Use EOL APs

[whyme]

Hey everyone, I wanna buy a used EOP Cisco AP (e.g WS-C3650-24PS-L) for my home network cuz I have low budget. Is it still safe to buy one of these after EOL or do you recommend another one?

[whyme]

e.g Aironet 3700 Series Access Points

[Flavio Miranda]

Good AP. Just keep in mind that Cisco AP have two mode: capwap mode or autonomous mode. If you buy with capwap image, you need a WLC, otherwise the AP is useless.

[whyme]

What I've read as well is that I need the EWC firmware image. That will be difficult to get without a support contract, right?

[Flavio Miranda · Accepted solution]

3700 wont support EWC. For this AP model either you get a WLC or you run it in autonomous mode.

APs that supports EWC. And yes, to download software from Cisco you need Service contract or your login associated with some partner company.

[Rich R]

Just to highlight - not all of those APs can run EWC, some can only be subordinate (join to an EWC AP):
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/ewc/17-12/rel-notes/ewc-rn-17-12-x.html#Cisco_Concept.dita_4e686689-db5f-464b-8157-92abcfd40028
Only the Primary AP models can run the EWC controller software:
Cisco Catalyst 9115 Series
Cisco Catalyst 9117 Series
Cisco Catalyst 9120 Series
Cisco Catalyst 9124AXE/I/D
Cisco Catalyst 9130
Cisco Catalyst 9105AXI

[Flavio Miranda]

@whyme 

 WS-C3650-24PS-L is a switch not AP.  For Lab purpose, it is fine to buy old device like this.

[whyme]

wrong example, sorry ;D