tp-link Wireless Controller User Guide

Configuration Guide

Configuration Guide Wireless Controller 1910012437 REV1.0.2 June 2018 AC50/AC500

Configuration Guide - TP-Link

When using this guide, please notice that features of the device may vary slightly depending on the model and software version you have.

User Guide for tp-link models including: Wireless Controller, AC50, AC500

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Document DEVICE REPORT1910012437 AC500AC50 UG

Configuration Guide
Wireless Controller
AC50/AC500
1910012437 REV1.0.2 June 2018

Content
About This Guide .................................................................................................................. 1
1 Quick Start....................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Determine the Network Topology ............................................................................................................ 2 1.1.1 Manage CAPs in the LAN................................................................................................................................2 1.1.2 Manage CAPs in Different Network Segment.....................................................................................3
1.2 Log In to the AC ............................................................................................................................................... 3 1.2.1 Preparations ...........................................................................................................................................................3 1.2.2 Log In..........................................................................................................................................................................4
2 Status ................................................................................................................................ 7
2.1 System Status .................................................................................................................................................. 7 2.2 Client Status...................................................................................................................................................... 8 2.3 AP Status............................................................................................................................................................ 9 2.4 Authentication Status................................................................................................................................. 10
2.4.1 Authentication Status ....................................................................................................................................10 2.4.2 Non-sense Authenticated User ...............................................................................................................11
3 Network ..........................................................................................................................12
3.1 Interface........................................................................................................................................................... 12 3.2 DHCP Server .................................................................................................................................................. 13
3.2.1 DHCP Server .......................................................................................................................................................13 3.2.2 DHCP Client List................................................................................................................................................15 3.2.3 Address Reservation ......................................................................................................................................15 3.3 VLAN ................................................................................................................................................................. 16 3.3.1 VLAN........................................................................................................................................................................16 3.3.2 Ports.........................................................................................................................................................................18 3.3.3 Relations................................................................................................................................................................19 3.4 Switch ............................................................................................................................................................... 20 3.4.1 Statistics................................................................................................................................................................20 3.4.2 Mirror .......................................................................................................................................................................21 3.4.3 Rate Control.........................................................................................................................................................21

3.4.4 Port Config ...........................................................................................................................................................22 3.4.5 Port Status............................................................................................................................................................23
4 AP Control......................................................................................................................24
4.1 AP Settings..................................................................................................................................................... 24 4.2 AP Firmware Upgrade................................................................................................................................. 27 4.3 AP Database................................................................................................................................................... 28 4.4 Load Balancing.............................................................................................................................................. 29
5 Radio ................................................................................................................................31
5.1 Radio Settings ............................................................................................................................................... 31 5.2 Rate Settings ................................................................................................................................................. 34 5.3 Band Steering ................................................................................................................................................ 36 5.4 Wi-Fi Roaming ............................................................................................................................................... 37
6 Wireless ..........................................................................................................................39
6.1 Wireless Service........................................................................................................................................... 39
7 Authentication..............................................................................................................43
7.1 MAC Authentication.................................................................................................................................... 43 7.1.1 MAC Address......................................................................................................................................................44 7.1.2 MAC Authentication........................................................................................................................................45
7.2 Portal Authentication.................................................................................................................................. 46 7.2.1 Splash Page.........................................................................................................................................................47 7.2.2 Web Authentication ........................................................................................................................................49 7.2.3 Onekey Online....................................................................................................................................................53 7.2.4 Voucher..................................................................................................................................................................54 7.2.5 SMS..........................................................................................................................................................................56 7.2.6 Facebook ..............................................................................................................................................................58 7.2.7 Remote Portal.....................................................................................................................................................60
7.3 Local User Management ........................................................................................................................... 64 7.4 Voucher Management................................................................................................................................ 68
7.4.1 Create Voucher .................................................................................................................................................68 7.4.2 Manage Voucher ..............................................................................................................................................69 7.5 Authentication Server ................................................................................................................................ 69

7.5.1 Radius Server......................................................................................................................................................70 7.5.2 Authentication Server Group.....................................................................................................................71 7.6 Authentication Config ................................................................................................................................ 72 7.6.1 Free Authentication Policy ..........................................................................................................................72 7.6.2 Authentication Parameters.........................................................................................................................75 7.7 Applications ................................................................................................................................................... 75 7.7.1 Application for Web Authentication.......................................................................................................75 7.7.2 Application for Onekey Online ..................................................................................................................80 7.7.3 Application for Voucher................................................................................................................................81 7.7.4 Application for SMS ........................................................................................................................................85 7.7.5 Application for Facebook.............................................................................................................................88 7.7.6 Application for Remote Portal ...................................................................................................................91
8 Link Backup ...................................................................................................................94
8.1 Dual-link Backup........................................................................................................................................... 94 8.2 Application...................................................................................................................................................... 95
9 System Tools ................................................................................................................98
9.1 Account............................................................................................................................................................ 98 9.1.1 Administrator Account ..................................................................................................................................98 9.1.2 Operator Account ............................................................................................................................................99 9.1.3 System Settings................................................................................................................................................99
9.2 Administration .............................................................................................................................................100 9.2.1 Factory Default Restore.............................................................................................................................100 9.2.2 Backup & Restore..........................................................................................................................................100 9.2.3 Reboot .................................................................................................................................................................101 9.2.4 Firmware Upgrade.........................................................................................................................................102
9.3 Traffic Statistics..........................................................................................................................................102 9.4 Diagnostics...................................................................................................................................................103 9.5 Time Settings...............................................................................................................................................104 9.6 System Log...................................................................................................................................................107

About This Guide
This Configuration Guide provides information for managing AC500/AC50 Series Wireless Controller. Please read this guide carefully before operation.
Intended Readers
This Guide is intended for network managers familiar with IT concepts and network terminologies.
Conventions
When using this guide, please notice that features of the device may vary slightly depending on the model and software version you have. All screenshots, images, parameters and descriptions documented in this guide are used for demonstration only. The information in this document is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made in the preparation of this document to ensure accuracy of the contents, but all statements, information, and recommendations in this document do not constitute the warranty of any kind, express or implied. Users must take full responsibility for their application of any products.
In this Guide, the following conventions are used: Notes contains suggestions or references that helps you make better use of your device. For GUI, Menu Name > Submenu Name > Tab page indicates the menu structure. Network > DHCP Server > DHCP Client List means the DHCP Client List page under the DHCP Server menu option that is located under the Network menu. Bold font indicates a button, a toolbar icon, menu or menu item.
More Information
The latest software and documentations can be found at Download Center at https:// www.tp-link.com/support.
The Installation Guide (IG) can be found where you find this guide or inside the package of the wireless controller.
Specifications can be found on the product page at https://www.tp-link.com. A Technical Support Forum is provided for you to discuss our products at https://forum.
tp-link.com. Our Technical Support contact information can be found at the Contact Technical
Support page at https://www.tp-link.com/support.
1

1 Quick Start
The wireless controller (AC) is a device used for centralized management of access points (APs). At present, the supported APs are TP-Link's CAPs. The AC can configure CAPs in batches using a web browser and conduct a real-time monitoring of each CAP in the network. This AC supports AP automatic discovery, AP status monitoring, AP centralized control, MAC filtering, radio management, load balance, dual-link backup and various authentication types.
This wireless controller makes it easier to configure and manage dozens or hundreds of CAPs in a large public environment, such as markets, hotels, companies and campuses,etc. AC500 wireless controller supports to manage 500 CAPs at the same time and AC50 wireless controller supports 50 CAPs.

1.1 Determine the Network Topology

You can use the AC to centrally manage the CAPs in the same or different network segment.

1.1.1 Manage CAPs in the LAN

If you want to manage the CAPs in the LAN, refer to the following network topology.

Wireless Controller IP: 192.168.0.253/24

Switch

Router (DHCP Server) LAN IP:192.168.0.1/24

Internet

Host A IP: 192.168.0.200/24
Clients

CAPs

1.1.2 Manage CAPs in Different Network Segment

If the AC needs to manage CAPs in a different network segment, refer to the following topology.

Switch

Router

Wireless Controller IP: 1.1.1.100/24

192.168.1.1/24

1.1.1.2/24

CAPs

Host A IP: 1.1.1.101/24

Clients
Note:
In this situation, the router acting as the CAPs' DHCP server should support option 60 and option138 in DHCP settings.
1.2 Log In to the AC
1.2.1 Preparations
Before login, you should verify the following items: The AC is powered on and correctly connected. The management host is accessible to
the AC. Specify the management host with a static IP address on the 192.168.0.x subnet (for
example, IP address 192.168.0.100 and subnet mask 255.255.255.0). Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10. Web Browser: Mozilla Firefox 32 (or above), Google Chrome 37 (or above), Opera 24 (or
above), or Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 (or above).

1.2.2 Log In
1 Open a web browser and enter 192.168.0.253 in the address field, then press Enter key.
Figure 1-1Enter the IP Address
2 Create a username and a password for subsequent login attempts.
Figure 1-2Create an account
4

3 Use the username and password set above to log in to the webpage.
Figure 1-3Log in to the webpage
4 After a successful login, the main page will appear as in the figure below, and you can configure the function by clicking the setup menu on the left side of the screen.
Figure 1-4Main Page
5

The wireless controller's configuration files fall into two types: the running configuration file and the start-up configuration file. After you perform configurations on the sub-interfaces and click Save, the modifications will be saved in the running configuration file. However, the configurations will be lost when the device reboots. If you need to keep the configurations even if the device reboots, please use the function to save the configurations in the start-up configuration file. Click Save Config on the topright of the interface, especially before you power off or reboot the device.
6

2 Status
2.1 System Status
Choose the menu Status > System Status > System Status to load the following page.
Figure 2-1System Status
In the Resource Utilization section, you can monitor the utilization of the memory and CPU. It is recommended that the CPU utilization should be no more than 50%. The CPU utilization above 85% indicates that the AC is under a high load and above 95% means AC is completely loaded. When the CPU utilization keeps at high loads, some functions of the AC may be abnormal. Please check to find the real reason. In the Quick Display section, click the button to select the desired interface and its basic information such as interface name, type and IP address will be shown in this section.
7

2.2 Client Status
Choose the menu Status > Client Status > Client Status to load the following page.
Figure 2-2Client Status

You can check the information of the connected clients on this page. Select the desired clients by checking the boxes in front of the entries. Click the buttons above the list for additional operations.

Select the Group

Select the group from the drop-down list to see the clients' information in the corresponding group.

Disconnect

Disconnect one or more clients from the AP(s).

Search the specified clients in the list.

Global Search

Search the specified clients globally.

Refresh

Refresh the list manually.

Auto Refresh

Check the box to enable the Auto Refresh function. With it enabled, the list will refresh every few seconds automatically.

Disconnect the client from the AP in this corresponding entry.

2.3 AP Status
Choose the menu Status > AP Status > AP Status to load the following page.
Figure 2-3AP Status

The information of the connected CAPs will be displayed in this section. Select the desired CAPs by checking the boxes in front of the entries. Click the buttons above the list for additional operations.

Select the Group

Select the group from the drop-down list to see the CAPs' information in the corresponding group.

LED ON

Select the corresponding CAPs and click this button to turn on their LEDs.

LED OFF Reboot

Select the corresponding CAPs and click this button to turn off their LEDs. For example, if the CAP's LED disturbs you at night, you can turn off it.
Select the corresponding CAPs and click this button to reboot them.

