ArrowSpan MeshAP 2100 User manual

User Guide
MeshAP 2100/1100
Dual-Radio Wi-Fi Mesh Network
Access Points
ArrowSpan Inc.
4800 Great America Parkway
Suite 238
Santa Clara, CA 95054
USA
v1.9.3
June. 2007

Installation Guide - MeshAP 2100/1100 Dual-Radio Wi-Fi Mesh Network Access Point Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Safety Guide and Installation Tips…………………………………………………………………………… 1
Chapter 1 - Accessing the MeshAP Access Point (Login) ……………………………………………….. 2
Chapter 2 - General MeshAP Infrastructure Information ………………………...………………………. 5
Chapter 3 - Mesh Manager Configuration ………………..………………….…….………………………. 6
Chapter 4 - Station Configuration
Setup Station (Auto Mode) ………………………………………..………………………. 9
Connect a MeshAP station to other Stations/Mesh managers under Auto Mode …… 12
Setup Station (Manual Mode) ……………………………………….……………............... 13
Connect a MeshAP station to other Stations/Mesh managers under Manual Mode …… 16
Chapter 5 - Managing the Topology
Accessing Topology Page …………………………………………………………………. 18
Manage MeshAP on Topology Tree ………………………………...……………………. 19
Chapter 6 - Wireless
Wireless Network Mode ……………………………………………………………………. 21
Wireless Channel …………………………………………………………………………… 23
Wireless Security
Configure WEP ……………………………………………………………………. 23
Chapter 7 - Firmware Upgrade
Direct Unit Update ………………………………………………………………………….. 26
Station Update via Topology (Remote Update) …………...……………………………. 29

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SAFETY GUIDE & INSTALLATION TIPS
Safety Guide for the Indoor MeshAP 1100
•Make sure to read the installation instructions thoroughly before you install your unit(s).
•To avoid the risk of being electrocuted, do not work on the unit(s) during a lightning storm.
•Do not touch the antenna while the unit is transmitting or receiving.
•Do not hold the antenna very close to any exposed body parts while it is transmitting.
•Antennas should be placed at least 20cm from the bodies of all persons.
•If you are mounting the unit on the wall, make sure it can hold the MeshAP’s weight of about 1lb.,
plus the additional weight of any attached cables.
•Place access points in a location where it is hard for people to turn them off.
Installation Tips for the Indoor MeshAP 1100
•Make sure there is a power outlet at each access point location.
•Configure the mesh manager first, and then the rest of the nodes.
•In order to insure the best signal possible, make sure the nodes are not being blocked by a
microwave or any metal or concrete objects.
Safety Guide for the Outdoor MeshAP 2100
•Make sure to read the installation instructions thoroughly before you install your unit(s).
•To avoid the risk of being electrocuted, do not work on the unit(s) during a lightning storm.
•Do not install any unit(s) near heat sources such as radiators or any other equipment that produce
heat.
•Do not place antennas near power circuits or power lines. Choose your location carefully and keep
in mind that power lines look similar to phone lines so always use caution.
Installation Tips for the Outdoor MeshAP 2100
•Before you install your outdoor unit(s), choose a location where buildings and trees will not block
the signal.
•Make sure to install your outdoor unit at a moderate height (approximately 40 feet), so it can
provide a clear signal to neighboring nodes.
•When installing the unit(s), allow at least 10 feet of separation between each unit.
•Do not mount units on metal objects, doing so will drastically reduce the signal strength.

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Chapter 1
Accessing the MeshAP Access Point (Login)
Important Default Settings of the MeshAP
User Name: admin
Password: admin
Wireless Network Name (SSID): mymesh
IP Address: 192.168.1.1
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Mesh Link Connection: station
Direct Ethernet Connection
Step 1. Make sure the MeshAP unit is Powered On and Ready. Once it is powered on, it
takes about 35 seconds for the MeshAP unit to completely get booted and be ready
for service and configuration.
Indoor Unit:
Make sure both the WLAN light (Green) and the Power light (Yellow) are
on.
Outdoor Unit:
Use the wireless WLAN utility application on the PC to scan for the SSID:
mymesh. Make sure the SSID: mymesh MeshAP unit has the correct Mac
address.
Step 2. Change the PC IP address to 192.168.1.XXX Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Step 3. Access the MeshAP via WAN Ethernet Port
•Make sure the Ethernet cable is properly connected to the MeshAP - WAN
Ethernet Port and the PC - Ethernet Port. (Connect via PoE Injector)
Note: Please review the Hardware installation Guide for more information.
Step 4. Open up a Web Browser and type 192.168.1.1 to access the MeshAP Access Point.

