Ceiling-mounted APs to replace Grandstream APs: Aruba IAP-315

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Ceiling-mounted APs to replace Grandstream APs: Aruba IAP-315

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#2682014 28-Mar-2021 14:31

Quick question - has anyone managed to enable VHT160 using aruba central?

I am getting an intel 9260 card for my laptop and would like to try it sometime. Currently, the AP has selected to use 80Mhz channels but the interface does not allow you to select VHT160 as an option. I am unable to use the CLI to enable the mode as it does not allow you to use it while being centrally managed.

Just wondering if I need to wait until my 90 day trial finishes before giving it a go, or, if there is some option I have overlooked. Somewhat surprisingly given my location, I don't have interference that would prevent this from being enabled that I can see.

jonathan18

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#2682574 29-Mar-2021 15:47

sbiddle:

Just to go back and add some clarification to this..

These AP's are very power hungry. Full functionality requires a 802.3at injector or switch (something that supplies class 4 PoE). If you use an 802.3af injector or switch (class 3) they will stay in low power mode and the limitations of this are listed above.

dolsen:

Powering them from the poe injectors from the Cambium E400, the ap (which identify as a 802.3af poe source), the one I tried still worked fine.

Powering the aps from a 802.3at switch mine are currently using 5-6W and the highest I have seen is ~8W. With IAP, you will probably still get full functionality out of a 802.3af poe switch, but the led will be red. IAP will try and keep everything running but will drop some features (usb port first) if it needs to. I would say that unless you are running multiple ssids at full power with all features on, you will probably be fine with a 802.3af power source.

Thanks to @ShinyChrome's help, I've got my three IAP-315s running and installed, and already enjoying better (and, more importantly, more consistent) speed than from the Grandstreams. The injectors for the Grandstreams can't supply enough power so the APs have switched to the lower output mode for 2.4.

Looking at the set-up of the active switch I bought (a Cisco SG 200-08P) leaves me simply befuddled; while I appreciate the advantages of being able to use VLANs etc, I'm much more a plug-and-play-with-a-bit-of-fiddling kind of guy and don't have the knowledge/patience to get this Cisco switch working with the APs. So my preference is to find a small switch that does PoE+ (or can deliver enough grunt to the APs). TP-Link has released a V2 of the TL-SG1005 passive switch, but I can't find any store selling this in NZ. So, I'm trying to decide between:

v1 of the same switch (TL-SG1005), hoping that it is capable of delivering enough power to the APs to avoid the lower output mode (specs state 15.4W for each PoE port), or
the TL-SG105PE, which is POE+ so clearly no power issues, but is active (but equally claims 'Simple network set-up on top of plug-and-play connectivity')

Which of these would you guys recommend in these circumstances?

I'd also appreciate any other suggestions re advisable settings for the Aruba APs, eg what channel widths should be set to, which steering options should be enabled etc. (More fiddling is worthwhile as speeds are not nearly approaching what I get wired.)

Thanks in advance.

dolsen

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#2682581 29-Mar-2021 16:04

Here is another option for a switch that should not have any problems powering these access points.

https://www.amazon.com/Gigabit-Unmanaged-Ethernet-Rackmount-OOSSXX/dp/B0833JCGTG/

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#2682644 29-Mar-2021 16:28

jonathan18:

Looking at the set-up of the active switch I bought (a Cisco SG 200-08P) leaves me simply befuddled; while I appreciate the advantages of being able to use VLANs etc, I'm much more a plug-and-play-with-a-bit-of-fiddling kind of guy and don't have the knowledge/patience to get this Cisco switch working with the APs. So my preference is to find a small switch that does PoE+ (or can deliver enough grunt to the APs). TP-Link has released a V2 of the TL-SG1005 passive switch, but I can't find any store selling this in NZ. So, I'm trying to decide between:

v1 of the same switch (TL-SG1005), hoping that it is capable of delivering enough power to the APs to avoid the lower output mode (specs state 15.4W for each PoE port), or
the TL-SG105PE, which is POE+ so clearly no power issues, but is active (but equally claims 'Simple network set-up on top of plug-and-play connectivity')
Which of these would you guys recommend in these circumstances?

I'd also appreciate any other suggestions re advisable settings for the Aruba APs, eg what channel widths should be set to, which steering options should be enabled etc. (More fiddling is worthwhile as speeds are not nearly approaching what I get wired.)

Thanks in advance.

The SG1005 v1 will not work. This only delivers 15.4W which is PD class 3. The AP's need to negotiate PD class 4 (802.3at) to work at full power.

The SG105PE will work as this delivers 802.3at (PD class 4). This is a managed switch so if you are going to configure VLAN's on your network you will need to log into this to configure these.

As for speeds this still comes down to what client devices you're connecting. It doesn't matter how great the AP is if you're only using clients that are only 2x2 for example.

Earbanean

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#2685220 1-Apr-2021 09:55

FWIW, someone's selling a lot of Ruckus APs on TradeMe at $1 reserve at the moment. Without having looked closely at specs etc, I think they're a bit older/lower spec'ed.

