Aruba 303 Series User manual

Aruba 303 Series Campus Access Points
Installation Guide
Rev07 | May 2023 1
The Aruba 303 Series campus access points support IEEE802.11ac Wave 2, delivering high performance with the
MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) technology, while also supporting 802.11a/b/g /n wireless
services.
The 303 Series access points provide the following capabilities:
IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac operation as a wireless access point
IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac operation as a wireless air monitor
Compatibility with IEEE 802.3af PoE
Integrated Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio
Package Contents
303 Series Access Point
Ceiling mount bracket (Spare: AP-220-MNT-C1 mount kit)
Hardware Overview
The following sections outline the hardware components of the 303 Series access points.
Figure 1 303 Series (front view)
Inform your supplier if there are any incorrect, missing, or damaged parts. If possible, retain the carton, including
the original packing materials. Use these materials to repack and return the unit to the supplier if needed.
System Status
Radio Status

2Aruba 303 Series Campus Access Points | Installation Guide
LED
The 303 Series access points have two LEDs that indicate the system and radio status of the device. These two
LEDs can be configured via ArubaOS or Aruba Instant software into three separate modes:
Normal mode (by default): See Table 1
Both LEDs off
Blink mode: Both LEDs blink green (synchronized)
1 blinking: one second on, one second off, 2 seconds cycle
2 flashing: mostly on, fraction of a second off, 2 second cycle
3 alternating: one second each color, 2 second cycle
Table 1 303 Series Access Point LEDs Status in Normal Mode
LED Color/State Meaning
System Status Off Device powered off
Green- Blinking1Device booting, not ready for use
Green- Solid Device ready for use, no restrictions
Green- Flashing2Device ready for use, uplink negotiated in sub optimal speed
(<1Gbps)
Red- Solid System error condition - immediate action required
Radio Status Off Device powered off, or both radios disabled
Green- Solid Both radios enabled in access mode
Green- Blinking One radio enabled in access mode, other disabled
Amber- Solid Both radios enabled in monitor mode
Amber- Blinking One radio enabled in monitor mode, other disabled
Alternating3Green: one radio in access mode
Amber: one radio in monitor mode

Aruba 303 Series Campus Access Points | Installation Guide 3
Figure 2 303 Series (rear view)
E0/POE Port
The 303 Series access point is equipped with one 10/100/1000Base-T auto-sensing, MDI/MDX Ethernet port (E0)
for wired network connectivity. This port supports IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE), accepting 48Vdc
(nominal) as a standard defined Powered Device (PD) from a Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) such as a PoE
midspan injector, or network infrastructure that supports PoE.
Console Port
The console port is a Micro-B connector located on the back of this device. A proprietary serial adapter cable (AP-
CBL-SERU) is needed to use this interface. It is sold separately to connect the AP to a serial terminal or a laptop
for direct local management.
DC Power Socket
If PoE is not available, a proprietary Aruba AP-AC2-12B power adapter kit (sold separately) can be used to power
the 303 Series access points.
DC Power Socket E0/POE Reset Console
Kensington Lock
Slot

4Aruba 303 Series Campus Access Points | Installation Guide
Additionally, a locally-sourced AC-to-DC adapter (or any DC source) can be used to power this device, as long as it
complies with all applicable local regulatory requirements and the DC interface meets the following
specifications:
12 Vdc (+/- 5%) and at least 12W
2.1/5.5 mm center-positive circular plug, 9.5 mm length
Reset Button
To reset the 303 Series access points to factory default settings, press and hold down the reset button using a
small, narrow object such as a paper clip for several seconds while powering up the AP, or for more than 10
seconds during normal operation.
To turn off all the LED display, press and release the reset button using a small, narrow object, such as a
paperclip for less than 10 seconds during normal operation of the access point.
Kensington Lock Slot
The 303 Series access points are equipped with a Kensington lock slot for additional security.
Cable Clips
The cable clips on the rear of the access point is used to organize Ethernet cable, as shown in Figure 3. The use of
the cable clips is optional and does not support all types of cables and plugs.
Figure 3 Cable Clips
Before You Begin
Refer to the sections below before beginning the installation process.
!
FCC Statement: Improper termination of access points installed in the United States configured to non-US
model controllers will be in violation of the FCC grant of equipment authorization. Any such willful or
intentional violation may result in a requirement by the FCC for immediate termination of operation and may
be subject to forfeiture (47 CFR 1.80).

