Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide
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Contents Contents Contents..................................................................................................................i Introduction ........................................................................................................... 1 Identifying External Components on the Access Point................................ 2 Access Point Status LEDs ........................................................................... 4 Wireless LAN Networking .................................
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Configuring Access Point with Wireless Clients............................17 Installing the Wireless LAN Access Point...........................................................18 Verifying Supplied Access Point Components ..........................................18 Mounting the Access Point to a Vertical Surface ......................................20 Making Network Connections ...................................................................
Contents Setting Up Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) .......................................... 52 Changing Your Password .......................................................................... 56 Saving a Configuration.............................................................................. 58 Loading a Configuration............................................................................ 60 Rebooting the Access Point.......................................................................
Introduction Introduction This User’s Guide contains information on how to install and configure your Wireless LAN Access Point. A local area network (LAN) is a network that exists in a relatively limited area. A network is two or more computers connected together sharing files and peripheral devices, such as printers.
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Identifying External Components on the Access Point 2 Component Description • PCMCIA slot • 6 LEDs Accepts Access Point PCMCIA card only Status/Function. See table on page 4.
Introduction PCMCIA Card RJ-45 Ethernet Jack Status LEDs Recessed Reset Button DC Power Socket 9-pin Serial Connector Ground Lug Power Switch 3
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Access Point Status LEDs When the power to the Access Point is turned on, the Access Point will perform its startup diagnostics and initialization. After a few seconds, the LEDs will display the operating mode of the Access Point. Six LEDs on the Access Point indicate the connection status and data transfer operation status of the Access Point. Viewing the Access Point from the PCMCIA slot end, the LEDs are described in the table below, starting from the left side.
Introduction Link Ready WireLink WireAct LineLink LineAct 5
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Wireless LAN Networking Introduction to Networks A network is a group of computers and associated devices that can communicate with each other through permanent connections, such as cables, or temporary connections made through telephone or other communication links.
Wireless LAN Networking Wireless LAN Networks A wireless LAN is a network that uses radio signals to send and receive data between individual devices. Wireless LANs are often used in office or factory settings where a user must carry a portable computer from place to place. Wireless LANs are also becoming a popular and convenient way of connecting computers in a home environment. Wireless LANs perform the same functions as a wired LAN, but without the wire.
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Stand-Alone Wireless Network The stand-alone wireless network is the simplest use of an Access Point. In this configuration, the Access Point acts as a relay between wireless clients. This enables the transfer of information among all computers within the Access Point coverage area. To communicate with the Access Point and other computers in the network, the Access Point and all computers in the network must have the same Group ID.
Wireless LAN Networking Infrastructure Network In an infrastructure network, the Access Point connects clients to a wired network. This enables the wireless clients to access all computers and peripherals on the wired network. Multiple Access Points can be used to achieve seamless wireless access throughout an extended service area. All Access Points and wireless clients must have the same Group ID.
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide TCP/IP Addressing TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) has become the standard for network data transmission. The Wireless LAN Access Point uses TCP/IP addressing to communicate between both wired and wireless clients. For correct IP address information for your wireless LAN installation, contact your network administrator.
Wireless LAN Networking For example: If your network will consist of 10 wired clients and 10 wireless clients, you could define the first 3 components of your address as 10.100.100. Next, you would define the fourth component range. You need 20 (allowing for an expansion of 10) addresses for your wired clients and 20 (allowing for an expansion of 10) addresses for your wireless clients. You could then reserve a block of addresses for the wired clients of 10.100.100.0 through 10.100.100.
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Creating a Subnet Mask In addition to an IP address, you will need to define a subnet mask to ensure that your computers only communicate with other computers and devices that are within your network. A subnet mask has four components that correspond to the four components of the IP address. Like the IP address, each component can contain up to 256 numbers (0 to 255).
Wireless LAN Networking DHCP Server DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a TCP/IP protocol that enables a host connected to a network to assign a temporary IP address to a client automatically when the client connects to the network. The Access Point can function as a DHCP server to dynamically assign IP addresses and provide other configuration parameters to wireless LAN clients when requested by the client.
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) Internet connection sharing (ICS) enables you to configure your network to share a single connection to the Internet. The Wireless LAN Access Point acts as a gateway that allows multiple clients to connect to the Internet by sharing a single modem and ISP (Internet Service Provider) account.
