DrayTek VigorAP 918R Series 802.11ac Outdoor Access Point User Guide

DrayTek VigorAP 918R Series 802.11ac Outdoor Access Point

Quick Start Guide

Version: 1.2 Firmware Version: V1.4.2 (For future updates, please visit the DrayTek web site) Date: December 14, 2021

product Package Content

The package contains:

• Main Unit
• Ethernet Cable (3M)
• Ground Cable & Screws
• Antennas
• Quick Start Guide
• Pipe Clamp
• Mount Kit (for VigorAP 918RPD)

If anything is missing or damaged, please contact DrayTek or
your dealer immediately.

product Descriptions of Components

The VigorAP 918R and VigorAP 918RPD components include:

• LED ACT
• 2.4G / 5G
• 5G Signal (For P Model)
• Interface
• Factory Reset
• PoE In
• PoE Out (For D Model)

The LED status is as follows:

• Off: The system is not ready or has failed.
• Blinking: The system is ready.
• On: Wireless function is ready.
• Blinking: Wireless function is not ready.
• Data is being transmitted (sending/receiving).
• The signal strength (excellent) > -50dBm.
• The signal strength (good) is between -66dBm ~ -51dBm.
• The signal strength (fair) is between -73dBm~ -67dBm.
• No signal or the signal strength is weak.

product Mounting the Access Point

Follow these steps to mount the access point:

1. Select a suitable location for mounting the access point.
2. Use the pipe clamp and mount kit (for VigorAP 918RPD) to attach the access point to the pole or wall.
3. Connect the ground cable and screws to ensure proper grounding.
4. Attach the antennas to the access point.

product Connection and Configuration

Follow these steps to connect and configure the access point:

Connected As a Mesh Node (in Mesh Network)

1. Connect the access point to the power source using the PoE adapter.
2. Wait for the LED to turn on.
3. Connect the access point to the mesh network using the VigorAP Mesh Config mobile app or VigorACS central management system.
4. Configure the access point settings as needed.

Connected As an Access Point

1. Connect the access point to the power source using the PoE adapter.
2. Connect the access point to the LAN using the Ethernet cable.
3. Wait for the LED to turn on.
4. Access the web configuration page using a web browser on your computer or mobile device.
5. Configure the access point settings as needed.

product Customer Service

To receive customer service, follow these steps:

Be a Registered Owner
Register your product on the DrayTek website to receive support and warranty services.

Firmware & Tools Updates
Visit the DrayTek website to download firmware and tools updates for your product.

Package Content

Take a look at the package content. If there is anything missed or damaged, please contact DrayTek or dealer immediately.

Descriptions of component

Mounting the Access Point

The VigorAP can be pole mounted depending on the installation environment. This section will guide you through installing the VigorAP.

Note

• For the sake of personal safety, only trained and qualified personnel should install this device.
• Please follow the installation steps to prevent equipment damage or personal injury.

Antennas Installation

1. Remove the protective cap.
2. Insert the antennas and fasten them by rotating clockwise.

Warning

• Do not open the top cover of the device.
• Installation during thunderstorms could be dangerous.

Connecting Ethernet Cable((s))
Refer to the following steps to attach the Ethernet cable and waterproof head. (Take VigorAP 918RPD as an example.)

1. Remove the cable cover for Ethernet Port (e.g., Port 1 PoE In).

2. Before connecting, verify that the cable has a rubber seal and that it is not damaged.
   Note To prevent the enclosure from water leakage, make sure the Ethernet cable gland and the rubber gasket are present and installed properly.

3. Inserting RJ-45 connector into the port.

4. Use an adjustable wrench and tighten the thread-lock sealing nut with torque 10 kgf-cm.

Note Do not pull the cable backwards; the force might break the plug.

Reconnecting Ethernet Cable

1. Loosen the thread-lock sealing nut.
2. Loosen the clamping claw and seal.
3. Loosen the body and washer.
4. Remove the cable.
5. To reattach the cable, follow the above steps in reverse.

Note The diameter for the Ethernet cable shall be limited between 4.3mm to 5.9mm.

Pole Mount Installation – for VigorAP 918RPD

1. Find a suitable location for installing the access point.
2. Select a mounting point on a pole.
3. Attach the mount kit assembly to the mounting plate by locking four screws with the torque of 10 kgf-cm.
4. Insert the pipe clamp into the mount kit assembly.
5. Press the pipe clamp to open it for clamping the pole.

Note The diameter for a pole shall be limited between 35mm to 60mm.