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Step 5. User Name: admin
Password: admin
Click "OK
Wireless LAN Access
Step 1. Make sure the MeshAP unit is Powered On and Ready. Once it is powered on, it
takes about 35 seconds for the MeshAP unit to completely get booted and be ready
for service and configuration.
Indoor Unit:
Make sure both the WLAN light (Green) and the Power light (Yellow) are
on.
Outdoor Unit:
Use wireless the WLAN utility application on the PC to scan for the SSID:
mymesh. Make sure the SSID: mymesh MeshAP unit has the correct Mac
address.
Step 2. Change the PC IP address to 192.168.1.XXX Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Step 3. Access the MeshAP via Wireless LAN
•Make sure the PC is connected to the SSID: mymesh (The default SSID
for MeshAP)
Note: Please review the Hardware installation Guide for more information.
Step 4. Open up a Web Browser and type 192.168.1.1 to access the MeshAP Access Point.

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Step 5. User Name: admin
Password: admin
Click "OK
Access a MeshAP unit via the Mesh Manager’s Topology Page
(See Chapter 5 - Managing the Topology on the Mesh Manager unit)

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Chapter 2
General MeshAP Infrastructure Information
Mesh Manager – The MeshAP unit configures as the Mesh Manager and has a direct-
wired link to the Internet Gateway/Router/Access Server. It is used as the
management unit and Internet Gateway for the MeshAP unit (Station) on
the mesh network. (Any MeshAP access point could be configured as a
Mesh Manger unit.)
Station – The MeshAP unit configures as the Station (Hop), and is the child unit of the
Mesh Manager unit. Station units expand the wireless signal coverage for the
mesh network. Stations could be added to the mesh network based on the
network signal quality needs.
Mesh Manager
Station
Internet Gateway

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Chapter 3
Mesh Manager Configuration
Setup Mesh Manager Unit
The Mesh Manager has a direct wired link to the existing network and Internet. The Mesh
Manager unit also manages all the Station units associated with the MeshAP.
ANY MeshAP unit could be setup as a Mesh Manager unit.
Step 1. Login to the MeshAP Access Point.
Step 2. Go to Setup page.
Step 3. Select “Mesh Manager” to assign a MeshAP unit to be a Mesh Manager unit on
the mesh network.
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Step 4. Replace the default IP address with an IP address of your choice that could be
reached from the existing network. You can also select an IP address provided by
your ISP as your MeshAP IP Address
Replace the default Subnet Mask with the one belonging to the above IP address.
Enter the Gateway IP of the above IP address or the IP address provided by your
ISP as Gateway IP address. (For Offsite Remote Management)
IMPORTANT: Make sure that the gateway address and the IP address of the unit are
under the same network. If not, the unit may not be able to log-on because the network is
not logically connected.
EXAMPLE: (The IP address and Gateway are under the same domain.)
Mesh IP Address: 192.168.0.120, and Gateway IP: 192.168.0.1
Mesh ID
The Mesh ID is designed for the Service Provider/Carrier/Operator to create a unique
identification for its mesh network. Only the MeshAP Access Points under the same Mesh
ID will be able to associate with each other on the mesh network.
Step 6. Replace the default Mesh ID with a preferred name. It is important to have all the
MeshAP stations set under the same Mesh ID.
Note: MeshAP Stations MUST have the same Mesh ID to be able to associate with each
other and to be managed by the Mesh Manager unit.
Step 7. Update Station Name. (Station Name is NOT required, it is recommended for easy
identification of each Station.)
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Step 8. Update Station Location. (Station Location is NOT required, it is recommended
for easy identification of each Station.)
Step 9. Click "Save Settings and Apply" to confirm changes.
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Chapter 4
Station Configuration
Mesh Link Connection
There are two modes available for the MeshAP Access Point, Auto and Manual.
Auto Mode – The MeshAP Access Point automatically configures itself to the mesh
network once the MeshAP is powered ON.
Manual Mode – Requires the MeshAP Access Point to manually connect with other
MeshAP Access Points to associate with the mesh network.
Important: All MeshAPs MUST configure in Auto or Manual mode before deployment.
Setup Station in Auto Mode
Note: To access a MeshAP Station unit on the mesh network, you need to access the
MeshAP Mesh Manager unit fist, and then you could access the MeshAP station from the
Topology page.
(See Chapter 5 for more detail information)
Step 1. Login to the MeshAP Access Point.
Step 2. Go to the Setup age.
Step 3. Select “Station” for This MeshAP Working Mode.

