The Ap3g1 identifier indicates this image is for the Cisco Aironet 3600/3700 series access points (AP3600, AP3700).
These are enterprise 802.11ac Wave 1 / Wave 2 capable APs (with appropriate radio modules).
AP3G1 is the internal platform name (ASIC/board type) for these models.
Use WLC GUI or CLI to pre-download the image to APs in a controller-based network.
If you need modern features (WPA3, 802.11ax/Wi-Fi 6, mDNS, advanced roaming), you should consider: Ap3g1-k9w7-tar.152-2.jb.tar
Cisco follows a strict naming convention for its access point firmware. Breaking down this filename reveals the exact hardware, feature set, and software version.
In plain English: This file is the lightweight firmware package (version 15.2(2)JB) for the Cisco Aironet 2600 series access points, designed to be deployed via a Wireless LAN Controller.
Cisco’s image naming convention encodes critical information. The Ap3g1 identifier indicates this image is for
| Token | Value | Meaning |
|-------|-------|---------|
| ap | Access Point | Target device class |
| 3g1 | AP3600 series | Specifically the 3602e, 3602i, and 3602p models (802.11n) |
| k9 | Encryption capable | Includes cryptographic features (SSL/SSH) |
| w7 | Type of image | w7 = Lightweight AP image (requires a WLC).
w8 = Mobility Express image (autonomous-like). |
| tar | Archive format | tar = recoverable image (can be booted via bootloader).
(Contrast with .aes or .rcov files.) |
| 152-2.jb | Software version | 15.2(2)JB – a relatively old but stable release for 802.11n APs. |
✅ 15.2(2)JB supports 802.11n, WPA2, and basic 802.11ac wave 1 (partial, but 3600 series is mostly 11n).
-tar. → The image is a TAR bundle containing: Use WLC GUI or CLI to pre-download the
Used for UPGRADE via CLI / TFTP or recovery via ROMmon (tftpdnld).
archive download-sw /overwrite tftp://<server-ip>/ap3g1-k9w7-tar.152-2.jb.tar
You should only use this file on the following Cisco Aironet models:
Important Warning: Do not attempt to load this file on: