Hi all,
I am tasked with an inherited network fragment... facility was part of campus network, now sold, to be severed from campus NOC, but without control gear (see below).
Network is/was (cut-over due soon) controlled by a two RFS7000 cluster, which remains with the campus network but I have a copy of the config file... which looks to be on Wings v5.8 [Configuration of RFS7000 version 5.8.4.0-034R].
Network is comprised of multiple APs -- 7131, 650 and 7161; and three Adtran 1638P-AC switches.
To get this to continue operation, as presently configured, a replacement RFS7000 controller is obviously needed. Okay, that's easy enough, but there's the question of AP licenses... which is the crux of the dilemma.
A quick search on the Internet reveals costs for a 64-AP license pack between ~$500 (da'Bay) and up to 10-20x that (resellers?)... What should one budget for?
Another search did not reveal how the license packs are installed, but there was a Brocade article that cites transaction keys and other proof-of-purchase docs. Which leaves a question about what's really required to install a license pack [key?] ... e.g. if one elects to purchase from da'Bay, what should be verified prior to closing the deal?
And, management wants to know if the RFS controller is *really* needed in as much as the APs already have adopted their f/w and configs. [NB: mgn't considers this antiquated gear and just wants a bridge solution until a replacement network can be lit-up.]
Hopefully, I can get smarter here and help mgn't make wise decisions.
Cheers, and thanks in advance.