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Step 4. Select “Auto” for Mesh Link Connection
Note: The system will reboot when changed from “Manual” mode to “Auto” mode. It
takes about 40 sec. and requires re-login to the unit (See Step 1 in Chapter 1).
Step 5. Select Min Mesh Link Signal Strength (Default -70dbm).
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Note: The grayed out area is the default IP address and subnet mask for the unit. This
setting should be used to access the MeshAP Station unit, only if the MeshAP Station unit
lost a mesh link connection with the Mesh Manager unit.
Mesh ID
The Mesh ID is designed for a Service Provider/Carrier/Operator to uniquely identify its
mesh network. Only MeshAP Access Points under the same Mesh ID will be able to
associate with each other on the mesh network.
Step 6. Replace the default Mesh ID with a preferred name that is identical with the Mesh
Manager. MeshAP Stations MUST use the same Mesh ID in order to be managed
by the Mesh Manager unit.
Step 7. Update the Station Name. (The Station Name is NOT required, it is recommended
for easy identification of each Station.)
Step 8. Update the Station Location. (Station Location is NOT required, it is
recommended for easy identification of each Station.)
Step 9. Click "Save Settings and Apply" to confirm changes.
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Connect a MeshAP Station to other Stations/Mesh managers
Under Auto Mode
MeshAP Stations with an identical Mesh ID under the Auto Mode will automatically
associate with the Mesh Manager or the Stations on the mesh network. The association will
be based on the wireless signal quality and hop count of the adjacent unit.
Each MeshAP Access Point will only accept up to five (5) child Stations.
Step 1. Power ON the MeshAP Station with Auto Mode.
Step2. Login to the Mesh Manager unit.
Step 3. Review the Topology section to manage the Stations on the mesh network.
Note: The MeshAP Station under the Auto Mode, should automatically associate with the
Mesh Manager unit or the other Stations on the mesh network. The only way to make sure
the Station is properly associated with the mesh network is to review the Topology on the
Mesh Manager.
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Setup Station in Manual Mode
Note: To access the MeshAP Access Point on the mesh network, login to the Mesh
Manager unit and access the Topology page to locate the MeshAP Access Point unit
needing configuration.
Step 1. Login to the MeshAP Access Point.
Step 2. Go to Setup page.
Step 3. Select “Station” for this MeshAP Working Mode.
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Step 4. Select "Manual” for Mesh Link Connection.
Note: The MeshAP Access Point will reboot when changed from “Auto” mode to
“Manual” mode. It takes about 40 sec. and requires re-login to the unit.
Note: The default IP address for a MeshAP Access Point in Manual model is: 192.168.1.1
Use the default IP address to configure a unit that is not connected to any mesh network.
Important: When the unit is connected to a mesh network (established mesh link with a
Mesh Manager unit or Station unit), the unit’s IP address is no longer valid. The Mesh
Manager unit’s IP address, will be used to manage an individual unit on the mesh. Each
unit (Station) could be managed under the Mesh Manager’s Topology section.
Mesh ID
A Mesh ID is designed for a Service Provider/Carrier/Operator to uniquely identify its
mesh network. Only MeshAP Access Points under the same Mesh ID will be able to
associate with each other on the mesh network.
To protect an individual mesh network, the Mesh ID of a mesh network should be secretly
kept to prevent other non-mesh Access Points to associate with the mesh group.
Step 5. Replace the default Mesh ID with a preferred name for the Mesh Manager.
MeshAP Stations MUST use the same Mesh ID in order to be managed by the
Mesh Manager unit.
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Step 6. Update the Station Name. (The Station Name is NOT required, it is recommended
for easy identification of each Station.)
Step 7. Update the Station Location. (The Station Location is NOT required, it is
recommended for easy identification of each Station.)
Step 8. Click "Save Settings and Apply" to confirm changes.
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Connect a MeshAP station to other Stations/Mesh managers
Under Manual Mode
Note: To access the MeshAP Access Point on the mesh network, login to the Mesh
Manager unit, and access the Topology page to locate the MeshAP Access Point unit
needing configuration.
Step 1. Login to the MeshAP Access Point
Step 2. Go to the Site Survey
Page
Step 3. Click “Scan” to survey the Access Point available for association.
Step 4. Select Uplink AP with the radio button and Click “Connect” to associate (Join)
with the Access Point.
Note: Make sure the BSSID of the uplink AP associated is the BSSID of the AP needed to
associate with the mesh link. (There will be many similar SSIDs on the mesh network, so it
is important to identify the correct one.)
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An Alert message will pop up to inform users that the MeshAP unit will manually connect
to the selected unit.
Once a MeshAP unit is associated with another MeshAP unit, that section will be
highlighted in yellow.
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Chapter 5
Managing the Topology on the Mesh Manager unit
Accessing the Topology Page
Step 1. Login to the Mesh Manager unit
Step 2. Go to the Topology page
under Mesh
Step 3. Click the “+” to expand the topology tree. The Color Red represents the MeshAP
under Channel 1, black represents the MeshAP under Channel 6, and blue represents the
MeshAP under channel 11
Topology Tree Expanded