3Com WL-546 User Manual

User Guide

3Com Wireless 8760 Dual-radio 11a/b/g PoE Access Point

3CRWE876075 / WL-546

www.3Com.com

Part Number 10015153 Rev. AA

Published June, 2006

3Com Corporation 350 Campus Drive Marlborough, MA 01752-3064

Copyright © 2006 3Com Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this documentation may be reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any derivative work (such as translation, transformation, or adaptation) without written permission from 3Com Corporation.

3Com 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 (November 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, the 3Com logo, and SuperStack are registered trademarks of 3Com 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.

EXPORT RESTRICTIONS: This product contains Encryption and may require US and/or Local Government authorization prior to export or import to another country.

Contents

1 Introduction

Product Features		1-2
Security	1-2
Performance and Reliability			1-3
Virtual Access Point (VAP) Support 1-3
WDS Bridging and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) Support 1-3
Manageability		1-4
Wireless Network Standards			1-4
802.11g	1-4
802.11a	1-5

Approved Channels 1-5

2 Installing the Access Point

Installation Requirements			2-1
Power Requirements		2-2
Safety Information	2-2
Deciding Where to Place Equipment and
Performing A Site Survey			2-3
Before You Begin	2-4
Connecting the Standard Antennas 2-5
Connecting Power	2-6
Using the Power Supply			2-8
Using a Power-Over-Ethernet LAN Port				2-8
Checking the LEDs	2-9
Reset Button	2-9
Wall, Ceiling, or Electrical Box Mounting				2-10
Flat Surface Installation		2-12
Selecting and Connecting a Different Antenna Model 2-12
Installing Software Utilities			2-14

3

3 Initial Configuration

Networks with a DHCP Server 3-1

Networks without a DHCP Server	3-1
Using the 3Com Installation CD	3-2

Launch the 3COM Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager (Widman) utility 3-2

Launching the 3com Wireless Interface Device Manager 3-2 First Time Only 3-4

Using the Setup Wizard 3-4

4 System Configuration

Advanced Setup		4-2
System Identification 4-4
TCP / IP Settings		4-5
RADIUS	4-8
Authentication		4-9
Filter Control 4-14
VLAN	4-16
SNMP	4-18

Configuring SNMP and Trap Message Parameters 4-18

Configuring SNMPv3 Users 4-21

Administration	4-22
Changing the Password			4-22
Telnet and SSH Settings			4-23
Upgrading Firmware		4-24
WDS and Spanning Tree Settings				4-27
System Log 4-33
Enabling System Logging			4-33
Configuring SNTP		4-34
Radio Interface	4-35
802.11a Interface		4-36
Configuring Radio Settings				4-36
Configuring Common Radio Settings 4-38
802.11b/g Interface		4-42
Configuring Wi-Fi Multimedia				4-44
Security 4-49
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)				4-52

4

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) 4-56

5 Command Line Interface

Using the Command Line Interface				5-1
Accessing the CLI	5-1
Console Connection	5-1
Telnet Connection		5-2
Entering Commands	5-3
Keywords and Arguments				5-3
Minimum Abbreviation			5-3
Command Completion			5-3
Getting Help on Commands				5-3
Showing Commands		5-4
Partial Keyword Lookup			5-4
Negating the Effect of Commands					5-5
Using Command History			5-5
Understanding Command Modes					5-5
Exec Commands	5-5
Configuration Commands				5-6
Command Line Processing				5-6
Command Groups	5-7

6Troubleshooting

Index

5

6

TERMINOLOGY

Access Point—An internetworking device that seamlessly connects wired and wireless networks.

Ad Hoc—An ad hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers, each with wireless adapters, connected as an independent wireless LAN.

Backbone—The core infrastructure of a network. The portion of the network that transports information from one central location to another central location where it is unloaded onto a local system.

Base Station—In mobile telecommunications, a base station is the central radio transmitter/receiver that maintains communications with the mobile radiotelephone sets within its range. In cellular and personal communications applications, each cell or micro-cell has its own base station; each base station in turn is interconnected with other cells’ bases.

