3Com WL-550 Manual

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http://www.3Com.com/

Part No. 10016641 Rev. AA

Published March 2008

Wireless 11g Cable/DSL Router

User Guide

WL-550

3CRWER101U-75

3CRWER101E-75

3CRWER101A-75

3Com Corporation

350 Campus Drive,

Marlborough, MA

USA 01752-3064

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ABOUT THIS GUIDE

Naming Convention 5

Conventions 6

Feedback About This User Guide 7

Naming Convention Throughout this guide, the 3Com Wireless 11g Cable/DSL Router is

referred to as the “Router”.

Category 3 and Category 5 Twisted Pair Cables are referred to as Twisted

Pair Cables throughout this guide.

6 ABOUT THIS GUIDE

Conventions Ta bl e 1 and Tab l e 2 list conventions that are used throughout this guide.

Tab le 1 Notice Icons

Icon Notice Type Description

Information note Information that describes important features or

instructions.

Caution Information that alerts you to potential loss of data or

potential damage to an application, system, or device.

Warning Information that alerts you to potential personal

injury.

Tab le 2 Text Conventions

Convention Description

The words “enter”

and “type”

When you see the word “enter” in this guide, you must type

something, and then press Return or Enter. Do not press

Return or Enter when an instruction simply says “type.”

Keyboard key names If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key

names are linked with a plus sign (+). Example:

Press Ctrl+Alt+Del

Words in italics Italics are used to:

■ Emphasize a point.

■ Denote a new term at the place where it is defined in the

text.

■ Identify menu names, menu commands, and software

button names. Examples:

From the Help menu, select Contents.

Click OK.

Feedback About This User Guide 7

Feedback About

This User Guide

Your suggestions are very important to us. They will help make our

documentation more useful to you. Please e-mail comments about this

document to 3Com at:

pddtechpubs_comments@3com.com

Please include the following information when commenting:

■ Document title

■ Document part number (on the title page)

■ Page number (if appropriate)

Example:

■ 3Com Wireless 11g Cable/DSL Router User Guide

■ Part Number 149100059700J Rev. AA

■ Page 24

Do not use this e-mail address for technical support questions. For

information about contacting Technical Support, please refer to

Appendix C

Documentation

In addition to this guide, each Router document set includes one

Installation Guide. This guide contains the instructions you need to install

and configure your Router.

8 ABOUT THIS GUIDE

INTRODUCING THE ROUTER

Welcome to the world of networking with 3Com

. In the modern

business environment, communication and sharing information is crucial.

Computer networks have proved to be one of the fastest modes of

communication but, until recently, only large businesses could afford the

networking advantage.

Wireless 11g

Cable/DSL Router

The Wireless 11g Cable/DSL Router is designed to provide a cost-effective

means of sharing a single broadband Internet connection amongst

several wired and wireless computers. The Router also provides protection

in the form of an electronic “firewall” preventing anyone outside of your

network from seeing your files or damaging your computers. The Router

can also prevent your users from accessing Web sites which you find

unsuitable.

Figure 1

shows an example network without a Router. In this network,

only one computer is connected to the Internet. This computer must

always be powered on for the other computers on the network to access

the Internet.

10 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCING THE ROUTER

Figure 1 Example Network Without a Router

When you use the Router in your network (Figure 2), it becomes your

connection to the Internet. Connections can be made directly to the

Router, or to an OfficeConnect Switch, expanding the number of

computers you can have in your network.

Figure 2 Example Network Using a Firewall Router

Router Advantages 11

Router Advantages The advantages of the Router include:

■ Shared Internet connection for both wired and wireless computers

■ High speed 802.11g wireless networking

■ No need for a dedicated, “always on” computer serving as your

Internet connection

■ Cross-platform operation for compatibility with Windows, Unix and

Macintosh computers

■ Easy-to-use, Web-based setup and configuration

■ Provides centralization of all network address settings (DHCP)

■ Acts as a Virtual server to enable remote access to Web, FTP, and other

services on your network

■ Security — Firewall protection against Internet hacker attacks and

encryption to protect wireless network traffic

Package Contents The Router kit includes the following items:

■ One Wireless 11g Cable/DSL Router

■ One power adapter for use with the Router

■ One Ethernet cable

■ One Detachable antenna

■ One CD-ROM containing this User Guide

■ Installation Guide

■ Support and Safety Information Sheet

■ Warranty Flyer

If any of these items are missing or damaged, please contact your retailer.

12 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCING THE ROUTER

Minimum System

and Component

Requirements

Your Router requires that the computer(s) and components in your

network be configured with at least the following:

■ A computer with an operating system that supports TCP/IP

networking protocols (for example Windows 98/NT/Me/2000/

XP/Vista, Unix, Mac OS 8.5 or higher).

■ An Ethernet 10 Mbps or 10/100 Mbps NIC for each computer to be

connected to the four-port switch on your Router.

An 802.11b or 802.11g wireless NIC.

■ Internet access from your local telephone company or Internet Service

Provider (ISP) using a DSL modem or cable modem.

■ A Web browser that supports JavaScript, such as Netscape 4.7 or

higher, Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher, or Mozilla 1.2.1 or higher.

