Cisco Systems 102055 Users Manual

Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point Hardware Installation Guide

August 2005

Corporate Headquarters

Cisco Systems, Inc.
170 West Tasman Drive
San Jose, CA 95134-1706
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Tel: [phone]

800 553-NETS (6387)

Fax: [phone]

Text Part Number: OL-7293-01

THE SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION REGARDING THE PRODUCTS IN THIS MANUAL ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL
STATEMENTS, INFORMATION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS IN THIS MANUAL ARE BELIEVED TO BE ACCURATE BUT ARE PRESENTED WITHOUT
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THE SOFTWARE LICENSE AND LIMITED WARRANTY FOR THE ACCOMPANYING PRODUCT ARE SET FORTH IN THE INFORMATION PACKET THAT
SHIPPED WITH THE PRODUCT AND ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY THIS REFERENCE. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE SOFTWARE LICENSE
OR LIMITED WARRANTY, CONTACT YOUR CISCO REPRESENTATIVE FOR A COPY.

The following information is for FCC compliance of Class A devices: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case users will be required
to correct the interference at their own expense.

The following information is for FCC compliance of Class B devices: The equipment described in this manual generates and may radiate radio-frequency energy. If it is not
installed in accordance with Cisco’s installation instructions, it may cause interference with radio and television reception. This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital device in accordance with the specifications in part 15 of the FCC rules. These specifications are designed to provide reasonable
protection against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

Modifying the equipment without Cisco’s written authorization may result in the equipment no longer complying with FCC requirements for Class A or Class B digital
devices. In that event, your right to use the equipment may be limited by FCC regulations, and you may be required to correct any interference to radio or television
communications at your own expense.

You can determine whether your equipment is causing interference by turning it off. If the interference stops, it was probably caused by the Cisco equipment or one of its
peripheral devices. If the equipment causes interference to radio or television reception, try to correct the interference by using one or more of the following measures:

• Turn the television or radio antenna until the interference stops.

• Move the equipment to one side or the other of the television or radio.

• Move the equipment farther away from the television or radio.

• Plug the equipment into an outlet that is on a different circuit from the television or radio. (That is, make certain the equipment and the television or radio are on circuits
controlled by different circuit breakers or fuses.)

Modifications to this product not authorized by Cisco Systems, Inc. could void the FCC approval and negate your authority to operate the product.

The Cisco implementation of TCP header compression is an adaptation of a program developed by the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) as part of UCB’s public
domain version of the UNIX operating system. All rights reserved. Copyright © 1981, Regents of the University of California.

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All other trademarks mentioned in this document or Website are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship
between Cisco and any other company. (0502R)

Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point Hardware Installation Guide

© 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Preface i

Audience i

Purpose i

Organization i

Conventions ii

Related Publications iv

Obtaining Documentation iv

Cisco.com iv
Documentation CD-ROM v
Ordering Documentation v
Documentation Feedback v

Obtaining Technical Assistance vi

Cisco.com vi
Technical Assistance Center vi

Locating the Product Serial Number vii
Cisco TAC Website viii
Cisco TAC Escalation Center viii

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

Obtaining Additional Publications and Information viii

1 Overview 1-1

Hardware Features 1-2

Network Configuration Examples 1-8

Root Unit on a Wired LAN 1-8
Repeater Unit that Extends Wireless Range 1-9
Central Unit in an All-Wireless Network 1-10

Dual-Radio Operation 1-4
Antennas Supported 1-4
Ethernet Port 1-4
Console Port 1-4
LEDs 1-5
Power Sources 1-5
UL 2043 Certification 1-6
Anti-Theft Features 1-6

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Contents

CHAPTER

2 Installing the Access Point 2-1

Safety Information 2-2

FCC Safety Compliance Statement 2-2
General Safety Guidelines 2-2

Warnings 2-2

Unpacking the Access Point 2-3

Package Contents 2-3

Basic Installation Guidelines 2-3

Before Beginning the Installation 2-4

Access Point Layout and Connectors 2-4

Installation Summary 2-5

Mounting Overview 2-6

Mounting on a Horizontal or Vertical Surface 2-7

Mounting Below a Suspended Ceiling 2-8

Mounting Above a Suspended Ceiling 2-9

Mounting Access Point on a Desktop or Shelf 2-11

Connecting the Ethernet and Power Cables 2-12

Connecting to an Ethernet Network with an Inline Power Source 2-13
Connecting to an Ethernet Network with Local Power 2-14

CHAPTER

Powering Up the Access Point 2-14

Cable Security Bracket 2-15

Removing the Cable Security Bracket 2-15

Attaching the Access Point to the Mounting Plate 2-16

Securing the Access Point 2-17

Using a Security Cable 2-17

Securing the Access Point to the Mounting Plate 2-17

3 Configuring the Access Point for the First Time 3-1

Before You Start 3-2

Resetting the Access Point to Default Settings 3-2

Using the Mode Button 3-2
Using the Web-Browser Interface 3-2
Default IP Address Behavior 3-3

