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Dell PowerConnect W-AP68 Access Point
Installation Guide
About the Dell W-AP68
The Dell W-AP68 are single-radio, single-band wireless access points that support
the IEEE 802.11n standard for high-performance WLAN. These access points deliver
high-performance, 802.11n 2.4 GHz functionality while simultaneously supporting
existing 802.11b/g wireless services. The W-AP68 access point works only in
conjunction with a Dell Controller.
The Dell W-AP68 access point provides the following capabilities:
Wireless transceiver
Protocol-independent networking functionality
IEEE 802.11b/g/n operation as a wireless access point
IEEE 802.11b/g/n operation as a wireless air monitor
Compatibility with IEEE 802.3af PoE
Central management configuration and upgrades through an Dell Controller
NOTE: The Dell W-AP68 requires ArubaOS 6.0 or later.
Package Contents
W-AP68 access point
Installation Guide
9/16-inch Ceiling Rail Adapter
15/16-inch Ceiling Rail Adapter
Ceiling Rail Adapter Installation Guide
4x Rubber Feet
NOTE: Inform your supplier if there are any incorrect, missing, or damaged parts. If
possible, retain the carton, including the original packing materials. Use these
materials to repack and return the unit to the supplier if needed.
Figure 2 Rear
Figure 3 Bottom
P-68_003
For initial setup of the controller, refer to the ArubaOS Quick Start Guide for the
software version installed on your controller.
AP Pre-Installation Checklist
Before installing your W-AP68 access point, be sure that you have the following:
CAT5 UTP cable of required length
One of the following power sources:
IEEE 802.3af-compliant Power over Ethernet (PoE) source
Dell AP AC-DC adapter kit (sold separately)
Dell Controller provisioned on the network:
Layer 2/3 network connectivity to your access point
One of the following network services:
Dell Discovery Protocol (ADP)
DNS server with an “A” record
DHCP Server with vendor-specific options
Summary of the Setup Process
NOTE: It is important that you verify the items listed under AP Pre-Installation
Checklist before you attempt to set up and install an W-AP68 access point.
Successful setup of an W-AP68 access point consists of five tasks, which must be
performed in this order:
1. Verify pre-installation connectivity.
2. Identify the specific installation location for each AP.
3. Install each AP.
4. Verify post-installation connectivity.
5. Configure each AP.
Brick
RF reflectors include:
Metal Objects—Metal pans between floors, rebar, fire doors, air conditioning/
heating ducts, mesh windows, blinds, chain link fences (depending on aperture
size), refrigerators, racks, shelves, and filing cabinets.
Do not place an AP between two air conditioning/heating ducts. Make sure that
APs are placed below ducts to avoid RF disturbances.
RF interference sources include:
Microwave ovens and other 2.4 or 5 GHz objects (such as cordless phones)
Cordless headset such as those used in call centers or lunch rooms
Installing the AP
NOTE: Service to all Dell Networks products should be performed by trained service personnel only.
Using the Integrated Wall-Mounting Slots
The keyhole-shaped slots on the back of the AP can be used to attach the device
upright to an indoor wall or shelf. When you choose the mounting location, allow
additional space at the right of the unit for cables.
1. At the mounting location, install two screw on the wall or shelf, 2.1 inches
(5.3 cm) apart. If you are attaching the device to drywall, Dell recommends using
appropriate wall anchors (not included).
2. Align the mounting slots on the rear of the AP over the screws and slide the unit
into place.
Figure 4 Mounting W-AP68 on a Wall
W-AP68 Hardware Overview
Figure 1 Front
Console Port
Use the console port to connect to a terminal for direct local management.
Ethernet Port
The W-AP68 is equipped with a single 10/100Base-T (RJ-45) auto-sensing, MDI/
MDX wired-network connectivity port. This port supports IEEE 802.3af Power over
Ethernet (PoE) compliance, accepting 48VDC as a standard defined Powered Device
(PD) from a Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) such as a PoE midspan injector, or
network infrastructure that supports PoE.
DC Power Socket
If PoE is not available, an optional Dell 12V AP AC-DC adapter kit (sold separately)
can be used to power the W-AP68.
