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Dell PowerConnect W-IAP100 Series Instant Access Point

Installation Guide

 

The Dell PowerConnect W-IAP104 and W-IAP105 wireless access points support 
the IEEE 802.11n standard for high-performance WLAN. This 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 5 GHz functionality 
while simultaneously supporting existing 802.11a/b/g wireless services. 

The Dell PowerConnect W-IAP100 Series access points provide the following 
capabilities:

Wireless transceiver

Protocol-independent networking functionality

IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n operation as a wireless access point

IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n operation as a wireless air monitor

Compatibility with IEEE 802.3af PoE 

Central management configuration and upgrades through a Dell PowerConnect 
W-Instant Virtual Controller

Package Contents

W-IAP104 or W-IAP105 access point 

Installation guide (this document)

Dell PowerConnect W-Instant Quick Start Guide

Dell PowerConnect W-Series Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory 
Information document 

W-IAP100 Series Hardware Overview

Figure 1  

W-IAP100 Series Front (W-IAP104 shown)

LEDs

The W-IAP100 Series is equipped with four LEDs that indicate the status of the 
various components of the IAP.

PWR: Indicates whether or not the W-IAP100 Series is powered-on

ENET: Indicates the status of the W-IAP100 Series’ Ethernet port

11A/N: Indicates the status of the 802.11a/n radio

11B/G/N: Indicates the status of the 802.11b/g/n radio

For information about the W-IAP100 Series’ LED behavior, see 

Table 1 on page 2

.

External Antenna Connectors

The W-IAP104 is designed for use with external antennas and equipped with four 
external antenna connectors. The W-IAP105 is equipped with internal antennas.

Figure 2  

W-IAP100 Series Rear

Console Port

Use the console port to connect to a terminal for direct local management.

Ethernet Port

W-IAP100 Series is equipped with a single 10/100/1000Base-T (RJ-45) auto-sensing, 
MDI/MDX wired-network connectivity port. Supporting IEEE 802.3af Power over 
Ethernet (PoE). This port accepts 48VDC as a standard defined Powered Device 
(PD) from Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) such as a PoE midspan injector, or 
network infrastructure that supports PoE.

DC Power Socket

If PoE is not available, an optional Dell power adapter kit (sold separately) can be 
used to power the W-IAP100 Series. 

Reset Button

The reset button can be used to return the IAP to factory default settings. To reset 
the IAP:
1. Power off the IAP.
2. Press and hold the reset button using a small, narrow object, such as a paperclip.
3. Power-on the IAP 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 IAP will now continue to boot with the factory default settings.

Before You Begin

IAP Pre-Installation Checklist

Before installing your W-IAP100 Series IAP, ensure that you have the following:

CAT5 UTP cable of required length

One of the following power sources:

IEEE 802.3af-compliant Power over Ethernet (PoE) source

The POE source can be any Power Source Equipment (PSE) controller or 
midspan PSE device

Dell power adapter kit (sold separately)

Summary of the Setup Process

Setup an W-IAP100 Series access point by following the five tasks listed below:
1. Verify pre-installation connectivity.
2. Identify the specific installation location for each IAP.
3. Install each IAP.
4. Verify post-installation connectivity.
5. Configure each IAP. 

Identifying Specific Installation Locations

You can mount the W-IAP100 Series access point on a wall or on the ceiling. Use the 
IAP placement map generated by Dell’s RF 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 IAP to its fixed location. Examples of sources 
that degrade RF performance include:

Cement and brick

Objects that contain water

Metal

Microwave ovens

Wireless phones and headsets

Installing the IAP

Using the Integrated Wall-Mounting Slots

The keyhole-shaped slots on the back of the IAP can be used to attach the device 
upright to an indoor wall or shelf. When you choose the mounting location, allow 
additional space at the right of the unit for cables.
1. Since the ports are on the back of the device, make sure that you mount the IAP 

in such a way that there is a clear path to the Ethernet port, such as a pre-drilled 
hole in the mounting surface.

2. At the mounting location, install two screws on the wall or shelf, 1 7/8 inches 

(4.7 cm) apart. If you are attaching the device to drywall, it is recommended that 
using appropriate wall anchors (not included).

3. Align the mounting slots on the rear of the IAP over the screws and slide the unit 

into place (see 

Figure 3

).

Figure 3  

Installing the W-IAP100 Series Access Point on a Wall

Using the Integrated Ceiling Tile Rail Slots

The snap-in tile rail slots on the rear of the IAP can be used to securely attach the 
device directly to a 15/16" wide, standard ceiling tile rail.

1. Pull the necessary cables through a prepared hole in the ceiling tile where the IAP 

will be placed.

2. If necessary, connect the console cable to the console port on the back of the IAP.

Hold the IAP next to the ceiling tile rail with the mounting slots at approximately a 
30-degree angle to the ceiling tile rail (see 

Figure 4

). Make sure that any cable slack is 

above the ceiling tile.

Figure 4  

Orienting the Ceiling Tile Rail Mounting Slots

3. Pushing toward the ceiling tile, rotate the IAP clockwise until the device clicks 

into place on the ceiling tile rail.

Connecting Required Cables

Install cables in accordance with all applicable local and national regulations and 
practices.

Ethernet Ports

The RJ45 Ethernet port (ENET) supports 10/100/1000Base-T auto-sensing MDI/
MDX connections. Use a 4- or 8-conductor, Category 5 UTP cable up to 100 m (325 
feet) long.

The 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet port is on the back of the IAP. The port has an RJ-
45 female connector with the pin-outs shown in 

Figure 5

.

Note:  Inform your supplier if there are 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.

AP104_001

PWR

ENET

11B/G/N

11A/N

External 

Antenna 

Connector

Note:  If you have converted your W-IAP100 Series to a controller managed 
campus AP, resetting the device will convert it back into a factory default IAP.

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 PowerConnect W-Instant 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 PowerConnect W-Instant 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 PowerConnect 

W-Instant User Guide.
Apparati Radio LAN a bassa Potenza, operanti a 2.4 GHz e 5 GHz. Fare riferimento alla 
Dell PowerConnect W-Instant User Guide per avere informazioni detagliate sulle 
restrizioni.

AP105_002

C

O

NSOLE

ENET

12V       1.25A

CONSOLE

ENET

Power 

Connector

Reset Button

Note:  Dell, in compliance with governmental requirements, has designed the W-
IAP100 Series access points so that only authorized network administrators can 
change the settings. For more information about IAP configuration, refer to the 

Dell 

PowerConnect W-Instant Quick Start Guide and the Dell PowerConnect W-Instant 
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.

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 13.78 inches (35 cm) between the radiator and your body for 
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz operations. This transmitter must not be co-located or 
operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. When operated in 
the 5.15 to 5.25 GHz frequency range, this device is restricted to indoor use to 
reduce the potential for harmful interference with co-channel Mobile Satellite 
Systems.

Caution:  Installation and service of Dell PowerConnect W-Series products should 
be performed by trained service personnel only.

Caution:  Make sure the IAP fits securely on the ceiling tile rail when hanging the 
device from the ceiling.

AP105_003

AP105_004

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