Search the specified clients in the list.

Global Search

Search the specified clients globally.

Refresh

Refresh the list manually.

Auto Refresh

Check the box to enable the Auto Refresh function. With it enabled, the list will refresh every few seconds automatically.
It indicates the LED is on. you can click the icon to turn off it.

It indicates the LED is off. you can click the icon to turn on it.

Click this icon to reboot the CAP.

Detail

Click Detail to check the information of the radio list and SSID and click to return.

2.4 Authentication Status
2.4.1 Authentication Status
Choose the menu Status > Authentication Status > Authentication Status to load the following page.
Figure 2-4Authentication Status

You can check the information of the authentication status on this page. Select the desired users by checking the boxes in front of the entries. Click the buttons above the list for additional operations.

Delete

Delete the users from the authentication list.

Search the specified users in the list.

Global Search

Search the specified users globally.

Refresh

Refresh the list manually.

Auto Refresh

Check the box to enable the Auto Refresh function. With it enabled, the list will refresh every few seconds automatically.

Disconnect the client from the AP in this corresponding entry.

2.4.2 Non-sense Authenticated User
A non-sense authenticated user who has passed the authentication can leave the wireless network and then join the wireless network again without any re-authentication operation. Choose the menu Status > Authentication Status > Non-sense Authenticated User to load the following page.
Figure 2-5Non-sense Authenticated User

You can check the information of the non-sense authenticated users on this page. Select the desired users by checking the box in the front of the entries. Click the buttons above the list for additional operations.

Delete

Delete the users from the authentication list.

Search the specified users in the list.

Global Search

Search the specified users globally.

Refresh

Refresh the list manually.

Auto Refresh

Check the box to enable the Auto Refresh function. With it enabled, the list will refresh every few seconds automatically.

Disconnect the client from the AP in this corresponding entry.

3 Network
3.1 Interface
Choose the menu Network > Interface > Interface to load the following page. On this page you can create a logical interface and specify it to a specified VLAN. Please refer to 3.3.1 VLAN to set VLANs first.
Figure 3-1Interface

Click

to create a new interface. The page will be shown as below.

Figure 3-2Add an Interface

Interface Name VLAN

Specify a name for the interface to make it easier to search for and manage. Specify a VLAN for the interface.
12

Connection Type IP Address

Select the connection type for the interface. Only static IP is supported at present.
Specify an IP address for the interface.

Subnet Mask

Specify a subnet mask for the interface.

Default Gateway

(Optional) Specify a default gateway for the interface.

MTU

Specify the MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) for the interface. Its value is between 576 to 1500 and 1500 by default.

Primary DNS

(Optional) Specify the primary DNS server for the interface.

Secondary DNS

(Optional) Specify the secondary DNS server for the interface.

MAC Address

The MAC address is filled automatically. You can modify it manually.

Description

Specify a description for the entry to make it easier to search for and manage.

Click OK to finish the settings.

3.2 DHCP Server

3.2.1 DHCP Server
Choose the menu Network > DHCP Server > DHCP Server to load the following page.
Figure 3-3DHCP Server

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) allows the wireless controller to assign IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways and other IP parameters to CAPs and clients that request this information. In the global settings you can select that the DHCP server assigns IP parameters to AP only or both AP and client.
13

Click

to create a DHCP server. The page will be shown as below.

Figure 3-4Add a DHCP Server

Interface

Select the interface which you want to create the DHCP server for. Refer to 3.1 Interface to set the interface first.

Starting/Ending IP Address Lease Time
Default Gateway

Specify the starting IP address and ending IP address of the DHCP server IP pool. The IP pool should be in the same segment with the interface IP address.
Enter the time duration of the IP address assigned by the DHCP server between 2 and 2880 minutes. The default is 120 minutes. Before the time is up, DHCP server would not assign this IP address to other APs or clients.
Optional: Specify the IP address of gateway for the server.

Default Domain

Optional: Specify the domain of for the server.

Primary DNS

Optional: Specify the primary DNS server for the server.

Secondary DNS

Optional: Specify the secondary DNS server for the server.

Status

Check the box to enable the DHCP service.

Click OK to finish the settings.

3.2.2 DHCP Client List
Choose the menu Network > DHCP Server > DHCP Client List to load the following page. The list displays the information such as the IP address, MAC address and lease time of the connected clients.
Figure 3-5DHCP Client List
3.2.3 Address Reservation
Choose the menu Network > DHCP Server > Address Reservation to load the following page.
Figure 3-6Address Reservation
If the CAP or client requires a static IP address, you can manually reserve an IP address for it. Once reserved, the IP address will only be assigned to the same client by the DHCP server.
15

Click

to create an IP address reservation.

Figure 3-7Create an IP Address Reservation

Interface

Select the interface which the CAP or client requiring the static IP address belongs to. Refer to 3.1 Interface to set the interface first.

MAC Address IP Address

Enter the MAC address of the specified AP or client to which you want to assign the static IP address.
Specify a static IP address to the specified AP or client. The IP address should be in the same segment as the interface.

Description

Specify a description for the entry to make it easier to search for and manage.

Status

Check the box to enable the address reservation.

Click OK to finish the settings.

3.3 VLAN

3.3.1 VLAN
Choose the menu Network > VLAN > VLAN to load the following page.
Figure 3-8VLAN

VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a network technique that solves broadcasting issues in local area networks. A local area network is partitioned into several VLANs, and all VLAN traffic remains within its VLAN. Therefore, you can group and isolate APs and clients to enhance network security. VLANs group devices logically instead of physically, so devices in the same VLAN can be located in different places.

Click

to create a VLAN.

Figure 3-9Create a VLAN

VLAN ID Name

Specify a VLAN ID between 2 to 4094. Specify an easy-to-remember name for the VLAN.

Ports

Select the ports that belong to the VLAN.

Description

Specify a description for the entry to make it easier to search for and manage.

Click OK to finish the settings.

3.3.2 Ports
Choose the menu Network > VLAN > Ports to load the following page. Specify the link type and PVLD for each port. The link type and PVID can not be modified at the same time.
Figure 3-10Ports

Link Type

The ports can be divided into three link types: Access: The access port can be added in a single VLAN, and the egress rule of the port is UNTAG. The PVID is same as the current VLAN ID. If the current VLAN is deleted, the PVID will be set to 1 by default. Trunk: The trunk port can be added in multiple VLANs. The egress rule of the port is UNTAG if the arriving packet's VLAN tag is the same as the port's PVID, otherwise the egress rule is TAG. The PVID can be set as the VID number of any valid VLAN. General: The general port can be added in multiple VLANs and set various egress rules according to the different VLANs. The default egress rule is UNTAG. The PVID can be set as the VID number of any valid VLAN.

PVID

Enter the VLAN ID of the port.

Note:
AC50 doesn't include a General port link type.

3.3.3 Relations
Choose the menu Network > VLAN > Relations to load the following page. This list displays the relations among ports, link types and VLANs.
Figure 3-11Relations
19

3.4 Switch
3.4.1 Statistics
Choose the menu Network > Switch > Statistics to load the following page. The statistics list displays the information of data packets received or transmitted by each port.
Figure 3-12Statistics
20

3.4.2 Mirror
Choose the menu Network > Switch > Mirror to load the following page.
Figure 3-13Mirror
Check the box to enable the Port Mirror function. There are three port mirror modes as follows. Ingress and egress: When this mode is selected, both the incoming and outgoing packets through the mirrored port will be copied to the mirroring port. Ingress: When this mode is selected, the incoming packets received by the mirrored port will be copied to the mirroring port. Egress: When this mode is selected, the outgoing packets sent by the mirrored port will be copied to the mirroring port. A port cannot be set as the mirrored port and the mirroring port simultaneously. Only one mirroring port can be set.
3.4.3 Rate Control
Choose the menu Network > Switch > Rate Control to load the following page. Here you can control the data transfer rate for each port. Check boxes to manually enter the corresponding rates. Note:
The data transfer rate ranges from 1 to 100Mpbs for AC50, and from 1 to 1000Mpbs for AC500.
21

Figure 3-14Rate Control
Click Save to finish the settings.
3.4.4 Port Config
Choose the menu Network > Switch > Port Config to load the following page.
Figure 3-15Port Cofig

Flow Control

With this option enabled, the device synchronizes the data transmission speed with the peer device, thus avoiding the packet loss caused by congestion. By default, it is disabled.

Negotiation Mode

Select the Negotiation Mode for the port including auto and duplex mode. Duplex mode includes 10M Half-duplex, 10M Full-duplex, 100M Half-duplex, 100M Full-duplex and 1000M Full-duplex.

Note:
The AC50 doesn't support 1000M Full-duplex.

3.4.5 Port Status
Choose the menu Network > Switch > Port Status to load the following page.
Figure 3-16Port Status
This page displays the connection status, speed, duplex mode and flow control status of each port. Disabled: The port is disabled. Link down: The port is enabled but with physical connection. Link up: The Port is enabled and connected normally. Note:
The data transfer rate ranges from 1 to 100Mpbs for AC50, and from 1 to 1000Mpbs for AC500. AC50 doesn't support 1000M Full-duplex.
23

4 AP Control
4.1 AP Settings
Choose the menu AP Control > AP Settings > AP Settings to load the following page.
Figure 4-1AP Settings

In the global settings, check the Reboot Schedule box and then the Lock to AC Automatically box to enable the corresponding function. Click Save to complete.

Reboot Schedule

With the reboot schedule enabled, all connected APs will reboot at the specified time.

Reboot Date

Select the date to reboot the APs. If you want to reboot the APs everyday, please select everyday in the list.

Reboot Time

Specify the reboot time to reboot the APs in the format of HH/MM/SS.

Lock to AC Automatically

With the lock to AC automatically enabled, all the APs entries will be locked to AC automatically once APs connect to the AC. The unlocked AP entries will disappear when the AC reboots.

Click

to create a new group. The following figure will be shown. Specify a group

name in the field and click OK.

Figure 4-2Add a group
In the group list, click the numbers at the Group Statistics Information row. The group information will be shown as below. Click the buttons above the list for additional operations.
Figure 4-3Group statistics information

Back to Group List Click this button to return to the group list.

Move to Other Group
Lock to AC

Select the corresponding entries and click this button to move them to your desired group.
Select the corresponding entries and click this button to lock the APs to the AC.

Bulk Edit Search

Select the corresponding entries and click this button to bulk edit the APs' AP keep-alive time, client keep-alive time and client idle time. Refer to the following introduction below the table for details.
Click this button to search the specified AP(s) on the current page.

Intra Group Search Click this button to search the specified AP(s) in all the AP entries without the limitation of groups.

Click at the Operation row of the list. The following figure will be shown.
Figure 4-4AP Settings

Name

Specify the AP's name.

AP Keep-alive Time

Specify the time interval for the AP sending echo packets to the AC. AC can detect whether the AP is online or not by receiving the echo packets.

Client Keep-alive Time

Specify the time interval for the client sending heartbeat packets to the AP. APs can detect whether the client is online or not by receiving heartbeat packets.

Client Idle Time

Specify a time interval for the client idle time. The clients will be disconnected from the AP if there is no data transmission between AP and clients for the specific time interval.

