Ruckus Wireless 7962 User Manual

Ruckus Wireless® ZoneFlex® 2925/2942/7942/7962/2741/7762

Access Point

User Guide

Part Number 800-70235-001 Published August 2009

www.ruckuswireless.com

About This Guide

Document Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i

Related Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ii

Documentation Feedback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ii

Introducing the ZoneFlex Access Point

Overview of the ZoneFlex Access Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Unpacking the ZoneFlex Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Getting to Know the Access Point Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

ZoneFlex 2925 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

ZoneFlex 2942/7942 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ZoneFlex 7962 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

If Your AP is Part of a Wireless Mesh Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

WLAN/Wireless Device Association LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Installing the Access Point

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Prepare the Required Hardware and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Perform a Site Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Determine the Optimal Mounting Location and Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Step 1: Preconfigure the Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Configuring for Management by ZoneDirector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Configuring for Standalone Operation or for Management by FlexMaster . . . . 23

Step 2: Verify Access Point Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Connect the Access Point to the Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Check the LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Associate a Wireless Client with the Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Check the TR069 Status (FlexMaster Management Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Disconnect the Access Point from the Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Step 3: Deploy the Access Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

1. Choose a Location for the Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

2. Connect the Access Point to a Power Source and the Network . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Troubleshooting Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Navigating the Web Interface

Logging Into the ZoneFlex Web Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Navigating the Web Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

If You Are Using ZoneFlex AP 7962/7762. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Configuring the Access Point

Configuring the System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Enabling the PoE OUT Port for ZoneFlex 7762 Outdoor AP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Configuring Network Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Default IP Addressing Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Obtaining and Assigning an IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Changing the Network Connection Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Configuring the L2TP Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Renewing or Releasing DHCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Configuring Common Wireless Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Reviewing the Advanced > Common Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Setting Threshold Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Configuring WLAN Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Using WEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Using WPA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Customizing 802.1x Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Controlling Access to the Wireless Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Changing the Access Controls for a WLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Removing MAC Addresses from the List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Access Control Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Configuring VLAN Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Navigating the VLAN Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Changing a VLAN ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Changing the Port State of a VLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Changing an RJ45 Port’s VLAN Tagged State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Managing the Access Point

Viewing Associated Wireless Clients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Viewing Local Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Changing the Administrative Login Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Enabling Other Management Access Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Viewing FlexMaster Management Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Pointing the AP to FlexMaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Enabling Logging and Sending Event Logs to a Syslog Server. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Sending a Copy of the Log File to Ruckus Wireless Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Saving a Copy of the Current Log to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Upgrading the Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Upgrading Manually via the Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Upgrading Manually via FTP or TFTP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Scheduling an Automatic Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Rebooting the Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Resetting the Access Point to Factory Default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Running Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Where to Find More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Index

iii

About This Guide

This guide describes how to install, configure, and manage the Ruckus Wireless® ZoneFlex those responsible for installing and managing network equipment. Consequently, it assumes that the reader has basic working knowledge of local area networking, wireless networking, and wireless devices.

NOTE:: If release notes are shipped with your product and the information there differs from the information in this guide, follow the instructions in the release notes.

Most user guides and release notes are available in Adobe Acrobat Reader Portable Document Format (PDF) or HTML on the Ruckus Wireless Support Web site at:

http://support.ruckuswireless.com/

2925/2942/7942/7962/2741/7762 Access Point. This guide is written for

Document Conventions

Ta b le 1 and Tab l e 2 list the text and notice conventions that are used throughout this

guide.

Tab l e 1. Tex t C on v e nti o n s

Convention Description Example

monospace

monospace bold

default font bold

italics

Represents information as it appears on screen

Represents information that you enter

Keyboard keys, software buttons, and field names

Screen or page names Click Advanced Settings.

[Device name]>

[Device name]> set

ipaddr 10.0.0.12

On the Start menu, click All Programs.

The Advanced Settings page appears.