Obtaining and Assigning an IP Address 3-3

Connecting to the Access Point Locally 3-4

Assigning Basic Settings 3-5

Default Settings on the Express Setup Page 3-8

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Enabling the Radio Interfaces 3-8

Configuring Basic Security Settings 3-9

Configuring Basic Security Settings 3-10
Understanding Express Security Settings 3-11

Using VLANs 3-11
Express Security Types 3-11
Express Security Limitations 3-12
Using the Express Security Page 3-13

Finding the IP Address Using the CLI 3-13

Assigning an IP Address Using the CLI 3-14

Using a Telnet Session to Access the CLI 3-14

Contents

CHAPTER

CHAPTER

4 Using the Web-Browser Interface 4-1

Using the Web-Browser Interface for the First Time 4-2

Using the Management Pages in the Web-Browser Interface 4-2

Using Action Buttons 4-3
Character Restrictions in Entry Fields 4-5

Using Online Help 4-5

5 Using the Command-Line Interface 5-1

Cisco IOS Command Modes 5-2

Getting Help 5-3

Abbreviating Commands 5-3

Using no and default Forms of Commands 5-4

Understanding CLI Messages 5-4

Using Command History 5-4

Changing the Command History Buffer Size 5-5
Recalling Commands 5-5
Disabling the Command History Feature 5-5

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Using Editing Features 5-6

Enabling and Disabling Editing Features 5-6
Editing Commands with Keystrokes 5-6
Editing Command Lines That Wrap 5-7

Searching and Filtering Output of show and more Commands 5-8

Accessing the CLI 5-9

Opening the CLI with Telnet 5-9
Opening the CLI with Secure Shell 5-9

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Contents

CHAPTER

6 Troubleshooting 6-1

Checking the Access Point LEDs 6-2

Checking Basic Settings 6-4

Default IP Address Behavior 6-4
Enabling the Radio Interfaces 6-5
SSID 6-5
WEP Keys 6-5
Security Settings 6-5

Low Power Condition 6-6

Intelligent Power Management 6-7

Inline Power Status Messages 6-7

Configuring Power Using the CLI 6-9

Issuing the Cisco IOS Command Using the CLI 6-10

Configuring the Access Point System Power Settings Using a Browser 6-11

Running the Carrier Busy Test 6-13

Running the Ping Test 6-14

Resetting to the Default Configuration 6-14

Using the MODE Button 6-15
Using the Web Browser Interface 6-15

APPENDIX

APPENDIX

Reloading the Access Point Image 6-16

Using the MODE Button 6-16
Web Browser Interface 6-17

Browser HTTP Interface 6-17
Browser TFTP Interface 6-18

Obtaining the Access Point Image File 6-19

Obtaining the TFTP Server Software 6-19

A Translated Safety Warnings A-1

Statement 245B—Explosive Device Proximity Warning A-2

Statement 332—Antenna Installation Warning A-3

Statement 353—Power Source Warning A-3

Statement 1001—Work During Lightning Activity Warning A-5

Statement 1004—Installation Instructions Warning A-6

Statement 1005—Circuit Breaker (20A) Warning A-7

B Declarations of Conformity and Regulatory Information B-1

iv

Manufacturers Federal Communication Commission Declaration of Conformity Statement B-2

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Department of Communications—Canada B-3

Canadian Compliance Statement B-3

European Community, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein B-3

Declaration of Conformity with Regard to the R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC B-4

Declaration of Conformity for RF Exposure B-5

Guidelines for Operating Cisco Aironet Access Points in Japan B-6

Japanese Translation B-6
English Translation B-6

Declaration of Conformity Statements B-7

Declaration of Conformity Statements for European Union Countries B-7

Contents

APPENDIX

APPENDIX

APPENDIX

G

LOSSARY

I

NDEX

C Access Point Specifications C-1

D Channels and Power Levels D-1

Channels and Maximum Power Levels D-2

IEEE 802.11b/g (2.4-GHz Band) D-2
IEEE 802.11a (5-GHz Band) D-3

Maximum Power Levels in Some Regulatory Domains with External Antennas D-5

E Console Cable Pinouts E-1

Overview E-2

Console Port Signals and Pinouts E-2

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Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point Hardware Installation Guide

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Audience

Preface

This guide is for the networking professional who installs and manages the Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series
Access Point, hereafter referred to as the access point. To use this guide, you should have experience
working with Cisco IOS software and be familiar with the concepts and terminology of wireless local
area networks.

