Hewlett Packard Enterprise AP3950 User Manual

3Com® WLAN Managed Access Point AP3950

Quick Installation Guide

3CRWX395075A Model AP3950

www.3Com.com

Part No. 10016916 Rev. AA Published July 2008

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Quick Installation Guide

AP3950 IEEE 802.11n Managed Access Point

3CRWX395075A

The 3Com AP3950 Managed Access Point provides IEEE 802.11n/b/g, and 802.11n/a wireless access to the network. The access point is designed for use with a 3Com Wireless LAN Controller, and requires hardware installation only. All configuration for the access point takes place on the 3Com Wireless LAN Controller.

You must have a wireless controller device to operate the access point. Four WLAN controller devices can be connected to the access point:

• 3Com WX4400

• 3Com WX2200

• 3Com WX1200

• 3Com WXR100

Power is supplied via Power Over Ethernet (PoE). Since the throughput of the AP 3950 is greater than 100Mb/s, it is recommended that the AP 3950 be connected to a Gigabit Ethernet port. The following 3Com PoE devices supply power to the access point:

• 3Com PoE Injector (such as the 3CNJ1000PSE)

• 3Com WXR100

• 3Com 4400G PoE Switch

• 3Com 5500G PoE Switch

About This Guide

This Quick Start Guide describes the basic installation of the access point. It covers the following topics:

• 3Com AP3950 Managed Access Point Features

• Observing Safety Precautions

• Step 1: Unpacking the Access Point

• Step 2: Preparing for Installation

• Step 3: Mounting the Access Point

• Step 4: Connecting the Access Point to a Controller

• Step 5: Configuring the Access Point

• Step 6: Checking the LED Indicators

3Com AP3950 Managed Access Point Features

Kensington Security Slot

The access point has a slot for attachment of a Kensington security cable. The cable is not included with the access point but can be ordered separately.

Lock and Unlock Holes

On one side of the access point there is a lock hole. On the other side there is an unlock hole. Insert a 3-mm or 1/8-inch screwdriver into the appropriate hole to attach and remove the access point from the mounting bracket.

CAUTION: To prevent possible damage to the access point, do not use excessive force when inserting a tool into the lock or unlock hole.

RJ-45 Cable Ports

The access point has two RJ-45 ports. Each port provides a 10/100/1000BASE-TX Ethernet connection to a WX controller. The connection can be direct to an WX controller or indirect through an intermediate Layer 2 or Layer 3 network. For best performance, it is not recommend that the AP 3950 be connected directly to the WXR100 or WX1200 wireless controller as these controllers only have 10/100 ports.

The access point receives power and data through the RJ-45 ports. Use a Category 5 (Cat 5) cable with straight-through signaling and standard RJ-45 connectors to connect an access point to a controller in the network.

The two RJ-45 ports support dual-homed configurations for redundancy. The access point uses only one link for booting, configuration, and data transfer. If the link becomes unavailable, the access point can reboot using the other link. This second port can also be used for supplying additional power. Since the AP 3950 is a dual radio 802.11a/b/g/n access point, its power draw is slightly greater than what 802.3af power can supply. When only a single 802.3af power connection is applied, the AP uses two transmitters rather than all three (i.e. 2 x 3 MIMO). When dual 802.3af ports are used, the AP comes up in full 3 x 3 MIMO mode for extended ranges. You can also power the AP via a single 802.3af+, also known as pre-802.3at, switch or injector to get full 3 x 3 MIMO mode.

The ports are identical except for logical numbering (1 or 2). You can use either port to connect the access point to a WX controller. However, the access point always attempts to boot on port 1 first. Only if the boot attempt on port 1 fails does the access point attempt to boot on port 2. If one port becomes unavailable, the other port can provide full power to the access point.

Note: The access point does not support daisy-chain configurations. Do not connect the access point to another AP3950 access point.

Observing Safety Precautions

This equipment must be installed in compliance with local and national building codes, regulatory restrictions, and FCC rules. For the safety of people and equipment, only professional network personnel should install the access point

WARNING: To comply with FCC radio frequency (RF) exposure limits, a minimum body-to-

antenna distance of 20 cm (8 inches) must be maintained when the access point is operational.

