Allied Telesis AT-WA7501 User Manual
◆
Installation
Access Points
®
AT-WA7500
AT-WA7501
and User’s
Guide
VERSION 2.2
PN 613-50496-00 Rev B
Copyright © 2004 Allied Telesyn, Inc.
3200 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95134 USA
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from Allied Telesyn, Inc.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, Netscape Navigator is a registered trademark of Netscape
Communications Corporation. All other product names, company names, logos or other designations mentioned herein are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Intermec is a registered trademark and MobileLAN is a trademark of Intermec Technologies Corporation.
Allied Telesyn, Inc. reserves the right to make changes in specifications and other information contained in this document without
prior written notice. The information provided herein is subject to change without notice. In no event shall Allied Telesyn, Inc. be liable
for any incidental, special, indirect, or consequential damages whatsoever, including but not limited to lost profits, arising out of or
related to this manual or the information contained herein, even if Allied Telesyn, Inc. has been advised of, known, or should have
known, the possibility of such damages.
Contents
Preface ............................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Document Conventions ....................................................................................................................................................... 8
Where to Find Web-based Guides ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Contacting Allied Telesyn .................................................................................................................................................. 10
Online Support ...........................................................................................................................................................10
Email and Telephone Support ....................................................................................................................................10
Returning Products.....................................................................................................................................................10
For Sales or Corporate Information............................................................................................................................10
Management Software Updates .................................................................................................................................10
Chapter 1
Getting Started ................................................................................................................................................................ 11
Which Allied Telesyn Access Products Does This Manual Support? ................................................................................ 12
Overview of the AT-WA7500 and AT-WA7501 Access Point Products............................................................................. 13
Features .....................................................................................................................................................................15
What’s New for Software Releases 2.2?....................................................................................................................16
Understanding the LEDs ............................................................................................................................................17
Understanding the Ports.............................................................................................................................................19
How the Access Point Fits in Your Network ...................................................................................................................... 22
Using One Access Point in a Simple Wireless Network .............................................................................................22
Using Multiple Access Points and Roaming Wireless End Devices ...........................................................................24
Using an Access Point as a WAP ..............................................................................................................................27
Using Access Points to Create a Point-to-Point Bridge ..............................................................................................32
Using Dual Radio Access Points for Redundancy......................................................................................................37
Configuring the Access Point (Setting the IP Address) ..................................................................................................... 39
Using a Communications Program.............................................................................................................................39
Using a Web Browser Interface..................................................................................................................................41
Using a Telnet Session ..............................................................................................................................................43
Saving Configuration Changes .......................................................................................................................................... 45
Using a Web Browser Interface..................................................................................................................................45
Using a Telnet Session ..............................................................................................................................................47
Chapter 2
Installing the Access Points ..........................................................................................................................................49
Installation Guidelines ....................................................................................................................................................... 50
Microwave Ovens.......................................................................................................................................................50
Cordless Telephones .................................................................................................................................................50
Other Access Points...................................................................................................................................................51
Installing the AT-WA7501 .................................................................................................................................................. 52
Connecting the AT-WA7501 to Your Wired LAN........................................................................................................53
Connecting the AT-WA7501 to Power .......................................................................................................................53
Installing the AT-WA7500 .................................................................................................................................................. 54
Connecting the AT-WA7500 to Your Wired LAN and Power......................................................................................54
Connecting to Your Fiber Optic Network ........................................................................................................................... 55
Using and Purchasing the Required Patch Cord and Adapter ...................................................................................55
Connecting to an MT-RJ Network ..............................................................................................................................56
Connecting to an SC Network ....................................................................................................................................56
Connecting to an ST Network ....................................................................................................................................58
Connecting Power Over Ethernet...................................................................................................................................... 59
3
Contents
External Antenna Placement Guidelines ...........................................................................................................................60
Positioning Antennas for 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a Radios .............................................................................61
Chapter 3
Configuring the Ethernet Network ................................................................................................................................65
Configuring the TCP/IP Settings ........................................................................................................................................66
Configuring the Access Point as a DHCP Client ........................................................................................................68
Configuring the Access Point as a DHCP Server.......................................................................................................71
Configuring the Access Point to Send ARP Requests................................................................................................77
Configuring Other Ethernet or Fiber Optic Settings ...........................................................................................................79
Configuring the Ethernet Address Table.....................................................................................................................80
Configuring Ethernet Filters........................................................................................................................................81
Chapter 4
Configuring the Radios ..................................................................................................................................................99
About the Radios .............................................................................................................................................................100
Configuring the 802.11g Radio ........................................................................................................................................101
Configuring 802.11g Radio Advanced Parameters ..................................................................................................106
