The documentation set for this product strives to use bias-free language. For the purposes of this documentation set, bias-free is defined as language that does not imply discrimination based on age, disability, gender, racial identity, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and intersectionality. Exceptions may be present in the documentation due to language that is hardcoded in the user interfaces of the product software, language used based on RFP documentation, or language that is used by a referenced third-party product. Learn more about how Cisco is using Inclusive Language.
This appendix contains the following sections:
These mounting instructions describe the steps for mounting supported Cisco Business Wireless series access points in several configurations, including on a suspended ceiling, on a hard ceiling or wall, on an electrical or network box, and above a suspended ceiling.
Before you mount and deploy your access point, we recommend that you perform a site survey (or use the site planning tool) to determine the best location to install your access point.
You should have the following information about your wireless network available:
Access point locations.
Access point mounting options: on a wall or a ceiling only.
 Note |
You can mount the access point above a suspended ceiling but you must purchase additional mounting hardware. For additional information, see mounting and grounding sections for individual access point models in the later sections. Access points mounted in a building’s environmental airspace must be powered using PoE to comply with safety regulations. The CBW140AC, CBW240AC, CBW145AC access point models are powered through PoE and the CBW142ACM model is directly plugged into an AC source. Cisco recommends that you make a site map showing access point locations so that you can record the device MAC addresses from each location and return them to the person who is planning or managing your wireless network. |
Cisco Business Wireless 140AC/240AC access points can be mounted in several configurations; on a suspended ceiling, on a hard ceiling or wall, or in the plenum air space above a suspended ceiling. You can mount the AP on an electrical or network box.
Note |
When mounting the AP in the plenum air space or above a suspended ceiling, it should be mounted on a vertical wall or with the face of the AP (having the status LED) directed downwards. |
Mounting hardware for access points consists of brackets, which connect to the bottom of the access point, and ceiling grid clips, which connect the bracket to a suspended ceiling. The bracket that you need depends on the mounting location for the access point. The ceiling grid clip that you need depends on the type of suspended ceiling where you need to install the access point. You don’t need ceiling grid clips if you are mounting the access point to a hard-surface ceiling or a wall.
The standard mounting hardware supported by the AP is listed in the following table:
| Parts | Part Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Bracket It has 4 expansion screws. You can fasten the bracket to the wall or ceiling using these expansion screws. |
74-123953-01 |
Mounting bracket for ceiling and wall. It also includes the Ceiling Grid Clip. |
The following figure shows the low-profile bracket installed on an access point.
You use a ceiling grid clip (included) to mount an access point on a suspended ceiling.
| Image Number | Description |
|---|---|
|
1 |
Locking screws |
|
2 |
Bracket screw holes |
|
3 |
T-rail width detents (A, B, or C) |
Follow these steps to mount the access point below a standard or recessed suspended ceiling. The following figure shows an access point mounted on a T-rail ceiling rail using a ceiling grid clip.
| Image Number | Description |
|---|---|
|
1 |
Ceiling T-rail |
|
2 |
Grounding point |
|
3 |
Ceiling grid clip |
To mount the access point below a suspended ceiling, do the following:
Decide where you want to mount the access point on your suspended ceiling.
Open the ceiling grid clip completely.
Place the ceiling grid clip over the T-rail and close it to the appropriate detent (A, B, or C).
Use a screwdriver to tighten the two ceiling grid clip locking screws to prevent the clip from sliding along the T-rail.
Observe the ceiling grid clip width detent letter (A, B, or C) that corresponds to the T-rail width.
Align the corresponding holes (A, B, or C) on the mounting bracket over the mounting holes on the ceiling grid clip.
Hold the mounting bracket and insert a 6-32 x 1/4 in. screw into each of the four corresponding holes (A, B, or C) and tighten.
If necessary, drill or cut a cable access hole in the ceiling tile large enough for the Ethernet cable.
(Optional) Use the ground screw to ground the access point to a suitable building ground. See Grounding an Access Point for general grounding instructions.
Connect the Ethernet cable to the access point.
Align the bracket feet over the keyhole mounting slots on the access point.
