Symbol Technologies AP5131S, AP5131D Users manual

AP-5131 Access Point

INSTALLATION GUIDE

© 2001-2005 by Symbol Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be modified or adapted in any way, for any purposes without
permission in writing from Symbol Technologies, Inc. (Symbol). The material in this manual is
subject to change without notice. Symbol reserves the right to make changes to any product to
improve reliability, function, or design. No license is granted, either expressly or by implication,
estoppels, or otherwise under any Symbol Technologies, Inc., intellectual property rights. An
implied license only exists for equipment, circuits and subsystems contained in Symbol
products. Symbol and the Symbol logo are registered trademarks of Symbol Technologies, Inc.

Patents

This product is covered by one or more of the U.S. and foreign patents listed at:

http://www.symbol.com/patents
Symbol Technologies, Inc.
One Symbol Plaza
Holtsville, New York 11742-1300
http://www.symbol.com

AP-5131 Install Guide

1.0 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1.1 Document Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1.2 Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.3 Site Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

2.0 AP-5131 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2.1 Physical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2.2 Electrical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2.3 Radio Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3.0 Hardware Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.1 Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Contents

3.2 Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.3 AP-5131 Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

3.4 Mounting the AP-5131 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

3.5 LED Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

4.0 Basic AP-5131 Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

4.1 Configuring Basic AP-5131 Device Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

4.2 Where to Go From Here? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

5.0 Regulatory Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

6.0 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) . . . . . 39

7.0 Support and Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Introduction

1 Introduction

The Symbol AP-5131 Access Point (AP) provides a bridge between Ethernet wired LANs or WANs and
wireless networks. It provides connectivity between Ethernet wired networks and radio-equipped
mobile units (MUs). MUs include the full line of Symbol terminals, bar-code scanners adapters (PC
cards, Compact Flash cards and PCI adapters) and other devices.

The AP-5131 provides a maximum 54Mbps data transfer rate via each radio. It monitors Ethernet
traffic and forwards appropriate Ethernet messages to MUs over the network. It also monitors MU
radio traffic and forwards MU packets to the Ethernet LAN.

The AP-5131 is available in two radio versions, a single-radio and dual-radio model. One version of
the device firmware runs on the AP-5131 regardless of its radio configuration.

The Symbol AP-5131 Access Point is available in the following base models:

• Single 802.11a/g radio, external antenna (Part No. AP-5131-4002X-WW)

• Dual 802.11a+g radio, external antenna (Part No. AP-5131-1304X-WW)

If new to the AP-5131 and access point technology, refer to the AP-5131 Product Reference Guide to
familiarize yourself with access point technology and the feature set exclusive to the Symbol
AP-5131. The guide is on the CD-ROM shipped with the AP-5131, or can be found at

(http://www.symbol.com/services/downloads.html

).

1

1.1 Document Conventions

The following graphical alerts are used in this document to indicate notable situations:

NOTE Tips, hints, or special requirements that you should take note of.

CAUTION Care is required. Disregarding a caution can result in data loss or

!

WARNING! Indicates a condition or procedure that could result in personal injury or

equipment malfunction.

equipment damage.

2

AP-5131 Access Point: Installation Guide

1.2 Warnings

• Read all installation instructions and site survey reports, and verify correct equipment installation before

connecting the AP-5131 to its power source.

• Remove jewelry and watches before installing this equipment.

• Verify that the unit is grounded before connecting it to the power source.

• Verify that any device connected to this unit is properly wired and grounded.

• Connect all power cords to a properly wired and grounded electrical circuit.

• Verify that the electrical circuits have appropriate overload protection.

• Attach only approved power cords to the device.

• Verify that the power connector and socket are accessible at all times during the operation of the

equipment.

• Do not work with power circuits in dimly lit spaces.

• Do not install this equipment or work with its power circuits during thunderstorms or other weather

conditions that could cause a power surge.

• Verify there is adequate ventilation around the device, and that ambient temperatures meet equipment

operation specifications.

1.3 Site Preparation

• Consult your site survey and network analysis reports to determine specific equipment placement, power

drops, and so on.

• Assign installation responsibility to the appropriate personnel.

• Identify and document where all installed components are located.

