User’s Guide Wireless Access Point for Ethernet and Token Ring Products supported: AP4500 and AP4800 DOC-710-004240-B0 Aironet Wireless Communications, Inc. • 3875 Embassy Parkway Akron, Ohio 44333-8357 www.aironet.
Aironet Wireless Communications, Inc. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the written permission of Aironet. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Aironet makes no representation or warranties with respect to the contents of this manual and specifically disclaims any express or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose.
Table of Contents Introduction......................................................... 1-1 Purpose of the Manual .................................. 1-1 Safety Information ......................................... 1-2 Dipole Antenna ....................................... 1-3 High Gain Antennas ............................... 1-3 Other Devices in the Wireless Network .. 1-3 Before You Start ............................................ 1-4 Terminology ..................................................
Appendix A..........................................................A-1 System Configurations ................................... A-1 Point-to-Point LAN Connections.............. A-2 Supporting Mixed Network Topologies .......... A-3 Point-to-Multipoint LAN Connections....... A-5 Infrastructure Extensions with Repeaters A-7 Appendix B..........................................................B-1 Manufacturers Federal Communication Commission Declaration of Conformity Statement................................
Introduction Introduction Purpose of the Manual The purpose of this User’s Guide is to allow you to easily install and configure your Aironet Access Point. This will permit other wireless devices, such as fixed stations, mobile stations, or another Aironet Access Point (acting as a repeater), to be able to associate to it. These will then be able to communicate to each other over the radio network and to the rest of the network via the Ethernet or Token Ring link.
Introduction Safety Information The FCC with its action in ET Docket 96-8 has adopted a safety standard for human exposure to radiated frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC certified equipment. The Aironet products meet the uncontrolled environmental limits found in OET-65 and ANSI C95.1, 1991. Proper operation of this radio according to the instructions found in this manual will result in the user exposure to be substantially below the FCC recommended limits.
Introduction Dipole Antenna Always orient antenna such that it is at least 15 cm (6 inches) away from your body. High Gain Antennas High gain wall mount or mast mount antennas are designed to be professionally installed and should be located at a minimum distance of 30 cm (12 inches) or more from your body. Please contact your professional installer, VAR, or antenna manufacturer for proper installation requirements.
Introduction Before You Start After unpacking the system, make sure the following items are present and in good condition. • Access Point (Ethernet or Token Ring model) • Power Pack. The power pack will be either 120VAC/ 60Hz or 90-264VAC/47-63Hz to 12-18VDC, whichever is appropriate for country of use. • Two standard 2 dBi dipole antennas If any item is damaged or missing, contact your Aironet supplier. Save all shipping and packing material in order to repack the unit should service be required.
Introduction Terminology When configuring your system, and when reading this manual, keep in mind the following terminology: Association – Each root unit or repeater in the infrastructure contains an association table that controls the routing of packets between the Access Point and the wireless infrastructure. The association table maintains entries for all the nodes situated below the Aironet Access Point on the infrastructure including repeaters and client nodes.
Introduction Repeater – A repeater is an Access Point that extends the radio range of the infrastructure. A repeater is not physically attached to the wired LAN, but communicates via radio to another Access Point, which is either a root unit or another repeater. Root Unit – The root unit is an Access Point that is located at the top, or starting point, of a wireless infrastructure.
Introduction Understanding the Infrastructure The infrastructure is designed like an upside-down tree with a root unit at the top and repeaters, stations, and mobile stations branching down from the root unit as shown below. The Aironet Access Point can serve as a root unit, providing wireless data communications between the Ethernet or Token Ring based networks and other stations/mobile stations or within the wireless infrastructure.
Introduction In the example, the Access Point maintains an area of RF coverage (cell). Any radio node within the cell’s area can communicate to any other node (via radio or across the wired LAN) using the Access Point. If a larger area of RF coverage is required, additional Access Points can be added either as root units, attached to the LAN, or as repeaters. Each Access Point adds its own cell, which can be used to provide additional coverage area, greater total bandwidth, or network redundancy.
Installation Installation This section describes the procedures for installing the Aironet Access Point. Installing the Antennas The Access Point comes with two antennas. 1. With the unit powered off, attach both antennas to the antenna connectors. Ethernet 10Base5 10BaseT 10Base2 Antenna Token Ring UTP STP Antenna NOTE: Do not over-tighten; finger tight is sufficient. Position the antennas vertically for best omni-directional signal reception.
Installation 2. If you are using the Aironet Access Point with a remote antenna, connect the coaxial cable to the antenna connector. Only use antennas and cables supplied by Aironet Wireless Communications. NOTE: Due to FCC and DOC Regulations, the antenna connectors on the Aironet Access Point are of reverse polarity to the standard TNC connectors. Installing the Console Port Cable 1. Attach the Console Port cable to the Serial Port.