Pole Mount Installation – for VigorAP 918R

1. Find a suitable location for installing the access point.
2. Select a mounting point on a pole.
3. Insert the pipe clamp on the access point. Press the pipe clamp to open it for clamping the pole. Use a flathead screwdriver to fasten it with the torque of 12 kgf-cm.

Wall Mount Installation – for VigorAP 918R
Refer to the following steps to mount the access point on the wall.

1. Find a suitable location for installing the access point.
2. Insert two pieces of anchor to the wall.
3. Lock the screws on the anchors.
4. Hang the access point on the anchors.

Keep the distance between the screw head and the wall about 10 ~ 15mm.

Grounding Access Point
In outdoor installations and before powering the access point with AC power, VigorAP must be grounded prior to wire installation.

1. Use the ground cable.
2. Strip the insulation for the ground lug.
3. Use the appropriate crimping tool to crimp the ground cable to the grounding lug.
4. Use the ground cable to connect VigorAP to a ground device (e.g., ground rod).

Note Please consult an electrician if you are uncertain about the type of grounding that is required.

Powering Access Point
VigorAP 918R/RPD can be powered via the PoE input from an in-line power injector or a suitably powered switch port (local Regulatory Safety Certified such as UL or TUV or equivalent).

Before powering VigorAP, you should:

• Pay attention to local and national electrical codes.
• Not place the power injector / VigorSwitch in outdoor environment without any protection. Moisture might get into the power injector and cause a short circuit or possible fire.
• Not work on the system during periods of lighting activity to avoid the risk of electric shock, and do not connect or disconnect the Ethernet cables under bad weather.

Below shows two examples of connecting power for VigorAP 918R and VigorAP 918RPD.

Connection and Configuration

This section will guide you through the configuration of the settings using a web browser.

1. Make sure your PC is connected to the router correctly.
2. Open a web browser on your PC and type http://192.168.1.2. A pop-up window will open asking you for a username and password. Please type “admin/admin” for Username/Password and click Login.

Note You may either set up your computer to receive an IP address dynamically from the router or manually enter an IP address that is within the same subnet as the IP address of VigorAP 918R.

• If there is no DHCP server on the network, the VigorAP 918R will have an IP address of 192.168.1.2.
• If there is DHCP available on the network, the VigorAP 918R will receive its IP address via the DHCP server.

The Main Screen will be displayed.

Connected As a Mesh Node (in Mesh Network)

1. Install VigorAP on the place you want.
2. As a mesh node, settings related to VigorAP series must be configured by a remote Mesh Root (e.g., VigorAP 918R) within the mesh network. The user must detect VigorAP 918R series via a Mesh Root to add it as a mesh node.

Connected As an Access Point
As an access point, VigorAP 918R series must be connected to a router and configured in AP (Access Point) mode.

1. Connect VigorAP to a Vigor router.
2. Use a twisted-pair cable with RJ-45 plugs at both ends, and plug into the Ethernet device (e.g., Vigor router) and Ethernet port of VigorAP.
3. There are two methods to configure VigorAP.

Method 1:

• First, open a web browser on your PC and type https://192.168.1.2. A pop-up window will open to ask for username and password.
• After clicking Login, Quick Start Wizard for configuring wireless settings will appear as follows.
• Follow the on-screen steps to finish the network connection.

Method 2:

• Use a mobile phone to scan the QR code named with DrayTek Wireless App to download DrayTek Wireless APP.
• After downloading, run the APP.
• From the home page, click the Connect icon to access the Connect page. Next, press the QR code icon next to Scan QR Code on your phone screen to open the camera. Then, scan the QR code named with Connect SSID. (Or, enter the SSID and the password set for the AP.) Later, click the Connect button to access the web user interface of VigorAP 918R to set the device in AP or Range Extender mode.

Customer Service

If the device cannot work correctly after trying many efforts, please contact your dealer/DrayTek for further help right away. For any questions, please feel free to send e-mail to “support@draytek.com”.

Be a Registered Owner
Web registration is preferred. You can register your Vigor router via https://myvigor.draytek.com.

Firmware & Tools Updates
Due to the continuous evolution of DrayTek technology, all devices will be regularly upgraded. Please consult the DrayTek web site for more information on newest firmware, tools and documents. https://www.draytek.com

GPL Notice
This DrayTek product uses software partially or completely licensed under the terms of the GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE. The author of the software does not provide any warranty. A Limited Warranty is offered on DrayTek products. This Limited Warranty does not cover any software applications or programs. To download source codes please visit: http://gplsource.draytek.com
GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE: https://gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0 Version 2, June 1991 For any question, please feel free to contact DrayTek technical support at support@draytek.com for further information.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Information

Copyrights

• All rights reserved. This publication contains information that is protected by copyright. No part may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language without written permission from the copyright holders.

