RoamAbout 802.
Notice Notice Cabletron Systems reserves the right to make changes in specifications and other information contained in this document without prior notice. The reader should in all cases consult Cabletron Systems to determine whether any such changes have been made. The hardware, firmware, or software described in this manual is subject to change without notice.
Notice Getting Help For additional support related to this device or document, contact Cabletron Systems using one of the following methods: World Wide Web http://www.cabletron.com/wireless FAX (603) 337-3075 Phone (603) 332-9400 Internet mail support@cabletron.com To send comments or suggestions concerning this document, contact the Cabletron Systems Technical Writing Department via the following email address: TechWriting@cabletron.
Contents Preface 1 Wireless Network Configurations What a RoamAbout Access Point Provides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Bridging Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 -2 Other RoamAbout Access Point Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 What a RoamAbout PC Card Provides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table of Contents Communications Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 Signal Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 Noise Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6 Data Throughput Efficiency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table of Contents 4 Installing the Wireless Network Tools RoamAbout Access Point Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2 Installing the AP Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3 Using the AP Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4 Other SNMP Management Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table of Contents Setting Encryption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Configuring the Access Point Console Port for Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting Spanning Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Checking the Configuration on Multiple Access Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table of Contents 7 Problem Solving Using the Access Point LEDs to Determine the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2 Access Point 2000 LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2 Access Point (Original) LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7 Showing Counters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table of Contents A RoamAbout Product Specifications PC Card and ISA Adapter Physical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1 PC Card Radio Characteristics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3 Supported Frequency Sub-Bands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5 Range Extender Antenna Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preface A RoamAbout wireless network consists of RoamAbout wireless products, such as the RoamAbout PC Card and RoamAbout Access Point, and other wireless products that use an 802.11 Direct Sequence (DS) compliant radio. This manual describes how to design, install, configure and maintain a RoamAbout wireless network. It also describes how to troubleshoot problems that may arise during installation or operation. Intended Audience This manual is intended for the wireless network manager.
Preface Associated Documents The following lists each RoamAbout product and where to find additional information. These documents are available on the RoamAbout web site at: www.cabletron.com/wireless Component Document RoamAbout Access Point RoamAbout Access Point 2000 Hardware Installation Guide RoamAbout Access Point RoamAbout Access Point 2000 Hardware Installation Quick Start RoamAbout PC Card RoamAbout 802.11 PC Card Kit Installation On-Line Help x RoamAbout PC Card MS-DOS/ Windows 3.
Chapter 1 Wireless Network Configurations There are three basic RoamAbout wireless network configurations: • One or more Access Points connecting wireless clients to a wired network, using the Workgroup Bridge mode. A wireless client can be any computer with an 802.11 Direct-Sequence (DS) compliant radio card. This type of network is referred to as a wireless infrastructure network. • Two or more Access Points used as a wireless link connecting wired networks. This is called a LAN-to-LAN configuration.
What a RoamAbout Access Point Provides What a RoamAbout Access Point Provides The RoamAbout Access Point is a 2-port bridge. One port connects to an Ethernet LAN. The other port connects to a wireless network. The wireless connection is provided by a RoamAbout 802.11 DS compliant PC Card.
What a RoamAbout Access Point Provides • Workgroup Bridge mode In Workgroup Bridge mode, the Access Point communicates with wireless clients. The Access Point learns addresses only from the wireless side of the network. The Access Point only forwards packets to multicast addresses, broadcast addresses, and known addresses on the wireless LAN. The default Aging Timer interval is 32 minutes. • LAN-to-LAN Endpoint Bridge mode In a Point-to-Point configuration, both Access Points are configured as Endpoints.
What a RoamAbout PC Card Provides • Roaming, where wireless clients can roam from one Access Point to another in the same wireless LAN without losing connectivity. • Local management via its local console port or remote management by the RoamAbout Access Point Manager software, or Network Management Station (NMS). • Support for RMON Groups 1, 2, 3, and 9 (Statistics, History, Alarms, and Events). • Upgradeable via a downline-load using BOOTP and TFTP. • 802.11 power management.
Wireless Infrastructure Network • Roaming, where the client can move from one Access Point to another in the same wireless network without losing LAN connectivity. • Roaming over multiple channels. The RoamAbout PC Card automatically uses the same channel as the associated Access Point. • The RoamAbout PC Card is also used in a RoamAbout Access Point as the wireless port to provide wireless communication. For this manual, the Access Point with the PC Card are usually considered one unit.
Wireless Infrastructure Network Multiple Access Points A wireless infrastructure network can consist of multiple Access Points. This extends the coverage area of the wireless network. To allow roaming, each Access Point in the wireless network must use the same Wireless Network Name. In this configuration, the wireless network consists of cells. A cell is a single Access Point and its wireless clients within a network of multiple Access Points.
LAN-to-LAN Configuration Wireless Client Behavior You can configure the wireless client to connect to a specific wireless network or the first available wireless network. If you configure the client to connect to a specific wireless network, the client establishes a radio connection to the Access Point in the specified wireless network that provides the best communications quality. Access Points in a different wireless network are ignored.
LAN-to-LAN Configuration Typically, the Access Points are configured with outdoor antennas. If you use an outdoor antenna, you should have a professional antenna installation company perform the installation. Contact your Cabletron sales representative or visit the RoamAbout web site for more information about the outdoor antenna kits. A Central Access Point uses an omni-directional antenna so that it can communicate with multiple Access Points in different directions.
LAN-to-LAN Configuration Point-to-Multipoint You can connect wired LANs in different buildings using the LAN-to-LAN Multipoint feature. At least one of the Access Points is configured as a Multipoint Access Point, called the Central Access Point. The Central Access Point can communicate directly with up to six Access Points. The six Access Points are configured as Endpoints, which can only communicate directly to the Central Access Point.
LAN-to-LAN Configuration Figure 1-3: Point-to-Multipoint Configuration Endpoint Mode Endpoint Mode Omni-Directional Antenna Endpoint Mode Multipoint Mode (Central AP) Endpoint Mode Endpoint Mode Endpoint Mode • Two or more Central Access Points in the same Point-to-Multipoint configuration. In this configuration, up to six Access Points are configured to communicate with the same Central Access Point.
LAN-to-LAN Configuration Figure 1-4: Point-to-Multipoint-to-Multipoint Configuration Area 1 A1 Endpoint Mode Omni-Directional Antenna A2 Endpoint Mode A3 Endpoint Mode Building A Multipoint Mode (Central AP) Area 2 A4 Endpoint Mode B1 Endpoint Mode A5 Endpoint Mode Building B Multipoint Mode (Central AP) B2 Endpoint Mode B5 Endpoint Mode B3 Endpoint Mode B4 Endpoint Mode Wireless Network Configurations 1-11
LAN-to-LAN Configuration Preventing Network Loops It is important to avoid Point-to-Multipoint configurations that will cause bridge loops. A bridge loop occurs when two parallel network paths are created between any two LANs, causing packets to be continuously regenerated through both parallel paths. This situation eventually renders the network unusable due to the excessive traffic that is being generated by the loop.
Ad-Hoc Network Ad-Hoc Network Wireless ad-hoc networks do not include Access Points. Instead, the ad-hoc network is a loose association, or workgroup, of computers that can communicate with each other using the PC Card in Ad-Hoc Mode. Figure 1-6 shows an ad-hoc network. The ad-hoc network is also known as a peer-to-peer network or independent network. The size of the ad-hoc network coverage area is determined by various factors, such as proximity and obstacles in the environment.
Optional Antennas Optional Antennas The RoamAbout PC Card has two integrated antennas that perform best in an open environment with as few obstacles as possible. Depending on the environment and wireless network configuration, you may need an optional antenna. The following sections describe the types of optional antennas available with the RoamAbout products.
