EWC 9115 AXI compatibility

[Jean Welz]

Hello,

I currently have an old Cisco WLC (model 2500) running version 8.2.151.0, managing several older AP models such as the 1700 and 1500 series. I’m planning to migrate to an EWC 9115AXI WLC, but I couldn’t find a clear compatibility matrix for this setup. Could you please guide me?

Also, considering the older AP models and the outdated version of my current controller, do I need to upgrade the existing WLC or convert the APs first so they can be upgraded before connecting to the new EWC 9115AXI?

Thank you for your help.

[Kasun Bandara]

hi @Jean Welz as per the matrix, https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/compatibility/matrix/compatibility-matrix.html

you can upgrade 2504 WLC to 8.5 Air OS. but since 2504 is EOL, its not recommend to use the 2504.

if you want use 9115AXI as a WLC, you need to make sure your AP count is matching to the 9115AXI performance. and please share exact AP models to see if those are compatible. 

[Jean Welz]

Hello @Kasun Bandara 

Not at all. I no longer need to use the WLC 2500 series. I just wanted to confirm whether the currently connected APs need to be upgraded to a specific software version or mode before disconnecting them and connecting them to the new EWC 9115AXI access point.

The AP models are:

• AP 3800 Series
• AIR-AP1832I
• AIR-CAP1532E
• AIR-CAP1702

Thank you.

Jean

[Mark Elsen]

  - @Jean Welz             Ref : https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/compatibility/matrix/compatibility-matrix.html
                                    The   AIR-CAP1532E  series are not supported on EWC controller which runs IOS-XE

                                     Note that the EWC platform is also EOL and not an advisable solution to go forward with:
                                     https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/embedded-wireless-controller-catalyst-access-points/wireless-ewc-access-point-eol.html
                                     Consider the 9800-CL as an alternative  as an entry point for using the 9800 controller(s)

   M.
           

[Kasun Bandara]

hi @Jean Welz , 1532 is not under compatibility for latest OSs. so that need to replace with some new AP models. as suggested by @Mark Elsen , 9800-L will be best for you as a start for long run. also make sure your AP count is matching to the limitations of 9800-L or select correct variation of WLC from 9800 series.

[Rich R]

To answer your original question - best place to look for EWC compatibility is the release notes:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/ewc/17-15/rel-notes/ewc-rn-17-15-x.html#Cisco_Concept.dita_4e686689-db5f-464b-8157-92abcfd40028
Also refer to the Compatibility Matrix (link below).

As the others have highlighted 1532 will not be supported but this also applies to the other IOS APs like your 1702 APs, so only the 1832 and 3800 can be used with EWC.

Assuming you install the current latest EWC code version 17.15.4b on the 9115:
https://software.cisco.com/download/home/286322352/type/286323077/release/17.15.4b
Then you'll need to install the AP images (included in the EWC zip file) on the APs.  You'll either need to configure a TFTP server and configure the EWC to point to that TFTP server for the APs to download from or you manually install on the APs before joining them to the EWC.  From the readme.txt in the EWC zip file:

AP IMAGES AND MODELS:
ap3g3 : AP380x, AP280x, AP156x, AP480x
ap1g4 : AP181x, AP183x, AP185x
ap1g5 : AP1815, AP154x, AP184x
ap1g6 : C9117
ap1g7 : C9115, C9120
ap1g6a : C9124, C9130
ap1g8 : C9105, WP-WIFI6, ISR-AP1101AX

You'll need to install the ap1g4 image on the 1832s and the ap3g3 image on the 3800s.

If you want to be able to support the 1702 APs a bit longer then as suggested by @Mark Elsen consider using 9800-CL where the IOS APs are supported up till 17.12.3 - unofficially they will work with 17.12.4/5/6 but unsupported.  They are now officially end of support so you will not get any sympathy from TAC if you have any problems with them.