4.2 AP Firmware Upgrade
Choose the menu AP Control > AP Firmware Upgrade > AP Firmware Upgrade to load the following page. With it enabled, import the correct firmwares and set the starting upgrade time. The connected APs will start to upgrade at the specified time. If it is disabled, the APs that haven't started upgrading will not be upgraded.
Figure 4-5AP Firmware Upgrade

AP Model

Displays the AP model.

Hardware Version

Displays the current hardware version.

Firmware Version

Displays the imported firmware version.

Upgrade Starting Time

After the upgrade file has been imported successfully, specify the upgrade starting time. With upgrade enabled, the APs of this model will automatically upgrade using the upgrade file.

Upgrade Process

Displays the upgrade process. The format is X/Y/Z, which means there are Z APs of this model in the system, with Y APs waiting to upgrade and X APs have upgraded successfully. Click the numbers to check each AP's upgrade status.

Upgrade Failure

Displays the number of APs which failed to upgrade. Click the number to check the detailed log information.

Upgrade Status

Displays the upgrade status of current APs of this model. Click to check the detailed upgrade information of each AP of this model. Latest: There is no AP of the current model to be upgraded. Waiting: APs of the current model are waiting to be upgraded. Upgrading: Some APs of the current model are upgrading. Completed: All APs of the current model are upgraded. Terminated: The upgrade was disabled while the AP was waiting to upgrade. The AP's upgrade process is terminated. When the upgrade is enabled again, the status of the AP will change to "Waiting".

Operation

Click Import to import the upgrade firmware into the system. Click Delete to delete the firmware.

Note:
1. Only one model can upgrade at a time. 2. When the AC reboots or the CAPs reboot automatically, the CAPs can only upgrade after ten minutes. 3. The parameter of upgrade process and upgrade failure will be cleared when the AC reboots. 4. The standby link doesn't support upgrade schedule.

4.3 AP Database
Import the AP database file to support the identification and management of new AP models on this page. When there is an undetected AP model connecting to the AC, the AC should import the latest AP database to identify the new AP models. Choose the menu AP Control > AP Database > AP Database to load the following page.
Figure 4-6AP Settings

Current Version

Displays the current version of the AP database.

File Path

Click Browse to locate and select the new AP database. Click Upgrade to import it.

Download the latest AP database

Click Download the latest AP database. You will be redirected to the TP-Link download center to download the AP database files. The download center will update the AP database file.

4.4 Load Balancing
Load Balancing is applied in the high density wireless environment. It can balance the APs load and guarantee the reasonable access of the clients to APs. Therefore, the wireless resources and bandwidth of each AP can be used fairly. The following example is used to illustrate the working process of load balancing.
Figure 4-7Topology
Wireless Controller

CAP1 Client number: 20

CAP2 Client number: 16

Client
The client is within the wireless range of CAP1 and CAP2. The client requests to connect to CAP1 and the following two conditions are met:
1 The client number of CAP1 has reached or exceeded the maximum number that the load balancing set ( 20 as an example).
2 The client is also in the coverage of other CAPs. And the difference of the connected client number between CAP1 and one of the other CAPs is greater than the difference threshold set in load balancing (4 as an example, 20-164).
Due to load balancing, AC will reject the client's request to connect to CAP1 and instead connect the client to other CAPs with a smaller load. Thus, the performance of the whole network is improved. If the client requests to connect to CAP1 continually, and the request fail number exceeds the maximum fail number set in load balancing, CAP1 will accept the connecting request of the client. If the signal strength of the client is smaller than the RSSI threshold, it will not count to the total number of clients in load balancing.
29

Choose the menu AP Control > Load Balancing > Load Balancing to load the following page.
Figure 4-8Load Balancing

Load Balancing Mode Threshold Difference Threshod
Maximum Fail Number RSSI Threshold

Specify whether to enable load balancing.
Load balancing supports session mode only at present. In this mode, each AP will be assigned an average number of clients by the AC.
Set the maximum number of clients that are allowed to access the AP. The client's request to connect to the CAP will be rejected when the threshold and difference threshold are exceeded.
Set the maximum difference between the number of clients connected to the AP with the number of clients connected to other APs. The client's requests to connect will be rejected when the threshold and difference threshold are exceeded.
Set the maximum fail number for the client's connection request. When the client's connection requests fail more than the specified number, the AP will allow it to connect.
Specify the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) threshold. If the signal strength of the client is lower than the RSSI threshold, it will not count to the total number of clients for the purpose of load balancing.

5 Radio
5.1 Radio Settings
Choose the menu Radio > Radio Settings > Radio Settings to load the following page.
Figure 5-1Radio Settings
On this page, you can specify the radio parameters of multiple or individual CAPs. Select the entries and click the buttons above the list to change the radio status or bulk edit the parameters. Click at the operation row in the radio list, the following figure will be shown.
31

Figure 5-2Change the Radio Settings

AP Name Radio Frequency Mode
Bandwidth
Channel

Displays the name of the AP.
Displays the radio frequency of the AP to be modified.
Specify the working mode of the wireless network. AP with a frequency band of 2.4GHz supports five wireless modes: 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11b/g, 802.11g/n and 802.11b/g/n. You are recommended to select the 11b/g/n mode, and all of 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n wireless stations can connect to the AP. AP with a frequency band of 5GHz supports 802.11a, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11a/ n, 802.11n/ac and 802.11a/n/ac modes. You are recommended to select 11a/n/ac mode, allowing 802.11a, 802.11n and 802.11ac wireless stations to access the AP.
Specify the bandwidth of the wireless network. According to IEEE 802.11n standard, using higher bandwidth can increase wireless throughput. However, users may choose lower bandwidth due to the following reasons: 1. Increase the available number of channels within the limited total bandwidth. 2. To avoid interference from overlapping channels occupied by other devices in the environment. 3. Lower bandwidth can concentrate higher transmit power, increasing stability of wireless links over long distances.
Specify a channel for the wireless network. If auto is selected, the AP will automatically choose a suitable channel.

Transmit Power Maximum Users

Specify a transmit power for the wireless network. A larger transmission power than needed may cause interference to other wireless networks.
Specify the maximum number of clients that can be connected to the AP.

Antenna

Specify the antenna type. Only internal antenna is supported at present.

Fragment Threshold
Beacon Interval Airtime Fairness
RTS Threshold
DTIM Period
WMM Broadcast Probe Response
Short GI Weak Signal Forbidden

Specify the fragment threshold for transmitting packets. If the size of the packet is larger than the fragment threshold, the packet will be fragmented into several packets. A value that is too low for the fragment threshold may result in poor wireless performance caused by the excessive packets. The recommended and default value is 2346 bytes.
Enter a value between 40 and 1000 in milliseconds to determine the duration between beacon packets that are broadcasted by the AP to synchronize the wireless network. The default is 100 milliseconds.
Specify whether to enable Airtime Fairness feature. With this feature enabled, each client connected to the AP can get the same amount of time to transmit data, preventing low-data-rate clients from occupying too much network bandwidth and improving the network throughput. We recommend that you enable this function under multirate wireless networks.
Enter a value between 1 and 2347 to determine the packet size of data transmission through the AP. By default, the RTS (Request to Send) Threshold size is 2346. If the packet size is greater than the preset threshold, the AP sends Request of Send frames to a particular receiving station and negotiates the sending of a data frame, or else the packet will be sent immediately.
This value indicates the number of beacon intervals between successive Delivery Traffic Indication Messages (DTIM) and this number is included in each Beacon frame. A DTIM is contained in Beacon frames to indicate whether the AP has buffered broadcast and/or multicast data for the client devices. Following a Beacon frame containing a DTIM, the access point will release the buffered broadcast and/or multicast data, if any exists. You can specify a value between 1-255 Beacon Intervals. The default value is 1, indicating the DTIM Interval is the same as the Beacon Interval. An excessive DTIM interval may reduce the performance of multicast applications. It is recommended to keep it as the default.
Specify whether to enable the WMM. With WMM enabled, this device uses the QoS function to guarantee the transmission of audio and video packets with high priority.
Specify whether to enable the broadcast probe response function. The clients send broadcast probes to detect the wireless networks nearby. If the function is enabled, the AP will respond to the broadcast probe to let the clients know of its existence. With the function disabled, the client cannot find the AP by sending broadcast probes.
Specify whether to enable the Short GI. Short GI is used to increase the throughput by reducing the guard interval time. It is recommended to enable this function.
Specify whether to enable the weak signal forbidden function. With this function enabled, the AP will forbid the client with a signal strength lower than a certain value from connecting.

Weak Signal Discard

Specify whether to enable the weak signal discard function. With this function enabled, the AP will discard the client with a signal strength lower than a certain value.

Click OK to complete the configuration. Click Default Settings to restore the parameters to the default.

5.2 Rate Settings
Choose the menu Radio > Rate Settings > Rate Settings to load the following page. Specify the data transmission rate on this page.
Figure 5-3Rate Settings

802.11a

Basic Rate: Specify the basic rate set with which the 802.11a clients are allowed to access the network. At least one rate should be selected from the rate set. 6Mbps, 12Mbps and 24Mbps are selected by default.
Supported Rate: Specify the supported rate for 802.11a clients. The supported rate set should not overlap with the basic rate set. 9Mbps 18Mbps, 36Mbps 48Mbps and 54Mbps are selected by default.
Multicast Rate: Specify the multicast rate for the 802.11a multicast packets. The rate should be selected from the basic rate set. When auto is selected, the system will select a suitable rate from the basic rate set automatically.

802.11b

Basic Rate: Specify the basic rate with which 802.11b clients are allowed to access the wireless network. At least one rate should be selected in the rate set. 1Mbps and 2Mbps are selected by default.
Supported Rate: Specify the supported rate for 802.11b clients. The supported rate should not overlap with the basic rate that has been set. 5.5Mbps and 11Mbps are selected by default.
Multicast Rate: Specify the multicast rate for the 802.11b multicast packets. The rate should be selected from the basic rate set. When auto is selected, the system will select a suitable rate from the basic rate set automatically.

802.11g

Basic Rate: Specify the basic rate with which the 802.11g clients are allowed to access the network. At least one rate should be selected in the rate set. 1Mbps, 2Mbps, 5.5 Mbps and 11Mbps are selected by default.
Supported Rate: Specify the supported rate for 802.11g clients. The supported rate set should not overlap with the basic rate set. 6Mpbs, 9Mbps, 12Mbps, 18Mbps, 24Mbps, 36Mbps, 48Mbps and 54Mbps are selected by default.
Multicast Rate: Specify the multicast rate for the 802.11g multicast packets. The rate should be selected from the basic rate set. When auto is selected, the system will select a suitable rate from the basic rate set automatically.

802.11n

Basic MCS Index: Specify the basic MCS index for 802.11n clinet. The maximum MCS index value for 802.11n clients should be equal to or greater than the basic MCS index value. Otherwise, the clients cannot be allowed to access the wireless network. The default setting is blank. If a value is selected , only 802.11n clients are allowed to access the network.
Supported MCS Index: Specify the support MCS index for the device. The support MCS index should be equal to or greater than the basic MCS index.

802.11ac

Basic MCS Set: Specify the basic MCS set for the device. The 802.11ac clients should support the number of antennas and MCS index range regulated by the basic MCS set. Otherwise, the clients cannot access the wireless network.
Supported MCS Set: Specify the support MCS set for the device. The corresponding number of antennas and MCS index range of the support MCS set should be equal to or greater than that of basic MCS set.

