Dell PowerConnect W-AP124 User manual

Dell PowerConnect W-AP120 Series AP

Installation Guide

0510745-01 | July 2010 1

The Dell W-AP120 series of wireless access points support the imminent IEEE 802.11n (currently draft 2.0)

standard for high-performance WLAN. These access points use MIMO (Multiple-in, Multiple-out) technology

and other high-throughput mode techniques to deliver high-performance, pre-802.11n 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz

functionality while simultaneously supporting existing 802.11a/b/g wireless services. The W-AP120 series access

points are available in versions with single or dual radios and with integrated antennas or RP-SMA interfaces that

support detachable antennas. The W-AP120 series access points work only in conjunction with an Dell controller.

The Dell W-AP120 series access points provide the following capabilities:

zWireless transceiver

zProtocol-independent networking functionality

zIEEE 802.11a/b/g or 802.11n operation as a wireless access point

zIEEE 802.11a/b/g or 802.11n operation as a wireless air monitor

zCompatibility with IEEE 802.3af PoE as well as high power over Ethernet pre-standards

(PoE + / 802.3at)

zCentral management configuration and upgrades through an Dell controller

zUpgrade of W-AP120 series a/b/g models to 802.11n (draft) compliance through a controller license

Figure 1 W-AP120 Series Access Points

Package Contents

zAP-120 series access point

zInstallation guide (this document)

ap12_001

W-AP120/W-AP124

(3 x RP-SMA interfaces for detachable antennas)

W-AP121/W-AP125

(3 x integrated dual-band antennas)

Note: Inform your supplier if there are any incorrect, missing, or damaged parts. If possible, retain the carton, including the original

packing materials. Use these materials to repack and return the unit to the supplier if needed.

Note: Additional mounting kits for use with the W-AP120 series access points are sold separately. Contact your Dell sales

representative for details.

2Dell PowerConnect W-AP120 Series AP | Installation Guide

Before You Begin

WLAN Planning

Determine how many Dell APs are needed for your wireless network deployment and where they will be installed.

You can easily accomplish this planning using Dell’s automated RF Plan site-survey software (available

separately). This process is considered WLAN or RF planning and should have been completed during the master

Dell controller installation and configuration. In typical Dell installations, the controllers are configured and

installed before the APs.

For WLAN planning assistance, refer to the Indoor Access Points: Site Survey and Planning Pre-Deployment Guide

and the RF Plan Installation and User Guide.

Pre-Installation Network Requirements

After WLAN planning is complete and the appropriate products and their placement have been determined, the

Dell controller(s) must be installed and initial setup performed before the Dell Access Points are deployed.

For initial setup of the controller, refer to the ArubaOS Quick Start Guide for the software version installed on

your controller.

Pre-Installation Checklist

Before installing your W-AP120 series access point, be sure that you have the following:

zFor the W-AP120/W-AP124: External antennas as specified in the network deployment plan

zCAT5 UTP cable of required length

zOne of the following power sources:

IEEE 802.3af-compliant Power over Ethernet (PoE) source

Supports full functionality for W-AP120/W-AP121; supports reduced functionality for W-AP124/W-

AP125

IEEE Power Over Ethernet + (PoE+) source output at 56 Volts @ 350 mA

The POE source can be any power source equipment (PSE) controller or midspan PSE device

Dell AP AC-DC adapter kit (sold separately)

zDell controller provisioned on the network:

Layer 2/3 network connectivity to your access point

One of the following network services:

zAruba Discovery Protocol (ADP)

zDNS server with an “A” record

zDHCP Server with vendor-specific options

Summary of the Setup Process

Successful setup of an AP-120 series access point consists of five tasks, which must be performed in this order:

1. Verify pre-installation connectivity.

2. Identify the specific installation location for each AP.

3. Install each AP.

4. Verify post-installation connectivity.

Note: It is important that you verify the items listed under Pre-Installation Checklist before you attempt to set up and install an W-

AP120 series AP.

Dell PowerConnect W-AP120 Series AP | Installation Guide 3

5. Configure each AP.

Verifying Pre-Installation Connectivity

Before you install APs in a network environment, make sure that the APs will be able to locate and connect to the

controller when powered on.

Specifically, you must verify the following conditions:

zWhen connected to the network, each AP is assigned a valid IP address

zAPs are able to locate the controller

Refer to the ArubaOS Quick Start Guide for instructions on locating and connecting to the controller.