About This Guide

Table 2. Notice Conventions

Icon Notice Type Description

Information Information that describes

important features or instructions

Caution Information that alerts you to

potential loss of data or potential damage to an application, system, or device

Warning Information that alerts you to

potential personal injury

Introducing the ZoneFlex Access Point

In This Chapter

Overview of the ZoneFlex Access Point

Unpacking the ZoneFlex Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Getting to Know the Access Point Features If Your AP is Part of a Wireless Mesh Network

Overview of the ZoneFlex Access Point

Congratulations on your purchase of the Ruckus Wireless ZoneFlex Access Point! ZoneFlex Access Points are the industry’s first centrally-managed Wi-Fi access points that are capable of extending wireless signals two to four times farther than a conventional access point.

Your ZoneFlex Access Point uses BeamFlex™, a patent-pending antenna technology from Ruckus Wireless that allows wireless signals to navigate around interference, extend wireless signal range, and increase speeds and capacity for wireless networks. The BeamFlex™ antenna system consists of an array of six high-gain directional antenna elements that allow ZoneFlex Access Point to find quality signal paths in a changing environment, and sustain the baseline performance required for supporting data, audio and video applications.

Your ZoneFlex Access Point can be deployed in standalone mode or as part of the ZoneFlex smart WLAN system, in which it can be managed by either FlexMaster or ZoneDirector WLAN controller.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

NOTE: For more information on the ZoneFlex system (including FlexMaster and

ZoneDirector), BeamFlex, and other Ruckus Wireless technologies, visit www.ruckuswireless.com

Introducing the ZoneFlex Access Point

Unpacking the ZoneFlex Access Point

1. Open the Access Point package, and then carefully remove the contents.

2. Return all packing materials to the shipping box, and put the box away in a dry

location.

3. Verify that all items listed in Package Contents Check each item for damage. If any item is damaged or missing, notify your authorized Ruckus Wireless sales representative.

Package Contents

A complete Access Point package contains all of the items listed below:

■ ZoneFlex 2925/2942/7942/7962/2741/7762 Access Point

■ A 3-foot (0.9 meter) Category 5 Ethernet cable

■ A power supply adapter

■ A wall mounting kit, with printed instructions

■ Software License Agreement/Product Warranty Statement

■ A Quick Setup Guide for ZoneFlex indoor APs or a Getting Started Guide for

ZoneFlex outdoor APs

below are included in the package.

Getting to Know the Access Point Features

This section identifies the physical features of each ZoneFlex Access Point model that is discussed in this guide. Before you begin the installation process, Ruckus Wireless recommends that you become familiar with these features.

■ ZoneFlex 2925

■ ZoneFlex 2942/7942

■ ZoneFlex 7962

NOTE: For information on the physical features of ZoneFlex 2741 and ZoneFlex 7762 outdoor APs, refer to their respective Getting Started Guides.

Introducing the ZoneFlex Access Point

Getting to Know the Access Point Features

ZoneFlex 2925

The following illustrations and tables describe the physical features of ZoneFlex 2925.

Front Panel

Figure 1 shows the front view of a ZoneFlex 2925 AP, highlighting the four LED

indicators that can be used to assess both device and network status. Refer to Tab l e

3 for information on what the LEDs indicate.

Figure 1. ZoneFlex 2925 front panel

Introducing the ZoneFlex Access Point

Getting to Know the Access Point Features

Refer to Tab l e 4 below for all possible LED states and what they indicate.

Table 3. ZoneFlex 2925 LED behavior

LED Description

• Off: No power is available, or the AP is not connected to a power source.

• Green: The AP is connected to a power source.

• Off: No link activity is detected

• Yellow: A 10Mbps-capable device has been detected.

• Flashing yellow: Data is being exchanged through the WAN port at 10Mbps.

• Green: A 100Mbps-capable device has been detected.

• Flashing green: Data is being exchanged through the WAN port at 100Mbps.

• Off: No WLAN is enabled.

• Amber: One of the WLANs is enabled, but no wireless client has associated.

• Green: At least one wireless client has associated.

• Off: There is no network activity; no station detected at the WLAN port

• Amber: There is a hardware problem affecting the WLAN port.

• Flashing red and green alternately: A signal is being detected at the WLAN port, but at the lowest level.

• Flashing green: A moderate signal is being detected at the WLAN port.

• Green: A strong signal is being detected at the WLAN port.

