• Support for 802.11ac
  • Assigning an IP Address Using the CLI
  • Using a Telnet Session to Access the CLI
  • Configuring the 802.1X Supplicant
  • Configuring IPv6
  • Automatic Configuring of the Access Point
  • Configuring the Access Point for the First Time

    This chapter describes how to configure basic settings on the wireless device for the first time. The contents of this chapter are similar to the instructions in the quick start guide that shipped with the wireless device. You can configure all the settings described in this chapter using the CLI, but it might be simplest to browse to the wireless device web-browser interface to complete the initial configuration and then use the CLI to enter additional settings for a more detailed configuration.

    note.gif

    Noteblank.gif The access point radio interfaces are disabled by default.


    Before You Start

    Before you install the wireless device, make sure you are using a computer connected to the same network as the wireless device, and obtain the following information from your network administrator:

    • A system name for the wireless device
    • The case-sensitive wireless service set identifier (SSID) for your radio network
    • If not connected to a DHCP server, a unique IP address for the wireless device (such as 172.17.255.115)
    • If the wireless device is not on the same subnet as your PC, a default gateway address and subnet mask
    • A Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) community name and the SNMP file attribute (if SNMP is in use)
    • If you use IPSU to find the wireless device IP address, the access point MAC address. The MAC address can be found on the label on the bottom of the access point (such as 00164625854c).

    Resetting the Device to Default Settings

    If you need to start over during the initial setup process, you can reset the access point to factory default settings.

    Resetting to Default Settings Using the MODE Button

    note.gif

    Noteblank.gif Using the MODE button for resetting to default settings applies only to autonomous mode access points and not to lightweight mode access points.


    Follow these steps to reset the access point to factory default settings using the access point MODE button:


    Step 1blank.gif Disconnect power (the power jack for external power or the Ethernet cable for in-line power) from the access point.

    Step 2blank.gif Press and hold the MODE button while you reconnect power to the access point.

    Step 3blank.gif Hold the MODE button until the Status LED turns amber (approximately 1 to 2 seconds), and release the button. All access point settings return to factory defaults.


     

    Resetting to Default Settings Using the GUI

    Follow these steps to return to the default settings using the access point GUI:


    Step 1blank.gif Open your Internet browser.
    The wireless device web-browser interface is fully compatible with Microsoft Internet Explorer version 9.0 and Mozilla Firefox version 17.

    Step 2blank.gif Enter the wireless device IP address in the browser address line and press Enter. An Enter Network Password window appears.

    Step 3blank.gif Enter your username in the User Name field. The default username is Cisco.

    Step 4blank.gif Enter the wireless device password in the Password field and press Enter. The default password is Cisco. The Summary Status page appears.

    Step 5blank.gif Click Software and the System Software screen appears.

    Step 6blank.gif Click System Configuration and the System Configuration screen appears.

    Step 7blank.gif Click the Reset to Defaults button to reset all settings, including the IP address, to factory defaults. To reset all settings except the IP address to defaults, click the Reset to Defaults (Except IP) button.


     

    Resetting to Default Settings Using the CLI

    caut.gif

    Caution blank.gif You should never delete any of the system files prior to resetting defaults or reloading software.

    If you want to reset the access point to its default settings and a static IP address, use the write erase or erase /all nvram command. If you want to erase everything including the static IP address, in addition to the above commands, use the erase and erase boot static-ipaddr static-ipmask command.

    From the privileged EXEC mode, you can reset the access point/bridge configuration to factory default values using the CLI by following these steps:


    Step 1blank.gif Enter erase nvram: to erase all NVRAM files including the startup configuration.

    note.gif

    Noteblank.gif The erase nvram command does not erase a static IP address.


    Step 2blank.gif Follow the step below to erase a static IP address and subnet mask. Otherwise, go to step 3.

    a.blank.gif Enter write default-config.

    Step 3blank.gif Enter Y when the following CLI message displays: Erasing the nvram filesystem will remove all configuration files! Continue? [confirm].

    Step 4blank.gif Enter reload when the following CLI message displays: Erase of nvram: complete. This command reloads the operating system.

    Step 5blank.gif Enter Y when the following CLI message displays: Proceed with reload? [confirm].

    caut.gif

    Caution blank.gif Do not interrupt the boot process to avoid damaging the configuration file. Wait until the access point/bridge Install Mode LED begins to blink green before continuing with CLI configuration changes. You can also see the following CLI message when the load process has finished: Line protocal on Interface Dot11Radio0, changed state to up.

    Step 6blank.gif After the access point/bridge reboots, you can reconfigure the access point by using the Web-browser interface if you previously assigned a static IP address, or the CLI if you did not.

    The access point is configured with the factory default values including the IP address (set to receive an IP address using DHCP), from privileged EXEC mode. To obtain the new IP address for an access point/bridge, you can use the show interface bvi1 CLI command.


     

    Logging into the Access Point

    A user can login to the access point using one of the following methods:

    • graphical user interface (GUI)
    • Telnet (if the AP is configured with an IP address)
    • console port
    note.gif

    Noteblank.gif Not all models of Cisco Aironet Access Points have the console port. If the access point does not have a console port, use either the GUI or the Telnet for access.


    For information on logging into the AP through the GUI, refer to Using the Web-Browser Interface for the First Time.

    For information on logging into the AP through the CLI refer to Accessing the CLI.

    For information on logging into the AP through a console port refer to Connecting to an Access Point Locally.

    Obtaining and Assigning an IP Address

    To browse to the wireless device Express Setup page, you must either obtain or assign the wireless device IP address using one of the following methods:

    • Connect to the access point console port and assign a static IP address. Follow the steps in the appropriate section to connect to the device console port:

    blank.gif Connecting to an Access Point Locally.

    blank.gif Connecting to the 1550 Series Access Point Locally

    note.gif

    Noteblank.gif In some terminal emulator applications you may need to set the Flow control parameter to Xon/Xoff. If you are not able to console into the device with the flow control value set to none, try changing the flow control value to Xon/Xoff.


    • Use a DHCP server (if available) to automatically assign an IP address. You can find out the DHCP-assigned IP address using one of the following methods:

    blank.gif Connect to the wireless device console port and use the show ip interface brief command to display the IP address.

    Follow the steps in the “Connecting to an Access Point Locally” section to connect to the console port.

    blank.gif Provide your network administrator with the wireless device Media Access Control (MAC) address. Your network administrator will query the DHCP server using the MAC address to identify the IP address. The access point MAC address is on label attached to the bottom of the access point.

    Default IP Address Behavior

    When you connect a 1040, 1140, 1260, 2600 access point with a default configuration to your LAN, the access point requests an IP address from your DHCP server and, if it does not receive an address, continues to send requests indefinitely.

    Connecting to an Access Point Locally

    note.gif

    Noteblank.gif The following applies to all APs except the 1550 series APs.


    If you need to configure the access point locally (without connecting the access point to a wired LAN), you can connect a PC to its console port using a DB-9 to RJ-45 serial cable. Follow these steps to open the CLI by connecting to the access point console port:


    Step 1blank.gif Connect a nine-pin, female DB-9 to RJ-45 serial cable to the RJ-45 serial port on the access point and to the COM port on a computer. The Cisco part number for the DB-9 to RJ-45 serial cable is AIR-CONCAB1200. Browse to http://www.cisco.com/go/marketplace to order a serial cable.

    Step 2blank.gif Set up a terminal emulator to communicate with the access point. Use the following settings for the terminal emulator connection: 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control.

    note.gif

    Noteblank.gif If xon/xoff flow control does not work, use no flow control.


    Step 3blank.gif When connected, press enter or type en to access the command prompt. Pressing enter takes you to the user exec mode. Entering en prompts you for a password, then takes you to the privileged exec mode. The default password is Cisco and is case-sensitive.

    note.gif

    Noteblank.gif When your configuration changes are completed, you must remove the serial cable from the access point.



     

    Connecting to the 1550 Series Access Point Locally

    If you need to configure the access point locally (without connecting to a wired LAN), you can connect a PC to the Ethernet port on the long-reach power injector using a Category 5 Ethernet cable. You can use a local connection to the power injector Ethernet port the same as you would use a serial port connection.

    note.gif

    Noteblank.gif You do not need a special crossover cable to connect your PC to the power injector; you can use either a straight-through cable or a crossover cable.


