Edimax APC500 AP Controller Quick Installation Guide

I. Product Information

I-1. Package Contents

The package for the APC500 includes the following items:

• 1 x APC500 AP Controller
• 1 x Ethernet Cable
• 1 x Console Cable
• 1 x Power Adapter (Transformer)
• 1 x CD (containing software and documentation)
• 1 x Quick Installation Guide (this document)
• 1 x Shelf Mount Kit
• 1 x Wall Mount Kit

I-2. System Requirements

• Existing cable/DSL modem or router.
• A computer with a web browser for controller configuration.

I-3. Hardware Overview

The APC500 features the following ports and indicators:

• A. LEDs: Indicate power, status, and storage activity.
• B. USB 3.0 Port: Used for system backup/restore and logging.
• C. Eject Button: Ejects an attached USB device.
• D. Console Port: For management console connection.
• E. WAN/LAN 0 Port: Network interface for WAN or LAN connection.
• F. LAN 1-3 Ports: Local area network ports.
• G. Reset Button: Resets the controller to factory default settings.

Port Description:

• WAN/LAN 0: Connection / Speed
• LAN 1-3: Local Area Network ports

I-4. LED Status

I-5. Resetting the Controller

If you encounter any issues, you can reset the device to its factory default settings.

1. Press and hold the reset button on the front of the controller for at least 10 seconds. A pin or similar pointed object may be needed.
2. Wait for the controller to reboot. It is ready for configuration when the blue power LED turns on.

II. Configuring the Edimax Pro AP Controller

The APC500 provides centralized management for up to 200 Edimax Pro Access Points (APs), reducing costs and enabling efficient remote AP management. The APC500 is easy to install.

Recommended Network Setup:

The APC500 allows network connection via a switch or directly to a router. Connected Edimax Pro APs are automatically designated as managed APs. Using the APC500 allows configuration, monitoring, and management of all managed APs (up to 200 connected via switches) from a single AP controller.

Important: Ensure you have installed the latest firmware for your Edimax Pro products from the Edimax website.

Setup Steps:

1. Connect all APs to a PoE switch, which is then connected to a gateway/router.
2. You can use the router as a DHCP server or configure the AP Controller as the DHCP server later.
3. Ensure all APs are powered on and check their LEDs.
4. Connect the APC500 to the PoE switch (using a LAN port) or to the gateway/router (using the WAN port). Connect the power adapter.
5. Connect a computer to the APC500 using an Ethernet cable.
6. Open a web browser and enter the AP Controller's IP address in the address bar. The default IP address is 192.168.2.1.
7. Note: Your computer's IP address must be on the same subnet as the APC500. Consult the user manual for more assistance.
8. If you changed the APC500's IP address or if your gateway/router uses a DHCP server, ensure you enter the correct IP address. Verify your gateway/router settings.
9. Enter the username and password to log in. The default username and password are admin and 1234.
10. You will access the APC500 Dashboard. The APC500 includes a wizard to quickly configure the LAN IP address, administrator login settings, APC500 time/date, and the SSID and security for managed APs. Click "Wizard" in the upper right corner to begin.
11. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete Steps 1 to 6, then click "Finish" to save the settings.

Troubleshooting: If you cannot find any managed APs during Step 5 (Select Available APs), reset the managed AP to its factory default settings. Consult the AP's user manual for assistance.

The APC500 and managed APs should now be fully functional with basic settings configured. Use the main menu to navigate the Edimax Pro NMS (Network Management Suite) settings.

• Use Dashboard, Zone Plan, NMS Monitor, and NMS Settings to configure managed APs.
• Use Local Network & Local Settings to configure the APC500.

Consult the user manual for more detailed information.

III. Hardware Installation

III-1. Wall Mounting

The APC500 includes screws for mounting the controller on a wall.

Caution: Before using the wall mount system, carefully remove the rubber feet from the bottom of the APC500 by pulling them off.

1. Identify and mark the correct screw positions on the chosen wall.
2. Mount the APC500 on the wall using the included screws, as shown in the diagram.
3. Ensure the APC500 is securely fastened to the wall and oriented correctly, with the Edimax logo visible, as indicated in the diagram.

Ensure the controller is mounted firmly to the wall.

III-2. Shelf Mounting

The controller can be mounted on a shelf, which can then be placed in a wiring cabinet with other equipment. To install the controller on a shelf, follow these steps:

1. Mount the provided mounting brackets onto the side panels of the controller (one on each side) and secure them with the provided screws.
2. Use the screws provided with the equipment shelf to mount the controller onto the shelf and tighten them.

Copyright and Legal Information

Copyright

Copyright © Edimax Technology Co., Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission from Edimax Technology Co., Ltd.

Edimax Technology Co., Ltd. makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any warranties, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. Any software described in this manual is sold or licensed as is. Should the programs prove defective following their purchase, the buyer (and not this company, its distributor, or its dealer) assumes the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair, and any incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect in the software. Edimax Technology Co., Ltd. reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes from time to time in the contents hereof without the obligation to notify any person of such revision or changes.

The product you have purchased and the setup screen may appear slightly different from those shown in this QIG. The software and specifications are subject to change without notice. Please visit our website www.edimax.com for updates. All brand and product names mentioned in this manual are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Regulatory Compliance

Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Interference Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
2. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
3. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio technician for help.

