16 x IAP versus 1 x A650 + 16 x AP

[acrz6666]

Hello.

I would like to know what is the difference between deploying one controller 650 and 16 access points, for example AP-93, or 16 instant access points, for example the IAP-93, without any controller. I know the second deployment is cheaper. I suppose the first must have some features the second cannot have, otherwise it would not make sense that controller 620 and 620 exist.

Regards.

[ariyap]

One of the main differences is that Instant only suppoer L2 roaming while controller based solution supports both L2 and L3.

[sathya]

IAP is close to a contoller in capabilities but is not eqaul. Depending on your deployment requirements you might need one or the other. Currently these are some of the features that are available in a controller but not on an IAP. 

(off the top of my head)

Spectrum analysis

L3 roaming

DHCP fingerprinting

VIA and VPN client termination

Site-Site VPN

This may change in the future.

Regards,

Sathya

[jfernyc]

650 would also give you...

-an option for HSPA+ backhaul

- flexibility to use the multiple ports as 'legs' into different networks (e.g. admin, guest, internal).

- Assuming you are already trained in Aruba OS (AOS) then == zero learning curve

If you are trying to make this site 'look like' other corporate sites (say HQ) then I would go controller, and do master--local.   If on the other hand its a one-off site and never needs/wants to be in sync with other sites than Instant (IMHO) is a good candidate, if you don't need any of the 650 additions that have been mentioned in this thread already.

[Normal Guy]

Normally if customer is looking at security features we would go for the controller base as it comes with PEFNG and RFP etc and support RAP at the end of the day. As for roaming is L2 versus L2 + L3.

[jrwhitehead]

Also instants don't support 802.1q.

[cjoseph]

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jrwhitehead wrote:

Also instants don't support 802.1q.

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Instant DOES support 802.1q for trunking, if that is what you mean.

[jrwhitehead]

Excellent!

[acrz6666]

Thanks to you for all your responses.

What about the performance? Can these IAP support the same number of clients? Are the clients located into the proper IAP with the same efficiency?

Regards.

[cjoseph]

Please took a look at the Instant Documentation here:  http://support.arubanetworks.com/DOCUMENTATION/tabid/77/DMXModule/512/EntryId/6566/Default.aspx

It will answer some questions for you.