Release Notes for Cisco Aironet Client Adapter Firmware, Version 4.25.5

Table Of Contents

Release Notes for
Cisco Aironet Client Adapter Firmware

Contents

Introduction

System Requirements

EAP Authentication Requires Matching 802.1x Protocol Drafts

Upgrading to a New Firmware Release

Determining the Firmware Version

In Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, or Me

In Windows CE

In Linux

In Macintosh

Upgrade Procedure

Caveats

Resolved Caveats

Open Caveats

Loading New Firmware Can Take 5+ Minutes on Windows 2000 and Microsoft XP

Firmware Allows Illegal Ad-Hoc + LEAP Configuration

Signal Strength Not Updated Correctly in Ad-Hoc Mode

Signal Quality Not Updated Correctly in Ad-Hoc Mode

Getting Bug Information on Cisco.com

Troubleshooting

Related Documentation

Obtaining Documentation

World Wide Web

Documentation CD-ROM

Ordering Documentation

Documentation Feedback

Obtaining Technical Assistance

Cisco.com

Technical Assistance Center

Contacting TAC by Using the Cisco TAC Website

Contacting TAC by Telephone

Release Notes for
Cisco Aironet Client Adapter Firmware

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Contents

This document contains the following sections:

•Introduction

•System Requirements

•Upgrading to a New Firmware Release

•Caveats

•Troubleshooting

•Related Documentation

•Obtaining Documentation

•Obtaining Technical Assistance

Introduction

This document describes system requirements, upgrade procedures, and caveats for Cisco Aironet client adapter firmware release 4.25.5. This release introduces a new 802.1x protocol draft standard (see the "System Requirements" section) and resolves caveat CSCdu06254 (see the "Resolved Caveats" section for details).

System Requirements

You must have a Cisco Aironet 340 or 350 series client adapter (PC card, LM card, or PCI client adapter) to install firmware version 4.25.5.

EAP Authentication Requires Matching 802.1x Protocol Drafts

If you use Network-EAP authentication on your wireless network, your client devices and infrastructure devices (access points and bridges) must use the same 802.1x protocol draft. Client firmware release 4.25.5 is Draft 10 of the 802.1x protocol standard. Therefore, if client devices use this version of firmware, an access point to which they will associate must be configured to also use Draft 10. The table below lists firmware versions for Cisco Aironet products and the drafts with which they comply.

Firmware Version	Draft 7	Draft 8	Draft 10
Client adapters (PCM34x/35x and PCI34x/35x)
4.13	—	x	—
4.16	—	x	—
4.23	—	x	—
4.25 and later	—	—	x
Workgroup bridges (WGB34x/352)
8.58	—	x	—
8.61 and later	—	—	x
Access points (AP34x/35x)
11.05 and earlier	—	x	—
11.06 and later1	—	x	x
Bridges (BR352)
11.06 and later1	—	x	x

1 The default draft setting in access point and bridge firmware version 11.06 and later is Draft 10.

If your clients and infrastructure devices do not have matching 802.1x protocol drafts, upgrade the firmware in these devices to versions with the same draft number. However, if your access points or bridges are using firmware version 11.06, you can use their Authenticator Configuration page to select the draft of the 802.1x protocol that they should use. To set the draft for your access points or bridges, follow the instructions in the Release Notes for Cisco Aironet Access Points for firmware version 11.06. You can access these Release Notes at the following URL:

http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/wireless/airo_350/accsspts/ap350rn/index.htm

Upgrading to a New Firmware Release

This section describes how to upgrade to firmware release 4.25.5.

Determining the Firmware Version

To determine the firmware version that your client adapter is currently using, follow the instructions below for your operating system.

In Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, or Me

Select Status from the Commands pull-down menu in ACU. The firmware version is displayed in the Status screen.

In Windows CE

Select Start > Programs > Cisco > Load New Firmware. The firmware version is displayed in the Select New Firmware screen.

In Linux

Select Status from the Commands pull-down menu in ACU. The firmware version is displayed in the Status screen.

In Macintosh

Select Status from the File pull-down menu in the Macintosh client utility and then the Link Status tab. The firmware version is displayed in the Status screen.

Upgrade Procedure

To upgrade your client adapter's firmware, follow the steps below.

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Step 1 Go to the following URL to access the latest version of firmware: http://www.cisco.com/pcgi-bin/tablebuild.pl/aironet-340

Step 2 Click PC340-350vxxx.exe to select the firmware image for 340 and 350 series radios.

