Netgear WAC720B03 User Manual
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
User Manual
March 2016
202-11624-04
350 East Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134
USA
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
Support
Thank you for purchasing this NETGEAR product. You can visit www.netgear.com/support to register your product, get help,
access the latest downloads and user manuals, and join our community. We recommend that you use only official NETGEAR
support resources.
Conformity
For the current EU Declaration of Conformity, visit http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/11621.
Compliance
For regulatory compliance information, visit http://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory.
See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.
Trademarks
© NETGEAR, Inc., NETGEAR and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. Any non-NETGEAR trademarks are
used for reference purposes only.
Revision History
Publication Part
Number
202-11624-04 March 2016 Revised Mount the Access Point to show the changes to the access point
202-11624-03 March 2016 Major revision with the following major changes:
Publish Date Comments
mounting bracket.
Changed firmware version 3.5.4.0 to version 3.5.6.0.
• Revised Log In to the Access Point.
• Added Disable the Cloud Mode for a Standalone Access Point.
• Added View Dashboard Information.
• Revised Configure and Enable WiFi Security Profiles.
• Added Configure Load Balancing.
• Revised Set Up and Manage Ensembles.
• Revised Manage Captive Portals.
• Removed the legacy 802.1x security option (RADIUS security option).
• Removed the WPA and WPA-PSK (TKIP) security options.
In addition, made many minor changes plus the following nontechnical
changes:
• Increased the quality of all screen shots.
• Replaced many screen shots.
• Converted all procedures to standalone procedures.
• Changed the name of the manual from Reference Manual to User
Manual.
202-11624-02 February 2016 Revised Configure WiFi Bridging.
202-11624-01 December 2015 Revised Mount the Access Point.
202-11607-01 October 2015 First publication.
2
Contents
Chapter 1 Hardware Setup
Chapter 2 Initial Setup
Unpack Your Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Hardware Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Top Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Bottom Panel With Product Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
What You Need Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
System Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
WiFi Equipment Placement and Range Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Ethernet Cabling Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
LAN Configuration Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Hardware Requirements for Computers on Your LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Operating Frequency Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Requirements for Entering IP Addresses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Install and Configure the Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Connect the Access Point to a Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Log In to the Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Disable the Cloud Mode for a Standalone Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Configure Basic General System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Configure Time Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Configure the IPv4 Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Configure the Basic WiFi Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Test Basic WiFi Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Mount the Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Package Content of the Ceiling and Wall Installation Kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Drop Ceiling Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Wall Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Chapter 3 WiFi Configuration and Security
WiFi Data Security Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
WiFi Security Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Configure and Enable WiFi Security Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
About WPA2 With RADIUS and WPA & WPA2 With RADIUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
About WPA2-PSK and WPA-PSK & WPA2-PSK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Change the QoS Policy for a WiFi Security Profile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Configure RADIUS Server Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Restrict WiFi Access by MAC Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
3
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
Enable Rogue AP Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Schedule the WiFi Radios to Be Turned Off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Configure Basic WiFi Quality of Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Chapter 4 Management and Monitoring
Enable Remote Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
SNMP Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Secure Shell and Telnet Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Manage the Access Point over a Telnet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Upgrade the Access Point Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Upgrade the Firmware Over a Web Browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Upgrade the Firmware Over a TFTP Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Manage the Configuration File or Reset to Factory Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Save the Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Restore the Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Restore the Access Point to the Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Reboot the Access Point Without Restoring the
Default Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Change the Administrator Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Manage User Accounts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Add a New User Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Change the Name for a User Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Change the Privilege for a User Account. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Reset the Password for a User Account. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Delete a User Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Enable the Syslog Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Monitor the Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
View System Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
View Dashboard Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Monitor WiFi Clients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
View the Activity Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
View the Traffic Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Set Up and Manage Ensembles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Configure and Enable Ensemble Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Manage an Ensemble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Monitor an Ensemble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Chapter 5 Advanced Configuration
Configure IPv6 Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Configure Spanning Tree Protocol, 802.1Q VLAN, and
Link Layer Discovery Protocol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Configure STP and VLANs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Configure Ethernet LLDP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Configure Bonjour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Configure Advanced WiFi Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Configure Advanced Quality of Service Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Configure and Manage Quality of Service Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
4
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
Configure a New QoS Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Modify a QoS Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Delete a QoS Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111
Configure Load Balancing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Manage Captive Portals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Specify Captive Portal Profile Settings and Enable the
Captive Portal Instance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Add User Accounts to the Local Database for Captive Portal Access . . . . . 117
Upload a Custom Logo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Configure a Default or Custom Captive Portal Splash Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Enable the Global Captive Portal Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Configure WiFi Bridging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Point-to-Point Bridge and Point-to-Multipoint Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Configure a WiFi Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting
Troubleshoot the Basic Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Verify the Correct Sequence of Events at Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
No LEDs Are Lit on the Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128
The Active LED or the LAN LED Is Not Lit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129
The WLAN LED Does Not Light. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
You Cannot Access the Internet or the LAN From a WiFi Computer . . . . . . . . 129
You Cannot Configure the Access Point From a Browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130
When You Enter a URL or IP Address a Time-Out Error Occurs . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Troubleshoot a TCP/IP Network Using the Ping Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Test the LAN Path to Your Access Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Test the Path from Your Computer to a Remote Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Problems With Date and Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Use the Packet Capture Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Appendix A Supplemental Information
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
5
1. Hardware Setup
This chapter covers the following topics:
• Unpack Your Access Point
• Hardware Description
Note: For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the
support website at support.netgear.com.