Aruba 303 Series Campus Access Points | Installation Guide 5
Pre-Installation Checklist
Before installing the 303 Series access point, be sure that you have the following:
Cat5E or better UTP cable
One of the following power sources:
IEEE 802.3af-compliant Power over Ethernet (PoE) source
Aruba AP-AC2-12B adapter kit (sold separately)
For 303 Series access point running ArubaOS only:
Aruba controller provisioned on the network
Layer 2/3 network connectivity to your access point
One of the following network services:
Aruba Discovery Protocol (ADP)
DNS server with an “A” record
DHCP Server with vendor specific options
Verifying Pre-Installation Connectivity
Before you install access points in a network environment, make sure that the access points will be able to locate
and connect to the controller when they are powered on. Specifically, you must verify the following conditions:
When connected to the network, each access point is assigned a valid IP address.
Access points are able to locate the controller.
Refer to the ArubaOS Quick Start Guide for instructions on locating and connecting to the controller.
Identifying Specific Installation Locations
Use the access point placement map generated by Aruba’s RF Plan software application to determine the proper
!
EU Statement:
Lower power radio LAN product operating in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Please refer to the ArubaOS/Instant
User Guide for details on restrictions.
Produit réseau local radio basse puissance operant dans la bande fréquence 2.4 GHz et 5 GHz. Merci de vous
referrer au ArubaOS/Instant User Guide pour les details des restrictions.
Low Power FunkLAN Produkt, das im 2.4 GHz und im 5 GHz Band arbeitet. Weitere Informationen bezlüglich
Einschränkungen finden Sie im ArubaOS/Instant User Guide.
Apparati Radio LAN a bassa Potenza, operanti a 2.4 GHz e 5 GHz. Fare riferimento alla ArubaOS/Instant User
Guide per avere informazioni detagliate sulle restrizioni.
Aruba Networks, Inc., in compliance with governmental requirements, has designed this device so that only
authorized network administrators can change the settings. For more information about access point
configuration, refer to the ArubaOS Quick Start Guide and ArubaOS User Guide.
!
Access points are radio transmission devices and as such are subject to government regulations of the host
country. The network administrator(s) is/are responsible for ensuring that configuration and operation of this
equipment is in compliance with their country’s regulations. For a complete list of approved channels in your
country, refer to the Aruba Downloadable Regulatory Table at www.arubanetworks.com.
The instructions in this section are applicable to the 303 Series access points running ArubaOS only.

6Aruba 303 Series Campus Access Points | Installation Guide
installation location(s). Each location should be as close as possible to the center of the intended coverage area
and should be free from obstructions or obvious sources of interference. These RF absorbers/reflectors/
interference sources will impact RF propagation and should be accounted for during the planning phase and
adjusted for in RF plan.
Identifying Known RF Absorbers/Reflectors/Interference Sources
Identifying known RF absorbers, reflectors, and interference sources while in the field during the installation
phase is critical. Make sure that these sources are taken into consideration when you attach an access point to its
fixed location.
RF absorbers include:
Cement/concrete—Old concrete has high levels of water dissipation, which dries out the concrete, allowing
for potential RF propagation. New concrete has high levels of water concentration in the concrete, blocking
RF signals.
Natural Items—Fish tanks, water fountains, ponds, and trees
Brick
RF reflectors include:
Metal Objects—Metal pans between floors, rebar, fire doors, air conditioning/heating ducts, mesh windows,
blinds, chain link fences (depending on aperture size), refrigerators, racks, shelves, and filing cabinets.
Do not place an access point between two air conditioning/heating ducts. Make sure that access points are
placed below ducts to avoid RF disturbances.
RF interference sources include:
Microwave ovens and other 2.4 or 5 GHz objects (such as cordless phones)
Cordless headset such as those used in call centers or lunch rooms
Installing the Access Point
The 303 Series access points ship with a ceiling mount bracket to attach to a 9/16” or 15/16” ceiling rail.
Additional ceiling or wall mount kits are sold separately as accessories.
1. Pull the necessary cables through a prepared hole in the ceiling tile near where the access point will be
placed.
2. Place the mount bracket against the back of the access point with the mount bracket at an angle of
approximately 30 degrees to the tabs (see Figure 4).
Twist the mount bracket clockwise until it snaps into place in the tabs (see Figure 4).
Service to all Aruba products should be performed by trained service personnel only.
!
The installer is responsible for securing the access point onto the ceiling tile rail in accordance with the steps
below. Failure to properly install this product may result in physical injury and/or damage to property.

