Aruba 518 Series User manual

Aruba 518 Series Ruggedized Access Point
Installation Guide
Rev 01 | June 2020 1
The Aruba 518 Series access points are high-performance, multi-radio wireless devices that can be deployed in
either controller-based (ArubaOS) or controllerless (Aruba Instant) network environment.
The Aruba 518 Series access points support IEEE 802.11ax standard, delivering high performance with the MU-
MIMO (Multi-User Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) technology, while also supporting 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wireless
services.
Package Contents
518 Series access point
Cable gland x 2
USB Type-C console cable x 1
Grounding lug and M4x6 screw x 1
Tools Required
Phillips screwdriver (#2 for M4x6 screw)
Flat blade screwdriver (Ethernet cable gland covers)
8mm allen or hex key (USB console cover)
The weatherproof caps for Ethernet and Console interfaces are connected to the access point, not loose in the
package.
Mounting kits for use with the 518 Series access points are sold separately. Contact your Aruba sales
representative for details.
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.

2Aruba 518 Series Ruggedized Access Point | Installation Guide
Hardware Overview
Figure 1 518 Series Front View
Figure 2 518 Series Bottom View
5G0
2G0
5G2
5G1
2G1
5G3
E1Grounding Point
USB Console Port & Reset Button E0
System LED

Aruba 518 Series Ruggedized Access Point | Installation Guide 3
External Antenna Connectors
The AP-518 access point is equipped with six external antenna connectors. The connectors are labeled 2G0, 2G1,
5G0, 5G1, 5G2, and 5G3.
LED
The 518 Series access point is equipped with one LED that indicates the system status of the access point.
Ethernet Ports
The Aruba 518 Series access points are equipped with two Ethernet ports (E0 and E1):
E0 port: 100/1000/2500Base-T auto-sensing MDI/MDX wired RJ45 network connectivity port
E1 port: 100/1000Base-T auto-sensing MDI/MDX wired RJ45 network connectivity port
!
External antennas for this device must be installed by an Aruba Certified Mobility Professional (ACMP) or other
Aruba-certified technician, using manufacturer-approved antennas only.
The Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP) levels for all external antenna devices must not exceed the
regulatory limit set by the host country/domain.
Installers are required to record the antenna gain for this device in the system management software. A list of
approved antennas can be found at: http://www.arubanetworks.com/assets/og/OG_AP-518Series.pdf.
Les antennes externes pour cet appareil doivent être installées par un professionnel de la mobilité certifié Aruba
(ACMP) ou un autre technicien certifié Aruba, en utilisant uniquement des antennes approuvées par le fabricant.
Les niveaux équivalents de puissance à rayonnement isotrope (EIRP) pour tous les périphériques d'antenne
externe ne doivent pas dépasser la limite réglementaire définie par le pays hôte / domaine.
Les installateurs doivent enregistrer le gain d'antenne pour cet appareil dans le logiciel de gestion du système.
Une liste d'antennes approuvées peut être trouvée à http://www.arubanetworks.com/assets/og/OG_AP-
518Series.pdf.
Table 1 518 Series LED Meanings during Boot Up
LED Color/State Meaning
System LED Off No power to AP
Red Initial power-up
Green - Flashing AP booting, not ready
Green - Steady AP ready and Gigabit Ethernet connected. The LED turns off
after 1200 seconds
Green - Yellow, 6 seconds
period AP ready and 10/100Mbps Ethernet link established. The LED turns off after 1200 seconds
Table 2 518 Series LED Meanings during Operation
LED Color/State Meaning
System LED Solid Red General fault-Immediate attention required
One blink off every 3
seconds Radio 0 fault (5 GHz)
Two quick blink off 0.5
seconds apart cycled every
3 seconds
Radio 1 fault (2.4GHz)

