Cisco Aironet 521 User manual

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Quick Start Guide: Cisco 521 Wireless Express Access Point
Read This First
This guide will help you to install a Cisco 521 Wireless Express Access Point
(hereafter referred to as the AP521) in your Smart Business Communications
System network.
How to Open the Top Cover
The top cover provides access to the cable and power connections.
Caution Do not open the access point top cover as you would a hatch or
door. You could damage the cover by doing so. An instruction
label is attached to the access point. Take time to read the label
before you open the access point cover.
When you become familiar with the opening procedure, we recommend that
you remove the label and put it in a safe place such as inside the cover of this
guide.
Note Status LED indications are not visible when the top cover is open.

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Follow these steps to open the top cover:
1. Put the access point on a flat surface, and grasp it with both hands, as
shown in this illustration.
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Cable access notch
and arrow

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Quick Start Guide: Cisco 521 Wireless Express Access Point
2. Gently push the cover away from you until it stops, as shown in this
illustration.
3. Remove the opening instruction label from the top cover.
Note We recommend that you save the label for reference.
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Safety Information
The FCC, with its action in ET Docket 96-8, has adopted a safety standard for
human exposure to RF electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC-certified
equipment. Cisco 521 access points meet the uncontrolled environmental
limits found in OET-65 and ANSI C95.1, 1991. Proper operation of this radio
device according to the instructions in this document and the installation and
configuration guide will result in user exposure substantially below the FCC
recommended limits.
•Do not hold any component containing a radio such that the antenna is
very close to or touching any exposed parts of the body, especially the
face or eyes, while transmitting.
•The use of wireless devices in hazardous locations is limited to the
constraints posed by the safety directors of such environments.
Warnings
Warning This product must be connected to a Power-over-Ethernet
(PoE) IEEE 802.3af compliant power source or an IEC60950
compliant limited power source.

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Quick Start Guide: Cisco 521 Wireless Express Access Point
Warning In order to comply with FCC radio frequency (RF) exposure
limits, antennas should be located a minimum of 7.9 in. (20 cm)
or more from the body of all persons.
Warning Do not operate your wireless network device near unshielded
blasting caps or in an explosive environment unless the
device has been modified to be especially qualified for such
use.
Warning Do not work on the system or connect or disconnect cables
during periods of lightning activity.
Warning Read the installation instructions before you connect the
system to its power source.

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Warning This product relies on the building’s installation for
short-circuit (overcurrent) protection. Ensure that the
protective device is rated not greater than: 20A.
Overview
The Cisco 521 Wireless Express Access Point is a single-band 802.11g access
point that features business-class management, security, and scalability. The
access point offers high performance wireless connectivity in carpeted offices
and similar environments.
The access point is part of the Cisco Mobility Express Solution that brings
together the AP521 and the Cisco 526 Wireless Express Mobility Controller
(hereafter referred to as the WLC526). The Cisco Mobility Express Solution
is the wireless component of the Cisco Smart Business Communication
System.
The AP521 is available in two configurations:
•Standalone mode—AP521s are directly connected to the wired
infrastructure and provide high-speed wireless connectivity to users in
the areas they cover. Standalone AP521s are also known as autonomous
access points because configuration and management is performed
locally at the individual access point level.

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Quick Start Guide: Cisco 521 Wireless Express Access Point
•Controller-based mode—AP521s associate with a WLC526 wireless
controller to provide wireless connectivity. Controller-based AP521s are
also known as lightweight access points because configuration and
management are performed through a single interface.
You configure the access points using the Cisco Configuration Assistant
(CCA). The CCA is GUI-based software that you install on a windows-based
PC and that allows you to configure all components of your Cisco Smart
Business Communications System.
The following illustration shows all the components of the Cisco Smart
Business Communications System.
The following illustration shows the AP521 and identifies its features.
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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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1Power connector 5Padlock post
2Ethernet port 6Mode button
3Keyhole slot 7Ethernet and radio LEDs
4Console port 8Status LED
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8
4
5
1
2
3
7

