Specifications

Introduction
Altitude 3500 Series Access Point Product Reference Guide
18
Separate LAN and WAN Ports
The access point has one LAN port and one WAN port, each with their own MAC address. The access
point must manage all data traffic over the LAN connection carefully as either a DHCP client, BOOTP
client, DHCP server or using a static IP address. The access point can only use a Power-over-Ethernet
device when connected to the LAN port.
For detailed information on configuring the Altitude 35xx LAN port, see “Configuring the LAN
Interface” on page 113.
A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a widely dispersed telecommunications network. In a corporate
environment, the WAN port might connect to a larger corporate network. For a small business, the
WAN port might connect to a DSL or cable modem to access the Internet. Regardless, network address
information must be configured for the Altitude 35xx’s intended mode of operation.
For detailed information on configuring the access point’s WAN port, see “Configuring WAN Settings”
on page 125.
The LAN and WAN port MAC addresses can be located within the LAN and WAN Stats screens.
For detailed information on locating the access point’s MAC addresses, see “Viewing WAN Statistics”
on page 231 and “Viewing LAN Statistics” on page 234. For information on access point MAC address
assignments, see “Altitude 35xx MAC Address Assignment” on page 33.
Multiple Mounting Options
The access point rests on a flat surface, attaches to a wall, mounts under a ceiling or above a ceiling
(attic). Choose a mounting option based on the physical environment of the coverage area. Do not
mount the access point in a location that has not been approved in either an Altitude 3510 or outdoor
Altitude 3550 radio coverage site survey.
For detailed information on the mounting options available, see “Mounting an Altitude 3510” on
page 41 or “Mounting an Altitude 3550” on page 49.
Antenna Support for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Radios
The Altitude 35xx access point supports several 802.11a and 802.11b/g radio antennas. Select the
antenna best suited to the radio transmission requirements of your coverage area.
For an overview of the Radio 1 (2.4 GHz) and Radio 2 (5 GHz) antennas supported on the access point’s
connectors, see “Antenna Specifications” on page 569. The Altitude 3550 model access point uses an
antenna suite primarily suited for outdoor use.
Sixteen Configurable WLANs
A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a data-communications system that flexibly extends the
functionalities of a wired LAN. A WLAN does not require lining up devices for line-of-sight
transmission, and are thus, desirable for wireless networking. Roaming users can be handed off from
one access point to another like a cellular phone system. WLANs can therefore be configured around
the needs of specific groups of users, even when they are not in physical proximity. Sixteen WLANs are
configurable on each access point.