Purpose

This guide provides the information you need to install and configure basic settings for your access
point. For information on using Cisco IOS commands to configure your access point, refer to the Cisco
IOS Software Configuration Guide for Cisco Aironet Access Points. For detailed information about these
Cisco IOS commands, refer to the Cisco IOS Command Reference for Cisco Aironet Access Points and
Bridges for this release. For information about the standard Cisco IOS Release 12.3 commands, refer to
the Cisco IOS documentation set available from the Cisco.com home page at Technical Support &

Documentation. On the Technical Support & Documentation home page, click Cisco IOS Software >
Cisco IOS Software Releases 12.3 Mainline.

This guide also includes an overview of the access point web-based graphical user interface (GUI) but
does not provide field-level descriptions of all the GUI windows nor does it provide the procedures for
configuring all access point options from the GUI. For all GUI window descriptions, refer to the access
point online help, which is available from the Help buttons on the GUI pages.

Organization

This guide is organized into these chapters:

Chapter 1, “Overview,” lists the software and hardware features of the access point and describes the

access point’s role in your network.

Chapter 2, “Installing the Access Point,” describes how to mount the access point on a desktop, wall, or

ceiling, how to connect Ethernet, serial, and power cables, and provides an installation summary, safety
warnings, and general guidelines.

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Chapter 3, “Configuring the Access Point for the First Time,” describes how to configure basic settings

on a new access point.

Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point Hardware Installation Guide

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Conventions

Preface

Chapter 4, “Using the Web-Browser Interface,” describes how to use the web-browser interface to

configure the access point.

Chapter 5, “Using the Command-Line Interface,” describes how to use the command-line interface

(CLI) to configure the access point.

Chapter 6, “Troubleshooting,” provides troubleshooting procedures for basic problems with the access

point.

Appendix A, “Translated Safety Warnings,” provides translations of the safety warnings that appear in

this publication.

Appendix B, “Declarations of Conformity and Regulatory Information,” provides declarations of

conformity and regulatory information for the access point.

Appendix C, “Access Point Specifications,” lists technical specifications for the access point.

Appendix D, “Channels and Power Levels,” lists the access point radio channels and the maximum

power levels supported by the world’s regulatory domains.

Appendix E, “Console Cable Pinouts,” identifies the pinouts for the serial console cable that connects

to the access point’s serial console port.

Conventions

This publication uses these conventions to convey instructions and information:

Command descriptions use these conventions:

Interactive examples use these conventions:

Notes, cautions, and timesavers use these conventions and symbols:

Tip Means the following will help you solve a problem. The tips information might not be troubleshooting

or even an action, but could be useful information.

• Commands and keywords are in boldface text.

• Arguments for which you supply values are in italic.

• Square brackets ([ ]) mean optional elements.

• Braces ({ }) group required choices, and vertical bars ( | ) separate the alternative elements.

• Braces and vertical bars within square brackets ([{ | }]) mean a required choice within an optional

element.

• Terminal sessions and system displays are in screen font.

• Information you enter is in boldface screen font.

• Nonprinting characters, such as passwords or tabs, are in angle brackets (< >).

Note Means reader take note. Notes contain helpful suggestions or references to materials not contained in

this manual.

Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point Hardware Installation Guide

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Preface

Conventions

Caution Means reader be careful. In this situation, you might do something that could result equipment damage

or loss of data.

Warning

Waarschuwing

Varoitus

Attention

Warnung

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. (To see translations of the warnings that appear
in this publication, refer to the appendix “Translated Safety Warnings.”)

Dit waarschuwingssymbool betekent gevaar. U verkeert in een situatie die lichamelijk letsel kan
veroorzaken. Voordat u aan enige apparatuur gaat werken, dient u zich bewust te zijn van de bij
elektrische schakelingen betrokken risico’s en dient u op de hoogte te zijn van standaard
maatregelen om ongelukken te voorkomen. (Voor vertalingen van de waarschuwingen die in deze
publicatie verschijnen, kunt u het aanhangsel “Translated Safety Warnings” (Vertalingen van
veiligheidsvoorschriften) raadplegen.)

Tämä varoitusmerkki merkitsee vaaraa. Olet tilanteessa, joka voi johtaa ruumiinvammaan. Ennen
kuin työskentelet minkään laitteiston parissa, ota selvää sähkökytkentöihin liittyvistä vaaroista ja
tavanomaisista onnettomuuksien ehkäisykeinoista. (Tässä julkaisussa esiintyvien varoitusten
käännökset löydät liitteestä "Translated Safety Warnings" (käännetyt turvallisuutta koskevat
varoitukset).)

Ce symbole d’avertissement indique un danger. Vous vous trouvez dans une situation pouvant
entraîner des blessures. Avant d’accéder à cet équipement, soyez conscient des dangers posés par
les circuits électriques et familiarisez-vous avec les procédures courantes de prévention des
accidents. Pour obtenir les traductions des mises en garde figurant dans cette publication, veuillez
consulter l’annexe intitulée « Translated Safety Warnings » (Traduction des avis de sécurité).

