3Com WL311 User Manual

User Guide

Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge

WL-311

Wireless Network Solution

http://www.3com.com/ http://www.3com.com/productreg

Published June 2001 User guide version 1.0.0

3Com Corporation■5400 Bayfront Plaza■Santa Clara, California■95052-8145■U.S.A.

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 Corporation reserves the right to revise this documentation and to make changes in content from time to time without obligation on the part of 3Com Corporation 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 is a registered trademark and the 3Com logo is a trademark of 3Com Corporation.

Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Wi-Fi is a trademark of the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance.

All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

Contents

1

2

Introduction

Point-to-Point Topology 1 Point-to-Multipoint Topology 2 Antennas and Cables 3

Omnidirectional Antenna 3 Flat-panel Directional Antenna 3 Selecting an Antenna 4 Antenna Options 4 Selecting a Cable 4 Cable Options 4

Installing the Hardware and Software

Wireless Bridge Kit Contents 5 System Requirements 5 Physical Dimensions 6 LED Indicators 7 Bridge Placement Considerations 7

Indoor Location 7 Outdoor Location 7

Considering Antenna Placement 8

Proper Grounding 8 Alignment 8

Polarization 8 Installing the Hardware 9 Installing the Wireless Bridge Manager Software 11

3

Configuring the Bridge

Starting the Bridge Manager 13 Scanning for Bridge Groups 14 Selecting a Bridge to Configure 15 Setting Network and Security Values 16

Network Settings 17

Security Settings 18

40-bit Shared Key Encryption Settings 19 128-bit Shared Key 21

Setting Network Transmission Options 23

Setting the Transmit Rates 24

Setting Medium Reservation 24

Setting the Channel 24

Contents

4

Using System Tools and Viewing Information

Accessing System Tools 25 Saving and Loading Configurations 26

Saving a Configuration 26

Loading a Configuration 27 Resetting the Unit 27 Resetting the Unit to Factory Defaults 28

Using the Reset to Default Icon 29

Resetting by Using the Configuration Button 29 Updating the Bridge Firmware 30 Setting the Password 32 Using the Log Viewer 33

Event Log 33

Forward Table 34

Association Log 35 Viewing Signal Strength with the RSSI Monitor 36

Long Term Statistics 37

Moving Window Statistics 37 Viewing System Information 37

5

Troubleshooting Bridge Problems

Upgrading Firmware 39 Diagnosing Problems 39 Handling Event Log Errors 40 Handling Terminal Configurator Error Codes 40

A

Technical Specifications

Supported Standards 41

Network Standard 41

Network Architecture Types 41

Network Connection Type 41

Bridging Protocol 41

Encryption 41

Security 41 Power Specifications 41

Available Transmit Power Settings 41 Radio Specifications 42

Frequency Band 42

Range 42

Wireless Medium 42

Media Access Protocol 42

Modulation 42

Operating Channels 42

Nonoverlapping Channels 42 Sensitivity and Data Rate 42

Receive Sensitivity 42

Data Rates Supported 42

Configuration and Management Features 42

Local Configuration 42

Remote Configuration Support 42 Dimensions 43 Environmental 43

B

Using the Terminal Configurator

Establishing a Direct Serial Connection 45 Establishing a Telnet Connection 46 Using the Terminal Configurator 47 Main Menu Overview 47 Edit Configuration Menu Overview 48 Using The Editor 48 Configuration File Format 48 File Contents 49

System 49

[configure] 49 [bridge] 49

Bridged Ethernet (lan0) 49

[hardware] 49 [encryption] 50 [rmp] 50 [bootp] 50 [ip] 51

Error Codes 51

Contents

Index

Limited Warranty and Regulatory Compliance Information

3Com Corporation Limited Warranty Regulatory Compliance Information

1 Introduction

The 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge lets you wirelessly connect previously isolated, wired networks scattered across a campus of buildings. You can extend the reach of any number of wired LANs without needing to physically lay cable between the buildings that house them.

A wireless local area network (WLAN), can be an extension or alternative to a wired network within a building or campus. Data is transmitted and received across the WLAN using radio waves instead of cable. In a wireless LAN environment, no cabling is needed between nodes for data communication. The 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge provides a way to extend the scope of the wireless LAN far beyond the walls of a particular building.

A 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge can be used in two network configurations, or topologies:

Point-to-point communication

■

Point-to-multipoint communication

■

This guide explains these network topologies and their components, and leads you through the process of installing, configuring, and administering the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge.

Point-to-Point Topology

Point-to-point topology is the simplest way to use your 3Com Wireless Building-toBuilding Bridge. Two wireless bridges form a link between the wired LANs in two separate buildings, as shown in the figure below. This topology typically uses only directional antennas for communication between the two bridges (see “Antennas and Cables” on page 3).

1

1 Introduction

Point-to-Multipoint Topology

3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridges can be used for communicating among multiple (two or more) bridges, with each bridge connected to a particular building’s wired LAN. The next figure shows a bridging network in which four 3Com Building-to-Building Bridges are used to provide wireless connectivity among four buildings. This topology typically uses omnidirectional antennas for communication between bridges if bridging is desired among all buildings in the bridging network without restriction (see “Antennas and Cables” on page 3).

In this configuration, the wireless bridges make all four wired LANs appear to be connected by the same Ethernet cable. Using wireless bridges in this manner provides a cost-effective way to wirelessly link multiple wired LAN networks by eliminating the need to install cables between buildings.

An alternative point-to-multipoint configuration is shown in the following figure.

In this example, the first building’s bridge is using an omnidirectional antenna while the other three buildings have bridges using directional antennas. In this case, the three bridges with directional antennas can communicate only with the bridge using the omnidirection antenna; they cannot communicate directly with each other. The bridge using the omnidirectional antenna can communicate with the other three bridges.

CAUTION:

possibly result in lower performance than a point-to-multipoint configuration that uses only omnidirectional antennas.

This alternative, mixed-antenna point-to-multipoint topology, can

2

Antennas and Cables

You can connect the following types of antennas to the 3Com Wireless Building-toBuilding Bridge:

■

For best performance, place each antenna outdoors using the mounting hardware provided with the antenna. Outdoor placement is especially important if the building consists of metal construction or has metal siding. If necessary, you can mount an antenna inside a building; however, indoor placement reduces the antenna’s effective range.

The following figures illustrate the different types of antennas and typical examples of use. See Chapter 2, “Installing the Hardware and Software,” for detailed information about recommended 3Com antennas.

Omnidirectional Antenna

An omnidirectional antenna provides short-range, point-to-multipoint connectivity for two or more wireless bridges. Range with an omnidirectional antenna is approximately 1300 meters at 11 megabits per second (Mbps).

Antennas and Cables

Flat-panel directional Omnidirectional

Flat-panel Directional Antenna

A flat-panel directional antenna provides long-range, point-to-point connectivity between two wireless bridges. Range can be as high as 4.1 kilometers (km) at 11 Mbps.

3

1 Introduction

Selecting an Antenna

The following table shows guidelines for selecting antennas based upon their gain properties (expressed in decibels (dB)). The gain of any antenna is essentially a specification that quantifies how well that antenna is able to direct the radiated radio frequency (RF) energy into a particular direction. Thus, high-gain antennas direct their energy more narrowly and precisely, and low-gain ones direct energy more broadly. The range estimates listed are those that can be expected between two 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridges using the listed antenna combinations.

9

a

Gain

Antenna A

4 4 522 0.3 Omni-to-omni

4 8 827 0.5 Omni-to-omni

8 8 1,311 0.8 Omni-to-omni

4 13 1,471 0.9 Omni-to-panel

4 18 2,616 1.6 Omni-to-panel

8 13 2,332 1.4 Omni-to-panel

8 18 4,146 2.6 Omni-to-panel

13 13 4,146 2.6 Panel-to-panel

13 18 3,695 2.3 Panel-to-panel

b

18

Gain

Antenna B

18 3,293 2.0 Panel-to-panel

Distance (Meters)

Distance

(Miles) Antenna Types

a.

Gain is shown in dB

b.

18 dB antenna typically paired with 50-ft cable accessory

Antenna Options

The following 3Com antennas are available for use with the 3Com Wireless Building-toBuilding Bridge:

3CWE490 4 dB Omnidirectional

■

3CWE491 8 dB Omnidirectional

■

3CWE495 13 dB Bidirectional Panel

■

3CWE496 18 dB Directional Panel

■

Selecting a Cable

Specific cables are available from 3Com for connecting the wireless bridge to an antenna. In planning your bridging topology, it is important to account for signal attenuation due to the cable and connectors used between the bridge and the antenna. Using the shortest cables possible reduces signal loss.

3Com recommends using 50-ft cable with 18 dB antenna (with 10 dB attenuation) for typical installations.

Cable Options

The following 3Com cables are available for use with the 3Com Wireless Building-toBuilding Bridge:

3CWE480A — 6 ft

■

3CWE481A — 20 ft

■

3CWE482A — 50 ft

■

4

Installing the

2

Hardware and Software

This chapter describes the contents of the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge package, system requirements, configuration guidelines, and hardware and software installation procedures.

CAUTION:

antennas should be done only by professional network personnel.

Wireless Bridge Kit Contents

In your 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge package, you will find the following components:

3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge

■

RJ-45 Ethernet crossover cable

■

5.2V Universal AC-to-DC power supply and cord

■

Mounting hardware

■

Printed quick start guide with warranty

■

Installation

If any of these items is missing or damaged, please contact the place of purchase or 3Com Customer Support (http://support.3com.com).

Installing the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge, cables, and

CD containing this user guide and configuration software

System Requirements

Before you can install a set of wireless bridges, your system environment must satisfy the conditions listed below. You need to have:

■

Physically isolated Ethernet LANs Two or more 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridges One antenna with cable for each wireless bridge unit (can be purchased separately

from 3Com as an accessory) Computer with Windows 95, 98, Me, Windows 2000, or Windows NT installed

5

2 Installing the Hardware and Software

Physical Dimensions

If you want to mount the wireless bridge on a vertical surface, see the outside dimensions and mounting hole dimensions of the mounting plate shown below. Primary dimensions are given in inches and secondary dimensions are shown in millimeters.

Use #6 or M4 flathead fasteners

for mounting bracket

3.89"

(99 mm)

.50"

(13 mm)

1.95"

(49 mm)

.77"

(20 mm)

3.38"

(86 mm)

6.20"

(157 mm)

1.10"

(28 mm)

6

LED Indicators

The 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge has five LED indicators, as shown in the figure below.

Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge

Powe r

Alert

Wireless

Ethernet

Serial

The LED indicators are described in the table below:

LED Lights

Power Green when power is applied.

Alert Amber when status information is available. View the event log for status information.

(See “Event Log” on page 33 for more information.)

Wireless Green when the bridge is associated with another bridge and lights amber during radio

communication.

Ethernet Green to show that a valid Ethernet link is present through the 10BASE-T port. Lights

amber during Ethernet activity.

Serial Green when receiving data through the serial port and lights amber when transmitting

data through the serial port.

Bridge Placement Considerations

Indoor Location

Place the wireless bridge in a location that:

Is conveniently located for connection to the Ethernet network.

■

Allows easy viewing of the front panel LED indicators, and access to the rear panel

■

connectors, if necessary.

Outdoor Location

It may be necessary to mount the wireless bridge in an outdoor location. If you place the bridge in an outdoor location, you should cover it with an optional outdoor enclosure accessory. To obtain an outdoor enclosure accessory, contact 3Com at http://www.3com.com. For installation instructions, refer to the procedure provided with the enclosure accessory.

