Upgrading WLAN 2504 & AIR-CAP1702 to latest software version

[Stefan van Rozendaal]

Hi All,

I'm fairly new to Cisco Wireless LAN but have 5 AIR-CAP1702 access points connected to a 2504 WLAN controller.
The set-up is used in a small (home) office environment so it's not used in a big company or office.
Nevertheless, since the support of the 2504 will end very soon, I was hoping to upgrade the software on the 2504 and, if necessary, on the 1702 access points as well. So I am up-to-date with all the latest security patches etc. so I can still enjoy these for a while.

Unfortunately, when I go to the support page, I can't download any of the updates because you must have a valid service contract associated to your Cisco.com profile.
And you guessed it already, I have none!
My question is, if I want to update to the latest Field Upgrade Software (If I'm correct would be version 2.0.0.0) and after this to Cisco 2500 Series Wireless Controllers Release 8.5 Software, what steps do I need to do to get the update files?
I'm just a very small person with a small business of my own so I can't afford a large and expensive Service Contract just to have my devices run the latest software.

This might not apply to me right now, but when I want to upgrade from this set to some newer hardware, what devices would you recommend with the current set-up in mind?
I don't need (or want) to buy the most expensive stuff but I like the Cisco brand and while using fairly older devices, I would like to stick with Cisco if I can.

Many thanks in advance for any help or suggestions made here!
If you need additional info, please let me know.

[Kasun Bandara]

Hi @Stefan van Rozendaal 

1. if you planning to upgrade with new hardware set, you need to consider about cisco 9800 series. it have L model which will suite to your requirement and for APs, you can use 1700 APs until OS version of 8.10.x (which is not newest). or you can purchase 9100 series APs with new WLC so you can purchase them as a bundle and refresh as complete new setup.

https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/products/networking/wireless/wireless-lan-controllers/catalyst-9800-series/index.html

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/compatibility/matrix/compatibility-matrix.html#c9800-ctr-ap_support

2. if you want to upgrade 2504, you need to have valid cisco contract to download software. also you can get help from your local cisco partner. for 2504 WLC, last compatible OS is 8.5

[marce1000]

  - Adding to other reply : it's not advisable to put more energy and time investment in the 2504 , as far as the now designated 9800 platform(s) are the best choice you can also install and deploy the virtual version for free , but you need an AIR-DNA license for each access point , 

 M.

[eglinsky2012]

In your situation, I personally wouldn’t be using Cisco at all due to hardware and licensing costs and complexity, but if I were, rather than invest in a controller, I would replace the access points with say the 9105 model, and have one if them be an embedded wireless controller, then it manages all the access points with no additional hardware. You could even have two of them be controllers, then if one fails, the other can keep the rest running. See:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/wireless/embedded-wireless-controller-on-catalyst-access-points/index.html

[Scott Fella]

For me and my home setup which is also my lab, I do purchase support for both my Cisco and Meraki equipment, but that is just me.  I would not want to have devices go bad and not able to replace them.  So if you really don't want to pay extra, I would not go with anything from any vendor that you need to pay for support or images.  Even if you go with EWC access points, you would need support to be able to download images.  Why not just look at the MerakiGo product line that is Cisco Meraki but no license required.  It's more for home office small business setups.

https://www.meraki-go.com/

[Leo Laohoo · Accepted solution]

Please read this:  Customers Without Service Contracts