Introducing the ZoneFlex Access Point

1 2

Getting to Know the Access Point Features

Rear Panel Features

Figure 2 shows the rear panel of ZoneFlex 2925. For a description of each rear panel

part, refer to Tabl e 4

Figure 2. ZoneFlex 2925 rear panel

Table 4. ZoneFlex 2925 rear panel ports, buttons, and connector

Number Description

Connect the power adapter to this socket (Input 12V 1.0A DC or 5V 2.0A DC)

Four RJ-45 ports, supporting 10/100Mbps connections

One RJ-45 port, dedicated to ISP/broadband source connection

OTA (Over the Air) button. Not active in this model at this time.

Use to reset AP to “factory default” state. For more information, refer

Resetting the Access Point to Factory Default” on page 83.

to “

Introducing the ZoneFlex Access Point

Getting to Know the Access Point Features

ZoneFlex 2942/7942

The side panel of ZoneFlex 2942/7942 features four LED indicators that can be used to assess both device and network status. The rear view displays the connector panel, which includes the LAN ports and the optional external antenna connection. Refer to the following illustrations and tables to learn more.

Side Panel Features

The ZoneFlex 2942/7942 chassis includes a Kensington lock (on the side of the unit opposite the OPT and DIR LEDs) and a lockable “sliding door” (shown in Figure 3 that hides and protects the rear connector I/O panel and status LEDs. As your AP may be placed in a public location, the lock and door mechanisms can help prevent tampering or theft.

Figure 3. ZoneFlex 2942/7942 side panel features

)

Introducing the ZoneFlex Access Point

Getting to Know the Access Point Features

Tab l e 5 lists all possible LED states on ZoneFlex 2942/7942 and describes what each

LED state means. It also describes how to use the HARD RESET button and other elements on the side panel.

Table 5. ZoneFlex 2942/7942 side panel elements

Number LED/Button Name Description

1 OPT LED Not used in this model

2 DIR LED • Off: The Access Point is not being managed by

ZoneDirector (standalone mode).

• Green: The Access Point is being managed by ZoneDirector.

• Flashing green: The Access Point is being managed by ZoneDirector, but is currently unable to communicate with ZoneDirector.

3 AIR LED • Green: The Access Point is functioning as a mesh

AP (MAP) and the wireless signal to its uplink MAP is good (> 24dbm).

• Fast flashing green (two flashes every second): The Access Point is functioning as a mesh AP (MAP) and the wireless signal to its uplink MAP is poor (< 24dbm).

• Slow flashing green (one flash every two seconds): Mesh networking is enabled, but the Access Point cannot find a mesh uplink.

• Off: The Access Point is operating in standalone mode or, if mesh networking is enabled, the Access Point is functioning as a root AP (RAP).

Introducing the ZoneFlex Access Point

Getting to Know the Access Point Features

Table 5. ZoneFlex 2942/7942 side panel elements

Number LED/Button Name Description

4 WLAN LED • Green: The wireless LAN (WLAN) service is up and

5 HARD RESET

6 Sliding Door Protects the ports, buttons, and connector on rear

7 Kensington Lock The Kensington lock feature, located on the

Button

at least one wireless client is associated with it. If mesh networking is enabled, there are no downlink MAPs connected to this Access Point.

• Fast flashing green (two flashes every second): The WLAN service is up and at least one wireless client is associated with it. Mesh networking is enabled and at least one downlink MAP is connected to this Access Point.

• Slow flashing green (one flash every two seconds): The WLAN service is up, but no wireless clients are currently associated with it. Mesh networking is enabled and at least one downlink MAP is connected to this Access Point.

• Amber: The WLAN service is up, but no wireless clients are currently associated with it. Mesh networking is disabled.

• Off: Either the WLAN is down, or it is up but no wireless clients are currently associated with it. If mesh networking is enabled, there are no downlink MAPs connected to this Access Point.

Pushing and quickly releasing this internal button reboots the AP. Pushing and holding it for six seconds resets the AP to factory defaults.

panel

opposite side of the unit from the pictured LEDs, is designed to prevent the sliding door from opening, thus locking the unit. The Kensington lock works with a Kensington MicroSaver lock.

