Wireless LAN Ethernet Bridge User Guide (Draft Copy) Fully featured wireless local area networking made simple Version 1.0 http://www.3com.com/ http://support.3com.com/warrantyregistration/register.pl Published December 2001 Version 1.
3Com Corporation ■ 5400 Bayfront Plaza ■ Santa Clara, California ■ 95052-8145 Copyright © 2001, 3Com Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this documentation may be reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any derivative work (such as translation, transformation, or adaptation) without written permission from 3Com Corporation.
CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION How Does a Wireless LAN Work? Network Association 5 Roaming 5 Security 5 Ad Hoc Networks 5 Setting Up a 3Com Wireless LAN All Wireless Networks 6 Wired/Wireless Networks 6 Product Registration and Support 2 5 6 7 INSTALLING THE WIRELESS BRIDGE Requirements 9 Disk Factory 9 Inserting the Ethernet Bridge 10 Installing the Software 11 Windows Wizard Installation 11 Installing Files 11 Setting Up the Ethernet Bridge 12 Installing Utilities 12 Windows NT Installation with Networkin
Using the 3Com WLAN Configuration Utility Using 3Com Administrator Utilities 21 4 20 CONFIGURING THE WIRELESS CLIENT Changing Network and Security Settings 23 Network Settings 23 Security Settings 24 40-bit Shared Key (Wi-Fi) Encryption Settings 128-bit Shared Key Encryption 25 128-bit Dynamic Security Link Settings 26 Setting up Auto Network Connect 26 Setting up an Ad Hoc Network 27 Starting an Ad Hoc Network Session 27 Joining an Ad Hoc Network Session 27 Ending an Ad Hoc Network Session 28 Changing P
INTRODUCTION 1 3Com wireless technology brings the benefits of a local area network (LAN) to your office without the restraints and expense of network wiring. If your office already has an Ethernet LAN, the 3Com 11 Wireless Ethernet LAN Bridge can extend the network without adding more wires. How Does a Wireless LAN Work? Network Association In a traditional LAN, computers communicate through wires. Instead of wires, a wireless LAN uses radio signals to communicate.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION Setting Up a 3Com Wireless LAN All Wireless Networks The type of network you decide to set up depends on the size of your office and whether or not you require connection to a wired LAN. You can also set up security for each of the different types of networks. Your setup will probably resemble one or more of the following examples. The simplest 3Com wireless LAN consists of several clients associating in an ad hoc network without an access point.
Product Registration and Support 7 Product Registration and Support ET EL IR W ET EL ES W IR PO W ER S HE RN ET PO W ER ES S HE RN ET Multiple access points can be connected to an existing LAN to provide complete wireless network coverage. Wireless clients can roam seamlessly between different access points with the same WLAN service areas and remain associated with the larger network. To register your product with 3Com, go to the following Web page: http://support.3com.
2 INSTALLING THE WIRELESS BRIDGE Installing a wireless client consists of inserting the 3Com Wireless Ethernet LAN Bridge to your computer and installing the software driver and utilities. If you have 3Com Administrator Utilities installed on a wireless client, you can manage access points or run a site survey. Requirements Before you start the installation, make sure that you have the following items: Computer Any computer with an Ethernet (RJ-45) port.
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE WIRELESS BRIDGE diskettes from the 3Com CD. The setup application includes Disk Factory, a utility for creating disks from CD. To use Disk Factory, you need access to a computer with a CD-ROM drive and a floppy drive and eight or more diskettes. Make sure you have enough diskettes on hand. 1 For the driver software, prepare two diskettes, one labelled NT Drivers, and the other labelled 9X and 2K Driver.
Installing the Software ■ Installing the Software 11 Even a slight change in antenna orientation can affect the network association. If necessary, move your computer a few inches to find a better signal. Depending on how your computer is set up, the installation program may ask for the operating system installation media (usually a CD supplied with your computer) or for a path to the operating system files.
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE WIRELESS BRIDGE Setting Up the Ethernet Bridge After the computer restarts, the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Client Setup window opens, in which you specify the Ethernet Bridge configuration. 1 In the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Client Setup window, select Typical and click Next.