    Follow these steps to connect to the bridge locally:


    Step 1blank.gif Make sure that the PC you intend to use is configured to obtain an IP address automatically, or manually assign it an IP address within the same subnet as the access point/bridge IP address. For example, if you assigned the access point/bridge an IP address of 10.0.0.1, assign the PC an IP address of 10.0.0.20.

    Step 2blank.gif With the power cable disconnected from the power injector, connect your PC to the power injector using a Category 5 Ethernet cable. You can use either a crossover cable or a straight-through cable.

    note.gif

    Noteblank.gif Communication takes place between the power injector and the access point/bridge using Ethernet Port 0. Do not attempt to change any of the Ethernet Port 0 settings.


    Step 3blank.gif Connect the power injector to the access point/bridge using dual coaxial cables.

    Step 4blank.gif Connect the power injector power cable and power on the access point/bridge.

    Step 5blank.gif Follow the steps in the “Assigning Basic Settings” section. If you make a mistake and need to start over, follow the steps in the Resetting the Device to Default Settings.

    Step 6blank.gif After configuring the access point/bridge, remove the Ethernet cable from your PC and connect the power injector to your wired LAN.

    note.gif

    Noteblank.gif When you connect your PC to the access point/bridge or reconnect your PC to the wired LAN, you might need to release and renew the IP address on the PC. On most PCs, you can perform a release and renew by rebooting your PC or by entering ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew commands in a command prompt window. Consult your PC operating instructions for detailed instructions.



     

    Default Radio Settings

    Beginning with Cisco IOS Release 12.3(8)JA, access point radios are disabled and no default SSID is assigned. This was done in order to prevent unauthorized users to access a customer wireless network through an access point having a default SSID and no security settings. You must create an SSID before you can enable the access point radio interfaces.

    Assigning Basic Settings

    After you determine or assign the wireless device IP address, you can browse to the wireless device Express Setup page and perform an initial configuration:


    Step 1blank.gif Open your Internet browser.

    Step 2blank.gif Enter the wireless device IP address in the browser address line and press Enter.
    An Enter Network Password screen appears.

    Step 3blank.gif Press Tab to bypass the Username field and advance to the Password field.

    Step 4blank.gif Enter the case-sensitive password Cisco and press Enter.
    The Summary Status page appears.

    Step 5blank.gif Click Easy Setup.
    The Express Setup screen appears.

     

    Step 6blank.gif Click Network Configuration.

    Step 7blank.gif Enter the Network Configuration settings which you obtained from your system administrator.
    The configurable settings include:

    • Host Name—The host name, while not an essential setting, helps identify the wireless device on your network. The host name appears in the titles of the management system pages.
    note.gif

    Noteblank.gif You can enter up to 32 characters for the system name. However, when the wireless device identifies itself to client devices, it uses only the first 15 characters in the system name. If it is important for client users to distinguish between wireless devices, make sure that a unique portion of the system name appears in the first 15 characters.


    note.gif

    Noteblank.gif When you change the system name, the wireless device resets the radios, causing associated client devices to disassociate and quickly reassociate.


    • Server Protocol—Click the radio button that matches the network method of IP address assignment.

    blank.gif DHCP—IP addresses are automatically assigned by your network DHCP server.

    blank.gif Static IP—The wireless device uses a static IP address that you enter in the IP address field.

    • IP Address—Use this setting to assign or change the wireless device IP address. If DHCP is enabled for your network, leave this field blank.
    note.gif

    Noteblank.gif If the wireless device IP address changes while you are configuring the wireless device using the web-browser interface or a Telnet session over the wired LAN, you lose your connection to the wireless device. If you lose your connection, reconnect to the wireless device using its new IP address. Follow the steps in the “Resetting the Device to Default Settings” section if you need to start over.


    • IP Subnet Mask—Enter the IP subnet mask provided by your network administrator so the IP address can be recognized on the LAN. If DHCP is enabled, leave this field blank.
    • Default Gateway—Enter the default gateway IP address provided by your network administrator. If DHCP is enabled, leave this field blank.
    • IPv6 ProtocolP—Specify the protcols to be applied, by selecting the required check boxes. You can select:

    blank.gif DHCP

    blank.gif Autoconfig

    blank.gif Static IP

    • IPv6 Address—Enter the IPv6 address
    • Username—Enter the username required to access the network.
    • Password—Enter the password corresponding to the username required to access the network.
    • SNMP Community—If your network is using SNMP, enter the SNMP Community name provided by your network administrator and select the attributes of the SNMP data (also provided by your network administrator).
    • Current SSID List (Read Only)

    Step 8blank.gif Enter the following Radio Configuration settings for the radio bands supported by the access point. Both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios have the following options:

    • SSID—Type the SSID in the SSID entry field. The SSID can contain up to 32 alphanumeric characters.

    blank.gif Broadcast SSID in Beacon—To allow devices without a specified SSID to associate with the access point, select this check box. If this check box is selected, the access point will respond to Broadcast SSID probe requests and also broadcast its own SSID with its Beacons.
    When you broadcast the SSID, devices that do not specify an SSID can associate to the wireless device. This is a useful option for an SSID used by guests or by client devices in a public space. If you do not broadcast the SSID, client devices cannot associate to the wireless device unless their SSID matches this SSID. Only one SSID can be included in the wireless device beacon.

    • VLAN—To enableVLAN for the radio, click the Enable VLAN ID radio button and then enter a VLAN identifier ranging from 1- 4095. To specify this as the native VLAN, check the Native VLAN check box. To disable VLAN, click the No VLAN radio button.
    • Security—Select the security setting for the SSID. The settings are listed in order of robustness, from No Security to WPA, which is the most secure setting. If you select EAP Authentication or WPA, enter the IP address (the RADIUS Server IP address) and shared secret (RADIUS Server Secret) for the authentication server on your network.
    note.gif

    Noteblank.gif If you do not use VLANs on your wireless LAN, the security options that you can assign to multiple SSIDs are limited. See the “Using VLANs” section for details.


    blank.gif No Security—This security setting does not use an encryption key or key management, and uses open authentication.

    blank.gif WEP Key—This security setting uses mandatory WEP encryption, no key management and open authentication. You can specify up to four WEP keys, i.e. Key 1, 2, 3, and 4. Enter each key value, and specify whether it is 128 bit or 40 bit.

    blank.gif EAP Authentication—The Extensible Authentication Protocols (EAP) Authentication permits wireless access to users authenticated against a database through the services of an authentication server then encrypts the authenticated and authorized traffic. Use this setting for LEAP, PEAP, EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS, EAP-GTC, EAP-SIM, and other 802.1x/EAP based protocols. This setting uses mandatory encryption WEP, open authentication + EAP, network EAP authentication, no key management, RADIUS server authentication port 1645. Specify the RADIUS Server and the RADIUS Server Secret.

    blank.gif WPA—The Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) security setting permits wireless access to users authenticated against a database through the services of an authentication server, then encrypts their authenticated and authorized IP traffic with stronger algorithms than those used in WEP. Make sure clients are WPA certified before selecting this option. This setting uses encryption ciphers tkip, open authentication + EAP, network EAP authentication, key management WPA mandatory, and RADIUS server authentication port 1645. Specify the RADIUS Server and the RADIUS Server Secret.

    note.gif

    Noteblank.gif To better understand the security settings used here, see “Understanding the Security Settings” section.


