3Com AirConnect 9550 Installation guide

Secure a d reliable,
high-speed 11
wireless co ectivity
i a cost-effective PoE
access poi t with
adva ced busi ess-
class features
DATA SHEET
OVERVIEW
Reliable, secure, high-speed IEEE 802.11n wireless networking has just
been made practical. These innovative and cost-effective Power over
Ethernet (PoE) access points—compliant with 802.11n Draft 2.0— are
suitable for businesses of all sizes and are available in two configurations:
›the 3Com®AirConnect®9550 dual-radio access point has both 2.4 and
5 GHz 802.11n radios allowing it to support simultaneous 2.4 GHz
11b/g/n and 5 GHz 11a/n wireless connections
›the 3Com AirConnect 9150 single-radio access point has a 2.4 GHz
11n radio allowing it to support 2.4 GHz 11b/g/n wireless connections
Either access point is powered using a single, standard IEEE 802.3af
PoE connection, eliminating the need for proprietary PoE injectors or
bulky and inefficient external power supplies.
The access points support the latest, most effective authentication
techniques to thwart intruders and simplify network management.
Advanced network security with Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2™),
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and IEEE 802.1X authentication
protect communication over the wireless AN and help ensure only
authorized users access the network.
High-level security and network management include support for multiple
SSIDs, IEEE 802.1Q V ANs, and secure WDS bridging.
Advanced Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology provides
enhanced wireless range.
KEY BENEFI S
ENABLING WIRELESS FREEDOM
Take advantage of the freedom of high-speed networking without
wires with the Wi-Fi®CERTIFIED™3Com AirConnect 9150 and 9550
access points. Wireless ANs (W ANS) cost-effectively extend secure
mobile access to employees, contractors and guests, creating a more
flexible environment that supports workgroup collaboration and
mobile applications such as wireless VoIP, scanners and other handheld
IP technology.
3Com®AirConnect®9550 11n 2.4+5GHz PoE Access Point
3Com AirConnect 9150 11n 2.4GHz PoE Access Point
in front: 3Com AirConnect 9550 11n 2.4+5GHz PoE Access Point,
AirConnect 9150 11n 2.4GHz PoE Access Point

3COM® AIRCONNECT 9550 AND 9150 ACCESS POINTS
2
KEY BENEFI S
(CON INUED)
SUPPOR S COMPLE E IEEE 802.11 S ANDARDS
The 3Com AirConnect 9550 supports all IEEE 802.11 2.4 and 5 GHz
networking standards—11a, 11b, 11g and 11n Draft 2.0.
The AirConnect 9150 supports the 2.4 GHz networking standard—
the more common 11b, 11g and 11n draft 2.0.
PROVIDES DEPLOYMEN FLEXIBILI Y WI H POWER
PROVISIONING OP IONS
PoE provides flexible installation options. Powering the APs with standard
IEEE 802.3af PoE makes it easier than ever to overcome installation
problems by eliminating the need for an AC power plug at each AP.
Any 3Com PoE switch or other 802.3af-compliant PoE product supplies
both power and data to the access point through the same Category 5 or
6 Ethernet cable, useful and more economical in hard-to-wire locations.
SECURES AND PRO EC S WIRELESS COMMUNICA IONS
3Com offers one of the most robust suites of standards-based security
on the market today. To protect wireless data, WPA2 with 128-bit AES
encryption provides the latest, toughest standards-based security; WEP
encryption is also supported for legacy clients.
To protect against unauthorized network access, the access points
support IEEE 802.1X authentication and authorization through backend
RADIUS servers using EAP-T S, PEAP and EAP-TT S. MAC address
access control and peer-to-peer client restrictions provide further
security options.
PROVIDES SECURE ACCESS CON ROL
Configure up to four SSIDs per radio with different security profiles for
different groups of users. IEEE 802.1Q-compliant V AN support works
with the multiple SSID feature to protect company confidential files
from those who should not have access, such as guest workers.
SOLVES COMPLEX CONNEC IVI Y PROBLEMS
Wireless Distribution System (WDS) bridging solves complex wireless
connectivity problems. The access point supports both point-to-point
and point-to-multipoint WDS links for flexible network deployment
across floors or between nearby buildings.
HIGH PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILE
Desktop or notebook users can wirelessly access network resources
and applications at 802.11n Draft 2.0 speeds, ideal for multimedia
applications. A host of features and MIMO technology ensure reliable
wireless connectivity and excellent range and throughput. Wi-Fi
certification helps ensure interoperability with other vendors.
3Com backs each product with global sales, service and support along
with technology, financial and operational strength.
SIMPLIFIED SE UP; USE RIGH OU OF HE BOX
Setup and operation are designed for easy deployment. In addition to
SSID and V AN configuration flexibility, the AP discovery utility and
Web interface simplify secure setup. Preset defaults get you up and
running quickly.
BACKWARD COMPA IBILI Y
The AirConnect 9550 is compatible with existing IEEE 802.11a, b and g
networks. The AirConnect 9150 is compatible with existing IEEE
802.11b and g networks.

