3COM WL-560 User Manual

3Com 11a/b/g Wireless Workgroup Bridge User Guide

Model: WL-560 3CRWE675075

http://www.3com.com/

Part No. DUA6750-75AAA01 Published November 2004 Version 1.0.2

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

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CONTENTS

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

Conventions 2 Related Documentation 2 Accessing Online Documentation 3 Product Registration and Support 4

1 INTRODUCTION

Product Features 5

Security 5

Wireless Network Standards 6 Network Configuration and Planning 7 Example Configurations 8

2 INSTALLING THE BRIDGE

Unpacking the Bridge 9 Observing Safety Precautions 10 Deciding Where to Place the Bridge 11

Wall-Mounting the Bridge 11

Installing the Locking Bar 12

Placing the Bridge on a Flat Surface 13 Connecting the Bridge 14

Connecting to a Serial Device 14

Connecting to an Ethernet Device 15

About the Client List 15

Connecting to a Hub 15

Connecting to a Network Printer 16

Connecting to a Computer 16 Checking the LED Indicators 17 Attaching An External Antenna 18 Determining if you Need to Configure the Bridge 18 Using the 3Com Installation CD 21

3 CONFIGURING THE BRIDGE

Using Secure Web Server Connection 23 Using the 3Com Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager 24 Using the Configuration Management System 27

Clearing and Applying System Configuration Settings 28 Changing System Properties 29 Setting IP Network Properties 30 Setting Wireless Network Properties 31 Manually Select Radio Channels 33 Setting Up an Ad-Hoc Network 34 Changing Wireless Security Settings 35 Changing RADIUS Settings 37 Changing SNMP Settings 38 Using the Access Control List 39 Serial Port 40 Resetting the Bridge 42 Restoring the Bridge to Factory Defaults 43 Upgrading the System 44 Changing the Administration Login Name and Password 45 Backing up a Configuration 45 Restoring a Configuration 46 Logging Out 46 Clearing the Ethernet Client List 46 Viewing Connection Status 47 Viewing System Summary 47

4 TROUBLESHOOTING

Diagnosing Problems 49 Disconnecting the Bridge 51 Uninstalling Software and Documentation 51 Upgrading Bridge Firmware 52

A OBTAINING SUPPORT FOR YOUR 3COM PRODUCT

Register Your Product to Gain Service Benefits 53 Solve Problems Online 53 Purchase Extended Warranty and Professional Services 54 Access Software Downloads 54 Contact Us 54

Telephone Technical Support and Repair 55

END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT

REGULATORY INFORMATION

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

This guide provides all the information you need to install and use the 3Com 11a/b/g Wireless Workgroup Bridge in its default state.

The guide is intended for use by IT managers and experienced network installation and administration professionals who have a basic knowledge of current networking concepts.

If the information in the release notes that are shipped with your product differ from the information in this guide, follow the instructions in the release notes.

Most user guides and release notes are available in Adobe Acrobat Reader Portable Document Format (PDF) or HTML on the 3Com World Wide Web site:

http://www.3com.com/

2 ABOUT THIS GUIDE

Conventions Table 1 and Table 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

Screen displays This typeface represents information as it appears on the

Syntax The word “syntax” means that you must evaluate the syntax

The words “enter” and “type”

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

Words in italics Italics are used to:

screen.

provided and then supply the appropriate values for the placeholders that appear in angle brackets. Example:

To change your password, use the following syntax:

system password <password>

In this example, you must supply a password for <password>. When you see the word “enter” in this guide, you must type

something, and then press Return or Enter. Do not press Return or Enter when an instruction simply says “type.”

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

Press Ctrl+Alt+Del

■ Emphasize a point.

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

text.

■ Identify menu names, menu commands, and software

button names. Examples: From the Help menu, select Contents. Click OK.

INTRODUCTION

3Com wireless technology has all of the benefits of a local area network (LAN) without the constraints and expense of network wiring.

3Com 11a/b/g Wireless LAN products provide easy, affordable, flexible ways to extend wireless networks to more users. This guide shows how you can use the 3Com 11a/b/g Wireless Workgroup Bridge in your office or classroom to connect groups of wired Ethernet client devices to your wireless LAN.

