Cisco Systems AIR-CT2504-5-K9, 2500, CT2504 User Manual

GETTING STARTED GUIDE

Cisco 2500 Series Wireless Controller

May 2011

Revised June 2, 2011

1About This Guide

2Unpacking and Preparing the Controller for Operation

3Installing the Controller

4Running the Bootup Script and Power-On Self Test

5Logging into the Controller

6Connecting to the Network

7What’s New in Cisco Product Documentation

8Translated Safety Warnings

1 About This Guide

This guide is designed to help you install and minimally configure your Cisco 2504 Wireless Controller (2504 controller), which is part of the Cisco 2500 Series Wireless Controllers.

FCC Safety Compliance Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on.

Try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. (cfr reference 15.105)

Safety Information

Safety warnings appear throughout this guide in procedures that may harm you if performed incorrectly. A warning symbol precedes each warning statement. The warnings below are general warnings that are applicable to the entire guide. Translated versions of the safety warnings in this guide are provided in the “Translated Safety Warnings” section on page 38.

Warning	This warning symbol means danger. You are in a situation that could cause bodily injury.
	Before you work on any equipment, be aware of the hazards involved with electrical
	circuitry and be familiar with standard practices for preventing accidents. Use the
	statement number provided at the end of each warning to locate its translation in the
	translated safety warnings that accompanied this device. Statement 1071
	SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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Warning		There is the danger of explosion if the battery is replaced incorrectly. Replace the battery
		only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of
		used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Statement 1015
Warning		This equipment must be grounded. Never defeat the ground conductor or operate the
		equipment in the absence of a suitably installed ground conductor. Contact the
		appropriate electrical inspection authority or an electrician if you are uncertain that
		suitable grounding is available. Statement 1024
Warning		Ultimate disposal of this product should be handled according to all national laws and
		regulations. Statement 1040

Safety Considerations

•Verify that the ambient temperature remains between 32 to 104° F (0 to 40° C), taking into account the elevated temperatures when installed in a rack or enclosed space.

•When multiple 2504 controllers are mounted in an equipment rack, be sure that the power source is sufficiently rated to safely run all the equipment in the rack (input: 100 to 240 VAC, 50–60 Hz, output: 80 W per controller).

•Verify the integrity of the electrical ground before installing the controller.

Introduction to the Controller

The 2504 controller works in conjunction with Cisco lightweight access points and the Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS) to provide system-wide wireless LAN functions. As a component of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network (CUWN), the 2504 controller provides real-time communication between wireless access points and other devices to deliver centralized security policies, guest access, Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS), context-aware (location), award-winning RF management, quality of services for mobility services such as voice and video, and OEAP support for the Teleworker solution.

The 2504 controllers supports up to 50 lightweight access points in increments of 5 access points with a minimum of 5 access points, making it a cost-effective solution for retail, enterprise branches, and small and medium-sized businesses. The 2504 controller comes with four 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports.

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Note Direct connection of access points to Cisco 2500 Series Wireless Controllers are not currently supported.

The 2504 controller offers robust coverage with 802.11 a/b/g and delivers unprecedented reliability using 802.11n with Cisco Next-Generation Wireless Solutions and Cisco Enterprise Wireless Mesh.

To best use this guide, you should have already designed the wireless topology of your network and have a working knowledge of how controllers function in a wireless LAN network.

Figure 1 shows a 2504 controller network topology and network connections, showing the medium dependent interface (MDI) Ethernet cables required. The controller has an auto MDI feature, so you can use straight-through or crossover cables.

Figure 1 Typical Controller Topology and Network Connections

Console emulator
for initial boot-up							Cisco WCS software,
								web user interface
Null modem serial
cable (DB-9 -> RJ-45)
to console connection									LAN link for
		10/100/1000BASE-T							management software
		MDI cable						Distribution	connections
								system
								connection

Network	WAN or LAN
	connection to
	main office

10/100/1000BASE-T MDI cables

Access point connections

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Cisco Access Points

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Figure 2 shows the front panel and location of the ports and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for the 2504 controller. Table 1 describes the components of the front panel.

Note It is expected that there will be small variations in LED color intensity and hue from unit to unit. This is within the normal range of the LED manufacturer’s specifications and is not a defect.

