Configure a Client Mode AP using a Wireless Connection and Auto Provisioning

About this task

Use the following procedures to use auto-provisioning to configure client mode APs over a wireless connection. For more information, see About Client Mode Profiles.

Procedure

  1. Enable Wireless Auto-Provisioning.

    You must enable wireless auto provisioning of the client mode AP over a wireless mesh connection, regardless of which AP model you are configuring for client mode.

    Navigate to admin_name > Global Settings > Administration > VHM Management. Enable AP Out-of-the-Box Wireless Onboarding.

  2. Select Express Policy Setup.
  3. Create a wireless network policy.
    Create a wireless network policy with an Open or PSK wireless network (SSID), without a captive web portal. Client mode APs only work with Open and PSK SSIDs.
  4. Configure the Portal AP.
    You must configure at least one portal AP (an AP that uses a wired backhaul) to enable auto-provisioning of the client mode AP over a wireless mesh connection, regardless of this which AP model you auto-provision for client mode.
    Note

    Note

    Each AP must have a wired backhaul or it cannot be configured as a portal AP. One or more APs must be configured as portal APs to support mesh operation.
    When you configure the portal AP, consider using a static-channel link for the mesh AP backhaul link, which, although not required, can improve connectivity.
    Note

    Note

    For some APs, you can configure can have the WIFI 0 to use the 5 GHz band. For the mesh backhaul link, make sure to use the same band, not the same radio, on the portal APs and the mesh client mode APs.
  5. Assign a network policy to the AP.
    For the portal AP backhaul wireless mesh link radio, select the Radio Usage Backhaul Mesh Link mode.
    To select a static channel for the backhaul mesh link radio (optional), enable Exclude Channels and select the required static channel.
  6. Select Save.
  7. To update your device directly from this window, select Update Now.
  8. Onboard client mode AP serial numbers.
    If you are going to use auto-provisioning to configure your portal APs, continue with this procedure. If you are going to use device templates to configure your portal APs, complete the required device template settings and then complete this procedure. Use Add > Quick Add Devices to add the client mode AP serial numbers, which then appear in the devices list.
  9. Create an auto-provisioning rule for client mode APs.
  10. Enter a name for the rule.
  11. Select the device model of the client mode APs.
  12. Enable serial numbers.
  13. Choose Select Serial Numbers.
  14. In the Identify Devices for Provisioning dialog box, move the client mode AP serial numbers into the Selected column of the table.
  15. Select Save.
  16. In New Auto-Provisioning Rule, select the network policy.
  17. Select the country code.
  18. Select WiFi0 for a 2.4 GHz mesh backhaul.
  19. Select WiFi1 for a 5 GHz mesh backhaul.
    Make sure to use the same client mode AP band, not the same radio, as you configured on the portal AP or APs.
  20. For the backhaul radio, in the WiFi0 or WiFi1 tab, clear the Client Access check box and select the Backhaul Mesh Link check box.
    Do not make a wired connection of any type when wirelessly provisioning a client mode AP, as wired connections take precedence over wireless connections.
  21. Select Save.