Access Point -

[saquib.tandel]

hi

I got 5508 WLC with 2960 access switches? confused which AP to purchase. Some offices are dense and heavy wireless users.
Existing AP are old 1131 / 1242 / 3502i model.

Also wanna understand 3502i Vs 2602i  which is better in terms of performance.
3502i is not even in the buying guide http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/wireless/buyers-guide.html

Reading some post of Scott, deploying 3700 will not help as limitation on switch / users

Feedback is appreciated

cheers
ST

[Scott Fella]

The 3700's and the new 2700's are the access points that you probably want to look at. This will really future proof you for at least 802.11ac wave 1. The 3600's require an AC module and the 2600's don't support AC. 

Powering options

Aironet 3700 without an add-on module • 802.3at PoE+ • Enhanced PoE • Cisco AP3700 power injectors (AIR-PWRINJ4=) • Cisco AP3700 local power supply (AIR-PWR-B=) Note: If 802.3af PoE is the source of power, the access point will dynamically shift from 4x4 to 3x3 and come up under PoE. Aironet 3700 with an add-on module • 802.3at PoE+ • Enhanced PoE • Cisco AP3700 power injectors (AIR-PWRINJ4=) • Cisco AP3700 local power supply (AIR-PWR-B=) Note: If 802.3af PoE is the source of power, the access point with module will dynamically shift from 4x4 to 2x2 and come up under PoE. Please rate helpful post and Cisco Support Community will donate to Kiva Scotty

Bottom line is that you need to be able to power up any access points in order to really use their features. They will still work, but with reduced streams. 

I would look at the 3700's or 2700's:)

[saquib.tandel]

thanks scott

which wlc software version you experienced is ok after getting AP 3700i

here is switch model and power output

switch model - WS-C2960S-48LPS-L

TCI.Z12#show power inline             

Module   Available     Used     Remaining
          (Watts)     (Watts)    (Watts)
------   ---------   --------   ---------
1           370.0       76.2       293.8

[Scott Fella · Accepted solution]

Well as for right now, v7.6 only supports the 3700.  v7.6.110.0 is what I would recommend.  You also need to make sure you upgrade the FUS to v1.9.0.0.  Please read the release notes when you download the software. The FUS 1.9.0.0 should only be performed once or else you will brick the WLC. This upgrade should be done after the initial upgrade to v7.6.110.0 and the WLC has been rebooted.  The FUS will take 35-45 minutes and you will not have access to the GUI, only console, during the upgrade. 

[saquib.tandel]

many thanks Scott + Leo

5 + 5

[Leo Laohoo]

Thank you for taking the time to rate our posts.  

[Leo Laohoo · Accepted solution]

Hmmmm ... Be aware of a big *Gotcha* with the new 2700 and the 3700:  If you want to run 802.11ac, then you need to be able to push 20.0w PoE.  Both APs can work with 15.4 PoE but you will get lower MIMO rate and lower MCS rates.

Your switch is a 48-port, "standard powered" switch of 370w PoE.  This means that the most amount of 2700/3700 APs you can deploy into this switch alone is 18 APs.  You can increase the 2960S stack (up to four 2960S) or you can upgrade the switch to the 2960S with "F" model:  2960S-48FP.  The "F" means FULL POWER and with 750w PoE power (up to 37 ports at 20.0w).

Sorry for hijacking this thread, Scott.