Manuals+

NETGEAR WAX638E Insight Managed WiFi 6E AXE7800 Tri-band Multi-Gig Access Point

Model: WAX638E

Document Type: Installation Guide

Brand: NETGEAR

Overview

This guide provides instructions for installing and setting up the NETGEAR WAX638E Insight Managed WiFi 6E Access Point. It covers package contents, LED indicators, power and network connections, onboarding to NETGEAR Insight, mounting procedures, and regulatory information.

Note: The WAX638E supports Ethernet link speeds up to 2.5 Gbps when connected to compatible network equipment. For optimal performance, ensure your Internet connection, modem, router, and switch support 2.5 Gbps speeds. Connecting to a gigabit switch or PoE+ power source may limit performance.

Note: The Access Point (AP) obtains an IP address from a DHCP server. If no DHCP server is present, the AP defaults to 192.168.0.100.

Package Contents

  • Access Point Model WAX638E
  • Mounting plate
  • Metal bracket with T-bar, lock screw, and 4 short screws
  • 3 Phillips head screws and anchors for mounting

Note: You can power up the WAX638E using a PoE++ switch or a separately purchased power adapter.

LED Indicators and Ports

The WAX638E features several LEDs and ports:

  • 1 Power/Cloud LED: Indicates power status and connection to the Insight cloud.
  • 2 LAN 1 LED: Indicates status for the LAN 1 port.
  • 3 LAN 2 LED: Indicates status for the LAN 2 port.
  • 4 2.4 GHz WLAN LED: Indicates status for the 2.4 GHz WiFi radio.
  • 5 5 GHz WLAN LED: Indicates status for the 5 GHz WiFi radio.
  • 6 6 GHz WLAN LED: Indicates status for the 6 GHz WiFi radio.
  • 7 LAN 2 port: Standard Ethernet port.
  • 8 LAN 1/PoE++ port: Supports 2.5 Gbps Ethernet and 802.3bt PoE++ power input.
  • 9 Reset button: Resets the AP to factory defaults.
  • 10 DC power connector: For optional power adapter connection.

LED Status Meanings:

  • Power/Cloud LED:
    • Slow blinking amber: AP is starting, upgrading firmware, or obtaining an IP address.
    • Solid green: AP started, functioning standalone or as an Insight-discovered AP not connected to the cloud.
    • Solid blue: AP is in Insight mode and connected to the Insight cloud.
  • LAN 1 (one of two speed options):
    • Solid or blinking green: LAN 1 port detects a speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    • Solid or blinking amber: LAN 1 port detects a speed less than 2.5 Gbps (e.g., 1 Gbps).
  • LAN 2 (one of two speed options):
    • Solid or blinking green: LAN 2 port detects a speed of 1 Gbps.
    • Solid or blinking amber: LAN 2 port detects a speed of 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps.
  • 2.4 GHz WLAN:
    • Solid green: Radio is operating without clients.
    • Solid blue: Radio has at least one connected client.
    • Blinking blue: Radio is processing traffic.
  • 5 GHz WLAN: (Same as 2.4 GHz WLAN)
  • 6 GHz WLAN: (Same as 2.4 GHz WLAN)

Getting Started

Connect to Power and Internet

Power up the WAX638E Access Point (AP) by connecting its LAN 1/PoE++ port to a PoE++ switch (802.3bt, 60W) or by using a separately purchased power adapter.

Ensure the AP has Internet connectivity:

  • If connecting to a switch, verify the switch has Internet connectivity.
  • If using a power adapter, connect the AP's LAN 1/PoE++ port to a router or other network device with Internet access via an Ethernet cable.

Diagram Description: Sample connections for a NETGEAR Insight setup. This shows a WAX638E access point connected to a 2.5 Gbps PoE++ switch, which is then connected to a router, which is connected to the Internet. WiFi clients can connect to the AP, and these clients can access the Insight Cloud Portal or Insight app.

LED Status During Startup:

  • Power/Cloud LED: Slow blinking amber indicates the AP is starting, upgrading firmware, or trying to get an IP address. Solid green means the AP has started and is functioning standalone or as an Insight-discovered AP not yet connected to the cloud. Solid blue indicates the AP is in Insight mode and connected to the Insight cloud.

Getting Started with NETGEAR Insight

Your Insight-manageable device includes NETGEAR Insight, providing remote management and real-time network status notifications for all Insight-managed devices.

Choose Your Account Type:

  • Insight Premium: Supports a single administrator and multiple locations.
  • Insight Pro: Supports multiple administrators, organizations, and locations.

Accessing Insight and Onboarding Your Device:

  • Insight Cloud Portal: A comprehensive management platform with tools like Topology Viewer. Onboard devices by serial number or use bulk upload for Pro accounts.
  • NETGEAR Insight App: A mobile application for on-the-go network monitoring and device onboarding via barcode scanning.

For more information on Insight, visit the NETGEAR website: netgear.com/business/services/insight/subscription/

Refer to the knowledge base: kb.netgear.com/000061848

Log In or Create an Insight Account

Your NETGEAR account serves as your Insight account. Use your existing NETGEAR credentials to log in as an Insight Premium user. For Insight Pro, you may need to upgrade your account.

