Dell Networking W-AP103 Access Point
Installation Guide
The Dell Networking W-AP103 wireless access point (AP) supports the IEEE
802.11n standard for high-performance WLAN. The access point uses MIMO
(Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) technology and other high-throughput mode
techniques to deliver high-performance, 802.11n 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz functionality
while simultaneously supporting existing 802.11a/b/g wireless services. The W-AP103
access point works only in conjunction with a Dell Networking W-Series Mobility
Controller.
The W-AP103 access point provides 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 using a Dell controller
Package Contents
W-AP103 access point
9/16" and 15/16” Ceiling Rail Adapters
Installation guide (this document)
W-AP103 Hardware Overview
Figure 1
W-AP103 LEDs
LEDs
The W-AP103 access point is equipped with four LEDs that indicate the status of
the various components of the AP.
PWR: Indicates whether or not the AP is powered-on
ENET: Indicates the status of the AP’s Ethernet port
5 GHz: Indicates the status of the 802.11a/n radio
2.4 GHz: Indicates the status of the 802.11b/g/n radio
Figure 2
W-AP103 Rear View
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 a 4-pin connector covered by a dust cover.
Ethernet Port
The W-AP103 access point is equipped with one 10/100/1000Base-T (RJ-45) auto-
sensing, MDI/MDX wired-network connectivity port. This port supports IEEE
802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) compliance, accepting 48 VDC (nominal) as a
standard defined Powered Device (PD) from a Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE)
such as a PoE midspan injector, or network infrastructure that supports PoE.
The port has RJ-45 female connectors with the pin-outs shown in
Figure 3
.
Figure 3
Gigabit Ethernet Port Pin-Out
DC Power Socket
If PoE is not available, an optional Dell AP AC-DC adapter kit (sold separately) can
be used to power the W-AP103 access point.
Additionally, a locally-sourced AC-to-DC adapter (or any DC source) can be used to
power this device, as long as it complies with all applicable local regulatory
requirements and the DC interface meets the following specifications:
12 VDC (+/- 5%)/18W
Center-positive 1.7/4.0 mm circular plug, 9.5 mm length
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
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, refer to the
Dell Networking W-Series ArubaOS
Quick Start Guide
for the software version installed on the controller.
AP Pre-Installation Checklist
Before installing the AP, ensure that you have the following:
CAT5e or better UTP cable of required length
One of the following power sources:
802.3af-compliant Power over Ethernet (PoE) source. The POE source can be
any power source equipment (PSE) controller or midspan PSE device
Dell AP AC-DC adapter kit (sold separately)
Dell controller provisioned on the network:
Layer 2/3 network connectivity to the 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 the AP 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.
Verifying Pre-Installation Connectivity
Before you install APs in a network environment, make sure that the APs meet the
following conditions after power on:
When connected to the network, each AP is assigned a valid IP address
APs are able to locate and connect to the controller
Refer to the
Dell Networking W-Series ArubaOS Quick Start Guide
for instructions
on locating and connecting to the controller.
Identifying Specific Installation Locations
You can mount the W-AP103 access point on a wall or on the ceiling. Use the AP
placement map generated by Dell VisualRF 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 VisualRF 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
Using the Ceiling Rail Adapter
The W-AP103 access point ships with two ceiling rail adapters for 9/16” and 15/16”
ceiling rails. Additional wall mount adapters and ceiling rail adapters for other rail
styles are available as accessory kits.
1. Pull the necessary cables through a prepared hole in the ceiling tile near where
the AP will be placed.
2. Place the adapter against the back of the AP at an angle of approximately 30
degrees to the tabs (see
Figure 4
).
3. Twist the adapter clockwise until it snaps into place in the tabs (see
Figure 4
).
Figure 4
Attaching the Ceiling Rail Adapter
4. If necessary, connect the console cable to the console port on the back of the AP.
5. Hold the AP next to the ceiling tile rail 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.
6. Pushing toward the ceiling tile, rotate the AP clockwise until the device clicks
into place on the ceiling tile rail.
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.
Table 1
LED Behavior
LED
Color/State
Meaning
PWR
Off
No power to AP, or initial power-up
Red
Error condition
Green - Flashing
AP booting
Green - Steady
AP ready
ENET
Off
Ethernet link unavailable
Yellow - Steady
10/100Mbps Ethernet link established
Green - Steady
1000Mbps Ethernet link established
Flashing
Ethernet link activity
5 GHz
Off
5 GHz radio disabled
Yellow - Steady
5 GHz radio enabled in non-HT WLAN mode
Green - Steady
5 GHz radio enabled in HT WLAN mode
Flashing - Green
5 GHz Air or Spectrum Monitor
2.4 GHz
Off
2.4 GHz radio disabled
Yellow - Steady
2.4 GHz radio enabled in non-HT WLAN mode
Green - Steady
2.4 GHz radio enabled in HT WLAN mode
Flashing - Green
2.4 GHz Air or Spectrum Monitor
Ethernet Port
Console Port
DC Power Socket
Kensington Lock
Reset
Button
1000Base-T Gigabit
Ethernet Port
RJ-45 Female
Pin-Out
Signal Name
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
BI_DC+
BI_DC-
BI_DD+
BI_DD-
BI_DA+
BI_DA-
BI_DB+
BI_DB-
Function
Bi-directional pair +C
Bi-directional pair -C
Bi-directional pair +D
Bi-directional pair -D
Bi-directional pair +A
Bi-directional pair -A
Bi-directional pair +B
Bi-directional pair -B
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. Refer to
the
Dell Networking 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 Networking W-Series ArubaOS User
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 Networking W-
Series ArubaOS User Guide.
Apparati Radio LAN a bassa Potenza, operanti a 2.4 GHz e 5 GHz. Fare riferimento
alla
Dell Networking W-Series ArubaOS User Guide per avere informazioni
detagliate sulle restrizioni.
Note: Dell, in compliance with governmental requirements, has designed the
W-AP103 access point so that only authorized network administrators can change
the settings. For AP configuration information, refer to the
Dell Networking W-
Series
ArubaOS Quick Start Guide and Dell Networking 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.
Note: Service to all Dell Networking products should be performed by trained
service personnel only.
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 on people or equipment.
