OfficeConnect® Wireless 11a/b/g Access Point User Guide 3CRWE454A72 http://www.3com.com/ Part No. DUA0045-4AAA02 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 11a/b/g Access Point (3CRWE454A72). 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).
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 11a/b/g Access Point User Guide ■ Part Number DUA0045-4AAA02 ■ 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 11a/b/g 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 Package Contents 13 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 ■ Shares network resources between both wired and wireless computers ■ Provides networking for 11a, 11b and 11g wireless clients ■ Support for Wireless Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and Wi-Fi Protected Access® (WPA) encryption methods.
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, 802.11g or 802.11a wireless NIC.
Front Panel 15 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. If you have used the reset button to reset the unit to Factory Defaults, follow steps 5 to 6 in “Forgotten Password and Reset to Factory Defaults” on page 66. Continuously on - A fault has been detected with your Access Point during the start-up process.
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.
Connecting the Access Point Connecting the Access Point 19 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 11a/b/g 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) 8 Select the country in which the Access Point is to operate. The Country Selection screen is only displayed on initial configuration of the Access Point. Figure 9 Country Selection Screen 9 When you have logged in and selected a country either: ■ The Status screen will appear (Figure 10). Select the Wizard option from the menu on the left hand side.
Accessing the Wizard Figure 10 Welcome Screen Figure 11 Setup Wizard 25
CHAPTER 3: RUNNING THE SETUP WIZARD 1 Select channels for the Access Point to use or Auto 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.
Accessing the Wizard LAN Settings 27 Figure 12 LAN Settings Screen This screen determines how the Access Point obtains its IP address. There are three options. 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.
CHAPTER 3: RUNNING THE SETUP WIZARD
4 ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION Navigating Through the Access Point Configuration Pages Main Menu 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.
32 CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION Status Page Figure 18 Access Point Status Screen The Status section allows you to view the IP address of the unit, firmware version, wireless clients and security log.
Status Page Wizard 33 Figure 19 Wizard Screen Click WIZARD... to launch the configuration wizard. Refer to Chapter 3 for information on how to run the wizard.
34 CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION LAN Settings The LAN Settings menu provides the following options: The LAN Settings screen is used to determine how the LAN IP address of your Access Point is obtained. It can be obtained automatically or you can manually configure the IP address. Figure 20 Unit Configuration Screen Dynamic IP Address 3Com recommends that you manually assign your Access Point a static IP address.
Wireless Settings 35 Manually setting the IP address 3Com recommends that you assign your Access Point a static IP address. 1 Select LAN and then select Static IP Address (to be specified manually). The screen shown in Figure 21 is displayed. Figure 21 Unit Configuration Screen For Static IP Address Wireless Settings To improve the security of your wireless network, 3Com recommends that you: 1. Change the SSID from its default value - see page 37 2. Enable Encryption - see page 38 3.
36 CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION Wireless Figure 22 Wireless Settings 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.
Wireless Settings 37 Channel Selection The Channel Selectors allow you to specify which channels the Access Point will transmit and receive on. If another Access Point nearby is using the same channels as you, there will be a reduction in the performance of your network. If this seems to be the case, you should select a different channel number.
38 CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION referred to as “ESSID” depending on your networking vendor. By default the Access Point uses the name “3Com”. 3Com recommends that you change the default name. The same SSID will be used for both 11a and 11g. In order that your wireless computers can connect to the Access Point, you must: ■ Use Infrastructure Mode not Adhoc Mode. ■ Have the same Service Area Name as the Access Point. ■ Use the same encryption type and keys as the Access Point.
Wireless Settings ■ 39 WEP — Wireless Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a 64 bit or 128 bit encryption method with user configurable fixed keys. 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 with any clients which support it.
40 CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION Configuring WPA Encryption The only configuration that is needed for WPA is to enter the pre-shared key. This key is used to start the dialog between the Access Point and the client. During this dialog, a new key is agreed, making it more difficult to eavesdrop on wireless networks encrypted using WPA, than those encrypted using WEP. The pre-shared key can be entered as a 256 bit series of hexadecimal digits or as a pass-phrase.
Wireless Settings 41 4 Click Apply to generate the key. If 802.1X authentication is to be used please see page ??. Configuring WEP Encryption There are two levels of WEP encryption available, 64 bit (sometimes referred to as 40 bit) and 128 bit. 128 bit will result in a higher level of security, but may cause a slight decrease in performance. Encryption Keys Figure 24 Encryption Keys Screen showing WEP configuration A Key is a hexadecimal (0-9, A-F) number used to encrypt and decrypt the data.
42 CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION ■ Manual Key Entry - This method allows you to manually enter hex keys. Virtually all manufacturers support this scheme. Hexadecimal numbers are formed from 0-9 and A-F. Enter 10 or 26 digits depending on whether you are using 64 0r 128 bit WEP respectively. ■ Passphrase - This is another common method. 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 43 Figure 25 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. If you enable this feature from a Wireless PC, it will automatically be added to the Authorised Wireless PC list.
44 CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION Deleting a MAC Address The connection rights for a Wireless PC listed in the table can be removed by deleting that entry in the table. Once an entry has been deleted it cannot be undone. Please wait 30 seconds for changes to take effect. 802.
Wireless Settings WDS (Wireless Distributed System) 45
46 CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION Password Figure 26 Password Screen Changing the Administration Password You can change the password to prevent unauthorized access to the Administration System. To do this: 1 Enter the current password in the Current Password field 2 Enter the new password in the New Password field 3 Enter the new password again in the Re-Enter Password field 4 Click Apply to save the new password The password is case sensitive.
