Before converting LWAP to Autonomous need to understand the type of OS image running on these platforms. I found following blog post is very useful to summarize the type of IOS & understanding its naming convention.
http://www.my80211.com/cisco-auton-labs/2011/11/19/understanding-cisco-access-point-ios-images.html
Following are the three type of IOS available & need to download the correct type before starting the conversion process.
- k9w7 – autonomous IOS
- k9w8 – full lightweight IOS (this is what is bundled in the WLC .aes image, and is factory installed on “mesh” APs)
- rcvk9w8 – lightweight recovery image – this is factory installed on lightweight APs, unless a “mesh” image is specified; it lacks radio firmware
In our case we require k9w7 for Autonomous conversion. More specifically c1140-k9w7-tar.124-25d.JA.tar as my AP is 1142.
To convert Lightweight AP to Autonomous AP, need to have PC directly connected to AP’s ethernet port. If you are powering AP from the switch (i.e use PoE) then PC & AP needs to be in two switch ports in the same vlan. In my example PC is 10.10.10.1/24 & AP is 10.10.10.102/24.
Console into the access point & do the following configurations.
AP5475.d0f5.2ee7#sh ip int brief
Interface IP-Address OK? Method Status Protocol
Dot11Radio0 unassigned NO unset up up
Dot11Radio1 unassigned NO unset up up
GigabitEthernet0 unassigned YES DHCP up up
AP5475.d0f5.2ee7#debug capwap console cli <- without this line LWAP not accepting the conf t
AP5475.d0f5.2ee7#conf t
AP5475.d0f5.2ee7(config)#ip default-gateway 10.10.10.1
AP5475.d0f5.2ee7(config)#int g0
AP5475.d0f5.2ee7(config-if)#ip address 10.10.10.102 255.255.255.0
AP5475.d0f5.2ee7(config-if)#no sh
AP5475.d0f5.2ee7#ping 10.10.10.1
Type escape sequence to abort.
Sending 5, 100-byte ICMP Echos to 10.10.10.1, timeout is 2 seconds: !!!!!
AP5475.d0f5.2ee7#archive download-sw /force-reload /overwrite tftp://10.10.10.1/c1140-k9w7-tar.124-25d.JA.tar
"examining image... Loading c1140-k9w7-tar.124-25d.JA.tar from 10.10.10.1 (via GigabitEthernet0): ! extracting info (283 bytes) Image info: Version Suffix: k9w7-.124-25d.JA ...................."
Once conversion process is over, you can verify the right image is on your access point.
ap>en
Password: <-- default password is Cisco
ap#
ap#sh version
Cisco IOS Software, C1140 Software (C1140-K9W7-M), Version 12.4(25d)JA, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2010 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Thu 09-Dec-10 15:24 by prod_rel_team
ROM: Bootstrap program is C1140 boot loader
BOOTLDR: C1140 Boot Loader (C1140-BOOT-M) Version 12.4(18a)JA3, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
ap uptime is 0 minutes
System returned to ROM by reload
System image file is "flash:/c1140-k9w7-mx.124-25d.JA/c1140-k9w7-mx.124-25d.JA"
For the LWAP conversion, use the recovery image ( e.g c1140-rcvk9w8-tar.124-25d.JAL.tar). We can use the same command on the autonomous AP priviledge mode.
AP5475.d0f5.2ee7#archive download-sw /force-reload /overwrite tftp://10.10.10.1/c1140-rcvk9w8-tar.124-25d.JA.tar
Following Cisco Support Community forum video demonstrate teh above process.
https://supportforums.cisco.com/videos/
If you have WLC managed AP (currently registered to a WLC), then you can use WLC CLI command to convert that to Autonomous. In below example I have IW3702 AP on my WLC
(8540-TEST) >show ap summary AP Name Slots AP Model Ethernet MAC Location Country IP Address IW3702 2 IW3702-2E-Z-K9 2c:d0:2d:81:a6:5c default location AU 10.15.6.90
(WLC) >config ap tftp-downgrade ?
<TFTP Server IP addr> Enter the TFTP server's IP address
(WLC) >config ap tftp-downgrade x.x.x.x ?
<filename> Image file name on the TFTP server
(WLC) >config ap tftp-downgrade x.x.x.x ap3g2-k9w7-tar.153-3.JE.tar ?
<Cisco AP> Enter the name of the Cisco AP.
(WLC) >config ap tftp-downgrade x.x.x.x ap3g2-k9w7-tar.153-3.JE.tar IW3702
Once issue that command given AP should download new image from your TFTP server.
Related Posts
1. AP Conversion using MODE Button
2. Multiple SSID Config on Autonomous AP
3. Autonomous AP – Wireless Bridges
4. WorkGroup Bridge – WGB Configurations
5. Autonomous AP – Repeater
mrn-cciew 
Hi,
Thanks for the post. It is really useful.
I want to convert 3500e(lightweight) to autonomous but I faces following problem.
I changed the interface ip address to 10.10.10.102 manually and then archive command as you instructed. but in the middle of downloading file from tftp server it stops and the following error appears :
%CAPWAP-5-STATIC_TO_DHCP_IP: Could not discover WLC using
static IP. Forcing AP to use DHCP
and then the session between AP and tftp server breaks. Please let me know how I can extend discovery time before forcing AP to use dhcp.
