3com 3CRWE820096A, 3CRWE850075A, 3CRWE870075A Quick Start Guide

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Quick Start Guide

Wireless LAN Access Point
8200/8500/8700

3CRWE820096A
3CRWE850075A
3CRWE870075A

The 3Com Wireless LAN Access Point 8200 , Access Point 8500, and Access Point 8700 offer enterprise
network standard based security and complete centralized management, with flexible and expansive
connectivity and scalability. They extend networks and boost productivity for centrally managed
enterprises requiring scalable security solutions.

NOTE: This product must be installed by a professional technician/installer.

Reset
button

LEDs

Access Point 8500 Access Point 8200/8700

Caution: Do not connect a telephone cable into the Console port; doing so can cause

serious damage to the access point.

Console port

Ethernet port

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1 Before You Start

Make sure that you have the following items ready for the installation:

■

3Com Access Point 8200, Access Point 8500, or Access Point 8700

■

Standard detachable antennas (Access Point 8200 or Access Point 8700)

■

3Com installation CD

■

Ethernet category 5 straight cables (8-wire)

■

For wall-mount installations you will need the following items:

■

Mounting plate
Mounting screws
Plastic anchors for drywall mounting

3Com Integrated Power-over-Ethernet power supply and power cord

■

To use the Web configuration management system, you need a computer running one of the

■

following operating systems and one of the following browsers:

Operating Systems : Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT 4.0 (with the latest

■

service pack), Windows 2000, or Windows XP.

Browsers : Internet Explorer 5.0 or later. (Internet Explorer 5.5 is available on the

■

installation CD.)

2 Prepare for Installation

It is advisable to connect the power and check the Ethernet cables and LEDs before installing the unit in
a hard-to-reach location.

Observe the following power requirements:

1

The access point complies with the IEEE 802.3af power-over-Ethernet standard. It receives
power over category 5 straight cable. Installation requires the use of either the 3Com power
supply provided or IEEE 802.3af compliant power supply equipment (output power rated
48 V DC @ 350 mA maximum). Such equipment must be safety certified according to UL,
CSA, IEC or other applicable national or international safety requirements for the country of
use. All references to the power supply refer to equipment that meets these requirements.

Because the power supply plug is the only means of disconnecting the access point from
power, make sure the power outlet is accessible.

The power supply can be located indoors at any point between the access point and the LAN
access port where an accessible power outlet exists.

2

Decide where to place the access point.

■

Mounted on a wall on a stud (or other hard surface)

■

Mounted on to drywall

■

Placed on a flat surface

The location should be elevated and centrally located relative to users on your network. Ceiling
mounting is not recommended.

NOTE: Regulatory restrictions dictate that when the access point is operational a minimum

body-to-antenna distance of 1 meter (3 feet) must be maintained.

3

Record the access point MAC address in a safe place before the access point is
installed in a hard-to-reach location. The MAC address is printed on the back of the
access point housing.

4

Access Point 8200 or Access Point 8700: Carefully unpack the standard detachable
antennas. Screw the antennas on to the SMA connectors and hand-tighten them.
After network startup, you may need to adjust the antennas to fine-tune coverage
in your area.

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CAUTION: Do not handle the antenna tips, especially after they are connected to the access

point, as this could lead to electrostatic discharge (ESD), which could damage
the equipment.

The installation CD includes the User Guide, which contains more detailed information on planning,
installing and configuring the device. Additional tools and utilities are provided to assist with the
management of your network. See “Documentation and Software Utilities” on page 7 for instructions.

3 Connect the Power

The access point complies with the IEEE 802.3af power-over-Ethernet standard. It receives power over a
standard category 5 straight (8-wire) Ethernet cable. There are two ways to supply power to the access
point (refer to the illustration below):

Use the supplied 3Com Integrated Power-over-Ethernet power supply. In this case,

■

you need to supply a second Ethernet cable to connect to the wired LAN.
Connect the access point directly to your own power-over-Ethernet hub or switch, which

■

must also comply with the IEEE 802.3af standard.

"To Access Point"

"To Hub/Switch"

Using the Power Supply

Using A Power-over-Ethernet

LAN Port

Using the Power Supply

The power supply can be located at any point between the access point and the LAN access port,
wherever a convenient power outlet exists. If you supply your own Ethernet cable for connecting power,
be sure that it is standard category 5 straight-through (8-wire) cable that has not been altered in any
way. Use of nonstandard cable could damage the access point.

Refer to the illustration above, and follow these steps:

1

Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the access point.

2

Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the port labeled To Access Point on
the power supply.

3

Connect the power cord to the power supply and plug the cord into a power outlet.