NETGEAR WAX630E/WAX630EP Insight Managed WiFi 6E Access Point Installation Guide
Introduction
This guide provides instructions for installing and configuring the NETGEAR Insight Managed WiFi 6E AXE7800 Tri-band Multi-Gig Access Point, models WAX630E and WAX630EP.
NETGEAR, Inc.
350 East Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134, USA
NETGEAR INTERNATIONAL LTD
Floor 1, Building 3,
University Technology Centre
Curraheen Road, Cork,
T12EF21, Ireland
© NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. Non-NETGEAR trademarks are used for reference purposes only.
Publication Date: July 2022
Package Contents
The package typically includes:
- Access Point Model WAX630E
- Mounting plate
- 3 Phillips head screws and anchors for mounting
- Metal bracket with T-bar, lock screw, and 4 short screws (for ceiling mounting)
- Model WAX630EP only: power adapter (varies by region)
NOTE: You can power up the WAX630E by connecting it to a PoE++ switch or power adapter. Model WAX630EP includes a power adapter, or you can purchase one separately.
Overview of the Access Point
The WAX630E Access Point features several indicators and ports:
- 1 Power/Cloud LED: Indicates power status and connection to the Insight cloud.
- 2 LAN 1 LED: Indicates activity and speed on the LAN 1 port (up to 2.5 Gbps).
- 3 LAN 2 LED: Indicates activity and speed on the LAN 2 port (up to 1 Gbps).
- 4 2.4 GHz WLAN LED: Indicates activity on the 2.4 GHz radio.
- 5 5 GHz WLAN LED: Indicates activity on the 5 GHz radio.
- 6 6 GHz WLAN LED: Indicates activity on the 6 GHz radio.
- 7 LAN 2 port: A standard Gigabit Ethernet port.
- 8 LAN 1/PoE++ port: A 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port that supports PoE++ (802.3bt, 60W).
- 9 Reset button: Used to reset the device to factory defaults.
- 10 DC power connector: For connecting an optional power adapter.
Important Safety and Usage Information
CAUTION: Terms of Use
This device must be professionally installed. It is the installer’s responsibility to follow local country regulations, including operations within legal frequency channels, output power, and DFS requirements. The vendor, reseller, or distributor is not responsible for illegal wireless operations. Please see the Device’s Terms and Conditions for more details.
Regulatory and Legal Information:
For regulatory compliance information, including the EU Declaration of Conformity, visit https://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory/. See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.
For NETGEAR's Privacy Policy, visit https://www.netgear.com/about/privacy-policy/.
By using this device, you agree to NETGEAR's Terms and Conditions at https://www.netgear.com/about/terms-and-conditions/. If you do not agree, return the device to your place of purchase within your return period.
Do not use this device outdoors. The PoE source is intended for intra-building connection only.
Applicable to 6 GHz devices only: Only use the device indoors. Operation of 6 GHz devices is prohibited on oil platforms, cars, trains, boats, and aircraft, except that operation of this device is permitted in large aircraft while flying above 10,000 feet. Operation of transmitters in the 5.925-7.125 GHz band is prohibited for control of or communications with unmanned aircraft systems.
For Canadian French documentation, visit https://www.netgear.com/support/download/.
LED Indicator Status
After starting up and during setup, the AP’s LEDs can light in various colors to indicate status:
- Power/Cloud LED:
- Slow blinking amber: The AP is starting, firmware is being upgraded, or the AP is trying to get an IP address.
- Solid green: The AP started up and functions either as a standalone AP or as an Insight-discovered AP not currently connected to the Insight cloud.
- Solid blue: The AP functions in Insight mode and is connected to the Insight cloud.
- LAN 1 LED (2.5 Gbps speed option):
- Solid or blinking green: The LAN 1 port detects a speed of 2.5 Gbps.
- Solid or blinking amber: The LAN 1 port detects a speed of less than 2.5 Gbps, such as 1 Gbps.
- LAN 2 LED (1 Gbps speed option):
- Solid or blinking green: The LAN 2 port detects a speed of 1 Gbps.
- Solid or blinking amber: The LAN 2 port detects a speed of 100 or 10 Mbps.
- 2.4 GHz WLAN LED:
- Solid green: The radio is operating without clients.
