Installation Guidelines
Systems must be professionally installed by a qualified engineer familiar with WLAN, including trained
partners and resellers.
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:
• Perform a site survey before beginning the installation.
• The access points can be installed at any height, but best throughput is achieved when all the
access points are mounted at the same height. We recommends installing the access points no
higher than 40 feet to allow support for wireless clients on the ground.
Site Surveys
Every network application is a unique installation. Before installing multiple access points, you
should perform a site survey to determine the optimum use 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 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. However, do not
place the antenna higher than necessary, because the extra height also increases potential
interference from other unlicensed radio systems and decreases the wireless coverage from the
ground.
• Physical environment—Clear or open areas provide better radio range than closed or filled
areas.
• Obstructions—Physical obstructions such as buildings, trees, or hills can hinder performance of
wireless devices. Avoid locating the devices in a location where there is an obstruction between the
sending and receiving antennas.
Before Beginning the Installation
Before you begin the installation process:
• Ensure that a site survey has been performed.
Shielded Ethernet (CAT5e or better) cable
• Ensure that your network infrastructure devices are operational and properly configured.
• Ensure that your controllers are connected to switch trunk ports.
• Ensure that your switch is configured with untagged access ports for connecting your access
points.
• Ensure that a DHCP server with Option 43 configured is reachable by your access points, or
manually configure the controller information in the access point
• Become familiar with the access point installation components
Becoming Familiar with Access Point Installation Components
The access point is designed to be installed in an indoor environment, such as an interior wall or
ceiling or the exterior roof overhang of a tall building or a streetlight pole.
• Components in a typical access point installation
1 Building roof-overhang 6 Ground
2 Shielded outdoor-rated Ethernet
(CAT5e or better) cable
7 AC power cord
3 Water drip loop 8 Power injector
4 Grounding wire 9
5 Ground rod 10 Controller (through a switch)
Mounting the Access Point
This section provides instructions for installing your access points. Personnel installing the access
point must understand wireless access points and bridging techniques and grounding methods.
Access Point Mounting Orientation
When installing an access point on a horizontal or vertical surface, you must ensure that the access
point is oriented with the LED indicators pointing down. This positioning allows the LEDs to be
visible to someone on the ground below the access point.
You must also ensure the access point is mounted with the hinged access cover facing out.
Mounting the Access Point on a Wall
The optional pole mount kit contain a mounting bracket for wall mounting. You can use the
mounting bracket as a template to mark the positions of the mounting holes for your installation.
You then install the mounting plate, and attach the access point when you are ready. It lists the
material that you will need to provide in addition to the pole mount kit.
Materials Required
Ground lug and screws (provided with access point)
Crimping tool for ground lug, Panduit CT-720 with
CD-720-1 die (http://onlinecatalog.panduit.com)
Four M8 or 5/16 in. (31 mm) screws
Four wall anchors (specified for wall material)
Drill bit for wall anchors
Electric drill and standard screwdriver
#6-AWG ground wire
Shielded outdoor-rated Ethernet (CAT5e or better) cable
Grounding block
Grounding rod
13-mm box-end wrench or socket set
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