Mounting and Installation
Column mounting

Mounting brackets are available from third parties. A simpler, but less secure solution is to create some type of mount. This can be done using many of the same items carried in a site survey kit.

When mounted on a pole or column, the AP can be zip tied to the pole or column with heavy-duty zip ties. Heavy-duty zip ties can be as wide as 1.3 cm (0.5 inch). If using these zip ties, make sure the indicator lights on the AP are not covered.

In the diagram in Figure , the AP is mounted in what appears to be an upside-down position. This position allows the indicator lights for the Ethernet port to be seen from the floor.

Whenever possible, APs should be labeled with the name, IP address, channel, and SSID. The letters need to be easily readable from the floor in case the AP requires troubleshooting.

If the column is too large for zip ties, another option is to mount a short piece of wood to the column . Using screws or bolts to attach the wood to the column can do this. Another option is to use silicone or glue to mount the board to the column, like Liquid Nails.

NOTE:

Do not use the Liquid Nails to mount the AP directly to the column. In the event that the AP needs to be removed or replaced, it will typically be destroyed.

The AP is then mounted to the wood using screws and secured using zip ties. If the piece of wood extends beyond the width of the column, the zip ties can be wrapped around the ends of the wood and across the face of the AP. Otherwise it may be necessary to attach a mounting base for the zip tie on the board. If the mounting bases are used, be sure to secure them to the board using a screw. Do not depend on the sticky tape on the bottom of the mount. The AP will probably outlast the sticky tape. The use of a piece of plywood is also good for concrete ceilings and walls.

When mounting to a rafter or beam, the AP may be zip tied to the rafter or beam. In some cases, it is not possible to wrap a zip tie around the rafter or beam. If this is the case, secure the piece of wood to the beam with beam clamps. Another option is to use a beam clamp to secure a mounting plate to the beam and then attach the AP to the mounting plate.

Always make sure that the wood is securely mounted to the structure before mounting the AP. If surveying with the rubber ducky antennas, be sure to survey with them in the same position they will be mounted. In the examples shown in this section, the antennas would be pointing straight down. There are different coverage patterns above and below the antenna. If the survey is done with the antenna in one position and then mounted in another position, the coverage may be different than what was expected.

Do not mount equipment to electrical conduit, plumbing, or ceiling supports. This is usually a code violation. There could also be a leak in the plumbing, or extreme temperatures in the pipe. Conduit could become electrified in the event of an electrical short, and the electrical wiring in the conduit is a good source of EMI. Therefore, the equipment should be mounted as far away from these as possible.