Installing and Connecting an Access Point
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Copyright © 2012, Juniper Networks, Inc.
2.
When the link is activated, observe the WLA LED for the port on the WLC.
Aligning Antennas for Bridge or Mesh Links
If you are installing WLA622 units for wireless bridge or Mesh Services operation, after
the units have been mounted, connected, and the radios are operating, the antennas
must be accurately aligned to ensure optimum performance on the bridge or mesh
links.
This alignment process is particularly important for long-range point-to-point links. In a
point-to-multipoint configuration, the Mesh Portal WLA uses an omnidirectional or
sector antenna, which does not require alignment, but Mesh WLAs still need to be
correctly aligned with the Mesh Portal antenna.
Point-to-Point Configurations
– In a point-to-point configuration, the alignment
process requires two people at each end of the link. The use of cell phones or
two-way radio communication may help with coordination. To start, you can just point
the antennas at each other, using binoculars or a compass to set the general
direction. For accurate alignment, monitor the RSSI’s LED indicator as you move the
antenna horizontally and vertically.
Point-to-Multipoint Configurations
– In a point-to-multipoint configuration all Mesh
WLAs must be aligned with the Mesh Portal antenna. The alignment process is the
same as for point-to-point links, but only the Mesh WLA end of the link requires the
alignment.
The LEDs are viewed right to left as you look at the back of the WLA. The range from 1
to 12 will cover the signal range to accurately align the antenna. The signal strength
LEDs indicate the received radio signal strength for a particular bridge link. The more
LEDs that turn on, the stronger the signal. (RSSI level 1 should equate to the lowest
useful signal). Alternatively, you can monitor the Receive Signal Strength Indicator
(RSSI) value directly from the management interface. The higher the RSSI value, the
stronger the signal.
Table 3: WLC Port LEDs for WLA Connections
WLC Port LEDs for
WLA Connections Meaning
Solid green
For an WLA active link, all the following are true:
WLA has booted.
WLA has received a valid configuration from the WLC.
Management link with an WLA is operational.
At least one radio is enabled or is in sentry mode.
For a WLA secondary link, the link is present.
Alternating green and
amber
WLA is booting with an image received from the WLC switch.
After the access point boots and receives its configuration, this
LED appearance persists until a radio is enabled or is placed in
sentry mode.
Solid amber
PoE is on.
Blinking amber
WLA is unresponsive or there is a PoE problem.
Unlit
PoE is off.
Informational Note:
The WLC 10/100 Ethernet ports are configured as wired network
ports by default. You must change the port type for an WLC port directly connected to a
WLA to activate the link. (See the Wireless Lan Controller Installation and Basic
Configuration Guide.)