Regards
HI Mohammad,
Not sure whether we can do that (delaying AP searching for a DHCP IP) ? Try to assign IP to AP in this method & see. (I have not tried it, but it may work). Following commands you can enter lightweight AP console CLI.
capwap ap ip address 10.10.10.102 255.255.255.0
capwap ap ip default-gateway 10.10.10.1 (your PC IP address)
Give it a go & see. If I found something else let you know. I have done this conversion multiple times (not the model you mentioned though) & did not have this issue.
HTH
Rasika
I used this method to convert a ciscoap3502 putting a ip on interface g0 . I can ping int intraface for a short time.When I try to run.
archive download-sw /force-reload /overwrite tftp://10.0.1.26/ap3g1-k9w7-tar.default
Error opening tftp://10.0.1.26/ap3g1-k9w7-tar.default no shuch file or directory
Hi Rasika,
Thanks for your reply.
It worked 🙂 ..when I assigned default-gateway to AP, it stops looking for controller in the same subnet as its interface(10.10.10.0). Instead, it starts finding controller by requesting controller name from DNS. It allowed me to have enough time to upload autonomous IOS.
wish you luck with your CCIE exam 🙂
Mohammad
Great… Glad to hear that trick worked…
Also thanks for wishing me good luck 🙂 I think it is very important to have it during this lab exam
Thanks!! This trick works!
When the default gateway is set to the AP ip-address itself, it tries to resolve the controller and is stuck in the following loop:
Translating “CISCO-CAPWAP-CONTROLLER”…domain server (255.255.255.255)
*Mar 1 00:01:55.515: %CAPWAP-3-ERRORLOG: Could Not resolve CISCO-CAPWAP-CONTROLLER
This allowed me to download the IOS and turn my CAP3602i into automous mode.
Good post Rasika
I will comment because I just did a conversion of the 2602i from lightweight to autonomous. The method that I used was by following this link here, and it worked perfectly.
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/wireless/access_point/conversion/lwapp/upgrade/guide/lwapnote.html#wp160918
Ensure that you show known extension types though, because when I first did it, I did not. So when I renamed it from
ap3g2-k9w7-tar.152-2.JB
to
ap3g2-k9w7-tar.default
There was still the hidden (.tar) at the end, after .default , so it would keep failing because it could not find the file name.
Once I fixed that, it worked perfectly.
Good luck on your 2nd attempt in August, I’m sure you can do it this time!
Hi Nolan,
Thanks for your feedback and tip related to this. It is really useful
Rasika
Can you please provide a link to this autonomous firmware ap3g2-k9w7-tar.152-2.JB ?
Hello Nayarasi,
This has really been a supportive thread for Network Engineers. Can you please advise me on the following scenario:
One of our client is procuring AIR-SAP1602I-x-K9 for their Head Office. These will work in Standalone Mode for the time being. Later on (after a few months), they will purchase a WLC and and a few more access points (Controller Based).
I request your feedback to know if the currently procured access points can be converted to CAPWAP later on.
Regards,
Farhan.
Hi Farhan,
Yes, you can convert them to CAPWAP later on without any problem at all.
HTH
Rasika
Thank you for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting for
your next post thanks once again.
Thanks for feedback…
Hi
We actually purchased AP 1620i, there is no “debug capwap console cli”. after we press “?” after the “debug capwap ?” there is something like client…
Can you please advise what is the command on the new model APs. We teied the mode method it worked perfectly.
Thanks
Regards
Hi Rakesh,
There is no “?” support with this command, you have to type it as it is
Regards
Rasika
I tried this process on an AP this morning and I see what he’s saying. There is no console option:
AP0035.1a11.a4c0#debug capwap ?
client CAPWAP Client Debug Options
mcast CAPWAP MCAST Debug Options
mfp CAPWAP MFP Debug Options
I had to follow this as suggested elsewhere on this page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c70mOOpqMsg
Totally different method, but it was the only one I could find that would work.
one of the AP was not getting registered. I was working on this AP remotely. I am new for wireless technology so was not aware that we can telnet to new brand AP with default user name cisco & pass Cisco. after login into the AP your blog help me further till this got registered with WLC. Thank you very much for simple explanation
CISCO LWAPP TO AUTONOUMOUS MODE CONFIGURATION:
(HERE WE USED CISCO AIRONET 1131 AG)
1->DELETE THE OLD FLASH FILE FROM THE CISCO WIFI
Connect Ethernet cable and console cable.
#delete
-It will ask to delete what , then delete the old flash file
-NOTE: Now we can only able to get into the router’s recovery mode because we erased old flash
-EX for recovery mode—- ap:
2->DOWNLOAD THE TFTP32 APPLICATION SOWTWARE(run tftp server on 10.0.0.2/24)
– Set ip for the pc which we using as 10.0.0.2/24
-Subnet: 255.255.255.0
-Default gateway:10.0.0.10
-Run the tftp to download the IOS image from the working cisco router, follow step (3)
3->DOWNLOAD CORRECT IOS IMAGE FROM THE OTHER USING CISCO ROUTER(SAME 1130 INCASE) else in CISCO.COM
To download ios to tftp:
NOTE:ALWAYS CONNECT ETHERNET CABLE WITH PC TO WIFI TO TRANSFER IOS
Log into the working cisco router and follow the below mentioned command to copy ios to tftp
#archive upload-sw /version c1130-k9w7-mx.124-21a.JY tftp://10.0.0.2/ c1130-k9w7-mx.124-21a.JA1.tar
Note: don’t ever forget to give version above command
-now it will upload the CORRECT image ios file into TFTP path.
