HP ProCurve 420 User manual

hp procurve wireless AP 420 ww/na
Installation and Getting Started Guide

Hewlett-Packard Company
8000 Foothills Boulevard, m/s 5552
Roseville, California 95747-5552
http://www.hp.com/go/hpprocurve
© Copyright 2003 Hewlett-Packard Company
All Rights Reserved.
This document contains information which is protected by
copyright. Reproduction, adaptation, or translation without
prior permission is prohibited, except as allowed under the
copyright laws.
Publication Number
J8130-90001
July 2003
Applicable Products
hp procurve wireless AP 420 ww/na (J8131A/J8130A)
Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is subject to
change without notice.
HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY MAKES NO WARRANTY
OF ANY KIND WITH REGARD TO THIS MATERIAL,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Hewlett-Packard shall not
be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or
consequential damages in connection with the furnishing,
performance, or use of this material.
Hewlett-Packard assumes no responsibility for the use or
reliability of its software on equipment that is not furnished
by Hewlett-Packard.
Warranty
See the Customer Support/Warranty booklet included with
the product.
A copy of the specific warranty terms applicable to your
Hewlett-Packard products and replacement parts can be
obtained from your HP Sales and Service Office or
authorized dealer.
Safety
Before installing and operating these products, please read
the “Installation Precautions” in chapter 2, “Installing the
Access Point 420ww/na”,and thesafety statements inappendix
C, “Safety and Regulatory Statements”.

i
Contents
1Introducing the hp procurve wireless AP420 ww/na
Top of the Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Back of the Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Console Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Network Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Power Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Reset Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Access Point Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
2Installing the hp procurve wireless AP 420 ww/na
Included Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Installation Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Installation Precautions: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
1. Prepare the Installation Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
3. Verify the Access Point Passes the Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
LED Behavior: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
4. Mount the Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Wall Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Horizontal Surface Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
5. Connect the Access Point to a Power Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
6. Connect the Network Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Using the RJ-45 Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
7. Position the Antennas on the Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
8. (Optional) Connect a Console to the Access Point 420wl . . . . . . . 2-11
Terminal Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Direct Console Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Sample Network Topologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Ad Hoc Wireless LAN (no access point) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

ii
Infrastructure Wireless LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Infrastructure Wireless LAN for Roaming Wireless PCs . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
3 Getting Started With Access Point Configuration
Recommended Minimal Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Using the Command Line Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Where to Go From Here . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Using the IP Address for Remote Access Point Management . . . . . 3-7
Starting a Telnet Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Starting a Web Browser Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
4 Troubleshooting
Basic Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Diagnosing with the LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Proactive Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Hardware Diagnostic Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Testing the Access Point by Resetting It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Checking the Access Point’s LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Checking Console Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Testing Twisted-Pair Cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Testing Access Point-to-Device Network Communications . . . . . . . . 4-7
Testing End-to-End Network Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Restoring the Factory Default Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Downloading New Access Point Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
HP Customer Support Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
Before Calling Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
A Specifications
Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Acoustic ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

iii
EMC Compliance (Class B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
Radio Signal Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
Immunity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3
B Access Point Port and Network Cables
Access Point Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Twisted-Pair Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Twisted-Pair Cable/Connector Pin-Outs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
Straight-Through Twisted-Pair Cable for
10 Mbps or 100 Mbps Network Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3
Cable Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3
Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3
Crossover Twisted-Pair Cable for
10 Mbps or 100 Mbps Network Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4
Cable Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4
Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4
C Safety and EMC Regulatory Statements
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Informations concernant la sécurité . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2
Hinweise zur Sicherheit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3
Considerazioni sulla sicurezza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4
Consideraciones sobre seguridad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5
Safety Information (Japan) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-6
Safety Information (China) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-7
EMC Regulatory Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-8
U.S.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-8
Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-8
Australia/New Zealand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-8
Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-9
Korea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-9
Taiwan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-9
European Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-10

iv

1-1
Introducingthehpprocurve
wireless AP 420 ww/na
1
Introducing the
hp procurve wireless AP 420 ww/na
TheHPProcurveAccessPoint420ww/na isa wirelessrepeater thatseamlessly
integrateswithexistingwired networkstosupport connectivityfor mobile
users or wireless workstations. This solution offers fast, reliable wireless
connectivity with considerable cost savings over wired LANs. Just install
enoughwirelessaccesspointstocoveryournetworkarea,plugwirelesscards
into your notebooks or install wireless adapters into your desktops, and start
networking.
hp procurve wireless AP 420 ww/na (J8131A/J8130A)