Figure 2 Front Panel and LEDs

CISCO 2500 Series WIRELESS CONTROLLER

				RESET	Model 2504
CONSOLE	1	2	3	4	PWR SYS	ALM
				RESET
CONSOLE	1	2	3-4 POE		PWR	ALM

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SYS

Table 1	WLC2504 Front Panel Component Descriptions
Callout		Port and LEDs	State and Description
CONSOLE		CPU console port	The CPU console port is an RS-232 port that supports
			a RJ-45 connector. At boot-up the controller configures
			the RS-232 port as a console port with default settings
			of 9600, N, 8, 1. The boot-loader supports baud rates
			of 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, and
			115200. A default baud-rate recovery mechanism is not
			available; however the bootloader ensures that the
			stored baud rate setting matches one of the allowed
			values before setting the baud rate. If a nonstandard
			value is detected the baud rate will default to 9600.

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Callout	Port and LEDs	State and Description
1	GigE port and LED	The Gigabit Ethernet port is an RJ-45 connector
		form-factor. This port is designed so that 1500 VAC rms
		isolation (per the 802.3 specification) is met between
		chassis ground and any 48V/Ethernet signal.
		LED description:
		• Green or Blinking Green—Link activity
		•	Off—No link
2	GigE port and LED	The Gigabit Ethernet port is an RJ-45 connector
		form-factor. This port is designed so that 1500 VAC rms
		isolation (per the 802.3 specification) is met between
		chassis ground and any 48V/Ethernet signal.
		LED description:
		• Green or Blinking Green—Link activity
		•	Off—No link
3 & 4 POE GigE Power-over-Ethernet		The Gigabit POE ports are RJ-45 connector
	(POE) ports	form-factor. They provide a I2C communications
		channel between the PSE controller and host CPU TWSI
		bus #1. This interface supports the proper voltage
		isolation as defined by 802.3. The POE controller is
		configured to I2C address 0x40/41 (0100 000r/w).
		The POE controller reset is driven from system reset. If
		software needs to reset the POE controller, it can do so
		over I2C.
		LED description:
		• Green or Blinking Green—Link activity
		•	Off—No link

Note Ports 3 and 4 are PoE only ports; do not connect access point devices to these ports. The ports can be used for infra-switch connection using multiple an AP-Manager or data interface.

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Callout			Port and LEDs	State and Description
RESET			Reset button	Pushing the Reset button reboots the system.
PWR			Power LED	The power LED light is on when all the power
				conversion circuits are running normally.
				LED description:
				• Green—Power is on
				• Off—No power to the system
SYS			System LED	The system LED determines if the system is powered up.
				LED description:
				• Blinking Amber—Boot-loader is active and waiting
				for user input from the system console.
				• Blinking Green—Boot-loader or booting.
				• Green—Normal System Operation.
				• Amber—System failed the bootup process or an
				error caused the system to halt. A status or error
				message is posted on the console screen.
				• Off—System not receiving power.
ALM			Alarm LED	The alarm LED determines a status or error occurred.
				The status or error is posted on the console screen.
				LED description:
				• Blinking Green—Controller image upgrading.
				• Amber—Controller status activity, such as
				firmware upgrade.
				• Blinking Amber—Controller error. For example, a
				temperature error exists.
Caution		Do not connect a Power over Ethernet (PoE) cable to the console port. Doing so will
		damage the controller.

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Note Wait at least 20 seconds before reconnecting an access point to the controller. Otherwise, the controller may fail to detect the device.

Figure 3 shows the back panel and identifies its components. Table 2 describes the back panel components.

Figure 3 Controller Back Panel and Components

282250

	Cable Lock
POWER 48VDC	Slot

Table 2 Controller Back Panel and Component Descriptions

Ports and Slots		State and Description
POWER 48VDC		The 48 V input power is provided via an external
		AC/DC adapter. Power is provided to the system board
		from the 48 VDC input. There is enough power
		available to power the system board plus two 802.3af
		PoE devices.
		Note		The Cisco 2106 power adapter is not
				compatible with a 2504 controller.
Cable Lock slot		Security locking slot.

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2 Unpacking and Preparing the Controller for Operation

Follow these steps to unpack the 2504 controller and prepare it for operation:

Step 1 Open the shipping container and carefully remove the contents.