    • Role in Radio Network—Click the button that describes the role of the wireless device on your network. Select Access Point (Root) if the wireless device is connected to the wired LAN. Select Repeater (Non-Root) if it is not connected to the wired LAN. The only role supported on the Airlink is root. For information on the roles supported by different APs in a radio network, see Configuring the Role in Radio Network. The following roles are available in a radio network:

    blank.gif Access Point—A root device. Accepts associations from clients and bridges wireless traffic from the clients to the wireless LAN. This setting can be applied to any access point.

    blank.gif Repeater—A non-root device. Accepts associations from clients and bridges wireless traffic from the clients to root access point connected to the wireless LAN. This setting can be applied to any access point.

    blank.gif Root Bridge—Establishes a link with a non-root bridge. In this mode, the device also accepts associations from clients.

    blank.gif Non-Root Bridge—In this mode, the device establishes a link with a root bridge.

    blank.gif Install Mode—Places the access point/bridge in auto installation mode so you can align and adjust a bridge link for optimum efficiency.

    blank.gif Workgroup Bridge—In the Workgroup bridge mode, the access point functions as a client device that associates with a Cisco Aironet access point or bridge. A workgroup bridge can have a maximum of 254 clients, presuming that no other wireless clients are associated to the root bridge or access point.

    blank.gif Universal Workgroup Bridge—Configures the access point as a workgroup bridge capable of associating with non-Cisco access points.

    blank.gif Client MAC:—The Ethernet MAC address of the client connected to the universal workgroup bridge. This field appears only in the universal workgroup bridge mode.

    blank.gif Scanner—Functions as a network monitoring device. In the Scanner mode, the access point does not accept associations from clients. It continuously scans and reports wireless traffic it detects from other wireless devices on the wireless LAN. All access points can be configured as a scanner.

    • Optimize Radio Network for—Use this setting to select either preconfigured settings for the wireless device radio or customized settings for the wireless device radio.

    blank.gif Throughput—Maximizes the data volume handled by the wireless device, but might reduce its range.

    blank.gif Range—Maximizes the wireless device range but might reduce throughput.

    blank.gif Default—Sets the default values for the access point.

    blank.gif Custom—The wireless device uses the settings you enter on the Network Interfaces. Clicking Custom takes you to the Network Interfaces.

    • Aironet Extensions—Enable this setting if there are only Cisco Aironet wireless devices on your wireless LAN.
    • Channel—The default channel setting for the wireless device radios is least congested; at startup, the wireless device scans for and selects the least-congested channel. For the most consistent performance after a site survey, however, we recommend that you assign a static channel setting for each access point.

    blank.gif For the 2.4 GHz radio, the relevant options are Least-Congested, channel 1-2412, channel 2-2417, channel 3-2422, channel 4-2427, channel 5-2432, channel 6-2437, channel 7-2442, channel 8-2447, channel 9-2452, channel 10-2457, and channel 11-2462.

    blank.gif For the 5 GHz radio, the relevant options are Dynamic Frequency selection, channel 36-5180, channel 40-5200, channel 44-5220, channel 48-5240, channel 149-5745, channel 153-5765, channel 157-5785, channel 161-5805, and channel 165-5825.

    • Power—Choose the power level from the Power drop-down list.

    blank.gif For the 2.4 GHz radio, the relevant options are Maximum, 22, 19, 16, 13, 10, 7, and 4.

    blank.gif For the 5 GHz radio, the relevant options are Maximum, 14, 11, 8, 5, and 2.

    Step 9blank.gif Click Apply to save your settings.

    Step 10blank.gif Click Network Interfaces to browse to the Network Interfaces Summary page.

    Step 11blank.gif Click the radio interface to browse to the Network Interfaces: Radio Status page.

    Step 12blank.gif Click the Settings tab to browse to the Settings page for the radio interface.

    Step 13blank.gif Click Enable to enable the radio.

    Step 14blank.gif Click Apply.

    Your wireless device is now running but probably requires additional configuring to conform to your network operational and security requirements. Consult the chapters in this manual for the information you need to complete the configuration.

    note.gif

    Noteblank.gif You can restore access points to factory defaults by unplugging the power jack and plugging it back in while holding down the Mode button for a few seconds, or until the Status LED turns amber.



     

    Default Settings on the Easy Setup Page

    Table 4-1 lists the default settings for the settings on the Express Setup page.

     

    Table 4-1 Default Settings on the Express Setup Page

    Setting
    Default

    Host Name

    ap

    Configuration Server Protocol

    DHCP

    IP Address

    Assigned by DHCP by default; see the “Default IP Address Behavior” section for a description of default IP address behavior on the access point

    IP Subnet Mask

    Assigned by DHCP by default; if DHCP is disabled, the default setting is 255.255.255.224

    Default Gateway

    Assigned by DHCP by default; if DHCP is disabled, the default setting is 0.0.0.0

    IPv6 Protocol

    DHCP and Autoconfig

    SNMP Community

    defaultCommunity (Read-only)

    VLAN

    No VLAN

    Security

    No Security

    Role in Radio Network (for each radio installed)

    Access point

    Optimize Radio Network for

    Default

    Aironet Extensions

    Enable

    Channel

    Least-Congested (for 2.4GHz) and Dynamic Frequency Selection (for 5GHz)

    Power

    Maximum

    Understanding the Security Settings

    You can configure basic security settings in the Easy Setup > Radio Configuration section. You can use the options given in this section to create unique SSIDs and assign one of four security types to them.

    You can create up to 16 SSIDs on the wireless device. The created SSIDs appear in the Current SSID List. On dual-radio wireless devices, the SSIDs that you create are enabled by default on both radio interfaces.

    note.gif

    Noteblank.gif In Cisco IOS Release 12.4(23c)JA and 12.xxx, there is no default SSID. You must configure an SSID before client devices can associate to the access point.


    The SSID can consist of up to 32 alphanumeric, case-sensitive, characters.

    The first character can not contain the following characters:

    • Exclamation point (!)
    • Pound sign (#)
    • Semicolon (;)

    The following characters are invalid and cannot be used in an SSID:

    • Plus sign (+)
    • Right bracket (])
    • Front slash (/)
    • Quotation mark (")
    • Tab
    • Trailing spaces

    Using VLANs

    If you use VLANs on your wireless LAN and assign SSIDs to VLANs, you can create multiple SSIDs using any of the four security settings on the Express Security page. However, if you do not use VLANs on your wireless LAN, the security options that you can assign to SSIDs are limited because on the Express Security page encryption settings and authentication types are linked. Without VLANs, encryption settings (WEP and ciphers) apply to an interface, such as the 2.4-GHz radio, and you cannot use more than one encryption setting on an interface. For example, when you create an SSID with static WEP with VLANs disabled, you cannot create additional SSIDs with WPA authentication because they use different encryption settings. If you find that the security setting for an SSID conflicts with another SSID, you can delete one or more SSIDs to eliminate the conflict.

    Security Types for an SSID

    Table 4-2 describes the four security types that you can assign to an SSID.

     

    Table 4-2 Security Types on Express Security Setup Page

    Security Type
    Description
    Security Features Enabled

    No Security

    This is the least secure option. You should use this option only for SSIDs used in a public space and assign it to a VLAN that restricts access to your network.

    None.

    Static WEP Key

    This option is more secure than no security. However, static WEP keys are vulnerable to attack. If you configure this setting, you should consider limiting association to the wireless device based on MAC address (see the Chapter 16, “Using MAC Address ACLs to Block or Allow Client Association to the Access Point” or, if your network does not have a RADIUS server, consider using an access point as a local authentication server (see Chapter 9, “Configuring an Access Point as a Local Authenticator”).

    Mandatory WEP. Client devices cannot associate using this SSID without a WEP key that matches the wireless device key.

    EAP Authentication

    This option enables 802.1X authentication (such as LEAP, PEAP, EAP-TLS, EAP-FAST, EAP-TTLS, EAP-GTC, EAP-SIM, and other 802.1X/EAP based products)

    This setting uses mandatory encryption, WEP, open authentication + EAP, network EAP authentication, no key management, RADIUS server authentication port 1645.

    You are required to enter the IP address and shared secret for an authentication server on your network (server authentication port 1645). Because 802.1X authentication provides dynamic encryption keys, you do not need to enter a WEP key.

    Mandatory 802.1X authentication. Client devices that associate using this SSID must perform 802.1X authentication.

    If radio clients are configured to authenticate using EAP-FAST, open authentication with EAP should also be configured. If you do not configure open authentication with EAP, the following GUI warning message appears:

    WARNING:
    Network EAP is used for LEAP authentication only. If radio clients are configured to authenticate using EAP-FAST, Open Authentication with EAP should also be configured.