Note: For the connected APs enabled with radio, the rate settings won't take effect until the APs reboot or their radios are disabled and enabled again.

5.3 Band Steering
There are clients that only support the 2.4GHz band and clients that support dual band in a wireless network. If all the clients connect to the 2.4GHz band, the 2.4GHz band will become very congested, reducing the network performance. With band steering enabled, the AP would steer the dual band clients to connect to the 5GHz first, which would balance the band connections and improve the network performance. When enabling band steering, please ensure the SSIDs of both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands are the same. The following example is used to illustrate the process of band steering.
Figure 5-4Band Steering Process
Wireless Controller

Dual-band CAP

2.4GHz SSID: TP-Link Client Number: 36

5GHz SSID: TP-Link Client Number: 40

Dual-band Client
The 2.4GHz SSID and 5GHz SSID of the dual-band CAP are set the same. If a 2.4GHz client or 5GHz client requests to connect to the CAP, the band steering won't take effect and the client will connect to the 2.4GHz or 5GHz directly. If a dual band client requests to connect to the CAP, due to band steering, the CAP will lead the client to connect to the 5GHz band first. When the wireless network satisfies the following two conditions:
1 The client number of the 5GHz band reaches or exceeds the maximum client numbers that are allowed to connect (40 as an example).
2 The difference value in client number of the 2.4GHz band and the 5GHz band reaches or exceeds the difference threshold set in band steering setting (4 as an example,40-364).
Due to band steering, a new dual band client will be rejected from connecting to the 5GHz band and be allowed to connect to the 2.4GHz band.
36

But if the client repeatedly requests to connect to the 5GHz, and the rejection exceeds the maximum failure number set in band steering setting, the client will be allowed to connect.
Choose the menu Radio > Band Steering > Band Steering to load the following page. Check the Enable radio button to enable the band steering function.
Figure 5-5Band Steering

5GHz Maximum Connection Threshold

Specify the maximum number of clients that are allowed to connect to the 5GHz band. When the client number meets the 5GHz maximum connection threshold and difference threshold, the AP will prevent more APs from connecting to the 5GHz band.

Difference Threshold

Specify the maximum difference value between the number of clients connected to the 5GHz band and the number connected to the 2.4GHz band. When the client connections meet the 5GHz maximum connection threshold and the difference threshold, the AP will prevent more APs from connecting to the 5GHZ band.

Maximum Failure Number

Specify the maximum number of failed connection attempts of the client. If the clients continuously request to connect to the 5GHz band and the number of failed attempts exceeds the specified number, the CAP will accept the connection request.

Click Save to finish the settings.

5.4 Wi-Fi Roaming
Wi-Fi roaming is a technology that keeps a station connected to the network while the station is moving from one Access Point to another. For example, a client can walk through a facility while carrying on a conversation over a WiFi phone. The Wi-Fi radio inside the phone automatically roams from one access point to another as needed to provide seamless connectivity.

Choose the menu Radio > Wi-Fi Roaming to load the following page. Configure the two 802.11k options.
Figure 5-6Wi-Fi Roaming

Neighbor List

Choose to whether enable Wi-Fi roaming feature. With this option enabled, WiFi roaming will take effect on the 2.4GHz band.

Neighbor List Dual Band

Choose to whether enable Wi-Fi roaming on both of the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.

Note:
Only when Neighbor List is enabled, will Neighbor List Dual Band take effect.
Click Save to finish the settings.

6 Wireless
6.1 Wireless Service
Choose the menu Radio > Wireless > Wireless Service to load the following page.
Figure 6-1Wireless Service

Specify and view the wireless service on this page. Click

to create a new wireless

service. Click button, you can go into the radio binding page.

Figure 6-2Add a New Wireless Service

Status SSID
Description

Specify whether to enable the wireless network.
Specify the SSID (Service Set Identifier) for the wireless network. The SSID should be unique.
Specify a description for the entry to make it easier to search for and manage.

AP Isolation

Enable AP isolation to isolate the wireless clients connected to the same AP so that they cannot communicate with each other. This setting cannot take effect in other APs; that is, AP isolation cannot isolate the clients connected to different APs with the same SSIDs.

SSID Broadcast

With this option enabled, the AP will broadcast the SSID to the nearby hosts, so that those hosts can find the wireless network identified by this SSID. With this option disabled, users must enter the SSID manually to connect to the AP.

Security

Specify the security option of the wireless network. If all the clients are allowed to access the wireless network, please select None. For the safety of the wireless network, you are suggested to encrypt your wireless network with password. This device provides three security options: WPA/WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK (WPA Pre-Shared Key). WPAPSK/WPA2-PSK is recommended. Settings vary in different security options as the details is in the following introduction.

Following is the detailed introduction of security mode: WPA/WPA2 and WPA-PSK/WPA2PSK. WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
Based on pre-shared key. It is characterized by higher safety and simple settings, which suits for common households and small business. WPA-PSK has two versions: WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK.
Figure 6-3Security of WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK

Authentication Type
Encryption
Group Key Update Period PSK Password

Select one of the following versions: Auto: Select WPA or WPA2 automatically based on the wireless client's capability and request. WPA-PSK: Pre-shared key of WPA. WPA2-PSK: Pre-shared key of WPA2.
Select the encryption type, including Auto, TKIP, and AES. The default setting is Auto, which can select TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) or AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) automatically based on the wireless station's capability and request. AES is more secure than TKIP and TKIP is not supported in 802.11n mode. It is recommended to select AES as the encryption type.
Enter the number of seconds (minimum 30) to control the time interval for the encryption key automatic renewal.
Configure the PSK password with ASCII or Hexadecimal characters. For ASCII, the length should be between 8 and 63 characters with a combination of numbers, letters (case-sensitive) and common punctuations. For Hexadecimal, the length should be 64 characters (case-insensitive, 0-9, a-f, A-F).

WPA/WPA2
Based on Radius Server, WPA can assign different passwords for different users and it is much safer than WPA-PSK. However, it has high maintenance costs and is only suitable for enterprise users. At present, WPA has two versions: WPA and WPA2.
Figure 6-4Security of WPA/WPA2

Authentication Type

Select one of the following versions: Auto: Select WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK automatically based on the wireless station's capability and request. WPA: Wi-Fi Protected Access. WPA2: Version 2 of WPA.

Encryption

Select the encryption type, including Auto, TKIP, and AES. The default setting is Auto, which can select TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) or AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) automatically based on the wireless station's capability and request. AES is more secure than TKIP and TKIP is not supported in 802.11n mode. It is recommended to select AES as the encryption type.

Group Key Update Period

Enter the number of seconds (minimum 30) to control the time interval for the encryption key automatic renewal.

Radius Server IP

Enter the IP address of the Radius server.

Radius Port

Enter the port number of the Radius server.

Radius Password

Enter the share key of the Radius server.

Click button, you can go into the radio binding page.

Figure 6-5Radio Banding

SSID Select the Group VLAN Binding
Bound
Unbind Back to Wireless

Displays the current wireless network. Select the group to be displayed in the list.

Enter a VLAN ID into the field and Click

above the list. The wireless

network will be bound to the corresponding VLAN.

Select the desired entries and click this button to bind the service to corresponding radios. Unlocked APs cannot be bound. Please refer to 4.1 AP Settings and check the box Lock to AC Automatically.
Select the desired entries and click this button to unbind the service in corresponding radios.
Click this button to return to the wireless service page.

7 Authentication

7.1 MAC Authentication
MAC Authentication is based on VLAN and MAC address. The administrator can preset MAC Authentication entries to allow or deny the clients with specific MAC addresses and in specific VLANs to access the network. The clients do not need to install any client software, nor do any operation during the MAC authentication process.
With this feature configured, when a client tries to access the network, the AP sends the MAC address and VLAN information of the client to the AC. Based on the preset MAC Authentication entries, the AC checks whether the client is allowed to access the network or not. Only the clients allowed to access the network can go for the further portal authentication process.
As the following diagram shows, we configure Client 1 and Client 2 to the whitelist, and Client 3 to the blacklist on the AC. When these clients are trying to access the network, the AC will check the MAC authentication entries. According to these entries, Client 1 and Client 2 will be allowed to access the network, and Client 3 will be denied to access the network.
Figure 7-1Topology for MAC Authentication
Internet

Whitelist of MAC Addresses:

01-86-FC-75-B1-02 VLAN2

01-86-FC-75-B2-75 VLAN2

Blacklist of MAC Address:

01-86-FC-75-B3-34 VLAN 3

PoE Switch CAP

Client 1 01-86-FC-75-B1-02
VLAN 2

Client 2 01-86-FC-75-B2-75
VLAN 2

Client 3 01-86-FC-75-B3-34
VLAN 3

To configure MAC Authentication, refer to the following steps:

1 Choose the menu Authentication > MAC Authentication > MAC Address to bind the MAC addresses and VLANs of the clients to be authenticated.
2 Choose the menu Authentication > MAC Authentication > MAC Authentication to set MAC authentication rule on the VLANs.
7.1.1 MAC Address
Choose the menu Authentication > MAC Authentication > MAC Address to load the following page.
Figure 7-2MAC Address

You can click Backup to back up all the MAC authentication entries in the CSV file which are in ANSI coding format. This file can be restored to the AC and all MAC addresses can be added into the MAC address list.
To add multiple MAC address entries at a time:

1 Save the MAC address entries as a CSV file with ANSI coding format in the AC. You can use the Backup MAC Address function to obtain a CSV file to view the correct format.

2 Click Browse to select the file path, and then click Restore to restore the file.

Note:
Using Excel to open the CSV file may cause some numerical format changes, and the number may be displayed incorrectly. If you use Excel to edit the CSV file, please set the cell format as text.
In the MAC address list you can view the MAC address entries.

Click

to add a new MAC address entry, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 7-3 Add a new MAC Address Entry

Name MAC Address VLAN Range

Specify the name for the entry.
Specify the MAC address of the client.
Specify the VLAN range. The range is 1 to 4094. Number and range are both supported. The ranges can be seperated by commas. For example: 1 11-20 1,3,5,4090-4094

7.1.2 MAC Authentication
Choose the menu Authentication > MAC Authentication > MAC Authentication to load the following page.
Figure 7-4MAC Authentication

Here you can view the MAC Authentication List.

Click

to add a new entry.

Figure 7-5Add a MAC Authentication List

MAC Authentication Name Effective VLAN Range
Description Authentication Mode Status

Specify or check the name of the MAC authentication entry to make it easier to search for and manage.
Specify or check the effective VLAN range of the MAC authentication entry. The range is 1 to 4094. Number and range are both supported. The ranges can be seperated by commas. For example: 1 11-20 1,3,5,4090-4094
Specify or check the description of the authentication entry to make it easier to search for and manage.
Black List: All the MAC addresses in this authentication mode are forbidden to access the network.
Specify whether to enable this authentication entry.

