Motorola AP 7181 User manual

AP 7181 Access Point
Installation Guide
Version 1.0.0.A
March 12, 2010
68009287001

1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Document Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2 Hardware Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.1 Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.2 Deployment Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.3 Installation Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.4 Grounding Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.5 Minimum Installation Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.6 Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.7 Access Point Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.7.1 Site Surveys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.7.2 Root Node Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.7.3 Non Root Node Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.7.4 Mounting Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.7.5 Device Deployment Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.8 Antenna Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.9 AP 7181 Power Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.9.1 Power Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Contents

2.10 Mounting an AP 7181 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.10.1 Pole Mounted Installations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.11 Installing an AP 7181 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.11.1 Required Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.11.2 AP 7181 Connections and Ports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.11.3 LED Status Indicator Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.11.4 Removing the AP 7181 Kit from the Shipping Carton 15
2.11.4 Staging the Device Prior to Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.12 Field Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
2.12.1 Bottom Mount Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
2.12.2 Top Mount Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
2.13 Remote Panel Antenna Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
2.13.1 Preparing the AP 7181 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
2.13.2 Installing the Remote Panel Antenna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
2.13.3 Installing the Blank Antenna Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
3 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
3.1 Initially Connecting to the Access Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
3.1.1 Connecting to the Access Point Using the WAN Port. . 56
3.1.2 Connecting to the Access Point Using the LAN Port . . 57
3.2 Basic Device Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
3.2.1 Configuring Device Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
3.2.2 Configuring WLAN Security Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
3.2.3 Creating a Secure Recovery WLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
3.2.4 Testing Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
3.2.5 Creating a Mesh Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
3.3 Where to Go From Here? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

4 Regulatory Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
4.1 Health and Safety Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
4.1.1 Warnings for the Use of Wireless Devices . . . . . . . . . . 85
4.1.2 Potentially Hazardous Atmospheres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
4.1.3 Reducing RF Exposure - Use Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
4.2 Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
4.3 FCC Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
4.3.1 RF Exposure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
4.3.2 Intentional and Unintentional Radiators . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
4.3 Canada Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
5 Customer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the US Patent &
Trademark Office. All other product or service names are the property of their
respective owners. © Motorola, Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.

Introduction 1
1Introduction
The purpose of this document is to provide installation and setup procedures for Motorola’s
AP 7181 Access Point.
The AP 7181 is a wireless broadband data system that uses mesh networking technology to
support wide-area broadband data coverage. The system offers both 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n
and 5.x GHz 802.11n Wi-Fi client access with 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n and 5.x GHz 802.11a/
n meshing. The dual-band system supports industry standard client devices and features
easily deployed fixed infrastructure nodes.
The AP 7181 is also designed to meet the needs of large, distributed outdoor networks. The
network can be configured and managed for optimal performance using the Wireless
Manager (WM) network Management application.
The most current versions of this manual and other AP 7181 documentation can be found
at:
http://motorola.wirelessbroadbandsupport.com/support/mesh/library
1.1 Document Conventions
The following graphical alerts are used in this document to indicate notable situations:
NOTE Tips, hints, or special requirements that you should take note of.
CAUTION Care is required. Disregarding a caution can result in data loss
or equipment malfunction.
WARNING! Indicates a condition or procedure that could result in personal
injury or equipment damage.
!

AP 7181 Access Point: Installation Guide
2
2 Hardware Installation
An AP 7181 access point installation includes mounting the access point, connecting the
access point to the network, and applying power. Installation procedures vary for different
environments.
2.1 Precautions
Before installing an AP 7181 model access point verify the following:
• Become familiar with grounding requirements (see Grounding Requirements).
• Verify the environment has a continuous temperature range between -40° C to 55°
C.
AP 7181 devices must be installed by trained professionals familiar with RF planning and
regulatory limits defined by the regulatory bodies of the country where the devices are
being deployed. All common precautions for grounding and ESD (Electrostatic Discharge)
protection should be observed during deployment and installation. AP 7181 devices are
designed to be installed outdoors and must be installed such that no harmful interference
results from device operation.
• Installations must be performed by professionals who are properly trained and
certified.
• Avoid contact with overhead power lines.
CAUTION All device wiring must comply with the National Electric code
(NEC) or regulations and procedures defined by the regulatory
bodies of the country or region where the devices are being
deployed. All local building and structure codes must be
observed.
WARNING! Strictly observe the following Safety Precautions during the AP
7181 Installation Procedure.
!