    If you are using the CLI, this warning message appears:

    SSID CONFIG WARNING: [SSID]: If radio clients are using EAP-FAST, AUTH OPEN with EAP should also be configured.

    WPA

    Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) permits wireless access to users authenticated against a database through the services of an authentication server, then encrypts their IP traffic with stronger algorithms than those used in WEP.

    This setting uses encryption ciphers, TKIP, open authentication + EAP, network EAP authentication, key management WPA mandatory, and RADIUS server authentication port 1645.

    As with EAP authentication, you must enter the IP address and shared secret for an authentication server on your network (server authentication port 1645).

    Mandatory WPA authentication. Client devices that associate using this SSID must be WPA-capable.

    If radio clients are configured to authenticate using EAP-FAST, open authentication with EAP should also be configured. If you do not configure open authentication with EAP, the following GUI warning message appears:

    WARNING:
    Network EAP is used for LEAP authentication only. If radio clients are configured to authenticate using EAP-FAST, Open Authentication with EAP should also be configured.

    If you are using the CLI, this warning message appears:

    SSID CONFIG WARNING: [SSID]: If radio clients are using EAP-FAST, AUTH OPEN with EAP should also be configured.

    Limitations of Security Settings

    The security settings in the Easy Setup Radio Configuration section are designed for simple configuration of basic security. The options available are a subset of the wireless device security capabilities. Keep these limitations in mind when using the Express Security page:

    • If the No VLAN option is selected, the static WEP key can be configured once. If you select Enable VLAN, the static WEP key should be disabled.
    • You cannot edit SSIDs. However, you can delete SSIDs and re-create them.
    • You cannot configure multiple authentication servers. To configure multiple authentication servers, use the Security Server Manager page.
    • You cannot configure multiple WEP keys. To configure multiple WEP keys, use the Security Encryption Manager page.
    • You cannot assign an SSID to a VLAN that is already configured on the wireless device. To assign an SSID to an existing VLAN, use the Security SSID Manager page.
    • You cannot configure combinations of authentication types on the same SSID (for example, MAC address authentication and EAP authentication). To configure combinations of authentication types, use the Security SSID Manager page.

    CLI Configuration Examples

    The examples in this section show the CLI commands that are equivalent to creating SSIDs using each security type. This section contains these example configurations:

    Example: No Security for Radio 2.4GHz

    This example shows a part of the resulting configuration when an SSID called no_security_ssid is created, the SSID is included in the beacon, assigned to VLAN 10, and then VLAN 10 is selected as the native VLAN:

    !
    dot11 ssid no_security_ssid
    vlan 10
    authentication open
    guest-mode
    !
    interface Dot11Radio0
    no ip address
    no ip route-cache
    shutdown
    !
    ssid no_security_ssid
    !
    antenna gain 0
    station-role root
    !
    interface Dot11Radio0.10
    encapsulation dot1Q 10 native
    no ip route-cache
    bridge-group 1
    bridge-group 1 subscriber-loop-control
    bridge-group 1 spanning-disabled
    bridge-group 1 block-unknown-source
    no bridge-group 1 source-learning
    no bridge-group 1 unicast-flooding
    !
    interface Dot11Radio1
    no ip address
    no ip route-cache
    shutdown
    antenna gain 0
    peakdetect
    dfs band 3 block
    channel dfs
    station-role root
    !
    interface Dot11Radio1.10
    encapsulation dot1Q 10 native
    no ip route-cache
    bridge-group 1
    bridge-group 1 subscriber-loop-control
    bridge-group 1 spanning-disabled
    bridge-group 1 block-unknown-source
    no bridge-group 1 source-learning
    no bridge-group 1 unicast-flooding
    !

    Example: Static WEP for Radio 2.4 GHz

    This example shows a part of the configuration that results from creating an SSID called static_wep_ssid, excluding the SSID from the beacon, assigning the SSID to VLAN 20, selecting 3 as the key slot, and entering a 128-bit key:

    !
    dot11 ssid static_wep_ssid
    vlan 20
    authentication open
    !
    !
    !
    encryption vlan 20 key 3 size 128bit 7 76031220D71D63394A6BD63DE57F transmit-key
    encryption vlan 20 mode wep mandatory
    !
    ssid static_wep_ssid
    !
    !
    interface Dot11Radio0.20
    encapsulation dot1Q 20
    no ip route-cache
    bridge-group 20
    bridge-group 20 subscriber-loop-control
    bridge-group 20 spanning-disabled
    bridge-group 20 block-unknown-source
    no bridge-group 20 source-learning
    no bridge-group 20 unicast-flooding
    !
    interface Dot11Radio0.31
    encapsulation dot1Q 31 native
    no ip route-cache
    bridge-group 1
    bridge-group 1 subscriber-loop-control
    bridge-group 1 spanning-disabled
    bridge-group 1 block-unknown-source
    no bridge-group 1 source-learning
    no bridge-group 1 unicast-flooding
    !
    interface Dot11Radio1
    no ip address
    no ip route-cache
    !
    encryption vlan 20 key 3 size 128bit 7 E55F05382FE2064B7C377B164B73 transmit-key
    encryption vlan 20 mode wep mandatory
    !
    ssid static_wep_ssid
    !
    !
    interface Dot11Radio1.20
    encapsulation dot1Q 20
    no ip route-cache
    bridge-group 20
    bridge-group 20 subscriber-loop-control
    bridge-group 20 spanning-disabled
    bridge-group 20 block-unknown-source
    no bridge-group 20 source-learning
    no bridge-group 20 unicast-flooding
    !
    interface Dot11Radio1.31
    encapsulation dot1Q 31 native
    no ip route-cache
    bridge-group 1
    bridge-group 1 subscriber-loop-control
    bridge-group 1 spanning-disabled
    bridge-group 1 block-unknown-source
    no bridge-group 1 source-learning
    no bridge-group 1 unicast-flooding
    !
    interface GigabitEthernet0
    no ip address
    no ip route-cache
    duplex auto
    speed auto
    !
    interface GigabitEthernet0.20
    encapsulation dot1Q 20
    no ip route-cache
    bridge-group 20
    bridge-group 20 spanning-disabled
    no bridge-group 20 source-learning
    !
    interface GigabitEthernet0.31
    encapsulation dot1Q 31 native
    no ip route-cache
    bridge-group 1
    bridge-group 1 spanning-disabled
    no bridge-group 1 source-learning
    !
     

    Example: EAP Authentication

    This example shows a part of the configuration that results from creating an SSID called eap_ssid, excluding the SSID from the beacon, and assigning the SSID to VLAN 30:

    note.gif

    Noteblank.gif The following warning message appears if your radio clients are using EAP-FAST and you do not include open authentication with EAP as part of the configuration:

    SSID CONFIG WARNING: [SSID]: If radio clients are using EAP-FAST, AUTH OPEN with EAP should also be configured.