Unidentified Known RF Absorbers/Reflectors/Interference Sources

Identifying known RF absorbers, reflectors, and interference sources while in the field during the installation

phase is critical. Make sure that these sources are taken into consideration when you attach an AP to its fixed

location.

RF absorbers include:

zCement/concrete: Old concrete has high levels of water dissipation, which dries out the concrete, allowing for

potential RF propagation. New concrete has high levels of water concentration within the concrete, blocking

RF signals.

zNatural Items: Fish tanks, water fountains, ponds, and trees

zBrick

RF reflectors include:

zMetal Objects: Metal pans between floors, rebar, fire doors, air conditioning/heating ducts, mesh windows,

blinds, chain link fences (depending on aperture size), refrigerators, racks, shelves, and filing cabinets

zDo not place an AP between two air conditioning/heating ducts. Make sure that APs are placed below ducts to

avoid RF disturbances.

RF interference sources include:

zMicrowave ovens and other 2.4 or 5 GHz objects (such as cordless phones)

zLunch rooms and call centers with cordless headsets

Note: Dell, in compliance with governmental requirements, has designed the AP-120 series access points so that only authorized

network administrators can change the settings. For more information about AP configuration, refer to the ArubaOS Quick Start

Guide and ArubaOS User Guide.

Caution: Access points are radio transmission devices and as such are subject to governmental regulation. Network

administrators responsible for the configuration and operation of access points must comply with local broadcast regulations.

Specifically, access points must use channel assignments appropriate to the location in which the access point will be used.

4Dell PowerConnect W-AP120 Series AP | Installation Guide

Installing the AP

Using the Integrated Wall-Mounting Slots

The keyhole-shaped slots on the back of the AP can be used to attach the device upright to an indoor wall or shelf.

When you choose the mounting location, allow additional space at the right of the unit for cables.

1. At the mounting location, install two screw on the wall or shelf, 1 7/8 inches (4.7 cm) apart. If you are

attaching the device to drywall, Dell recommends using appropriate wall anchors (not included).

2. Align the mounting slots on the rear of the AP over the screws and slide the unit into place (see Figure 2).

Figure 2 Installing the W-AP120 Series Access Point on a Wall

3. On the W-AP121 or W-AP125, orient the antennas. For best performance, swivel the antennas so that they

are oriented vertically, preferably in the same plane, parallel to the wall (see Figure 3).

Figure 3 Antenna Orientation on a Wall-Mounted W-AP121/W-AP125

On the W-AP120 or W-AP124, install the external antennas according to the manufacturer’s instructions,

and connect the antennas to the antenna interfaces on the AP (see Figure 4).

Caution: Installation and service of Dell Networks products should be performed by Professional Installers. Additional antenna

and transmit power information for Professional Installers can be found at https://support.dell.com.

Note: For product dimensions, see Product Specifications in this guide. Allow 2 inches (5 cm) of additional space at the right side

of the installed unit for cables, and make sure enough space is available for antenna articulation.

Dell PowerConnect W-AP120 Series AP | Installation Guide 5

Figure 4 Antenna Interfaces on the W-AP120/W-AP124

Using the Integrated Ceiling Tile Rail Slots

The snap-in tile rail slots on the rear of the AP can be used to securely attach the device directly to a 15/16" wide,

standard ceiling tile rail.

1. Pull the necessary cables through a prepared hole in the ceiling tile near where the AP will be placed.

2. If necessary, connect the console cable to the console port on the back of the AP.

3. Hold the AP next to the ceiling tile rail with the ceiling tile rail mounting slots at approximately a 30-degree

angle to the ceiling tile rail (see Figure 5). Make sure that any cable slack is above the ceiling tile.

Figure 5 Orienting the Ceiling Tile Rail Mounting Slots

4. Pushing toward the ceiling tile, rotate the AP clockwise until the device clicks into place on the ceiling tile rail.

5. On the W-AP121 or W-AP125, orient the antennas. For best results, rotate the antennas so that they are

vertical (perpendicular to the body of the AP) (see Figure 6).

Caution: Make sure the AP fits securely on the ceiling tile rail when hanging the device from the ceiling, because poor

installation could cause it to fall onto people or equipment.

ap1

6Dell PowerConnect W-AP120 Series AP | Installation Guide

Figure 6 Antenna Orientation on a Ceiling-Mounted W-AP121/W-AP125

On the W-AP120 or W-AP124, install the external antennas according to the manufacturer’s instructions,

and connect the antennas to the antenna interfaces on the AP (see Figure 4).