Gently slide the access point onto the mounting bracket until it clicks into place.
Fasten the AP to the bracket using the M2 x 5.5mm Torx security screw. Cover it with the mylar label.
This procedure describes the steps required to mount the access point on a ceiling constructed of 3/4-in (19.05-mm) or thicker plywood using #8 fasteners using the mounting bracket.
Note |
Access points with integrated antennas perform best when the access point is mounted on horizontal surfaces such as a table top or ceiling. For advanced features such as voice, location, and rogue access point detection, ceiling mounting is strongly recommended. However, for smaller areas such as conference rooms, kiosks, transportation environments, or hot-spot usage where data coverage is the primary concern, the unit may be wall mounted using wall anchors or screws. |
To mount the access point on a solid ceiling or wall, do the following:
Use the mounting bracket as a template to mark the locations of the mounting holes on the bracket.
 Caution |
Be sure to mark all four locations. To ensure a safe and secure installation, make sure you are using adequate fasteners and mount the access point using no less than four fasteners. Do not use plastic wall anchors or the keyhole slots on the mounting bracket for ceiling installations. When mounting the access point on a hard ceiling, use four fasteners capable of maintaining a minimum pullout force of 20 lbs (9 kgs). |
Use a #29 drill (0.1360-in. [3.4772 mm]) bit to drill a pilot hole at the mounting hole locations you marked.
Note |
The pilot hole size varies according to the material and thickness you are fastening. Cisco recommends that you test the material to determine the ideal hole size for your mounting application. |
(Optional) Drill or cut a cable access hole large enough for the Ethernet cable and the building ground wire.
(Optional) Use the ground screw to attach the building ground wire to the mounting bracket. See Grounding an Access Point for general grounding instructions.
Position the mounting bracket mounting holes (with indents down) over the pilot holes.
Insert a fastener into each mounting hole and tighten.
Connect the Ethernet cable to the access point.
Align the bracket feet over the keyhole mounting slots on the access point.
Gently slide the access point onto the mounting bracket keyhole slots until it clicks into place.
Fasten the AP to the bracket using the M2 x 5.5mm Torx security screw. Cover it with the mylar label.
To mount an access point to a network box or an electrical box, do the following:
Position the universal mounting bracket over the existing network or electrical box and align the bracket mounting holes with the box holes.
Hold the mounting bracket in place and insert a 6 x 32 x 1/4-in pan head screw into each of the mounting holes and tighten.
(Optional) Use the ground screw to attach the building ground wire to the mounting bracket. See Grounding an Access Point for general grounding instructions.
Connect the Ethernet cable to the access point.
Align the bracket feet over the keyhole mounting slots on the access point.
Slide the access point onto the optional mounting bracket until it clicks into place.
Fasten the AP to the bracket using the M2 x 5.5mm Torx security screw. Cover it with the mylar label.
Using third-party accessories (not offered by Cisco) you can mount an access point above a suspended ceiling.
Note |
Install access points above ceiling tiles only when mounting below the ceiling is not an option. Mounting access points above the ceiling can interfere with advanced wireless LAN features that depend on uniform coverage, such as voice and location. |
| Image Number | Description |
|---|---|
|
1 |
Suspended ceiling T-rail |
|
2 |
Box hanger |
|
3 |
Box hanger clip |
|
4 |
Mounting bracket |
|
5 |
Access point |
|
6 |
T-rail clip |
To mount the access point above a suspended ceiling, do the following:
Remove a ceiling tile adjacent to the mounting location.
Fasten the access point mounting bracket to the box hanger using the clip or screws provided with the box hanger kit.
Connect the Ethernet cable to the access point.
Align the bracket feet over the keyhole mounting slots on the access point.
Slide the access point onto the mounting bracket until it clicks into place.
Attach the T-rail clips on each end of the T-bar box hanger to the ceiling rails. Make sure the clips are securely attached to the T-rails.
Fasten the AP to the bracket using the M2 x 5.5mm Torx security screw. Cover it with the mylar label.
Replace the ceiling tile.