7.2 Portal Authentication
AC provides several types of portal authentication, including Web Authentication, Onekey Online, Voucher, SMS, Facebook, Remote Portal. To provide portal authentication service, two kinds of servers are required: web server which is used to provide login page for the clients, and authentication server which is used to authenticate the clients. The web server and authentication server can be the built-in servers of the AC or the external connected servers. Which kinds of servers are used to provide portal service is determined by the portal authentication types and your choices.
Figure 7-6Portal Topology
Web Server (external or built in AC)

Client

Access Device

Authentication Server (external or built in AC)

Web Server For Web Authentication, Onekey Online, Voucher and SMS, the AC uses its built-in web server to provide login page for the clients. Before configuring such portal authentication features, you need to set the login page in the Splash Page module. For Facebook, the web sever of Facebook is used to provide login page and Facebook Page for the clients. For Remote Portal, you need to build a remote portal server on your network to provide customized login page for the clients. Authentication Server
46

For Web Authentication and Remote Portal, there are two methods to authenticate the clients: using the built-in authentication server of the AC or using the remote authentication server on the network. You can configure the remote authentication server in the Authentication Sever module. For Onekey Online and Voucher, the AC uses the built-in authentication server to authentication the clients. For SMS, the AC uses the authentication server of service provider Twilio to authenticate the clients. For Facebook, the AC uses the authentication server of Facebook to authenticate the clients. Note:
Before configuring portal authentication, make sure that the IP address of the AC's interface that manages the AP and the IP addresses of the clients are routable.
7.2.1 Splash Page
Choose the menu Authentication > Portal Authentication > Splash Page to load the following page.
Figure 7-7Splash Page

Here you can upload pictures or use the default template to set the splash pages for subsequent authentication to meet the requirements of advertisement promotions.

Click

to add a new entry. There are four authentication types of the splash page,

including Web Authentication, Onekey Online, Voucher and SMS.

Figure 7-8Add a Splash Page

Page Name Authenticaiton Type
Page Title Background Background Color Background Picture Logo Logo Position

Specify the name of the splash page template.
Select the authentication type of the splash page. Options include Web Authentication, Onekey Online, Voucher and SMS.
Web Authentication: Clients need to enter a username and password to log in, and can access the network after successful authentication.
Onekey Online: Clients can access the network without entering any parameters on the login page.
Voucher: Clients need to enter the voucher code to log in, and can access the network after successful authentication.
SMS: Clients need to enter the verification code received by their mobile phones to log in, and can access the network after successful authentication.
Specify the page title for the authentication.
Select the background type. Two types are supported: Solid Color selected on the page and Picture uploaded from your local computer.
If Solid Color is selected, configure your desired background color through the color picker or by entering the RGB values manually.
If Picture is selected, click the Upload button and a window will pop up. Click the Browse button and select a background picture. You can drag and scale the clipping region to edit the picture.
Click the Upload button and a window will pop up. Click the Browse button and select a logo picture. You can drag and scale the clipping region to edit the picture.
Set the position of the logo picture. The options include Middle, Upper and Lower.

Welcome Information

Specify the welcome information.

Welcome Information Color

Select your desired text color for the welcome information through the color picker or by entering the RGB values manually.

Specify the copyright information.

Select your desired text color for Copyright information through the color picker or by entering the RGB values manually.

Description

Specify a description for the entry to make it easier to search for and manage.

Input Box Frame Color

Select your desired color for the input box border through the color picker or by entering the RGB values manually.

Button Position

Set the position of the login button. The options include Middle, Upper and Lower.

Button Color

Select your desired login button color through the color picker or by entering the RGB values manually.

Button Text Color

Select your desired text color for the button through the color picker or by entering the RGB values manually.

On the right side of the page, you can click the buttons Tablet PC, Mobile Phone and PC to preview the login pages on these kinds of devices.

7.2.2 Web Authentication
In Web Authentication, clients can use the user accounts to pass the authentication. Choose the menu Authentication > Portal Authentication > Web Authentication to load the following page.
Figure 7-9Web Authentication

Here you can view the Web Authentication information and edit the entries.

Click

to add a new entry. There are two authentication server types, including Local

Authentication Server and Remote Authentication Server.

Local Authentication Server

Select Local Authentication Server as the Authentication Server Type, and the following the page will appear.

Figure 7-10Local Authentication Server Page

Status SSID
Splash Page Authenticaiton Server Type Success Redirect URL Fail redirect URL Non-sense Authentication Advertisement

Specify the status of the entry.
Specify the SSIDs of the Web authentication. Note: The SSIDs abeled "Bound" are being used by other authentication entries. If these SSIDs are selected, the original configuration will be replaced by the current configuration.
Select the splash page of the Web authentication.
Specify the server type of the Web authentication. Here we select Local Authentication Server.
Specify the redirect URL address after successful authentication.
Specify the redirect URL address after the authentication failure.
With this option enabled, the non-sense authenticated users will pass the authentication automatically when connecting to the wireless network.
Specify whether to enable the Advertisement feature. With this feature enabled, you can add advertisement pictures on the authentication page. These advertisement pictures will be displayed before the login page appears. You can also allow users to skip the advertisement by enabling Allow to Skip Advertisement.

Description

Specify a description for the Web authentication entry to make it easier to search for and manage.

Note:
When Local Authentication Server is selected, you need to add the login information of the allowed users. For detailed configuration, refer to 7.3 Local User Management.
Remote Authentication Sever
Select Remote Authentication Server as the Authentication Server Type, and the following the page will appear.

Figure 7-11Remote Authentication Server Page

Status SSID
Splash Page

Specify the status of the entry.
Specify the SSIDs that will be enabled with Web authentication. Note: The SSIDs labeled "Bound" are being used by other authentication entries. If these SSIDs are selected, the original configuration will be replaced by the current configuration.
Select the splash page of the Web authentication.

Authenticaiton Server Type
Authentication Server Group Free Authentication Timeout
Success Redirect URL Fail redirect URL Non-sense Authentication Advertisement

Specify the server type of the Web authentication. Here we select Remote Authentication Server. To configure Radius server, refer to Authentication Server.
Select the server group of the Web authentication.
Set the free online duration for the users. Note: If the remote authentication server is configured with an online time duration for the users, then the time duration set on the server will take effect instead of Free Authentication Timeout set here.
Specify the redirect URL address after successful authentication.
Specify the redirect URL address after the authentication failed.
If non-sense authentication is enabled, the non-sense authenticated users will pass the authentication automatically when connecting to the wireless network.
Specify whether to enable the Advertisement feature. With this feature enabled, you can add advertisement pictures on the authentication page. These advertisement pictures will be displayed before the login page appears. The required parameters are as follows: Picture Resouce: You can add up to 5 advertisement pictures. When several pictures are added, they will be played in a loop. There are two picture resources: Local Upload and External Link. Advertisement Duriation Time: Specify how long the advertisement will be displayed for. For this duration, the pictures will be played in a loop. Enter a value from 1 to 30 seconds. If the duration time is not enough for all the pictures, the rest will not be displayed. Photo Carousel Interval: Specify the picture carousel interval. If this value is set as 5 seconds, the first picture will be displayed for 5 seconds, followed by the second picture for 5 seconds, and so on. Enter a value from 1 to 10 seconds. Allow to Skip Advertisement: Specify whether to enable this feature. With this feature enabled, the user can click the Skip button to skip the advertisement.

Description

Specify a description for the Web authentication entry to make it easier to search for and manage.

7.2.3 Onekey Online
In Onekey Online Authentication, clients can pass the authentication without entering any parameters on the login page . Choose the menu Authentication > Portal Authentication > Onekey Online to load the following page.
Figure 7-12Onekey Online

Here you can view the Onekey Online Authentication information and edit the entries.

Click

to add a new entry.

Figure 7-13Add a New Onekey Online Entry

Configure the related parameters and click OK.

Status

Specify whether to turn on the Onekey Online authentication entry.

SSID

Specify the SSIDs that will be enabled with Onekey Online authentication. Note: The SSIDs labeled "Bound" are being used by other authentication entries. If these SSIDs are selected, the original configuration will be replaced by the current configuration.

Splash Page

Select the splash page of Onekey Online authentication.

Free Authentication Timeout

Select the free online time for users who have passed onekey online authentication.

Specify whether to enable the Advertisement feature. With this feature enabled, you can add advertisement pictures on the authentication page. These advertisement pictures will be displayed before the login page appears. The required parameters are as follows: Picture Resouce: You can add up to 5 advertisement pictures. When several pictures are added, they will be played in a loop. There are two picture resources: Local Upload and External Link. Advertisement Duriation Time: Specify how long the advertisement will be displayed for. For this duration, the pictures will be played in a loop. Enter a value from 1 to 30 seconds. If the duration time is not enough for all the pictures, the rest will not be displayed. Photo Carousel Interval: Specify the picture carousel interval. If this value is set as 5 seconds, the first picture will be displayed for 5 seconds, followed by the second picture for 5 seconds, and so on. Enter a value from 1 to 10 seconds. Allow to Skip Advertisement: Specify whether to enable this feature. With this feature enabled, the user can click the Skip button to skip the advertisement.

Description

Specify a description for the onekey online authentication entry to make it easier to search for and manage.

7.2.4 Voucher
In Voucher Authentication, you can distribute the voucher codes that are automatically generated by the AC to the clients. Clients can enter the voucher codes on the login page to access the network. Note:
To create voucher codes, refer to Voucher Management.
Choose the menu Authentication > Portal Authentication > Voucher to load the following page.
Figure 7-14Voucher

Here you can view the Voucher Authentication information and edit the entries.
54

Click

to add a new entry.

Figure 7-15Add a New Voucher Entry

Configure the related parameters and click OK.

Status

Specify whether to turn on the Voucher authentication entry.

SSID

Specify the SSIDs that will be enabled with Voucher authentication. Note: The SSIDs labeled "Bound" are being used by other authentication entries. If these SSIDs are selected, the original configuration will be replaced by the current configuration.

Splash Page

Select the splash page of Onekey Online authentication.

Success Redirect URL Specify the redirect URL address after successful authentication

Fail redirect URL

Specify the redirect URL address after the authentication failure.

Non-sense Authentication

If non-sense authentication is enabled, the non-sense authenticated users will pass the authentication automatically when connecting to the wireless network.

Specify whether to enable the Advertisement feature. With this feature enabled, you can add advertisement pictures on the authentication page. These advertisement pictures will be displayed before the login page appears. The required parameters are as follows: Picture Resouce: You can add up to 5 advertisement pictures. When several pictures are added, they will be played in a loop. There are two picture resources: Local Upload and External Link. Advertisement Duration Time: Specify how long the advertisement will be displayed for. For this duration, the pictures will be played in a loop. Enter a value from 1 to 30 seconds. If the duration time is not enough for all the pictures, the rest will not be displayed. Photo Carousel Interval: Specify the picture carousel interval. If this value is set as 5 seconds, the first picture will be displayed for 5 seconds, followed by the second picture for 5 seconds, and so on. Enter a value from 1 to 10 seconds. Allow to Skip Advertisement: Specify whether to enable this feature. With this feature enabled, the user can click the Skip button to skip the advertisement.

Description

Specify a description for the Voucher entry to make it easier to search for and manage.

7.2.5 SMS
In SMS Authentication, the client can get a verification code using a mobile phone and enter the code to pass the authentication. Choose the menu Authentication > Portal Authentication > SMS to load the following page.
Figure 7-16SMS Page

Here you can view the SMS Authentication information and edit the entries.

Click

to add a new entry.

Figure 7-17Add a New SMS Entry

Configure the following parameters. Note that you need to first go to the Twilio website to register an account and get the following three parameters: Twilio SID, Authentication Token and Phone Number.

Status

Specify whether to turn on the SMS authentication entry.

SSID

Specify the SSIDs that will be enabled with SMS authentication. Note: The SSIDs labeled "Bound" are being used by other authentication entries. If these SSIDs are selected, the original configuration will be replaced by the current configuration.

