Cisco 1242AG - Aironet - Wireless Access Point, Aironet 1240AG Series, AIR-AP1242AG, AIR-AP1242G Hardware Installation Manual

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Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point
Hardware Installation Guide

April 2007

Text Part Number: OL-8371-05

THE SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION REGARDING THE PRODUCTS IN THIS M ANUAL ARE SUBJECT TO CHA NGE WITHOUT NO TICE. ALL
STATEMENTS, INFORMATION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS IN THIS MANUAL ARE BELIEVED TO BE ACCURATE BUT ARE PRESENTED WITHOUT
WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. USERS MUST TAKE FULL RESPONSI BILITY FOR THEIR APPLICA TION OF ANY PRODUCT S.

THE SOFTWARE LICENSE AND LIMITED WARRANTY FOR THE ACCOMPANYING PRODUCT ARE SET FORT H IN THE INFORMATION PACKET T HAT
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 Cisc o’s writ ten author ization m ay resul t in the equi pment no lo nger comp lyi ng with FCC requi rements for Class A or Class B digital
devices. In that event, your right to use the equ ipment may be limit ed by FCC regul ations , and you may be requir ed to correct a ny 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 interferen ce 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 followi ng measures:

• Turn the television or radio antenna unt il the int erference st ops.

• Move the equipment to one side or the other of the televisio n or radi o.

• Move the equipment farther away from the te levision or radio.

• Plug the equipment into an outlet that is on a di fferent cir cuit from the televi sion o r radio. (That is, make certain th e equipment and the te levision or radio are on circuit s
controlled by different circuit breaker s or fuses.)

Modifications to this product no t author ized by Cis co Syst ems, Inc. coul d voi d the FCC appro val and ne gate your authorit y to op erate the pr odu ct.
The Cisco implementation of TCP head er compressi on is an adap tation of a program developed by the Universi ty of Ca lifornia, Berk eley (UCB) as part of UCB ’s public

domain version of the UNIX operatin g system. All rights reserved . Copyri ght © 1981 , Rege nts of the Uni versity of Calif ornia.
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ALL FAULTS. CISCO AND THE ABOVE-NAMED SUPPLIERS DISCLAI M ALL WARRANTIE S, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT
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IN NO EVENT SHALL CISCO OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING ,
WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS OR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO DATA ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS MANUAL, EVEN IF CISCO
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Any Internet Protocol (IP) addresses used in this document are not intended to be actual addresses. Any examples, command display output, and figures included in the
document are shown for illustrative pur poses onl y. Any use of act ual IP addr ess es in ill ustr ativ e conten t is uninten tio nal and coincident al.

Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point Hardware Installation Guide

© 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights res erved.

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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. (0612R)

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CONTENTS

Preface ix

Audience ix

Purpose ix

Organization ix

Conventions x

Related Publications xii

Locating the Product Serial Number xiii

Obtaining Documentation, Obtaining Support, and Security Guidelines xiv

CHAPTER

1 Overview 1-1

Product Terminology 1-1
Autonomous Access Points 1-1
Lightweight Access Points 1-2

Guidelines for Using Cisco Aironet Lightweight Access Points 1-2

Hardware Features 1-3

Single or Dual-Radio Operation 1-5
Antennas Supported 1-5
Ethernet Port 1-5
Console Port 1-5
LEDs 1-6
Power Sources 1-6
UL 2043 Certification 1-7
Anti-Theft Features 1-7

Network Examples with Autonomous Access Points 1-8

Root Access Point on a Wired LAN 1-9
Repeater Unit that Extends Wireless Range 1-10
Central Unit in an All-Wireless Network 1-11
Bridge Network with Wireless Clients 1-11
Point-to-Point Bridge Configuration 1-12
Workgroup Bridge Network 1-12

Network Example with Lightweight Access Points 1-13

Contents

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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 2-4

Controller Discovery Process for Lightweight Access Points 2-4

Deploying the Access Points on the Wireless Network 2-5

Access Point Layout and Connectors 2-6

Mounting Overview 2-7

Mounting on a Horizontal or Vertical Surface 2-9

Mounting Below a Suspended Ceiling 2-10

Mounting Above a Suspended Ceiling 2-11

Mounting Access Point on a Desktop or Shelf 2-14

Cable Security Bracket 2-14

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 2-18

Connecting the Ethernet and Power Cables 2-20

Connecting to an Ethernet Network with an Inline Power Source 2-21
Connecting to an Ethernet Network with Local Power 2-22