Windows NT Installation with Networking Installed Windows NT Installation with Networking Installed 13 Use one of the following procedures if you are running Windows NT and networking is already installed on your computer. If networking is not already installed, see “Windows NT Installation Without Networking Installed” on page 45. If Softex Card Executive is already installed on your computer, see “Windows NT Installation With Softex Card Executive” on page 49.
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE WIRELESS BRIDGE If you are installing from diskettes, enter the path to the diskette drive. 9 In the Select OEM Option window, select 3Com 3CRWE62092A Wireless Ethernet Bridge and click OK. 10 In the Ethernet Bridge Setup window, accept the default settings and click OK. The default settings work in most cases. However, you may need to specify values for your installation. Wait while the files are copied. 11 In the Adapters tab, click Close.
Confirming the Installation 15 If you want to customize the Ethernet Bridge configuration (to add security, for example), select Custom. See “Custom Installation Options” on page 16 for details on custom settings. For the fastest installation, it is recommended that you use the Typical settings. You can customize the configuration later as described in “Configuring the Wireless Client” on page 23. 2 In the Summary window, review the Ethernet BridgeEthernet Bridge setup and click Finish.
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE WIRELESS BRIDGE If you do not see the 3Com WLAN Launcher window, click the 3Com icon in the Windows system tray to display it. If the 3Com WLAN Launcher is not already running, you can start it by double clicking the shortcut on your desktop, or, from the Windows Start menu, select Start/Programs/3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN/3Com WLAN Launcher. For more information, see “Using the Wireless LAN” on page 19.
Custom Installation Options 17 4 Click Next when finished. To enter hexadecimal keys: 1 In the Security settings window, select 40-bit Shared Key (Wi-Fi) and click Next. 2 In the Encryptions Settings window, select Hexadecimal Keys. 3 Type the encryption key sequences in the spaces provided. You must enter key sequences for all four keys. 4 Click one of the radio buttons to select a key to use for encrypting data from your computer. 5 Click Next when finished.
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE WIRELESS BRIDGE 3 In the Authentication Settings window, type the user name and password in the spaces provided. 4 Enter the password again to confirm it. 5 Click Next when finished. Installing the Documentation Documentation in PDF and HTML formats is supplied on the 3Com CD and is installed automatically during a typical installation.
3 USING THE WIRELESS LAN The 3Com WLAN Launcher shows the status of your network association and allows you to perform network association and configuration tasks. To display the 3Com WLAN Launcher, click the 3Com icon in the Windows system tray. If the 3Com WLAN Launcher is not already running, you can start it from the Windows Start menu. Select Start/Programs/3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN/3Com WLAN Launcher.
CHAPTER 3: USING THE WIRELESS LAN About the 3Com Icon When the 3Com WLAN Launcher is running, the 3Com icon in the Windows system tool tray displays the status of the network association: Associating Blue magnifying glass indicates client is searching for a network association. Associated Green radio waves indicate a good association with an access point. Not Associated Red circle with a white X indicates no association with an access point.
Using 3Com Administrator Utilities 21 The 3Com WLAN Configuration Utility window contains these tabs: Using 3Com Administrator Utilities ■ Network/Security—See “Changing Network and Security Settings” on page 23 and “Setting up an Ad Hoc Network” on page 27. ■ Options—See “Changing Power, Traffic, and Address Settings” on page 28. ■ Tools—See “Changing Your Password” on page 29, “Running Diagnostics” on page 29, or “Upgrading Ethernet Bridge Firmware” on page 36.
CHAPTER 3: USING THE WIRELESS LAN The Tools tab contains these tools: ■ Change Password—Changes the wireless client password. See “Changing Your Password” on page 29. ■ Firmware Upgrade—Upgrades the firmware on the wireless client. See “Upgrading Ethernet Bridge Firmware” on page 36. ■ Diagnostics—Runs diagnostics on the wireless client. See “Running Diagnostics” on page 29.
