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This SonicWall® SonicWave 641 Quick Start Guide provides instructions for basic installation and configuration of SonicWall SonicWave 641 wireless access points.
The SonicWall SonicWave 641 is a ceiling-mountable wireless access point suitable for indoor single-unit or multi-unit deployments. It is plenum rated for installation within an enclosed space such as an attic. It can also be mounted on a wall or deployed on a shelf, table, or desktop. Power over Ethernet (PoE) should be provided to power the SonicWave 641.
SonicWave 641
SonicWave 641 Hardware Components
2.4GHz and 5GHz radios | Dual radios provide:
|
1GbE LAN port | 1 Ethernet 10/100/1000 LAN port for wired connection to a SonicWall network security appliance |
USB port | 1 USB 2.0 port |
Scanning radio | Dedicated third scanning radio |
Antennas | 5 internal (2.4Ghz x 2 / 5Ghz x 2 / Scan Radio x 1) |
Power source | 802.3at PoE (standard, PoE device sold separately) Optional DC 12V power adapter, sold separately |
Chassis | Rectangle 119mm x 214mm x 34mm Plenum rated |
Kensington security slot | For use with a Kensington locking cable to prevent theft |
Operating temperature | 0° to 40°C |
The back of the SonicWave 641 provides a LAN/POE port where the PoE Ethernet cable connects the access point with the PoE injector or PoE-enabled switch, which connects to your SonicWall network security appliance.
A 12V power connection is also provided on the back of the unit, where you can plug in a 12V adapter (sold separately) to power the device.
SonicWave 641 Back
When the access point is installed, the back panel is attached to the ceiling or to a wall or other flat surface.
The side panel of the SonicWave 641 has the LED indicators and the USB port.
SonicWave 641 LEDs
You can insert a 3G/4G USB modem into the USB port to create a mobile wireless (MiFi) hotspot. See the SonicOS Administration documentation for information about the MiFi Extender feature. You can also use the USB port with a USB security clamp.
For information about the LEDs, see the SonicWave 641 LED Activitysection.
Before you begin the setup process, verify that your package contains the following items:
Package Contents
If any items are missing from the package, contact SonicWall Technical Support at: https://www.SonicWall.com/support/contact-support.
NOTE: The PoE device for powering the SonicWave 641 is sold separately and is not included in the package.
SonicOS Firmware
SonicWall SonicWave 641 access points are centrally managed by SonicWall network security appliances running the following versions of SonicOS:
Power Source
Use a 802.3at compliant PoE injector or a PoE enabled switch to provide power to each SonicWave 641.
Internet Connectivity
An active Internet connection is required for your SonicWall network security appliance to download the latest SonicWave 641 firmware.
Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity
The SonicWave 641 requires a 2.5 Gigabit connection to the SonicWall network security appliance to take full advantage of the SonicWave 641 data throughput capability.
Physical placement of the SonicWave 641 wireless access point has a measurable effect on who can and cannot access your wireless signal. If too many users are serviced by a single access point, maximum transfer rates are reached and that access point may become a bottleneck for the whole system.
A site survey can help find the optimum wireless access point placement, but you can find usable locations without it.
RF barriers can be circumvented by deploying multiple access points. Determining how to circumvent RF barriers can be a challenging part of the placement process, but RF barriers can also be used beneficially in an attempt to block signals where you do not want coverage. The 5 GHz frequency is more sensitive to RF barriers. A wall that allows a 2.4 GHz wireless network to operate can block a 5 GHz one.
Common RF Barrier Types
Barrier Type | RF Signal Blocking |
Glass, wood, drywall, cube partitions | Low |
Floors and outer walls, aquariums (brick/marble/granite/water) | Medium |
Concrete, security glass, wire mesh, stacked books/paper | High |
Metal partitions, desks, reinforced concrete | Very High |
Access points should be kept clear of Radio Frequency (RF) interference sources. RF interference from home, office, and medical equipment is a common challenge in wireless deployments.
When considering RF interference sources, remember that most cell/wireless phones and Bluetooth devices only utilize the 2.4 GHz frequency. As such, they should not cause significant interference with wireless networks operating in the 5 GHz frequency.