Physical Features The top panel of the Router contains a series of indicator lights (LEDs)

that help describe the state of various networking and connection

operations.

Figure 3 Router - Top View

Physical Features 13

1Power LED

Green

Indicates that the Router is powered on, and the boot up is successful.

2 WLAN Status LED

Green

If the LED is on it indicates that wireless networking is enabled. If the LED

is flashing, the link is OK and data is being transmitted or received. If the

LED is off, the Wireless LAN has been disabled in the Router, or there is a

problem. Refer to Chapter 6

“Troubleshooting”.

3 WAN Status LED

Green

If the LED is on it indicates that the WAN port has established a valid

Ethernet network connection. If the LED is flashing, the link is OK and

data is being transmitted or received. If the LED is off, the WAN has been

disabled in the Router, or there is a problem. Refer to Chapter 6

“

Troubleshooting”.

4 LAN Status LEDs

Green

If the LED is on, the link between the port and the next piece of network

equipment is OK. If the LED is flashing, the link is OK and data is being

transmitted or received. If the LED is off, nothing is connected, or the

connected device is switched off, or there is a problem with the

connection (refer to Chapter 6

“Troubleshooting”). The port will

automatically adjust to the correct speed and duplex.

The rear panel (Figure 4

) of the Router contains one WAN port, four LAN

ports, and a power adapter socket.

Figure 4 Router - Rear Panel

14 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCING THE ROUTER

5WAN Port

Using the RJ-45 cable provided, you should connect your cable modem,

DSL modem, or an Ethernet router to this port.

6 LAN Ports

Using suitable RJ-45 cables, you can connect your Router to a computer,

or to any other piece of equipment that has an Ethernet connection (for

example, a hub or a switch). These ports have an automatic MDI/MDIX

feature, which means either straight-through or a crossover cable can be

used.

7 Power Adapter Socket

Only use the power adapter that is supplied with this Router. Do not use

any other adapter.

8 Wireless Antenna

Be sure the detachable external antenna is connected to the Router

before setting up your wireless LAN. Try to place the Wireless 11g Router

in a position that is located in the center of your wireless network. The

higher you place the antenna, the better the performance.

A reset bottom is locadted on the bottom of the Router (Figure 5

Figure 5 Router - Bottom Panel

Reset Button

Physical Features 15

9 Reset Button

The reset button allows you to reboot the Router, or to restore the default

factory settings. Push for one second to perform a system reboot. All of

your settings will remain upon restarting. Push for 8 seconds to reset the

Router to the factory default settings.

To perform a system reset without losing configuration settings, click the

Restart Router button on the web management screen. The

configurations that you have set previously will not be changed back to

the factory default settings. Refer to “Restart Router”

16 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCING THE ROUTER

INSTALLING THE ROUTER

Introduction This chapter will guide you through a basic installation of the Router,

including:

■ Connecting the Router to the Internet.

■ Connecting the Router to your network.

■ Setting up your computers for networking with the Router.

CAUTION: Be sure to attach the removable antenna to the Router before

connecting to your wireless network.

Positioning the

Router

You should place the Router in a location that:

■ is conveniently located for connection to the cable or ADSL modem.

■ is centrally located to the wireless computers that will connect to the

Router. A suitable location might be on top of a high shelf or similar

furniture to optimize wireless connections to computers in both

horizontal and vertical directions, allowing wider coverage.

■ allows convenient connection to the computers that will be connected

to the four LAN ports on the rear panel, if desired.

■ allows easy viewing of the top panel LED indicator lights, and access

to the rear panel connectors, if necessary.

When positioning your Router, ensure:

■ It is out of direct sunlight and away from sources of heat.

■ Cabling is away from power lines, fluorescent lighting fixtures, and

sources of electrical noise such as radios, transmitters and broadband

amplifiers.

■ Water or moisture cannot enter the case of the unit.

18 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE ROUTER

■ Air flow around the unit and through the vents in the side of the case

is not restricted. 3Com recommends you provide a minimum of

25 mm (1 in.) clearance.

Powering Up the

Router

To power up the Router:

1 Plug the power adapter into the power adapter socket located on the

back panel of the Router.

2 Plug the power adapter into a standard electrical wall socket.

Connecting the

Router to the

Internet

Prepare an Ethernet cable for connecting the WAN port of the Wireless

11g Router to the RJ-45 port of the broadband xDSL or cable modem.

See Figure 6

Figure 6 Connecting the Router to the Internet

Connecting the

Router to LAN

The four LAN ports on the Router auto-negotiate the connection speed to

10 Mbps Ethernet or 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet, as well as the transmission

mode to half duplex or full duplex.

Connecting the Router to LAN 19

Use RJ-45 cables to connect any of the four LAN ports on the Router to

an Ethernet adapter on your PC. Otherwise, cascade any of the LAN ports

on the Router to an Ethernet hub or switch, and then connect your PC or

other network equipment to the hub or switch. When inserting an RJ-45

connector, be sure the tab on the connector clicks into position to ensure

that it is properly seated. See Figure 7

Figure 7 Connecting the LAN

You have now completed the hardware installation of your Router. Next

you need to set up your computers so that they can make use of the

Router to communicate with the Internet.

