Woohooo managed to sort it. Posting here in case anyone else has the same issue
I had to run the AP > IAP conversion process again (which I'm guessing the guy off eBay didn't do correctly)
Followed these instructions, hashed up my own serial number, and it worked a treat. While I was in apboot mode I did put the Instant firmware on again in partition 0 & 1 too. I doubt that had any effect tbh, but wanted to mention anyway.
https://forums.serverbuilds.net/t/aruba-ap-to-iap-conversion/8888
Original Message:
Sent: Apr 16, 2024 09:45 AM
From: chulcher
Subject: 2 x IAP-205's will not join Cluster
I don't have a 205 to look at right now, but one of the stickers on the back of the AP would normally indicate AP vs IAP. That sticker has been missing for most of the other people noting issues.
And correct, those converted APs are unlikely to join the IAP cluster.
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Carson Hulcher, ACEX#110
Original Message:
Sent: Apr 16, 2024 09:36 AM
From: Tom Cotton
Subject: 2 x IAP-205's will not join Cluster
Thanks Carson, I suspected something along those lines. Is there a way I can confirm this via the CLI or a sticker on the unit?
If indeed it is a converted AP-205 to IAP-205, does that mean I can't join it to a cluster?
Original Message:
Sent: Apr 16, 2024 09:32 AM
From: chulcher
Subject: 2 x IAP-205's will not join Cluster
Those "new" APs are likely AP-205 and not IAP-205 and will not behave the same. eBay has been flooded with these converted APs and there are several threads here on the subject.
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Carson Hulcher, ACEX#110
Original Message:
Sent: Apr 15, 2024 04:35 PM
From: Tom Cotton
Subject: 2 x IAP-205's will not join Cluster
Hello,
This is on my home network, very simple. I have a flat 192.168.0.0/24 network with everything connecting in to a single Unmanaged Netgear PoE switch, with my Firewall a Netgate PFSense Box.
I've used a single IAP-205 for ages which covers most of the house, but to get that last little bit covered I've purchased a used IAP-205 off eBay but I just can't get it to appear in the Virtual Controller list at all.
I have tried upgrading them manually to the latest firmware, setting the virtual controller location to GB, static setting the new AP IP, waiting over an hour and I just can't see the AP joining the list. Hopefully someone could point out what I'm missing as it's got me stumped!