Common Sources of RF Interference
Interference Source | Possible Range | Bands Affected |
2.4 GHz phones | 100 feet | 2.4 GHz (802.11 b/g/n) |
Bluetooth devices | 30 feet | 2.4 GHz (802.15) |
Microwave oven | 10 - 20 feet | 2.4 and 5 GHz, depending on shielding |
Scientific and medical equipment | Short distance, varies | 2.4 and 5 GHz, depending on shielding |
Different frequency bands provide varying signal strength and quality over different distance ranges. Signals in the 2.4 GHz range tend to pass through physical barriers better and carry farther than those in the 5 GHz range, but they do not provide as high a data rate. Signals in the 5 GHz range provide faster data rates for better throughput, but the signal attenuates faster and is best suited for open spaces.
SonicWave 641 Channel Widths, Max Data Rates, Range
802.11 (x) | Frequency / MIMO | Channel Width | Max Data Rate | Range (Radius) |
802.11a | 5 GHz | 20 MHz | 54 Mbps | 90ft/25m |
802.11b | 2.4 GHz | 20 MHz | 11 Mbps | 120ft/35m |
802.11g | 2.4 GHz | 20 MHz | 54 Mbps | 120ft/35m |
802.11n |
2.4 or 5 GHz MIMO |
20 or 40 MHz | 300 Mbps | 300ft/90m |
802.11ac |
5 GHz MU-MIMO |
20 / 40 / 80 MHz | 866 Mbps | 120ft/35m |
To allow multiple separate wireless networks in a shared space, the RF medium is divided into channels. The number of channels is regulated and varies by country. For devices using 5 GHz (802.11a/n/ac), there are up to 23 discrete channels.
For devices using the 2.4 GHz range (802.11b/g/n), the wireless space is limited to a maximum of 13 overlapping channels. As a result of these overlapping channels, 2.4 GHz technology provides only a total of three discrete channels.
The SonicWave 641 comes with a mounting bracket so it can be mounted on the ceiling or other flat surface. This section describes how to attach the mounting bracket to the ceiling or an indoor wall.
The mounting bracket provides two pairs of T-bar locking tabs that support two ceiling T-bar widths: 15/16 inch and 9/16 inch.
Mounting Bracket Top
Mounting Bracket Bottom
To attach the mounting bracket to the ceiling using T-bar clips:
To attach the mounting bracket to the ceiling or to a wall using screws:
This section provides instructions for configuring SonicOS on your SonicWall network security appliance to connect your SonicWave 641 to the WLAN zone and manage it as a Layer 2 device. This includes:
SonicWave provisioning profiles include all of the settings that can be configured on a SonicWave 641 access point. The profile is then selected when you configure the wireless zone (WLAN by default). When your SonicWave 641 connects to that zone, it is automatically provisioned with the profile settings.
To configure the SonicWave provisioning profile:
The Add/Edit SonicWave Profile dialog displays.
General screen settings:
Radio Basic Settings:
Radio Advanced Settings:
For information about configuring the other options and screens in the Add/Edit SonicWave Profile dialog, see the SonicOS Administration documentation.
Each SonicWave or group of SonicWaves must be connected to a physical network interface that is configured in a wireless zone. SonicOS provides a standard wireless zone (WLAN) that can be applied to any available interface.
To configure the network interface in SonicOS:
To configure the WLAN zone in SonicOS:
You are now ready to connect your SonicWave 641 to your SonicWall network security appliance as described in the following sections.
This section describes how to connect the PoE and network cables and then attach the SonicWave 641 to the mounting bracket.
The SonicWave 641 connects to a WLAN zone interface on your SonicWall network security appliance. The access point is powered through Power over Ethernet (PoE), with the PoE device positioned between the SonicWave 641 and the firewall. SonicWall recommends using CAT5e Ethernet cables to connect the devices.
An 802.3at compliant PoE injector or PoE enabled switch is required to provide power to each SonicWave 641.
To maintain power to the SonicWave 641, the maximum length of CAT5e cable from the PoE device to the SonicWave 641 is 100 meters (333 feet).