Step 2 Return all packing materials to the shipping container and save it.

Step 3 Ensure that all items listed in the “Package Contents” section are included in the shipment. Check each item for damage. If any item is damaged or missing, notify your authorized Cisco sales representative.

Package Contents

Each 2504 controller package contains the following items:

•One Cisco 2504 Wireless Controller.

•One Power supply and power cord (power cord option configurable).

•Cisco 2504 Wireless Controller software pre-loaded on the controller (software option configurable).

•Optional licenses will be pre-installed on controller at factory, if selected.

•Two Number 6 Phillips pan-head screws for mounting the controller on a desk, shelf, or wall.

•Two wall anchors.

•Strain relief clip and screw.

•Optional hardware will be included, if selected.

Required Tools and Information

You will need the following tools and information before you can install the controller:

•Wireless controller hardware

–Controller with factory-supplied power cord and mounting hardware

–Network, operating system service network, and access point cables as required

•Command-line interface (CLI) console

–VT-100 terminal emulator on CLI console (PC, laptop, or palmtop)

–Null modem serial cable to connect CLI console and controller

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•Local TFTP server (required for downloading operating system software updates). Cisco uses an integral TFTP server. This means that third-party TFTP servers cannot run on the same workstation as the Cisco WCS because Cisco WCS and third-party TFTP servers use the same communication port.

Initial System Configuration Information

Obtain the following initial configuration parameters from your wireless LAN or network administrator:

•A system (controller name), such as controller. The system name can contain up to 32 printable ASCII characters.

•An administrative username and password, which can contain up to 24 printable ASCII characters.

Note You must enter a username and password and the configured username and password cannot be the same.

•A management interface (DS Port or network interface port) IP address, such as 10.40.0.4.

•A management interface netmask address, such as 255.255.255.0.

•A management interface default router IP address, such as 10.40.0.5.

•A VLAN identifier if the management interface is assigned to a VLAN, such as 40 or 0 for an untagged VLAN.

•A management interface port, such as 1.

•A management interface DHCP server IP address, such as 10.40.0.6 (the IP address of the default DHCP server that will supply IP addresses to clients and the management interface.

•A virtual gateway IP address (a fictitious, unassigned IP address, such as 1.1.1.1, used by all Cisco wireless controller Layer 3 security and mobility managers).

•A Cisco wireless controller mobility or RF group name, such as rfgrp40 if required. An RF group name can contain up to 19 printable ASCII characters.

•An 802.11 network name (SSID), such as wlan1. An SSID can contain up to 32 printable, case-sensitive ASCII characters.

•DHCP bridging

•Whether or not to allow static IP addresses from clients, either Yes or No.

–Yes is more convenient, but has lower security (session can be hijacked).

–No is less convenient, but has higher security and works well for Windows XP devices.

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•RADIUS server IP address, communications port, and secret if you are configuring a RADIUS server, such as 10.40.0.3, 1812, and mysecretcode.

•The country code for this installation. Enter help to see a list or refer to the Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Configuration Guide for country code information. This guide is available at cisco.com.

•Status of the 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n networks, either enabled or disabled.

•Status of Radio Resource Management (RRM), either enabled or disabled.

Choosing a Physical Location

You can install the controller almost anywhere, but it is more secure and reliable if you install it in a secure equipment room or wiring closet. For maximum reliability, mount the controller while following these guidelines:

•Make sure you can reach the controller and all cables attached to it.

•Make sure that water or excessive moisture cannot get into the controller.

•Make sure that airflow through the controller is not obstructed. Leave at least 4 in. (10 cm) clear on both sides and rear of the controller.

•Verify that the ambient temperature remains between 32 to 104° F (0 to 40° C).

•Make sure that the controller is within 328 ft. (100 m) of equipment connected to the 10/100/1000 Mb/s Ethernet ports.

•Make sure that the power cord can reach a 100 to 240 VAC grounded electrical outlet.

3 Installing the Controller

This section includes the following installation procedures:

•Mounting the Controller, page 11

•Connecting the Controller Console Port, page 21

•Securing the Power Adapter Cable, page 21

•Installing a Security Lock, page 23

Mounting the Controller

This section includes the following mounting procedures:

• Mounting the Controller on a Desktop or Shelf

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•Mounting the Controller on a Wall (Rack-Mount Brackets)

•Mounting the Controller on a Wall (Mounting Screws)

•Mounting the Controller in a Rack

Mounting the Controller on a Desktop or Shelf

Before mounting the controller on a desktop or shelf, install the rubber feet located in accessory kit shipped with the controller.

