Controllerless Networks

 View Only

  • 1.  Help to configure AP505 as a new Virtual Controller

    Posted Oct 22, 2025 05:05 AM

    Good Day,

    I need to configure a new AP505 as a Virtual Controller.
    From what I've read, it seems to be used as Instant On by default.

    I've already factory reset the device and powered it on without any network connection - this is to ensure it doesn't connect to the old AP105 virtual controller.

    I expected it to perhaps broadcast a "Set Me Up" network, but it doesn't seem to be doing so.

    My questions are:

    1. How do I connect to it?
    2. If it's currently running as Instant On, how can I change it to operate as an IAP (Instant Access Point) and configure it as a Virtual Controller?

    Thank you in advance.



    -------------------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Help to configure AP505 as a new Virtual Controller

    Posted Oct 22, 2025 05:09 AM

    The AP505 can run as Instant AP, not as Instant ON. Instant ON is a different product line, also with different AP numbering.

    Make sure the AP will be able to get an IP address through DHCP on the network 'without nework connection'.

    Alternatively, if you have a single IAP-105, you could configure that as standalone AP (under convert) to prevent the AP from forming a swarm/cluster, which indeed does not work as there is no shared supported firmware version between IAP-105 and AP-505. 



    ------------------------------
    Herman Robers
    ------------------------
    If you have urgent issues, always contact your HPE Aruba Networking partner, distributor, or Aruba TAC Support. Check https://www.arubanetworks.com/support-services/contact-support/ for how to contact HPE Aruba Networking TAC. Any opinions expressed here are solely my own and not necessarily that of Hewlett Packard Enterprise or HPE Aruba Networking.

    In case your problem is solved, please invest the time to post a follow-up with the information on how you solved it. Others can benefit from that.
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Help to configure AP505 as a new Virtual Controller

    Posted Oct 22, 2025 06:31 AM

    Hi Herman,

    Thanks so much.
    Appreciate it. 

    How do I put the 505 into Instant AP mode? My guess is through the CLI.

    Tricky part on the network, we have x14 105/205's. I think each might take on the roll of a virtual controller.
    Sounds like might have to configure the 505 standalone on another network.
    Then when we ready replace all the 105's at once with new 505s.

    Not sure if i can have two virtual controllers running on the same network?

    Thanks again

    -------------------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Help to configure AP505 as a new Virtual Controller

    Posted Oct 23, 2025 07:17 AM

    After a factory reset (pinhole) it will come up as a UAP and when factory default try to discover a controller, Central, Airwave, and existing Instant cluster. If none exist, it will continue as Instant.

    If you have Instant APs in the same network segment (VLAN), they need to run the same firmware version to form a cluster (swarm) and operate as 'one'. With 105+205, you are running a firmware that is supported by both 105 and 205, which is old and not supported by the 505. So you can't run 105 and 505 in the same cluster (source).

    If you convert an AP to standalone, you can run it in a network with other Instant APs (that do form a cluster). Standalone APs will not join another cluster, not accept other APs joining.

    You can run multiple virtual controllers in the same network, but not in the same segment/subnet. If you have a separate VLAN for management for each of the virtual controllers, they can form their own clusters. But with separate management, no roaming (technically you could do L3 roaming), but I would not go there if you don't have to.



    ------------------------------
    Herman Robers
    ------------------------
    If you have urgent issues, always contact your HPE Aruba Networking partner, distributor, or Aruba TAC Support. Check https://www.arubanetworks.com/support-services/contact-support/ for how to contact HPE Aruba Networking TAC. Any opinions expressed here are solely my own and not necessarily that of Hewlett Packard Enterprise or HPE Aruba Networking.

    In case your problem is solved, please invest the time to post a follow-up with the information on how you solved it. Others can benefit from that.
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


Related Content