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Quick Start Guide: Cisco 521 Wireless Express Access Point
Related Documentation
This guide assumes that you are deploying your access points in the Cisco
Smart Business Communications System. You must configure the system
components before you deploy the access points. 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 the Cisco Smart Business
Communications System Setup document to configure all the
components of the smart business system.
•Cisco Configuration Assistant Quick Start Guide—Contains basic
installation and configuration instructions for the Cisco Configuration
Assistant (CCA).
•Quick Start Guide: Cisco 526 Series Wireless Express Mobility
Controller—Provides installation and preliminary configuration
instructions for the WLC526).
These documents are available on cisco.com. Follow this link to go to the 521
access point documentation:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps7319/prod_installation_guides_list.
html

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Follow this link to go to the 526 controller documentation:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps7320/prod_installation_guides_list.
html
These additional documents are also on cisco.com.
•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.
Unpacking the Access Point
Each access point package contains the following items:
•An AP521 access point (standalone or controller-based)
•Mounting hardware kit
•This guide

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Quick Start Guide: Cisco 521 Wireless Express Access Point
Complete these steps to prepare for installation.
Step 1 Carefully unpack and remove the access point and hardware kit
from the shipping box.
Step 2 Return all packing material to the shipping container, and save it.
Step 3 Verify all the package contents, and inspect each item for damage.
If any item is missing or damaged, contact your Cisco
representative for support.
Deploying Standalone Access Points
In the standalone architecture, you can deploy up to three standalone AP521s
and configure them using the CCA. These access points can be upgraded later
into a controller-based architecture. This procedure assumes that you are
using a UC500, a CE520, and the CCA.
Refer to the Cisco Smart Business Communications System Setup document,
Section 4, “Deploy Basic or Multi-AP Wireless,” follow the steps listed in the
section entitled “Deploy Cisco 521 Series Wireless Express Access Points in
Standalone Mode” to deploy your standalone AP521s.

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Deploying Controller-Based Access Points
In the controller-based architecture, you can deploy up to six controller-based
AP521s and configure them using the CCA. This procedure assumes that you
are using a UC500, a CE520, a WLC526, and the CCA.
Refer to the Cisco Smart Business Communications System Setup document,
Section 4, ”Deploy Advanced Wireless,” and follow the steps listed there.
Note Before you can deploy controller-based AP521s, you must first
configure the WLC526. See the Quick Start Guide: Cisco 526 Series
Wireless Express Mobility Controller for instructions.
Mounting the Access Point
The AP521 can be mounted as follows:
•On a horizontal or vertical surface
•On a suspended ceiling
•Above a suspended ceiling
•On a network cable box
•On a desktop

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Quick Start Guide: Cisco 521 Wireless Express Access Point
Mounting on a Horizontal or Vertical Surface
Follow these steps to mount the access point on a horizontal or vertical
surface:
Step 1 Use the mounting plate as a template to mark the locations of the
two mounting holes (labeled with an X) and the location of the cable
access hole. See the illustration below.

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1Keyhole clip 5T-bar hanger clip hole
2Screw holes (A, B, C) 6Security screw hole
3Screw hole (X) 7Padlock hole
4Location for cable access hole
1
1
7
6
3
4
3
2
5
2
22
BB
CC
A
B
C
A
X
X
A
B
C
A
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Quick Start Guide: Cisco 521 Wireless Express Access Point
Step 2 Drill a 3/16 in. (4.7 mm) hole at the X mounting hole locations you
marked.
Step 3 If they are required, insert wall anchors into the mounting holes.
Step 4 If needed, drill or cut a cable access hole large enough for the
Ethernet cable and a power cable (if used) and pull the cables
through the access hole until you have about 1 ft. of exposed cables
protruding from the cable.
Note You can insert the Ethernet cable and the power cable (if
used) through the cable access notch in the access point
housing.
Step 5 Position the mounting plate over the wall anchors or the drilled
holes.
Step 6 Insert two 8 x 32 x 1 in. pan head screws in the X mounted holes
and tighten.
Step 7 Attach the access point to the mounting plate.

