Difference between revisions of "Ubiquiti UAP AC Mesh"

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(Change Ubiquiti firmware link to direct link)
(→‎From Stock Firmware (Ubiquiti AirOS): Make flashing instructions into trans-cludable section.)
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If your device shipped with the latest firmware, or if you upgraded to version <code>3.8.xx.xxxx</code> or higher, you need to downgrade the device before you can flash it due to the <code>mtd</code> utility being missing in later versions. Simply download any <code>3.7.xx.xxxx</code> firmware image from [https://dl.ui.com/unifi/firmware/U7PG2/3.7.58.6385/BZ.qca956x.v3.7.58.6385.170508.0957.bin Ubiquiti Downloads] and proceed with the recovery instructions.
 
If your device shipped with the latest firmware, or if you upgraded to version <code>3.8.xx.xxxx</code> or higher, you need to downgrade the device before you can flash it due to the <code>mtd</code> utility being missing in later versions. Simply download any <code>3.7.xx.xxxx</code> firmware image from [https://dl.ui.com/unifi/firmware/U7PG2/3.7.58.6385/BZ.qca956x.v3.7.58.6385.170508.0957.bin Ubiquiti Downloads] and proceed with the recovery instructions.
 +
 +
<section begin="flash-uap-ac-mesh">
 +
=== Enter Factory Reset Mode ===
 +
 +
# Unplug the ethernet from the antenna (This turns it off.)
 +
# Use a paper clip to hold in the reset button
 +
# Plug the ethernet back in to the antenna, holding the paperclip steady as you do
 +
# Continue holding the paper clip until the light on the side of your UAP AC Mesh starts blinking OFF/WHITE/BLUE (should take about 30 seconds)
 +
 +
=== Set Up a Static IP Address ===
 +
 +
The next step is to assign your computer a static IP address of <code>192.168.1.25/24</code>
 +
# '''Windows:''' [https://winaero.com/blog/set-static-ip-address-windows-10/ Setting a static IP address in Windows 10]
 +
# '''Mac:''' [https://osxdaily.com/2010/12/17/set-static-ip-address-mac/ Setting a static IP address in OSX]
 +
# '''Linux:''' [https://linuxize.com/post/how-to-configure-static-ip-address-on-ubuntu-18-04/#configuring-static-ip-address-on-ubuntu-desktop Setting a static IP address in Ubuntu 18.04 desktop]
  
 
=== Downgrade Ubiquiti AirOS ===
 
=== Downgrade Ubiquiti AirOS ===
  
To recover the UAP AC Mesh from a bad flash, or to upgrade or downgrade the stock firmware, you will need to put the device in recovery mode and send a stock firmware using TFTP.
+
Because we are "jailbreaking" the Ubiquiti router, we have to downgrade to an older version of their proprietary firmware first. Using a tool called TFTP, we can do this quite simply.
  
# Obtain a stock firmware to flash by going to the [https://www.ubnt.com/download/unifi/unifi-mesh/uap-ac-m Ubiquiti Downloads Page] for this device and clicking "See Past Firmware" - <code>3.7.xx.xxxx</code> is recommended if you wish to flash something else afterwards
+
# Download [https://dl.ui.com/unifi/firmware/U7PG2/3.7.58.6385/BZ.qca956x.v3.7.58.6385.170508.0957.bin version 3.7 of Ubiquiti's AirOS]
 
# Rename the firmware file to <code>firmware.bin</code>, as the device will look for this file name
 
# Rename the firmware file to <code>firmware.bin</code>, as the device will look for this file name
# To enter recovery mode, hold the reset button located next to the ethernet port while plugging in the power. Hold the reset button until the side LED alternates white, blue, off.
+
# Launch a command prompt/terminal, and enter the following, one line at a time:
# Assign your computer a static IP such as <code>192.168.1.25</code>, with net mask of <code>255.255.255.0</code> or <code>/24</code>
+
<pre>
# Connect your computer's ethernet port to the device
+
tftp
# Run TFTP and enter the following commands:
+
</pre>
 
<pre>
 
<pre>
 
tftp> connect 192.168.1.20
 
tftp> connect 192.168.1.20
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The LED will flash at varying speeds, then it will turn solid when complete.
 
The LED will flash at varying speeds, then it will turn solid when complete.
  
===  Install The Mass Mesh OpenWrt Image ===
+
* If you don't see something like what's shown above (maybe your "Transfer timed out.), go back and make sure that the light on the side of your UAP AC Mesh is blinking in the pattern indicated above. If not, start again from [[#Enter Factory Reset Mode]]
Get the firmware [https://downloads.massmesh.net/snapshots/images/meshradio/ubnt_unifiac-mesh/openwrt-massmesh-meshradio-ath79-generic-ubnt_unifiac-mesh-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin here.]
+
* If the light is blinking properly, make sure that your static IP address was assigned properly. If not, start again from [[#Set Up a Static IP Address]]
 
+
* If you are still having trouble transferring firmware to the device, reach out for help in the chatroom. Someone will help you get unstuck.
In the stock firmware, the access point will have the default user/pass <code>ubnt / ubnt</code>. If there is no DHCP server, it will assign itself the IP address <code>192.168.1.20</code>.
 
