FCC ID: H8NRTW010 11Mbps Wireless LAN Access Point

Wireless LAN Access Point Users 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 Users 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 Users 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 Users 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 Users 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 Ready Link Color Green Green State On Blinking Wireless station communicating with the Description Access Point is in ready mode. WireLink Orange On WireAct Orange Blinking LineLink Red LineAct Red On Blinking 4 Access Point. Access Point is connected to an Ethernet network hub or switch through the RJ-45 port. Access Point is transmitting or receiving data through the Ethernet port. Access Point is connected to a modem. Access Point is transmitting or receiving data through the COM port to a modem. Link WireLink Ready WireAct LineLink LineAct Introduction 5 Wireless LAN Access Point Users 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 Users 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 8 Access Point Wireless LAN Networking Infrastructure Network In an infrastructure network, the Access Point connects clients to a wired network. This enables the wireless clients to access all computers and peripherals on the wired network. Multiple Access Points can be used to achieve seamless wireless access throughout an extended service area. All Access Points and wireless clients must have the same Group ID. Roaming among different Access Points is controlled automatically to maintain the wireless connection at all times. Wireless Client Access Point Wireless Client Hub or Switch Wired Client Network Server 9 Wireless LAN Access Point Users 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. 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 dont 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). 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. 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 Users 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 administrators 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 Users 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 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). All Access Points are shipped with a factory-

set IP Address of 192.168.1.1 to allow your APM computer to communicate with new Access Points. 15 Wireless LAN Access Point Users 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. Hub or Switch Access Point Wired Client 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. Access Point Wireless Client 17 Wireless LAN Access Point Users 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 Installing the Wireless LAN Access Point PCMCIA Card Access Point AC Power Adapter RJ-45 Ethernet Cable 19 Wireless LAN Access Point Users 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 Installing the Wireless LAN Access Point 2 inches

(70 mm) 21 Wireless LAN Access Point Users Guide Making Network Connections 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 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 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. You can also enter any in the SSID box, or leave it blank. 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 cords 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 Users 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 Click Next Enter Your Name Enter Company Name Click Next Installing the Access Point Manager Click Next 25 Wireless LAN Access Point Users 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 Click Next Click Next Installing the Access Point Manager Click Finish 27 Wireless LAN Access Point Users 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 Configuring the Access Point Access Point Parameter IP Address Subnet Mask Password RF-Channel Number SSID MAC Address Encryption Key Transmission Rate Factory Setting 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0 1234567890 Channel 1 (2.412 GHz) WLAN_abcdef

(where abcdef represents the first three-

byte characters of the unique MAC address) MAC address of network device 12345 (Encryption disabled) Auto 29 Wireless LAN Access Point Users Guide Starting the Access Point Manager Click Start, point to Programs, point to WirelessHome, and then click APM

(Access Point Manager). Changing the Access Point IP Address 1. In the Access Point Manager dialog box, click Search to display your Access Point device, and then click the Change IP button. 2. In the Confirm message box, to continue click OK. 3. In the New Access Points IP Address box, enter a valid static four-

component 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. 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. 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 Users 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 Users 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 Users 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. Configuring the SSID The SSID must be the same for each client computer so that they can establish a connection with each other on the network. 36 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. Click Wireless Tab Click Change SSID Enter New SSID Click OK Configuring the Access Point 37 Wireless LAN Access Point Users 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 Configuring the Access Point Click Advanced Click Privacy Tab Click Encryption Enter Privacy Key Click OK 39 Wireless LAN Access Point Users 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 Configuring the Access Point Click Advanced Click Transmission Rate Tab Click Fully Auto or Specific Rate Click OK 41 Wireless LAN Access Point Users 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 Configuring the Access Point Click Advanced Click RTS Threshold Tab Click Wireless Tab Enter Threshold Value Click OK 43 Wireless LAN Access Point Users 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 Configuring the Access Point Click Advanced Click Long/Short Retry Limit Tab Enter Long Retry Limit Enter Short Retry Limit Click OK 45 Wireless LAN Access Point Users Guide Configuring the Channel Setting The Access Point can be configured to automatically select a channel to communicate with a wireless client, or you can select a fixed channel if you are experiencing interference or need to use a specific channel. The table below lists the channels between 1 and 14 that are available for your region. Region North America Europe Japan Communication Authority FCC ETSI Channel Range 1 11 1 13 14 (2.471 2.497 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 Configuring the Access Point Click Advanced Click Channel Tab Click Auto or Specific Channel Click OK 47 Wireless LAN Access Point Users 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 Users 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 Configuring the Access Point Select Boundary Select Lower Limit Select Upper Limit 51 Select Time to Lease Select Number of Days Select Number of Hours Click Apply Click Close Wireless LAN Access Point Users Guide Setting Up Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) The Access Point allows multiple wireless clients to share a modem and a single ISP account. Use the ICS Service page of the Access Point Configuration dialog box to connect to an Internet Service Provider using an external modem that is connected to the Access Point. To connect to an ISP:

