Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company APIN0214215 User Manual

AP-210 Series Wireless Access Point

The Aruba AP-214 and AP-215 wireless access points support the IEEE 802.11n standard for 
high-performance WLAN. These access points use MIMO (Multiple-in, Multiple-out) technology 
and other high-throughput mode techniques to deliver high-performance, 802.11n 2.4 GHz and 
802.11ac 5 GHz functionality while simultaneously supporting existing 802.11a/b/g wireless 
services. The AP-210 Series access points work only in conjunction with an Aruba Controller.

The Aruba AP-210 Series access point provides the following capabilities:



Wireless transceiver



Protocol-independent networking functionality



IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac operation as a wireless access point



IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac operation as a wireless air monitor



Compatibility with IEEE 802.3at PoE+ and 802.3af PoE 



Central management configuration and upgrades through a controller



AP-214 or AP-215 Access Point 



9/16" and 15/16” Ceiling Rail Adapters



Installation Guide (this document)

The AP-210 Series is equipped with four LEDs that indicate the status of the various 
components of the AP.



PWR: Indicates whether or not the AP-210 Series is powered-on



ENET: Indicates the status of the AP-210 Series’ Ethernet port



5 GHz: Indicates the status of the 802.11a/n radio



2.4 GHz: Indicates the status of the 802.11b/g/n radio

The AP-214 is equipped with three external antenna connectors. The connectors are labeled 
ANT0, ANT1, and ANT2, and correspond to radio chains 0, 1, and 2. 

For optimal performance when using articulating direct-mount antennas, professional 
installers must orient the antennas with ANT0 and ANT2 at 45 degree angles and ANT1 
oriented straight out (see 

The AP-210 Series is equipped with a USB interface for connectivity with cellular modems. 

The serial console port allows you to connect the 
AP to a serial terminal or a laptop for direct local 
management. This port is an RJ-45 female 
connector with the pinouts described in . 
Connect it directly to a terminal or terminal 
server using an Ethernet cable.

AP-210 Series is equipped with one 10/100/1000Base-T (RJ-45) auto-sensing, MDI/MDX wired-
network connectivity port. This port supports IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at Power over Ethernet 
(PoE) compliance, accepting 48 VDC (nominal) as a standard defined Powered Device (PD) 
from a Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) such as a PoE midspan injector, or network 
infrastructure that supports PoE.

The 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports are on the bottom of the AP. These ports have RJ-45 
female connectors with the pin-outs shown in 

.

If PoE is not available, an optional Aruba AP AC-DC adapter kit (sold separately) can be used 
to power the AP-210 Series. 

Additionally, a locally-sourced AC-to-DC adapter (or any DC source) can be used to power this 
device, as long as it complies with all applicable local regulatory requirements and the DC 
interface meets the following specifications:



12 VDC (+/- 5%)/18W



Center-positive 1.7/4.0 mm circular plug, 9.5 mm length

The reset button can be used to return the AP to factory default settings. To reset the AP:

1.

Power off the AP.

2.

Press and hold the reset button using a small, narrow object, such as a paperclip.

3.

Power-on the AP without releasing the reset button. The power LED will flash within 5 
seconds.

4.

Release the reset button.

The power LED will flash again within 15 seconds indicating that the reset is completed. The 
AP will now continue to boot with the factory default settings.

After WLAN planning is complete and the appropriate products and their placement have been 
determined, the Aruba controller(s) must be installed and initial setup performed before the 
Aruba APs are deployed.

For initial setup of the controller, refer to the ArubaOS Quick Start Guide for the software 
version installed on your controller.

Before installing your AP-210 Series AP, ensure that you have the following:



CAT5e or better UTP cable of required length



One of the following power sources:



IEEE 802.3at or 802.3af-compliant Power over Ethernet (PoE) source. The POE source 
can be any power source equipment (PSE) controller or midspan PSE device



Aruba AP AC-DC adapter kit (sold separately)



Aruba Controller provisioned on the network:



Layer 2/3 network connectivity to your access point



One of the following network services:



Aruba Discovery Protocol (ADP)



DNS server with an “A” record



DHCP Server with vendor-specific options

Successful setup of an AP-210 Series access point consists of five tasks, which must be 
performed in this order:

1.

Verify pre-installation connectivity.

2.

Identify the specific installation location for each AP.

3.

Install each AP.

4.

Verify post-installation connectivity.

5.

Configure each AP.

Before you install APs in a network environment, make sure that the APs are able to locate and 
connect to the controller after power on.

Specifically, you must verify the following conditions:



When connected to the network, each AP is assigned a valid IP address



APs are able to locate the controller 

Refer to the ArubaOS Quick Start Guide for instructions on locating and connecting to the 
controller.

You can mount the AP-210 Series access point on a wall or on the ceiling. Use the AP 
placement map generated by Aruba’s Airwave VisualRF Plan software application to determine 
the proper installation location(s). Each location should be as close as possible to the center of 
the intended coverage area and should be free from obstructions or obvious sources of 
interference. These RF absorbers/reflectors/interference sources will impact RF propagation 
and should have been accounted for during the planning phase and adjusted for in VisualRF 
plan.