Before You Begin
CAUTION: FCC Statement: Improper termination of access points installed in the
United States configured to non-US model controllers will be in violation of the
FCC grant of equipment authorization. Any such willful or intentional violation may
result in a requirement by the FCC for immediate termination of operation and may
be subject to forfeiture (47 CFR 1.80).
NOTE: Dell, in compliance with governmental requirements, has designed the WAP68 access points so that only authorized network administrators can change the
settings. For more information about AP configuration, refer to the ArubaOS Quick
Start Guide and ArubaOS User Guide.
CAUTION: Access points are radio transmission devices and as such are subject
to governmental regulation. Network administrators responsible for the
configuration and operation of access points must comply with local broadcast
regulations. Specifically, access points must use channel assignments
appropriate to the location in which the access point will be used.
Verifying Pre-Installation Connectivity
Before you install APs in a network environment, make sure that the APs are able to
locate and connect to the controller after power on. Specifically, you must verify the
following conditions:
When connected to the network, each AP is assigned a valid IP address
APs are able to locate the controller
Refer to the ArubaOS Quick Start Guide for instructions on locating and connecting
to the controller.
Using the Integrated Ceiling Tile Rail Slots
The snap-in tile rail slots on the rear of the AP can be used to securely attach the
device directly to a 15/16" wide, standard ceiling tile rail.
CAUTION: Make sure the AP fits securely on the ceiling tile rail when hanging
the device from the ceiling; poor installation could cause it to fall onto people or
equipment.
1. Pull the necessary cables through a prepared hole in the ceiling tile near where
the AP will be placed.
2. If necessary, connect the console cable to the console port on the bottom of the
AP.
3. Hold the AP next to the ceiling tile rail with the ceiling tile rail mounting slots at
approximately a 30-degree angle to the ceiling tile rail (see Figure 5). Make sure
that any cable slack is above the ceiling tile.
LEDs
PWR: Indicates whether or not the W-AP68 is powered-on
ENET: Indicates the status of the W-AP68’s Ethernet port
11B/G/N: Indicates the status of the 802.11b/g/n radio
For information about the W-AP68’s LED behavior, see Table 1.
4. Rotate the AP clockwise until the device clicks into place on the tile rail.
Figure 5 Orienting the Ceiling Tile Rail Mounting Slots
CAUTION: EU Statement:
Lower power radio LAN product operating in 2.4 GHz band. Please refer to the
ArubaOS User Guide for details on restrictions.
Identifying Specific Installation Locations
You can mount the W-AP68 access point on a wall or on the ceiling. Use the AP
placement map generated by Dell’s RF Plan software application to determine the
proper installation location(s). Each location should be as close as possible to the
Produit réseau local radio basse puissance operant dans la bande fréquence 2.4
GHz. Merci de vous referrer au ArubaOS User Guide pour les details des
restrictions.
center of the intended coverage area and should be free from obstructions or obvious
sources of interference. These RF absorbers/reflectors/interference sources will
impact RF propagation and should have been accounted for during the planning
phase and adjusted for in RF plan.
Low Power FunkLAN Produkt, das im 2.4 GHz Band arbeitet. Weitere
Informationen bezlüglich Einschränkungen finden Sie im ArubaOS User Guide.
Apparati Radio LAN a bassa Potenza, operanti a 2.4 GHz. Fare riferimento alla
ArubaOS User Guide per avere informazioni detagliate sulle restrizioni.
Identifying Known RF Absorbers/Reflectors/Interference Sources
Identifying known RF absorbers, reflectors, and interference sources while in the
field during the installation phase is critical. Make sure that these sources are taken
into consideration when you attach an AP to its fixed location.
AP-68_005
RF absorbers include:
Pre-Installation Network Requirements
After WLAN planning is complete and the appropriate products and their placement
have been determined, the Dell controller(s) must be installed and initial setup
performed before the Dell APs are deployed.
Cement/concrete—Old concrete has high levels of water dissipation, which dries
out the concrete, allowing for potential RF propagation. New concrete has high
levels of water concentration within the concrete, blocking RF signals.
Natural Items—Fish tanks, water fountains, ponds, and trees
Rubber Feet Installation
If you are installing your W-AP68 on a flat surface (such as a desk), you must install
the included rubber feet. Install these by inserting one foot into each of the four
holes at each corner on the bottom of the AP.
