Users Guide

Table Of Contents
Dell PowerConnect ArubaOS 5.0 | User Guide The Basic User-Centric Networks | 49
Installing Licenses
ArubaOS consists of a base operating system with optional software modules that you can activate by installing
license keys. If you use the Setup Wizard during the initial setup phase, you will have the opportunity to install
software licenses at that time. Refer to Chapter 27, “Software Licenses” on page527 for detailed information on
Licenses.
Connecting the Controller to the Network
Connect the ports on the controller to the appropriately-configured ports on an L2 switch or router. Make sure
that you have the correct cables and that the port LEDs indicate proper connections. Refer to the Installation
Guide for the controller for port LED and cable descriptions.
To verify that the controller is accessible on the network:
z If you are using VLAN 1 to connect the controller to the network (“Deployment Scenario #2” on page42 and
“Deployment Scenario #3” on page43), ping the VLAN 1 IP address from a workstation on the network.
z If you created and configured a new VLAN (“Deployment Scenario #3” on page43), ping the IP address of
the new VLAN from a workstation on the network.
Deploying APs
Dell APs and AMs are designed to require only minimal setup to make them operational in an user-centric
network. Once APs have established communication with the controller, you can apply advanced configuration to
individual APs or groups of APs in the network using the WebUI on the controller.
You can deploy APs by doing the following steps:
1. Run the Java-based RF Plan tool to help position APs and import floorplans for your installation.
2. Ensure that the APs can locate the controller when they are connected to the network. There are several ways
in which APs can locate the controller.
3. When deploying APs in a mesh networking environment, you must define the mesh cluster profile, mesh
radio profile, and provision the AP as a mesh portal or mesh point. Note that this step is required only if you
are configuring a mesh nodes.
4. Install the APs by connecting the AP to an Ethernet port. If power over Ethernet (PoE) is not used, connect
the AP to a power source.
5. On the controller, configure the APs.
The following sections explain each of the above steps.
Running the RF Plan
The Java-based RF Plan tool is an application that allows you to determine AP placement based on your specified
coverage and capacity requirements without impacting the live network. For more information about using RF
Plan, see the RF Plan Installation and User Guide.
Note: In many deployment scenarios, an external firewall is situated between various Dell devices. Appendix B, “External
Firewall Configuration” describes the network ports that must be configured on the external firewall to allow proper operation
of the network.