4Aruba 518 Series Ruggedized Access Point | Installation Guide
Power
Both E0 and E1 ports support PoE-in, allowing the AP to draw power from an 802.3at/802.3bt PoE power source.
When the AP is powered by both E0 and E1 ports simultaneously, the AP can be configured by management
software to source PoE power from either port, or to combine power from both ports.
The 518 Series access points support the Intelligent Power Monitoring (IPM) feature, to report AP power
consumption and enable intelligent management of power-save capabilities.
Table 3 lists operational restrictions when the AP is powered by different power options.
Table 3 Power Options and Operational Restrictions
Grounding Point
Always remember to protect the access point by installing grounding lines. The ground connection must be
complete before connecting power to the access point enclosure.
USB Type-C Console Port
Use the included USB Type-C console cable to connect the access point to a laptop or a serial terminal for direct
management.
Reset Button
The reset button can be used to reset the access point to factory default settings or turn off/on the LED display.
There are two ways to reset the access point to factory default settings:
Reset the AP during normal operation
Press and hold down the reset button using a small, narrow object such as a paper clip for more than 10
seconds during normal operation.
Reset the AP while powering up
1. Press and hold down the reset button using a small, narrow object such as a paper clip while the access point
is not powered on via PoE.
2. Connect the power supply (PoE) to the access point while the reset button is being held down.
3. Release the reset button on the access point after 15 seconds.
To turn off/on 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.
Power Source IPM Restrictions
1 x 802.3bt PoE n/a No restrictions, all capabilities available.
2 x 802.3at PoE n/a No restrictions, all capabilities available.
1 x 802.3at PoE enabled AP starts up in unrestricted mode, but may dynamically
apply restrictions depending on the PoE budget and actual
power.
1 x 802.3at PoE disabled Second (other) Ethernet port disabled.
1 x 802.3af PoE n/a AP does not start up, red system LED.
You need a proper 8mm allen or hex key to open the cover of the USB Console port.

Aruba 518 Series Ruggedized Access Point | Installation Guide 5
Before You Begin
Refer to the sections below before beginning the installation process.
Pre-Installation Checklist
Before installing your 518 Series access point, be sure that you have the following:
Cat5E or better UTP cable with network access
A compatible PoE injector with power cord
One of the following network services:
Aruba Discovery Protocol (ADP)
DNS server with an “A” record
DHCP Server with vendor specific options
Identifying Specific Installation Locations
Use the access point placement map generated by Aruba RF Plan software application to determine the proper
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.
!
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, in compliance with governmental requirements, has designed the AP-518 access points so that only
authorized network administrators can change configuration settings. For more information about AP
configuration, refer to the AP Software Quick Start Guide.
!
Access points are radio transmission devices and as such are subject to governmental regulation. Network
administrators responsible for the configuration and operation of access points must comply with local
broadcast regulations. Specifically, access points must use channel assignments appropriate to the location in
which the access point will be used.

6Aruba 518 Series Ruggedized Access Point | Installation Guide
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
Access Point Installation
Using the Pre-assembled Bracket
A bracket has been pre-assembled on the back of the 518 Series access point. This bracket is used to work with
the mount kits (sold separately) in Table 4 to mount the AP-518 on a ceiling rail, a solid surface, or a wall-box..
Using the AP-270-MNT-ADP Mount Adapter
You will need to remove the pre-assembled bracket to mount the AP-270-MNT-ADP adapter (sold separately) on
the back of the AP-518. The AP-270-MNT-ADP adapter can work with the AP-270-MNT-XX mount kits in Table 5 to
mount the AP-518 to a pole or a wall.
Service to all Aruba products should be performed by trained service personnel only.
Table 4 Compatible Mount Kits for Pre-assembled Bracket
Part Number Description
R3J15A AP-MNT-A Campus AP mount bracket kit (individual) type A: suspended
ceiling rail, flat 9/16
R3J16A AP-MNT-B Campus AP mount bracket kit (individual) type B: suspended
ceiling rail, flat 15/16
R3J17A AP-MNT-C Campus AP mount bracket kit (individual) type C: suspended
ceiling rail, profile 9/16
R3J18A AP-MNT-D Campus AP mount bracket kit (individual) type D: solid surface
R3J19A AP-MNT-E Campus AP mount bracket kit (individual) type E: wall-box
R3T20A AP-MNT-MP10-X Campus AP mount adapter kit (10-pack) for existing W2/W3
mounts
The 518 Series access point does not ship with any mount kit. These mount kits are available as accessories
and must be ordered separately.
For installation instructions on AP-MNT-MP10-A, AP-MNT-MP10-B, AP-MNT-MP10-C, AP-MNT-MP10-D and AP-
MNT-MP10-E mount kits, please refer to their installation guides shipped with the mount kits.
Table 5 Compatible Mount Kits for AP-270-MNT-ADP Adapter
Part Number Description
JW056A AP-270-MNT-ADP AP-228 to AP-270-MNT-XX outdoor mount adapter
JW052A AP-270-MNT-V1 AP-270 series outdoor pole/wall long mount kit

