Aruba Instant AP-205H Access Point
High-performance dual-radio 802.11ac access points for hospitality and branch deployments

Overview:

The multifunctional and affordable IAP-205H access point (AP) combines high-performance wireless mobility with wired Gigabit Ethernet access in a surprisingly compact device. This compact and cost-effective dual-radio AP easily mounts to a standard data wall-box and uses the existing structured cabling system to provide secure wired and wireless network access in dormitories, classrooms, hotels, medical clinics and multitenant environments.

In addition, using a unique mount kit accessory, the IAP-205H can easily be converted to a desk mounted AP to provide the same benefits for branch offices and teleworkers. Capable of delivering high-performance Wi-Fi services to multiple rooms, the 205H simplifies RF coverage planning and reduces WLAN deployment costs. The IAP-205H is built to provide years of trouble-free operation and is backed by Aruba’s limited lifetime warranty.

The 205H delivers wireless data rates of up to 867 Mbps to 5-GHz devices with 802.11ac technology leveraging two spatial MIMO streams while simultaneously supporting 2.4-GHz 802.11n clients with data rates of up to 400 Mbps. The integrated antennas of the 205H are optimized for the deployments with the AP mounted vertically on either a wall or desk. The antenna patterns are slightly directional, focusing RF energy to and from the area facing the front of the AP.

Three local Gigabit Ethernet ports are available to securely attach wired devices to your network. One of these ports is also capable of supplying PoE power to the attached device. The 205H itself receives power from either an AC-to-DC adapter accessory or from the switch it attaches to, using PoE via the uplink Gigabit Ethernet port.

Benefits:

Two devices in one

The 205H ships with everything you need to deploy it as a wall-mounted hospitality AP, attaching directly to a standard single gang data wall-box. In addition, using an optional accessory stand, the 205H can easily be converted to a desk mounted remote AP.

Advanced Cellular Coexistence (ACC)

Aruba’s Advanced Cellular Coexistence (ACC) feature enables WLANs to perform at peak efficiency by minimizing interference from 3G/4G LTE networks, distributed antenna systems and commercial small cell/femtocell equipment.

Wi-Fi client optimization

To eliminate sticky client behavior while users roam, Aruba APs feature patented ClientMatch technology, which continuously gathers session performance metrics from mobile devices. If a mobile device moves away from an AP or if RF interference impedes performance, ClientMatch automatically steers the device to a better AP.

Quality of service for unified communication apps

Aruba APs support priority handling and policy enforcement for unified communication apps, including Microsoft Lync with encrypted videoconferencing, voice, chat and desktop sharing.

Choose your operating mode

Aruba offers a choice of AP operating modes to meet your unique management and deployment requirements:

• Controller-managed mode.
  When managed by Aruba Mobility Controllers, Aruba APs offer centralized configuration, data encryption, policy enforcement and network services, as well as distributed and centralized traffic forwarding. Please refer to the Aruba Mobility Controller data sheets for more details.
• Aruba Instant mode.
  In Aruba Instant mode, a single AP automatically distributes the network configuration to other Instant APs in the WLAN. Simply power-up on Instant AP, configure it over the air, and plug in the other APs – the entire process takes about five minutes. If WLAN requirements change, a built-in migration path allows instant APs to become part of a WLAN that is managed by a Mobility Controller.

Simplify deployment with Aruba

Activate For large installations across multiple sites, the Aruba Activate service significantly reduces deployment time by automating device provisioning, firmware upgrades, and inventory management. With Aruba Activate, Instant APs are factory-shipped to any site and configure themselves when powered up.

Features:

RF management

• Adaptive Radio Management™ (ARM) technology automatically assigns channel and power settings, provides airtime fairness and ensures that APs stay clear of all sources of RF interference to deliver reliable, high-performance WLANs.
• The 205H can be configured to provide part-time or dedicated air monitoring for spectrum analysis and wireless intrusion protection, VPN tunnels to extend remote locations to corporate resources, and wireless mesh connections where Ethernet drops are not available.

