For the best controller, reach out to your Aruba partner as they can ask the right questions on sizing, redundancy, features. Basically, all current shipping controllers are capable of handling the 200, 300, and 500 series of APs.
Controller upgrade from 6.5 to 8.x can be done in multiple ways, but most used is to start with a new configuration on 8.x as you can setup the new features and hierarchy and you get rid of legacy settings that slipped in your current environment. Once running, move one AP to the new environment and test, if that works more more and then the remaining.
There is a virtual mobility controller available, which can be used for testing. Check with your Aruba partner for availability. I'm not aware of virtual APs, but you probably have some spare to do the migration testing.
It's highly advised to use an experienced Aruba partner for such a migration.
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Herman Robers
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If you have urgent issues, always contact your Aruba partner, distributor, or Aruba TAC Support. Check
https://www.arubanetworks.com/support-services/contact-support/ for how to contact Aruba TAC. Any opinions expressed here are solely my own and not necessarily that of Hewlett Packard Enterprise or Aruba Networks.
In case your problem is solved, please invest the time to post a follow-up with the information on how you solved it. Others can benefit from that.
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Original Message:
Sent: Nov 15, 2021 01:41 AM
From: Moiz Noor
Subject: Upgrading one standalone controller from 6.5 to 8.5 - How to restore configuration from Backup?
Dear Experts,
We have deployed Aruba controller 7210 and we have installed access points model number 200 and 300,
Now we are moving to 500 series of APs.
Our queries are:
- 1. Which will be the best Aruba controller 7210 OS version which can support all ?
2. How shall we upgrade from 6.5 to 8.x? Complete guide and steps
3. Can we test it virtually by using some software like we do in other architecture?
Your expert opinion will be highly appreciated.
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Moiz Noor
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