7

2 Installing the Hardware and Software

Considering Antenna Placement

You can place the antenna either indoors or outdoors. An outdoor location, such as a rooftop, provides the following advantages:

Fewer obstacles to signal paths between wireless bridges

■

Increased antenna range

■

Fewer multipath problems

■

Proper Grounding

To ensure the physical safety of anyone near the antenna and to prevent damage to the wireless bridge, follow the building codes for antenna installations in your area. This approach typically means making certain that antennas and antenna masts are appropriately grounded to prevent injury or damage from lightning strikes.

Most of the antennas shipped with the wireless bridge do not have an electrical connection between the mask mount and the coaxial cable shield. However, adding a lightning arrestor will correct that situation by grounding the outer shield as recommended. In some arrestor designs, there is also some over-voltage protection for the signal sent down the cable. If you use such a component, be sure that it is designed to pass signals used in the 2.5 GHz signal range (many inexpensive units are available with F connectors, but these are typically designed for cable TV-UHF applications and may degrade the signals in the band used by the wireless bridge).

Alignment

Position each antenna so that there are minimal obstacles between it and any other antenna with which it will communicate. While maintaining a direct line of sight between antennas is not strictly necessary, such an arrangement helps to ensure a strong signal.

Align each directional antenna to point at the antenna with which it will communicate. If you place two directional antennas at different heights, tilt them up or down toward each other for optimal signal strength. Make sure that the angle of tilt is identical for each antenna: the antenna faces should be parallel.

While aligning the antenna, you may want to use the Wireless Bridge Manager Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) Monitor tool (preferably loaded on a mobile PC that can be used at the antenna site) to adjust the antenna to achieve the maximum possible received signal strength. See “Viewing Signal Strength with the RSSI Monitor” on page 36 for more information.

Polarization

Polarization is a physical phenomenon of radio signal propagation. In general, any two antennas that are to form a link with each other must be set for the same polarization. If for example, two antennas for a link are linearly polarized, they must both be vertically polarized or horizontally polarized. If both antennas do not have the same polarization, the link will either work poorly, or not at all.The situation where one antenna is vertically polarized and the other is horizontally polarized is known as cross-polarization.

Antenna polarity should be identical for each antenna in a bridging link or network. Vertical polarization is preferred in most cases. Make sure that every directional antenna is properly oriented for vertical polarization (according to the polarization indicator shown on the antenna panel).

Omnidirectional antennas should be vertically aligned in relation to the ground.

8

Installing the Hardware

CAUTION:

Installing the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge, cables, and

antennas should be done only by professional network personnel.

Remove your 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge from the packaging.

1

The bridge ships fully assembled. An SMA port for attaching the antenna cable is located on one side of the bridge (see figure below).

Serial

Bridge

Building-to-Building

5

V

D

C

1

0

R

J

-4 5

Wireless

Ethernet

Wireless

Alert

Power

SMA port

S

e

ria

l

C

o

n

fig

.

If you plan to mount the bridge on the wall or ceiling, remove the bottom mounting

2

plate, as shown in the figure below. If you are not mounting the bridge, leave the mounting plate on the bottom of the bridge.

To mount the bridge, install the mounting plate where desired using the mounting

3

hardware provided (see “Physical Dimensions” on page 6 for the physical dimensions of the mounting plate).

9

2 Installing the Hardware and Software

After securing the mounting plate to the desired location, attach the bridge onto the

4

mounting plate.

If you are mounting the bridge in an outdoor location, install the outdoor enclosure

5

accessory according to the installation instructions provided with the accessory.

Connect the antenna cable to the SMA port at the end of the bridge unit

6

(see figure below).

1

1 SMA port

2 Power jack

3 10BASE-T Ethernet port

Connect the other end of the antenna cable to the antenna.

7

Insert one end of the RJ-45 crossover cable into the bridge 10BASE-T connector. Insert

8

2

5 VDC

3

10

RJ-45

4 Serial port

5 Configuration button

4

Serial Config.

5

the other end of the cable into your Ethernet LAN connector.

Connect power to the bridge.

9

Connect the six-pin DC power cable to the power adapter.

a

Connect the round power plug of the DC cable to the port labeled 5 VDC.

b

Connect the AC power cord to the other side of the power adapter.

c

Insert the AC power cord into an AC power outlet.

d

Verify that the bridge Ethernet LED is illuminated (see “LED Indicators” on page 7),

10

indicating a valid Ethernet connection to your Ethernet LAN.

Your bridge hardware is now ready for configuration using the 3Com Wireless Buildingto-Building Bridge Manager software.

10

Installing the Wireless Bridge Manager Software

You can install the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge Manager on a PC or workstation running Windows 95, 98, Me, Windows 2000, or Windows NT. The Bridge Manager is a software configuration utility that allows you to graphically and remotely:

Display a list of wireless bridges running on the local network.

■

Display and edit the current configuration of any wireless bridge.

■

Save and load configurations.

■

Update the wireless bridge firmware.

■

Perform all configuration and management functions.

■

You typically install the Bridge Manager on:

One desktop computer, through which you can globally configure and administer all

■

of the wireless bridges. One laptop computer, through which you can adjust antenna polarization during

■

installation by using the RSSI monitor at the antenna site.

If the Bridge Manager is not available, you can use the terminal configurator as an alternative method to configure the bridge. See Appendix B, “Using the Terminal Configurator,” for more information.

Insert the

1

Installation

If the installation program does not begin automatically:

CD into your computer’s CD-ROM drive.

Click

a b c

My Computer

Click the icon for the drive in which the

Double-click setup.exe.

NOTE:

When you first insert the

.

Installation

CD or run the Setup utility you will see

CD is located.

a message indicating that files are being copied to your system. These are temporary files used by the installation program, and are not the Wireless Bridge Manager program files.

The Welcome screen appears.

2

Click

to continue the installation.

3

Click

to indicate that you agree with the displayed terms.

Yes

The Choose Destination Location screen appears. This screen displays the default path and location for the Bridge Manager files and documents:

c:\program files\3com\3com wireless bridge manager

You can leave the directory set at the default path, or you can change the directory to suit your requirements.

Enter the directory in which the Bridge Manager program will be installed. When you

4

have finished, click

to continue.

The Bridge Manager files and documents are installed in the directory you specified. It is possible that the installer will require that you restart your computer to complete the installation. When the installation is complete, a message is displayed that confirms a successful installation.

5

Click

to exit the installation.

Finish

The Bridge Manager is now installed and you are ready to use it to configure your wireless bridges. Proceed to Chapter 3, “Configuring the Bridge.”

11

3 Configuring the Bridge

This chapter describes how to add a 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge to your wireless network using the Wireless Bridge Manager configuration utility.

The 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge Manager software communicates with each wireless bridge using a non-routable protocol. Therefore, your wireless bridges must be accessible on the local subnet to communicate with the Bridge Manager.

Starting the Bridge Manager

To run the Wireless Bridge Manager, follow these steps:

On the Windows taskbar, click

1

Select

2

Programs

the Wireless Bridge Manager (see “Installing the Wireless Bridge Manager Software” on page 11).

.

Start

and then select the Program Group you created when you installed

Select the

3

The 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge Manager screen appears and the Bridge Manager automatically scans the network for currently accessible bridge groups. (See the next section,”Scanning for Bridge Groups,” for more information about bridge groups.)

3Com Wireless Bridge Manager

entry.

13

3 Configuring the Bridge

Scanning for Bridge Groups

Whenever it is started, the Wireless Bridge Manager automatically scans the local network to detect currently accessible bridge groups. In this case, a wireless bridges having the same wireless local area network (WLAN) service area (also known as an Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID)).

You can force the Bridge Manager to scan the network without having to restart it. To force the Bridge Manager to scan for accessible bridge groups, click lower-right corner of the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge Manager screen.

bridge group

is defined as all

Refresh

in the

14

After completing the scan, the Bridge Manager displays the detected bridge groups on the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge Manager screen. Also displayed are all the individual bridges associated with each detected bridge group. You configure a bridge unit by selecting it on this screen, as described in the next section “Selecting a Bridge to Configure.”

Selecting a Bridge to Configure

To start configuring a wireless bridge unit, display the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge Manager screen (described in “Scanning for Bridge Groups” on page 14) and follow these steps:

To show the options available for a listed wireless bridge unit, right-click the displayed

1

unit name.

Select

2

.

Configure.

Selecting a Bridge to Configure

The Wireless Bridge Configuration screen appears (see the next figure), displaying tabs for

Network / Security, Options, Tools

, and

. The functions of these tabs are

Info

described in the following sections.

15

3 Configuring the Bridge

Setting Network and Security Values

You can change network and security settings for the wireless bridge in the

Security

you set the following values:

tab of the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen. The

WLAN service area (ESSID)

■

Level of desired WEP (Wired Equivalent Protection) security

■

Station name

■

IP address

■

Subnet mask address

■

Gateway address

■

Network /

Network / Security

tab lets

16

Setting Network and Security Values

Network Settings

Network settings determine the wireless network with which the bridge can associate. Some wireless LANs are set up with different WLAN service areas. The WLAN service area is used to specify a unique wireless network. Wireless bridges use the WLAN service area to connect to a specific network. Only bridges with the same WLAN service area can associate with each other; they cannot communicate with bridges that have different WLAN service areas.

To c h a n g e th e

Enter the name of a WLAN service area.

1

Network / Security

tab settings:

The WLAN service area (ESSID) is used to specify a unique wireless network. The service area name can be up to 32 alphanumeric characters long. Only bridges with the same WLAN service area can associate with each other; they cannot communicate with bridges that have different WLAN service areas.

Use the Security Setting pull-down menu to select one of the following WEP security

2

settings:

No Security (Open System)

■

40-bit shared key for basic encryption

■

128-bit shared key for strong encryption

■

Using either a 40-bit or 128-bit shared key setting, all wireless bridges in a single wireless LAN service area (sharing the same ESSID) must share the same security key. The security settings for any associating bridge pair must match exactly. For more information about the security settings, see the next section, “Security Settings.”

Enter the Station Name.

3

The station name is an arbitrary identifier for each wireless bridge. This value lets you conveniently identify the bridges with the Wireless Bridge Manager. Assigning a meaningful station name to each wireless bridge is recommended. Like the WLAN Service Area Name (step 1), this field uses any alphanumeric combination.

Enter the IP Address you want to assign to the wireless bridge.

4

The IP address is the network address that will be used by other computers to communicate with the wireless bridge. Assigning an IP address to the bridge is required only if you plan to use Telnet for remote configuration. (See Appendix B, “Using the Terminal Configurator,” for more information about using Telnet.)

Enter the Subnet Mask value.

5

This value defines the range of IP addresses available within your local network. Assigning a subnet mask address to the bridge is required only if you plan to use Telnet for remote configuration.

If your network uses a gateway (router or firewall), enter the Gateway IP address.

6

You must enter the IP address of your gateway if you plan to use Telnet to administer the wireless bridge from computers on a different subnet. You may leave this field blank if no gateway is present or needed. Assigning a gateway address to the bridge is required only if you plan to use Telnet for remote configuration.

7

Click

Apply

.

When the wireless bridge has joined your wireless network by associating with another wireless bridge, the radio association LED will light green.

17

3 Configuring the Bridge

Security Settings

Enabling security is the best way to protect your data from unauthorized observers. 3Com recommends using the strongest encryption setting supported by your wireless bridge.

The 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge supports the following levels of hardware encryption:

Security Level Description

No Security (Open System) No encryption. The network communications could be intercepted by

40-bit shared key Basic encryption.

128-bit shared key Strong encryption.

Both basic and strong shared-key security settings use industry-standard 802.11 Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption methods. Using either setting, all wireless bridges in a single wireless LAN service area must share the same security key. The WEP key settings for any associating bridge pair must match exactly.

NOTE:

The 128-bit encryption setting may not be available to you, depending on

U.S. export restrictions to your country.

unintended recipients.