Spectrum analysis

• Capable of part-time or dedicated air monitoring, the spectrum analyzer remotely scans the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz radio bands to identify sources of RF interference.

Security

• Integrated wireless intrusion protection offers thread protection and mitigation, and eliminates the need for separate RF sensors and security appliances.
• IP reputation and security services identify, classify, and block malicious files, URL and IPs, providing comprehensive protection against advanced online threats.
• Integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for secure storage of credentials and keys.
• SecureJack-capable for secure tunneling of wired Ethernet traffic.

Aruba Instant Wi-Fi:

The undisputable need for users to be productive on their mobile devices is driving organizations everywhere to look for ways to cost-effectively build and support Wi-Fi networks that deliver the best connectivity and user experience.

Controllerless Wi-Fi solutions are simple and affordable. They eliminate the need for additional controller hardware by distributing controller functionality such as authentication and configuration to the access points (AP).

However, not all controllerless solutions are equal. Some solutions may have some serious limitations if speed and reliability associated with business-grade networks are sacrificed in favor of simplicity. The result can be Wi-Fi disruptions, poor performance, and unhappy users.

Business-Grade Wi-Fi in an Instant

Aruba Instant is the only controllerless Wi-Fi solution that delivers superior Wi-Fi performance, business-grade security, resiliency and flexibility with the simplicity of zero-touch deployment. Aruba Instant is simple to setup and does not require network expertize to deploy and manage.

One dynamically-elected Instant AP automatically distributes the network configuration to other Instant APs in the network. Simply power-up one Instant AP, configure it over the air or in the cloud, and plug in the other APs – the entire process takes about five minutes.

The free local management interface, unique to Aruba Instant APs, eliminates dependency or required investment in external network management systems. Instant is a turnkey business-grade Wi-Fi solution that works right out of the box.

Even guest access to your network can be secure and uncomplicated for you and all yours visitors. Simply create a guest network (SSID) and determine who gets access, how and what they have access to.

Use the simple built-in captive portal or a customizable externally hosted portal for guests to easily login. And secure the network by authenticating users with built-in guest accounts or integrate with external authentication servers.

Enhance User Experience and Productivity

Aruba Instant's business-grade network performance delivers speeds up to 10-times faster than other solutions in environments with high densities of devices. The Aruba InstantOS comes with integrated Adaptive Radio Management (ARM) technology, which optimizes Wi-Fi behavior and automatically ensures that the Instant APs stay clear of RF interference, resulting in a more reliable, higherperforming wireless network.

It also integrates patented ClientMatch technology, which continuously gathers session performance metrics from mobile devices. These metrics are then used to intelligently steer individual clients to the best AP with the strongest Wi-Fi signal as users move.

The Aruba 802.11ac Wave 2 Instant APs deliver enhanced multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) enhanced ClientMatch. By grouping MU-MIMO capable devices on the same stream, the network can take advantage of the simultaneous transmissions to these devices, increasing its overall network capacity and efficiency. These Wave 2 Instant APs also have an integrated BLE Beacon to remotely manage battery-powered Aruba Beacons for advanced location and wayfinding applications.

Secure and Optimize your Network with Smart Application Handling

AppRF technology in Aruba Instant intelligently monitors application usage and web traffic to secure and optimize network performance.

Deep packet inspection (DPI) monitors mobile app usage and performance while optimizing bandwidth, priority and network paths in real time – even for apps that are encrypted or appear as web traffic. DPI is vital to understanding usage patterns that may require changes to network design and capacity.

AppRF provides insight into over 1,800 apps, including apps like GoToMeeting, Box, Skype for Business, SharePoint, and Salesforce.com. AppRF technology also provides web content filtering, enabling IT to control what users can browse on the Internet. AppRF redirects web URL requests to a cloud database that contains always-up-to-date content and reputation information about millions of web pages.

This information can be used to determine what types of web browsing and web apps are allowed on the network for different users or different times of day. You can even combine rules that allow Facebook traffic but block other social media or permit Netflix traffic only after business hours.