Product Features The 3Com 11a/b/g Wireless Workgroup Bridge includes a robust suite of

standards-based security features, and supports wireless network standards including 802.11a and 802.11g.

Security To protect sensitive data broadcast over the radio, 3Com supports

Wireless Equivalent Privacy (WEP) RC4 64-bit, 128-bit and 152-bit shared-key encryption. 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

authentication support

■ Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP)

■ Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)

■ WiFi Protected Access (WPA)

■ Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) support: EAP-TTLS and PEAP

6 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Wireless Network

Standards

Understanding the characteristics of the 802.11a and 802.11g standards can help you

make the best choice for your wireless implementation plans.

802.11a

Ratified in 2002, 802.11a is IEEE’s more recent wireless standard. It operates at the 5

GHz band and supports data rates at up to 54 Mbps. 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 m (164 ft) of coverage—about

what 802.11g offers.

half

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 five-fold 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 wireless devices in a tighter space.

802.11g

802.11g operates in the 2.4 GHz band at up to 54 Mbps. Ratified in 2003, it supports

the widest coverage—up to 100 m (328 ft). However, is subject to a greater risk of radio interference because it operates in the more popular 2.4 GHz band.

802.11b operates at up to 11 Mbps and supports coverage up to 100 m (328 ft).

Network Configuration and Planning 7

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.

Network Configuration and Planning

The Bridge can operate in either infrastructure or ad-hoc mode, and can support a stand-alone wireless network configuration or an integrated configuration with 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LANs.

Operating in infrastructure mode and connected to an Ethernet hub, a single Bridge can combine up to 16 client devices—such as computers with network adapters and printers—into a multiclient workgroup. The workgroup associates with the wired network through a wireless LAN access point such as the 3Com 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Access Point. Infrastructure configurations extend your wireless LAN to devices that would otherwise have to be connected to the wired network.

Operating in ad-hoc mode, two or more Bridges can associate among themselves and communicate with one another at close range without an access point. You may wish to set up an ad-hoc network, for example, if a group is working away from the office, or if a group in the office needs to share files apart from the wired LAN.

8 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

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Example Configurations

The following examples illustrate ways you can use the Bridge to configure Ethernet client devices into workgroups. (Details for setting up specific configurations are in “Installing the Bridge” on page 9.)

Wireless Infrastructure Network

You can connect several computers, including those with non-Windows operating systems, and network printers, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 Wireless Infrastructure Network

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Workgroup Ad-Hoc Network

You can provide flexible wireless network association for small groups in areas that cannot be wired, as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2 Workgroup Ad-Hoc Network

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INSTALLING THE BRIDGE

This chapter contains the information you need to install and set up the Bridge. It covers the following topics:

■ Unpacking the Bridge

■ Observing Safety Precautions

■ Deciding Where to Place the Bridge

■ Connecting the Bridge

■ Checking the LED Indicators

■ Attaching An External Antenna

■ Determining if you Need to Configure the Bridge

■ Using the 3Com Installation CD

Unpacking the Bridge

Make sure that you have the following items, which are included with the Bridge:

■ Power adapter and power cord.

■ Standard Category 5 unshielded twisted pair (UTP) Ethernet cable.

■ Locking bar (used for securing a wall-mounted installation).

■ Rubber feet (four; used for a flat-surface installation).

■ 3Com Installation CD.

For wall-mounting installations, you need the following items, which are not included with the Bridge:

■ Mounting screws.

■ Plastic anchors (for drywall mounting).

To secure the Bridge using the locking bar, you need a lock (not supplied).

10 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE BRIDGE

Figure 3 shows the front view of the Bridge, including the LEDs and connecting ports. It also shows the cradle, which is used to mount the Bridge to a wall or to install the Bridge on a flat surface.

Figure 3 Bridge

Observing Safety Precautions

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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 Bridge.

WARNING: To comply with FCC radio frequency (RF) exposure limits, a minimum body-to-antenna distance of 20 cm (8 in.) must be maintained when the Bridge is operational.

WARNING: To avoid possible injury or damage to equipment, you must use either the provided power supply or 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.

