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.

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 support portal.

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. Power the Access Point On
  3. Connect the Access Point to the Network

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: You should label the APs using MAC addresses or 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.

Power the Access Point On

You can power the access point (AP) on by plugging one end of the Ethernet cable into the PoE switch or injector and the other end into the Ethernet/PoE port on the AP. Ensure the PoE source you are using is turned on.

As an alternative to PoE, you can insert a compatible power adaptor plug into an AC power outlet and the other end into the power input port on the AP.

Note: If you are not using PoE, ensure that you use only an AC power adaptor supported by the AP.

Using the C-200 with Power Adapter

Use a compatible power adaptor (Arista SKU: PWR-AP-W3 (12V 2A)) to power the C-200.

Warning: The C-200 is intended to be supplied with UL-listed PoE power source suitable for use at 40ºC, and whose output meets LPS requirements or PS2, with a rating of 48V DC 260mA minimum. If you are not using PoE, ensure that you use only an AC power adapter supported by the C-200 access point (AP). This product is intended to be supplied by a Listed Direct Plug-In Power Unit marked “Class 2”, Listed Power Adapter or DC power source marked “L.P.S.” (or “Limited Power Source”) and rated from 12V 2A (Arista SKU: PWR-AP-W3).

To power up the device with power adapter, perform the following steps:
  1. Plug the power cable into the DC power receptacle at the rear of the device.
  2. Plug the other end of the power cable into an 110V~240V 50/60 Hz AC power source.
  3. Wait until the device is ready. Refer to the LED status table.

Connect the Access Point using PoE

If you are using a PoE injector, make sure the data connection is plugged into a suitable switch port with proper network connectivity.

For PoE port details, see the Rear Panel section.

Connect the Access Point to the Network

To connect the access point (AP) to the network, perform the following steps:
  1. Ensure that a DHCP server is available on the network to enable network configuration of the AP.
  2. Add the DNS entry wifi-security-server on all DNS servers. This entry must point to the IP address of the server.
  3. Ensure that DHCP is running on the subnet to which the AP is connected.
  4. Check the LEDs on the AP to ensure that it is connected to the server.
  5. Log on to the server using ssh and run the get sensor list command.

    You will see a list of all Arista devices that are recognized by the server. Single Sign-On users can go to the Monitor tab in CloudVision Cognitive Unified Edge and check whether the device is visible under the Monitor tab.

The AP is connected and operational.
Note:If zero configuration fails, the AP must be configured manually.
Important:If DHCP is not enabled on a subnet, the AP cannot connect to that subnet with zero-configuration. If the DNS entry is not present on the DNS servers, or if you do not have the DHCP server running on the subnet, you must manually configure the AP. For details on configuring an AP manually, see the Access Point Configuration guide on our support portal.