WLC code compatibility with AP C9136I-B

[Najib Akbari]

Hi,

I have bunch of AP C9136I-B on C9800 code 17.12.6a and the controller warning message saying the current code does not support 2nd radio to be enabled. i can only upgrade up to 17.12.7a for a while as we have 3700 APs too.

I need your advise :

- is the second radio very important on performance and coverage to be enabled? elaborate a bit on the fundamental of this type of radio

- whats best to do? a work around or something?

[balaji.bandi]

If the upgrade is a dependency due to the AP model, that is perfectly understandable.

As I know -

• Slot 0: 2.4 GHz radio (4x4).
• Slot 1: Primary 5 GHz radio.
• Slot 2: Secondary 5 GHz radio.
• Slot 3: 6 GHz radio (4x4).

5 GHz radio is critical for performance and coverage; it is likely not critical for your environment right now, and leaving it disabled is a perfectly valid operating state

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/access_point/technical-reference/cat9136-series-ap-deployment-guide.html

Are you in the migration path ?

[Najib Akbari]

Thanks. not sure about migration, but if activating 2nd 5G radio is critical then we should upgrade those 3700 APs

[Mark Elsen]

  - @Najib Akbari                Ref : https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless/catalyst-9800-series-wireless-controllers/214855-ios-xe-wireless-feature-list-per-release.html#toc-hId-1595855825
                                         >...
                                         >Quad-radio mode support for 9136 AP

      So you would need 17.13.1 at minimum; in practice 17.15.5 which is adviced
      17.13.1 is not a release for long term use

   Added    : benefits are    - two live, simultaneous client-serving 5 GHz cells — not a fallback radio
                                            more clients possible

  M. 

[Najib Akbari]

My appologies - i made a mistake on my initial post. i should have put 3700 and not 2700. i edited now

[Najib Akbari]

So I have tested before at a different setup the 17.15.5 and WLC shows unsupported AP for AIR-CAP3702I. now im checking the matrix and seems supported ?! maybe it was my mistake and though its not?

[Najib Akbari]

this is the email I got from the case i opened with TAC and it does not recommend to enable 2nd radio ! :