Introducing the ZoneFlex Access Point

2 3

Getting to Know the Access Point Features

Rear Panel Features

Figure 4 shows the rear panel of ZoneFlex 2942/7942. For a description of each rear

panel part, refer to Table 6

Figure 4. ZoneFlex 2942/7942 rear panel features

WARNING: For units with Power over Ethernet (PoE).These products and all inter- connected equipment must be installed indoors within the same building, including the associated LAN connections, as defined by Environment A of the IEEE 802.3af Standard.

CAUTION: The external antenna connectors are for indoor use only. Do not connect

them to outdoor antennas.

Introducing the ZoneFlex Access Point

Getting to Know the Access Point Features

Table 6. ZoneFlex 2942/7942 rear panel elements

Number Item Name Description

1 Power Adapter Plug Connect the power adapter to this socket. (Input

2 Lock Hasp The lock hasp works with a cable or Ruckus mounts.

3 External RP-SMA

4 LAN Ports • ZoneFlex 2942: Two RJ-45 ports, supporting 10/

5 OPTIONAL Button Not active in this model at this time.

6 SOFT RESET

Connector

Button

110-240V AC, Output 12V 1.0A DC). Power can also be supplied via 10/100 POE port.

The recommended lock type is Masterlock 120 series (D, T, Q, KAD types).

• ZoneFlex 2942: One external antenna connector

• ZoneFlex 7942: None

100 POE (Power over Ethernet) and 10/100Mbps connections.

• ZoneFlex 7942: Two RJ-45 ports, supporting 10/ 100/1000 POE (Power over Ethernet) and 10/100/ 1000Mbps connections.

Use to reset AP. This is a normal reset and does not set AP back to factory defaults.

Introducing the ZoneFlex Access Point

Getting to Know the Access Point Features

ZoneFlex 7962

The physical features of ZoneFlex 7962 are very similar to ZoneFlex 2942/7942. It uses the same dome-type chassis with the sliding door and Kensington lock on the side panel. There are slight differences, however, in the side panel and rear panel elements. The following illustrations call out these differences Figure 5 ZoneFlex 7962 side panel.

Side Panel Features

Figure 5 illustrates the side panel features of ZoneFlex 7962. For a description of each

rear panel part, refer to Tab l e 7

Figure 5. ZoneFlex 7962 side panel

for a photo of the

Introducing the ZoneFlex Access Point

Getting to Know the Access Point Features

Table 7. ZoneFlex 7962 side panel elements

Number LED/Button Name Description

1 OPT LED Not used in this model

2 DIR LED • Off: The Access Point is not being managed by

3 2.4G LED (WLAN) • Green: The wireless LAN (WLAN) service is up and

ZoneDirector (standalone mode).

• Green: The Access Point is being managed by ZoneDirector.

• Slow flashing green (one flash every two seconds):

The Access Point is being managed by ZoneDirector, but is currently unable to communicate with ZoneDirector.

• Fast flashing green (two flashes every second): The Access Point is being managed by ZoneDirector and is currently being receiving configuration settings (provisioning) or a firmware update.

at least one wireless client is associated with it.

• Flashing green (two flashes every second): The WLAN service is up and no wireless client is associated with it.

• Off: The WLAN service is down.

4 5G LED (WLAN) • Green: The wireless LAN (WLAN) service is up and

at least one wireless client is associated with it.

• Flashing green (two flashes every second): The WLAN service is up and no wireless client is associated with it.

• Off: The WLAN service is down.

5 HARD RESET

Button

Pushing and quickly releasing this internal button reboots the AP. Pushing and holding it for six seconds resets the AP to factory default settings.

CAUTION! Resetting the AP to factory default settings will erase all settings that you configured previously.

6 Sliding Door Protects the ports, buttons, and connector on the

rear panel

7 Kensington Lock The Kensington lock feature, located on the

opposite side of the unit from the pictured LEDs, is designed to prevent the sliding door from opening, thus locking the unit. The Kensington lock works with a Kensington MicroSaver lock.

