Cisco Wireless Express 526 User manual

QUICK START GUIDE
Cisco 526 Wireless Express Mobility Controller
INCLUDING LICENSE AND WARRANTY
1About this Guide
2Overview
3Unpacking and Preparing the Controller for Operation
4Connecting to an SBCS Compatible Switch
5Connecting Access Points
6Mounting the WLC526 Controller
7In Case of Difficulty
8Cisco One Year Limited Hardware Warranty Terms
9Translated Warnings

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1 About this Guide
This guide will help you install the Cisco 526 Series Wireless Express Mobility Controller (hereafter
referred to as the WLC526 or the controller) in your Smart Business Communication System network.
FCC Safety Compliance Statement
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. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio
or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on.
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/TV technician for help. (cfr reference 15.105)
Safety Information
Safety warnings appear throughout this guide in procedures that may harm you if performed
incorrectly. A warning symbol precedes each warning statement. The warnings below are general
warnings that are applicable to the entire guide. Translated versions of the safety warnings in this guide
are provided in the “Translated Warnings” section on page 25.
Warning This warning symbol means danger. You are in a situation that could cause bodily injury.
Before you work on any equipment, be aware of the hazards involved with electrical
circuitry and be familiar with standard practices for preventing accidents. Use the
statement number provided at the end of each warning to locate its translation in the
translated safety warnings that accompanied this device.
Statement 1071
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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Warning There is the danger of explosion if the battery is replaced incorrectly. Replace the battery
only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of
used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Statement 1015
Warning This equipment must be grounded. Never defeat the ground conductor or operate the
equipment in the absence of a suitably installed ground conductor. Contact the
appropriate electrical inspection authority or an electrician if you are uncertain that
suitable grounding is available. Statement 1024
Warning Ultimate disposal of this product should be handled according to all national laws and
regulations. Statement 1040
Safety Considerations
•Verify that the ambient temperature remains between 32 to 104° F (0 to 40° C), taking into
account the elevated temperatures when installed in a rack or enclosed space.
•When multiple WLC526 controllers are mounted in an equipment rack, be sure that the power
source is sufficiently rated to safely run all the equipment in the rack (input: 100–240VAC, 50/60
Hz, output: 48VDC, 2.08A per controller).
•Verify the integrity of the electrical ground before installing the controller.
2 Overview
The Cisco 526 Wireless Express Mobility Controller is a network appliance designed to optimize the
wireless network of small and medium-sized businesses. The mobility controller can be used with up
to six controller-based access points per controller and up to two controllers per network. The
WLC526 is a component of the Cisco Smart Business Communications System.
A core element of the Cisco Mobility Express Solution, the WLC526 works in concert with Cisco 521
Wireless Express Access Points (hereafter referred to as the AP521) and the Cisco Configuration
Assistant (CCA) to provide you with the visibility and centralized control you need to optimize
network performance. The CCA is GUI-based software that allows you to configure and manage all
the components of the Cisco Smart Business Communications System.
The WLC526 provides:
•A cost-effective solution for small and medium-sized business environments

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•Standards-based enterprise-class security
•Simplified network deployment and management with automated radio resource features
•Centralized management with the CCA
•Advanced mobility services readiness to support secure Internet guest access and optimized voice
over Wi-Fi
The Cisco Smart Business Communications System is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 Cisco Smart Business Communications System
After performing an initial setup, you configure the WLC526 and its controller-based AP521s using
the CCA.
Related Documentation
This guide assumes that you are installing your WLC526 in the Cisco Smart Business Communications
System. The following documents provide information about system components and include
configuration procedures:
•Cisco Smart Business Communications System Setup—This document, referred to as the “Smart Doc” in some
documents, contains instructions for installing, configuring, and monitoring the Cisco Smart Business
Communications System. You should use this document to configure all the components of the smart business
system.
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201608
Cisco 521
Wireless Express
Access Points
Catalyst Express 520 Switch
Cisco 526 Wireless Express
Mobility Contoller
Fax
Cisco
Monitor
Director
Partner
Site
Teleworker
Site
Cisco 870 Series
Router
DSL/Cable
Modem
Internet
Cisco Unified
Communications 500 Series
Cisco
Configuration
Assistant/
Cisco Monitor
Manager
PSTN

