Dell SonicPoint ACi User manual

Dell™ SonicPoint ACi
Getting Started Guide
Regulatory Model Number: APL27-0B1

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SonicPoint ACi Getting Started Guide
Updated - 11/25/14
232-002616-50 Rev A

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This product is protected by multiple U.S. Patents. For more information, go to http://software.dell.com/legal/patents.aspx.
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1
Dell SonicPoint ACi Getting Started Guide 5
Introduction
In this guide
This Getting Started Guide provides instructions for basic installation and configuration of the Dell™ SonicPoint ACi wireless
access point in single-unit or multi-unit wireless deployments.
Chapter 1 Topics
Introduction on page 5•Wireless overview on page 7
Chapter 2 Topics
Initial Setup on page 11 •Check package contents on page 12
•Deployment requirements on page 12
•SonicPoint ACi available ports/status LEDs on page 13
•Connecting Ethernet cables on page 15
•Wireless access point placement considerations on page 16
•Mounting the SonicPoint ACi on page 18

Dell SonicPoint ACi Getting Started Guide
6
Chapter 3 Topics
Configuring SonicOS for wireless access on page 23 •Configuring SonicOS for SonicPoint ACi on page 23
•Verifying SonicPoint operation on page 28
•Troubleshooting tips on page 28
Chapter 4 Topics
Support and product registration on page 29 •Registration and support on page 29
•Online support and training on page 30
Chapter 5 Topics
Product safety and regulatory information on page 31 •Mounting the appliance on page 32
•Verwarnung Weitere hinweise zur montage on page 33
•EU and EFTA on page 34
•Declaration of conformity on page 34

Dell SonicPoint ACi Getting Started Guide
7
Wireless overview
The Dell™ SonicPoint ACi is part of the next evolutionary generation in wireless access points after the Dell SonicWALL SonicPoint
N and NDR.
The SonicPoint ACi provides physical layer enhancements for higher throughput with a maximum data rate of 1.3 Gbps. To achieve
this, the SonicPoint ACi uses:
•Wider channels—80 MHz-wide channels for the 802.11ac radio module, while continuing to support 20/40 MHz channels.
This allows for dynamic per packet negotiation of channel widths so that when there is interference, the SonicPoint can
temporarily fall back to 40 or 20MHz channels.
•More spatial streams—3X3 multiple-input and multiple-output, (MIMO) for the 802.11ac radio module, where the capacity
of a radio link is multiplied using multipath propagation.

Dell SonicPoint ACi Getting Started Guide
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Dell SonicWALL wireless firewalling
When a wireless device uses a Dell SonicPoint ACi wireless
access point to communicate with a wireless device on
another subnet or on a completely different network, traffic
between the devices is forced to traverse the Dell SonicWALL
network security appliance. This traversal enables security
services to be enforced by SonicOS.
Standard practice for wireless firewalling (where one wireless
client is communicating with another) bypasses many of the
critical security services. The following illustration shows the
standard practice for wireless firewalling.
Figure 1. Standard wireless firewalling
Many security products on the market share this potential
vulnerability when two users connected by a common hub or
wireless access point wish to exchange data.
Dell SonicWALL addresses this security shortcoming by
managing the SonicPoint access points from the network
security appliance. This allows complete control of the
wireless space, including zone enforcement of security
services and complete firewalling capabilities.
Figure 2. Secure wireless firewalling
WLAN Zone Security Services
?
Content Filtering Service
Client Anti-Virus Enforcement
Gateway Anti-Virus
Gateway Anti-Spyware
Intrusion Prevention Service
Other Security Appliance
WLAN Zone Security Services
SonicWALL
appliance
SonicWALL
SonicPoint
Content Filtering Service
Client Anti-Virus Enforcement
Gateway Anti-Virus
Gateway Anti-Spyware
Intrusion Prevention Service
L
nt