Optional Antennas Range Extender Antenna Use the Range Extender Antenna (Figure 1-8) to ensure optimal transmission and reception quality for situations where the integrated antennas are shielded, such as: • The wireless device is close to metal surfaces. • The wireless device is installed in a hidden location, such as in a cabinet. • Objects shield the wireless device.
Optional Antennas Outdoor Antenna Kit There are two RoamAbout antennas available for outdoor use: • 14-dBi directional antenna • 7-dBi omni-directional antenna The RoamAbout outdoor antennas support outdoor LAN-to-LAN wireless links that are used to connect separate LANs. The directional antenna is typically used in a Point-to-Point wireless link. The omni-directional antenna is typically used in a Point-to-Multipoint configuration.
Chapter 2 Understanding Wireless Network Characteristics This chapter describes many of the wireless networking concepts and characteristics. You should be familiar with this information before you design, implement, or manage a RoamAbout wireless network. Not all characteristics apply to all of the network configurations. Wireless Network Name A wireless network name is the name of the wireless infrastructure network.
MAC Address MAC Address The MAC address is a unique identifier for networking devices. Each LAN device (including Ethernet cards, bridges, routers, and gateways) is identified by a unique factory-set MAC address. RoamAbout Access Points have two MAC addresses: • One MAC address for the wired Ethernet interface, which is printed on the Access Point. • One MAC address for the RoamAbout PC Card installed in the Access Point, which is printed on a label on the back side of the card.
Transmit Rate To avoid radio interference, adjacent Access Points should be set to different channels that are at least five channels apart. The Access Points do not necessarily have to be in the same wireless network. For example, you have three Access Points whose coverage areas overlap; set the channels to 1, 6 and 11, if possible. Due to local radio regulations, not all channels are available in all countries. In a LAN-to-LAN configuration, the Access Points must be set to the same channel.
Transmit Rate In most environments, Auto Rate allows the PC Card to use a higher rate for better data throughput, yet the PC Card can still use the more reliable slower rate when transmissions fail. A transmission can fail when the network experiences spurious noise interference. Also use Auto Rate if you have Access Points with 11 Mbit/s PC Cards and a mix of clients with 11 Mbit/s and 2 Mbit/s PC Cards.
Communications Quality A fixed transmit rate does not affect the receive rate. For example, an Access Point and a client both have 11 Mbit/s PC Cards, but the client is fixed to only transmit at 2 Mbit/s. The Access Point can send data at 11 Mbit/s to the client, and the client can respond by sending data at 2 Mbit/s. However, you should not set the Access Point to a fixed rate of more than 2 Mbit/s if you have clients with 11 Mbit/s and 2 Mbit/s PC Cards.
Data Throughput Efficiency Noise Level The noise level indicates the presence of interference. Noise can be generated by various devices such as microwave ovens (2.4 GHz), elevator motors, and theft detection devices (like those used in retail stores). Noise level should always be related to the signal level: • A low noise level with a high signal level provides excellent communications quality. • A medium or high noise level with a high signal level results in an average or poor SNR.
RTS/CTS Protocol ! CAUTION The AP Density setting must be the same for all Access Points and wireless devices in your wireless network. Failure to do so may cause unpredictable results for the wireless client in your network. Using non-matching values may seriously affect the wireless performance of the client. If Access Points are set to a High AP Density, a client with a Low AP Density may continue to transmit to the same Access Point instead of roaming.
RTS/CTS Protocol A shorter packet is less likely to have a collision than a longer packet. • When the packet exceeds the threshold, the device sends an RTS message and waits until the receiving device responds with a CTS message. The RTS message includes the length of the frame that the device wishes to transmit. The receiving device includes this information as a radio-silence time indicator in its CTS response message.
802.11 Power Management Figure 2-2: Hidden Station Example Client B Client A Client C To avoid a hidden station problem, move the clients or Access Point if possible so that the devices can sense each other’s transmissions. Otherwise, set Medium Reservation on the clients with the problem to the Hidden Stations setting, which imposes an RTS/CTS Threshold value of 500. You do not change the RTS Threshold on the Access Point.
802.11 Power Management The RoamAbout PC Card 802.11 power management is separate from any power management function on your computer. RoamAbout Access Point The RoamAbout Access Point automatically supports 802.11 power management. The only parameter that can be set is the Delivery Traffic Indication Message (DTIM) interval, which sets the buffering time. The default value of 1 corresponds to 100 milliseconds of sleep time. It is highly recommended that you do not change this value.
Security An example of when you can disable this option is when your wireless device is a hand-held scanning device communicating to a network via a single protocol system. • Maximum Sleep Duration. This is the listen interval in milliseconds that the client applies to verify if there is traffic on the network addressed to the client. You should not change the default value of 100 milliseconds, since this may interfere with the operation of the network operating system.
Security Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) Encryption The WEP feature encrypts all data transmitted within the wireless network. The encryption uses the RC4 algorithm as defined in the IEEE 802.11 Wired Equivalent Privacy standard. The RoamAbout devices can be configured with four encryption keys. Each key is placed in a specific position (Key 1, Key 2, Key 3, or Key 4). You select one key to encrypt transmitted data.
Network Protocols In an ad-hoc network, use encryption to prevent uninvited users from joining the network. Broadcast and multicast messages are not encrypted. NOTE SNMP Community Names The SNMP community name allows management tools using SNMP to display or modify Access Point parameters remotely. The Access Point supports a read/write community name and a read-only community name. By default, the Access Point uses public as the default read/write community name.
Wireless Traffic • TCP/IP if you want to connect your computer to a network that uses IP addressing or you would like to connect to the Internet. These networking protocols can operate simultaneously with other networking protocols. When you install a RoamAbout PC Card in an Apple computer, you may need to install and enable Apple’s Open Transport or Apple Classic network protocols along with TCP/IP.
Spanning Tree Protocol Protocols and Filters The RoamAbout Access Point has two types of filters: • Protocol filter • MAC address filter Use the protocol filter to NOT forward specific protocol traffic to the wireless network, which can reduce unnecessary traffic and increase the network response time. However, filtering the wrong protocols can negatively affect the operation of the network. When solving network problems, you should clear all filters.
RoamAbout Access Point SNMP Management RoamAbout Access Point SNMP Management The Access Point supports the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) through any standard Network Management Station (NMS) that supports SNMP. The SNMP management capability enables you to manage standard SNMP MIB characteristics, such as protocol filtering and address filtering. The management systems use MIB objects to manage the Access Point.
Chapter 3 Designing and Implementing a Wireless Network The first step in designing a wireless network is to determine which network configuration best fits your needs. The wireless network configurations are discussed in Chapter 1. Once you have chosen a configuration, this chapter lists the various site requirements necessary for each type of network.
Infrastructure Network Infrastructure Network To plan a wireless infrastructure network, determine the following: • Coverage area - the area where the clients are located. If the clients are mobile, this is the area where the clients can connect to the network. • Supported users - the number of clients that you expect to support. • Network utilization - how users intend to use the network.
Infrastructure Network Figure 3-1: Coverage Area Noise from Microwave Noise from Elevator Shaft A RoamAbout Access Point can support up to 250 users within its coverage area. However, this number can be significantly reduced by various factors, such as noise or obstructions in the coverage area, and the network utilization by each client. If your desired coverage area is larger or the number of users is greater, you need to install multiple Access Points. Be aware of potential hidden station problems.
Infrastructure Network Selecting the Locations for Multiple Access Points Consider the following: • Each coverage area must overlap another coverage area to allow roaming for clients. • The amount of overlap depends on number of users in a coverage area and utilization of the network.