Trademarks The following trademarks are used in this document:

• Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.
• Windows, Windows 7, 8, 10 and Explorer are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
• Apple and Mac OS are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
• Other products may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers.

Safety Instructions and Approval

• Read the installation guide thoroughly before you set up the access point.
• The access point is a complicated electronic unit that may be repaired only be authorized and qualified personnel. Do not try to open or repair the device yourself.
• Keep the package out of reach of children.
• When you want to dispose of the access point, please follow local regulations on conservation of the environment

Warranty

We warrant to the original end user (purchaser) that the router will be free from any defects in workmanship or materials for a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase from the dealer. Please keep your purchase receipt in a safe place as it serves as proof of date of purchase. During the warranty period, and upon proof of purchase, should the product have indications of failure due to faulty workmanship and/or materials, we will, at our discretion, repair or replace thedefective products or components, without charge for either parts or labor, to whatever extent we deem necessary tore- store the product to proper operating condition. Any replacement will consist of a new or re-manufactured functionally equivalent product of equal value, and will beoffered solely at our discretion. This warranty will not apply if the product is modified, misused, tampered with, damaged by an act of God, or subjected to abnormal working conditions. The warranty does not cover the bundled or licensed software of other vendors. Defects which do not significantly affect the usability of the product will not be covered by the warranty. We reserve the right to revise the manual and online documentation and to make changes from time to time in the contents hereof without obligation to notify any person of such revision or changes.

Regulatory Information

Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement

FCC STATEMENT

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device may accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

USA Local Representative

| Company name| ABP International Inc.
---|---|---
Address| 13988 Diplomat Drive Suite 180 Dallas TX 75234
ZIP Code| 75234| E-mail| rmesser@abptech.com
Contact Person| Mr. Robert Messer| Tel.| 19728311600

Declaration of Conformity
Hereby, DrayTek Corporation declares that the radio equipment type VigorAP 918R is in compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU. The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address:
http://www.draytek.com.tw/ftp/VigorAP918R/Document/CE/

Manufacturer: DrayTek Corp.

• Address: No. 26, Fushing Rd, Hukou, Hsinchu Industrial Park, Hsinchu 303, Taiwan
• Product: VigorAP 918R Series

Frequency Information for Europe area:

MHz, max. TX power: 27 dBm
| Requirements in AT/BE/BG/CZ/DZ/DK/EE/FR/DE/IS/IE/IT/EL/ES/ CY/LV/LI/LT/LU/HU/MT/NL/NO/PL/PT/RO/SI/SK/TR/FI/SE/CH/ HR. 5150MHz~5350MHz is for indoor use only.

1: for 2.4G WLAN model; *2: for 5G WLAN model)

• This product is designed for 2.4GHz /5GHz WLAN network throughout the EC region.

Hereby, DrayTek Corporation declares that the radio equipment type VigorAP 918R is in compliance with Regulation SI 2017 No. 1206.
The full text of the UKCA Declaration of Conformity is available at the following internet address:
https://www.draytek.com.tw/ftp/VigorAP918R/Document/UKCA/

• Manufacturer: DrayTek Corp.
• Address: No. 26, Fushing Rd, Hukou, Hsinchu Industrial Park, Hsinchu 303, Taiwan
• Product: VigorAP 918R Series
• Importer: SEG, 11 Capital Business Park, Borehamwood, Herts, WD6 1GW
• Frequency Information for the UK area:

5470MHz – 5725 MHz, max. TX

| power: 22.85 dBm;

power: 28.84 dBm

|

*2

|

Requirements in UK. 5150MHz – 5350MHz is for indoor use only.

• 1: for 2.4G WLAN model; *2: for 5G WLAN model) This product is designed for 2.4GHz and 5GHz WLAN network use in the UK & Ireland.

RF Exposure Warning
This equipment must be installed and operated in accordance with provided instructions and the antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. End-users and installers must be provided with antenna installation instructions and transmitter operating conditions for satisfying RF exposure compliance.

Caution

• Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the grantee of this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
• Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
• This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
• The antenna/transmitter should be kept at least 20 cm away from human body.

References

• GNU General Public License v2.0 - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation
• MyVigor - DrayTek
• Home | DrayTek

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