Page 1
OfficeConnect®
11Mbps Wireless Access Point
User Guide
3CRWE41196
http://www.3com.com/
Part No. DUA4119-6AAA01
Published March 2003
Page 2
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.
3Com Technologies reserves the right to revise this documentation and to make changes in content from time
to time without obligation on the part of 3Com Technologies to provide notification of such revision or
change.
3Com Corporation provides this documentation without warranty, term, or condition of any kind, either
implied or expressed, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties, terms or conditions of
merchantability, satisfactory quality, and fitness for a particular purpose. 3Com may make improvements or
changes in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this documentation at any time.
If there is any software on removable media described in this documentation, it is furnished under a license
agreement included with the product as a separate document, in the hard copy documentation, or on the
removable media in a directory file named LICENSE.TXT or !LICENSE.TXT. If you are unable to locate a copy,
please contact 3Com and a copy will be provided to you.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT LEGEND
If you are a United States government agency, then this documentation and the software described herein are
provided to you subject to the following:
All technical data and computer software are commercial in nature and developed solely at private expense.
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 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 52.227-14 (June 1987), whichever is applicable.
You agree not to remove or deface any portion of any legend provided on any licensed program or
documentation contained in, or delivered to you in conjunction with, this User Guide.
Unless otherwise indicated, 3Com registered trademarks are registered in the United States and may or may not
be registered in other countries.
3Com, OfficeConnect and the 3Com logo are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation.
Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, and Windows
NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Novell and NetWare are registered trademarks of
Novell, Inc. UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries, licensed exclusively
through X/Open Company, Ltd.
Netscape Navigator is a registered trademark of Netscape Communications.
JavaScript is a trademark of Sun Microsystems
WiFi and the WiFi logo are trademarks of WECA (Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance)
IEEE and 802 are trademarks of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.
All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are
associated.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
It is the policy of 3Com Corporation to be environmentally-friendly in all operations. To uphold our policy, we
are committed to:
Establishing environmental performance standards that comply with national legislation and regulations.
Conserving energy, materials and natural resources in all operations.
Reducing the waste generated by all operations. Ensuring that all waste conforms to recognized environmental
standards. Maximizing the recyclable and reusable content of all products.
Ensuring that all products can be recycled, reused and disposed of safely.
Ensuring that all products are labelled according to recognized environmental standards.
Improving our environmental record on a continual basis.
End of Life Statement
3Com processes allow for the recovery, reclamation and safe disposal of all end-of-life electronic components.
Regulated Materials Statement
3Com products do not contain any hazardous or ozone-depleting material.
Environmental Statement about the Documentation
The documentation for this product is printed on paper that comes from sustainable, managed forests; it is
fully biodegradable and recyclable, and is completely chlorine-free. The varnish is environmentally-friendly, and
the inks are vegetable-based with a low heavy-metal content.
Page 3
CONTENTS
A
BOUT THIS GUIDE
Naming Convention 7
Conventions 8
Feedback about this User Guide 8
Related Documentation 9
Product Registration 9
I
NTRODUCING THE ACCESS POINT
1
OfficeConnect 11Mbps Wireless Access Point 12
Access Point Advantages 13
Package Contents 13
Minimum System and Component Requirements 14
Front Panel 14
Rear Panel 16
H
2
3
ARDWARE 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
Connecting the Access Point 19
R
UNNING THE SETUP WIZARD
Accessing the Wizard 21
Password 26
LAN Settings 26
Wireless Settings 29
Summary 30
Page 4
A
4
CCESS POINT CONFIGURATION
Navigating Through the Access Point Configuration Pages 31
Main Menu 31
Option Tabs 31
Welcome Screen 32
Notice Board 32
Password 33
Wizard 33
LAN Settings 34
Unit Configuration 34
DHCP Clients List 36
Wireless Settings 37
Configuration 38
Encryption 40
Connection Control 42
Client List 45
Profile 46
System Tools 48
Restart 48
Configuration 48
Upgrade 49
Status and Logs 51
Status 52
Logs 52
Support 52
T
ROUBLESHOOTING
5
Basic Connection Checks 53
Browsing to the Access Point Configuration Screens 53
Forgotten Password and Reset to Factory Defaults 54
Wireless Networking 54
Alert LED 56
Recovering from Corrupted Software 56
Frequently Asked Questions 57
Page 5
U
A
B
C
D
SING DISCOVERY
Running the Discovery Application 59
Windows Installation (95/98/2000/Me/NT) 59
IP A
DDRESSING
The Internet Protocol Suite 61
Managing the Access Point over the Network 61
IP Addresses and Subnet Masks 61
How does a Device Obtain an IP Address and Subnet Mask? 63
DHCP Addressing 63
Static Addressing 63
Auto-IP Addressing 63
T
ECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Standards 66
S
AFETY INFORMATION
E
END U
G
I
NDEX
R
P
SER SOFTWARE LICENCE AGREEMENT
LOSSARY
EGULATORY NOTICES FOR THE
OINT
11MBPS W
IRELESS ACCESS
Page 6
Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
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 of the following measures:
-Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
-Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
-Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
-Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm
between the radiator & your body.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter.