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•Cisco Unified Communications 500 Series for Small Business Getting Started Guide—Provides basic
installation and setup instructions for the Cisco Unified 500 Series Platform (hereafter referred to as the
UC500).
•Getting Started Guide for the Catalyst Express 520 Switches—Provides basic installation and setup instructions
for the Cisco Catalyst Express 520 switch (hereafter referred to as the CE520).
•User Guide for the Catalyst Express 520 Switches—Provides advanced configuration information for the
CE520 switch.
•Cisco Configuration Assistant Quick Start Guide—Contains basic installation and configuration instructions
for the Cisco Configuration Assistant (CCA).
•Quick Start Guide: Cisco 521 Wireless Express Access Point—Contains mounting instructions for the AP521.
These documents are available on cisco.com. Follow these steps to obtain these documents on cisco.com:
Step 1 Browse to http://www.cisco.com
Step 2 Click Support. A drop-down window appears.
Step 3 In the drop-down window, Click Documentation. The Support Documentation page appears.
Step 4 In the Product and Support section, click Wireless. The Support Wireless page appears.
Step 5 Scroll down to the Cisco Mobility Express section.
Step 6 Select the link for the wireless express component you need. The Introduction page for that
component appears.
Step 7 Download the appropriate document.
3 Unpacking and Preparing the Controller for Operation
Follow these steps to unpack the controller and prepare it for operation:
Step 1 Open the shipping container and carefully remove the contents.
Step 2 Return all packing materials to the shipping container and save it.
Step 3 Ensure that all items listed in the “Package Contents” section are included in the shipment. If
any item is damaged or missing, notify your authorized Cisco sales representative.

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Package Contents
Each WLC526 controller package contains the following items:
•One Cisco 526 wireless LAN controller
•One power cord
•One Ethernet cable (RJ45 to RJ45)
•One Console cable (RJ45 to DB9)
•This guide
•Cisco product registration card
Figure 2 shows the front panel of the WLC526 and identifies its components.
Figure 2 WLC526 Front Panel
1AP LED 6Distribution port 1
2Alarm LED 7USB ports (not used)
3Status LED 8Reset button
4Power LED 9Console port
5Distribution port 2
230871
1
CONSOLE
12
2
AP ALARM STATUS POWER
Cisco 520 Series Wireless LAN Controller
91 2 3 4
5 6 7 8

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Choosing a Physical Location
You can install the controller on a horizontal or vertical surface. The controller’s bottom plate has two
keyhole slots that permit you to mount it on a vertical surface, such as a wall. For maximum reliability,
mount the controller while following these guidelines:
•Make sure you can reach the controller and all cables attached to it.
•Make sure that water or excessive moisture cannot get into the controller.
•Make sure that airflow through the controller is not obstructed. Leave at least 4 in. (10 cm) clear
on both sides of the controller.
•Verify that the ambient temperature remains between 32 to 104° F (0 to 40° C).
•Make sure that the controller is installed in the same building and is within 328 ft. (100 m) of
equipment connected to the 10/100BASE-T ports.
•Make sure that the power cord can reach a 100 to 240 VAC grounded electrical outlet.
Moving a Controller
If you are staging your system in a lab environment or moving a controller to new location with a
different network domain, you must remember to change the IP addresses for the AP Management,
Management, and all Dynamic interfaces to the customer’s final IP addresses before moving the
controller to the customer site or to a new location. The IP addresses can only be changed using the
controller GUI interface. The console port interface can not be used to change IP addresses.
Using the Startup Wizard
When you power up the WLC526 you must prepare it for operation on your network by using the
controller’s GUI-based startup wizard. You will need to gather some information about your network
before you start the wizard. Table 1 lists the information you need to enter into the startup wizard.

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Table 1 Startup Wizard Information
Wizard Setting Action
System Name The name you want to assign to the controller.
You can enter up to 32 ASCII characters.
Administrative user name and password The administrative username and password to be
assigned to this controller. You can enter up to 24
ASCII characters for each.
The default administrative username and
password are both admin and admin.
Management Interface VLAN Identifier The VLAN identifier of the management
interface (a valid VLAN identifier or 0 for an
untagged VLAN).
The VLAN identifier should be set to match the
switch interface configuration.
Management Interface IP Address The management interface is the default interface
for in-band management of the controller and
connectivity to services such as AAA servers.
You can access the controller’s GUI interface
using this address.
Management Interface Netmask Enter the IP address of the management interface
netmask.
Management Interface Default Router Enter the IP address of the default router.
Management Interface Port Number Enter the port number of the access point
manager interface. The default is 1.
Primary DHCP Server IP Address The management interface DHCP server IP
address. The default is 192.168.1.1.
Secondary DHCP server IP Address The IP address of the a secondary DHCP server.
The default is 0.0.0.0.
LWAPP Transport Mode The default is Layer 3.
RF Mobility Domain Name The name of the mobility group/RF group to
which you want the controller to belong.
The default is default.

