User's Manual

BelAirOS User Guide AP Auto-configuration
April 22, 2012 Confidential Page 78 of 362
Document Number BDTM00000-A02 Draft
AP Auto-configuration
With auto-configuration, the AP can automatically obtain a script file after it
powers up. The AP then configures itself based on the content of the file.
Auto-configuration minimizes the amount of manual intervention required to
pre-configure the AP before you install it. To create a valid script file, refer to
the guidelines listed in “Creating and Using Script Files” on page 76.
The following sections describe the different ways you can automatically supply
a script file to the AP:
• “DHCP Options” on page 78
• “DNS” on page 81
• “Configuration Download Profile” on page 82
All methods are independent, but can be used in conjunction with each other.
For example, you can use DHCP options to download a script file that
configures the configuration download profile. You then use the configuration
download profile to download a second script file for the rest of the AP.
DHCP Options
With this method, the AP uses the exchange of DHCP packets with a DHCP
server as a means of exchanging information during startup. The AP uses
DHCP Options 12, 60, 55 and 43 to retrieve extra information during startup
and to supply the DHCP server with information about itself.
The AP provides the system identifier host name through DHCP Option 12
and the vendor class identifier
BelAir Networks through DHCP Option 60.
Through DHCP Option 55, the DHCP server provides the AP with the
following parameters in addition to basic IP parameters (address, subnet mask
and default route) described in “Configuring Dynamic IP Addressing” on
page 62:
• TFTP server IP address and script file name. These parameters cause a TFTP
session to be created and the script file to be downloaded and executed
during startup.
• DNS domain name. Only one domain name is valid at any one time per AP
and not per interface. See “Configuring the Domain Name System Lookup
Service” on page 65.