3COM WL-560 User Manual

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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

Copyright © 2004, 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 (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 and the 3Com logo are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation.

Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Novell and NetWare are registered trademarks of Novell, Inc. UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries, licensed exclusively through X/Open Company, Ltd.

IEEE and 802 are registered trademarks of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

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

ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

It is the policy of 3Com Corporation to be environmentally-friendly in all operations. To uphold our policy, we are committed to:

Establishing environmental performance standards that comply with national legislation and regulations.

Conserving energy, materials and natural resources in all operations.

Reducing the waste generated by all operations. Ensuring that all waste conforms to recognized environmental standards. Maximizing the recyclable and reusable content of all products.

Ensuring that all products can be recycled, reused and disposed of safely.

Ensuring that all products are labelled according to recognized environmental standards.

Improving our environmental record on a continual basis.

End of Life Statement

3Com processes allow for the recovery, reclamation and safe disposal of all end-of-life electronic components.

Regulated Materials Statement

3Com products do not contain any hazardous or ozone-depleting material.

Environmental Statement about the Documentation

The documentation for this product is printed on paper that comes from sustainable, managed forests; it is fully biodegradable and recyclable, and is completely chlorine-free. The varnish is environmentally-friendly, and the inks are vegetable-based with a low heavy-metal content.

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

Purchase Extended Warranty and Professional Services 54 Access Software Downloads 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.
	Table 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.

Table 2 Text Conventions

Convention	Description
Screen displays	This typeface represents information as it appears on the
	screen.
Syntax	The word “syntax” means that you must evaluate the syntax
	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>.

The words “enter”	When you see the word “enter” in this guide, you must type
and “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.

Related	In addition to this guide, each Bridge documentation set includes the
Documentation	following:

Accessing Online Documentation

■Quick Start Guide—printed guide that describes basic installation.

■Online Help—product help systems that describe how to use the Configuration Management System and 3Com Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager.

■Release Note—printed note that describes important product information.

■README.TXT file—text file located on the 3Com Installation CD that describes last-minute product information.

Accessing Online The CD supplied with your Bridge contains the following online Documentation documentation:

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

■3Com Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager Online Help

■3Com 11a/b/g Wireless Workgroup Bridge Configuration Management System Online Help

To access the online documentation from the CD:

1Insert the 3Com Installation CD supplied with your Bridge in the CD-ROM drive.

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

2In the menu, click View the Documentation to view the Bridge User Guide.

To view the online help, install and launch the Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager or Configuration Management System. See Chapter 3 for instructions.

4 ABOUT THIS GUIDE

Product

Registration and

Support

To register your product with 3Com, go to the following Web page:

http://esupport.3com.com

For support information, see “Obtaining Support for your 3Com Product” on page 53 or log on to the 3Com Web site at http://www.3com.com and navigate to the product support page.

1 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 Understanding the characteristics of the 802.11a and 802.11g standards

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 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 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

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	The Bridge can operate in either infrastructure or ad-hoc mode, and can
Configuration and	support a stand-alone wireless network configuration or an integrated
Planning	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

Example	The following examples illustrate ways you can use the Bridge to
Configurations	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

Access	Hub
Access
Point

11a/b/g W ireless Workgroup Br idge

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

Hub

11a/b/ g Wireless Workgroup Brid ge

Hub

11a/b/ g Wireless Workgroup Brid ge

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

11a/b/g Wireless

Workgroup Bridge

Power Port

Serial Port

Ethernet Port

Cradle

Observing Safety This equipment must be installed in compliance with local and national

Precautions 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 in a dry, clean location near the hub, computer, or Place the Bridge 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.

Wall-Mounting the The Bridge comes with a cradle for mounting on a wall. For additional Bridge 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:

1Screw the cradle to a wall, as shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4 Wall-Mounting the Bridge

Cradle

12 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE BRIDGE

2Route 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

3Connect the power and Ethernet cables to the ports on the Bridge.

4Snap the Bridge onto the cradle.

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

To install the locking bar:

1Insert the locking bar through the opening in the side of the cradle, as shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6 Inserting the Locking Bar

.11a .11g .100 .10

Deciding Where to Place the Bridge 13

2Push the locking bar through the opening until the hole on the locking bar is exposed.

3Insert 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

		100	10
	11g		.
11a	11g	.
11a	.
	.
.

Placing the Bridge on The Bridge comes with four rubber feet that can be used to install the a Flat Surface 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	The Bridge has power, Ethernet, and serial ports, as shown in Figure 8.
Bridge	Before connecting the Bridge to an Ethernet device, connect the power.
	Figure 8 Connecting the Power
	Power
	Cable

Ethernet

Cable

Connecting to a The Bridge can also be connected to a serial device, as shown in Figure 9. Serial Device 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

Serial Cable

Connecting the Bridge

Connecting to an The Bridge is designed to be connected to an Ethernet client device such Ethernet Device 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

Connecting to a Hub

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.

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

Access	Hub
	Uplink	Port
Point

11a/b/g Wireless Workgroup Brid ge

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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