WLC/WCS vs WLSE

ok..
I'm looking at these solutions and I'm very puzzled why I would purchase a WLC/WCS/AP vs a WLSE/AP solution.
First with WLC, i have to deploy multiple WLC's to get global redundancy. Don't need that with AP/WLSE combo. WLSE isn't a global failure point that takes down all my AP's.
Second, While deploying a WLC is easier as WLSE takes an ACS server and ability to read and deploy WDS services, I can buy a WLSE and ACS server/hardware for less than the cost of one 4400 controller.
Third - WLSE handles 2500 access points, does heat maps, something I would have to spend extra money and buy WCS for with the WLC. WLSE does the auto-reconfiguration and site survey.
Seems to me WLC is similar to cars where they took the gauges out and just give you warning lights way of deploying wireless. Don't worry about what it does, just put it in and only pay attention if a red light appears while WLSE takes more knowledge of ACS and WDS, shows you more details, gives you greater control, autonomy and failure redundancy.
Did I miss something??? It seems like WLC is 3 times as expensive yet doesn't provide anything other than easier deployment.

Hi,
Thank you Rpaquin, I also need answer which is better and which one is more sutabile for small wlan ?
Regards
Saher

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    ● Decentral
    How Many APs do you have per location! Better plan two WLCs for redundancy per management domain and location! At the moment one WLC can manage 100 APs. So you should think about the cost for managing 500 APs in a redundant manner!
    Actual WLCs can manage up to 12, 25, 50 or 100 APs per Controller, depending on the type of WLC you have ordered. The WLC connot be upgraded from e.g 12 to 100 APs!
    One WLSE can manage up to 1900 APs in a WAN deployment (i know data sheets stating 2500, but a costumer of mine gets problems with 1900+ in a live environment).
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    I guess this should be enough for the moment.
    As ScottMac writes in his posts:
    Good Luck.
    Frank

  • License problem with WCS and WLC

    Hi All,
    I have planned to implement three WLCs and one WCS to manage them.
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    Yes, you required to have seperate licences for WLC & WCS.
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    HTH
    Rasika

  • WLSE to WCS upgrade path

    Hi,
    Could anybody tell me if they are aware of an upgrade path from WLSE to WCS using existing WLSE hardware? Can anybody point out the main benefits/features moving to WCS from WLSE?
    Many thanks
    SJ

    Hi Scott,
    Just the 1130-19 or 1133 are supported;
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    Once converted, a CiscoWorks WLSE is no longer a self-contained appliance; it becomes a server that runs Cisco WCS software using RedHat Linux ES v. 4.0. The converted CiscoWorks WLSE operates as a new Cisco WCS installation and supports only lightweight access points and wireless LAN controllers that are running Lightweight Access Point Protocol (LWAPP). Autonomous access points are not supported by a converted CiscoWorks WLSE.
    Customers migrating their CiscoWorks WLSE to Cisco WCS do not need to buy a copy of RedHat Linux ES v. 4.0 software. A copy of RedHat Linux ES v. 4.0 software is included with the CiscoWorks WLSE migration CDs. (RedHat Linux AS v. 4.0 is not supported by a converted CiscoWorks WLSE.)
    From this good doc;
    http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/cscowork/ps3915/prod_bulletin0900aecd804b4635.html
    Hope this helps!
    Rob

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