Table Of Contents
Installation
Safety Information
FCC Safety Compliance Statement
General Safety Guidelines
Warnings
Installation Guidelines
Basic Guidelines
Installation Above Suspended Ceilings
Coverage Options
Minimal Overlap Coverage Option
Heavy Overlap Coverage Option
Site Surveys
Unpacking the Access Point
Package Contents
Before Beginning the Installation
Installation Summary
Connecting the 2.4-GHz Antennas
Connecting the Ethernet and Power Cables
Installation
This chapter describes the setup of the access point and includes the following sections:
•
Safety Information
•Warnings
•Installation Guidelines
•Unpacking the Access Point
•Before Beginning the Installation
•Installation Summary
•Connecting the 2.4-GHz Antennas
•Connecting the Ethernet and Power Cables
Safety Information
Follow the guidelines in this section to ensure proper operation and safe use of the access point.
FCC Safety Compliance Statement
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. When used with approved Cisco Aironet antennas, Cisco Aironet products 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 publication results in user exposure substantially below the FCC recommended limits.
General Safety Guidelines
•Do not touch or move the antenna while the unit is transmitting or receiving.
•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 the radio or attempt to transmit data unless the antenna is connected; otherwise, the radio may be damaged.
•Use in specific environments:
–The use of wireless devices in hazardous locations is limited to the constraints posed by the local codes, the national codes and the safety directors of such environments.
–The use of wireless devices on airplanes is governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
–The use of wireless devices in hospitals is restricted to the limits set forth by each hospital.
•Antenna use:
–High-gain wall-mount or mast-mount antennas are designed to be professionally installed. Please contact your professional installer, VAR, or antenna manufacturer for proper installation requirements.
Warnings
Translated versions of the following safety warnings are provided in "Translated Safety Warnings."
Warning In order to comply with FCC radio frequency (RF) exposure limits, dipole antennas should be located at a minimum of 7.9 inches (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 locate the antenna near overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can come into contact with such circuits. When installing the antenna, take extreme care not to come into contact with such circuits, as they may cause serious injury or death. For proper installation and grounding of the antenna, please refer to national and local codes (e.g. U.S.:NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Article 810, in Canada: Canadian Electrical Code, Section 54).
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.
Warning This product relies on the building's installation for short-circuit (overcurrent) protection. Ensure that a fuse or circuit breaker no larger than 120 VAC, 15A U.S. (240 VAC, 10A international) is used on the phase conductors (all current-carrying conductors).
Installation Guidelines
This section describes things to keep in mind when installing your access point. Sections include:
•Basic Guidelines
•Installation Above Suspended Ceilings
•Coverage Options
•Site Surveys
Basic Guidelines
Because the access point is a radio device, it is susceptible to common causes of interference that can reduce throughput and range. Follow these basic guidelines to ensure the best possible performance:
•Install the access point in an area where large steel structures such as shelving units, bookcases, and filing cabinets do not obstruct radio signals to and from the access point.
•Install the access point away from microwave ovens. Microwave ovens operate on the same frequency as the access point and can cause signal interference.
Installation Above Suspended Ceilings
The access point uses a metal enclosure having adequate fire resistance and low smoke-producing characteristics suitable for operation in a building's environmental air space in accordance with
Section 300-22(c) of the NEC, such as above suspended ceilings. For mounting instructions refer to "Mounting Instructions."
Caution The 1200 series power injectors are not tested to UL 2043 and should not be placed in a building's environmental air space, such as above suspended ceilings.
Note If you plan to mount the access point in environmental air space using a 5-GHz radio, Cisco recommends that you mount the access point horizontally with its antennas pointing down. Doing so will result in the access point complying with regulatory requirements for environmental air space with the 5-GHz radio installed.