Infrastructure Network Using Multiple Wireless Infrastructure Networks Instead of creating multiple cells in a single infrastructure network, you can have separate infrastructure networks. The advantages include: • Preventing too many users from roaming to a particular coverage area by configuring some users to use one network, and other users to a different network. This is a form of load balancing.
LAN-to-LAN Network Configuration LAN-to-LAN Network Configuration There are two types of LAN-to-LAN configurations. The LAN-to-LAN Endpoint Bridge mode is used in a Point-to-Point configuration to connect two separate wired LANs. The LAN-to-LAN Multipoint Bridge mode is used in a Point-to-Multipoint configuration to connect multiple wired LANs. Typically, the LANs are in different buildings and the configuration requires the RoamAbout outdoor antenna kit. Consider the following: • Type of antenna.
Ad-Hoc Network Ad-Hoc Network The only requirement for an ad-hoc network is the ability to communicate with one or more other wireless users. To do this: • All PC Cards must use the same channel. You cannot change the default channel of the RoamAbout PC Card. The default channel is listed in Table A-3 on page A-5. • Determine the size of the coverage area. The speed of the RoamAbout PC Card is one factor that determines the client coverage area.
System Requirements for Wireless Clients System Requirements for Wireless Clients The RoamAbout PC Card has drivers for the following operating systems: • Windows NT V3.51 and later, Windows 95, and Windows 98 (same driver) • MS-DOS and Windows 3.1 (refer to the RoamAbout 802.11 PC Card MS-DOS and Windows 3.1 Installation Guide) • Apple Macintosh The Windows 2000 operating system contains the RoamAbout driver; however, this version of the driver does not support encryption.
Wireless Network Hardware Installation Overview Wireless Network Hardware Installation Overview Once you have designed the wireless network and determined where to place the wireless devices, install and configure the hardware as described in the following sections. Wireless Infrastructure Network The following is an overview of the steps to install the wireless devices in a wireless infrastructure network. 1. Install the RoamAbout Access Point in the location you have chosen.
Wireless Network Hardware Installation Overview Ad-Hoc Network The following is an overview of the steps to install the wireless clients in an ad-hoc network. 1. Create wireless clients by installing the RoamAbout PC Card into the appropriate computers. Refer to the RoamAbout PC Card documentation. 2. If installing the RoamAbout Client Utility (recommended), follow the installation procedure in the “RoamAbout Client Utility” section on page 4-6. 3.
Chapter 4 Installing the Wireless Network Tools You can configure the Access Point using one or more of these tools: • RoamAbout Access Point Manager • RoamAbout Access Point console port • Network Management Station (NMS) To configure the Access Point for the first time, you need to use the RoamAbout Access Point Manager or the console port.
RoamAbout Access Point Manager RoamAbout Access Point Manager The RoamAbout Access Point (AP) Manager is a configuration tool for new Access Points and a management tool to assist the ongoing management and support of RoamAbout wireless networks. The AP Manager can manage multiple Access Points simultaneously. The AP Manager has the following features: • Ability to manage multiple Access Points remotely, including changing parameters on multiple Access Points in a wireless network with a single command.
RoamAbout Access Point Manager Installing the AP Manager The AP Manager supports the Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT (V4.0 or later). The AP Manager can manage Access Points from a wireless computer. However, the AP Manager needs to be on a computer connected to the same wired LAN as the Access Point to assign an IP address or upgrade the Access Point firmware. The AP Manager is included on diskettes in the RoamAbout Access Point kit.
RoamAbout Access Point Manager Using the AP Manager You can manage Access Points individually or as a single group. You can group Access Points based on any criteria, such as: • All Access Points belonging to the same network are in one group. For example, have one group for the Accounting network and one group for the Engineering network. • To avoid confusion, you should have different groups for Access Points in an infrastructure network and Access Points in a LAN-to-LAN configuration.
Other SNMP Management Tools Other SNMP Management Tools The Access Point supports the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) through any standard Network Management Station that supports SNMP. The SNMP management capability enables you to manage standard SNMP MIB characteristics, such as protocol filtering and address filtering. To manage the Access Point with a Network Management Station (NMS) you must first use the console port or AP Manager to configure the Access Point with a valid IP address.
RoamAbout Client Utility RoamAbout Client Utility The RoamAbout Client Utility is a diagnostic tool for RoamAbout wireless networks. The RoamAbout Client Utility is provided with the RoamAbout client software kit which also contains the RoamAbout driver. You use the client utility to: • Check the quality of wireless communications between the RoamAbout client and the associated Access Point (or another client in an ad-hoc network).
RoamAbout Client Utility Using the RoamAbout Client Utility To start the RoamAbout Client Utility, click Start, then select Programs→RoamAbout→RoamAbout Client Utility. The RoamAbout Client Utility window (Figure 4-2) displays the following information: • If connected to an infrastructure network, the name of the network. • The quality of the communications with the selected network as indicated by a Green (Good), Yellow (Adequate) or Red (Poor) indicator.
RoamAbout Client Utility Status/Functions The RoamAbout Client Utility Status/Functions window (Figure 4-3) displays information about the network connection and communications quality. If the client is unable to connect to a network, the Status and Impact fields provide information that can help you determine the cause. Figure 4-3: RoamAbout Client Utility Status/Functions Window Optionally, you can: • Click the Advice button for additional status information and to troubleshoot unexpected results.
RoamAbout Client Utility Diagnose Card The card diagnostics enables you to: • Test the RoamAbout PC Card. • Display a set of communication statistics. • Display the configuration settings of the PC Card. The configuration settings can only be displayed when the client utility is in enhanced mode, which you can enable by clicking the Options button in the Status/Functions window.
RoamAbout Client Utility Figure 4-4: RoamAbout Client Utility Link Test Link Test also allows you to save measurement data to a log file. The logging function is only available when the client utility is in enhanced mode, which you can enable by clicking the Options button in the Status/Functions window.
RoamAbout Client Utility Site Monitor You can use the RoamAbout Client Utility Site Monitor window (Figure 4-5) to monitor the radio communications quality with multiple RoamAbout Access Points simultaneously. The Site Monitor function is only available when the client utility is in enhanced mode, which you can enable by clicking the Options button in the Status/Functions window. The Site Monitor window only displays the Access Points within range of the client.
Chapter 5 Configuring the Wireless Network This chapter provides the procedures to configure the wireless device parameters. Before performing these procedures, you need to install the wireless network tools as described in Chapter 4. If you are configuring a wireless infrastructure network, configure the Access Points first. Many of the wireless client parameters are based on the Access Point settings.
Configuring Access Points in an Infrastructure Network Configuring Access Points in an Infrastructure Network After installing the Access Point, you can configure it using the AP Manager or the console port as described in the following sections. When configuring a new Access Point, have the following information available: • The Access Point wired MAC address, which is printed on the front of the Access Point. The MAC address for the RoamAbout Access Point 2000 is underneath the plastic cover.
Configuring Access Points in an Infrastructure Network 5. If the Access Point does not have an IP address, click Yes and enter the following: — Access Point’s wired MAC address. — New, valid IP network address. — Access Point’s SNMP read/write community name, which is by default public. — Optionally, a subnet mask and default gateway. Press the Help button for details about each field. Click OK when completed. You may need to wait a few minutes for the IP address to load.
Configuring Access Points in an Infrastructure Network 13. Enable Secure Access if you want to prevent clients without the correct wireless network name from connecting to this Access Point. See the “Configuring Security” section on page 5-26 for more information. 14. Set the AP Density setting based on the following: — Low (default). The Low setting provides maximum coverage using a minimum number of Access Points.
Configuring Access Points in an Infrastructure Network Using the Console Port After installing the Access Point and setting up a console port device, you can configure the Access Point as follows: 1. Repeatedly press the key at the terminal that is connected to the console port until the RoamAbout Access Point Installation Menu appears. If using a computer, start the terminal emulation program and connect to the console port. 2.