You can set the WEP keys in one of two ways. You can:

Have the keys automatically generated

■

— Allows you to easily enter any string of characters (as you would enter a password) that will automatically generate the WEP keys in hexadecimal notation the same way for every wireless bridge you configure.

Enter the keys manually

■

— Allows you to use an existing set of encryption keys, but requires that you manually enter four long series of hexadecimal numbers in exactly the same way for every wireless bridge you configure.

18

Setting Network and Security Values

40-bit Shared Key Encryption Settings

Establishing 40-bit shared-key security requires that you set up encryption keys. You can have the encryption keys automatically generated by entering an encryption string, or you can manually enter the keys.

Entering an Encryption String

generate the WEP keys, follow these steps:

In the

1

2

Network / Security

40-bit Shared Key

Click

Encryption Key Settings

The 40 Bit Encryption Key Settings screen appears.

from the Security setting list (see step 2 on page 17.)

To enter an encryption string that will automatically

tab of the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen, select

.

Select

3 4

5

Specify Encryption String

Type the encryption string in the in the

Confirm Encryption String

correctly. A valid encryption string is a string of characters between 6 and 30 characters long. The

string can be any combination of letters and numbers and is case-sensitive. The string you enter will automatically generate the actual WEP encryption keys in hexadecimal notation.

Click OK when finished.

.

Encryption String

field to make sure that you have entered the string

field. Retype the encryption string

19

3 Configuring the Bridge

Entering the Encryption Keys

described in the preceding section) and instead manually enter the WEP keys. To manually enter the WEP keys in hexadecimal notation, follow these steps:

In the

1

2

Network / Security

40-bit Shared Key

Click

Encryption Key Settings

The 40 Bit Encryption Key Settings screen appears.

from the Security setting list (see step 2 on page 17.)

You can decline to enter an encryption string (as

tab of the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen, select

.

20

Select

3 4

5 6

Specify Encryption Keys

Enter the key settings. Hexadecimal keys are sequences of hexadecimal digits arranged into four keys.

A hexadecimal digit may be a letter from A to F or a number from 0 to 9. You must enter settings for all four keys. All four keys must be entered in precisely the same hexadecimal notation for all the wireless bridges you are configuring for your network.

Click one of the radio buttons to select the transmit key to use.

Click OK when finished.

.

Setting Network and Security Values

128-bit Shared Key

Establishing 128-bit shared key security requires that you set up encryption keys. You can have the encryption keys automatically generated by entering an encryption string, or you can manually enter the keys.

Entering an Encryption String

generate the WEP keys, follow these steps:

In the

1

2

Network / Security

128-bit Shared Key

Click

Encryption Key Settings

The 128 Bit Encryption Key Settings screen appears.

from the Security setting list (see step 2 on page 17.)

To enter an encryption string that will automatically

tab of the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen, select

.

Select

3 4

5

Specify Encryption String

Type the encryption string in the in the

Confirm Encryption String

correctly. A valid encryption string is a string of characters between 6 and 30 characters long.

The string can be any combination of letters and numbers and is case-sensitive. The string you enter will automatically generate the actual WEP encryption keys in hexadecimal notation.

Click OK when finished.

.

Encryption String

field to make sure that you have entered the string

field. Retype the encryption string

21

3 Configuring the Bridge

Entering the Encryption Keys

described in the preceding section) and instead manually enter the WEP keys. To manually enter the WEP keys in hexadecimal notation, follow these steps:

In the

1

2

Network / Security

128-bit Shared Key

Click

Encryption Key Settings

The 128 Bit Encryption Key Settings screen appears.

from the Security setting list (see step 2 on page 17.)

You can decline to enter an encryption string (as

tab of the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen, select

.

Select

3 4

5 6

Specify Encryption Keys

Enter the key settings. Hexadecimal keys are sequences of hexadecimal digits arranged into four keys.

A hexadecimal digit may be a letter from A to F or a number from 0 to 9. You must enter settings for all four keys. All four keys must be entered in precisely the same hexadecimal notation for all the wireless bridges you are configuring for your network.

Click one of the radio buttons to select the transmit key to use.

Click OK when finished.

.

22

Setting Network Transmission Options

The

Options

following options:

Options Purpose

Transmit rate settings Control the rates at which the wireless bridge makes physical layer

Medium reservation Controls the 802.11 Request to Send/Clear to Send (RTS/CTS) mechanism.

Channel Controls the radio frequency.

tab of the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen lets you set values for the

transmissions.

Setting Network Transmission Options

23

3 Configuring the Bridge

Setting the Transmit Rates

The transmit-rate-settings parameter controls the rates at which the wireless bridge makes physical layer transmissions. The rates listed are those supported by the 802.11b radio. These rates refer to the physical layer transmissions, and do not necessarily correspond to the data throughput that you will achieve. Data throughput is affected by many factors, including distance, signal quality, and network protocol.

Use the check boxes to specify the allowed transmit rates for the radio. If you select multiple allowed transmit rates the unit will automatically use the highest available rate based on signal quality. When the signal quality is poor the radio will drop back to lower rates.

If you force the radio to a lower rate, then it will operate better with poor signal quality. If you force the radio to a higher rate, then it will operate only when the signal quality is high. In general, you should leave this setting at the default of all rates allowed.

The following table shows the allowable combinations of transmit rate settings. You should use the same transmit rate settings for all wireless bridges sharing WLAN service area (ESSID):

NOTE:

2, 1 Mbps) to achieve the best performance.

3Com recommends that you select

the Transmit rate settings (11, 5.5,

all

Combination Settings (On) Description

A 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps 11 Mbps with auto-fallback

B 1, 2 Mbps 2 Mbps with auto-fallback

C 1 Mbps 1 Mbps

Setting Medium Reservation

The medium reservation parameter controls the 802.11 Request to Send/Clear to Send (RTS/CTS) mechanism. It is used to force the radio to perform a Request to Send and receive a Clear to Send before transmitting packets. One of the bridges in the system acts as the coordinator for all transmissions. The coordinator issues the Clear to Send messages for all other bridges that are making Requests to Send. There is not a way to specify which bridge will be the coordinator.

When medium reservation is enabled you must specify the RTS threshold. The threshold is the packet length, in bytes, above which the radio will make the RTS and wait for CTS before sending the packet. For example, if you enable medium reservation with an RTS threshold of 500, then all packets of length greater than or equal to 500 bytes will not be transmitted until the radio first issues an RTS and then receives a CTS from the coordinator. Packets less than 500 bytes will be sent as soon as the channel is free, without first undergoing the RTS/CTS mechanism.

Setting the Channel

The 802.11 standard specifies a number of different frequency channels. The regulatory bodies of your country control the frequency channels that you may use. Use the pulldown menu to see the list of channels supported by your wireless bridge unit.

NOTE:

Service Area Name (see step 1 on page 17) must have the same channel setting.

To ensure operation on a specific channel, all bridges with the same WLAN

24

Using System Tools and

4

Viewing Information

This chapter describes various system tools available for use with the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge. The wireless bridge system tools allow you to:

Write a configuration to a file.

■

Reload a saved configuration file to a selected bridge.

■

Reset the unit.

■

Restore the unit default settings.

■

Update the bridge firmware.

■

Change the bridge password.

■

View log information.

■

View the signal strength of packets received by the wireless bridge.

■

Accessing System Tools

Selecting the

tab displays the available system tools for the wireless bridge.

Tools

25

4 Using System Tools and Viewing Information

Saving and Loading Configurations

Selecting the

(Configuration)

Config

the bridge configuration settings once you are satisfied with them, and recover the bridge configuration settings, if necessary. For example, if you have to reset the unit to its original default settings for troubleshooting purposes, you may want to later restore a particular set of configuration values.

Saving a Configuration

You can write (save) the configuration settings of the wireless bridge to a local file. This feature allows you to save settings of a known state for backup purposes or easily configure multiple bridges with the same settings. To save a configuration file, follow these steps:

From the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen (see “Selecting a Bridge to Configure”

1

on page 15), select the

Double-click the

2

The Save As screen appears, displaying all the currently saved configuration files.

tab on the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen displays the

Tools

From File

Write Config To File

To ol s

and

Write Config To File

tab.

icon.

Load

tools. Use these tools to back up

26

Type a name for the saved configuration file in the

3

Click

4

A message is displayed once the configuration file has been successfully saved.

to save the configuration.

Save

File name

field.

Resetting the Unit

Loading a Configuration

The Wireless Bridge Manager allows you to easily reload a saved configuration file to the currently selected bridge. To reload a saved configuration file, follow these steps:

From the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen (see “Selecting a Bridge to Configure”

1

on page 15), select the

Double-click the

2

Load Config From File

The Open screen appears, and displays all the saved configuration files.

To ol s

tab.

icon.

Resetting the Unit

Select the saved configuration file from the Open window.

3 4

Click

to load the configuration.

Open

A message is displayed once the configuration file has been successfully loaded.

If you experience a persistent problem with your wireless bridge, you can perform a reset of the bridge unit in a way that does not erase your configuration settings. Resetting the unit from the

Some of the error log (see “Event Log” on page 33)

■

The bridge unit forwarding table (see “Forward Table” on page 34)

■

Reset Unit

icon clears:

During the reset, bridging through the unit will be temporarily interrupted, and the bridge will have to “relearn” the forwarding table.

If resetting the unit does not fix the problem, then you may have to perform a “hard” reset that completely restores all the bridge configuration settings to their initial factory default values. (See “Resetting the Unit to Factory Defaults” on page 28.) To help diagnose the problem, see Chapter 5, “Troubleshooting Bridge Problems.”

27

4 Using System Tools and Viewing Information

To reset the wireless bridge unit, follow these steps:

From the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen (see “Selecting a Bridge to Configure”

1

on page 15), select the

Double-click the

2

The Reset Unit screen appears, asking you to verify that you want to restart the bridge unit.

To ol s

Reset Unit

icon.

tab.

3

Click

to restart the unit.

Yes

Resetting the Unit to Factory Defaults

If resetting the unit (as described in the preceding section) does not fix the problem, then you may have to perform a “hard” reset that completely restores all the bridge configuration settings to their initial factory default values. To help diagnose the problem, see Chapter 5, “Troubleshooting Bridge Problems.”

You can perform a “hard” reset in two ways to restore all the bridge configuration settings to their initial factory default values. You can either:

Double-click the

■

Configuration screen. (See the next section, “Using the Reset to Default Icon.”) or Use a paper clip to press the configuration button (labeled

■

on page 10) located next to the serial port on the back panel of the bridge.) (See “Resetting by Using the Configuration Button” on page 29.)

CAUTION:

parameters, including the WLAN service area name (ESSID). Resetting to defaults might leave your bridge in a non-reachable state, depending on your current radio network setting.

For example, if a reset wireless bridge is not on the same wired LAN section as your PC, it is possible that the bridge will lose association with the other bridges, and the configuration utility will no longer be able to communicate with the bridge. If this situation happens, you must connect the bridge to your PC through an Ethernet cable. You will then be able to use the Wireless Bridge Manager to set the WLAN service area name to that of your bridge.

Reset to Default

Resetting to factory defaults resets all wireless bridge configuration

icon from the

tab of the Wireless Bridge

Tools

Config.

in the illustration

28

Resetting the Unit to Factory Defaults

Using the Reset to Default Icon

To reset the wireless bridge unit configuration settings to their factory default values, follow these steps:

From the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen (see “Selecting a Bridge to Configure”

1

on page 15), select the

Double-click the

2

The Reset To Default screen appears, asking you to verify that you want to restart the bridge unit.

Reset To Default

To ol s

tab.

icon.

3

Click

to restart the unit.

Yes

Resetting by Using the Configuration Button

You can also reset the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge to factory default settings without using the Bridge Manager:

Disconnect power to the bridge.

