3Com WL306 User Manual

11 Mbps Wireless LAN Access Point 8000 User Guide

Version 1.1

http://www.3com.com/ http://support.3com.com/registration/frontpg.pl/

Published April, 2002 Version 1.1.1

3Com Corporation

5400 Bayfront Plaza Santa Clara, California 95052-8145

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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. Y ou 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.

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ONTENTS

NTRODUCTION

Wireless and Wired Networks 1 Access Point 8000 Feature Summary 1 Installation Overview 3

NSTALLING

Before You Begin 5 Deciding Where to Place Equipment 5 Connecting the Standard Antenna 6 Placing the Access Point 6

Mounting on a Wall 7

Mounting on a Ceiling 8 Connecting Power 9 Connecting to an Ethernet Network 10 Checking the LEDs 10 Selecting A Different Antenna 11

Omnidirectional Antenna 11 Ceiling Mount Omnidirectional Antenna 12 Ceiling Mount Hallway Antenna 12 Directional Panel Antenna 13

Connecting an Optional Antenna 13 Installing Software Utilities 14

CCESS

Upper-Layer Authentication 17

EAP-MD5 17

EAP-TLS 17

3Com Serial Authentication 18 Additional Security Conﬁguration Options 18

802.1x RADIUS Support 19 Using the Wireless 802.1x Agent 19

Authentication and Login 19

802.1x Client Properties 20

THE

OINT

CCESS

ECURITY

OINT

ONFIGURING

Installing the Device Manager 23 Launching a Wireless Device Conﬁguration 24

THE

CCESS

OINT

8000

Using the Conﬁguration Management System 25 Changing Access Point Properties 26 Setting Network Properties 26 Setting Data Transmission Properties 27 Setting Advanced Data Transmission Properties 28 Setting up Security 28

Security Settings 29

Access Point Encryption Settings 29 Setting up a User Access List 30 Setting up a MAC Address Access List 31 Deﬁning RADIUS Servers 31 Conﬁguring for SNMP Management 31 Deﬁning a TFTP Server 31 Setting up a System Log 32 Upgrading the System 32 Changing the Administration Password 33 Restoring Factory Defaults 33 Resetting the Access Point 33 Backing up Conﬁgurations 33 Restoring Conﬁgurations 34 Viewing Statistics 34 Viewing System Status 34

ONDUCTING

Before You Begin 35 Choosing Trial Locations 35

Environmental Requirements 35

Electrical Requirements 36 Summary of the Survey Procedure 36 Using the Site Survey Tool 37

Setting up Equipment 37

Launching the Tool 37

Conﬁguring the Survey 37

Running the Tests 37 Interpreting Test Results 38 Site Survey Menus 39

ROUBLESHOOTING

ECHNICAL

Online Technical Services 43

World Wide Web Site 43

3Com Knowledgebase Web Services 43

3Com FTP Site 43 Support from Your Network Supplier 44 Support from 3Com 44

UPPORT

ITE

URVEY

Returning Products for Repair 46

EGULATORY

NDEX

OMPLIANCE

NFORMATION

NTRODUCTION

The 3Com wireless product family lets you set up a local area network (LAN) without the restraints of network cabling. If your ofﬁce already has an Ethernet LAN, the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Access Point 8000 can extend the network without additional cabling. The access point security features extend the security of installed wired networks to include all wireless components.

The type of network you conﬁgure depends on the size of your ofﬁce and whether you require a connection to a wired LAN. A simple conﬁguration consists of an access point and several clients. The clients can associate with the wireless network anywhere within the coverage area of the access point.

Wireless and Wired Networks

Access Point 8000 Feature Summary

For more complex requirements, you can conﬁgure several access points as separate networks at the same site. The access points use different network identiﬁers called wireless LAN service areas (WLAN service areas) or Extended Service Set Identities (ESSID). Client computers can roam within the coverage areas of access points in the same segment with the same WLAN service areas.

An access point can be connected to a wired LAN by an Ethernet cable acting as a bridge between the wired and wireless networks. In this conﬁguration, the access point provides the link between the wired network and wireless clients. Clients can move freely throughout the service area of the access point and remain associated with the larger network, allowing client access to the full range of network services.

