1Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual
Table of Contents 1 Introduction 3 Package Contents Minimum System Requirements Access Point Features Technical Support 2 Wireless Networking Basics Creating a Wireless Network Extending a Wired Network 3 Installing the Access Point Before Installing Installing the Access Point Placing or Mounting the Access Point 4 Setting Up the Access Point Wireless Access Point Configuration Utility 5 Troubleshooting and FAQ Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions B Setting Up Static IP 3 3 4 6 7 7 8 11 11
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1 Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Actiontec 11Mbps Access Point. This Access Point is the simplest way to create a wireless network for your home office or small business. If you want to take your computing to the next level, the Actiontec 11Mbps Access Point is one of the keys to your success.
Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual Access Point Features The Access Point has a series of LEDs on its front panel, and a series of ports on its rear panel. It is recommended that the user become familiar with these features before installing or setting up the Access Point. Front Panel There are five LEDs (light emitting diodes) on the front panel of the Access Point, as shown in the figure, below.
Chapter 1 Introduction USB LED The USB LED glows green when the Access Point is successfully connected to a computer with a USB cable. Rear Panel The Access Point has three ports and a Reset button on its rear panel. Reset USB Power LAN LAN Port The LAN port is used to connect the Access Point to a hub or computer with the Ethernet cable. USB Port The USB port is used to connect the Access Point to a computer with the USB cable.
Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual Technical Support Actiontec Electronics, Inc., prides itself on making durable, high-quality, highperformance products. If you need assistance, the Actiontec Technical Support Department is available every day from 6 A.M. to 11 P.M. (MST) to provide professional support. Actiontec Electronics, Inc. 760 N. Mary Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94085 Technical Support Phone: 719.884.8300 Email: techsupp@actiontec.com Web site: www.actiontec.
Wireless Networking Basics 2 Wireless networking connects computers to each other using radio signals rather than wires. This allows users the freedom to move around and work anywhere within the range of the wireless network. The range of a wired network usually depends on the number and power of its access points. Access points transmit wireless signals over a defined area. Installing a series of access points across a large area expands the range of a wireless network.
Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual All of the wirelessly networked computers (also known as clients) communicate with each other through the access point, which acts as a wireless hub. Extending a Wired Network To add wireless networking to an established wired network: 1. Connect the access point(s) to the wired network. This is usually done with an Ethernet cable connecting a wired network hub to an access point. 2. Set up the access point(s) to send and receive wireless network signals.
Chapter 2 Wireless Networking Basics ☞ Note: An additional computer can be connected to the Access Point in this configuration via USB cable. Creating a Wireless Network from a Single Computer It is also possible to connect an access point to a single computer, instead of a network hub. This method can be used to share the computer’s Internet connection among the wireless clients, and is a common way to use a wireless network in the home. To create a wireless network from a single computer: 1.
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3 Installing the Access Point Before Installing Before installing the Access Point, be aware that this device can subject the user to electrical shock. Follow the guidelines in this manual and the manuals of any other equipment used during the installation. Failure to do so may result in injury or damage to the equipment. Important: This Access Point is a 2.4 GHz low-power RF device. It is intended for home and office use in all EU member states except France, where restrictive use applies.
Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual ☞ Note: Do not use the Ethernet cable included with the Access Point to connect to a computer. This Ethernet cable is a crossover type, and is used to connect the Access Point to a network hub or switch. Power Reset USB LAN To Hub, Switch, or Computer To Power Outlet Placing or Mounting the Access Point The Access Point can be placed on a flat surface (such as a desktop).
4 Setting Up the Access Point The Access Point is a ready-to-use device. Its factory default settings allow the user to access the wireless network after making a few adjustments to the wireless clients. See “Settings” on page 15 for more information on adjusting the wireless clients to communicate via the Access Point. The configuration capabilities of the Access Point include changing the security settings, radio channels, IP addresses, and client access privileges.
Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual 4. The Actiontec AP Wizard software loads. When complete, click Finish. 5. From the desktop, launch the Actiontec AP Wizard by selecting Start, Programs, then Actiontec Access Point. 6. Select the Access Point and click Configure. 7. The Web Configuration Utility launches. Go to the next section, “Configuring the Access Point,” to change the settings of the Access Point.
Chapter 4 Setting Up the Access Point Configuring the Access Point Once an access point is selected in the Actiontec AP Wizard, the Web Configuration Utility launches and the “Main Menu” screen appears. ☞ Note: The Web Configuration Utility can be accessed directly from a computer on the network without loading the AP Wizard, if the computer and the Access Point are on the same subnet. See “Appendix A - Setting Up Static IP” on page 23 for details. There are five options available in the Main Menu.
Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual ESSID is the network name assigned to the wireless network. The factory default setting is “ACTIONTEC.” Although Actiontec recommends keeping the default value intact, the ESSID value can be modified, using any combination of alphanumeric characters (i.e., A-Z, a-z, 0-9). All clients must have this same ESSID value. (For the Actiontec 802.11b Wireless PC Card, the ESSID value must be the same as the SSID value.
Chapter 4 Setting Up the Access Point 128-bit WEP requires one key of 13 hexadecimal pairs. A hexadecimal digit consists of alphanumeric characters ranging from 0-9 or A-F. An example of a 128-bit WEP key is: 3D-44-FE-6C-A1-EF-2E-D3-C4-21-74-5D-B1. To create a 128-bit WEP key, enter 13 hexadecimal digit pairs in the Key text box. After activating 128-bit WEP on the Access Point, a client can join the network only if this key is entered in that client’s wireless encryption scheme.
Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual Access Control In the “Access Control” screen, the user can block clients from using the Access Point.To deny or accept particular clients, enter the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the client in the “Client MAC address” text box, then click Add. ☞ Note: Ensure the MAC address entered is in the correct format (i.e., six sets of two hexidecimal numbers separated by colons).
Chapter 4 Setting Up the Access Point IP Address In the “IP Address” screen, the Access Point can be set up with DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) client capabilities, or the IP address of the Access Point can be changed. Actiontec recommends keeping the default factory IP address (192.168.0.1), but if a different IP address is needed, enter it in the “IP Address” text box. To allow the Access Point to obtain an IP address from a DHCP server on the network, select DHCP.
Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual Change Admin Password To change the Access Point’s password, select Change Admin Password in the “Setup/Configuration” screen. When the “Change Admin Password” screen appears, enter a new password in the New Password text box, enter it again in the Re-enter New Password text box, then click Save and Restart. The next time the Web Configuration Utility is accessed, the user is prompted for the user name and password.
Troubleshooting 5 This chapter details some potential problems that may occur while using the Access Point, and solutions to overcome them. Also included here are frequently answered questions and their respective answers. Troubleshooting The AP Wizard doesn’t locate the Access Point. There are several possible solutions when this occurs: Check the Power LED and ensure the Access Point’s power cord is connected correctly. Ensure the proper kind of Ethernet cable is used.
Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual Can I connect a DSL or Cable Modem to the Access Point? Yes, if the modem has an Ethernet port. Can I share an Internet connection through the Access Point? Yes, but you must install a gateway device between your Internet connection (DSL modem, etc.) and the Access Point, and then configure the wireless clients to connect to the gateway and the Access Point. Can I manually launch the Web Configuration Utility? Yes.
Setting Up Static IP A To communicate directly with the Access Point from a computer on the network (to use the Web Configuration Utility, for example) via a crossover Ethernet cable or hub/switch, the user may have to switch the IP address settings from DHCP-enabled to Static IP, so that the computer and the Access Point are on the same subnet. To set up static IP on a computer, select the operating system and follow the instructions.
Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual 3. Another menu appears. Select Control Panel. 4. When the “Control Panel” window appears, double-click Network.
Appendix A Setting Up Static IP 5. The “Network” window appears. In the "The following network components are installed" list box, locate and double-click TCP/IP. 6. The “TCP/IP Properties” window appears. Select IP Address.
Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual 7. In the IP Address tab, activate “Specify an IP Address” by clicking on the circle. When active, a black dot will appear in the circle. If the circle already contains a black dot, leave it alone. 8. Enter the following numbers in the “IP Address” text box: 192.168.0.2 Don't include the periods; they are automatically entered. 9. Enter the following numbers in the “Subnet mask” text box: 255.255.255.0. 10. Click OK.
Appendix A Setting Up Static IP Windows Me 1. From the desktop, click on the Start button in the lower left corner. 2. From the menu that appears, select Settings. 3. Another menu appears. Select Control Panel.
Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual 4. When the “Control Panel” window appears, double-click Network. 5. The “Network” window appears. In the “The following network components are installed” list box, locate and double-click TCP/IP.
Appendix A Setting Up Static IP 6. The “TCP/IP Properties” window appears. Click IP Address. 7. In the IP Address tab, activate “Specify an IP Address” by clicking on the circle. When active, a black dot will appear in the circle. If the circle already contains a black dot, leave it alone. 8. Enter the following numbers in the “IP Address” text box: 192.168.0.2 Don't include the periods; they are automatically entered. 9. Enter the following numbers in the “Subnet mask” text box: 255.255.255.0 10.
Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual Windows 2000 1. From the desktop, click on the Start button in the lower left corner. 2. From the menu that appears, select Settings. 3. Another menu appears. Select Control Panel.