Note: Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are made
available from time to time at downloadcenter.netgear.com. Some
products can regularly check the site and download new firmware, or
you can check for and download new firmware manually. If the
features or behavior of your product does not match what is
described in this guide, you might need to update your firmware.
1
Note: In this manual, WiFi and wireless are interchangeable terms.
6
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
Unpack Your Access Point
Your package contains the following items:
• ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Point
• Straight-through Category 5 Ethernet cable
• Ceiling and wall installation kit
• Installation guide
Contact your reseller or customer support in your area if any parts are missing or damaged.
Visit the NETGEAR website at support.netgear.com/general/contact/default.aspx for the
telephone number of customer support in your area.
Hardware Description
The following sections describe the top and rear hardware functions of the access point.
• Top Panel
• Rear Panel
• Bottom Panel With Product Label
Top Panel
The LEDs of the access point are described in the following figure and table:
1
Figure 1. Top panel
23
4
5
Hardware Setup
7
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
Table 1. Top panel LEDs
Item LED Description
1 Power/Test Off Power is off.
On (green) Power is on.
Amber, then blinking
green
2 Active Off No Ethernet traffic is detected, or no link is detected.
On or blinking (green) Ethernet traffic is detected.
3 LAN Off A 10 Mbps or no link is detected on LAN port.
Amber A 100 Mbps link is detected on LAN port.
Green A 1000 Mbps link is detected on LAN port.
4 2.4
Ghz
5
5
Ghz
2.4 GHz
WLAN
5 GHz
WLAN
Off The WiFi 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz) LAN is not ready, or
On or blinking (green) The WiFi 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz) LAN is ready, or WiFi
Off The WiFi 802.11n/a (5 GHz) LAN is not ready, or no
On or blinking (green) The WiFi 802.11n/a (5 GHz) LAN is ready, or WiFi
A self-test is running or software is being loaded.
During startup, the LED is first steady amber, then
goes off, and then blinks green before turning steady
green after about 45 seconds. If after one minute the
LED remains amber or continues to blink green, it
indicates a system fault.
no WiFi activity is detected.
activity is detected.
WiFi activity is detected.
activity is detected.
Rear Panel
Figure 2. Rear panel
1
2
3
4
5
Hardware Setup
8
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
The rear panel components of the access point, from left to right, are described in the
following list:
1. Cable security lock receptacle for an optional lock.
2. Console port for connecting to an optional console terminal. The port provides an RJ-45
connector and supports the following settings: 115200 K default baud rate, 8 data bits, no
(N) parity bit, and one (1) stop bit.
3. Factory default Reset button. Using a sharp object, press and hold this button for about
five seconds to reset the access point to factory defaults settings. All configuration settings
are lost, and the default password is restored. For more information, see Restore the Access
Point to the Factory Default Settings on page 62.
4. 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45) port with Auto Uplink (Auto MDI-X) and
support for IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) for connection to a switch or router that
can provide PoE.
5. Power socket for an optional 12 VDC, 2.5A power adapter.
Note: The WAC720 access point can support up to two optional
2.4 GHz/5 GHz dual-band antennas. The WAC730 access point can
support up to three optional 2.4 GHz/5 GHz dual-band antennas.
Bottom Panel With Product Label
The product label on the bottom of the access point’s enclosure displays factory default
settings, regulatory compliance, and other information.
产品型号: WAC730 ӗ૱〠ৼ仁⇥ᰐ㓯AC᧕ޕ⛩
FCC ID: PY315300321 IC: 4054A-15300321
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC 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.
272-12481-02 制造商: NETGEAR, INC.
