Askey WLAN access point User’s Guide

Wireless LAN Access Point

User’s Guide

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Complying with all applicable copyright laws is the responsibility of the user. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of Askey Computer Corp. If, however, your only means of access is electronic, permission to print one copy is hereby granted.

Askey Computer Corp. provides this documentation without warranty, term, or condition of any kind. Askey Computer Corp. may make improvements or changes in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this documentation at any time.

Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

 2000 Askey Computer Corp. All rights reserved

Contents

Contents

Contents .................................................................................................................. i

Introduction ........................................................................................................... 1

Identifying External Components on the Access Point................................ 2

Access Point Status LEDs ........................................................................... 4

Wireless LAN Networking .................................................................................... 6

Introduction to Networks............................................................................. 6

Wireless LAN Networks ............................................................................. 7

Stand-Alone Wireless Network........................................................8

Infrastructure Network .....................................................................9

TCP/IP Addressing.................................................................................... 10

Selecting an IP Address .................................................................10

Creating a Subnet Mask .................................................................12

DHCP Server............................................................................................. 13

Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) ............................................................ 14

Access Point Manager ............................................................................... 15

Verifying the TCP/IP Protocol Settings .........................................15

Configuring Access Point with Wired Clients................................16

i

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 ................................................................... 22

Connecting to a Wired Client.........................................................22

Connecting to a Wireless Client .....................................................22

Making Modem Connections (Optional) ................................................... 23

Making Power Connections....................................................................... 23

Installing the PCMCIA Card ..................................................................... 23

Installing the Access Point Manager.................................................................... 24

Configuring the Access Point .............................................................................. 28

Using the Default Access Point Configuration Settings ............................ 28

Starting the Access Point Manager............................................................ 30

Changing the Access Point IP Address...................................................... 30

Changing the Device Name and Location Description.............................. 32

Viewing the Status Page ............................................................................ 34

Configuring the Wireless LAN Settings .................................................... 36

Configuring the SSID ................................................................................ 36

Configuring the Privacy Setting................................................................. 38

Configuring the Transmission Rate Setting ............................................... 40

Configuring the RTS Threshold Setting .................................................... 42

Configuring the Long/Short Retry Limit Setting ....................................... 44

Configuring the Channel Setting ............................................................... 46

Setting Up DHCP Service ......................................................................... 48 ii

Contents

Setting Up Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) .......................................... 52

Changing Your Password .......................................................................... 56

Saving a Configuration.............................................................................. 58

Loading a Configuration............................................................................ 60

Rebooting the Access Point....................................................................... 62

Rebooting Remotely.......................................................................62

Rebooting Manually.......................................................................62

Upgrading ............................................................................................................ 64

Upgrading Access Point Manager ............................................................. 65

Upgrading Access Point Firmware ............................................................ 66

Upgrading PCMCIA Card Firmware......................................................... 68

Uninstalling the Access Point Manager ............................................................... 70

Troubleshooting................................................................................................... 72

Cannot Establish Wireless Link to Access Point ....................................... 72

Radio Interference ..................................................................................... 73

PCMCIA Card Not Detected..................................................................... 73

Cannot Connect to Another Wireless Client.............................................. 73

Wireless Client Cannot Connect to Access Point ...................................... 74

Technical Support ..................................................................................... 75

Glossary............................................................................................................... 76

Index.................................................................................................................... 80 iii

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.

A wireless LAN allows you to interact with other computers without having to run cables normally associated with networks, and the Wireless LAN Access

Point allows computers equipped with wireless LAN cards (wireless clients) to have access to an existing wired LAN, forming an infrastructure wireless network.

The Access Point is capable of being used in a wide variety of applications, and offers the following functions:

• stand-alone wireless intranet relay station that increases communication range

• wireless access to Ethernet intranet

• wireless access to Internet

• DHCP server to automate IP address assignment

• Internet connection to a single ISP shared by multiple wireless intranet clients

1

Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide

Identifying External Components on the Access Point

Component

• PCMCIA slot

• 6 LEDs

• DC power socket

• Recessed reset button

• Power switch

• 9-pin serial/RS-232

connector

• RJ-45/10BaseT jack

• 2 slotted holes

Description

Accepts Access Point PCMCIA card only

Status/Function. See table on page 4.

