Ap3g1-k9w7-tar.153-3.jf15.tar

This file can be used with a TFTP server during bootloader recovery to install a full IOS.

Upon downloading from Cisco’s support portal (requires valid SMARTnet contract), the file size is approximately 27–30 MB.

$ ls -la ap3g1-k9w7-tar.153-3.jf15.tar
-rw-r--r-- 1 admin net 30,000,000 Mar 12 2014 ap3g1-k9w7-tar.153-3.jf15.tar

Extracting the tar archive reveals:

ap3g1-k9w7-tar.153-3.jf15/
├── info           # Version and compatibility manifest
├── ap3g1-k9w7-mx.153-3.jf15      # Main image (Linux kernel + FS)
├── ap3g1-rcvk9w8-mx.153-3.jf15   # Recovery image
├── fpga_2_6_2.bin                # FPGA firmware for radio chains
└── bootloader_upgrade.bin        # Bootloader (U-Boot) patch

The filename follows Cisco’s standard naming scheme: ap3g1-k9w7-tar.153-3.jf15.tar

This image is widely deployed but may contain known CVEs.

The most common manual use of this file is upgrading an AP or converting an Autonomous AP to Lightweight mode via TFTP.

Command Syntax (Via AP CLI in Recovery Mode): This file can be used with a TFTP

ap: tar -xtract tftp://<SERVER_IP>/ap3g1-k9w7-tar.153-3.jf15.tar flash:

This command extracts the contents of the TAR file directly into the flash memory of the Access Point. This is essential when the AP has lost its image or needs a manual downgrade/upgrade.

Before discussing installation or features, let's break down the nomenclature. Cisco uses a strict schema for its IOS and firmware images. Here is what each segment of ap3g1-k9w7-tar.153-3.jf15.tar tells us:

Cross-version configs often have deprecated commands. Start fresh: Extracting the tar archive reveals: ap3g1-k9w7-tar

ap# write erase
ap# reload

When ap3g1-k9w7-tar.153-3.jf15.tar is extracted, the typical directory structure includes:

Summary: This file turns a Cisco 3600/3700 series Access Point into a fully autonomous router/AP running IOS version 15.3(3)JF15.