Dell PowerConnect W-AP175 Outdoor Access Point Installation Guide The Dell PowerConnect W-AP175 is a resilient, environmentally hardened, outdoor rated, dual-radio, dual-band IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless access point. This outdoor access point is part of Dell’s comprehensive wireless network solution. The W-AP175 works only in conjunction with an Dell PowerConnect W-Series controller and each AP can be centrally managed, configured, and upgraded through the controller.
Package Contents W-AP175 Access Point W-AP175 Mounting Bracket Solar Shield Pole Anchors x 2 M4 x 16 bolts, flat washers, and spring washers x4 (These bolts are attached to the solar shield) M6 x 30 bolts, flat washers, and spring washers x2 M4 x 12 bolt, external-tooth washer, and OT copper lug x1 M8 x 110 bolt, flat washers, spring washers, and nuts x4 Metal Weatherproof Caps x2 for use on unused antenna interfaces RJ-45 Connector Kit with plastic RJ-45 connector (W-
W-AP175 Hardware Overview The following section describes the hardware features of the W-AP175.
USB Console Interface A USB serial console port is provided for connection to a terminal, allowing direct local management. Use the included USB console cable to connect to the AP. You can download the necessary driver for USB-UART adapter from download.dell-pcw.com under Tools & Resources.
W-AP175P LED Status Indicators The W-AP175 include visual indicators for power, link, and radio status. Additionally, each radio has a four-LED array that indicates received signal strength (RSSI). NOTE: The RSSI LED indicators represent varying degrees in the RSSI level. The absence of a signal is indicated by no LED response, and full signal strength is indicated when all four LEDs are active and lit.
Table 2 W-AP175P LED Status Indicators (Continued) LED Function Indicator Status RSSI (Radio 1) RSSI Level for Radio 1 Off RSSI disabled/no signal 4 Step Progressive Bars (Blue) Each bar represents a progressive increase in signal strength, with 4 bars representing maximum signal strength (100%). Minimum data rate: One lit LEDs Maximum data rate: Four lit LEDs 25/50/75/100% W-AP175AC/DC LED Status Indicators The W-AP175 include visual indicators for power, link, heat and radio status.
Table 3 W-AP175AC/DC LED Status Indicators (Continued) LED Function Indicator Status ENT LAN/Network Link Status Off Ethernet link unavailable On (Amber) 10/100 Mbs ethernet link negotiated On (Green) 1000 Mbs ethernet link negotiated Blinking Traffic on ethernet link Off Radio 0 disabled On (Amber) Radio 0 enabled in WLAN mode Blinking Air Monitor (AM) mode Off Radio 1disabled On (Blue) Radio 1 enabled in WLAN mode Blinking Air Monitor (AM) mode Off RSSI disabled/no signal 4 Ste
Identifying Known RF Absorbers/Reflectors/Interferences Sources Identifying known RF absorbers/reflectors/interference sources while out in the field during the installation phase is critical. Even though outdoor environments consist of fewer RF absorbers/reflectors/interference sources compared to indoor environments, ensure that these sources are identified and taken into consideration when installing and mounting an AP to its fixed outdoor location.
Be sure there is enough clearance from buildings and that no building construction may eventually block the path. For very long distance links, the curvature of the earth (20 cm per km) may need to be considered in the calculation of relative heights.
Figure 5 Antenna Height and Line of Sight Radio Line of Sight Visual Line of Sight 3 miles (4.8 km) 2.4 m A 5.4 m B 1.4 m 9m 20 m 17 m 12 m A wireless bridge or mesh link is deployed to connect building A to building B, which is located three miles (4.8 km) away. Mid-way between the two buildings is a small tree-covered hill. From the above table it can be seen that for a three-mile link, the object clearance required at the mid-point is 5.3 m (17.4 ft).
Weather Conditions When planning wireless bridge or mesh links, you must take into account any extreme weather conditions that are known to affect your location. Consider these factors: Temperature: The wireless bridge or mesh link is tested for normal operation in temperatures from -30ºC to 55ºC. Operating in temperatures outside of this range may cause the unit to fail. Wind Velocity: The wireless bridge or mesh link can operate in winds up to 165 miles per hour.
3. Place the included metal weatherproof caps over any unused antenna interfaces by turning them clockwise until hand tight. Weatherproofing Connections Weatherproofing your antenna and/or cable connections on your outdoor AP is essential to reliability and longevity of your product. This process prevents water from entering the AP or antennas through the connectors. A good weatherproofing job consists of three wrappings: 1. electrical tape 2. butyl rubber 3.
Figure 6 Directly Connected Antennas AP175_11 Weep holes Dell PowerConnect W-AP175 Outdoor Access Point | Installation Guide 13
Figure 7 Cable Connections Connectors on bottom of antenna N-type connector on an RF cable AP175_16 N-type connector on a pigtail Important Points to Remember 14 Do not cover the weep holes on the antennas. Doing so can restrict the release of condensation from the antennas. Proper weatherproofing is not a fast process. Set aside ample time to complete the steps outlined below. When wrapping, make the each layer of tape as flat as possible.
Weatherproofing Directly Connected Antennas First Wrapping of Tape 1. Before wrapping the antennas, locate the weep holes (Figure 6). Weep holes allow condensation that has built up inside the antenna to escape. 2. Prepare the antenna connector by cleaning and drying it. 3. Cut a 4” (100 mm) strip of electrical tape from the roll. Pre-cutting the tape into strips makes in easier to maneuver the tape around the antennas and other components of the AP’s case. 4.
Wrapping of Butyl Rubber 1. Cut a 3/4” (19 mm) strip of butyl rubber. 2. Wrap the strip of rubber around the taped connector (Figure 9) 3. Join the two ends by pushing them together until there is no longer a seam (Figure 10).