Coverage Options
The network architecture options of wireless stations and access points provide for a variety of coverage alternatives and flexibility. The network can be designed to provide a wide coverage area with minimal overlap or a narrow coverage area with heavy overlap. A narrow coverage area with heavy overlap improves network performance and protection against downtime if a component fails.
Note The following coverage options apply to both 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz wireless LANs.
Minimal Overlap Coverage Option
By arranging the access points so that the overlap in a coverage area is minimized, a large area can be covered with minimal cost (see Figure 2-1). The total bandwidth available to each wireless client device depends on the amount of data each mobile station needs to transfer and the number of stations located in each cell. Seamless roaming is supported as a client device moves in and out of range of each access point, thereby maintaining a constant connection to the wired LAN. Each device in the radio network must be configured with the same SSID to provide roaming capability.
Figure 2-1 Minimal Overlap Coverage Option
Heavy Overlap Coverage Option
By arranging the access points so the overlap in coverage area is nearly maximized, a large number of mobile stations can be supported in the same wireless infrastructure. However, devices in overlapping coverage areas on the same frequency detect adjacent cell traffic and delay transmissions that would cause collisions. This configuration reduces the aggregate radio system throughput. Heavy cell overlap is not recommended for maximum system throughput.
Because of the redundancy in coverage overlap, network access is not lost if an access point fails. Upon failure of the access point, the station automatically roams to an operational access point. With this architecture, each device in the RF network must be configured with the same SSID to provide the roaming capability.
Site Surveys
Because of differences in component configuration, placement, and physical environment, every network application is a unique installation. Before installing multiple access points, you should perform a site survey to determine the optimum utilization of networking components and to maximize range, coverage, and network performance.
When supporting dual mode 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz operation, you may have to perform a site survey for each of the operating frequencies.
Consider the following operating and environmental conditions when performing a site survey:
•Frequency—The radio coverage area for the 5-GHz radio is less than the coverage area for the 2.4-GHz radio.
•Single- and dual-band operation—When supporting both single- and dual-band access points, you should perform a site survey for each of the operating frequencies.
•Data rates—Sensitivity and range are inversely proportional to data bit rates. The maximum radio range is achieved at the lowest workable data rate. A decrease in receiver threshold sensitivity occurs as the radio data increases.
•Antenna type and placement—Proper antenna configuration is a critical factor in maximizing radio range. As a general rule, range increases in proportion to antenna height.
•Physical environment—Clear or open areas provide better radio range than closed or filled areas. Also, the less cluttered the work environment, the greater the range.
•Obstructions—A physical obstruction such as metal shelving or a steel pillar can hinder performance of wireless devices. Avoid locating the devices in a location where there is a metal barrier between the sending and receiving antennas.
•Building materials—Radio penetration is greatly influenced by the building material used in construction. For example, drywall construction allows greater range than concrete blocks. Metal or steel construction is a barrier to radio signals.
Unpacking the Access Point
Follow these steps to unpack the access point:
Step 1 Open the shipping container and carefully remove the contents.
Step 2 Return all packing materials to the shipping container and save it.
Step 3 Ensure that all items listed in the "Package Contents" section are included in the shipment. Check each item for damage. If any item is damaged or missing, notify your authorized Cisco sales representative.
Package Contents
Each access point package contains the following items:
•Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Point
•Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Power Module (Universal power supply)
•Quick Start Guide: Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Point
•Cisco product registration and Cisco documentation feedback cards
Before Beginning the Installation
Before you begin the installation process, please refer to Figure 2-2 and Figure 2-3 to become familiar with the access point's layout, connectors, and 5-GHz module location.
Figure 2-2 Access Point Layout and Connectors
1
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2.4-GHz antenna connectors
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5
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Mode button (possible future feature)
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2
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48 VDC power port
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6
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Status LEDs
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3
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Ethernet port (RJ-45)
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7
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Mounting bracket
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4
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Console port (RJ-45)
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Figure 2-3 5-GHz Radio Module
1
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5-GHz radio module mounting screws
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3
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Access point
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2
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5-GHz radio module antenna (patch position)
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Installation Summary
During the installation of the access point, you will perform the following operations:
•Connect a single antenna or dual diversity antennas (refer to the "Connecting the 2.4-GHz Antennas" section).