For complete wireless coverage, several access points can be connected to an existing LAN. Wireless clients can roam freely between differ ent access points with the same WLAN service areas and remain associated with the larger network.

Clear channel select

Power over Ethernet Powered over the Ethernet cable to reduce the number of cables

Access point discovery Clients and network administrators can discover access points and

Rate control Rate Control options available in the access point to select

Transmit power control Adjustable power level from minimum to maximum to extend

Roaming within segments Allows client to roam between access points within the same

When initializing, automatically scans the frequency spectrum and selects the channel with the least interference.

and simplify installation.

ESSIDs within the same network segment. The network administrator can also discover, manage, and upgrade access points across routers by means of the 3Com Network Supervisor (3NS).

Optional, Required, or Not Used.

transmission range.

segment.

HAPTER

NTRODUCTION

1: I

User support

Supports up to 256 simultaneous users, regardless of mode of operation.

DHCP support Uses DHCP to obtain a leased IP address and network

configuration information from a server. If the network has no DHCP server, the access point’s internal DHCP server assigns IP

addresses to wireless clients in a stand-alone wireless network. SNMP and MIB interfaces SNMP, HP OpenView, and 3Com Network Supervisor (3NS). Authentication features Supports RADIUS authentication between the wireless client and

the RADIUS servers, in conjunction with the IEEE 802.1x. For Serial

Authentication, requires the 3Com 3CRWE62092A wireless LAN

PC card upgraded with the latest firmware.

Supports client authentication by MAC address list on access point

or on RADIUS server.

802.1x Support Port-based network access control utilizes the physical

characteristics of the switched LAN infrastructures to authenticate

devices attached to a LAN port, and prevent access to that port in

cases where the authentication process fails. Encryption Supports 40-bit and 128-bit shared encryption, and 128-bit

dynamic encryption key. Compatible with Cisco and Agere/Lucent

access points and clients. Also supports 3Com Dynamic Security

Link 128-bit dynamic encryption key. Management tools Web server in the access point supports device configuration and

management through your web browser. Access point software

tools run under Windows 98, 98 SE, Me, 2000, and XP; Windows

NT 4.0 with Service Pack 6 or higher;. The 3Com Network

Supervisor discovers and displays a map of all Wireless Clients

within a segment. Built-in Web server simplifies firmware

upgrades. Web-based interface is compatible with Internet

Explorer 5.0 or greater and Netscape Communicator 6.0 or

greater.

Privacy Mode Broadcasting of ESSID can be disabled. Client-to-client blocking Prevents communication among associated clients, providing client

privacy in public access situations.

Installation Overview

Installation Overview 3

Choose the best place for the installation (ﬂat surface, wall, or acoustical ceiling). Look for a location away from equipment that might cause radio interference. The site should be elevated and centrally located relative to the users on your wireless network.

Make sure that you are familiar with the following items and have them available where required for your installation:

■

Access point

■

3Com Integrated Power-over-Ethernet power supply and power cord

■

Standard category 5 straight-through (8-wire) Ethernet cable

■

Mounting hardware (for wall- or ceiling-mount installations)

It may be useful for you to conduct a site survey before permanently installing the access point. See “Conducting a Site Survey” on page 35.

Install the access point following the steps outlined in “Installing the Access Point” on page 5.

For information on improving the signal between the access point and a wireless client, see “Selecting A Different Antenna” on page 11.

After hardware installation is complete, install the access point tools, utilities, and user guide from the installation CD. See “Installing Software Utilities” on page 14.

To set up a wireless client to authenticate through the access point to your RADIUS server, refer to “Using the Wireless 802.1x Agent” on page 19.

To set access point security or conﬁgure the wireless network, refer to “Conﬁguring the Access Point 8000” on page 23.

Review the system settings and ensure they are suitable for your site.

Before You Begin

NSTALLING

The following items are required for installation:

■

3Com Integrated Power-over-Ethernet power supply and power cord.

