Software to run Cisco Aironet 2700 AP Autonomously

This is a little weird in that you want to change the feature set. So not applicable in this case but the following might be of interest to some.

As an FYI if you buy used equipment and want an IOS update but do not have a support contract ( and sometimes can not even get one based on where or how you purchased ) 

What most people don’t know is that Cisco has a security vulnerability policy that states:

“As a special customer service, and to improve the overall security of the Internet, Cisco may offer customers free software updates to address high-severity security problems. The decision to provide free software updates is made on a case-by-case basis. Refer to the Cisco security publication for details. Free software updates will typically be limited to Cisco Security Advisories.

If Cisco has offered a free software update to address a specific issue, noncontract customers who are eligible for the update may obtain it by contacting the Cisco TAC using any of the means described in the General Security-Related Queries section of this document. To verify their entitlement, individuals who contact the TAC should have available the URL of the Cisco document that is offering the update.”

Some CVE’s even state:

“Customers Without Service Contracts

Customers who purchase directly from Cisco but do not hold a Cisco service contract and customers who make purchases through third-party vendors but are unsuccessful in obtaining fixed software through their point of sale should obtain upgrades by contacting the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC): http://www.cisco.com/en/US/support/tsd_cisco_worldwide_contacts.html Opens a new window.

 Customers should have the product serial number available and be prepared to provide the URL of this advisory as evidence of entitlement to a free upgrade.”

What this all means is that, on a case-by-case basis, Cisco will provide you with updated software if they found serious vulnerability in prior software releases. To get that software you will need to provide a link to the CVE listing the vulnerability related to your device as well as your device’s serial number to TAC.

To find out if your device has any vulnerabilities you can head over to the Cisco Security IOS Software Checker Opens a new window