Page 7
A
BOUT
This guide describes how to install and configure the OfficeConnect
11Mbps Wireless Access Point (3CRWE41196).
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 11Mbps Wireless
Access Point and contains information that differs from the information
in this guide, follow the information in the release note.
Most user guides and release notes are available in Adobe Acrobat
Reader Portable Document Format (PDF) on the 3Com World Wide Web
site:
http://www.3com.com
T
HIS
G
UIDE
Naming Convention
Throughout this guide, the OfficeConnect 11Mbps Wireless Access Point
is referred to as the “Access Point”.
Category 3 and Category 5 Twisted Pair Cables are referred to as Twisted
Pair Cables throughout this guide.
The PC used to configure the Access Point is referred to as the “admin
computer”. 3Com recommends that during the initial configuration that
this is connected to the same switch or hub as the Access Point.
Page 8
8 A
BOUT THIS GUIDE
Conventions
Ta bl e 1 and Tab l e 2 list conventions that are used throughout this guide.
Tab le 1 Notice Icons
Icon Notice Type Description
Information note Information that describes important features or
Caution Information that alerts you to potential loss of data or
Warning Information that alerts you to potential personal
Tab le 2 Text Conventions
Convention Description
The words “enter”
and “type”
Keyboard key names If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key
Words in italics Italics are used to:
instructions.
potential damage to an application, system, or device.
injury.
When you see the word “enter” in this guide, you must type
something, and then press Return or Enter. Do not press
Return or Enter when an instruction simply says “type.”
names are linked with a plus sign (+). Example:
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del
■
Emphasize a point.
■
Denote a new term at the place where it is defined in the
text.
■
Identify menu names, menu commands, and software
button names. Examples:
From the Help menu, select Contents.
Click OK.
Feedback about this
User Guide
Your suggestions are very important to us. They will help make our
documentation more useful to you. Please e-mail comments about this
document to 3Com at:
pddtechpubs_comments@3com.com
Please include the following information when commenting:
■
Document title
■
Document part number (on the title page)
■
Page number (if appropriate)
Page 9
Conventions 9
Example:
■
OfficeConnect 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Guide
■
Part Number DUA4119-6AAA01
■
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
In addition to this guide, each Access Point document set includes one
Installation Guide. This guide contains the instructions you need to install
and configure your Access Point.
Product Registration You can now register your Access Point on the 3Com web site and
receive up-to-date information on your product:
http://support.3com.com/registration/frontpg.pl
Page 10
10 A
BOUT THIS GUIDE
Page 11
1
I
NTRODUCING THE
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
has changed all this, bringing networks to the small office.
The products that compose the OfficeConnect range give you, the small
office user, the same power, flexibility, and protection that has been
available only to large corporations. Now, you can harness the benefits of
wireless networking.
A
CCESS POINT
®
product range from 3Com
Page 12
12 C
HAPTER
1: I
NTRODUCING THE ACCESS POINT
OfficeConnect
11Mbps Wireless
Access Point
The OfficeConnect 11Mbps Wireless 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.
Figure 1 Example Network
Page 13
Access Point Advantages 13
Access Point
Advantages
Package Contents
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
The Access Point kit includes the following items:
■
One OfficeConnect 11Mbps Wireless Access Point
■
One power adapter for use with the Access Point
■
Four rubber feet
■
One Ethernet cable
■
One CD-ROM containing the Access Point Discovery program and this
User Guide
■
Installation Guide
■
One Support and Safety Information Sheet
■
One Warranty Flyer
If any of these items are missing or damaged, please contact your retailer.
Page 14
14 C
HAPTER
1: I
NTRODUCING 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 wireless NIC.
■
A Web browser program that supports JavaScript, such as Netscape
4.0 or higher or Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher.
The front panel of the Access Point contains a series of indicator lights
(LEDs) that help describe the state of various networking and connection
operations.
Figure 2 Access Point - Front Panel
1 Alert LED
Orange
Indicates a number of different conditions, as described below.
Off - The Access Point is operating normally.
Flashing quickly - Indicates one of the following conditions:
■
The Access Point has just been started up and is running a self-test
routine, or
■
The administrator has invoked the Reset to Factory Defaults
command, or
■
The system software is in the process of being upgraded
In each of these cases, wait until the Access Point has completed the
current operation and the alert LED is Off.