Configuring 802.11g Radio Inbound Filters ..............................................................................................................108
Applying Hot Settings ...............................................................................................................................................110
Configuring the 802.11b Radio ........................................................................................................................................112
Configuring 802.11b Radio Advanced Parameters ..................................................................................................114
Configuring 802.11b Radio Inbound Filters ..............................................................................................................117
Configuring the 802.11a Radio ........................................................................................................................................119
Configuring 802.11a Radio Advanced Parameters ..................................................................................................124
Configuring 802.11a Radio Inbound Filters ..............................................................................................................126
Chapter 5
Configuring the Spanning Tree ...................................................................................................................................129
About the Access Point Spanning Tree ...........................................................................................................................130
About the Primary LAN and the Root Access Point..................................................................................................131
About Secondary LANs and Designated Bridges .....................................................................................................132
About Ethernet Bridging/Data Link Tunneling...........................................................................................................134
About Routable and Non-Routable Network Protocols.............................................................................................135
Configuring the Spanning Tree Parameters ....................................................................................................................136
About IP Tunnels ............................................................................................................................................................. 140
Creating IP Tunnels ..................................................................................................................................................142
Using One IP Multicast Address for Multiple IP Tunnels ..........................................................................................143
How Frames Are Forwarded Through IP Tunnels ....................................................................................................145
Configuring IP Tunnels ....................................................................................................................................................148
Configuring the IP Address List ................................................................................................................................149
Configuring IP Tunnel Filters ....................................................................................................................................150
Filter Examples ................................................................................................................................................................157
Example 1.................................................................................................................................................................157
Example 2.................................................................................................................................................................158
Example 3.................................................................................................................................................................160
Example 4.................................................................................................................................................................160
Comparing IP Tunnels to Mobile IP .................................................................................................................................161
Configuring Global Parameters........................................................................................................................................163
Configuring Global Flooding .....................................................................................................................................163
Configuring Global RF Parameters...........................................................................................................................167
Chapter 6
Configuring Security ....................................................................................................................................................171
Understanding Security....................................................................................................................................................172
When You Include Multiple RADIUS Servers on the RADIUS Server List ...............................................................174
When You Specify the Security Options for Multiple SSIDs per Radio ....................................................................175
Controlling Access to Access Point Menus......................................................................................................................176
Enabling Access Methods ........................................................................................................................................176
Setting Up Logins .....................................................................................................................................................178
Creating a Secure Spanning Tree ...................................................................................................................................183
4
AT-WA7500 and AT-7501 Installation and User’s Guide
Enabling Secure Communications Between Access Points and End Devices................................................................ 186
Using an Access Control List (ACL) .........................................................................................................................186
Configuring VLANs...................................................................................................................................................189
Configuring WEP 64/128/152 Security.....................................................................................................................191
Implementing an 802.1x Security Solution ...............................................................................................................194
Configuring Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) Security ...............................................................................................201
Chapter 7
Configuring the Embedded Authentication Server (EAS) ........................................................................................ 207
About the Embedded Authentication Server (EAS) ......................................................................................................... 208
About Certificates ............................................................................................................................................................209
Understanding Which Access Points Need Certificates...........................................................................................209
Understanding Which Certificates Are Installed by Default......................................................................................210
Viewing the Certificates Installed on an Access Point..............................................................................................210
Installing and Uninstalling Certificates......................................................................................................................211
Configuring the EAS ........................................................................................................................................................ 213
Enabling the EAS .....................................................................................................................................................213
Configuring the Database.........................................................................................................................................215
Using the Rejected List ............................................................................................................................................218
Exporting and Importing Databases .........................................................................................................................219
Chapter 8
Managing, Troubleshooting, and Upgrading Access Points .................................................................................... 223
Managing the Access Points ........................................................................................................................................... 224
Using the Wavelink Avalanche Client Management System ....................................................................................224
Using Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) ............................................................................................229
Maintaining the Access Points.........................................................................................................................................231
Viewing AP Connections ..........................................................................................................................................231
Viewing AP Neighbors..............................................................................................................................................234
Viewing Port Statistics..............................................................................................................................................237
Viewing DHCP Status ............................................................................................................