Wireless LAN Networking Access Point Manager When Access Point Manager (APM) is installed on a computer in the network, you can change all operating parameters of the Access Point. The APM enables you to configure and monitor the operational performance of your network. You can install the APM on as many computers in your network as you want, either wired or wireless. The choice for a wireless or wired computer depends on your preferences and your network configuration.
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Configuring Access Point with Wired Clients If your Access Point is connected to an established wired network, you can install APM on any computer on the network. The first time you run APM, you will need to change the IP address of the Access Point to be compatible with the IP address of your network.
Wireless LAN Networking Configuring Access Point with Wireless Clients If you want to configure an Access Point from a wireless client, you need to install APM on the wireless client. The SSID of the wireless client must match the SSID factory setting of the Access Point, or be set to “any”, or left blank. The first time you run APM, you will need to change the IP address of the Access Point to be compatible with the IP address of your network.
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Installing the Wireless LAN Access Point Verifying Supplied Access Point Components When you unpack the Access Point, you should have the following components: • • • • • 18 Access Point Mounting screws (2), 3/16-inch (5-mm) diameter head PCMCIA Card RJ-45 Ethernet cable AC Power Adapter
Installing the Wireless LAN Access Point PCMCIA Card Access Point RJ-45 Ethernet Cable AC Power Adapter 19
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Mounting the Access Point to a Vertical Surface The Access Point module can sit on a horizontal surface or it can be mounted to a wall or other vertical surface. Select a location that provides both convenient access and a clear radio signal path to wireless clients. The Access Point case has two slotted holes on its underside that enable you to mount the Access Point securely to two screws. To mount the Access Point to a vertical surface: 1.
Installing the Wireless LAN Access Point 2 ¾ inches (70 mm) 21
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Making Network Connections You can install the APM on as many computers in your network as you want, either wired or wireless. The choice for a wireless or wired computer depends on your preferences and your network configuration. Connecting to a Wired Client An alternate connection method is to use a null-modem RJ-45 Ethernet network cable that has the transmit and receive connections reversed on one end of the cable.
Installing the Wireless LAN Access Point Making Modem Connections (Optional) If you will be using an external modem and the Wireless Gateway function to connect to an Internet Service Provider (ISP), connect the modem to the Access Point using a 9-pin RS-232 cable connector, and turn on the power to the modem.
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Installing the Access Point Manager To install the Access Point Manager: 1. Run setup.exe from the Wireless LAN Access Point Installation disc. 2. Close all Windows programs that are running, and then click Next. 3. In the Welcome dialog box, click Next. 4. In the User Information Name and Company boxes, enter your name and company name, and then click Next. 5. In the Choose Destination Location dialog box, click Next. Continue with step 6 on page 26.
Installing the Access Point Manager Click Next Enter Your Name Enter Company Name Click Next Click Next 25
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide 6. In the Select Program Folder dialog box, click Next to accept the default folder. A new group named Wireless Home is created that will be listed in the Start\Programs menu. 7. In the Start Copying Files dialog box, click Next. 8. In the Setup Complete dialog box, click Finish.
Installing the Access Point Manager Click Next Click Next Click Finish 27
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Configuring the Access Point Using the Default Access Point Configuration Settings Your Access Point is supplied with operating firmware pre-installed at the factory. After making all the proper connections, when you turn on its power, Access Point will use the factory settings shown in the table on the opposite page.
Configuring the Access Point Access Point Parameter Factory Setting IP Address 192.168.1.1 Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0 Password “1234567890” RF-Channel Number Channel 1 (2.
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Starting the Access Point Manager Click Start, point to Programs, point to WirelessHome, and then click APM (Access Point Manager). Changing the Access Point IP Address 1. In the Access Point Manager dialog box, click Search to display your Access Point device, and then click the Change IP button. 2. In the Confirm message box, to continue click OK. For correct IP address 3.
Configuring the Access Point Click Search Click Search Click OK Enter IP Address Enter Subnet Mask Enter Password Click OK 31
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Changing the Device Name and Location Description 1. In the Access Point Manager dialog box, click Access. 2. In the Access AP dialog box, enter the Password (the default password is “1234567890”), and then click OK. 3. In the Access Point Configuration dialog box, click the General tab, and then click Change. 4. In the Device Name box, enter a name you want to use to identify your Access Point. 5.
Configuring the Access Point Click Access Enter Password Click OK Click General Tab Click Change Enter Name Enter Location Click OK 33
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Viewing the Status Page To view the read-only Status page, which displays the current Access Point Configuration settings: In the Access Point Configuration dialog box, click the Status tab.
