OfficeConnect® Wireless 11g Access Point User Guide 3CRWE454G72 http://www.3com.com/ Part No. DUA0045-4AAA01 Rev.
3Com Corporation 5500 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, California 95052-8145 Copyright © 2003, 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 ABOUT THIS GUIDE Naming Convention 7 Conventions 8 Feedback about this User Guide Related Documentation 9 Product Registration 9 1 8 INTRODUCING THE ACCESS POINT OfficeConnect Wireless 11g Access Point 12 Access Point Advantages 13 Package Contents 13 Minimum System and Component Requirements Front Panel 14 Rear Panel 16 2 HARDWARE INSTALLATION Introduction 17 Safety Information 17 Positioning the Access Point 17 Using the Rubber Feet 18 Wall Mounting 18 Powering Up the Access Point 19 Connect
ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION Navigating Through the Access Point Configuration Pages Main Menu 31 Option Tabs 32 Welcome Screen 32 Notice Board 33 Password 33 Wizard 34 LAN Settings 34 Unit Configuration 34 DHCP Clients List 38 Wireless Settings 39 Configuration 39 Encryption 41 Configuring WPA Encryption 41 Configuring WEP Encryption 42 Connection Control 44 Client List 47 Profile 48 System Tools 50 Restart 50 Configuration 50 Upgrade 51 Status and Logs 53 Status 54 Logs 54 Support and Feedback 54 5 CLI
Restart 63 Status and Logs 63 Support and Feedback 6 63 TROUBLESHOOTING Basic Connection Checks 65 Browsing to the Access Point Configuration Screens 65 Forgotten Password and Reset to Factory Defaults 66 Wireless Networking 66 Alert LED 68 Recovering from Corrupted Software 68 Frequently Asked Questions 69 A USING DISCOVERY Running the Discovery Application 71 Windows Installation (95/98/2000/Me/NT) B 71 IP ADDRESSING The Internet Protocol Suite 73 Managing the Access Point over the Network 73 IP A
D SAFETY INFORMATION E END USER SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT GLOSSARY INDEX REGULATORY NOTICES FOR THE WIRELESS 11G ACCESS POINT
ABOUT THIS GUIDE This guide describes how to install and configure the OfficeConnect Wireless 11g Access Point (3CRWE454G72). This guide is intended for use by those responsible for installing and setting up network equipment; consequently, it assumes a basic working knowledge of LANs (Local Area Networks). If a release note is shipped with the OfficeConnect Wireless 11g Access Point and contains information that differs from the information in this guide, follow the information in the release note.
ABOUT THIS GUIDE Conventions Table 1 and Table 2 list conventions that are used throughout this guide. Table 1 Notice Icons Icon Notice Type Description Information note Information that describes important features or instructions. Caution Information that alerts you to potential loss of data or potential damage to an application, system, or device. Warning Information that alerts you to potential personal injury.
Conventions 9 Example: ■ OfficeConnect Wireless 11g Access Point User Guide ■ Part Number DUA0045-4AAA01 ■ Page 24 Do not use this e-mail address for technical support questions. For information about contacting Technical Support, please refer to the Support and Safety Information sheet. Related Documentation Product Registration In addition to this guide, each Access Point document set includes one Installation Guide.
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
1 INTRODUCING THE ACCESS POINT Welcome to the world of networking with 3Com®. In the modern business environment, communication and sharing information is crucial. Computer networks have proved to be one of the fastest modes of communication but, until recently, only large businesses could afford the networking advantage. The OfficeConnect® product range from 3Com has changed all this, bringing networks to the small office.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCING THE ACCESS POINT OfficeConnect Wireless 11g Access Point The OfficeConnect Wireless 11g Access Point is designed to provide a cost-effective means of connecting wired and wireless networks. A single Access Point makes the Internet, e-mail and network resources, such as printers, available to dozens of wireless clients. Because the Access Point is a WI-FI certified device, you can be sure it will work reliably with certified equipment from other manufacturers.
Access Point Advantages Access Point Advantages The advantages of the Access Point include: ■ Cross-platform operation for compatibility with Windows, Unix and Macintosh computers ■ Easy-to-use, Web-based setup and configuration ■ Provides centralization of all network address settings (DHCP) ■ Shares network resources between both wired and wireless computers ■ Operates as either: ■ ■ ■ Package Contents 13 an Access Point (providing networking for wireless clients) a Client Bridge (providin
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCING THE ACCESS POINT Minimum System and Component Requirements Front Panel Your Access Point requires that the computer(s) and components in your network be configured with at least the following: ■ A computer with an operating system that supports TCP/IP networking protocols (for example Windows 95/98/NT/Me/2000/XP, Unix, Mac OS 8.5 or higher). ■ An Ethernet 10Mbps or 10/100 Mbps or 10/100/1000 Mbps NIC. ■ An 802.11b or 802.11g wireless NIC.