FCC Caution

This device and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the authority to operate equipment.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radiation Exposure Statement

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure set forth for an uncontrolled environment. In order to avoid the possibility of exceeding the FCC radio frequency exposure limits, human proximity to the antenna shall not be less than 2.5cm (1 inch) during normal operation.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) RF Exposure Requirements

SAR compliance has been established in the laptop computer(s) configurations with PCMCIA slot on the side near the center, as tested in the application for certification, and can be used in laptop computer(s) with substantially similar physical dimensions, construction, and electrical and RF characteristics. Use in other devices such as PDAs or lap pads is not authorized. This transmitter is restricted for use with the specific antenna tested in the application for certification. The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

R&TTE Compliance Statement

This equipment complies with all the requirements of DIRECTIVE 1999/5/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL of March 9, 1999 on radio equipment and telecommunication terminal equipment and the mutual recognition of their conformity (R&TTE). The R&TTE Directive repeals and replaces in the directive 98/13/EEC (Telecommunications Terminal Equipment and Satellite Earth Station Equipment) As of April 8, 2000.

Safety

This equipment is designed with the utmost care for the safety of those who install and use it. However, special attention must be paid to the dangers of electric shock and static electricity when working with electrical equipment. All guidelines of this and of the computer manufacture must therefore be allowed at all times to ensure the safe use of the equipment.

EU Countries Intended for Use

The ETSI version of this device is intended for home and office use in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and United Kingdom. The ETSI version of this device is also authorized for use in EFTA member states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

EU Countries Not Intended for Use

None

EU Declaration of Conformity

This equipment is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 2014/30/EU.

This declaration is also provided in French, Czech, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Hungarian, Turkish, Ukrainian, Slovak, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, and Finnish.

WEEE Directive & Product Disposal: At the end of its serviceable life, this product should not be treated as household or general waste. It should be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment, or returned to the supplier for disposal.

Declaration of Conformity

Edimax Technology Co., Ltd. declares under its sole responsibility that the equipment described below complies with the requirements of the European R&TTE directives.

Equipment: AP Controller

Model No.: APC500

The following European standards for essential requirements have been followed:

• Directives 2004/108/EC
• EMC: EN 55022:2010+AC:2011 Class B, EN 55024:2010, EN 61000-3-2:2014 Class A, EN 61000-3-3:2013
• Safety (LVD): IEC 62368-1:2014 (2nd Edition) and/or EN 62368-1:2014+A11:2017

Edimax Technology Europe B.V.
Fijenhof 2, 5652 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Printed Name: David Huang
Title: Director

a company of: Edimax Technology Co., Ltd.
No. 278, Xinhu 1st Rd., Neihu Dist., Taipei City, Taiwan
Printed Name: Albert Chang
Title: Director

GNU General Public License Version 2

This product includes software subject to the GNU General Public License Version 2 (GPLv2). The software is free and distributed without warranty.

GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE Version 2, June 1991

Copyright (C) 1989, 1991 Free Software Foundation, Inc. 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA. Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies of this license document, but changing it is not allowed.

Preamble

The GNU GPL is intended to guarantee users' freedom to share and change free software. It ensures that software remains free for all users, allowing them to distribute copies, receive source code, and modify the software for new free programs.

Terms and Conditions for Copying, Distribution and Modification

0. Applicability: This License applies to any program or work marked with a notice stating it may be distributed under the GPL. The "Program" refers to such a program or work, and a "work based on the Program" is a derivative work.

1. Verbatim Copying: You may copy and distribute verbatim copies of the Program's source code. You must include copyright notices, warranty disclaimers, and a copy of this License.

2. Modification: You may modify your copy or portions of the Program. Modified files must carry prominent notices of changes. Any distributed work based on the Program must be licensed under the GPL at no charge. Interactive programs must display copyright and warranty notices.

3. Distribution in Object Code or Executable Form: You may distribute object code or executable forms if you also provide the corresponding source code, either:

• Accompanied by the complete machine-readable source code.
• With a written offer, valid for at least three years, to provide the source code for no more than the cost of physical distribution.
• With information received about an offer to distribute source code (for noncommercial distribution only).

4. Restriction on Distribution: You may not copy, modify, sublicense, or distribute the Program except as expressly provided. Any attempt to do so voids your rights under this License.

5. Acceptance of License: By modifying or distributing the Program, you accept this License and its terms.

6. Recipient's License: Each redistribution grants recipients a license to copy, distribute, or modify the Program under these terms. You may not impose further restrictions.

7. Court Judgment/Patent Infringement: If conditions imposed on you contradict this License, you may not distribute the Program at all if you cannot satisfy both obligations. This section protects the integrity of the free software distribution system.

8. Geographical Distribution Limitation: The copyright holder may add explicit geographical limitations for distribution.

9. New Versions: The Free Software Foundation may publish new versions of the GPL. You may choose to follow the terms of the specified version or any later version.

10. Incorporating into Other Programs: To incorporate parts of the Program into other free programs, seek permission from the author.

NO WARRANTY

11. Disclaimer of Warranty: The Program is provided "AS IS" without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The entire risk as to the quality and performance of the Program is with you. You assume the cost of any necessary servicing, repair, or correction if the Program proves defective.

12. Limitation of Liability: Copyright holders are not liable for damages, including general, special, incidental, or consequential damages, arising out of the use or inability to use the Program.