Install the Access Point

This chapter explains the 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 the AP mode with background scanning ON and no SSID configured.
  • The DNS entry, wifi-security-server, is configured on all the DNS servers. This entry must point to the IP address of the server. By default, the AP looks for the wifi-security-server DNS entry.
  • 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 the 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. Mount the AP
  2. Connect the AP to the network
  3. Power ON the AP

Mount the Access Point

You can place the W-318 AP on a wall or on a table depending on your requirements.

Table Mount the Access Point

Use the following steps to table mount the access point:
  1. Plug the network cable (Ethernet cable) into the WAN port (PoE++) located at the back of the AP as shown below. If the network is not PoE enabled, plug the Power Adaptor at the DC Input port, as shown.
    Figure 1. Attach cables to AP

  2. Flip the stand on the AP as shown, aligning the hooks on the stand to the grooves on the AP. Slide the hooks into the grooves to attach the AP to the stand.
    Figure 2. Attach stand to AP

  3. The spring-loaded pin will automatically lock into the locking hole of the AP. If the pin is not aligned, pull the pin and align it to the locking hole. Note: To remove the AP from the stand, pull the pin and then remove the AP.
    Figure 3. Image showing the spring-loaded pin

Use LAN 1, LAN 2, and LAN 3 ports at the bottom of the AP to connect to local devices.

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.

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 should point to the IP address of the server.
  3. Ensure that DHCP is running on the subnet to which the AP will be connected.
  4. Check the status LEDs on the AP. If all LEDs glow green, then the AP is operational and 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 > WiFi > Access Points tab in CloudVision Cognitive Unified Edge and check whether the AP is visible under the Access Points tab.

The AP is connected and operational.
Note:If the zero configuration is not successful, you must configure the AP 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 device. See the Access Point Configuration guide at https://www.arista.com/en/support/product-documentation .

Connect the Access Point Using PoE

If you are using a PoE injector, make sure one of the connectors is plugged into the Uplink port of the AP and the other end is plugged into a suitable switch port with proper network connectivity.
Figure 4. Back panel of the AP showing the network ports

Power On the Access Point

You can power-on the access point (AP) by plugging one end of the Ethernet cable into the PoE (802.3af) 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 adapter 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 adapter supported by the AP.

Using the Access Point with Power Adapter

To power-on the access point (AP) with a power adapter, perform the following steps:
  1. Plug the power cable into the DC power receptacle at the rear of the AP.
  2. Plug the other end of the power cable into an 110V~240V 50/60 Hz AC power source.
  3. Wait until the LED lights on the AP are lit. Refer to the LED details table.