Viewing the Events Log............................................................................................................................................240
Viewing the About This Access Point Screen...........................................................................................................241
Using the LEDs to Locate Access Points .................................................................................................................242
Restoring the Access Point to the Default Configuration..........................................................................................243
Troubleshooting the Access Points .................................................................................................................................245
Using the Configuration Error Messages..................................................................................................................245
Troubleshooting With the LEDs................................................................................................................................250
General Troubleshooting..........................................................................................................................................252
Troubleshooting the Radios .....................................................................................................................................256
Troubleshooting Security..........................................................................................................................................260
Recovering a Failed Access Point............................................................................................................................263
Upgrading the Access Points .......................................................................................................................................... 266
Using a Web Browser Interface................................................................................................................................266
Troubleshooting the Upgrade ...................................................................................................................................267
..................................239
Chapter 9
Additional Access Point Features ...............................................................................................................................269
Understanding the Access Point Segments .................................................................................................................... 270
Understanding Transparent Files .................................................................................................................................... 271
Using the AP Monitor....................................................................................................................................................... 272
Entering the AP Monitor ...........................................................................................................................................272
Using AP Monitor Commands ..................................................................................................................................273
Using Content Addressable Memory (CAM) Mode Commands ...............................................................................275
Using Test Mode Commands .......................................................................................................
Using Service Mode Commands..............................................................................................................................277
Using Command Console Mode......................................................................................................................................284
Entering Command Console Mode ..........................................................................................................................284
Using the Commands...............................................................................................................................................284
Using TFTP Commands...........................................................................................................................................288
Using sdvars Commands .........................................................................................................................................293
............................276
5
Contents
Creating Script Files.........................................................................................................................................................298
New Sample Script for Upgrading an Access Point..................................................................................................298
Legacy Sample Script for Upgrading Any Access Point ...........................................................................................300
Copying Files To and From the Access Point..................................................................................................................301
Importing or Exporting an EAS RADIUS Database File ...........................................................................................302
Transferring Files Using Your Web Browser ............................................................................................................303
Viewing and Copying Files Using Your Web Browser ..............................................................................................304
Transferring Files to and from a TFTP Server..........................................................................................................305
Starting or Stopping the TFTP Server ......................................................................................................................306
Automatically Upgrading Software............................................................................................................................306
Appendix A
Specifications ............................................................................................................................................................... 309
AT-7500 Access Point .....................................................................................................................................................309
AT-7501 Access Point .....................................................................................................................................................311
Radio Specifications ........................................................................................................................................................313
IEEE 802.11g ...........................................................................................................................................................313
IEEE 802.11b ...........................................................................................................................................................313
IEEE 802.11a ...........................................................................................................................................................314
Appendix B
Default Settings .............................................................................................................................................................317
TCP/IP Settings Menu Defaults .......................................................................................................................................318
DHCP Server Setup Menu Defaults.................................................................................................................................320
IEEE 802.11g Radio Menu Defaults ................................................................................................................................321
IEEE 802.11b Radio Menu Defaults ...............................................................................................
IEEE 802.11a Radio Menu Defaults ................................................................................................................................325
Spanning Tree Settings Menu Defaults ...........................................................................................................................327
Global Flooding Menu Defaults........................................................................................................................................328
Global RF Parameters Menu Defaults .............................................................................................................................329
Telnet Gateway Configuration Menu Defaults .................................................................................................................331
Ethernet Configuration Menu Defaults.............................................................................................................................332
Ethernet Advanced Filters Menu Defaults ................................................................................................................332
IP Tunnels Menu Defaults................................................................................................................................................335
Tunnels Filter Menu Defaults....................................................................................................................................335
Network Management Menu Defaults..............................................................................................................................337
Instant On Menu Defaults.........................................................................................................................................337
Security Menu Defaults.................................................................................................................................................... 338
Passwords Menu Defaults........................................................................................................................................338
IEEE 802.11 (b or a) Radio Security Menu Defaults ................................................................................................339
RADIUS Server List Menu Defaults..........................................................................................................................340
Spanning Tree Security Menu Defaults ....................................................................................................................341
Embedded Authentication Server Menu Defaults.....................................................................................................341
................................. 323
Appendix C
Glossary ........................................................................................................................................................................343
6
Preface
This manual provides you with information about the features of the Allied
Telesyn AT-WA7500 and AT-WA7501 access points with software release
2.0 (or later). This manual also describes how to install, configure, operate,
maintain, and troubleshoot the access points.