3Com recommends that you perform the initial Router configuration

from a computer that is directly connected to one of the LAN ports.

If you configure the Router from a wireless computer, note that you may

lose contact with the Router if you change the wireless configuration.

To communicate wirelessly with your Router, your wireless NIC should be

set as follows:

■ Encryption — none

■ SSID — 3Com

■ Channel — 6

20 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE ROUTER

Setting up your

computers for

networking with

the Router

You may also connect the Router to your PC (using a wireless client

adapter) via radio signals. Install a wireless network adapter in each

computer that will be connected to the Internet or your local network via

radio signals.

Place the Router in a position that gives it maximum coverage. Try to

place the Router in a position that is located in the center of your wireless

network. Normally, the higher you place the antenna, the better the

performance. Ensure that the Router’s location provides optimal reception

throughout your home or office.

Computers equipped with a wireless adapter can communicate with each

other as an independent wireless LAN by configuring each computer to

the same radio channel. However, the Router can provide access to your

wired/wireless LAN or to the Internet for all wireless workstations. Each

wireless PC in this network infrastructure can talk to any computer in the

wireless group via a radio link, or access other computers or network

resources in the wired LAN infrastructure or over the Internet via the

Router.

The wireless infrastructure configuration not only extends the accessibility

of wireless PCs to the wired LAN, but also increases the effective wireless

transmission range for wireless PCs by retransmitting incoming radio

signals through the Router.

A wireless infrastructure can be used for access to a central database, or

for connection between mobile workers, See Figure 8

Setting up your computers for networking with the Router 21

Figure 8 WLAN Connections

22 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE ROUTER

SETTING UP YOUR COMPUTERS

The Router has the ability to dynamically allocate network addresses to

the computers on your network, using DHCP. However, your computers

need to be configured correctly for this to take place. To change the

configuration of your computers to allow this, follow the instructions in

this chapter.

Obtaining an IP

Address

Automatically

Windows 2000 If you are using a Windows 2000-based computer, use the following

procedure to change your TCP/IP settings:

1 From the Windows Start Menu, select Settings > Control Panel.

2 Double click on Network and Dial-Up Connections.

3 Double click on Local Area Connection.

4 Click on Properties.

5 Select Internet Protocol TCP/IP and click on Properties.

6 Ensure that the options Obtain an IP address automatically, and Obtain

DNS server address automatically are both selected. Click OK.

7 Restart your computer.

Windows XP

1 From the Windows Start Menu, select Control Panel.

2 Click on Network and Internet Connections.

3 Click on the Network Connections icon.

24 CHAPTER 3: SETTING UP YOUR COMPUTERS

4 Double click on LAN or High Speed Connection icon. A screen titled Local

Area Connection Status will appear.

5 A screen similar to Figure 9

should be displayed. Select Internet Protocol

TCP/IP and click on Properties.

Figure 9 Local Area Connection Properties Screen

6 Ensure that the options Obtain an IP address automatically, and Obtain

DNS servers automatically are both selected as shown in Figure 10

Click OK.

Obtaining an IP Address Automatically 25

Figure 10 Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Screen

7 Restart your computer.

Windows Vista

1 From the Windows Start Menu, select Settings > Network.

2 Click on Organize. Select Properties.

3 Click on Manage network>Connections.

4 Double click Local Area Connection. Select Properties and click continue.

5 A screen similar to Figure 11

should be displayed. Select Internet Protocol

Version 6,Version 4 (TCP/IPv6,v4) and click on Properties.

26 CHAPTER 3: SETTING UP YOUR COMPUTERS

Figure 11 Local Area Connection Properties Screen

6 Ensure that the options Obtain an IPv6,v4 address automatically, and

Obtain DNS servers address automatically are both selected as shown in

Figure 12

. Click OK.

Figure 12 Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) Properties Screen

Obtaining an IP Address Automatically 27

Macintosh If you are using a Macintosh computer, use the following procedure to

change your TCP/IP settings:

1 From the desktop, select Apple Menu, Control Panels, and TCP/IP.

2 In the TCP/IP control panel, set Connect Via: to Ethernet.

3 In the TCP/IP control panel, set Configure: to Using DHCP Server.

4 Close the TCP/IP dialog box, and save your changes.

5 Restart your computer.

28 CHAPTER 3: SETTING UP YOUR COMPUTERS

Disabling PPPoE

and PPTP Client

Software

If you have PPPoE client software installed on your computer, you will

need to disable it. To do this:

1 From the Windows Start Menu, select Control Panel > Network and

Internet Connections.

2 Double click on Internet Options.

3 Select the Connections Tab. A screen similar to Figure 13

should be

displayed.

4 Select the Never dial a connection option.

Figure 13 Internet Properties Screen

You may want to remove the PPPoE client software from your computer

to free resources, as it is not required for use with the Router.

Disabling Web

Proxy

Ensure that you do not have a web proxy enabled on your computer.

Go to the Control Panel and click on Internet Options. Select the

Connections tab and click LAN Settings at the bottom. Make sure that

the Use Proxy Server option is unchecked.

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