Setting up Cisco AIR-LAP1142N - A - K9

[Jonathan Carpenter]

Hi, 

I recently purchased a Cisco AirLAP 1142n ap used from Ebay. I have yet to figure out how to console in to implement some basic configuration. I have no idea what the ip address or SSID information is. My console cable is running from my iMac and works perfectly fine for my other Cisco devices. Consoling the WAP just gives a blank screen and after the WAP boots up it goes through a green, red, and amber color cycle. I have searched around online and still haven't figured out what the color cycle indicates. Does anyone know?

Thanks,

Jonathan 

[Flavio Miranda]

Hi @Jonathan Carpenter 

 That indicate that this AP is looking for a Wireless lan controller. This is not good bacause you need a standalone AP. This AP will not allow you to co figure anything without a WLC. 

 But, you should be able to see the information on screen. This is another problem.

It is possibe to convert AP from this mode to autonomous but it would require you to download the proper IOS. And, of couse, né able to access the device.

 The problem of not accessin the AP is probaly related to the console cable. I had cable that was able to access any device but failed accessing an AP.

[Jonathan Carpenter]

Thank you, this is becoming more clear. So I can convert my lightweight access point into an autonomous access point through an IOS upgrade IF I can get a successful console connection?

[Flavio Miranda]

Yes. As soon as you get access you can setup a TFTP server on your PC , put an IP address on the AP and convert it from capwap to autonomous.

 You can use the command "capwap console cli" then, you can use the command "configure terminal" and to put an IP address use

interface bvi 0

 ip add 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0 (Example)

This way you will be able to ping from PC to AP and vice-versa. AFter that, you are able to transfer an IOS to the AP.

But, after you succeed connecting to the AP let me know. Lets confirm if that AP is really a capwap AP as I am thinking it is.

[Jonathan Carpenter]

Can you run me through the process of how I would make a cisco ap autonomous?

[Flavio Miranda]

answered above.

[Flavio Miranda]

You may follow this guide

https://www.prowaretech.com/articles/current/information-technology/software/firmware/cisco-air-lap1142n-a-k9#!

[Jonathan Carpenter]

This is great thank you!

[Rich R]

As Flavio said Cisco APs are very fussy about console cables - they only work with certain cables - generally those using genuine (not counterfeit) FTDI chips will work.
This one works for me: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07MYQPYKR but other similar cables may too.  Be sure to check the reviews for the specific cable you buy to make sure somebody has confirmed that it works with Cisco APs.