Splash Page

Select the splash page of SMS authentication.

Twilio SID

Enter the Account SID for Twilio API Credentials.

Authentication Token

Enter the Authentication Token for Twilio API Credentials.

Phone Number

Enter the phone number that is used to send verification messages to the clients.

Free Authentication Timeout

Specify the permitted online time of the clients who have passed SMS authentication.

Description

Specify a description for the SMS entry to make it easier to search for and manage.

7.2.6 Facebook
In Facebook Authentication, the login page is your own Facebook Page that are bound to the AC, and you can customize your Facebook Page according to your actual needs. AC uses the Facebook server to authenticate the clients, and the logged-in clients will be redirected to your Facebook Page.
Choose the menu Authentication > Portal Authentication > Facebook to load the following page.
Figure 7-18Facebook

Here you can view the Facebook Authentication information and edit the entries.

Click

to add a new entry.

Figure 7-19Add a New Facebook Entry

Status

Specify whether to turn on the Facebook authentication entry.

SSID

Specify the SSIDs that will be enabled with Facebook authentication. Note: The SSIDs labeled "Bound" are being used by other authentication entries. If these SSIDs are selected, the original configuration will be replaced by the current configuration.

Configuration

Click this button to specify the Facebook Page. For details, refer to the following introduction.

Facebook Page

Displays the name of the specified Facebook Page.

Description

Specify a description for the Facebook entry to make it easier to search for and manage.

Click the Configuration button and log in to your Facebook account in the pop-up window. Then configure the Facebook Wi-Fi parameters and click Save Settings.

Figure 7-20Facebook Configuration Page

Facebook Page Bypass Mode
Session Length Terms of Service

Select a Facebook Page that has been created in advance. Note that a valid location should be associated with the Facebook Page.
Select bypass mode. There are two options: Skip check-in link: Users can directly skip check-in and access the network without any code. Require Wi-Fi code: Users need to enter the Wi-Fi code you configured here to access the network.
Select how long the users will have Wi-Fi after they check in.
(Optional) Check the box and specify the terms of service.

7.2.7 Remote Portal
In Remote Portal, you can build your own portal server on the network to provide the customized login page for clients. In such scenario, your customized server is called as remote portal server, and AC will be responsible for the communication between the clients and the remote portal server.

Choose the menu Authentication > Portal Authentication > Remote Portal to load the following page.
Figure 7-21Remote Portal

Here you can view the Remote Portal Authentication information and edit the entries.

Click

to add a new entry. There are two authentication server type: Local

Authentication Server and Remote Authentication Server.

Local Authentication Sever

Select Local Authentication Server as the Authentication Server Type, and the following page will appear.

Figure 7-22Local Authentication Server Page

Status Splash Page

Specify whether to turn on the remote portal authentication entry. Enter the splash page name of the remote portal authentication.

SSID

Specify the SSID that will be enabled with Remote Portal authentication. Note: The SSIDs labeled "Bound" are being used by other authentication entries. If these SSIDs are selected, the original configuration will be replaced by the current configuration.

Remote Portal Address Enter the address of the server used for remote portal authentication.

Authenticaiton Server Type

Select the server type used for remote portal authentication.

Success Redirect URL Specify the redirect URL address after successful authentication.

Fail redirect URL

Specify the redirect URL address after the authentication failure.

Non-sense Authentication

If non-sense authentication is enabled, the non-sense authenticated users will pass the authentication automatically when connecting to the wireless network.

Description

Specify a description for the remote portal authentication entry to make it easier to search for and manage.

Note:
When Local Authentication Server is selected, you need to add the login information of the allowed clients. For detailed configuration, refer to 7.3 Local User Management.
Remote Authentication Sever
Select Remote Authentication Server as the Authentication Server Type, and the following page will appear.
Note:
To configure the remote Radius server ,

Figure 7-23Remote Authentication Server Page

Status

Specify whether to turn on the remote portal authentication entry.

Splash Page

Enter the splash page name of the remote portal authentication.

VLAN ID

Select the VLAN ID used to remote portal authentication.

Remote Portal Address Enter the address of the server used for remote portal authentication.

Authenticaiton Server Type

Select the server type used for remote portal authentication. To configure Radius server, refer to Authentication Server.

Authentication Server Group

Select the server group used for remote portal authentication.

Free Authentication Timeout
Success Redirect URL Fail redirect URL Non-sense Authentication Description

Set the free online duration for the users. Note: If the remote authentication server is configured with an online time duration for the users, then the time duration set on the server will take effect instead of Free Authentication Timeout set here.
Specify the redirect URL address after successful authentication.
Specify the redirect URL address after the authentication failure.
If non-sense authentication is enabled, the non-sense authenticated users will pass the authentication automatically when connecting to the wireless network.
Specify a description for the remote portal authentication entry to make it easier to search for and manage.

7.3 Local User Management
In Local User Management, you can create and manage local user accounts for the Web authentication feature. Clients need to use the local user accounts to pass the Web authentication. Choose the menu Authentication > User Management > Local User Management to load the following page.
Figure 7-24Local User Management

Backup User Information Click Backup to backup all the local users' information into a CSV file in ANSI coding format. This file can be restored to the user's list. Restore User Information Add multiple local user entries at a time:
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1 Save the local user entries as a CSV file with ANSI coding format in the device. You can use the Backup User Information function to obtain a CSV file to view the correct format.

2 Click Browse to select the file path, and then click Restore to restore the file.

Note: Using Excel to open the CSV file may cause some numerical format changes, and the number may be displayed incorrectly. If you use Excel to edit the CSV file, please set the cell format as text.
Rule List

Here you can specify and view the local users. Click two user types, including Formal User and Free User.

to add a new entry. There are

Formal User You can provide formal users with continuous internet service. When the user's account expires, the account will be invalid.
Figure 7-25Add a Formal User

User Type Username
Password

Specify the user type as formal user. Specify the username. The username should not be the same as any existing one. Specify the password. Users will be required to enter the username and password when they attempt to access the network.
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Authentication Timeout Authentication Period MAC Address Binding Type
Maximum Users Rate Limit (Download) Rate Limit (Upload) Traffic Limit
Name Telephone Description Status

Specify the authentication timeout for formal users. After the timeout, the users need to log in at the web authentication page again to access the network.
Specify the authentication period during which the users can log in to the web authentication page.
There are three types of MAC binding: No binding, Static Binding and Dynamic Binding. If dynamic binding is selected, the MAC address of the first user that passes the authentication will be bound. If static binding is selected, the MAC address of all users that pass the authentication will be bound.
Specify the maximum number of users able to use this account to pass the authencitation.
Select whether to enable download rate limit. With this option enabled, you can specify the limit of download rate.
Select whether to enable upload rate limit. With this option enabled, you can specify the limit of upload rate.
Select whether to enable traffic limit. With this option enabled, you can specify the total traffic limit in a period of time. Once the limit is reached in one period, the client cannot access the network until the next period. The period options include Every Day, Every Week, Every Month and All Authentication Time.
Specify the user's name (optional).
Specify the user's telephone number (optional).
Enter a description for the user (optional).
Specify whether to enable this account.

Free User
You can provide free users with internet service for a short time (in minutes). The account can be reused. When the time expires, the user can log in to the authentication page again and can be re-authenticated.

Figure 7-26Add a Free User

User Type Username Password Authentication Period Free Period Maximum Users Rate Limit (Download) Rate Limit (Upload) Traffic Limit
Description Status

Specify the user type as free user.
Specify the username. The username should not be the same as any existing one.
Specify the password. Users will be required to enter the username and password when they attempt to access the network.
Specify the authentication period during which the users can log in to the web authentication page.
Specify the free period for the users to be online.
Specify the maximum number of users able to use this account to pass the authentication.
Select whether to enable download rate limit. With this option enabled, you can specify the limit of download rate.
Select whether to enable upload rate limit. With this option enabled, you can specify the limit of upload rate.
Select whether to enable traffic limit. With this option enabled, you can specify the total traffic limit in a period of time. Once the limit is reached in one period, the client cannot access the network until the next period. The period options include Every Day, Every Week, Every Month and All Authentication Time.
Optional: Enter a description for the user.
Specify whether to turn on authentication.

7.4 Voucher Management
You can create voucher codes in batch on the Create Voucher page and manage them conveniently on the Manage Voucher page.
7.4.1 Create Voucher
Choose the menu Authentication > Voucher Management > Create Voucher to load the following page.
Figure 7-27Create Voucher

Specify the parameters of the vouchers to be created and click OK.

Code Length

Specify the length of the voucher codes to be created.

Amount

Specify the number of voucher codes to be created.

Type

Select the type of the voucher codes to be created. There are two types: Single Use and Multi Use. Single Use allows only one client to pass the authentication with one voucher code. Multi Use allows several clients to pass the authentication with one voucher code.

Max Users

If Multi Use is selected, specify the maximum number of the clients who can use the same voucher code to pass the authentication.

Duration Time

Specify the permitted online time of clients who have passed the authentication.

Rate Limit (Download)

Select whether to enable download rate limit. With this option enabled, you can specify the limit of download rate.

Rate Limit (Upload)

Select whether to enable upload rate limit. With this option enabled, you can specify the limit of upload rate.

Traffic Limit

Specify the total traffic limit for one voucher. Once the limit is reached, the client can no longer access the network using the voucher.

Description

Specify a description for the voucher codes to make them easier to search for and manage.

7.4.2 Manage Voucher
Choose the menu Authentication > Voucher Management > Manage Voucher to load the following page.
Figure 7-28Manage Voucher

The above table displays the information of the current vouchers. You can print and distribute them to the users. Also, you can manage the vouchers, such as deleting the vouchers and setting the vouchers to be expired.

Code

Displays the voucher code. Clients will be required to enter the voucher code when they attempt to access the network.

Create Time

Displays the time when the voucher code is created.

Dscription

Displays the description for the voucher code.

Duration

Displays the permitted online time of the clients who have passed the authentication.

Status

Displays whether the code is valid or not, and if valid, how many clients are permitted to pass the authentication.

Operation

: Click this button to print the codes created in the same batch. : Click this button to delete the voucher code. : Click this button to set the voucher code to be expired, which means that the voucher code cannot be used to pass the authentication.

7.5 Authentication Server
AC supports external Radius server. When clients start the authentication process, the AC will forward user information to the external authentication server, and the server will authenticate the user. To use this feature, follow the steps below:

1 Configure the Radius Server. Choose the menu Authentication > Authentication Server > Radius Server.
2 Configure the Server group. Choose the menu Authentication > Authentication Server > Authentication Server Group.
7.5.1 Radius Server
Choose the menu Authentication > Authentication Server > Radius Server to load the following page.
Figure 7-29Radius Server

Here you can add, edit or delete an external radius server.

Click

to add a new entry.

Figure 7-30Add a Radius Serve

Server Name Server Address
Authentication Port

Specify a name for the Radius server.
Specify the address of the server. It should be an IPv4 address or a DNS domain.
Specify a port for the server to monitor the authentication packets.

Billing Port Share Key Retry Count
Timeout Interval NAS IP Address Authentication Type

Specify a port for the server to monitor the billing packets. 0 means disable the billing function.
Specify a shared key for the Radius server.
If no reply is received after the client sends a connect request, it will keep resending the request. Specify the number of times the client is allowed to resend the request.
Specify the timeout interval after the client sends a request packet.
Specify the NAS IP address for the authentication. Generally, it is the address by which the AC and Radius server communicate. This field can be left empty.
The authentication type includes PAP, CHAP, MSCHAP and MSCHAPv2.