Dieses Warnsymbol bedeutet Gefahr. Sie befinden sich in einer Situation, die zu einer
Körperverletzung führen könnte. Bevor Sie mit der Arbeit an irgendeinem Gerät beginnen, seien Sie
sich der mit elektrischen Stromkreisen verbundenen Gefahren und der Standardpraktiken zur
Vermeidung von Unfällen bewußt. (Übersetzungen der in dieser Veröffentlichung enthaltenen
Warnhinweise finden Sie im Anhang mit dem Titel “Translated Safety Warnings” (Übersetzung der
Warnhinweise).)

Avvertenza

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Advarsel

Questo simbolo di avvertenza indica un pericolo. Si è in una situazione che può causare infortuni.
Prima di lavorare su qualsiasi apparecchiatura, occorre conoscere i pericoli relativi ai circuiti
elettrici ed essere al corrente delle pratiche standard per la prevenzione di incidenti. La traduzione
delle avvertenze riportate in questa pubblicazione si trova nell’appendice, “Translated Safety
Warnings” (Traduzione delle avvertenze di sicurezza).

Dette varselsymbolet betyr fare. Du befinner deg i en situasjon som kan føre til personskade. Før du
utfører arbeid på utstyr, må du være oppmerksom på de faremomentene som elektriske kretser
innebærer, samt gjøre deg kjent med vanlig praksis når det gjelder å unngå ulykker. (Hvis du vil se
oversettelser av de advarslene som finnes i denne publikasjonen, kan du se i vedlegget "Translated
Safety Warnings" [Oversatte sikkerhetsadvarsler].)

Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point Hardware Installation Guide

iii

Related Publications

Preface

Aviso

¡Advertencia!

Varning!

Este símbolo de aviso indica perigo. Encontra-se numa situação que lhe poderá causar danos
fisicos. Antes de começar a trabalhar com qualquer equipamento, familiarize-se com os perigos
relacionados com circuitos eléctricos, e com quaisquer práticas comuns que possam prevenir
possíveis acidentes. (Para ver as traduções dos avisos que constam desta publicação, consulte o
apêndice “Translated Safety Warnings” - “Traduções dos Avisos de Segurança”).

Este símbolo de aviso significa peligro. Existe riesgo para su integridad física. Antes de manipular
cualquier equipo, considerar los riesgos que entraña la corriente eléctrica y familiarizarse con los
procedimientos estándar de prevención de accidentes. (Para ver traducciones de las advertencias
que aparecen en esta publicación, consultar el apéndice titulado “Translated Safety Warnings.”)

Denna varningssymbol signalerar fara. Du befinner dig i en situation som kan leda till personskada.
Innan du utför arbete på någon utrustning måste du vara medveten om farorna med elkretsar och
känna till vanligt förfarande för att förebygga skador. (Se förklaringar av de varningar som
förekommer i denna publikation i appendix "Translated Safety Warnings" [Översatta
säkerhetsvarningar].)

Related Publications

These documents provide complete information about the access point:

• Release Notes for Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point

• Cisco IOS Command Reference for Cisco Aironet Access Points and Bridges

• Cisco IOS Software Configuration Guide for Cisco Aironet Access Points

Click this link to browse to the Cisco Aironet documentation home page:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/wireless/tsd_products_support_category_home.html

To browse to the 1240AG series access point documentation, click Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series, which
is listed under Wireless LAN Access.

Obtaining Documentation

Cisco documentation and additional literature are available on Cisco.com. Cisco also provides several
ways to obtain technical assistance and other technical resources. These sections explain how to obtain
technical information from Cisco Systems.

Cisco.com

You can access the most current Cisco documentation at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/techsupport

You can access the Cisco website at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com

iv

You can access international Cisco websites at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/public/countries_languages.shtml

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Preface

Product Documentation DVD

Cisco documentation and additional literature are available in the Product Documentation DVD package,
which may have shipped with your product. The Product Documentation DVD is updated regularly and
may be more current than printed documentation.

The Product Documentation DVD is a comprehensive library of technical product documentation on
portable media. The DVD enables you to access multiple versions of hardware and software installation,
configuration, and command guides for Cisco products and to view technical documentation in HTML.
With the DVD, you have access to the same documentation that is found on the Cisco website without
being connected to the Internet. Certain products also have .pdf versions of the documentation available.

The Product Documentation DVD is available as a single unit or as a subscription. Registered Cisco.com
users (Cisco direct customers) can order a Product Documentation DVD (product number
DOC-DOCDVD=) from the Ordering tool or Cisco Marketplace.