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Ethernet Ports
Aruba AP-68 and AP68P
10/100 Mbps Ethernet
RJ-45 Female
Pin-Out
*POE optional
(POE positive*)
(POE positive*)
(POE negative*)
(POE negative*)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
ETH Tx+ (POE negative*)
ETH Tx– (POE negative*)
ETH Rx+ (POE positive*)
ETH Rx– (POE positive*)
Direction
Input
Output
Serial
Console Port
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
TxD
GND
RxD
RJ-45 Female
Pin-Out
Direction
Input
Output
GND
3
4
5
2
5
63
RJ-45 DB-9
Internal
Connections
TxD
GND
RxD
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
TxD
GND
RxD
RJ-45 Female
Pin-Out
Direction
Input
Output
DB-9 Male
Pin-Out
TxD
RxD
Ground
5
4
3
2
1
9
8
7
6
Direction
Input
Output
The RJ45 Ethernet port (ENET) supports 10/100Base-T auto-sensing MDI/MDX
connections. Use these ports to connect the AP to a twisted pair Ethernet LAN segment or directly to an Dell Controller. Use a 4- or 8-conductor, Category 5 UTP cable
up to 100 m (325 feet) long.
The 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port is on the back of the AP. The port has an RJ-45
female connector with the pin-outs shown in .
Figure 6 Fast Ethernet Port Pin-Out
Configuring the W-AP68
AP Provisioning/Reprovisioning
Provisioning parameters are unique to each AP. These local AP parameters are
initially configured on the controller which are then pushed out to the AP and stored
on the AP itself. Dell recommends that provisioning settings be configured via the
ArubaOS Web UI only. Refer to the ArubaOS User Guide for complete details.
AP Configuration
Configuration parameters are network or controller specific and are configured and
stored on the controller. Network configuration settings are pushed out to the AP(s)
but remain stored on the controller.
Configuration settings can be configured via the ArubaOS Web UI, ArubaOS CLI, or
Dell MMS. Refer to their respective guides for further details: the ArubaOS User
Guide or Dell Mobility Management System User Guide.
under the RoHS Directive are Lead (including Solder used in printed circuit
assemblies), Cadmium, Mercury, Hexavalent Chromium, and Bromine. Some Dell
products are subject to the exemptions listed in RoHS Directive Annex 7 (Lead in
solder used in printed circuit assemblies). Products and packaging will be marked
with the “RoHS” label shown at the left indicating conformance to this Directive.
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Dell Networks provides a multi-language document that contains country-specific
restrictions and additional safety and regulatory information for all Dell access points.
This document can be viewed or downloaded from the following location:
support.dell.com/manuals
CAUTION: RF Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with FCC
RF radiation exposure limits. This equipment should be installed and operated
with a minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator and your body for 2.4 GHz
operations. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction
with any other antenna or transmitter.
Dell PowerConnect W-AP68
Access Point
Installation Guide
Serial Console Port
The serial console port (Console) allows you to connect the AP to a serial terminal or
a laptop for direct local management. This port is an RJ-45 female connector with the
pinouts described in Figure 7. Connect this port directly to a terminal or terminal
server using an Ethernet cable.
Use a modular adapter to convert the RJ-45 (female) connector on the AP to a DB-9
(male) connector, and connect the adapter to a laptop using an RS-232 cable. See
Figure 8 for connector details of the adapter.
Figure 7 Serial Port Pin-Out
Figure 8 RJ-45 (Female) to DB-9 (Male) Modular Adapter Conversion
Power Connection
The W-AP68 has a single 12V DC power jack socket to support powering through an
AC-to-DC power adapter.
NOTE: If both POE and DC power are available, the AP uses POE even when there
is not enough POE voltage available to power the AP.
Verifying Post-Installation Connectivity
.The integrated LEDs on the AP can be used to verify that the AP is receiving power
and initializing successfully (see Table 1). Refer to the ArubaOS Quick Start Guide
for further details on verifying post-installation network connectivity
LED Color/State Meaning
PWR Off No power to AP
Green flashing Device booting, not ready
Red steady Initial power-up condition
Green steady Power on, device ready
ENET
(10/100 Mbps)
11B/G/N Off 2.4 GHz radio disabled
Off No link
Green on 10/100 Mbps link
Green flashing Ethernet link activity
Product Specifications
Mechanical
Dimensions (HxWxD):
5.5 inches x 4.1 inches x 1.5 inches
14.0 cm x 10.5 cm x 3.8 cm
Weight: 145g/5.1 oz.