1. In the Access Point Configuration dialog box, click the ICS Service tab. 2. Select the ICS Enabled check box. 3. 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. 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. 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 Users Guide 10. Click the Main Control tab. 11. Click the Refresh button. 12. Click Dialup to connect to the ISP. 54 Click Main Control Tab Configuring the Access Point Click Refresh Click Dialup ICS Status Icons Access Point has a PCMCIA card and is connected to wired client Modem is connected to Access Point Modem is dialing ISP phone number 55 Wireless LAN Access Point Users 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 Configuring the Access Point Click Configuration Tab Click Change Password 57 Enter New Password Enter Password Again Click OK Wireless LAN Access Point Users 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 Configuring the Access Point Click Configuration Tab Click Save Configuration Select Folder Enter File Name Click Save 59 Wireless LAN Access Point Users 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 Configuring the Access Point Click Configuration Tab Click Load Configuration Select Folder Click File Name Click Open 61 Wireless LAN Access Point Users Guide Rebooting the Access Point If the Access Point has stopped responding to commands for any reason, it can be rebooted either remotely or manually. Rebooting Remotely 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. 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. 62 Configuring the Access Point Click Configuration Tab Click Reboot AP Click Yes 63 Wireless LAN Access Point Users 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. 65 Wireless LAN Access Point Users Guide Upgrading Access Point Firmware The Access Point operates using firmware, which is a set of factory-installed software instructions stored in read-only memory (ROM). The Access Point firmware is in the form of a binary file of the format wlan_xxx (where xxx identifies the Access Point firmware version). A copy of this file is stored in the folder where the Access Point Manager was installed. To upgrade the Access Point firmware:

1. 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. 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. 66 Upgrading Click Configuration Tab Click Upgrade AP Firmware Click OK Select Folder Click File Name Click Open 67 Wireless LAN Access Point Users Guide Upgrading PCMCIA Card Firmware To upgrade the PCMCIA card firmware:

1. Download the updated file from the FTP site as instructed by a technical support technician. 2. Copy the file into the same folder where Access Point Manager is installed. 3. In the Access Point Configuration dialog box, click the Configuration tab. 4. Click Upgrade Card Firmware. 5. In the Confirm dialog box, click OK. 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. 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. 68 Upgrading Click Configuration Tab Click Upgrade Card Firmware Click OK Select Folder Click File Name Click Open 69 Wireless LAN Access Point Users 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 Uninstalling the Access Point Manager Click Program Name Click Add/Remove Click Yes 71 Wireless LAN Access Point Users 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 dont 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:

73 Wireless LAN Access Point Users Guide Incorrect SSID. Make sure the SSID is the same for all wireless clients. If you dont 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 75 Wireless LAN Access Point Users 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. 77 Wireless LAN Access Point Users Guide ISP LAN MAC Address NAT PCMCIA PS Radio Frequency 78 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 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 0.551.6 MHz, the FM broadcast radio frequency band is 88108 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. SSID Subnet Mask TCP WEP 79 Wireless LAN Access Point Users 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 Index 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 Wireless LAN Access Point Users 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