We in the transition phase of replacing EOL Cisco AP's(WLC managed) to Cisco Meraki cloud AP's.
This transition of Cisco Aironet ( WLC managed)APs to Cisco Meraki will be in multiple phases based on the aging and EOL status .
During the transition period there will be a scenario in which there will be coexistence of Cisco WLC managed AP's and Cisco Meraki AP's until we move to 100% Meraki.
I understand Cisco Meraki AP’s or Cisco WLC AP’s are intelligent/capable enough to adjust the channel, power and range based on the proximity AP. Senses the RF environment and adapts to interference.
We don’t have VOICE in this infrastructure, only DATA/ application access through laptop /tablets. I understand there will be a roaming delay when moving from 1 type of AP to other type.
This transition of APs will be in multiple phases.So the same building, will have for example 10 APs of Cisco Meraki, and 4 AP's of Cisco Aironet AP's. We can also manage installation in such a way that one floor with complete Meraki and other floor with complete Cisco AP's during this phase.
Our question is if existing Cisco APs (managed by WLC) can co-exist with Meraki APs with the same SSID? understand the pros and cons in this scenario?And what are the steps to be taken in both Cisco Meraki and Cisco WLC to achieve this for a smooth transition to Meraki.
Note: Previously we had managed individual AP without Cisco WLC, each AP was managed separately with the same SSID with non over-lapping channels manually configured across AP's.