Cisco AiroNet 1242 factory reset and firmware update

About Cisco Aironet 1242:

The Cisco Aironet 1242 wireless access point is a component of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network, a comprehensive solution that delivers an integrated, end-to-end wired and wireless network. It is an IEEE 802.11a/b/g access point that delivers versatility, high capacity, security, and enterprise-class features demanded by WLAN customers. It is designed for business-grade users who have a lot of traffic and need reliability and some advanced features.

Firmware update process:

In order to load new firmware on Aironet 1242, you will need to perform a reset by pressing the MODE button and power cycling the unit. Here are the detailed steps on how to do it properly:

• Step 1 Disconnect power (the power jack for external power or the Ethernet cable for in-line power) from the access point.
• Step 2 Press and hold the MODE button while you reconnect power to the access point.
• Step 3 Hold the MODE button until the Status LED turns amber (approximately 1 to 2 seconds), and release the button.

Additionally, you will also require TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) Server. If you don’t have one here are instructions on how to build one real quickly.
Other than the TFTP server, you will need Cisco Console Cable to connect to AP.

Before we start I will assume that we are on 192.168.0.0 Network and there are no other devices connected. Cisco AirNet is acting as Router by default and will be on 192.168.0.2, Our TFTP server will be on 192.168.0.130

Once we login into AP we are going to issue the following commands:

ap: set NETMASK 255.255.255.0
ap: set DEFAULT_ROUTER 192.168.0.1
ap: set
DEFAULT_ROUTER=192.168.0.1
ENABLE_BREAK=no
IP_ADDR=192.168.0.2
MANUAL_BOOT=no
NETMASK=255.255.255.0
RELOAD_REASON=9
TERMLINES=0

Now Format the Flash:

ap: format flash:
Are you sure you want to format "flash:" (all data will be lost) (y/n)?y
flashfs[0]: 0 files, 1 directories
flashfs[0]: 0 orphaned files, 0 orphaned directories
flashfs[0]: Total bytes: 15998976
flashfs[0]: Bytes used: 1024
flashfs[0]: Bytes available: 15997952
flashfs[0]: flashfs fsck took 20 seconds.
Filesystem "flash:" formatted

Then, we initialize tftp

ap: tftp_init
tftp_init success: You can now use tftp file system!
ap: ether_init
Initializing ethernet port 0...
Reset ethernet port 0...
Reset done!
ethernet link up, 100 mbps, full-duplex
Ethernet port 0 initialized: link is up

Next, we extract the tar archive

ap: tftp://192.168.0.130/c1240-k9w7-tar.124-3g.JA.tar flash:
At last, we need to set up the boot file and boot the AP

ap: set BOOT flash:/c1240-k9w7-mx.124-3g.JA/c1240-k9w7-mx.124-3g.JA
ap: boot


For detailed manual for this AP click here.