Configuring the Access Point Click Status Tab 35
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Configuring the Wireless LAN Settings To connect wireless clients to the Access Point using the default startup configuration settings, you will need to reconfigure the wireless clients so that the following parameters are the same as the Access Point: • SSID (Service Set ID) setting, see Configuring the SSID All wireless clients that you want to communicate with the Access Point must have the same SSID as the Access Point.
Configuring the Access Point Click Wireless Tab Click Change SSID Enter New SSID Click OK 37
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Configuring the Privacy Setting The Encryption option of the Privacy Setting allows you to enter a five-digit encryption/decryption key to enable wireless clients to transmit and receive data in a secure communications mode. All users must use the same encryption key to ensure that they can communicate with the Access Point properly. The default five-digit encryption key is “12345.
Configuring the Access Point Click Advanced Click Wireless Tab Click Privacy Tab Click Encryption Enter Privacy Key Click OK 39
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Configuring the Transmission Rate Setting The Transmission Rate Setting allows you to select the speed at which data is sent between the Access Point and wireless clients. You may choose a single rate setting between 1 Megabits per second (Mbps) and 11 Mbps, or Fully Auto. Fully Auto mode enables the Access Point to automatically set the best transmission rate for the current conditions and location. To change the Transmission Rate Setting: 1.
Configuring the Access Point Click Wireless Tab Click Advanced Click Transmission Rate Tab Click Fully Auto or Specific Rate Click OK 41
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Configuring the RTS Threshold Setting The RTS (Request To Send) Threshold sets the minimum data block size that is sent for any connection speed to avoid transmission collision and the resulting errors, loss of data, or throughput decrease. CSMA/CA protocol defines that an RTS-CTS frame exchange shall be performed to avoid transmission collision before the actual data frame is sent. RTS Threshold range is between 100 and 2346, with 2346 being the default setting.
Configuring the Access Point Click Advanced Click RTS Threshold Tab Click Wireless Tab Enter Threshold Value Click OK 43
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Configuring the Long/Short Retry Limit Setting The Retry Limit Setting sets the maximum number of transmission attempts the wireless client will make for a frame before it determines a frame transmission failure. The Long Retry Limit setting determines the number of retries for frames longer than the RTS threshold setting. The Short Retry Limit setting determines the number of retries for frames shorter than or equal to the RTS threshold setting.
Configuring the Access Point Click Advanced Click Wireless Tab Click Long/Short Retry Limit Tab Enter Long Retry Limit Enter Short Retry Limit Click OK 45
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Configuring the Channel Setting The Access Point can be configured to automatically select a channel to communicate with a wireless client, or you can select a fixed channel if you are experiencing interference or need to use a specific channel. The table below lists the channels between 1 and 14 that are available for your region. Region North America Europe Japan Communication Authority FCC ETSI Channel Range 1 – 11 1 – 13 14 (2.471 – 2.
Configuring the Access Point Click Wireless Tab Click Advanced Click Channel Tab Click Auto or Specific Channel Click OK 47
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Setting Up DHCP Service The DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) Service enables the Access Point host computer to assign available IP addresses dynamically to other computers on the network. The Access Point host computer assigns IP addresses on an as-needed basis and controls the traffic between those computers and the Internet. To find addresses on the Internet, your computer needs to connect to a Domain Name Service (DNS) computer, called a DNS server.
Configuring the Access Point Click DHCP Service Tab Select DHCP Service Enter DHCP Server IP Address 49
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide 4. Select the Boundary check box. 5. In the Lower and Upper boxes, select the numbers between 1 and 256 that define the range of IP addresses you want to make available. 6. Select the Time to Lease check box. 7. In the Days and Hours boxes, select numbers that define the amount of time that the DHCP server grants permission to use a particular IP address. 8. Click Apply, and then click Close.
Configuring the Access Point Select Boundary Select Lower Limit Select Upper Limit Select Time to Lease Select Number of Days Select Number of Hours Click Apply Click Close 51
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Setting Up Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) The Access Point allows multiple wireless clients to share a modem and a single ISP account. Use the ICS Service page of the Access Point Configuration dialog box to connect to an Internet Service Provider using an external modem that is connected to the Access Point. To connect to an ISP: 1. In the Access Point Configuration dialog box, click the ICS Service tab. 2. Select the ICS Enabled check box. 3.