Configuring Access Points in an Infrastructure Network 9. Set the AP Density setting based on the following: — Low (default). The Low setting provides maximum coverage using a minimum number of Access Points. This option is typically used for single-cell networks, but also provides an efficient and cost effective solution for networks that include multiple wireless clients. — Medium.
Configuring Clients in an Infrastructure Network Configuring Clients in an Infrastructure Network Have the Access Point settings available as you configure the RoamAbout clients. 1. At a Windows system, perform the following: a) From the Windows desktop, click Start then select Settings→Control Panel. Then double click the Network icon. b) For Windows 95 or 98, the Network dialog box is displayed. Click on RoamAbout 802.11 DS to highlight it, then click the Properties button.
Configuring Clients in an Infrastructure Network 10. Leave Medium Reservation disabled (no check mark) unless you have a hidden station problem as described in the “Configuring the RTS/CTS Protocol” section on page 5-24. 11. To change the default power management parameters, click the Power Management tab. For information on modifying the power management settings, see the “Configuring Power Management” section on page 5-25. 12. If the Access Point is using encryption, click the Encryption tab.
Configuring Access Points in a Point-to-Point Network Configuring Access Points in a Point-to-Point Network You can configure two Access Points to communicate with each other in a LAN-to-LAN, Point-to-Point configuration using the AP Manager or the console port as described in the following sections. When configuring a new Access Point, have the following information available: • The Access Point wired MAC address, which is printed on the front of the Access Point.
Configuring Access Points in a Point-to-Point Network Using the AP Manager Start at Step 1 if the Access Point is not managed by the AP Manager. If the Access Point is currently managed by the AP Manager, select the Access Point in the Managed List field, click the Wireless Parameters button, and go to Step 9. 1. Start the AP Manager by clicking the Start button on the Windows desktop and selecting Programs→RoamAbout→RoamAbout Access Point Manager. 2.
Configuring Access Points in a Point-to-Point Network 10. Set the Bridge Mode to LAN-to-LAN Endpoint. This configures the Access Point to communicate with only one Access Point. 11. In the Wireless Parameters dialog box, enter the wireless MAC address of the remote Access Point. 12. The default transmit rate setting works well in most environments. To modify this setting, see the “Configuring the Transmit Rate” section on page 5-23. 13. The default RTS Threshold setting works well in most environments.
Configuring Access Points in a Point-to-Point Network Using the Console Port To configure Access Points for a Point-to-Point configuration, do the following: 1. Repeatedly press the key at the terminal that is connected to the console port until the RoamAbout Access Point Installation Menu appears. If using a computer, start the terminal emulation program and connect to the console port. 2.
Configuring the Access Point for Point-to-Multipoint Configuring the Access Point for Point-to-Multipoint You can configure up to seven Access Points in a LAN-to-LAN, Point-to-Multipoint configuration using the AP Manager or the console port as described in the following sections. When configuring a new Access Point, have the following information available: • The Access Point wired MAC address, which is printed on the front of the Access Point.
Configuring the Access Point for Point-to-Multipoint Using the AP Manager Start at Step 1 if the Access Point is not managed by the AP Manager. If the Access Point is currently managed by the AP Manager, select the Access Point in the Managed List field, click the Wireless Parameters button, and go to Step 10. 1. Determine which Access Point is the Central Access Point, as described in the “Point-to-Multipoint” section on page 1-9. 2.
Configuring the Access Point for Point-to-Multipoint 10. Click the Advanced button in the Wireless Parameters window. 11. For the Central Access Point, perform the following: a) Set Bridge Mode to LAN-to-LAN Multipoint. The Multipoint Activation Key dialog box opens. This option is only available on Access Point 2000 with V6.0 or later firmware. You must enter a valid activation key to enable Multipoint bridge mode. b) In the Wireless Parameters dialog box, click the Multipoint Properties button.
Configuring the Access Point for Point-to-Multipoint Using the Console Port To configure Access Points for a Point-to-Multipoint configuration, do the following: 1. Determine which Access Point is the Central Access Point, as described in the “Point-to-Multipoint” section on page 1-9. 2. Repeatedly press the key at the terminal that is connected to the console port until the RoamAbout Access Point Installation Menu appears.
Configuring the Access Point for Point-to-Multipoint 12. To prevent other users from using the console port to view or modify settings, enable Enable/Disable Console Password from the Installation Menu. Then choose Set SNMP Read/Write Community from the Installation Menu and enter a new community name (4 to 31 printable ASCII characters). Users must enter the community name to access the menu. 13.
Configuring Clients for an Ad-Hoc Network Configuring Clients for an Ad-Hoc Network To configure clients for an ad-hoc network, perform the following: 1. From the Windows desktop, click Start then select Settings→Control Panel. Then double click the Network icon. 2. For Windows 95 or 98, the Network dialog box is displayed. Click on RoamAbout 802.11 DS to highlight it, then click the Properties button. 3. For Windows NT, click the Adapters tab. In the Network Adapters field, click on RoamAbout 802.
Showing Current Access Point Settings Showing Current Access Point Settings Before modifying parameters on the RoamAbout Access Point, view the current settings. Using the AP Manager, select the Access Point from the Managed List field and click the various buttons, such as Wireless Parameters, Operating Modes, IP Network Parameters, and Hardware. In the Wireless Parameters dialog box, click the Advanced button to view all the wireless parameters.
Showing Current Access Point Settings To display the current wireless settings, choose Module-Specific Options then select Show Wireless Configuration. If you have changed a wireless parameter but not yet reset the Access Point, the new setting is NOT reflected in this display. The following example shows the screen associated with this option.
Showing Current Client Settings Showing Current Client Settings To view or modify the RoamAbout client parameters, open the driver properties as follows: 1. From the Windows desktop, click Start then select Settings→Control Panel. Double click the Network icon. Alternately, right-click on Network Neighborhood on your desktop then select Properties from the menu. 2. For Windows 95 or 98, the Network dialog box is displayed. Click on RoamAbout 802.11 DS to highlight it, then click the Properties button. 3.
Showing Current Client Settings Figure 5-1: RoamAbout Properties Window (Windows 95/98 Version) NOTE A change to any of the driver’s parameters requires a computer restart for that change to take effect. You are prompted for a restart after you make a change.
Configuring the Transmit Rate Configuring the Transmit Rate The default setting is the highest transmit rate supported by the RoamAbout PC Card; Fixed is disabled. All RoamAbout PC Cards support, as a minimum, the 1 Mbit/s (Low) and 2 Mbit/s (Standard) transmit rates. RoamAbout Access Point To modify the transmit rate on the Access Point using the AP Manager, select the Access Point from the Managed List field and click the Wireless Parameters button.
Configuring the RTS/CTS Protocol Configuring the RTS/CTS Protocol The RTS/CTS protocol forces the wireless device to transmit an RTS (Request To Send) signal and wait for a CTS (Clear To Send) signal from the receiving wireless device before transmitting a message. Any messages that are shorter in length than the length defined by the RTS/CTS setting do not use the RTS/CTS protocol. You should not use RTS/CTS unless you have a problem.
Configuring Power Management Configuring Power Management By default, power management is disabled on the client. To enable power management: 1. Open the RoamAbout Driver Properties window as described in the “Showing Current Client Settings” section on page 5-21. 2. Click the Power Management tab. Press on your keyboard for detailed information about this window. 3. Place a check mark in the Card Power Management check box. 4.
Setting Default Rate Limiting (Multicast Traffic) Setting Default Rate Limiting (Multicast Traffic) By default, the Access Point is configured to limit multicast traffic to 100 Kb/sec. This parameter is not available on the RoamAbout client. To enable or disable this parameter using the AP Manager, click the Operating Modes button in the main window. To enable or disable this parameter using the console port, select the Module-Specific Options in the RoamAbout Access Point Installation Menu.