Dell SonicPoint ACi Getting Started Guide 9
Frequency bands and channels
There are currently five widely adopted standards for 802.11 wireless network types: a, b, g, n, and ac. 802.11n and 802.11ac are
the newest and highest capacity standards, but older client devices may not be able to utilize the newer standards.
Different frequency bands provide varying signal strength and quality over different distance ranges. Signals in the 2.4 GHz range
tend to pass through physical barriers better and carry farther than those in the 5 GHz range, but they do not provide as high a
data rate. Signals in the 5 GHz range provide faster data rates for better throughput, but the signal attenuates faster and is best
suited for open spaces.
Refer to Radio frequency barriers and RF interference on page 17 for detailed information about RF barriers and interference.
Table 1. Wireless standards
802.11 (x) Frequency standard Maximum data rate
802.11a 5 GHz 54 Mbps
802.11b 2.4 GHz 11 Mbps
802.11g 2.4 GHz 54 Mbps
802.11n 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 450 Mbps
802.11ac 5 GHz + multichannel + multipath 1.3 Gbps
Table 2. Strengths and weaknesses of 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz signals
5 GHz 2.4 GHz
Strength Higher speed, more channels Longer Range, stronger signal penetration
Weakness Limited penetration of walls, client compatibility More sources of interference

Dell SonicPoint ACi Getting Started Guide
10
To allow multiple separate wireless networks in a shared and confined space, the RF medium is divided into channels. For devices
in the 5 GHz range (802.11a/n/ac), this means the possibility of up to 23 discrete channels.
For devices using the 2.4 GHz range (802.11b/g/n), the wireless space is limited to a maximum of 14 overlapping channels. As a
result of these overlapping channels, 2.4 GHz technology provides only a total of three discrete channels.
802.11 comparison chart
Table 3. 802.11 signal characteristics
802.11a 802.11b 802.11g 802.11n 802.11ac
#ofChannelsinUSA2311111121
# of Channels in EU 23 13 13 13 16
# of Channels in Japan 15 14 14 14 19
Frequency Band 5 GHz 2.4 GHz 2.4 GHz 2.4/5 GHz 5 GHz
Max. Data Rate 54 Mbps 11 Mbps 54 Mbps 450 Mbps (For 3X3
MIMO) 1.3 Gbps (For QAM-64, MIMO
3X3, and 80 MHz
channels)
Radius (Range) 90ft/25m 120ft/35m 120ft/35m 300ft/90m 120ft/35m
NOTE: Although 802.11b/g/n standards provide between 11 and 14 channels, only three of those channels are fully discrete
(non-overlapping) channels.

2
Dell SonicPoint ACi Getting Started Guide 11
Initial Setup
This section provides a basic checklist of materials, hardware information, and describes how to connect and configure physical
aspects of the Dell SonicPoint ACi including cabling and mounting.
•Check package contents on page 12
•Deployment requirements on page 12
•SonicPoint ACi available ports/status LEDs on page 13
•Connecting Ethernet cables on page 15
•Wireless access point placement considerations on page 16
•Mounting the SonicPoint ACi on page 18

Dell SonicPoint ACi Getting Started Guide
12
Check package contents
Before continuing, ensure that your Dell™ SonicPoint ACi
package contains the following materials:
Any items missing?
If any of the items corresponding to your product are missing
from the package, contact Technical Support at:
https://support.software.dell.com/manage-service-request
A listing of the most current support documents are available
online at: 
https://support.software.dell.com/
Deployment requirements
SonicOS firmware
•Dell SonicPoint ACi access points are centrally managed
by Dell SonicWALL network security appliances running
the following versions of SonicOS:
•SonicOS 5.9.1 or a higher 5.9 release
•SonicOS 6.2.2 or higher
Power over Ethernet
•An 802.3at compliant PoE injector or PoE-capable
switch capable of providing 25 watts of power to each
SonicPoint ACi is required.
Internet connectivity
•An active Internet connection is required for your
firewall to download the latest SonicPoint firmware.
Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
•802.11ac wireless hardware requires more bandwidth
than a single (or even dual) 10/100 Ethernet
connection can handle. Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
between the WLAN and the LAN is required to take full
advantage of 802.11ac speed.
See Product safety and regulatory information on page 31.
SonicPoint ACi Appliance Checklist
Dell SonicPoint ACi Appliance
Mounting Kit (Ceiling Brackets, Anchor and Screw Kit)
Getting Started Guide

Dell SonicPoint ACi Getting Started Guide 13
SonicPoint ACi available ports/status LEDs
Figure 3. Available ports
LAN1/PoE port.
Provides Ethernet and
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
connections.
LAN2 port.
Provides an additional Ethernet connection. Refer to
the SonicOS Administrator’s Guide for use cases.
Console port.
Provides a management connection
using CLI > DB9 cable (for command
line management only).

