272 Configuring APs
NN47250-500 (Version 03.01)
The bootloader also compares the version of the local image to the version available from the WSS. If the two
versions do not match, the image is downloaded from the WSS, so that the AP’s local image matches the
version from the WSS.
After an operational image is downloaded from the WSS, it is copied into the AP’s flash memory. The AP then
reboots, copying the downloaded operational image from its flash memory into RAM.

Obtaining configuration information from the WSS

Once the AP loads an operational image, either from local storage or downloaded from a WSS, the AP
receives configuration information from the WSS to which it has connected. This information includes
commands that activate the radios on the AP, regulate power levels, assign SSIDs, and so on.
After the AP receives the configuration information from the WSS, it is then operational on the network as a
wireless access point.

AP boot examples

The following figures show AP boot examples:
Figure 14 on page 273 shows an example of the boot process for an AP connected through a Layer 2
network.
Figure 15 on page 275 shows an example of the boot process for an AP connected through a Layer 3
network.
Figure 16 on page 277 shows an example of the boot process for a dual-homed AP that has one direct
connection to a WSS and an indirect connection through a Layer 2 network.
Figure 17 on page 278 shows an example of the boot process for an AP that has been configured with
static IP information.