1

Insert one end of an extended paper clip into the small hole labeled

2

near the serial port on the bridge back panel) to press the configuration button.

While keeping the configuration button pressed, reconnect power to the bridge.

3

Press the configuration button for at least five seconds after power is applied. The bridge will be reset to factory defaults once the lights start to blink.

Config.

(located

29

4 Using System Tools and Viewing Information

Updating the Bridge Firmware

The 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge ships with the most current firmware available. Over time, as features are added and problems are fixed, newer firmware may become available. If you are having trouble with your wireless bridge, it is recommended that you first upgrade to the latest firmware version.

Follow these steps to update the wireless bridge firmware to the latest version:

Download the latest version of firmware from http:\\support.3com.com to the

1

computer that is currently running the Wireless Bridge Manager. The firmware file has the extension .RMU.

After downloading the firmware, select the

2

Configuration screen (see “Selecting a Bridge to Configure” on page 15).

tab from the Wireless Bridge

To ol s

Double-click the

3

The Firmware Upgrade Tool dialog box appears.

If you know the name and location of the file, enter it in the

4

otherwise click Clicking

Browse

Firmware Upgrade

Browse

to locate the firmware file on your computer.

displays the Open Firmware File screen:

icon.

Firmware Filename

field,

30

Updating the Bridge Firmware

Use the Open Firmware File screen to locate the firmware file. Select the file and

5

click The Bridge Manager fills in the path and file name in the Firmware Upgrade Tool

screen for the file you selected, as shown here:

Open

.

Click

6

7

Upgrade

A warning is displayed instructing you not to disrupt power to the unit while the update is in progress.

Click OK to continue. The Bridge Manager first validates the firmware (.RMU) file, checks for components

that should be loaded on the bridge, and then sends the components to the bridge. A progress indicator is displayed, as shown in the next figure. Firmware installation can take from 30 seconds to a few minutes depending on the number of components being updated. A status indicator updates the progress, as shown below.

to begin the upgrade process using the selected firmware.

After the bridge has completely installed the new firmware, a message is displayed.

Click OK to acknowledge the successful upgrade and return to the Firmware Upgrade

8

Tool window.

Click

9

the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen.

to close the Firmware Upgrade Tool window and return to the

Close

Tools

tab of

31

4 Using System Tools and Viewing Information

Setting the Password

Setting a password prevents unauthorized users from accessing or changing the settings for your wireless bridge. You must enter this password each time you reconfigure the bridge. It is recommended that you set a password for each wireless bridge.

To initially set or change the password, follow these steps:

From the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen (see “Selecting a Bridge to Configure”

1

on page 15), select the

Double-click the

2

The Change Password dialog box appears.

If you are changing an existing password, type the active password in the

3

current password

the

Enter your current password field

Type the new password in the

4

a second time in the your entry.

Entering blank text for the “new password” will remove the active password. If the active password is removed, the Wireless Bridge Manager will not prompt for a password.

Change Password

field. (If you are entering a new password for the first time, leave

Confirm your new password

tab.

To ol s

icon.

blank.)

Enter your new password

Enter your

field. Type the new password

field to verify the accuracy of

Click OK to immediately activate the new password.

5

32

Using the Log Viewer

The Log Viewer lets you display:

■

Using the Log Viewer

The different logs and tables stored on the wireless bridge. Status and error messages issued by the wireless bridge.

NOTE:

Viewing the logs may interrupt network connectivity. Therefore, it is recommended that you try to schedule viewing the logs for a time when the rate of network traffic is at a minimum, preferably after normal working hours.

To display the Log Viewer screen, follow these steps:

From the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen (see “Selecting a Bridge to Configure”

1

on page 15), select the

Double-click the

2

Log Viewer

To ol s

tab.

icon.

The Log Viewer screen appears, displaying the Event Log tab (see the next illustration). Switch among the three available logs by choosing the different tabs. The three logs available through the Log Viewer are:

Event Log

■

— Displays basic information and status messages generated by the

wireless bridge.

Forward Table

■

— Displays the MAC addresses that have been seen by the

wireless bridge.

Association Log

■

— Displays association and disassociation events.

Event Log

The event log displays messages generated by the wireless bridge. Event log messages include basic information about the bridge hardware and any status messages generated by the bridge. To clear the entries from the event log, click on, clearing the event log turns it off.

Clear Log

. If the Alert light is

The time stamp indicates the number of 10-millisecond periods since the unit was turned on or reset. For example, a time stamp of 6000 corresponds to a time of 60 seconds, and a time stamp of 20 corresponds to a time of 0.2 seconds.

See “Diagnosing Problems” on page 39 for more information about troubleshooting bridge problems using the event log.

33

4 Using System Tools and Viewing Information

Forward Table

The forward table displays the MAC addresses that have been detected by the wireless bridge. The table lists the interface, wire (10BASE-T) or radio (Wireless), on which each MAC address was observed. The time for each entry indicates the number of seconds until that entry will be removed from the table.

The forward table helps the wireless bridge make efficient use of the radio bandwidth. The wireless bridge uses the forward table to decide if packets received on the wired interface should be sent to the radio and transmitted to remote bridges.

The local wireless bridge attached to your LAN uses the forward table to identify traffic that remains on the local side of the wireless link. The local wireless bridge does not forward those packets to remote wireless bridges because the forwarding table “knows” that the source and destination computers are on the local network.

When the wireless bridge detects a new source MAC address, it adds that address to the forward table and the interface value is set to the interface on which the packet was received. If there is no further activity for this MAC address, the time for the entry will decrease until it reaches zero. When the time for an entry reaches zero it is removed from the forward table.

The forward table can hold 1024 entries; however, the Bridge Manager displays only the first 20 to 30 entries. These top entries are the MAC addresses with the most recent activity. To see the complete forward table you must use the terminal configuration interface, described in Appendix B, “Using the Terminal Configurator.”

34

Using the Log Viewer

Association Log

The Association Log records association and disassociation events. Each association event is recorded with a time stamp and, if available, the MAC address and WLAN service area name of the bridge with which the association was made. Each disassociation event contains only a time stamp. The time stamp indicates the number of 10-millisecond periods since the unit was turned on or reset. For example, a time stamp of 6000 corresponds to a time of 60 seconds, and a time stamp of 20 corresponds to a time of

0.2 seconds.

35

4 Using System Tools and Viewing Information

Viewing Signal Strength with the RSSI Monitor

The RSSI Monitor tool provides graphical information about the signal strength of packets received by the wireless bridge. While this tool is open, the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) information is updated each time the unit receives a data packet. This tool is a useful aid when aligning your antennas. You want to adjust your antennas to achieve the maximum possible received signal strength. There are no units of value associated with the signal strength; it is reported as a percent of the maximum attainable value.

To use the RSSI Monitor, follow these steps:

From the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen (see “Selecting a Bridge to Configure”

1

on page 15), select the

Double-click the

2

RSSI Monitor

The RSSI Monitor appears.

To ol s

tab.

icon.

36

The RSSI Monitor displays two moving graphs:

Long Term Statistics

■

Moving Window Statistics

■

Long Term Statistics

The top graph in the RSSI Monitor displays Long Term Statistics. The information in this graph is reset every time you open the RSSI Monitor. It reports the Maximum, Average, and Minimum received packet signal strength for all packets since the RSSI Monitor was opened. This graph also shows the received signal strength of the last packet received. The Packet Count indicates how many packets have been received since the monitor tool was opened.

Moving Window Statistics

The Moving Window Statistics are very similar to the Long Term Statistics; however, Moving Window Statistics are calculated over only the last 100 (maximum) received packets. The Moving Window Statistics give you an idea of the more recent signal strength, whereas the Long Term Statistics reflect all observations since the RSSI Monitor tool was opened. This graph displays the Maximum, Average, and Minimum received packet signal strength over the last 100 packets. If less than 100 packets have been received since the monitor tool was opened, then the statistics are calculated over that number. The Packet Count indicates the number of packets that are included in the Moving Windows Statistics.

Viewing System Information

Selecting the about the wireless bridge settings and network connection, as shown in the figure below.

Info

Viewing System Information

tab on the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen displays information

37

5 Troubleshooting Bridge Problems

If your 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge is not operating properly, make sure the bridge is running the latest firmware, and use this guide before contacting 3Com Customer Support through the 3Com Customer Support Web site:

http://support.3com.com

Upgrading Firmware

If you have any trouble with your bridge unit, go first to the Web site shown below and download the latest version of the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge firmware. You can find firmware upgrades at the 3Com Customer Support Web site:

http://support.3com.com

See “Updating the Bridge Firmware” on page 30 for detailed instructions.

Diagnosing Problems

Error Indicator Problem Solution

The Power LED is off or the power light is blinking.

The Alert LED is on. There is a configuration or

The wireless bridge is connected to an Ethernet cable, but the Ethernet link LED is not on.

The Wireless LED is off and the Alert LED is off.

The wireless bridge is not receiving power properly.

software alert condition.

There is an invalid connection to Ethernet.

The bridge is not linking to other bridges.

Verify that all physical connections are securely in place. Contact Customer Support if the problem persists.

Check the System Event Log to determine the cause. (See “Event Log” on page 33.) See the Event Log Error Table for details. Use the Clear Event Log option to clear the event log and turn off the Alert LED.

Verify that both ends of the cable are plugged in securely. If the wireless bridge is attached to a hub, a crossover Ethernet cable must be used. If the bridge is attached directly to an Ethernet device (for example, a PC or Ethernet printer), it must be a straight-through cable. Verify that you are using the correct cable. If you are using the correct cable, verify that you are connecting the bridge to a 10BASE-T Ethernet device. The wireless bridge does not support 100BASE-T.

Verify that the WLAN service area name is set to match the WLAN service area names of the other bridges in the network. Verify that the antenna cable is firmly attached to the SMA port on the bridge and to the connector of the antenna.

If you are using flat-panel antennas, verify that the panel faces are parallel: the panel faces must be directly facing each other.

39

5 Troubleshooting Bridge Problems

Handling Event Log Errors

The following table lists event log errors. (See “Using the Log Viewer” on page 33 for more information about accessing the event log.) All entries in the event log are preceded by a number. This number is a time stamp used by Customer Support, but is not relevant to looking up items in this table.

Error Code Description

UART Error – No Rx Buffer Available

Initialization of interface "lan0" failed.

Data is being sent to the UART at a rate faster than it can clear its receive buffers, and data is being lost.

Note that if you are using the serial port menu system for configuration, flow control will not be enabled in the wireless bridge. To avoid getting this error while in the serial port configuration system, simply type slower.

The bridge could not be initialized.

Try each of the following steps in order. If any of these steps succeeds, there is no need to perform any of the later steps; otherwise continue to the next step.

Reset the wireless bridge.

1

Unplug the power, wait for approximately 30 seconds and then reapply power.

2

Reset the wireless bridge to the factory default configuration and reset the wireless bridge.

3

Contact 3Com Customer Support if the problem persists.

4

Handling Terminal Configurator Error Codes

See Appendix B, “Using the Terminal Configurator,” for detailed information about using the Terminal Configurator method to configure your 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge.

Error Code Description

Xxxx: [yyyy]:

section does not exist

Xxxx: [yyyy]: “zzzz”:

entry refers to non-existent section

Xxxx: [yyyy]: "zzzz":

entry does not exist

Xxxx: [yyyy]: "zzzz":

entry is invalid

Xxxx: <[yyyy]zzzz>:

Unable to add route.

Xxxx: file does not exist. Configuration file could not be found.

Section named yyyy in configuration file named xxxx was missing.

Save your current configuration (if applicable). Reset the wireless bridge configuration to factory defaults. Reset the wireless bridge. Restore configuration (if applicable).

Entry zzzz refers to a section that is not located in file xxxx.