4 Changing Network and Security Settings CONFIGURING THE WIRELESS CLIENT You can change security and network settings for the wireless client in the Network/Security tab. 1 In the Windows system tray, click the 3Com icon to display the 3Com WLAN Launcher. If the 3Com WLAN Launcher is not already running, you can start it from the Windows Start menu. Select Start/Programs/3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN/3Com WLAN Launcher. 2 In WLAN Launcher, click the Padlock icon.
CHAPTER 4: CONFIGURING THE WIRELESS CLIENT 3 In the Security/Network window, WLAN Service Area displays the name of the wireless network with which the wireless PC client can associate. You can change this setting as follows: Attach to any WLAN Service Area automatically Check this box to associate the client automatically to the WLAN service area with the best signal strength. This is recommended. Specify a WLAN Service Area First uncheck the Attach to any WLAN Service Area automatically box.
Changing Network and Security Settings 25 encryption string can be used only with other 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN clients and access point 6000 units. ■ Hexadecimal keys are sequences of hexadecimal digits arranged into four keys. A hexadecimal digit may be a letter from A to F or a number from 0 to 9. This type of encryption is compatible with Wi-Fi certified equipment from other manufacturers.
CHAPTER 4: CONFIGURING THE WIRELESS CLIENT To enter hexadecimal keys: 1 In the Security settings window, select 128-bit Shared Key and click Next. 2 In the Encryptions Settings window, select Hexadecimal Keys. 3 Type the encryption key sequences in the spaces provided. You must enter key sequences for all four keys. 4 Click one of the radio buttons to select a key to use for encrypting data from your computer. 5 Click Next when finished.
Setting up an Ad Hoc Network Setting up an Ad Hoc Network 27 An ad hoc network is useful when you are out of the range of an access point or when you want to share files with others, but not with the entire network. When two or more clients are in ad hoc mode and within range of each other, they can communicate with each other directly through their 3Com Wireless LAN clients without an access point. One client starts the ad hoc session and names it. Other clients can then join the ad hoc network session.
CHAPTER 4: CONFIGURING THE WIRELESS CLIENT 4 Set your security to match that of the client that started the ad hoc session. 5 Set the performance mode to match that of the client that started the ad hoc session. 6 Click OK. Ending an Ad Hoc Network Session Changing Power, Traffic, and Address Settings There are two ways to end an ad hoc network session and reassociate with an access point: ■ Right-click the 3Com icon in the Windows system tray and select End Ad Hoc/Connect to AP from the menu.
Changing Your Password 29 This option requires a Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP) server, and only works when associating with a 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Access Point 6000. The client’s network configuration must be set to obtain its IP address automatically. For more information on DHCP, refer to the documentation for your operating system. When this box is checked, your computer automatically requests another IP address if you travel outside of your subnet, so the network connection remains active.
CHAPTER 4: CONFIGURING THE WIRELESS CLIENT Viewing Configuration Information The Info tab summarizes configuration information about the Ethernet Bridge and the wireless LAN. To view configuration information: 1 In the Windows system tray, click the 3Com icon to display the 3Com WLAN Launcher. If the 3Com WLAN Launcher is not already running, you can start it from the Windows Start menu. Select Start/Programs/3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN/3Com WLAN Launcher.
5 Diagnosing Problems TROUBLESHOOTING The icons in the 3Com WLAN Launcher window indicate the network status and can help you diagnose problems. To display the 3Com WLAN Launcher, double-click the 3Com icon in the Windows system tray. If you have difficulty using the Ethernet Bridge, try the solutions in the following table. If you continue to experience difficulty, see “Upgrading Ethernet Bridge Firmware” on page 36 . Symptom Solutions Ethernet Bridge LED is off.
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING Symptom Solutions Client cannot associate with an Click the Padlock icon to display Security/Network settings. access point. Make sure that the WLAN Service Area set on the client matches that set on the access point. Or, set the client to In the WLAN Launcher Attach to any WLAN Service Area. window, you see a red dotted line with an X. Make sure that encryption is set up correctly and matches security set on the access point.
Uninstalling Software Utilities Uninstalling Software Utilities 33 If you want to uninstall the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN software utilities, you can either use the standard operating system procedure for removing programs or use the following shortcut procedure: 1 From the Windows Start menu, select Programs, then 3Com 11Mbps Wireless LAN, then Uninstall 3Com 11Mbps Wireless LAN. 2 When prompted to confirm, click OK.