• Provide a sufficient number of power drops for your equipment.

• Ensure adequate, dust-free ventilation to all installed equipment.

• Identify and prepare Ethernet and console port connections.

• Verify that cable lengths are within the maximum allowable distances for optimal signal transmission.

2 AP-5131 Specifications

2.1 Physical Characteristics

The AP-5131 has the following physical characteristics:

Dimensions 5.32 inches long x 9.45 inches wide x 1.77 inches thick.

135 mm long x 240 mm wide x 45 mm thick.

Housing Metal, Plenum Housing (UL2043)

Weight 1.95 lbs/0.88 Kg (single-radio model)

2.05 lbs/0.93 Kg (dual-radio model)

AP-5131 Specifications

3

Operating
Temperature

Storage Temperature -40 to 70° Celsius

Altitude 8,000 feet/2438 m @ 28° Celsius (operating)

Vibration Vibration to withstand .02g/Hz, random, sine, 20-2k Hz

Humidity 5 to 95% (operating) 5 to 85% (storage)

Electrostatic
Discharge

Drop Bench drop 36 inches to concrete (excluding side with connectors)

-20 to 50° Celsius

15,000 feet/4572 m @ 12° Celsius (storage)

15kV (air)
8kV (contact)

2.2 Electrical Characteristics

The AP-5131 has the following electrical characteristics:

Operating Voltage 48Vdc (Nom)

Operating Current 200mA (Peak) @ 48Vdc

170mA (Nom) @ 48Vdc.

4

AP-5131 Access Point: Installation Guide

2.3 Radio Characteristics

The AP-5131 has the following radio characteristics:

Transmitter Power 22 dBm Maximum (country, channel and data-rate dependant)

802.11b/g
19 dBm +/- 1 dBm @ 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps
19 dBm +/- 1 dBm @ 6 and 9 Mbps
18 dBm +/- 1 dBm @ 12 and 18 Mbps
17 dBm +/- 1 dBm @ 24 and 36 Mbps
16 dBm +/- 1 dBm @ 48 and 54 Mbps

802.11a
17 dBm +/- 1 dBm @ 6 and 9 Mbps
16 dBm +/- 1 dBm @ 12 and 18 Mbps
15 dBm +/- 1 dBm @ 24 and 36 Mbps
14 dBm +/- 1 dBm @ 48 and 54 Mbps

Operating Channels 802.11a radio - Channels 1-35 (4920-5825 MHz)

802.11b/g radio - Channels 1-13 (2412-2472 MHz)

802.11b/g radio - Channel 14 (2484 MHz Japan only)

Actual operating frequencies depend on regulatory rules and
certification agencies.

Radio Data Rates 802.11a radio 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 54 Mbit/Sec

802.11g radio 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 54 Mbit/Sec

802.11b radio 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps

Wireless Medium Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)

Hardware Installation

3 Hardware Installation

An AP-5131 installation includes mounting the AP-5131 on a table-top, wall, ceiling T-bar or above
the ceiling orientation, connecting the AP-5131 to the network (LAN or WAN port connection),
connecting antennas and applying power. Installation procedures vary for different environments.

3.1 Precautions

Before installing the AP-5131 verify the following:

• Do not install in wet or dusty areas without additional protection. Contact a Symbol
representative for more information.

• Verify the environment has a continuous temperature range between -20° C to 50° C.

3.2 Package Contents

Check package contents for the correct model AP-5131 and applicable AP-5131 accessories. Each
available configuration (at a minimum), contains:

5

• AP-5131 (two base models available)

• Single 802.11a/g radio, external antenna (Part No. AP-5131-4002X-WW)

• Dual 802.11a+g radio, external antenna (Part No. AP-5131-1304X-WW)

• AP-5131 Software and Documentation CD-ROM

• AP-5131 Install Guide

• Accessories Bag (4 rubber feet for desk mounting and a LED light pipe and badge with label
for above the ceiling installations)

NOTE There are numerous SKUs available containing at least one AP-5131

radio model (either 802.11a or 802.11b/g), CD-ROM, Install Guide and
Accessories Bag. However, some SKUs contain various antenna and
Symbol Power Injector combinations.
Refer to the AP-5131 Product Reference Guide to familiarize yourself with
all available AP-5131 product SKUs. The guide is on the CD-ROM shipped
with the AP-5131, or can be found at

(http://www.symbol.com/services/downloads.html

Verify the model indicated on the bottom of the AP-5131 is correct. Contact the Symbol Support
Center to report missing or improperly functioning items.