BSS—Basic Service Set. It is an access point and all the LAN PCs that are associated with it.

CSMA/CA—Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance.

EAP—Extensible Authentication Protocol, which provides a generalized framework for several different authentication methods.

ESS—Extended Service Set. More than one BSS is configured to become an ESS. LAN mobile users can roam between different BSSs in an ESS (ESS-ID, SSID).

Ethernet—A popular local area data communications network, which accepts transmission from computers and terminals.

Infrastructure—An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an infrastructure configuration.

RADIUS—Remote Access Dial-In User Server is an authentication method used in conjunction with EAP for 802.1x authentication and session based keys.

Roaming—A wireless LAN mobile user moves around an ESS and maintains a continuous connection to the infrastructure network.

RTS Threshold—Transmitters contending for the medium may not be aware of each other (they are “hidden nodes”). The RTS/CTS mechanism can solve this problem. If the packet size is smaller than the preset RTS Threshold size, the RTS/CTS mechanism will not be enabled.

7

VAP—Virtual Access Point. An access point radio capable of operating as four separate access points.

VLAN—Virtual Local Area Network. A LAN consisting of groups of hosts that are on physically different segments but that communicate as though they were on the same segment.

WEP—Wired Equivalent Privacy is based on the use of security keys and the popular RC4 encryption algorithm. Wireless devices without a valid WEP key will be excluded from network traffic.

WDS—Wireless Distribution System.

WPA—Wi-Fi Protected Access.

8

1 INTRODUCTION

The 3Com® Wireless 8760 Dual-radio 11a/b/g PoE Access Point offers a dual-mode architecture that supports 802.11g, 802.11a, and 802.11b wireless users on a single device. This means you can mix and match radio bands to meet different coverage and bandwidth needs within the same area.

With their flexibility and unfettered access, wireless LANs are changing the way people work. Now with 3Com’s enterprise-class wireless access point, you can build a cost-effective, reliable, secure wireless network that provides users with seamless connectivity to the Internet, company intranet, and the wired corporate network from anywhere they happen to be—conference room, cafeteria or office.

3Com’s dual-mode design supports 802.11g, 802.11a, and 802.11b wireless standards on a single access point. This capability increases configuration and coverage flexibility and protects your network investment for both existing and emerging wireless standards.

Industry-leading security features and comprehensive management and performance features combine to make these enterprise class wireless access points an ideal choice for organizations ready to serve their increasingly mobile workforce.

1-1

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

PRODUCT FEATURES

Access Point 8760—Creates an enterprise-class wireless LAN supporting up to 256 simultaneous users. The access point supports two radios and external antennas including WDS bridging ability on both radios.

SECURITY

3Com offers one of the most robust suite of standards-based security on the market today.

To protect sensitive data broadcast over the wireless LAN, 3Com supports WPA and WPA2 security standards. 3Com strengthens this basic security mechanism with additional security features, including:

MAC address access control lists

IEEE 802.1x per-port user authentication with RADIUS server support

IEEE 802.1x supplicant support

SSH v2

HTTP/HTTPS

SNMP v3

Legacy WEP 40/64 bit, 128 bit and 152 bit

Wireless Protected Access (WPA) and WPA2

Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) support: EAP-MD5, EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS, and PEAP

1-2

Product Features

PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY

3Com wireless access point performance features ensure reliable and seamless connections for users wherever they roam:

Automatic channel selection automatically finds the least loaded channel for interference-free communication.

Auto network connect and dynamic rate shifting keep users connected through a wide variety of conditions by changing to the optimum connection speed as they move through the network.

Virtual Access Point (VAP) support provides flexibility by allowing a single access point radio to operate as up to four separate access points.

Wireless Distribution System (WDS) Bridging support allows you to create large wireless networks in areas where pulling wires is restricted or cost-prohibitive by linking several wireless access points together with WDS links.

