Cisco's wireless solutions can be broadly classified into Standalone systems that operate Cisco Aironet Access Points individually and Controller-based systems that centrally manage multiple Cisco Aironet Access Points using a Cisco Wireless Controller. Multiple expansion modes are also supported in Controller-based systems.

1. Cisco's Wireless Solutions-Deployment Modes
Cisco's wireless solutions can be broadly classified into Standalone systems that
operate Cisco Aironet Access Points individually and Controller-based systems that
centrally manage multiple Cisco Aironet Access Points using a Cisco Wireless
Controller. Multiple expansion modes are also supported in Controller-based systems.

3. The Mesh Mode, FlexConnect + Mesh Mode, OfficeExtend Mode, Monitor Mode,
Rogue Detector Mode, and Sniffer Mode are also supported.
See What's Possible with Cisco Wireless Products
■ Cisco Wireless Controller Deployment Mode Compatibility Comparison
Platform Deployment Modes
Mobility
Express
FlexConnect Centralized Mesh OfficeExtend
Cisco Aironet
1800 Series
Access Points
● - - - -
Cisco Aironet
2800/3800 Series
Access Points
● - - - -
Cisco Aironet
1560 Series
Outdoor Access
Points
●*1 - - - -
Cisco Aironet - ● ● ● ●

4. 3500 Series
Wireless
Controller
Cisco Virtual
Wireless
Controller
- ● - - -
Cisco 5500 Series
Wireless
Controller
- ● ● ● ●
Cisco 8500 Series
Wireless
Controller
- ● ● ● ●
*1
Cisco Aironet 1560 Series are to be supported in future software release.
*2
Cisco Wireless Controller Software release 7.3.112.0 is required.
*3
Cisco AireOS 8.1 and higher are not supported.
More Related
The Newest Cisco Aironet Antennas and Accessories Options
Approved Antennas for Use with Cisco 2800 and 3800 APs
AP 2800 and AP 3800 Power Requirements
FAQ’s: Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
How to Help Wireless Customers Select the Right Wireless Solutions?
Cisco ONE Software Device Tiering Guide–Perpetual Licenses
How to Order Cisco ONE for Access Wireless Products?
The Smartest Access Point? The New Aironet 4800 Series