WARNING: To avoid possible injury or damage to equipment, you must use power supply equipment that is safety certified according to UL, CSA, IEC, or other applicable national or international safety requirements for the country of use. All references to power supply in this document refer to equipment meeting these requirements.

WARNING: Do not operate the access point near unshielded blasting caps or in an otherwise

explosive environment unless the device has been modified for such use by qualified personnel.

WARNING: Do not touch or move the access point when the antennas are transmitting or receiving.

WARNING: Do not hold any radio device so that the antenna is very close to or touching the face,

eyes, or other exposed body part while the device’s radio antenna is transmitting.

WARNING: Before using a wireless device in a hazardous location, consult the local codes, national

codes, and safety directors of the location for usage constraints.

WARNING: Do not connect or disconnect cables or otherwise work with the access point hardware during periods of lightning activity.

NOTE: The access point is intended for indoor use only. Do not install the device outdoors, unless you install it in a properly installed enclosure.

NOTE: To reduce the possibility of connection interference caused by dust, clean the

5 connector pins before inserting a cable into the access point.

1 Unpacking the Access Point

Make sure that you have the following items, which are included with the access point:

• Mounting Kit:

• One universal mounting bracket (attached to the access point)

• One paper mounting template (used for marking cutting areas and screw holes)

• One two-piece 14.2-mm (9/16-inch) T-bar clamp

• One two-piece 15.9-mm (5/8-inch) T-bar clamp

• One two-piece 23.9-mm (15/16-inch) T-bar clamp

• Two #6 sheet metal screws and two drywall anchors

• Three adhesive rubber feet (used for a tabletop installation).

2 Preparing for Installation

It is advisable to connect the power (if using an external power supply) and check the Ethernet cables and LEDs before installing the access following before mounting or connecting the access point:

• Cabling Make sure that standard Category 5 cable with straight-through signaling is

installed at the site before you install the access point. Make sure that the cable is highly flexible and that there is no extra covering on the RJ-45 connector that could prevent the cable from being routed through the mounting bracket

• Power Power must be supplied via an 802.3af Power Over Ethernet (PoE)-compliant

device. Removal of the Ethernet cable is the only method of disconnecting power from the access point. transmitters and three receivers (3 x 3 MIMO) in this dual radio 802.11a/b/g/n Access Point, the AP 3950 power demands exceed the 802.3af power limits. The AP 3950 has an auto-sense capability so that, when only 802.3af power is supplied, it turns on in a 2 x 3 mode. When 802.3af+ (also known as pre-

802.3at) or two 802.3af ports are used, the AP 3950 comes up in full 3 x 3 mode.

point in a hard-to-reach location. Additionally, observe the

With the advanced functionality of three

• MAC Address Record the access point MAC address in a safe place before the access point

is installed in a hard-to-reach location. The MAC address is printed on the back of the access point. Additional MAC address labels are shipped with the access point.

3 Mounting the Access Point

The access point can be mounted on the following types of surfaces:

• Suspended ceiling — flush ceiling tiles

• Suspended ceiling — drop ceiling tiles

• Junction box

• Solid wall or ceiling

• Tabletop

Cable Requirement

840

9502

0008

The Ethernet ports on the access point cannot accept a Category 5 cable that has an uneven sheath such as the one shown in the figure below. The RJ-45 connector on the cable will not seat properly in the receptacle on the access point. Use a Category 5 cable with an even sheath instead.

neven sheath

Suspended Ceiling — Flush Ceiling Tiles

This procedure applies to T-bars that are 23.9 mm (15/16 inches) wide. For a 14.2-mm (9/16-inch) or

15.9-mm (5/8-inch) T-bar, go to

M T

“Suspended Ceiling Installation — Drop Ceiling Tiles” on page 8.

Mounting template Mounting bracket

Mobility

AP3950 access point

point

Mounting template

1 Use the mounting template to cut a hole for the Category 5 cable. 2 Remove the mounting bracket from the access point.

840-9502-0011

Mounting bracket

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