Install the Access Point

Installing an AP involves the following high-level tasks.

Package contents

Each AP package contains the following items:

1

CW9174E access point

2

AIR-AP-T-RAIL-R

3

AIR-AP-BRACKET-1

4

Screws

  • One CW9174E AP

  • Default mounting brackets: Adjustable ceiling-rail clips AIR-AP-T-RAIL-R= and AIR-AP-BRACKET-1=

  • Orderable optional mounting brackets: AIR-AP-T-RAIL-F=, and AIR-AP-BRACKET-2=

  • Cisco product documentation and pointer card

Unpack the access point

Procedure

Step 1

Unpack and remove the access point and the selected mounting accessory kit from the shipping box.

Step 2

Return the packing material to the shipping container and save it for future use.

Step 3

Verify that you have received all the items you ordered. If any item is missing or is damaged, contact your Cisco representative or reseller for instructions.

Cisco orderable accessories

You can order the following accessories separately, from Cisco:

  • Wi-Fi 7 antennas and accessories

    Antennas

    Description

    CW-ANT-T-O2-D8

    Tri-band omnidirectional ceiling-mount antenna with built-in accelerometer

    CW-ANT-T-D2-D8

    Tri-band directional patch antenna with built-in accelerometer

    CW-ANT-T-O4-R

    Tri-band omnidirectional dipole antenna with RP-TNC

    CW-CAB-001-D8-R4

    8-Port DART to 4-Port RP-TNC Cable, 1ft

    AIR-CAB002-D8-R=

    8-Port DART to 8-Port RP-TNC Cable, 2ft

    AIR-CAB003-D8-N=

    8-Port DART to 8-Port N-Type Cable, 3 ft

  • AP-mounting brackets to mount the AP

    Mounting brackets

    Description

    AIR-AP-BRACKET-1=

    Low-profile bracket: Used for ceiling-mount installations.

    AIR-AP-BRACKET-2=

    Universal bracket: Used for wall or electrical box installations.

    AIR-AP-T-RAIL-F=

    Flush ceiling grid clip

    AIR-AP-T-RAIL-R=

    Ceiling grid clip (recessed mounting)

    AIR-CHNL-ADAPTER=

    T-RAIL channel adapter

    CW-MNT-9

    Bracket for integrating CW9174E with CW-ANT-T-D2-D8

    CW-MNT-ART2-00

    Articulating mount

    CW-ACC-ADPT1

    Mounting arm adapter plate for use with C-ANT9103 mount

  • Power injectors when Power over Ethernet (PoE) is not available

    Power Supply

    Description

    CW-INJ-8

    Meraki 802.3bt PoE injector

    Power Specifications: 60W, 10 Gbps Ethernet

    For more information, see Cisco Power Injector CW-INJ-8 Quick Start Guide.

    AIR-PWRINJ7=

    Mid-span power injector AIR-PWRINJ7= when (PoE) is not available

    Power specifications: 50W, 56VDC

    For more information, see the Cisco Multigigabit 802.3bt Power Injector.

    MA-INJ-6-x

    Meraki 802.3bt PoE injector

    Power Specifications: 60W, 55VDC

    For more information, see the MA-INJ-6 Meraki Multigigabit 802.3bt Power over Ethernet Injector.

    MA-PWR-50WAC

    Power adapter

  • Console cable

    Cable

    Description

    Console cable

    Standard console cable for management communication

  • Other accessories

    Item

    Description

    CW-ACC-GPS1=

    GNSS/GPS USB Module

Preinstallation Configuration - Cisco Catalyst Mode

Controller discovery process

To support the CW9174E AP, the controller must be running Cisco IOS XE 17.18.2 or a later release. For more information, see the Cisco Wireless 9174 Series Access Points Data Sheet.

Guidelines and limitations

  • It is not possible to edit or query an access point using the controller CLI if the name of the access point contains a space.

  • Make sure that the controller is set to the current time. If the controller is set to a time that has already occurred, the access point might not join the controller because its certificate may not be valid for that time.

The AP must discover the controller before it can become an active part of the network. The AP supports the following controller discovery processes:

  • Locally stored controller IP address discovery: If the access point was previously joined to a controller, the IP addresses of the primary, secondary, and tertiary controllers are stored in the access point's nonvolatile memory. This process of storing controller IP addresses on an access point for later deployment is called priming the access point. For more information about priming, see Performing a preinstallation configuration.

