Looking for best fit version of Catalyst CW9800M version

[richter5087]

Would anyone please help confirm the most suitable software version for the Catalyst CW9800M WLC that supports the following AP models?
current 5520 WLC version (8.10.196.0)
Cisco Catalyst 9120AXI-K
Cisco Catalyst 9105AXW-K
AIR-AP1832I-Z-K9
AIR-AP2802I-Z-K9
AIR-AP3802I-B-K9
1562
1542

Based on compatibility matrix, the listed AP models are supported Cisco IOS XE Software Release 17.14.1 or later. 

Thank you in advance.

[Saikat Nandy · Accepted solution]

You should use 17.15.3

[Rich R · Accepted solution]

@richter5087 you should generally refer to https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless/catalyst-9800-series-wireless-controllers/214749-tac-recommended-ios-xe-builds-for-wirele.html

17.15.3 (which @Saikat Nandy has recommended) is not the TAC recommended 17.15 release yet but I expect it will be soon.  We're already using 17.15.3 to support the 9172i AP.  Note that with 17.15.3 you should also install the latest APSP - currently APSP3 which contains multiple fixes for APs.

Note that you should only be selecting long-lived Extended Support Releases like 17.12, 17.15, 17.18 etc because they get bug fixes for up to 2 years.  Releases like 17.14.1 will never get any bug fixes - it's just a single release for new features.  You would only ever use that if you were desperate to use a new feature it contained, just as it was released, and you would plan to upgrade to 17.15 as soon as it became available.

[richter5087]

@Saikat Nandy @Rich R  Thanks for the help.

I'm currently running an AIR-CT5520 with RTU licenses and planning to migrate to a CW9800M controller. Since the 9800 uses Smart Licensing, how can I migrate or convert my existing RTU licenses for use on the new platform? Any official migration process or guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Rich R · Accepted solution]

@richter5087 there is no way to "convert" your AireOS RTU licenses to Smart licenses.  They are not transferrable and cannot be migrated.  When the 9800 series was released initially Cisco had a number of migration sales promotions to discount the DNA licenses which effectively did that but I'm pretty sure those are all over now (that was intended to encourage customers to migrate to 9800).  Talk to your Cisco account team or partner/reseller to find out if there are any promotions or discounts you can take advantage of now.  Otherwise you just need to buy the licenses.