DC power cable connection

Restores Access Point to factory settings

Turns power to Access Point on and off

Modem connection

Network interface connection

Vertical mounting screw holes

2

PCMCIA Card

Status LEDs

Recessed Reset Button

DC Power Socket

Introduction

RJ-45 Ethernet

Jack

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.

LED Color State Description

Ready

Link

Green On Access Point is in ready mode.

Green Blinking Wireless station communicating with the

Access Point.

WireLink Orange On Access Point is connected to an Ethernet network hub or switch through the RJ-45 port.

WireAct Orange Blinking Access Point is transmitting or receiving data through the Ethernet port.

LineLink Red

LineAct Red

On Access Point is connected to a modem.

Blinking Access Point is transmitting or receiving data through the COM port to a modem.

4

LineAct

WireAct

LineLink

Link

WireLink

Ready

Introduction

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. A network can be as small as a local area network (LAN) consisting of a few computers, printers, and other devices, or it can consist of many small and large computers distributed over a vast geographic area as a wide area network (WAN).

A network allows you to share files, programs, scanners, printers, fax machines, etc.

6

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.

The network devices are connected to each other by radio waves. By using the

Wireless LAN Access Point, the wireless LAN can be connected to a wired network.

The Wireless LAN Access Point provides connectivity between wireless clients and Ethernet (wired) clients. The Access Point complies with the IEEE 802.11

standard, enabling communication among all wireless clients that meet this standard.

7

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.

While an Access Point is not required, its relay capability effectively doubles the communication distance between two computers.

Wireless Client

Wireless Client

Access Point

8

Wireless LAN Networking

Wireless Client

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. Roaming among different Access Points is controlled automatically to maintain the wireless connection at all times.

Wireless Client

Wired Client

Hub or Switch

Access Point

Network Server

9

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.

For more information on IP addresses, see the Network

Working Group Specification

RFC 1918 on the Internet.

If you are installing the Wireless LAN Access Point into a wired LAN, you must obtain a static IP address and a subnet mask for the Access Point from the wired network administrator. See Configuring the Wireless LAN Settings.

If you don’t have a network administrator, you will have to select an IP address from one of the available blocks of addresses.

Selecting an IP Address

An IP address consists of four components. Each component can contain up to

256 numbers (0 to 255). Thus, you can select a unique address from a range of addresses (0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255) to identify a device within a network.

Not all addresses are available for private networks. Only the addresses in the following three blocks are available:

10. 0 . 0. 0 — 10.255.255.255

172. 16. 0. 0 — 172. 31.255.255

192.168. 0. 0 — 192.168.255.255

Define your network by determining the number of addresses you will need

(allow for expansion).

10

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 10.100.100.19 and another block for wireless clients of

10.100.100.20 through 10.100.100.39. Now you can start assigning appropriate addresses to individual clients.

11

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). These numbers determine if an IP address component must be an exact match or if a range of numbers is acceptable.

If the subnet mask number for an IP component is 255, that component must be an exact match for communication to take place. If the mask number is 0, any number in the component is acceptable. A mask number between 0 and 255 determines a range of numbers between the number and 255 that are acceptable.

If you use a mask number of 250, IP address numbers between 250 and 255 are acceptable.

For example: if you choose an IP address of 10.100.100.1 and a subnet mask of

255.255.255.0, the first three components of the IP address must match exactly, and any number from 0 to 255 in the fourth component is acceptable for communication to take place.

The use of these addresses and masks is limited only by your imagination. You can use any rationale you like to select your addressing scheme.

12

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. This function reduces the network administrator’s workload and increases the usage efficiency of the IP addresses by recycling the addresses when the lease time is up.