Save your current configuration (if applicable). Reset the wireless bridge configuration to factory defaults. Restore configuration (if applicable).

Entry zzzz in section yyyy of file xxxx was missing.

Save your current configuration (if applicable). Reset the wireless bridge configuration to factory defaults. Reset the wireless bridge. Restore configuration (if applicable).

Entry zzzz in section yyyy of file xxxx contains an invalid value.

Check the entry in the configuration for zzzz. If you cannot find zzzz in the wireless bridge Bridge Manager program, you may have to use the serial port or Telnet configuration menus.

Route values are out of range compared to the interface values.

Set the route value to “automatic.” If “automatic” does not work for your wireless bridge, check the values you set for the route to make sure they correspond to your other IP parameters.

Reset the configuration to factory defaults, and reset the wireless. If the problem persists, contact 3Com Customer Support.

40

A Technical Specifications

Supported Standards

Network Standard

■

Network Architecture Types

■

Network Connection Type

■

Bridging Protocol

■

Encryption

■

IEEE 802.11b

Bridge 802.3 to 802.11b

10BASE-T

MAC layer encapsulation

40- and 128-bit WEP encryption, shared key

1

Security

Power Specifications

Available Transmit Power Settings

VPN pass through

■

300 mA, typically

■

1.While the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge conforms with the IEEE

802.11b standard, it is not compatible or interoperable with other IEEE 802.11b devices.

41

A Technical Specifications

Radio Specifications

Frequency Band

■

Range

■

Wireless Medium

■

Media Access Protocol

■

Modulation

■

Operating Channels

■

2.4 GHz

Transmit and receive information up to 2.6 miles (4,146 meters) between wireless bridges (depending on antenna selection)

DSSS

CSMA/CA

DSSS

1 through 11 (U.S.)

Nonoverlapping Channels

1, 6, and 11

■

Sensitivity and Data Rate

Receive Sensitivity

11 Mb: -81 dBm

■

5.5 Mb: -84 dBm

■

2 Mb: -85 dBm

■

1 Mb: -87 dBm

■

Data Rates Supported

11, 5.5, 2, 1 Mbps

■

Configuration and Management Features

Local Configuration

GUI console

■

Remote Configuration Support

GUI, Telnet

■

42

Dimensions

Environmental

Dimensions

Length: 6.20 inches (157 mm)

Width: 3.89 inches (99 mm)

Height: 1.10 inches (28 mm)

Environment Limits

Storage temperature -20° to +70° C (-4° to 158° F)

Operating temperature -20° to +55° C (-4° to 131° F)

Humidity 95% maximum, Non-condensing

Operating altitude -100 m to 3,000 m (-328 ft to 9,840 ft)

Transportation/storage altitude -100 m to 4,500 m (-328 ft to 14,800 ft)

Electrostatic discharge ±15 kV, air

±8 kV, contact ±2 kV, pin

Power supply noise and interference 70 mV rms, 30 Hz to 400 MHz

43

B Using the Terminal Configurator

You can use the Terminal Configurator as an alternative method to configure your 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge in the event that the Wireless Bridge Manager configuration utility (Chapter 3) is not available. The Terminal Configurator is a text-based configuration method that lacks many of the features of the Bridge Manager. The terminal configurator can be accessed using a direct serial or Telnet connection.

When using a direct serial connection, the wireless bridge communicates with a serial terminal or a computer that is running terminal emulation software—such as HyperTerminal, ProComm, or Telix. You can configure the bridge using a direct serial connection at any time, regardless of the current wireless bridge settings.

When using a Telnet connection, the unit communicates using TCP/IP with a computer running a Telnet client program. A Telnet connection can be used to configure wireless bridges outside of your local area network, when the configuration utility cannot be used, because the TCP/IP communication is routable.

Establishing a Direct Serial Connection

This method of configuring and managing a 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge uses a serial cable connected from the wireless bridge to a computer running terminal emulation software. HyperTerminal is one of the most widely used terminal emulation programs because it is standard software included with all recent Windows-based PCs. Use the following instructions to configure your wireless bridge using the HyperTerminal program.

Complete steps 1-10 of the hardware installation procedure in Chapter 2, “Installing

1

the Hardware and Software.”

Connect a serial cable to your computer’s serial port. Make note of the PC’s COM port

2

into which you plugged this cable. Plug the opposite end of the serial cable into the serial port on the wireless bridge.

On your desktop, click

3

Click

4 5 6 7

8

9

Programs

Click

Accessories

Click

Hyperterminal

Double-click the file labeled hypertrm.exe. The Connection Description screen appears. This screen allows you to enter a

connection name (any alphanumeric combination) in the Name field. In addition, the Connection Description screen has an Icon field. Leave the highlighted icon at its default setting.

Click OK to proceed with Hyperterminal. Use the Hyperterminal.

The Phone Number screen appears. The Country Code, Area Code, and Phone Number fields should be blank by default. Leave these fields at their default settings.

In the

Connect Using

.

Start

button to terminate

Cancel

field, select the COM port currently used by the RS-232 cable.

45

B Using the Terminal Configurator

Click OK.

10

The COMx Settings screen appears.

Select

11

field. Parity should be left at its default of

Bits

left at its default of1.

Select

12

Click OK after all of the COM settings have been chosen.

13

The next screen will appear blank. On some Windows platforms (such as Windows 98) you will have to save the settings,

quit Hyperterminal, and then restart with the saved settings to allow them to take effect.

To start the Configuration Utility, insert one end of an extended paper clip into the

14

small hole labeled press the configuration button.

The Terminal Configurator appears on the screen. You have successfully opened a direct serial connection to the Terminal Configurator.

If the wireless bridge is connected to power, but it does not respond within a few seconds after pressing the configuration button, disconnect power for a few seconds. Next, reconnect power and use the paper clip to press the configuration button again. If the terminal displays random characters, check the baud rate and bit settings in your terminal emulation software to ensure 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, and 1stop bit.

NOTE:

the configuration mode Main Menu, verify that there is not a cable problem by pressing the Enter key on the PC and observing the Serial LED. Each time the key is pressed, the Serial LED should blink faintly and quickly. If the Serial LED does not blink, there may be a problem in the cable connection. If the Serial LED blinks when the Enter key is pressed and the unit does not respond, check to see if the serial configuration is set to 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit.

in the

9600

for the flow control option.

None

If, after performing this step, the wireless bridge does not respond with

Bits per second

Config.

(located next to the serial port on the wireless bridge) to

field. Leave the default of 8 selected for the

. The Stop bits setting should be

None

Data

Establishing a Telnet Connection

This method will open a Telnet connection to the Terminal Configurator on port 23, which is the default for most Telnet programs. However, this works only after the wireless bridge has been assigned a TCP/IP address. If you need to assign an IP address to the bridge, you will need to use either the Windows Bridge Manager or the Terminal Configurator using a direct serial connection.

46

Click

1

Click

2

Ty p e:

3

telnet xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx

where xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx is the IP address of the unit you want to configure. The Terminal Configurator appears on the screen. You have now successfully opened

a Telnet connection to the Terminal Configurator.

Start

Run…

.

Using the Terminal Configurator

Once you have established a connection to the Terminal Configurator, you will see the Main Menu. Use the arrow keys to move the highlighted bar between entries. If the arrow keys do not work, you can move the bar by holding down the Control key while pressing N (for

To modify the configuration, as described in the following sections, select

configuration

of the available files will start an editor that you can use to modify the file. File selection and editor operation are described below.

) and P (for

) to move the bar. To select an entry, press Enter.

Edit

After you have finished configuring the wireless bridge, select answer configuration to take effect, as well as place it into operating mode. The wireless bridge will then use your new configuration.

Main Menu Overview

The Main Menu provides the following options:

■

, and then

to the confirmation. Selecting

Ye s

Reset the Unit

will reset the device, allowing the new

Yes

Resume operation

Exits from terminal configuration mode. If you edited any configuration files, the changes will not take effect until you reset the bridge. Use the Reset the Building to Building Bridge option off the Main Menu to reset the bridge.

Edit configuration

Displays a list of files to edit. Descriptions of the files and their contents are below.

View configuration for capture

If you select this option, you will have an opportunity to enable capture mode in your terminal software. It will then display all configuration settings and give you the option to disable capture mode. You can use this option to keep a record of the settings made for a particular wireless bridge unit, or to generate a file if you need to contact 3Com Customer Support.

Reset configuration to default

This option allows you to set all configuration files to their factory default settings.

View forwarding database

Lists the MAC addresses of all network nodes detected, and the network interface on which they were last listed.

View roaming log

Lists association and disassociation events for this wireless bridge.

View system error log

Shows a list of status messages, if any have occurred. Use this option if the Status LED is lit to see what kind of message the wireless bridge is generating.

Clear system error log

Removes all messages from the system event log described above.

View RSSI Information

Displays received signal strength statistics.

Reset the unit

Performs a hardware reset. Use this option after making configuration changes to allow the changes to take effect.

47

B Using the Terminal Configurator

Edit Configuration Menu Overview

The Edit Configuration Menu contains three selections:

Return to Main Menu

■

Goes back to the previous menu selections.

System

■

Displays the editor screen with the configuration file for system options.

Bridged Ethernet (lan0)

■

Displays the editor screen with the configuration file for the radio parameters and IP network settings.

Using The Editor

Selecting one of the configuration files above will bring that file into the editor. Once inside the editor, you may use arrow keys to move the cursor around. If the arrow keys do not work with your terminal emulator, press Ctrl+P for up [previous], Ctrl+N for down [next], Ctrl+B for left [back], and Ctrl+F for right [forward] for cursor motion.

For faster motion, press Ctrl+A to jump to the beginning of the line, and Ctrl+E to jump to the end. (Those familiar with the Emacs editor should feel comfortable with these keystrokes.)

To make changes in the editor, simply move the cursor to the point you want to change and start typing. You can delete text behind the cursor by moving the cursor to the position immediately following the character you want to remove, and then by pressing either the Backspace or Delete keys, or by typing Ctrl+H. To delete text in front of the cursor, press Ctrl+D. To delete text from the cursor to the end of the line, press Ctrl+K.

After editing is completed, save these changes by pressing Ctrl+W. After the changes are saved, the Edit Configuration menu will return to the screen. Although changes will be saved, they will not take effect until you power the wireless bridge off and back on. If you decide that you do not want to save the changes you have made, press Ctrl+X. The editor will ask you for confirmation, and then will return you to the Edit Configuration Menu.

Screen corruptions or confusions may occur due to many terminal emulation software packages not emulating VT100 correctly. If the screen display becomes corrupted or confused as you type, press Ctrl+L to force a screen to redraw the image.

Configuration File Format

Those familiar with the Windows WIN.INI file format will recognize the format of the configuration file. The file is divided into sections that define a particular grouping of options. Each section contains a section header at the top, shown as a string of text surrounded by square brackets: [ ]. This string is the section title. After each section header, there is a list of entries containing equal signs. The text before the equal sign is a key and the text after the equal sign is the value. Changing the value of different keys is how configuration changes are performed.

48

Comments may be stored in the configuration file by inserting a pound sign (#) before the text to be added. This allows room for an explanation as to why certain settings have been made, who made the changes, etc. You may write anything in a comment, but the comment ends at the end of the line. You can create multi-line comments by inserting the # at the beginning of each line. For example:

# This is a comment. # This is line #2 of the comment. this = no comment # But this is one.

File Contents

System

[configure]

This section contains settings that pertain to the operation of the Configuration menus. Currently, there is only one:

password

■

This setting allows the creation of a password that will be asked for

password

upon entry to the Configuration screen. Up to 15 alphanumeric characters will be accepted. Do NOT use any characters other than numbers and letters in this password. Although the password is not hidden from the screen while editing, it will be hidden when entering configuration.

