Which WLC for AIR-CAP3502I-E-K9

[jaard69]

Hey guys,

I currently bought 4 Air-Cap3502I-E-K9 for my home setup and run them in autonomous mode.

Now I‘m wanted to run them with a WLC but got absolutely no idea which one is the right one. 
What do I need to look for and which WLCs would work with these APs?

thank you in advance!

[liviu.gheorghe · Accepted solution]

Hello @jaard69 ,

you can use a Cisco 2504 WLC with firmware 8.5.182.0 which supports the Cisco 3500e series. 

More details here: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/compatibility/matrix/compatibility-matrix.html#aireos-ctr_ap_support

[jagan.chowdam · Accepted solution]

The latest AirOS code to support Cisco 3502 AP is 8.5.182.0. All AirOS controllers with this code support the 3502 AP. 

Ref: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/compatibility/matrix/compatibility-matrix.html#ctrl_release-ap-support

However, all Cisco AirOS Controllers are reached/crossed End of Life/End of Sale dates, meaning you'll not be able to buy them from Cisco anymore. 

So, unless you find source an Old AirOS controller, you are out of luck. 

The current AP Model are based on Catalyst platform. 

https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/products/networking/wireless/access-points/catalyst-9100-series/index.html

FYI, Cisco 3502 AP EOL date

Jagan Chowdam

[jaard69]

Thanks guys, you helped a lot

[Rich R]

You can look at 2504/3504/5508/5520/8510/8540 WLCs.
But contrary to previous replies you should use 8.5.182.11 (link below) not 8.5.182.0, otherwise the APs will be affected by field notice FN72524 below and they will not be able to complete image download!

[liviu.gheorghe]

This message is from the Cisco Download page for 2504 WLC:

Cisco is aware of an issue affecting image validation at software upgrades or downgrades in Cisco Wave 1/IOS Access Points. Either upgrade to 8.5.182.7 with the fix, or use a workaround. See https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless/aironet-700-series-access-points/218447-ios-ap-image-download-fails-due-to-expir.html .

[Rich R]

@liviu.gheorghe was superseded by 8.5.182.11 which is the last available release with all available bug fixes.
They are notoriously sloppy about updating the download pages - I report mistakes regularly.

The download link is in my signature below.

You should use the TAC recommended link below rather than the advice on the download pages because TAC are much better at keeping their page up to date.

[liviu.gheorghe]

Thank you @Rich R for the info.