7.5.2 Authentication Server Group
Choose the menu Authentication > Authentication Server > Authentication Server Group to load the following page.
Figure 7-31Server Group

Here you can view or edit the server group.

Click

to add a new entry.

Figure 7-32Add a Serve Group

Group Name Authentication Type

Specify a group name for the authentication server. The group name should not be the same as the existing one.
Select the authentication server type. Only Radius server is supported so far.

Main Server Standby Server
Recovery Time Description

Select the main server for the group. The main server will have higher priority.
Select the standby server for the group. If the main server malfunctions, the standby server will come into use.
Specify the time interval after the main server malfunctions for reconnection.
Specify a description for the authentication server group.

7.6 Authentication Config

7.6.1 Free Authentication Policy
Free authentication policy is used to provide free resources for clients before they pass the portal authentication. Choose the menu Authentication > Portal Authentication > Free Authentication Policy to load the following page.
Figure 7-33Free Authentication Policy

Here you can view the Free Authentication Policy information and edit the entries. Entry 1 to entry 4 are default free authentication policies and cannot be edited.

Click

to add a new entry. There are two Match Modes, including Five Tuple Type and

URL Type.

Five Tuple Type

Five Tuple Type is configured based on the IP address range, MAC address, VLAN ID, port and protocol. It is recommended to select Five Tuple Type when there are many parameters to be configured in the free authentication policy.

Figure 7-34Five Tuple Type

Strategy Name Match Mode Source IP Range
Source MAC Address Source VLAN Source Port Destination IP Range
Destination Port
Protocol

Specify a name for the free authentication policy entry.
Specify a match mode for the free authentication policy.
Specify the source IP address and subnet mask of the free authentication policy entry.
Specify the source MAC address of the free authentication policy entry.
Specify the source VLAN ID of the free authentication policy entry.
Specify the source port range of the free authentication policy entry.
Specify the destination IP address and subnet mask of the free authentication policy entry.
Specify the destination source MAC address of the free authentication policy entry.
Specify the service protocol of the free authentication policy entry.

Description

Specify a description for the free authentication policy entry to make it easier to search for and manage.

Status

Specify whether to turn on the free authentication policy.

URL Type
URL Type is configured based on the URL address, IP address range, MAC address and VLAN ID. It is recommended to select URL Type when the URL address is already known.

Figure 7-35URL Type

Strategy Name

Specify a name for the free authentication policy entry.

Match Mode

Specify a match mode for the free authentication policy.

URL Address

Specify the URL address for the URL type of free authentication policy.

Source IP Range

Specify the source IP address and subnet mask of the free authentication policy entry.

Source MAC Address

Specify the source MAC address of the free authentication policy entry.

Source VLAN

Specify the source VLAN ID of the free authentication policy entry.

Protocol

Specify the service protocol of the free authentication policy entry.

Description

Specify a description for the free authentication policy entry to make it easier to search for and manage.

Status

Specify whether to turn on the free authentication policy.

Note:
· The empty strategy means all sources are allowed to visit.

· Only when one of the source port or the destination port is configured, can the protocol take effect.
7.6.2 Authentication Parameters
Choose the menu Authentication > Portal Authentication > Authentication Parameters to load the following page.
Figure 7-36Authentication Config

Here you can configure and view the global parameters for the authentication.

Authentication Aging

Specify whether to enbale authentication aging. If the authenticated users leave the wireless network within the aging time, they could reconnect to the AP without re-authentication. If the leave time is longer than the aging time, authentication is required again for users to connect to the AP.

Aging Time

Enter the aging time within which the users could reconnect to the AP without authentication.The default value is 5.

Portal Authentication Port

Specify the service port for portal authenticaiton. The default setting is 8080. It should not be the same as other occupied service ports.

7.7 Applications

7.7.1 Application for Web Authentication
Network Requirements
A hotel wants to offer customers internet access and push hotel advertisements through the Web authentication page. The clients can access the network only after passing the Web authentication.
In this case, the hotel can use the local authentication server to authenticate the clients and use the advertisement feature to display the advertisement pictures to the clients.

Network Topology
Figure 7-37Network Topology

Internet

Router

Core Switch

PoE Switch CAP

Clients

Configuration Steps

1 Create SSID Create an SSID for the clients in the Wireless module.

2 Configure the Splash Page

Choose the menu Authentication > Portal Authentication > Splash Page. Click

add a new entry.

Set the Authentication Type as Web Authentication and set the related parameters. Here you can upload the logo image and a promotional image of the hotel to the device.

Figure 7-38Splash Page Configurations
3 Configure the Web Authentication Choose the menu Authentication > Portal Authentication > Web Authentication. Click
to add a new entry. Enable Web Authentication and set the related parameters.
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Figure 7-39Web Authentication Configurations
4 Add Authentication Accounts After Web Authentication configuration, we still need to add user accounts to the device. In this example, we create accounts to meet the following requirements: Each room is offered with a free account, and up to three clients are able to use this account to pass the authentication at the same time. The free time is two hours, and the client needs to restart the authentication after the time expires.
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Choose the menu Authentication > Local User Management > Local User Management.

Click

to add a new entry.

Set the related parameters as shown below.

Figure 7-40Add a Free Account

7.7.2 Application for Onekey Online
Network Requirements A hotel wants to offer customers free internet access. Customers can access the internet without providing any information. In this case, the hotel can use Onekey Online to meet the requirements. Network Topology
Figure 7-41Network Topology
Internet

Router

Core Switch

PoE Switch CAP

Clients

Configuration Steps 1 Create SSID Create an SSID for the clients in the Wireless module.

2 Configure the Splash Page

Choose the menu Authentication > Portal Authentication > Splash Page. Click

add a new entry. Set the Authentication Type as Onekey Online and set the other related

parameters.

Figure 7-42Splash Page Configurations

3 Configure Onekey Online
In this case, we set the free online time as 30 minutes, and the client needs to restart the connection after the time expires.

Choose the menu Authentication > Portal Authentication > Onekey Online. Click

add a new entry. Turn on the Onekey Online and set the related parameters.

Figure 7-43Onekey Online Configurations

7.7.3 Application for Voucher
Network Requirements A hotel wants to offer customers internet access. To access the internet, the customers should provide the correct codes which are got from the hotel to pass the authentication. In this case, the hotel can use the Voucher feature to generate voucher codes and assign these codes to the clients. AC can use the built-in authentication server to authenticate the clients.
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Network Topology
Figure 7-44Network Topology
AC

Internet
Router Core Switch

PoE Switch CAP

Clients

Configuration Steps

1 Create SSID Create an SSID for the clients in the Wireless module.

2 Configure the splash page.

Choose the menu Authentication > Portal Authentication > Splash Page. Click

add a new entry.

Set the Authentication Type as Voucher and set the related parameters.

Figure 7-45Splash Page Configurations

3 Configure Voucher Authentication

Choose the menu Authentication > Portal Authentication > Voucher. Click

to add a

new entry. Turn on the Voucher feature and set the related parameters. Click OK.

Figure 7-46Voucher Configurations

4 Create Vouchers Choose the menu Authentication > Portal Authentication > Voucher Management > Create Voucher. Specify the related parameters and click Save.
Figure 7-47Create Vouchers

5 Print Vouchers

Choose the menu Authentication > Portal Authentication > Voucher Management >

Manage Voucher. Click

to export the voucher codes.

Figure 7-48View Vouchers

The voucher codes in the table will be exported as the following figure shows. You can print these codes and give them to your customers.
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Figure 7-49Print Vouchers
7.7.4 Application for SMS
Network Requirements A hotel wants to offer customers internet access using the Twilio API service. The customer needs to get authentication code using a mobile phone and access the network with the authentication code. In this case, the hotel can use the SMS feature to authenticate the clients.
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Network Topology
Figure 7-50Network Topology

Internet

Router

Core Switch

SMS Authentication Server

PoE Switch CAP

Clients

Configuration Steps

1 Create SSID Create an SSID for the clients in the Wireless module.

2 Configure the splash page

Choose the menu Authentication > Portal Authentication > Splash Page. Click

add a new entry.

Set the Authentication Type as SMS and set the related parameters.

Figure 7-51Splash Page Configurations
3 Register an Twilio account Go to the official website of Twilio and follow the instructions to create an account.
Figure 7-52Register Account
4 Apply for Twilio Service and get the related information After successful login to Twilio, you need to buy the service for SMS according to the instructions on the website. Then get the account information, including ACCOUNT SID, AUTH TOKEN and Phone number.
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Figure 7-53Account Infromation_SID and Auth Token

Figure 7-54Account Infromation_Phone Number

5 Configure the SMS Authentication
Choose the menu Authentication > Portal Authentication > SMS. Click entry.
Figure 7-55SMS Authentication Page

to add a new

Enable SMS and configure the related parameters. You can directly paste the Twilio account information from the website to this page. Click OK.
7.7.5 Application for Facebook
Network Requirements A hotel wants to offer customers internet access and push hotel advertisement through the Facebook Page of the hotel. And The customers will be redirected to the Facebook Page after checking in.
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In this case, the hotel can use the Facebook authentication feature to authenticate the clients. Network Topology
Figure 7-56Network Topology
Internet
Facebook Servers

Router

Core Switch

PoE Switch CAP

Configuration Steps

Clients

1 Create the Facebook Page Log in to Facebook and create a Facebook Page with advertisements of the hotel.

2 Create SSID Create an SSID for the clients in the Wireless module.

3 Configure the Facebook Authentication
Choose the menu Authentication > Portal Authentication > Facebook. Click a new entry.

to add

Figure 7-57Facebook Authentication Page
Click the Configuration button and specify the Facebook Page and the related parameters. Click Save Settings and close this window.
Figure 7-58Facebook Configurations
Verify the configuration result and click OK.
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Figure 7-59Facebook Configuration Result
7.7.6 Application for Remote Portal
Network Requirements A hotel wants to offer customers internet access and use the remote portal server to push hotel advertisement through the login page. The clients can access the network only after pass the authentication. In this case, the hotel can use the Remote Portal feature. The remote portal server provides login and authentication page, and the local server of the AC authenticates the clients.
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Network Topology
Figure 7-60Network Topology

Internet

Router

Core Switch

Remote Portal Server

PoE Switch CAP

Clients

Configuration Steps

1 Build Remote Portal Server
Build your remote portal server on the network and make sure the connectivity between the AC and the server.

2 Create SSID Create an SSID for the clients in the Wireless module.

3 Configure the Remote Portal Authentication

Choose the menu Authentication > Portal Authentication > Remote Portal. Click

add a new entry. Enable Remote Portal and set the related parameters.

Figure 7-61Web Authentication Configurations 93

8 Link Backup
8.1 Dual-link Backup
Choose the menu Link Backup > Dual-link Backup > Dual-link Backup to load the following page. Check the option to enable the dual-link backup.
Figure 8-1Dual-link Backup

Enble

Check this option to enable the dual-link backup function.

Priority

Specify the priority of the AC. The AC with a greater number represents a higher priority to be selected as the master link. The modification of priority will result in the reconnection of all CAPs in the master link.