ύ㡚ڋ!Made in China
产品型号: WAC720 ӗ૱〠ৼ仁⇥ᰐ㓯AC᧕ޕ⛩
FCC ID: PY315300320 IC: 4054A-15300320
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC 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
272-12480-02
ύ㡚ڋ!Made in China
undesired operation.
制造商: NETGEAR, INC.
CMIIT ID: XXXXXXXXXX
䗃ޕ: 12V 2.5A
W52/W53 Ȅቻ䲀ᇊ
XXX-XXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXX
䗃ޕ: 12V 2.5A
CMIIT ID: XXXXXXXXXX
序列号
序列号
Figure 3. Product labels
Hardware Setup
9
2. Initial Setup
This chapter covers the following topics:
• What You Need Before You Begin
• Install and Configure the Access Point
• Test Basic WiFi Connectivity
• Mount the Access Point
2
10
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
What You Need Before You Begin
You must consider the following guidelines and requirements before you can set up your
access point.
System Requirements
Before installing the access point, make sure that your system includes the following:
• A 10/100/1000 Mbps local area network device such as a hub or switch
• The Category 5 UTP straight-through Ethernet cable with RJ-45 connector included in the
package, or one like it
• A PoE switch or a 12V, 2.5 A, DC power source
• A web browser for configuration
• At least one computer with the TCP/IP protocol installed
• 802.11bg/ng/bgn-compliant or 802.11a/a-na-ac-compliant devices
WiFi Equipment Placement and Range Guidelines
The range of your WiFi connection can vary significantly based on the location of the access
point. The latency, data throughput performance, and power consumption of WiFi devices
also vary depending on your configuration choices.
Note: Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance
degradation or inability to connect over WiFi to the access point. For
complete performance specifications, see Appendix A, Supplemental
Information.
Note: Before you position and mount the access point at its permanent
position, first configure the access point and test the computers on
your LAN for WiFi connectivity as described in this chapter.
For best results, place your access point according to the following general guidelines:
• Near the center of the area in which the WiFi devices will operate.
• In an elevated location such as a high shelf where the WiFi devices are in a line-of-sight
(even if through walls).
• Away from sources of interference, such as computers, microwaves ovens, and 2.4 GHz
cordless phones.
• Away from large metal surfaces or water.
Initial Setup
11
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
• Placing an external antenna in a vertical position provides best side-to-side coverage.
Placing an external antenna in a horizontal position provides best up-and-down
coverage. (An external antenna does not come standard with the access point.)
If you are using multiple access points, it is better if adjacent access points use different radio
frequency channels to reduce interference. The recommended channel spacing between
adjacent access points is five channels (for example, use Channels 1 and 6, or 6 and 1 1, or 1
and 11).
The time it takes to establish a WiFi connection can vary depending on both your security
settings and placement.
Ethernet Cabling Requirements
The access point connects to your LAN using twisted-pair Category 5 Ethernet cable with
RJ-45 connectors.
LAN Configuration Requirements
For the initial configuration of your access point, you must connect a computer to the access
point.
Hardware Requirements for Computers on Your LAN
To connect to the access point on your network, your WiFi device must support 802.11b,
802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11a, or 802.11ac. If your computer does not include an internal WiFi
adapter, we recommend using the NETGEAR A6210 WiFi USB Adapter.
Operating Frequency Guidelines
You do not need to change the operating frequency (channel) unless you notice interference
problems or you place the access point near another access point. If you do change the
operating frequency, observe the following guidelines:
• Access points use a fixed channel. You can select a channel that provides the least
interference and best performance. In the United States and Canada, 11 channels are
available.
• If you use multiple access points, it is better if adjacent access points use different
channels to reduce interference. The recommended channel spacing between adjacent
access points is five channels (for example, use Channels 1 and 6, or 6 and 11).
• In infrastructure mode (which is the default mode for the access point), WiFi stations
normally scan all channels, looking for a access point. If more than one access point can
be used, the one with the strongest signal is used. This is possible only if the access
points use the same SSID.
Initial Setup
12
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
Requirements for Entering IP Addresses
IP addresses assigned to the access points must follow the following requirements for IPv4
and IPv6 addresses.
IPv4
The fourth octet of an IP address must be between 0 and 255 (both inclusive). This
requirement applies to any IP address that you enter on the access point’s web management
interface.
IPv6
IPv6 addresses are denoted by eight groups of hexadecimal quartets that are separated by
colons. Any four-digit group of zeroes within an IPv6 address can be reduced to a single zero
or altogether omitted.