3COM® AIRCONNECT 9550 AND 9150 ACCESS POINTS
3
FLEXIBLE HIGH-SPEED CONNEC IVI Y
Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Advanced MIMO technology provides enhanced wireless range
(MIMO) and coverage area for improved roaming and ubiquity
Internal antennas Three built-in antennas per radio allow a compact and aesthetic design
that is ideal for wall-mounting in professional office spaces
Support for external antennas Three R-SMA connectors allow you to add optional external antennas
for increased range in bridging applications
WiFi Multimedia (WMM®) support Improves the user experience for audio, video and voice applications
Wi-Fi CERTIFIED a†/b/g/n certification helps ensure interoperability with Wi-Fi CERTIFIED
products from other vendors
High-speed 802.11 standards support Support for 802.11n Draft 2.0 provides the highest possible wireless speeds
Provides complete access to 2.4 and 5†GHz IEEE 802.11a†/b/g and 802.11n
Draft 2.0 wireless networks
Backward compatible with 11b/g users Supports high speeds while protecting existing investments
ROBUS SECURI Y FEA URES
IEEE 802.1X network access control IEEE 802.1X network access control and EAP authentication provide the
latest, most effective authentication techniques to help thwart intruders
and simplify network management
WPA2/WPA™(Wi-Fi Protected Access) Supports advanced 128-bit WPA/WPA2 encryption, and 40-/64-
and WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and 128-bit WEP encryption for legacy wireless clients
Multiple SSID support with Create SSIDs with specific settings for each group of wireless users to
SSID isolation segment traffic; SSIDs can be bridged together or isolated
MAC address access control Filters MAC addresses on devices so that only trusted clients gain access
to the W AN
802.1Q V AN support Groups users according to data or traffic requirements to segment traffic
flow based on business priorities.
INS ALLA ION AND MANAGEMEN EASE
Web browser-based administration Familiar browser interface lets you configure and manage APs from
anywhere on the network; preset defaults simplify setup and operation
Access point discovery utility Automatically discovers AP devices to simplify configuration and management
(PCs with Windows based operating systems only).
PoE support Expands installation options by eliminating the need for power adapters
and AC outlets for APs
WDS bridging Access points can function as bridges to join AN segments and support
point-to-point or point-to-multipoint configuration modes
SNMP support Enables the AP to be centrally managed by popular standards-based
network management applications using SNMP v1 and v2c
Syslog support Enables the access point to be centrally monitored by sending data to the
network Syslog server
Multiple mounting options The access point can be mounted in any of three convenient manners:
wall-mount, desktop mount or ceiling mount
FEA URES AND BENEFI S
†5 GHz and 802.11a support available with the AirConnect 9550.

3COM® AIRCONNECT 9550 AND 9150 ACCESS POINTS
4
PoE Support
Choose from several power options to
match your installation needs. First, the
PoE access point can be powered with
any standard 802.3af PoE injector such
as 3CNJPSE-GIG. Note that the PoE
injector should support gigabit links for
maximum performance.
The access point can also be powered
using an 802.3af-compliant PoE Gigabit
switch. The switch provides both data
and power through the Ethernet cable.
Non-PoEswitch
3Com802.3af
GigabitPoEInjector
EthernetData
EthernetData
and Power
3Com®AirConnect®9550
AccessPoint
Data and power
Ethernet
3Com
®AirConnect®9550
AccessPoint
BaselneSwtch2924PWRPlus
3CBLSG24PWR
3ComBaselineSwitch
2924-PWRPlus
Data and powerData only
GigabitEthernetswitch
GigabitPoweroverEthernet
MultiportMidspanSolution
3ComAirConnect®9550
AccessPoint
The Midspan solution distributes power
to the PoE access point over existing
switch connections, seamlessly
extending network connectivity into
hard-to-wire locations.

