Upgrade WLC Code via CLI

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Convert Lightweight AP back to Autonomous

On occasion I need an autonomous AP, but all I have is a drawer full of lightweights.  Here is the process for getting them back to autonomous mode:

(This is from Cisco)

Step 1 The static IP address of the PC on which your TFTP server software runs should be between 10.0.0.2 and 10.0.0.30.

Step 2 Make sure that the PC contains the access point image file (such as c1200-k9w7-tar.122-15.JA.tar for a 1200 series access point) in the TFTP server folder and that the TFTP server is activated.

Step 3 Set the timeout value on the TFTP server to 30 seconds.

Step 4 On the PC where the TFTP server is located, perform these steps:

a. Disable any software firewall products, such as Windows firewall, ZoneAlarm firewall, McAffee firewall, or others.

b. Ensure all Windows files are visible. From Windows Explorer, click Tools > Folder Options > View; then uncheck the Hide extensions for known file types check box.

Step 5 Rename the access point image file in the TFTP server folder to c1200-k9w7-tar.default for a 1200 series access point, c1130-k9w7-tar.default for an 1130 series access point, c1240-k9w7-tar.default for a 1240 series access point, and c1250-k9w7-tar.default for a 1250 series access point.

Step 6 Connect the PC to the access point using a Category 5 (CAT5) Ethernet cable.

Step 7 Disconnect power from the access point.

Step 8 Press and hold MODE while you reconnect power to the access point.

Step 9 Hold the MODE button until the status LED turns red (approximately 20 to 30 seconds) and then release.

Step 10 Wait until the access point reboots, as indicated by all LEDs turning green followed by the Status LED blinking green.

Step 11 After the access point reboots, reconfigure it using the GUI or the CLI.

Upgrade Cisco AP to LWAPP without UpGrade tool

I don't know how many times I've tried to use Cisco's free upgrade tool and had something go wrong, but it was too many to bother trying again. As with most things Cisco, CLI is my favorite way to do it. I did a little research and found a command that saved me all the frustration of the Upgrade Tool.

Here's all you need to totally bypass the Upgrade Tool and do it yourself:

1. Download Tftpd32/64: Link

2. Start Tftpd32/64

3. Change your current directory to the directory to the directory that contains your LightWeight image file

4. Log in to your AP (while its attach to a network your PC can access)

5. Input this command:

Ap#archive download-sw /leave-old-sw tftp://(tftpserver IP)/imagename

6. Allow AP to download image from your PC.

7. Reload AP

8. Sigh (you're done)


If you really want the link to the UpgradeTool here it is: Link