The AppRF cloud database is updated in real-time with new information about malicious web addresses. Aruba AppRF will catch new types of web attacks before they cause damage. Clients can be configured to use the AppRF web content filter even when they're not connected to an Aruba Instant network, which keeps clients safe no matter where they are.

Whether users are local or remote, AppRF web content filtering is instrumental in protecting the network against viruses and malware and gives IT precise control over which web sites users can access.

Avoid Business Disruptions due to Wi-Fi Failure

Aruba Instant is a resilient network with advanced businessgrade features that keep networks up and running, even if an Internet connection fails. Key capabilities include:

• Network survivability to the last AP. The controller function of an individual Instant network transitions seamlessly from one AP to the next to the last AP with no disruption or administrator intervention.
• Dual Ethernet uplinks leverage already-strong uplink resiliency options. Internet connections from two different ISPs can now plug into one Instant AP. This feature gives you the best-possible Internet availability.
• Supports a variety of 3G/4G USB modems that slot into Aruba APs. Now you have the fastest available cellular uplink, either as a primary connection in hard-to-wire areas or as a backup for mission-critical applications.
• Flexible image upgrade features let you download firmware now and reboot later during off hours. This lets you leave the office on time and upgrade when no one is using the network.
• Spectrum load-balancing evens out the client load across channels in a dense deployment. Everyone gets faster access through more efficient use of the available wireless spectrum.

Choose a Network Management Option Right for your Business

Manage your Instant network locally, in the cloud or on premises. Instant access points include a free management interface that provides visibility into the network. All capabilities required to manage a single Instant network are available on the local interface.

Additionally, organizations also have a choice of acquiring the Aruba Central services platform, for network management hosted in the cloud or Aruba AirWave for an on-premises management system.

Aruba Central simplifies network operations by providing zero-touch setup, centralized management of multiple Aruba Instant networks and Mobility Access Switches, historical data reporting, PCI compliance monitoring, and troubleshooting for networks located around town or around the world.

Aruba AirWave is a powerful network management system that not only manages Aruba APs and switches, but also wired and wireless infrastructures from a wide range of thirdparty manufacturers.

Make a Smart Investment in a Cost-Effective Solution

Aruba Instant is one of the most cost-effective business-grade Wi-Fi solutions available to day.

• Low capex
  With Aruba Instant, you get enterprise-grade features and controller functions embedded in the AP. We eliminate the hardware and maintenance expense of a separate controller, but keep all the performance and reliability advantages.
• Low opex
  Aruba Instant Wi-Fi integrates everything into the AP – controller functions, security, ARM RF management, ClientMatch performance optimization, and AppRF to improve the use of bandwidth, priority and network paths. It's so easy to setup and manage that you won't need a dedicated wireless expert.
• Investment protection
  Only Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company offers controllerless and controller-managed Wi-Fi with public cloud, private cloud and on-premises management. You can even mix and match between them. You're not locked into one architecture, so when your needs change, you keep 100% of your investment.

No hardware changes. All Aruba Instant APs can utilize VPNs to access centralized resources like guest access or authentication services from corporate headquarters.

At any time, Aruba Instant APs can easily convert to controllermanaged mode, enabling you to mix and match the right solution for the right location – headquarters, branch or home. No matter what you decide, your existing AP investments are fully protected.

The Aruba Instant product family consists of a wide range of APs with a variety of wireless, wired and WAN connectivity options.