3COM® AIRCONNECT 9550 AND 9150 ACCESS POINTS
5
3Com®AirConnect®9550
AccessPoint
WPA2clients
SSID1=WPA2
LegacyWEP clients
SSID2=WEP
WPA2 clients
LegacyWEP clients
SSID1
SSID1=VLAN1
SSID2= VLAN2
VLAN1
VLAN1
VLAN2
SSID1SSID2
SSID2
3Com®BaselineSwitch
2924-PWRPlus
Wireddesktops
VLAN2
Wired desktops
3ComAirConnect®9550
AccessPoint
BaselneSwtch2924PWRPlus
3CBLSG24PWR
Multiple SSID Support
Multiple SSID support enables many flexible configurations,
including supporting multi-generation clients simultaneously—
without losing the performance available for 11n clients or
those with lower levels of security such as legacy WEP devices.
Multiple SSID and VLAN Support
With a 3Com AirConnect Access Point, a single Ethernet link
supports multiple LAN traffic tunnels. Easily segment users
that need priority access or different levels of security.

3COM® AIRCONNECT 9550 AND 9150 ACCESS POINTS
6
Wireddesktops
Wireddesktops
WDS
WDS
Wireddesktops
3ComAirConnect9550
AccessPoint
3ComAirConnect®9550
AccessPoint
3Com®
OfficeConnect®
ManagedGigabit
PoESwitch
3CDSG10PWROffceConnectManagedGgabtPoESwtch
3Com
OfficeConnect
ManagedGigabit
PoESwitch
3CDSG10PWROffceConnectManagedGgabtPoESwtch
3ComAirConnect9550
AccessPoint
3CDSG10PWROffceConnectManagedGgabtPoESwtch
3Com
OfficeConnect
ManagedGigabit
PoESwitch
Point-to-Multipoint WDS Link
A 3Com AirConnect Access Point can function as a wireless
bridge in either point-to-point (PTP) or point-to-multipoint
(PTMP) modes for installation flexibility.
Wireddesktops
Wireddesktops
WDS
3ComAirConnect®9550
AccessPoint
3ComAirConnect9550
AccessPoint
3CDSG10PWROffceConnectManagedGgabtPoESwtch
3Com
®
OfficeConnect
®
ManagedGigabit
PoESwitch
3CDSG10PWROffceConnectManagedGgabtPoESwtch
3Com
OfficeConnect
ManagedGigabit
PoESwitch
Point-to-Point WDS Link
The 3Com AirConnect Access Point connects wired LANs
with a Wireless Distribution System (WDS) link. The APs
act as wireless bridges, forwarding traffic between LANs.