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Mounting on a Suspended Ceiling
Review the following illustration before beginning the mounting process.
1T-rail locking screws 3T-rail width detents
2Mounting plate screw holes
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3
3
1
1
2
2
2
2
CEILING
GRID
WIDTH
38 24 15
ABC
1-1/2 15/16 9/16
MM
INCH
CEILING
GRID
WIDTH
38 24 15
ABC
1-1/2 15/16 9/16
MM
INCH

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Quick Start Guide: Cisco 521 Wireless Express Access Point
Follow these steps to mount your access point on a suspended ceiling:
Step 1 Determine the location on the ceiling where you intend to mount the
access point.
Step 2 Select the appropriate T-rail clip for your suspended ceiling and
open the clip to the maximum.
Step 3 Place the clip over the T-rail and close it to the appropriate (A, B,
or C) detent.
Step 4 Tighten the two T-rail locking screws to prevent the clip from
sliding along the rail.
Step 5 Observe the T-rail width detent letter (A, B, or C) that corresponds
to the T-rail width.
Step 6 Align the corresponding (A, B, or C) holes on the mounting plate
over the T-rail mounting plate holes.
Step 7 Hold the mounting plate and insert a 6 x 32 x 1/4 in. flat head screw
into each of the four corresponding (A, B or C) holes and tighten.
Step 8 If needed, drill or cut a cable access hole large enough for the access
point cables and pull the cables through the hole until you have
about 1 ft. of exposed cables protruding from the hole.
Step 9 Attach the access point to the mounting plate.

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Mounting Above a Suspended Ceiling
The access point mounting bracket is designed to be integrated into the T-rail
grid above the tiles of a suspended ceiling. The access point uses a T-bar box
hanger (not supplied) such as the Erico Caddy 512 or B-Line BA12 and
should be oriented just above the top surface of a standard 5/8-in. (1.59-cm)
ceiling tile. You may need to modify a thicker tile to allow room for the access
point.
Caution Only the fiber-optic power injector (AIR-PWRINJ-FIB) has
been tested to UL 2043 operation in a building’s environmental
air space; the AIR-PWRINJ3 power injector and the power
model are not tested to UL 2043 and should not be placed in a
building’s environmental air space.
Caution Cisco does not sell Ethernet cable rated for use in a building
environmental air space. You must obtain special Ethernet cable
with the appropriate rating.

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Quick Start Guide: Cisco 521 Wireless Express Access Point
Follow these steps to mount the access point above a suspended ceiling. Refer
to the following illustration before proceeding.
Step 1 Insert the bracket mounting clip’s tab into the rectangular hole on
the access point mounting bracket.
Step 2 Place the clip over the T-bar box hanger as shown in the following
illustration and secure it to the access point mounting bracket with
the 1/4-20 fastener (supplied with the T-bar hanger).
1Suspended ceiling T-rail 4Access point mounting plate
2T-bar box hanger 5Access point
3Bracket mounting clip 6T-rail clip
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1 1
26
6
4
3

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Step 3 Remove a ceiling tile adjacent to the mounting location.
Step 4 Configure the ends of the T-bar box hanger to allow for maximum
clearance above the ceiling tile.
Step 5 Open the access point cover and connect the Ethernet cable to the
access point.
Step 6 Attach the access point to the access point mounting bracket.
Step 7 Attach the T-rail clips on each end of the T-bar box hanger to the
ceiling grid T-rails. Make sure the clips are securely attached to the
T-rails.
Step 8 Connect a drop wire to a building structural element and the hole
provided in the bracket mounting clip. This additional support is
required in order to comply with the U.S. National Electrical Safety
Code.
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