1-2
Introducing thehp procurve wireless AP 420 ww/na
Introducingthehp procurve
wireless AP 420 ww/na
Throughout this manual, this access point will be abbreviated as the
hp procurve wireless AP 420 ww/na.
TheAP420 ww/na hasone10/100Base-TX RJ-45 port.Thisport also
supportsPoweroverEthernetbasedontheIEEE802.3afstandard.Theaccess
point supports wireless connectivity at speeds up to 54 Mbps based on the
IEEE 802.11g standard.
This access point is designed to be used primarily for connecting wireless
clients to an enterprise network. This access point allows wireless clients to
connect directly to each other, or to connect to other computers or network
resources located on the wired network. In addition, the Access Point 420wl
offers full network management capabilities.
Thischapter describes your hp procurve wireless AP 420 ww/na including:
■Top and back of the access point
■Access point features

1-3
Introducing the hp procurve wireless AP 420 ww/na
Top of the Access Point
Introducingthehpprocurve
wireless AP 420 ww/na
Top of the Access Point
LEDs
Table 1-1. Access Point LEDs
Power,
10/100-T Link,
and Wireless
LinkLEDs
hp procurve wireless AP 420 ww/na
Antennas
Access Point
LEDs State Meaning
Power
(green) On The access point is receiving power.
Off The access point is NOT receiving power.
Blinking* The access point is undergoing self test or downloading software.
The self test and initialization are in progress after you have power cycled or reset
the access point. The access point is not operational until this LED stops blinking.
Blinking*
(prolonged) A component of the access point has failed its self test.

1-4
Introducing thehp procurve wireless AP 420 ww/na
Top of the Access Point
Introducingthehpprocurve
wireless AP 420 ww/na
10/100-T On (green) The LANport is enabled and receiving a link indication from 100 Mbps device.
On (amber) The LANport is enabled and receiving a link indication from 10 Mbps device.
Off The LAN port has no active network cableconnected, or isnot receivinga linkbeat.
Otherwise,theportmayhavebeendisabledthroughtheaccesspointconsole,orthe
web browser interface.
Blinking* The LAN port is transmitting or receiving traffic.
Wireless On Thewirelessinterfaceisenabledandreceivingalinkindicationfromawirelessclient
Off The wireless interfaceis not receivinga link beat. Otherwise, the wireless interface
may have been disabled through the access point console, or the web browser
interface.
Blinking* The wireless interface is transmitting or receiving traffic.
* The blinking behavior is an on/off cycle once every 1.6 seconds, approximately.
Access Point
LEDs State Meaning

1-5
Introducing the hp procurve wireless AP 420 ww/na
Back of the Access Point
Introducingthehpprocurve
wireless AP 420 ww/na
Back of the Access Point
Antennas
The access point includes two antennas for wireless communications. The
outbound signaltransmittedfrombothantennasisidentical,butonlythebest
inboundsignalreceivedononeoftheantennasisused.Theantennastransmit
the outgoing signal as a toroidal sphere, so the antennas should be adjusted
to different angles to provide better coverage. For further information on
positioning the antennas, see “Position the Antennas on the Access Point” on
page 2-10.
Lock
TheaccesspointincludesaKensingtonsecurityslotontherearpanel,marked
“Lock”. You can prevent unauthorized removal the access point by wrapping
the Kensington security cable (not provided) around an unmoveable object,
inserting the lock into the slot, and turning the key.
Reset buttons
Antennas
hp procurve wireless AP 420 ww/na
10/100Base-TX RJ-45
port and PoE Input
DC power connector
Console Port
Lock