7
Preface
Document Conventions
This document uses the following conventions:
Note
Notes provide additional information.
Caution
Cautions inform you that performing or omitting a specific action
may result in equipment damage or loss of data.
Warning
Warnings inform you that performing or omitting a specific action
may result in bodily injury.
8
Where to Find Web-based Guides
The installation and user guides for all Allied Telesyn products are
available in Portable Document Format (PDF) from on our web site at
www.alliedtelesyn.com. You can view the documents on-line or
download them onto a local workstation or server.
AT-WA7500 and AT-WA7501 Installation and User’s Guide
9
Preface
Contacting Allied Telesyn
This section provides Allied Telesyn contact information for technical
support as well as sales or corporate information.
Online Support You can request technical support online by accessing the Allied Telesyn
Knowledge Base from the following web site: www.alliedtelesyn.com/kb.
You can use the Knowledge Base to submit questions to our technical
support staff and review answers to previously asked questions.
Email and
Telephone
Support
Returning
Products
For Sales or
Corporate
Information
Management
Software Updates
For Technical Support via email or telephone, refer to the Support &
Services section of the Allied Telesyn web site: www.alliedtelesyn.com.
Products for return or repair must first be assigned a Return Materials
Authorization (RMA) number. A product sent to Allied Telesyn without a
RMA number will be returned to the sender at the sender’s expense.
To obtain a RMA number, contact Allied Telesyn’s Technical Support at
our web site: www.alliedtelesyn.com.
You can contact Allied Telesyn for sales or corporate information at our
web site: www.alliedtelesyn.com. To find the contact information for your
country, select Contact Us -> Worldwide Contacts.
You can download new releases of management software for our
managed products from either of the following Internet sites:
❑ Allied Telesyn web site: www.alliedtelesyn.com
❑ Allied Telesyn FTP server: ftp://ftp.alliedtelesyn.com
10
To download new software from the Allied Telesyn FTP server using your
workstation’s command prompt, you need FTP client software and you
must log in to the server. Enter “anonymous” as the user name and your
email address for the password.
Chapter 1
Getting Started
This chapter introduces the Allied Telesyn AT-WA7500 and AT-WA7501
access points, explains their features, and describes how you can use
them to expand your data collection network. This chapter covers these
topics:
“Which Allied Telesyn Access Products Does This Manual Support?”
on page 12
“Overview of the AT-WA7500 and AT-WA7501 Access Point Products”
on page 13
“How the Access Point Fits in Your Network” on page 22
“Configuring the Access Point (Setting the IP Address)” on page 39
“Saving Configuration Changes” on page 45
11
Chapter 1: Getting Started
Which Allied Telesyn Access Products Does This Manual Support?
This system manual supports the AT-WA7500 and AT-WA7501 access
points with software release 2.2.
12
AT-WA7500 and AT-WA7501 Installation and User’s Guide
Overview of the AT-WA7500 and AT-WA7501 Access Point Products
The Allied Telesyn AT-WA7500 and AT-WA7501 access points deliver
reliable and seamless wireless performance to almost any operational
environment. They are designed for standards-based connectivity and
they support industry standard IEEE 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a
wireless technologies.
The AT-WA7500 and AT-WA7501 access points with an IEEE 802.11g
radio installed are Wi-Fi certified for interoperability with other 802.11g and
802.11b wireless LAN devices.
The AT-WA7500 and AT-WA7501 access points with an IEEE 802.11g
radio installed are Wi-Fi® certified for interoperability with other 802.11b
and 802.11g wireless LAN devices.
The AT-WA7500 and AT-WA7501 access points with an IEEE 802.11b
radio installed are Wi-Fi certified for interoperability with other 802.11b
wireless LAN devices.
The AT-WA7500 and AT-WA7501 access points with an IEEE 802.11a
radio installed are Wi-Fi certified for interoperability with other 802.11a
wireless LAN devices.