The DHCP function of the Access Point can be enabled or disabled. You can also define a lower boundary and an upper boundary to establish a range of addresses that can be assigned. The Access Point can manage a maximum of 256 IP addresses (0 to 255).

In addition to providing an IP address, the Access Point provides the subnet mask, DNS IP address, domain name, gateway IP address, and lease period to complete the configuration of the wireless LAN clients. The Access Point maintains a mapping table with IP address, MAC (Media Access Control) address, and lease period for each client to control and manage the dynamic configuration.

13

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.

When a client on your network sends a request to the Internet, its private IP address is transmitted to the Access Point, which translates it to the Internet IP address (specified by the ISP) of the Access Point, and then sends it on to the

Internet. When the results are returned, the Access Point translates the IP address back again and routes it to the correct client on your network. The only device on your network visible to the Internet is the Access Point. None of the computers on your network have a direct connection to the Internet.

Wireless Client

Internet Access

Point Wired Client

Modem

Hub or Switch

14

Wireless LAN Networking

All Access Points are shipped with a factoryset IP Address of

192.168.1.1 to allow your APM computer to communicate with new

Access Points.

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.

Verifying the TCP/IP Protocol Settings

Any computer you install the APM on must have TCP/IP networking protocol installed to be able to communicate with the Access Point. Using Windows

Control Panel, double-click Network and check that TCP/IP is installed. If

TCP/IP is not installed, install it (refer to TCP/IP Addressing on page 10 for a proper IP addressing).

15

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.

Wired Client

Hub or Switch

Access Point

16

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 Client

Access Point

17

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:

•

Access Point

•

Mounting screws (2), 3/16-inch (5-mm) diameter head

•

PCMCIA Card

•

RJ-45 Ethernet cable

•

AC Power Adapter

18

PCMCIA Card

AC Power

Adapter

Installing the Wireless LAN Access Point

Access Point

RJ-45 Ethernet

Cable

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.

Install the two mounting screws to a suitable vertical surface at a distance of

2-3/4 inches (70 mm) apart. Tighten the screws, leaving about 1/16 inch

(1.5 mm) between screw head and surface.

2.

Position the Access Point so the connector end is pointing downward. Engage the slotted holes on the bottom with the screw heads, and slide the unit down slightly until it is firmly seated.

20

2 ¾ inches

(70 mm)

Installing the Wireless LAN Access Point

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. This cable can be used to connect the Access Point directly to the computer NIC.

You can also enter “any” in the

SSID box, or leave it blank.

The RJ-45 Ethernet connector jack on the Access Point is used to connect to a network switch that is connected to your wired client. Connect one end of an RJ-

45 Ethernet network cable to the jack on the Access Point and connect the other end of the cable to a jack on the network switch that is connected to the wired client.

Connecting to a Wireless Client

You can run APM (Access Point Manager) from a wireless client if you configure the wireless client properly.

1.

In the Wireless LAN Configuration Utility dialog box, click the

Configuration tab.

2.

In the Mode list, click Infrastructure .

3.

In the SSID list, enter the SSID used by Access Point.

4.

Click Apply Changes , and then click OK .

22

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.

Making Power Connections

Connect the power cord’s AC plug into an AC power socket, plug the single DC plug at the other end of the power cord into the DC power jack on the side of the

Access Point, and turn on the power.

Installing the PCMCIA Card

Insert the PCMCIA card into the Access Point PCMCIA slot and push it straight in until it is firmly seated.

23

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.

24

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 .

26

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.

28

Access Point Parameter

IP Address

Subnet Mask

Password

RF-Channel Number

SSID

MAC Address

Encryption Key

Transmission Rate

Configuring the Access Point

Factory Setting

192.168.1.1

255.255.255.0

“1234567890”

Channel 1 (2.412 GHz)

“WLAN_abcdef”

(where “abcdef” represents the first threebyte characters of the unique MAC address)

MAC address of network device

12345 (Encryption disabled)

Auto

29

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).

For correct IP address information for your wireless LAN installation, contact your network administrator.

For more information on IP addresses, see the Network

Working Group Specification RFC

1918 on the Internet.

