TFTP Server?

[MMBarreca]

I've been researching some of our wireless issues and after getting the folder with the actual specs from our hardware tech and finally locating the info on the Intel website, I found that the AP that is being used doesn't have the most up to date firmware. I downloaded this file, executed it on the server, then proceeded to update the firmware using the setup menu for the AP. I was prompted for the filename, path and the TFTP server. I did a search on the Intel site for TFTP server for this AP and found no information. I contacted tech support and was given a few links to free TFTP servers that I could configure and use to complete my firmware update, but was also given a disclaimer that Intel doesn't own the other sites......(you all know the disclaimers).

Several questions:
1. What is a TFTP server?
2. Why would it be needed for a firmware update on an AP?
3. Why would this be a required element but not provided by the original manufacturer of the AP? Is this typical?

Thanks!

[Greenstead]

Never heard of a TFTP server.

Most firmware upgrades for routers or APs you just download the firmware file and use the upgrade utility to load and burn it.

Get their tech support to talk you thro the process.

What AP is it ?

[Jason01WS6]

Abbreviation of Trivial File Transfer Protocol, a simple form of the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). TFTP uses the User Datagram Protocol (UDP)and provides no security features. It is often used by servers to boot diskless workstations, X-terminals, and routers.

I have only used TFTP to download the configurations from a Cisco router. I have the Linksys wireless G AP and did a firmware update and did not need to use TFTP.

And what type of AP is it?

[MMBarreca]

The AP that I'm trying to update is an Intel Pro/Wireless 5000. When I went to the Intel site with the link in the User Guide for the AP, it had one firmware listed, then when I looked for all firmware updates, it had a second one. I downloaded both and used the update firmware option that comes with the AP (after executing both files so that the update files were available) and this is where I encounted the TFTP server. I contacted Intel support and was told that it's a required utility but they don't include it. The rep provided me with a few links to some free TFTP servers and they look simple enough to configure but I still can't update the software. I have another e-mail in to Intel but it seems odd to me that to update the firmware, I have to load this other utility and it's not included. I asked a colleague and he states that he has heard of TFTP servers but thought it was only used for large sites (100+ stations).

The TFTP server I downloaded was from solarwinds:

http://solarwinds.net/Tools/Free_tools/TFTP_Server/index.htm