– when you checked the path in the tftp server it shows the file name as .tar.tar twice at the last
So simply erase one .tar( Make it with only .tar)
4->ENTER CISCO WIFI ROUTER THROUGH CLI
Note: ensure we can only able to work in the recovery mode (EX: ap)
ap: tftp_init
ap: ether_init
ap: flash_init
ap: tar -xtract tftp://10.0.0.2/images/c1130-k9w7-mx.124-21a.JA1.tar flash:
note:don’t ever forget to give /images , else it will prompt the error like (no such file directory found)
now it will extract the image ios into the router
ap:set
BOOT=flash:/c1130-k9w7-mx.124-21a.JA1
Note : don’t give extension as .tar
NOW
ap: reset
(in ap: mode we use reset for reload , instead of reload in wifi router)
5->SIMPLY CONFIGURE IP AND GATEWAY TO USE THE ROUTER
Awesome – Get these questions all the time and the “vice versa” part is always hard to locate Great !!!
Thanks Thomas, Good to see this helps you..
Rasika
Hi. Please I have a challenge. I want to convert a new 2602e with LWAPP to autonomous. I am using PoE. When I set power AP while pressing the mode button, after releasing the button, I get error message on console: %Error opening tftp://255.255.255.255/ap3g2-k9w7-tar.default (connection timed o
ut)ap:. have put the two ports on same vlan but cannot ping the AP (10.0.0.1) using my PC (10.0.0.2) that contains the tftp for the image. What more can I do?
Did you rename your 2602 autonomous image to “ap3g2-k9w7-tar.default” ?
Also did you set the correct mask /8 & gateway 10.0.0.1 on your PC ?
Rasika
I renamed the image file, but I used 10.0.0.2 /24 on PC and could not ping 10.0.0.1. Could that be the issue (ie /8).
Yes, that could be the issue. Test it with /8 & see. Refer this for more detail
https://mrncciew.com/2013/12/13/ap-conversion-using-mode-button/
Rasika
I have done that without a positive result yet. I cannot ping 10.0.0.1. I disabled windows firewall and antivirus. Could it be a problem with windows7?
if you normally boot the AP does it properly boot & trying to find a WLC? or is it going to ap: mode ?
It boots normally and tries to find WLC
I would give it a try with directly connect to Laptop & powering via power injector. Did you try to change the PC & see if that make any difference.
HTH
Rasika
Ok. Please do let me know your observation when you power using PoE switch. Thanks
I have been able to fix it. I set dhcp server on switch to assign only one address. I telnet into the address and was able to do the tftp transfer
Thanks for the assistance.
Glad to hear that.. Thanks for keep us updated
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Hi,
We have tried to convert LWAP(3600) to AAP , somehow we have successfully installed the new image, but it is not booting with new image , is taking old image only.
Also we have followed all the above steps , still we are getting below error
Translating “CISCO-CAPWAP-CONTROLLER”…domain server (255.255.255.255)
*Mar 1 00:01:55.515: %CAPWAP-3-ERRORLOG: Could Not resolve CISCO-CAPWAP-CONTROLLER
Please help.
Which image you installed successfully & pls brief the steps you followed.
Looks like Autonomous image not installed.
HTH
Rasika
I having trouble trying to find the file to convert an autonomous 1410 to LWAP. I went to the cisco website and I can’t find the file other than it can be done.
These are available under “Outdoor Wireless” section. I can see c1410-k9w7-tar.124-25d.JA2.tar is available over there.
HTH
Rasika
That file is for an autonomous mode. I needed one for LWAP. I found out that a LWAP file does not exist. I understand that the 1410 was not made to be on a wireless controller.
Yes, that AP may not be for WLC managed & hence no LAP image.
Rasika
Hi Navarasi,
Thanks for your support kindly help me how to set the range in CISCO AIR-CAP-3602INK9 in autonomous mode and also tell me what is the max range it will support for 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz
Pls check the data sheet of this AP model where it listed the different Tx power level it operates. Depend on the Tx power signal can propagate longer.
HTH
Rasika
Hi nayarasi,
I have an issue after converted the cisco 3602 I access point into autonomous mode. when I disconnected and reconnect the device in the network the interface is not physically up. Is it problem with IOS did I need to change the config reg for this issue kindly help me on this
I cannot say thank you enough times for this very simple yet veery useful procedure, it just helped me to brought up again our office’s AP 😀 thank you veery very much!!!!!
No worries Enrique, Glad you found this post useful for your work
HTH
Rasika
Hi nayarasi,
I’m trying convert the cisco AIR-LAP1242AG-N-K9 into autonomous.
I followed below steps:
connected my console LAPTOP to AP and given IP to PC as 10.10.10.3/24 and in AP fa0 as 10.10.10.4 able to ping vice versa. But when I tried to give command as below :
archive download-sw / overwrite tftp://10.10.10.3/c1240-k9w7-tar
It is throwing error like
examining image …
%Error opening ( Socket error) archive download: takes 0 seconds
Please help me to do this successfully
I think your TFTP server is not properly working. Try different TFTP server.
