| Component | Meaning | |-----------|---------| | | This identifies the hardware platform: Cisco Aironet 2600 Series Access Points (specifically the 2602e, 2602i, 2602n models). "ap3g2" is the internal architecture designation (ARM-based). | | k9w7 | Indicates the software feature set. k9 = Cryptography (supports SSL/SSH, no encryption restrictions). w7 = Lightweight AP (part of a controller-based deployment). However, note that the .tar format includes both lightweight and autonomous boot images. | | tar | The file is a Tape Archive (TAR) bundle. Unlike a simple .bin file, a TAR contains multiple files: the bootloader, operating system, web interface files, and recovery images. | | 153-3.jf15 | This is the software version: 15.3(3)JF15 . This is a specific maintenance release from the 15.3(3)JF train. The "JF" denotes the feature set for Aironet access points. | | .tar | The final extension confirms it is a raw TAR file, not a compressed .tar.gz . |
For the easiest recovery method, rename your downloaded file to ap3g2-k9w7-tar.default and place it in your TFTP root folder. The "Mode" Button Trick: Unplug the power from the AP. Hold down the download ap3g2-k9w7-tar.153-3.jf15.tar
If you encounter issues during the download or installation process: | Component | Meaning | |-----------|---------| | |
: Note that a valid Cisco Service Contract (like SMARTnet) is typically required to download these images. Security Warning | | tar | The file is a Tape Archive (TAR) bundle
Blog Post: Freeing Your Cisco AP — Converting to Autonomous Mode If you've recently picked up a used Cisco 2602 3602 Access Point
debug capwap console cli ap-type capwap