Configuring Security To enable or disable Secure Access using the console port, choose Module-Specific Options from the RoamAbout Access Point Installation Menu, then choose Set Wireless Configuration. If you do not want to change the value, press to go back to the previous menu. Setting Encryption Perform the following steps to configure encryption for the wireless network. 1.
Configuring Security d) Choose one of the following options if the Access Point is configured for a wireless infrastructure network: — Enable Set Exclude Unencrypted to only accept encrypted data from clients. Only clients that have the correct keys can participate in this network. — Disable Set Exclude Unencrypted to accept both encrypted and unencrypted data from different clients. This allows clients who require security to use encryption without preventing other clients from using the network.
Setting Spanning Tree Configuring the Access Point Console Port for Security The following security settings are exclusive to the console port on the Access Point: • To prevent other users from using the console port, enable Enable/Disable Console Password from the RoamAbout Access Point Installation Menu. Then choose Set SNMP Read/Write Community from the Installation Menu and enter a new community name (4 to 31 printable ASCII characters).
Checking the Configuration on Multiple Access Points Checking the Configuration on Multiple Access Points The AP Manager provides integrity tests that check for consistent settings across all the Access Points in a single group. Use the integrity tests to make sure that the Access Points in a single wireless network are configured correctly. To access the tests, click Integrity on the AP Manager menu bar.
Resetting the RoamAbout Access Point Resetting the RoamAbout Access Point There are two ways to reset the Access Point: • Reset with Current Settings If you change any wireless configuration parameter, such as the wireless network name or channel, you must select this option to reset the Access Point to implement your changes. From the AP Manager, select Reset then select Reset with Current Settings.
Modifying the Access Point SNMP Settings Modifying the Access Point SNMP Settings For the AP Manager or any Network Management Station to remotely manage the Access Point, the Access Point must have: • A valid IP address and subnet mask. • An SNMP read/write community name (default is public). The following sections describe how to modify these parameters.
Using a Local MAC Addressing Scheme Changing the SNMP Read/Write Community Name The AP Manager and any other SNMP Manager must have the correct read/write community name associated with the Access Point; otherwise, the tool cannot make any changes to the Access Point. If using the AP Manager to change the Access Point read/write community name, the read/write community name currently entered in the AP Manager must be the same as the read/write community name in the selected Access Point.
Chapter 6 Maintaining the Wireless Network To maintain the wireless network, you should regularly check the wireless coverage area, communications quality, and data throughput efficiency. As your environment changes, you may need to adjust wireless parameters or move Access Points to account for new obstructions or new sources of radio interference. You may also need to add Access Points should the number of users increase. In addition, you should regularly check the RoamAbout web site for product updates.
Testing Radio Communications Quality Testing Radio Communications Quality You can test the radio communications quality from the Access Point to another wireless device using the AP Manager, or from a client to another wireless device using the RoamAbout Client Utility. Using the Access Point Manager The RoamAbout AP Manager provides a Link Test tool that tests the signal quality from the Access Point to a client or another Access Point. 1.
Testing Radio Communications Quality Using the Client Utility This procedure requires the RoamAbout Client Utility on a RoamAbout client. For information about a client utility window, press while in that window. 1. Start the RoamAbout Client Utility by clicking Start from the Taskbar then selecting Programs→RoamAbout→RoamAbout Client Utility. Click the More button if the Status/Functions window is not displayed. 2. Select Link Test from the Status/Functions window.
Testing Data Throughput Efficiency Testing Data Throughput Efficiency This procedure requires the RoamAbout Client Utility on a RoamAbout client. For information about a client utility window, press while in that window. 1. Start the RoamAbout Client Utility by clicking Start from the Taskbar then selecting Programs→RoamAbout→RoamAbout Client Utility. Click the More button if the Status/Functions window is not displayed. 2. Select Link Test from the Status/Functions window.
Testing Data Throughput Efficiency If all clients suffer from poor data throughput efficiency despite a good SNR value, the traffic load could be caused by the following: • Many wireless clients are trying to communicate simultaneously. • Clients are deferring data transmissions to avoid frame collisions. • Clients are retransmitting frames repeatedly because initial transmissions failed, which can be due to frame collisions.
Optimizing RoamAbout Access Point Placement Optimizing RoamAbout Access Point Placement The RoamAbout AP Manager and RoamAbout Client Utility provide diagnostic tools to determine the coverage area of an Access Point. If you have multiple Access Points in a wireless network, the client utility can help determine where the coverage areas overlap.
Optimizing RoamAbout Access Point Placement Using Link Test The RoamAbout AP Manager provides a Link Test diagnostic tool that tests the signal quality from the Access Point to a client or another Access Point. 1. Select the Access Point from the Managed List field in the AP Manager main window. 2. Click Integrity in the menu bar. 3. Select Link Test. 4.
Optimizing RoamAbout Outdoor Antenna Placement Optimizing RoamAbout Outdoor Antenna Placement If an Access Point in a LAN-to-LAN configuration is connected to an outdoor directional antenna, the antenna must be pointed directly at the antenna for the other Access Point. A misaligned antenna can decrease the signal level or prevent communications. The RoamAbout AP Manager provides a Point-to-Point diagnostic tool that can help you adjust the directional antenna to optimize the signal between Access Points.
Logging Measurement Data Logging Measurement Data You can save the results of your RoamAbout Client Utility Link Test or Site Monitor session in a log file. To enable logging, set the client utility to enhanced mode by clicking the Options button in the Status/Functions window. For information about a client utility window, press while in that window. You can use this log file to: • Evaluate the results at a later time.
Checking the Client RoamAbout PC Card Checking the Client RoamAbout PC Card The RoamAbout Client Utility has a Diagnose Card tool that checks the hardware and firmware of the RoamAbout PC Card. Run the card test only in situations where the Status/Functions window reports a card failure or when you suspect a configuration mismatch. When contacting RoamAbout technical support, the card test results may help the support representative determine the cause of a malfunctioning device.
Monitoring the Access Point Using RMON Monitoring the Access Point Using RMON The Access Point supports four of the nine Remote Network Monitoring MIB (RMON) groups: • Statistics - Contains statistics measured by the probe for the wired LAN and the wireless LAN interfaces. • History - Records periodic statistical samples from a network and stores them for later retrieval. • Alarm - Periodically takes statistical samples from variables in the probe and compares them to previously configured thresholds.
Checking RoamAbout Product Version Numbers Checking RoamAbout Product Version Numbers To check the RoamAbout Access Point firmware version, run the RoamAbout AP Manager, choose the Hardware button and check the software version (SW=Vx.x). Refer to the AP Manager on-line help for additional information. To check the RoamAbout Access Point firmware version using the console port, select Show Current Settings from the Installation Menu. The top line contains the firmware version (SW=Vx.x).
Upgrading the RoamAbout Access Point Firmware and ROM Upgrading the RoamAbout Access Point Firmware and ROM The Access Point firmware, also called embedded software, can be easily upgraded. Regularly check the RoamAbout web site for the latest information concerning RoamAbout updates. To upgrade the Access Point, copy the image file (*.BIN) from the web site to the same directory as the AP Manager or BootP/TFTP server. The Access Point 2000 (hardware release V2) requires an N*.BIN file.
Upgrading the RoamAbout Access Point Firmware and ROM Using the Access Point Hardware Reset Button The Reset button on the Access Point hardware forces the Access Point to download a firmware image and reset to factory default values. ! CAUTION If the power is interrupted during the ROM upgrade process, the image in your device will become corrupt. Do not turn off or perform any action that can cause power loss during a ROM upgrade. To use the Reset button: 1. Remove AC power from the Access Point. 2.