The subnet mask is a value that defines whether your computer communicates only within your

LAN (for example,

255.255.255.0) or communicates outside of your LAN.

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 .

3.

In the New Access Point’s IP Address box, enter a valid static fourcomponent IP address for the Access Point.

The following three blocks of IP addresses are available for private networks:

10. 0 . 0. 0 — 10.255.255.255

172. 16. 0. 0 — 172. 31.255.255

192.168. 0. 0 — 192.168.255.255

4.

In the Subnet Mask box, enter a valid four-component IP address for the

Access Point.

5.

In the Password box, enter the Password (the default password is

“1234567890”), and then click OK .

6.

Wait 5 seconds and click Search to find and display the Access Point with the new IP address.

30

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.

In the Location box, enter a description of where your Access Point is being used.

6.

Click OK .

32

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.

34

Click Status Tab

Configuring the Access Point

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.

• Privacy setting (optional, if enabled), see Configuring the Privacy Setting

If the Privacy Setting is set to Plain, wireless clients can communicate freely with the Access Point.

•

Channel setting (optional, if enabled), see Configuring the Channel Setting

If the Channel Setting is set to Auto, wireless clients can automatically select the correct communications channel.

The SSID must be the same for each client computer so that they can establish a connection with each other on the network.

Configuring the SSID

The Service Set ID (SSID) is a group name that is shared by every computer on a wireless network. To set up the SSID for the Access Point:

1.

In the Access Point Configuration dialog box, click the Wireless tab.

2.

Click Change SSID .

3.

In the New SSID dialog box, in the SSID box, enter the wireless LAN group name, and then click OK .

36

Click Wireless Tab

Click Change SSID

Enter New SSID

Click OK

Configuring the Access Point

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.”

For no encryption, the default Privacy Setting is Plain, which allows any wireless client computer to communicate with the Access Point without encryption.

To change the Privacy Setting from Plain to Encryption:

1.

In the Access Point Configuration dialog box, click the Wireless tab.

2.

Click Advanced .

3.

In the Advanced setting and configuration dialog box, click the Privacy tab.

4.

Click Encryption .

5.

In the Privacy Key box, enter a five-digit letter or number combination with no spaces.

6.

Click OK .

38

Click Wireless

Tab

Enter Privacy Key

Click OK

Configuring the Access Point

Click Advanced

Click Privacy Tab

Click Encryption

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.

In the Access Point Configuration dialog box, click the Wireless tab.

2.

Click Advanced .

3.

In the Advanced setting and configuration dialog box, click the

Transmission Rate tab.

4.

Click Fully auto or a specific rate.

5.

Click OK .

40

Click Wireless

Tab

Click Fully Auto or Specific Rate

Click OK

Configuring the Access Point

Click Advanced

Click Transmission

Rate Tab

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.

To change the RTS Threshold:

1.

In the Access Point Configuration dialog box, click the Wireless tab.

2.

Click Advanced .

3.

In the Advanced setting and configuration dialog box, click the RTS

Threshold tab.

4.

In the RTS Threshold box, enter a number between 100 and 2346.

5.

Click OK .

42

Click Wireless Tab

Enter Threshold Value

Click OK

Configuring the Access Point

Click Advanced

Click RTS Threshold Tab

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.

To change the Long/Short Retry Limit:

1.

In the Access Point Configuration dialog box, click the Wireless tab.

2.

Click Advanced .

3.

In the Advanced setting and configuration dialog box, click the Long/Short

Retry Limit tab.

4.

In the Long Retry Limit box, enter a number between 0 and 15.

5.

In the Short Retry Limit box, enter a number between 0 and 15.

6.

Click OK .

44

Click Wireless

Tab

Enter Long Retry Limit

Enter Short Retry Limit

Click OK

Configuring the Access Point

Click Advanced

Click Long/Short

Retry Limit Tab

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

Communication

Authority

North America FCC

Europe

Japan

ETSI

Channel Range

1 – 11

1 – 13

14 (2.471 – 2.497 GHz frequency band)

To change the Channel Settings:

1.