Front Panel 15 In each of these cases, wait until the Access Point has completed the current operation and the alert LED is Off. Flashing slowly - The Access Point has completed the Reset to Factory Defaults process, and is waiting for you to release the reset button. The Access Point will then enter the start-up sequence and resume normal operation.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCING THE ACCESS POINT Rear Panel The rear panel (Figure 3) of the Access Point contains one LAN port, a reset button, a power adapter OK LED and a power adapter socket. Figure 3 Access Point - Rear Panel 6 7 5 8 9 5 OK Ethernet RESET 5 Wireless Antennae The antennae on the product should be placed in a ‘V’ position when initially installed. CAUTION: Do not force the antennae round further than 90 degrees in either direction.
2 Introduction HARDWARE INSTALLATION This chapter will guide you through a basic installation of the Access Point, including: ■ Connecting the Access Point to your network. ■ Setting up your computers for networking with the Access Point. Safety Information WARNING: Please read the “Safety Information” section in Appendix D before you start. VORSICHT: Bitte lesen Sie den Abschnitt “Wichtige Sicherheitshinweise” sorgfältig durch, bevor Sie das Gerät einschalten.
CHAPTER 2: HARDWARE INSTALLATION When positioning your Access Point, ensure: Using the Rubber Feet Wall Mounting ■ It is out of direct sunlight and away from sources of heat. ■ Cabling is away from power lines, fluorescent lighting fixtures, and sources of electrical noise such as radios, transmitters and broadband amplifiers. ■ Water or moisture cannot enter the case of the unit. ■ Air flow around the unit and through the vents in the side of the case is not restricted.
Powering Up the Access Point Powering Up the Access Point 19 To power up the Access Point: 1 Plug the power adapter into the power adapter socket located on the back panel of the Access Point. 2 Plug the power adapter into a standard electrical wall socket. Connecting the Access Point The first step for installing your Access Point is to physically connect it to a switch or hub. See Figure 4.
CHAPTER 2: HARDWARE INSTALLATION
3 Accessing the Wizard RUNNING THE SETUP WIZARD 3Com recommends that you perform the initial Access Point configuration from a computer that is directly connected to the LAN port and not from a wireless connection. However, you may configure the Access Point from a wireless admin computer but, note that you may lose contact with the Access Point if you change the wireless configuration.
CHAPTER 3: RUNNING THE SETUP WIZARD Figure 5 Discovery Welcome Screen 3 When the Welcome screen is displayed, select the NIC from which the Access Point will be discovered. Then click on Next and wait until the application discovers the Access Points connected to your LAN. Figure 6 Discovered Access Point Screen 4 Figure 6 shows an example Discovered Devices screen. Highlight the Wireless 11g Access Point by clicking on it, and press Next.
Accessing the Wizard 23 Figure 7 Discovery Finish Screen 5 Click on Finish to launch a web browser and display the login page for the Access Point as shown in Figure 8. 6 To log in, enter the password (the default setting is admin) in the System Password field and click Log in (Figure 8).
CHAPTER 3: RUNNING THE SETUP WIZARD 7 If the password is correct, the Country & Mode Selection screen appears. (Figure 9) a Select the country in which the Access Point is to operate. b Select the wireless mode for the Access point: ■ ■ Select Access Point (default) if the Access Point is to be used to provide networking for wireless clients. See Chapter 4 for configuration information.
Accessing the Wizard ■ 25 If your Access Point has not been configured before, the Wizard will launch automatically (refer to Figure 11). 9 Click Next. 10 You will be guided step by step through a basic setup procedure.
CHAPTER 3: RUNNING THE SETUP WIZARD Password Figure 12 Change Administration Password Screen When the Change Administration Password screen (Figure 12) appears, type the Old Password, then a new password in both the New Password and Confirm Password boxes. 3Com recommends entering a new password when setting up the Access Point for the first time. The Access Point is shipped from the factory with a default password, admin. 1. Password is case sensitive. 2.
