Security

We are currently on Aruba Controller 3200 runing OS version 6.4 and 2 ClearPass servers on VM running 6.3 with 25 APs (105's, 135's, and a few 225's). We want to implement a brand new controller-less WLAN and bought 2 new ClearPass 5K appliances, 2 Dell servers for Airwave and 80 new 225's iAPs.  We want to bring up the new environment with new hardware and OS versions, etc. test it thoroughly, then just shut down the old controller, ClearPass servers and old APs. We would move the 225 iAPs to the new environment of course. This new WLAN will also support 72 remote school sites in Phase 2 of the project.

How do we do this without disrupting existing environment. Best practice?

Thank you in advance for your suggestions.

You could bring up all of the IAP225s, but have them broadcast a different SSID, so that you do not disrupt the existing network.  When you are done testing, you can change the name of the SSID to the production SSID with the same VLAN and add IAPs, one by one.  This is just my suggestion based on the limited information in your post.

Thank you for your advise.

Could I bring up the new ClearPass appliances on the same subnet with the existing ones? Of course they would have unique host names, IP addresses, etc. 

Could I also bring up our new Airwaves on the same subnet after CPPMs are up and running?

Yes, you can.

Many thanks Colin!  

Cám ơn.