Recommendation for modifying a configuration of in place devices

[tim-marvin]

Hello,

I have been tasked with the modification of several AP1262N and asked to do it without physical access to the devices (high ceilings, multiple obstacles, etc).  I'll be in the building and can direct connect to the ethernet, but will not have Console access.

The changes will include removal of existing VLANs, including the current Default VLAN 1, and changing the BVI interface IP address.

I'm wondering if anyone has encountered this and if so can you point me down the best path to not lose connection to the device?

I was thinking I might be able to TFTP a replacement config to the device and have it boot to that config one time or something similar.  Then if it fails, I can pull power and let it recycle back to the old functional config.  This was just a thought and I have not figured out if it is possible or how to execute it.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Scott Fella · Accepted solution]

Since you don't have console access, this can be tricky. Your best bet is to download the original config, edit that Config to reflect your new IP address and any other changes. Then you would TFTP the new config to the ap and issue a reload but make sure you save it to the startup config. During the reload, you ten can change the switchport native Vlan to the new VLAN you will be using. 

-Scott

[Leo Laohoo · Accepted solution]

The changes will include removal of existing VLANs, including the current Default VLAN 1, and changing the BVI interface IP address.

I'm wondering if anyone has encountered this and if so can you point me down the best path to not lose connection to the device?

Is that all???  

There are several methods:  TFTP or SNMP

TFTP Method:

1.  First, download a config (any config).  Make the necessary changes to this config.  Make sure you test this new config before proceeding any further. 

2.  Copy the config, via TFTP, from your TFTP server to the running-config of the AP.  

NOTE 1:  There's a reason to the "madness" why I choose running-config. 

NOTE 2:  If the config is a bust, either reload the AP or kill the power.

3.  Remote into the AP and make sure the config is working fine.  

4.  Save the config. 

SNMP Method

1.  Make sure you have SNMP RW community string enabled.  

2.  Knock up the intended config (like #1 above).

3.  Use SNMP Tool (freeware) to upload the config to your AP.

[tim-marvin]

"Is that all???  " -- no there are some additional changes, but these are the ones that concern me since they are the ones with some risk. 

I don't have a spare AP, so testing isn't really an option.  Sounds like my best option is to make as few changes as possible to keep it connected at step 2 and work from there.

Thanks!