Hardware Installation 3
• Take precautions to avoid injury from falling tools and equipment. Crews should
wear hardhats in and around the installation work site.
• Be aware of vehicular traffic in and around the installation work site.
• 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.
• Do not operate a portable transmitter near unshielded blasting caps or in an
environment where explosives are present unless the transmitter is especially
certified for such use.
2.2 Deployment Guidelines
Observe the following recommended guidelines to help ensure a successful network
deployment:
• Mounting height for network devices should not exceed 30 to 35 feet. Mounting
height should vary to accomodate the topography of the deployment area, foliage,
and other obstructions.
• Devices can be deployed using either the Bottom Mount Installation or the Top
Mount Installation procedure.
• Point-to-Point (PTP (Slave)) or Point-to-Multipoint (PMP (SM)) nodes providing
backhaul should be oriented to point away from AP 7181 antenna panels.
• Custom stand-off brackets should be used as required to provide adequate pole
separation in an an effort to minimize reflective received power.
• LoS guidelines should be given special consideration whenever devices will not be
installed in a straight line, such as deploying devices on alterating sides of a
roadway.
• Ensure that all Root nodes are deployed with line of site to the wireless backhaul
cluster points.
NOTE For more detailed deployment considerations for backhaul, refer
to the Mesh AP 7181 System Planner.

AP 7181 Access Point: Installation Guide
4
2.3 Installation Methodology
Consideration of the order in which units are installed when deploying an AP 7181 wireless
network can work to ensure a more stable and functional network. The PTP backhaul layer
should be deployed first. Next deploy all nodes for the PMP Access Point distribution layer.
Next deploy Root nodes along with PMP Subscriber Modules (SMs) such that backhaul
and network connectivity can be verified or corrected. Finally, deploy all Mesh Point
wireless nodes in order of the least to most hops (1 hop nodes first, followed by 2 hop nodes,
etc.).
2.4 Grounding Requirements
To avoid damage to the equipment, become familiar with Motorola Policy R56 before
installing AP 7181 units. Refer to Standards and Guidelines For Communication Sites,
Version B. Both the hardcopy manual (Part Number 68P81089E50-B) and the CD version
(Part Number 9880384V83) can be ordered from Motorola.
Section 7.6.4 Broadband - Wireless Access Point Network from the Standards and
Guidelines For Communication Sites applies directly to AP 7181 deployments:
SPD (Surge Protection Device) considerations for broadband shall include the use of SPDs
to protect pole-mounted access points and ground-based cabinet architecture. It is
important to install proper SPD applications on both ends of Ethernet, Power-Over
Ethernet (POE), Giga-Ethernet (GigE) and AC cable runs. SPDs shall be located within
the node or cabinet, or as close to the entrance as possible, and properly installed into load
centers, control panels and utility power cabinets. While RF protection is a consideration,
it shall only be required when antennas are connected to the node with coaxial cables
greater than 610 mm (2 ft.) in length.
When grounding a unit installed on a wooden pole, a ground conductor and rod is required.
This requirement should be factored into the project deployment costs, particularly if the
equipment must be installed by a utility company.
CAUTION It is required that all root and portal nodes be adequately
grounded. In addition, all root nodes and portals using the
Ethernet port or attached devices (e.g. a camera) must not only
be grounded, but they should also include surge suppression
for network reliability. This is particularly important for
network configurations with a public safety component.
!

Hardware Installation 5
2.5 Minimum Installation Requirements
The minimum requirements for installing an AP 7181:
• AP 7181 Access Point
• Power Cable (Flying Leads)
• Standard Ethernet cable
• Yoke (attached)
• 22 mm Socket and driver to remove port caps
• #6 metric Allen Wrench to remove the Yoke (if a top mounted installation is
required)
2.6 Package Contents
Check the package contents for the AP 7181. Each unit should contain:
• AP 7181 Access Point (assembled with Mounting Yoke attached)
• Power Cable
• Optional accessories (in a separate box inside the AP 7181 shipping container)
Contact the Motorola Support Center to report missing or improperly functioning items.
Refer to Customer Support.
2.7 Access Point Placement
Typically, roadways in the deployment area become main arteries for the wireless mesh
network. Roadways can provide LoS coverage over large distances between Root and Non
Root APs.
2.7.1 Site Surveys
Motorola recommends conducting a site survey prior to installing an access point. A
thorough site survey must include a visit to the customer site to identify the characteristics
of the coverage area, including availability of electrical distribution for power sources and
the location of existing network infrastructure.The site survey should also include
preliminary WLAN measurements to identify candidate AP locations
When scheduling a visit to conduct a site survey, request access to wiring closets, adjacent
floors, and other locations that may require special permission.

