Installing the Access Point

Installing an AP involves these high-level tasks:

Unpacking the Package

Package contents

Each AP package contains the following items:

  • One access point (CW9172H)

  • Default mounting bracket: wall plate bracket (CW-MNT-H1)

  • Passthrough cable jumper

  • Allen key or security release tool

  • Long Torx (25mm) security screw

  • Two short flat head T8 Torx M2.5x12mm security screws

  • Mylar label to cover the screw


Note

The CW9172H is also compatible with MA-MNT-MR-H1A and AIR-AP-BRACKET-W4.
Figure 1. CW9172H package contents

Unpacking 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:

  • Mounting brackets to mount the AP

    Mounting Brackets

    Description

    CW-MNT-H1-00

    Mounting bracket

    CW-MNT-H3-00

    Port lock kit

    CW-ACC-DESK1-00

    Desk mount kit

    CW-ACC-SPACER1-00

    Wall spacer kit

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

    Power Supply

    Description

    CW-INJ-8

    Cisco Wireless 802.3bt PoE injector

    Power Specifications: 60W, 10 Gbps Ethernet

    For more information, see power injector data sheet.

    AIR-PWRINJ7=

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

    Power specifications: 50W, 56VDC

    For more information, see the power injector data sheet.

    AIR-PWRINJ6=

    A 802.3at power injector when PoE is not available

    Power Specifications: 30W, 55VDC

    For more information, see the power injector data sheet.

    MA-INJ-6-x

    Meraki 802.3bt PoE injector

    Power Specifications: 60W, 55VDC

    For more information, see the power injector data sheet.

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 Deploying the Access Point on a Wireless Network.
The following illustration shows the preinstallation configuration setup:

Perform the following steps:

Before you begin

Ensure that the Cisco Controller 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, Cisco Controller Management, and AP-Manager 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 Configuring DHCP Option 43 for more information.


    Note

    • The AP requires a 10G 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 Powering 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 Cisco Catalyst 9800 controller, ensure that you configure this setup:

  • 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.

Collect information about your wireless network such as:

  • Access point locations, and

  • Access point mounting options:

    • on a wall

    • on a flat horizontal surface, or

    • on top of a desk.


Note
For more information, see Mounting the access point.

  • Access point power options: The CW9172H can be powered using various options such as:

    • Cisco-approved power injector

    • PoE with a supported switch


    Note

    • The Underwriter Laboratories (UL)-approved Listed Power Adapter must meet the following minimum specifications: Rated output of 42.5 to 57 Vdc, min. 1.25-0.93A, Tma of 50°C minimum, altitude of 3048m minimum.

    • If 802.3af is used, all the radios get switched off. Ethernet gets downgraded to 1 GbE. The Wi-Fi client serving radios and IoT radio are switched off.

  • Operating temperature: 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C)

  • 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.

Mounting the access point

The CW9172H can be mounted directly on a wall, on an electrical or network box, or on a desk.

Table 1. Access point mounting options

Mounting type

Mounting bracket

Mount the AP directly on a wall using a wall bracket

Supported wall brackets:

  • CW-MNT-H1

  • MA-MNT-MR-H1A

  • AIR-AP-BRACKET-W4

Mount on a wall using a wall spacer accessory

CW-ACC-SPACER1-00

Mount on a wall using a port lock accessory

CW-MNT-H3-00

Mount on a desk using a desktop accessory

CW-ACC-DESK1-00

Keep these additional tools handy before mounting the AP:

  • A drill and a 0.1360-in. (3.4772 mm) drill bit

  • A Phillips head screw driver

  • A small hammer

Mount the AP directly on a wall using a wall bracket

To mount the AP on a wall, use one of these brackets:

  • CW-MNT-H1: Shipped by default with the CW9172H.

    The package also includes

    • Passthrough cable jumper

    • Allen key or security release tool

    • Long Torx (25mm) security screw

    • Two short flat head T8 Torx M2.5x12mm security screws

    • Mylar label to cover the screw

  • MA-MNT-MR-H1A: Meraki bracket that can be ordered separately.

  • AIR-AP-BRACKET-W4: Backward compatible with this bracket used with C9105AXW.

Procedure

Step 1

Determine the mounting location for the access point.

Step 2

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

  • use the RJ45 jumper cable to connect the PoE port to the pass-through port at the back of the AP, or

  • connect the PoE supply cable to the pass-through port on the base of the AP.

Figure 2. CW-MNT-H1 or MA-MNT-MR-H1A: Routing the passthrough cable from the back
Figure 3. AIR-AP-BRACKET-W4: Routing the passthrough cable from the back

Step 3

Fasten the bracket to the wall using screws.

Figure 4. Fasten CW-MNT-H1 or MA-MNT-MR-H1A to the wall
Figure 5. Fasten AIR-AP-BRACKET-W4 to the wall

Step 4

Line the top edge of the AP with the top tab of the bracket, and guide the AP until its top tabs are locked into the bracket.

Step 5

Adjust the AP to guide its bottom slot into the cradle’s bottom tab until the AP's bottom slot clicks into place with the bracket.

