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essensys Platform - Advanced Networking - What is a Wireless Access Point
essensys Platform - Advanced Networking - What is a Wireless Access Point

In this guide, we will detail what a Wireless Access Point does, and what do the lights mean on the hardware?

Stuart avatar
Written by Stuart
Updated over 4 months ago

Introduction

An Access Point (AP) or Wireless Access Point (WAP) is a device that allows essensys to broadcast our Wi-Fi within your site. These devices are connected to the Switch Ports that essensys provide and are also powered by PoE.

How does an Access Point work?

An Access Point works by connecting to the internet through a wired connection, such as an Ethernet cable. It then broadcasts a wireless signal, allowing devices to connect to the internet without the need for a physical connection.

Why do I need an Access Point?

An Access Point is necessary for providing Wi-Fi access to your site. Without an Access Point, devices would not be able to connect to the internet wirelessly, limiting their mobility and accessibility.

How is an Access Point powered?

An Access Point is powered by PoE (Power over Ethernet). This means that it receives power through the Ethernet cable to an essensys Switch, eliminating the need for a separate power source.

My access Point is installed and powered what do the lights mean?

We provide and support different manufacture like Rukus or Cisco Meraki we'll just go through these Access Points as these are normally already provided or setup as Standard,

Ruckus - R610/R510

Please note that this article is only for the Ruckus WAP's above. The AP features five LEDs on its front panel (PWR, DIR, 2.4 and 5). The below describes what the light means and what action to take, if necessary:

PWR (Power) LED:

  • No Lights = Off - No power connected (Problem - check patching)

  • Solid Red = Boot up in process (Normal if just turned on)

  • Flashing Green = System started, no routable IP address detected (Problem - if persistent, raise a case and notify essensys of the switch port this is connected to)

  • Solid Green = Routable IP address received (Operating correctly)

DIR LED:

  • No Lights = Off - Unleashed Member AP (Problem - if persistent, raise a case and notify essensys of the switch port this is connected to)

  • Slow Flashing Green = Network problem. Cannot contact Unleashed Master (Problem - if persistent, raise a case and notify essensys of the switch port this is connected to)

  • Flashing Green (fast, 2x per second) = Receiving configuration or image upgrade (Operating correctly)

  • Solid Green = Unleashed Master AP, or connected to Master AP as a Member AP (Operating correctly)

2.4G and 5G LED's:

  • Black = Off - Radio is down (Problem - if persistent, raise a case and notify essensys of the switch port this is connected to)

  • Yellow = Radio is up, no clients are connected to the radio (Operating correctly)

  • Green = Radio is up, at least one client is connected to the radio (Operating correctly)

Meraki - MR46

LED Indicators and Run Dark Mode

Your access point is equipped with a multicolour LED light on the front of the unit to convey information about system functionality and performance:

  • Orange - AP is booting (permanent Orange suggests hardware issue)

  • Rainbow - AP is initializing/scanning

  • Blinking Blue - AP is upgrading

  • Green - AP in Gateway mode with no clients

  • Blue - AP in Gateway mode with clients

  • Blinking Orange - AP can't find connection to the network

NOTE: Blinking Green LED indicates that the device is in site survey mode.

The MR46 access point may be operated in the “Run Dark” mode for additional security and to reduce the visibility of the access point. In this mode, the LED will not be illuminated. This mode may be enabled by essensys

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