Users Guide
Dell Networking W-AP220 Series Access Point
Installation Guide
The Dell Networking W-AP220 Series (W-AP224 and W-AP225) wireless access
point (AP) supports the IEEE 802.11ac standard for high-performance WLAN. The
access point uses MIMO (Multiple-in, Multiple-out) technology and other high-
throughput mode techniques to deliver high-performance, 802.11n 2.4 GHz and
802.11ac 5 GHz functionality while simultaneously supporting existing legacy
wireless services. The W-AP220 Series access point works only in conjunction with a
Dell Networking W-Series Mobility Controller.
The W-AP220 Series access point provides the following capabilities:
Wireless transceiver
Protocol-independent networking functionality
IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac operation as a wireless access point
IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac operation as a wireless air monitor
Compatibility with IEEE 802.3at PoE+ and 802.3af PoE
Central management configuration and upgrades with a Dell Controller
Package Contents
W-AP224 or W-AP225 Access Point
9/16" and 15/16” ceiling rail adapters
Installation guide (this document)
W-AP220 Series Hardware Overview
Figure 1
LEDs
LEDs
The W-AP220 Series access point is equipped with five LEDs that indicate the status
of the various components of the AP.
Table 1
LED Behavior
External Antenna Connectors
The W-AP224 access point is equipped with three external antenna connectors. The
connectors are labeled ANT0, ANT1, and ANT2, and correspond to radio chains 0, 1,
and 2.
Figure 2
External Antenna Connectors (W-AP224 only)
Figure 3
Bottom Panel
USB Interface
The W-AP220 Series access point is equipped with a USB interface for connectivity
with cellular modems.
Console Port
The serial console port allows you to connect the W-AP220 Series access point to a
serial terminal or a laptop for direct local management. This port is an RJ-45 female
connector with the pinouts described in Figure 4. Connect it directly to a terminal or
terminal server using an Ethernet cable.
Figure 4
Serial Port Pin-Out
Ethernet Ports
The W-AP220 Series access point is equipped with two 10/100/1000Base-T (RJ-45)
auto-sensing, MDI/MDX wired-network connectivity port. These ports support IEEE
802.3af and 802.3at Power over Ethernet (PoE) compliance, accepting 48 VDC
(nominal) as a standard defined Powered Device (PD) from a Power Sourcing
Equipment (PSE) such as a PoE midspan injector, or network infrastructure that
supports PoE.
The 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports are on the bottom of the AP. These ports have
RJ-45 female connectors with the pin-outs shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5
Gigabit Ethernet Port Pin-Out
Kensington Lock Slot
The W-AP220 Series is equipped with a Kensington lock slot for additional security.
Reset Button
The reset button can be used to return the W-AP220 Series access point to factory
default settings. To reset the AP:
1. Power off the AP.
2. Press and hold the reset button using a small, narrow object, such as a paperclip.
3. Power-on the AP without releasing the reset button. The power LED will flash
within 5 seconds.
4. Release the reset button.
The power LED will flash again within 15 seconds indicating that the reset is
completed. The AP will now continue to boot with the factory default settings.
DC Power Socket
If PoE is not available, an optional Dell AP AC-DC adapter kit (sold separately) can
be used to power the W-AP220 Series. When powered in this way, the AP will
operate in full power mode.
Additionally, a locally-sourced AC-to-DC adapter (or any DC source) can be used to
power this device, as long as it complies with all applicable local regulatory
requirements and the DC interface meets the following specifications:
12 VDC (+/- 5%)/18W
Center-positive 1.7/4.0 mm circular plug, 9.5 mm length
Power Modes
The W-AP220 Series access point can operate in two power modes. The AP’s mode is
not configurable and is determined by the AP based on the amount of power
available. The two modes are:
Full Power: The AP is receiving power from an 802.3at PoE source or is powered
using the optional AC-DC adapter kit. In this mode, all AP functionality is
available.
PoE Power Saving: The AP is receiving power from an 802.3af PoE source. In this
mode, the AP has somewhat reduced functionality: the second Ethernet port is
disabled, the USB port is disabled, the AP operates in 1x3 RF chain mode for 2.4
GHz (two transmit chains disabled). The behavior of 5 GHz radio depends on the
ArubaOS version running on the access point:
6.3.0.x: 2x3 RF chain (one transmit chain disabled)
6.3.1.x or later: 3x3 RF chain (no restrictions)
Before You Begin
Pre-Installation Network Requirements
After WLAN planning is complete and the appropriate products and their placement
have been determined, the Dell controller(s) must be installed and initial setup
performed before the Dell APs are deployed.
For initial setup of the controller, refer to the Dell Networking W-Series ArubaOS
Quick Start Guide for the software version installed on your controller.
AP Pre-Installation Checklist
Before installing your W-AP220 Series access point, ensure that you have the
following:
CAT5e or CAT6 UTP cable of required length
One of the following power sources:
IEEE 802.3at or 802.3af-compliant Power over Ethernet (PoE) source. The
POE source can be any power source equipment (PSE) controller or midspan
PSE device
Dell AP AC-DC adapter kit (sold separately)
Dell Controller provisioned on the network:
Layer 2/3 network connectivity to your access point
One of the following network services:
Aruba Discovery Protocol (ADP)
DNS server with an “A” record
DHCP Server with vendor-specific options
Summary of the Setup Process
Successful setup of an W-AP220 Series access point consists of five tasks, which must
be performed in this order:
1. Verify pre-installation connectivity.
2. Identify the specific installation location for each AP.
3. Install each AP.
4. Verify post-installation connectivity.
5. Configure each AP.
Verifying Pre-Installation Connectivity
Before you install APs in a network environment, make sure that the APs are able to
locate and connect to the controller after power on.