  • DHCP server discovery: This feature uses DHCP Option 43 to provide controller IP addresses to the access points. Cisco switches support a DHCP server option that is typically used for this capability. For more information about DHCP Option 43, see Configure DHCP option 43.

  • DNS discovery: The access point can discover controllers through your domain name server (DNS). For the access point to do so, you must configure your DNS to return controller IP addresses in response to CISCO-CAPWAP-CONTROLLER.localdomain, where localdomain is the access point domain name. Configuring the CISCO-CAPWAP-CONTROLLER provides backwards compatibility in an existing customer deployment. When an access point receives an IP address and DNS information from a DHCP server, it contacts the DNS to resolve CISCO-CAPWAP-CONTROLLER.localdomain. When the DNS sends a list of controller IP addresses, the access point sends discovery requests to these controllers.

Performing a preinstallation configuration

The following procedures describe the processes to ensure that your AP installation and initial operation go as expected.


Note
Performing a preinstallation configuration is an optional procedure. If your network controller is properly configured, you can install your AP in its final location and connect it to the network from there. For more information, see Deploy the access point in a wireless network.
The following illustration shows the preinstallation configuration setup:

Perform the following steps:

Before you begin

Ensure that the Cisco Controller Distribution System (DS) port is connected to the network. Use the procedure for CLI or GUI, as described in the release-appropriate Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controller Software Configuration Guide.

  • Enable Layer 3 connectivity between APs and wireless controller's wireless management interface.

  • Configure the switch to which your AP has to attach. See the Cisco Wireless Controller Configuration Guide for the release you are using, for additional information.

  • Ensure that the DHCP is enabled on the network. The AP must receive its IP address through DHCP.


    Note
    An AP is assigned an IP address from the DHCP server only if a default router (gateway) is configured on the DHCP server (enabling the AP to receive its gateway IP address) and the gateway ARP is resolved.

  • CAPWAP UDP ports must not be blocked in the network.

  • The AP must be able to find the IP address of the controller. This can be accomplished using DHCP, DNS, or IP subnet broadcast. This guide describes the DHCP method to convey the controller IP address. For other methods, see the product documentation. See also Configure DHCP option 43 for more information.


    Note

    The AP requires an 5G Ethernet link to prevent the Ethernet port from becoming a bottleneck for traffic.

Procedure

Step 1

Power the AP using a supported power source.

See Power the access point.

  • The AP checks for cloud connectivity and attempts to connect to the Meraki dashboard.

  • If the AP is unable to find cloud connectivity, it uses fast offline migration to look for a Cisco Catalyst 9800 Controller. The AP uses DHCP, DNS, and L2 discovery mechanisms for the migration. For more information, see Global Use Access Points.

    Note

     

    The AP should not have cloud connectivity from its subnet if it intends to connect to a controller. If the AP joins a Meraki Dashboard, it can be later migrated to a controller.

Once the AP discovers the controller, it performs a firmware image download and reboots.

Step 2

If the preinstallation configuration is successful, the Status LED is green, indicating normal operation. Disconnect the AP and mount it on the location at which you intend to deploy it on the wireless network.

Step 3

If your AP does not indicate normal operation, turn it off and repeat the preinstallation configuration.

Note

 
When you are installing a Layer 3 access point on a subnet that is different from the Catalyst 9800 controller, ensure that the following setup is configured:

  • A DHCP server is reachable from the subnet on which you plan to install the AP.

  • The subnet has a route back to the controller.

  • This route has destination UDP ports 5246 and 5247 open for CAPWAP communications.

  • The route back to the primary, secondary, and tertiary controller allows IP packet fragments.

  • If address translation is used, the access point and the controller have a static 1-to-1 NAT to an outside address. Port Address Translation is not supported.

Preinstallation checks and installation guidelines

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:

    • Below a suspended ceiling

    • on a flat horizontal surface

    • on top of a desk


Note
You can mount the access point above a suspended ceiling, but you must purchase additional mounting hardware. For more information, see Install the access point.

  • Access point power options: Use one of the following options to power the AP:

    • Cisco-approved power injector

    • PoE with a supporting switch

    • 54V power adapter with 50W rating


    Note

    • The Underwriter Laboratories (UL)-approved Listed Power Adapter must meet the following minimum specifications: Rated output of 42.5 to 57 Vdc, min. 0.81-1.08A, Tmax of 50°C minimum, altitude of 3048m minimum.