Introducing the ZoneFlex Access Point

2 3

Getting to Know the Access Point Features

Rear Panel Features

Figure 6 shows the rear panel of ZoneFlex 7962. For a description of each rear panel

part, refer to Tabl e 7

Figure 6. ZoneFlex 7962 rear panel features

Table 8. ZoneFlex 7962 rear panel elements

Number Item Name Description

1 Power Adapter Plug Connect the power adapter to this socket. (Input

110-240V AC, Output 12V 1.0A DC). Power can also be supplied via the 10/100/1000 POE port.

2 Lock Hasp The lock hasp works with a cable or Ruckus Wireless

mounts. The recommended lock type is Masterlock 120 series (D, T, Q, KAD types).

3 LAN Ports Two RJ-45 ports, one for a 10/100/1000 POE (Power

over Ethernet) connection and another for a 10/100/ 1000Mbps connection.

4 OPTIONAL Button Not active in this model at this time.

5 SOFT RESET

Button

Use to reset AP. This is a normal reset and does not set AP back to factory defaults.

Introducing the ZoneFlex Access Point

If Your AP is Part of a Wireless Mesh Network

A wireless mesh network is a peer-to-peer, multi-hop wireless network wherein participant nodes cooperate to route packets. In a Ruckus Wireless mesh network, the routing nodes (that is, the Ruckus Wireless APs forming the network), or “mesh nodes”, form the network's backbone. Clients (for example, laptops and mobile devices) connect to the mesh nodes and use the backbone to communicate with one another, and, if permitted, with nodes on the Internet. The mesh network enables clients to reach other systems by creating a path that “hops” between nodes.

When deployed as a mesh network, Ruckus Wireless APs communicate with ZoneDirector through a wired LAN connection or through wireless LAN connection with other Ruckus Wireless ZoneFlex access points.

NOTE: There are no mesh-related configuration settings on your AP. Mesh settings are all configured on ZoneDirector.

If you deployed your ZoneFlex AP as part of a wireless mesh network, you can check the LEDs on the AP to determine its mesh status. The two LEDs on the ZoneFlex AP that indicate mesh status are:

■ WLAN/Wireless Device Association LED - Indicates downlink status and client

association status

■ Signal/Air Quality LED - Indicates uplink status and the quality of the AP's wireless

signal

NOTE: ZoneFlex 7962 with software version 8.0 does not support mesh networking.

NOTE: For information on the LED behaviors of ZoneFlex 2741 and ZoneFlex 7762

outdoor APs when operating in standalone mode or when it is part of a mesh network, refer to their respective Getting Started Guides.

WLAN/Wireless Device Association LED

The behavior of the WLAN LED is the same on both Root AP and Mesh AP. Refer to the table below for a complete list of possible LED colors and behaviors for Root APs and Mesh APs, and the mesh status that they indicate.

Table 9. WLAN/Wireless Device Association LED behavior

LED Color/Behavior Root AP / Mesh AP

Green • No mesh downlink, and;

• At least one client is associated with the AP

Introducing the ZoneFlex Access Point

If Your AP is Part of a Wireless Mesh Network

Table 9. WLAN/Wireless Device Association LED behavior

LED Color/Behavior Root AP / Mesh AP

Amber • No mesh downlink, and;

• No client is associated with the AP

Fast blinking green • At least one mesh downlink exists, and;

• At least one client is associated with the AP

Slow blinking green • At least one mesh downlink exists, and;

• No client is associated with the AP

Figure 7. WLAN/Wireless Device Association LED on ZoneFlex 2942/7942 (left)

and ZoneFlex 2925 (right)

Air/Signal Quality LED

Table 10. Air/Signal Quality LED behavior

LED Color/Behavior Root AP Mesh AP

Green N/A • Connected to a Root AP or another

Mesh AP, and;

• Signal quality is good

Fast blinking green N/A • Connected to a Root AP or another

Mesh AP, and;

• Signal quality is fair

Introducing the ZoneFlex Access Point

If Your AP is Part of a Wireless Mesh Network

Table 10. Air/Signal Quality LED behavior

LED Color/Behavior Root AP Mesh AP

Slow blinking green N/A AP is searching for an uplink

Off This AP is a Root AP N/A

Figure 8. Air/Signal Quality LED on ZoneFlex 2942/7942 (left) and ZoneFlex 2925

(right)

Installing the Access Point

In This Chapter

Before You Begin

Step 1: Preconfigure the Access Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Step 2: Verify Access Point Operation Step 3: Deploy the Access Point

Troubleshooting Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Before You Begin

Before starting with the installation, make sure that you have the required items for the installation ready. In addition, verify that the wireless stations on the network have the required components for wireless communication with the Access Point.