Powering Up the Access Point 2-22

CHAPTER

3 Troubleshooting 1240AG Series Autonomous Access Points 3-1

Checking the Lightweight Access Point LEDs 3-2

Checking Basic Settings 3-3

Default IP Address Behavior 3-4
Enabling the Radio Interfaces 3-4
SSID 3-4
WEP Keys 3-4
Security Settings 3-5

Low Power Condition 3-5

Intelligent Power Management 3-6

Contents

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Inline Power Status Messages 3-7

Configuring Power Using the CLI 3-9

Issuing the Cisco IOS Command Using the CLI 3-10

Configuring the Access Point System Power Settings Using a Browser 3-11

Running the Carrier Busy Test 3-13

Running the Ping Test 3-14

Resetting to the Default Configuration 3-14

Using the MODE Button 3-15
Using the Web Browser Interface 3-15

Reloading the Access Point Image 3-16

Using the MODE Button 3-16
Web Browser Interface 3-17

Browser HTTP Interface 3-17
Browser TFTP Interface 3-18

Obtaining the Access Point Image File 3-19

Connecting to the Access Point Locally 3-20

Obtaining the TFTP Server Software 3-20

CHAPTER

4 Troubleshooting 1240AG Series Lightweight Access Points 4-1

Guidelines for Using Cisco Aironet Lightweight Access Points 4-2

Using DHCP Option 43 4-2

Checking the Lightweight Access Point LEDs 4-3

Low Power Condition for Lightweight Access Points 4-5

Intelligent Power Management 4-5
Configuring Power Using Controller CLI Commands 4-6

Manually Configuring Controller Information Using the Access Point CLI 4-7

Configuring Controller Information 4-8
Clearing Manually Entered Controller Information 4-8
Manually Resetting the Access Point to Defaults 4-8

Returning the Lightweight Access Point to Autonomous Mode 4-9

Using a Controller to Return the Access Point to Autonomous Mode 4-9
Using the MODE Button to Return the Access Point to Autonomous Mode 4-9
MODE Button Setting 4-10

Obtaining the Autonomous Access Point Image File 4-10

Connecting to the Access Point Locally 4-11

Obtaining the TFTP Server Software 4-12

Contents

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APPENDIX

A Translated Safety Warnings A-1

APPENDIX

B Declarations of Conformity and Regulatory Information B-1

Manufacturers Federal Communication Commission Declaration of Conformity Statement B-2

VCCI Statement for Japan B-3

Department of Communications—Canada B-4

Canadian Compliance Statement B-4

European Community, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein B-4

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

Declaration of Conformity for RF Exposure B-7

Guidelines for Operating Cisco Aironet Access Points in Japan B-8

Japanese Translation B-8
English Translation B-8

Administrative Rules for Cisco Aironet Access Points in Taiwan B-9

Access Points with IEEE 802.11a Radios B-9

Chinese Translation B-9
English Translation B-9

All Access Points B-10

Chinese Translation B-10
English Translation B-10

Declaration of Conformity Statements B-11

Declaration of Conformity Statements for European Union Countries B-11

APPENDIX

C Access Point Specifications C-1

APPENDIX

D Channels and Maximum Power Levels D-1

APPENDIX

E Console Cable Pinouts E-1

Overview E-2

Console Port Signals and Pinouts E-2

APPENDIX

F Priming Lightweight Access Points Prior to Deployment F-1

APPENDIX

G Configuring DHCP Option 43 for Lightweight Access Points G-1

Overview G-2

Configuring Option 43 for 1000 Series Access Points G-3

Configuring Option 43 for 1100, 1130, 1200, 1240, and 1300 Series Lightweight Access Points G-4

Contents

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G

LOSSARY

I

NDEX

Contents

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Preface

Audience

This guide is for the networking professional who installs and manages the Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series
Access Point. The 1 240 AG series acce ss poi nt is available in aut on omo us an d li gh twei ght
configurations.

To use this guide with autonomous access points, you should have experience working with Cisco IOS
software and be familiar with the concepts and terminology of wireless local area networks.

