How to connect a VPN software client to an ezVPN server

Cisco already provides us a reliable VPN software for Windows. You can use the configuration same as the picture showed above.

For all the Linux-based OSs, you have to download the VPNC packaged to connect to an ezVPN server.

I do NOT test on a MAC yet. But I am pretty sure that there is a VPNC software out there for the Macintosh OS.

How to config small Cisco routers as an ezVPN client

Normally, we use routers for a VPN site-to-site or VPN software for an ezVPN client. However, in the case, we do NOT have a public IP address or the router is behind a NAT device, we have to config the router as an ezVPN client.

Unlike the VPN software client, the router must config static routes after its connected to the ezVPN server.

How to config small Cisco routers as an ezVPN server

Although configuring the ezVPN server on a Cisco Firewall device is much easier, you still could use a small Cisco router such as 17xx, 18xx or 26xx series to make it happens.

First, you have to check the router if it supports VPN tunnel or not by using the command
        
       #show version

How to convert the Cisco access point AP1130 back to Autonomous from Lightweight

Because these Cisco access points are out-of-date, you probably could get one of those very cheap in the eBay or used stuff website. You could even get one for free from a big Corp that just renovate their wireless network.

The thing is these access points usually coming with the Lightweight mode. Thus you have to convert it back to the Autonomous mode by uploading the default IOS for it.

By default, in the Rommon Mode, it already has these configurations to communicate with the FTTP Server:

       IP_ADDR=10.0.0.1
       NETMASK=255.255.255.224

All you need is just prepare a TFTP Server in your PC/Laptop then follow the instructions in the image.

How to access to the Rommon Mode of the Cisco access point AP1130

By default, you can easily access to the Rommon Mode by pressing the ESC key to abort the loading process via the console port.

If you can NOT do that, it means the environment variable ENABLE_BREAK is off. Thus, you have to do the HARD RESET by pressing the MODE button of the access point.

How to hard reset the Cisco access point AP1130

You need to pull back the lid of the access point so you can see all the ports, button, and LEDs.

1. Do not power on the access point.

2. Press and hold the MODE button showed in the picture.

3. Wait until the Ethernet LED turns amber about 3 seconds.

4. Release the MODE button.

Now you can access the Rommon Mode of the access point via the console port.