Package Contents ‐ 1 x WAP223NC Indoor access point powered by CloudCommand™ ‐ 1 x wall and ceiling mounts ‐ 1 x 24V PoE power adapter ‐ 1 x power cable Amer Networks Introduction This install guide is for the Amer Networks WAP223NC Cloud‐Managed Wireless N Access Point (AP) powered by CloudCommand. Amer’s cloud‐managed Wi‐Fi solution combines business‐grade functionality delivered by the CloudCommand software platform with high‐performing, affordable hardware to deliver an unparalleled networking experience. QIG 2012 ...
Product Overview Breakthrough Business‐ Grade Wi‐Fi Amer Networks’ cloud‐managed access point (AP) powered by CloudCommand is a best‐in‐class solution that provides business‐ grade management functionality to your Wi‐Fi networks by delivering everything needed to deploy, configure, secure and remotely administer them one or multiple locations in real time. Experience the Benefits of CloudCommand Designed specifically to meet the connectivity, budgetary and ease‐of‐use needs of the education market as well as businesses, the Amer solution includes indoor, outdoor and extended‐range Wi‐Fi products. This Quick Install Guide is for the WAP223NC Indoor access point. CloudCommand, a customizable online‐software platform from PowerCloud™ Systems, powers the Amer Networks' portfolio. The CloudCommand platform enables networking administrators to deploy and manage networks that deliver core enterprise‐level functionality for a fraction of traditional enterprise costs. Unbeatable Combination of Features & Affordability Enterprise‐level features delivered by Amer include (See Appendix 3 for full list): Remote management Enhanced security ‐ ‐ Multi‐location roaming Self‐configuring deployments ‐ ‐ Intuitive, real‐time dashboard ...
To operate in cloud-management mode, the AP must be registered with the CloudCommand service. CloudCommand is free for 30 days. It then requires a subscription, which may be obtained from Amer Networks. 1.1. System Requirements ...
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Step 3: Choose the appropriate registration option: New Customer: Create a customer account by clicking “Create ‐ new account.” CloudCommand will guide you through a simple step‐by‐step wizard to establish an account and complete the setup of your entire wireless network. Existing Customer: Use your username and password to log in. ‐ On the dashboard’s left menu bar, select “New Access Point” and follow the instructions. 1.3. AP Deployment 1.3.1 Deploying an AP with Dynamic IP Addressing (DHCP) If your network automatically assigns IP addresses (DHCP service), connect the AP directly to the network by plugging an Ethernet cable into the LAN port on the bottom of the access point. Some networks are designed to provide power via an 802.3af Ethernet switch. If the is the case, you will need to use a convertor to provide the 24V required by the AP. Otherwise, insert the cable’s other end into the 24V PoE power adapter port labeled PoE. QIG 2012 ...
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Next, plug the Ethernet cable into the power adapter port labeled LAN then insert the cable’s other end into your existing switch or router with Internet connectivity. Lastly, connect the power cable for the 24V PoE power adapter into an outlet and power up the adapter. There is no further setup necessary, as long as the AP can access the Internet. The AP will automatically self configure and be ready to use in several minutes. You can reconfigure it to a static IP using the CloudCommand interface anytime in the future. Note1: For network firewalls, use the following OUTBOUND traffic on ports: 53(DNS), 80(HTTP), 443(HTTPS), and 3478(STUN). These settings are standard defaults for the large majority of firewalls. Note2: If content filtering and network traffic monitoring software are in use, ensure the following entries are whitelisted: ‐ 107.20.199.144 ‐ http://amer.cloudcommand.com + https://amer.cloudcommand.com ‐ http://u01.cloudcommand.com + https://u01.cloudcommand.com ‐ 23.21.195.45 ‐ http://time.cloudcommand.com QIG 2012 ...
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1.3.2 Deploying an AP without Dynamic IP Addressing (DHCP) If your network does not automatically assign IP addresses (No DHCP service), follow these steps: Step 1: Connect the AP directly to your computer using an Ethernet cable and provide power. (Do NOT connect it to the LAN.) Step 2: Configure the Ethernet connection of your computer as follows: ‐ IP Address: 192.168.101.50 ‐ Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0 Step 3: Launch a web browser and type the default IP address of the AP (http:// 192.168.101.55). Enter the following User Name and Password: ‐ User Name: admin ‐ Password: password Step 4: Using the dropdown menu, select “Network Configuration.” Select “static” and complete the IP address, Net mask, Gateway and DNS servers info based on what your actual network utilizes. Click “Save and Apply.” Step 5: The AP is now configured. Select “Logout” and disconnect the AP from your computer. QIG 2012 ...