- Solid blue: The radio has at least one connected client.
- Blinking blue: The radio is processing traffic.
- 5 GHz WLAN LED: (Same as 2.4 GHz WLAN LED)
- 6 GHz WLAN LED: (Same as 2.4 GHz WLAN LED)
For more information about the LEDs, see the user manual, available at netgear.com/support/download.
1. Connect to Power and Internet
Power up the WAX630E access point (AP) by attaching a power adapter or by connecting the LAN 1/PoE++ port to a PoE++ switch that supplies 802.3bt power (60W PoE++ per port).
Ensure the AP has Internet connectivity:
- If connecting the AP to a switch, ensure the switch has Internet connectivity.
- If using a power adapter, use an Ethernet cable to connect the LAN 1/PoE++ port on the AP to a router or other network device on a network with Internet connectivity.
Sample Connections
Insight Managed Setup:
A typical setup involves the WAX630E Access Point connected to a 2.5 Gbps PoE++ switch. The switch connects to a router, which provides Internet access to WiFi clients managed via the Insight Cloud Portal or Insight App.
Standalone Setup:
A similar setup without explicit Insight cloud management, where the AP connects to a 2.5 Gbps PoE++ switch, which then connects to a router and the Internet, serving WiFi clients.
If connected to 2.5 Gbps equipment, the WAX630E LAN 1/PoE++ port supports Ethernet speeds up to 2.5 Gbps. The network setup may include a NETGEAR MS510TXUP switch, which supports 2.5 Gbps and higher speeds, as well as PoE++. If your Internet connection, modem, router, and switch all support 2.5 Gbps, the AP’s Internet connection will also function at 2.5 Gbps. Otherwise, it will function at the common speed of 1 Gbps.
NOTE: The AP receives an IP address from a DHCP server (or a router functioning as a DHCP server) on your network. If your network lacks a DHCP server, the AP uses its default IP address: 192.168.0.100.
2. Configure and Manage the AP
Insight remote management offers advanced features and services beyond standalone mode. Your Insight-manageable device includes Insight. For more information, visit:
You can configure and manage the AP using one of these methods:
- A. Cloud Portal/Remote Method: NETGEAR Insight Cloud Portal. Refer to Section A for detailed steps.
- B. Insight App/Remote Method: NETGEAR Insight App. Refer to Section B for detailed steps.
- C. Standalone/Local Method: Web Browser. Refer to Section C for detailed steps.
Your NETGEAR account also serves as your Insight account for remote management. Use your NETGEAR credentials to log in as an Insight Premium user, or as an Insight Pro user if you upgrade.
If you do not have an Insight account, you can create one. For details on creating an Insight Premium account or upgrading to Insight Pro, visit kb.netgear.com/000044343.
A. Use the NETGEAR Insight Cloud Portal to configure the AP
- Ensure the AP is connected to the Internet.
- On a computer or tablet, visit insight.netgear.com/.
- Enter your NETGEAR account email address and password, then click the NETGEAR Sign In button.
- If you are an Insight Pro user, select the organization to which you want to add the AP.
- Add a new network location or select an existing one.
- Click the + (Add Device) button.
NOTE: Insight Pro users can add single devices or multiple devices by uploading a CSV file.
- In the Add New Device pop-up, enter the AP’s serial number and MAC address, then click Go.
- After Insight verifies the product, you can optionally change the device name and click Next. A confirmation page will display setup progress.
NOTE: If the AP is online but not detected by Insight, a firewall might be blocking communication. Add port and DNS entries for outbound access to the firewall. See kb.netgear.com/000062467 for more information.
The AP automatically updates to the latest Insight firmware and configuration, which may take up to 10 minutes and involve a restart. The AP then becomes an Insight-managed device. The Power/Cloud LED will change from solid green to solid blue.
You can manage the AP using the Insight Cloud Portal or the Insight app.
B. Use the NETGEAR Insight App to configure the AP
- Connect your mobile device to the AP’s setup SSID (WiFi network name). You can do this by:
- Scanning the QR code on the AP label.
- Connecting manually: The setup SSID format is NETGEARxxxxxx-SETUP, where xxxxxx are the last six digits of the AP’s MAC address. The default WiFi passphrase is
sharedsecret
.
- Open the NETGEAR Insight app.