AP 7181 Access Point: Installation Guide
6
2.7.2 Root Node Placement
When planning for Root Node placement:
• Identify Root node wireless backhaul technology (Point-to-Point (PTP), Point-to-
Multipoint (PMP)).
• Identify Ethernet or fiber optic backhaul.
• Identify Root node locations.
• Obtain all required permits and/or lease agreements.
• Verify that power is available at each potential node deployment location.
• Give careful consideration to the fact that Root nodes with a wireless backhaul
usually backhaul traffic to a cluster point (i.e. PMP Canopy).
• Wireless backhaul clusters can be on towers, rooftops, etc.
• Ensure that all Root nodes are deployed with LoS to cluster points.
2.7.3 Non Root Node Placement
The same guidelines as Root nodes apply with the exception of a backhaul requirement
The placement of Non Root nodes will depend heavily on the RF network design. Consider
the guidelines for optimizing wireless network performance when identifying potential
mounting sites.
In addition, consider the following when planning for Non Root node placement:
• Light Poles, Utility Poles, or Traffic Poles
• Obtain all required supplemental agreements from local governments and
utilities.
• Obtain a generic mounting agreement that is not specify specific poles, since
installation locations may need to be modified during deployment.
• Plan for AC power usage of 84 watts average, 126 watts peak.
• The AP 7181 is rated for wind loading of up to160 mph.
• Ensure that proper grounding can be established.
• Rooftops and Towers
• May require lease agreements.
• Identify AP locations based on optimal communication with the Root nodes.
• Non Root node placement will be dependent on asset availability, terrain, etc.

Hardware Installation 7
• Ensure that nodes are placed at the same height.
• Build the network outward from each root node, from least to greatest number of
hops.
As with Root nodes, it should be noted that it is incumbent upon the customer to obtain the
required Pole Attachment Agreements for devices to be installed on traffic / utility poles.
Obtaining the agreements can be a lengthy process, so ample lead time must be allowed.
The potential pole locations should be logged with GPS to obtain accurate coordinates.
Also log any identifying numbers on the pole so that this information can be provided to
the appropriate utility agency. Alternate mounting locations should also be identified in the
event that your initial request is denied.
Specialized brackets may be required for attaching devices to decorative light poles and
these brackets may have to be custom fabricated. If this is the case, allow enough lead time
for ordering the proper equipment.
Also consider any requirements to coordinate requests with multiple utility agencies within
the same community. Verify that light pole selections have power available continuously
and that the power source is within the operational range of the device being connected.
2.7.4 Mounting Locations
To avoid distortion of the RF pattern, device locations should be chosen such that the AP
7181 ADvanced Element Panel Technology (ADEPT) antenna panels are at least 30 inches
from any nearby metal poles and not co-located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter.The antenna panels must also have a separation distance of at least 2
meters from anyone who may come into proximity of the AP 7181.
2.7.5 Device Deployment Height
AP 7181 nodes are typically mounted at a height of 30 to 35 feet. Ensure that neighboring
nodes are mounted at or near the same device height.
Excessive height should be avoided since this may result in increased congestion and
interference in dense RF environments. This is especially true for the 2.4 GHz band.
Nodes deployed with too great a difference in height or too close to each other may not
mesh properly.

AP 7181 Access Point: Installation Guide
8
Always consider these general guidelines for device deployment height:
• Maintain a typical deployment height of 30 to 35 feet.
• For optimum performance, ensure that devices are oriented to have LoS to all
neighboring devices.
• Locate Root Nodes which support Wireless Backhaul so that they have LoS to
Backhaul clusters or PTP locations, such as towers.
2.8 Antenna Options
The AP 7181 features an integrated ADvanced Element Panel Technology (ADEPT)
antenna system that is designed to take full advantage of the 802.11n radios. No other
antennas are supported.
2.9 AP 7181 Power Options
Details of the power sourcing equipment for the AP 7181 should be handled by a
professional installer. The requirements for deploying the system are:
• Over current protection device with a maximum rating of 20 Amps.
• AP 7181 AC Model - 100-240 VAC input capable of sourcing 180 watts.
• AP 7181 DC Model - Nominal 48 Volt Power source (41-58 VDC) capable of
sourcing 150 watts. Battery floating voltage should not exceed 60 VDC.
2.9.1 Power Cables
Flying lead power cables are available based on the country of operation.
Four Wire AC Right Angle Power Cable
(North America and International)
Black (Line)
White (Neutral)
Red (Unused)
Green/Yellow (Ground)
Three Wire AC Power Cable
(International)
Brown (Line)
Blue (Neutral)
Green/Yellow (Ground)
Two Wire DC Power Cable
(North America and International)
Black (Negative)
Red (Positive)