Cisco Ordering tool:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/ordering/

Cisco Marketplace:

http://www.cisco.com/go/marketplace/

Documentation Feedback

Ordering Documentation

Beginning June 30, 2005, registered Cisco.com users may order Cisco documentation at the Product
Documentation Store in the Cisco Marketplace at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/go/marketplace/

Cisco will continue to support documentation orders using the Ordering tool:

• Registered Cisco.com users (Cisco direct customers) can order documentation from the

Ordering tool:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/ordering/

• Instructions for ordering documentation using the Ordering tool are at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/es_inpck/pdi.htm

• Nonregistered Cisco.com users can order documentation through a local account representative by

calling Cisco Systems Corporate Headquarters (California, USA) at 408 526-7208 or, elsewhere in
North America, by calling 1 800 553-NETS (6387).

Documentation Feedback

You can rate and provide feedback about Cisco technical documents by completing the online feedback
form that appears with the technical documents on Cisco.com.

You can send comments about Cisco documentation to [e-mail].

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Cisco Product Security Overview

You can submit comments by using the response card (if present) behind the front cover of your
document or by writing to the following address:

Cisco Systems
Attn: Customer Document Ordering
170 West Tasman Drive
San Jose, CA 95134-9883

We appreciate your comments.

Cisco Product Security Overview

Cisco provides a free online Security Vulnerability Policy portal at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/products_security_vulnerability_policy.html

From this site, you can perform these tasks:

• Report security vulnerabilities in Cisco products.

• Obtain assistance with security incidents that involve Cisco products.

Preface

• Register to receive security information from Cisco.

A current list of security advisories and notices for Cisco products is available at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/go/psirt

If you prefer to see advisories and notices as they are updated in real time, you can access a Product
Security Incident Response Team Really Simple Syndication (PSIRT RSS) feed from this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/products_psirt_rss_feed.html

Reporting Security Problems in Cisco Products

Cisco is committed to delivering secure products. We test our products internally before we release them,
and we strive to correct all vulnerabilities quickly. If you think that you might have identified a
vulnerability in a Cisco product, contact PSIRT:

• Emergencies— [e-mail]

An emergency is either a condition in which a system is under active attack or a condition for which
a severe and urgent security vulnerability should be reported. All other conditions are considered
nonemergencies.

• Nonemergencies— [e-mail]

In an emergency, you can also reach PSIRT by telephone:

• 1 877 228-7302

• 1 408 525-6532

vi

Tip We encourage you to use Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) or a compatible product to encrypt any sensitive

information that you send to Cisco. PSIRT can work from encrypted information that is compatible with
PGP versions 2.x through 8.x.

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Preface

Cisco Product Security Overview

Never use a revoked or an expired encryption key. The correct public key to use in your correspondence
with PSIRT is the one linked in the Contact Summary section of the Security Vulnerability Policy page
at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/products_security_vulnerability_policy.htm

The link on this page has the current PGP key ID in use.

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Cisco Product Security Overview

Locating the Product Serial Number

The access point serial number is on the bottom of the housing (refer to Figure 1).

Figure 1 Location of Serial Number Label ---- TBD ----

SN: AAANNNNXXXX

SN: AAANNNNXXXX

Preface

viii

121967 781-00295-01 A0

The access point serial number label contains the following information:

• Model number, such as AIR-AP1240AG-x-k9

• Serial number, such as VDF0636XXXX (11 alphanumeric digits)

• MAC address, such as 00abc65094f3 (12 hexadecimal digits)

• Location of manufacture, such as Made in Singapore

You need your product serial number when requesting support from the Cisco Technical Assistance
Center.

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Preface

Obtaining Technical Assistance

Cisco Technical Support provides 24-hour-a-day award-winning technical assistance. The Cisco
Technical Support & Documentation website on Cisco.com features extensive online support resources.
In addition, if you have a valid Cisco service contract, Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC)
engineers provide telephone support. If you do not have a valid Cisco service contract, contact your
reseller.

Cisco Technical Support & Documentation Website

The Cisco Technical Support & Documentation website provides online documents and tools for
troubleshooting and resolving technical issues with Cisco products and technologies. The website is
available 24 hours a day, at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/techsupport

Access to all tools on the Cisco Technical Support & Documentation website requires a Cisco.com user
ID and password. If you have a valid service contract but do not have a user ID or password, you can
register at this URL:

Obtaining Technical Assistance

http://tools.cisco.com/RPF/register/register.do

Note Use the Cisco Product Identification (CPI) tool to locate your product serial number before submitting

a web or phone request for service. You can access the CPI tool from the Cisco Technical Support &
Documentation website by clicking the Tools & Resources link under Documentation & Tools. Choose

Cisco Product Identification Tool from the Alphabetical Index drop-down list, or click the Cisco
Product Identification Tool link under Alerts & RMAs. The CPI tool offers three search options: by

product ID or model name; by tree view; or for certain products, by copying and pasting show command
output. Search results show an illustration of your product with the serial number label location
highlighted. Locate the serial number label on your product and record the information before placing a
service call.