The Allied Telesyn access family consists of these access points:
AT-WA7500
AT-WA7501
The access point can be configured as an access point or as a point-topoint or point-to-multipoint bridge. Normally, an access point is connected
to a wired local area network (LAN) and provides network access for
wireless end devices. A point-to-point bridge connects two wired LANs
and is often used to provide wireless communications in locations where
running cable is difficult, such as across roads or between buildings. A
point-to-multipoint bridge not only connects two wired LANs, but also
communicates with wireless end devices.
An access point can also be configured as a wireless access point (WAP)
or repeater. A WAP is not connected to a wired LAN; it receives data from
wireless end devices and forwards the data to an access point (that is
connected to the wired LAN). A WAP is useful in areas that do not support
a wired network connection.
13
Chapter 1: Getting Started
On the left, this illustration shows the ways you can manage and configure
the access point, and on the right, it shows the access point’s general
multiport bridge architecture.
Management and Configuration
MIB
DHCP
TCP/IP
TFTP
File
System
RS-232 Connector
HTTP
Configuration Port
DHCP
Agent
Telnet
Configuration
Settings
Multiport Bridge
Forwarding
Database
Ethernet
Port
Ethernet
Connection
Spanning
Tree
Radio
Port 1
Antenna
Connection
Wireless ARP
Server
Bridging
Radio
Port 2
Antenna
Connection
Figure 1. Access Point Architecture
IP
Port
Access points are multiport (Ethernet-to-wireless) bridges, and because
wireless end devices operate similarly to other Ethernet devices, all your
existing Ethernet applications will work with the wireless network without
any special networking software. Any access point, except the root access
point, can concurrently receive hello messages on its Ethernet port, its
radio port, and its IP tunnel port. However, an access point can use only
one port to attach to the network. Port priorities are structured as follows:
1. Ethernet
2. IP tunnel
3. Radio
Unlike the physical Ethernet and radio ports, the IP tunnel port does not
have its own output connector. It is a logical port that provides IP
encapsulation services for frames that must be routed to reach their
destinations. Once frames are encapsulated, they are transmitted or
received through the Ethernet or radio port.
Wireless end devices may use power management to maintain battery life.
These end devices periodically wake up to receive frames that arrived
while their radio was powered down. The access point automatically
14
AT-WA7500 and AT-WA7501 Installation and User’s Guide
provides a pending message delivery service that holds frames until the
end device is ready to receive them.
Features This table lists the features of the access points.
Table 1. Access Point Feature Comparison
Feature AT-WA7500 AT-WA7501
Access Point Yes Yes
Point-to-Point Bridge (Wireless
Yes * Yes *
Bridge)
Wireless Access Point (WAP) or
Yes * Yes *
Repeater
Secure Wireless Hops (SWAP) Yes Yes
Secure Wireless Hops (TLS or
Yes Yes
TTLS)
Radios 802.11g**
802.11b
802.11a
802.11g**
802.11b
802.11a
Dual Radio Support Yes Yes
Wi-Fi Compliant Yes Yes
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) for
Yes Yes
802.1x mode or PSK mode.
802.1x Authenticator Yes Yes
802.1x Authentication Server Yes Yes
Access Control List (ACL) Server Yes Yes
Password Server Yes Yes
Secure Web Browser Interface
Yes Yes
(HTTPS)
10BaseT/100BaseTx Yes Yes
Fiber Optics Option No Yes
Serial Port Yes Yes
Data Link Tunneling Yes Yes
IP Tunneling Yes Yes
Antenna Diversity Not yet Not yet
Non-incentive Antenna System Yes Yes
15
Chapter 1: Getting Started
Table 1. Access Point Feature Comparison (Continued)
Feature AT-WA7500 AT-WA7501
NEMA 4/IP 54 Protection No Yes
Power Supply No AC
Power Over Ethernet Yes Yes
Heater Option No Yes
* Currently, the 802.11g radio does not support wireless bridging and
wireless hops.
** The 802.11g radio is sometimes referred to as the 802.11b/g radio
because it can be configured to communicate with any 802.11b and
802.11g radios that have the same SSID and security settings. For details,
see “About the Radios” on page 100.
Other features of all access points include:
What’s New for
Software Releases
2.2?
the ability to be managed by the Wavelink Avalanche client
management system, Allied Telesyn manager, a web browser, telnet,
and SNMP.
the ability to be a DHCP server or client and a NAT server.
the ability to be an ARP server.
easy software distribution.
advanced filtering of wired data traffic.
enhanced power management for wireless end devices.
fast roaming reliability for wireless end devices.
load balancing.
basic WEP 64, WEP 128, or WEP 152 security for 802.11g, 802.11b,
or 802.11a radios.