  
 +
=== Install the Mass Mesh Firmware ===
 
<ol>
 
<ol>
<li>Statically assign your computer the IP address <code>192.168.1.25</code></li>
+
<li>
<li>Power on the device and plug it into your computer's ethernet port</li>
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Download the latest Mass Mesh radio firmware [https://downloads.massmesh.net/snapshots/images/meshradio/ubnt_unifiac-mesh/openwrt-massmesh-meshradio-ath79-generic-ubnt_unifiac-mesh-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin here.]
<li>Copy the firmware you want to flash to the device:</li>
+
</li>
<pre>scp openwrt-ar71xx-generic-ubnt-unifiac-lite-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin ubnt@192.168.1.20:/tmp/</pre>
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<li>Statically assign your computer the IP address <code>192.168.1.25</code> (See [[#Set Up a Static IP Address]] if needed.)</li>
<li>SSH into the device and log in with the default username and password <code>ubnt / ubnt</code></li>
+
<li>
<pre>ssh ubnt@192.168.1.20</pre>
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<b>Open a terminal/command prompt.</b> You will need it in order to copy/paste the commands shown below.
<li>Then write the firmware to <code>kernel0</code> and <code>kernel1</code></li>
+
</li>
<pre>
+
<li>Copy the Mass Mesh firmware onto the device:
BZ.v3.7.40# mtd write /tmp/openwrt-ar71xx-generic-ubnt-unifiac-lite-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin kernel0
+
    <ul>
 +
        <li> <pre>scp openwrt-ar71xx-generic-ubnt-unifiac-lite-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin ubnt@192.168.1.20:/tmp/</pre></li>
 +
    </ul>
 +
</li>
 +
<li>SSH into the device and log in with the default username and password <code>ubnt / ubnt</code>
 +
    <ul>
 +
        <li><pre>ssh ubnt@192.168.1.20</pre></li>
 +
    </ul>
 +
</li>
 +
<li>Then write the firmware to <code>kernel0</code> and <code>kernel1</code> by entering the following into the terminal, line by line:
 +
    <ul>
 +
        <li>
 +
            <pre>BZ.v3.7.40# mtd write /tmp/openwrt-ar71xx-generic-ubnt-unifiac-lite-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin kernel0
 +
BZ.v3.7.40# mtd -r write /tmp/openwrt-ar71xx-generic-ubnt-unifiac-lite-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin kernel1</pre>
 +
        </li>
 +
        <li>You should see something like the following:</li>
 +
        <li>
 +
            <pre>BZ.v3.7.40# mtd write /tmp/openwrt-ar71xx-generic-ubnt-unifiac-lite-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin kernel0
 
Unlocking kernel0 ...
 
Unlocking kernel0 ...
 
Erasing kernel0 ...
 
Erasing kernel0 ...
Line 70: Line 102:
 
Unlocking kernel1 ...
 
Unlocking kernel1 ...
 
Erasing kernel1 ...
 
Erasing kernel1 ...
Writing from /tmp/openwrt-ar71xx-generic-ubnt-unifiac-lite-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin to kernel1 ...  [e/w]
+
Writing from /tmp/openwrt-ar71xx-generic-ubnt-unifiac-lite-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin to kernel1 ...  [e/w]</pre>
</pre>
+
        </li>
 +
    </ul>
 +
</li>
 +
<li>Type <code>reboot</code> into the terminal, and hit enter. The radio will now restart. Please wait upwards of 5+ minutes during this "first boot" process. When the device is working properly, you should see a wifi network named "MassMesh.org"
 
</ol>
 
</ol>
 
+
<section end="flash-uap-ac-mesh" />
After writing the firmware and giving the radio a <code>reboot</code> please wait upwards of 5+ minutes during this "first boot" process. Soon you'll be able to access to device over WiFi (or Ethernet) in order to set a new admin password. (192.168.2.1)
 

Revision as of 10:38, 13 September 2020

UAP AC Mesh -- Front
UAP AC Mesh -- Back

The UAP AC Mesh is an omnidirectional, weather resistant, PoE powered access point. It is useful for short (less than one block,) unplanned links. If you live in an apartment building, this device will connect you with your next-door neighbor through the wall.

Warning: This is a PoE device. Never connect your computer directly to the PoE injector's red port!!!