1-6
Introducing thehp procurve wireless AP 420 ww/na
Back of the Access Point
Introducingthehp procurve
wireless AP 420 ww/na
Console Port
This port is used to connect a console to the access point by using the serial
cable supplied with the access point. This connection is described under
“Connect a Console to the Access Point” in chapter 2, “Installing the
Access Point 420wl”.TheconsolecanbeaPCorworkstationrunningaVT-100
terminal emulator, or a VT-100 terminal.
Network Port
The access point includes one 10/100Base-TX port. This port uses MDI
(i.e., internal straight-through) pin configuration. You can therefore use
straight-through twisted-pair cable to connect this port to most network
interconnection device such as switch or router that provide MDI-X ports.
However, if you need to connect the access point to a workstation or other
device that only has MDI ports, then use crossover twisted-pair cable.
Ports on most HP switches have the “HP Auto MDIX” feature, which means
that you can use either straight-through or crossover twisted-pair cables to
connect the access point to these switches.
Refer to following section for information on supplying power to the access
point’s network port from a network device, such as a switch, that provides
Power over Ethernet (PoE).
Power Connector
TheAP420ww/nadoesnot haveapowerswitch; itispoweredonwhen
connected to the AC power adapter, and the power adapter is connected to
an active AC power source. The access point automatically adjusts to any
voltage between 100--240 volts and either 50 or 60 Hz. There are no voltage
range settings required.
Caution Use only the AC power adapter supplied with the access point. Use of other
adapters,including adaptersthat came with other HPnetwork products,may
result in damage to the equipment.
The access point may alsoreceive Power over Ethernet (PoE) from a switch
orothernetworkdevicethat suppliespoweroverthe networkcablebasedon
the IEEE 802.3af standard.

1-7
Introducing the hp procurve wireless AP 420 ww/na
Back of the Access Point
Introducingthehpprocurve
wireless AP 420 ww/na
Note that ifthe access point isconnected to a PoEsource device andalso
connected to a local power source through the AC power adapter, PoE will
be disabled.
Reset Button
This button is used to restore the factory default configuration. When the
Reset button is pressed, any configuration changes you may have made
through the access point console, the web browser interface, and SNMP
managementareremoved,andthefactorydefaultconfigurationisrestoredto
the access point. For the specific method to restore the factory default
configuration,see“RestoringtheFactoryDefaultConfiguration”inchapter4,
“Troubleshooting” of this manual.

1-8
Introducing thehp procurve wireless AP 420 ww/na
Access Point Features
Introducingthehp procurve
wireless AP 420 ww/na
Access Point Features
The wireless featuresof the Access Point420ww/na include:
■supports up to 64 wireless clients.
■802.11g draft Compliant – interoperable with multiple vendors.
■provides seamless roaming within 802.11g draft WLAN environment.
■precise control over signal transmission power and data rate.
■advanced security through 64/128-bit WEP encryption, Wi-Fi Protected
Access (WPA), 802.1x, remote authentication via RADIUS server, and
MAC address filtering features to protect your sensitive data and authen-
ticate only authorized users to your network.
■remote logging of system messages.
■time synchronization via SNTP server for message logs.
■supports PPP dial-in connection using standard dial-up program.
Theother basic features of theAccessPoint420ww/na include:
■one 10/100Base-TX RJ-45 port.
■supports Power over Ethernet based on the IEEE 802.3af standard.
■automaticlearningofthenetworkaddressesintheaccesspoint’saddress
forwarding table.
■full-duplex operation for the 10/100 RJ-45 port when connected to other
auto-negotiating devices.
■easymanagementoftheaccesspointthroughseveralavailableinterfaces:
•console interface—a full featured, easy to use, VT-100 terminal
interfacethatisespeciallygoodforout-of-bandaccesspointmanage-
ment or for Telnet access to the access point.
•web browser interface—an easy to use built-in graphical interface
that can be accessed from common web browsers.
■supportforoneIEEE802.1Q-compliantVLANsotheaccesspointcanjoin
the appropriate logical grouping that fits your business needs.
■support for many advanced features to enhance network performance—
foradescription,see theManagement and Configuration Guide,which
isontheDocumentation CD-ROMthatisincludedwithyouraccesspoint.
■downloadofnewaccesspointsoftwareforproductenhancementsorbug
fixes.