Page 15
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 “
Defaults”
on page 54.
Forgotten Password and Reset to Factory
Continuously on - A fault has been detected with your Access Point
during the start-up process. Refer to Chapter 5
“Troubleshooting”.
2Power LED
Green
Indicates that the Access Point is powered on.
3 LAN Status LED
Green (100Mbps link) / yellow (10Mbps link)
If the LED is on, the link between the port and the next piece of network
equipment is OK. If the LED is flashing, the link is OK and data is being
transmitted or received. If the LED is off, nothing is connected, the
connected device is switched off, or there is a problem with the
connection (refer to Chapter 5
“Troubleshooting”). The port will
automatically adjust to the correct speed and duplex.
4 Wireless LAN (WLAN) Status LED
Yellow
If the LED is on it indicates that wireless networking is enabled. If the LED
is flashing, data is being transmitted or received. If the LED is off, the
Wireless LAN has been disabled in the Access Point, or there is a problem.
Refer to Chapter 5
“Troubleshooting”.
Page 16
16 C
HAPTER
1: I
NTRODUCING THE ACCESS POINT
Rear Panel
The rear panel (Figure 3) of the Access Point contains one LAN port, a
reset button, an MDI/X switch and a power adapter socket.
Figure 3 Access Point - Rear Panel
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.
6 Power Adapter Socket
Only use the power adapter supplied with this Access Point. Do not use
any other adapter.
7 Ethernet Port
Use the supplied patch cable to connect the Access Point to the LAN. The
port will automatically adjust to the correct speed and duplex.
8 Reset Button
This button allows you to reset the unit to factory defaults.
9 Uplink/Normal Switch
This switch affects the operation of the Ethernet Port. If you are
connecting the Access Point to a Hub or a Switch, set the switch to
Uplink (in). If you are connecting to a PC, set the switch to Normal (out).
Page 17
2
H
ARDWARE INSTALLATION
Introduction
Safety Information
Positioning the
Access Point
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.
WARNING: Please read the “
before you start.
VORSICHT: Bitte lesen Sie den Abschnitt “
ä
ltig durch, bevor Sie das Gerät einschalten.
sorgf
AVERTISSEMENT: Veuillez lire attentivement la section “
importantes de sécurité”
You should place the Access Point in a location that:
■
allows convenient connection to the computer or other ethernet
device that will be connected to the LAN port on the rear panel.
■
allows easy viewing of the front panel LED indicator lights, and access
to the rear panel connectors, if necessary.
Safety Information”
Wichtige Sicherheitshinweise”
avant de mettre en route.
section in Appendix D
Consignes
■
is centrally located to the wireless computers that will connect to the
Access Point. A suitable location might be on top of a high shelf or
similar furniture to optimize wireless connections to computers in
both horizontal and vertical directions, allowing wider coverage.
Page 18
18 C
HAPTER
2: H
ARDWARE INSTALLATION
When positioning your Access Point, ensure:
■
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. 3Com recommends you provide a minimum of
25 mm (1 in.) clearance.
Using the Rubber
Wall Mounting
Use the four self-adhesive rubber feet to prevent your Access Point from
Feet
moving around on your desk or when stacking with other flat top
OfficeConnect units. Only stick the feet to the marked areas at each
corner of the underside of your Access Point.
There are two slots on the underside of the Access Point that can be used
for wall mounting.
When wall mounting the unit, ensure that it is within reach of the power
outlet.
You will need two suitable screws to wall mount the unit. To do this:
1 Ensure that the wall you use is smooth, flat, dry and sturdy and make two
screw holes which are 150 mm (5.9 in.) apart.
2 Fix the screws into the wall, leaving their heads 3 mm (0.12 in.) clear of
the wall surface.
3 Remove any connections to the unit and locate it over the screw heads.
When in line, gently push the unit on to the wall and move it downwards
to secure.
When making connections, be careful not to push the unit up and off the
wall.
CAUTION: Only wall mount single units, do not wall mount stacked
units.
Page 19
Powering Up the Access Point 19
Powering Up the
Access Point
Connecting the
Access Point
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.
The first step for installing your Access Point is to physically connect it to a
switch or hub. See Figure 4
Figure 4 Connecting the Access Point
.
To use your Access Point to connect to the wireless LAN to the wired LAN:
1 Insert one end of the supplied Ethernet (RJ-45 Category 5) cable into the
LAN port on the rear panel of the Access Point.
2 Insert the other end of the cable into the RJ-45 port on switch or hub.
Check that the LAN status LED lights on the Access Point.
You have now completed the hardware installation of your Access Point.
Next you need to set up your computers so that they connect to the
Access Point.
Page 20
20 C
HAPTER
2: H
ARDWARE INSTALLATION
Loading...