In the Access Point Configuration dialog box, click the Wireless tab.

2.

Click Advanced .

3.

In the Advanced setting and configuration dialog box, click the Channel tab.

4.

In the Channel Setting list, click Auto or a specific channel.

5.

Click OK .

46

Click Wireless

Tab

Click Auto or Specific Channel

Click OK

Configuring the Access Point

Click Advanced

Click Channel

Tab

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. The DNS server answers

DNS queries and keeps a database of host computers and their corresponding IP addresses. The DNS Server Address is the IP address of the computer to which the Access Point is connected.

The Boundary area is where the range of IP addresses for computers connected to the Access Point wireless LAN are defined, using the fourth component of the IP

Address.

To set up DHCP Service:

1.

In the Access Point Configuration dialog box, click the DHCP Service tab.

2.

Select the DHCP Service check box.

3.

In the DNS Server Address box, enter the IP Address for the DHCP Server.

Continue with step 4 on page 50.

48

Click DHCP Service

Tab

Select DHCP Service

Enter DHCP Server IP Address

Configuring the Access Point

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 .

50

Select Time to Lease

Select Number of Days

Select Number of Hours

Click Apply

Click Close

Configuring the Access Point

Select Boundary

Select Lower Limit

Select Upper Limit

51

Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide

If you have already set up and saved an ISP connection configuration in Dial-Up

Networking, click the Select from Dial-Up Networking button, select the ISP, then click OK .

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.

Click the DCE Setting tab.

4.

In the Connection box, enter the name of an ISP.

5.

In the User Name box, enter a user name.

6.

In the Password box, enter a valid password.

7.

In the Confirm box, enter the password again.

8.

In the Phone Number box, enter the ISP access phone number.

9.

Click Apply .

Continue with step 10 on page 54.

52

Click ICS Service Tab

Select ICS Enabled

Click DCE Setting Tab

Click Apply

Configuring the Access Point

Enter ISP Name

Enter User Name

Enter Password

Enter Password Again

Enter ISP Phone

Number

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.

54

Configuring the Access Point

Click Main Control Tab

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

Click Refresh

Click Dialup

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.

In the Confirm box, enter the new password again.

5.

Click OK .

56

Enter New Password

Enter Password Again

Click OK

Configuring the Access Point

Click Configuration Tab

Click Change Password

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.

In the Save As dialog box, select the folder you want to save the file in, enter the name of the new configuration file in the File name box, and then click

Save .

58

Select Folder

Enter File Name

Click Save

Configuring the Access Point

Click Configuration Tab

Click Save Configuration

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 .

60

Select Folder

Click File Name

Click Open

Configuring the Access Point

Click Configuration Tab

Click Load Configuration

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Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide

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.

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

To reboot the Access Point remotely from the Access Point Manager:

1.

In the Access Point Configuration dialog box, click the Configuration tab.

2.

Click Reboot AP .

3.

In the Confirm dialog box, click Yes .

The Access Point will cycle its power and then restart, using its current network configuration settings. The startup diagnostics take approximately 60 seconds to complete.

Rebooting Manually

To reboot the Access Point manually:

1.

Turn off the power to the Access Point by using the power switch on the back.

2.

Remove the power cable from its connection on the side of the Access Point.

3.

Wait 5 seconds.

4.

Plug in the power cable to the connector on the side of the Access Point.

5.

Turn on the power to the Access Point using the switch on the back.

62

Click Yes

Configuring the Access Point

Click Configuration Tab

Click Reboot AP

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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

Do not uninstall an earlier version of Access Point

Manager.

Upgrading 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.

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Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide

If directed to do so by a technical support technician, go to the directory where you saved the firmware upgrade file that you downloaded from the website.

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.

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 AP Firmware .

5.

In the Confirm dialog box, click OK .

6.

In the Open dialog box, go to the folder where Access Point Manager is installed, click the file named wlan_xxx.bin, where “xxx” represents the

Access Point firmware version, and then click Open .