Step 3 Read and accept the terms and conditions of the Software License Agreement.

Step 4 Select the Cisco server from which you wish to download the file.

Step 5 Save the file to your computer's hard drive or to a floppy disk and unzip it.

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Note If your computer is a Pocket PC (ppc) running Windows CE 3.0, you must copy the firmware image to the My Documents folder or a folder under My Documents.

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Step 6 Make sure the client adapter is installed in your computer and is operational.

Step 7 Follow the instructions in one the subsections below for your specific operating system.

Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, or Me

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Step 1 In the Aironet Client Utility (ACU), select Load New Firmware from the Commands pull-down menu.

Step 2 Find the location of the new firmware in the Open Window.

Step 3 Click the new firmware image (PC340-350vxxx.img) so it appears in the File name box at the bottom of the window.

Step 4 Click OK to load the firmware image into your client adapter's Flash memory.

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Windows CE

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Step 1 Select Start > Programs > Cisco > Load New Firmware.

Step 2 Click the Select Firmware button.

Step 3 Find the location of the new firmware in the Open window.

Step 4 Click the new firmware image (PC340-350vxxx.img) so it appears in the Name box at the bottom of the window.

Step 5 Click OK to load the firmware image into your client adapter's Flash memory.

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Linux

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Step 1 Select Load New Firmware from the Commands pull-down menu.

Step 2 In the File Selection window, find the location of the new firmware in the Files box.

Step 3 Under Files, click the new firmware image (PC340-350vxxx.img) so it appears in the Selection box at the bottom of the window.

Step 4 Click OK to load the firmware image into your client adapter's Flash memory.

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Macintosh

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Step 1 Select Load Firmware from the Edit pull-down menu.

Step 2 In the Firmware window, select the location of the new firmware under Name (for example, Macintosh HD).

Step 3 Click the new firmware image (PC340-350vxxx.img).

Step 4 Click the Open button to load the firmware image into your client adapter's Flash memory.

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Caveats

This section describes resolved and open caveats for client adapter firmware release 4.25.5.

Resolved Caveats

The following caveat is resolved by client adapter firmware release 4.25.5.

If the client adapter's LEAP password is entered incorrectly, the client repeatedly tries to authenticate. However, the RADIUS server turns off the client's account and disables the user from the system (CSCdu06254). This caveat is resolved in firmware release 4.25.5.

Open Caveats

The following are known problems for client adapter firmware release 4.25.5.

Loading New Firmware Can Take 5+ Minutes on Windows 2000 and Microsoft XP

When your client is not associated to an access point, it can take 5 minutes or longer to load new client firmware on Windows 2000 or Microsoft XP (CSCdu38757). No errors occur, just a delay.

Firmware Allows Illegal Ad-Hoc + LEAP Configuration

The combination of client adapter firmware version 4.25.5 and ACU version 4.15.001 or 4.15.006 allows the user to configure a client adapter for LEAP authentication in ad-hoc mode. This configuration is illegal (CSCdu21973). Future releases of the client adapter firmware and ACU will disallow this combination.

Signal Strength Not Updated Correctly in Ad-Hoc Mode

When a client starts in ad-hoc mode, signal strength is 0. When a second client joins the cell, signal strength increases. When the second client leaves the cell, the signal strength stays the same even though it should return to 0 when no other clients are in the cell (CSCdu19772). This caveat will be resolved in a future release of the firmware.

Signal Quality Not Updated Correctly in Ad-Hoc Mode

When a client starts in ad-hoc mode, signal quality is 0. When a second client joins the cell, signal quality increases. When the second client leaves the cell, the signal quality stays the same even though it should return to 0 when no other clients are in the cell (CSCdu19798). This caveat will be resolved in a future release of the firmware.

Getting Bug Information on Cisco.com

If you are a Cisco registered user, you can use the Cisco TAC Software Bug Toolkit, which consists of three tools (Bug Navigator, Bug Watcher, and Search by Bug ID Number) that help you to identify existing bugs (or caveats) in Cisco software products.

Access the TAC Software Bug Toolkit today at http://www.cisco.com/support/bugtools/.

Troubleshooting

For the most up-to-date, detailed troubleshooting information, refer to the Cisco TAC website at http://www.cisco.com/tac. Select Wireless LAN under Top Issues.

