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Manual Access Point Setup Guide

Introduction​

This guide provides detailed instructions for manually configuring WiFi access points (APs) for deployment. While our team typically handles this configuration process, understanding these steps can be helpful for troubleshooting or advanced setup scenarios.

Prerequisites​

Before beginning the manual setup process, ensure you have:

  • Physical access to the access point
  • Network connectivity (Ethernet cable and PoE injector or switch)
  • SSH client installed on your computer
  • Basic networking knowledge
  • Access point's default credentials (username: ubnt, password: ubnt)

Hardware Setup​

Step 1: Unboxing and Inspection​

  1. Carefully unbox the access point
  2. Verify all components are included:
    • Access point unit
    • Mounting brackets
    • Power adapter or PoE injector
    • Ethernet cable
  3. Record the MAC address and serial number for reference

Step 2: Physical Connection​

  1. For UAP6 Pro models: Disassemble the unit to access the main Ethernet port
  2. Connect the access point to your network:
    • Use a PoE switch or PoE injector for power
    • Alternatively, use the included power adapter
  3. Verify the LED indicators show the unit is powered on

Network Discovery​

Finding Your Access Point​

There are multiple methods to locate your AP on the network:

Method 1: Using Nmap (Advanced Users)​

Installing Nmap​

macOS (using Homebrew):

# Install Homebrew if not already installed
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

# Install nmap
brew install nmap

macOS (using MacPorts):

sudo port install nmap

macOS (Direct Download):

Linux (Debian/Ubuntu):

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install nmap

Linux (Red Hat/CentOS/Fedora):

sudo yum install nmap
# or for newer versions
sudo dnf install nmap

Using Nmap for Discovery:​

The Ubiquiti discovery script is included with Nmap by default. This script extracts detailed information from Ubiquiti networking devices using their Discovery Service protocol.

Basic Usage:

sudo nmap -sU -p 10001 --script ubiquiti-discovery.nse 10.0.0.0/24

Script Details:

Sample Output:

PORT      STATE SERVICE            VERSION
10001/udp open  ubiquiti-discovery Ubiquiti Discovery Service
| ubiquiti-discovery:
|   protocol: v1
|   hostname: UAP-AC-Lite
|   product: UAP-AC-Lite
|   firmware: UAP-AC-Lite.v4.3.20.11298
|   version: v4.3.20
|   mac_addresses:
|     fc:ec:da:xx:xx:xx
|   interface_to_ip:
|     fc:ec:da:xx:xx:xx:
|       192.168.1.100

What This Command Does:

  • Scans your local network for Ubiquiti devices
  • Uses UDP port 10001 (Ubiquiti Discovery Service)
  • Extracts device information including hostname, model, firmware version, and IP addresses
  • Safe to run - doesn't modify device configuration
  • Adjust the network range (10.0.0.0/24) based on your setup

Troubleshooting:

  • If the script doesn't find devices, ensure they're powered on and connected
  • Some devices may have discovery disabled for security
  • The script attempts v1 protocol first, then falls back to v2 if needed

Windows Installation:​

  1. Install Nmap for Windows:

    • Download from Nmap Download Page
    • Choose "Latest stable release self-installer" for Windows
    • Run the installer and include Npcap (successor to WinPcap) when prompted

  2. Add Nmap to Windows PATH:

    • Open Windows search and type "Environment Variables"
    • Click "Edit the system environment variables"
    • Click "Environment Variables" button
    • Under "System Variables", find and edit "Path"
    • Add C:\Program Files (x86)\Nmap
    • Click OK on all windows

  3. Run the discovery command:

    nmap -sU -p 10001 --script ubiquiti-discovery.nse 10.0.0.0/24

    Note: Run Command Prompt as Administrator

  4. Finding your network range:

    ipconfig
    • Look for your IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
    • Use the corresponding range (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24)