HTH
Rasika
thank you
i want to convert SAP to CAP
i have replay from pc to ap
but not from ap to pc ..
You may have firewall enable on your PC
Check your PC local firewall
Hi. Can we convert multiple LAP to SAP (same model) via template in Cisco Prime?
I mean lightweight to autonomous.
In Cisco Prime, there’s this option
Configure > Autonomous AP Migration Templates > New Template
but I need the oposite.
All I can say is LIFE SAVER.
Thank you for this clear concise tutorial.
Keep up the great work!
Thank you 🙂
i have deleted the IOS file on the 1552e Flash: directory
and it goes to Rommon mode…
what should i do now, because there are no IOS on the flash:
please help
thanks
Is there a mode button available in this AP model to load an image using that method ?
If it is, try this method
https://mrncciew.com/2013/12/13/ap-conversion-using-mode-button/
HTH
Rasika
Glad to find this article! thanks for the help
i can’t seem to ping it, no matter what I try.
3602 shows also BVI1 and Gigabit 0.1 interfaces.
should I always use G0?
why would protocol show as down?
Interface IP-Address OK? Method Status Protocol
BVI1 10.0.0.2 YES TFTP down down
Dot11Radio0 unassigned NO unset up up
Dot11Radio1 unassigned NO unset up up
GigabitEthernet0 10.10.10.102 YES manual up down
GigabitEthernet0.1 unassigned YES unset up down
conf t
ip default-gateway 10.10.10.1
int g0
ip address 10.10.10.102 255.255.255.0
no sh
exit
exit
ping 10.10.10.1
this is the output:
process_config_recovery: set IP address and config to default 10.0.0.1
process_config_recovery: image recovery
image_recovery: Download default IOS tar image tftp://255.255.255.255/ap3g2-k9w7-tar.default
examining image…
DPAA Set for Independent Mode
DPAA_INIT = 0x0
%Error opening tftp://255.255.255.255/ap3g2-k9w7-tar.default (connection timed out)ap:
PC is at 10.0.0.2/24 (have tried it as /27 and /8) to no avail.
No firewall installed. Tried 2 different PCs and can never ping 10.0.0.1
By putting the IP on BVI1 and removing it from Gigabit 0 I managed to ping it. then uploading firmware was a breeze. thanks for the article
Good to hear that…
Great Article, I been struggling with this dhcp auto renwal issue for quite some time now. I stumbled upon your suggestion of assigning default gateway in order to delay the dhcp. It worked like charm.
Greatly appreciate your help!
-Agha
Hi Agha,
Good to hear this & thanks for the feedback
Rasika
Excellent guide. Thanks for taking the time to write it!
Thanks Kim
hi i have a air-cap-1602e-a-k9 i am trying to converse. After configuring the ip addres on the AP and on my laptop with firewall turned off i still cannot succesfully ping. I am using a PoE switch and both ports in a vlan(5).
Try to configure the default gateway of the AP as your PC IP address.
Ping is not working from AP to PC, PC to AP or both direction ?
Rasika
Great Tricks, was trying this for more than half a day without success. The new C3700 AP keep rebooting before I can finish copying the image file. With the gateway command (Initially thought this was not required, because I did a direct AP to laptop connection), it tricks the AP “Translating “CISCO-CAPWAP-CONTROLLER”…domain server (255.255.255.255)”. This allow the image file to be copied successfully.
Nice to hear 🙂
Hello CCIE team,
Please help me how to solve default IP address for AP 2602i
I will appreciate
Wilson Nyabera
Great, it worked for me thank you for your help
Hi,
Thanks for the great information. Would you be willing to explain how to console into the device for the first time? My device currently has the CAP IOS installed and I am attempting to access it via your example here:
“If you are powering AP from the switch (i.e use PoE) then PC & AP needs to be in two switch ports in the same vlan.”
I don’t have a console cable?
Thanks for your help!!
without console output, you cannot verify what’s going on.
Hello Rasika,
I’m not able to download image “c1250-k9w7-tar.152-2.JA1.tar” from cisco website. It says I need a valid service contract associated to your Cisco.com profile. Not sure how to get that or is there any other source where I can download firmware.
Thanks in advance,
Akhil Vijay
Yes, you require support contract.
Otherwise approach local Cisco partner & see. They may able to help
HTH
Rasika
This is good, who can tell me what about change CAP country code or rewrite CAP eeprom(FLASH CHIP: Numonyx P33) to change AP country code to **-C-K9.
If anyone knows this, please contact me, thank you very much! my email address:56905219@qq.com
I do not think it is possible
Hello Rasika,
I recently purchased Cisco 3700 series ap(AIR-CAP3702I-A-K9) and I was trying to convert it to autonomous by flashing ap3g2-k9w7-tar.153-3.JC.tar. But I got stuck in the initial step itself. Here is what I followed
1. Connected ethernet cable directly to my pc from AP’s gigabit port
2. Configured pc with ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
3. Console AP using putty
#debug capwap console cli
#ip default-gateway 192.168.1.1
#int g0
#ip address 192.168.1.2 255.255.255.0
#no sh
then I tried to ping my pc which is not happening. I’m not able proceed further since ap is not pinging my pc. Also, it keep giving message “Could not discover WLC. Either IP address is not assigned or assigned IP is wrong. Renewing DHCP”
Please help !!
screenshot -> http://img.ctrlv.in/img/16/01/25/56a5ccd50e372.png
Thanks in advance
Akhil Vijay
Tried this
and it worked like charm. It will be great if you include this method also in this tutorial.