Specifications:

IAP-205H Specifications

Aruba 205H Specifications AP-205H (controller-managed) and IAP-205H (Aruba Instant): Dual radio 2x2:2 802.11ac APs for hospitality and branch offices with integrated antennas, three local Gigabit Ethernet ports, PoE out, USB host interface. Supports wall-box and desk mount deployments. Operating Modes Mobility Controller-managed AP Aruba Instant AP Remote AP (RAP) for branch deployments Air monitor (AM) for wireless IDS, rogue detection and containment Spectrum analyzer, dedicated or hybrid Secure enterprise mesh Wireless Radio Specifications AP type: Indoor, dual radio, 5-GHz 802.11ac and 2.4-GHz 802.11n 2x2:2 Software-configurable dual radio supports 5 GHz (Radio 0) and 2.4 GHz (Radio 1) 2×2 MIMO with two spatial streams and up to 867 Mbps (80-MHz channel) or 400 Mbps (40-MHz channel) wireless data rate Supported frequency bands (country-specific restrictions apply): 2.4000 GHz to 2.4835 GHz 5.150 to 5.250 GHz 5.250 to 5.350 GHz 5.470 to 5.725 GHz 5.725 to 5.850 GHz Available channels: Dependent on configured regulatory domain Dynamic frequency selection (DFS) optimizes the use of available RF spectrum Supported radio technologies: 802.11b: Direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) 802.11a/g/n/ac: Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) Supported modulation types: 802.11b: BPSK, QPSK, CCK 802.11a/g/n/ac: BPSK, QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM, 256-QAM Transmit power: Configurable in increments of 0.5 dBm Maximum transmit power (antenna gain not included): 5 GHz band: +21 dBm (18 dBm per chain) 2.4 GHz band: +21 dBm (18 dBm per chain) Power may be restricted to comply with local regulatory rules Advanced Cellular Coexistence (ACC) minimizes interference from cellular networks Maximum ratio combining (MRC) for improved receiver performance Cyclic delay/shift diversity (CDD/CSD) for improved downlink RF performance Short guard interval for 20-MHz, 40-MHz and 80-MHz channels Space-time block coding (STBC) for increased range and improved reception Low-density parity check (LDPC) for high-efficiency error correction and increased throughput Transmit beam-forming (TxBF) for increased reliability in signal delivery Supported data rates (Mbps): 802.11b: 1, 2, 5.5, 11 802.11a/g: 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 802.11n: 6.5 to 300 (MCS0 to MCS15) 802.11ac: 6.5 to 867 (MCS0 to MCS9, NSS = 1 to 2) 802.11n high-throughput (HT) support: HT 20/40 802.11ac very high throughput (VHT) support: VHT 20/40/80 802.11n/ac packet aggregation: A-MPDU, A-MSDU Encrypted Throughput Max IPsec encrypted wired throughput = 40Mbps Antennas Four integrated semi-directional antennas for 2x2 MIMO with maximum antenna gain of 4.0 dBi in 2.4 GHz and 6.0 dBi in 5 GHz. Built-in antennas are optimized for vertical orientation of the AP. Other Interfaces Uplink: 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet (RJ-45, back) Auto-sensing link speed and MDI/MDX 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) PoE-PD (input): 48 Vdc (nominal) 802.3af/at PoE Local: Three 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet (RJ-45, bottom) Auto-sensing link speed and MDI/MDX 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) One port: PoE-PSE (output): 48 Vdc (nominal) 802.3af PoE Passive pass-through interface (two RJ-45, back and bottom) USB 2.0 host interface (Type A connector) Aruba Beacon USB radio module 3G/4G cellular modems Device battery charging port Capable of supplying up to 1A/5 watts of power to an attached device DC power interface, accepts 1.35/3.5-mm center-positive circular plug with 9.5-mm length Visual indicators (LEDs): Power/system status PoE-PSE status Reset/LED control button (“paperclip access”) Factory reset (when activated during device power up) LED control: toggle off/normal Serial console interface (custom, four-pin header) Kensington security slot

