Install the Access Point

This chapter contains the stepwise procedure to install the access point (AP).

Zero-Configuration of the Access Point

Zero-configuration is supported under the following conditions:

  • The device is in AP mode with background scanning on and no SSID configured.
  • A DNS entry wifi-security-server is set up on all the DNS servers. This entry should point to the IP address of the server. By default, the AP looks for the DNS entry wifi-security-server.
  • The AP is on a subnet that is DHCP enabled.
Refer to these articles to understand how APs communicate with the server, and the ports that you need to open to enable the communication:
Important: If the AP is on a network segment that is separated from the server by a firewall, you must first open port 3851 for bidirectional User Datagram Protocol (UDP) and Transport Control Protocol (TCP) traffic on that firewall. This port number is assigned to Arista Networks. Zero-configuration cannot work if multiple APs are set up to connect to multiple servers. In this case, the APs must be configured manually. For details on how to configure an AP manually, see the Access Point Configuration Guide on our website at https://www.arista.com/en/support/product-documentation .

Take a configured AP; that is, ensure that a static IP is assigned to the AP or the settings have been changed for DHCP. Note the MAC address and the IP address of the AP in a safe place before it is installed in a hard-to-reach location. The MAC address of the AP is printed on a label at the bottom of the product.

The steps to install the AP with no configuration (zero-configuration) are as follows:

  1. Ceiling Mount the Access Point or Wall Mount the Access Point
  2. Connect the Access Point to the Network
  3. Power the Access Point On

Ceiling Mount the Access Point

Mounting the access point (AP) on the ceiling consists of the following steps:

  1. Affix the bracket to the T -grid: Use the mounting bracket to install the AP on the ceiling. Fix the bracket to the T-grid and rotate the bracket so that it snaps on the T-grid. The bracket is now parallel to an arm of the T-grid. Ensure that the bracket is properly snapped to the T-grid, as shown below.

  2. Mounting the AP on the bracket: Place the first mounting post on the rear-side of the AP on to the lower notch of the bracket. Rotate the AP such that the center mounting post fits in to the center notch on the bracket. Ensure that all the mounting posts on the rear-side of the AP are snapped in to the respective notches on the bracket. The mounting posts now properly fit in the respective notches of the bracket and the AP is mounted properly.


    Mounting Instructions using the Silhouette/Interlude Bracket Mount: The Silhouette/Interlude mounting bracket is not a part of the standard package and must be procured separately. The mounting instructions for the Silhouette/Interlude Bracket Mount are similar to the Standard Package Content's mounting instructions.
    Note: As a best practice, label the APs using MAC addresses or user your own convention. For example, use serial numbers so that you can easily identify the APs.

Wall Mount the Access Point

Note: The wall mounting accessory SKU (MNT-AP-FLAT-14CM) can be ordered and purchased separately.

For instructions on wall mounting the access point, refer to Wall Mount the Access Point article.