Accessing the Wizard 27 Obtain IP Address automatically - The Access Point will obtain an IP address from a DHCP server already operating on your network. Specify an IP address manually - Select this option to manually configure the IP address of the Access Point. The screen shown in Figure 14 is displayed. This screen displays a suggested LAN IP address and subnet mask of the Access Point. It also allows you to change the IP address and subnet mask.
CHAPTER 3: RUNNING THE SETUP WIZARD Figure 15 DHCP Server Setup Screen This screen displays a suggested LAN IP address and subnet mask of the Access Point. It also allows you to change the IP address and subnet mask. Two further fields are available for you to enter the Start address of an address pool and an End address. The largest available continuous IP pool will be automatically entered; if this is not appropriate, make your required changes.
Accessing the Wizard 29 the number available to you is dependent on the country in which you reside. 1 Select a channel for the Access Point to use or Clear Channel Select if you want the Access Point to choose an unused channel on start-up. 2 Enter a Service Area Name/SSID. The Service Area Name default for 3Com products is “3Com”. Up to 32 (case sensitive) characters can be entered for the Service Area Name. 3Com strongly recommends that you change the SSID to something other than the default.
CHAPTER 3: RUNNING THE SETUP WIZARD Summary Figure 17 Configuration Summary Screen When you complete the Setup Wizard, a configuration summary will display. Verify the configuration information of the Access Point and then click Finish to save your settings. 3Com recommends that you print this page for your records.
4 ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION Navigating Through the Access Point Configuration Pages This chapter describes all the screens available through the Access Point configuration pages, and is provided as a reference. To get to the configuration pages, browse to the Access Point by entering the URL in the location bar of your browser. The URL is http://, for example http://192.168.1.1. When you have browsed to the Access Point, log in using your system password (default admin).
CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION Option Tabs Each corresponding menu page may also provide sub-sections which are accessed through the use of tabs (see Figure 18 for example). To access a sub-section, simply click on the required tab. Getting Help On every screen, a Help button is available which provides access to the context-sensitive online help system. Click Help for further assistance and guidance relating to the current screen.
Welcome Screen Notice Board 33 Figure 19 Notice Board Screen The Notice Board is used to display configuration warning messages. Password Figure 20 Password Screen Changing the Administration Password You can change the password to prevent unauthorized access to the Administration System.
CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION The password is case sensitive. If you have forgotten your password you need to reset the Access Point. See “Forgotten Password and Reset to Factory Defaults” on page 66 Wizard Figure 21 Wizard Screen Click WIZARD... to launch the configuration wizard. Refer to Chapter 3 for information on how to run the wizard.
LAN Settings 35 Figure 22 Unit Configuration Screen Dynamic IP Address 3Com recommends that you manually assign your Access Point a static IP address. Select Dynamic IP Address (automatically allocated) and the screen shown in Figure 22 is displayed. Check all your settings and click Apply. If the Access Point is set to obtain an IP address automatically and is unable to contact a DHCP server then it will allocate itself an address in the 169.254.xxx.xxx range.
CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION Manually setting the IP address 3Com recommends that you assign your Access Point a static IP address. 1 Select Unit Configuration and then select Static IP Address (to be specified manually). The screen shown in Figure 23 is displayed. Figure 23 Unit Configuration Screen For Static IP Address 2 Enter the Access Point IP Address and Subnet Mask in the LAN Settings field. The default static IP address of the Access Point is 192.168.1.1.
LAN Settings 37 If you want the Access Point to function as a DHCP server on your network, carry out the following: 1 Select Unit Configuration and then select Static IP Address (to be specified manually). The screen shown in Figure 23 is displayed. 2 Enter the IP address details as described in “Manually setting the IP address” and click Enable against The Access Point acts as a DHCP Server. The screen shown in Figure 24 is displayed.
CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION DHCP Clients List Figure 25 DHCP Clients List Screen The DHCP Clients List provides details on the devices that are connected to the LAN. The list is only created when the Access Point is set up as a DHCP server. For each device that is connected to the LAN the following information is displayed: ■ IP address — The Internet Protocol (IP) address issued to the client machine. ■ Host Name — The client machine’s host name, if configured.
Wireless Settings 39 Wireless Settings To improve the security of your wireless network, 3Com recommends that you: 1. Change the SSID from its default value - see page 40 2. Enable Encryption - see page 41 3. Enable Connection Control - see page 44 Configuration Figure 26 Configuration Screen Enable Wireless Networking Allows you to enable/disable the wireless section of your LAN. When disabled, no wireless PCs can gain access to your Wired or Wireless LAN through this Access Point.
CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION Valid channels are country dependent. See “Channels” on page 97 for a list of channels approved by each country. Clear Channel Select allows the Access Point to automatically select an available channel when first powered on. Service Area Name/SSID This allows you to name your Wireless network. The field will accept any alphanumeric string and has a maximum length of 32 characters.
Wireless Settings 41 Access Point Name This option allows you to name the Access Point. The field accepts any alphanumeric string upto a maximum of 32 characters. This option is useful if you have several Access Point units and want to be able to easily identify them. For example, you may name them Marketing, Research, Admin. Encryption When setting up wireless networks, it is important to remember that with encryption disabled, anyone with a Wireless PC can eavesdrop on your network.
CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION Figure 27 Encryption Keys Screen showing WPA configuration To enter the pre-shared key as hexadecimal digits: 1 Select Enabled - Manual Pre-shared Key from the WPA Encryption Type drop-down box. 2 Enter a pair of hexadecimal digits in each of the 32 Key fields. Each field can contain a hexadecimal number from 00 to ff, for example 1a. 3 Click Apply to generate the key.
Wireless Settings 43 Encryption Keys Figure 28 Encryption Keys Screen showing WEP configuration A Key is a hexadecimal (0-9, A-F) number used to encrypt and decrypt the data. There can be up to 4 keys and each key can be as long as 26 digits. The Access Point also offers a number of methods for converting plain text into hex keys. The text is much easier to remember than hex keys but it relies on your wireless adapters also supporting this feature.
CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION WEP and 13 characters for 128 bit WEP. You must enter a separate string for each of the 4 Keys. You can leave a string blank provided this Key is not selected as the Active Transmit Key. ■ Passphrase - This is another common method and similar to the 3Com Encryption string. In 64 bit WEP, the passphrase will generate 4 different keys. However, in 128 bit WEP, this method only generates 1 key which is replicated for all 4 keys.
Wireless Settings 45 Figure 29 Connection Control Screen A higher level of security can be achieved for your wireless network if you use both encryption and you specify only certain wireless computers can connect to the Access Point. By default, any wireless computer that has the same Service Area Name/SSID, channel and encryption settings as the Access Point can connect to it. Select Only Authorised Wireless PCs can connect to the Access Point to enable and configure this feature.
CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION To create a list of Wireless computers that can access the Access Point: 1 Press New. The screen shown in Figure 30 opens. 2 Select one or more MAC addresses of the Wireless PCs that you want to allow to connect to the Access Point. To select multiple MAC addresses, hold down the Ctrl key while clicking on the addresses. 3 Click Add.
Wireless Settings Client List 47 Figure 32 Client List Screen The Wireless Client List provides details on the devices that are connected to the Wireless LAN. The list is only created when Wireless Networking is enabled. For each device that is connected to the Wireless LAN the following information is displayed: ■ MAC Address — The Media Access Control (MAC) address of the client’s wireless network card. ■ Connection Speed — The actual speed of the wireless connection.
CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION Profile Figure 33 Profile Screen Some 3Com Wireless Network Adapters allow you to import Wireless configurations via a ‘profile’. The Access Point can generate a profile so that you do not need to configure your Wireless PCs manually. The profile contains three items as follows: ■ Service Area Name/SSID of the Access Point This is configured on the Configuration tab under the Wireless Settings option.
Wireless Settings 49 For instructions on how to import a profile, refer to the User Guide that accompanies your 3Com Wireless Network Adapter(s). If, once the profile is imported, the Wireless Network Adapter cannot connect to the Access Point, check that: ■ the adapter is within range of the Access Point if Connection Control has been enabled in the Access Point, the MAC address of the Wireless Network Adapter must be included in the list of authorised Wireless PCs.
CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION System Tools The main frame of the System Tools screen includes three administration items: Restart, Configuration, and Upgrade (Figure 34). Restart Figure 34 Restart Screen If your Access Point is not operating correctly, you can choose to restart the Access Point by selecting Restart the Access Point, simulating the effect of power cycling the unit. No configuration information will be lost but the log files will be erased.
System Tools 51 Select the Configuration tab to display the Configuration screen (Figure 35). Backup Configuration Click BACKUP to save the current Access Point configuration. You will be prompted to download and save a file to disk. Restore Configuration Data If you want to reinstate the configuration settings previously saved to a file, press Browse to locate the backup file on your computer, and then click RESTORE to copy the data into the Access Point's memory. The password will remain unchanged.
CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION The Upgrade facility allows you to install on the Access Point any new releases of system software that 3Com may make available. To install new software, you first need to download the software from the 3Com support web site to a folder on your computer. Once you have done this, select Browse to tell your web browser where this file is on your computer, and then click Apply.
Status and Logs Status and Logs 53 Figure 37 Status and Logs Screen Selecting Status and Logs from the main menu displays the Status and Logs screens (Figure 37) in your Web browser window. The Status screen displays a tabular representation of your network and Internet connection.
CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION Status Status displays the current unit status, including a summary of the configuration Logs Logs will allow you to view the events logged by the Access Point You may be asked to refer to the information on the Status and Logs screens if you contact your supplier for technical support.
Support and Feedback 55 Selecting the Support tab from the Support/Feedback screen displays the support links screen, which contains a list of Internet links that provide information and support concerning the Access Point (Figure 38). Selecting the Feedback tab from the Support/Feedback screen displays the feedback screen, allows you to provide feedback to 3Com on the operation of your Access Point (Figure 38). This screen should not be used to obtain technical support.
CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION
5 CLIENT BRIDGE MODE CONFIGURATION What is Client Bridge Mode? Client Bridge Mode is a secondary mode of the Access Point. When in Client Bridge Mode the Access point will act as a Wireless client, allowing one computer to access a wireless network. In this mode it will not longer act as an access point and will not provide wireless networking for other clients.
CHAPTER 5: CLIENT BRIDGE MODE CONFIGURATION Configuring Client Bridge Mode Once the Access Point has been switched into Client Bridge mode, you can configure it using the configuration Wizard or by setting options manually. To configure the Access Point using the configuration wizard: 1 Click the Welcome menu, followed by the Wizard tab. 2 Click the WIZARD... button and follow the instructions provide on-screen. To configure the Access Point manually see the sections in the rest of this chapter.
LAN Settings LAN Settings 59 The LAN Settings screen allows you to set the IP Address and Subnet Mask of your Access Point. Figure 40 Unit Configuration Screen To change the LAN settings for your Access Point: 1 Select Unit Configuration. The screen shown in Figure 40 is displayed. 2 Enter an IP Address and Subnet Mask in the LAN Settings field. The default static IP address of the Access Point is 192.168.1.1. You must set a static IP address for your Access Point when in Client Bridge mode.
CHAPTER 5: CLIENT BRIDGE MODE CONFIGURATION Configuration Figure 41 Configuration Screen Enable Wireless Networking Allows you to enable/disable wireless access to your LAN. When disabled, you will not be able to gain access to your Wireless LAN through this Access Point. Service Area Name/SSID Enter the name of your wireless network. If you do not enter the name correctly, you will not be able to connect to your wireless network. Device Name This option allows you to name the Access Point.
Wireless Settings 61 WPA provides a higher level of security, provided by its longer key and dynamic changes made to the key over time. 3Com recommends that you use WPA if supported by your wireless network. The Access Point can only use one type of encryption to access the wireless network. If you enable WPA, the options for WEP will not be available. If you enable WEP, the options for WPA will not be available.
CHAPTER 5: CLIENT BRIDGE MODE CONFIGURATION To set up WEP encryption on your Access Point: 1 In the WEP Encryption Type drop-down box select the strength of the encryption supported by your wireless network. 2 Select the method used to generate the WEP encryption key. There are four methods available: ■ Manual Key Entry - This method allows you to manually enter hex keys. Virtually all manufacturers support this scheme. Enter a two digit hexadecimal number in every box.
System Tools System Tools 63 The main frame of the System Tools screen includes three administration items: Restart, Configuration, and Upgrade (Figure 43). Restart Figure 43 Restart Screen The System Tools screens are the same under Access Point mode and Client Bridge mode: Status and Logs Support and Feedback ■ See “Restart” on page 50 for details of the Restart screen. ■ See “Configuration” on page 50 for details of the Configuration screen.
CHAPTER 5: CLIENT BRIDGE MODE CONFIGURATION Logs screens are the same under Access Point mode and Client Bridge mode: ■ See “Support and Feedback” on page 54 for details of the Support and Feedback screens.
6 Basic Connection Checks Browsing to the Access Point Configuration Screens TROUBLESHOOTING ■ Check that the Access Point is connected to your switch or hub and that all the equipment is powered on. Check that the LAN port link status LED on the Access Point are illuminated, and that any corresponding LEDs are also illuminated. ■ Ensure that the computers have completed their start-up procedure and are ready for use.
CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING Forgotten Password and Reset to Factory Defaults ■ When entering the address of the Access Point into your web browser, ensure that you use the full URL including the http:// prefix (e.g. http://192.168.1.1). ■ If you cannot browse to the Access Point, re-run the DISCOVERY software described in Appendix A to discover the Access Point and the IP address it has been allocated from the DHCP server.
Wireless Networking 67 ■ Verify that your wireless computers are configured to work in Infrastructure mode and not Ad Hoc mode. The Access Point is designed to operate in Infrastructure mode. Ad Hoc mode is not supported by the Access Point. ■ If you have a wired and wireless NIC in the same computer, ensure that the wired NIC is disabled. ■ Check the status of the Access Point Wireless LED, it should be lit if wireless is enabled and will flash when there is wireless activity.
CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING Access Point then try initiating a search manually if the client software supports this feature or manually set the channel on your wireless computer to correspond to the Access Point channel number. Please refer to your Wireless computer adapter documentation and vendor to do this. ■ Alert LED The Alert LED will flash when the Access Point unit is first powered up while the system software checks the hardware for proper operation.
Frequently Asked Questions 69 Ensure that one of your computers has a copy of the new software image file stored on its hard disk or available on CD-ROM. The latest software is available on 3Com’s Web site at: www.3com.com. 1 Remove power from the Access Point and connect the admin computer to the LAN port. 2 You will need to reconfigure this computer with the following static IP address information: ■ IP address: 192.168.1.2 ■ Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 ■ Default Gateway address: 192.168.1.
CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING A maximum of 128 wireless clients are supported. There is a single LAN ports on the Access Point. How are additional computers connected? You can expand the number of connections available on your LAN by using hubs, switches and wireless access points connected to the Access Point. 3Com wireless access points and OfficeConnect hubs and switches provide a simple, reliable means of expanding your network; contact your supplier for more information, or visit: http://www.3com.
A Running the Discovery Application USING DISCOVERY 3Com provides a user friendly Discovery application for detecting the Access Point on the network. If you are unable to use the Discovery application, the Access Point on initial power-up will attempt to obtain an IP address from your local DHCP server. Consult your DHCP Server log to obtain the IP address that was allocated to your Access Point.
APPENDIX A: USING DISCOVERY 2 When the Welcome screen is displayed, select the NIC from which the Access Point will be discovered. Then click on Next and wait until the application discovers the Access Points connected to your LAN. Figure 45 Discovered Access Point Screen 3 Figure 45 shows an example Discovered Devices screen. Highlight the Wireless 11g Access Point by clicking on it, and press Next.
B IP ADDRESSING The Internet Protocol Suite The Internet protocol suite consists of a well-defined set of communications protocols and several standard application protocols. Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is probably the most widely known and is a combination of two of the protocols (IP and TCP) working together.
APPENDIX B: IP ADDRESSING For your network to work correctly, all devices on the network must have: ■ The same sub-network address. ■ The same subnet mask. The only value that will be different is the specific host device number. This value must always be unique. An example IP address is ‘192.168.100.8’. However, the size of the network determines the structure of this IP Address. In using the Access Point, you will probably only encounter two types of IP Address and subnet mask structures.
How does a Device Obtain an IP Address and Subnet Mask? 75 This type of IP Address operates on a subnet mask of ‘255.255.0.0’. See Table 4 for an example about how a network (only four computers represented) and a Access Point might be configured. Table 4 IP Addressing and Subnet Masking How does a Device Obtain an IP Address and Subnet Mask? DHCP Addressing Device IP Address Subnet Mask PC 1 192.168.100.8 255.255.0.0 PC 2 192.168.201.30 255.255.0.0 PC 3 192.168.113.155 255.255.0.
APPENDIX B: IP ADDRESSING an IP address at random from the industry standard subnet of 169.254.x.x (with a subnet mask of 255.255.0.0). If two devices allocate themselves the same address, the conflict is detected and one of the devices allocates itself a new address. Automatic IP addressing support was introduced by Microsoft in the Windows 98 operating system and is also supported in Windows 2000.
C TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS This section lists the technical specifications for the OfficeConnect Wireless 11g Access Point. Wireless 11g Access Point Interfaces LAN connection - 10Mbps/100Mbps dual speed Ethernet port (10BASE-T/100BASE-TX) WLAN Interfaces Standard IEEE 802.11g, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) Transmission rate: 54Mbps, automatic fallback to 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, or 6 Mbps Maximum channels: 14 Range up to 304.8m (1000ft) Frequency: (US/Canada/Europe) 2.400-2.