If you do not have a NETGEAR Insight account, you can create one. For details on creating or upgrading an account, visit: kb.netgear.com/000044343

Onboard Your Device to NETGEAR Insight

Choose one of the following methods to onboard your device:

  • Onboard via the NETGEAR Insight Cloud portal
  • Onboard via the NETGEAR Insight app
Onboard via the NETGEAR Insight Cloud Portal
  1. Ensure the AP is connected to the Internet.
  2. On a computer or tablet, scan the QR code for the Insight Cloud Portal or visit insight.netgear.com.
  3. Enter your NETGEAR account email and password, then click the NETGEAR Sign In button.
  4. For Insight Pro, select the organization to which you want to add the AP.
  5. Select a network location or create a new one.
  6. Click the + (Add Device) button.
  7. Note: Insight Pro users can add single devices or multiple devices by uploading a CSV file.
  8. In the Add New Device pop-up, enter the AP's serial number and MAC address, then click Go.
  9. After Insight verifies the product, you can optionally change the device name and click Next.

A confirmation page will display once the AP is successfully added and setup is in progress.

Onboard via the NETGEAR Insight App
  1. Connect your mobile device to the AP's setup SSID (WiFi network name). You can do this by:
    • Scanning the QR code: Scan the QR code on the AP label to connect to the setup SSID.
    • Connecting manually: The setup SSID is on the AP label and follows the format NETGEARxxxxxx-SETUP, where xxxxxx are the last six digits of the AP's MAC address. The default WiFi passphrase is sharedsecret.
  2. Open the NETGEAR Insight app.
  3. Enter your account email and password, then tap LOG IN.
  4. Add a new network location by tapping Next and then OK, or select an existing location. The device admin password for the new location will replace existing passwords on devices added there.
  5. Insight usually detects the AP automatically within several minutes.
  6. To add the AP to your network location:
    • If the AP is listed in Insight Manageable Devices, tap its icon and then tap ADD DEVICE.
    • If the AP is not detected, or you prefer manual addition, tap the + icon in the top bar and choose one of the following:
      • Tap SCAN BARCODE OR QR CODE and scan the AP's code.
      • Tap Enter Serial Number and MAC Address and manually enter the AP's serial number and MAC address.
  7. If prompted, name the AP and tap Next.

Results

The AP will automatically update to the latest Insight firmware and location configuration, which may take up to 10 minutes and involve AP restarts.

The AP is now connected to the Insight cloud-based management platform, and the Power/Cloud LED will light solid blue.

If the AP does not show as Connected in Insight, visit: kb.netgear.com/000065137

Mounting Options

You can mount the AP on a wall, on a ceiling T-bar (15/16 in. or 24 mm), or install it freestanding on a flat surface.

Recommendation: Use a flat Ethernet cable to ensure it fits within the narrow space between the AP and the mounting surface.

Before mounting: Set up and test the AP to verify WiFi network connectivity.

Mount the AP on a Wall

⚠️ CAUTION: Ensure the wall is structurally sound and free from damage (e.g., water damage) before drilling.

  1. Place the mounting plate on the wall.
  2. Mark the wall through the mounting holes.
  3. Using a 3/16 in. (4.7 mm) drill bit, drill holes at the marked locations.
  4. Tap each anchor into the wall with a soft mallet until flush with the wall surface.
  5. Use the provided screws to attach the mounting plate to the wall.

Note: Do not insert screws directly into the wall without anchors.

Diagram Description: Steps for wall mounting: placing the mounting plate, marking holes, drilling, inserting wall anchors, and attaching the plate with screws.

  1. Connect any necessary cables (e.g., Ethernet).
  2. Attach the AP to the mounting plate.
  3. Twist the AP clockwise to lock it onto the mounting plate.

Diagram Description: Attaching the AP to the mounted plate and twisting it clockwise to secure it.

Mount the AP to a T-bar

  1. Slide the T-bar clip partially into the metal bracket.
  2. Attach the metal bracket to the ceiling T-bar.
  3. Push the T-bar clip over the ceiling T-bar.
  4. Use the lock screw to secure the metal bracket in place.
  5. Use the four short screws to attach the mounting plate to the T-bar bracket.
  6. Connect a PoE cable or power adapter to the AP before mounting.

The AP is designed to be unobtrusive and sits flat on the ceiling surface when mounted.

Diagram Description: Steps for T-bar mounting: sliding the bracket onto the T-bar, attaching it to the ceiling bar, securing with a lock screw, and attaching the mounting plate.

  1. Hold the AP upside down and attach it to the mounting plate.
  2. Twist the access point clockwise to lock it onto the mounting plate.

Diagram Description: Attaching the AP to the T-bar mounted plate and twisting it clockwise to secure it.

Unmount the AP

  1. Locate the locking latch: place your thumb on the center of the LEDs and your finger on the opposite side of the device.
  2. Press and hold the latch down to release the lock.
  3. Turn the AP counterclockwise until it releases from the mounting plate.

The mounting plate will remain attached to the T-bar or wall.

⚠️ CAUTION: Hold the AP securely to prevent it from dropping when releasing it from the mounting plate.

Diagram Description: Steps for unmounting the AP: locating the latch, pressing it to release, and turning the AP counterclockwise.

Models: WAX638E Insight Managed WiFi 6E AXE7800 Tri-band Multi-Gig Access Point, WAX638E, Insight Managed WiFi 6E AXE7800 Tri-band Multi-Gig Access Point, Tri-band Multi-Gig Access Point, Multi-Gig Access Point, Access Point

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