1702i will not join C9800

[networknub]

hello.

After replacing the AIR-CT2504-K9 with the C9800-L-F-K9, only the AIR-CAP1702I-K-K9 model does not mate properly.

I checked the compatibility matrix and it seems that the C9800 and AIR-CAP1702I-K-K9 versions are not compatible.

- C9800-L-F-K9

17.3.4c

- air-cap1702i-k-k9

Base Software Version

8.5.171.0

Backup Software Version

0.0.0.0

Boot Version

15.3.0.0

IOS version

15.3(3)jf14$

Mini IOS version

8.5.140.0

I've contacted you and received a compatible IOS version, but how do I update my AP? I connected to the AP via remote access, but it says there are no commands for 'copy', 'archive', etc.

[Leo Laohoo]

Console into the AP and reboot. 

Post the entire boot-up process.

[marce1000]

 - You may find these debugging tools useful : https://logadvisor.cisco.com/logadvisor/wireless/9800/9800APJoin

 M.

[Rich R · Accepted solution]

17.3 is approaching end of life - it's already past end of software maintenance and End of Vulnerability/Security Support (meaning no bug fixes and and no security fixes):
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/ios-nx-os-software/ios-xe-17/ios-xe-17-3-x-eol.html
and 17.3.4c is an old version of 17.3!  If you insist on using 17.3 then at least use the latest 17.3.8a

But what you should be using is the latest TAC recommended version (always check link below) which is currently 17.9.4 + SMUs and APSPs.

You might need to update the 1702 software before it will join the 9800 - that's why you should have updated to latest AireOS before migrating - because there are changes to the CAPWAP protocol - see https://bst.cloudapps.cisco.com/bugsearch/bug/CSCvx98176

To install the software directly from a TFTP server download and copy to your TFTP server:
- https://software.cisco.com/download/home/286281141/type/280775090/release/15.3.3-JPN3
- login to the AP on console
- change to enable mode "enable"
- "debug capwap console cli"
- "archive download-sw /force-reload tftp://<tftp server IP>/ap3g2-k9w8-tar.153-3.JPN3.tar"

[networknub]

Since upgrading WLC to 17.3.8a, APs have been joining normally. Thanks.

[Rich R]

Good.  So you were likely being affected by Field Notice: FN - 72524 - During Software Upgrade/Downgrade, Cisco IOS APs Might Remain in Downloading State After December 4, 2022 Due to Certificate Expiration - Software Upgrade Recommended which is why you should always keep your software up to date.  Start planning your upgrade to 17.9.x now, and then start planning for decommission/replacement of the 1702 APs because they will soon be end of support and possibly unsupported in future 17.9 and 17.12 IOS-XE maintenance rebuilds (that is what the BU are saying they will do at the moment although I suspect they might end up continuing to support them in those releases).

[networknub]

I'm going to try to do a WLC firmware upgrade tomorrow.

Thank you all for your responses.