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Introduction
Many enterprises still run legacy Cisco Aironet access points (APs). While Aironet served faithfully for years, today’s workloads—real-time collaboration, cloud-first workflows, and IoT proliferation - demand Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E.
Migrating to the Cisco Catalyst 9100 and 916x series brings you WPA3 security, OFDMA efficiency, and access to 6 GHz spectrum. But migrations are risky: downtime hurts productivity, and configuration mismatches frustrate IT.
This guide shows you how to plan and execute a zero-downtime replacement, mapping old Aironet models to modern Catalyst APs, staging discovery and controller registration, and validating performance after cutover.
When you plan to upgrade
Step 1: Audit Your Current Network
Before you migrate, document:
- Inventory of existing APs: model, firmware, regulatory domain.
- Controllers: AireOS vs Catalyst 9800.
- Coverage pain points: blind spots, poor roaming, areas of user complaints.
- Client mix: how many Wi-Fi 6 capable laptops/phones, how many IoT devices.
- Performance issues: jitter during Teams/Zoom calls, low throughput, frequent disconnects.
Step 2: Aironet → Catalyst 9100/916x Mapping
Here’s a simplified replacement mapping matrix (most common models):
| Legacy Aironet AP | Replacement Catalyst AP | Notes |
| Aironet 1700 / 1830 | C9105AXI / AXW | Entry-level Wi-Fi 6, ideal for small offices & hospitality |
| Aironet 2700 / 2800 | C9115AXI / C9120AXI | Balanced performance, 4×4 radios, WPA3-ready |
| Aironet 3700 / 3800 | C9130AXI/AXE | High-density with Flexible Radio (dual 5 GHz) |
| Aironet 4800 | C9136I (Wi-Fi 6E) | Tri-band, multi-radio, premium analytics |
| Aironet Outdoor (1550/1560) | C9163E (Outdoor Wi-Fi 6E) | Rugged, IP-rated, surge protected |
| High-density auditorium Aironet | C9164/9166/9166D1 | Indoor Wi-Fi 6E, multiple antenna options |
👉 This matrix avoids “feature loss.” For example, if you had Aironet with external antennas, replace with AXE or 9166D1 models to keep directional coverage.
Step 3: Controller Discovery & Join Process
Depending on your management architecture:
Option A: Catalyst 9800 Controller
- Ensure 9800 is at a software release that supports 9100/916x.
- Configure DHCP Option 43 and/or DNS discovery (CISCO-CAPWAP-CONTROLLER).
- Pre-stage AP join profiles with RF and site tags.
Option B: Embedded Wireless Controller (EWC)
- Ideal for branches (<100 APs).
- Configure one Catalyst AP as controller; others join as lightweight APs.
- Use auto-discovery or manually point APs.
Cutover Strategies
- Parallel run: run Aironet + Catalyst APs side by side, then phase out old APs.
- Rolling replacement: replace by zone, not all at once.
- Rollback: keep DHCP option to point back to old controller if Catalyst fails to join.
Step 4: Change Window & Rollback Planning
- Change window: schedule off-hours but when IT staff are available.
- Staging: rack up Catalyst APs in lab, test join and config.
- Rollback plan: Keep AireOS controller up for fallback. Maintain old APs unpowered but ready to replug if needed. Document commands to revert DHCP/DNS discovery.
Step 5: Acceptance & Validation
After migration, validate with clear test cases:
- Coverage & roaming: walk-test with a mobile device, confirm no dead spots.
- Performance: run speed tests, iPerf throughput, and latency measurements.
- Voice/video: place Teams/Zoom calls, check jitter <30 ms and packet loss <1%.
- RF tuning: monitor RRM, adjust power/channel manually if overlap is too high.
- Telemetry: check DNA Center assurance for onboarding issues.
👉 Use a checklist: every floor/zone signed off before declaring success.
Deliverables to Stakeholders
Provide:
- Replacement matrix (old → new AP model).
- Change window plan with rollback triggers.
- Post-validation report (RSSI/SNR maps, jitter tests, throughput results).
- Future roadmap: when to expand to more Wi-Fi 6E coverage.
Visualization
- Migration workflow diagram: Inventory → Mapping → Discovery → Cutover → Validation.
- Risk matrix: Impact vs Likelihood (e.g., “AP join failure: medium impact, mitigated by DHCP fallback”).
FAQs
Q1: Can I mix Aironet and Catalyst 9100 APs during transition?
A: Yes, but ensure controller compatibility. Catalyst APs require Catalyst 9800 or EWC; they will not join legacy AireOS.
Q2: Do Catalyst 9100 APs support the same mounting kits?
A: Most use different brackets. Budget for replacement mounts to avoid last-minute surprises.
Q3: How do I migrate licenses?
A: DNA licenses are per-AP. Order new licenses with the APs; SMARTnet covers support and RMA.
Q4: What happens if an AP fails to join the controller?
A: Check DHCP/DNS discovery, software release, and certificates. As fallback, re-enable old Aironet APs.
Q5: Do I need to re-survey my site?
A: Yes. New radios, different EIRP, and 6E propagation behave differently. Always validate coverage.
Q6: How long should I keep old APs?
A: Keep them powered down but on hand for 1–2 weeks until the new WLAN proves stable.
Q7: How do I handle outdoor coverage?
A: Replace legacy outdoor Aironets with C9163E, ruggedized for weather and surge.
Conclusion
- Send us your Aironet inventory: network-switch.com will build you a one-click replacement matrix.
- Book a remote migration session: our engineers walk you through DHCP/DNS discovery and EWC/9800 setup.
- Download templates: Replacement matrix + change window checklist.
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