    • If 802.3af is used, Ethernet gets downgraded to 1GbE and the 2.4-GHz radio operates in 1x1:1 mode. IoT and scan radios are switched off.

  • Operating temperature:

    • CW9174E: –4°F to 122°F (–20°C to 50°C)


    Note
    When installing the AP in an environment where the ambient temperature is in the range of 104°and 122°F (>40° and 50°C), the access point configuration changes.

    • 10SS mode: 5G and 6G radios scale to 2x2, ethernet remains at 5G, and the USB remains enabled.

    • 8SS mode: 2G and 5G radios scale to 2x2, ethernet remains at 5G, and the USB remains enabled.

  • Console access using the console port

    We recommend that you use a console cable that is one meter or less in length.


    Note
    The AP may face issues while booting if you use an unterminated console cable (not plugged into any device or terminal) or a console cable that is more than one meter in length.

We recommend 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.

Preinstallation configuration - Cisco Meraki mode

Perform a preinstallation configuration - Cisco Meraki mode

This is a brief overview of the steps required to add the access point to your network. For more information about creating, configuring and managing Meraki wireless networks, see the Cisco Meraki documentation.

Before you begin

You should complete these steps before going on-site to perform an installation.

Follow these steps to configure dashboard network.

Procedure

Step 1

Log in to Cisco Meraki dashboard. If this is your first time, create a new account.

Step 2

Find the network to which you plan to add your APs or create a new network.

Step 3

Add your APs to your network. You will need your Meraki order number (found on your invoice) or the Cloud ID of each AP, which looks like Qxxx-xxxx-xxxx, and is found on the bottom of the unit. You will also need your license key, which you should have received via email.

Step 4

Go to the map or floor plan view and place each AP on the map by clicking and dragging it to the location where you plan to mount it.

What to do next

For more information about onboarding access points, see Wireless Access Points Quick Start Guide.

Install the access point

Cisco Wireless 9174E Wi-Fi 7 Access Point can be mounted in the following ways:

  • Ceiling mount with omnidirectional antenna or directional antenna

  • Wall mount with directional antenna

  • Pole mount with directional antenna

  • Mounting with integrated AP and antenna mount

The standard mounting hardware supported by the AP are listed in the following table.

Table 1. Brackets and clips to mount the AP
Mounting type Part number Description

Brackets123

AIR-AP-BRACKET-1

Low-profile bracket: Used for ceiling-mount installations

AIR-AP-BRACKET-2

Universal bracket: Used for wall or electrical box installations

CW-MNT-9

Integrated AP and Antenna Mount for CW9174E and CW-ANT-T-D2-D8 for external antennas

CW-MNT-ART2-00

Articulating mount

Clips

AIR-AP-T-RAIL-R

Ceiling grid clip (recessed mounting)

AIR-AP-T-RAIL-F

Ceiling grid clip (flush mounting)

AIR-CHNL-ADAPTER

Optional adapter for channel-rail ceiling grid profile
1 Mount the AP using no less than four screw holes on a bracket.
2 AIR-AP-BRACKET-3 is not compatible for use with Cisco 9174E access points.
3 You can also use the in-tile mounting options available from third parties. For more information, see the access point data sheet.

When mounting the AP in areas where there is a possibility of the AP being knocked off the mounting bracket, use the lock hasp at the back of the AP to lock it to the bracket.

Installation steps

This section provides a brief overview of the main steps involved in installing your access point and antenna.

To begin with, you’ll mount the AP. You can mount the AP directly on a wall or a ceiling. you can opt to mount the AP and the antenna separately next to each other or use the integrated AP and antenna mount as a single unit.

Next task is to prepare the antenna assembly.

Once both of these steps are complete, the final task is to mount the antenna assembly on a wall, pole, or ceiling.

Mount the AP on a ceiling

Mount the Cisco Wireless 9174E Wi-Fi 7 Access Point to a ceiling using a mounting bracket.

Follow these steps to mount the AP on a ceiling.

Procedure

Step 1

Determine the mounting location for the AP.

Step 2

Mount the bracket to the chosen location on the ceiling. Secure the bracket using screws that go through the bracket and into the ceiling.