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Configured Country Code The country for which the controller is
configured. This setting is not changeable in the
startup wizard.
Regulatory Domain The domain in which the controller is to be
operated. Selection is made using the appropriate
domain checkbox.
AP Manager Interface Name The name assigned to the access point manager
interface. This setting is not changeable in the
startup wizard.
AP Manager VLAN identifier The VLAN identifier of the access point
management interface (a valid VLAN identifier
or 0 for an untagged VLAN).
AP Manager IP address The IP address of the access point manager
Interface.
AP Manager netmask The Netmask of the access point manager
Interface.
AP Manager Gateway IP address The IP address of the access point manager
interface.
AP Manager port number The port number of the access point manager
interface. The default is 1.
AP Manager Primary DHCP Server IP address The IP address of the access point manager
primary DHCP server interface.
AP Manager Secondary DHCP Server The IP address of the access point manager
secondary DHCP server interface.
Virtual Interface Name The name of the controller’s virtual interface.
This setting is not changeable in the startup
wizard. The default is virtual.
Virtual Interface IP address The IP address for the virtual interface.
Virtual Interface DNS Host Name The name of the controller’s virtual interface
DNS host.
WLAN ID The identification number of the wireless LAN on
which this controller resides. This setting cannot
be changed in the startup wizard. The default is 1.
Profile Name The profile name of the wireless LAN.
Table 1 Startup Wizard Information (continued)
Wizard Setting Action

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WLAN SSID The network name, or service set identifier
(SSID). This is the default SSID that the access
points use when they join a controller.
RADIUS Server IP Address The IP address of the RADIUS server if one is
available and you intend to use it. If you are using
a RADIUS server, the following fields must be
completed:
•Shared secret format (ASCII or HEX)
•Shared secret
•Confirm shared secret
•RADIUS server port (default port is 1812)
•Server status (enabled or disabled)
802.11b Network Status Check the checkbox to enable or disable the
802.11b radio network. The default is Enabled.
802.11g Network Status Check the checkbox to enable or disable the
802.11g radio network. The default is enabled.
Auto-RF Check the checkbox to enable or disable
automatic radio resource management. The
default is enabled.
Table 1 Startup Wizard Information (continued)
Wizard Setting Action

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To use the controller’s startup wizard, you will need an Ethernet-capable PC running Windows XP and
an Ethernet cable. The controller’s default IP address is 192.168.1.1. Make sure your PC is configured
to receive an IP address automatically. When the controller boots for the first time, it becomes a DHCP
server and automatically assigns an IP address to your PC.
Note The default IP address and DHCP server are only available when the controller is configured
with factory default values.
Follow these steps to start the wizard:
Step 1 Connect the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on your PC.
Step 2 Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to data port 1 on the WLC526.
Step 3 Plug the supplied, country-specific power cord into the AC power receptical on the back of
the controller.
Step 4 Plug plug the other end of the AC power cord into a grounded 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
electrical outlet.
Step 5 Power up the WLC526. The controller begins its boot process, which takes approximately 3
minutes.
Step 6 Open your web browser and browse to IP address 192.168.1.1. A network password screen
appears.
Step 7 Enter admin for both the username and password (default value). The System Information
screen appears (See Figure 3).
Figure 3 WLC526 System Information Screen
Step 8 For security reasons, you should change the username and password to non-default values.
Enter a system name, a new username, and a new password in the respective fields.

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Step 9 Confirm your password in the Confirm Password field.
Step 10 Click Next. The Management Interface Configuration screen appears (See Figure 4).
Figure 4 Management Interface Configuration Screen
Step 11 Enter the management interface IP address, network mask, and gateway IP address
information.
Step 12 Enter the port number (1 or 2) for your management interface.
Step 13 Optional: enter DHCP server IP address information (default 192.168.1.1 for primary DHCP
server).
Step 14 Click Next and the Miscellaneous Configuration screen appears (see Figure 5).

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Figure 5 Miscellaneous Configuration Screen

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Step 15 Optional, choose the LWAPP Transport Mode (Layer 3 default).
Step 16 Enter the RF mobility domain name.
Step 17 Check your country code.
Step 18 Click Next and the AP Manager Interface Configuration screen appears (see Figure 6).
Figure 6 AP Manager Interface Configuration Screen
Step 19 Enter the AP manager interface IP address information.
Step 20 Enter the gateway IP address.
Step 21 Enter the port number (1 or 2) for the AP Manager Interface.
Step 22 Enter the primary and secondary DHCP server IP addresses.
Step 23 Click Next and the Virtual Configuration screen appears (see Figure 6).