Submitting a Service Request

Using the online TAC Service Request Tool is the fastest way to open S3 and S4 service requests. (S3
and S4 service requests are those in which your network is minimally impaired or for which you require
product information.) After you describe your situation, the TAC Service Request Tool provides
recommended solutions. If your issue is not resolved using the recommended resources, your service
request is assigned to a Cisco engineer. The TAC Service Request Tool is located at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/techsupport/servicerequest

For S1 or S2 service requests or if you do not have Internet access, contact the Cisco TAC by telephone.
(S1 or S2 service requests are those in which your production network is down or severely degraded.)
Cisco engineers are assigned immediately to S1 and S2 service requests to help keep your business
operations running smoothly.

To open a service request by telephone, use one of the following numbers:

Asia-Pacific: [phone] (Australia: 1 800 805 227)
EMEA: [phone]
USA: 1 800 553-2447

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Obtaining Additional Publications and Information

For a complete list of Cisco TAC contacts, go to this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/techsupport/contacts

Definitions of Service Request Severity

To ensure that all service requests are reported in a standard format, Cisco has established severity
definitions.

Severity 1 (S1)—Your network is “down,” or there is a critical impact to your business operations. You
and Cisco will commit all necessary resources around the clock to resolve the situation.

Severity 2 (S2)—Operation of an existing network is severely degraded, or significant aspects of your
business operation are negatively affected by inadequate performance of Cisco products. You and Cisco
will commit full-time resources during normal business hours to resolve the situation.

Severity 3 (S3)—Operational performance of your network is impaired, but most business operations
remain functional. You and Cisco will commit resources during normal business hours to restore service
to satisfactory levels.

Severity 4 (S4)—You require information or assistance with Cisco product capabilities, installation, or
configuration. There is little or no effect on your business operations.

Preface

Obtaining Additional Publications and Information

Information about Cisco products, technologies, and network solutions is available from various online
and printed sources.

• Cisco Marketplace provides a variety of Cisco books, reference guides, documentation, and logo

merchandise. Visit Cisco Marketplace, the company store, at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/go/marketplace/

• Cisco Press publishes a wide range of general networking, training and certification titles. Both new

and experienced users will benefit from these publications. For current Cisco Press titles and other
information, go to Cisco Press at this URL:

http://www.ciscopress.com

• Pack et magazine is the Cisco Systems technical user magazine for maximizing Internet and

networking investments. Each quarter, Packet delivers coverage of the latest industry trends,
technology breakthroughs, and Cisco products and solutions, as well as network deployment and
troubleshooting tips, configuration examples, customer case studies, certification and training
information, and links to scores of in-depth online resources. You can access Packet magazine at
this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/packet

• iQ Magazine is the quarterly publication from Cisco Systems designed to help growing companies

learn how they can use technology to increase revenue, streamline their business, and expand
services. The publication identifies the challenges facing these companies and the technologies to
help solve them, using real-world case studies and business strategies to help readers make sound
technology investment decisions. You can access iQ Magazine at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/go/iqmagazine

or view the digital edition at this URL:

http://ciscoiq.texterity.com/ciscoiq/sample/

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• Internet Protocol Journal is a quarterly journal published by Cisco Systems for engineering

professionals involved in designing, developing, and operating public and private internets and
intranets. You can access the Internet Protocol Journal at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/ipj

• Networking products offered by Cisco Systems, as well as customer support services, can be

obtained at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/index.html

• Networking Professionals Connection is an interactive website for networking professionals to share

questions, suggestions, and information about networking products and technologies with Cisco
experts and other networking professionals. Join a discussion at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/discuss/networking

• World-class networking training is available from Cisco. You can view current offerings at

this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/learning/index.html

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CHA P TER

1

Overview

Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Points combine mobility and flexibility with the enterprise-class
features required by networking professionals. With a management system based on Cisco IOS software,
the 1240AG series access point is a Wi-Fi certified, wireless LAN transceiver.

The access point contains two integrated radios: a 2.4-GHz radio (IEEE 802.11g) and a 5-GHz radio
(IEEE 802.11a). You can configure the radios separately, using different settings on each.

The access point connects wireless and wired networks or is the center point of a stand-alone wireless
network. In large installations, wireless users within radio range of an access point can roam throughout
a facility while maintaining seamless, uninterrupted access to the network.

You can configure and monitor the access point using the command-line interface (CLI), the
browser-based management system, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), or Cisco
Structured Wireless-Aware Network (SWAN).

This chapter provides information on the following topics:

• Hardware Features, page 1-2

• Network Configuration Examples, page 1-8

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Hardware Features

Hardware Features

Key hardware features of the access point include:

• Dual-radio operation (see page 1-4)

• Ethernet port (see page 1-4)

• Console port (see page 1-5)

• LEDs, (see page 1-5)

• Multiple power sources (see page 1-5)

• UL 2043 certification (see page 1-6)

• Anti-theft features (see page 1-6)

Refer to Appendix C, “Access Point Specifications,” for a list of access point specifications.