Second Wrapping of Tape 1. Cut a 4” (100 mm) strip of electrical tape from the roll. 2. Where you begin wrapping depends on the orientation of the antenna. Water should flow in the opposite direction of the wrapping to prevent water from entering the connector between the layers of tape. Therefore, if the antenna is facing up, you should begin wrapping at the AP end of the connector. This will ensure that your fourth and final layer will be layered correctly.
Weatherproofing Cable Connections First Wrapping of Tape 1. Prepare the antenna connector by cleaning and drying it. 2. Cut a 4” (100 mm) strip of electrical tape from the roll. Pre-cutting the tape into strips makes in easier to maneuver the tape around the connectors and other components but is not required. 3. Beginning at the top of the connector, tightly wrap the connection with a layer of the 3/4” (19mm) electrical tape. Overlap the tape to a half-width. 4.
Wrapping of Butyl Rubber 1. Cut a piece of butyl rubber large enough to wrap around the connector and extended past the first layer of tape. 2. Wrap the strip of rubber around the taped connector (Figure 13) 3. Join the two ends by pushing them together until there is no longer a seam (Figure 14).
Second Wrapping of Tape 1. Cut a 4” (100 mm) strip of electrical tape from the roll. 2. Using 3/4” (19mm) electrical tape, begin wrapping at the connector and create four layers. 3. After completing the fourth layer of tape, check your work to ensure there are no places where water can collect. If there are, you must smooth out those areas with additional layers of tape or remove the weatherproofing and begin again.
Installing the W-AP175 on a Pole 1. Attach the W-AP175 on the mounting bracket using the two M6 x30 bolts (with flat and spring washers) on each side of the mounting bracket. AP175_03 Figure 16 Attaching the mounting bracket to the AP 2. Attach the mounting bracket (with W-AP175) on the pole using four M8 x110 bolts (with flat washers, spring washers and nuts) and the pair of pole anchors.
Installing the W-AP175 on a Wall 1. Begin by marking the screw points on the wall in the location you have selected. a. Put the mounting bracket on the installation position against the wall. b. Mark four expansion screw holes on the wall. Figure 18 Position of the screw holes 2. Use a drill to create four holes on the four markings you created in the previous step. 3. Install wall (masonry) anchors. a. Insert a masonry anchor into each drilled hole. b.
Figure 19 Attaching the AP to the Mounting Bracket Front Front Grounding the W-AP175 The grounding must be completed before powering up the W-AP175. The resistance of grounding wire should be less than 5 ohm and the grounding cable’s cross-section area should be no less than 6 mm.The grounding hole is at the right side of the W-AP175. Figure 20 Grounding the W-AP175 AP175_04 1.
Connecting the Ethernet Cable (W-AP175P) To ensure that your outdoor access point (AP) maintains ethernet connectivity and Power over Ethernet (PoE), you must use the included weatherproof connector kit and install it using the steps below. WARNING: Failure to use the included weatherproof connector kit can lead to connectivity and PoE issues.
Connecting the Ethernet Cable (W-AP175AC/DC) To ensure that your outdoor access point (AP) maintains ethernet connectivity and Power over Ethernet (PoE), you must use the included weatherproof connector kit and install it using the steps below. WARNING: Failure to use the included weatherproof connector kit can lead to connectivity and PoE issues.
Figure 23 Connecting the Ethernet cable Connecting the Power Cable (W-AP175 AC/DC) CAUTION: Installation and service of Dell products should be performed by Professional Installers. The W-AP175AC and W-AP175DC versions need an outdoor rated power cable to connect to a compatible AC or DC power source. NOTE: The W-AP175 does not ship with any power cables; these are available as accessories and should be ordered separately.
Attaching the Solar Shield to the W-AP175 Attach the solar shield to the W-AP175 by using the four M4 x16 (with flat and spring washers).
Product Specifications Mechanical Dimensions (H x W x D) 10.2 inches x 9.4 inches x 4.1 inches 26 cm x 24 cm x 10.5 cm Weight: 7 lbs/3.25 kg Shipping Dimensions (H x W x D) 12.9 inches x 12.6 inches x 11.8 inches 33 cm x 32 cm x 30 cm Shipping Weight: 16.6 lbs/7.
Other: 1 x USB console interface Wireless LAN AP type: Dual-radio, dual-band 802.11n outdoor Supported frequency bands (country-specific restrictions apply): 2.400 to 2.4835 GHz 5.150 to 5.250 GHz 5.250 to 5.350 GHz 5.470 to 5.725 GHz 5.725 to 5.850 GHz Available channels: Controller-managed, dependent upon configured regulatory domain Supported radio technologies: 802.11b: Direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) 802.
Safety and Regulatory Compliance Dell provides a multi-language document containing country specific restrictions and additional safety and regulatory information for all Dell hardware products. The Dell PowerConnect W-Series Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory Information document is included with this product. CAUTION: RF Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 13.
Proper Disposal of Dell Equipment For the most current information about Global Environmental Compliance and Dell products, see dell.com. Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment Dell products at end of life are subject to separate collection and treatment in the EU Member States, Norway, and Switzerland and therefore are marked with the symbol shown at the left (crossed-out wheelie bin).
Contacting Support Website Support Main Website dell.com Support Website support.dell.com Dell Documentation support.dell.com/manuals Copyright © 2011 Aruba Networks, Inc. Aruba Networks trademarks include , Aruba Networks®, Aruba Wireless Networks®, the registered Aruba the Mobile Edge Company logo, and Aruba Mobility Management System®. Dell™, the DELL™ logo, and PowerConnect™ are trademarks of Dell Inc. All rights reserved. Specifications in this manual are subject to change without notice.