[bridge]

This section contains variables that are not specific to the radio.

.

AP refresh period

■

This parameter has a default value of zero, which disables this function. Leave the AP refresh period at its default setting unless you are instructed to do otherwise by 3Com Technical Support.

NOTE:

Activating the refresh period does not impair the performance of the

wireless bridge.

encapsulation

■

This parameter has a default value of on allowing bridging to occur. Leave the encapsulation set to its default value unless you are instructed to do otherwise by 3Com Technical Support.

Bridged Ethernet (lan0)

[hardware]

This section contains settings for the actual wireless bridge radio hardware.

ESSID

■

will be connecting. Alphanumeric values may be used in this field. All wireless bridges must have the same ESSID to form a connection.

station name

■

name is used only for convenience of the network administrator and does not impact device operation. You may use any alphanumeric name.

mac address

■

alphanumeric address that defines each node of the network. This address should always be set to the default value of

operating mode

■

always be set to the default value of

medium reservation

■

The default value is length, in bytes, to enable RTS/CTS medium reservation for packets larger than the indicated size.

channel

■

bridges in a single network should have the same channel setting.

mac timeout

■

this parameter from its default value of 324 unless instructed to do so by 3Com technical support.

This parameter specifies the wireless network with which the wireless bridge

This parameter names an individual wireless bridge. The station

This parameter specifies Media Access Control, which is a unique

universal

.

This parameter specifies the operating mode, which should

.

ibss

This parameter controls the 802.11 RTS/CTS threshold.

which disables medium reservation. Specify a packet

none,

This parameter selects the channel setting for the radio. All wireless

This parameter controls the low-level MAC timeout. Do not change

49

B Using the Terminal Configurator

transmit rate

■

This parameter controls the data rate at which the radio transmits.

Legal values are: 1, 2, 5, and 11.

antenna diversity

■

This parameter controls antenna diversity. The wireless bridge has only a single antenna, so this parameter should always be kept at its default value of no.

enable encryption

■

This parameter indicates whether WEP encryption by the radio is desired or not. Setting of the various encryption options is done in the [encryption] section.

[encryption]

This section contains the configuration parameters that are used when encryption is enabled. If encryption is not enabled, these parameters have no effect on the wireless bridge operation.

transmit key

■

This value sets which of the following keys are used to encrypt

transmitted data. The default setting for this value is 1.

encryption key 1-4

■

This value is one of the keys to use for encrypting and decrypting data on the radio. The key should be specified as either a 10-digit or a 26-digit hexadecimal number. Note that the number should always have a 0x before the hexadecimal digits. Use 10 digits for a 64-bit key, and 26 digits for a 128-bit key.

[rmp]

This section contains only a single low-level configuration parameter.

ethertype

■

This value should be changed only if requested by

3Com Technical Support.

[bootp]

This section contains parameters to configure and enable bootp for the wireless bridge. You can configure the wireless bridge to determine its IP information from a bootp server. When enabled, the wireless bridge attempts to get its IP Address, Netmask, and Gateway information from the bootp server.

enable bootp

■

This parameter should be set to

to enable bootp. Default value

Ye s

isNo.

server ip address

■

This parameter should be set to force the wireless bridge to get bootp information from a specific server. Using the default value causes the wireless bridge to broadcast the requests to all available servers.

server name

■

This parameter has no impact on the operation of the wireless bridge bootp function, and is simply copied into the bootp messages. If your server requires a server name in bootp requests, then enter that name here.

server port

■

This parameter specifies the port on which the bootp server is listening.

It is unlikely that you should ever have to change this setting.

host port

■

This parameter specifies the port from which the wireless bridge makes

the bootp request. It is unlikely that you should ever have to change this setting.

50

Error Codes

[ip]

This section contains values for configuring the IP protocol. IP information is only necessary to “ping” the wireless bridge, or to “Telnet” to it. You are not required to set IP address information for normal operation of the wireless bridge, or to configure it using the Wireless Bridge Manager.

ip address

■

This value specifies the IP address that will be used by other computers

to communicate with a particular wireless bridge.

netmask

■

When connected logically (AND) to the IP address, this value specifies the

range of IP addresses within the local network.

broadcast

■

In the local network, this value is the IP address used to refer to all computers simultaneously. The default There should be no need to change this value.

route

■

options. The default of

gateway

■

For the bridge, this value refer to section names that specify the routing

automatic

If present, this value specifies the IP address of your Internet router or firewall. By default, this value is set to your gateway if you intend to connect to the wireless bridge from a computer outside your subnet.

Error Codes

Error Code Description

Xxxx: [yyyy]:

section does not exist

Xxxx: [yyyy]: “zzzz”:

entry refers to non-existent section

Xxxx: [yyyy]: "zzzz":

entry does not exist

Xxxx: [yyyy]: "zzzz":

entry is invalid

Xxxx: <[yyyy]zzzz>:

Unable to add route.

Xxxx: file does not exist. Configuration file could not be found.

Section named yyyy in configuration file named xxxx was missing.

Save your current configuration (if applicable). Reset the wireless bridge configuration to factory defaults. Reset the wireless bridge. Restore configuration (if applicable).

Entry zzzz refers to a section that is not located in file xxxx.

Save your current configuration (if applicable). Reset the wireless bridge configuration to factory defaults. Restore configuration (if applicable).

Entry zzzz in section yyyy of file xxxx was missing.

Save your current configuration (if applicable). Reset the wireless bridge configuration to factory defaults. Reset the wireless bridge. Restore configuration (if applicable).

Entry zzzz in section yyyy of file xxxx contains an invalid value.

Check the entry in the configuration for zzzz. If you cannot find zzzz in the wireless bridge Bridge Manager program, you may have to use the serial port or Telnet configuration menus.

Route values are out of range compared to the interface values.

Set the route value to values you set for the route to make sure they correspond to your other IP parameters.

Reset the configuration to factory defaults, and reset the wireless. If the problem persists, contact 3Com Customer Support.

automatic

. If

automatic

will work for almost all configurations.

will work for most configurations.

. Change this value to the IP address of

none

automatic

does not work for your wireless bridge, check the

51

Index

Numerics

10BASE-T Ethernet port 10 128-bit shared key security 18 40-bit shared key security 18

A

Alert light 33, 39 aligning antennas 36 altitude specification

operating transportation/storage

antenna selection tables 4 antennas

aligning flat-panel directional gain considerations of grounding high-gain, omnidirectional lightning awareness omnidirectional placing for optimal results polarization selecting

association log 35

43

8, 36

3

4

8

3

8

4

B

backplate 10 bridged Ethernet, terminal

configurator 49

C

cable connections 10 cables, overview 4 changing

network and security settings passwords

channel setting 24 Clear to Send,

to Send

configuration

button file format, terminal configurator loading saving screen

configuring

network settings password

connectors 10 contents, kit 5 CTS,

see

customer support 39

32

Request to Send/Clear

see

10, 29

16, 27 15, 26 14

17

32

Request to Send/Clear to Send

3

3, 8

16

48

D

data and sensitivity rate 42 diagnosis, problem 39 dimensions 6, 43 direct serial connection 45 direct serial connection, establishing 45 discharge, electronic 43

E

editor, terminal configurator 48 electronic discharge specification 43 encryption

keys

20

settings string

encryption string 21 environmental specifications 43 error codes, terminal configurator 40,

51

ESSID (Extended Service Set

Identifier) 14 Ethernet link LED 39 Ethernet port 10 event log 33, 40 Extended Service Set Identifier,

19

18

see

ESSID

F

factory defaults, resetting to 28, 37 features, configuration and

management 42 firmware

updating procedure upgrades

forward table 34

39

30

G

gain, antenna 4 gateway IP address 17 gateway, using a 17 grounding antennas 8 guidelines, security 18

H

hardware installation 9 hexadecimal keys 20, 22 humidity specification 43 Hyperterminal 45

I

IEEE 802.11b 41 indicators, LED 7

tab 37

Info

installing

hardware Wireless Bridge Manager software

interference specification 43 IP address 17

9

K

kit contents 5

L

LED indicators 7

Alert

7

Ethernet Power Serial Wireless

lightning 8 loading a configuration 16, 27 log

association event viewer screen

7

35

33

M

MAC address, forward table 34 medium reservation setting 24 metal building construction, problems

with 3 mounting plate removal 9 moving window statistics 37

N

Network / Security

network settings, configuring 17 no security 17, 18 noise specification 43

tab 16

O

open system 18 operating

altitude temperature

Options

43

tab 23

11

53

Index

P

password

changing removing

32

32 polarization 8 ports 10 power jack 10 Power LED 39 power light 39 power specifications 41 power supply noise and interference

specification 43 problem diagnosis 39 product dimensions 43

R

radio specifications 42 Received Signal Strength Indicator,

RSSI monitor removing the mounting plate 9 Request to Send/Clear to Send 24 resetting to factory defaults 28, 37 RSSI monitor 36 RTS/CTS,

Request to Send/Clear to

see

Send

S

saving a configuration 15, 26 screen

configuration log viewer

security

128-bit shared key 40-bit shared key guidelines network settings and none

18

open system settings

14

33

17, 18

18

16

17

18

see

security setting 17 sensitivity and data rate 42 serial connection 45 serial port 10 settings

channel encryption medium rate network password security transmit rate

24

17

32

17, 18

signal attenuation 4 SMA port 10 specifications

environmental power radio technical

standards, supported 41

41

42

41

station name 17 statistics

long term moving window

37

storage temperature 43 storage/transportation altitude

specification 43 subnet mask 17 supported standards 41 system requirements 5

18

24

43

37

T

technical specifications 41 technical support 39 Tel ne t co nn e ct i o n

assigning an IP address for establishing terminal configurator

46

17

46

temperature

operating storage

43

terminal configurator 45

bridged Ethernet configuration file format editor

48

error codes main menu overview using

47

tab 25

Tools

49

48

40, 51

47

transmit rate settings 24 transportation/storage altitude

specification 43

U

UART error 40 updating firmware procedure 30 using a gateway 17

W

WEP security settings 17 wireless bridge kit contents 5 wireless LAN service area 17 Wireless LED 39 WLAN service area, setting up 17

54

Limited Warranty and Regulatory Compliance Information

3Com Corporation Limited Warranty

This warranty applies to customers located in the United States, Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, U.K., and other English language countries, and countries for which a translation into the local language is not provided

3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge

H

ARDWARE

3Com warrants to the end user ("Customer") that this hardware product will be substantially free from material defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and service, for the following length of time from the date of purchase from 3Com or its authorized reseller:

Warranty duration.

One (1) year.

3Com’s sole obligation under this express warranty shall be, at 3Com’s option and expense, to repair the defective product or part, deliver to Customer an equivalent product or part to replace the defective item, or if neither of the two foregoing options is reasonably available, refund to Customer the purchase price paid for the defective product. All products that are replaced will become the property of 3Com. Replacement products or parts may be new or reconditioned. 3Com warrants any replaced or repaired product or part for ninety (90) days from shipment, or the remainder of the initial warranty period, whichever is longer.

S

OFTWARE

3Com warrants to Customer that each software program licensed from it, except as noted below, will perform in substantial conformance to its published program specifications, for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase from 3Com or its authorized reseller. 3Com warrants the media containing software against failure during the warranty period. No updates are provided under this warranty. 3Com's sole obligation under this express warranty shall be, at 3Com's option and expense, to refund the purchase price paid by Customer for any defective software product, or to replace any defective media with software which substantially conforms to applicable 3Com published program specifications. Customer assumes responsibility for the selection of the appropriate applications program and associated reference materials.