Specifically, you must verify the following conditions:
When connected to the network, each AP is assigned a valid IP address
APs are able to locate the controller
Refer to the Dell Networking W-Series ArubaOS Quick Start Guide for instructions
on locating and connecting to the controller.
Identifying Specific Installation Locations
You can mount the W-AP220 Series access point on a wall or on the ceiling. Use the
AP placement map generated by Dell VisualRF Plan software application to
determine the proper installation location(s). Each location should be as close as
possible to the center of the intended coverage area and should be free from
obstructions or obvious sources of interference. These RF absorbers/reflectors/
interference sources will impact RF propagation and should have been accounted for
during the planning phase and adjusted for in RF plan.
Identifying Known RF Absorbers/Reflectors/Interference Sources
Identifying known RF absorbers, reflectors, and interference sources while in the
field during the installation phase is critical. Make sure that these sources are taken
into consideration when you attach an AP to its fixed location. Examples of sources
that degrade RF performance include:
Cement and brick
Note: The W-AP220 Series requires W-Series ArubaOS 6.3.0.0 or later.
Note: Inform your supplier if there are any incorrect, missing, or damaged parts. If
possible, retain the carton, including the original packing materials. Use these
materials to repack and return the unit to the supplier if needed.
LED Color/State Meaning
PWR Off No power to AP
Red Initial power-up
Green - Flashing AP booting
Green - Steady AP ready
Orange AP ready and operating in PoE Power Saving Mode
ENET0, ENET1 Off Ethernet link unavailable
Amber - Steady 10/100Mbps Ethernet link established
Green - Steady 1000Mbps Ethernet link established
Flashing Ethernet link activity
5GHz Off 5 GHz radio disabled
Amber - Steady 5 GHz radio enabled in non-HT WLAN mode
Green - Steady 5 GHz radio enabled in HT WLAN mode
Flashing - Green 5 GHz Air or Spectrum Monitor
2.4GHz Off 2.4 GHz radio disabled
Amber - Steady 2.4 GHz radio enabled in non-HT WLAN mode
Green - Steady 2.4 GHz radio enabled in HT WLAN mode
Flashing - Green 2.4 GHz Air or Spectrum Monitor
2.4GHz
5GHz
ENET1
ENET0
PWR
Note: The USB interface is disabled when the W-AP220 Series is powered from
802.3af PoE.
Note: When operating on 802.3af, only the port connected to power is
usable. For example, if the power source is connected to ENET 0, then
ENET 1 will not work.
ANT0
ANT2
ANT1
56V 350mA
Kensington Lock
USB Interface
Console Port
Ethernet Ports
DC Power Socket
Reset Button
Serial
Console Port
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
TxD
GND
RxD
RJ-45 Female
Pin-Out
GND
Caution: FCC Statement: Improper termination of access points installed in the
United States configured to non-US model controllers will be in violation of the
FCC grant of equipment authorization. Any such willful or intentional violation may
result in a requirement by the FCC for immediate termination of operation and may
be subject to forfeiture (47 CFR 1.80).
Caution: EU Statement:
Lower power radio LAN product operating in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Please
refer to the
Dell Networking W-Series ArubaOS User Guide
for details on
restrictions.
Produit réseau local radio basse puissance operant dans la bande fréquence 2.4
GHz et 5 GHz. Merci de vous referrer au
Dell Networking W-Series ArubaOS User
Guide
pour les details des restrictions.
Low Power FunkLAN Produkt, das im 2.4 GHz und im 5 GHz Band arbeitet. Weitere
Informationen bezlüglich Einschränkungen finden Sie im
Dell Networking W-
Series ArubaOS User Guide
Apparati Radio LAN a bassa Potenza, operanti a 2.4 GHz e 5 GHz. Fare riferimento
alla
Dell Networking W-Series ArubaOS User Guide
per avere informazioni
detagliate sulle restrizioni.
1000Base-T Gigabit
Ethernet Port
RJ-45 Female
Pin-Out
Signal Name
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
BI_DC+
BI_DC-
BI_DD+
BI_DD-
BI_DA+
BI_DA-
BI_DB+
BI_DB-
Function
Bi-directional pair +C, POE Positive
Bi-directional pair -C, POE Positive
Bi-directional pair +D, POE Negative
Bi-directional pair -D, POE Negative
Bi-directional pair +A, POE Negative
Bi-directional pair -A, POE Negative
Bi-directional pair +B, POE Positive
Bi-directional pair -B, POE Positive
Note: Dell, in compliance with governmental requirements, has designed the W-
AP220 Series access points so that only authorized network administrators can
change the settings. For more information about AP configuration, refer to the
Dell
Networking W-Series
ArubaOS Quick Start Guide and Dell Networking W-Series
ArubaOS User Guide
.
Caution: Access points are radio transmission devices and as such are subject
to governmental regulation. Network administrators responsible for the
configuration and operation of access points must comply with local broadcast
regulations. Specifically, access points must use channel assignments
appropriate to the location in which the access point will be used.