•Connect Ethernet and power cables (refer to the "Connecting the Ethernet and Power Cables" section).
•Configure basic settings (refer to "Basic Configuration").
•Mount the access point to a ceiling or wall. For additional information, refer to "Mounting Instructions."
•Configure security and other access point options. For additional information, refer to the Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Point Software Configuration Guide.
Connecting the 2.4-GHz Antennas
The access point supports a single antenna or dual diversity antennas. Two R-TNC antenna connectors are provided on the back of the unit for the 2.4-GHz radio.
If you are using a Cisco Aironet 2 dBi antenna, follow the steps below:
Step 1 Attach an antenna to the Right/Primary 2.4-GHz (R-TNC) antenna connector on the back of the access point and tighten hand tight. If you are using two antennas for diversity coverage, attach the second antenna to the Left 2.4-GHz (R-TNC) antenna connector.
Step 2 Orient the antenna depending on how you intend to mount the access point.
•On a table or desk, orient the antenna straight up.
•On a vertical surface, such as a wall, orient the antenna straight up.
•On a ceiling, orient the antenna straight down.
If you are using another Cisco Aironet antenna, refer to the instructions that came with your antenna.
Connecting the Ethernet and Power Cables
The access point receives power through the Ethernet cable or a 1200 series power module (universal power supply). Figure 2-4 shows the power options for the access point.
Figure 2-4 Access Point Power Options
The access point power options are listed below:
•A switch with inline power, such as a Cisco Catalyst 3524-PWR-XL Switch
•An inline power patch panel, such as a Cisco Catalyst Inline Power Patch Panel
•A 1200 series power injector
•A 1200 series power module (Universal power supply)
Caution The 1200 series power injectors are not tested to UL 2043 and should not be placed in a building's environmental air space, such as above suspended ceilings.
Note Only the 1200 series power injector and the 1200 series power module can support operation of the 5.0-GHz radio in the access point.
Note If you use in-line power from a switch or patch panel, do not connect the 1200 series power module to the access point. Using two power sources on the access point might cause the switch or patch panel to shut down the port to which the access point is connected.
Note If you need to use a power module or power injector to power the access point, you must use the
1200 series power module or power injector. The 350 series power module and power injector are not compatible with the 1200 series access point.
Note Both the Ethernet and console ports use RJ-45 connectors. Be careful to avoid accidently connecting the serial cable to the Ethernet port connector.
Follow these steps to connect the Ethernet and power cables to the access point:
Step 1 If you are using in-line power from a switch or patch panel, connect an Ethernet cable from the access point to the device that supplies power.
Step 2 If you are using in-line power from a 1200 series power injector, follow these additional steps:
a. Connect an Ethernet cable from the access point into the end of the 1200 series power injector labeled To AP/Bridge.
b. Connect an Ethernet cable from the end of the 1200 series power injector labeled To Network to the your 10/100 Ethernet LAN.
c. Plug the female end of the AC power cord into the 1200 series power module (Universal power supply) and plug the male end into a suitable AC power receptacle.
Step 3 If you are using a 1200 series power module, follow these additional steps:
a. Connect an Ethernet cable from the access point to your 10/100 Ethernet LAN.
b. Plug the female end of the power cord into the 1200 series power module (Universal power supply) and plug the male end into a suitable power receptacle.
c. Plug the power connector into the back of the access point.
At startup, all three LEDs on the top of the access point slowly blink amber, red, and green in sequence; the sequence takes a few minutes to complete. During normal operation, the LEDs blink green. Refer to "Troubleshooting," for LED descriptions.
Refer to "Basic Configuration," to assign basic settings to the access point.