New features include these items:
802.11g radio: This radio can communicate with other 802.11g and
802.11b radios. The 802.11g radio is also called the 802.11b/g radio.
Currently, this radio does not support wireless hops and wireless bridging.
It does not support antenna diversity. You cannot configure it to only
communicate with other 802.11g radios.
16
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) support: For 802.11g and 802.11a radios,
WPA is a strongly enhanced, interoperable Wi-Fi security that addresses
many of the vulnerabilities of Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security.
AT-WA7500 and AT-WA7501 Installation and User’s Guide
Multiple Service Sets: For 802.11g and 802.11a radios, you can assign up
to four service sets (and four SSIDs) to each radio, allowing each radio to
handle traffic for up to four separate virtual LANs (VLANs).
Telnet Gateway APpliance (TGAP): This feature lets the access point act
as a gateway for up to 128 TE2000 clients to communicate with up to eight
hosts. Using the TGAP also offers client session persistence.
Enhanced DHCP Server: You can configure the access point DHCP
server to provide IP addresses to only Allied Telesyn devices. This feature
helps prevent unauthorized access to the wireless network. You can also
configure the DHCP server to always provide the same IP address to a
DHCP client each time it requests one.
Instant On Server: This server provides the device-level distribution of
firmware, applications, and settings to wireless end devices that have the
Instant On client installed. Currently, this feature can only be used in
EasyADC systems.
Understanding
the LEDs
The AT-WA7500 and AT-WA7501 access points have five LEDs. To
understand the LEDs during normal use, see the next table. To use the
LEDs to help troubleshoot the radios, see “Troubleshooting the Radios” on
page 256.
Table 2. LED Descriptions
Icon LED Description
Power Remains on when power is applied.
Wireless #1 Blinks when a frame is transmitted or
received on the radio port for the radio
installed in radio slot 1.
Wireless #2 Blinks when a frame is transmitted or
received on the radio port for the radio
installed in radio slot 2 (if a second radio
is installed).
Wired LAN Blinks when a frame is transmitted or
received on the Ethernet port.
Root/error Blinks if this device is configured as the
root. It remains on if an error is detected.
17
Chapter 1: Getting Started
This illustration shows the LEDs that are on the AT-WA7501 access point.
For help understanding these LEDs, see the LED Descriptions table on
page 17.
Allied Telesyn
Readiness
Indicator
Power
Wireless#1Wireless
#2
Wired LAN
Figure 2. AT-WA7501 LEDs
This illustration shows the LEDs that are on the AT-WA7500 access point.
For help understanding these LEDs, see the LED Descriptions table on
page 17.
Universal Access Point
Power
Wireless #1
Wireless #2
™
Wired LAN
Allied Telesyn
Readiness
Indicator
18
Figure 3. AT-WA7500 LEDs
AT-WA7500 and AT-WA7501 Installation and User’s Guide
Understanding
the Ports
The access point may have up to four ports.
Table 3. Port Descriptions
Port Description
Power (Not AT-WA7500,
optional AT-WA7501)
Serial Used with an RS-232 null-modem cable,
Ethernet 10BaseT/100BaseTx port. Used with an
Fiber optic (Not
AT-WA7500, optional
AT-WA7501)
Used with an appropriate power cable,
this port connects the access point to an
AC power source.
this port connects the access point to a
terminal or PC to perform configuration.
appropriate cable, this port connects the
access point to your Ethernet network.
The access point auto-negotiates with the
device it is communicating with so that the
data rate is set at the highest rate at which
both devices can communicate.
Optional 100BaseFX port. You must use a
patch cable with a female MT-RJ
connector to connect the access point to
your MT-RJ, SC, or ST fiber optic
network.
To access the ports on the AT-WA7501, you must remove the cable
access door.
To remove the AT-WA7501 cable access door
1. Unscrew the two thumbscrews on the cable access door.
2. Remove the door.
19
Chapter 1: Getting Started
This illustration shows the ports that are on the AT-WA7501. For help
understanding these ports, see the Port Descriptions table on page 19.