This section describes the pre-installation tasks that you need to perform.

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Prepare the Required Hardware and Tools

You must supply the following tools and equipment:

■ A notebook computer running on Windows XP/2000 and installed with one

wireless 802.11a/b/g/n network card and one Ethernet card

■ A modem (DSL or cable), E1/T1 router, or other device provided by your Internet

Service Provider, that brings Internet access to your site

■ (Optional) A network switch or a DSL/Internet gateway device.

NOTE: If the AP is deployed with ZoneDirector, follow the instructions in the Zone- Director Quick Setup Guide, and connect the AP to your Ethernet network.

Installing the Access Point

Before You Begin

Perform a Site Survey

Before installing the Access Point, perform a site survey to determine the optimal Access Point placement or maximum range, coverage, and network performance. When performing a site survey, consider the following factors:

■ Data rates: Range is generally inversely proportional to data rates. The maximum

radio range is achieved at the lowest workable data rate. Higher data rates will generally be achieved at closer distances.

■ Antenna type and placement: Proper antenna configuration is a critical factor in

maximizing radio range. As a general rule, radio range is increased by mounting the radio higher off of the ground with the Access Point oriented so that the dome is facing down (for recommended orientation examples, refer to Figure 9 page 19). If you are connecting an external antenna to the Access Point, mount the Access Point so that the external antenna is pointing down.

■ Physical environment: Clear or open areas provide better radio range than closed

or filled areas. The less cluttered the operating environment, the greater the wireless range.

■ Obstructions, building materials, and sources of interference: Physical obstruc-

tions, such as concrete pillars, steel beams, and filing cabinets, can block or hinder wireless communication. Avoid installing the Access Point in a location where there is an obstruction between sending and receiving devices. A number of machines and electronic devices that emit radio waves – cranes, wireless phones, microwave ovens, satellite dishes – interfere with and block wireless signals. Building materials used in construction also influence radio signal penetration. For example, drywall construction permits greater range than concrete blocks.

For more Access Point placement guidelines, refer to “

Determine the Optimal

Mounting Location and Orientation”.

Installing the Access Point

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Before You Begin

Determine the Optimal Mounting Location and Orientation

The location and orientation that you choose for the Access Point play a critical role in the performance of your wireless network. In general, Ruckus Wireless recommends installing the Access Point away from obstructions and sources of interference and ensuring that the Access Point’s dome is pointing in the general direction of its wireless clients.

Figure 9. Recommended orientation for maximum horizontal plane coverage

Installing the Access Point

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Figure 10. Recommended orientation for maximum vertical plane coverage

Installing the Access Point

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Step 1: Preconfigure the Access Point

Figure 11. Recommended orientation for maximum mesh coverage

Step 1: Preconfigure the Access Point

The procedure for completing the Access Point’s essential configuration depends on whether you want it to be managed by either ZoneDirector or FlexMaster or to operate as a standalone access point. Refer to the section that is relevant to your deployment:

■ Configuring for Management by ZoneDirector

■ Configuring for Standalone Operation or for Management by FlexMaster

Configuring for Management by ZoneDirector

If ZoneDirector is installed on the network, you can configure the Access Point for management by ZoneDirector. Simply connect the Access Point to same Layer 2 subnet as ZoneDirector. When the Access Point starts up, it will discover and register with ZoneDirector automatically.

NOTE: In addition to using Layer 2 auto discovery to enable the Access Point to register with ZoneDirector, you can also use DHCP Option 43 or DNS. For more information, refer to the ZoneDirector User Guide.

CAUTION: If you use this method, make sure that you do not change the IP address

of ZoneDirector after the AP discovers and registers with it. If you change the ZoneDirector IP address, the AP will no longer be able to communicate with it and will be unable to rediscover it.

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