Configuring the Access Point Click ICS Service Tab Select ICS Enabled Enter ISP Name Click DCE Setting Tab Enter User Name Enter Password Enter Password Again Enter ISP Phone Number Click Apply 53
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide 10. Click the Main Control tab. 11. Click the Refresh button. 12. Click Dialup to connect to the ISP.
Configuring the Access Point Click Main Control Tab Click Refresh Click Dialup ICS Status Icons Access Point has a PCMCIA card and is connected to wired client Modem is connected to Access Point Modem is dialing ISP phone number 55
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Changing Your Password The default password that is used by Access Point when it is installed is “1234567890.” You should change this password to one that is easy to remember. The password must consist of at least 1 character and up to 32 characters with no spaces. To change your password: 1. In the Access Point Configuration dialog box, click the Configuration tab. 2. Click Change Password. 3. In the New Password box, enter a new password. 4.
Configuring the Access Point Click Configuration Tab Click Change Password Enter New Password Enter Password Again Click OK 57
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Saving a Configuration If you need to create a different configuration for your Access Point that has different settings, such as one that has a different SSID name or DHCP settings, you can save it as a file on your hard drive with an .ini extension. To save a configuration: 1. In the Access Point Configuration dialog box, click the Configuration tab. 2. Click Save Configuration. 3.
Configuring the Access Point Click Configuration Tab Click Save Configuration Select Folder Enter File Name Click Save 59
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Loading a Configuration If you have created and saved more than one Access Point configuration file, you can easily load the file for the current session. To load a configuration: 1. In the Access Point Configuration dialog box, click the Configuration tab. 2. Click Load Configuration. 3. In the Open dialog box, select the folder that contains the configuration file that has an .ini extension you want to load, and then click the file name. 4. Click Open.
Configuring the Access Point Click Configuration Tab Click Load Configuration Select Folder Click File Name Click Open 61
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Rebooting the Access Point If the Access Point has stopped responding to commands for any reason, it can be rebooted either remotely or manually. Rebooting Remotely Do not press the Reset button on the side of the Access Point to reboot, as this will replace your network configuration settings with the default factory settings. To reboot the Access Point remotely from the Access Point Manager: 1.
Configuring the Access Point Click Configuration Tab Click Reboot AP Click Yes 63
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Upgrading There may be situations where you need to upgrade your Access Point Manager or firmware; for example, if: • errors have been corrected • a new version is required to support new functions • you were advised to do so by a wireless LAN technical support technician 64
Upgrading Upgrading Access Point Manager Do not uninstall an earlier version of Access Point Manager. To upgrade the Access Point Manager: 1. Close all programs and dialog boxes. 2. Download updated files from the FTP site as instructed by a technical support technician. 3. Run the updated file. 4. Install the new version to the same folder where your previous version is installed.
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Upgrading Access Point Firmware The Access Point operates using firmware, which is a set of factory-installed software instructions stored in read-only memory (ROM). The Access Point firmware is in the form of a binary file of the format “wlan_xxx” (where “xxx” identifies the Access Point firmware version). A copy of this file is stored in the folder where the Access Point Manager was installed. To upgrade the Access Point firmware: 1.
Upgrading Click Configuration Tab Click Upgrade AP Firmware Click OK Select Folder Click File Name Click Open 67
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Upgrading PCMCIA Card Firmware To upgrade the PCMCIA card firmware: 1. Download the updated file from the FTP site as instructed by a technical support technician. 2. Copy the file into the same folder where Access Point Manager is installed. 3. In the Access Point Configuration dialog box, click the Configuration tab. 4. Click Upgrade Card Firmware. 5. In the Confirm dialog box, click OK.
Upgrading Click Configuration Tab Click Upgrade Card Firmware Click OK Select Folder Click File Name Click Open 69
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Uninstalling the Access Point Manager To uninstall Access Point Manager: 1. Close all open applications. 2. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. 3. In the Control Panel dialog box, double-click Add/Remove Programs. 4. In the Add/Remove Programs Properties dialog box, click LAN-TO-HOME in the list of software, and then click Add/Remove. 5. In the Confirm File Deletion dialog box, click Yes.
Uninstalling the Access Point Manager Click Program Name Click Add/Remove Click Yes 71
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Troubleshooting Cannot Establish Wireless Link to Access Point You may be able to establish a wireless link to the Access Point by trying the following: 72 • Make sure the power to the Access Point is connected and turned on (LEDs will light on the Access Point). • Make sure there are no physical connection problems. Make sure the PCMCIA card is firmly seated and the cables are plugged in securely.