Aruba 303 Series Campus Access Points | Installation Guide 7
Figure 4 Attaching the Ceiling Mount Bracket to the AP
3. Hold the access point next to the ceiling tile rail with the ceiling tile rail mounting slots at approximately a 30-
degree angle to the ceiling tile rail (see Figure 5). Make sure that any cable slack is above the ceiling tile.
4. Pushing toward the ceiling tile, rotate the access point clockwise until the device clicks into place on the
ceiling tile rail.

8Aruba 303 Series Campus Access Points | Installation Guide
Figure 5 Mounting the Access Point to a 15/16” ceiling rail
Figure 6 Mounting the Access Point to a 9/16” ceiling rail
Verifying Post-Installation Connectivity
The integrated LED on the access point can be used to verify that the access point is receiving power and
initializing successfully (see Table 1). Refer to the ArubaOS Quick Start Guide for further details on verifying post-
installation network connectivity.
Electrical and Environmental Specifications
For additional specifications on this product, please refer to the product data sheet at www.arubanetworks.com.

Aruba 303 Series Campus Access Points | Installation Guide 9
Electrical
Ethernet:
One 10/100/1000 Base-T auto-sensing Ethernet interface (RJ-45)
Power:
Direct DC source: 12Vdc nominal, +/- 5%
Power over Ethernet (PoE): 802.3af complaint source
Connect only to IEC 60950-1 or IEC 60601-1 products and power sources.
Environmental
Operating:
Temperature: 0°C to +40°C (+32°F to +104°F)
Humidity: 5% to 93% non-condensing
Storage and transport
Temperature: -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to +158°F)
BLE Radio Default State
When the Access Point is in factory default state the integrated BLE radio is enabled. This applies to the non-TAA/
FIPS product SKUs only. On the TAA/FIPS products, the BLE radio is disabled when the unit is in factory default
conditions. Once the AP has established a connection with its management platform, the BLE radio state is
updated to match what’s configured there. This state is maintained if the AP is power-cycled or rebooted.
Console Port Default State
When the Access Point is in factory default state the console interface (both physical port and BLE) is enabled
with default credentials (username is “admin” and password is the serial number of the unit).
Once the AP has established a connection with its management platform, the console port state (enabled/
disabled) and access credentials are updated to match what’s configured there. State and credentials are
maintained if the AP is power-cycled or rebooted.
USB Host Interface Default State
When the Access Point is in factory default state the USB host interface is powered and enabled, assuming the
AP is not in a restricted power mode. On some AP models the USB port may be disabled when a POE source with
insufficient power budget is used. Once the AP has established a connection with its management platform, the
USB host interface state is updated to match what’s configured there. This state is maintained if the AP is power-
cycled or rebooted.
Regulatory Information
The following regulatory model names apply to the 303 Series access points:
AP-303: APIN0303
FCC
If a power adapter other than the Aruba-approved adapter is used in the US or Canada, it should be NRTL
listed, with an output rated 12Vdc, minimum 1A, marked “LPS” and “Class 2”, and suitable for plugging into a
standard power receptacle in the US and Canada.
!
RF Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with RF radiation exposure limits. This
equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 13.78 inches (35cm) between the
radiator and your body for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz operations. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating
in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

