Mixing WAPs

[fslot]

We have a 2504 with older AIR-LAP1242 WAPs. We plan to replace them with 3702 WAPs. Will the 3702's be AC capable as soon as they are plugged in, or will all the older WAPs need to be removed first? Can some WAP's run at one speed and others run at a faster speed?

[balaji.bandi]

As long as they are supported by your WLC code, they can co-exists in the network.

But i believe you replacing older AP 1242 and use same Ethernet cable to connect and mount new 3702 right ?

[fslot]

Yes, both are supported by the current WLC code. I guess the question I have is, will the faster WAP's be limited to the slower speed/bands of the older WAP's until they are all replaced? Or can clients connect to the 3702 and get AC speed while non AC WAPs are also in service?

[balaji.bandi]

Since you are upgrading the path and you know what you are doing, so if you doing floor by floor, I suggest replacing all one by one all in the floor with the same model, But I had a situation different model still co-exists - and the client device decide what AP to connect. (Like new Wifi device model have different behaviour, compare to old wifi chip set)

since this short-term, that is is only upgrade approach you have.

[Haydn Andrews]

I have found some wierd client behaviour when having APs of different generations in the same area. Generally some of the clients will tend to stick to the newer APs. But have seen it the other way around.

If its just for a migration then it should be find for a few days/ weeks but wouldnt leave them their forever.

Also all the hardware you are talking about is EOL so recommend starting to look at newer hardware

[fslot]

The plan is to upgrade everything to supported hardware at some point. So it is not the case that the wireless network is only as fast as the slowest WAP? Clients connecting to AC capable WAPs are not hindered by slower WAPs having the same ssid?

[JPavonM]

Take carea s it is not a best practice to mix APs from different generations in the same area (not talking about the same WLC) as whenever a device would need to roam it will renegotiate association so the user will notice a drop in the connection.

[Rich R · Accepted solution]

> So it is not the case that the wireless network is only as fast as the slowest WAP? Clients connecting to AC capable WAPs are not hindered by slower WAPs having the same ssid?
Correct.