AP-103 Wireless Access Point
Installation Guide
The Aruba AP-103 wireless access point supports 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 or 5 GHz functionality while simultaneously
supporting existing 802.11a/b/g wireless services. The AP-103 access point works
only in conjunction with an Aruba Controller.
The Aruba AP-103 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
Central management configuration and upgrades through a controller
Package Contents
AP-103 access point
9/16" and 15/16” Ceiling Rail Adapters
Installation guide (this document)
AP-103 Hardware Overview
Figure 1
AP-103 LEDs
LEDs
The AP-103 is equipped with four LEDs that indicate the status of the various
components of the AP.
PWR: Indicates whether or not the AP-103 is powered-on
ENET: Indicates the status of the AP-103’ 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
AP-103 Rear
Console Port
The serial console port allows you to connect the AP to a serial terminal or a
laptop for direct local management. This port is a 4-pin connector covered by a
dust cover.
Ethernet Port
AP-103 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 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet port is on the back of the AP. 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 Aruba AP AC-DC adapter kit (sold separately)
can be used to power the AP-103.
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 AP to factory default settings. To reset
the AP:
1. Power off the AP.
2. Press and hold the reset button using a small, narrow object, such as a
paperclip.
3. Power-on the AP 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 AP will now continue to boot with the factory default settings.
Before You Begin
Pre-Installation Network Requirements
After WLAN planning is complete and the appropriate products and their
placement have been determined, the Aruba controller(s) must be installed and
initial setup performed before the Aruba APs are deployed.
For initial setup of the controller, refer to the
ArubaOS Quick Start Guide
for
the software version installed on your controller.
AP Pre-Installation Checklist
Before installing your AP, 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 power source equipment (PSE) controller or midspan PSE
device
Aruba AP AC-DC adapter kit (sold separately)
Aruba Controller provisioned on the network:
Layer 2/3 network connectivity to your access point
One of the following network services:
Aruba Discovery Protocol (ADP)
DNS server with an “A” record
DHCP Server with vendor-specific options
Summary of the Setup Process
Successful setup of an AP-103 consists of five tasks, which must be performed in
this order:
1. Verify pre-installation connectivity.
2. Identify the specific installation location for each AP.
3. Install each AP.
4. Verify post-installation connectivity.
5. Configure each AP.
Verifying Pre-Installation Connectivity
Before you install APs in a network environment, make sure that the APs are
able to locate and connect to the controller after power on.
Specifically, you must verify the following conditions:
When connected to the network, each AP is assigned a valid IP address
APs are able to locate the controller
Refer to the
ArubaOS Quick Start
Guide for instructions on locating and
connecting to the controller.
Identifying Specific Installation Locations
You can mount the AP-103 access point on a wall or on the ceiling. Use the AP
placement map generated by Aruba’s Airwave VisualRF 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
VisualRF 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 AP 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 AP
Using the Ceiling Rail Adapter
The AP-103 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 AP will be placed.
2. Place the adapter against the back of the AP with the adapter 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
AP.
5. Hold the AP next to the ceiling tile rail with the ceiling tile rail mounting slots
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 AP clockwise until the device
clicks into place on the ceiling tile rail.
The AP-103 requires ArubaOS 6.4.1.0 or later.
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
AP-103
LED Meanings
LED
Color/State
Meaning
PWR
Off
No power to AP, or initial power-up
Red
Error condition
Green - Flashing
AP booting
Green - Steady
AP 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
2.4Ghz
5Ghz
ENET
PWR
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
!
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).
!
EU Statement:
Lower power radio LAN product operating in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
Please refer to the
ArubaOS 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
ArubaOS 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
ArubaOS
User Guide.
Apparati Radio LAN a bassa Potenza, operanti a 2.4 GHz e 5 GHz. Fare
riferimento alla
ArubaOS User Guide
per avere informazioni detagliate sulle
restrizioni.
Aruba Networks, Inc., in compliance with governmental requirements, has
designed the AP-103 access points so that only authorized network
administrators can change the settings. For more information about AP
configuration, refer to the
ArubaOS Quick Start Guide and ArubaOS User
Guide
.
!
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.
Service to all Aruba Networks products should be performed by trained
service personnel only.
!
Make sure the AP fits securely on the ceiling tile rail when hanging
the device from the ceiling, because poor installation could cause it
to fall onto people or equipment.