10 Aruba 303 Series Campus Access Points | Installation Guide
FCC Class B Part 15
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference harmful to radio
communications.
Operation is subject to the following conditions:
This device may not cause harmful interference.
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
If this equipment does cause interference, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio or TV technician for help.
Canada
This Class B digital apparatus meets all of the requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment
Regulations.
In accordance with Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter and receiver may only be used with an
antenna, the maximum type and gain of which must be approved by Industry Canada. To reduce potential radio
interference, the type of antenna and its gain shall be chosen so that the equivalent isotropic radiated power
(EIRP) does not exceed the values necessary for effective communication.
This device complies with Industry Canada's license-exempt RSS regulations. Operation of this device is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
When operated in the 5.15 to 5.25 GHz frequency range, this device is restricted to indoor use to reduce the
potential for harmful interference with co-channel Mobile Satellite Systems.
Déclaration d’Industrie Canada
Conformément aux réglementations d’Industrie Canada, cet émetteur-récepteur radio doit être utilisé
uniquement avec une antenne dont le type et le gain maximal doivent être approuvés par Industrie Canada.
Pour réduire les interférences radio potentielles, le type d’antenne et son gain doivent être choisis de façon à ce
que la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (PIRE) ne dépasse pas les valeurs nécessaires à une
communication efficace.
Ce périphérique est conforme aux règlements RSS exempts de licence d’Industrie Canada. L’utilisation de ce
périphérique est soumise aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) ce périphérique ne doit pas provoquer
d’interférences, et (2) ce périphérique doit accepter toute interférence, y compris les interférences susceptibles
de provoquer un dysfonctionnement.
En cas d'utilisation dans la plage de fréquences de 5,15 à 5,25 GHz, cet appareil doit uniquement être utilisé en
!
Déclaration sur les limites d'exposition aux radiofréquences : cet équipement est conforme aux limites
d'exposition aux rayonnements radioélectriques spécifiées par la FCC. Il doit être installé et utilisé à une
distance minimale de 35 cm par rapport à votre corps pour les fréquences de 2,4 et 5 GHz. Cet émetteur-
récepteur ne doit pas être utilisé ou situé à proximité d'autres antennes ou émetteurs-récepteurs.
!
The device could automatically discontinue transmission in case of absence of information to transmit, or
operational failure. Note that this is not intended to prohibit transmission of control or signaling information
or the use of repetitive codes where required by the technology.
!
Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
!
Toute modification effectuée sur cet équipement sans l'autorisation expresse de la partie responsable de la
conformité est susceptible d'annuler son droit d'utilisation.

Aruba 303 Series Campus Access Points | Installation Guide 11
intérieur afin de réduire les risques d'interférence avec les systèmes satellites mobiles partageant le même
canal.
EU Regulatory Conformance
Aruba Networks Inc., hereby declares that the 303 Series Wireless Access Points are in compliance with
directives listed below:
Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU
REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006
RoHS Directive 2011
WEEE Directive 2002
The Declaration of Conformity made under Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU is available for viewing at:
www.hpe.com/eu/certificates. Select the document that corresponds to your device’s model number as it is
indicated on the product label.
Users are advised that high power Radars are allocated as primary users of the bands 5250-5350 MHz and 5650-
5850 MHz and these Radars could cause interference and/or damage to Licensed Exempt WLAN devices.
Medical
1. Equipment not suitable for use in the presence of flammable mixtures.
2. Connect to only IEC 60950-1 or IEC 60601-1 certified products and power sources. The end user is
responsible for the resulting medical system complies with the requirements of IEC 60601-1.
3. Wipe with a dry cloth, no additional maintenance required.
4. No serviceable parts, the unit must be sent back to the manufacturer for repair.
5. No modifications are allowed without Aruba approval.
第十二條
經型式認證合格之低功率射頻電機，非經許可，公司、商號或使用者均不得擅自變更頻率、加大功率或變更原設計
之特性及功能。
第十四條
!
This equipment complies with IC RSS-102 RF exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This
equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 35 cm between the radiator and your
body.
!
Cet équipement est conforme aux limites d'exposition aux rayonnements IC établies pour un environnement
non contrôlé. Cet équipement doit être installé et utilisé avec un minimum de 35 cm de distance entre la
source de rayonnement et votre corps.
!
Under Industry Canada regulations, when operated in 5150 to 5350 MHz frequency range, this device is
restricted to indoor use to reduce the potential for harmful interference with co-channel Mobile Satellite
Systems. Users are advised that high power radars are allocated as primary users (i.e. priority users) of the
bands 5250-5350 MHz and 5650-5850MHz and that these radars could cause interference and/or damage to
LE-LAN devices.
!
Conformément aux réglementations d’Industrie Canada, en cas d'utilisation dans la plage de fréquences de
5150 à 5250 MHz, cet appareil doit uniquement être utilisé en intérieur afin de réduire les risques
d'interférence avec les systèmes satellites mobiles partageant le même canal. Les utilisateurs êtes avisés que
les utilisateurs de radars de haute puissance sont désignés utilisateurs principaux (c.-à-d., qu'ils ont la priorité)
pour les bandes 5250-5350 MHz et 5650-5850 MHz et que ces radars pourraient causer du brouillage et/ou des
dommages aux dispositifs LAN-EL
!
This device is intended for indoor use, in hallways, breakrooms, office areas of professional medical facilities.
This device should not be installed in rooms housing patients.