I converted Lightweight to Autonomous as you had mentioned below…
AP5475.d0f5.2ee7#conf t
AP5475.d0f5.2ee7(config)#ip default-gateway 10.10.10.1
AP5475.d0f5.2ee7(config)#int g0
AP5475.d0f5.2ee7(config-if)#ip address 10.10.10.102 255.255.255.0
AP5475.d0f5.2ee7(config-if)#no sh
AP5475.d0f5.2ee7#ping 10.10.10.1
Type escape sequence to abort.
Sending 5, 100-byte ICMP Echos to 10.10.10.1, timeout is 2 seconds: !!!!!
AP5475.d0f5.2ee7#archive download-sw /force-reload /overwrite tftp://10.10.10.1/c1140-k9w7-tar.124-25d.JA.tar
but show version is Lightweight Image..Then I set the boot system as k9w7.
after reload the cli showing !!!!!!
ap:
Try to use the mode button method & see if you can get recovered from this.
i have AIR-CAP–1702i-E-K9 ACCESSPOINT, I tried to make console, but not getting connected, also i tried like the above post, also no result. Anybody have any solution to convert the default mode to Autonoumus?
Hello Nayarasi,
I have the following Access Points “AIR-CAP2702I-C-K9” and “AIR-CAP2602I-C-k9” and I need to convert to Standalone/Autonomous Mode. Please let me know if supports Lightweight to Autonomous Mode?
Regards,
Farhan.
Yes , both supporting autonomous mode.
HTH
Rasika
Very useful link i must say
Hi Nayarasi,
When I try to backup the lightweight image to my TFTP server, I get an error message saying ERROR: unable to access html dir on the flash:xxx. I’m always getting this error on my AIR 1231 devices but not on my AIR 3502. Maybe you know why that’s happening and how I can resolve it? Sorry this question might be a noob question since i’m not an expert in Cisco.
Lutfi
You can’t do this. You need to download the required IOS image from Cisco.com
HTH
Rasika
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Thank you.
Hi Nayarasi,
I have a new AP Cisco AIR-CAP2702i, so my boss want to change mode autonomous. I tried to convert but can’t successfull. Please help me convert it.
Regards
Akan
Did you have right IOS image for this conversion. Pls let us know what file you got
HTH
Rasika
I Have file :ap3g2-k9w7-tar.153-3.JD.tar> I got from my Cisco Vender
Hi,
The below logs were collected while a CCisco AP2702i LWAPP mode was trying to join the controller.
The AP would not join after several attempts.
WLC IP : 10.32.39.22
Any idea what might be wrong with this AP, the product is under support warranty ?
%CAPWAP-5-DTLSREQSEND: DTLS connection request sent peer_ip: 10.32.39.22 peer_port: 5246
%CAPWAP-5-DTLSREQSUCC: DTLS connection created sucessfully peer_ip: 10.32.39.22 peer_port: 5246
%CAPWAP-5-SENDJOIN: sending Join Request to 10.32.39.22
%DTLS-5-SEND_ALERT: Send FATAL : Close notify Alert to 10.32.39.22:5246
[m102x_set_lanport_config] Cannot enable AUX port while POE, connect AC or Inj source
%LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface Dot11Radio0, changed state to administratively down
%LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface Dot11Radio1, changed state to administratively down
%LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface Dot11Radio0, changed state to reset
%LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface Dot11Radio1, changed state to reset
%LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface GigabitEthernet1, changed state to administratively down
AP has SHA2 MIC certificate – Using SHA1 MIC certificate for DTLS.
Also, I had to grab another AP and try to associate it with the WLC.
While converting a Cisco AP2702i from Autonomous to LWAPP, I tried the following commands several times, but it would still boot with the k9w7 image.
(config)#boot system flash:/ap3g2-k9w8-tar.153-3.JA7.tar
OR
(config)#boot system flash://ap3g2-k9w8-tar.153-3.JA7.tar/ap3g2-k9w8-tar.153-3.JA7.tar
OR
(config)#boot system flash:/ap3g2-rcvk9w8-tar.153-3.JA7.tar
Directory of flash:/
2 -rwx 282 Jan 1 1970 00:10:17 +00:00 info
3 -rwx 6174720 Mar 1 1993 00:21:01 +00:00 ap3g2-rcvk9w8-tar.153-3.JA7.tar
4 -rwx 34650 Mar 1 1993 02:40:31 +00:00 event.log
5 -rwx 1048 Mar 1 1993 02:40:21 +00:00 private-multiple-fs
7 -rwx 13557760 Mar 1 1993 00:24:09 +00:00 ap3g2-k9w8-tar.153-3.JA7.tar
48 drwx 2176 Jan 1 1970 00:16:06 +00:00 ap3g2-k9w7-mx.153-3.JA7
8 -rwx 1765 Mar 1 1993 02:40:21 +00:00 config.txt
9 -rwx 5 Mar 1 1993 02:40:21 +00:00 private-config
10 -rwx 432 Mar 1 1993 02:40:28 +00:00 env_vars
40900608 bytes total (8152576 bytes free)
I also tried the below commands, but no luck.
ap#archive download-sw /force-reload /overwrite flash:/ap3g2-k9w8-tar.153-3.JA7.tar
I downloaded a fresh IOS Lwapp image from the Cisco Support online.
