C H A P T E R

Installation
This chapter describes the setup of the access point and includes the following sections:

Cautions and Warnings Installation Guidelines Unpacking the Access Point Connecting the Ethernet and Power Cables

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Chapter 2 Cautions and Warnings

Installation

Cautions and Warnings

Translated versions of the following safety warnings are provided in Appendix A, Translated Safety Warnings.

Note

The FCC, with its action in ET Docket 96-8, has adopted a safety standard for human exposure to radiated frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC-certified equipment. Cisco Aironet products meet the uncontrolled environmental limits found in OET-65 and ANSI C95.1, 1991. Proper operation of this radio device according to the instructions in this publication will result in user exposure substantially below the FCC recommended limits.

Caution

Cisco Aironet power injectors are designed for use with 350 series access points and bridges only. Using the power injector with other Ethernet-ready devices can damage the equipment.

Caution

The operational voltage range for Cisco Aironet 350 series access points and bridges is 24 to 60 volts. Higher voltage can damage the equipment.

Caution

Cisco Aironet Power Injectors are not rated for operation in a buildings environmental air space, such as above suspended ceilings.

Warning

Do not operate your wireless network device near unshielded blasting caps or in an explosive environment unless the device has been modified to be especially qualified for such use.

Warning

Do not work on the system or connect or disconnect cables during periods of lightning activity.

Warning

Read the installation instructions before you connect the system to its power source.

Warning

This product relies on the building's installation for short-circuit (overcurrent) protection. Ensure that a fuse or circuit breaker no larger than 120 VAC, 15A U.S. (240 VAC, 10A international) is used on the phase conductors (all current-carrying conductors).

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Installation Installation Guidelines

Installation Guidelines
This section describes things to keep in mind when installing your access point. Sections include:

Basic Guidelines Special Considerations Coverage Options Site Surveys

Basic Guidelines
Because the access point is a radio device, it is susceptible to common causes of interference that can reduce throughput and range. Follow these basic guidelines to ensure the best possible performance:

Install the access point in an area where large steel structures such as shelving units, bookcases, and filing cabinets do not obstruct radio signals to and from the access point. Install the access point away from microwave ovens. Microwave ovens operate on the same frequency as the access point and can cause signal interference.

Special Considerations
The 350 series metal case access point provides adequate fire resistance and low smoke-producing characteristics suitable for operation in a buildings environmental air space, such as above suspended ceilings. This access point is intended for indoor use and can be used in environments where the temperature ranges from -4 to 131oF (-20 to 55oC).

Caution

Cisco Aironet Power Injectors are not rated for operation in a buildings environmental air space, such as above suspended ceilings.

Coverage Options
The network architecture options of wireless stations and access points provide for a variety of coverage alternatives and flexibility. The network can be designed to provide a wide coverage area with minimal overlap or a narrow coverage area with heavy overlap. A narrow coverage area with heavy overlap improves network performance and protection against downtime if a component fails.

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Installation

Minimal Overlap Coverage Option

By arranging the access points so that the overlap in a coverage area is minimized, a large area can be covered with minimal cost (see Figure 2-1). The total bandwidth available to each wireless client device depends on the amount of data each mobile station needs to transfer and the number of stations located in each cell. Seamless roaming is supported as a client device moves in and out of range of each access point, thereby maintaining a constant connection to the wired LAN. Each device in the radio network must be configured with the same SSID to provide roaming capability.
Figure 2-1 Minimal Overlap Coverage Option
Wired LAN

Multiple Overlapping Networks Coverage Option

Multiple networks can operate in the same vicinity (see Figure 2-2). The architecture provides multiple channels that can exist in the same area with virtually no interference to each other. In this mode, each system must be configured with different SSIDs and different channels, which may (depending on configurations) prevent clients from roaming to access points of a different wireless network.
Figure 2-2
Wired LAN 1

Multiple Overlapping Networks Coverage Option

Wired LAN 2

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Installation Installation Guidelines

Heavy Overlap Coverage Option

By arranging the access points so the overlap in coverage area is nearly maximized, a large number of mobile stations can be supported in the same wireless infrastructure (see Figure 2-3). However, devices in overlapping coverage areas on the same frequency will detect adjacent cell traffic and delay transmissions that would cause collisions. This configuration reduces the aggregate radio system throughput. Heavy cell overlap is not recommended for maximum system throughput. Because of the redundancy in coverage overlap, network access is not lost if an access point fails. Upon failure of the access point, the station automatically roams to an operational access point. With this architecture, each device in the RF network must be configured with the same SSID to provide the roaming capability.
Figure 2-3 Heavy Overlap Coverage Option
Wired LAN