To use this guide wi th lig htwei gh t acc ess po int s, you shoul d have experience worki ng w ith a Cisc o
Wireless LAN Controller and be familiar w ith the con cepts an d termin ology of wire less local ar ea
networks.

Purpose

This guide provides the infor mation you need to insta ll your au tonomou s or lightwe ight acc ess point.
For detailed information about Cisco IOS commands used with autonomous access points, 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 Technic al
Support & Documentation home page, click Cisco IOS Software > Cisco IOS Software Releases 12.3
Mainline.

For information about Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers, refer to the Cisco documentation sets available
from the Cisco.com hom e page at Technical Support & Documentation. On the Technical Su ppo rt &
Documentation hom e page, cli ck Wireless and the documentation is listed under the “Wireless LAN
Controllers” section.

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 net work.

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

ceiling, how to co nne ct E ther ne t, seri al, an d power cables, and provi de s an inst alla tio n summa ry, safety
warnings, and general guideli nes.

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Conventions

Chapter 3, “Troubleshooting 124 0AG Series Autonomous Access Points,” provides trouble shootin g

procedures for basic probl ems with the autonomo us access poin t.

Chapter 4, “Troubleshooting 124 0AG Series Lightweight Acc ess Points,” provides troub lesh ooting

procedures for basic pr oblems with the lightwe ight acce ss point.

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

this publication.

Appendix B, “D ecl ara tio ns o f Conf or mit y and Regula tory I nfo rm ation, ” 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 Maximum Power Levels,” lists the autonomous access point radio channels

and the maximum power levels supported by the world’s regulatory domains.

Appendix E, “Conso le Cable Pinout s,” identifies the pinouts for the serial console cable that connects

to the access point’s serial console port.

Appendix F, “Priming Lightweight Access Points Prior to Deploymen t,” de scri bes th e pro cedu re t o

prime access points with controller information.

Appendix G, “Configuring DHCP Option 43 for Lightweight Access Points,” describes the procedure to

configure DHCP Option 43 for lig htw eight acc ess points .

Conventions

This publication use s the se conventions to co nvey instructions a nd info rmat ion:
Command descriptions use these conventions:

• Commands and keywords are in boldfac e text.

• Arguments for which you supply values are in it alic.

• 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.

Interactive examples use these conventions:

• Terminal sessions and system displays are in screen font.

• Information you ent er is in boldface screen font.

• Nonprinting charac ters, such as passwords or t abs, ar e in angl e brackets (< >) .

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 cou ld b e use ful i nfo rmat ion.

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

this manual.

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Conventions

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

or loss of data.

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

Waarschuwing

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.)

Varoitus

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).)

Attention

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).

Warnung

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

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).

Advarsel

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].)

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Related Publications

Related Publications

These documents provide informa tion about the autonom ous acces s point:

• Release Notes for Cisco Aironet Access Points

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

• Cisco IOS Software Configuration Guide for Cisco Aironet Access Points

These documents pr ovide inf orm atio n a bo ut t he ligh twei ght acc ess po int a nd the cont rol ler :

• Release Notes for Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers and Lightweight Access Points

• Cisco IOS Software Configuration Guide for Cisco Aironet Access Points

Click this link to browse to the Cisco Wireless documentation hom e page:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/wireless/tsd_produ cts_supp ort_category_hom e.html

T o bro wse to the 1240AG series access point documentation, click Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series listed
under “Wireless LAN Access.”

T o browse to the Cisco W ireless LAN Controller docume ntation, click Cisco 4400 Series Wireless LAN
Controllers or Cisco 2000 Series Wireless LAN Controllers listed under “W ir eless LAN Controller s.”

Aviso

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”).

¡Advertencia!

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.”)

Varning!

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].)

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Locating the Product Serial Number

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

The access point serial number label contains the following information:

• Model number, such as AIR -AP1 242AG-A-k9 or AI R-LAP 1242AG-A-k9

• Serial number, such as VDF0636XXX X (11 alpha numeric di gits)

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

• Location of manufactu re, such as Made in Singapore

You need your product serial number whe n requesti ng support fr om the Cisco Technical Assistance
Center.