Dell SonicPoint ACi Getting Started Guide
14
Figure 4. Status LEDs
LED (lan2)
- On (solid green, Ethernet link)
- Blinking green (1G Ethernet activity)
- Blinking yellow (10/100M Ethernet activity)
LED (lan1)
- On (solid green, Ethernet link)
- Blinking green (1G Ethernet activity)
- Blinking yellow (10/100M Ethernet activity)
LED (5G)
- On (solid green, 5 GHz radio link)
- Blinking green (5 GHz radio activity)
LED (2.4G)
- On (solid green, 2.4 GHz radio link)
- Blinking (2.4 GHz radio activity)
LED (Tool)
- On (solid yellow, error)
- Blinking (safe mode)
LED (Power)
- On (solid blue, power)
- Blinking (booting/FW upgrade)

Dell SonicPoint ACi Getting Started Guide 15
Connecting Ethernet cables
The SonicPoint ACi can be cabled with CAT5, CAT5e, or CAT6
Ethernet cabling.
The SonicPoint ACi is powered using Power over Ethernet
(PoE). A Dell SonicWALL 802.3at compliant PoE line injector
(sold separately), or an 802.3at compliant switch is required
to power each SonicPoint ACi.
To connect PoE to your SonicPoint ACi
1 Using an Ethernet cable, connect the Data in port on
the Dell SonicWALL PoE Injector to an existing WLAN
zone interface or to an unused interface to be
configured later in SonicOS.
2 Using a second Ethernet cable, connect the Data and
Power out port on the Dell SonicWALL PoE injector to
the LAN1/PoE port on your SonicPoint ACi.
3 Plug the power cord of the Dell SonicWALL PoE injector
into an appropriate power outlet.
4 Wait for the LAN1 LED on the SonicPoint ACi to
illuminate green. This indicates an active connection.
See Product safety and regulatory information on page 31.
CAUTION: An 802.3at compliant PoE injector or PoE-
capable switch capable of providing 25 watts of power
to each SonicPoint ACi is required.

To maintain 25 watts of power to the SonicPoint ACi,
the maximum length of CAT5e cable from the 802.3at
PoE injector to the SonicPoint ACi is 100 meters.
Local Network (LAN)
X1 WAN
X0 LAN
Internet
X2 WLAN
PoE Injector
or PoE Switch
Wireless Clients

Dell SonicPoint ACi Getting Started Guide
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Wireless access point
placement considerations
Physical placement of the SonicPoint ACi wireless access point
has a measurable effect on who can and cannot access your
wireless signal.
Access points should be kept clear of Radio Frequency (RF)
interference sources. RF barriers can be circumvented by
deploying multiple access points.
A site survey will help find the optimum wireless access point
placement, but you can find usable locations without it.
Considerations include:
• Number of access points versus user density – If too
many users are serviced by a single access point,
maximum transfer rates are reached and that access
point may become a bottleneck for the whole system.
•Bandwidth– How much data is moving upstream and
downstream for a given type of user?
• Ethernet cabling – Where are you running the powered
Ethernet (PoE) cable to and how are you securing that
cable? Is your PoE switch 802.3at compliant and able to
power all access points with 25 watts each?
To maintain 25 watts of power to the SonicPoint ACi,
the maximum length of CAT5e cable from the 802.3at
PoE injector to the SonicPoint ACi is 100 meters.
•Hubs/Switches– Your wireless deployment has to tie
back into your network security appliance and LAN
resources. Consider where your key networking devices
are deployed and how they will connect efficiently
with your wireless appliances. What speed is needed
for your Ethernet connection to accommodate the
number of access points you are installing? A Gigabit
Ethernet interface is recommended when connecting a
SonicPoint ACi to your Dell SonicWALL network security
appliance.
•Legacyclients- Older laptops and mobile devices may
not support 802.11ac. Although clients with
802.11a/g/b hardware are supported by the Dell
SonicPoint ACi, the presence of these legacy clients
within range of your wireless network could affect the
connection speed of your 802.11ac clients.
For example, an 802.11b device authenticated to the
SonicPoint ACi could limit all clients connected to that
radio to 802.11b data rates.