Site Surveys
Because of differences in component configuration, placement, and physical environment, every network application is a unique installation. Before installing multiple access points, you should perform a site survey to determine the optimum utilization of networking components and to maximize range, coverage, and network performance. Consider the following operating and environmental conditions when performing a site survey:

Data rates Sensitivity and range are inversely proportional to data bit rates. The maximum radio range is achieved at the lowest workable data rate. A decrease in receiver threshold sensitivity occurs as the radio data increases. Antenna type and placement Proper antenna configuration is a critical factor in maximizing radio range. As a general rule, range increases in proportion to antenna height. Physical environment Clear or open areas provide better radio range than closed or filled areas. Also, the less cluttered the work environment, the greater the range. Obstructions A physical obstruction such as metal shelving or a steel pillar can hinder performance of wireless devices. Avoid locating the devices in a location where there is a metal barrier between the sending and receiving antennas.

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Chapter 2 Unpacking the Access Point

Installation

Building materials Radio penetration is greatly influenced by the building material used in construction. For example, drywall construction allows greater range than concrete blocks. Metal or steel construction is a barrier to radio signals.

Unpacking the Access Point

Follow these steps to unpack the access point:
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

Open the shipping container and carefully remove the contents. Return all packing materials to the shipping container and save it. Ensure that all items listed in the Package Contents section are included in the shipment. Check each item for damage.

Package Contents
Each access point is shipped with the following items:

Cisco Aironet Access Point Cisco Aironet power injector Nine-pin, male-to-female, straight-through serial cable Quick Start Guide: Cisco Aironet Access Points Cisco Aironet Access Point CD-ROM Cisco Information Packet, which contains warranty, safety, and support information Cisco product registration card

Note

If any item is damaged or missing, notify your authorized Cisco sales representative.

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Installation Connecting the Ethernet and Power Cables

Connecting the Ethernet and Power Cables

Follow these steps to connect the Ethernet cable and power supply on 350 series access points:
Step 1 Step 2

Plug the RJ-45 Ethernet connector into the Ethernet port on the back of the access point. Choose a power option for the access point. The 350 series access point receives power through the Ethernet cable. Figure 2-4 shows the three power options for the access point.
Figure 2-4 Access Point Power Options

Option 1

Option 2
Switch (without inline power)

Option 3

Switch with inline power

SYST RPS STAT

SYST RPS STAT

UTIL DUPLX

SPEED

MODE

10Base-T

10

/ 100Base-TX

11

12

Switch (without inline power)

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

13

Catalyst 2950
21 22 23 24 23

SERIES

100Base-FX

24

SYST RPS STAT

UTIL DUPLX

SPEED

MODE

10Base-T

10

/ 100Base-TX

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Catalyst 2950
21 22 23 24 23

SERIES

100Base-FX

24

UTIL DUPLX

SPEED

MODE

10Base-T

10

/ 100Base-TX

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Catalyst 2950
21 22 23 24 23

SERIES

100Base-FX

24

Inline Power Patch Panel Power injector

SYST RPS STAT UTIL DUPLX SPEED MODE

K O T OR W T E N / P A E O G T ID R B

Power cord Universal power supply

Access Point

Power options include:

A switch with inline power, such as a Cisco Catalyst 3524-PWR-XL An inline power patch panel, such as a Cisco Catalyst Inline Power Patch Panel A Cisco Aironet power injector

Caution

Cisco Aironet power injectors are designed for use with 350 series access points and bridges only. Using the power injector with other Ethernet-ready devices can damage the equipment.

Caution

The operational voltage range for Cisco Aironet 350 series access points and bridges is 24 to 60 VDC. Higher voltage can damage the equipment.

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Installation

Step 3

Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the device that will supply power. If you use a power injector, follow these additional steps:
a. b. c. d.

Plug the cable from the access point into the end of the power injector labeled To AP/Bridge. Run an Ethernet cable from the end of the power injector labeled To Network to the 10/100 Ethernet switch. Plug the female end of the power cord into the universal power supply. Plug the male end of the power cord into a power outlet or power strip.

At start-up, all three LEDs on the top of the access point slowly blink amber, red, and green in sequence; the sequence takes a few minutes to complete. During normal operation, the LEDs blink green. Refer to Chapter 6, Troubleshooting, for LED descriptions.
Step 4

Follow the steps in Chapter 3, Basic Configuration, to assign basic settings to the access point.

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