Cisco AP 9120/3802 image upgrade without WLC

[Noovi]

Hi Guys,

We are running AP replacement project and while replacing old AP with new AP, AP are taking more time to download image from WLC during association. (this may be due to site WAN is having low Bandwidth)

My query is, is there any way if we can do image upgrade of Cisco AP 9120/3802 without WLC, locally?

[JPavonM]

I always use to connect all the replacement APs a couple of days ahead of the replacement window for them to download the code and be provisioned. You can connect them on the IT Room. This is supposing you are giving them the DHCP option 43 to connect to WLC.

HTH

[ammahend]

you can always spin up a WLC VM with the correct image and use it for provisioning APs, before putting them in production.

[Leo Laohoo]

It can be done but the AP will need to be pre-provisioned (or primed) BEFORE being sent to the site. 

The reason why it has to be this way is because of two things: 

1. Console access is required because it would not be possible to remote into the AP until it associates to a WLC.  
2. The AP needs an IP address or else, how will it be able to know WHERE the file is located in the network.

[Rich R]

In addition to above options:
You don't mention what model of WLC or version of code but efficient image upgrade for Flex APs might help - obviously not if there's only 1 AP at each site though.
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/8-10/config-guide/b_cg810/configuring_flexconnect_ap_upgrades_for_flexconnect_aps.html
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/9800/17-3/config-guide/b_wl_17_3_cg/m_eff_image_upgrade_ewlc.html

ps. the AP images have got very big now - for example 9115 17.8.1 image is about 75M