Dell SonicPoint ACi Getting Started Guide 17
Radio frequency barriers
Determining how to circumvent RF barriers can be a
challenging part of the placement process, but RF barriers can
also be used beneficially in an attempt to block signals where
you do not want coverage. The 5 GHz frequency is more
sensitive to RF barriers. A wall that allows a 2.4 GHz wireless
network to operate could block a 5 GHz one.
RF interference
RF interference from home, office, and medical equipment is
a common challenge in wireless deployments.
When considering RF interference sources, remember that
most cell/wireless phones and Bluetooth devices only utilize
the 2.4 GHz frequency. As such, they should not cause
significant interference with wireless networks operating in
the 5 GHz frequency.
Table 4. Common RF barrier types
Barrier Type RF Signal Blocking
Open air Very Low
Glass, wood, drywall, cube partitions Low
Floors and outer walls, aquariums
(brick/marble/granite/water) Medium
Concrete, security glass, wire mesh,
stacked books/paper High
Metal partitions, desks, reinforced
concrete Very High
Table 5. Common sources of RF interference
Interference
Source Possible Range Bands Affected
2.4 GHz phones 100 feet 2.4 GHz
(802.11 b/g/n)
Bluetooth devices 30 feet 2.4 GHz
(802.11 b/g/n)
Microwave oven 10-20 feet 2.4 and 5 GHz,
depending on
shielding
Scientific and
medical
equipment
Short distance,
varies 2.4 and 5 GHz, depending on
shielding

Dell SonicPoint ACi Getting Started Guide
18
Mounting the SonicPoint ACi
You can mount your Dell SonicPoint ACi to a wall or ceiling, or
you can simply set it on a flat surface.
For safety tips when mounting the SonicPoint ACi, see Product
safety and regulatory information on page 31.
Mounting using ceiling brackets
The mounting kit includes a large bracket, two small brackets,
anchor screws, and screws.
Figure 5. Large ceiling bracket
Figure 6. Small ceiling brackets
The underside of the SonicPoint ACi has two insertion points
for the screws. You can use these insertion points to attach
either the large bracket or the two small brackets to the
SonicPoint ACi.
Holes for screws

Dell SonicPoint ACi Getting Started Guide 19
To mount the SonicPoint ACi to a crossbar between
ceiling panels using the large bracket
1 Use the included screws to attach the large bracket to
the underside of the SonicPoint.
2 Supporting the SonicPoint in one hand, position the
edge clips of the bracket over the edge of the ceiling
crossbar and rotate the SonicPoint counterclockwise
(to the left when looking up at it) until the bracket is
securely attached to the crossbar.
To remove the SonicPoint ACi from the ceiling crossbar,
rotate it clockwise (to the right when looking up at it)
until the bracket detaches from the crossbar.
Fasten the large ceiling
bracket with screws.

Dell SonicPoint ACi Getting Started Guide
20
To mount the SonicPoint ACi to a crossbar between
ceiling panels using the small ceiling brackets:
1 Use the included screws to attach the small brackets to
the underside of the SonicPoint, making sure both
brackets are parallel.
2 Supporting the SonicPoint in one hand, clip the edge of
each bracket over the edge of the ceiling crossbar as
shown in the following image. Make sure the SonicPoint
is securely attached to the crossbar before releasing
the device.
Ceiling crossbar
Mounting brackets
SonicPoint unit