User's Manual Part 2

BETA DRAFT - CISCO CONFIDENTIAL

8-5

Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapters Installation and Configuration Guide for Windows

OL-1394-03

Chapter 8 Routine Procedures

Upgrading the Firmware

The client adapter is shipped with the firmware installed in its Flash memory; however, a more recent

version of the firmware may be available from Cisco.com. Cisco recommends using the most current

version of radio firmware. Follow the instructions in this section to determine the version of your client

adapter’s firmware and to upgrade it if a more recent version is available from Cisco.com.

Determining the Firmware Version

Follow the instructions in this section to determine if you need to upgrade the client adapter’s firmware.

Step 1 To determine the version of firmware that your client adapter is currently using, open ACU; then click

the Status icon or select Status from the Commands drop-down menu. The Status screen displays the

current version of your adapter’s firmware in the Firmware Version field.

Step 2 To determine the latest firmware version available on Cisco.com, follow the steps below:

a. Use your computer’s web browser to access the following URL:

http://www.cisco.com/public/sw-center/sw-wireless.shtml

b. Locate the section for client adapter firmware.

c. Click the link for your client adapter’s series (for example, 350 Series).

d. Locate the firmware for your client adapter type and find the one with the greatest release number.

This is the latest available version on Cisco.com.

Note The firmware for PC, LM, and PCI cards is labeled PCM-LMC-PCI, the firmware for

mini PCI cards is labeled mini PCI or MPI, and the firmware for PC-Cardbus cards is

labeled CB.

Note In order to use LEAP authentication, your client adapter and access point firmware must

have matching 802.1X draft standards. That is, if the access point uses draft 8 firmware

(prior to 11.06) or has draft 8 selected, the client adapter must use draft 8 firmware (prior

to 4.25.x). Similarly, if the access point uses draft 10 firmware (11.06 or later) and has

draft 10 selected, the client adapter must use draft 10 firmware (4.25.x or later). Mini PCI

card firmware and PC-Cardbus card firmware were first released at draft 10.

Note In order to use EAP-TLS or EAP-MD5 authentication with Windows XP, your client

adapter and access point must use 802.1X draft standard 10 firmware.

Step 3 If the firmware available from Cisco.com has a higher number than the firmware currently installed in

your client adapter, follow the instructions in the “Loading New Firmware” section below to upgrade the

firmware.