Objective

This brief article explains a few details about the pass-through port on the Cisco Business Wireless (CBW) 145AC Access Point (AP).

Applicable Devices | Firmware Version

- CBW 145AC (Data Sheet) | 10.4.1.0 (Download latest)

What is the pass-through Port?

The pass-through port is a cable extension. Yup, it’s that simple. This port gives network access to another device without having to use a switch. This feature works even if the AP goes down. It’s like having another wall jack, which can come in handy.

Where is the pass-through port?

Exclusive to the CBW series, the Cisco Business 145AC AP has a pass-through port (labeled Pass-Thru on the AP). The pass-through port on the back of the AP leads to the pass-through port on the bottom of the AP. It literally "passes through" the AP.

When would I use the pass-through port?

Scenario 1

AP is mounted to a junction box that has two Ethernet cables.

- The AP uses one cable while the second cable connects to the passthrough port on the back of the AP.

- The second cable can still be used by an endpoint; just connect the endpoint to the pass-through port on the bottom of the AP. Keep in mind that the port does not power the attached device.

Scenario 2

AP is mounted to a wall with no junction box and an uplink cable must be connected to it.

- An Ethernet/PoE uplink cable connects to the pass-through port on the bottom of the AP.

- A jumper cable connects the PoE port on the back to the pass-through port on the back of the AP. This completes the connection and provides power/Ethernet to the AP.

This requires the AIR-AP1815W-KIT= spacer kit. Refer to the "Mounting CBW145AC" section of the Administration Guide for details.

Enjoy these options of the pass-through port on the CBW 145AC AP. What a nice bonus!