Dell PowerConnect W-Series Instant Access Point 6.1.3.4-3.1.0.0 | User Guide Initial Configuration | 13Chapter 1Initial ConfigurationThis chapter provides information that is required to setup Dell PowerConnect W-Series Instant Access Pointand access the Instant User Interface.Initial SetupThis section provides a pre-installation checklist and describes the initial procedures required to set up DellInstant.Pre-Installation ChecklistBefore installing the Instant Access Point (IAP), make sure that you have the following: Ethernet cable of required length to connect the IAP to the home router. One of the following power sources: IEEE 802.3af-compliant Power over Ethernet (PoE) source. The PoE source can be any power sourceequipment (PSE) switch or a midspan PSE device. Dell power adapter kit (this kit is sold separately).To complete the initial setup, perform the following tasks in the given order:1. “Connecting the IAP to a Power Source” on page 142. “Assigning an IP Address to the IAP” on page 143. “Connecting to a Provisioning Wi-Fi Network” on page 14NOTE: PoE is a method of delivering power on the same physical Ethernet wire that is used for data communication. Power fordevices is provided in one of the following two ways:Endspan— The switch that the IAP is connected to can provide power.Midspan— A device can sit between the switch and the IAP.The choice of endspan or midspan depends on the capabilities of the switch that the IAP is connected to. Typically if a switch is inplace and does not support PoE, midspan power injectors are used.NOTE: A DNS server functions as a phonebook for the Internet and Internet users. It converts human readable computerhostnames into IP addresses and vice-versa. A DNS server stores several records for a domain name, such as an address 'A'record, name server (NS), and mail exchanger (MX) records. The Address 'A' record is the most important record that is stored ina DNS server because it provides the required IP address for a network peripheral or element.The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is an auto-configuration protocol used on IP networks. Computers or anynetwork peripherals that are connected to IP networks must be configured before they can communicate with other computers onthe network. DHCP allows a computer to be configured automatically, eliminating the need for a network administrator. DHCP alsoprovides a central database to keep a track of computers connected to the network. This database helps in preventing any twocomputers from being configured with the same IP address.