Installation Installing the Ethernet Connection NOTE: If you are installing a Token Ring Access Point, proceed to page 2-5. The Aironet Access Point for Ethernet supports three connection types: • 10Base2 (Thinnet) • 10Base5 (Thicknet) AUI connector • 10BaseT (Twisted Pair) To Attach 10Base2 (Thinnet) Cabling: 1. Make sure the unit is powered off. 2. Attach the Thinnet cabling to each end of a BNC T-connector, if applicable. 3. Attach the T-connector to the 10Base2 BNC.
Installation To Attach the 10Base5 (Thicknet) Cabling: 1. 2. 3. 4. Make sure the unit is powered off. Attach the transceiver connector to the 10Base5 AUI port. Slide the locking mechanism in place. Attach the other end of the transceiver drop cabling to an external transceiver. 10Base5 10BaseT 10Base2 To Attach the 10BaseT (Twisted Pair) cabling: 1. Make sure the unit is powered off. 2. Plug the RJ-45 connector into the 10BaseT port (Twisted Pair). 3.
Installation Installing the Token Ring Connection The Aironet Access Point for Token Ring supports two connection types: • Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) • Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) To Attach the STP Cabling: 1. Make sure the unit is powered off. 2. Attach the transceiver connector to the DB-9 port. 3. Attach the other end of the transceiver drop cabling to a Token Ring Multi-Station Access Unit (MAU). UTP STP To Attach the UTP Cabling: 1. Make sure the unit is powered off. 2.
Installation Attaching the AC/DC Power Pack and Powering On the Ethernet or Token Ring Access Point 1. Insert the small plug on the end of the AC/DC power pack cord into the power port. 2. Plug the AC/DC power pack into an electrical outlet (120VAC/60Hz or 90-264VAC/47-63Hz as appropriate). 3. Power on the Aironet Access Point by pushing the On/Off button.
Installation Viewing the Indicator Displays Top Panel Indicators The indicators are a set of displays located on the top panel of the Aironet Access Point unit. • Ethernet or Token Ring Indicator – Used to indicate network traffic activity. The light is normally off, but will blink green whenever a packet is received or transmitted over the Ethernet or Token Ring interface. • Status Indicator – Shows solid green when the Aironet Access Point has accepted a radio association.
Installation Table 2.
Installation Back Panel Indicators (Ethernet Only) The back panel indicators are: • 10BaseT polarity: Solid amber to indicate the 10BaseT polarity is reversed. Check cable connections. • 10BaseT active: Solid green to indicate the 10BaseT has been configured as the active port. • Ethernet Rx: Blinks green when an Ethernet packet has been received. • Ethernet Tx: Blinks green when an Ethernet packet has been transmitted.
Installation 2-10
Configuration Configuration This section describes the methods used to access and configure the Console system of the Aironet Access Point. This system contains all commands necessary to initially configure and monitor the operation of the unit. Accessing the Console System There are many ways in which you may configure and monitor the Aironet Access Point. When the unit is first powered up, basic configuration must initially be performed by accessing the Console Serial Port.
Configuration Configuring the Access Point To configure the Aironet Access Point so it will communicate with other nodes or repeaters, use the Console Port to set the SSID parameter. If you choose to set an IP address, remote access via telnet or an HTML browser will be possible. SSID Identifier (SSID) The SSID (Service Set Identifier) is a unique identifier that is attached to selected packets sent out over the radio network. This functions as a password to join the radio network.
Configuration Assigning an IP Address An IP address must be assigned to the unit before it can be accessed by telnet, HTTP, or SNMP. Other detailed internet addressing options (such as gateway address or SNMP routing) can also be defined. Refer to the Technical Reference Manual document number 710-004242 for further details. To assign an IP address: 1. 2. 3. 4. Select Configuration from the Main Menu. Select Ident from the Configuration Menu. Use the INADDR option to establish an IP address.
Configuration 3-4
Appendix A Appendix A System Configurations Aironet Access Points are designed to provide maximum range and throughput enabling high-speed wireless access to different LAN segments within a building. You can use Aironet Access Points in many different network configurations.
Appendix A Point-to-Point LAN Connections The Point-to-Point Access Point Configuration uses two Access Points to bridge two different LANs. Packets are sent between the file server and Workstation B through the Access Points (root unit and remote node) over the radio link. Data packets sent from the file server to Workstation A go through the wired LAN segment and do not go across the wireless radio link.
Appendix A Supporting Mixed Network Topologies Aironet Access Points can be used to link different LANs in the same building. The example below illustrates a LAN to LAN connection within a building.
Appendix A To support mixed topologies, a Token Ring Access Point would be installed to support a local Token Ring network and an Ethernet Access Point would be installed to support a local Ethernet network. In a mixed environment, the Token Ring must be the root unit. The Aironet Ethernet and Token Ring Access Points can then communicate with each other– linking both types of networks into a single LAN.