APPENDIX C: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Operating Temperature 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 105 °F) Power 7VA, 23.9 BThU/hr Humidity 0 % to 90 % (non-condensing) humidity Dimensions ■ Width = 220 mm (8.7 in.) ■ Depth = 135 mm (5.3 in.) ■ Height = 24 mm (1 in.) Weight Approximately 500 g (1.1 lbs) Standards Functional: ISO 8802/3 IEEE 802.3 IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g, Wi-Fi Safety: UL60950 CSA 22.
*See “FCC Statement” on page 97 for conditions of operation. System Requirements Operating Systems The Access Point will support the following Operating Systems: ■ Windows 95/98 ■ Windows NT 4.0 ■ Windows ME ■ Windows 2000 ■ Windows XP ■ Mac OS 8.5 or higher ■ Unix Ethernet Performance The Access Point complies to the IEEE 802.3i, u and x specifications. Wireless Performance The Access Point has been designed to conform to the Wi-Fi interoperability test standard.
APPENDIX C: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
D SAFETY INFORMATION Important Safety Information WARNING: Warnings contain directions that you must follow for your personal safety. Follow all directions carefully. You must read the following safety information carefully before you install or remove the unit: WARNING: The Access Point generates and uses radio frequency (rf) energy. In some environments, the use of rf energy is not permitted. The user should seek local advice on whether or not rf energy is permitted within the area of intended use.
APPENDIX D: SAFETY INFORMATION WARNING: Disconnect the power adapter before moving the unit. WARNING: RJ-45 ports. These are shielded RJ-45 data sockets. They cannot be used as telephone sockets. Only connect RJ-45 data connectors to these sockets. Wichtige Sicherheitshinweise VORSICHT: Warnhinweise enthalten Anweisungen, die Sie zu Ihrer eigenen Sicherheit befolgen müssen. Alle Anweisungen sind sorgfältig zu befolgen.
VORSICHT: Es sind keine von dem Benutzer zu ersetzende oder zu wartende Teile in dem Gerät vorhanden. Wenn Sie ein Problem mit dem Access Point haben, das nicht mittels der Fehleranalyse in dieser Anleitung behoben werden kann, setzen Sie sich mit Ihrem Lieferanten in Verbindung. VORSICHT: Vor dem Ausbau des Geräts das Netzadapterkabel herausziehen. VORSICHT: RJ-45-Anschlüsse. Dies sind abgeschirmte RJ-45-Datenbuchsen. Sie können nicht als Telefonanschlußbuchsen verwendet werden.
APPENDIX D: SAFETY INFORMATION AVERTISSEMENT: L’appareil fonctionne à une tension extrêmement basse de sécurité qui est conforme à la norme CEI 60950. Ces conditions ne sont maintenues que si l'équipement auquel il est raccordé fonctionne dans les mêmes conditions. AVERTISSEMENT: Il n’y a pas de parties remplaceables par les utilisateurs ou entretenues par les utilisateurs à l’intérieur du moyeu.
E END USER SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT 3Com Corporation END USER SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE DOWNLOADING, INSTALLING AND USING THIS PRODUCT, THE USE OF WHICH IS LICENSED BY 3COM CORPORATION ("3COM") TO ITS CUSTOMERS FOR THEIR USE ONLY AS SET FORTH BELOW. DOWNLOADING, INSTALLING OR OTHERWISE USING ANY PART OF THE SOFTWARE OR DOCUMENTATION INDICATES THAT YOU ACCEPT THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
APPENDIX E: END USER SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT and developed solely at private expense. The Software is delivered as "Commercial Computer Software" as defined in DFARS 252.227-7014 (June 1995) or as a commercial item as defined in FAR 2.101(a) and as such is provided with only such rights as are provided in this Agreement, which is 3Com's standard commercial license for the Software. Technical data is provided with limited rights only as provided in DFAR 252.227-7015 (Nov. 1995) or FAR 52.
GLOSSARY 802.11b The IEEE specification for wireless Ethernet which allows speeds of up to 11 Mbps. The standard provides for 1, 2, 5.5 and 11 Mbps data rates. The rates will switch automatically depending on range and environment. 802.11g The IEEE specification for wireless Ethernet which allows speeds of up to 54 Mbps. The standard provides for 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 54 Mbps data rates. The rates will switch automatically depending on range and environment.