Figure 1. Mount the bracket on the ceiling

Step 3

Align the AP with the mounted bracket. Slide the AP downwards onto the bracket until it is securely mounted.

Figure 2. Slide the AP onto the bracket

Step 4

Verify that the AP is firmly attached to the mounting bracket and is securely mounted on the ceiling.

Figure 3. AP is mounted on the ceiling

Mount the AP on a wall

Mount the Cisco Wireless 9174E Wi-Fi 7 Access Point to a wall using a mounting bracket.

To mount the AP on a wall, use these steps:

Procedure

Step 1

Determine the mounting location for the AP.

Step 2

Mount the bracket to the chosen location on the wall. Secure the bracket using screws that go through the bracket and into the wall.

Figure 4. Mount the bracket on the wall

Step 3

Align the AP with the mounted bracket. Slide the AP downwards onto the bracket until it is securely seated.

Figure 5. Slide the AP onto the bracket

Step 4

Verify that the AP is firmly attached to the mounting bracket and is securely mounted on the wall.

Figure 6. AP is mounted to the wall

Mount the omnidirectional antenna on a ceiling

Mount the CW-ANT-T-O2-D8 omnidirectional antenna on a ceiling panel to ensure optimal wireless coverage and reliable device performance in the intended area.

Ceiling-mounted antennas for APs are ideal for environments where wall mounting is insufficient, and where you want to maximize signal distribution throughout the space.

Figure 7. Package contents
Table 2. Contents

Item #

Item

Quantity

1

CW-ANT-T-O2-D8 antenna

1

2

Mounting collar

1
Figure 8. Antenna front view

1

Status LED

2

Antenna DART Cable (2-feet or 24-inches)
Figure 9. Antenna back view

Before you begin

Ensure that the ceiling panel is sturdy enough to support the antenna.

Follow these steps to mount the omnidirectional antenna on the ceiling. Keep the antenna and the AP close for easier mounting.

Procedure

Step 1

Prepare the ceiling panel. Use a hole saw, drill a circular hole with a diameter of 1.5" in the ceiling panel. Ensure the panel thickness is between 0.5" and 1".

Figure 10. Prepare the ceiling panel

Step 2

Thread the antenna DART cable through the hole in the ceiling panel from below.

Figure 11. Insert the antenna DART cable

Step 3

From the top side of the ceiling panel, insert the mounting collar into the back side of the mounting surface.

Figure 12. Insert the mounting collar

Step 4

Tighten the mounting collar by rotating it clockwise until the AP assembly is securely fastened to the ceiling panel.

Figure 13. Secure the mount

Step 5

Plug the antenna DART cable into the Smart Antenna port on the CW9174E AP.

Figure 14. Connect the antenna DART cable

Mount the directional antenna

Use CW-ANT-T-D2-D8, the tri-band directional patch antenna with an integrated accelerometer and a DART8 connector. Begin by assembling the directional antenna. There are three different methods to assemble the antenna.

Prepare the antenna assembly

The directional antenna can be assembled in these places:

  • Ceiling

  • Wall

  • Pole

Antenna views
Figure 15. Antenna face view

1

Status LED

2

DART cable (2-feet or 24-inches)
Figure 16. Antenna back view
Antenna package contents
Table 3. Antenna package contents

Item #

Antenna package contents

Quantity

1

CW-ANT-T-D2-D8 antenna

1

2

Screw cover

4

3

Mounting screw

4

4

Screw anchors

4

5

Nuts

2

6

Crush washer

2

7

Bolt washer

2

8

Bolts

2

9

Locking washer

2

10

Steel screws

4

11

Wall or pole mounting plate

1

12

Mounting arm

1

13

Pole clamps

2

14

Antenna mounting plate

1

Note

The CW-MNT-ART2-00 articulating mount is included and can be used optionally during installation.
Attach the antenna directly to the wall or ceiling

There are two ways to attach the antenna.

  • Directly to the wall or ceiling

  • Attach using the CW-MNT-ART2-00 articulating mount

Follow these instructions to attach the antenna in environments that require a direct wall or ceiling-mounted installation.

Before you begin

Use only the mounting hardware provided or recommended for your AP model.

Verify the chosen mounting surface is structurally sound and can safely support the weight of the antenna.