Virtual Access Point (VAP) Support

Virtual Access Point (VAP) support allows an access point radio to operate as four separate access points, providing multiple wireless services to clients in a network. Each VAP can be configured to provide access to different network resources and can support different levels of security.

For example, in a university network, an access point (AP) could be used to offer two services: The first service provides access to protected data for authenticated university staff members, while the second service provides open access to the Internet for unauthenticated users, such as students or visitors.

Up to four VAPs per radio are available, and each VAP can be configured with its own security settings.

For information on setting up and configuring VAPs, see “Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)” on page 4-52.

WDS Bridging and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) Support

A Distribution System (DS) is a network (typically a wired network) that interconnects separate access points into a single LAN. With WDS, the interconnection no longer needs to be physically wired. WDS uses the wireless medium to interconnect separate access points, thereby eliminating the cost and inconvenience that may hinder wire installations.

A WDS link can be used in a simple point-to-point link, a complex point-to-multipoint link, or a multilayer topology.

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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

MANAGEABILITY

3Com offers a wide range of standards-based management support, from SNMP to 3Com Network Supervisor and HP OpenView for seamless integration with your wired network.

Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager lets you configure parameters, run diagnostics, backup and restore configurations, and monitor performance from anywhere on the network using an embedded web server browser.

With Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, the same Category 5 cable that connects your access point to the data network also provides its power. A single cable installation dramatically improves your choice of mounting configurations because you no longer need to consider AC power outlet locations. PoE support makes it easier than ever to overcome installation problems with difficult-to-wire or hard-to-reach locations.

WIRELESS NETWORK STANDARDS

Understanding the characteristics of the 802.11g and 802.11a standards can help you make the best choice for your wireless implementation plans.

802.11G

802.11g operates in the 2.4 GHz band at up to 54Mbps, and supports the widest coverage—up to 100 meters (328 feet). However, is subject to a greater risk of radio interference because it operates in the more popular 2.4 GHz band.

For those organizations demanding even higher speeds, a “turbo mode” feature can boost throughput rates up to 108 Mbps. Consider 802.11g when you need wider coverage and vendor compatibility and you are:

Maintaining support for existing 802.11b users and the existing wireless investment while providing for expansion into 802.11g.

Implementing a complete wireless LAN solution, including bridges, gateways, access points and clients; Wi-Fi certification guarantees compatibility

among vendors

Providing access to hot spots in public spaces such as coffee shops or university cafeterias

1-4

Wireless Network Standards

802.11A

802.11a operates at the 5 GHz band and supports data rates at up to 54 Mbps. For those organizations demanding even higher speeds, a “turbo mode” feature can boost throughput rates up to 108 Mbps. And because there are fewer devices in the 5 GHz band, there’s less potential for RF interference. However, because it is at an entirely different radio spectrum, it is not compatible with 802.11g.

The higher spectrum provides about 50 meters (164 feet) of coverage—about half what 802.11g offers.

Consider 802.11a when you need high throughput in a confined space and you are:

Running high-bandwidth applications like voice, video, or multimedia over a wireless network that can benefit from a fivefold increase in data throughput

Transferring large files like computer aided design files, preprint publishing documents or graphics files, such as MRI scans for medical applications, that demand additional bandwidth

Supporting a dense user base confined to a small coverage area. Because 802.11a has a greater number of non-overlapping channels, you can pack more access points in a tighter space.

APPROVED CHANNELS

Use of this product is only authorized for the channels approved by each country. For proper installation, select your country from the country selection list.

To conform to FCC and other country restrictions your product may be limited in the channels that are available. If other channels are permitted in your country please visit the 3Com website for the latest software version.

1-5

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1-6

2 INSTALLING THE ACCESS POINT

This equipment must be installed in compliance with local and national building codes, regulatory restrictions, and FCC rules. For the safety of people and equipment, this product must be installed by a professional technician/installer.

CAUTION: Before installing, see the important warnings and cautions in “Safety

!Information” on page 2-2.

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

The following items are required for installation:

Access Point 8760.