Peer Address

Specify the address of the peer AC as the standby link. The CAP will get the peer address when obtaining the IP address from the DHCP server. You should enable the DHCP service on the AC.

Click Save to complete the configuration.
Note:
· If the priority and peer address are changed, the CAPs in the standby link should be rebooted to make the settings take effect. To keep the settings of the master link and standby link consistent, please reboot all the CAPs in the standby link after the modification of the settings.
· ACs used in the dual-link backup should be the same models.
· With the dual-link backup enabled, please ensure the settings of the master AC and standby AC are consistent.
· When the CAPs switch to the standby link from the master link, the authenticated wireless clients will expire and be required to re-authenticate.

8.2 Application
Scenario The dual-link backup and the standby AC are applied in the scenario that two ACs are used to manage wireless networks together. Topology
Figure 8-2Topology
Internet

AC1 192.168.1.253
Priority: 150
AC2 192.168.0.253
Priority: 100

Router Core Switch

DHCP Server

PoE Switch

CAP

Configuration 1 Configure the external DHCP server.
The external DHCP should support the configuration of the option field. Refer to the corresponding guide for details of the option settings. When an AP obtains an IP address from the DHCP server, it also needs the DHCP server to deliver the IP addresses of the two ACs in the network. You should configure the following parameters in the DHCP server:
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Enter TP-LINK at the DHCP Option 60 field. Enter the IP addresses of the two ACs into DHCP Option 138 filed, therefore, the CAPs in the network can find the two ACs. Note:
· Before configuring the external DHCP server, please disable the DHCP function of the AC to avoid CAPs obtaining IP addresses abnormally.
· Please enable DHCP Relay function on the core switch to ensure that the DHCP packets can be transmitted.
2 Configure the priority There are several ACs in the network and they can manage all the CAPs normally. If you want CAPs to be managed by a specified AC, set a higher priority for it. When a new CAP requests to connect to an AC, the AC with higher priority will be connected first. The higher value means higher priority. In the above topology, the priority of AC1 is 150 and AC2 is 100. Therefore the AC becomes the master controller of the CAPs and all CAPs will connect to AC1 first. AC2 is the standby controller.
3 Configure the standby AC The standby AC comes into use when the master AC breaks down and cannot work normally. In this situation, the CAPs will automatically accept the management of the standby AC. If you want CAPs to connect to another AC when the master AC malfunctions, please enter the IP address of the standby AC into the peer address field. Therefore, the master AC will deliver the IP address of the standby AC to CAPs when assigning IP addresses. CAPs will be associated with master AC and standby AC at the same time. When the master AC breaks down, the standby AC becomes the master AC.
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Figure 8-3Working Process
Master AC: 192.168.1.253 Standby AC:192.168.1.252

Core Switch

Master AC: 192.168.1.252 Standby AC:192.168.1.253

PoE Switch

CAP

Note:
Standby AC should be configured along with the link priority. The AC with higher priority becomes the master AC and the lower one is the standby AC.

9 System Tools
9.1 Account
There are two types of accounts: Administrator and Operator. Administrator can configure and view all settings of the AC and configure the Operator
account. When you buy a new AC, you will log in to the AC with the default Administrator account. Operator can only use the Local User Management and Voucher Management features. By default, Operator account does not exist. You can use your Administrator account to create the Operator account.
9.1.1 Administrator Account
Choose the menu System Tools > Admin Setup > Administrator Account to load the following page.
Figure 9-1Administrator Account

Here you can change the login username and password of the Administrator account.

Old Username

Enter the current username.

Old Password

Enter the current password.

New Username

Enter a new username. Letters, digits and special characters are allowed.

New Password

Enter a new password. Please enter a strong password to secure your device and network.

Confirm New Password Enter the new password again for confirmation.

Strength

Low, Middle and High indicate the password strength. Tip: Use a combination of letters, digits and symbols to create a strong password.

9.1.2 Operator Account
Choose the menu System Tools > Admin Setup > Operator Account to load the following page.
Figure 9-2Operator Account

Here you can configure the login username and password of the Operator account. If the Operator account already exists, you can change the username and password of the Operator account.

New Username

Specify a username for the account.

New Password

Specify a password for the account.

Confirm New Password Enter the password again for confirmation.

9.1.3 System Settings
Choose the menu System Tools > Account > Systems to load the following page.
Figure 9-3System Settings

Here you can specify the service port and session timeout.
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HTTP Server Port
Redirect HTTP to HTTPS HTTPS Server Port
Web Idle Timeout

Specify the web server port. Port 80 is the default. The port should not be the the same as other service ports.
With redirect HTTP to HTTPS enabled, the http website will be redirected to https website automatically when you log in to the management web page.
Specify the secure web server port. Port 443 is the default. The port should not be the same as other service ports.
If the device does not perform any tasks in the specified time interval, the system will log out automatically to secure the device and network. The default setting is 6 minutes.

9.2 Administration

9.2.1 Factory Default Restore
Choose the menu System Tools > Administration > Factory Default Restore to load the following page.
Figure 9-4Factory Default Restore

Click Factory Restore to restore your device to its factory default settings. Factory Restore will clear all the configurations. It is highly recommended to back up your current configurations in case a recovery is needed to restore the system to a previous state or from the factory defaults. The device will reboot after the factory restore is complete.
9.2.2 Backup & Restore
Choose the menu System Tools > Administration > Backup & Restore to load the following page.

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Figure 9-5Backup & Restore
Version View the current version. Backup Click Backup to save a copy of your current settings. Please save your copy in a secure file location. It is recommended to back up the settings before you change the configurations and upgrade the firmware. Restore Click Browse to locate and select the backup file, then click Restore to import the file to recover the configurations. Note:
· Please keep the power supply stable and avoid power off during the backup and import process. · If the version of the imported configuration file differs a lot from the current version of the controller, the
configuration information may be lost.
9.2.3 Reboot
Choose the menu System Tools > Administration > Reboot to load the following page.
Figure 9-6Reboot
Click Reboot to reboot your device. Some settings will be applied only after the device has rebooted. Note:
DO NOT power off your device while it is rebooting.
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9.2.4 Firmware Upgrade
Choose the menu System Tools > Administration > Firmware Upgrade to load the following page.
Figure 9-7Reboot

Here you can upgrade your firmware. Please back up your configurations before upgrading. Click Browse to locate the firmware file, then click Upgrade to upgrade your firmware. For the latest firmware version, please go to www.tp-link.com

Firmware Version

Displays the current firmware version.

Hardware Version

Displays the current hardware version.

Note:
· DO NOT power off your device or refresh the page during the upgrade. The device will reboot after the upgrade is complete.
· The configurations may be lost after upgrading. Please back up your configurations before upgrading.

9.3 Traffic Statistics
Choose the menu System Tools > Traffic Statistics > Interface Statistics to load the following page.
Figure 9-8Interface Statice

Here you can view the traffic statistics of the interfaces and click the header to display the data in ascending or descending order.

Interface

Displays the current enabled interface of the device.

TX Rate (Kb/s)

Displays the rate data frames are transmitted.

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RX Rate (Kb/s) TX Packet Rate (Pkt/s) Total TX Bytes Total RX Bytes Total TX Packets Total RX Packets

Displays the rate data frames are received. Displays the rate data packets are transmitted. Displays the total bytes transimitted by the interface. Displays the total bytes received by the interface. Displays the total packets transmitted by the interface. Displays the total packets received by the interface.

9.4 Diagnostics
Choose the menu System Tools > Diagnostics > Diagnostics to load the following page.
Figure 9-9Diagnostics

Here you can use the diagnostic tools to detect the current network connection status.
The device provides Ping and Traceroute tools to help you troubleshoot network connection problems.
The Ping tool sends packets to a target IP Address or Domain Name and logs the results, such as the number of packets sent and received, and the round-trip time.
The Traceroute tool sends packets to a target IP Address or Domain Name and displays the number of hops and time to reach the destination.

Diagnostic Tool

Specify the diagnostic tool as Ping/Traceroute.

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IP Address/Domain Name Interface Ping Count Ping Packet Size Traceroute Max TTL

Enter the IP address or the domain name of the Ping host or the traceroute host.
Enter the interface of the Ping host or the traceroute host.
Specify the ping count.
Specify the ping packet size.
Specify the number of hops (to be reached) in the Traceroute Max TTL (Time to Live) field.

9.5 Time Settings
Choose the menu System Tools > Time Settings > Time Settings to load the following page.
Figure 9-10Time Settings

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Here you can view or set the system time. You can get the system time from the Internet,or set it manually. Get automatically from the Internet
Figure 9-11Get Automatically from the Internet

If the AC can access the Internet, you can get the system time automatically from the Internet. The AC will search available internal NTP (Network Time Protocol) server and get the system time. If failed, please set the IP address of the NTP server manually. After the configuration, click Save, and the AC will get the system time from the NTP server.

Current Time

Displays the current system time.

Set Time

Specify the way the time is set (get automatically from the internet or manually).

Time Zone

Specify the time zone of the device.

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NTP Server I / NTP Server II

IP Address for the NTP Server.

Manually

Figure 9-12Get Automatically From the Internet

If the AC cannot access the Internet, you should set the system time manually.

Current Time

Displays the current system time.

Set Time

Specify the way the time is set (get automatically from the internet or manually).

Date

Specify the time zone of the device.

Time

IP Address for the NTP Server.

Synchronize with PC`s Clock

Click this button, and the system time of the device will be matched with the current time on the host PC.

Note:
AC500 has a built-in RTC (Real-time Clock) chip, the system time won't be restored to the default time setting when the AC is rebooted or powered off. AC50 doesn't have an RTC chip. Please set the time manually or connect to the internet to set the time after the device is rebooted or powered off.

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9.6 System Log
Choose the menu System Tools > System Log > System Log to load the following page.
Figure 9-13System Log

Log Settings
Log Level Filter

Displays a list of the most recent activity (events) on the network. You can define the level of logs you want to view in the log level filter dropdown list.
All level: Displays all level of the system logs. EMERGENCY: Displays emergency system logs. These are fatal errors that may result in system breakdown. ALERT: Displays alert system logs. These are serious errors that require urgent system repair. CRITICAL: Displays critical system logs. These are fatal errors that may result in danger to the system. ERRORS: Displays error system logs. These are ordinary errors in the system. WARNING: Displays warning system logs. These are warning messages that remind the user that there may be some hidden threats to the system. NOTICE: Displays notice system logs. These are important notices about the system. INFO: Displays ordinary system information. DEBUG: Displays the debug information.

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Module Filter

You can define the module of logs you want to view in the module filter dropdown list.
ALL Module: Displays all system log modules. System Management: Displays the system's management log, including the account, device management and time settings. Interface Management: Displays the system's interface management log. DHCP server: Displays the system's DHCP server log. AP Control: Displays the system's AP control log. AP Upgrade: Displays the system's AP upgrade log. AP database: Displays the system's AP database log. Radio: Displays the system's radio setings log. Link Backup: Displays the system's link backup log. Portal authentication: Displays the system's portal authentication log. MAC Authentication: Displays the system's MAC authentication log. User Management: Displays the system's user management log. Wireless service: Displays the system's wireless service log. Wireless Client: Displays the system's client log. Load Balancing: Displays the system's load balancing log.

Send Log

Check the box and specify the server address the log will be sent to.

Backup Log Information Click Save Log to save the system log. System Log Displays the system log.

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References

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