Copyright © 2000 Proxim, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA. All rights reserved. This user’s guide and the software described in it are copyrighted with all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form by any means without the written permission of Proxim, Incorporated. Trademarks Harmony, RangeLAN, the RangeLAN logo, RangeLAN2, and Proxim are trademarks of Proxim, Inc.
Warranty Return Policy If you have a problem with the Harmony 802.11b Access Point Model 8550, please call Proxim Technical Support at 1-408-731-2640. Proxim Technical Support will assist with resolving any technical difficulties you may have with your Proxim product. After calling Proxim Technical Support, if your product is found to be defective, you may return the product to Proxim after obtaining an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) number. The product must be returned in its original packaging.
Contents 1. Introduction ................................................................. 5 The Harmony Family ............................................................................... 6 System Requirements ............................................................................... 7 The Product Package ................................................................................ 7 2. Installation ................................................................... 8 Installation Procedure ...
5. Performance Hints .................................................... 24 Microwave Ovens .................................................................................. 24 Range ...................................................................................................... 24 6. Troubleshooting ........................................................ 26 How to Obtain Help with Your LAN Installation .................................. 26 LED Error Codes .........................................
1. Introduction Thank you for choosing Proxim’s Harmony 802.11b Access Point Model 8550, a member of Proxim’s Harmony wirefree infrastructure family. The Harmony product line is the first wirefree networking solution to support all current and future wireless LAN standards, including OpenAir, IEEE 802.11b, and future 10 Mbps frequency hopping and 5 GHz technologies, within a single, homogeneous architecture. Harmony provides centralized management, configuration, and security for a wireless LAN.
The Harmony Family The Harmony 802.11b Access Point Model 8550 is a member of a product family that provides a complete wirefree networking solution. ❑ The Harmony Access Point Controller Model 7560 centralizes the management, security, and filtering capabilities of a wireless LAN. The Access Point Controller communicates with Harmony Access Points over the Ethernet network to provide wirefree network access for mobile clients.
System Requirements To begin using the Harmony 802.11b Access Point, you must have the following minimum requirements: ❑ At least one Harmony Access Point Controller ❑ An Ethernet (10Base-T) LAN switch or hub ❑ At least one 802.11b PC Card The Product Package Each Harmony 802.11b Access Point comes with: ❑ One Harmony 802.11b Access Point Model 8550 ❑ One power adapter (12V, 1 Amp) ❑ One Harmony 802.
2. Installation This chapter describes the installation procedure for the Harmony 802.11b Access Point and includes a description of the LEDs found on the unit. Installation Procedure Follow these steps to install the Harmony 802.11b Access Point Model 8550. Note: You must install a Harmony Access Point Controller before installing a Harmony Access Point. 1. Determine the best location for the Harmony 802.11b Access Point.
3. Attach one end of an Ethernet cable to the Access Point and attach the other end to the 10Base-T port of a network hub, switch, router, or patch panel. Note: The Harmony 802.11b Access Point does not support 100Base-TX; it only supports 10Base-T. 4.
Mounting Option The Harmony 802.11b Access Point is designed to sit on a desktop. In addition, an optional mounting bracket is available for purchase so that the unit may be mounted to a wall or ceiling. Follow these steps to attach the mounting bracket to the Access Point: 1. Remove the two rubber feet on the bottom of the Access Point. Note that the rubber feet are attached to the unit with an adhesive. 2.
❑ Ethernet LED: This LED, located on the right side, blinks green when the Access Point receives data packets over the 10Base-T Ethernet port. Status LED Ethernet LED Radio LED Figure 1 Harmony 802.11b Access Point’s Top Panel LEDs There is also one LED on the back panel of the Harmony 802.11b Access Point. ❑ Link LED: This LED, located between the power connector and the 10Base-T port, will turn green when the Access Point has a physical connection to the Ethernet network.
Power Requirements The Harmony 802.11b Access Point requires power from either a Harmony Power System or from an external power supply. The voltage range for the Access Point’s power connector is 10-26 VDC. The Harmony 802.11b Access Point ships with a UL listed, Class 2 power supply (12V, 1 Amp).
3. Wirefree Operation Harmony Architecture The Harmony wirefree infrastructure family provides network connectivity to mobile clients without the use of wires or cabling. Each Harmony network must include at least one Access Point Controller. The AP Controller centralizes the management, security, and filtering capabilities of a wireless LAN. In a traditional wireless LAN, each Access Point duplicates this functionality adding additional, unnecessary cost to the network infrastructure.