Appendix A Setting Up Static IP 4. When the “Control Panel” window appears, double-click Network and Dialup Connections. 5. In the “Network and Dial-up Connections” window, double-click Local Area Connection. A number may be displayed after the Local Area Connection. If there is more than one Local Area Connection listed, locate the one that corresponds to the network card installed in the computer by finding the name of the network card in the Device Name column.
Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual 6. The “Local Area Connection Status” window appears. Select General, then click Properties. 7. The “Local Area Connection Properties” window appears. Click General. 8. In the “Components checked are used by this connection” list box, doubleclick Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
Appendix A Setting Up Static IP 9. The “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties” window appears. 10. In the General tab, activate “Use the following IP address” by clicking on the circle. When active, a black dot will appear in the circle. If the circle already contains a black dot, leave it alone. 11. Enter the following numbers in the “IP Address” text box: 192.168.0.2 You don't have to include the periods; they are automatically entered. 12.
Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual Windows XP 1. From the desktop, click on the Start button in the lower left corner. 2. From the menu that appears, select Settings. 3. Another menu appears. Select Control Panel.
Appendix A Setting Up Static IP 4. When the “Control Panel” window appears, double-click Network Connections. 5. In the “Network Connections” window, double-click Local Area Connection. A number may be displayed after the Local Area Connection. If there is more than one Local Area Connection listed, locate the one that corresponds to the network card installed in your computer by finding the name of the network card in the Device Name column.
Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual 6. The “Local Area Connection Status” window appears. Select General, then click Properties. 7. The “Local Area Connection Properties” window appears. Select General. 8. In the “Components checked are used by this connection” list box, doubleclick Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
Appendix A Setting Up Static IP 9. The “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties” window appears. 10. In the General tab, activate “Use the following IP address” by clicking on the circle. When active, a black dot will appear in the circle. If the circle already contains a black dot, leave it alone. 11. Enter the following numbers in the “IP Address” text box: 192.182.0.2 Don't include the periods; they are automatically entered. 12. Enter the following numbers in the “Subnet mask” text box: 255.255.255.
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Specifications General Standards IEEE 802.3 (10BaseT) IEEE 802.3u (100BaseTX) IEEE 802.11b (Wireless) LAN 10/100 RJ-45 port (1) USB port (1) Speed LAN Ethernet: 10/100Mbps Wireless: See “Wireless Operating Range” Cabling Type 10BaseT: UTP/STP Category 3 or 5 100BaseTX: UTP/STP Category 5 USB Wireless Operating Range Indoors Up to 30M (100 ft.) @ 11 Mbps Up to 50M (165 ft.) @ 5.5 Mbps Up to 70M (230 ft.) @ 2 Mbps Up to 91M (300 ft.) @ 1 Mbps Outdoors Up to 152M (500 ft.) @ 11 Mbps Up to 270M (885 ft.) @ 5.
Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual Topology Star (Ethernet) LED Indicators Power, Activity, Wireless, LAN, USB Environmental Power Input External, 6.
Notices Regulatory Compliance Notices Class B Equipment 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.
Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual ☞ Note: To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, the antenna 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. For questions regarding your product or the FCC declaration, contact: Actiontec Electronics, Inc. 760 North Mary Ave.
Limited Warranty Hardware: Actiontec Electronics, Inc., warrants to the end user (“Customer”) that this hardware product will be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and service, for twelve (12) months from the date of purchase from Actiontec Electronics or its authorized reseller.
Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual THIS ACTIONTEC ELECTRONICS PRODUCT MAY INCLUDE OR BE BUNDLED WITH THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE, THE USE OF WHICH IS GOVERNED BY A SEPARATE ENDUSER LICENSE AGREEMENT. THIS ACTIONTEC ELECTRONICS WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY TO SUCH THIRDPARTY SOFTWARE. FOR THE APPLICABLE WARRANTY, PLEASE REFER TO THE ENDUSER LICENSE AGREEMENT GOVERNING THE USE OF SUCH SOFTWARE.
Limited Warranty ACTIONTEC ELECTRONICS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER THIS WARRANTY IF ITS TESTING AND EXAMINATION DISCLOSE THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT OR MALFUNCTION IN THE PRODUCT DOES NOT EXIST OR WAS CAUSED BY CUSTOMER’S OR ANY THIRD PERSON’S MISUSE, NEGLECT, IMPROPER INSTALLATION OR TESTING, UNAUTHORIZED ATTEMPT TO OPEN, REPAIR OR MODIFY THE PRODUCT, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE BEYOND THE RANGE OF THE INTENDED USE, OR BY ACCIDENT, FIRE, LIGHTNING, OTHER HAZARDS, OR ACTS OF GOD.