Appendix F Priming Lightweight Access Points Prior to Deployment

Before deploying your access points to their final locations, follow these steps to prime your access points:

Step 1 In a Layer 2 environment, where the access points are located on the same subnet as the controller, the access point communicates directly with the controller.

Step 2 In a Layer 3 environment, ensure a DHCP server (typically on your switch) is enabled on the same subnet as your access points. The access points will receive its IP address and controller information using DHCP Option 43.

The access point must be able to find the IP address of the controller. This can be accomplished using DHCP, DNS, OTAP, or IP subnet broadcast. This guide describes the DHCP method to convey the controller IP address. For other methods, refer to the product documentation. See also the “Configuring DHCP Option 43 for Lightweight Access Points” section on page G-1for more information.

Note For a Layer 3 access point on a different subnet than the controller, ensure ensure the route to the controller has destination UDP ports 12222 and 12223 open for LWAPP communications. Ensure that the routes to the primary, secondary, and tertiary controllers allow IP packet fragments.

Step 3 Ensure that your controller is connected to a switch trunk port.

Step 4 Configure the controller in LWAPP Layer 3 mode and ensure its DS Port is connected to the switch. Use the CLI, web-browser interface, or Cisco WCS procedures as described in the appropriate controller guide.

a.In multi-controller environments, You can set one controller’s DS port to Master (you can use the config network master-base disable CLI command or you can use the controller GUI) so that new access points always associate with it. You can use the show network config CLI command to determine if the controller DS port is the master.

All access points associate to the master controller. From one location, you can configure access point settings, such as primary, secondary, and tertiary controllers. This allows you to redistribute your access points to other controllers on the network.

You can also use a Cisco WCS server to control, configure, and redistribute all your access points from a single location.

Step 5 Apply power to the access points:

a.Connect your access points to untagged access ports on your POE capable switch. You can optionally use power modules or power injectors to power your access points.

b.After you power up the access point, it begins a power-up sequence that you can check by observing the access point LEDs. All LEDs blink sequentially back and forth, indicating that the access point is trying to find a controller.

Note If the access point remains in this mode for more than 5 minutes, the access point is unable to find the master controller. Check the connection between the access point and the controller and ensure they are on the same subnet.

c.If the access point shuts down (all LEDs off), check to ensure that sufficient power is available.

d.When the access point associates with the controller, if the access point code version differs from the controller code version, the access point downloads the operating system code from the controller. All the access point LEDs blink simultaneously during the download.

Cisco Aironet 1300 Series Wireless Outdoor Access Point/Bridge Hardware Installation Guide

 

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1300 specifications

Cisco Systems 1300 series, commonly referred to as the Cisco Aironet 1300 Series, represents a pivotal advancement in wireless networking solutions designed for outdoor environments. These access points are primarily intended for outdoor wireless applications, including temporary installations, public areas, and enterprises requiring robust outdoor coverage.

One of the standout features of the Cisco 1300 series is its ruggedized design. The access points are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, including extreme temperatures and precipitation. They comply with IP67 ratings, ensuring protection against dust and water intrusion, making them suitable for deployment in various environmental conditions.

The Cisco 1300 series provides comprehensive WLAN coverage through its support for various wireless standards, including 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n. This compatibility ensures interoperability with existing wireless infrastructure while enabling faster data rates and improved connectivity. The technology leveraged in the Cisco 1300 series offers enhanced throughput and capacity, ensuring seamless connectivity for end-users.

Another key characteristic is the integration of advanced security features. The access points support robust encryption protocols, such as WPA2 and 802.1X, safeguarding sensitive data transmitted over the air. The ability to create secure guest access networks also enhances security, allowing organizations to provide internet access without compromising internal network safety.

Cisco's proprietary features, such as Cisco CleanAir technology, further enhance the performance of the 1300 series. This technology effectively detects and mitigates wireless interference, ensuring optimal performance and reliability in congested areas. Additionally, the series supports mesh networking capabilities, allowing for flexible deployment without the necessity of extensive wiring, which is particularly advantageous for temporary or mobile installations.

Management and configuration are simplified through the use of Cisco's Wireless LAN Controller (WLC). This centralized management allows network administrators to streamline firmware upgrades, monitor performance, and enforce policy compliance across multiple access points.

In summary, the Cisco Systems 1300 series access points combine robust outdoor capabilities with advanced wireless technology, security features, and ease of management, making them a valuable asset for organizations looking to extend their networking capabilities into outdoor environments. Through their durable design and innovative technologies, the Cisco 1300 series meets the demanding needs of today’s wireless landscape.