The steps below are applicable to both wall and ceiling mounting procedure.

Procedure

Step 1

Mark the drill holes using a template at the desired location. Using a drill with a 4.5mm drill bit, carefully create holes at each marked location.

Figure 17. Drill holes for mounting

Step 2

Mount the antenna to the wall or ceiling.

  1. Align the holes on the antenna with the holes drilled in the wall or ceiling.

  2. Secure the antenna to the wall or ceiling using appropriate screws and, if necessary, wall anchors suitable for your surface type.

  3. Ensure the antenna is firmly attached.

Figure 18. Secure the antenna to the mounting surface

Step 3

Connect the antenna DART cable to the antenna connector on the CW9174E AP. Ensure the connector clicks into place for a secure connection.

Figure 19. Connect the DART cable
Attach the antenna using the CW-MNT-ART2-00 mount

This procedure describes how to securely attach the antenna using the articulating mount bracket.

There are two ways to attach the antenna to the CW-MNT-ART2-00 mount:

  • Attach the antenna directly to the CW-MNT-ART2-00 mount

  • Attach to the integrated AP and Antenna mount (CW-MNT-9)

Use this procedure to properly attach the antenna to the mounting bracket before attaching it to a wall or ceiling.

Procedure

Step 1

Position the antenna mounting plate (See item number 14 in the Antenna package contents table in Prepare the antenna assembly) on the back of the antenna.

Step 2

Insert and tighten four steel screws (Item #10 in the Antenna package contents table) through the mounting plate and into the antenna.

Figure 20. Mount the Bracket

Step 3

Proceed to the appropriate section to wall, ceiling, or pole mount the antenna.
Attach the antenna to the integrated AP antenna mount

Attach the antenna assembly with the integrated AP antenna mount to ensure stable, safe, and reliable operation in the deployment environment.

Mounting the antenna assembly with the integrated AP antenna mount ensures secure and stable installation for optimal wireless coverage in various deployment environments. You can attach the antenna and then the mounting plate to complete the process.

Before you begin

Follow these steps to attach the antenna assembly with the integrated AP antenna mount.

Figure 21. CW-MNT-9 package contents
Table 4. Package contents

Item #

Antenna package contents

Quantity

1

CW-MNT-9

1

2

Screws

4
Procedure

Step 1

Unscrew and remove the rubber feet from the AP using a Philips screwdriver.

Figure 22. Remove the base plate screws

Step 2

Attach the CW-MNT-9 (integrated AP antenna mount) using the rubber feet removed from step 1.

  1. Align the integrated AP antenna mount with the screw holes on the AP base.

  2. Use the four screws to secure the integrated AP antenna mount to the AP.

Figure 23. Attach the integrated AP antenna mount

Step 3

Mount the antenna (CW-ANT-T-D2-D8) on the top to the AP unit (CW-MNT-9 - integrated AP antenna mount and AP) using the four mounting screws provided.

  1. Place the antenna onto the assembled AP unit (integrated AP antenna mount and AP).

  2. Insert and tighten the four long screws (See item number 2 in CW-MNT-9 package content) through the antenna into the AP unit.

Figure 24. Secure the AP

Step 4

Place screw covers over each screw head on top of the antenna to cover and protect the screws.

Figure 25. Install screw covers

Step 5

Connect the antenna DART cable to the antenna connector on the CW9174E AP.

  1. Plug the antenna DART cable into the AP’s port to establish connection.

  2. Ensure the cable is properly latched.

Figure 26. Connect and secure the antenna DART cable

Step 6

Route the antenna DART cable and secure with cable ties.

  1. Route the cable through the designated channels in the integrated AP antenna mount.

  2. Use cable ties (not included) to secure the cable neatly to the integrated AP antenna mount, preventing movement.

    Figure 27. Route and secure the antenna DART cable

Step 7

Install the antenna mounting plate to the integrated AP antenna mount (CW-MNT-9) using the four steel screws (See item number 10 in the Antenna package contents table in Prepare the antenna assembly) provided.

  1. Align the antenna mounting plate with the integrated AP antenna mount’s screw holes.

  2. Insert and tighten the four mounting screws to secure the AP unit assembly.

    Figure 28. Attach the antenna mounting plate to the AP unit assembly

What to do next

  • Ensure all screws are tightened securely but do not overtighten to avoid damage.

