Chapter 1. Introduction - Motorola AP-51 Series Product Reference Manual

Introduction
This AP-51xx Product Reference Guide contains setup and advanced configuration instructions for
both the AP-5131 and AP-5181 model access points. Both the AP-5131 and AP-5181 model access
points share the same Web UI, CLI and MIB interfaces. There are no differences in how the devices
are configured using the instructions within this guide, even though the Web UI displays AP-5131 or
AP-5181 specifically.
However, there are several differences between the two models you should be aware of. The
AP-5181 is constructed to support outdoor installations, while the AP-5131 model is constructed
primarily for indoor deployments. The AP-5131 is available in numerous single and dual-radio SKUs,
while an AP-5181 is available in only a dual-radio SKU. An AP-5181 cannot use the AP-5131's 48 volt
power supply (Part No. 50-14000-243R) and, therefore, is recommended to use the AP-5181 Power
Tap (Part No. AP-PSBIAS-5181-01R) designed specifically for outdoor deployments. An AP-5181
model access point also must use an RJ-45 to Serial cable to establish a serial connection to a host
computer. Additionally, an AP-5181 model access point cannot downgrade to 1.1.0.x (or earlier)
firmware.
The access point (AP) provides a bridge between Ethernet wired LANs or WANs and wireless
networks. It provides connectivity between Ethernet wired networks and radio-equipped mobile units
(MUs). MUs include the full line of terminals, adapters (PC cards, Compact Flash cards and PCI
adapters) and other devices.
The access point provides a maximum 54Mbps data transfer rate via each radio. It monitors Ethernet
traffic and forwards appropriate Ethernet messages to MUs over the network. It also monitors MU
radio traffic and forwards MU packets to the Ethernet LAN.