7.

When the file has been loaded and saved, an “Upgrade success” message will be displayed, and the Access Point will reboot.

66

Upgrading

Click Configuration Tab

Click Upgrade AP Firmware

Click OK

Select Folder

Click File Name

Click Open

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Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide

If directed to do so by a technical support technician, go to the directory where you saved the firmware upgrade file that you downloaded from the website.

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 .

6.

In the Open dialog box, go to the folder where Access Point Manager is installed, and click the file named boot_xxx.bin, where “xxx” represents the

Access Point firmware version, and then click Open .

7.

When the file has been loaded and saved, an “Upgrade success” message will be displayed, and the Access Point will reboot.

68

Upgrading

Click Configuration Tab

Click Upgrade Card Firmware

Click OK

Select Folder

Click File Name

Click Open

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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 .

70

Click Yes

Uninstalling the Access Point Manager

Click Program

Name

Click Add/Remove

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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:

•

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.

•

Make sure the Access Point and wireless clients are configured with the same

SSID and channel. If you don’t know the SSID, use “any” in the SSID box on the wireless client Configuration page, or leave it blank.

•

If you are sure that the Access Point is configured properly, reboot the

Access Point.

72

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.

•

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio technician for help.

PCMCIA Card Not Detected

If the PCMCIA card is not detected by Windows, try the following:

•

Make sure the card is properly inserted in the PCMCIA slot.

•

Make sure the PCMCIA slot in your computer is working.

•

Contact your dealer for additional testing if there is a hardware problem with the PCMCIA card.

Cannot Connect to Another Wireless Client

If you cannot make a connection to another wireless client from your computer, it could be due to one of the following reasons:

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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. Check these settings in the TCP/IP

Properties dialog box in the Network Configuration tab.

Wireless Client Cannot Connect to Access Point

If you cannot make a connection to the Access Point, it could be due to one of the following reasons:

•

Make sure the wireless client and Access Point have no physical connection problems.

•

Make sure the SSID for the wireless client is the same as the Access Point, set to “any”, or is blank.

•

Make sure the Channel for the wireless client is set to the same number or is the same as the Access Point.

•

Make sure the Tx Rate for the wireless client is set to Fully Automatic or is the same as the Access Point.

74

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.

Taiwan Voice: +886-3-591-8089

Fax: +886-3-582-0037

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Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide

Glossary

10BaseT

Access Point

Ad Hoc

BSS

Channel

ESS

Ethernet

An IEEE standard (802.3) for operating 10 Mbps Ethernet networks (LANs) with twisted pair cabling and a wiring hub.

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.

A network composed solely of stations within mutual communication range of each other (no Access Point connected).

Basic Service Set . A set of stations controlled by a single coordination function.

A medium used to pass protocol data units that can be used simultaneously in the same volume of space by other channels of the same physical layer, with an acceptably low frame error ratio due to mutual interference.

Extended Service Set . A set of one or more interconnected Basic Service Sets

(BSSs) and integrated Local Area Networks (LANs) can be configured as an

Extended Service Set.

The most widely used medium access method, which is defined by the IEEE 802.3

standard. Ethernet is normally a shared media LAN; i.e., all the devices on the

76

Gateway

IEEE 802.11

Infrastructure

IP

IP Address

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.

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 802.5, the specification for token ring networks. 802.11 defines the standard for wireless

LANs encompassing three incompatible (non-interoperable) technologies:

Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS), Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum

(DSSS), and Infrared.

A wireless network centered around an Access Point. In this environment, the

Access Point not only provides communication with the wired network but also mediates wireless network traffic in the immediate neighborhood.

Internet Protocol . The standard protocol within TCP/IP that defines the basic unit of information passed across an Internet connection by breaking down data messages into packets, routing and transporting the packets over network connections, then reassembling the packets at their destination. IP corresponds to the network layer in the ISO/OSI model.

An IP address is a 32-bit number that identifies each sender or receiver of information sent across the Internet. An IP address has two parts: the identifier of a particular network on the Internet and an identifier of the particular device

(which can be a server or a workstation) within that network.