Files

Ubiquiti Firmware (Downgrade to 3.7.xx)

Mass Mesh Firmware (sysupgrade)

Flashing

From OpenWRT

If you're already using OpenWRT, you can use Luci to install the Mass Mesh firmware.

  1. Download the latest MassMesh sysupgrade firmware.
  2. Connect to the Nanostation and enter its IP address into your favorite web browser.
    1. If you are using another version of OpenWrt, please refer to its documentation for details about its IP address.
  3. Navigate to System → Backup / Flash Firmware → Actions: Flash new firmware image.
  4. Choose the sysupgrade file previously downloaded and click Flash
  5. Wait for the device to complete and reboot (This can take up to 5 minutes.)

From Stock Firmware (Ubiquiti AirOS)

If your device shipped with the latest firmware, or if you upgraded to version 3.8.xx.xxxx or higher, you need to downgrade the device before you can flash it due to the mtd utility being missing in later versions. Simply download any 3.7.xx.xxxx firmware image from Ubiquiti Downloads and proceed with the recovery instructions.

<section begin="flash-uap-ac-mesh">

Enter Factory Reset Mode

  1. Unplug the ethernet from the antenna (This turns it off.)
  2. Use a paper clip to hold in the reset button
  3. Plug the ethernet back in to the antenna, holding the paperclip steady as you do
  4. Continue holding the paper clip until the light on the side of your UAP AC Mesh starts blinking OFF/WHITE/BLUE (should take about 30 seconds)

Set Up a Static IP Address

The next step is to assign your computer a static IP address of 192.168.1.25/24

  1. Windows: Setting a static IP address in Windows 10
  2. Mac: Setting a static IP address in OSX
  3. Linux: Setting a static IP address in Ubuntu 18.04 desktop

Downgrade Ubiquiti AirOS

Because we are "jailbreaking" the Ubiquiti router, we have to downgrade to an older version of their proprietary firmware first. Using a tool called TFTP, we can do this quite simply.

  1. Download version 3.7 of Ubiquiti's AirOS
  2. Rename the firmware file to firmware.bin, as the device will look for this file name
  3. Launch a command prompt/terminal, and enter the following, one line at a time:
tftp
tftp> connect 192.168.1.20
tftp> binary
tftp> rexmt 1
tftp> timeout 60
tftp> put firmware.bin
Sent x bytes in x seconds

The LED will flash at varying speeds, then it will turn solid when complete.

  • If you don't see something like what's shown above (maybe your "Transfer timed out.), go back and make sure that the light on the side of your UAP AC Mesh is blinking in the pattern indicated above. If not, start again from #Enter Factory Reset Mode
  • If the light is blinking properly, make sure that your static IP address was assigned properly. If not, start again from #Set Up a Static IP Address
  • If you are still having trouble transferring firmware to the device, reach out for help in the chatroom. Someone will help you get unstuck.

Install the Mass Mesh Firmware

  1. Download the latest Mass Mesh radio firmware here.
  2. Statically assign your computer the IP address 192.168.1.25 (See #Set Up a Static IP Address if needed.)
  3. Open a terminal/command prompt. You will need it in order to copy/paste the commands shown below.
  4. Copy the Mass Mesh firmware onto the device:
    • scp openwrt-ar71xx-generic-ubnt-unifiac-lite-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin ubnt@192.168.1.20:/tmp/
  5. SSH into the device and log in with the default username and password ubnt / ubnt
    • ssh ubnt@192.168.1.20
  6. Then write the firmware to kernel0 and kernel1 by entering the following into the terminal, line by line:
    • BZ.v3.7.40# mtd write /tmp/openwrt-ar71xx-generic-ubnt-unifiac-lite-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin kernel0
      BZ.v3.7.40# mtd -r write /tmp/openwrt-ar71xx-generic-ubnt-unifiac-lite-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin kernel1
    • You should see something like the following:
    • BZ.v3.7.40# mtd write /tmp/openwrt-ar71xx-generic-ubnt-unifiac-lite-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin kernel0
      Unlocking kernel0 ...
      Erasing kernel0 ...
      Writing from /tmp/openwrt-ar71xx-generic-ubnt-unifiac-lite-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin to kernel0 ...  [e/w]
      
      BZ.v3.7.40# mtd -r write /tmp/openwrt-ar71xx-generic-ubnt-unifiac-lite-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin kernel1
      Unlocking kernel1 ...
      Erasing kernel1 ...
      Writing from /tmp/openwrt-ar71xx-generic-ubnt-unifiac-lite-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin to kernel1 ...  [e/w]
  7. Type reboot into the terminal, and hit enter. The radio will now restart. Please wait upwards of 5+ minutes during this "first boot" process. When the device is working properly, you should see a wifi network named "MassMesh.org"