Controllerless Networks

Newbie trying to get to grips with Aruba Instant, so be gentle! I have a query regarding the master election process. We have 3 x IAP-325 and 2 x IAP-205 in a test network, but when we take the master offline either of the 205s seem to be elected master as often or more frequently than the 325s. Would running on reduced power (orange LED, second ethernet port disabled - our PoE switch only delivers 16v) lead to the 205s outranking the 325s, or is it liable to be something else? We'd bought 4 of the 325s with the intention of deploying them in less-accessed areas of the network to act as master and failover masters, but not much point if a 205 is elected ahead of the 325s (we have 52 205s to be deloyed). Thanks!

Make one or more of the 325s a preferred master. http://www.arubanetworks.com/techdocs/Instant_423_WebHelp/InstantWebHelp.htm#UG_files/CustomizeIAPParams/Master_Election_Protocol.htm?Highlight=preferred

Thanks Colin, I intend to do that, I'm just curious as to whether there's a way to ensure that if the preferred master goes offline then one of the other 325s takes over as VC until the preffered one is available again, rather than a 205?

There is no way to guarantee that besides preferred.

Could you please confirm, would it be ok to set more than one of the 325s as "preferred master" and let them decide among themselves which takes over, or should only one IAP have the "preferred" setting? Thanks!