Figure 1-2 shows the access point with antennas.

Figure 1-1 Access Point With Antennas

Chapter 1 Overview

1-2

STATU S

ETHERNET

RADIO

MODE

CONSOLE

ETHERNET

48VDC

2.4 GHz RIGHT / PRIMARY

2.4 GHz LEFT

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Chapter 1 Overview

Hardware Features

Figure 1-2 illustrates the 2.4-GHz connector end of the access point.

Figure 1-2 Access Point 2.4 GHz Connector End

2.4 GHz LEFT

STATUS

RADIO

ETHERNET

CONSOLE

MODE

ETHERNET

48VDC

2.4 GHz RIGHT/PRIMARY

6 7 8 91 5432

1 2.4-GHz antenna connector (left) 6 Console port (RJ-45)
2 Ethernet LED 7 Ethernet port (RJ-45)
3 Radio LED 8 48-VDC power port
4 Status LED 9 2.4-GHz antenna connector (right/primary)
5 Mode button

Figure 1-3 illustrates the 5-GHz connector end of the access point.

Figure 1-3 Access Point 5-GHz Connector End

5 GHz ANTENNA w/RP-TNC

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LEFT

1

RIGHT / PRIMARY

23

1 5-GHz antenna connector (left) 3 Security key slot
2 5-GHz antenna connector (right/primary)

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Hardware Features

Dual-Radio Operation

The access point supports simultaneous radio operation using a 2.4-GHz 802.11g radio and a 5-GHz

802.11a radio. Each radio uses dual-diversity integrated antennas.

The 5-GHz radio incorporates an Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (UNII) radio
transceiver operating in the UNII 5-GHz frequency bands. The 802.11g radio is called Radio0 and the

802.11a radio is called Radio1.

Note In Cisco IOS Release 12.3(7)JA and later, the access point radios are disabled by default, and there is no

default SSID. You must create an SSID and enable the radios before the access point allows wireless
associations from other devices.

Antennas Supported

Table 1-1 lists the supported access point antennas.

Table 1-1 Supported Antennas

Chapter 1 Overview

Ethernet Port

Gain

2.4-GHz Antennas

Diversity ceiling omnidirectional 2 Articulated omnidirectional 3.5

Articulated dipole 2.2 Diversity omnidirectional 4.5

Ceiling omnidirectional 5.2 Omnidirectional 6

Wall patch directional 6 Diversity patch directional 7

Mast mount omnidirectional 5.2 Patch directional 9.5

Diversity pillar omnidirectional 5.2

Diversity patch directional 6.5

Patch directional 9

Yagi directional 10

The auto-sensing Ethernet port (see Figure 1-2) accepts an RJ-45 connector, linking the access point to
your 10BASE-T or 100BASE-T Ethernet LAN. The access point can receive power through the Ethernet
cable from a power injector, switch, or power patch panel. The Ethernet MAC address is printed on the
label on the back of the access point (refer to the “Locating the Product Serial Number” section on

page -viii).

(dBi) 5-GHz Antennas

Gain
(dBi)

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Chapter 1 Overview

Console Port

Note After completing your configuration changes, you must remove the serial cable from the access point.

LEDs

Hardware Features

The serial console port provides access to the access point’s command-line interface (CLI) using a
terminal emulator program. The port is located on the end of the unit (see Figure 1-2). Use an RJ-45 to
DB-9 serial cable to connect your computer’s COM port to the access point’s serial console port. (Refer
to Appendix E, “Console Cable Pinouts,” for a description of the console port pinouts.) Assign the
following port settings to a terminal emulator to open the management system pages: 9600 baud, 8 data
bits, No parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control.

The access point has three LEDs (see Figure 1-2) to indicate Ethernet activity, radio activity, and status
indications (refer to the “Checking the Access Point LEDs” section on page 6-2 for additional
information).

• The Status LED provides general operating status and error indications.

• The Ethernet LED signals Ethernet traffic on the wired Ethernet LAN and provides Ethernet error

indications.

Power Sources

Warning

Caution Be careful when handling the access point; the bottom plate might be hot.

• The Radio LED signals that wireless packets are being transmitted or received over the radio

interface and provides radio error indications.

The access point can receive power from an external power module or from inline power using the
Ethernet cable. The access point supports the IEEE 802.3af inline power standard and Cisco CDP Power
Negotiation. Using inline power, you do not need to run a power cord to the access point because power
is supplied over the Ethernet cable.

This product must be connected to a Power over Ethernet (PoE) IEEE 802.3af compliant power source
or an IEC60950 compliant limited power source.

