How to upgrade a CAPWAP AP without the WLC

[mnkojima]

Hello

we have a C9800-CL and 9115 access points in flex mode. When we install wireless at a new site, we always need to wait for the first access point to download the firmware from the wlc at the data center and that takes time, because of the WAN link speed. 

is there a way to download the firmware to a laptop and upgrade the access point locally, so we do not have to use the link WAN to do this?

Thank you

Marcos

[marce1000 · Accepted solution]

 - You could install the lightweight  manually from it , getting it from https://software.cisco.com/download/home/286322348/type/286288051/release/15.3.3-JPP (that 's an example version) ; then if the laptop can run a tftp or scp server , you can transfer from the access point.

 M.

[Flavio Miranda · Accepted solution]

Hello @mnkojima 

  I never had to but I believe you can. The IOS for this AP is available in https://software.cisco.com/download/home/286322352/type/286288051/release/15.3.3-JPP

After that, you need to setup a TFTP server on your laptop, stablish network connectivity with AP and transfer the IOS. 

[mnkojima]

Hello

we are running firmware 17.6.5 and in software.cisco.com there is only version 15.3 for lightweight.

We did the process you mentioned using EWC firmware 17.6.5 and disabling EWC at the AP, but I found strange that there is no other lightweight firmware up to date.

Any thoughts?

thank you

Marcos

[Flavio Miranda · Accepted solution]

  For  17.6.5 the AP should be 15.3(3)JPK6

 So, in the scenario you describded the AP should join the WLC and not download would be expected.  You just needed to change to capwa with "ap-type capwap" command.

[mnkojima]

can you share the url where you find this table please?

[mnkojima]

Found it already. Thank you Flavio

[Flavio Miranda]

Is the  datasheet.

[Rich R]

So Marcos the AP versions can be found in the compatibility matrix (below).

Do NOT use the EWC AP software image if you have a WLC - use the Lightweight AP Software (CAPWAP):
https://software.cisco.com/download/home/286322352/type/286288051/release/15.3.3-JPK6