In this article, I will go over step by step guide of how to convert standalone Ruckus access point firmware into unleashed firmware.
Contents
- Background
- Create Ruckus Support Account
- Download firmware
- Initialize standalone firmware
- Upload unleashed firmware
Background
Ruckus supports three mode of operations, cloud based, dedicated controller system based, or so called controller-less mode. As a home user, majority of us wants to use controller less version, Ruckus Unleashed.
The primary reason why I have decided to give a try to Ruckus in the first place is hardwares are the same amongst all these three mode of operation. So I know I am getting the true enterprise grade gear when purchasing Ruckus. However, Ruckus unleashed mode of operation requires a dedicated firmware installed on the unit, and not simple switch of one mode of operation to another.
If you purchase Ruckus access point with model number starting 901, they come with non-Unleashed firmware while 9U1 comes with unleashed. Good thing is we can switch one firmware to another for free so long as the model supports each version of firmware. This means not every Ruckus AP, even modern ones, are capable of installing unleashed firmware. So if you are interested in using Ruckus in Unleashed mode, be sure to confirm the access point is compatible with unleashed.
The general flow will be simple.
- Download a specific version of unleashed firmware file from Ruckus’s official website
- Log into standalone AP via web browser
- Upload the unleashed firmware to the AP
- Wait a few minutes