Dell PowerConnect W-AP124 User manual

Dell PowerConnect W-AP120 Series AP
Installation Guide
0510745-01 | July 2010 1
The Dell W-AP120 series of wireless access points support the imminent IEEE 802.11n (currently draft 2.0)
standard for high-performance WLAN. These access points use MIMO (Multiple-in, Multiple-out) technology
and other high-throughput mode techniques to deliver high-performance, pre-802.11n 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
functionality while simultaneously supporting existing 802.11a/b/g wireless services. The W-AP120 series access
points are available in versions with single or dual radios and with integrated antennas or RP-SMA interfaces that
support detachable antennas. The W-AP120 series access points work only in conjunction with an Dell controller.
The Dell W-AP120 series access points provide the following capabilities:
zWireless transceiver
zProtocol-independent networking functionality
zIEEE 802.11a/b/g or 802.11n operation as a wireless access point
zIEEE 802.11a/b/g or 802.11n operation as a wireless air monitor
zCompatibility with IEEE 802.3af PoE as well as high power over Ethernet pre-standards
(PoE + / 802.3at)
zCentral management configuration and upgrades through an Dell controller
zUpgrade of W-AP120 series a/b/g models to 802.11n (draft) compliance through a controller license
Figure 1 W-AP120 Series Access Points
Package Contents
zAP-120 series access point
zInstallation guide (this document)
ap12_001
W-AP120/W-AP124
(3 x RP-SMA interfaces for detachable antennas)
W-AP121/W-AP125
(3 x integrated dual-band antennas)
Note: 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.
Note: Additional mounting kits for use with the W-AP120 series access points are sold separately. Contact your Dell sales
representative for details.

2Dell PowerConnect W-AP120 Series AP | Installation Guide
Before You Begin
WLAN Planning
Determine how many Dell APs are needed for your wireless network deployment and where they will be installed.
You can easily accomplish this planning using Dell’s automated RF Plan site-survey software (available
separately). This process is considered WLAN or RF planning and should have been completed during the master
Dell controller installation and configuration. In typical Dell installations, the controllers are configured and
installed before the APs.
For WLAN planning assistance, refer to the Indoor Access Points: Site Survey and Planning Pre-Deployment Guide
and the RF Plan Installation and User Guide.
Pre-Installation Network Requirements
After WLAN planning is complete and the appropriate products and their placement have been determined, the
Dell controller(s) must be installed and initial setup performed before the Dell Access Points are deployed.
For initial setup of the controller, refer to the ArubaOS Quick Start Guide for the software version installed on
your controller.
Pre-Installation Checklist
Before installing your W-AP120 series access point, be sure that you have the following:
zFor the W-AP120/W-AP124: External antennas as specified in the network deployment plan
zCAT5 UTP cable of required length
zOne of the following power sources:
IEEE 802.3af-compliant Power over Ethernet (PoE) source
Supports full functionality for W-AP120/W-AP121; supports reduced functionality for W-AP124/W-
AP125
IEEE Power Over Ethernet + (PoE+) source output at 56 Volts @ 350 mA
The POE source can be any power source equipment (PSE) controller or midspan PSE device
Dell AP AC-DC adapter kit (sold separately)
zDell controller provisioned on the network:
Layer 2/3 network connectivity to your access point
One of the following network services:
zAruba Discovery Protocol (ADP)
zDNS server with an “A” record
zDHCP Server with vendor-specific options
Summary of the Setup Process
Successful setup of an AP-120 series access point consists of five tasks, which must be performed in this order:
1. Verify pre-installation connectivity.
2. Identify the specific installation location for each AP.
3. Install each AP.
4. Verify post-installation connectivity.
Note: It is important that you verify the items listed under Pre-Installation Checklist before you attempt to set up and install an W-
AP120 series AP.