Two standard detachable antennas.

3Com installation CD.

Wall-mount installation hardware (supplied): mounting plate, mounting screws, and plastic anchors for drywall mounting.

If you do not have IEEE 802.3af power-over-Ethernet LAN equipment, use the 3Com Integrated Power-over-Ethernet power supply that comes with

the access point.

If your LAN equipment complies with the IEEE 802.3af power-over-Ethernet standard, you can connect directly to the equipment, and the 3Com power supply is not needed.

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

The cable must be long enough to reach the power supply or the power-over-Ethernet LAN port.

If you use the 3Com power supply, you need an additional Ethernet cable to connect the access point to the LAN.

2-1

CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE ACCESS POINT

To access and use the Web configuration management system, you need a computer that is running Internet Explorer 5.0 or newer and one of the following operating systems: Windows 2000, or Windows XP. It is recommended that this computer become the dedicated workstation for managing and configuring the access point and the wireless network.

POWER REQUIREMENTS

The access point complies with the IEEE 802.3af power-over-Ethernet standard. It receives power over standard category 5 straight (8-wire) Ethernet cable. Installation requires the use of either the 3Com power supply provided or

IEEE 802.3af compliant power supply equipment (output power rated 48 V dc @ 400 mA maximum). Such equipment must be safety certified according to UL, CSA, IEC or other applicable national or international safety requirements for the country of use. All references to the power supply in this document refer to equipment that meets these requirements.

Because the power supply plug is the only means of disconnecting the access point from power, make sure the power outlet is accessible.

See “Using the Power Supply” on page 2-8 and “Using a Power-Over-Ethernet LAN Port” on page 2-8.

SAFETY INFORMATION

This equipment must be installed in compliance with local and national building codes, regulatory restrictions, and FCC rules. For the safety of people and equipment, only professional network personnel should install the access point, cables, and antennas.

CAUTION: If you supply your own Ethernet cable for connecting power, be sure

!that it is category 5 straight-through (8-wire) cable that has not been altered in any way. Use of nonstandard cable could damage the access point.

CAUTION: To comply with FCC radio frequency (RF) exposure limits, a minimum

!body-to-antenna distance of 20 centimeter (8 inches) must be maintained when the access point is operational.

CAUTION: To avoid possible injury or damage to equipment, you must use either

!the provided power supply or IEEE 802.3af compliant power supply equipment that is safety certified according to UL, CSA, IEC, or other applicable national or international safety requirements for the country of use. All references to power supply in this document refer to equipment meeting these requirements.

2-2

Deciding Where to Place Equipment and Performing A Site Survey

CAUTION: The 3Com power supply input relies on a 16A rated building fuse or

!circuit protector for short circuit protection of the line to neutral conductors.

CAUTION: It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure that the

!Power-over-Ethernet (POE) power supply is properly connected. Connection to any other device, such as a standard Ethernet card or another POE supply, may result in permanent damage to equipment, electric shock, or fire. Refer to the installation instructions for proper installation.

DECIDING WHERE TO PLACE EQUIPMENT AND

PERFORMING A SITE SURVEY

The access point is ideally designed for vertical installation on a wall surface, but can also be flat-surface mounted in an elevated location where it will not

be disturbed. Ceiling installation is not recommended.

Whether you choose to mount the access point on a wall or place it on a flat surface, make sure to select a clean, dry location that is elevated enough to provide good reception and network coverage. Do not mount the access point on any type of metal surface. Do not install the access point in wet or dusty areas. The site should not be close to transformers, heavy-duty motors, fluorescent lights, microwave ovens, refrigerators or any other electrical equipment that can interfere with radio signals.

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

An access point provides coverage at distances of up to 100 Meters (300 Feet). Signal loss can occur if metal, concrete, brick, walls, floors or other architectural barriers block transmission. If your location includes these kinds of obstructions, you may need to add additional access points to improve coverage

2-3

CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE ACCESS POINT

Configuring a wireless LAN can be as easy as placing a 3Com Wireless Access Point in a central area and making the necessary connections to the AP and the clients. However, installing multiple Access Points may require more planning.