Figure 6. Lock the AP into CW-MNT-H1 or MA-MNT-MR-H1A
Figure 7. Lock the AP into AIR-AP-BRACKET-W4

Step 6

Secure the AP to the bracket using the included Torx security screw.

Figure 8. Secure AP to CW-MNT-H1 or MA-MNT-MR-H1A
Figure 9. Secure AP to AIR-AP-BRACKET-W4

Mount on a wall using a wall spacer accessory

Mount the AP using the wall spacer accessory (CW-ACC-SPACER1-00) where additional clearance is needed behind the AP.

The wall spacer accessory kit includes:

  • Wall spacer accessory (CW-ACC-SPACER1-00)

  • Two male-to-female ethernet adapters

  • Allen key or security release tool

  • Two short Torx security screws (12mm)

Figure 10. Wall spacer accessory (CW-ACC-SPACER1-00) kit contents

Procedure

Step 1

Fasten the spacer accessory (CW-ACC-SPACER1-00) to the wall or junction box using screws.

Step 2

Route the ethernet cable and the pass through cable through the side or bottom of the spacer.

Step 3

Attach the male to female ethernet adapter that comes with the accessory kit to the wall mount bracket.

Step 4

Route the uplink ethernet cable through the spacer and plug it into the ethernet adapter.

Step 5

Attach the male end of the ethernet adapter to the uplink port of the AP.

If there is a pass through device, use the second male to female adapter to attach the male end of the ethernet adapter to the pass through port.

Alternatively, if the bottom pass-through port is used to attach the uplink ethernet cable, use the jumper cable to connect the uplink port and the pass through port in the back

Step 6

Line the top edge of the AP with the top tab of the bracket, and guide the AP until its top tabs are locked into the bracket.

Step 7

Adjust the AP to guide its bottom slot into the cradle’s bottom tab until the AP's bottom slot clicks into place with the bracket.

Step 8

Secure the AP to the bracket using the included Torx security screw.

Mount on a wall using a port lock accessory

Mount the AP using the port lock accessory (CW-MNT-H3-00) where the LAN access ports of the AP need to be secured to prevent wired devices from being connected to or disconnected from the AP.

The port lock accessory kit includes:

  • Port lock base

  • Port lock cover

  • Allen key or security release tool

  • Long Torx security screw (25mm)

  • Two short Torx security screws (12mm)

Figure 11. Port lock accessory (CW-MNT-H3-00) kit contents

Before you begin

To use this port lock accessory, the CW-MNT-H1 or MA-MNT-MR-H1A is required.

Procedure

Step 1

Align the wall mount bracket over the port lock accessory and use screws to attach the port lock accessory to the wall or junction box.

Step 2

Route the uplink ethernet cable through the spacer and plug it into the ethernet adapter.

Step 3

Line the top edge of the AP with the top tab of the wall mount bracket, and guide the AP until its top tabs are locked into the bracket.

  1. Connect the uplink cable into the uplink port or insert the jumper cable to connect the uplink to the passthrough port on the back of the AP.

Step 4

Adjust the AP to guide its bottom slot into the cradle’s bottom tab until the AP's bottom slot clicks into place with the bracket.

  1. Connect the uplink cable to the bottom passthrough port if the jumper cable was used in 3.a.

Step 5

Secure the AP to the bracket using the included provided screws.

Step 6

Use the Allen key tool to secure the port cover using the 25mm torx screw on the right side and 12mm torx screw on the left side.

Mount on a desk using a desktop accessory

Mount the AP using the desktop stand accessory (CW-ACC-DESK1-00) where the AP needs to be placed on a desk.

The desktop stand accessory kit includes:

  • Desktop cover

  • Desktop base

  • Passthrough jumper cable

  • Allen key or security release tool

  • Torx security screw (12mm)

  • Desktop K-lock bracket and screw

Figure 12. Desktop stand accessory (CW-ACC-DESK1-00) kit contents

Procedure

Step 1

Connect the ethernet cable to the pass through jumper port at the back of the AP.

Step 2

Line the top edge of the AP with that of the desk mount accessory, and guide the bottom slot of the AP into the bottom tab of desktop cover until the AP clicks into place in the desktop cover.

Step 3

Place the AP along with the attached desktop cover onto the desktop base.

Step 4

Secure the AP to the desktop kit using the included Torx security screw.

Note

 

To physically secure the AP, use the Kensington lock attachment that comes with the desktop accessory. Attach the bracket to the desktop cover and screw it.

Step 5

Connect the uplink cable to the pass through port and the local LAN cables to the LAN port.

Powering 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.

The CW9172H can be powered through PoE in these configurations:

Power Source

2.4-GHz radio

5-GHz radio

6-GHz radio

mGig link speed

PoE Out

Max PoE at PD

802.3bt class 5 (UPoE)

2x2

2x2

2x2

2.5G

Y (15.4W)

41 W

802.3at (PoE+)

2x2

2x2

2x2

2.5G

N

25.5 W

802.3af (PoE)

1x1

-

-

1G

N

12.95 W