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING 14 Read the Welcome page and click Next. 15 In the Setup Complete window, click Finish. 16 If you are prompted to restart your computer, do so. The software is now updated. Windows Millenium Edition (Windows Me) 1 Turn on the power to the computer and start Windows. 2 From the Windows Start menu, select Settings, then select Control Panel. 3 Double-click the System icon, then select Device Manager. 4 In the Device Manager window, expand the Network Adapters list.
Updating Ethernet Bridge Driver Software 35 9 In the next window, select the Driver tab. 10 Click Update Driver. 11 In the Upgrade Device Driver Wizard, follow the prompts to install the upgrade: a In the Install Hardware Device Driver window, click the Display list of known drivers so that I can choose a specific driver radio button and click Next. b In the next window, click Have Disk. In the dialog box, specify the directory where you downloaded the software and click Continue.
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING 8 Follow the prompts to update the driver. 9 Restart the computer. 10 If the 3Com WLAN Launcher is already running, it is recommended that you exit it and end the Ethernet Bridge service routine: a In the Windows system tray, right-click the 3Com icon and select Exit. b Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to bring up the Close Program window. c In the Close Program window, select SR Services and click End Task. 11 Run the Setup program: a From the Windows Start menu, select Run.
Upgrading Ethernet Bridge Firmware When the upgrade is finished, restart the computer.
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING
A TECHNICAL SUPPORT 3Com provides easy access to technical support information through a variety of services. This appendix describes these services. Information contained in this appendix is correct at time of publication. For the most recent information, 3Com recommends that you access the 3Com Corporation World Wide Web site.
APPENDIX A: TECHNICAL SUPPORT Support from Your Network Supplier If you require additional assistance, consult your network supplier. Many suppliers are authorized 3Com service partners who are qualified to provide a variety of services, including network planning, installation, hardware maintenance, application training, and support services.
Support from 3Com Country Europe, Middle East, and Africa From anywhere in these regions, call: Telephone Number +44 (0)1442 435529 phone +44 (0)1442 436722 fax Europe and South Africa From the following countries, you may use the toll-free numbers: Austria Belgium Denmark Finland France Germany Hungary Ireland Israel Italy Luxembourg Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal South Africa Spain Sweden Switzerland U.K.
APPENDIX A: TECHNICAL SUPPORT Returning Products for Repair Before you send a product directly to 3Com for repair, you must first obtain an authorization number. Products sent to 3Com without authorization numbers will be returned to the sender unopened, at the sender’s expense.
INDEX Numbers 128-bit Dynamic Security Link 17, 24, 26 128-bit Shared Key Encryption 17, 25 3Com Administrator Utilities CD 9 3Com CDs 9 3Com End User Utilities CD 9 3Com icon, in Windows system tray 20 3Com Knowledgebase Web Services 39 3Com URL 39 3Com WLAN Configuration Utility 20 3Com WLAN Launcher 19 40-bit Shared Key (Wi-Fi) security 16, 24 A access point 5 ad hoc network 5, 6, 27 antenna, adjusting 10 association 5 association, maintaining across subnets 26 Auto Network Connect 26 B base station 5
U upgrading PC Card firmware 36 URL 39 W warranty, registration 7 Web browser requirements 9 Windows system tray, 3Com icon 20 wireless 5 association (connection) 5 clients, defined 5 wireless LAN 5 wireless LAN service area 6, 23 WLAN Configuration Utility 20 WLAN launcher 19 WLAN service area 6 setting up 23 World Wide Web (WWW) 39
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE INFORMATION FCC RADIO-FREQUENCY EXPOSURE NOTICE This device generates and radiates radio-frequency energy. In order to comply with FCC radio-frequency radiation exposure guidelines for an uncontrolled environment, this equipment has to be installed and operated while maintaining a minimum body to antenna distance of 2.5 cm. This product does not contain any user serviceable components.
■ UL Standard 1950 / CSA C22.2 No. 950 ■ IEC 60950 ■ EN 60950 Published September, 2001 User Guide Version 2.0.
