Network Controller and Access Point Staging Guide

Overview This guide provides instructions on configuring and staging the MikroTik Access Point (AP) and Network Controller (NC) so that they can connect to the Viasat Network once installed.

The NC and AP must be staged before installation deployment. This process does not require an internet connection and devices need only be staged once. Therefore, this process can happen at any time before the devices leave for installation.

NOTE: Connection to Viasat satellite infrastructure is NOT required for staging these devices.

REQUIRED ITEMS:

• One Mikrotik Network Controller (NC) • One Mikrotik Access Point (AP) • One NC power cord (The power cord that comes with the AP is not needed) • One NC PoE injector (The PoE injector that comes with the AP is not needed) • One Android smartphone with 5GHz WiFi capability and with the VCI Staging

Application installed. The Android smartphone must have an approved OS version.

• Two pre-tested Ethernet cords • Working power outlet • Paperclip or other fine-pointed object

NOTE: A different model may be used for the MikroTIK items pictured in this guide, but the process is identical.

Network Controller (NC) Access Point (AP) PoE Injector

NC/AP Staging Instructions: 1. Plug the NC power cord into the PoE injector as shown below and connect the power

cord to a functioning power outlet. Plug an ethernet cable to the other end of the PoE injector.

2. Perform a Factory Reset on the NC: Hold down the NC reset button (circled below) and THEN insert the other end of the ethernet cord connected to the PoE injector into Port 1 of the NC as shown below.

Continue holding the reset button until LED light starts flashing (takes 5 seconds) then immediately release the button to reset RouterOS configuration.

NOTE: If the reset button is held down too long the LED will turn solid. If this happens another factory reset will have to be performed.

3. Connect the second ethernet cable to Port 5 of the NC as show below.

4. Perform a Factory Reset of the AP: Hold down the AP reset button (circled below, this

may require a paper clip or other small object to reach) and THEN connect the other end of the ethernet cable in Port 5 of the NC to the AP’s ethernet port as shown below.

NOTE: If the reset button is held down too long the LED will turn solid. If this happens another factory reset will have to be performed.

5. Verify the Power and Port 5 lights are on for the NC and the power light is on for the AP. If this does not happen, try repeating the above steps.

6. Open the Viasat Hardware Staging Application on your 5GHz Android smartphone. The below screen will load. If no Available Networks appear then press “SCAN FOR WI-FI NETWORKS”.

NOTE: If the devices are powered on but no Available Networks show in the app, try using a different 5GHz Android device to stage.

7. Connect to the Network Controller (NC) Wi-Fi by selecting the Available Network that uses the last 6 digits of the WLAN number (circled below) on the back of the NC. Your 6 digits will differ from the ones shown below.

8. Press “CONFIRM” on the pop-up screen.

NOTE: Configuring the NC will automatically configure the AP.

9. The Staging App will complete the below processes. This may take up to 15 minutes and

the devices may reboot several times.

10. A Succesful Configuration will be confired by displaying the screen shown below on the Android smartphone. Congratulations, NC/AP Staging is complete! The devices are now ready for deployment to the installation site.