■

Standard category 5 straight (8-wire) Ethernet cable for connecting the access point to the power supply. This length of cable must reach from the access point to the power supply.

If you plan to connect the access point to a wired network, you will need an additional length of Ethernet cable.

■

If you plan to mount the access point on a wall:

■

Mounting template

■

Wall mount hardware kit

■

If you plan to mount the access point to the T-rail grid of an acoustical ceiling:

THE

CCESS

OINT

Deciding Where to Place Equipment

■

Mounting bracket

■

Two #6 panhead screws

For advanced installations, we recommend that you conduct a site survey before permanently installing the access point. A site survey tool is provided on the 3Com CD. To conduct the survey, you must also use the administrator utilities to set up a wireless client. See “Conducting a Site Survey” on page 35.

Only professional network personnel should install the access point, cables, and antennas.

Select a clean, dry location that provides good reception. The site should not be close to transformers, heavy-duty motors, ﬂuorescent lights, microwave ovens, refrigerators and other electrical equipment.

The power supply must be located near a power source. If you are connecting the access point to a wired network, the location must provide an Ethernet connection. You will need to run an Ethernet cable from the power supply to the access point.

An access point provides coverage at distances of up to 1000 feet. Signal loss can occur if metal, concrete, brick, walls, or ﬂoors block transmission. If your ofﬁce has these kinds of obstructions, you may need to add additional access points to improve coverage.

If you plan to use one of the available optional antennas instead of the standard detachable antennas, review “Selecting A Different Antenna” on page 11 before

HAPTER

2: I

NSTALLING

THE

CCESS

OINT

selecting the ﬁnal location and be sure to allow for routing the antenna cable as required.

Do not install the access point in wet or dusty areas without protection. Make sure the temperature ranges between –20˚ C to 55˚ C (–4˚ F to 131˚ F).

Connecting the Standard Antenna

Placing the Access Point

The access point is supplied with standard detachable antennas. These should be attached before the access point is installed.

Carefully unpack the standard detachable antennas. Screw an antenna into each of the sockets in the access point housing. Hand-tighten the antennas. Position the antennas so they turn out and away from the access point at a

45-degree angle. As a rule, the initial orientation of the antennas should be perpendicular to the

ﬂoor. After network startup, you may need to adjust the antennas to ﬁne-tune coverage in your area.

Depending on the coverage required for your site, you may want to replace the standard detachable antennas with one of the external antennas available for use with the access point. See “Selecting A Different Antenna” on page 11.

The access point can be placed on a ﬂat surface such as a table or desktop or it can be mounted on a wall or to the T-rail grid of an acoustical ceiling. If you choose a ﬂat surface, select one that is clear of obstructions and provides good reception. Place the access point and adjust the antenna so that the arms point up and away from the access point at a 45˚ angle.

Placing the Access Point 7

Mounting on a Wall To mount an access point on a wall, follow the instructions on the mounting

template supplied in the box and refer to the following illustration. Preferably, mount the access point near the ceiling above any obstructions that could block transmission. Position the antenna so that the arms point out and away from the access point at a 45˚ angle

8 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE ACCESS POINT

Mounting on a Ceiling To mount an access point to the T-rail grid of an acoustical ceiling, you must ﬁrst

attach the mounting bracket to the access point as shown.

ESET

Align the T-rail grips with the ceiling T-rail, adjusting them so they grip the T-rail snugly. Tighten the screws on the T-rail grip. Position the antenna so that the arms point down and away from the access point at a 45˚ angle.

SET

TO P

SUP

POWER

WIRELE

THER

NOTE: After installation, there may be some play in the ﬁt of the T-rail grips on the T-rail. This is likely due to the size of the T-rails but should not prevent a secure grip.

Connecting Power 9

Connecting Power The access point is powered by the 3Com Integrated Power-over-Ethernet power

supply , which pr ovides power over a standard category 5 straight (8-wire) Ethernet cable. This eliminates the need to run standard power directly to the access point.

The power supply can be located at any point between the access point and the LAN access port (if you plan to connect to a wired LAN), wherever a convenient power outlet exists.LEDs light.