Finally, TFTP came to rescue. The AP was at a remote location so I was hesitating from using this step. But it worked perfectly.
ap#archive download-sw /force-reload /overwrite tftp:///ap3g2-k9w8-tar.153-3.JA7.tar
One important question is, why did the below command didn’t work ?
ap#archive download-sw /force-reload /overwrite flash:/ap3g2-k9w8-tar.153-3.JA7.tar
It displayed an error – “magic mismatch number Bad zip file”
Thanks,
Ronak Vyas.
Did the Lightweight process Mode to Autonomous, would like to know how to bind the controller. Could you help me please?
My access point is a 2702I.
if you convert to Autonomous, then no WLC require to manage it. You need to simply configure the AP individually using GUI or CLI
HTH
Rasika
Question…New version would be c1140-k9w7-tar.124-25d.JA2.tar or c1140-k9w7-tar.153-3.JD.tar both are listed to do this. I am lost.
15.3(3) is newer than 12.4(25d), always higher the number is great.
HTH
Rasika
Rasika, quick question. I am having issues with an AP (3702I) not joining to the WLC. Looks like is reffering to bug CSCuu42396. I want first try to load the firmware directly to the AP instead of having it getting from WLC. Can you tell me the way to do that?
Thanks
Hi Robson,
Did you try with a bug fixed code on your WLC ? eg 8.0.140.0
HTH
Rasika
Hey Rasika, thanks for the reply, I appreciate. We are running at 8.0.135.0. Do you think updating to .140 could fix the issue?
I can’t assure 100%, if there is option worth give it a try & see
HTH
Rasika
THANK YOU for me the most enlightening thing you provide is the secret and rarely spoken spell to enable ‘config t’ on lwap. (debug capwap console cli)
Seriously wish Cisco would provide this info in all deployment & upgrade docs
Thank you Dave. Glad to see my post helps you.
Rasika
Hi im loosing my prompt efter booting with Autonomous, cant enter rommon either tested different firmwares & APs but getting the same, what is wrong?
AIR-CAP3702I-E-K9
not loosing connection, coz bvi is changing if i connect/disconnect cable, but no prompt! 😦
Press RETURN to get started!
*Mar 1 00:00:16.871: %SOAP_FIPS-2-SELF_TEST_IOS_SUCCESS: IOS crypto FIPS self test passed (15)
*Mar 1 00:00:22.991: %SOAP_FIPS-2-SELF_TEST_RAD_SUCCESS: RADIO crypto FIPS self test passed on interface Dot11Radio 0 (4)
*Mar 1 00:00:23.107: loading Power Tables from ram:/Q2.bin. Class = E
*Mar 1 00:00:23.107: record size of 3ss: 1168 read_ptr: 44F511E
*Mar 1 00:00:28.279: %SOAP_FIPS-2-SELF_TEST_RAD_SUCCESS: RADIO crypto FIPS self test passed on interface Dot11Radio 1 (4)
*Mar 1 00:00:28.327: loading Power Tables from ram:/Q5.bin. Class = E
*Mar 1 00:00:28.359: record size of vht: 2904 read_ptr: 44F511E
*Mar 1 00:00:30.615: %LINK-6-UPDOWN: Interface GigabitEthernet0, changed state to up
*Mar 1 00:00:31.307: Starting Ethernet promiscuous mode
*Mar 1 00:00:31.327: %DOT11-5-EXPECTED_RADIO_RESET: Restarting Radio interface Dot11Radio0 due to interface reset
*Mar 1 00:00:31.331: %DOT11-5-EXPECTED_RADIO_RESET: Restarting Radio interface Dot11Radio1 due to interface reset
*Mar 1 00:00:31.335: %DOT11-5-EXPECTED_RADIO_RESET: Restarting Radio interface Dot11Radio0 due to interface is getting down
*Mar 1 00:00:31.335: %DOT11-5-EXPECTED_RADIO_RESET: Restarting Radio interface Dot11Radio1 due to interface is getting down
*Mar 1 00:00:31.347: %LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface Dot11Radio0, changed state to administratively down
*Mar 1 00:00:31.347: %LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface Dot11Radio1, changed state to administratively down
*Mar 1 00:00:31.347: %DOT11-5-EXPECTED_RADIO_RESET: Restarting Radio interface Dot11Radio0 due to interface reset
*Mar 1 00:00:31.347: %DOT11-5-EXPECTED_RADIO_RESET: Restarting Radio interface Dot11Radio1 due to interface reset
*Mar 1 00:00:31.347: %CDP_PD-4-POWER_OK: Full power – HIGH_POWER inline power source
*Mar 1 00:00:31.355: %SYS-5-RESTART: System restarted —
Cisco IOS Software, C3700 Software (AP3G2-K9W7-M), Version 15.3(3)JD4, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2017 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Fri 17-Mar-17 12:24 by prod_rel_team
*Mar 1 00:00:31.355: %SNMP-5-COLDSTART: SNMP agent on host ap is undergoing a cold start
*Mar 1 00:00:31.399: No configuration in NVRAM..Auto Install initiated..
