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VLAN Network Setup
VLAN Network Setup
T
Written by Taylor
Updated over 3 months ago

If you received only an Access Point, then the network hardware setup will be according to the following guide. The Access Point(s) is custom-provisioned to point to the Cents servers. By plugging in this AP into a router and powering via a power-over-Ethernet (PoE) injector, the AP will automatically broadcast the Cents WiFi for devices to connect to.

Required Materials

  1. Access Point (quantity dependent on store)

  2. PoE+ Injector (quantity dependent on number of APs)

  3. ISP provided router

  4. ~12” Ethernet Cable (quantity dependent on number of APs)

  5. Store dependent length Ethernet Cable (must be routed from Router location to ceiling, quantity dependent on number of APs)

Note: Ethernet cables are not provided and must be either purchased in pre-terminated lengths according to usage or terminated with spooled cable.

The Unifi Access Point can be seen below.

Below an AP is shown with its provided bracket. There are various brackets Unifi provides that may be useful for mounting to drywall, drop-ceiling, and other common constructions.

Take care to mount the AP(s) with roughly equal physical spacing throughout the store, generally covering the overall space where devices are mounted as evenly as possible.

Seen below is the PoE+ injector, and the AC power cable. Note the port with a red label provides PoE+ to the AP, and the LAN port will be connected to the router.

Network Diagram

The diagram above shows the network environment with one or two access points.

The ISP-provided router will be used to provide local area network (LAN) service to each PoE+ injector. The injector(s) will be powered by 120 VAC wall power and connected to the router as shown.

NOTE: It is important that the Cents provided APs are plugged directly into the ISP provided router. If other routers, cell backups, IP camera systems, etc. are used they can cause DHCP issues. Notify Cents if this is the case.

A PoE+ cable will connect the PoE+ injector(s) to the AP(s). The circular LED on the LED will alight, showing that power is provided to the device. Cents support will independently verify internet connection and provision the network accordingly.

Route the AP(s) with Ethernet cable accordingly.

Sample Photos

FAQs

  1. My ISP provided router has no more open LAN ports. What do I do?

    1. In this case, you will need to add an Ethernet switch. An Ethernet switch will expand the number of available LAN ports. These can be purchased inexpensively at electronics stores like Best Buy, Amazon, etc. If more than one AP is used, see FAQ 2) below.

  2. Can I use a PoE switch instead of a PoE injector?

    1. Yes. In some cases with 2+ APs, Cents may provide a PoE+ switch. However, it is important to note that the APs require higher power than standard PoE, which is called PoE+. To see what your switch provides, look for the identifier: 802.3af (PoE) or 802.3at (PoE+).

    2. See the diagram below:

  3. What do the colors mean on my AP?

    1. Steady Blue: This is good. The AP is connected to power and to the internet.

    2. Steady White: The AP is not configured to the network. Contact Cents.

    3. Slowly Blinking White: The AP is powering up.

    4. Quickly Blinking White: The AP has a power problem. Check connections on the PoE+ switch or injector and power cycle the AP.

    5. Quickly Flashing White/Blue: The AP's firmware is being upgraded. This should resolve itself after a few minutes.

    6. Slowly Flashing Blue/Off: The AP is not connected to the internet. Check the connections on the PoE+ switch or injector and ensure that there is ISP-level internet service to the router.

    7. No Light: The AP is not connected to power. Check the connections on the PoE+ switch or injector.
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