2-1
Installingthe
wireless AP 420 ww/na
2
Installing the hp procurve wireless AP 420 ww/na
The HPAccess Point420ww/na iseasy to install.It comes with anaccessory kit
that includes a bracket for mounting theaccess point on a wall. The bracket
is designed to allow mounting the access point in a variety of locations and
orientations.
This chapter shows you how to install your AccessPoint 420ww/na.
Included Parts
The AP420 ww/na has the following componentsshipped with it:
■hpprocurvewirelessAP420ww/naInstallationandGettingStartedGuide
(J8130-90001), this manual
■HP Procurve Product Documentation CD-ROM
(contains PDF file copies of the documentation for the
Access Point420ww/na, including theManagement and Configuration
Guide)
■Console cable
■Customer Support/Warranty booklet
■Accessory kit (5064-2085?)
• one mounting bracket
• four 5/8-inch number 12 wood screws to attach the access point to a
wall
• four plastic wall plugs for mounting on brick or concrete wall
• four rubber feet
■AC power adapter, one of the following:
Australia/New Zealand
China
Continental Europe
Denmark
Japan
Switzerland
United Kingdom/Hong Kong/Singapore
United States/Canada/Mexico
8120-6803 ?
8120-8377
8120-6802
8120-6806
8120-6804
8120-6807
8120-8709
8120-6805

2-2
Installing thehp procurve wireless AP 420 ww/na
Installation Procedures
Installing the
wireless AP 420 ww/na
Installation Procedures
Summary
Follow these easy steps to install your access point. The rest of this chapter
provides details on these steps.
1. Prepare the installation site (page 2-4). Make sure that the physical
environmentinto whichyouwill beinstallingthe accesspointis properly
prepared, including having the correct network cabling ready to connect
to the access point and having an appropriate location for the access
point. Please see page 2-3 for some installation precautions.
2. Verify that the access point passes self test (page 2-5). This is a
simple process of plugging the access point into a power source, or into
aswitch that provides Power overEthernet,and observing that theLEDs
on the access point’s front panel indicate correct access point operation.
3. Mount theaccess point (page 2-7). The Access Point420ww/na canbe
mounted on a wall, or on a horizontal surface.
4. Connectpowerto the accesspoint (page 2-9).Oncetheaccesspoint
is mounted, plug it into the nearby main power source, or into a switch
that provides Power over Ethernet.
5. Connect to the network (page 2-10). Using the appropriate network
cable,connect the access point to anetwork connection point, such as a
switch.
6. Position the antennas on the access point (page 2-10). Position
each antenna along a different axis to enhance signal coverage.
7. Connect a console to the access point (optional—page 2-11). You
may wish to modify the access point’s configuration, for example, to
configure an IP address so it can be managed using a web browser, from
an SNMP network management station, or through a Telnet session.
Configuration changes can be made easily by using the included console
cable to connect a PC to the access point’s console port.
At this point, your access point is fully installed. See the rest ofthis chapter if
you need more detailed information on any of these installation steps.

2-3
Installing thewireless AP 420 ww/na
Installation Procedures
Installing the
wireless AP 420 ww/na
Installation Precautions:
Followthese precautions wheninstalling yourHPAccess Point420ww/na.
Cautions ■Makesurethatthepowersourcecircuitsareproperlygrounded,thenuse
the power adapter supplied with the access point to connect it to the
power source.
■You can alternatively power the access point through a network connec-
tion to a switch or other network connection device that provides Power
over Ethernet. However, note that if the access point is connected to a
power source, Power over Ethernet will be disabled.
■Use only the AC power adapter supplied with the access point. Use of
other adapters, including adapters that came with other HP network
products, may result in damage to the equipment.
■When installing the access point, note that the AC outlet should be near
the access point and should be easily accessible in case the access point
must be powered off.
■Ensurethattheaccesspointdoesnotoverloadthepowercircuits,wiring,
and over-current protection. To determine the possibility of overloading
thesupplycircuits,addtogethertheampereratingsofalldevicesinstalled
on the same circuit as the access point and compare the total with the
rating limit for the circuit. The maximum ampere ratings are usually
printed on the devices near the AC power connectors.
■Do not install the access point in an environment where the operating
ambient temperature might exceed 55°C (131°F).
■Make sure the air flow around the sides of the access point is not
restricted.