*Mar 1 00:00:31.615: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface GigabitEthernet0, changed state to down
*Mar 1 00:00:32.339: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface BVI1, changed state to up
*Mar 1 00:00:32.347: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Dot11Radio0, changed state to down
*Mar 1 00:00:32.347: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Dot11Radio1, changed state to down
*Mar 1 00:00:36.003: %SOAP_FIPS-2-SELF_TEST_HW_SUCCESS: HW crypto FIPS self test passed (0-0)
*Mar 1 00:00:36.003: DPAA Initialization Complete
*Mar 1 00:00:36.003: %SYS-3-HARIKARI: Process DPAA INIT top-level routine exited
*Mar 1 00:00:37.003: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface GigabitEthernet0, changed state to up
*Mar 1 00:08:19.419: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface GigabitEthernet0, changed state to down
*Mar 1 00:08:21.419: %LINK-6-UPDOWN: Interface BVI1, changed state to down
*Mar 1 00:08:22.419: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface BVI1, changed state to down
Hi Peter,
That’s bit odd
Do you see AP get an IP (you can check via – show cdp nei detai- )
If so, see whether you get GUI access to AP ?
HTH
Rasika
Problem solved, didnt get it to work with putty (used it for 5 years), changed to teraterm with same serialconfig & worked like charm, weird…
After some labs Putty worked fine with other switches & ap1142 & ap2602 but not with 3702.
Good to know that Peter. Glad you get it working somehow.
Rasika
Hi Nayarasi,
Excellent tutorial. I have one further question. How does one upgrade the boot loader on a Cisco 1142 AP (cisco AIR-AP1142N-N-K9)? The current version on it is (C1140-BOOT-M) Version 12.4(18a)JA and I want to upgrade to 12.4(23c)JA1. The filename is c1140-boot-m.124-23c.JA1.bin, which is the latest. Another site said to use copy tftp://10.1.1.50/c1140-boot-m.124-23c.JA1.bin bs. I did this and reloaded but nothing has changed. Are you able to show me the process please? There is little info on the interwebs about this. I have upgraded the IOS successfully using your tutorial.
Cheers,
Matt.
Great tutorial… Thank you
I got the image loaded, and I’m able to see my SSID broadcasting. But when I connect a device, it’s not able to get an IP from my DHCP which is running on my switch (3750). What do I need to do to get DHCP on my device?
Hi
Did you check you have configured DHCP pool config properly (eg, exclude IP range & scope options). Also I would assume that is on the same vlan as AP management.
HTH
Rasika
Awesome man! I also followed this guide and this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c70mOOpqMsg you both are awesome!
No Problem, glad it helps you
Rasika
thank you very very much
Awesome Post. Thank You!!
Thank you Jeff
Thanks Jeff!
Hello Rasika,
Thank you very much for your very well written posts on Wireless networking. Your site is always my first stop when I am looking for a how to with cisco wireless devices or a better understanding of a concept.
Following this particular article and attempting to convert a C3702 from lightweight to autonomous AP, assigning the IP to the g0 interface did not work for me. I could not ping the tftp server (my directly connected mac OS X). I had to assign the IP to the BVI interface to get things to work. Sharing here just in case others are facing the same obstacle.
Costas
I did mine a little differently. I noticed my ap was only booting up on the ap3g2-rcvk9w8-mx image with is for CAPWAP, but it also had the k9w7 image in the directory as well. I logged in and did my capwap commands to get into cli:
debug capwap con cli
debug capwap client no-reload
Then I changed the boot system path to (in my case on a AIR-CAP2702I-B-K9):
boot system flash:/ap3g2-k9w7-mx.153-3.JA8/ap3g2-k9w7-xx.153-3.JA8
(make sure it is the k9w7-xx file), then I rebooted. It came up on the k9w7 image which is autonomous. No more annoying capwap messages.
Thanks for feedback Sean, I am sure it helps
Rasika
Hello Nayarasi, I have a problem similar to the comments, my Ap 2802 works with LWAP and I need to return it to autonomo, but I can not find the commands to install another IOS or replace the one in the flash, it does not recognize / force-reload , / overwrite and others, what can I do ??
I do not think these 1800/2800/3800 series AP support Autonomous deployment.
Instead they got Mobility Express feature which is a WLC functionality inbuilt on those APs. Refer below deployment guide for that conversion
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/technotes/8-5/b_cisco_mobility_express_8_5/b_cisco_mobility_express_8_5_chapter_01.html
HTH
Rasika
hi Nayarasi! you helped me a lot with this excellent tutorial!
thank you very much!!!
Hello guys!
I will be so happy if somebody share k9w7 image by email =)
zoha664[at]gmail.com
Thank you!
need it to did you get it
Hi Zoha664,
Have you been able to find the default tar for autonomous mode? If yes, can you please share?
hi everyone i have cisco api 3702i and i am accessing it through web.
so i have connected it to my pc using serial cable through putty
and but when i give user name and password it show this mood
ap:
from here how i go to config mood to asign ip to api.
it give msg of discovring dhcp and wlc not found.
i want to use this individually not with wlc.
Try “boot” & see. If you still go to that mode again , may be it got a corrupted image.
Try below method, if that is the case
https://community.cisco.com/t5/wireless-mobility-documents/access-point-rommon-recovery-ap-prompt-recovery-example/ta-p/3119495
HTH
Rasika
also looking for c1140-k9w7-tar.153-3.JD17.tar
Hello ,
Am new here . please i got some Cisco APs from surplus sale and i have been trying to see how i can test and reset them to factory and ensure they are working good. The models i got are Cisco Air cap3702i-A-k9 , 3602I , 1142AP. Thanks
Hi Lekan,
Unless you have autonomous software image, it is not possible to use these AP individually. Most of these AP require a WLC (Wireless LAN Controller) to manage them.