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Figure 7 Virtual Interface Configuration Screen
Step 24 Enter the virtual interface IP address. Default is 1.1.1.1 (a non-valid IP address).
Step 25 Enter the DNS host name.
Step 26 Click Next and the WLAN Configuration screen appears (see Figure 8).
Figure 8 WLAN Configuration Screen
Step 27 Enter the profile name for your wireless network.
Step 28 Enter the service service identifier (SSID) for your wireless network.
Step 29 Click Next and a pop-up message appears indicating the default security settings that are
applied to the wireless LAN. You can change the default security options after the setup
wizard is complete.
Step 30 Click OK and the Radius Server Configuration screen appears (see Figure 9).

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Figure 9 RADIUS Server Configuration Screen
Step 31 Optional, enter the RADIUS server configuration information.
Step 32 If you have configured RADIUS information, click Apply, otherwise click Skip and the 802.11
Configuration screen appears (see Figure 10).
Figure 10 802.11 Configuration Screen
Step 33 To enable wireless network status, check the appropriate network types that you want to
support.
Step 34 Optional: check Auto RF to turn on radio resource management.
Note Radio resource management requires three or more access points in order to operate.
Step 35 Click Next and the Configuration Wizard Completed screen appears (see Figure 11).

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Figure 11 Configuration Wizard Completed Screen
Step 36 Click the Save And Reboot button to save your configuration.
Note Click the Back button to return to previous screens if you need to change any part of
your configuration.
Your WLC526 is ready to connect to an SBCS compatible switch.
4 Connecting to an SBCS Compatible Switch
Follow the instructions given in the Cisco Smart Business Communications System Setup document to
connect your controller to an SBCS compatible switch, such as the switch. Refer to the “Related
Documentation” section on page 4 for instructions on how to obtain this document.
Note A maximum of two controllers can be configured to the switch.
5 Connecting Access Points
Follow the instructions given in the Cisco Smart Business Communications System Setup document to
attach up to six access points to the controller. Refer to the “Related Documentation” section on
page 4 for instructions on how to obtain this document.

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6 Mounting the WLC526 Controller
The WLC526 controller can be mounted as follows:
•On a horizontal or vertical surface such as a desktop or shelf.
•Face up or down on a vertical surface such as a wall.
Mounting on a Desktop or Shelf
The WLC526 has four rubber pads on the bottom to help prevent it from sliding on or scratching the
surface of your desktop or shelf.
Mounting on a Vertical Surface
The bottom plate of the controller has two keyhole slots to facilitate mounting on a vertical surface
(see Figure 12).

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Figure 12 WLC526 Bottom Plate
Note You must provide the hardware necessary to mount the controller securely and safely.
1Rubber pads 3Keyhole slots
2AC power receptacle
230872
1
7.0 (INCHES)
1
23

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Caution When vertically mounting your controller, you must mount the controller with its front
panel facing down (towards the floor) unless you are using a security lock cable. If you
are using a security lock cable, you can mount the front panel facing up (towards the
ceiling) or facing down. You must not mount the controller with the side facing down.
These restrictions are due to UL safety regulations.
The following steps describe how to mount the controller on a drywall vertical surface. Your procedure
may vary depending on the material of your vertical surface. You will need the following tools and
fasteners:
•Two #8 drywall anchors
•Two #8 x 1-in. pan head screws
•An appropriate screw driver
•A drill and 3/16-in. (4.7 mm) bit
•A ruler and marking pencil
Step 1 Determine the position on the surface where you will mount your WLC526.
Step 2 Mark the position of the center of the keyhole slots on the surface. Verify that the marks are
7-in. (17.8 cm) apart.
Step 3 Drill a 3/16-in. (4.7 mm) hole at the places you marked on the surface.
Step 4 Insert the drywall anchors into the holes.
Step 5 Insert and start two #8 x 1-in. pan head screws into the anchors.
Step 6 Use a screwdriver to drive the screws into the anchors until the heads are protruding
approximately 1/4-in. (6.4 mm) from the anchors.
Step 7 Align the keyhole slots on the controller bottom plate over the screws. Make sure the front
panel is facing down if you are not using the security lock feature.
Step 8 Gently push the controller in and down until it is secured by the narrow end of the keyhole
slot. You may have to adjust the pan head screws in order to obtain a secure fit.