The following errors invalidate an IPv6 address:
• More than eight groups of hexadecimal quartets
• More than four hexadecimal characters in a quartet
• More than two colons in a row
Install and Configure the Access Point
Install and configure your access point in the order of the following sections:
1. Connect the Access Point to a Computer
2. Log In to the Access Point
3. Disable the Cloud Mode for a Standalone Access Point
4. Configure Basic General System Settings
5. Configure the IPv4 Settings
6. Configure the Basic WiFi Settings
Before installing the access point, make sure that your Ethernet network functions. After you
connect the access point to the Ethernet network, computers that support 802.11b/g/a/n/ac
are able to communicate with the Ethernet network.
For this to work correctly, verify that you meet all the system requirements, shown in
Hardware Description on page 7.
Initial Setup
13
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
Connect the Access Point to a Computer
Tip: Before you place the access point in an elevated position that is
difficult to reach, first set up and test the access point to verify WiFi
network connectivity.
To set up the access point:
1. Unpack the box and verify the contents.
2. Prepare a computer with an Ethernet adapter.
If this computer is already part of your network, record its TCP/IP configuration settings.
Configure the computer with a static IP address of 192.168.0.210 and 255.255.255.0 as
the subnet mask.
3. Connect an Ethernet cable from the access point to the computer.
4. Securely insert the other end of the cable into the access point’s Ethernet port.
5. Turn on your computer.
6. Connect the access point to a PoE switch or power adapter.
Tip: The access point supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) with power
redundancy. If you are using a switch that provides PoE, you do not
need to use a power adapter to power the access point. Using PoE
can be especially convenient when the access point is installed in a
high location far away from a power outlet.
7. Verify the following:
Power/T est LED. The Power/Test LED blinks when the access point is first turned
on. (To be exact, during startup, the LED is first steady amber , then goes off, and
then blinks green.) After about 45 seconds, the LED stays lit
(steady green). If after one minute the Power/Test LED is not lit or is still blinking,
check the connections and see if the power outlet is controlled by a wall switch
that is turned off.
Active LED. The Active LED is lit or blinks green when Ethernet traffic is
detected.
LAN LED. The LAN LED indicates the LAN speed for LAN port 1: green for
1000 Mbps, amber for 100 Mbps, and no light for 10 Mbps. If the LAN LED is not
lit, make sure that the Ethernet cable is securely attached at both ends.
2.4
Ghz
5
Ghz
2.4 GHz WLAN LED. The 2.4 GHz WLAN LED is lit or blinks green when the WiFi
LAN (WLAN) is ready.
5 GHz WLAN LED. The 5 GHz WLAN LED is lit or blinks green when the WiFi
LAN (WLAN) is ready.
Initial Setup
14
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
Log In to the Access Point
The default IP address of your access point is 192.168.0.100.
By default, the access point functions as a DHCP client. If the access point is installed in a
network that includes a DHCP server, the IP address of the access point is issued by the
DHCP server. You can find the IP address of the access point by accessing the DHCP server
or by using an IP address scanner utility. (Free IP address scanner utilities are available
online.)
If you must configure the access point with a static IPv4 address, see the steps in Log In to
the Access Point When It Is Directly Connected to Your Computer on page 15 and Configure
the IPv4 Settings on page 21.
Note: When the access point runs firmware version 3.5.6.0 or a later
version, by default, the access point is enabled for the cloud and
operates with a limited web management interface (only the
Configuration and Monitoring menu tabs display).
Log In to the Access Point When It Is Directly Connected to Your Computer
To log in to the access point when it is directly connected to your computer:
1. Change the IP address of your computer to an IP address in the 192.168.0.x subnet,
which is the subnet in which the access point’s default IP address is located.
For example, change the computer’s IP address to 192.168.0.210.
2. Connect your computer to the access point with an Ethernet cable.
3. Open a web browser on your computer.
4. In the address bar, enter http://192.168.0.100.
192.168.0.100 is the default IP address of the access point.
Initial Setup
15
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
5. Enter the user name and password.
The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and
password are case-sensitive.
6. Click the Login button.
The web browser displays the General page under the Configuration tab. If you are
using the access point as a standalone access point or as an access point with a wireless
controller, you must disable the cloud mode (see Disable the Cloud Mode for a
Standalone Access Point on page 17).
After you disable the cloud mode and you log in to the access point, the web browser
displays the Dashboard page under the Monitoring tab of the main menu. For more
information, see View Dashboard Information on page 73.
Log In to the Access Point When It Is Connected to a Network With a DHCP
Server
To log in to the access point when it is connected to a network with a DHCP server.