Statement 353

The access point supports the following power sources:

• Power module

• Inline power:

–

Cisco Aironet Power Injector (AIR-PWRINJ3 or AIR-PWRINJ-FIB)

–

An inline power capable switch, such as the Cisco Catalyst 3550 PWR XL, 3560-48PS,
3570-48PS, 4500 with 802.3AF PoE module, or the 6500 with 802.3AF PoE module

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Hardware Features

Note Some switches and patch panels might not provide enough power to operate the access point with both

2.4-GHz and 5-GHz radios. At power-up, if the access point is unable to determine that the power source
can supply sufficient power, the access point automatically deactivates both radios to prevent an
over-current condition. The access point also activates a Status LED low power error indication and
creates an error log entry (refer to the “Checking the Access Point LEDs” section on page 6-2 and the

“Low Power Condition” section on page 6-5).

UL 2043 Certification

The access point has adequate fire resistance and low smoke-producing characteristics suitable for
operation in a building's environmental air space, such as above suspended ceilings, in accordance with
Section 300-22(c) of the NEC, and with Sections 2-128, 12-010(3) and 12-100 of the Canadian
Electrical Code, Part 1, C22.1.

Caution Only the fiber-optic power injector (AIR-PWRINJ-FIB) has been tested to UL 2043 for operation in a

building’s environmental air space; the AIR-PWRINJ3 power injector and the power module are not
tested to UL 2043 and should not be placed in a building’s environmental air space, such as above
suspended ceilings.

–

Other inline power switches supporting the IEEE 802.3af inline power standard

Chapter 1 Overview

Anti-Theft Features

There are three methods of securing the access point:

Figure 1-4 Access Point with Security Hasp and Padlock

• Security cable keyhole—You can use the security cable slot (see Figure 1-3) to secure the access

point using a standard security cable, like those used on laptop computers (refer to the “Using a

Security Cable” section on page 2-19).

• Security hasp—When you mount the access point on a wall or ceiling using the mounting plate and

the security hasp, you can lock the access point to the plate with a padlock (see Figure 1-4).
Compatible padlocks are Master Lock models 120T and 121T or equivalent.

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2.4 GHz LEFT

2.4 GHz RIGHT / PRIMARY

1

2

1-6

1 Security hasp 2 Security padlock

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Chapter 1 Overview

Hardware Features

• Cable security bracket—The cable security bracket (see Figure 1-5) attaches to the mounting plate

and covers the console port, Ethernet port, power port, and the mode button to prevent the
installation or removal of the cables or the activation of the mode button. The cable security bracket
is user removable prior to attaching the mounting plate to a ceiling or wall.

Figure 1-5 Access Point with Mounting Plate and Cable Security Bracket

STATU S

2.4 GHz LEFT

RADIO

ETHERNET

ETHERNET

48VDC

2.4 GHz RIGHT / PRIMARY

1

2

3

1 Mounting plate 3 Access point
2 Cable security bracket

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Network Configuration Examples

Network Configuration Examples

This section describes the access point’s role in three common wireless network configurations. The
access point’s default configuration is as a root unit connected to a wired LAN or as the central unit in
an all-wireless network. The repeater role requires a specific configuration.

Root Unit on a Wired LAN

An access point connected directly to a wired LAN provides a connection point for wireless users. If
more than one access point is connected to the LAN, users can roam from one area of a facility to another
without losing their connection to the network. Figure 1-6 shows access points acting as root units on a
wired LAN.

Figure 1-6 Access Points as Root Units on a Wired LAN

Chapter 1 Overview

Access Point

Access Point

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Chapter 1 Overview

Repeater Unit that Extends Wireless Range

An access point can be configured as a stand-alone repeater to extend the range of your infrastructure or
to overcome an obstacle that blocks radio communication. The repeater forwards traffic between
wireless users and the wired LAN by sending packets to either another repeater or to an access point
connected to the wired LAN. The data is sent through the route that provides the best performance for
the client. Figure 1-7 shows an access point acting as a repeater. Consult the Cisco IOS Software
Configuration Guide for Cisco Aironet Access Points for instructions on setting up an access point as a
repeater.

Note Non-Cisco client devices might have difficulty communicating with repeater access points.

Figure 1-7 Access Point as Repeater

Network Configuration Examples

Access Point Repeater

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Network Configuration Examples

Central Unit in an All-Wireless Network

In an all-wireless network, an access point acts as a stand-alone root unit. The access point is not
attached to a wired LAN; it functions as a hub linking all stations together. The access point serves as
the focal point for communications, increasing the communication range of wireless users. Figure 1-8
shows an access point in an all-wireless network.

Figure 1-8 Access Point as Central Unit in All-Wireless Network

Access Point

Chapter 1 Overview

Bridge Network with Wireless Clients

The access point supports root bridge and non-root bridge roles used to interconnect a remote LAN to
the main LAN (see Figure 1-9). The bridge units can also support wireless clients.

Figure 1-9 Root Bridge and Non-root Bridge with Clients

Root bridge Non-root bridge

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