AP Model Specific Configuration

Model-specific configuration allows you to tailor settings for all APs of the same model within a group or zone, or to an individual AP. These settings can include options for status LEDs, USB ports, Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP), and Ethernet ports. The purpose of these configurations is to provide precise control over the functionality and behavior of different AP models within your network.

To access these model-specific options, you must be in the Create or Edit page of the Zone, the AP Group, or a specific AP. On the resulting Edit screen, navigate to the AP Model Specific Configuration section (in the Edit Zone screen) or the Model Specific Options section (in the Edit AP Group screen or Edit AP screens). If you are configuring from the Zone or AP Group level, select the AP model from a list. For individual AP configuration, the model is pre-selected.

To configure these settings at the AP Group or individual AP level, enable the Override toggle. Settings in the AP Group override the Zone settings, and individual AP settings override AP Group and Zone settings.

To configure Model Specific Options at the AP level, enable the Model Specific Control toggle to override the zone configuration; subsequently, the options available for the AP are displayed.

Enabling Model Specific Options at the AP Level

The available options will vary depending on the hardware capabilities of each model. While the following are descriptions of all possible options available when in Zone, AP Group, or AP configuration mode and Model Specific Control has been enabled, remember that only the options applicable to the selected AP model will be displayed on your GUI.

Note: Consult the online the Data Sheets of the different AP models to learn about their specific hardware capabilities.

Example of Model Specific Options for the R560 AP

USB Port: The USB port serves purposes primarily related to supporting Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The USB port provides power to customer-supplied, low-power (1W or less) USB devices, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and other IoT devices. Once connected, these USB devices perform their designated tasks without interference from or control by the RUCKUS network equipment, other than receiving power from the USB port. By default, USB ports are enabled.

To disable the USB port on one specific AP in the network, in the Edit AP configuration window, set the USB Port toggle to OFF.

Disabling the USB Port on Individual AP H510

PoE out port: Some AP models have the capability to provide PoE to external devices. The APs must be powered by a sufficient PoE source, typically PoE++ (802.3bt) to ensure it can supply enough power to both the AP and the connected devices. Alternatively, use the power supply supported on the AP model, either DC (via a DC power adapter) or AC.

For example, to enable the PoE out port in all the H550 APs for an AP Group:

1. Navigate to the Model Specific Options in the Edit AP Group configuration window and select AP model H550 from the list.
2. Enable the Override toggle for the PoE out port option and toggle ON the Enable the PoE out port option.
   Note: For details pertaining to verifying PoE out status, refer to the RUCKUS SmartZone Troubleshooting and Diagnostic Guide.

Status LEDs: Toggling the Status LEDs option to OFF disables all LEDs on the AP, except for the LEDs co-located with the Ethernet ports (those LEDs cannot be disabled). This can be particularly useful in environments where the constantly blinking lights might be considered distracting or unsightly, such as in hotels, offices, or classrooms.

LLDP: The LLDP option enables the APs to advertise their identity and capabilities to their neighbors on a local network, aiding in network management and troubleshooting. LLDP is enabled by default.

You can configure the following fields:

• Advertise Interval: Set the frequency of LLDP packet transmissions from 1 through 300 seconds. A shorter interval provides more frequent updates, useful in dynamic environments, while a longer interval reduces network traffic but may delay updates.
• Hold Time: Specify how long the receiving device retains the LLDP information, from 60 through 1200 seconds. A longer hold time is beneficial in stable networks to reduce update frequency, whereas a shorter hold time is useful in environments with frequent device changes.
• Enable Management IP TLV: When this option is enabled, the management IP address of the AP is included in the LLDP advertisements. This option is enabled by default as a direct result of LLDP being enabled, but can be disabled independently; however, if LLDP is disabled, this option is automatically disabled. Enabling this helps in identifying and managing devices; while disabling it can enhance security by not exposing the management IP address.

LACP/LAG: This option allows you to combine two Ethernet ports in the AP as a single logical uplink, thus adding increased bandwidth and redundancy. Only specific AP models support this feature.

By default, the LACP/LAG option is set to Keep the AP’s settings. This means the controller will honor the configuration that is present in the AP, either done through the CLI or inherited from a previous configuration. Select Enabled to enable the LACP/LAG feature and optionally, select an existing Bond Port Profile from the drop-down list or click to create a new profile. The Bond Port Profiles set the VLAN configuration of the LAG. For more information about configuring these profiles, refer to topic AP Ethernet Ports.

PoE Operating Mode: Select the PoE operating mode based on the power requirements of the AP and the power budgets of your power sourcing equipment (PSE), usually a RUCKUS ICX switch. Some AP models require higher power consumption to ensure full feature operation, such as utilizing all the bands, chains, and ports. Consult the Data Sheet of each AP model to learn details about PoE consumption rates depending on the enabled features.

Select from the available PoE modes in the drop-down list. By default, Auto is selected, which means the AP will negotiate with the PSE, as needed, to ensure it is receiving the minimum amount of power required to optimally meet its functional needs.

Band Combination: Three-band APs offer the flexibility to use the third radio band for either the 6GHz frequency or to split the 5GHz band into two separate bands. In the 5GHz split configuration, the second band is used for the lower 5GHz frequencies, and the third band is used for the upper 5GHz frequencies. Typically, the band combination setting is available in the Band/Spectrum Configuration section at the Create or Edit Zone or AP Group, or in the individual AP settings. However, you can override this setting on a per-model basis in the Model Specific Options section.

Select 2.4GHz - 5GHz or 2.4GHz - 5GHz - 6GHz, from the drop-down list. Modifying this setting causes the affected APs to reboot.

External Antennas: Enable 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz external antennas. Set the toggle to ON and enter the power (in dBi) at which the antenna is enabled. This is only supported on specific outdoor APs.

Port Settings: Configure separate Ethernet port settings for each of the Ethernet ports on specific AP models. Disable/enable each of the ports separately and assign Port Profiles to them. By default, all ports in the AP are enabled, the uplink port is set to Default Trunk, and additional ports set to Default Access.

For enabled ports, select an existing port profile from the drop-down list, or click to create a new profile. The port profiles consist of a series settings including:

• Network type
• Anti-spoofing
• Client limit
• Rate limit
• Wired Client Isolation
• Authentication options
• VLAN Tagging options
• Firewall options