Converting 9124AXE into Autonomous AP

[dipaj7]

Hello Experts

We require to create a wireless p2p bridge as fiber is not feasible by using 2x9124AXE, no ssid brodacast required. This outdoor APs will not be associated with the site WLC.

Pls guide on process to convert this catalyst outdoor AP into autonomous AP

[dafriday]

The 9124AXE supports ether Lightweight, or EWC mode.  Lightweight needs a WLC to operate and EWC mode runs controller software  AP  itself.

EWC  release notes are located here.. https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/ewc/17-8/rel-notes/ewc-rn-17-8-x.html

[dipaj7]

@dafriday 

Thanks for your response. 

So for p2p wireless bridge both 9124AXE need to convert to EWC mode? 

Thanks in advance. 

[Rasika Nayanajith · Accepted solution]

Without WLC managed (in mesh mode), you cannot establish P2P link using 9124AXE.

There is no equivalent solution in 91xx series AP for Root/NonRoot bridge solution that you can deploy with traditional autonomous AP 

HTH

Rasika

*** Pls rate all useful responses ***

[dipaj7]

@Rasika Nayanajith 

Thanks a lot for your clarification, 

Kindly suggest which AP model can be used to create p2p wireless bridge for Root/non-root bridge solution. 

[Rasika Nayanajith · Accepted solution]

Autonomous mode support in traditional APs Make sure you ordered it with the autonomous image (k9w7) when ordering, so you can straight configure it as bridges. 

• Aironet 1540 Series
• Aironet 1560 Series
• Aironet 1570 Series
• Aironet IW3702

Any Access points model prior to Wave 2 (ie 18xx/28xx/38xx/48xx) or WiFi6 (91xx) models support the autonomous mode of deployment. However, Cisco is trying to discontinue autonomous mode support as most of those old AP models are EoL/EoS being announced.

Pls note these models may not latest & greatest, but will do what you trying to do

HTH

Rasika

*** Pls rate all useful responses ***

[dipaj7]

@Rasika Nayanajith many thanks for your detailed response. 

I have checked Aironet 1562E-x-k9 still EoL/EoS not announced by Cisco. 

[Rasika Nayanajith]

I think there needs to be a correction for my response. Cisco 1542 & 1562 are wave2 outdoor AP models where it does not support Autonomous (k9w7) mode. They can operate on Mobility Express (without being managed by a WLC), which is not equivalant to Autonomous mode.

In that respect, Cisco 1572 or IW3702 (11ac wave 1 AP models) are the two choices

HTH

Rasika

[dipaj7]

@Rasika Nayanajith 

Thanks for your update. My company doesn't allow to procure 1572/iw3702 as EoL already announced. 

Is there any other way to make use 9124AXE (without making autonomous) to create p2p wireless bridge. 

Requirement is 9124AXE doesn't need to propagate any user SSID nor required to associate to local WLC, we just want p2p bridge to connect a 8 port 3560 switch. 

Your response will be highly appreciated. 

[Rai Pogi]

Did you find solution to this query? We're also looking at the same 9124AX solution