Diffrence between the AIR-CAP1602I-x-K9 and AIR-SAP1602I-x-K9 wireless AP's

[dan hale]

Hi All, I have a a customer that I would like to recommend the 1602 AP's. To keep costs low I'm not recommending a controller just yet but would like to have a compatible AP that I could convert to LWAPP when the time comes. 

My confusion comes with the following:

AIR-CAP1602I-x-K9 and AIR-SAP1602I-x-K9

From the data sheet it says that the AIR-CAP1602I-x-K9  is controller based and that the AIR-SAP1602I-x-K9 is stand alone.

Since I would be starting out with a stand alone AP (Autonomous) should we purchase the AIR-SAP1602I-x-K9 and then could we convert that to a LWAPP with a controller or do you need to purchase the controller base AP first?

Thanks, 

Dan

[Rasika Nayanajith · Accepted solution]

Hi Dan,

Since I would be starting out with a stand alone AP (Autonomous) should we purchase the AIR-SAP1602I-x-K9 and then could we convert that to a LWAPP with a controller or do you need to purchase the controller base AP first?

Go with SAP (standalone) & then later on you can convert it to lightweight using recovery image availabe on Cisco.com (free of charge).

On the other hand,  if you have CAP (lightweight) & need to convert to Autonomous, the required image cannot be obtain for free. You have to have support agreement with Cisco to download that.

Here are some useful AP conversion methods for your reference.

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

http://mrncciew.com/2013/12/13/ap-conversion-using-mode-button/

HTH

Rasika

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[dan hale]

Thanks Rasika for the response!