Cisco Aironet 1815 Series - Factory Reset / Set Up

[rogerbway]

We got a Cisco Aironet 1815 Series from spectrum but we don't need it at the location where service was installed. I tried to factory reset it to try and use it as a standalone AP but I have no luck factory resetting. All it odes is it keeps blinking green, red and amber. I hold the mode button for less than 20 seconds but the blinking does not stop, the AP does not reboot or do anything once I release the mode button. Could it be the AP is controlled by Spectrum and can't be used as a standalone?

[Flavio Miranda]

Factory reset will not help you. You need to convert it to autonomous mode. (Mobility Express). 

Try to follow some guide like this:

https://mrncciew.com/2012/10/20/lightweight-to-autonomous-conversion/ 

You need to download the image:

https://software.cisco.com/download/home/286306794/type/286289839/release/8.5.131.0 

[rogerbway]

I have the AP connected via ethernet cable to a POE switch and my desktop is connected to the same switch which means they are on the same network. I use PUTTY to try and log into the AP but since it keeps flashing green, red and amber I'm not sure if that's the reason I can't log into it. 

[Flavio Miranda]

 Not possible. Your AP is in capwap mode so, you need to have a console cable connected on the AP console port  to convert. Capwap AP does not hold user and password when they are disconnected from the WLC. 

[Rich R]

The instructions above are for older IOS APs to convert to autonomous. The correct instructions for converting a COS AP to Mobility Express are:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/access_point/mob_exp/810/user_guide/b_ME_User_Guide_810/getg_started.html#task_7588F4C009744AEFBB9EB754A713E390

or https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/access_point/mob_exp/810/user_guide/b_ME_User_Guide_810/appendix.html#task_330D7AD89F974001BEF10985059485DF

But the problem you might have is that the 1815W and 1815T have a non-standard console port.  You haven't stated the full model number of your AP. If you have one of those 2 models then you need a console port adapter https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/access_point/console_adptr/guide/air_console_adptr.html to connect a console cable to and they are not cheap!

[rogerbway]

The model of the AP is: Air-AP1815i-B-K9

[Rich R]

Regular console cable will work on the 1815i - no adapter needed.

So you just need to plug in the console cable and reconfigure the AP as ME.

And in case you don't have a console cable: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MYQPYKR/