System Tools 47 System Tools Reboot Figure 27 Reboot Screen If your Access Point is not operating correctly, you can choose to restart the Access Point by selecting Reboot the Access Point and then clicking Apply, simulating the effect of power cycling the unit. No configuration information will be lost but the log files will be erased.
48 CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION Configuration Tools Figure 28 Configuration Tools Screen Select the Configuration tab to display the Configuration screen (Figure 28). Backup Configuration Select 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, Select Restore from Store Configuration File.
System Tools Firmware Upgrade 49 Figure 29 Firmware Upgrade Screen 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.
50 CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION
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.
66 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 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. If not lit go to “Wireless Settings” on page 35 and enable wireless networking. ■ Ensure that the TCP/IP settings for all devices are correct.
68 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING ■ 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. Once the Access Point has started normal operation, the Alert LED will go out. ■ Recovering from Corrupted Software Speed of connection: The 802.11a/b/g standards will automatically choose the best speed depending on the quality of your connection. As the signal quality weakens then the speed falls back to a lower speed.
Frequently Asked Questions 69 1 Remove power from the Access Point and connect the admin computer to the LAN port. 2 Run the Discovery application included on the product CD. 3 This will connect you to the Microcode Recovery utility in the Access Point. 4 Follow the on-screen instructions. Enter the path and filename of the software image file. 5 When the upload has completed, the Access Point will restart, run the self-test and, if successful, resume normal operation. The Alert LED will go out.
70 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING http://knowledgebase.3com.com is a database of technical information covering all 3Com products. It is updated daily with information from 3Com technical support services, and it is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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.
72 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.
74 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 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 3 192.168.113.155 255.255.0.0 PC 4 192.168.002.230 255.255.0.0 Access Point 192.168.002.72 255.255.0.
76 APPENDIX B: IP ADDRESSING
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 802.11a, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) Transmission rate: 54Mbps, automatic fallback to 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, or 6 Mbps Maximum channels: 20 Range up to 304.8m (1000ft) Frequency: (US/Canada/Europe) 5.150-5.
78 APPENDIX C: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 54 Mbps -66 dBm typical Modulation: CCK, BPSK, QPSK, OFDM Encryption: 40/64 bit WEP, 128 bit WEP, WPA Maximum clients: 128 O/P Power: 18dBm Standard IEEE 802.11b, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) Transmission rate: 11bps, automatic fallback to 5.5, 2, or 1 Mbps Maximum channels: 14 Range up to 304.8m (1000ft) Frequency: (US/Canada/Europe) 2.400-2.4835 GHz Sensitivity: 1, 2, 5.
79 IEC 60950 EN 60950 EMC: EN 55022 Class B EN 55024 CISPR 22 FCC Part 15 Class B* ICES-003 Class B CNS 13438 Class A ETSI EN 301 489–17 Radio CFR 47 FCC Part 15.207, 15.209, 15.247 and 15.249. ETS 300 328 (2.4 GHz ISM band wide band transmission systems. RSS-210 Environmental: EN 60068 (IEC 68) *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.
80 APPENDIX C: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Cable Specifications The Access Point supports the following cable types and maximum lengths: ■ Category 3 (Ethernet) or Category 5 (Fast Ethernet or Dual Speed Ethernet) Twisted Pair — shielded and unshielded cable types. ■ Maximum cable length of 100m (327.86 ft).
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.
82 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.
83 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.
84 APPENDIX D: SAFETY INFORMATION 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. Si vous avez un problème physique avec le moyeu qui ne peut pas être résolu avec les actions de la résolution des problèmes dans ce guide, contacter votre fournisseur.
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.
86 APPENDIX E: END USER SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT (June 1987), whichever is applicable. TERM AND TERMINATION: The licenses granted hereunder are perpetual unless terminated earlier as specified below. You may terminate the licenses and this Agreement at any time by destroying the Software and Documentation together with all copies and merged portions in any form. The licenses and this Agreement will also terminate immediately if you fail to comply with any term or condition of this Agreement.
GLOSSARY 802.11a The IEEE specification for wireless Ethernet which allows speeds of up to 54 Mbps in the 5GHz range. The standard provides for 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 54 Mbps data rates. The rates will switch automatically depending on range and environment 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.
88 GLOSSARY It offers lower performance than infra-structure mode, used by the Access Point. (see also Infra-structure mode.) Auto-negotiation Bandwidth Some devices in the OfficeConnect range support auto-negotiation. Auto-negotiation is where two devices sharing a link, automatically 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.
GLOSSARY 89 will call the server to obtain the address. Windows 98 will allocate itself an address if no DHCP server can be found. 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.
90 GLOSSARY LANs of the same type; however they connect more LANs than a repeater and are generally more sophisticated. 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.
GLOSSARY 91 MAC Address 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. Network A Network is a collection of computers and other computer equipment that are connected for the purpose of exchanging information or sharing resources.
92 GLOSSARY 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. Originally a UNIX standard, TCP/IP is now supported on almost all platforms, and is the protocol of the Internet.
GLOSSARY WPA 93 Wi-Fi Protected Access. A dynamically changing encryption mechanism for wireless networking. Encryption strength is 256 bit.
94 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 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 D DHCP 27, 38, 75 Discovery Application 71 S Internet addresses 73 IP Ad
96 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.
98 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.
99 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.
100 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 3Com CA 95052-8145, USA. 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. DUA0045-4AAA02 Rev.