If you have a VM setup, then you can build a vWLC to begin with and try to register those AP to it.
You can refer below table, that each of those AP model have supported code releases
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/compatibility/matrix/compatibility-matrix.html#56735
1142 supports with 5.x – 8.3.x software
3602 supports with 7.1.x – 8.5.x software
3702 supports with 7.6.x – 8.10.x software which is latest (no last supported code announced)
You can buy a WLC cheaply on ebay (eg 2504 or 3504 model). 2504 can go upto 8.5.x code and cannot upgrade further.
HTH
Rasika
hi nayarasi
can you send me the file or a linkl cisco has cancelled the download
or a link where to fine it i need c1140-k9w7-mx.153-3.JBB5
i have air-lap1142n-n-k9
its running c1140-rcvk9w8.m
cheers
Hi there need a bit of help. I have upgraded the Air-Cap2602I-E to Autonomous.. am in the webgui if i change any setting on webgui wil not save and i get this error 404 Not Found
Could be a bug, I would suggest using CLI as a workaround.
HTH
Rasika
Any idea on how to obtain the default tar for autonomous mode for an Cisco AP 2702E? It looks like need an entitlement to download it from Cisco. Is there any other source that somebody can share? Dropbox, drive link would be much appreciated.
Hello Nayarasi,
I have a AIR-LAP1242AG-T-K9 and I converted It using tutorial, thanks.
Just a question, do you know how can I improve his performance? I have 200mbps and I can get only 15mbps through wifi connection.
1242AG is an older model AP and may only support up to 11a (no 11n or ac support). With 11a you can get a maximum data rate of 54Mbps and application throughput may limit to 20-25Mbps maximum. In that case, what you are seeing of 15Mbps is normal with that AP model. If you need higher throughput or data rates, then you have to change your AP model and I would suggest looking for an 11ac model (1700/2700/3700 series) from eBay or similar places.
HTH
Rasika
Hi, I have a Cisco AP 2700i which i converted to autonomous mode. The problem i am having is the 2.4ghz radio is fine and works well. The 5ghz however is fast and works well, but will drop off and cause devices to lose connection. Once you reboot the AP, it is comes back up, but then it drops off maybe a day or so later. Are you aware of any fix for this? FYI i am running ap3g2-k9w7-tar.153-3.JPK1.tar – which is the latest autonomous firmware for this AP. I understand this AP is now EOL, all i care about is just having it stable. Please let me know if you have a fix for this?
Great description. Used it for a SAP2602I which I expected to be autonomous but was actually in mesh mode. Note that the size of the flash might mean that when you download the k9w7 code it has to delete the rcvk9w8 – you will see this:
Image version check passed
Not enough free space to download image first w/o extracting
deleting existing version(s)…
Deleting current version: flash:/ap3g2-rcvk9w8-mx…
Set booting path to recovery image: ‘flash:/ap3g2-rcvk9w8-mx/ap3g2-rcvk9w8-mx’…done.
Extracting files…
However the unit flashed the correct version without issue and after a reload it worked correctly.
good job & thanks for sharining the info.
Can i have ur email address.
Hi I did follow your instructions but I get “Timedout” or “File or Directory not found” . Please help me to fix this. Thank you, Jay
Hi Jay, as long as you got the correct file in your TFTP folder, you should be good. Pls check the exact file name including extension to see all matches
Rasika
Thank you for the knowledge sharing post.
I converted my Cisco Aironet 3702 from lightweight to autonomous. However, for some reason, I am not able to connect to the AP’s web GUI even after the conversion.
My AP is the AIR-CAP3702E-A-K9. It’s running the Cisco IOS Software, C3700 Software (AP3G2-K9W7-M), Version 15.3(3)JK after the conversion.
I did set the its BVI interface IP to a static one.
I went into http://ip_of_the_BVI1 but no respond.
Did I miss anything?
How can I get into the web GUI interface of the AP in order to setup the SSID and other settings to use it as my home WiFi AP?
Thank you,
Did you try different browsers. If you have CLI access, here is the basic template for home SSID configuration. You modify AP name, SSID name & password.
conf t
hostname
!
dot11 ssid
authentication open
authentication key-management wpa version 2
guest-mode
wpa-psk ascii
!
interface Dot11Radio0
encryption mode ciphers aes-ccm
ssid
no shutdown
!
interface Dot11Radio1
channel width 40-above
encryption mode ciphers aes-ccm
ssid
no shutdown
!
interface BVI1
ip address dhcp
!
end
write memory
!
HTH
Rasika
hello, your site is great. despite your detailed explanations, I have a small problem converting my charging station to stand-alone mode.
it’s a CAP2702E-E-K9
I injected the firmware: ap3g2-k9w7-tar.153-3.JA12.tar
I have a lot of functions that don’t work.
Is it possible for you to get me the latest firmware for this terminal, I am an individual and Cisco does not wish to authorize individuals to download firmware.
Thanks for your help. cordially philip
Hi, Does AP and with Integrated and External antennas uses the same image?
Yes, as long as same model of APs