1. Open a web browser from a computer that is connected to the same network as the
access point.
2. In the address bar, enter the network IP address of the access point.
You can find the IP address of the access point by accessing the DHCP server or by
using an IP address scanner utility. (Free IP address scanner utilities are available
online.)
3. Enter the user name and password.
The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and
password are case-sensitive.
4. Click the Login button.
Initial Setup
16
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
The web browser displays the General page under the Configuration tab. If you are
using the access point as a standalone access point or as an access point with a wireless
controller, you must disable the cloud mode (see Disable the Cloud Mode for a
Standalone Access Point on page 17).
After you disable the cloud mode and you log in to the access point, the web browser
displays the Dashboard page under the Monitoring tab of the main menu. For more
information, see View Dashboard Information on page 73.
Web Management Interface
The navigation tabs across the top of the web management interface provide access to all
the configuration functions of the access point and remain constant. The menu items in the
blue bar change according to the navigation tab that is selected.
The top right corner of all pages that allow you to make configuration changes show the
Apply and Cancel buttons, and on several pages the Edit button.
These buttons provide the following functions:
• Edit. Allows you to edit the existing configuration.
• Cancel. Cancels all configuration changes that you made on the page.
• Apply. Saves and applies all configuration changes that you made on the page.
Disable the Cloud Mode for a Standalone Access Point
When the access point runs firmware version 3.5.6.0 or a later version, by default, the cloud
mode is enabled for the access point and the web management interface is a restricted
interface that shows only the Configuration and Monitoring menu tabs with limited
configuration options.
If you are using the access point as a standalone access point or as an access point with a
wireless controller, you must disable the cloud mode.
To disable the cloud mode:
1. Open a web browser from a computer that is connected to the same network as the
access point or to the access point directly through an Ethernet cable.
For more information, see Log In to the Access Point on page 15.
2. In the address bar, enter the IP address of the access point.
A login window opens.
3. Enter the user name and password.
The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and
password are case-sensitive.
Initial Setup
17
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
4. Next to Cloud Enabled, select the No radio button.
5. Click the Apply button.
The access point restarts with factory default settings but retains its IP configuration and
management VLAN.
The access point is now ready for standalone operation with a full web management
interface.
Configure Basic General System Settings
To configure basic system settings:
1. Open a web browser from a computer that is connected to the same network as the
access point or to the access point directly through an Ethernet cable.
For more information, see Log In to the Access Point on page 15.
2. In the address bar, enter the IP address of the access point.
A login window opens.
3. Enter the user name and password.
The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and
password are case-sensitive.
4. Select Configuration > System > Basic > General.
Initial Setup
18
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
5. Configure the settings as described in the following table.
Setting Description
Access Point Name This unique name is the access point NetBIOS name. The name is printed on the
rear label of the access point. The default is netgearxxxxxx, in which xxxxxx
represents the last 6 digits of the access point MAC address. You can replace the
default name with a unique name up to 15 characters long. The access point name
can be retrieved through SNMP.
Country / Region From the Country / Region menu, select the country where the access point is
installed.
Note: It might not be legal to operate this access point in a region other than one of
those identified in this field.
Note: For information about enabling the access point for the cloud and using
the access point as a cloud-managed device, see the Business Central
Wireless Manager Application Quick Start Guide and Business Central
Wireless Manager Application User Manual, both of which you can
download from downloadcenter.netgear.com.
6. Click the Apply button.
Your settings are saved.
Configure Time Settings
To configure time settings:
1. Open a web browser from a computer that is connected to the same network as the
access point or to the access point directly through an Ethernet cable.
For more information, see Log In to the Access Point on page 15.
2. In the address bar, enter the IP address of the access point.
Initial Setup
19
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
A login window opens.
3. Enter the user name and password.
The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and
password are case-sensitive.
4. Select Configuration > System > Basic > Time.
5. Configure the settings as described in the following table.
Setting Description
Time Zone Select the time zone to match your location.
Current Time This is a nonconfigurable field that displays the current date and time.
NTP Client Enable the Network Time Protocol (NTP) client to synchronize the time of the
access point with an NTP server. By default the Enable radio button is
selected.
Use Custom NTP Server Select this check box if you want to use a custom NTP server.
Note: You need an Internet connection to use an NTP server that is not on
your local network.
Hostname /
IP Address
Enter the host name or IP address of the custom NTP server.
The default is time-b.netgear.com.
Note: If you use a host name, make sure that you configured a
DNS server.