To connect the SonicWave 641 to PoE and the network:
To attach the SonicWave 641 to the mounting bracket:
Connecting the SonicWave 641
To verify that the SonicWave is provisioned and operational:
When the SonicWave 641 is connected to a SonicWall network security appliance, the two units perform an encrypted exchange, and an entry for the SonicWave 641 is automatically created in the SonicPoint/SonicWave Objects table. Navigate to the DEVICE | External Controllers > Access Points > Settings page in SonicOS. If the entry does not appear in the table within five minutes of connecting the SonicWave 641:
See the LED Pattern for Reset Button Hold Durations and LED Pattern in SafeMode tables for more information.
TIP: SafeMode allows you to log into the SonicWave directly at 192.168.1.20 (default: admin/password) to manually update the firmware in rare situations when other troubleshooting fails. Contact SonicWall Support for assistance.
The SonicWave 641 LEDs provide essential status information about the access point.
Power LED
LED Color | Description |
Off | No power |
Blue | Power is on |
Security LED | |
Green | All security services licensed |
Blinking Yellow |
Security services license expired. Security services monitored by this LED: Gateway Anti-Virus, Intrusion Prevention, AntiSpyware |
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) LED
LED Color | Description |
Green |
On: Bluetooth has paired successfully. Blinking: Bluetooth is ready for pairing. |
Off | Bluetooth is not paired. |
LAN LED | |
Off | No link |
Solid Yellow | Link established at 1 Gbps or 2.5 Gbps |
Blinking Yellow | Active traffic at 1 Gbps |
Solid Green | Link established at 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps |
Blinking Green | Active traffic at 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps |
5 GHz Radio LED
LED Color | Description |
Off | 5 GHz radio is off |
Solid Green | 5 GHz radio is on |
Blinking Green | Active traffic on 5 GHz radio |
2.4 GHz Radio LED | |
Off | 2.4 GHz radio is off |
Solid Green | 2.4 GHz radio is on |
Blinking Green | Active traffic on 2.4 GHz radio |
LED Pattern During Firmware or SafeMode Bootup
LEDs | LED Color | Description |
LAN | Green - Heartbeat | The three LEDs blink simultaneously in a |
5 GHz Radio | Green - Heartbeat | heartbeat pattern while booting is in progress: |
2.4 GHz Radio | Green - Heartbeat | On - On - Off |
LED Pattern for Reset Button Hold Durations
LEDs | LED Color | Description |
LAN | Blinking Green | The three LEDs blink simultaneously at a slow or medium rate:
|
5 GHz Radio | Blinking Green | |
2.4 GHz Radio | Blinking Green |
LED Pattern in SafeMode
LEDs | LED Color | Description |
LAN | Green - Flow | The three LEDs turn on serially (one by one) and then turn off serially in a flow pattern while the SonicWave 641 is in SafeMode. |
5 GHz Radio | Green - Flow | |
2.4 GHz Radio | Green - Flow |
NOTE: The LEDs are disabled by default. You can enable them in the SonicWave provisioning profile or individual SonicWave entry in SonicOS on the firewall.
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SonicWall is a trademark or registered trademark of SonicWall Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S.A. and/or other countries. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.
The information in this document is provided in connection with SonicWall Inc. and/or its affiliates' products. No license, express or implied, by estoppel or otherwise, to any intellectual property right is granted by this document or in connection with the sale of SonicWall products. EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS SPECIFIED IN THE LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR THIS PRODUCT, SONICWALL AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES ASSUME NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER AND DISCLAIMS ANY EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY WARRANTY RELATING TO ITS PRODUCTS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON- INFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL SONICWALL AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION OR LOSS OF INFORMATION) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS DOCUMENT, EVEN IF SONICWALL AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SonicWall and/or its affiliates make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this document and reserves the right to make changes to specifications and product descriptions at any time without notice. SonicWall Inc. and/or its affiliates do not make any commitment to update the information contained in this document.
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SonicWave 641 Quick Start Guide
Updated - February 2022
232-005723-50 Rev A
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
Download SonicWALL SonicWave 641, APL67-107 - Access Point Quick Start
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