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Step 6: BEFORE connecting the AP to the LAN, log into your account. On the dashboard, select the tab, “Network Manager” and sub‐tab “Access Points.” Find your AP, select “Actions” from the dropdown menu and choose “Edit IP.” Step 7: Select “Static” and set the same static IP configuration on the CloudCommand interface as in the AP. Both settings will match, and the connection will be made (recommended). Alternately, select “Local.” This setting allows the AP’s local configuration to be used and accepted by CloudCommand to connect to the network. Step 8: Connect the AP to the local area network. It will automatically receive its configuration from CloudCommand as it connects to the Internet. Configuration requires several minutes. The AP becomes operational with its status changes to “OK” to indicate it is properly functioning. QIG 2012 ...
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1.4. CloudCommand Dashboard Log in at http://amer.cloudcommand.com to view your dashboard. The dashboard is entry point into the CloudCommand virtual controller. This is where you will monitor your network, troubleshoot problems, manage permissions of individual devices or change your AP’s configuration. 1 – Manage APs, Connect 4 – View User and 8 – View APs by status Devices, and Change Licensing and connected devices configurations, Wi‐Fi Network Names, security, 5 – View Activity Graphs 9 – Authorize new and passwords device to connect to the 6 – View devices network (IDA only) 2 – View Alerts and Events connected to your guest and set up Alert network 10 – Register new Notifications Access Point on the 7 – View devices wireless network 3 – Display detailed Activity connected to your primary wireless 11‐ Monitor alerts in ...
Appendix 1 – AP Status Levels The AP has multiple CloudCommand status levels which enable you to monitor its real‐time condition and activity. View an AP’s status log in the “Access Points” section of the CloudCommand dashboard. Six status levels: Registered: AP was successfully registered but has not yet connected to CloudCommand. Starting: The initial configuration is occurring. It requires several minutes, during which time the AP is offline and unable to broadcast. The status should progress from “Starting” to “OK.” Starting may occur for multiple reasons, including device management and settings changes. OK/OK: AP is operational. An upward arrow indicates that the AP is currently communicating with the CloudCommand Server. It is normal behavior. Upgrading: The AP is executing a firmware upgrade. DO NOT DISCONNECT from power or Internet connection. NetDegraded: Network connectivity to the Internet is poor. The AP operates properly, but responsiveness may be delayed. If conditions improve, the status reverts to “OK.” Unmanageable: AP is not communicating properly with the CloudCommand service for over 4 minutes although it is still operational. The AP is not disconnected. However, management is unavailable. If the AP moves to this state the first time it is connected, it may indicate your firewall settings may needs to be adjusted. This state if reached after a period of proper operation may indicate issues with your Internet service or hardware problems such as a failed switch or router. Disconnected: AP is not communicating with the CloudCommand site. Reasons include no Internet connectivity or improper firewall configurations. Additionally, the hardware unit has two status levels. When its halo glows green, it is operational. When it glows/flashes amber, there is a connectivity issue. QIG 2012 ...
Appendix 2 – Troubleshooting Guide Step 1: Ensuring Valid Connectivity Replace the Ethernet cable with a known good cable. ‐ Ensure the cable is plugged into a router or switch port that has ‐ functioned properly with another device. Power‐cycle the AP, the switch or router to which it is connected. ‐ If a firewall(s) is used, review settings requirements on Page 5. ‐ If content filtering or network traffic monitoring software are in ‐ use, ensure the entries on Page 5 are whitelisted. If these steps fail to change the AP status, reset the unit to its factory default configuration, as described in the Step 2 (below). Step 2: Reset to Factory Default ‐ With the AP powered on and the Ethernet cable connected, use a pin to press the Reset button for 10 seconds. The reset button is located next to the Ethernet port on the unit’s bottom. ‐ Release the button and wait 10 seconds. ‐ The AP’s halo will flash green then change to solid green. ‐ After approximately 2 minutes, refresh your view on CloudCommand dashboard. The AP status should read “OK.” If the this step did not change the status, please Deregister and Re‐ register the AP as described in the following Step 3. QIG 2012 ...