Connecting Required Cables

Install cables in accordance with all applicable local and national regulations and practices.

Ethernet Ports

The RJ45 Ethernet ports (ENET0 and ENET1) support 100/1000Base-T auto-sensing MDI/MDX connections.

Use these ports to connect the AP to a twisted pair Ethernet LAN segment or directly to an Dell controller. Use a

4- or 8-conductor, Category 5 UTP cable up to 100 m (325 feet) long.

The 100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports are on the bottom of the AP. These ports have RJ-45 female connectors with

the pin-outs shown in Table 1.

Note: Dell W-AP120 series APs are intended only for installation in Environment A as defined in IEEE 802.3.af, Power over Ethernet.

All interconnected equipment must be contained within the same building, including the interconnected equipment’s associated

LAN connections.

Table 1 Connector for Ethernet Ports ENET0 and ENET1

Connector Pin Signal

Name GE Connection FE

Connection PoE

1 BI_DA+ Bi-directional pair A+ RX+ POE negative

2 BI_DA– Bi-directional pair A– RX– POE negative

3 BI_DB+ Bi-directional pair B+ TX+ POE positive

4 BI_DC+ Bi-directional pair C+ Spare pair POE positive

5 BI_DC– Bi-directional pair C– Spare pair POE positive

6 BI_DB– Bi-directional pair B– TX– POE positive

7 BI_DD+ Bi-directional pair D+ Spare pair POE negative

8 BI_DB– Bi-directional pair D– Spare pair POE negative

Dell PowerConnect W-AP120 Series AP | Installation Guide 7

Serial Console Port

The serial console port allows you to connect the AP to a serial terminal or a laptop for direct local management.

This port is an RJ-45 female connector with the pinouts described in Table 2. Connect this port in one of the

following ways:

zConnect it directly to a terminal or terminal server using an Ethernet cable.

zUse a modular adapter to convert the RJ-45 (female) connector on the AP to a DB-9 (male) connector, and

connect the adapter to a laptop using an RS-232 cable. See Figure 7 for connector details of the adapter.

Figure 7 RJ-45 (Female) to DB-9 (Male) Modular Adapter Conversion

Power Connection

The W-AP120 series AP has a single 5V DC power jack socket to support powering through an AC-to-DC mains

electric power adapter.

Table 2 Connector for Serial Console Port

Connector Pin Signal Name Function

3 TXD Transmit

4 GND Ground

5 GND Ground

6 RXD Receive

Pins not listed are not connected.

RJ-45 DB-9

Internal

Connections

TxD

GND

RxD

TxD

GND

RxD

RJ-45 Female

Pin-Out

Direction

Input

Output

DB-9 Male

Pin-Out

TxD

RxD

Ground

Direction

Input

Output

Note: If both POE and DC power are available, the AP uses POE, even when there is not enough POE voltage available to power the

AP.

8Dell PowerConnect W-AP120 Series AP | Installation Guide

Connecting a Security Cable

To provide added security for the W-AP121 or W-AP125, you can attach a security cable to the back of the unit

(see Figure 8).

Figure 8 Security Lock Connection

Verifying Post-Installation Connectivity

The integrated LEDs on the AP can be used at this point to verify that the AP is receiving power and initializing

successfully (see Table 3). Refer to the ArubaOS Quick Start Guide for further details on verifying post-

installation network connectivity.

Configuring the W-AP120 Series

AP Provisioning/Reprovisioning

Provisioning parameters are unique to each AP. These local AP parameters are initially configured on the

controller which are then pushed out to the AP and stored on the AP itself. Dell recommends that provisioning

settings be configured via the ArubaOS Web UI only. Refer to the ArubaOS User Guide for complete details.

LED Color/State Meaning

PWR Green steady Power on, device ready

Green flashing System initializing

Red steady System failed to initialize, contact TAC

ENET 0

(100/1000 Mbps)

Green/Amber off No link

Green on 1000 Mbps link

Amber on 100 Mbps link

Green/amber blinking Data activity

ENET 1

(100/1000 Mbps)

Green/Amber off No Link

Green on 1000 Mbps link

Amber on 100 Mbps link

Green/amber blinking Data activity

11A/N Amber Wireless link is legacy 11a

Green Wireless link is 11n 5 Ghz band

11B/G/N Amber Wireless link is legacy 11b or 11g

Green Wireless link is 11n 2.4 Ghz band

Dell PowerConnect W-AP120 Series AP | Installation Guide 9

AP Configuration

Configuration parameters are network or controller specific and are configured and stored on the controller.

