AP 1552 in Mesh mode (MAP)

[EvaldasOu]

Hi guys!

I'm trying to become famillar with Cisco Mesh AP's deployment. As I know RAP's (Roof-top AP's are AP's with Ethernet/Fiber connection to the network). I connected these AP's via L2 switch , they can reach WLC and everything looks fine.

No I want to connect few MAP's to my RAP's. But of course firstly we will need to set-up IP addresses for these MAP's? But how? There is no "configure terminal" option at all ( on mesh AP console) .

MeshAP#?

Exec commands:

  access-profile   Apply user-profile to interface

  capwap           capwap exec commands

  cd               Change current directory

  clear            Reset functions

  clock            Manage the system clock

  crypto           Encryption related commands.

  debug            Debugging functions (see also 'undebug')

  delete           Delete a file

  dir              List files on a filesystem

  disable          Turn off privileged commands

  dot1x            IEEE 802.1X Exec Commands

  eap              EAP Exec Commands

  enable           Turn on privileged commands

  exit             Exit from the EXEC

  fsck             Fsck a filesystem

  help             Description of the interactive help system

  led              LED functions

  lock             Lock the terminal

  logging          Handles logging operations

  login            Log in as a particular user

  logout           Exit from the EXEC

  lwapconfig       OfficeExtend AP configurations

  lwapp            lwapp exec commands

  mkdir            Create new directory

  monitor          Monitoring different system events

  more             Display the contents of a file

  name-connection  Name an existing network connection

  no               Disable debugging functions

  partition        Partition disk

  ping             Send echo messages

  pwd              Display current working directory

  radius           radius exec commands

  release          Release a resource

  reload           Halt and perform a cold restart

  rename           Rename a file

  renew            Renew a resource

  rmdir            Remove existing directory

  rsh              Execute a remote command

  save             Start to save raise_interrupt_level stack

  send             Send a message to other tty lines

  set              Set system parameter (not config)

  show             Show running system information

  ssh              Open a secure shell client connection

  systat           Display information about terminal lines

  terminal         Set terminal line parameters

  test             Test subsystems, memory, and interfaces

  traceroute       Trace route to destination

  undebug          Disable debugging functions (see also 'debug')

  upgrade          Upgrade commands

  verify           Verify a file

  where            List active connections

Should I use DHCP server and connect these AP's via Ethernet/Fiber connection somewhere also?

Thank you for your time and for your answers.

[Scott Fella]

When I have a mesh deployment, I always try to stage them just like any other access point.  I would power them up with a power injector or an ac adapter and connect them to a switch and let them join the WLC.  Then I would configure my RAPs and them my MAPs and if you want, set the ip address.  Make sure you set the bridge group name, put the mac address in the mac address filter while you are staging them.  Again, this is how I do all my mesh deployments.  Now if they add mesh ap's later, I would still connect them to the network like a regular LAP and have them join the WLC and configure them for either a rap or map. 

From the CLI, the command to assign a static is :

capwap ap ip address

Thanks,

Scott

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[EvaldasOu]

Thanks Scott.

I did everything exactly as you mentioned in your post.

Looks like there is a problem with CAPWAP tunnel for mesh AP's. Maybe the problem is because the time is different on mesh AP's and controller. I'm not using NTP server also.

[Scott Fella]

That is a requirement.... the mesh ap's are just like any other lightweight access points.  Make sure the time is set and make sure the country code is correct.

Thanks,

Scott

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[EvaldasOu]

Okay, AP's are reloading now.

Maybe you also know, is there any difference if we add our AP's MAC addresses to the :

Security -> AAA -> AP Policies or Security -> AAA -> MAC Filtering , lists?

[Scott Fella]

It's the Mac filter list you need to ad the Mac address

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/wireless/controller/7.0/configuration/guide/c70mesh.html#wp1472458

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[EvaldasOu]

Yes, I know. But I think there is no difference in which list will you add the mac address of the AP.

You can add it in AP Policies, or MAC filtering list.

[EvaldasOu]

Everything is okay, when I connect AP's to the WLC via Ethernet. When I save all the configuration on MAP's and reload these, they won't connect to the RAP's and to the WLC via Wireless. Time settings also are gone from MAP's. Time settings never be equal without NTP server, if I have a problem because of this, how it would be possible to solve in big mesh AP's deployment?

[Scott Fella]

Well the wlc is the one that need to have the time set. As long as the mac address is in the mac filter list and your bridge group names are fine, the maps should join the rap with no issue. Now how are you powering up the rap and map. A PoE switch will not have enough power to enable the radios. You need to use the power injector for the rap and the AC plug for the maps.

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[EvaldasOu]

Thanks Scott for your time!

Yes, the mac address is in the mac filter list, and bridge group has the same name. Everyting is powered up via AC plug.

I have just one WLAN with WPA2-psk authentication. Does MAP's try to connect to the RAP's via that WLAN?

[Scott Fella]

No it doesn't use your wlan's to connect. What errors do you see in the wlc?

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[Scott Fella]

The mac address is the base mac not the radio. Look at the logs on the wlc and see how it's failing.

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[EvaldasOu]

Yes , I'm using base mac addresses also.

[Scott Fella]

If you followed the guide it's pretty simple. Here is a troubleshooting guide that might help determine the issue you are having.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/wireless/access_point/1500/troubleshooting/guide/TrbleshtMesh.html

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[EvaldasOu]

Thanks Scott. I don't know maybe the problem is that I'm not using any antennas. RSSI is about -70 for me anyway. Also looks like there is not possible to turn of the AP instantly, because it's using backup battery.