Replacing the PC Card in an Access Point Replacing the PC Card in an Access Point You may need to replace a defective PC Card or upgrade the PC Card in an Access Point. If upgrading the Access Point from a 2 Mbit/s PC Card to an 11 Mbit/s PC Card, make sure that the Access Point firmware version is V5.0 or greater, as described in the “Checking RoamAbout Product Version Numbers” section on page 6-12. Also, you should disable encryption before replacing a PC Card with one does not support encryption.
Upgrading the RoamAbout Miniport Driver Upgrading the RoamAbout Miniport Driver The RoamAbout Miniport driver is used on Windows 95, 98, and NT systems. Upgrading the installed RoamAbout driver may be required if: • You want to use new features that have become available for your RoamAbout PC Card. • You installed a newer version of the RoamAbout Client Utility. • The RoamAbout Client Utility reported a driver or firmware mismatch.
Upgrading the RoamAbout Miniport Driver Upgrading the Driver for Windows NT Use the following procedure to upgrade the RoamAbout driver on Windows NT systems. 1. From the Taskbar on the Windows desktop, click Start then select Settings→Control Panel. 2. In the Control Panel, double-click Network. 3. Select the Adapters tab. 4. Select RoamAbout Adapter and click Update. 5. Follow the instructions as they appear on your screen.
Removing the RoamAbout Miniport Driver Removing the RoamAbout Miniport Driver If you have Version 1.0 of the RoamAbout Miniport driver, you need to perform extra steps. Check the driver version number as described in the “Checking RoamAbout Product Version Numbers” section on page 6-12, before performing this procedure. 1. Remove the PC Card from the PC Card slot. 2. Close all open applications. 3. From the Taskbar on the Windows desktop, click Start then select Settings→Control Panel. 4.
Deleting the RoamAbout Driver Files 7. For Windows 95 and 98 systems, delete these RoamAbout driver files: — — — — — — — — — — WVLAN41.SYS WVLANUIF.VXD WV41INST.DLL (if present) WVLAN41.HLP WVLAN41.CNT WVLAN41.FTS (if present) WVLAN41.GID (if present) RMABT41.HLP (if present) RMABT41.CNT (if present) RMABT41.GID (if present) 8. Also for Windows 95 and 98, open C:\WINDOWS\INF and delete the RMABT41.INF file. In Windows 98, this file might be located in C:\WINDOWS\INF\OTHER. NOTE 9.
Removing the Apple Driver Removing the Apple Driver Removing a previously installed Apple driver is mandatory to: • Upgrade a driver. • Change the type of driver. For example, you would change the type of driver when migrating from Apple Classic to Apple Open Transport. To remove the driver, proceed as follows: 1. Insert the RoamAbout diskette for the MAC operating system into your Apple PowerBook. This should be the same diskette that you used to install the driver. 2.
Chapter 7 Problem Solving This chapter contains problem solving information for the RoamAbout wireless network. If the problem appears to be with an Access Point or a specific client, check the LEDs first. The Access Point LEDs are described in the next section. The client LEDs are described on page 7-20.
Using the Access Point LEDs to Determine the Problem Using the Access Point LEDs to Determine the Problem The Access Point LEDs show status and help diagnose problems. The following sections describe the LEDs on the Access Point 2000 and the original release of the Access Point. The following figure shows the two Access Points. Figure 7-1: RoamAbout Access Points Acc ess 1 Poin t Ro amAbout 1 2 S1 MA AD C D SN S2 Wir ele ss LA Ns ww w.c a ble tro n.
Using the Access Point LEDs to Determine the Problem Table 7-1: RoamAbout Access Point 2000 LED Summary Table Name Description Power/ System OK Lights when the Access Point has power and has passed the self-test. If the Access Point fails the test, the LED blinks at a steady rate. Bridge State Lights when the Access Point is forwarding packets. 1 Access Point Saturated 2 Wireless LAN Activity Lights when the Access Point is saturated.
Using the Access Point LEDs to Determine the Problem Table 7-2: RoamAbout Access Point 2000 LED Patterns Wired LAN Wireless LAN Access Point Saturated 2 Bridge State Power/ System OK Meaning of LED Pattern 1 No power. Check the power connections. Diagnostics failed. The Access Point automatically resets after one minute. If the pattern continues to display, contact technical support. Normal operating mode. • Access Point is waiting for the spanning tree. No action is required.
Using the Access Point LEDs to Determine the Problem Table 7-2: RoamAbout Access Point 2000 LED Patterns (Cont’d) Wired LAN Wireless LAN Access Point Saturated 2 Bridge State Power/ System OK Meaning of LED Pattern 1 Cannot communicate with the wired network. Verify that the Ethernet cable is properly connected. Cannot communicate with the wireless or wired network.
Using the Access Point LEDs to Determine the Problem Table 7-3: Network Loading LED Patterns Wired LAN Wireless LAN Access Point Saturated 2 Bridge State Power/ System OK Meaning of LED Pattern 1 Downline loading image from load host. TFTP file not found or other TFTP error. (LEDs blink 10 times.) Upgrading Flash. (LEDs blink then turn on one at a time starting with Wireless LAN.) All LEDs, except Wired LAN, are on when the Flash upgrade is successful. Invalid load image.
Using the Access Point LEDs to Determine the Problem Access Point (Original) LEDs Table 7-4 describes the LED functions. Table 7-5 describes the patterns, likely causes, and possible corrective actions. Table 7-6 describes the patterns during a firmware upgrade. Table 7-4: RoamAbout Access Point (Original) LED Summary Table Name Description Power OK Lights (green) when the Access Point has power. Module OK Lights (green) when the Access Point passes its power-up self-test.
Using the Access Point LEDs to Determine the Problem Table 7-4: RoamAbout Access Point (Original) LED Summary Table (Cont’d) Name Description Wireless LAN Activity The LED lights (green) when packets are: • Received on the wireless port and forwarded to the Ethernet port. • Addressed to or generated by the Access Point using the wireless port. Packets received and filtered are not shown. Data traffic forwarded to the wireless port is not shown.
Using the Access Point LEDs to Determine the Problem Table 7-5: RoamAbout Access Point (Original) LED Patterns Power OK Module OK Wired LAN Bridge State 1 Saturated Wireless LAN Card Present Meaning of LED Pattern 2 No power. Check the power connections. PC Card not inserted properly. Diagnostics are running. Ethernet connection is not working or there is a hardware failure. Failure while initializing/ testing the memory. Normal operating mode. Waiting for the spanning tree. No action is required.
Using the Access Point LEDs to Determine the Problem Table 7-5: RoamAbout Access Point (Original) LED Patterns (Cont’d) Power OK Module OK Wired LAN Bridge State Saturated 1 Wireless LAN Card Present Meaning of LED Pattern 2 Access Point is occasionally saturated due to excessive traffic. No action is required. PC Card is defective. Ethernet problem after power-up. Cannot communicate with the wireless network. Check the wireless parameters and PC Card. Cannot communicate with the wired network.
Using the Access Point LEDs to Determine the Problem Table 7-6: Network Loading/Upline Dumping LED Patterns Power OK Module OK Wired LAN Bridge State 1 Saturated Wireless LAN Card Present Meaning of LED Pattern 2 Waiting for downline load from load host Downline loading image from load host Firmware error detected while downline loading image from load host TFTP file not found Waiting for retry of TFTP load Upgrading Flash Flash upgrade successful Invalid (wrong) load image Problem Solving 7-11
Using the Access Point LEDs to Determine the Problem Table 7-6: Network Loading/Upline Dumping LED Patterns (Cont’d) Power OK Module OK Wired LAN Bridge State 1 Saturated Wireless LAN Card Present Meaning of LED Pattern 2 Unsuccessful Flash upgrade Invalid load image: corrupted image Invalid load image: image too large TFTP error Firmware error or number of retries exceeded Hardware error 7-12 Problem Solving
Showing Counters Showing Counters You can display the values of all the counters maintained by the Access Point and the client. This information can help you to monitor the performance of your wireless network or better understand a problem. Typically, this information is used by RoamAbout support personnel to help you diagnose a problem. At a RoamAbout client, use the client utility to run the Diagnose Card option and select the Card Statistics tab.
