Controllerless Networks

Hi

I've currently got a small cluster of 1x IAP 225 and 1x IAP 205.
All works well.
I've recently been given a IAP 315 with the opportunity to get another.
I was orginially going to replace the 205 with a 315 which seems like a no brainer
The question is would I be better off with 2x 315 or 1x 225 and 1x315

Any thoughts welcome!

Personally, I'd prefer the 2 x 315s for the following reasons:

• Consistent AP platform/Instant code
• Newer/faster hardware/chipsets; 802.11ac Wave 2 vs. 802.11ac Wave 1
• Although the 220 series is a 3x3 on both radios; the 310 series is 4x4 on 5GHz and 2x2 on 2.4GHz
• Integrated BLE (if necessary) on 310 series
• 310 series supports multi-user MIMO
• 310 series supports Intelligent Power Management (if necessary)

Thats kind of the conculsion I'd come to, and for the same reasons, my only doubt how much am I likely to loose on 2.4Ghz going from 3x3 to 2x2.
Some of the devices do end up on 2.4Ghz I suspect because the building has some pretty thick solid stone walls. (As in 18inch thick solid stone)

That point brings up a separate question; whether a 3rd AP would be needed in that area due to the thick wall you mention. 

In any event, dropping to 2x2 from 3x3 will really depend on other factors for you to evaluate.  This will also only apply to laptops as most other mobiel devices are going to be 1x1 or 2x2.   Some of these factors are device type (and its supported stream count), the application usage, and also the client's SNR to the AP.....if they land on 2.4GHz rather than 5.0GHz; the stream count may be irrelevant.

Well, I've I'll have both 315 units tomorrow, so I'll deploy them over the weekend and see what happens....
They built these buildings to last back in 1750 ;)