Dell PowerConnect W-AP120 Series AP | Installation Guide 3
5. Configure each AP.
Verifying Pre-Installation Connectivity
Before you install APs in a network environment, make sure that the APs will be able to locate and connect to the
controller when powered on.
Specifically, you must verify the following conditions:
zWhen connected to the network, each AP is assigned a valid IP address
zAPs are able to locate the controller
Refer to the ArubaOS Quick Start Guide for instructions on locating and connecting to the controller.
Unidentified 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 AP to its fixed
location.
RF absorbers include:
zCement/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 within the concrete, blocking
RF signals.
zNatural Items: Fish tanks, water fountains, ponds, and trees
zBrick
RF reflectors include:
zMetal 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
zDo not place an AP between two air conditioning/heating ducts. Make sure that APs are placed below ducts to
avoid RF disturbances.
RF interference sources include:
zMicrowave ovens and other 2.4 or 5 GHz objects (such as cordless phones)
zLunch rooms and call centers with cordless headsets
Note: Dell, in compliance with governmental requirements, has designed the AP-120 series access points so that only authorized
network administrators can change the settings. For more information about AP configuration, refer to the ArubaOS Quick Start
Guide and ArubaOS User Guide.
Caution: 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.

4Dell PowerConnect W-AP120 Series AP | Installation Guide
Installing the AP
Using the Integrated Wall-Mounting Slots
The keyhole-shaped slots on the back of the AP can be used to attach the device upright to an indoor wall or shelf.
When you choose the mounting location, allow additional space at the right of the unit for cables.
1. At the mounting location, install two screw on the wall or shelf, 1 7/8 inches (4.7 cm) apart. If you are
attaching the device to drywall, Dell recommends using appropriate wall anchors (not included).
2. Align the mounting slots on the rear of the AP over the screws and slide the unit into place (see Figure 2).
Figure 2 Installing the W-AP120 Series Access Point on a Wall
3. On the W-AP121 or W-AP125, orient the antennas. For best performance, swivel the antennas so that they
are oriented vertically, preferably in the same plane, parallel to the wall (see Figure 3).
Figure 3 Antenna Orientation on a Wall-Mounted W-AP121/W-AP125
On the W-AP120 or W-AP124, install the external antennas according to the manufacturer’s instructions,
and connect the antennas to the antenna interfaces on the AP (see Figure 4).
Caution: Installation and service of Dell Networks products should be performed by Professional Installers. Additional antenna
and transmit power information for Professional Installers can be found at https://support.dell.com.
Note: For product dimensions, see Product Specifications in this guide. Allow 2 inches (5 cm) of additional space at the right side
of the installed unit for cables, and make sure enough space is available for antenna articulation.

Dell PowerConnect W-AP120 Series AP | Installation Guide 5
Figure 4 Antenna Interfaces on the W-AP120/W-AP124
Using the Integrated Ceiling Tile Rail Slots
The snap-in tile rail slots on the rear of the AP can be used to securely attach the device directly to a 15/16" wide,
standard ceiling tile rail.
1. Pull the necessary cables through a prepared hole in the ceiling tile near where the AP will be placed.
2. If necessary, connect the console cable to the console port on the back of the AP.
3. Hold the AP 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.
Figure 5 Orienting the Ceiling Tile Rail Mounting Slots
4. Pushing toward the ceiling tile, rotate the AP clockwise until the device clicks into place on the ceiling tile rail.
5. On the W-AP121 or W-AP125, orient the antennas. For best results, rotate the antennas so that they are
vertical (perpendicular to the body of the AP) (see Figure 6).
ap
Caution: Make sure the AP fits securely on the ceiling tile rail when hanging the device from the ceiling, because poor
installation could cause it to fall onto people or equipment.
ap1