Aruba 518 Series Ruggedized Access Point | Installation Guide 7
To remove the pre-assembled bracket and mount the AP-270-MNT-ADP adapter (sold separately), follow these
steps:
1. Unscrew the two screws (see Figure 3) using a Phillips screwdriver.
Figure 3 Removing the Pre-assembled Bracket
JW053A AP-270-MNT-V2 AP-270 series outdoor pole/wall short mount kit
JW054A AP-270-MNT-H1 AP-270 series outdoor hanging or tilt install mount kit
JW055A AP-270-MNT-H2 AP-270 series flush wall or ceiling mount kit
Table 5 Compatible Mount Kits for AP-270-MNT-ADP Adapter
Part Number Description

8Aruba 518 Series Ruggedized Access Point | Installation Guide
Figure 4 Removing the Pre-assembled Bracket (Completed)
2. Use the M5x12 screws provided with the AP-270-MNT-ADP adapter to attach the AP-270-MNT-ADP adapter to
the AP.
Figure 5 Attaching the AP-270-MNT-ADP Adapter to the AP

Aruba 518 Series Ruggedized Access Point | Installation Guide 9
Figure 6 Attaching the AP-270-MNT-ADP Adapter to the AP (Completed)
3. Once the AP-270-MNT-ADP adapter is attached to the AP, the AP can be installed on a wall or attached to a
pole using the AP-270-MNT-XX mount kits in Table 5.
Grounding the Access Point
The grounding must be completed before powering up the access point. The grounding wire should be #8 AWG.
1. Peel the cover of one end of the grounding wire and place the bare grounding wire into the included
grounding lug, and press firmly with the crimping pliers.
2. Fasten the grounding lug to the grounding hole on the access point with the included M4 x6 screw.
Connecting the Ethernet Cable
To connect the Ethernet cable to the access point, perform the following steps using the Ethernet cable glands
that ship with your access point.
!
Failure to use the included Ethernet cable gland can lead to connectivity and POE issues.
The cable is not included and must be purchased separately. Purchase a suitable UV-resistant, outdoor rated,
CAT 5E or better RJ45 cable for use with the access point.

10 Aruba 518 Series Ruggedized Access Point | Installation Guide
Figure 7 Installing the Ethernet Cable Gland
1. Remove the dust cap from the Ethernet port
2. Slide the sealing nut, clip, split grommet and gland body over the cable.
3. Insert the RJ45 connector to the Ethernet port.
4. Screw the gland body onto the Ethernet port.
5. Combine the two split parts of the grommet over the cable, and move it towards the gland body until it
locates at the recess of the gland body.
6. Move the clip towards the gland body, passing over the grommet, until the wavy end of the clip properly fits
into the wavy end of the gland body.
7. Screw the sealing nut onto the gland body
Software
For instructions on choosing operating modes and initial software configuration, refer to the AP Software Quick
Start Guide.
Verifying Post-Installation Connectivity
The integrated LEDs on the access point can be used to verify that the access point is receiving power and
initializing successfully (see Table 1 and Table 2). Refer to the AP Software Quick Start Guide for further details
on verifying post-installation network connectivity.
Electrical and Environmental Specifications
Electrical
Ethernet
E0: 100/1000/2500Base-T auto-sensing Ethernet RJ-45 Interfaces
E1: 100/1000Base-T auto-sensing Ethernet RJ-45 Interfaces
Power over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3at and 802.3bt compliant)
Environmental
Operating
Temperature: -40ºC to 55ºC (-40ºF to 140ºF)
Sealing Nut
Clip
Gland Body
Split Grommet
Two grommets are provided in the package for use with the Ethernet cables. One is applicable for cables with
4-6 mm diameter, and another is applicable for cables with 6-10 mm diameter.
!
Aruba access points are classified as radio transmission devices, and 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
https://www.arubanetworks.com/techdocs/DRT/Default.htm.