  • After antenna is assembled, go to the appropriate section to perform the mounting procedure for ceiling, pole, or wall.

Mount the antenna assembly on a wall, ceiling, or pole

Ensure that you have completed assembling the antenna before mounting the antenna assembly on the desired location.


Note

You can install the antenna assembly with a mounting arm (See item number 12 in the Antenna package contents table in Prepare the antenna assembly) or attach it directly to the wall or pole using the mounting plate (See item number 11 in the Antenna package contents table in Prepare the antenna assembly).

Mount the antenna with the articulating arm

You can mount the antenna with the articulating arm to ensure optimal network coverage and secure mounting for reliable wireless connectivity.

Follow these steps to mount the antenna assembly with the articulating arm.

Procedure

Step 1

Assemble the wall mount bracket and the articulating arm.

  1. Align the articulating arm with the mount bracket as shown in figure below.

  2. Insert the bolt, washer, and lock washer through the arm and bracket.

  3. Secure with the nut, ensuring all parts are in the correct order and orientation.

Figure 29. Assemble the wall mount bracket

Step 2

Attach the mount bracket to the wall.

  1. Position the assembled bracket on the wall at the desired mounting location.

  2. Use appropriate wall anchors or screws (as per wall material) to fasten the bracket securely to the wall with the four screws.

Figure 30. Attach bracket to wall

Step 3

Attach the antenna assembly to the bracket.

  1. Align the antenna assembly with the mounting arm and bracket.

  2. Install the antenna assembly to the articulating arm using the nut, bolt, washer, crush washer and lock washer provided.

  3. Ensure that the antenna assembly is securely fastened to the articulating arm.

Figure 31. Mount the integrated AP and antenna assembly
Figure 32. Mount the antenna assembly

Step 4

Connect the antenna DART cable to the antenna connector on the CW9174E.

Figure 33. Connect the antenna DART cable

Note

 

This step is not needed for integrated AP and antenna mount.

Mount the antenna on a pole with the directional antenna

Use this procedure to securely mount the antenna assembly on a pole using the directional antenna. Proper mounting ensures optimal signal coverage and stability of the AP.

A pole-mounted directional antenna enables focused wireless coverage, minimizes interference, and increases reliability for end devices located in the intended direction.

Before you begin

  • Use only the hardware supplied with the package content.

  • Do not overtighten metal bands or bolts.

  • Confirm that the antenna faces the intended coverage area before final tightening.

Follow these steps to mount the antenna assembly on a pole with the directional antenna.

Procedure

Step 1

Place the mounting bracket against the pole at the desired height and orientation.

Figure 34. Position the mounting bracket

Step 2

Attach the bracket to the pole.

  1. Wrap the provided metal bands around the pole and through the slots in the mounting bracket.

  2. Tighten the bands securely so the bracket is firmly fixed to the pole.

Figure 35. Secure with metal bands

Step 3

Mount the antenna assembly with the mounting arm to the bracket. You can mount the AP, antenna and the integrated AP antenna mount or only the AP directly to the bracket.

Figure 36. Mount the antenna assembly
Figure 37. Mount the antenna assembly

  1. Position the directional antenna so its mounting holes align with the holes on the mounting arm.

  2. Insert the screws and washers as indicated.

  3. Tighten all hardware to ensure the antenna is securely attached to the arm.

Step 4

Connect the antenna DART cable with the CW9174E AP.

  1. Plug the antenna DART cable into the AP’s designated port.

  2. Ensure the connector clicks into place for a secure connection.

    Figure 38. Connect antenna DART cable

Note

 

This step is not needed for integrated AP and antenna mount.

What to do next

  • Ensure all fasteners are tightened to specified torque values.

  • Verify the bracket and antenna orientation matches deployment requirements.

  • Verify all electrical connections before powering up the AP.

Mount the antenna on a ceiling with the directional antenna and bracket

Securely install the antenna assembly with the directional antenna on a ceiling, ensuring optimal performance and physical stability.

Follow this task when you need to mount the antenna assembly with the directional antenna in large areas that require targeted wireless coverage.

Before you begin

Use only the mounting hardware provided or recommended for your AP model.

Follow these steps to mount the antenna assembly on a ceiling with the directional antenna.

Procedure

Step 1

Secure the wall or pole mount plate to the ceiling using screws (not included) appropriate for the mounting surface.