The access point is IEEE 802.3af compliant. Before connecting the access point to your own power-over-Ethernet hub or switch, ensure that your equipment also complies with the IEEE 802.3af standard.

When you connect the power make sure you connect the cable to the port labeled To Access Point on the power supply. When the access point receives power, the LEDs light.

If you supply your own Ethernet cable for connecting power, be sure that it is standard category 5 straight-through (8-wire) cable that has not been altered in any way. Use of nonstandard cable could damage the access point.

S E

10 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE ACCESS POINT

Connecting to an Ethernet Network

Use a standard Ethernet cable to connect the access point to an Ethernet network, as shown below.

To avoid damaging other components connected to the network, make sure that the Ethernet cable connected to the LAN port is plugged into the To Hub/Switch port on the power supply (not the To Access Point port).

e t

Checking the LEDs

LED Description

Power ■ On—Access point has power.

■ Off—Access point is not receiving power.

Wireless ■ Blinking—The access point is operating. The blink speed ranges from

approximately once every 2.5 seconds to approximately 10 times per second, depending on the signal strength and transmission speed.

■ Off—The access point is not receiving power.

Ethernet ■ Blinking—Wired LAN traffic is detected. Faster blinking indicates

heavier traffic.

■ Off—There is no wired LAN connection or the access point is not

receiving power.

Selecting A Different Antenna 11

Selecting A Different Antenna

The standard detachable portable antenna supplied with the access point is a multi-purpose antenna suitable for a variety of environments, including ofﬁce LANs, physical plants, and factory ﬂoors. If your site has special requirements that might be served by different types of antenna, four optional antenna models are available, as shown below:

Model number 3CWE490 3CWE492 3CWE497 3CWE498 3CWE495 3CWE496

Design and type Omnidirectional

Frequency Range 2.400-2.4835

Gain 4 dBi 2.5 dBi 4 dBi 8 dBi 13 dBi 18 dBi VSWR across

band Max Power Input 20 W 50 W 10 W 20 W 20 W 20 W Temperature

range Dimensions

(inches) Weight 5.34 oz. 8 oz. 2 oz. 8 oz. 12.32 oz. 36.8 oz. Cable A six-foot accessory cable (model 3CWE480) is required for each of these optional antennas. It provides the

(fiberglass)

GHz

< 1.5:1 < 1.35:1 < 1.5:1 < 1.5:1 < 1.3:1 < 1.5:1

-40°C to +80°C -40°C to +80°C -40°C to +71°C -40°C to +80°C -51°C to +71°C -51°C to +71°C

10” (height) 4.25 (diameter) 2.6 x 1.8 x 0.2 5.1 x 4.7 x 1.5 8.7 x 7.9 x 1.4 14.7 x 13.5 x 1.5

transition from the SMA connector on the access point to the N-type connector on the antenna. A 20-foot cable (model 3CWE481) and a 50-foot cable (model 3CWE482) are also available.

Ceiling-mount omnidirectional

2300-2500 MHz 2300-2500 MHz 2300-2500 MHz 2300-2500 MHz 2300-2500 MHz

Ceiling-mount hallway

Directional Panel (indoor/outdoor)

Directional Panel (outdoor)

You can order any of the optional antennas by model number from the 3Com Web site.

Omnidirectional Antenna

The ﬁberglass omnidirectional antenna (model number 3CWE490) is designed for use in harsh indoor environments. It can be centrally located on the ceiling to provide uniform coverage over a wide area.

This antenna features a built-in matching network that eliminates the need for a ground plane.

This antenna can be mounted on the ceiling by means of a standard ceiling-mount bracket. Before installing, ensure that access is available for cable routing.

This antenna does not have an electrical connection between the mask mount and the coaxial cable shield. However, adding a lightning arrestor will correct this situation by grounding the outer shield as recommended. Some arrestor designs provide over -voltage pr otection for the signal sent down the cable. If you use such a design, be sure that it can pass signals used in the 2.5 GHz signal range. Many inexpensive units are available with F connectors, but these are typically designed

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