Troubleshooting Radio Interference You may be able to eliminate any interference by trying the following: • Reseat the PCMCIA card in the Access Point and in each wireless client. • Increase the distance between the wireless clients, the Access Point, and the device causing the radio interference. • Plug the wireless client into an outlet on a different branch circuit from that used by the affecting device. • Keep the wireless client away from microwave ovens and large metal objects.
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide • Incorrect SSID. Make sure the SSID is the same for all wireless clients. If you don’t know the SSID, use “any” in the SSID box on the wireless client Configuration page, or leave it blank. • Changes not recognized by your computer. Restart your computer. • Make sure the Log on to Windows NT domain check box is not selected in the Client for Microsoft Networks Properties dialog box in the Network Configuration tab. • Incorrect IP Address or Subnet Mask.
Troubleshooting • Make sure the privacy type is the same as that of Access Point. If both are using a Passphrase, make sure it is the same. Also, make sure the Default Key is the same. Technical Support If problems are still not solved, please contact our Technical Support Department to obtain further assistance.
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Glossary 10BaseT An IEEE standard (802.3) for operating 10 Mbps Ethernet networks (LANs) with twisted pair cabling and a wiring hub. Access Point An internetworking device that seamlessly connects wired and wireless networks. Several Access Points combined with a distributed system support the creation of multiple radio cells that enable roaming throughout a facility.
Glossary network segment share total bandwidth. Ethernet networks operate at 10Mbps using CSMA/CD to run over 10BaseT cables, which typically use an RJ-45 connector. Gateway IEEE 802.11 Infrastructure A network component that acts as an entrance to another network. The IEEE 802.xx is a set of specifications for LANs from the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Most wired networks conform to 802.3, the specification for CSMA/CD based Ethernet networks or 802.
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide ISP LAN MAC Address Local Area Network. A communications network that serves users within a defined geographical area. The benefits include the sharing of Internet access, files, and equipment, such as printers and storage devices. Special network cabling (10BaseT) is often used to connect the PCs together. Media Access Code Address. A unique, 48-bit number assigned to network interface cards by the manufacturer.
Glossary (MHz) is one Million-Hertz. One gigahertz (GHz) is one Billion-Hertz. The standard U.S. electrical power frequency is 60 Hz, the AM broadcast radio frequency band is 0.55–1.6 MHz, the FM broadcast radio frequency band is 88–108 MHz, and wireless 802.11 LANs operate at 2.4GHz. SSID Subnet Mask Service Set ID. A group name shared by every member of a wireless network. Only client PCs with the same SSID are allowed to establish a connection.
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Index 1 C 10BaseT, 76 Channel, 76 Channel setting, 36 configuring, 46 Configuration loading, 60 saving, 58 Configuring the Access Point, 28 A Access Point definition, 76 description, 1 Access Point Manager, 15 starting, 30 Access Point parameters, 29 Ad Hoc, 76 B BSS, 76 80 D Default settings, 28 Device Name changing, 32 DHCP, 13, 58 DHCP service setting up, 48
Index E ESS, 76 Ethernet, 76 External Components, 2 F Factory settings, 28 Firmware, 28 G Gateway, 77 Glossary, 76 IP Address, 77 changing, 30 ISP, 14, 52, 78 L LAN, 1, 6, 78 LEDs, 2, 4 Loading a configuration, 60 Local Area Network, 1 Location description changing, 32 Long/Short Retry Limit setting configuring, 44 M I ICS, 14, 52 IEEE 802.
Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide Network interface connection, 2 S P Saving a configuration, 58 Serial connector, 2 Software installing, 24 uninstalling, 70 SSID, 17, 22, 29, 36, 58, 79 configuring, 36 Stand-alone wireless network, 8 Status page, 34 Subnet Mask, 12, 29, 30, 79 Password, 29, 30 changing, 56 PCMCIA, 78 PCMCIA card, 18 installing, 23 PCMCIA slot, 2 Power connections, 23 Power socket, 2 Power switch, 2 Privacy setting, 36 configuring, 38 PS, 78 R Radio Frequency, 78 Rebooting the Acc
Index U W Uninstalling the Access Point Manager, 70 Upgrading Access Point, 64 Access Point firmware, 66 Access Point Manager, 65 PCMCIA Card Firmeware, 68 WEP, 79 Wired client, 22 Wireless client, 22 Wireless LAN settings configuring, 36 83
