[New Feature - 5.10.0] Backward Compatibility between ePMP4500s APs and ePMP1000s, F180s, F190s, F200s SMs

Products ePMP
1

Affected platforms: ePMP4500s
Affected versions: 5.10.0 and newer

Backward Compatibility in ePMP 5.10.0 and Migration Mode Overview

Starting with the ePMP 5.10.0 release, backward compatibility has been introduced between ePMP 4500 series Access Points (APs) and legacy Subscriber Modules (SMs) such as the ePMP 1000s, Force 180s (F180), Force 190s (F190), and Force 200s (F200). This functionality allows network operators to continue supporting older SMs while upgrading APs infrastructure.

To enable this feature, navigate to the Configuration → Radio section of the web user interface and activate Migration Mode.

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Migration Mode is specifically designed to support legacy SMs—including F300, F180, F200, and ePMP 1000—during transitional periods. While this mode facilitates smoother upgrades and minimizes service disruption, it is intended strictly for temporary use during network migration. It is not recommended for long-term deployment due to performance trade-offs.

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Limitations of Migration Mode:

  • Increased Latency: Users may experience higher latency compared to standard (greenfield) deployments.
  • Reduced Throughput: A slight decrease in data throughput may occur.
  • Performance Variability: Overall sector performance is influenced by both the quantity and proportion of legacy SMs (F180, F200, ePMP 1000) connected to the AP.

To achieve optimal performance, it is recommended to complete the migration to newer SM models as soon as feasible.

4 Likes
2

lets be honest here, many of us are not going to forklift
If replacing 1k/2k APs, Can we assume we will see density improvements at minimum?
If replacing 3k will we see improvements?
Overall sector performance limitations I assume are in reference to a full 4k deployment? Is this accurate, and we will likely see reliabilty/performance improvements in reference to 1/2/3k deployments?
How long will migration mode be supported? is it a scheduled firmware depretiated feature?

3

I second everything @maxwire said above.

I would like to also ask this:
If no other changes are made to a legacy system, will replacing a 1k or 2k AP with a 4500 result in better performance than the 1k or 2k AP supported?

Thank you, Chris