6. Click the Apply button.
Your settings are saved.
Initial Setup
20
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
Configure the IPv4 Settings
Note: For information about how to configure the IPv6 settings, see
Configure IPv6 Settings on page 95.
WARNING:
If you enable the DHCP client, the IP address of the access point
changes when you click the Apply button, causing you to lose your
connection to the access point. Y ou must use the new IP address to
reconnect to the access point.
Tip: If you enable the DHCP client on the access point, you can discover
the new IP address of the access point by accessing the DHCP server
on your LAN, or by using a network IP address scanner utility.
To configure the IPv4 settings:
1. Open a web browser from a computer that is connected to the same network as the
access point or to the access point directly through an Ethernet cable.
For more information, see Log In to the Access Point on page 15.
2. In the address bar, enter the IP address of the access point.
A login window opens.
3. Enter the user name and password.
The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and
password are case-sensitive.
4. Select Configuration > IP > IP Settings.
Initial Setup
21
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
5. Configure the IPv4 settings as described in the following table.
Setting Description
DHCP Client By default, the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) client is enabled.
The access point receives its IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway
settings automatically from the DHCP server on your network when you connect
the access point to your LAN.
IP Address Enter the IP address of your access point. The default IP address is
192.168.0.100. To change the address, enter an unused IP address from the
address range used on your LAN, or enable DHCP the server.
IP Subnet Mask Enter the network number portion of an IP address. Unless you are
implementing subnetting, enter 255.255.0.0 as the subnet mask.
Default Gateway Enter the IP address of the ISP gateway to which the access point connects.
Primary DNS Server Enter the IP address of the primary and secondary DNS servers.
A DNS server is a host on the Internet that translates Internet names (such as
www.netgear.com) to numeric IP addresses. Typically your ISP transfers the IP
Secondary DNS Server
address of one or two DNS servers to your access point during login. If the ISP
does not transfer an address, you must obtain it from the ISP and enter it
manually in this field.
Network Integrity Check Select this check box to validate that the upstream link is active before allowing
WiFi associations. Ensure that the default gateway is configured.
6. Click the Apply button.
Your settings are saved.
Configure the Basic WiFi Settings
For proper compliance and compatibility between similar products in your coverage area, you
must configure the 802.11bg/ng/bgn and 802.11a/a-na-ac settings correctly, including the
operating channel and country. You also must configure the basic WiFi network settings so
that WiFi devices can connect to your network. For other WiFi features, including WiFi
security, see Chapter 3, WiFi Configuration and Security.
WARNING:
If you configure the access point from a WiFi computer and you
change the access point’s SSID, channel, or WiFi security settings,
you lose your WiFi connection when you click the Apply button.
You then must change the WiFi settings of your computer to match
the access point’s new settings.
Initial Setup
22
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
Configure 802.11bg/ng/bgn WiFi Settings
To configure the 802.11bg/ng/bgn WiFi settings:
1. Open a web browser from a computer that is connected to the same network as the
access point or to the access point directly through an Ethernet cable.
For more information, see Log In to the Access Point on page 15.
2. In the address bar, enter the IP address of the access point.
A login window opens.
3. Enter the user name and password.
The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and
password are case-sensitive.
4. Select Configuration > Wireless > Basic > Wireless Settings.
5. Select the WiFi mode in the 2.4 GHz band:
•
11bg. 802.11b-compliant devices and 802.11g-compliant devices can connect to the
access point.
• 11ng. 802.11n-compliant devices and 802.11g-compliant devices can connect to the
access point
• 11bgn. This is the default setting. 802.11b-compliant devices, 802.11n-compliant
devices and 802.11g-compliant devices can connect to the access point. If you keep
the default setting, go to Step 8.
Initial Setup
23
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
When you change the WiFi mode, the Turn Radio On check box is automatically cleared,
and all fields, buttons, and menus on the page are masked out.
6. Turn on the radio by selecting the Turn Radio On check box.
A pop-up window opens.
Note: Under normal conditions, you want the radio to be turned on. Turning off
the radio disables access through the access point, which can be helpful
for configuration, network tuning, or troubleshooting activities.
7. Click the OK button to confirm the change of WiFi mode.
The change does not take effect until you click the Apply button after you complete the
WiFi configuration.
8. Specify the remaining WiFi settings as described the following table.
Setting Descriptions
Wireless Network Name
(SSID)
Broadcast Wireless
Network Name (SSID)
Channel / Frequency From the menu, select the channel that you want to use for your WiFi LAN. The
Enter a 32-character (maximum) service set identifier (SSID); the characters are
case-sensitive. The default is NETGEAR_11ng. The SSID assigned to a WiFi
device must match the access point’s SSID for the WiFi device to communicate
with the access point. If the SSIDs do not match, you do not get a WiFi
connection to the access point.