Showing Counters Device uptime: 0 00:30:08 ETHERNET Port 0 Individually addressed bytes sent: 0 Multicast bytes sent: 111446 Individually addressed bytes received: 0 Multicast bytes received: 0 Individually addressed frames sent: 0 Multicast frames sent: 1850 Individually addressed frames received: 0 Multicast frames received: 0 Frames deferred: 0 Single collision: 0 Multiple collisions: 0 Excessive collisions: 0 Carrier check failed: 0 Transmit Frame too long: 0 Remote failure to defer: 0 Block check erro
Showing Counters Individually Addressed Frames Sent (TxUnicastFrames) This counter displays the number of messages sent by the PC Card that are destined for another wireless device. In most LAN applications, it is normal behavior for this counter to have a high value and is continuously increasing (you can see it run). For example, this counter should increase rapidly when running the Link Test.
Showing Counters Signal Retry Frames Sent (TxSingleRetryFrames) This counter displays the number of messages that were retransmitted a single time before being acknowledged by the receiving device. Retransmission is a normal behavior for the IEEE 802.11 protocol in order to recover quickly from lost messages. A relatively high value for this counter in comparison with the TxFragments counter identifies a wireless network that suffers from interference (noise) or a heavy load of wireless data traffic.
Showing Counters Individually Addressed Frames Received (RxUnicastFrames) This counter displays the number of messages sent by other devices to this PC Card. In most LAN applications, it is normal behavior for this counter to have a high value and is continuously increasing (you can see it run). For example, this counter should increase rapidly when running the Link Test.
Showing Counters Receive Buffer Not Available (RxDiscardsNoBuffer) This counter displays the number of times an incoming message could not be received due to a shortage of receive buffers on the RoamAbout PC Card. A non-zero value identifies heavy data traffic for your RoamAbout PC Card; for example, when your PC Card is receiving large amounts of data.
Displaying Error Logs WEP Excluded This counter increments when this device sends unencrypted data to another device which rejects the data. If this is a client in an infrastructure network, this can be caused when the client has encryption disabled and the Access Point is configured to accept encrypted data only (DENY NON-ENCRYPTED DATA is enabled). Displaying Error Logs The Access Point can display error logs used by support personnel to analyze system faults.
RoamAbout PC Card LED Activity in a Client RoamAbout PC Card LED Activity in a Client If you encounter difficulty using a RoamAbout client, the error may be related to various causes, such as: • Out-of range situation, which prevents the PC Card from establishing a wireless connection with the network. • Configuration mismatch, which prevents the PC Card from establishing a wireless connection with the (correct) network. • Absence of or conflict of the RoamAbout Driver.
RoamAbout PC Card LED Activity in a Client Table 7-7: RoamAbout PC Card LED Description Power LED Transmit /Receive LED Description/Action Continuous Green Blinking Standard operational mode: • Card is powered on. Off • Sensing/transmitting wireless data. • Card is powered on. • A network connection was established but currently there is no wireless activity. This could be a normal situation. Also, the client may have moved out of the range of the wireless network.
Windows Does Not Detect the RoamAbout PC Card Table 7-7: RoamAbout PC Card LED Description (Cont’d) Power LED Transmit /Receive LED Description/Action Off Off Card is not powered on. The cause may be: • No driver loaded or installed. • Card and driver mismatch that prevented the driver from loading. • Device conflict that prevented the driver from loading. Actions: • Verify that a driver has been installed. If not, install the driver.
Client Cannot Connect to the Network Client Cannot Connect to the Network This situation may occur in one of the following situations: • The wireless network name is incorrect. Be aware that the wireless network name is case sensitive. • If using ANY as the wireless network name or the field is blank, verify that the RoamAbout Access Point has disabled Secure Access.
Checking the Network Protocols on a Windows System Checking the Network Protocols on a Windows System To verify that the client is configured for the correct type of networking and networking protocols: 1) From the Windows desktop, click Start then select Settings→Control Panel. 2) Double-click Network. The following dialog box is displayed: 3) Verify that the list of network components includes Client for Microsoft Networks and, optionally, Client for NetWare Networks.
Checking the Network Protocols on a Windows System To enter the computer and workgroup names: 1) If the Network window shown below is not opened, click Start, select Settings→Control Panel, then double click Network. 2) Click the Identification tab as shown below. The Windows NT version of this window is similar. 3) In the Computer Name field, enter a unique name for your computer. 4) In the Workgroup field, enter the name of your workgroup.
Device Conflict on a Windows System Device Conflict on a Windows System A device conflict under Windows NT may be related to the RoamAbout ISA card or PC Card. To detect which card is causing the conflict, use the Windows NT diagnostics. This problem can also appear on Windows 98 and the early version of Windows 95 (OSR0).
Device Conflict on a Windows System 3) Click the IRQ button to display the Interrupt Request (IRQ) vectors currently in use by other devices in your computer. If IRQ value 10 (default value for the PC Card) is not used, write down IRQ 10. If 10 is used, select a value not listed in the Windows NT Diagnostics window and write it down. Values include: IRQ 15, 12, 07, 05, 04, 03.
It is possible that a conflict can still occur even after using the Windows NT Diagnostics program to determine unused I/O port addresses and IRQ values. This can happen when your computer has one or more devices and/or peripherals installed that claimed an I/O Base Address or IRQ value without notifying the Windows NT operating system. Therefore, the Windows NT Diagnostics program does not display these values as used.
Setting and Removing SNMP Trap Addresses Changing the ISA Adapter Address If the device conflict is related to the I/O port address of the ISA card, you can change the ISA address by changing the jumper setting on the ISA card (Figure 7-3).
Setting Upline Dump To enter an SNMP trap address using the console port: 1) Choose Add SNMP Trap Addresses from the RoamAbout Access Point Installation Menu. 2) Enter the IP address of the system that you want to receive the SNMP traps. Note: If you do not want to change the existing value, press to go back to the previous menu. To delete an existing trap address using the console port: 1) Choose Delete SNMP Trap Addresses from the RoamAbout Access Point Installation Menu.
Appendix A RoamAbout Product Specifications This appendix lists the various specifications of the RoamAbout products. PC Card and ISA Adapter Physical Specifications Form factor PC card: PC card type-II extended ISA card: Half-size ISA adapter card 118 x 54 x 8 mm (4.72 x 2.16 x 0.
PC Card and ISA Adapter Physical Specifications PC Card Power Characteristics Doze mode Receive mode Transmit mode Power supply 9 mA 185 mA 285 mA 5V PC Card Networking Characteristics Compatibility Network operating system Host operating system IEEE 802.11B standard for wireless LANs (DSSS) Novell client 3.x & 4.x Microsoft Windows Networking Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT (NDIS Miniport driver) Windows 2000 (NDIS 5 driver) MS-DOS & Microsoft Windows 3.
PC Card Radio Characteristics PC Card Radio Characteristics Radio characteristics of RoamAbout PC Cards may vary according to the country where the product was purchased (see Table A-1). If you plan to connect a RoamAbout Access Point to an outdoor antenna installation, additional regulations may apply. You use a different RoamAbout PC Card when connecting to the RoamAbout outdoor 14 dBi directional antenna in countries that adhere to ETSI regulations (see Table A-2).