To install the rubber feet to the controller, follow these steps:

Step 1 Locate the adhesive strip with the rubber feet in the mounting-kit envelope.

Step 2 Remove the four rubber feet from the adhesive strip and attach the feet to the recessed areas on the bottom of the unit as shown in Figure 4.

Note We strongly recommend that you attach the rubber feet. Doing so helps prevent airflow restriction and overheating.

Figure 4 Installing the Rubber Feet on the Bottom of the Controller

282084

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Step 3 Place the switch on the table or shelf near an AC power source.

Note Allow 3 inches of space around the controller ventilation openings to prevent airflow restriction and overheating.

Step 4 After the controller is mounted on a shelf or desk, perform the following tasks to complete the installation:

•Connecting the Controller Console Port

•Securing the Power Adapter Cable

•Connecting to the Network

Step 5 For configuration instructions about using the CLI setup program, see the “Running the Bootup Script and Power-On Self Test” section on page 23.

Mounting the Controller on a Wall (Rack-Mount Brackets)

The controller can be mounted on a wall using an optional rack-mount bracket kit that is not included with the controller. You can order a kit with 19-inch rack mounting brackets and hardware from Cisco. The kit part number is AIR-CT2504-RMNT.

Warning	Read the wall-mounting carefully before beginning installation. Failure to use the
	correct hardware or to follow the correct procedures could result in a hazardous
	situation to people and damage to the system. Statement 378

To mount the controller on a wall using rack-mount brackets, follow these steps:

Step 1 Attach the 19-inch brackets to each side of the 2504 controller as shown in Figure 5 with #10-32 flat head screws provided in the kit.

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Figure 5 Installing the Rack-Mount Brackets to the Sides of the Controller

1

	282083
BASE MOUNT	1

1 #10-32 flat head screws (mounting screws for each side of the controller)

Step 2 Mount the 2504 controller on the wall with the front panel facing down, as shown Figure 6.

For the best support of the controller and cables, make sure the controller is attached securely to wall studs or to a firmly attached plywood mounting backboard.

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Figure 6 Mounting the Controller on the Wall

1 2 3

1	Front panel (facing down)	3	Wall mounting screws
2	#10-32 flat head screws

Step 3 After the controller is mounted on the wall, perform the following tasks to complete the installation:

•Connecting the Controller Console Port

•Securing the Power Adapter Cable

•Connecting to the Network

Step 4 For configuration instructions about using the CLI setup program, see the “Running the Bootup Script and Power-On Self Test” section on page 23.

Mounting the Controller on a Wall (Mounting Screws)

When mounting the 2504 controller on a wall using mounting screws, always mount the controller with the front panel facing down.

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Warning	Read the wall-mounting carefully before beginning installation. Failure to use the
	correct hardware or to follow the correct procedures could result in a hazardous
	situation to people and damage to the system. Statement 378

To mount the controller on a wall using mounting screws, follow these steps:

Step 1 Mark the location of the mounting screws on the wall. Use the mount hole locations on the back of the controller for placement of the mounting screws (Figure 7). (The mount holes are shown in Figure 7 with a cross-hatch mark.)

Figure 7 Mounting Screw Holes on the Back of the Controller

5.5

3.9

FRONT PANEL

282087

Step 2 Use a 0.107-inch (2.7mm) or #32 drill bit to drill a 3/4 inch (19mm) hole for the two mounting screws.

Step 3 Insert two screws into the screw holes and tighten until the top of the screws are 1/8 inch from the wall (leaving enough room for the back panel to slide onto the screws firmly).

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Step 4 Place the controller onto the mounting screws and slide it down until it lock into place, as shown in Figure 8.

Note The front panel of the controller should be facing down.

Figure 8 Place the Controller on the Mounting Screws

2

1

2

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1	Front panel (facing down)	2	Mounting screws

Step 5 After the controller is mounted ion the wall, perform the following tasks to complete the installation:

•Connecting the Controller Console Port

•Securing the Power Adapter Cable

•Connecting to the Network

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