Wireless Solution for supporting 1532E and I

[ralph.devlin]

We have a dilemma. We have a site that has 34 1532E and I AP's that are NOT budgeted to be replaced this year. This year we are replacing the old 5508 WLC because vulnerability patches ended this year. We bought the 9800 controller replacements and soon realized that the OS for them does not support the 1532's anymore. Our sales engineer did say but would not recommend using the tether option to connect both controllers together. We had inquired about buying a 3504 but those are EOS. Our VAR Sales Engineers say we could use a 9100 mobility option but never addressed if those would also support the 1532s since they have the 9800 controller software on them. Any ideas on how we can support those AP's until we can replace them next year without leaving the 5508 in play. Something low cost would be preferred but I am open to any solution. Thanks.

[Leo Laohoo]

Two options: 

1. Put the 5508 back in (easiest option)
2. Autonomous AP (hardest option)

[Rich R]

If you must do it the feature you need is IRCM https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/technotes/8-8/b_c9800_wireless_controller-aireos_ircm_dg.html

So keep your 5508 running the latest 8.5 IRCM release https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless/wireless-lan-controller-software/200046-tac-recommended-aireos.html#anc11 which will provide the mobility link to your new 9800 WLC.

Latest is currently 8.5.176.2 https://software.cisco.com/download/home/282600534/type/280926587/release/8.5IRCM