WAP solutions/suggestions?

[useadelhi]

Hello everyone,

I am looking for WAP solution for my organisation. The office is spead across 3 three floors and 5 sections, the connection details are as follows:

• Ground Floor (single section) - 11 users (22 connections)
• First Floor (two sections) - 25 users in each section (100 connections)
• Second Floor (two sections) - 18 users in each section (72 connections)

Important points:

• Each user has two connections (one for laptop, other for mobile phone).
• Each user workstation already has ethernet connection, laptop wifi connectivity will be required if the user is moving around within the office.
• WiFi will be used primarily for exchanging emails, internet, skype calls etc.

Should I go for 802.11n WAPs keeping in mind the traffic expected? I understand that enterprise WAPs do not function independently and require WLAN controllers to work. And if I am not wrong then they can be made to function independently after BIOS flash or something, correct?

This link has options available: http://www.cisco.com/c/dam/assets/prod/wireless/cisco-wireless-selector-tool/index.html#/wireless

Which one(s) would you recommend? I need most cost effective solution.

Thanks!

[Leo Laohoo · Accepted solution]

Should I go for 802.11n WAPs keeping in mind the traffic expected?

802.11n & 802.11ac (wave 1 & wave 2).

I understand that enterprise WAPs do not function independently and require WLAN controllers to work.

Not necessarily.  Autonomous IOS can still work but one must know the cost vs benefit of running controller-based AP and autonomous AP.

And if I am not wrong then they can be made to function independently after BIOS flash or something, correct?

Conversion from autonomous IOS to controller-based IOS (and vice versa) is very simple.

Each user has two connections (one for laptop, other for mobile phone).

Pffft!  Old school.  Nowadays one must cater for 3.5 wireless device per person.  

[useadelhi]

Thanks Leo. I read somewhere that in order to convert controller based WAP to autonomous (or vice-versa) one needs to have cisco contract, is that true?

[Leo Laohoo]

From controller-based to autonomous?  Yes.  You need a contract.  

From autonomous to controller-based, no you don't.

[useadelhi]

The contract has to be purchase separately? Or does it come with the equipment?

[Leo Laohoo]

Service Contract are purchased separately.

[useadelhi]

If I buy 2 WAPs then will I have to purchase 2 contracts for converting them to autonomous? How much do they cost?

[hmehedi8601]

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