3Com makes no warranty or representation that its software products will meet Customer’s requirements or work in combination with any hardware or applications software products provided by third parties, that the operation of the software products will be uninterrupted or error free, or that all defects in the software products will be corrected. For any third party products listed in the 3Com software product documentation or specifications as being compatible, 3Com will make reasonable efforts to provide compatibility, except where the non-compatibility is caused by a "bug" or defect in the third party's product or from use of the software product not in accordance with 3Com’s published specifications or user manual.

THIS 3COM PRODUCT MAY INCLUDE OR BE BUNDLED WITH THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE. THE WARRANTY PROVISIONS OF THIS DOCUMENT DO NOT APPLY TO SUCH THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE. IF A SEPARATE END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT HAS BEEN PROVIDED FOR SUCH THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE, USE OF THAT SOFTWARE WILL BE GOVERNED BY THAT AGREEMENT. FOR ANY APPLICABLE WARRANTY, PLEASE REFER TO THE END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT GOVERNING THE USE OF THAT SOFTWARE.

O

BTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE

Customer must contact a 3Com Corporate Service Center or an Authorized 3Com Service Center within the applicable warranty period to obtain warranty service authorization. Dated proof of purchase from 3Com or its authorized reseller may be required. A User Service Order (USO), Return Material Authorization (RMA) or Service Repair Order (SRO) number will be issued. This number must be marked on the outside of the package. The product must be packaged appropriately for safe shipment and sent prepaid. It is recommended that returned products be insured or sent by a method that provides for tracking of the package. Responsibility for loss or damage does not transfer to 3Com until the returned item is received by 3Com. 3Com will make commercially reasonable efforts to ship the repaired or replaced item to Customer, at 3Com's expense, not later than thirty (30) days after 3Com receives the defective product. 3Com will retain risk of loss or damage until the item is delivered to Customer.

3Com shall not be responsible for any software, firmware, information, or memory data of Customer contained in, stored on, or integrated with any products returned to 3Com for repair, whether under warranty or not.

55

Limited Warranty and Regulatory Compliance Information

W

ARRANTIES EXCLUSIVE

TO THE FULL EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, TERMS, OR CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, EITHER IN FACT OR BY OPERATION OF LAW, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SATISFACTORY QUALITY, CORRESPONDENCE WITH DESCRIPTION, NON-INFRINGEMENT AND QUIET ENJOYMENT, ALL OF WHICH ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED. 3COM NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT ANY OTHER LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE OR USE OF THIS PRODUCT.

3COM SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER THIS WARRANTY IF ITS TESTING AND EXAMINATION DISCLOSE THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT OR MALFUNCTION IN THE PRODUCT DOES NOT EXIST OR WAS CAUSED BY CUSTOMER'S OR ANY THIRD PERSON'S MISUSE, NEGLECT, IMPROPER INSTALLATION OR TESTING, UNAUTHORIZED ATTEMPTS TO OPEN, REPAIR OR MODIFY THE PRODUCT, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE BEYOND THE RANGE OF THE INTENDED USE, OR BY ACCIDENT, FIRE, LIGHTNING, POWER CUTS OR OUTAGES, OTHER HAZARDS, OR ACTS OF GOD.

L

IMITATION OF LIABILITY

TO THE FULL EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, 3COM ALSO EXCLUDES FOR ITSELF AND ITS LICENSORS AND SUPPLIERS ANY LIABILITY, WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR FOR LOSS OF REVENUE OR PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF INFORMATION OR DATA, OR OTHER FINANCIAL LOSS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE, USE, PERFORMANCE, FAILURE, OR INTERRUPTION OF ITS PRODUCTS, EVEN IF 3COM OR ITS AUTHORIZED RESELLER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, AND LIMITS ITS LIABILITY TO REPAIR, REPLACEMENT, OR REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID, AT 3COM'S OPTION. THIS DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES WILL NOT BE AFFECTED IF ANY REMEDY PROVIDED HEREIN SHALL FAIL OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.

Some countries, states, or provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or the limitation of incidental or consequential damages for certain products supplied to consumers, or the limitation of liability for death or personal injury, so the above limitations and exclusions may be limited in their application to you. When the implied warranties are not allowed to be excluded in their entirety, they will be limited to the duration of the applicable written warranty. This warranty gives you specific legal rights which may vary depending on local law.

G

OVERNING LAW

This Limited Warranty shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, U.S.A., and by the laws of the United States, excluding their conflicts of laws principles. The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods is hereby excluded in its entirety from application to this Limited Warranty.

3Com Corporation

5400 Bayfront Plaza P.O. Box 58145 Santa Clara, CA 95052-8145 USA (408) 326-5000

, W

ARRANTY DISCLAIMER

4/12/01 v8.2

56

Regulatory Compliance Information

FCC R

ADIO-FREQUENCY EXPOSURE NOTICE

This device generates and radiates radio-frequency energy. In order to comply with FCC radio-frequency radiation exposure guidelines for an uncontrolled environment, this equipment has to be installed and operated while maintaining a minimum body to antenna distance of at least 2 meters.

This product does not contain any user serviceable components. Any unauthorized product changes or modifications will invalidate 3Com’s warranty and regulatory approvals. This product must be installed by a professional technician/installer.

Regulatory Compliance Information

FCC P

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.

WARNING:

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 use a professional technician to correct the interference by one or more 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 the one which the receiver is connected to.

The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful:

The Interference Handbook

This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.

M

ANUFACTURER’S DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

3Com Corporation

5400 Bayfront Plaza P.O. Box 58145 Santa Clara, CA 95054-8145 (408) 326-5000

Declares that the product:

Date: 31 May 2001 Brand Name: 3Com Corporation Model Number: WL-311 Equipment Type: Wireless LAN

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.

15 N

ART

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,

OTICE

(A

PPLICABLE TO USE WITHIN THE

USA)

3Com Corporation

Tested to Comply

With FCC Standards

FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE

57

Limited Warranty and Regulatory Compliance Information

I

NDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE

(A

PPLICABLE TO USE WITHIN CANADA

)

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors and away from windows to provide maximum shielding. Equipment (or its transmit antenna) that is installed outdoors is subject to licensing.

A

VIS DE CONFORMITÉ À LA RÉGLEMENTATION D’INDUSTRIE

CANADA

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conform à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

Pour empêcher que cet appareil cause du brouillage au service faisant l'objet d'une licence, cet appareil doit être utilisé à l'intérieur seulement et devrait être placé loin des fenêtres afin de fournir un écran de blindage maximal.

E

UROPEAN COMMUNITY

- CE N

OTICE

Marking by the symbol: indicates compliance of this equipment to the R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC. Such marking is indicative that this equipment meets or exceeds the following technical standards:

■

ETS 300 328 - Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); Wideband Transmission systems; data transmission equipment operating in the 2,4 GHz ISM band and using spread spectrum modulation techniques

■

ETS 300 826 - Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standard for 2,4 GHz wideband transmission systems and HIgh PErformance Radio Local Area Network (HIPERLAN) equipment

■

ES 59005 - Considerations for the evaluation of human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF's) from mobile telecommunication equipment (MTE) in the frequency range 30 MHz - 6 GHz

■

EN 55022 - Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Interference Characteristics of Information Technology Equipment. (CISPR 22 Class B).

■

EN 60950 - Safety of information technology equipment, including electrical business equipment.

S

AFETY COMPLIANCE NOTICE

This device has been tested and certified according to the following safety standards and is intended for use only in Information Technology Equipment which has been tested and certified to these or other equivalent standards:

■

UL Standard 1950 / CSA C22.2 No. 950

■

IEC 60950

■

EN 60950

Published June, 2001

58

Limited Warranty and Regulatory Compliance Information

3Com Corporation Limited Warranty

This warranty applies to customers located in the United States, Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, U.K., and other English language countries, and countries for which a translation into the local language is not provided

3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge

HARDWARE

3Com warrants to the end user ("Customer") that this hardware product will be substantially free from material defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and service, for the following length of time from the date of purchase from 3Com or its authorized reseller:

Warranty duration. One (1) year. 3Com’s sole obligation under this express warranty shall be, at 3Com’s option and expense, to repair the

defective product or part, deliver to Customer an equivalent product or part to replace the defective item, or if neither of the two foregoing options is reasonably available, refund to Customer the purchase price paid for the defective product. All products that are replaced will become the property of 3Com. Replacement products or parts may be new or reconditioned. 3Com warrants any replaced or repaired product or part for ninety (90) days from shipment, or the remainder of the initial warranty period, whichever is longer.

SOFTWARE

3Com warrants to Customer that each software program licensed from it, except as noted below, will perform in substantial conformance to its published program specifications, for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase from 3Com or its authorized reseller. 3Com warrants the media containing software against failure during the warranty period. No updates are provided under this warranty. 3Com's sole obligation under this express warranty shall be, at 3Com's option and expense, to refund the purchase price paid by Customer for any defective software product, or to replace any defective media with software which substantially conforms to applicable 3Com published program specifications. Customer assumes responsibility for the selection of the appropriate applications program and associated reference materials.

3Com makes no warranty or representation that its software products will meet Customer’s requirements or work in combination with any hardware or applications software products provided by third parties, that the operation of the software products will be uninterrupted or error free, or that all defects in the software products will be corrected. For any third party products listed in the 3Com software product documentation or specifications as being compatible, 3Com will make reasonable efforts to provide compatibility, except where the non-compatibility is caused by a "bug" or defect in the third party's product or from use of the software product not in accordance with 3Com’s published specifications or user manual.

THIS 3COM PRODUCT MAY INCLUDE OR BE BUNDLED WITH THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE. THE WARRANTY PROVISIONS OF THIS DOCUMENT DO NOT APPLY TO SUCH THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE. IF A SEPARATE END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT HAS BEEN PROVIDED FOR SUCH THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE, USE OF THAT SOFTWARE WILL BE GOVERNED BY THAT AGREEMENT. FOR ANY APPLICABLE WARRANTY, PLEASE REFER TO THE END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT GOVERNING THE USE OF THAT SOFTWARE.

OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE

Customer must contact a 3Com Corporate Service Center or an Authorized 3Com Service Center within the applicable warranty period to obtain warranty service authorization. Dated proof of purchase from 3Com or its authorized reseller may be required. A User Service Order (USO), Return Material Authorization (RMA) or Service Repair Order (SRO) number will be issued. This number must be marked on the outside of the package. The product must be packaged appropriately for safe shipment and sent prepaid. It is recommended that returned products be insured or sent by a method that provides for tracking of the package. Responsibility for loss or damage does not transfer to 3Com until the returned item is received by 3Com. 3Com will make commercially

Limited Warranty and Regulatory Compliance Information

reasonable efforts to ship the repaired or replaced item to Customer, at 3Com's expense, not later than thirty (30) days after 3Com receives the defective product. 3Com will retain risk of loss or damage until the item is delivered to Customer.

3Com shall not be responsible for any software, firmware, information, or memory data of Customer contained in, stored on, or integrated with any products returned to 3Com for repair, whether under warranty or not.

WARRANTIES EXCLUSIVE, WARRANTY DISCLAIMER

TO THE FULL EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, TERMS, OR CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, EITHER IN FACT OR BY OPERATION OF LAW, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SATISFACTORY QUALITY, CORRESPONDENCE WITH DESCRIPTION, NON-INFRINGEMENT AND QUIET ENJOYMENT, ALL OF WHICH ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED. 3COM NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT ANY OTHER LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE OR USE OF THIS PRODUCT.

