Upgrading AIR-AP2802I-B-K9 Firmware

[tbockover]

I took over for the previous IT person at my company a few weeks ago.  I have never used the 3500 wireless controller or any of the AIR-AP2802I-B-K9 access points that are here.  I am having issues across the network, and I'd like to start trying to solve it by bringing the APs and the controller up to current firmware versions.  I'm being told I can't download the firmware for the controller without a contract, but I did get the suggested firmware for the APs:  8.10.151.0  The issue is I don't know how to actually do the upgrade.  I can't http to the IP and SSH isn't responding.  I looked in the controller interface for the AP and I don't see it as well.  Can someone point me in the right direction?

[Scott Fella · Accepted solution]

There are a lot of guide out there along with blogs and videos on how to do this.  

The first step is to review the compatibility matrix and make sure your access points are supported on the code you wish to use:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/compatibility/matrix/compatibility-matrix.html

Then you just need to reference guides or videos on how to upgrade the controller.  Seach the internet for "Cisco 3504 upgrade guide", or something similar.  That will provide you with the steps you need.

Keep in mind that you do need a contract or else you will not be able to upgrade the controller, the controller upgrades the access points and that is why you need to validate compatibility.

[Scott Fella]

My suggestion is to make sure you understand the wireless design and gather all the issue from users and others.  Upgrading isn't the answer to a poor design or wrong configuration.  Also upgrading can cause you more issue if you don't understand the configuration and what the configuration line does.  

Wireless issues are not just due to access points or controllers, it can be because of where the ap's are mounted, how dense or spares the ap's are, device issues, NIC firmware, wireless profile issues, and user issues.

Don't seat changing things unless you understand wireless and the 3504.  Get familiar with that before making a decision on what you need to do.

[tbockover]

I'm getting full signal and at times, complete loss of internet connectivity.  I have had this issue with these types of controllers and APs in the past.  Honestly, this I'd rather use Meraki or even TP Link wifi which I used for years in my last job with no issues.  Most of Cisco's products are spot on, but this hardware seems like overpriced crap.

[Leo Laohoo]

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@tbockover wrote:
I'm getting full signal and at times, complete loss of internet connectivity. 

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Tell us more.  

Are these laptops with Realtek wireless NICs? 

If they are not, as a test, try disabling WMM and observe if it improve things.  If it does, turn WMM back on.  

[tbockover]

Multiple types of devices. Cell phones, laptops of different brands and
powers, PCs with USB Wi-Fi adapters. It’s not on the client end is my
point.

[Leo Laohoo]

Ok, multiple wireless clients.  

Either turn off WMM or reboot the AP.  

The reason why the "tests" because I've been compiling a list of known Bug IDs that only affects the 2800/3800/4800/1560 and the easiest/fastest way to determine is to turn WMM off.  

[Dustin Anderson · Accepted solution]

Also note the controller code includes AP code, if you just upgrade an AP, the controller will probably downgrade it as it is not version combatable. 

you may want to also verify the company doesn't have a service contract on the controller? You may not have access to the contract, but I would verify as if you have a service contract on it, you should be able to download current code.

[tbockover]

I got an engineer to send me the update that the Cisco site wouldn't because it said my contract ID was not valid.  I pushed the AIR-CT3504-K9-8-10-183-0 to the primary controller. It then pushed it to the backup automatically and then once it came back from a reboot, it updated all of the APs.  Thanks for the help from everyone.

[Rich R]

Note that when selecting a version you should generally refer to the TAC recommended doc (below) as the gold * releases on the download page often don't get updated when they should be.

Note that 8.10.185.0 has already been out for about a month with quite a long list of bug fixes:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/release/notes/crn810mr9.html#resolved-caveats