6Dell PowerConnect W-AP120 Series AP | Installation Guide
Figure 6 Antenna Orientation on a Ceiling-Mounted W-AP121/W-AP125
On the W-AP120 or W-AP124, install the external antennas according to the manufacturer’s instructions,
and connect the antennas to the antenna interfaces on the AP (see Figure 4).
Connecting Required Cables
Install cables in accordance with all applicable local and national regulations and practices.
Ethernet Ports
The RJ45 Ethernet ports (ENET0 and ENET1) support 100/1000Base-T auto-sensing MDI/MDX connections.
Use these ports to connect the AP to a twisted pair Ethernet LAN segment or directly to an Dell controller. Use a
4- or 8-conductor, Category 5 UTP cable up to 100 m (325 feet) long.
The 100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports are on the bottom of the AP. These ports have RJ-45 female connectors with
the pin-outs shown in Table 1.
Note: Dell W-AP120 series APs are intended only for installation in Environment A as defined in IEEE 802.3.af, Power over Ethernet.
All interconnected equipment must be contained within the same building, including the interconnected equipment’s associated
LAN connections.
Table 1 Connector for Ethernet Ports ENET0 and ENET1
Connector Pin Signal
Name GE Connection FE Connection PoE
1 BI_DA+ Bi-directional pair A+ RX+ POE negative
2 BI_DA– Bi-directional pair A– RX– POE negative
3 BI_DB+ Bi-directional pair B+ TX+ POE positive
4 BI_DC+ Bi-directional pair C+ Spare pair POE positive
5 BI_DC– Bi-directional pair C– Spare pair POE positive
6 BI_DB– Bi-directional pair B– TX– POE positive
7 BI_DD+ Bi-directional pair D+ Spare pair POE negative
8 BI_DB– Bi-directional pair D– Spare pair POE negative
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Dell PowerConnect W-AP120 Series AP | Installation Guide 7
Serial Console Port
The serial console port allows you to connect the AP to a serial terminal or a laptop for direct local management.
This port is an RJ-45 female connector with the pinouts described in Table 2. Connect this port in one of the
following ways:
zConnect it directly to a terminal or terminal server using an Ethernet cable.
zUse a modular adapter to convert the RJ-45 (female) connector on the AP to a DB-9 (male) connector, and
connect the adapter to a laptop using an RS-232 cable. See Figure 7 for connector details of the adapter.
Figure 7 RJ-45 (Female) to DB-9 (Male) Modular Adapter Conversion
Power Connection
The W-AP120 series AP has a single 5V DC power jack socket to support powering through an AC-to-DC mains
electric power adapter.
Table 2 Connector for Serial Console Port
Connector Pin Signal Name Function
3 TXD Transmit
4 GND Ground
5 GND Ground
6 RXD Receive
Pins not listed are not connected.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
3
4
5
2
5
63
RJ-45 DB-9
Internal
Connections
TxD
GND
RxD
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
TxD
GND
RxD
RJ-45 Female
Pin-Out
Direction
Input
Output
DB-9 Male
Pin-Out
TxD
RxD
Ground
5
4
3
2
1
9
8
7
6
Direction
Input
Output
Note: If both POE and DC power are available, the AP uses POE, even when there is not enough POE voltage available to power the
AP.

8Dell PowerConnect W-AP120 Series AP | Installation Guide
Connecting a Security Cable
To provide added security for the W-AP121 or W-AP125, you can attach a security cable to the back of the unit
(see Figure 8).
Figure 8 Security Lock Connection
Verifying Post-Installation Connectivity
The integrated LEDs on the AP can be used at this point to verify that the AP is receiving power and initializing
successfully (see Table 3). Refer to the ArubaOS Quick Start Guide for further details on verifying post-
installation network connectivity.
Configuring the W-AP120 Series
AP Provisioning/Reprovisioning
Provisioning parameters are unique to each AP. These local AP parameters are initially configured on the
controller which are then pushed out to the AP and stored on the AP itself. Dell recommends that provisioning
settings be configured via the ArubaOS Web UI only. Refer to the ArubaOS User Guide for complete details.
LED Color/State Meaning
PWR Green steady Power on, device ready
Green flashing System initializing
Red steady System failed to initialize, contact TAC
ENET 0
(100/1000 Mbps)
Green/Amber off No link
Green on 1000 Mbps link
Amber on 100 Mbps link
Green/amber blinking Data activity
ENET 1
(100/1000 Mbps)
Green/Amber off No Link
Green on 1000 Mbps link
Amber on 100 Mbps link
Green/amber blinking Data activity
11A/N Amber Wireless link is legacy 11a
Green Wireless link is 11n 5 Ghz band
11B/G/N Amber Wireless link is legacy 11b or 11g
Green Wireless link is 11n 2.4 Ghz band