3COM® AIRCONNECT 9550 AND 9150 ACCESS POINTS
7
Information in this section is appli-
cable to both the 3Com AirConnect
9550 and the AirConnect 9150, unless
stated otherwise.
MEDIA IN ERFACES
IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g,
802.11n draft 2.0
(802.11a: AirConnect 9550 only)
1 RJ-45 10BASE-T/100BASE-
TX/1000BASE-T port with IEEE
802.3af PoE, auto-negotiating
RJ-45 console port
DA A RA ES
802.11a
54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9 and 6 Mbps
(AirConnect 9550 only)
802.11g
54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9 and 6 Mbps
802.11b
11, 5.5, 2 and 1 Mbps
802.11
MCS 0 to 15 for HT20MHz,
6.5-130 Mbps
MCS 0 to 15 for HT40MHz,
13.5-270 Mbps
FREQUENCY BAND
802.11a: 5.15-5.85 GHz
(AirConnect 9550 only)
802.11b/g: 2.4-2.484 GHz
802.11n: 2.4-2.484 GHz,
and 5.15-5.85 GHz
(AirConnect 9550 only)
OPERA ING CHANNELS:
Channel availability depends on local
country regulations. Wireless AN
system administrator must choose
correct country of operation.
Channels are then automatically
configured to comply with specified
country regulations.
MODULA ION ECHNIQUE
802.11b: DSSS (Direct Sequence
Spread Spectrum)
802.11a/g/n: OFDM (Orthogonal
Frequency Division Multiplexing)
and DSSS
MEDIA ACCESS PRO OCOL
CSMA/CA with ACK
OPERA ING VOL AGE
PoE: 48V DC
POWER CONSUMP ION
10.0 watts of PoE power with
both radios active
S ANDARDS CONFORMANCE
IEEE 802.1X, 802.3ab, 802.3af, 802.3i,
802.3u, 802.11a (AirConnect 9550 only),
802.11b, 802.11d, 802.11g, 802.11n
Draft 2.0
WMM, WPA2/WPA, Wi-Fi CERTIFIED
AN ENNA
3 internal per radio; 2T x 3R
Optional external antennas also
available
SECURI Y
WPA2- Enterprise
WPA2- Personal
WPA- Personal
WPA- Enterprise
AES/TKIP
WEP 64-/128-bit encryption
IEEE 802.1X EAP types:
EAP-T S, EAP-TT S, PEAP
MANAGEMEN
SNMP v1 and v2c
Remote management with Web
browser over HTTP
Command line interface over Telnet
Access point discovery utility
LEDS
Power, AN, 2.4 GHz radio, 5 GHz
radio (AirConnect 9550 only)
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGH
ength: 19.7cm (7.8 in)
Width: 19.7cm (7.8 in)
Height: 4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Weight: 1 kg (2.2 lb)
REGULA ORY/AGENCY
APPROVALS
Safety
U /CSA 60950-1
EN/IEC 60950-1
Radio
FCC Part 15.247
RSS-210
EN 300 328 v1.7.1
EMC
FCC Part 15 Subpart B
EN 301 489-17
SAR
FCC Guideline for Human
Exposure IEEE C95.1
EN 50392
ENVIRONMEN AL RANGES
Operating temperature: -10 to 40°C
(14 to 122°F)
Storage temperature: -40 to 70°C
(-40 to 158°F)
Humidity: 10 to 95% non-condensing
SYS EM REQUIREMEN S
Computer with an Ethernet interface
configured for Internet communica-
tion
Operating system that supports an
Ethernet connection with an IP stack
Installation CD Discovery Application
requires Windows XP, 2000 or Vista
PACKAGE CON EN S
3Com AirConnect 11n PoE Access Point
Wall/desktop mounting stand
Screw kit
Quick Install Guide
CD-ROM with discovery utility
WARRAN Y AND O HER SERVICES
Three Year imited Hardware Warranty
imited Software Warranty for 90 days
90 days of telephone technical support
Refer to www.3com.com/warra ty
for details.
SPECIFICA IONS

Visit www.3com.com for more information about 3Com secure converged network solutions.
3Com Corporation, Corporate Headquarters, 350 Campus Drive, Marlborough, MA 01752-3064
3Com is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol COMS.
Copyright © 2008 3Com Corporation. All rights reserved. 3Com, the 3Com logo, AirConnect, and OfficeConnect are registered trademarks, and Express is a service
mark, of 3Com Corporation. Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Alliance, the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED logo, and WMM are registered trademarks, and Wi-Fi CERTIFIED, WPA, and WPA2, are
trademarks, of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective companies. Wireless speed and performance depend
on number of users, physical conditions, and other electronic devices in the area. While every effort is made to ensure the information given is accurate, 3Com does
not accept liability for any errors or mistakes which may arise. All specifications are subject to change without notice. 401093-001 06/08
PRODUC DESCRIP ION MODEL 3COM SKU
3Com AirConnect 9550 11n 2.4+5GHz PoE Access Point W -605 3CRWE955075
3Com AirConnect 9150 11n 2.4GHz PoE Access Point W -604 3CRWE915075
Optio al Accessories
3Com 802.3af Gigabit PoE Injector 3CNJPSE-GIG
3Com Ceiling Mount for AirConnect 11n Access Points 3CAPMOUNT
Optio al A te as
3Com 2dBi Dual-Band Omni Antenna Kit 3CWE590
3Com 6/8dBi Dual-Band Omni Antenna 3CWE591
3Com 18/20dBi Dual-Band Panel Antenna 3CWE596
3Com 8/10dBi Dual-Band Panel Antenna 3CWE598
Optio al A te a Cables
3Com Ultra ow oss 6 Foot Antenna Cable 3CWE580
3Com Ultra ow oss 20-Foot Antenna Cable 3CWE581
3Com Ultra ow oss 50-Foot Antenna Cable 3CWE582
3Com R-SMA to SMA 6” Antenna Cable 3CWE586
3Com Global Services
3Com Wireless AN Site Survey, Network Health Check,
Installation Services and ExpressSMMaintenance www.3com.com/services_quote
3Com University Courses www.3com.com/3comu
For additio al i formatio , please visit www.3com.com
ORDERING
INFORMA ION
3COM® AIRCONNECT 9550 AND 9150 ACCESS POINTS