LAP / Controller Compatibility Question

[bonedaddy76]

Our company recently inheritated a group of locations that have Nortel 2270 WLC's with Cisco firmware and have a mixture of 1010 and 1030 LAP's. We are trying to map out an upgrade path for them but I am having difficulty getting the following information, even directly from Cisco. So I was hoping someone on here can help me answer the following questions:

1. Does the 2270 WLC support any other model of Cisco LAP other than the 1010 and 1030?

2. Will a newer controller, say a 2100 or 4400, be compatible with the 1010 and 1030 LAPs already at these locations?

3. Is there anywhere I can find a list of Cisco controllers (EOL and otherwise) and what LAPs they support?

Thanks in advance for any help!

[bonedaddy76]

I'd love to take that path, unfortunately these are hotels that we are dealing with and they require that we use certain devices to meet their standards. The 5500 and 3500 are not on their list. Though I feel with the 2100 and 4400 going EOL, they are going to need to update their list soon.

[Scott Fella]

I understand... But unless you try to do a POC, I would not know if what you want to do will work. It seems like if you do go that route, you will end up spending more money later and them also replacing the 1130's. I don't like to take risk and if the system is working, then you might as well leave until equipment gets approved and you have your budget.

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[bonedaddy76]

I would not sell then anything without testing. Right now my list of usable Cisco includes the 2100, 4400 WLC and the 1100, 1200, 1130, and 1240 AP's. Quite antiquated and limited, for sure. I fully agree with you that they may be re-purchasing down the line. I appreciate the suggestions, and we can try to get exceptions, i'm just trying to work with what I have right now.

[Leo Laohoo]

I wouldn't recommend the 2100 nor 2500 in a production network > 12 WAPs.  One of my pet peeves for the newer 2500 is the lack of LAG.

Here's your problem:  You have a Nortel WLC running Cisco 3.X code.  This means that you have no choice but to run old WAPs of the 1000-series.  This also means that your client cannot run newer APs.  I'm not sure if the 1130 is supported in this code.  So which basically boils down to this:  Your client cannot get additional WAPs from Cisco.  HOWEVER, if your client goes to the Cisco Refurbished program, they MIGHT be able to find some.

Another thing I'm curious are:

1.  What are you  or your client trying to do; and

2.  What's the budget?