Identifying known RF absorbers, reflectors, and interference sources while in the field during 
the installation phase is critical. Make sure that these sources are taken into consideration 
when you attach an AP to its fixed location. Examples of sources that degrade RF performance 
include:



Cement and brick



Objects that contain water



Metal



Microwave ovens



Wireless phones and headsets

The AP-210 Series ships with two ceiling rail adapters for 9/16” and 15/16” ceiling rails. 

Additional wall mount adapters and ceiling rail adapters for other rail styles are available as 

accessory kits

.

1. Pull the necessary cables through a prepared hole in the ceiling tile near where the AP 

will be placed.

2. Place the adapter against the back of the AP with the adapter at an angle of 

approximately 30 degrees to the tabs (see 

3. Twist the adapter clockwise until it snaps into place in the tabs (see 

).

This device must be professionally installed and serviced by a trained Aruba Certified 
Mobility Professional (ACMP) or similar Aruba-certified technician. Aruba access 
points are classified as radio transmission devices, and are subject to government 
regulations of the host country. The network administrator(s) is/are responsible for 
ensuring that configuration and operation of this equipment is in compliance with 
their country’s regulations. For complete list of approved channels in your country, 
refer to the Aruba Domain Regulatory Table at arubanetworks.com.

The AP-210 Series requires ArubaOS 6.4.2.0 or later.

Inform your supplier if there are any incorrect, missing, or damaged parts. If 
possible, retain the carton, including the original packing materials. Use these 
materials to repack and return the unit to the supplier if needed.

PWR

Off

No power to AP

Green - Flashing

AP booting

Green - Steady

AP ready

ENET

Off

Ethernet link unavailable

Yellow - Steady

10/100Mbps Ethernet link established

Green - Steady

1000Mbps Ethernet link established

Flashing

Ethernet link activity

5 GHz

Off

5 GHz radio disabled

Yellow - Steady

5 GHz radio enabled in non-HT WLAN mode

Green - Steady

5 GHz radio enabled in HT WLAN mode

Flashing - Green 

5 GHz Air or Spectrum Monitor

2.4 GHz

Off

2.4 GHz radio disabled

Yellow - Steady

2.4 GHz radio enabled in non-HT WLAN mode

Green - Steady

2.4 GHz radio enabled in HT WLAN mode

Flashing - Green 

2.4 GHz Air or Spectrum Monitor

All Aruba devices with external antennas must be installed by an ACMP qualified 
technician using manufacturer-approved antennas only. The ACMP installer(s) is/are 
responsible for ensuring that Equivalent Isotopically Radiated Power (EIRP) levels for 
all external antenna devices are compliant with the regulatory standards of the host 
country/domain. Installer(s) are required to record the antenna gain for this device in 
system management software. 

The USB interface is disabled when the AP-210 Series is powered from 802.3af 
PoE.

ANT2

ANT0

ANT1

USB Port

Serial Port Pin-Out

Serial

Console Port

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

RJ-45 Female

Pin-Out

Direction

Input

Output

FCC Statement: Improper termination of access points installed in the United 
States configured to non-US model controllers will be in violation of the FCC 
grant of equipment authorization. Any such willful or intentional violation may 
result in a requirement by the FCC for immediate termination of operation and 
may be subject to forfeiture (47 CFR 1.80).

EU Statement: 
Lower power radio LAN product operating in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Please 
refer to the ArubaOS User Guide for details on restrictions.

Produit réseau local radio basse puissance operant dans la bande fréquence 
2.4 GHz et 5 GHz. Merci de vous referrer au ArubaOS User Guide pour les 
details des restrictions.

Low Power FunkLAN Produkt, das im 2.4 GHz und im 5 GHz Band arbeitet. 
Weitere Informationen bezlüglich Einschränkungen finden Sie im ArubaOS User 
Guide.

Apparati Radio LAN a bassa Potenza, operanti a 2.4 GHz e 5 GHz. Fare 
riferimento alla ArubaOS User Guide per avere informazioni detagliate sulle 
restrizioni.

1000Base-T Gigabit 

Ethernet Port

RJ-45 Female
Pin-Out

Signal Name

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

BI_DC+
BI_DC-

BI_DD+
BI_DD-

BI_DA+
BI_DA-
BI_DB+

BI_DB-

Function

Bi-directional pair +C
Bi-directional pair -C

Bi-directional pair +D
Bi-directional pair -D

Bi-directional pair +A
Bi-directional pair -A
Bi-directional pair +B

Bi-directional pair -B 

   

Aruba Networks, Inc., in compliance with governmental requirements, has 
designed the AP-210 Series access points so that only authorized network 
administrators can change the settings. For more information about AP 
configuration, refer to the ArubaOS Quick Start Guide and ArubaOS User 
Guide.

Access points are radio transmission devices and as such are subject to 
governmental regulation. Network administrators responsible for the 
configuration and operation of access points must comply with local broadcast 
regulations. Specifically, access points must use channel assignments 
appropriate to the location in which the access point will be used.

Service to all Aruba Networks products should be performed by trained service 
personnel only.

Make sure the AP fits securely on the ceiling tile rail when hanging the 
device from the ceiling, because poor installation could cause it to fall 
onto people or equipment.