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SOLUTION NOTE

Setting up a 300 Room Hotel with MeshAP Wi-Fi Mesh Network Access Points

EQUIPMENT:
- a DSL WAN connection with DSL modem from local ISP
- Access Gateway or DHCP Router
- (20) ArrowSpan MeshAP 1100 Indoor Wi-fi Mesh Network Access Points.
- (2) ArrowSpan MeshAP 2100 Outdoor Wi-Fi Mesh Network Access Points.

SCENARIO:
A 300 room Business Hotel, with an external pool located at the center of the hotel would like to deploy a wireless mesh network. The deployment is aimed to allow internet access, as a courtesy feature for the guests of the hotel. The hotel already has an established wire connection with the Internet via DSL and an Access Gateway for access control. As part of determining what kind and number of access points will be required, a Site Survey has been performed and has determined the need for 27 access points. The site survey should also take into consideration the environmental factors both internal and external that could affect RF transmission.

Following are the steps needed to configure this mesh network:

1. Pre-configure all MeshAPs prior to on-site installation.

Setup Mesh Manager
Select a MeshAP 1100 to configure as the Mesh Manager. The Mesh Manager has a direct-wired link to the Internet via the modem and Gateway/Router. It is used as the management unit and Internet Gateway for the remainder MeshAP units (Stations) on the mesh network. Any MeshAP access point can be configured as the Mesh Manager unit, eliminating the need to buy separate equipment for manager stations. Once the wired link to the internet has been established, the Manager AP unit is ready for configuration.

(Note: Mesh Manager: any of the ArrowSpan MeshAP access points can be configured as the Mesh Manager. Purchase of specific manager unit is not required.)

For step-by-step instructions on setting up a Mesh Manager click here.

Below is a list of items needed to setup the Mesh Manager unit.

• IP Address: replace the default IP address to an IP address of your choice that can be reached from the existing network.
• Gateway IP: enter Gateway IP address that can be reached from the existing network. Make sure Gateway IP and Unit IP are under same domain, to insure unit log-on capability.
• Mesh ID: Replace the default Mesh ID with a preferred group name. MeshAP Stations MUST have the same Mesh ID to be able to associate with each other and to be managed by the Mesh Manager unit. (Note: Mesh ID is not the same as SSID).
• Station Name: If you desire, the Station Name can be updated. This is not required, but recommended for easy identification of stations.
• Station Location: updating is again optional, but recommended
• SSID: enter SSID

Setup Mesh Station
The MeshAP unit configures as the Station (node) and is the child unit of the Mesh Manager unit. Station units expand the wireless signal coverage for the mesh network. Stations could be added to the mesh network based on the network signal quality needs.

Below is a list of items needed to setup the Mesh Station unit.

• Mesh ID: MeshAP Stations MUST have same Group ID to be able to associate with each other and to be managed by the Mesh Manager unit
• Station Name: If you desire, the Station Name can be updated. This is not required, but recommended for easy identification of stations.
• Station Location: Updating is again optional, but recommended, and can be done, once on site and actual location of station is determined.
• Mesh Link: select “Auto”.
• SSID: follow the Mesh Manager SSID

2. On-Site Configuration:

• Connect Mesh Manager with Access Gateway and DSL Modem.
• Once all stations are powered on, all Mesh stations will begin to link-up with the Mesh Manager unit.
• Once the Mesh Station unit is linked-up with the Mesh Manager, the Mesh Station unit can be managed via the Mesh Manager's Topoloy page. Log into the Mesh Manager and utilize the Topology tab to monitor or adjust the associated stations as needed.

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