).

6

AP-5131 Access Point: Installation Guide

3.3 AP-5131 Placement

For optimal performance, install the AP-5131 away from transformers, heavy-duty motors, fluorescent
lights, microwave ovens, refrigerators and other industrial equipment. Signal loss can occur when
metal, concrete, walls or floors block transmission. Install the AP-5131 in open areas or add access
points as needed to improve coverage.

Place the AP-5131 using the following guidelines:

• Install the AP-5131 at an ideal height of 10 feet from the ground.

• Orient the AP-5131 antenna vertically for best reception.

• Point the AP-5131 antenna(s) downward if attaching to the ceiling.

Symbol recommends conducting a site survey to define and document radio interference obstacles
before installing the AP-5131 to maximize its radio coverage area.

3.3.1 AP-5131 Antenna Options

Both Radio 1 and Radio 2 require one antenna and can optimally use two antennae per radio (4
antennae total for dual-radio models). Two antennae per radio provides diversity that can improve
performance and signal reception. Symbol supports two antenna suites for the AP-5131. One antenna
suite supporting the 2.4 GHz band and another antenna suite supporting the 5.2 GHz band. Select an
antenna model best suited to the intended operational environment of your AP-5131.

NOTE On a single-radio AP-5131, Radio 1 can be configured to be either a 2.4

GHz or 5.2 GHz radio. On a dual-radio model, Radio 1 refers to the AP­5131’s 2.4 GHz radio and Radio 2 refers to the AP-5131 5.2 GHz radio.
However, there could be some cases where a dual-radio AP-5131 is
performing a Rogue AP detector function. In this scenario, the AP-5131 is
receiving in either 2.4 GHz or 5.2 GHz over the Radio 1 or Radio 2
antennae depending on which radio is selected for the scan.

Antenna connectors for Radio 1 are located in a different location from the Radio 2 antenna
connectors. On single radio versions, the R-SMA connectors can support both bands and should be
connected to a R-SMA dual-band antenna or an appropriate single band antenna. If necessary a R­SMA to R-BNC adapter (Part No. 25-72178-01) can be purchased separately from Symbol.

Hardware Installation

Certain Rogue AP Detection and Intrusion Detection features use an AP-5131 radio to perform dual­band scanning. The dedicated radio should be connected to an appropriate dual-band dipole antenna
(Part No. ML-2452-APA2-01).

7

The 2.4 GHz antenna suite includes the following models:

Symbol Part Number Antenna Type Nominal Net Gain (dBi)

ML-2499-11PNA2-01 Wide Angle Directional 8.5

ML-2499-HPA3-01 Omni-Directional Antenna 3.3

ML-2499-BYGA2-01 Yagi Antenna 13.9

ML-2452-APA2-01 Dual-Band 3.0

NOTE An additional adapter is required to use ML-2499-11PNA2-01 and

ML-2499-BYGA2-01 model antennas. Please contact Symbol for more
information.

8

AP-5131 Access Point: Installation Guide

The 5.2 GHz antenna suite includes the following models:

Symbol Part Number Antenna Type Nominal Net Gain (dBi)

ML-5299-WPNA1-01 Panel Antenna 13.0

ML-5299-HPA1-01 Wide-Band Omni-Directional

Antenna

ML-2452-APA2-01 Dual-Band 4.0

For detailed specifications on the antennas available to the AP-5131, refer to the AP-5131 Product
Reference Guide. Appendix A of that document contains detailed AP-5131 antenna specifications and
their instructions for optimal use. The guide is on the CD-ROM shipped with the AP-5131, or can be
found at (http://www.symbol.com/services/downloads.html

).

5.0

3.3.2 Symbol Power Injector System

The AP-5131 can receive power either directly form a Symbol 48V AC-DC power supply
(Part No. 50-24000-050) or via an Ethernet cable connected to the LAN port (using the 802.3af
standard).