The IEEE 802.11b Specification In 1997, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) adopted the 802.11 standard for wireless devices operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. This standard includes provisions for three radio technologies: direct sequence spread spectrum, frequency hopping spread spectrum, and infrared. Devices that comply with the 802.11 standard operate at a data rate of either 1 or 2 Mbps. In 1999, the IEEE created the 802.11b standard. 802.
If the cells of multiple Access Points overlap, then the mobile client may switch from one Access Point to another as it travels throughout the facility. During the hand-off from one Access Point to another, the mobile client maintains an uninterrupted connection to the network. This is known as “roaming.” Multiple Access Points connected to a common Ethernet network form an Extended Service Set (ESS). All members of an Extended Service Set are configured with an ID, known as the SSID or ESSID.
❑ Proxim strongly recommends that you perform a site survey to determine the best location for each Access Point in the facility, as described in Proxim’s free one-day technical training class. See Proxim’s web site at http://www.proxim.com/support/ for more information on the technical training class. ❑ An 802.11b Access Point and an OpenAir Access Point installed in the same vicinity will interfere with each other. If you use both 802.
4. Configuration Parameters The first time a Harmony 802.11b Access Point is connected to the network, the AP Controller will automatically configure the Access Point using the AP AutoConfigure Default settings. In addition, a Harmony 802.11b Access Point may be manually configured via the Harmony system’s Web browser interface. Refer to the Harmony Access Point Controller Model 7560 User’s Guide for information on how to access the Web browser interface.
Physical Address A Harmony 802.11b Access Point’s physical address is assigned at the factory and cannot be changed by the end user. The physical address or MAC address is a 48-bit unique identifier assigned to each networking device. The physical address is commonly written as six pairs of two hexadecimal digits separated by colons (for example, 00:60:b3:6e:00:77). Enable AP When enabled, the Access Point operates normally and provides mobile clients with access to the Ethernet network.
Note: Proxim recommends that you manually assign Channels if you have more than three Harmony 802.11b Access Points on one network. Supported Clients 802.11b products can operate at 11 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps or 1 Mbps. This allows 802.11b devices to communicate with any existing 802.11 direct sequence devices that operate only at 1 or 2 Mbps. By default, the Harmony 802.11b Access Point will support both 802.11b and 2 Mbps 802.11 direct sequence clients. If you want the Harmony 802.
If you want the Access Point to receive an IP address via the first or second method described above, then choose the Use DHCP option within the Access Point’s configuration screen (accessed via the Harmony system’s Web browser interface). Note that Use DHCP is the Access Point’s default setting. Otherwise, select Specify IP and enter a static IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway in the fields provided. Click within the Access Point’s configuration screen to save these changes.
Note: When the Harmony 802.11b Access Point is configured to All Traffic, all other 802.11b devices on the same network must use WEP both during authentication (Shared Key Authentication) and to encrypt data. All 802.11 Access Points and 802.11b PC Cards within an ESS must have the same encryption level and use the same WEP Key to communicate. WEP Key Size The Harmony 802.11b Access Point supports both 40 and 128 bit encryption using the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) algorithm.
Advanced Settings The Advanced Settings tab allows you to configure the parameters described below. Supported Rates The IEEE 802.11b specification supports four data rates: 11 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps, and 1 Mbps. As a mobile client travels further and further away from an 802.11b Access Point, the data rate automatically decreases in order to maintain a usable radio connection.
radio. When the sending radio receives the CTS packet, it sends the data packet to the receiving radio. The RTS and CTS packets contain a reservation time to notify other radios that the medium is in use for a specified period of time. This helps to minimize collisions. While RTS/CTS adds overhead to the radio network, it is particularly useful for large packets that take longer to resend after a collision occurs. You may configure a Harmony 802.
5. Performance Hints This section provides the user with ideas for how to improve the performance of a Harmony 802.11b network. Microwave Ovens Microwave ovens operate in the same frequency band as the Harmony 802.11b Access Point. Therefore, if you use a microwave within range of the Access Point you may notice network performance degradation. However, both your microwave and your Access Point will continue to function. Range Every environment is unique with different obstacles, barriers, materials, etc.
Proper antenna placement can help improve range. Here are some guidelines: ❑ The antenna should be placed so that it emits its signal in the appropriate direction. The Harmony 802.11b Access Point comes with an integral diversity antenna. For best results, place the antenna in the up or vertical position. ❑ Place the antenna as high as possible. In an office environment, try to place it above cubicle walls. ❑ Do not place a sheet of metal (like a filing cabinet) between two antennas.
