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Dell Networking W-IAP103 Instant Access Point

Installation Guide

 

The Dell Networking W-IAP103 Instant access point (IAP) supports the IEEE 
802.11n standard for high-performance WLAN. The access point uses MIMO 
(Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) technology and other high-throughput mode 
techniques to deliver high-performance, 802.11n 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz functionality 
while simultaneously supporting existing 802.11a/b/g wireless services. The 
W-IAP103 Instant access point works only in conjunction with a virtual controller.

The W-IAP103 Instant access point provides 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 

Package Contents

W-IAP103 Instant access point 

9/16" and 15/16” Ceiling Rail Adapters

Quick Start Guide

Installation guide (this document)

W-IAP103 Hardware Overview

Figure 1  

W-IAP103 LEDs

LEDs

The W-IAP103 Instant access point is equipped with four LEDs that indicate the 
status of the various components of the IAP.

PWR: Indicates whether or not the IAP is powered-on

ENET: Indicates the status of the IAP’s Ethernet port

5 GHz: Indicates the status of the 802.11a/n radio

2.4 GHz: Indicates the status of the 802.11b/g/n radio

Figure 2  

W-IAP103 Rear View 

Console Port

The serial console port allows you to connect the IAP to a serial terminal or a laptop 
for direct local management. This port is a 4-pin connector covered by a dust cover. 
An optional serial adapter cable (AP-CBL-SER) is available for use with the 
W-IAP103 Instant access point and is sold separately.

Ethernet Port

The W-IAP103 Instant access point is equipped with one 10/100/1000Base-T (RJ-45) 
auto-sensing, MDI/MDX wired-network connectivity port. This port supports IEEE 
802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) compliance, accepting 48 VDC (nominal) as a 
standard defined Powered Device (PD) from a Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) 
such as a PoE midspan injector, or network infrastructure that supports PoE.

The port has RJ-45 female connectors with the pin-outs shown in 

Figure 3

.

Figure 3  

Gigabit Ethernet Port Pin-Out

DC Power Socket

If PoE is not available, an optional Dell AP AC-DC adapter kit (sold separately) can 
be used to power the W-IAP103 Instant access point. 

Additionally, a locally-sourced AC-to-DC adapter (or any DC source) can be used to 
power this device, as long as it complies with all applicable local regulatory 
requirements and the DC interface meets the following specifications:

12 VDC (+/- 5%)/18W

Center-positive 1.7/4.0 mm circular plug, 9.5 mm length

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 the IAP, ensure that you have the following:

CAT5e or better UTP cable of required length

One of the following power sources:

802.3af-compliant Power over Ethernet (PoE) source. The POE source can be 
any midspan power source equipment (PSE) device

Dell AP AC-DC adapter kit (sold separately)

Summary of the Setup Process

Successful setup of the IAP consists of four tasks, which must be performed in this 
order:
1. Identify the specific installation location for each IAP.
2. Install each IAP.
3. Verify post-installation connectivity.
4. Configure the virtual controller. Refer to the 

Dell Networking W-Series Instant 

Quick Start Guide

.

Identifying Specific Installation Locations

You can mount the W-IAP103 Instant access point on a wall or on the ceiling. Use 
the IAP placement map generated by Dell VisualRF Plan software tool 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 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 Ceiling Rail Adapter

The W-IAP103 Instant access point ships with two ceiling rail adapters for 9/16” and 
15/16” ceiling rails. Additional wall mount adapters and ceiling rail adapters for other 
rail styles are available as accessory kits.

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

the IAP will be placed.

2. Place the adapter against the back of the IAP at an angle of approximately 30 

degrees to the tabs (see 

Figure 4

).

3. Twist the adapter clockwise until it snaps into place in the tabs (see 

Figure 4

).

Figure 4  

Attaching the Ceiling Rail Adapter

4. If necessary, connect the console cable to the console port on the back of the IAP.
5. Hold the IAP next to the ceiling tile rail at approximately a 30-degree angle to the 

ceiling tile rail (see 

Figure 5

). Make sure that any cable slack is above the ceiling 

tile.

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

into place on the ceiling tile rail.

Figure 5  

Mounting the IAP

Note:  W-IAP103 Instant access point requires Dell Instant 4.1 or later.

Note:  Inform your supplier if there are any 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.

Table 1  

LED Behavior

LED

Color/State

Meaning

PWR

Off

No power to IAP, or initial power-up

Red

Error condition

Green - Flashing

IAP booting

Green - Steady

IAP ready

ENET

Off

Ethernet link unavailable

Yellow - Steady

10/100Mbps Ethernet link established

Green - Steady

1000Mbps Ethernet link established

Flashing

Ethernet link activity

5 GHz

Off

5 GHz radio disabled

Yellow - Steady

5 GHz radio enabled in non-HT WLAN mode

Green - Steady

5 GHz radio enabled in HT WLAN mode

Flashing - Green 

5 GHz Air or Spectrum Monitor

2.4 GHz

Off

2.4 GHz radio disabled

Yellow - Steady

2.4 GHz radio enabled in non-HT WLAN mode

Green - Steady

2.4 GHz radio enabled in HT WLAN mode

Flashing - Green 

2.4 GHz Air or Spectrum Monitor

Note:  The console port does not support hot-plug operation.

Ethernet Port

Console Port

 DC Power Socket

Kensington Lock

Reset 

Button

1000Base-T Gigabit 

Ethernet Port

RJ-45 Female
Pin-Out

Signal Name

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

BI_DC+
BI_DC-

BI_DD+
BI_DD-

BI_DA+
BI_DA-
BI_DB+

BI_DB-

Function

Bi-directional pair +C
Bi-directional pair -C

Bi-directional pair +D
Bi-directional pair -D

Bi-directional pair +A
Bi-directional pair -A
Bi-directional pair +B

Bi-directional pair -B 

   

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. Refer to 
the 

Dell Networking W-Series 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 Networking W-Series 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 Networking W-

Series Instant User Guide.

Apparati Radio LAN a bassa Potenza, operanti a 2.4 GHz e 5 GHz. Fare riferimento 
alla 

Dell Networking W-Series Instant User Guide per avere informazioni 

detagliate sulle restrizioni.

Note:  Dell, in compliance with governmental requirements, has designed the 
W-IAP103 Instant access point so that only authorized network administrators can 
change the settings. For configuration information, refer to the 

Dell Networking W-

Series

 

Instant Quick Start Guide and Dell Networking W-Series Instant User Guide.

Caution:  Instant access points are radio transmission devices and as such are 
subject to governmental regulation. Network administrators responsible for the 
configuration and operation of Instant access points must comply with local 
broadcast regulations. Specifically, Instant access points must use channel 
assignments appropriate to the location in which the Instant access point will be 
used.

Note:  Service to all Dell Networking 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, because poor installation could cause 
it to fall on people or equipment.

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