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Step 3: Deregistering and Re‐Registering ‐ De‐register the AP: ‐ Make note of the AP’s Unit Identification Code (UIC ) number for the problematic AP. ‐ In CloudCommand, under the “Network Manager” tab, “Access Point” sub‐tab select the AP and click “Actions.” ‐ From resulting dropdown menu, select “Deregister.” The deregistered AP should now have disappeared from the status line. Re‐register the AP: In CloudCommand, click the “New Access Point” link located in ‐ the left menu bar. Follow the instructions in the dialog boxes that appear. ‐ Connect the AP to the network using the Ethernet cable then ‐ plugging the power cord in. (If the network has Power over Ethernet (PoE), just connect the Ethernet cable to the AP.) The AP requires several minutes to self‐configure. The status ‐ should progress from “Registered” to “Starting” to “Updating” to “OK.” QIG 2012 ...
Appendix 3 – Features of CloudCommand Configuration & Updating Self‐Configuring Access Points. Self‐configuring equipment deploys in minutes instead of hours or days. Simply plug the equipment into a live Ethernet connection with Internet access and in less than three minutes, it is ready for use. Group Configuration, Network‐Wide Roaming. Seamlessly configure access points across multiple locations and roam with no need to reconfigure devices. Remote Reset and Reboot. Access points can be remotely reset and rebooted to solve basic connectivity problems with no need for on‐site presence. Automatic FW Update with Group Updates and Scheduled Updates. All complications related to upgrading the firmware on your access points disappears: every time one is available, it can be pushed it to all access points at the click of a button. Security Private Network with WPA2‐PSK Encryption. A secure Wi‐Fi connection provides access for your trusted wireless devices to your business Local Area Network (LAN). Enhanced Security with Individual Device Authentication. Patented, two‐factor Individual Device Authentication (IDA) technology enables administrators to identify and secure each connected device individually via a self‐service process leveraging email or text messaging. Know who is on the network and what their activity levels are. Site Survey & Rogue AP Detection. Learn what other Wi‐Fi network are broadcasting near you and use the information to identify access points that may be connected to your network without being authorized before they become security threats. The same information can also be used to optimize your channel selection. Management Remote Cloud Management. With cloud management, Wi‐Fi networks across multiple locations can be monitored and administered in real time through the Internet. Real‐Time Alerting. The system can provide real‐time SMS or email alerts if critical elements of the system re disrupted ...
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VLAN Tagging. Each SSID can be associated to a VLAN tag for VLAN partitioning. If VLAN tags are used across the Ethernet network, each SSID is independently connected only to the resources associated to the assigned VLAN. Extended Usage Reporting and Graphing (30 days). View upload, download bandwidth usage on your wireless network on a per‐connected device or Access Point Basis for up to 30 days history. You can use this tool to optimize the placement of your Access Points based on their actual usage. Hotspot/Guest Networking Guest Network with Client Isolation, Firewalled Access, Captive Portal Password Protection. A separate Wi‐Fi connection for guests and occasional users provides Internet only access, keeping your Local Area Network (LAN) secure. No more sharing passphrase means higher security. Customizable Guest Captive Portal. Add branding and custom terms of use to the page used by guests to log into the Hotspot. Customizable Guest Redirect Page. Redirect guest users to your web site of choice after they log into the Hotspot. Per‐Guest Download/Upload Limits. Define how much total bandwidth a guest user can utilize per ach session. Different users can receive different allocations of total bandwidth based on how they are authenticated on the Hotspot. Per‐Guest Time Access Limits. Define how long a guest user can access the hotspot for. Different users can be allowed different session durations based on how they are authenticated on the Hotspot. Front‐Desk Interface for Hotspot Management. A dedicated login role with a dedicated interface can be assigned for guest services operators in charge of issuing guest passes and monitor the Hotspot activity. Shared Guest Password Option. A single shared password can be used for common users of the guest network. Individual Pass Option. Individual passes associated with individual time and bandwidth rules can be manually issued for in‐person distribution or sent via Text message or email. ...
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