Operating Temperature: 0ºC to 40ºC (32ºF to 104ºF)
Storage Temperature: –10ºC to 70ºC (14ºF to 158ºF)
Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing
Altitude: 3,000 m
Mounting: Wall or ceiling
Visual Status Indicators (LEDs): See Table 1
Electrical
Ethernet:
1 x 10/100Base-T auto-sensing Ethernet RJ-45 Interfaces
MDI/MDX
IEEE 802.3 (10Base-T), IEEE 802.3u (100Base-T)
Power over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af compliant), 48V DC/350mA (see Figure 6
for pin configuration)
Power: 12 VDC power interface, supports powering through an AC-to-DC power
adapter
NOTE: If a power adapter other than the one provided by Dell Networks is used in
the US or Canada, it should be NRTL Listed, with an output rated 12 VDC, minimum
1.25A, marked “LPS” or “Class 2,” and suitable for plugging into a standard power
receptacle in the US and Canada.
Wireless LAN
Network Standards: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, and IEEE 802.11n
Antenna Type:2x 802.11b/g/n, internal
Antenna Gain: 2.4 – 2.5 GHz/3 dBi (max)
Radio Technology
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)
Radio Modulation Type:
802.11b - CCK, BPSK, QPSK
802.11g - CCK, BPSK, QPSK,16-QAM, 64-QAM
802.11n draft 2.0
Media Access Control: CSMA/CA with ACK
Supported Frequency Bands 2.4GHz:
2.400 ~ 2.4835GHz (Global), channels country specific
Data Rates:
802.11b - 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps per channel
802.11g - 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 and 54 Mbps per channel
802.11n - Data rate MCS0 – MCS7 (from 6.5 Mbps to 150 Mbps)
FCC and Industry Canada Statement
This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, persuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules and Canadian ICES-003.
Products available in USA and Canada, only channels 1 through 11 can be used. Do
not operate such products on any other channels.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC and ICES-003 Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme á la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Contents subject to change without notice. You can download the latest Installation
Guide in multiple languages at support.dell.com/manuals.
Support Information
Web Site Support
Main Website Dell.com
Support Website support.Dell.com
Dell Documentation support.dell.com/manuals
Copyright
© 2011 Aruba Networks, Inc. AirWave®, Aruba Networks®, Aruba Mobility Management
System®, and other registered marks are trademarks of Aruba Networks, Inc. Dell™, the
DELL™ logo, and PowerConnect™ are trademarks of Dell Inc.
All rights reserved. Specifications in this manual are subject to change without notice.
Originated in the USA. Any other trademarks appearing in this manual are the property of
their respective companies.
Open Source Code
Certain Aruba products include Open Source software code developed by third parties,
including software code subject to the GNU General Public License (GPL), GNU Lesser
General Public License (LGPL), or other Open Source Licenses. The Open Source code
used can be found at this site:
http://www.arubanetworks.com/open_source
Legal Notice
The use of Aruba Networks, Inc. switching platforms and software, by all individuals or
corporations, to terminate other vendors' VPN client devices constitutes complete
acceptance of liability by that individual or corporation for this action and indemnifies, in
full, Aruba Networks, Inc. from any and all legal actions that might be taken against it
with respect to infringement of copyright on behalf of those vendors.
Amber 2.4 GHz radio enabled in
WLAN mode
Green 2.4 GHz radio enabled in 11n
mode
Green flashing 2.4 GHz Air Monitor
Proper Disposal of Dell Equipment
For the most current information about Global Environmental Compliance and Dell
products, see our website at dell.com.
European Union RoHS
Dell products also comply with the EU Restriction of
Hazardous Substances Directive 2002/95/EC (RoHS). EU
RoHS restricts the use of specific hazardous materials in the
manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment. Specifically, restricted materials
Dell.com
Dell PowerConnect W-AP68 Access Point | Installation Guide
Part Number 0510873-02 | March 2011