Meru Networks AP1000 SERIES, Installation Manual

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Installing AP320i
© 2010 Meru Networks, Inc. Installing AP320i
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Installing AP320i
Select a Location
All AP320i interconnected equipment must be contained within the same building, including the inter-
connected equipment's associated LAN connection. Ceiling mounting is recommended but wall
mounting is also supported. In addition, the AP320i should be mounted in a location that meets the
following conditions:

Relatively unobstructed access to the stations the AP serves. Select a location with minimal physical
obstructions between the AP and the wireless stations. In an office with cubicles, mounting the APs
below a hanging ceiling (plenum is supported) or the wall near the ceiling provides the least
obstructed communications path. On a wall, orient the AP300 horizontally so that you can read the
Meru logo without tilting your head at 90 degrees - this orientation provides optimum MIMO
performance.

Access to wall outlet or a to a Power over Ethernet (PoE) connection to the network switch servicing
the controller.
AP320i is designed to provide 180 degree omni-directional coverage as illustrated below. Plan place-
ment with this pattern in mind.
Figure 16: Coverage Pattern for AP320i When Ceiling Mounted
Most installations receive the best coverage using the following guidelines:

Install APs toward the center of the building.

Place APs about 80 feet apart.

Do not install APs near metal objects, such as heating ducts, metal doors, or electric service panels.

If you install AP320i on a pole, keep in mind that coverage will be 180 degrees. Do not mount two
AP320is back to back on a pole to achieve 360 degree coverage, however, because the two units
could interfere with each other.
Install the Access Point
The AP320i ships with a detachable ceiling mounting bracket, making the unit ready for ceiling
mounting. You can also remove the ceiling-mount bracket and use the included wall-mount bracket.
The wall mount bracket can be attached to sheetrock, wall studs, or another wall bracket supplied by
Meru and by other vendors. If you are replacing AP200s/AP300 wall brackets, the AP320i bracket can
be mounted on top of the old AP200/AP300 bracket using shoulder screws (not included); you don’t
need to remove the old brackets. AP320i can also be directly mounted on standard third-party wall
ceiling
floor