Appendix A Point-to-Multipoint LAN Connections When connecting three or more LANs, each building requires an Aironet Access Point and antenna. This is called a Multipoint Access Point Configuration. One Access Point is designated as the central site. Its antenna is configured to transmit and receive signals from Access Points at other locations within the facility. Generally, the central site is equipped with an omni-directional antenna that provides radio signal coverage in all directions.
Appendix A The following example shows a Point-to-Multipoint Configuration. Packets sent between Workstation A and Workstation B are forwarded by their respective Access Points to the root unit. Then the root unit forwards these packets to the appropriate Access Point for routing to the workstations. Packets sent between the file server and the remote workstations are routed through the root unit and the appropriate Access Point.
Appendix A A-8
Appendix B Appendix B Manufacturers Federal Communication Commission Declaration of Conformity Statement Models: AP4500-E, AP4800-E Tested To Comply With FCC Standards Manufacturer: FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE Aironet Wireless Communications, Inc. 3875 Embassy Parkway Akron, OH 44333-8357 330-664-7900 This device complies with Part 15 rules.
Appendix B User Warning The Part 15 radio device operates on a non-interference basis with other devices operating at this frequency. Any changes or modification to said product not expressly approved by Aironet could void the user’s authority to operate this device.
Appendix B Manufacturers Federal Communication Commission Declaration of Conformity Statement Models: AP4500-T, AP4800-T Manufacturer: Aironet Wireless Communications, Inc. 3875 Embassy Parkway Akron, OH 44333-8357 330-664-7900 This device complies with Part 15 rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and 2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Appendix B User Warning The Part 15 radio device operates on a non-interference basis with other devices operating at this frequency. Any changes or modification to said product not expressly approved by Aironet could void the user’s authority to operate this device.
Appendix B Department of Communications—Canada Canadian Compliance Statement This Digital apparatus meets all the requirements of the Canadian Interference - Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numerique respecte les exigences du Reglement sur le material broilleur du Canada. This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry of Canada.
Appendix B European Telecommunication Standards Institute Statement of Compliance Information to User This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the European Telecommunications Standard ETS 300.328. This standard covers Wideband Data Transmission Systems referred in CEPT recommendation T/R 10.01. This type accepted equipment is designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
Appendix B Declaration of Conformity Aironet Model Number: AP4500-E Series Models included: AP4500-E Radio CE Type Certificate Number: Radio Type Approval Examiniation Number: Application of Council Directive: Application of Council Directive: BCL/EC/98-0309/B CPC/ARLAN/DK/9815 89/336/EEC 72/23/EEC Standards which Conformity is Declared: EN 55022 (B) EN 55011 (B) EN 50082-1 EN 60950 Manufacturer: Aironet Wireless Communication 3875 Embassy Parkway Akron, OH 44333 The undersigned hereby declares the a
Appendix B Declaration of Conformity Aironet Model Number: AP4500-T Series Models included: AP4500-T Radio CE Type Certificate Number: Radio Type Approval Examiniation Number: Application of Council Directive: Application of Council Directive: BCL/EC/98-0309/A CPC/ARLAN/DK/9815 89/336/EEC 72/23/EEC Standards which Conformity is Declared: EN 55022 (A) EN 55011 (A) EN 50082-1 EN 60950 Manufacturer: Aironet Wireless Communication 3875 Embassy Parkway Akron, OH 44333 The undersigned hereby declares the a
Appendix B Declaration of Conformity Aironet Model Number: AP4800-E Series Models included: AP4800-E Radio CE Type Certificate Number: Radio Type Approval Examiniation Number: Application of Council Directive: Application of Council Directive: 89/336/EEC 72/23/EEC Standards which Conformity is Declared: EN 55022 (B) EN 55011 (B) EN 50082-1 EN 60950 Manufacturer: Aironet Wireless Communication 3875 Embassy Parkway Akron, OH 44333 The undersigned hereby declares the above specified equipment conforms t
Appendix B Declaration of Conformity Aironet Model Number: AP4800-T Series Models included: AP4800-T Radio CE Type Certificate Number: Radio Type Approval Examiniation Number: Application of Council Directive: Application of Council Directive: 89/336/EEC 72/23/EEC Standards which Conformity is Declared: EN 55022 (A) EN 55011 (A) EN 50082-1 EN 60950 Manufacturer: Aironet Wireless Communication 3875 Embassy Parkway Akron, OH 44333 The undersigned hereby declares the above specified equipment conforms t
Appendix C Appendix C Technical Support Technical Reference Manual Use the Technical Reference Manual document number 710-004242 to learn more about your Aironet unit. Communications Use the following information to contact the Aironet Technical Support group: Telephone - (330) 664-7903 Fax (330) 664-7990 e-mail techsupp@aironet.com Web Site For additional product information and technical support, including the capability to download new firmware and drivers, use the Aironet web site at: http://www.