Hardware Installation 9
If the units will be plugged directly into an electircal wall outlet, power plug adapters are
available for North America, Europe, and Australia.
2.10 Mounting an AP 7181
The AP 7181 is designed for outdoor installations. All hardware installations should be
performed by a professional installer.
Devices can be deployed using either the Bottom Mount Installation or the Top Mount
Installation procedure.
Mounting options are available for light pole, building roof tops, and building walls.
Choose one of the following mounting options based on the physical environment coverage
area requirements.
CAUTION Never plug a power cable wired to a power source for an AC
unit into a DC unit.
CAUTION Do not use the connector on the power cables for
interrupting current. Never actively plug or unplug the
connector while the cable is energized.
!
!

AP 7181 Access Point: Installation Guide
10
2.10.1 Pole Mounted Installations
The optional Wall Gooseneck can also be used with the Pole Adapter for pole
mounting.
The Wall Gooseneck dimensions are 10x12x6 inches and it weighs 4 pounds. The Pole
Adapter dimensions are 4x2.62x7 inches and it weighs 3 pounds.
The Gooseneck attaches to the Yoke, which can be attached to the top or the bottom of
the AP 7181. Secure the Gooseneck and adaptor to the pole using band clamps with the
threaded portion pointing either up or down.
If using a bottom mount, drill a 1/4 inch diameter hole at the lowest point on the bend
to allow water to drain from the Gooseneck.
2.11 Installing an AP 7181
The following guidelines and procedures should be observed when installing an AP
7181 device.
2.11.1 Required Tools
The following is a list of the minimal tool set required to install an AP 7181 device:
• 24 mm Socket and driver - for cable gland
• 22 mm Socket and driver - for GE1 and GE2 port caps
• 19 mm Socket and driver - for Console port cap
• 21 mm Socket and driver - for set screw
• 8 mm Socket and driver - for ground screw
• 6 mm Allen Wrench bit - for mounting bracket (Yoke)
• T27 Torx bit - for the Sun Shields

Hardware Installation 11
• Torque Screwdriver - for the Sun Shields
• Torque Wrench
• Adjustable Wrench
• Standard Level
• Tube of Lithium Grease
2.11.2 AP 7181 Connections and Ports
The power cable and grounding connections, power indicator light, Ethernet and reset
ports, and LED Status Panel on the bottom the AP 7181 are shown in the figure below.

AP 7181 Access Point: Installation Guide
12
The Horizontal (HP) and Vertical (VP) connectors for the antenna cables are loacted on the
top of the AP 7181.
All Radome antenna panel cables are labeled as HP or VP. Attach each cable to the
corresponding connector when performing a Remote Panel Antenna Installation or any
other procedure which requires attaching antenna cables to the connectors.

Hardware Installation 13
WARNING! When disconnecting the antenna cables from the unit or
removing an antenna panel and replacing it with a Blank panel,
terminators MUST be placed on the unused horizontal and
vertical connectors on the top of the unit.
CAUTION It is also recommended that the antenna cable connectors and
terminators on the horizontal and vertical connectors on the top
of the AP 7181 be wrapped with both mastic tape and electrical
tape.
!

AP 7181 Access Point: Installation Guide
14
2.11.3 LED Status Indicator Panel
There are six LEDs on the AP 7181 which are visible on the bottom of the unit
through light pipes.The LEDs have the following display characteristics and
functionality:
LED 1 LED 2 LED 3
LED 4 - 5
GHz
LED 5 - 2.4
GHz LED 6
Blinking
Red
indicates
booting.
Solid Red
defines a
failure
condition.
White
defines
normal
operation
Green
defines
normal GE1
operation.
Yellow
defines a
collision
Green
defines
normal GE2
operation.
Yellow
defines a
collision
Amber
defines 5
GHz radio as
configured.
Emerald
defines 2.4
GHz radio as
configured.
Not used