How to convert a Powerconnect-W Instant Access Point into a Remote Access Point

Article Summary: This article explains how to convert a PowerConnect-W Instant Access Point (IAP) into a Remote Access Point (RAP)


To convert an IAP into a RAP, complete the following instructions.


1.  Make sure the controller you wish to manage the RAP has connectivity to it. You can run a ping command from SSH on the controller or IAP.
2.  Log into the controller via SSH and move the future RAP to the accepted list. This example uses an IAP MAC of 00:11:22:33:44:55 and ap group of Campus1

controller#config t
controller (config)# whitelist-db rap add mac-address 00:11:22:33:44:55 ap-group Campus1

3.  Log into the IAP web access and click Maintenance in the top right corner
4.  Click the Convert tab and make sure Remote Aps managed by a Mobility Controller is selected.
5.  Type in the IP address of the Controller or the public IP address that your controller responds to, and then click Convert Now.


The IAP should then convert into a RAP.
A commonly seen issue with IAPs not converting into RAPs is failing to move the AP to the accepted list the future RAP and having incorrect L3 Authentication profiles. You can check your profiles with the below steps.

1.  Log into the controller via HTTPS
2.  Navigate to Configuration > Security > Authentication > L3 Authentication
3.  Expand VPN Authentication > default-iap and default-rap
4.  When clicking on Server Group under both default-iap and default-rap, ensure that you have a server labeled Internal on the top of the servers list. This Internal server is the accepted list that is in the database of the controller, which allows the IAP to convert into a RAP.

If the IAP still does not convert, contact support and provide the service tag of the device.