Power Direct DC source: 48 Vdc nominal, +/- 5% Power over Ethernet (PoE): 48 Vdc (nominal) 802.3af/at compliant source Power sources sold separately. Recommended Aruba part numbers: DC: AP-AC-48V36 (48V/36 watts) PoE: PD-9001GR-AC (802.3at) When both power sources are connected and active, DC power takes priority Power modes: DC: unrestricted mode (USB: 5 watts max, PoE-PSE: 15.4 watts max) 802.3at PoE: reduced mode (USB disabled when PoE-PSE enabled, PoE-PSE reduced power budget: 10 watts max) 802.3af PoE: restricted (USB and PoE-PSE disabled) Maximum (worst-case) power consumption: DC: 12 watts max, plus 16.5 watts max for PoE-PSE and 5.5 watts max for USB 802.3at PoE: 13 watts max, plus 11.5 watts max for PoE-PSE or 6 watts max for USB 802.3af PoE: 13 watts max Maximum (worst-case) power consumption in idle mode (excluding PoE-PSE, USB): 7.5 watts Mounting Included with AP: Mount plate to attach AP to single gang wall-box (most international variations covered), security screw Mechanical Dimensions/weight (with supplied single-gang wall box mount plate, as mounted): 86 mm (W) x 40 mm (D) x 150 mm (H), 3.38” (W) x 1.57” (D) x 5.90” (H) 375 g/13.22 oz Dimensions/weight (shipping): 115 mm (W) x 63 mm (D) x 167 (H), 4.52” (W) x 2.4” (D) x 6.57” (H) 500 g/17.63 oz Environmental Operating: Temperature: 0° C to +40° C (+32° F to +104° F) Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing Storage and transportation temperature range: Temperature: -40° C to +70° C (-40° F to +158° F) Regulatory FCC/Industry of Canada CE Marked R&TTE Directive 1995/5/EC Low Voltage Directive 72/23/EEC EN 300 328 EN 301 489 EN 301 893 UL/IEC/EN 60950 EN 60601-1-1 and EN 60601-1-2 For more country-specifc regulatory information and approvals, please see your Aruba representative. Reliability MTBF: 709,492 hours (81 years) at +25° C operating temperature Regulatory Model Number AP-205H and IAP-205H: APINH205 Certification CB Scheme Safety, cTUVus Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA) certified 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Warranty Limited lifetime warranty Minimum Operating System Software Versions ArubaOS 6.4.3.0 InstantOS 4.2.0.0

Wireless Radio Specifications:

RF Performance Table
	Maximum transmit power (dBm) per transmit chain	Receiver sensitivity (dBm) per receive chain
2.4 GHz - 802.11b
1 Mbps	18.0	-97.0
11 Mbps	18.0	-89.0
2.4 GHz - 802.11g
6 Mbps	18.0	-93.0
54 Mbps	15.5	-75.0
2.4 GHz - 802.11n HT20
MCS0/8	18.0	-92.0
MCS7/15	14.0	71.0
2.4 GHz - 802.11n HT40
MCS0/8	18.0	-89.0
MCS7/15	14.0	-68.0
2.4 GHz - 802.11ac VHT20
MCS0	18.0	-92.0
MCS8	12.5	-68.0
2.4 GHz - 802.11ac VHT40
MCS0	18.0	-89.0
MCS9	12.0	-63.0
5 GHz - 802.11a
6 Mbps	16.0	-95.0
54 Mbps	15.0	-77.0
5 GHz - 802.11n HT20
MCS0/8	16.0	-94.0
MCS7/15	14.5	-71.0
5 GHz - 802.11n HT40
MCS0/8	16.0	-90.0
MCS7/15	14.0	-68.0
5 GHz - 802.11ac VHT20
MCS0	16.0	-94.0
MCS8	14.0	-69.0
5 GHz - 802.11ac VHT40
MCS0	16.0	-89.0
MCS9	14.0	-63.0
5 GHz - 802.11ac VHT80
MCS0	16.0	-86.0
MCS9	14.0	-60.0

Numbers above exclude antenna gain. Table shows maximum capability of the radios. Transmit power may be restricted in software to comply with local regulatory rules.

Antenna Pattern Plots:

Horizontal or Azimuth plane (top view, AP front facing left)

Elevation plane (side view, AP front facing left)

Elevation plane (front view)

Documentation:

Aruba IAP-205H Series Access Points Datasheet (.PDF)