Dell PowerConnect W-AP120 Series AP | Installation Guide 9
AP Configuration
Configuration parameters are network or controller specific and are configured and stored on the controller.
Network configuration settings are pushed out to the AP(s) but remain stored on the controller.
Configuration settings can be configured via the ArubaOS Web U or ArubaOS CLI. Refer to their respective
guides for further details: the ArubaOS User Guide.
Product Specifications
Mechanical
zDimensions (antenna stowed) (HxWxD):
4.9 inches x 5. 13 inches x 2 inches
12.4 cm x 13 cm x 5.1 cm
zWeight: 15 oz/0.42 kg
zShipping Dimensions:
9.5 inches x 7.25 inches x 4.5 inches
24.1 cm x 18.4 cm x 11.4 cm
zTemperature:
Operating: 0ºC to 50ºC (32ºF to 122ºF)
Storage: –10ºC to 70ºC (14ºF to 158ºF)
zRelative Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing
zAltitude: 8,000 ft @ 28ºC (82.4ºF)
zMounting: Wall, ceiling, or desktop mountable
zAntennas:
3 integrated articulating dual-band antenna elements (W-AP121, W-AP125)
3 RP-SMA interfaces for external antennas (W-AP120, W-AP124)
zVisual Status Indicators (LEDs): See Table 3
Electrical
Ethernet:
2 x 100/1000 Base-T auto-sensing Ethernet RJ-45 Interfaces
MDI/MDX
IEEE 802.3 (10Base-T), IEEE 802.3u (100Base-T). IEEE 802.3ab (1000Base-T)
Power over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af compliant), 48V DC/350mA (see Table 1 for pin configuration)
zPower:
5 VDC power interface, supports powering through an AC-to-DC mains electric power adapter
Note: During normal operation, the temperature of the base of the W-AP120 series can approach 80ºC (176ºF). This is within the
expected operating temperature range.
Note: If a power adapter other than the one provided by Dell is used in the US or Canada, it should be cULus (NRTL) Listed, with an
output rated 5 VDC, minimum 4A, marked “LPS” or “Class 2,” and suitable for plugging into a standard power receptacle in the US
and Canada.

10 Dell PowerConnect W-AP120 Series AP | Installation Guide
POE support on Ethernet ports:
– 802.3af-compliant POE sourcing devices
– POE+ (56 V @ 350 mA)
Wireless LAN
zNetwork Standards: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11a, and IEEE 802.11n (draft)
zAntenna Type:
Integrated 802.11a/b/g/n omni-directional high-gain antenna
Detachable 802.11a/b/g/n omni-directional high-gain antenna
zAntenna Gain (Integrated Antennas):
2.4 – 2.5 GHz/3.2 dBi (max)
5.180 – 5.825 GHz/5.2 dBi (max)
zRadio Technology:
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)
zRadio Modulation Type:
802.11b - CCK, BPSK, QPSK
802.11g - CCK, BPSK, QPSK,16-QAM, 64-QAM
802.11a - BPSK, QPSK,16-QAM, 64-QAM
802.11n draft 2.0
zMedia Access Control: CSMA/CA with ACK
zSupported Frequency Bands 2.4GHz:
2.400 ~ 2.4835GHz (Global), channels country specific
zSupported Frequency Bands 5GHz:
5.150 ~ 5.250GHz (low band), country-specific
5.250 ~ 5.350GHz (mid band), country-specific
5.470 ~ 5.725GHz (Europe), country-specific
5.725 ~ 5.825GHz GHz (high band), country-specific
zData Rates:
802.11b - 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps per channel
802.11g - 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 and 54 Mbps per channel
802.11a - 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 and 54 Mbps per channel
802.11n - Data rate MCS0 – MCS15 (from 6.5 Mbps to 300 Mbps)
802.11b 802.11g 802.11a 802.11n
US, Canada 11 US, Canada 11 US, Canada 12 << NEED >>
ETSI 13 ETSI 13 ETSI (up to 19) << NEED >>
Japan 14 Japan 13 Japan 4 << NEED >>
Taiwan 11 Taiwan 11 Taiwan 7 << NEED >>