Dell PowerConnect W-AP100 Series Access Point
Installation Guide
The Dell W-AP104 and W-AP105 wireless access points support the IEEE 802.11n
standard for high-performance WLAN. This access point uses MIMO (Multiple-in,
Multiple-out) technology and other high-throughput mode techniques to deliver
high-performance, 802.11n 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz functionality while simultaneously
supporting existing 802.11a/b/g wireless services. The W-AP100 Series access point
works only in conjunction with a Dell PowerConnect W-Series Controller.
The Dell W-AP100 Series access points provide the following capabilities:
Wireless transceiver
Protocol-independent networking functionality
IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n operation as a wireless access point
IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n operation as a wireless air monitor
Compatibility with IEEE 802.3af PoE
Central management configuration and upgrades through a Dell PowerConnect
W-Series Controller
Package Contents
W-AP104 or W-AP105 access point
Installation guide (this document)
Note: Inform your supplier if there are 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.
W-AP100 Series Hardware Overview
Figure 1
W-AP100 Series Front (W-AP104 shown)
External
Antenna
Connector
11B/G/N
PWR
ENET
11A/N
LEDs
The W-AP100 Series is equipped with four LEDs that indicate the status of the
various components of the AP.
PWR: Indicates whether or not the W-AP100 Series is powered-on
ENET: Indicates the status of the W-AP100 Series's Ethernet port
11A/N: Indicates the status of the 802.11a/n radio
11B/G/N: Indicates the status of the 802.11b/g/n radio
For information about the W-AP100 Series's LED behavior, see
Table 1 on page
External Antenna Connectors
The W-AP104 is designed for use with external antennas and equipped with four
external antenna connectors. The W-AP105 is equipped with internal antennas.
Figure 2
W-AP100 Series Rear
Power
Connector
CONSOLE
Reset Button
Console Port
Use the console port to connect to a terminal for direct local management.
Ethernet Port
W-AP100 Series is equipped with a single 10/100/1000Base-T (RJ-45) auto-sensing,
MDI/MDX wired-network connectivity port. Supporting IEEE 802.3af Power over
Ethernet (PoE). This port accepts 48VDC as a standard defined Powered Device
(PD) from Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) such as a PoE midspan injector, or
network infrastructure that supports PoE.
DC Power Socket
If PoE is not available, an optional Dell power adapter kit (sold separately) can be
used to power the W-AP100 Series.
Reset Button
The reset button can be used to return the AP to factory default settings. To reset
the AP:
1. Power off the AP.
2. Press and hold the reset button using a small, narrow object, such as a paperclip.
3. Power-on the AP without releasing the reset button. The power LED will flash
within 5 seconds.
4. Release the reset button.
The power LED will flash again within 15 seconds indicating that the reset is
completed. The AP will now continue to boot with the factory default settings.
Before You Begin
Caution: FCC Statement: Improper termination of access points installed in the
United States configured to non-US model controllers will be in violation of the
FCC grant of equipment authorization. Any such willful or intentional violation may
result in a requirement by the FCC for immediate termination of operation and may
be subject to forfeiture (47 CFR 1.80).
Caution: EU Statement:
Lower power radio LAN product operating in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Please refer to
the Dell PowerConnect W-Series ArubaOS User Guide for details on restrictions.
Produit réseau local radio basse puissance operant dans la bande fréquence 2.4 GHz
et 5 GHz. Merci de vous referrer au Dell PowerConnect W-Series ArubaOS User
2.
Guide pour les details des restrictions..
Low Power FunkLAN Produkt, das im 2.4 GHz und im 5 GHz Band arbeitet. Weitere
Informationen bezlüglich Einschränkungen finden Sie im Dell PowerConnect
W-Series ArubaOS User Guide.
Apparati Radio LAN a bassa Potenza, operanti a 2.4 GHz e 5 GHz. Fare riferimento alla
Dell PowerConnect W-Series ArubaOS User Guide per avere informazioni detagliate
sulle restrizioni.
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 APs are deployed.
For initial setup of the controller, see the Dell PowerConnect W-Series ArubaOS
Quick Start Guide at support.dell.com/manuals for the software version installed on
ENET
your controller.
AP Pre-Installation Checklist
Before installing your W-AP100 Series AP, ensure that you have the following:
CAT5 UTP cable of required length
One of the following power sources:
IEEE 802.3af-compliant Power over Ethernet (PoE) source
Supports full functionality for W-AP100 Series
The POE source can be any power source equipment (PSE) controller or
midspan PSE device
Dell power adapter kit (sold separately)
Dell PowerConnect W Controller provisioned on the network:
Layer 2/3 network connectivity to your access point
One of the following network services:
Aruba Discovery Protocol (ADP)
DNS server with an "A" record
DHCP Server with vendor-specific options
Summary of the Setup Process
Successful setup of an W-AP100 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.
5. Configure each AP.
Note: Dell, in compliance with governmental requirements, has designed the W-
AP100 Series access points so that only authorized network administrators can
change the settings. For more information about AP configuration, refer to the Dell
PowerConnect W-Series ArubaOS Quick Start Guide and the Dell PowerConnect
W-Series 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.
Verifying Pre-Installation Connectivity
Before you install APs in a network environment, make sure that the APs are able to
locate and connect to the controller after power on.
Specifically, you must verify the following conditions:
When connected to the network, each AP is assigned a valid IP address
APs are able to locate the controller
For instructions on locating and connecting to the controller, see the Dell
PowerConnect W-Series ArubaOS Quick Start Guide at support.dell.com/manuals.
Identifying Specific Installation Locations
Caution: RF Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with FCC RF
radiation exposure limits. This equipment should be installed and operated with a
minimum distance of 13.78 inches (35 cm) between the radiator and your body for
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz operations. This transmitter must not be co-located or
operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. When operated in
the 5.15 to 5.25 GHz frequency range, this device is restricted to indoor use to
reduce the potential for harmful interference with co-channel Mobile Satellite
Systems.
You can mount the W-AP100 Series access point on a wall or on the ceiling. Use the
AP placement map generated by Dell's RF Plan software application to determine
the proper installation location(s). Each location should be as close as possible to the
center of the intended coverage area and should be free from obstructions or obvious
sources of interference. These RF absorbers/reflectors/interference sources will
impact RF propagation and should have been accounted for during the planning
phase and adjusted for in RF plan.
Identifying 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. Examples of sources
that degrade RF performance include:
Cement and brick
Objects that contain water
Metal
Microwave ovens
Wireless phones and headsets
Installing the AP
Note: Service to all Dell products should be performed by trained service
personnel only.
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. Since the ports are on the back of the device, make sure that you mount the AP in
such a way that there is a clear path to the Ethernet port, such as a pre-drilled
hole in the mounting surface.
2. At the mounting location, install two screws on the wall or shelf, 1 7/8 inches
(4.7 cm) apart. If you are attaching the device to drywall, it is recommended that
using appropriate wall anchors (not included).
3. Align the mounting slots on the rear of the AP over the screws and slide the unit
into place (see
Figure
3).
Figure 3
Installing the W-AP100 Series Access Point on a Wall
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.
Caution: Make sure the AP fits securely on the ceiling tile rail when hanging the
device from the ceiling; poor installation could cause it to fall onto people or
equipment.
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.
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
4). Make sure that
any cable slack is above the ceiling tile.
Figure 4
Orienting the Ceiling Tile Rail Mounting Slots
3. Pushing toward the ceiling tile, rotate the AP clockwise until the device clicks
into place on the ceiling tile rail.