patrick McHenry]

Hi,

was wondering if it would be a bad idea to have controllers with different versions of code being managed by the same WCS? We have alot of 1020 APs that don't support the code for n and these are at our Main campus but, at our branches we have 1242s which can support the code that will allow n. So, I was thinking of upgrading those 4402 controllers with the code that supports n. so, atleast our sites were at n.

Any thoughts?

[Nicolas Darchis · Accepted solution]

1242 APs cannot do 11n. Let's be immediately clear on that. So as I'm reading you don't have any 11n AP. Then you can simply run the same software everywhere :-)

In any case, the most recent your 1020 can go is 4.2.209 on the WLC.

WCS 7.0 still supports WLC 4.2 so that's not an issue. you can have WLCs in code 4.2/6 or 7 without issue with WCS 7

[Patrick McHenry]

yes, after I posted that I realized I spoke too soon on the 11n for the 1242s. But, regardless, you don't see and issue with running different codes?

By the way, thanks to you we are running 4.2.209 already. You are the one who said I should do so and it's working out great.

I am looking for a way to upgrade our wireless to n at the moment. Kind of a high level vision right now. I'm a little concerned about how far we will be able to take our 4402s but, that is another discussion.

As far as the APs are concerned, what would you recommend we go too for 11n and longevity as far as ability to grow into the future? We prefer our APs be inside the ceiling so, we would need external antennas.

Thanks for your help, Pat.

[Nicolas Darchis · Accepted solution]

4402 can run all APs and all softwares as of now. So you're good on that side.

1260 are the best 11n APs with external antennas.

3500e is the same as the 1260 but with the cleanair feature (ability to detect interference and identify exactly what is and where is the source of interference)

You can mix all kind of APs. So if you decide to buy a batch of 11n APs to upgrade one floor or so, there's no problem having other APs on the same WLC etc ...

The only restriction is that 1020s have to stay on a 4.2 wlc.

[Patrick McHenry]

Thanks for the response. In your opinion, how much longer do you think the 4402s will be supported? Also, if you were in our shoes, for any additional controllers, would you purchase 5500s? They can be in the same enviroment as the 4402s, correct?

Don't the APs that you suggest require a different version than 4.2.209 to do 11n? And if so, we can't really do that until we get rid of the 1020s

Thanks, Pat.

[Nicolas Darchis]

It is impossible to predict when they will stop to make softwares for the 4402. It all depends on the new features. Some new features are only available on 5508 for example. But at some point it will become impossible to maintain new releases for 4402 : impossible to know when exactly.

Anyway a new WLC can only be a 5508/wism2 so you can't go wrong when you buy sth new.

4402 and 5508 can co-exist without issues yes.