The Cisco Business Wireless 145AC access points can be mounted in several configurations—on a suspended ceiling, on a hard ceiling or wall, or in the plenum air space above a suspended ceiling and on a electrical junction box using the spacer.
| Parts | Part Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Bracket |
74-112728-01 (Included) |
Mounting the AP directly on a Wall |
|
Mounting the AP on an Electrical Junction Box |
||
|
Mounting the AP on a Wall using the Spacer |
||
|
AIR-AP1815W-KIT= (Optional, not included) |
Spacer Kit: Includes spacer and RJ-45 jumper cable. |
To mount the CBW145AC-B on the junction box, do the following:
Fasten the wall-mount bracket (74-112728-01) to the wall, using two M3.5X32mm screws. Ensure that the side having the Mount Arrows Up label is facing outwards, and the bracket is oriented vertically as indicated by the arrows.
Connect the PoE cable from the junction box to the PoE port on the rear of the device. If there is a second Ethernet cable in the junction box, it can be connected to the Pass-Through port on the rear of the device and accessed using the Pass-Through port on the bottom of the device.
Note |
If you are unable to connect a PoE cable to the port on the back of the AP, then:
|
Mount the AP onto the wall-mount bracket. For this, align the AP with the bracket and then offset the AP around ¼ inch above the bracket.
Fasten the AP to the bracket using the M2 x 5.5mm Torx security screw. Cover it with the mylar label.
| Image Number | Description |
|---|---|
|
1 |
Mylar label for covering Torx security screw slot |
|
2 |
M2 x 5.5mm Torx security screw |
|
3 |
Screw hole on the wall-mount bracket for the security screw |
|
4 |
Two M3.5 x 32mm screws for fastening the bracket to the wall |
To mount the AP on a wall, using a spacer box, do the following:
Fasten the spacer box (AIR-AP1815W-KIT= ) to the wall, using four M3.5 x 32mm screws. Ensure that the side having the Mount Arrows Up label is facing outwards, and the box is oriented vertically as indicated by the arrows.
Fasten the wall-mount bracket (74-112728-01) to the spacer box, using two M3X8mm tapping screws. Ensure that the side having the Mount Arrows Up label is facing outwards, and the bracket is oriented vertically as indicated by the arrows.
Connect the power and network cables to the AP.
If you are unable to connect a PoE cable to the port on the back of the AP, then do the following:
On the back of the AP, use an RJ45 jumper cable to connect the PoE port to the Pass-Through port. This jumper cable is available as part of the spacer kit AIR-AP1815W-KIT=spacer kit.
Connect the PoE supply cable to the Pass-Through port on the base of the AP.
Note |
The punch-out holes on the spacer box (AIR-AP1815W-KIT) can be used for routing cables. However, an RJ45 connector will not fit through these holes. If this is required, you must first route a cable through the hole and then crimp an RJ45 connector on to the cable. |
This connection sends power internally from the Pass-Through port on the base, to the Pass-Through port on the back, and then though the jumper cable into the PoE port on the back.
Mount the AP onto the wall-mount bracket. For this, align the AP with the bracket and then offset the AP around ¼ inch above the bracket.
Fasten the AP to the bracket using the M2 x 5.5mm Torx security screw. Cover it with the mylar label
| Image Number | Description |
|---|---|
|
1 |
Mylar label for covering Torx security screw slot. |
|
2 |
M2 x 5.5mm Torx security screw. |
|
3 |
M3X8mm tapping screws for fastening the wall-mount bracket to the spacer. |
|
4 |
M3.5 x 32mm screws for fastening the spacer to the wall. |
The access point can be placed/mounted in a horizontal position, on a horizontal surface such as a table.
To ensure the best RF coverage for your access point, place your access point in an area as close to the wireless clients as possible and practical to do so. If the Internet source or gateway router is in a remote area, position your access point away from metal obstructions.
Areas to avoid or places that may result in reduced range or performance are as follows.
In a basement of a multi-story home, as the signals must penetrate many walls.
Near large obstructions that can block the radio signals. Avoid areas like metal cabinets or refrigerators.
On the floor under a metal desk or other dense or conductive objects.