CAUTION

Hot

Surfaces

135531, 781-00426-01 A0

SN: NNNNNNNN

SN: NNNNNNNN

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Obtaining Documentation, Obtaining Support, and Security Guidelines

Obtaining Documentation, Obtaining Support, and Security
Guidelines

For information on obtaining docume ntatio n, obtaini ng support , providing docum entat ion fee dback,
security guidelines, and also recommended aliases and general Cisco documents, see the monthly
What’s New in Cisco Product Documentation, w hic h also li sts a ll new and revised C i sco technical
documentation , at:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/general/whatsnew/whatsnew.html

Overview

The Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point is available in autonomous and lightweight
configurations. The autonomous access points can support standalone network configurations with all
configuration settings maintained within the access points. The lightweight access points operate in
conjunction with a Cisco wireless LAN controller with all configuration information maintained within
the controller.

Product Terminology

The following terms refer to the autonomous and lightweight products:

• The term access point describes both autonomous and lightweight products.

• The term autonomous access point describes only the autonomous product.

• The term lightweight access point describs only the lightweight product.

• The term access point describes a product operating as an access point.

• The term bridge describes a product operating as a bridge.

CHA PTER

1

Autonomous Access Points

Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point (AIR-AP1242AG or AIR-AP1242G) provides a secure,
affordable, and easy-to-use wireless LAN solution that combines mobility and flexibility with the
enterprise-class features required by networking professionals. With a management system based on
Cisco IOS software, the 1240AG series is a Wi-Fi certified, wireless LAN transceiver.

The autonomous 1242AG access point contains two integrated radios: a 2.4-GHz radio (IEEE 802.11g)
and a 5-GHz radio (IEEE 801.11a). The autonomous 1242G access point contains a single integrated
radio: a 2.4-GHz radio (IEEE 802.11g).

The access point serves as the connection point between wireless and wired networks or as 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, or Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).

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Guidelines for Using Cisco Aironet Lightweight Access Points

Lightweight Access Points

The Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point (AIR-LAP1242AG or AIR-LAP1242G) combines
mobility and flexibility with the enterprise-class features required by networking professionals.These
lightweight access points are part of the Cisco Integrated Wireless Network Solution and require no
manual configuration before they are mounted. The lightweight access point is automatically configured
by a Cisco wireless LAN controller (hereafter called a controller) using the Lightweight Access Point
Protocol (LWAPP).

The lightweight 1242AG access point contains two integrated radios: a 2.4-GHz radio (IEEE 802.11g)
and a 5-GHz radio (IEEE 801.11a). The lightweight 1242G access point contains a single integrated
radio: a 2.4-GHz radio (IEEE 802.11g). Using a controller, you can configure the radio settings.

In the Cisco Centralized Wireless LAN architecture, access points operate in the lightweight mode (as
opposed to autonomous mode). The lightweight access points associate to a controller. The controller
manages the configuration, firmware, and control transactions such as 802.1x authentication. In
addition, all wireless traffic is tunneled through the controller.

LWAPP is an Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) draft protocol that defines the control messaging
for setup and path authentication and run-time operations. LWAPP also defines the tunneling mechanism
for data traffic.

Chapter 1 Overview

In an LWAPP environment, a lightweight access point discovers a controller by using LWAPP discovery
mechanisms and then sends it an LWAPP join request. The controller sends the lightweight access point
an LWAPP join response allowing the access point to join the controller. When the access point is joined,
the access point downloads its software if the versions on the access point and controller do not match.
After an access point joins a controller, you can reassign it to any controller on your network.

LWAPP secures the control communication between the lightweight access point and controller by
means of a secure key distribution, utilizing X.509 certificates on both the access point and controller.

This chapter provides information on the following topics:

• Guidelines for Using Cisco Aironet Lightweight Access Points, page 1-2

• Hardware Features, page 1-3

• Network Examples with Autonomous Access Points, page 1-8

Guidelines for Using Cisco Aironet Lightweight Access Points

You should keep these guidelines in mind when you use a lightweight access point:

• Lightweight access points can only communicate with Cisco 2006 series wireless LAN controllers

or 4400 series controllers. Cisco 4100 series, Airespace 4012 series, and Airespace 4024 series
controllers are not supported because they lack the memory required to support access points
running Cisco IOS software.

• Lightweight access points do not support Wireless Domain Services (WDS) and cannot

communicate with WDS devices. However, the controller provides functionality equivalent to WDS
when the access point associates to it.