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Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide

ISP

LAN

MAC Address

NAT

PCMCIA

PS

Radio Frequency

Internet Service Provider . An organization that provides access to the Internet.

Small ISPs provide service via modem and ISDN while the larger ones also offer private line hookups (T1, fractional T1, etc.).

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. MAC addresses are used for mapping in

TCP/IP network communication.

Network Address Translation . The translation of an Internet Protocol address (IP address) used within one network to a different IP address known within another network. One network is designated the internal network and the other is the external. The internal network then appears as one entity to the outside world.

Personal Computer Memory Card International Association . This Association develops standards for PC cards, formerly known as PCMCIA cards. These cards are available in three types, and are about the same length and width as credit cards. However, the different cards range in thickness from 3.3 mm (Type I) to

5.0 mm (Type II) to 10.5 mm (Type III). These cards can be used for various functions, including memory storage, landline modems, and wireless modems.

Power Save Mode. This mode is recommended for devices where power consumption is a major concern, such as battery-powered devices.

RF , Terms: GHz, MHz, Hz —The international unit for measuring frequency is

Hertz (Hz), equivalent to the older unit of cycles per second. One megahertz

78

SSID

Subnet Mask

TCP

WEP

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.

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.

A value that defines whether your computer communicates only within your LAN or communicates outside of your LAN, where it is routed out to the rest of the

Internet. A Subnet Mask that has the same first three components (for example,

255.255.255.0) is the routing pattern for a Class C address.

Transmission Control Protocol . The standard transport level protocol that provides the full duplex, stream service on which many applications’ protocols depend. TCP allows a process on one machine to send a stream of data to a process on another. Software implementing TCP usually resides in the operating system and uses the IP to transmit information across the network.

Wired Equivalent Privacy . The optional cryptographic confidentiality algorithm specified by 802.11 used to provide data confidentiality that is subjectively equivalent to the confidentiality of a wired LAN medium that does not employ cryptographic techniques to enhance privacy.

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Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide

Index

1

10BaseT, 76

A

Access Point definition, 76 description, 1

Access Point Manager, 15 starting, 30

Access Point parameters, 29

Ad Hoc, 76

B

BSS, 76

80

C

Channel, 76

Channel setting, 36 configuring, 46

Configuration loading, 60 saving, 58

Configuring the Access Point, 28

D

Default settings, 28

Device Name changing, 32

DHCP, 13, 58

DHCP service setting up, 48

E

ESS, 76

Ethernet, 76

External Components, 2

F

Factory settings, 28

Firmware, 28

G

Gateway, 77

Glossary, 76

I

ICS, 14, 52

IEEE 802.11, 77

Infrastructure network, 1, 9, 77

Installing the Access Point Manager, 24

Internet connection sharing, 14

Internet Connection Sharing setting up, 52

Internet Service Provider, 14

IP, 77

IP address, 10, 29

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

MAC Address, 78

Manual reboot, 62

Modem, 2

Modem connections, 23

Mounting the Access Point to a vertical surface, 20

N

NAT, 78

Network, 1

Network connections, 22

81

Index

Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide

Network interface connection, 2

P

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 Access Point, 62

Remote reboot, 62

Reset button, 2

RJ-45, 18

RJ-45 connector, 2

RTS Threshold setting configuring, 42

82

S

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

T

TCP, 79

TCP/IP, 10, 15

Technical Support, 75

Transmission Rate setting configuring, 40

Troubleshooting, 72 cannot connect to a wireless client, 74 cannot establish wireless link, 72 card not detected, 73

PCMCIA card not detected, 73

Radio Interference, 73 wireless client cannot connect to Access Point, 74

U

Uninstalling the Access Point Manager, 70

Upgrading

Access Point, 64

Access Point firmware, 66

Access Point Manager, 65

PCMCIA Card Firmeware, 68

W

WEP, 79

Wired client, 22

Wireless client, 22

Wireless LAN settings configuring, 36

Index

83