3COM SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER THIS WARRANTY IF ITS TESTING AND EXAMINATION DISCLOSE THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT OR MALFUNCTION IN THE PRODUCT DOES NOT EXIST OR WAS CAUSED BY CUSTOMER'S OR ANY THIRD PERSON'S MISUSE, NEGLECT, IMPROPER INSTALLATION OR TESTING, UNAUTHORIZED ATTEMPTS TO OPEN, REPAIR OR MODIFY THE PRODUCT, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE BEYOND THE RANGE OF THE INTENDED USE, OR BY ACCIDENT, FIRE, LIGHTNING, POWER CUTS OR OUTAGES, OTHER HAZARDS, OR ACTS OF GOD.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

TO THE FULL EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, 3COM ALSO EXCLUDES FOR ITSELF AND ITS LICENSORS AND SUPPLIERS ANY LIABILITY, WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR FOR LOSS OF REVENUE OR PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF INFORMATION OR DATA, OR OTHER FINANCIAL LOSS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE, USE, PERFORMANCE, FAILURE, OR INTERRUPTION OF ITS PRODUCTS, EVEN IF 3COM OR ITS AUTHORIZED RESELLER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, AND LIMITS ITS LIABILITY TO REPAIR, REPLACEMENT, OR REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID, AT 3COM'S OPTION. THIS DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES WILL NOT BE AFFECTED IF ANY REMEDY PROVIDED HEREIN SHALL FAIL OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.

Some countries, states, or provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or the limitation of incidental or consequential damages for certain products supplied to consumers, or the limitation of liability for death or personal injury, so the above limitations and exclusions may be limited in their application to you. When the implied warranties are not allowed to be excluded in their entirety, they will be limited to the duration of the applicable written warranty. This warranty gives you specific legal rights which may vary depending on local law.

GOVERNING LAW

This Limited Warranty shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, U.S.A., and by the laws of the United States, excluding their conflicts of laws principles. The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods is hereby excluded in its entirety from application to this Limited Warranty.

3Com Corporation

5400 Bayfront Plaza P.O. Box 58145 Santa Clara, CA 95052-8145 USA (408) 326-5000

4/12/01 v8.2

Regulatory Compliance Information

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE INFORMATION

FCC RADIO-FREQUENCY EXPOSURE NOTICE

This device generates and radiates radio-frequency energy. In order to comply with FCC radio-frequency radiation exposure guidelines for an uncontrolled environment, this equipment has to be installed and operated while maintaining a minimum body to antenna distance of at least 2 meters.

This product does not contain any user serviceable components. Any unauthorized product changes or modifications will invalidate 3Com’s warranty and regulatory approvals. This product must be installed by a professional technician/installer.

FCC PART 15 NOTICE (APPLICABLE TO USE WITHIN THE USA)

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.

WARNING: 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 use a professional technician to correct the interference by one or more 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 the one which the receiver is connected to.

The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful:

The Interference Handbook

This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. StockNo.004-000-00345-4.

MANUFACTURER’S DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

3Com Corporation

5400 Bayfront Plaza P.O. Box 58145 Santa Clara, CA 95054-8145 (408) 326-5000

Declares that the product:

Date: 31 May 2001 Brand Name: 3Com Corporation Model Number: WL-311 Equipment Type: Wireless LAN

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.

Regulatory Compliance Information

INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE (APPLICABLE TO USE WITHIN CANADA)

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors and away

from windows to provide maximum shielding. Equipment (or its transmit antenna) that is installed outdoors is subject to licensing.

AVIS DE CONFORMITÉ À LA RÉGLEMENTATION D’INDUSTRIE CANADA

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conform à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. Pour empêcher que cet appareil cause du brouillage au service faisant l'objet d'une licence, cet appareil doit être

utilisé à l'intérieur seulement et devrait être placé loin des fenêtres afin de fournir un écran de blindage maximal.

EUROPEAN COMMUNITY - CE NOTICE

Marking by the symbol:

indicates compliance of this equipment to the R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC. Such marking is indicative that this equipment meets or exceeds the following technical standards:

■ ETS 300 328 - Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); Wideband Transmission

systems; data transmission equipment operating in the 2,4 GHz ISM band and using spread spectrum modulation techniques

■ ETS 300 826 - Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); ElectroMagnetic

Compatibility (EMC) standard for 2,4 GHz wideband transmission systems and HIgh PErformance Radio Local Area Network (HIPERLAN) equipment

■ ES 59005 - Considerations for the evaluation of human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF's) from

mobile telecommunication equipment (MTE) in the frequency range 30 MHz - 6 GHz

■ EN 55022 - Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Interference Characteristics of Information

Technology Equipment. (CISPR 22 Class B).

■ EN 60950 - Safety of information technology equipment, including electrical business equipment.

SAFETY COMPLIANCE NOTICE

This device has been tested and certified according to the following safety standards and is intended for use only in Information Technology Equipment which has been tested and certified to these or other equivalent standards:

■ UL Standard 1950 / CSA C22.2 No. 950

■ IEC 60950

■ EN 60950

Published June, 2001 Quick Start Guide Version 1.0.0

Regulatory Compliance Information

Limited Warranty and Regulatory Compliance Information

3Com Corporation Limited Warranty

This warranty applies to customers located in the United States, Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, U.K., and other English language countries, and countries for which a translation into the local language is not provided

3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge

HARDWARE

3Com warrants to the end user ("Customer") that this hardware product will be substantially free from material defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and service, for the following length of time from the date of purchase from 3Com or its authorized reseller:

Warranty duration. One (1) year. 3Com’s sole obligation under this express warranty shall be, at 3Com’s option and expense, to repair the

defective product or part, deliver to Customer an equivalent product or part to replace the defective item, or if neither of the two foregoing options is reasonably available, refund to Customer the purchase price paid for the defective product. All products that are replaced will become the property of 3Com. Replacement products or parts may be new or reconditioned. 3Com warrants any replaced or repaired product or part for ninety (90) days from shipment, or the remainder of the initial warranty period, whichever is longer.

SOFTWARE

3Com warrants to Customer that each software program licensed from it, except as noted below, will perform in substantial conformance to its published program specifications, for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase from 3Com or its authorized reseller. 3Com warrants the media containing software against failure during the warranty period. No updates are provided under this warranty. 3Com's sole obligation under this express warranty shall be, at 3Com's option and expense, to refund the purchase price paid by Customer for any defective software product, or to replace any defective media with software which substantially conforms to applicable 3Com published program specifications. Customer assumes responsibility for the selection of the appropriate applications program and associated reference materials.

3Com makes no warranty or representation that its software products will meet Customer’s requirements or work in combination with any hardware or applications software products provided by third parties, that the operation of the software products will be uninterrupted or error free, or that all defects in the software products will be corrected. For any third party products listed in the 3Com software product documentation or specifications as being compatible, 3Com will make reasonable efforts to provide compatibility, except where the non-compatibility is caused by a "bug" or defect in the third party's product or from use of the software product not in accordance with 3Com’s published specifications or user manual.

THIS 3COM PRODUCT MAY INCLUDE OR BE BUNDLED WITH THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE. THE WARRANTY PROVISIONS OF THIS DOCUMENT DO NOT APPLY TO SUCH THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE. IF A SEPARATE END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT HAS BEEN PROVIDED FOR SUCH THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE, USE OF THAT SOFTWARE WILL BE GOVERNED BY THAT AGREEMENT. FOR ANY APPLICABLE WARRANTY, PLEASE REFER TO THE END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT GOVERNING THE USE OF THAT SOFTWARE.

OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE

Customer must contact a 3Com Corporate Service Center or an Authorized 3Com Service Center within the applicable warranty period to obtain warranty service authorization. Dated proof of purchase from 3Com or its authorized reseller may be required. A User Service Order (USO), Return Material Authorization (RMA) or Service Repair Order (SRO) number will be issued. This number must be marked on the outside of the package. The product must be packaged appropriately for safe shipment and sent prepaid. It is recommended that returned products be insured or sent by a method that provides for tracking of the package. Responsibility for loss or damage does not transfer to 3Com until the returned item is received by 3Com. 3Com will make commercially

Limited Warranty and Regulatory Compliance Information

reasonable efforts to ship the repaired or replaced item to Customer, at 3Com's expense, not later than thirty (30) days after 3Com receives the defective product. 3Com will retain risk of loss or damage until the item is delivered to Customer.

3Com shall not be responsible for any software, firmware, information, or memory data of Customer contained in, stored on, or integrated with any products returned to 3Com for repair, whether under warranty or not.

WARRANTIES EXCLUSIVE, WARRANTY DISCLAIMER

TO THE FULL EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, TERMS, OR CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, EITHER IN FACT OR BY OPERATION OF LAW, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SATISFACTORY QUALITY, CORRESPONDENCE WITH DESCRIPTION, NON-INFRINGEMENT AND QUIET ENJOYMENT, ALL OF WHICH ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED. 3COM NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT ANY OTHER LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE OR USE OF THIS PRODUCT.

3COM SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER THIS WARRANTY IF ITS TESTING AND EXAMINATION DISCLOSE THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT OR MALFUNCTION IN THE PRODUCT DOES NOT EXIST OR WAS CAUSED BY CUSTOMER'S OR ANY THIRD PERSON'S MISUSE, NEGLECT, IMPROPER INSTALLATION OR TESTING, UNAUTHORIZED ATTEMPTS TO OPEN, REPAIR OR MODIFY THE PRODUCT, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE BEYOND THE RANGE OF THE INTENDED USE, OR BY ACCIDENT, FIRE, LIGHTNING, POWER CUTS OR OUTAGES, OTHER HAZARDS, OR ACTS OF GOD.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

TO THE FULL EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, 3COM ALSO EXCLUDES FOR ITSELF AND ITS LICENSORS AND SUPPLIERS ANY LIABILITY, WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR FOR LOSS OF REVENUE OR PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF INFORMATION OR DATA, OR OTHER FINANCIAL LOSS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE, USE, PERFORMANCE, FAILURE, OR INTERRUPTION OF ITS PRODUCTS, EVEN IF 3COM OR ITS AUTHORIZED RESELLER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, AND LIMITS ITS LIABILITY TO REPAIR, REPLACEMENT, OR REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID, AT 3COM'S OPTION. THIS DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES WILL NOT BE AFFECTED IF ANY REMEDY PROVIDED HEREIN SHALL FAIL OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.

Some countries, states, or provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or the limitation of incidental or consequential damages for certain products supplied to consumers, or the limitation of liability for death or personal injury, so the above limitations and exclusions may be limited in their application to you. When the implied warranties are not allowed to be excluded in their entirety, they will be limited to the duration of the applicable written warranty. This warranty gives you specific legal rights which may vary depending on local law.

GOVERNING LAW

This Limited Warranty shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, U.S.A., and by the laws of the United States, excluding their conflicts of laws principles. The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods is hereby excluded in its entirety from application to this Limited Warranty.

3Com Corporation

5400 Bayfront Plaza P.O. Box 58145 Santa Clara, CA 95052-8145 USA (408) 326-5000

4/12/01 v8.2

Regulatory Compliance Information

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE INFORMATION

FCC RADIO-FREQUENCY EXPOSURE NOTICE

This device generates and radiates radio-frequency energy. In order to comply with FCC radio-frequency radiation exposure guidelines for an uncontrolled environment, this equipment has to be installed and operated while maintaining a minimum body to antenna distance of at least 2 meters.

This product does not contain any user serviceable components. Any unauthorized product changes or modifications will invalidate 3Com’s warranty and regulatory approvals. This product must be installed by a professional technician/installer.

FCC PART 15 NOTICE (APPLICABLE TO USE WITHIN THE USA)

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.

WARNING: 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 use a professional technician to correct the interference by one or more 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 the one which the receiver is connected to.

The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful:

The Interference Handbook

This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. StockNo.004-000-00345-4.

MANUFACTURER’S DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

3Com Corporation

5400 Bayfront Plaza P.O. Box 58145 Santa Clara, CA 95054-8145 (408) 326-5000

Declares that the product:

Date: 31 May 2001 Brand Name: 3Com Corporation Model Number: WL-311 Equipment Type: Wireless LAN

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.