Upgrading from a Cisco Wireless Controller 2504 to Cisco Catalyst 9800

[QMUxer]

Hi,

I need an advise from the experts. We are looking into replacing our Cisco 2504 Wireless Controller and were told that the C9800 model will be the best next available model. 

We currently have about 10 APs model AP AIR-CAP1602E-A-K9. My question is, are these APs compatible with the Cisco Catalyst 9800-L-C-K9? or do we need to purchase newer models?

Thank you

[marce1000]

 - All info available in  https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/compatibility/matrix/compatibility-matrix.html

 M.

[marce1000]

 - Added : From my reviews on the compatibility matrix it seems that 1600 series is not supported on the 9800 platforms 
                https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/compatibility/matrix/compatibility-matrix.html

 M.
                

[Dustin Anderson]

From what I can see the 1600 series was last supported on AirOS 8.5.182 and is not supported with the new controllers. You would be looking for new APs also.

[David Ritter]

You have 10 ap's?  in one facility?  Way back then you needed a separate controller.  However, today we have AP's with imbedded controller code, EWC's.  I would suggest you look into the 9100 series of AP's and use one of the 10 as the controller (it also serves its own clients).  That would be the most economical route.