If you plan to use an optional antenna instead of the standard detachable antennas that are supplied, review “Selecting and Connecting a Different Antenna Model” on page 2-12 before selecting the final location and be sure to allow for routing the antenna cable as required.

For optimal performance, ensure the access point operates in temperature ranges between 0° C to 50° C (14° F to 122° F).

! CAUTION: Regulatory restrictions dictate that when this device is operational, the minimal body-to-antenna distance is 20 cm (8 inches).

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Record the access point MAC address in a safe place before the access point is installed in a hard-to-reach location. The MAC address is printed on the back of the access point housing.

The following illustration shows the front and rear views of the access point, including the LEDs and connecting ports.

2-4

Connecting the Standard Antennas

Figure 1 Front and Rear Panel Description

Kensington Lock Slot

LEDs

POE Port

Console Port

CONNECTING THE STANDARD ANTENNAS

The Access Point 8760 is supplied with standard detachable antennas. These should be attached before the access point is installed. If using an alternate antenna, see “Selecting and Connecting a Different Antenna Model” on page 2-12.

1 Carefully unpack the standard detachable antennas.

CAUTION: Do not handle the antenna tips, especially after they are connected

!to the access point, as this could lead to electrostatic discharge (ESD), which could damage the equipment.

2Screw an antenna into each of the sockets in the access point housing.

3Hand-tighten the antennas at the very base of the RSMA connectors.

4Position the antennas so they turn out and away from the access point at a 45-degree angle. After network startup, you may need to adjust the antennas to fine-tune coverage in your area.

2-5

CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE ACCESS POINT

Figure 2 Antenna Adjustment

Depending on the coverage required for your site, you may want to replace the standard detachable antennas with one of the external antennas available for use with the access point. See “Selecting and Connecting a Different Antenna Model” on page 2-12.

CONNECTING POWER

It is advisable to connect the power and check the Ethernet cables and LEDs before installing the unit in a hard-to-reach location.

The access point complies with the IEEE 802.3af power-over-Ethernet standard. It receives power over a standard category 5 straight (8-wire) Ethernet cable.

There are two ways to supply power to the access point:

Use the 3Com Integrated Power-over-Ethernet power supply. In this case, you need to supply a second Ethernet cable to connect to the wired LAN.

Connect the access point directly to your own power-over-Ethernet hub or switch, which must also comply with the IEEE 802.3af standard.

2-6

Connecting Power

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

Figure 3 Connecting Power

2-7

CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE ACCESS POINT

USING THE POWER SUPPLY

CAUTION: To avoid damaging network equipment, make sure that the cables

!are connected from access point to power supply to LAN as shown above and described below.

The power supply can be located at any point between the access point and the LAN access port, wherever a convenient power outlet exists. If you supply your own Ethernet cable for connecting power, be sure that it is standard category 5 straight-through (8-wire) cable that has not been altered in any way. Use of nonstandard cable could damage the access point.

Refer to the illustration above, and follow these steps:

1Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the access point.

2Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the port labeled To Access Point on the power supply.

3Connect the power cord to the power supply and plug the cord into a power outlet.

4To link the access point to your Ethernet network, plug one end of another Ethernet cable into the port labeled To Hub/Switch on the power supply, and plug the other end into a LAN port (on a hub or in a wall).

USING A POWER-OVER-ETHERNET LAN PORT

If your LAN equipment complies with the IEEE 802.3af power-over-Ethernet standard, you can connect the access point directly to a LAN port. For example, the illustration above right shows a connection through a 3Com Ethernet Power Supply to a 3Com Switch.

2-8

Checking the LEDs

CHECKING THE LEDS

When power is connected, the access point LEDs light. The illustration and the following table describe the LEDs and their functions.