- Enter your account email address and password, then tap LOG IN.
- Add a new network location or select an existing one by tapping Next and then OK. The device admin password entered for the location replaces existing passwords on devices added to it.
- Insight usually detects the AP automatically within minutes.
- To add the AP to your network location:
- If the AP is listed in Insight Manageable Devices, tap its icon, then tap ADD DEVICE.
- If not detected, or to add manually, tap the + icon, then either tap SCAN BARCODE OR QR CODE and scan the AP’s code, or tap Enter Serial Number and MAC Address and enter the details manually.
- If prompted, name the AP and tap Next.
The AP automatically updates to the latest Insight firmware and configuration, which may take up to 10 minutes and involve a restart. The AP then becomes an Insight-managed device. The Power/Cloud LED will change from solid green to solid blue.
You can manage the AP using the Insight app or Insight Cloud Portal.
C. Configure the AP as standalone in a web browser
- Connect your computer or mobile device to the AP's setup SSID using one of these methods:
- Scan the QR code on the AP label.
- Connect manually: The setup SSID is NETGEARxxxxxx-SETUP, where xxxxxx are the last six digits of the AP’s MAC address. The default WiFi passphrase is
sharedsecret
.
- On your computer, launch a web browser and enter
aplogin.net
in the address bar. A security warning may appear due to the self-signed certificate; this is expected. You can proceed or add an exception. For more information, see kb.netgear.com/000062980/. - Enter the AP username (
admin
) and default password (password
). These are case-sensitive. - Select the Web-browser (Local) radio button. The Day Zero Easy Setup page will display.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and click Apply. It is recommended to note down the new admin password, SSID, WiFi passphrase, and IP address. A message will confirm settings are being applied.
- If your WiFi connection drops, reconnect using the new SSID and passphrase.
- When the login page appears, log in with your new admin password to configure the AP. For detailed configuration, see the user manual at netgear.com/support/download.
- Register your AP with NETGEAR:
- From an internet-connected device, visit my.netgear.com.
- Log in to your NETGEAR account (create one if needed). The My Products page will display.
- From the left menu, select Register a Product.
- Enter the AP’s 13-digit serial number (found on the AP label) in the Serial Number field.
- Select the purchase date from the Date of Purchase menu.
- Click the REGISTER button.
Your AP will be registered to your NETGEAR account, and a confirmation email will be sent.
Mounting Options
The AP can be mounted on a wall, a ceiling with a 15/16 in. (24 mm) T-bar, or placed freestanding on a flat surface. Using a flat Ethernet cable is recommended for a snug fit.
Before mounting, set up and test the AP to verify WiFi connectivity.
Mount the AP on a Wall
CAUTION: Ensure the wall is not damaged, as water damage can affect drywall.
- Place the mounting plate on the wall.
- Mark the wall at the mounting hole locations.
- Using a 3/16 in. (4.7 mm) drill bit, drill holes in the wall.
- Tap anchors into the wall with a soft mallet until flush.
- Use the screws to attach the mounting plate to the wall.
NOTE: Do not insert screws without anchors.
- Connect any necessary cables.
- Attach the AP to the mounting plate.
- Twist the AP clockwise to lock it onto the mounting plate.
Mount the AP to a T-bar (Ceiling Mount)
- Slide the T-bar partially into the metal bracket.
- Attach the metal bracket to the ceiling bar.
- Push the T-bar over the ceiling bar.
- Use the lock screw to secure the metal bracket.
- Use the four short screws to attach the mounting plate to the T-bar.
- Connect a PoE cable or power adapter to the AP before mounting. The AP is designed to sit flat on the ceiling surface.
- Hold the AP upside down and attach it to the mounting plate.
- Twist the AP clockwise to lock it onto the mounting plate.
Unmount the AP
CAUTION: Hold the AP securely to prevent it from dropping when releasing it from the mounting plate.
- Locate the locking latch by placing your thumb on the center of the LEDs and your finger on the opposite side of the device.
- Press and hold the latch down to release the lock.
- Turn the AP counterclockwise until it detaches from the mounting plate. The mounting plate remains attached to the T-bar or wall.
Support and Community
Visit netgear.com/support/ for answers to your questions and the latest downloads. Check out the NETGEAR Community for helpful advice at community.netgear.com.