     
    dot11 ssid eap_ssid
    vlan 30
    authentication open eap eap_methods
    authentication network-eap eap_methods
    !
    dot11 guest
    !
    username apuser password 7 096F471A1A0A
    !
    bridge irb
    !
    interface Dot11Radio0
    no ip address
    no ip route-cache
    shutdown
    !
    encryption vlan 30 mode wep mandatory
    !
    ssid eap_ssid
    !
    antenna gain 0
    station-role root
    bridge-group 1
    bridge-group 1 subscriber-loop-control
    bridge-group 1 block-unknown-source
    no bridge-group 1 source-learning
    no bridge-group 1 unicast-flooding
    !
    interface Dot11Radio0.30
    encapsulation dot1Q 30
    no ip route-cache
    bridge-group 30
    bridge-group 30 subscriber-loop-control
    bridge-group 30 spanning-disabled
    bridge-group 30 block-unknown-source
    no bridge-group 30 source-learning
    no bridge-group 30 unicast-flooding
    !
    interface Dot11Radio1
    no ip address
    no ip route-cache
    shutdown
    antenna gain 0
    peakdetect
    dfs band 3 block
    channel dfs
    station-role root
    bridge-group 1
    bridge-group 1 subscriber-loop-control
    bridge-group 1 block-unknown-source
    no bridge-group 1 source-learning
    no bridge-group 1 unicast-flooding
    !
    interface Dot11Radio1.30
    encapsulation dot1Q 30
    no ip route-cache
    bridge-group 30
    bridge-group 30 subscriber-loop-control
    bridge-group 30 spanning-disabled
    bridge-group 30 block-unknown-source
    no bridge-group 30 source-learning
    no bridge-group 30 unicast-flooding
    !
    interface GigabitEthernet0
    no ip address
    no ip route-cache
    duplex auto
    speed auto
    bridge-group 1
    bridge-group 1 spanning-disabled
    no bridge-group 1 source-learning
    !
    interface GigabitEthernet0.30
    encapsulation dot1Q 30
    no ip route-cache
    bridge-group 30
    bridge-group 30 spanning-disabled
    no bridge-group 30 source-learning
    !
    interface BVI1
    ip address dhcp client-id GigabitEthernet0
    no ip route-cache
    ipv6 address dhcp
    ipv6 address autoconfig
    ipv6 enable
    !
    ip forward-protocol nd
    ip http server
    no ip http secure-server
    ip http help-path http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/779/smbiz/prodconfig/help/eag
    ip radius source-interface BVI1
    !
    !
    radius-server attribute 32 include-in-access-req format %h
    radius-server vsa send accounting
    !
    radius server 10.10.11.100
    address ipv4 10.10.11.100 auth-port 1645 acct-port 1646
    key 7 00271A150754
    !
    bridge 1 route ip
     

    Example: WPA2 for Radio 2.4GHz

    This example shows a part of the configuration that results from creating an SSID called wpa_ssid, excluding the SSID from the beacon, and assigning the SSID to VLAN 40:

     
    aaa new-model
    !
    aaa group server radius rad_eap
    server name 10.10.11.100
    !
    aaa group server radius rad_mac
    !
    aaa group server radius rad_acct
    !
    aaa group server radius rad_admin
    !
    aaa group server tacacs+ tac_admin
    !
    aaa group server radius rad_pmip
    !
    aaa group server radius dummy
    !
    aaa authentication login eap_methods group rad_eap
    aaa authentication login mac_methods local
    aaa authorization exec default local
    aaa accounting network acct_methods start-stop group rad_acct
    !
    aaa session-id common
    !
    dot11 ssid wpa_ssid
    vlan 40
    authentication open eap eap_methods
    authentication network-eap eap_methods
    authentication key-management wpa version 2
    !
    interface Dot11Radio0
    no ip address
    no ip route-cache
    shutdown
    !
    encryption vlan 40 mode ciphers aes-ccm
    !
    ssid wpa_ssid
    !
    antenna gain 0
    station-role root
    bridge-group 1
    bridge-group 1 subscriber-loop-control
    bridge-group 1 block-unknown-source
    no bridge-group 1 source-learning
    no bridge-group 1 unicast-flooding
    !
    interface Dot11Radio0.40
    encapsulation dot1Q 40
    no ip route-cache
    bridge-group 40
    bridge-group 40 subscriber-loop-control
    bridge-group 40 spanning-disabled
    bridge-group 40 block-unknown-source
    no bridge-group 40 source-learning
    no bridge-group 40 unicast-flooding
    !
    interface Dot11Radio1
    no ip address
    no ip route-cache
    shutdown
    antenna gain 0
    peakdetect
    dfs band 3 block
    channel dfs
    station-role root
    bridge-group 1
    bridge-group 1 subscriber-loop-control
    bridge-group 1 block-unknown-source
    no bridge-group 1 source-learning
    no bridge-group 1 unicast-flooding
    !
    interface Dot11Radio1.40
    encapsulation dot1Q 40
    no ip route-cache
    bridge-group 40
    bridge-group 40 subscriber-loop-control
    bridge-group 40 spanning-disabled
    bridge-group 40 block-unknown-source
    no bridge-group 40 source-learning
    no bridge-group 40 unicast-flooding
    !
    interface GigabitEthernet0
    no ip address
    no ip route-cache
    duplex auto
    speed auto
    bridge-group 1
    bridge-group 1 spanning-disabled
    no bridge-group 1 source-learning
    !
    interface GigabitEthernet0.40
    encapsulation dot1Q 40
    no ip route-cache
    bridge-group 40
    bridge-group 40 spanning-disabled
    no bridge-group 40 source-learning
    !
    interface BVI1
    ip address dhcp client-id GigabitEthernet0
    no ip route-cache
    ipv6 address dhcp
    ipv6 address autoconfig
    ipv6 enable
    !
    ip forward-protocol nd
    ip http server
    no ip http secure-server
    ip http help-path http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/779/smbiz/prodconfig/help/eag
    ip radius source-interface BVI1
    !
    !
    radius-server attribute 32 include-in-access-req format %h
    radius-server vsa send accounting
    !
    radius server 10.10.11.100
    address ipv4 10.10.11.100 auth-port 1645 acct-port 1646
    key 7 0....F175804
    !
     

    Configuring System Power Settings Access Points

    The AP 1040, AP 802, AP 1140, AP 1550, AP 1600, AP 2600, AP 3500, AP 3600 and AP 1260 disable the radio interfaces when the unit senses that the power source to which it is connected does not provide enough power. Depending on your power source, you might need to enter the power source type in the access point configuration. Choose the Software > System Configuration page on the web-browser interface, and then select a power option. Figure 4-1 shows the System Power Settings section of the System Configuration page.

    Figure 4-1 Power Options on the System Software: System Configuration Page

     

    230530.TIF

    Using the AC Power Adapter

    If you use the AC power adapter to provide power access point, you do not need to adjust the access point configuration.

    Using a Switch Capable of IEEE 802.3af Power Negotiation

    If you use a switch to provide Power over Ethernet (PoE) to the 1040, 1140, and 1260 access point, and the switch supports the IEEE 802.3af power negotiation standard, select Power Negotiation on the System Software: System Configuration page.

    Using a Switch That Does Not Support IEEE 802.3af Power Negotiation

    If you use a switch to provide Power over Ethernet (PoE) to the 1040, or 1140 access point, and the switch does not support the IEEE 802.3af power negotiation standard, select Pre-Standard Compatibility on the System Software: System Configuration page.

    Using a Power Injector

    If you use a power injector to provide power to the 1040, 1140, or 1260 access point, select Power Injector on the System Software: System Configuration page and enter the MAC address of the switch port to which the access point is connected.

    dot11 extension power native Command

    When enabled, the dot11 extension power native shifts the power tables the radio uses from the IEEE 802.11 tables to the native power tables. The radio derives the values for this table from the NativePowerTable and NativePowerSupportedTable of the CISCO-DOT11-1F-MIB. The Native Power tables were designed specifically to configure powers as low as -1dBm for Cisco Aironet radios that support these levels.

    Support for 802.11ac

    802.11ac is the next generation wireless standard of 802.11. It is designed to provide high throughput and operate in the 5 GHz band. 802.11ac is supported on the 3700, 2700, and 1700 series access points. The 802.11ac radio depends on the 802.11n radio to be fully functional. Shutting down the 802.11n radio will affect the 802.11ac functionalities.

    Channel Widths for 802.11ac

    802.11n and 802.11ac radios operate in the same band. However the channel widths can be independently configured with the restriction that it should be above the channel width configured on 802.11n. Please see Table 4-3 for more details on the supported channel width combinations.

     

    Table 4-3 Supported Channel Width Combinations

    802.11n Channel Bandwidth
    802.11ac Channel Bandwidth

    20

    20

    20

    40

    20

    80

    40

    40

    40

    80

    Off channel scanning or transmissions are not supported. The 802.11ac radio depends on 802.11n radios for the off channel scanning functionality.

    For example, to configure 80 Mhz channel width:

    ap# configure terminal
    ap(config)# interface dot11Radio 1
    ap(config-if)# channel width 80
    ap(config-if)# end

     

    Power Management for 802.11ac

    The 3700, 2700, and 1700 802.11ac series access points can be powered by a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) sources, local power, or a power injector. If the AP is powered by PoE, based on the whether the source is PoE+ (802.3at) or PoE (802.3af), the AP will adjust certain radio configurations as it may require more power than provided by the inline power source.

