I want to upgrade my OS to support the 802.11N cards. I need to upgrade from the 2.8 OS to the 4.0 beta 3.
are these the steps I need to take to upgrade the OS?
1 download the 4.0 beta 3 os into my computer
2 Backup up my configuration and copy to my computer
3 Move the OS file(s) into the ftp directory on the router
4 reboot the router
5 purchase a new license key
6 upgrade the key
7 reload the configuration onto the router
What about firmware, does it need upgrading also? If so, how?
Not cool dude.... You should try to keep you router software at least somewhat current. Preventative maintenance is VERY important - Intel/Centrino-based chipsets can't even wirelessly associate to 2.8 series firmware radios, much less browse the internet.
My first word of advice - PULL the running system out of production before attempting this! Being so far behind on upgrades you are asking for trouble doing this on a live system. If you were at the current firmware, you could try it live. Neglect has ruled that out as an option though.
About your problem... Forget backing up. The settings are so different you will need to reconfigure it from scratch anyways. Document your network from your installed unit and read on.
You should pull the unit out of use. If for some reason you can't, here is what you should do. (Tell your customers to expect lots of downtime.) You will not be able to go directly to 4.0 beta due to changes in the way licenses work in 2.9. Look in your license window (System -> License) for the license expiration date. You need to first upgrade to the newest 2.9.x series firmware that came out before that expiration date. 2.9.43 works for me, but your mileage may very.
Once your license is updated by the 2.9 firmware, check your System -> License again, and make sure you can upgrade to 3.x. If so, upgrade to at least 3.13 now and then upgrade your license ($$$) to allow you to goto 4.x. If not, go to 2.9.51, upgrade your license ($$$), and go to 3.13.
Now you are at 3.13. This is the easy part. Upgrade to 4.0b3 and then upgrade your license again, for free this time. Reconfigure and it is done.
After pulling the unit from production, simply use NetInstall to write 4.0b3 directly to the unit and then pay for a new license. Reconfigure and you're done.
You didn't say what the system was you are trying to upgrade or how many you have deployed.... Given the age of 2.8, it probably isn't very powerful, at least not powerful enough for 802.11n. Head over to http://www.streakwave.com or the retailer of your choice and snag a 433AH for $150. Rev it to 4.0b3, drop in your (obviously new) radio modules, rebuild config, swap with installed unit and you are done. Then, assuming it is powerful enough, use the procedure above to rev the pulled one, roll it into the next unit you are upgrading, and proceed thusly. You will end up with a spare when you are done.
Also, there is a chance you may get lucky. If your unit ends up with a license permitting upgrade to 3.x, you can do it for free. I'm fairly certain that the 4.x Beta series still counts license-wise as a 3.x firmware.
Best wishes and good luck.
Thanks for your help, there are no customer concerns with these routers. These are two that I have laying around the house. I needed a new router for my personal use at home, and just thought I would upgrade the two older ones lying around instead of buying new routers.