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#2685297 1-Apr-2021 12:22

sbiddle:

The SG1005 v1 will not work. This only delivers 15.4W which is PD class 3. The AP's need to negotiate PD class 4 (802.3at) to work at full power.

The SG105PE will work as this delivers 802.3at (PD class 4). This is a managed switch so if you are going to configure VLAN's on your network you will need to log into this to configure these.

As for speeds this still comes down to what client devices you're connecting. It doesn't matter how great the AP is if you're only using clients that are only 2x2 for example.

So i bought the TL-SG105PE switch which, for around $120, is a pretty decent deal for a five port switch with four of those offering PoE+. Worked perfectly out of the box, with no settings adjustments (no VLANs at this point so nicely straightforward).

While always offering faster speeds than the Grandstreams they replaced, I’m still getting some erratic connection speeds with the Arubas (currently connecting no faster than 400MB even when directly next to an AP).

But the most frustrating thing is the kids’ time-limited SSID disappearing upon the APs being rebooted - once I go in and disable then reenable the time restriction it shows up again, but a hassle given this is the only network the boys’ devices are set up to use (for good reason!).

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#2685464 1-Apr-2021 19:03

Earbanean:

FWIW, someone's selling a lot of Ruckus APs on TradeMe at $1 reserve at the moment. Without having looked closely at specs etc, I think they're a bit older/lower spec'ed.

There are a few auctions for 7363, R500 and R600 AP's. The 7363's are pretty old now and you don't have full control unless you have a ZoneDirector controller.

R500 and R600 are now EOL as well but can have Ruckus Unleashed firmware loaded of them to offer a similar level of configuration and controller capability as the Aruba Instant in this thread does.

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ShinyChrome

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#2687839 7-Apr-2021 12:24

Looks like the Aruba APs have been listed again

GregM

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#2690873 11-Apr-2021 14:20

ShinyChrome: Looks like the Aruba APs have been listed again

I've just bought a couple of these off Ross directly for a cheaper price than on trademe. They should be here in a couple of days, but have no idea when I'll find the time to get them up and running.

As at this morning, he had about 20 available still, and more on the way. I found him on Facebook Market place.

networkn

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#2691023 11-Apr-2021 19:29

michaelmurfy:

To be perfectly honest 2x of these will suit you totally fine (or heck - even 3): https://www.gowifi.co.nz/indooraccesspoints/u6-lite.html

Note: They don't come with PoE injectors so either grab a small PoE switch or some injectors while you're at it else open up an offers and wanted thread as many people on here will have them laying around.

I've got a Cambium 802.11ax 2x2 access point in my house and am able to get Gigabit speeds no problems with my Wireless AX gear and ~500Mbit with my Wireless AC gear (however at $600ish per AP I wouldn't recommend it for your needs). While I have not tried the new Ubiquiti kit I'd expect to get similar performance but for that price also it is a very good deal.

You're also welcome to use my UniFi controller - it'll make things much easier for you.

Which Cambiums offer that?

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#2691617 12-Apr-2021 16:55

I'm facing one on-going issue with a Google Hub Max connected to my new Aruba APs, which can't 'see' any of our Chromecasts or another Hub, but can see and control all Minis in the house; while I can't be 100% sure it's related to the new APs, the problem only came about after they were installed so it looks pretty connected!

I've created a separate thread on this so as not to cr@p on this one, but thought I'd post here in case those with experience with the Arubas may be able to offer suggestions. @sbiddle: I'd really appreciate your thoughts on what may be the issue here, given you clearly know the Arubas well.

Thanks in advance.

sbiddle

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#2691709 12-Apr-2021 19:26

jonathan18:

I'm facing one on-going issue with a Google Hub Max connected to my new Aruba APs, which can't 'see' any of our Chromecasts or another Hub, but can see and control all Minis in the house; while I can't be 100% sure it's related to the new APs, the problem only came about after they were installed so it looks pretty connected!

I've created a separate thread on this so as not to cr@p on this one, but thought I'd post here in case those with experience with the Arubas may be able to offer suggestions. @sbiddle: I'd really appreciate your thoughts on what may be the issue here, given you clearly know the Arubas well.

Thanks in advance.

Without knowing your exact settings it's a little hard to know where to look, but looking at Airgroup (and understanding how that works) would be the first thing to look at. Enabling this and all the individual services under this should sort the issue, but reading up on this will give you an understand of what purpose this serves.

KellyP

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#2701505 4-May-2021 08:38

Good morning, late to this - does the seller this have stock on these?

Interested at two units for two seperate community buildings.

jonathan18

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#2701518 4-May-2021 08:58

James Bond:
Good morning, late to this - does the seller this have stock on these?

Interested at two units for two seperate community buildings.

Not on TM, anyway - only a few Ruckus APs. I do recall someone above found him selling them (cheaper) via FB, so could be worth checking that route.

GregM

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#2701525 4-May-2021 09:10

I talked to Ross last week and he had none left. I'm still having issues with my chromecasts, so if I can't sort soon, I may sell mine and go back to my unifi lrs

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