• Lightweight access points support eight BSSIDs per radio and a total of eight wireless LANs per

access point. When a lightweight access point associates to a controller, only wireless LANs with
IDs 1 through 8 are pushed to the access point.

• Lightweight access points do not support Layer 2 LWAPP. They must get an IP address and discover

the controller using DHCP, DNS, or IP subnet broadcast.

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• The lightweight access point console port is enabled for monitoring and debug purposes (all

configuration commands are disabled when the access point is associated to a controller).

Hardware Features

Key hardware features of the access point include:

• Dual-radio operation (see page 1-5)

• Ethernet port (see page 1-5)

• Console port (see page 1-6)

• LEDs, (see page 1-6)

• Multiple power sources (see page 1-6)

• UL 2043 certification (see page 1-7)

• Anti-theft features (see page 1-7)

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

Figure 1-1 shows the access point with antennas.

Hardware Features

Figure 1-1 Access Point with Antennas

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Hardware Features

STATUS

RADIO

ETHERNET

MODE

CONSOLE

ETHERNET

48VDC

2.4 GHz RIGHT/PRIMARY

2.4 GHz LEFT

135435

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5 GHz ANTENNA w/RP-TNC

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1

RIGHT / PRIMARY

23

Chapter 1 Overview

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

Figure 1-2 Access Point 2.4 GHz Connector End

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

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

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Chapter 1 Overview

Single or Dual-Radio Operation

The 1242AG access point supports simultaneous radio operation using a 2.4-GHz 802.11g radio and a
5-GHz 802.11a radio. The 1242G access point supports a single 2.4-GHz 802.11g 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.

Antennas Supported

Table 1 - 1 lists the supported access point antennas.

Table 1-1 Supported Antennas

Hardware Features

2.4-GHz Antennas

Diversity ceiling omnidirectional
(AIR-ANT5959)

Articulated dipole
(AIR-ANT4941)

Ceiling omnidirectional
(AIR-ANT2460)

Wall patch directional
(AIR-ANT1729)

Mast mount omnidirectional
(AIR-ANT2506)

Diversity pillar omnidirectional
(AIR-ANT3213)

Diversity patch directional
(AIR-ANT2012)

Patch directional
(AIR-ANT3549)

Yagi directional
AIR-ANT2410Y-R)

Gain
(dBi) 5-GHz Antennas

2 Articulated omnidirectional

(AIR-ANT5135D-R)

2.2 Diversity omnidirectional
(AIR-ANT5145V-R)

5.2 Omnidirectional
(AIR-ANT5160V-R)

6 Diversity patch directional

(AIR-ANT5170P-R)

5.2 Patch directional
(AIR-ANT5195-R)

5.2

6.5

9

10

Gain
(dBi)

3.5

4.5

6

7

9.5

Ethernet Port

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 xiii).

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Hardware Features

Console Port

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

LEDs

Chapter 1 Overview

The serial console port can be used to monitor the access point power-up sequences 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 to indicate Ethernet activity, radio activity, and status indications (refer
to the “Checking the Lightweight Access Point LEDs” section on page 3-2 or the “Checking the

Lightweight Access Point LEDs” section on page 4-3 for additional information). Figure 1-2 shows the

location of the LEDs.

• 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

–

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

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135442

2.4 GHz RIGHT / PRIMARY

2.4 GHz LEFT

1

2

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 Lightweight Access Point LEDs” section on

page 3-2 and the “Checking Basic Settings” section on page 3-3).

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.

Hardware Features

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 2-17).

• 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.

1 Security hasp 2 Security padlock

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Network Examples with Autonomous Access Points

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• 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

Chapter 1 Overview

1 Mounting plate 3 Access point
2 Cable security bracket

Network Examples with Autonomous Access Points

This section describes the autonomous access point’s role in three common wireless network
configurations. The autonomous 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 autonomous 1240AG series access point supports these operating wireless modes:

• Root access point—Connected to a wired LAN and supports wireless clients.

• Repeater access point—Not connected to a wired LAN, associates to a root access point, and

supports wireless clients

• Workgroup bridge—Not connected to a wired LAN, associates to a root access point or bridge, and

supports wired network devices.

• Root bridge—Connected to a wired LAN and supports non-root bridges and wireless clients.

• Non-root bridge —Not connected to a wired LAN, associates to a root bridge, supports wireless

clients, and supports wired clients.