Select the Yes radio button to enable the access point to broadcast its SSID,
allowing WiFi stations with a null (blank) SSID to adopt the access point’s SSID.
Yes is the default setting. To prevent the SSID from being broadcast, select the
No radio button.
available WiFi channels and frequencies depend on the country and WiFi mode.
The default setting is Auto, which enables the access point to automatically
select the most suitable channel.
Note: You do not need to change the WiFi channel unless you experience
interference (indicated by lost connections or slow data transfers). If this happens,
you might want to experiment with different channels to see which is the best. For
more information, see Operating Frequency Guidelines on page 12.
Note: For more information about available channels and frequencies, see
Technical Specifications on page 136.
Note: If the access point is a member of an ensemble for which automatic
channel assignment is enabled (see Manage Automatic Channel Assignment for
an Ensemble on page 85), Auto is not available as a selection from the
Channel / Frequency menu.
Initial Setup
24
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
Setting Descriptions
11ng and 11bgn modes
only
Note: For most
networks, the default
settings work fine.
11bg modes only Data Rate From the menu, select the transmit data rate of the WiFi
Output Power From the menu, select the transmission power of the access point: Full, Half,
MCS Index / Data
Rate
Channel Width From the menu, select a channel width. The options are 20
Guard Interval From the menu, select the guard interval to protect
Quarter, Eighth, Minimum. The default is Full.
Note: Increasing the power improves performance, but if two or more access
points are operating in the same area and on the same channel, interference can
occur.
Note: Make sure that you comply with the regulatory requirements for total radio
frequency (RF) output power in your country.
From the menu, select a Modulation and Coding Scheme
(MCS) index and transmit data rate for the WiFi network. The
default setting is Best. For a list of all options that you can
select from in 11ng and 11bgn modes, see Factory Default
Settings on page 138.
MHz and 40 MHz. The default is 40 MHz.
transmissions from interference. The default is Auto, or you
can select Long - 800 ns. Some legacy devices can operate
only with a long guard interval.
network. The default setting is Best. For a list of all options
that you can select from in 11bg mode, see Factory Default
Settings on page 138.
9. Click the Apply button.
Your settings are saved.
Note: For information about how to configure advanced WiFi settings, see
Configure Advanced WiFi Settings on page 100.
Configure 802.11a/a-na-ac WiFi Settings
To configure the 802.11a/a-na-ac WiFi settings:
1. Open a web browser from a computer that is connected to the same network as the
access point or to the access point directly through an Ethernet cable.
For more information, see Log In to the Access Point on page 15.
2. In the address bar, enter the IP address of the access point.
A login window opens.
3. Enter the user name and password.
The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and
password are case-sensitive.
Initial Setup
25
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
4. Select Configuration > Wireless > Basic > Wireless Settings.
5. Select the WiFi mode in the 5 GHz band:
• 11a. 802.11n-compliant devices can connect to the access point because they are
backward compatible.
• 11a-na-ac. This is the default setting. If you keep the default setting, go to Step 8.
When you change the WiFi mode, the Turn Radio On check box is automatically cleared,
and all fields, buttons, and menus on the page are masked out.
6. Turn on the radio by selecting the Turn Radio On check box.
A pop-up window opens.
Note: Under normal conditions, you want the radio to be turned on. Turning
off the radio disables access through the access point, which can be
helpful for configuration, network tuning, or troubleshooting activities.
7. Click the OK button to confirm the change of WiFi mode.
The change does not take effect until you click the Apply button after you complete the
WiFi configuration.
Initial Setup
26
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
8. Specify the remaining WiFi settings as described the following table.
Setting Descriptions
Wireless Network Name
(SSID)
Broadcast Wireless
Network Name (SSID)
Channel / Frequency From the menu, select the channel that you want to use for your WiFi LAN. The
Enter a 32-character (maximum) service set identifier (SSID); the characters are
case-sensitive. The default is NETGEAR_11ac. The SSID assigned to a WiFi
device must match the access point’s SSID for the WiFi device to communicate
with the access point. If the SSIDs do not match, you do not get a WiFi
connection to the access point.
Select the Yes radio button to enable the access point to broadcast its SSID,
allowing WiFi stations with a null (blank) SSID to adopt the access point’s SSID.