    For example, a 3700 series AP which is powered by PoE+ (802.3at) will provide 4x4:3 configuration on both radios, and when powered by PoE (802.3af) it will provide a 3x3:3 configuration on both radios. Please refer to the below table.

    tip.gif

    Tipblank.gif Radio configurations such as 4x4:3 imply 4 transmitters and 4 receivers capable of 3 spatial streams


    note.gif

    Note To determine whether the AP is running at high PoE power or reduced (15.4W) power, in the AP's GUI, got to the Home page. If the AP is running on reduced power, under Home:Summary Status, the following warning is displayed:

    Due to insufficient inline power. Upgrade inline power source or install power injector.


     

    All access points except outdoor mesh products can be powered over Ethernet. Access points with two radios powered over Ethernet are fully functional and support all the features. See Table 4-4 for the various power management options available.

     

    Table 4-4 Inline Power Options based on Power Sources

    Power Draw
    Description
    AP Functionality
    PoE Budget
    (Watts) 1
    802.3af
    E-PoE
    802.3at PoE+
    PWRINJ4

    PoE +
    802.3at

    AP3700
    Out of the box

    4x4:3 on 2.4/5 GHz

    16.1

    No

    Yes

    Yes

    PoE
    802.3af

    AP3700
    Out of the box

    3x3:3 on 2.4/5 GHz

    15.4

    Yes

    N/A

    N/A

    PoE
    802.3at

    AP2700
    Out of the Box

    3x4:3 on 2.4/5 GHz and Auxillary Ethernet Port Enabled

    16.8

    No

    No

    Yes

    PoE
    802.3af

    AP2700
    Out of the Box

    3x4:3 on 5 GHz and 2x2:2 on 2.4 GHz and Auxiliary Ethernet Port Enabled

    15.4

    Yes

    Yes

    N/A

    1.This is the power required at the PSE, which is either a switch or an injector.

    802.11n and 802.11ac use the power levels configured on 802.11n. You cannot configure power levels independently for 802.11ac.

    Assigning an IP Address Using the CLI

    When you connect the wireless device to the wired LAN, the wireless device links to the network using a bridge virtual interface (BVI) that it creates automatically. Instead of tracking separate IP addresses for the wireless device Ethernet and radio ports, the network uses the BVI.

    When you assign an IP address to the wireless device using the CLI, you must assign the address to the BVI. Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, follow these steps to assign an IP address to the wireless device BVI:

     

    Command
    Purpose

    Step 1

    configure terminal

    Enters global configuration mode.

    Step 2

    interface bvi1

    Enters interface configuration mode for the BVI.

    Step 3

    ip address address
    mask

    Assigns an IP address and address mask to the BVI.

    Note If you are connected to the wireless device using a Telnet session, you lose your connection to the wireless device when you assign a new IP address to the BVI. If you need to continue configuring the wireless device using Telnet, use the new IP address to open another Telnet session to the wireless device.

    Using a Telnet Session to Access the CLI

    Follow these steps to access the CLI by using a Telnet session. These steps are for a PC running Microsoft Windows with a Telnet terminal application. Check your PC operating instructions for detailed instructions for your operating system.


    Step 1blank.gif Choose Start > Programs > Accessories > Telnet.

    If Telnet is not listed in your Accessories menu, select Start > Run, type Telnet in the entry field, and press Enter.

    Step 2blank.gif When the Telnet window appears, click Connect and select Remote System.

    note.gif

    Noteblank.gif In Windows 2000, the Telnet window does not contain drop-down lists. To start the Telnet session in Windows 2000, type open followed by the wireless device IP address.


    Step 3blank.gif In the Host Name field, type the wireless device IP address and click Connect.


     

    Configuring the 802.1X Supplicant

    Traditionally, the dot1x authenticator/client relationship has always been a network device and a PC client respectively, as it was the PC user that had to authenticate to gain access to the network. However, wireless networks introduce unique challenges to the traditional authenticator/client relationship. First, access points can be placed in public places, inviting the possibility that they could be unplugged and their network connection used by an outsider. Second, when a repeater access point is incorporated into a wireless network, the repeater access point must authenticate to the root access point in the same way as a client does.

    The supplicant is configured in two phases:

    • Create and configure a credentials profile
    • Apply the credentials to an interface or SSID

    You can complete the phases in any order, but they must be completed before the supplicant becomes operational.

    Creating a Credentials Profile

    Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, follow these steps to create an 802.1X credentials profile:

     

    Command
    Purpose

    Step 1

    configure terminal

    Enter global configuration mode.

    Step 2

    dot1x credentials profile

    Creates a dot1x credentials profile and enters the dot1x credentials configuration submode.

    Step 3

    anonymous-id description

    (Optional)—Enter the anonymous identity to be used.

    Step 4

    description description

    (Optional)—Enter a description for the credentials profile

    Step 5

    username username

    Enter the authentication user id.

    Step 6

    password {0 | 7 | LINE}

    Enter an unencrypted password for the credentials.

    0—An unencrypted password will follow.

    7—A hidden password will follow. Hidden passwords are used when applying a previously saved configuration.

    LINE—An unencrypted (clear text) password.

    Note Unencrypted and clear text are the same. You can enter a 0 followed by the clear text password, or omit the 0 and enter the clear text password.

    Step 7

    pki-trustpoint pki-trustpoint

    (Optional and only used for EAP-TLS)—Enter the default pki-trustpoint.

    Step 8

    end

    Return to the privileged EXEC mode.

    Step 9

    copy running config startup-config

    (Optional) Save your entries in the configuration file.

    Use the no form of the dot1x credentials command to negate a parameter.

    The following example creates a credentials profile named test with the username Cisco and a the unencrypted password Cisco:

    ap>enable
    Password:xxxxxxx
    ap#config terminal
    Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CTRL-Z.
    ap(config)# dot1x credentials test
    ap(config-dot1x-creden)#username Cisco
    ap(config-dot1x-creden)#password Cisco
    ap(config-dot1x-creden)#exit
    ap(config)#

    Applying the Credentials to an Interface or SSID

    Credential profiles are applied to an interface or an SSID in the same way.

    Applying the Credentials Profile to the Wired Port

    Beginning in the privileged EXEC mode, follow these steps to apply the credentials to the access point wired port:

     

    Command
    Purpose

    Step 1

    configure terminal

    Enter global configuration mode.

    Step 2

    interface gigabitethernet 0

    Enter the interface configuration mode for the access point Gigabit Ethernet port.

    Note You can also use interface fa0 to enter the Gigabit Ethernet configuration mode.

    Step 3

    dot1x credentials profile name

    Enter the name of a previously created credentials profile.

    Step 4

    end

    Return to the privileged EXEC mode

    Step 5

    copy running config startup-config

    (Optional) Save your entries in the configuration file.

    The following example applies the credentials profile test to the access point gigabit Ethernet port:

    ap>enable
    Password:xxxxxxx
    ap#config terminal
    Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CTRL-Z.
    ap(config)#interface Gig0
    ap(config-if)#dot1x credentials test
    ap(config-if)#end
     

    Applying the Credentials Profile to an SSID Used For the Uplink

    If you have a repeater access point in your wireless network and are using the 802.1X supplicant on the root access point, you must apply the 802.1X supplicant credentials to the SSID the repeater uses to associate with and authenticate to the root access point.

    Beginning in the privileged EXEC mode, follow these steps to apply the credentials to an SSID used for the uplink:

     

    Command
    Purpose

    Step 1

    configure terminal

    Enter global configuration mode.

    Step 2

    dot11 ssid ssid

    Enter the 802.11 SSID. The SSID can consist of up to 32 alphanumeric characters. SSIDs are case sensitive.

    Note The first character cannot contain the !, #, or; character.

    +,], /, “, TAB, and trailing spaces are invalid characters for SSIDs.

    Step 3

    dot1x credentials profile

    Enter the name of a preconfigured credentials profile.

    Step 4

    end

    Exits the dot1x credentials configuration submode

    Step 5

    copy running config startup-config

    (Optional) Save your entries in the configuration file.