6. Troubleshooting The Harmony 802.11b Access Point is designed to be very easy to install and operate. However, if you experience difficulties, use the information in this chapter to help diagnose and solve problems. Also, refer to the Harmony Access Point Controller Model 7560 User’s Guide for additional troubleshooting suggestions. If you cannot resolve a problem, contact Proxim Technical Support, as described in Appendix D, “How to Reach Technical Support.
Common Problems and Solutions Problem 1: The Harmony 802.11b Access Point is not automatically recognized by the Harmony AP Controller. Solution 1: Follow these steps: 1. Confirm that the Link LED is on; this means that the Access Point has a network connection. If the LED is not on, try another Ethernet cable. 2. Try recycling power to the unit. The Access Point will try to contact an AP Controller during boot-up.
3. Confirm that the Access Point and PC Card have the same Encryption settings, if enabled. 4. Confirm that the Access Point’s Status LED is green or use the Harmony system’s Web browser interface to confirm that it is partnered with an AP Controller. A PC Card cannot associate with an Access Point unless the Access Point is partnered with an AP Controller. Problem 3: The Status LED is amber.
Problem 5: The throughput seems slow. Solution 5: 1. To achieve maximum throughput, verify that your antennas are well-placed, not behind metal, and do not have too many obstacles between them. If you move the client closer to the Access Point and throughput increases, you may want to consider adding a second Access Point and implementing roaming. 2. Check the AP Controller’s filter settings to confirm that it is not forwarding unnecessary Ethernet traffic to mobile clients.
A.
B. IEEE 802.11b Direct Sequence Channels The IEEE 802.11b standard specifies 14 Channels within the 2.4 GHz frequency band. The following table lists the center frequency for each Channel. If operating multiple Access Points in the same vicinity, the distance between the center frequencies must be at least 25 MHz to avoid interference. There are three independent Channels that do not overlap: 1, 6, and 11. Note that the available Channels differ from country to country.
C. Harmony 802.11b Access Point Specifications The following technical specification is for reference purposes only. Actual product’s performance and compliance with local telecommunications regulations may vary from country to country. Proxim, Inc. will only ship products that are type approved in the destination country. Network Interfaces Ethernet 10Base-T (Twisted-Pair) Data Rate 11, 5.5, 2, and 1 Mbps — IEEE 802.11b 10 Mbps — Ethernet Media Access Protocol IEEE 802.
D. How to Reach Technical Support If you’re having a problem using the Harmony 802.11b Access Point, gather the following information and contact Proxim Technical Support: ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ What Harmony products are installed on the network? What were you doing when the error occurred? What error indication did you see? Can you reproduce the problem? You can reach Proxim Technical Support by voice, fax, e-mail, or mail: Tel: 800-477-6946 or 408-731-2640 Fax: 408-731-3676 Web: http://www.proxim.
Index 100Base-TX 9 10Base-T 7, 9 A Access Point. See Harmony Access Point Access Point Controller. See Harmony Access Point Controller All Traffic 20, 21, 30 Antenna Placement Considerations 25 AP AutoConfigure Defaults 13, 17 AP Name 17, 30 Authentication 20, 30 B Basic Service Set (BSS) 14 C Channel 14, 15, 18–19, 30, 31, 32 Clear to Send (CTS) 22 Configuration Parameters 17–23 D DHCP 19, 30 Direct Sequence.
H Harmony Access Point 802.11b 6 Configuration Parameters 17–23 Firmware Upgrade 29 Installation Instructions 8–9 OpenAir 6, 15, 16 Harmony Access Point Controller 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 17, 19 Harmony PC Card 802.11b 6 OpenAir 6 Harmony Power System 6, 8, 9, 12, 32 I IEEE 802.
R Radio LED 10 Range 24–25, 27 Request to Send (RTS) 22 Requirements 7 Roaming 14–16 RTS/CTS 22–23, 30 RTS/CTS Threshold 23 S Shared Key Authentication 20, 21 SmartArchitecture 5 SmartAttach 5 Spread Spectrum Direct Sequence 14, 32 SSID 15, 19, 27, 30 Static IP Addressing 19 Status LED 9, 10, 28 Blinking Amber 28 Blinking Red 26 Solid Amber 28 Supported Clients 19, 30 Supported Rates 22, 30, 32 T Technical Support 33 Temperature Operating 32 Throughput 29 Troubleshooting 26–29 U Upgrade 29 W Warranty 1–