Table 1 System LEDs

		LED	Color	Indicates
		Power	Green	The access point is powered up
				and operating normally.
			Off	The access point is not receiving
				power or there is a fault with the
				power supply.
		Link	Green	The access point has a 10/100
				Mbps Fast Ethernet connection.
			Flashing	Indicates that the access point is
				transmitting or receiving data on a
				10/100 Mbps Ethernet LAN.
				Flashing rate is proportional to
				network activity.
			Off	No link is present.
		11a	Green	The access point has WLAN frame
				transmission over the 802.11a 5.3
				GHz radio band.
			Off	No link is present.
		11g	Green	The access point has WLAN frame
				transmission over the 802.11g 2.4
				GHz radio band.
			Off	No link is present.

RESET BUTTON

This button is used to reset the access point or restore the factory default configuration. If you hold down the button for less than 5 seconds, the access point will perform a hardware reset. If you hold down the button for 10 seconds or more, any configuration changes you may have made are removed, and the factory default configuration is restored to the access point.

2-9

CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE ACCESS POINT

WALL, CEILING, OR ELECTRICAL BOX MOUNTING

To mount the access point to a wall, ceiling, or electrical box:

1Remove the access point from the mounting bracket.

2Screw the mounting bracket to a wall, ceiling, or electrical box (NEMA enclosure):

If mounting to a solid surface wall or ceiling, use two of the sheet metal screws and two of the wall anchors (included).

If mounting to drywall, use two sheet metal screws and two wall anchors (not included).

If mounting to an electrical box (NEMA enclosure), use two threaded screws (not included).

3Route the power cable (if using an external power supply) and Ethernet cable through the large opening on the back of the mounting bracket.

CAUTION: For easy installation and removal of the access point from the

!mounting bracket, make sure that there is sufficient flexibility with the cable and that there is adequate service loop (that is, enough cable routed through the mounting bracket to easily connect the cable to the access point.) If not enough cable is routed through the back of the mounting bracket, or if the cable is inflexible, it can be difficult to install or remove the access point from the mounting bracket.

The figures below show a cable being routed through the large opening on the back of the mounting bracket and then the mounting bracket being mounted to a wall.

2-10

Wall, Ceiling, or Electrical Box Mounting

Figure 4 Routing a Cable

Routing a cable

Figure 5 Mounting Bracket

Installing the mounting bracket

4 Connect the Ethernet cable to the port on the back of the access point.

2-11

CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE ACCESS POINT

FLAT SURFACE INSTALLATION

The access point can also be placed on a flat surface such as a table, desktop or filing cabinet. Do not install the access point on any type of metal surface. If you choose a flat surface mount, select a location that is clear of obstructions and provides good reception.

Figure 6 Flat Surface Installation

NOTE: Regulatory restrictions dictate that when this device is operational, the minimal body-to-antenna distance is 20 cm (8 inches).

SELECTING AND CONNECTING A DIFFERENT ANTENNA MODEL

The standard detachable antennas supplied with the Access Point are suitable for a broad variety of environments. If you require a different type of antenna for the Access Point, several options are available by model number from the 3Com Web site (www.3Com.com).

For each of the antenna models, you will need an RSMA to SMA adapter cable (model 3CRWE586), either a 6-foot accessory cable (model 3CWE580) or a 20-foot accessory cable (model 3CWE581) to provide the transition from the RSMA connector on the access point to the N-type connector on the antenna.

2-12

Selecting and Connecting a Different Antenna Model

Figure 7 Connecting Antennae

Side

Side

1Position the antenna so that there are minimal obstacles between it and any client with which it will communicate. While maintaining a direct line of sight between the antenna and a client is not strictly necessary, such an arrangement helps to ensure a strong signal. Ensure that access is available for routing the antenna cable from the antenna to the access point.

2If they are installed, remove both standard detachable antennas.

3Connect one end of the optional antenna cable to the antenna and secure the antenna in place.

4Connect the free end of the antenna cable to the connection on the access point, as shown in the illustration above.

5Make certain that the antennas and antenna masts are appropriately grounded to prevent injury or damage from lightning strikes. Proper grounding for outdoor installations may require the purchase of a third-party lightning arrestor.