12 Aruba 303 Series Campus Access Points | Installation Guide
低功率射頻電機之使用不得影響飛航安全及干擾合法通信；經發現有干擾現象時，應立即停用，並改善至無干擾時
方得繼續使用。
前項合法通信，指依電信法規定作業之無線電通信。
低功率射頻電機須忍受合法通信或工業、科學及醫療用電波輻射性電 機設備之干擾。
Brazil
Este equipamento opera em caráter secundário, isto é, não tem direito a proteção contra interferência
prejudicial, mesmo de estações do mesmo tipo, e não pode causar interferência a sistemas operando em
caráter primário.
México
La operación de este equipo está sujeta a las siguientes dos condiciones: (1) es posible que este equipo o
dispositivo no cause interferencia perjudicial y (2) este equipo o dispositivo debeaceptar cualquier interferencia,
incluyendo la que pueda causar su operación no deseada.
Нормативные требования Евразийского Экономического Союза
HPE Russia: ООО "Хьюлетт Паккард Энтерпрайз" Российская Федерация, 125171, г.
Москва, Ленинградское шоссе, 16А, стр.3, Телефон: [phone] Факс: [phone]
4677
'HPE Belarus': ИООО «Хьюлетт-Паккард Бел», Республика Беларусь, 220030, г. Минск,
ул. Интернациональная, 36-1, Телефон/факс: [phone]
'HPE Kazakhstan': TOO «Хьюлетт-Паккард (К)», Республика Казахстан, 050040, г.
Алматы, Бостандыкский район, проспект Аль-Фараби, 77/7, Телефон/факс: + 7 727 355 35 50
Kazakhstan
ЖШС "Хьюлетт Паккард Энтерпрайз" Ресей Федерациясы, 125171, Мәскеу, Ленинград тас жолы, 16A блок
3, Телефон: [phone] Факс: [phone]
«HEWLETT-PACKARD Bel» ЖШС, Беларусь Республикасы, 220030, Минск қ., Интернациональная көшесі, 36/
1, Телефон/факс: [phone]
ЖШС «Хьюлетт-Паккард (К)», Қазақстан Республикасы, 050040, Алматы к., Бостандык ауданы, Әл-Фараби
даңғ ылы, 77/7, Телефон/факс: [phone]
Oman
Philippines
Expected Service Life 10 years. For additional compliance information, refer to the label on the side of this device.
OMAN - TRA
R/5543/18
D080320
Type-Approval No.
ESD-1817237C

Aruba 303 Series Campus Access Points | Installation Guide 13
Singapore
DB100427

14 Aruba 303 Series Campus Access Points | Installation Guide
Contact Aruba
Copyright
© Copyright 2023 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
Open Source Code
This product includes code licensed under certain open source licenses which require source compliance. The corresponding
source for these components is available upon request. This offer is valid to anyone in receipt of this information and shall
expire three years following the date of the final distribution of this product version by Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company.
To obtain such source code, please check if the code is available in the HPE Software Center at https://
myenterpriselicense.hpe.com/cwp-ui/software but, if not, send a written request for specific software version and product for
which you want the open source code. Along with the request, please send a check or money order in the amount of US $10.00
to:
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company
Attn: General Counsel
WW Corporate Headquarters
1701 E Mossy Oaks Rd Spring, TX 77389
United States of America
Warranty
This hardware product is protected by an Aruba warranty. For more details, visit www.hpe.com/us/en/support.html
Main Site https://www.arubanetworks.com
Support Site https://asp.arubanetworks.com
Airheads Social Forums and Knowledge Base https://community.arubanetworks.com/
North America Telephone [phone]
1-408-754-1200
International Telephone https://www.arubanetworks.com/support-services/contact-support/
Software Licensing Site https://www.hpe.com/networking/support
End-of-Life Information https://www.arubanetworks.com/support-services/end-of-life/
Security Incident Response Team (SIRT) https://www.arubanetworks.com/support-service/security-bulletins/
Email: [email protected]