Method 2: DHCP Server/Router​

  1. Log into your router's admin interface
  2. Navigate to "Connected Devices" or "DHCP Clients"
  3. Look for devices with:
    • Manufacturer: "Ubiquiti"
    • Hostname starting with "UAP"
  4. Note the assigned IP address

Method 3: Ubiquiti Discovery Tool​

  1. Download the Ubiquiti Device Discovery Tool
  2. Install and run the application
  3. The tool will automatically scan your network
  4. Locate your AP in the device list and note its IP address

SSH Connection​

Establishing SSH Access​

For Mac/Linux Users:​

  1. Open Terminal

  2. Connect using SSH with the AP's IP address:

    ssh -oHostKeyAlgorithms=+ssh-rsa ubnt@YOUR_AP_IP_ADDRESS

    Example:

    ssh -oHostKeyAlgorithms=+ssh-rsa ubnt@10.0.0.142

For Windows Users:​

  1. Download and install PuTTY
  2. Launch PuTTY and configure:
    • Host Name: Enter the AP's IP address
    • Port: 22
    • Connection Type: SSH
  3. Click "Open" to connect

SSH Credentials​

  • Username: ubnt
  • Password: ubnt

Important: If the AP was previously configured, these default credentials may have been changed. Check your controller settings or perform a factory reset if needed.

Troubleshooting SSH Connection​

If you cannot establish an SSH connection:

  1. Verify network connectivity:

    ping 8.8.8.8

    8.8.8.8 is the primary DNS server for Google DNS

  2. Check common issues:

    • Ensure the AP is powered on (check LED indicators)
    • Verify no firewall is blocking port 22
    • Confirm you're on the same network segment
    • Try a factory reset if credentials were changed

  3. Factory reset procedure:

    • Hold the reset button for 10 seconds while powered
    • Wait for the AP to reboot (2-3 minutes)
    • Default credentials will be restored

Configuration Process​

Setting the Inform URL​

Once connected via SSH, configure the controller connection:

  1. Set the inform URL:

    set-inform http://100.25.139.217:8080/inform

  2. Verify the configuration:

    info

    Look for the "Status" field to confirm connection to the controller.

Advanced Configuration Commands​

View current configuration:

cat /tmp/system.cfg

Check firmware version:

info | grep Version

Monitor connection status:

mca-cli

Set custom SSH password:

set-ssh-password

Post-Configuration Steps​

Adoption in Controller​

  1. Log into your UniFi Controller
  2. Navigate to the Devices section
  3. Look for the AP in "Pending Adoption"
  4. Click "Adopt" to add it to your site
  5. Wait for the provisioning process to complete

Verification​

After adoption, verify:

  • AP shows as "Connected" in the controller
  • Firmware is up to date
  • Correct WiFi networks are broadcasting
  • Client devices can connect successfully

Best Practices​

  1. Documentation: Keep records of:

    • AP locations and MAC addresses
    • IP address assignments
    • Configuration changes

  2. Security:

    • Change default SSH passwords
    • Use HTTPS for controller connections
    • Enable two-factor authentication on controller

  3. Maintenance:

    • Regularly update firmware
    • Monitor AP health and performance
    • Plan for capacity based on usage patterns

Common Issues and Solutions​

AP Not Adopting​

  • Verify inform URL is correct
  • Check firewall rules for required ports
  • Ensure controller is accessible from AP's network
  • Try forgetting and re-adopting the device

Connection Drops​

  • Check for interference on current channels
  • Verify PoE budget is sufficient
  • Review client density per AP
  • Consider adjusting transmit power settings

Slow Performance​

  • Analyze channel utilization
  • Check for non-WiFi interference
  • Review band steering settings
  • Verify wired network performance

Additional Resources​

Support​

If you encounter issues during manual setup:

  1. Check the system logs on both AP and controller
  2. Verify all network requirements are met
  3. Contact technical support with:
    • AP model and firmware version
    • Controller version
    • Network topology diagram
    • Specific error messages