Controllerless Networks

I picked up 10 used (what I thought were IAP105's) AP-105's.  I have 25 IAP 105's on my network already.  My questions:

1. Can I setup the AP-105 to connect to the virtual controller on the IAP-105 network

2. If so, does it have to be configured over console?

3. If I can't do that, I will have to buy a controller.  I am due for a major overhaul in 7-9 months, so I don't want to buy anything new.  Anyone know what controllers will manage these? From what I  have found, I'll need a 24 unit controller. 

4. If a controller is introduced, will it mess with my current IAP's?

Thanks for help in advance!

Drew

No, the campus APs cannot be managed by the Instant VC.

A 7010 controller will server 32 APs. You can either leave your Instant APs as is or convert them for use with the controller.

So they will not run in a mixed environment?  From what I have seen, it looks as though they plug directly into the device, and this is going in a 60,000 sq ft school, with multiple switching locations.  

Should I just scrap these?

The AP-105s require a controller. Once you have a controller, the IAP-105s can either be converted to use the controller or remain independent running Instant.

Great. Last part of the question... Do they need to plug directly into the controller?  The 7010 is $3000, I just don't have that kind of a budget right now.  I'll sell these buy IAP's if I have to, but I'd rather get an older controller that can be scrapped in 7-9 months.

Thanks for all your answers thus far, Cappalli.

No, they can plug into any edge switch with IP space routable back to the controller.

You could use an older 3200XM controller.

Thank you for all your time!

Hi there,

Could someone tell me what WiFi controllers I could use i.e. is compatible with AP -105 AP's. Thanks 

All controllers should be compatible with the AP-105.

Hi Colin,

Thanks.

Hi Colin,

Would an Aruba 800 or 800-4 controller do it? I'm looking at a maximum of 16 AP's I believe these would work I would just like confirmatio of that.

The 800 or 804 controller has been discontinued and will not run anything past ArubaOS 5.0.4.17. http://www.arubanetworks.com/assets/support/EOS_800.pdf

The 5.0.1.17 firmware was released two years ago and is also end of support:  http://www.arubanetworks.com/support-services/end-of-life/#ArubaOSSoftware  Many features and functionality has been added since.  In addition, any problems or issues with new clients on end of life hardware and software  cannot be fixed.  Please keep this in mind before attempting to obtaining end-of-life hardware or software.

Hi Colin,

Thanks for the info. how about an Aruba S2500-24P?

That is a switch.  It cannot terminate APs.  It is also end of sale..

Hi Colin,

Yeah, my mistake. I'm just trying to find something (second hand) within a very tight budget.

I'd like a controller for 16 AP's what would be the best and affordable unit I could buy? Thanks

I would say the most affordable thing you could do is get IAP-105s, because those still support the latest GA code, and it would not require you to purchase a controller.  If you purchase a controller, and the only one you can afford is end of life, the code will not be upgraded to support any issues that might occur with newer clients., and that could cause trouble down the road.

Hi Colin,

Is an Aruba 3400 MULTI-SERVICE MOBILITY CONTROLLER still supported and capable of the utilising the latest AOS? Thanks

Hello PAF,

I assume that you already have the AP-105 access points. Why not use the Aruba 7005 controller which supports up to 16 AP's? Below is a compatability list:

http://www.arubanetworks.com/support-services/end-of-life/#AccessPoints

I'm not sure what you mean by a "tight" budget, but that controller is approximately $1500 USD list.

Or the 7008 controller which also supports 16 AP's and provides 100W PoE+. List is approximately $2600 USD list.

If this is going into a production environment, Aruba does not recommend maxing out the capacity of the controller. You will need to plan for future growth, etc.

Thanks,

-HLavender

Hi HLavender, thanks for the advise but yeah, my budget is tighter than $1,500 (nearer $500) but thanks for the advise. Would a 3400-US be usable in the UK?

Yes, but as mentioned before, the 3400 series controller will not support past Aruba AOS 6.4, which will work. I have a 3000 series controller running AP-105 on AOS 6.4.x in the lab.

If you are an Aruba partner, check with your channel representative to see if you can get a discount on equipment. I was able to get 80% off of list price for a controller that I use in the lab. So the controller went from $1500 to $300 USD.

Things may have recently changed so this will need to be verified.

Thanks,

-HLavender

Oh, I just realized that you stated 3400-US. I do not believe that the 3400-US should be used outside of the United States of America. I'm not sure of the part number required for the UK...maybe a 3400-RW.

http://www.arubanetworks.com/assets/ds/DS_A3000.pdf

Looks like the part number is Aruba 3400. Since the 3400 is End Of Sale, I assume that you currently have one or will purchase one from eBay or other third party site.

Hi HLavender,

Yeah I'm looking at an Ebay item or third party as you have mentioned. There are plenty of controllers available from the US but obviously if they built for use in the US only they're useless to me in the UK. I'll just have to keep my eyes peeled for a compatible unit. Thanks for the info anyway, it's much appreciated..