PC Card Radio Characteristics Table A-2: Radio Characteristics (For Outdoor Antenna Use) R-F frequency band Number of selectable sub-channels Modulation technique Spreading Bit error rate Nominal Output Power Range 1 2.4 GHz (2400-2500 MHz) Europe (ETSI) 13 France (FR) 4 Japan (JP) 14 Other countries that 13 adhere to ETSI1 Direct sequence spread spectrum (DQPSK, CCK, DBPSK) 11-chip barker sequence Better than 10-5 8 dBm Consult the RoamAbout Outdoor Antenna Site Preparation and Installation Guide.
Supported Frequency Sub-Bands Supported Frequency Sub-Bands The RoamAbout PC Card supports a number of factory-programmed channels. The number of available frequencies is subject to local radio regulations as defined by local authorities. In RoamAbout infrastructure environments, the RoamAbout PC Card automatically starts operation at the frequency channel that is used by the RoamAbout Access Point. This frequency is controlled by the LAN administrator who sets the RoamAbout Access Point configuration.
Range Extender Antenna Specifications Range Extender Antenna Specifications You can connect the RoamAbout Range Extender antenna to a RoamAbout PC Card in either an Access Point or wireless client. Use the Range Extender antenna to ensure optimal transmission and reception quality for situations where the PC Card integrated antennas are shielded. Table A-4 provides the specifications for the Range Extender antenna.
Vehicle-Mount Antenna Specifications Vehicle-Mount Antenna Specifications The RoamAbout Vehicle-Mount antenna can be mounted on vehicles, such as fork-lift trucks, that need continuous access to networked data, whether inside or outside of the building. Table A-5 provides the specifications for the Vehicle-Mount antenna. Table A-5: Vehicle Mount Antenna Specifications Mechanical Cable Length Insertion Loss @ 2.4 GHz 250 cm (8 feet) 3.
Glossary Access Point A 2-port bridge that connects a wireless LAN to a wired Ethernet LAN. Ad-Hoc network A group of wireless stations that participate in wireless communication without connection to a wireless infrastructure network. An ad-hoc network does not include Access Points. Ad-hoc networks are also referred to as peer-to-peer networks. Beacon A message that is transmitted at regular intervals by the RoamAbout Access Point to all wireless clients in the wireless network.
Glossary Channel (Frequency) The center radio frequency that the wireless device uses to transmit. The RoamAbout PC Card can support up to 13 radio frequency channels as defined in the IEEE 802.11 Standard. The number of available channels for your PC Card is subject to radio regulations that apply in your country. In most countries, these radio regulations adhere to either the FCC or ETSI Standards. Directional Antenna An antenna that radiates RF signals in a specific direction.
Glossary ISA adapter An option for the RoamAbout PC Card for computers that do not have a PCMCIA slot. The ISA adapter installs into a computer’s ISA bus and provides a PCMCIA slot for the PC Card. Endpoint Bridge Mode An Access Point mode that allows two Access Points to communicate, effectively connecting two wired LANs through a wireless link. Multipoint Bridge Mode An Access Point mode that allows up to seven Access Points to communicate, effectively connecting wired LANs through a wireless link.
Glossary RoamAbout Access Point Manager Software used to manage and configure one or more Access Points. The software is installed on a Windows computer that connects to the Access Point via a wired LAN or wireless LAN. roaming The ability for a wireless client to move from one cell to another in a wireless network without losing the network connection. As the client moves between different wireless cells, the RoamAbout PC Card keeps track of the quality of the radio connection with the Access Points.
Glossary wireless infrastructure network A wireless network that consists of wireless clients connected by one or more Access Points to a wired Ethernet LAN. wireless network A collection of end-user systems connected together using a medium such as radio frequency or infrared technology. The RoamAbout products use radio frequencies. wireless relay When enabled, the multipoint Access Point relays messages from one Access Point to another.
Index A Access Point configuring for infrastructure network 5-2– 5-6 configuring for Point-to-Multipoint 5-13–5-17 configuring for Point-to-Point 5-9–5-12 definition 1-2 factory defaults 5-31 features 1-3 firmware version 6-12 image file 6-13 IP address 5-32 LED summary 7-2 optimal placement procedure 6-6 reload 6-13 reset 5-31 selecting location 3-4 supported users 1-3 upgrading 6-13 Access Point Manager See AP Manager Access Point Saturated LED 7-3 Address State 5-32 Ad-Hoc Demo Mode 5-18 ad-hoc network
Index BootP/TFTP 4-2, 5-31, 6-13 bridge 1-2 bridge mode description 1-3 infrastructure network 5-3 integrity test 5-30 LAN-to-LAN Endpoint 5-6, 5-11 LAN-to-LAN Multipoint 5-16 Point-to-Multipoint 5-15 Point-to-Point 5-12 Bridge State LED 7-3 bridging services 1-2 broadcast message 2-13, 2-14 broadcast storm 2-14 building-to-building configuration 1-8 C cell 1-6 Central Access Point description 1-9 channel description 2-2 infrastructure network 5-3, 5-5 list of A-5 Point-to-Multipoint 5-14, 5-16 Point-to-Poi
Index description 2-6 testing 6-4 with Link Test 4-9 Deny Non-encrypted Data 5-27, 7-19 DHCP server 5-2, 5-9, 5-13 Diagnose Card 4-9, 6-10 directional antenna 1-16, 6-8 distances ad-hoc network 3-7 infrastructure network 3-2 LAN-to-LAN 3-6 driver See PC Card driver Driver Type 5-21 DTIM period configuring 5-25 description 2-10 dynamic address learning 1-2 E encryption ad-hoc network 5-18 client 5-8 configuring 5-27 counter 7-18, 7-19 description 2-12, 2-13 with Windows 2000 3-8 Endpoint Bridge mode definiti
Index log file Access Point 7-19 client 6-9 login names 2-11 M MAC address changing to local 5-33 description 2-2 wireless 5-9, 5-13 MAC address filter 2-15 Managed List field 4-4 Maximum Sleep Duration configuring 5-25 description 2-11 Medium Reservation configuring 5-24 description 2-8 MIB objects 2-16 Microsoft Client for Microsoft Networks 2-13 Miniport driver removing 6-18 upgrading 6-16–6-17 MS-DOS driver 3-8 multicast message 2-13, 2-14 multicast rate limiting 4-5, 5-26 Multipoint Bridge mode definit
Index protocol filter 2-15 R Range Extender antenna description 1-15 specifications A-6 Rate Limiting 5-26 integrity test 5-30 read/write community name 2-13, 5-32, 5-33 read-only community name 2-13 Receive All Required Multicasts configuring 5-25 description 2-10 receive rate 2-5 Reload (Access Point) 6-13 Reset button 6-14 reset button 5-31 reset counters 7-19 reset with current settings 5-31 reset with factory defaults 5-31 RMON groups 6-11 setting 4-5 RoamAbout Client Utility See client utility RoamAbo
Index testing data throughput 6-4 Spanning Tree Protocol 1-4, 2-15, 5-29 Station Firmware 5-25, 6-12 Station Name client 5-7 infrastructure network 5-3, 5-5 integrity test 5-30 Point-to-Multipoint 5-14, 5-16 Point-to-Point 5-10, 5-12 Status/Functions window 4-8 subnet mask 5-32 T TCP/IP protocol 2-14 TFTP 4-2, 5-31, 6-13 tools 4-1 transmit rate auto rate 2-3 description 2-3 fixed rate 2-4, 2-14 integrity test 5-30 on Access Point 5-23 on client 5-23 TxDeferredTransmissions 7-15 TxDiscards 7-16 TxDiscardsWro