  1. Hold the ceiling mount bracket against the desired location on the ceiling.

  2. Align the bracket’s holes with the pre-drilled holes or mark and drill holes if needed.

  3. Secure the bracket to the ceiling using the provided screws. Ensure the bracket is firmly attached and level.

Figure 39. Attach the ceiling mount bracket

Step 2

Mount the antenna assembly (CW9174E, antenna and the integrated AP antenna mount) to the mounting plate using the nut, bolt and lock washer included.

  1. Insert the mounting screw through the mount bracket and into the AP’s mounting point.

  2. Tighten the mounting screw to ensure the antenna assembly is securely fastened to the bracket.

  3. For APs with an integrated AP antenna mount, ensure the arm is properly seated and secure the nut and washers as shown.

    Figure 40. External mounting arm

  4. For antennas with a direct mount, align the mounting holes and secure the antenna assembly with the appropriate hardware.

    Figure 41. Direct mount

Step 3

Connect the antenna DART cable to the antenna connector on the CW9174E AP. Ensure the connector clicks into place for a secure connection.

Figure 42. Connect the antenna DART cable

Note

 

This step is not needed for integrated AP and antenna mount.

Install the CW-ANT-T-O4-R Wi-Fi 7 antenna

The CW-ANT-T-O4-R is a tri-band omnidirectional dipole with RP-TNC antenna equipped with RP-TNC connectors. You need these accessories to use this antenna:

  • For tri-band, 10 spatial stream operation: AIR-CAB002-D8-R=, an 8-port Smart Antenna Connector to RP-TNC Connector cable.

  • For dual-band, 8 spatial stream operation: CW-CAB-001-D8-R4, an 8-port Smart Antenna Connector to 4-port RP-TNC connector.

A mounting bracket must be procured, custom fabricated, or 3D printed to suit your specific use case, as Cisco does not currently offer mounting brackets for this antenna for use with the CW9174E.

Antenna ports A, B, C, and D operate at 6 GHz, while ports E, F, G, and H support dual-band operation at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. For proper isolation, maintain a minimum spacing of 5 inches between antennas.

Power the access point


Caution

Ensure that the AP is powered using a Underwriters' Laboratories-compliant (UL-compliant) PoE power source. You must connect the unit only to the PoE network, without routing to the outside plant.


Note

Actual power consumption may vary depending on access point usage. It is recommended that you ensure that Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP)/Cisco Discovery Protocol is enabled to allow proper power negotiation.

Power Source

2GHz Radio

5GHz Radio

6G Radio

Link Speed

USB

Max Power Consumption

Configuration

802.3bt/Class 5/UPOE, DC Jack

2x2

4x4

4x4

5G

Y (9W)

37.3W

10SS, Tri-band

802.3bt/Class 5/UPOE, DC Jack

4x4

4x4

-

5G

Y (9W)

32.1W

8SS, Dual-band

802.3at/POE+

2x2

4x4

4x4

2.5G

Y (2.5W)

25.5W

10SS, Tri-band

802.3at/POE+

4x4

4x4

-

2.5G

Y (2.5W)

25.5W

8SS, Dual-band

802.3af/POE

-

-

-

1G

N

13.9W

All radios off

Deploy the access point in a wireless network

After you mount the access point, follow these steps to deploy it on a wireless network:

Procedure

Step 1

Connect and power up the access point.

Step 2

Observe the access point LED.

For LED status descriptions, see Access point LED states.

  • When you power up the access point, it begins a power-up sequence that you can verify by observing the access point LED. If the power-up sequence is successful, the discovery and join process begins. During this process, the LED blinks green, red, and off sequentially. When the access point joins a controller, the LED is green if no clients are associated, or blue if one or more clients are associated.

  • If the LED is not on, it is most likely that the access point is not receiving power.

  • If the LED blinks sequentially for more than five minutes, the access point is unable to find its primary, secondary, and tertiary controller. Check the connection between the access point and the Cisco Wireless Controller, and be sure that the access point and the Cisco Wireless Controller are either on the same subnet or that the access point has a route back to its primary, secondary, and tertiary Cisco Wireless Controller. Also, if the access point is not on the same subnet as the Cisco Wireless Controller, ensure that there is a properly configured DHCP server on the same subnet as the access point.