Wireless Access

Scenario:  Currently have one W-3400 controller in master mode with 64 access points controlled by it.  Have a second W-3400 controller with 30 additional licenses and 30 more access points needing to be deployed.  All on same network, all needing same SSIDs.  Access points are all 125's and 105's.  No instant models.  What is the best method of deploying this second controller?  Configure it as a local?  Also, would it be best to add a third controller in the mix so we would have some redundancy and if so how should it be configured, as a backup master or another local?

Thanks

If you have another controller, yes, you should configure it as a local.  The determination of whether you purchase a third to provide redundancy should be done after a thorough review of your setup by an Aruba professional.

No Aruba professional reps in this area and working on a limited budget.  In the future would going with "instant" models of access points help keep clients connected in the event of a controller failure?

Yes and no.  If you have Airwave, managing instant on a larger scale like you currently have is possible.  If you only have a controller-based network, you should only deploy campus APs to centralize management.

With regards to redundancy, if you have support on your controllers, Aruba provides next-day hardware replacement, so that might eliminate or not make your need for another controller necessary.  What I ask some users  considering whether or not to add a controller for redundancy is to calculate your loss of not having wireless until the controller arrives the next day.  If your business depends on wireless and your loss is much more than a controller, get the controller for redundancy.  If not, get hardware support and it will be there the next day.  Just my own opinion, however....