Yes is the default setting. To prevent the SSID from being broadcast, select the
No radio button.
available WiFi channels and frequencies depend on the country and WiFi mode.
The default setting is Auto, which enables the access point to automatically
select the most suitable channel.
Note: You do not need to change the WiFi channel unless you experience
interference (indicated by lost connections or slow data transfers). If this happens,
you might want to experiment with different channels to see which is the best. For
more information, see Operating Frequency Guidelines on page 12.
Note: For more information about available channels and frequencies, see
Technical Specifications on page 136.
Note: If the access point is a member of an ensemble for which automatic
channel assignment is enabled (see Manage Automatic Channel Assignment for
an Ensemble on page 85), Auto is not available as a selection from the
Channel / Frequency menu.
11a-na-ac mode only
Note: For most
networks, the default
settings work fine.
11a mode only Data Rate From the menu, select the transmit data rate of the WiFi
MCS Index / Data
Rate
Channel Width From the menu, select a channel width. The options are 20
Guard Interval From the menu, select the guard interval to protect
From the menu, select a Modulation and Coding Scheme
(MCS) index and transmit data rate for the WiFi network. The
default setting is Best. For a list of all options that you can
select from in 11a-na-ac mode, see Factory Default Settings
on page 138.
MHz, 40 MHz, and 80 MHz. The default is 80 MHz.
transmissions from interference. The default is Auto, or you
can select Long - 800 ns. Some legacy devices can operate
only with a long guard interval.
network. The default setting is Best. For a list of all options
that you can select from in 11a mode, see Factory Default
Settings on page 138.
Initial Setup
27
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
Setting Descriptions
Output Power From the menu, select the transmission power of the access point: Full, Half,
Quarter, Eighth, Minimum. The default is Full.
Note: Increasing the power improves performance, but if two or more access
points are operating in the same area and on the same channel, interference can
occur.
Note: Make sure that you comply with the regulatory requirements for total radio
frequency (RF) output power in your country.
9. Click the Apply button.
Your settings are saved.
Note: For information about how to configure advanced WiFi settings, see
Configure Advanced WiFi Settings on page 100.
Test Basic WiFi Connectivity
After you configure the access point, make sure that WiFi devices can connect to the access
point before you position and mount the access point at its permanent position.
To test for WiFi connectivity:
1. Configure your WiFi devices so that they can connect to a WiFI network that you
configured on the access point.
2. Verify that your WiFi devices acquired a WiFi link to the access point.
3. Verify network connectivity by using a browser to connect to the Internet, or check for file
and printer access on your network.
Note: If you experience trouble connecting to the access point, see
Chapter 6, Troubleshooting.
We recommend that you complete the following tasks before you deploy the access point in
your network:
• Configure WiFi security and other WiFi features as described in Chapter 3, WiFi
Configuration and Security.
• Configure any additional features that you might need as described in Chapter 4,
Management and Monitoring, and Chapter 5, Advanced Configuration.
After you complete the configuration of the access point, you can reconfigure the computer
that you used for this process back to its original TCP/IP settings.
Initial Setup
28
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
Mount the Access Point
The following sections explain how to mount your access point. We recommend that you
review the information in WiFi Equipment Placement and Range Guidelines on page 11
before you mount the access point at its permanent position.
• Package Content of the Ceiling and Wall Installation Kit
• Drop Ceiling Installation
• Wall Installation
Package Content of the Ceiling and Wall Installation Kit
3
6
2
1
Figure 4. Ceiling and wall installation kit
The ceiling and wall installation kit contains the following components:
• One access point mounting bracket (1)
• One wall mounting bracket (2)
• Four mounting screws with integrated washers for the access point mounting bracket (3)
• One T-bar screw for the access point mounting bracket (4)
• Four wall screws for the wall mounting bracket (5)
• Four wall anchors for the wall mounting bracket (6)
5
4
Drop Ceiling Installation
The best location for ceiling installation is at the center of your WiFi coverage area, and
within line of sight of all mobile devices. Make sure that the top (the dome side) of the access
point is directed toward the users and not the ceiling.
Initial Setup
29
ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730
Before mounting the access point in a high location, first set up and test the access point to
verify WiFi network connectivity.
If you are mounting the access point on a hard ceiling, use the wall installation instructions.
Note: Do not place the access point in a false ceiling space facing up.
To mount your access point to a drop ceiling:
1. Attach the access point mounting bracket to the access point using the four mounting
screws.
2. Place the access point so that the ceiling rail is between the two tabs on the access point
mounting bracket.
Initial Setup
30
Loading...