When users purchase a Symbol WLAN solution, they often need to place access points in obscure
locations. In the past, a dedicated power source was required for each access point in addition to the
Ethernet infrastructure. This often required an electrical contractor to install power drops at each
access point location. An approved power injector solution merges power and Ethernet into one
cable, reducing the burden of installation and allows optimal AP-5131 placement in respect to the
intended radio coverage area.

The Symbol Power Injector is included in certain AP-5131 kits. The Symbol Power Injector
(Part No. AP-PSBIAS-T-1P-AF) is an integrated AC-DC converter and 802.3af power injector which
requires 110-220V AC power to combine low-voltage DC with Ethernet data in a single cable
connecting to the AP-5131.

The Symbol AP-5131 Power Supply (Part No. 50-24000-050) is not included in the kit and is orderable
separately as an accessory.

CAUTION The AP-5131 supports any standards-based 802.3af compliant power

source (including non-Symbol power sources). However, using the

!

wrong solution (including a POE system used on a legacy Symbol
access point) could severely damage the AP-5131 and void the
product warranty.

Hardware Installation

A separate Power Injector is required for each AP-5131 comprising the network.

Data Power

Power
Injector

to AP-5131 LAN

Port

AP-5131

9

Wireless LAN

The Power Injector can be installed free standing, on an even horizontal surface or wall mounted
using the power injector’s wall mounting key holes. The following guidelines should be adhered to
before cabling the Power Injector to an Ethernet source and an AP-5131:

• Do not block or cover airflow to the Power Injector.

• Keep the Power Injector away from excessive heat, humidity, vibration and dust.

• The Power Injector is not a repeater, and does not amplify the Ethernet data signal. For
optimal performance, ensure the Power Injector is placed as close as possible to the
network data port.

10

AP-5131 Access Point: Installation Guide

To install the Power Injector to an Ethernet data source and AP-5131:

CAUTION Ensure AC power is supplied to the Power Injector using an AC cable

!

1. Connect the Power Injector to an AC outlet (110VAC to 220VAC).

2. Connect an RJ-45 Ethernet cable between the network data supply (host) and the Power

Injector Data In connector.

3. Connect an RJ-45 Ethernet cable between the Power Injector Data & Power Out connector

and the Symbol AP-5131 LAN port.

NOTE Cabling the Power Injector to the AP-5131’s WAN port renders the

Ensure the cable length from the Ethernet source (host) to the Power Injector and AP-5131
does not exceed 100 meters (333 ft).

with an appropriate ground connection approved for the country of
operation.

AP-5131 non-operational. Only use a AP-BIAS-T-1P-AF model power
injector with the AP-5131’s LAN port.

The Power Injector has no On/Off power switch. The Power Injector receives power and is
ready for AP-5131 device connection and operation as soon as AC power is applied.

Hardware Installation

The Power Injector demonstrates the following LED behavior under normal and/or problematic
operating conditions:

LED AC (Main) Port

11

Green (Steady) Power Injector is receiving

power from AC outlet

Green (Blinking) Output voltage source is out

of range

Indicates a device is
connected to the
Power Injector’s outgoing
Data & Power cable

The Power Injector is
overloaded or has a
short circuit

For more information and device specifications for the Symbol Power Injector, refer to the Power
Injector Quick Install Guide (Part No. # 72-66153-01) available from the Symbol Web site or the AP­5131 Software and documentation CD-ROM.

3.4 Mounting the AP-5131

The AP-5131 can rest on a flat surface, attach to a wall, mount under a suspended T-Bar or above a
ceiling (plenum or attic). Choose one of the following mounting options based on the physical
environment of the coverage area. Do not mount the AP-5131 in a location that has not been
approved in a site survey.

3.4.1 Desk Mounting

The desk mount option uses rubber feet (found in the accessories bag shipped with the AP-5131)
allowing the unit to sit on most flat surfaces.

To install the AP-5131 in a desk mount orientation:

1. Turn the AP-5131 upside down.

2. Remove the backings from the four (4) rubber feet and attach them to the four rubber feet
recess areas on the AP-5131.