The AP is powered using 44 to 57 VDC power via the VDC port, using Cisco Power Adapter. The PoE-Out port provides 802.3af Class 0 (15.4W) power.
You can additionally secure the AP by fastening the security wire to the wall or desk.
The assembling of front and rear views are shown below:
| Image Number | Description |
|---|---|
|
1 |
Security wire which can be used to secure the AP by fastening it to the wall. |
|
3 |
EU-specification AC adapter module CBW142 The AC adapter module/cradle provided differs in design according to regional power supply standards. |
The assembling of AC unit with base module is shown below:
The various assembling models for CBW142AC is as follows:
CBW142AC: AC power from a wall socket power outlet, through the AC Adapter module, providing 120~240VAC, 50~60Hz power.
The AC adapter module also functions as a mounting cradle, thereby mounting the sensor on a wall socket power outlet mounted with the help of a stabilizer.
The CBW143AC series access points can be mounted, in a vertical orientation, on a wall or desk. The mounting is done using the wall-mount bracket 74-123954-01.
| Item | Part Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Bracket |
74-123954-01 (Included) |
Mounting the AP directly on a Wall |
To mount the AP on a wall:
Identify the location for mounting the AP.
Use the wall-mount bracket 74-123954-01, as a template to mark the screw-hole locations for fastening the bracket to the wall.
At the marked locations, drill a hole into the wall.
Fasten the 74-123954-01 to the wall using two 18mm expansion screws.
Hold the back of the AP against the wall, above the bracket, and then slide the AP down onto the bracket, till it clicks into place. The hooks on the bracket will click into the recesses on the back of the AP.
Proceed with connecting the data and power cables.
The AP can be powered using the following power sources and devices only:
AC power, using the AC-USB adapter, supplying 5V DC, 1.5A power.
The USB ports are located on the base of the AP.
The CBW143AC can also be powered using PoE (802.3af) supplied through the Ethernet port from a power injector.
Note |
Cisco recommends that you use only the Cisco supplied AC-USB adapter, for powering the AP through the USB port. Other power supply devices which do not meet the specifications of the Cisco supplied device, can cause silent reboots or crashes. |
| Image Number | Description |
|---|---|
|
1 |
Screw holes for fastening the bracket to the wall |
|
2 |
Hooks which click into the recesses on the back of the AP for mounting the AP on the bracket |
| Image Number | Description |
|---|---|
|
1 |
Recesses on the back of the AP into which the hooks on the wall-mount bracket slide and click into place. |
The CBW145AC, CBW141ACM, CBW142ACM, and CBW143ACM devices support a Kensington-style lock.
The location of the Kensington lock slot is shown in the Quick Start guides provided with the device.
Grounding is not always required for indoor installations because Cisco Business Access Points are classified as low-voltage devices and do not contain internal power supplies. We recommend that you check your local and national electrical codes to see if grounding is a requirement.
Although grounding is not mandatory for indoor access points, it is required in certain scenarios. It has been observed that an ungrounded indoor access point that is mounted too close to an electromagnetic source of interference (such as a fluorescent light that is on) may reboot suddenly or suffer hardware damage. This occurs even if the indoor AP is in close proximity to the electromagnetic source of interference, and not touching the source. Grounding the corresponding access point or the mounting bracket helps prevent this issue from occurring. We recommend that a certified electrical technician verify whether your installation requires grounding.
If grounding is required in your area or you wish to ground your access point, do the following:
|
Step 1 |
Find a suitable building grounding point as close to the access point as possible. |
|
Step 2 |
Connect a user-supplied ground wire to the building grounding point. The wire should be a minimum of #14AWG assuming a circuit length of 25 ft (30.5 cm). Consult your local electrical codes for additional information. |
|
Step 3 |
Route the ground wire to the access point. |
|
Step 4 |
Attach the wire to a suitable grounding O-ring lug. |
|
Step 5 |
Crimp or solder the wire to the lug. |
|
Step 6 |
Insert the grounding post screw into the O-ring lug and install it on the mounting bracket as shown in the figure above. |
|
Step 7 |
Use a Phillips screwdriver to tighten the ground screw. |
Feedback