Related Documentation

For more information about Cisco Aironet client adapters, refer to the following documents:

•Quick Start Guide: Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Adapters

•Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Adapters Hardware Installation Guide

•Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Adapters Software Configuration Guide

Obtaining Documentation

The following sections provide sources for obtaining documentation from Cisco Systems.

World Wide Web

You can access the most current Cisco documentation on the World Wide Web at the following sites:

•http://www.cisco.com

•http://www-china.cisco.com

•http://www-europe.cisco.com

Documentation CD-ROM

Cisco documentation and additional literature are available in a CD-ROM package shipped separately from the Cisco Aironet Series Wireless LAN Adapters CD that shipped with your product. The Documentation CD-ROM is updated monthly and may be more current than printed documentation. The CD-ROM package is available as a single unit or as an annual subscription.

Ordering Documentation

Cisco documentation is available in the following ways:

•Registered Cisco Direct Customers can order Cisco product documentation from the Networking Products MarketPlace:

http://www.cisco.com/cgi-bin/order/order_root.pl

•Registered Cisco.com users can order the Documentation CD-ROM through the online Subscription Store:

http://www.cisco.com/go/subscription

•Nonregistered CCO users can order documentation through a local account representative by calling Cisco corporate headquarters (California, USA) at 408 526-7208 or, in North America, by calling 800 553-NETS(6387).

Documentation Feedback

If you are reading Cisco product documentation on the World Wide Web, you can submit technical comments electronically. Click Feedback in the toolbar and select Documentation. After you complete the form, click Submit to send it to Cisco.

You can e-mail your comments to bug-doc@cisco.com.

To submit your comments by mail, use the response card behind the front cover of your document, or write to the following address:

Attn Document Resource Connection
Cisco Systems, Inc.
170 West Tasman Drive
San Jose, CA 95134-9883

We appreciate your comments.

Obtaining Technical Assistance

Cisco provides Cisco.com as a starting point for all technical assistance. Customers and partners can obtain documentation, troubleshooting tips, and sample configurations from online tools. For Cisco.com registered users, additional troubleshooting tools are available from the TAC website.

Cisco.com

Cisco.com is the foundation of a suite of interactive, networked services that provides immediate, open access to Cisco information and resources at anytime, from anywhere in the world. This highly integrated Internet application is a powerful, easy-to-use tool for doing business with Cisco.

Cisco.com provides a broad range of features and services to help customers and partners streamline business processes and improve productivity. Through Cisco.com, you can find information about Cisco and our networking solutions, services, and programs. In addition, you can resolve technical issues with online technical support, download and test software packages, and order Cisco learning materials and merchandise. Valuable online skill assessment, training, and certification programs are also available.

Customers and partners can self-register on Cisco.com to obtain additional personalized information and services. Registered users can order products, check on the status of an order, access technical support, and view benefits specific to their relationships with Cisco.

To access Cisco.com, go to the following website:

http://www.cisco.com

Technical Assistance Center

The Cisco TAC website is available to all customers who need technical assistance with a Cisco product or technology that is under warranty or covered by a maintenance contract.

Contacting TAC by Using the Cisco TAC Website

If you have a priority level 3 (P3) or priority level 4 (P4) problem, contact TAC by going to the TAC website:

http://www.cisco.com/tac

P3 and P4 level problems are defined as follows:

•P3—Your network performance is degraded. Network functionality is noticeably impaired, but most business operations continue.

•P4—You need information or assistance on Cisco product capabilities, product installation, or basic product configuration.

In each of the above cases, use the Cisco TAC website to quickly find answers to your questions.

To register for Cisco.com, go to the following website:

http://www.cisco.com/register/

If you cannot resolve your technical issue by using the TAC online resources, Cisco.com registered users can open a case online by using the TAC Case Open tool at the following website:

http://www.cisco.com/tac/caseopen

Contacting TAC by Telephone

If you have a priority level 1 (P1) or priority level 2 (P2) problem, contact TAC by telephone and immediately open a case. To obtain a directory of toll-free numbers for your country, go to the following website:

http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/687/Directory/DirTAC.shtml

P1 and P2 level problems are defined as follows:

•P1—Your production network is down, causing a critical impact to business operations if service is not restored quickly. No workaround is available.

•P2—Your production network is severely degraded, affecting significant aspects of your business operations. No workaround is available.

This document is to be used in conjunction with the documents listed in the "Related Documentation" section.

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