CAUTION: The 3Com power supply (part number 61-0107-000) input relies on a 16A rated building fuse or circuit protector for short circuit protection of the line to neutral conductors.

Deciding Where to Place the Bridge 11

Deciding Where to Place the Bridge

Wall-Mounting the

Bridge

Place the Bridge in a dry, clean location near the hub, computer, or printer that will be connected to the Bridge. The location must have a power source and be within the following distance of a Wi-Fi compliant wireless LAN access point or ad-hoc wireless station:

■ For 802.11a compatibility, place the Bridge within 50 m (164 ft) of a

Wi-Fi compliant wireless LAN access point.

■ For 802.11b/g compatibility, place the Bridge within 100 m (328 ft) of

a Wi-Fi compliant wireless LAN access point.

The location should be away from transformers, heavy-duty motors, fluorescent lights, microwave ovens, refrigerators, or other equipment that could cause radio signal interference.

The Bridge comes with a cradle for mounting on a wall. For additional security, the Bridge also comes with a locking bar, which can be used with a security lock (not provided) to lock the Bridge to the cradle after the Bridge is mounted to a wall.

To wall-mount the bridge:

1 Screw the cradle to a wall,

Figure 4 Wall-Mounting the Bridge

as shown in Figure 4.

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12 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE BRIDGE

2 Route the power and Ethernet cables through the large opening in the cradle.

Figure 5 shows a cable being routed under the cradle.

Figure 5 Routing Cable Under the Cradle

3 Connect the power and Ethernet cables to the ports on the Bridge. 4 Snap the Bridge onto the cradle.

Installing the

Locking Bar

For additional security, install the locking bar in the cradle after the Bridge is mounted to the wall. Use your own lock to secure it in place.

To install the locking bar:

1 Insert the locking bar through the opening in the side of the cradle, as

shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6 Inserting the Locking Bar

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Deciding Where to Place the Bridge 13

2 Push the locking bar through the opening until the hole on the locking

bar is exposed.

3 Insert a lock through the hole on the locking bar, and then close the lock

to secure it in place, as shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7 Securing the Locking Bar

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Placing the Bridge on

a Flat Surface

The Bridge comes with four rubber feet that can be used to install the Bridge on a flat surface such as a table or desktop.

CAUTION: Do not place the Bridge on any type of metal surface. Select a location that is clear of obstructions and provides good reception.

Remove the backing from the rubber feet and attach them to the bottom of the cradle. After the rubber feet are installed, place the Bridge on a flat surface.

14 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE BRIDGE

Connecting the Bridge

Connecting to a

Serial Device

The Bridge has power, Ethernet, and serial ports, as shown in Figure 8. Before connecting the Bridge to an Ethernet device, connect the power.

Figure 8 Connecting the Power

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The Bridge can also be connected to a serial device, as shown in Figure 9. Serial cables come with a variety of connector sizes. If your connector is large and prevents the cradle from being attached to the Bridge, remove the end cap on the cradle. This allows the connector to extend through the cradle.

Figure 9 Connecting a Serial Cable

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Connecting the Bridge 15

POWER

ETHERNET

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Connecting to an

Ethernet Device

The Bridge is designed to be connected to an Ethernet client device such as a hub, computer, or printer.

CAUTION:

To avoid the possibility of a transmission loop situation between the Bridge and an access point, which could disrupt network operation, do not connect a Bridge that is set in Wireless Client (Infrastructure) mode directly to the LAN (for example, through a wall port or through a hub that is connected directly to the LAN).

About the Client List The Bridge supports up to 16 specific Ethernet client devices. It uses a

client list of MAC addresses to keep track of specific devices that have been connected.

After 16 different devices have been connected, the client list is full, and you must clear it before the next new device can associate with the network through the Bridge.

To clear the list, you must access the Bridge’s Configuration Management System. Details are in “Clearing the Ethernet Client List” on page 46.

Connecting to a Hub You can supply network connections for up to 16 devices, such as

computers and network printers, by connecting the Bridge to an Ethernet hub, as shown in Figure 10.

Figure 10 Connecting to a Hub

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You can directly connect the Bridge to a hub that does not have an uplink (MDIX) port, without the need of an Ethernet crossover cable.

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