Last Updated on February 14, 2024 by KC7NYR

TFTP Firmware Installation

For Ubiquiti Devices

TFTP is trivial file transfer protocol. When you successfully complete the installation, the login user is ”root” and the password is “hsmm”.

Please Note: This is for a Ubiquiti NanoStation loco M2, please check the list before proceeding. KC7NYR takes no responsibility if you follow the incorrect instructions and brick your device.


1. If you have an earlier version of AREDN firmware on this device, use the user interface (UI) on the Administration page under Setup. Use the correct sysupgrade file. NOTE: Ensure that your WAN type is set to DHCP and not static. Upgrading with a static type of WAN address will brick the node and require a TFTP upgrade.

2. If you are installing AREDN firmware on a new device, use the TFTP method to install AREDN firmware. Use the correct factory file.

Important: AREDN firmware – Find your device/model: http://downloads.arednmesh.org/firmware/ubnt/html/stable.html


Detailed Steps

For Ubiquiti Devices

Download the AREDN “factory” file for your device

Obtain the appropriate firmware from the AREDN Download page at https://www.arednmesh.org/content/current-software 

Prepare your computer for the firmware installation via TFTP to your device

  1. If you are using a Windows computer, enable the TFTP client [see example at https://www.trishtech.com/2014/10/enable-tftp-telnet-in-windows-10/
    OR download and install a TFTP command line client [example at https://www.pcwdld.com/tftp-client-for-windows-7
  2. Close your browser [Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, Internet Explorer, etc.]
  3. Disconnect or disable the WiFi on your computer. You will only use the wired Ethernet adapter on your computer for this process.
  4. Configure your computer’s wired network adapter to a static IP address of 192.168.1.5 with a netmask of 255.255.255.0
  5. Connect a CAT5 Ethernet cable from your computer to the POE adapter for your device. Use the LAN side of the POE adapter.

Put the device into TFTP mode

  1. Power up the POE adapter by plugging it into an electrical socket.
  2. Press and hold the RESET button on the node/device (or on the POE adapter if you have one with a reset button on the bottom). A wooden toothpick is a good tool to press the RESET button.
  3. WHILE CONTINUING to HOLD the RESET in, connect a CAT5 Ethernet cable from your POE adapter [POE side] to your device.
  4. WHILE CONTINUING to HOLD the RESET in, wait approximately 30 to 45 seconds until you see the LEDs on the node alternating in a 1-3, 2-4, 1-3, 2-4 pattern.
  5. Release the RESET button. 

Issue the commands on your computer to send the AREDN firmware to your device

  1. Open a command prompt in Windows (Start-Run: cmd.exe) or a terminal window on other systems
  2. A Windows TFTP client example follows:
    1. type:   tftp 192.168.1.20 [If your device is an AIRROUTER use 192.168.1.1]
    2. type: bin (This puts the transfer in the required “binary” mode)
    3. type: trace on  (This is optional, but will show you that it is transferring bytes to the device)
    4. type: put <then the full path to where you downloaded the AREDN firmware>
      For instance:   put c:\temp\aredn-3.18.9.0-ubnt-nano-m-xw-factory.bin
    5. The TFTP client should indicate that data is being transferred and eventually completes successfully.

Wait for your device to reboot

Watch the LEDs on the node cycle for about 2-3 mins and the node will reboot. The reboot is completed when the LED 4 light (farthest on the right) is lit and is steady green.

Login to your device with a web browser and complete the device setup

  1. Configure your computer’s wired network adapter to use DHCP addressing.
  2. Open your browser
  3. Browse to:   http://localnode.local.mesh:8080
  4. Click SETUP on the web page
  5. Login with user = root and password=hsmm
  6. Change the node name to use your callsign and any other identifiers that will make this node name unique. Change the node’s password. Change the RF settings (channel, bandwidth, distance value) to appropriate values for your area.
  7. Click SAVE
  8. Reboot the node
  9. Done

Reference Source Credits: ARDEN – https://www.arednmesh.org/


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