Network configuration settings are pushed out to the AP(s) but remain stored on the controller.

Configuration settings can be configured via the ArubaOS Web U or ArubaOS CLI. Refer to their respective

guides for further details: the ArubaOS User Guide.

Product Specifications

Mechanical

zDimensions (antenna stowed) (HxWxD):

4.9 inches x 5. 13 inches x 2 inches

12.4 cm x 13 cm x 5.1 cm

zWeight: 15 oz/0.42 kg

zShipping Dimensions:

9.5 inches x 7.25 inches x 4.5 inches

24.1 cm x 18.4 cm x 11.4 cm

zTemperature:

Operating: 0ºC to 50ºC (32ºF to 122ºF)

Storage: –10ºC to 70ºC (14ºF to 158ºF)

zRelative Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing

zAltitude: 8,000 ft @ 28ºC (82.4ºF)

zMounting: Wall, ceiling, or desktop mountable

zAntennas:

3 integrated articulating dual-band antenna elements (W-AP121, W-AP125)

3 RP-SMA interfaces for external antennas (W-AP120, W-AP124)

zVisual Status Indicators (LEDs): See Table 3

Electrical

Ethernet:

2 x 100/1000 Base-T auto-sensing Ethernet RJ-45 Interfaces

MDI/MDX

IEEE 802.3 (10Base-T), IEEE 802.3u (100Base-T). IEEE 802.3ab (1000Base-T)

Power over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af compliant), 48V DC/350mA (see Table 1 for pin configuration)

zPower:

5 VDC power interface, supports powering through an AC-to-DC mains electric power adapter

Note: During normal operation, the temperature of the base of the W-AP120 series can approach 80ºC (176ºF). This is within the

expected operating temperature range.

Note: If a power adapter other than the one provided by Dell is used in the US or Canada, it should be cULus (NRTL) Listed, with an

output rated 5 VDC, minimum 4A, marked “LPS” or “Class 2,” and suitable for plugging into a standard power receptacle in the US

and Canada.

10 Dell PowerConnect W-AP120 Series AP | Installation Guide

POE support on Ethernet ports:

– 802.3af-compliant POE sourcing devices

– POE+ (56 V @ 350 mA)

Wireless LAN

zNetwork Standards: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11a, and IEEE 802.11n (draft)

zAntenna Type:

Integrated 802.11a/b/g/n omni-directional high-gain antenna

Detachable 802.11a/b/g/n omni-directional high-gain antenna

zAntenna Gain (Integrated Antennas):

2.4 – 2.5 GHz/3.2 dBi (max)

5.180 – 5.825 GHz/5.2 dBi (max)

zRadio Technology:

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)

Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)

zRadio Modulation Type:

802.11b - CCK, BPSK, QPSK

802.11g - CCK, BPSK, QPSK,16-QAM, 64-QAM

802.11a - BPSK, QPSK,16-QAM, 64-QAM

802.11n draft 2.0

zMedia Access Control: CSMA/CA with ACK

zSupported Frequency Bands 2.4GHz:

2.400 ~ 2.4835GHz (Global), channels country specific

zSupported Frequency Bands 5GHz:

5.150 ~ 5.250GHz (low band), country-specific

5.250 ~ 5.350GHz (mid band), country-specific

5.470 ~ 5.725GHz (Europe), country-specific

5.725 ~ 5.825GHz GHz (high band), country-specific

zData Rates:

802.11b - 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps per channel

802.11g - 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 and 54 Mbps per channel

802.11a - 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 and 54 Mbps per channel

802.11n - Data rate MCS0 – MCS15 (from 6.5 Mbps to 300 Mbps)

802.11b 802.11g 802.11a 802.11n

US, Canada 11 US, Canada 11 US, Canada 12 << NEED >>

ETSI 13 ETSI 13 ETSI (up to 19) << NEED >>

Japan 14 Japan 13 Japan 4 << NEED >>

Taiwan 11 Taiwan 11 Taiwan 7 << NEED >>

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