2-4
Installing thewireless AP 420 ww/na
Installation Procedures
Installing the
wireless AP 420 ww/na
1. Prepare the Installation Site
■Cabling Infrastructure - Ensure that the cabling infrastructure meets
the necessary network specifications. See the following table for cable
types and lengths, and see appendix B, “Access Point Port and Network
Cables” for more information:
Table 2-1. Summary of Cable Types to Use With the Access Point
■Installation Location - Before installing the access point, plan its loca-
tion and orientation relative to other devices and equipment:
• Try to place the access point in the center of your wireless network.
Normally, the higher you place the antenna, the better the perfor-
mance. You may need to reposition the access point after testing the
signal strength on several wireless clients to ensure that the access
point’s location provides optimal reception throughout your office.
• Inthebackoftheaccesspoint,leaveatleast7.6cm(3inches)ofspace
for the twisted-pair cabling and the power cord.
• On the sides of the access point, leave at least 7.6 cm (3 inches) for
cooling.
Port Type Cable Type Length Limits
Twisted-Pair Cables
10/100Base-TX • 10 Mbps operation:
Category 3, 4, or 5, 100-ohm unshielded
twisted-pair (UTP)
• 100 Mbps operation:
Category 5, 100-ohm UTP or shielded
twisted-pair (STP) cable.
100 meters
Note:Sincethe10Base-Toperationisthrough
10/100Base-TX ports, if you ever want to
upgrade the ports to 100Base-TX, it would be
besttocabletheportsinitiallywithcategory5
cable.
The 10/100-Base-TX port on the
AccessPoint420ww/na usesan MDI pin
configuration, which requires you to use
straight-through cable when connecting to
another device that has an MDI-Xport, or
crossovercable whenconnectingtoa device
thathasanMDIport.However,ifthedeviceto
which you are connecting supports auto-
MDIX, then you can use either straight-
through or crossover cable.

2-5
Installing the wireless AP 420 ww/na
Installation Procedures
Installing the
wireless AP 420 ww/na
3. Verify the Access Point Passes the Self Test
Before mounting the access point in its network location, you should first
verifythatitisworkingproperlybypluggingitintoapowersource,oraswitch
that provides Power over Ethernet, and verifying that it passes its self test.
1. Connect a network cable from a PoE source device (such as a switch) to
the RJ-45 jack on the back of the access point, or connect the power
adaptersuppliedwiththeaccesspointtothepowerconnectorontheback
of the access point, and then into a properly grounded electrical outlet.
NoteTheAP420ww/na doesnothave apowerswitch.Itispowered onwhen
the power adapter is connected to the access point and to a power source, or
whenanetworkcableisconnectedtotheaccesspointandtoanetworkdevice
that provides Power over Ethernet. For safety, when connecting to an elec-
trical outlet, the power outlet should be located near the access point.
Use only the AC power adapter supplied with the access point. Use of other
adapters,including adaptersthat came with other HPnetwork products,may
result in damage to the equipment.
Orconnectpoweradapter
to the power connector
Connect network
cable to PoE switch

2-6
Installing thewireless AP 420 ww/na
Installation Procedures
Installing the
wireless AP 420 ww/na
2. Check the LEDson the access point as described below.
When the access point is powered on, it performs its diagnostic self test.
The self test takes approximately 50 seconds to complete.
LED Behavior:
During the self test:•The10/100BASE-T andWireless LEDs go off and then may come on
again during phases of the self test. For the duration of the self test,
the Power LED blinks.
When the self test completes successfully:
•ThePower LED remains on.
•The10/100BASE-TandWirelessLEDsonthetopoftheaccesspointgo
into their normal operational mode:
– If the ports are connected to active network devices, the LEDs
should be on.
– Iftheportsarenotconnectedtoactivenetworkdevices,theLEDs
will stay off.
If the LED display is different than what is described above, especially if
the Power LED does not stop blinking, the self test has not completed
correctly. Refer to chapter 4, “Troubleshooting” for diagnostic help.
Wireless LED
Ethernet LED
PowerLED