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CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE ACCESS POINT

INSTALLING SOFTWARE UTILITIES

The installation CD includes documentation and software utilities to help you set up and administer the wireless components of your network.

To view product documentation, select View the Documentation from the CD Startup Menu and then select the item you want to view.

The software Tools and Utilities include:

3Com Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager. Use this tool to discover access points and select devices for administrative changes.

3Com 3CDaemon Server Tool. This tool can act in four different capacities:

As a TFTP Server, necessary for firmware upgrades, and backup and restore functions. Use this option if you do not have a TFTP server set up.

As a SysLog Server, which is necessary to view SysLog messages.

As an optional TFTP Client.

As an optional FTP Server.

To install a tool from the CD:

1Power up the computer and put the 3Com CD in the CD-ROM drive.

2The setup menu should appear when the CD autostarts. If no menu appears, you can run the setup.exe startup program from the Windows Start menu. For example, if your CD drive is the D drive: Start / Run / d:setup.exe.

3From the CD startup menu, select Tools and Utilities.

4Select the item you want to install and follow the instructions on the screen.

2-14

3 INITIAL CONFIGURATION

The Access Point 8760 offers a variety of management options, including a web-based interface.

The initial configuration steps can be made through the web browser interface. The access point requests an IP address via DHCP by default. If no response is received from the DHCP server, then the access point uses the default address 169.254.2.1.

If the default AP configuration does not meet your network requirements, or if you want to customize the settings for your own network, you can use these tools to change the configuration:

1Launch the 3Com Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager (Widman) utility

2Directly connect to the device through it’s Ethernet port or console port

NETWORKS WITH A DHCP SERVER

If your network has a DHCP server, an IP address is automatically assigned to the AP. It takes between one and two minutes for the Access Point to determine if there is a DHCP server on the network. Use the 3Com Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager (Widman) included on the 3Com Installation CD to locate the Access Point on the network and view its IP address. After you determine the AP’s IP address, you can enter that IP address into a web browser on a computer on the same subnet to view the Access Point’s system status or change its configuration.

NETWORKS WITHOUT A DHCP SERVER

If your network does not have a DHCP server, the Access Point uses a factory assigned IP address (169.254.2.1). You can use that IP address to configure the Access Point, or you can assign a new IP address to the Access Point. To verify that the Access Point is using the default IP address assigned at the factory:

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CHAPTER 3: INITIAL CONFIGURATION

1Connect a computer directly to the Access Point using the supplied standard Category 5 UTP Ethernet cable.

2Enter the Access Point’s default IP address (169.254.2.1) into the computer’s web browser. If the Configuration Management System starts, the Access Point is using the factory assigned IP address. You can configure the Access Point with the following login information:

Login name: admin

Password: password

If the Configuration Management System does not start, the Access Point is on a different subnet than the computer. Install and start the 3Com Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager to discover the Access Point’s IP address.

USING THE 3COM INSTALLATION CD

The 3Com Installation CD contains the following tools and utilities: 3Com Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager-an administration tool that helps you select 3Com wireless LAN devices and launch their configurations in your Web browser.

LAUNCH THE 3COM WIRELESS INFRASTRUCTURE DEVICE

MANAGER (WIDMAN) UTILITY

1Turn on the computer.

2Insert the 3Com Installation CD into the CD-ROM drive.

The CD will Autorun. If it does not Autorun, you can start the setup menu from the Windows Start menu. For example: Start > Run > d: setup.exe.

3In the menu, click Tools and Utilities.

4In the next screen, click the software you want to install.

5Follow the on screen instructions to complete the installation. Reboot the computer if prompted to do so.

LAUNCHING THE 3COM WIRELESS INTERFACE DEVICE MANAGER

To be able to configure the Access Point you need to run the Wireless Interface Device Manager. Go to Start > Programs > 3Com Wireless > Wireless Interface Device Manager.

If the device is working correctly the following screen should be seen.

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