GLOSSARY configure to use the best common speed. The order of preference (best first) is: 100BASE-TX full duplex, 100BASE-TX half duplex, 10BASE-T full duplex, and 10BASE-T half duplex. Auto-negotiation is defined in the IEEE 802.3 standard for Ethernet and is an operation that takes place in a few milliseconds. Bandwidth The information capacity, measured in bits per second, that a channel can transmit. The bandwidth of Ethernet is 10 Mbps, the bandwidth of Fast Ethernet is 100 Mbps.
GLOSSARY 89 DNS Server Address DNS stands for Domain Name System, which allows Internet host computers to have a domain name (such as 3com.com) and one or more IP addresses (such as 192.34.45.8). A DNS server keeps a database of host computers and their respective domain names and IP addresses, so that when a domain name is requested (as in typing “3com.com” into your Internet browser), the user is sent to the proper IP address.
GLOSSARY IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. This American organization was founded in 1963 and sets standards for computers and communications. IETF Internet Engineering Task Force. An organization responsible for providing engineering solutions for TCP/IP networks. In the network management area, this group is responsible for the development of the SNMP protocol. Infra-structure mode Infra-Structure mode is the 802.11g configuration supported by the Access Point.
GLOSSARY MAC Address Network Network Interface Card (NIC) Protocol RJ-45 Server SSID 91 Media Access Control Address. Also called the hardware or physical address. A layer 2 address associated with a particular network device. Most devices that connect to a LAN have a MAC address assigned to them as they are used to identify other devices in a network. MAC addresses are 6 bytes long.
GLOSSARY Switch A device that interconnects several LANs to form a single logical LAN that comprises of several LAN segments. Switches are similar to bridges, in that they connect LANs of a different type; however they connect more LANs than a bridge and are generally more sophisticated. TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. This is the name for two of the most well-known protocols developed for the interconnection of networks.
GLOSSARY WLAN WPA 93 Wireless Local Area Network. A WLAN is a group of computers and devices connected together by wireless in a relatively small area (such as a house or office). Wi-Fi Protected Access. A dynamically changing encryption mechanism for wireless networking. Encryption strength is 256 bit.
GLOSSARY
INDEX A Access 13 Addresses IP 73 Administration Password 26, 33 Automatic Addressing 75 C Cable Specifications 79 Channels 97 Configuration backup 51 restore 51 Conventions notice icons, About This Guide 8 text, About This Guide 8 Country Selection 24 D DHCP 27, 38, 75 Discovery Application 71 MAC Address deleting 46 modifying 46 N Network addresses 73 Networking wireless 66 NIC wireless 14 P Password 23, 33 Profile 48 R Reset to Factory Defaults 51, 66 Restart 50, 63 S Internet addresses 73 IP Ad
INDEX U Unit Configuration 34 Upgrade 51 W Wireless authorised PCs 45 channel selection 39 client list 47 configuration 39, 60 connection control 44 encryption 41, 60 LED 15 networking 66 NIC 14 service area name 40, 60 settings 28, 39, 59
REGULATORY NOTICES FOR THE WIRELESS 11G ACCESS POINT Channels Use of the Wireless 11g Access Point is only authorized for the channels approved by each country. For proper installation, login to the management interface and select your country from the drop down list.
Information to the User If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: ■ Reorient the receiving antenna. ■ Relocate the equipment with respect to the receiver. ■ Move the equipment away from the receiver.
Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation: The radiated output power of the 3Com OfficeConnect Wireless 11g Access Point is far below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits. Nevertheless, the 3Com OfficeConnect Wireless 11g Access Point shall be used in such manner that the potential for human contact during normal operation is minimized. The distance between the antennas and the user should not be less than 20 cm.
RF Exposure Compliance Statement (U.S.) CAUTION: The 3Com OfficeConnect Wireless 11g Access Point has been certified as a mobile computing device as per FCC Section 2.1091. In order to comply with the FCC RF exposure requirements, the 3Com OfficeConnect Wireless Cable/DSL Gateway must only be installed with approved antennas and a minimum separation distance of 20 cm (8 in) must be maintained from the antenna to any nearby persons.
3Com Corporation, Corporate Headquarters, Copyright © 2003 3Com Corporation. All rights reserved. 5500 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, 3Com and OfficeConnect are registered trademarks of CA 95052-8145, USA. 3Com Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective companies. To learn more about 3Com products and services, visit our World Wide Web site at www.3com.com All specifications are subject to change without notice. DUA0045-4AAA01 Rev.