    The following example applys the credentials profile test to the ssid testap1 on a repeater access point.

    repeater-ap>enable
    Password:xxxxxxx
    repeater-ap#config terminal
    Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CTRL-Z.
    repeater-ap(config-if)#dot11 ssid testap1
    repeater-ap(config-ssid)#dot1x credentials test
    repeater-ap(config-ssid)#end
    repeater-ap(config)
     

    Creating and Applying EAP Method Profiles

    You can optionally configure an EAP method list to enable the supplicant to recognize a particular EAP method. See the “Creating and Applying EAP Method Profiles for the 802.1X Supplicant”.

    Configuring IPv6

    IPv6 is the latest Internet protocol for IPv, developed to provide an extremely large number of addresses. It uses 128 bit addresses instead of the 32 bit addresses that are used in IPv4.

    As deployments in wireless networks use greater number of IP wireless devices and smart phones, IPv6 with its 128-bit address format can support 3.4 x 1038 address space.

    IPv6 addresses are represented as a series of 16-bit hexadecimal fields separated by colons (:) in the format: x:x:x:x:x:x:x:x.

    There are three types of IPv6 address types:

    • Unicast

    The Cisco IOS software supports these IPv6 unicast address types:

    blank.gif Aggregatable Global Address

    Aggregatable global unicast addresses are globally routable and reachable on the IPv6 portion of the Internet. These global addresses are identified by the format prefix of 001.

    blank.gif Link-Local Address

    Link-Local Addressses are automatically configured on interface using link-local prefix FE80::/10 (1111 1110 10). The interface identifier is in the modified EUI-64 format.

    • Anycast can be used only by a router and not the host. Anycast addresses must not be used as the source address of an IPv6 packet.
    • Multicast address is a logical identifier for a group of hosts that process frames intended to be multicast for a designated network service. Multicast addresses in IPv6 use a prefix of FF00::/8 (1111 1111)

    IPv6 configuration uses these multicast groups:

    blank.gif Solicited-node multicast group FF02:0:0:0:0:1:FF00::/104

    blank.gif All-nodes link-local multicast group FF02::1

    blank.gif All-routers link-local multicast group FF02::2

    Table 4-5 lists the IPv6 address types and formats.

     

    Table 4-5 IPv6 Address Formats

    IPv6 Address Type
    Preferred Format
    Compressed Format

    Unicast

    2001:0:0:0:DB8:800:200C:417A

    2001::DB8:800:200C:417A

    Multicast

    FF01:0:0:0:0:0:0:101

    FF01::101

    Loopback

    0:0:0:0:0:0:0:1

    ::1

    Unspecified

    0:0:0:0:0:0:0:0

    ::

    The following modes are supported

    • Root
    • Root bridge
    • Non Root bridge
    • Repeater
    • WGB

    The following modes are not supported

    • Spectrum mode
    • Monitor mode

    Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, use these commands to enable tie ipv6 address

    blank.gif ap(config)# int bv1

    blank.gif ap(config-if)# ipv6 address

    A link-local address, based on the Modified EUI-64 interface ID, is automatically generated for the interface when stateless autoconfiguration is enabled.

    Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, use the following command to enable stateless autoconfiguration:

    ap(config-if)# ipv6 address autoconfig

    Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, use the following command to configure a link local addreess without assigning any other IPv6 addressesto the interface:

    ap(config-if)# ipv6 address ipv6-address link-local

    Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, use the following command to assign a site-local or global address to the interface:

    ap(config-if)# ipv6 address ipv6-address [eui-64]

    note.gif

    Noteblank.gif The optional eui-64 keyword is used to utilize the Modified EUI-64 interface ID in the low order 64 bits of the address.


    Configuring DHCPv6 address

    DHCPv6 is a network protocol that is used for configuring IPv6 hosts with IP addresses, IP prefixes and other configuration required to operate on an IPv6 network. The DHCPv6 client obtains configuration parameters from a server either through a rapid two-message exchange (solicit, reply), or through a normal four-message exchange (solicit, advertise, request, reply). By default, the four-message exchange is used. When the rapid-commit option is enabled by both client and server, the two-message exchange is used.

    Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, use these commands to enable the DHCPv6 client in an Access Point:

    blank.gif ap# c onf t

    blank.gif ap(config) # int bv1

    blank.gif ap(config) # ipv6 address dhcp rapid-commit(optional)

    Autonomous AP supports both DHCPv6 stateful and stateless addressing.

    Stateful addressing

    Stateful addressing uses a DHCP server. DHCP clients use stateful DHCPv6 addressing to obtain an IP address.

    Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, use this command to configure stateful addressing:

    ap(config) # ipv6 address dhcp

    Stateless addressing

    Stateless addressing does not use a DHCP server to obtain IP addresses. The DHCP clients autoconfigure their own IP addresses based on router advertisments.

    Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, use this command to configure stateless addressing:

    ap(config)# ipv6 address autoconfig

    IPv6 Neighbor Discovery

    The IPv6 neighbor discovery process uses ICMP messages and solicited-node multicast addresses to determine the link-layer address of a neighbor on the same network.

    Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, use these commands to configure IPv6 neighbor discovery:

     

    Command
    Purpose

    ipv6 nd ?

    Configures neighbor discovery protocol.

    ipv6 nd ns-interval value

    This command is available only on bridge group virtual interface (BVI).

    Sets the interval between IPv6 neighbor solicitation retransmissions on an interface.

    ipv6 nd reachable-time value

    Sets the amount of time that a remote IPv6 node is reachable.

    ipv6 nd dad attempts value

    This command is available only on bridge group virtual interface (BVI).

    Configures the number of consecutive neighbor solicitation messages sent when duplicate address detection is performed on the unicast IPv6 addresses.

    ipv6 nd dad time value

    Configures the interval between IPv6 neighbor solicit transmissions for duplicate address detection.

    ipv6 nd autoconfig default-router

    This command is available only on bridge group virtual interface (BVI).

    Configures a default route to the Neighbor Discovery-derived default router.

    ipv6 nd autoconfig prefix

    This command is available only on bridge group virtual interface (BVI).

    Configures router solicitation message to solicit a router advertisement to eliminate any delay in waiting for the next periodic router advertisement.

    ipv6 nd cache expire expire-time-in-seconds

    Configures the length of time before the IPv6 neighbor discovery cache entry expires.

    ipv6 nd cache interface-limit size [log rate]

    Configures a neighbor discovery cache limit on a specified interface.

    ipv6 nd na glean

    This command is available only on bridge group virtual interface (BVI).

    Configures neighbor discovery to glean an entry from an unsolicited neighbor advertisement.

    ipv6 nd nsf {convergence time-in-seconds| dad [suppress]| throttle resolutions}

    Configures IPv6 neighbor discovery non-stop forwarding. You can specify the covergence time in seconds (10 to 600 seconds), suppress duplicate address detection (DAD), or set the number of resolutions to use with non-stop forwarding (NSF).

    ipv6 nd nud limit limit

    Configures the number of neighbor unreachability detection (NUD) resends, and set a limit to the number of unresolved resends.

    ipv6 nd resolution data limit limit-in-packets

    Configures a limit to the number of data packets in queue awaiting neighbor discovery (ND) resolution.

    ipv6 nd route-owner

    Inserts Neighbor Discovery-learned routes into the routing table with "ND" status and enables ND autoconfiguration behavior.

    Configuring IPv6 Access Lists

    IPv6 access lists (ACL) are used to filter traffic and restrict access to the router. IPv6 prefix lists are used to filter routing protocol updates.

    Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, use these commands to to configure the access list globally and assign it to interface:

    blank.gif ap(config)# ipv6 access-list acl-name

    Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, you can use the command given in Table 4-6 for IPv6 Access List configuration.

    Table 4-6 IPv6 Access List configuration commands

    Command
    Purpose

    default

    Set a command to its defaults.

    deny

    Specify packets to reject.

    evaluate

    Evaluate an access list.

    exit

    Exit from access-list configuration mode.

    no

    Negate a command or set its defaults.

    permit

    Specify packets to forward.

    remark

    Set an access list entry comment.

    sequence

    Set a sequence number for this entry.

    Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, use these commands to assign the globally configured ACL to the outbound and inbound traffic on layer3 interface:

    blank.gif ap(config)# interface interface

    blank.gif ap(config)# ipv6 traffic-filter acl-name in/out

    RADIUS Configuration

    RADIUS server is a background process serving three functions:

    • Authenticate users before granting them access to the network
    • Authorize users for certain network services
    • Account for the usage of certain network services

    See Controlling Access Point Access with RADIUS.

    IPv6 WDS Support

    The WDS and the infrastructure access points communicate over a multicast protocol called WLAN Context Control Protocol (WLCCP).

    Cisco IOS Release 15.2(4)JA supports communication between the WDS and Access Point through IPv6 addresses. The WDS works on a Dual Stack; that is, it accepts both IPv4 and IPv6 registeration.

    IPv6 WDS AP registration

    The first active IPv6 address is used to register the WDS. Table 4-7 shows different scenarios in the IPv6 WDS AP registration process.

     

    Table 4-7 IPv6 WDS–AP Registration

    Scenario
    WDS
    AP
    Mode of Communication
    Dual
    IPv6
    IPv4
    Dual
    IPv6
    IPv4

    1

    Yes

     

     

    yes

     

     

    IPv6

    2

    Yes

     

     

     

    yes

     

    IPv6

    3

    Yes

     

     

     

     

    yes

    IPv4

    4

     

    yes

     

    yes

     

     

    IPv6

    5

     

    yes

     

     

    yes

     

    IPv6

    6

     

    yes

     

     

     

    yes

    Fails

    7

     

     

    yes

    yes

     

     

    IPv4

    8

     

     

    yes

     

    yes

     

    Fails

    9

     

     

    yes

     

     

    yes

    IPv4

    note.gif

    Noteblank.gif 11r roaming between IPv4 and IPv6 access points is not supported because the MDIE is different. Both AP and WDS use the first active IPv6 address in BV1 to register and advertise. Link-local is not used for registration.


    CDPv6 Support:

    CDP is a layer2 protocol used to get information on the immediate neighbor’s device-ID, capabilities, mac address, ip address or duplex. Each CDP enabled device sends information about itself to its immediate neighbor. As part of native IPv6, the access point sends its IPv6 address as well as part of the address TLV in the cdp message; it also parses the IPv6 address information it gets from the neighboring switch.

    This command shows the connected IPv6 neighbor:

    ap# show cdp neighbors detail

    RA filtering

    RA filtering increases the security of the IPv6 network by dropping RAs coming from wireless clients. RA filtering prevents misconfigured or malicious IPv6 clients from connecting to the network, often with a high priority that takes precedence over legitimate IPv6 routers. In all cases, the IPv6 RA is dropped at some point, protecting other wireless devices and upstream wired network from malicious or misconfigured IPv6 devices.

    However, RA filtering is not supported in the uplink direction.

    Automatic Configuring of the Access Point

    The Autoconfig feature of autonomous access points allows the AP to download its configuration, periodically, from a Secure Copy Protocol (SCP) server. If the Autoconfig feaure is enabled, the AP downloads a configuration information file from the server at a pre-configured time and applies this configuration. The next configuration download is also scheduled along with this.

    note.gif

    Noteblank.gif The AP does not apply a configuration if it is the same as the last downloaded configuration.


    Enabling Autoconfig

    To enable Autoconfig:


    Step 1blank.gif Prepare a Configuration Information File

    Step 2blank.gif Enable environmental variables

    Step 3blank.gif Schedule the Configuration Information File Download


     

    Prepare a Configuration Information File

    An Autoconfig-enabled AP downloads the configuration information file from the SCP server. The configuration information file is an XML file, containing the following information:

    • The new startup-configuration.
    • An Absolute time and a Range value. The AP schedules the next information file download at this absolute time plus a random value between 0 and the range value.

    The configuration information file has the following format:

    <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
    <l2tp_cfg>
    <cfg_fetch_start_time>Absolute Time</cfg_fetch_start_time>
    <cfg_fetch_time_range>Random Jitter</cfg_fetch_time_range>
    <cfg_fetch_config>
    <![CDATA[
    <Startup config>
    ]]>
    </cfg_fetch_config>
    </l2tp_cfg>

     

    The xml tags used in the configuration information file are described below.

    XML Tags
    Purpose

    cfg_fetch_start_time

    This tag contains the Absolute Time in the format DAY HH:MM, where:

    • DAY can be any of these values–Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, All.
    • HH, indicates the hour, and can be a number from 0 to 23.
    • MM, indicates the minute, and can be a number from 0 to 59.

    Example: “Sun 10:30”, “Thu 00:00”, “All 12:40”

    cfg_fetch_time_range

    A random number of seconds between 0 to this value is added to the start time, to randomize the time when next information file is downloaded.

    cfg_fetch_config

    This tag contains the AP’s next startup configuration.

    Enable environmental variables

    After you have the configuration information file ready and hosted on the SCP server, you need to configure the following environmental variables.

    Environmental Variable
    Purpose

    AUTO_CONFIG_AP_FUNCTIONALITY

    To enable Autoconfig, this variable must be set ‘YES’.

    AUTO_CONFIG_USER

    Username for accessing the SCP server

    AUTO_CONFIG_PASSWD

    Password for accessing the SCP server

    AUTO_CONFIG_SERVER

    Hostname/IP of SCP server

    AUTO_CONFIG_INF_FILE

    Name of the configuration information file to be fetched from the SCP server

    You can configure the environmental variables by using the following command in global configuration mode:

    dot11 autoconfig add environment-variable-name val value.
    For example:

    dot11 autoconfig add AUTO_CONFIG_SERVER val 206.59.246.199

     

    Schedule the Configuration Information File Download

    After setting the environmental variables, you need to schedule the download of the configuration information file from the SCP server. Follow these steps:


    Step 1blank.gif The AP's clock time must be in sync with a SNTP (Simple Network Time Protocol) server. You can set the SNTP server using the command, sntp server sntp-server-ip, where sntp-server-ip is the IP address of the SNTP server.

    Step 2blank.gif You need to set the correct time zone for the AP to have the correct time, This can be done using the command clock timezone TIMEZONE HH MM, where:

    blank.gif TIMEZONE is name of timezone like IST, UTC, or others.

    blank.gif HH is the Hours offset from the timezone

    blank.gif MM is the Minutes offset from timezone

    Step 3blank.gif For instances where the download of the configuration information file from the SCP server fails, you can set a time interval after which the AP retries to download it again. This retry interval can be set using the command dot11 autoconfig download retry interval min MIN max MAX, where:

    blank.gif MIN is minimum number of seconds

    blank.gif MAX is maximum number of seconds between retries. After every failed download, the retry interval doubles, but the retires stop the interval when becomes larger than MAX.


     

    Enabling Autoconfig via a Boot File

    You can enable Autoconfig by also providing the following commands in a boot file as a part of the DHCP IP configuration.

    The format of the contents of the boot file returned by the DHCP/BootTP server should be as shown in the following example:

    dot11 autoconfig add env var AUTO_CONFIG_AP_FUNCTIONALITY val YES
    dot11 autoconfig add env var AUTO_CONFIG_USER val someusername
    dot11 autoconfig add env var AUTO_CONFIG_PASSWD val somepasswd
    dot11 autoconfig add env var AUTO_CONFIG_SERVER val scp.someserver.com
    dot11 autoconfig add env var AUTO_CONFIG_INF_FILE val some_inf_file.xml
    sntp server 208.210.12.199
    clock timezone IST 5 30
    dot11 autoconfig download retry interval min 100 max 400
    end

     

    Checking the Autoconfig Status

    To know the Autoconfig status, use the show dot11 autoconfig status command.

    Examples

    AP1600-ATT# show dot11 autoconfig status
    Dot11 l2tp auto config is disabled
     
    1600-89-absim# show dot11 autoconfig status
    Auto configuration download will occur after
    45 seconds
     
    1600-89-absim# show dot11 autoconfig status
    Trying to download information file from server

     

    Debugging Autoconfig

    You can use the following debugging commands as required:

    • Debug commands to see Autoconfig state machine transition:
      Deb dot11 autoconfigsm
    • Debug commands to see Autoconfig events:
      Deb dot11 autoconfigev