Access Point (AP) Deployment Guide

Introduction

The Yealink AX83H is an enterprise portable Wi-Fi IP color screen phone designed for mobile office communication. It is suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises, offices, warehouses, supermarkets, hotels, and other scenarios requiring mobile connectivity. The device features a built-in Bluetooth 5.0 module and a dual-band 2.4G/5G Wi-Fi 6 module, enhanced by advanced seamless roaming technology, enabling users to stay connected with evolving wireless trends.

Wireless Access Points (APs) are increasingly vital for providing seamless Wi-Fi access and mobile solutions across various business environments, including small and medium-sized enterprises, multi-story offices, and branch offices. This guide provides comprehensive insights and step-by-step instructions for deploying an Access Point (AP) environment.

Access Point Feature Requirements

To ensure optimal performance and compatibility, Access Points should meet the following requirements:

1. Embedded Wireless Controller
2. Wi-Fi roaming Protocol Support: 802.11k, 802.11v, 802.11r
3. Wi-Fi Protocol Support: 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11n
4. Interfaces: At least one 10/100/1000 Base-T (Ethernet) Uplink Interface, supporting POE
5. Radio Support: 2.4GHz, 5GHz

Recommended AP List

The following tables list APs tested by Yealink for compatibility with the AX83H.

Cisco Wireless Access Points

HPE (Aruba) Wireless Access Points

Ruckus Wireless Access Points

Deployment Guidance

AP Deployment Requirements

When deploying a Wi-Fi network with multiple APs for AX83H roaming, follow these guidelines:

1. Ensure the AP is properly powered on and connected to your network.
2. Connect your PC to the same network as the AP. This PC is used to configure the AP and other necessary devices through the Web GUI.
3. Access the AP using the PC's Web GUI and configure its settings.
4. Set the same SSID for all APs. Note that SSID is case-sensitive.
5. Verify that the IP addresses assigned to the APs belong to the same network segment and the same VLAN.

Conventional Obstacle Penetration Loss Comparison

Building structures and obstacles can directly interfere with or attenuate AP signals. The table below shows signal attenuation after penetrating different obstacles:

Recommended Overlap Range for AP Signal Coverage

During deployment, carefully consider cell edge coverage for each AP. It is recommended to design the cell edge of each AP with a signal strength of -67dBm for optimal performance. Maintain a 20% - 30% overlap between adjacent APs at this signal level. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to packet loss or blind areas, hindering seamless switchover for AX83H devices. For uninterrupted roaming, AX83H devices should consistently receive an RSSI of -67dBm or higher from the associated AP.

AP Placement

Proper AP placement is crucial for constructing wireless networks. A well-designed AP layout minimizes signal interference and attenuation, leading to better network performance and user experience.

Important Wi-Fi Parameters on APs

Proper configuration of key Wi-Fi parameters enhances the roaming performance of AX83H devices.

Vendor-Specific Configuration Examples

Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller

If more detailed information is needed, visit the Cisco Support website.

1. Log in to the web user interface.
2. Switch the configuration mode to Expert mode.
3. Add a new WLAN: Navigate to Configuration > Tags & Profiles > WLANs > Add.
4. Configure WLAN settings: Set the authentication method and fast roaming 802.11r. This involves configuring WPA parameters, WPA2 Encryption, Protected Management Frame (PMF), Fast Transition status, and Auth Key Mgmt.
5. Configure roaming and Wi-Fi 6: Set assisted roaming (802.11k), 11v BSS Transition Support, and Wi-Fi 6 features like Enable 11ax, OFDMA, and MU-MIMO.
6. Save and submit changes, then edit and assign the policy profile.

Aruba

If more detailed information is needed, visit the Aruba Support website.

1. Log in to the web user interface.
2. Navigate to Dashboard > Configuration > WLANs and add a new WLAN.
3. Configure WLAN settings: Specify the WLAN name (SSID), primary usage, broadcast status, forwarding mode, VLAN, and security settings (e.g., WPA-Personal, WPA2-Personal).
4. Adjust radio settings: Note that 5G cannot be turned off individually; 2.4G can be enabled when 'Allowed band' is set to 'a' or 'g'. Configure allowed bands, 5G radio settings, 6GHz band, and band steering.
5. Set 802.11r fast roaming feature profile and apply it to the SSID.
6. Save the configuration.

Ruckus

If more detailed information is needed, visit the Ruckus Support website.

1. Log in to the web user interface (ZoneDirector).
2. Add a new WLAN (e.g., ruckus-2.4g). Configure encryption options, password, and other advanced settings like MFP, user isolation, and QoS. Enable Wi-Fi 6 features as needed.
3. Add the newly created WLAN to a WLAN group (e.g., add 'ruckus-2.4g' to the '2.4g' group).
4. Configure Access Point settings: Assign APs to groups, set channel ranges for 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz radios, and configure radio settings (bandwidth, channel, transmit power). Ensure the WLAN group is set to 'Default' for dual-band support.