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Access point

Access point

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Root Access Point on a Wired LAN

An autonomous access point connected directly to a wired LAN provides a connection point for wireless
users. If more than one autonomous 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. As users move out of range of one
access point, they automatically connect to the network (associate) through another access point. The
roaming process is seamless and transparent to the user. 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

Network Examples with Autonomous Access Points

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Network Examples with Autonomous Access Points

Access point Repeater

135444

Repeater Unit that Extends Wireless Range

An autonomous 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 autonomous 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

Chapter 1 Overview

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Access point

135443

Root bridge Non-root bridge

135446

Central Unit in an All-Wireless Network

In an all-wireless network, an autonomous access point acts as a stand-alone root unit. The autonomous
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 autonomous access point in an all-wireless network.

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

Network Examples with Autonomous Access Points

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

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Network Examples with Autonomous Access Points

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Root bridge Non-root bridge

Access point

Workgroup bridge

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Bridge Workgroup

bridge

135499

Point-to-Point Bridge Configuration

In a point-to-point bridge configuration, two bridges interconnect two LAN networks using a wireless
communication link (see Figure 1-10). The bridge connected to the main LAN network is classified as
a root bridge and the other bridge is classified as a non-root bridge.

Figure 1-10 Point-to-Point Bridge Configuration

Workgroup Bridge Network

The access point supports a workgroup bridge role to interconnect remote Ethernet workstations to the
main LAN. The workgroup bridge can communicate with an access point (see Figure 1-11) or with a
bridge (see Figure 1-12).

Chapter 1 Overview

Figure 1-11 Workgroup Bridge Communicating with an Access Point

Figure 1-12 Workgroup Bridge Communicating with a Bridge

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LWAPP

LWAPP

Network Example with Lightweight Access Points

Network Example with Lightweight Access Points

The lightweight access points support Layer 3 network operation. Lightweight access points and
controllers in Layer 3 configurations use IP addresses and UDP packets, which can be routed through
large networks. Layer 3 operation is scalable and recommended by Cisco.

This section illustrates a typical wireless network configuration containing lightweight access points and
a Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (see Figure 1-13).

Figure 1-13 Typical Lightweight Access Point Network Configuration Example

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Network Example with Lightweight Access Points

Chapter 1 Overview

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2

Installing the Access Point

This chapter describes the installation of the access point and includes these sections:

• Safety Informat ion, p ag e 2-2

• Warnings, page 2-2

• Unpacking the Access Po int, page 2-3

• Basic Installation Guidelines, page 2-4

• Controller Discovery Process for Lightweight Acce ss Points, page 2-4

• Mounting Overview, page 2-7

• Mounting on a Horizontal or Vertical Surface, page 2-9

• Mounting Below a Suspended Ceiling, page 2 -10

• Mounting Above a Suspended Ceiling, page 2-11

• Mounting Access Point o n a De sktop o r Sh elf , pa ge 2-14

• Cable Security B ra cket, page 2-14

• Attaching the Access Point to the Mounting Plate, page 2-16

• Securing the Access Point, page 2-17

• Connecting the Ethernet and Power Cables, page 2-20

• Powering Up the Access Point, page 2-22

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Chapter 2 Installing the Access Point

Safety Information

Safety Information

Follow the guidelines in this section to ensure proper operation and safe use of the access point.

FCC Safety Compliance Statement

The FCC with its action in ET Docket 96-8 has adop ted a safet y standar d for human exposur e to radio
frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC certified equipment. When used with approved
Cisco Aironet antennas, Ci sco Airo net product s meet th e uncontrol led environmental limits found i n
OET-65 and ANSI C95.1, 1991 . Proper installati on of this radi o accord ing to the ins truct ions found i n
this manual will result in user exposure that is substantially below the FCC recommended limits.

General Safety Guidelines

Do not hold any c ompone nt co nt ain in g a ra di o so t h at the an t enn a i s ver y cl ose to or tou ch ing any
exposed parts of the body, especially the face or eyes, while transmitting.

Warnings

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

Warnings.”

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

Warning

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

Statement 1004

Warning

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

Warning

This product relies on the building’s installation for short-circuit (overcurrent) protection. Ensure that
the protective device is rated not greater than: 20A

Statement 1005

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.

Statement 245B