Cable
access
door
Power port
(optional)
10BaseT/
100BaseTx
Ethernet port
Serial
port
Fiber optic
port (optional)
Figure 4. AT-WA7501 Ports
20
AT-WA7500 and AT-WA7501 Installation and User’s Guide
The AT-WA7500 ports are located on the bottom of the access point. This
illustration shows the ports that are on the AT-WA7500. For help
understanding these ports, see the Port Descriptions table on page 19.
10BaseT/100BaseTx
Ethernet port
Serial port
Figure 5. AT-WA7500 Ports
For more information on connecting the ports, see Chapter 2, “Getting
Started” on page 11.
21
Chapter 1: Getting Started
How the Access Point Fits in Your Network
In general, the access point forwards data from wireless end devices to
the wired Ethernet network. You can also use the access point as a pointto-point bridge, or if your access point has two radios, you can use it as a
point-to-multipoint bridge or a WAP. Use the access point in the following
locations and environments.
Table 4. Access Point Environments
Access Point Environment
AT-WA7500 Use in most indoor environments.
AT-WA7501 Use in locations where an access point is
exposed to extreme environments.
The access point supports a variety of network configurations. These
configurations are explained in the following sections:
Using One Access
Point in a Simple
Wireless Network
“Using One Access Point in a Simple Wireless Network” on page 22
“Using Multiple Access Points and Roaming Wireless End Devices” on
page 24
“Using an Access Point as a WAP” on page 27
“Using Access Points to Create a Point-to-Point Bridge” on page 32
“Using Dual Radio Access Points for Redundancy” on page 37
You can use an access point to extend your existing Ethernet network to
include wireless end devices. The access point connects directly to your
wired network and the end devices provide a wireless extension of the
wired LAN.
This illustration shows a simple wireless network with one access point
and some wireless end devices.
Host
22
Access
point
Ethernet
Figure 6. Simple Wireless Network
AT-WA7500 and AT-WA7501 Installation and User’s Guide
In a simple wireless network, the access point that is connected to the
wired network serves as a transparent bridge between the wired network
and wireless end devices.
To install a simple wireless network
1. Configure the initial IP address. For help, see ““Configuring the Access
Point (Setting the IP Address)” on page 39.
2. Install the access point. For help, see Chapter 2, “Getting Started” on
page 11.
3. Configure the Ethernet network. For help, see Chapter 3, “Configuring
the Ethernet Network” on page 65.
4. Configure the radios. For help, see Chapter 4, “Configuring the
Radios” on page 99.
5. Decide what level of security you want to implement in your network.
For help, see Chapter 6, “Configuring Security” on page 171.
23
Chapter 1: Getting Started
Example - Configuring an 802.11g Access Point
Host
Access
point
Ethernet
Figure 7. 802.11g Access Point
Table 5. 802.11g Access Point Parameter Settings
Screen Parameter Access Point
Using Multiple
Access Points and
Roaming
Wireless End
Devices
802.11g Radio Node Type Master
SSID (Network
Name)
Spanning Tree
Settings
Allied Telesyn recommends that you always implement some type of
security.
For larger or more complex environments, you can install multiple access
points so wireless end devices can roam from one access point to
another. Multiple access points establish coverage areas or cells similar to
those of a cellular telephone network. End devices can connect with any
access point that is within range and belongs to the same wireless
network.
Root Priority 5
Ethernet Bridging
Enabled
Manufacturing
Checked
24
AT-WA7500 and AT-WA7501 Installation and User’s Guide
This illustration shows a wireless network with multiple access points.
Wireless end devices can roam between the access points to
communicate with the host and other end devices.
Host
Ethernet
Figure 8. Multiple Access Points with Roaming End Devices
An end device initiates a roam when it attaches to a new access point. The
access point sends an attach message to the root access point, which in
turn forwards a detach message to the previous access point, allowing
each access point to update its forwarding database. Intermediate access
points monitor these exchanges and update their forwarding databases.
With the access point’s multichannel architecture, you can have more than
one access point within the same cell area to increase throughput and
provide redundancy. For more information, see “Using Dual Radio Access
Points for Redundancy” on page 37.
To install multiple access points with roaming end devices
1. Follow the instructions for installing a simple wireless network in “Using
One Access Point in a Simple Wireless Network” on page 22.
2. Configure the LAN ID. For help, see “Configuring the Spanning Tree
Parameters” on page 136.
3. Configure one of the access points to be a root access point. For help,
see “About the Primary LAN and the Root Access Point” on page 131.
4. If your network has a switch that is not IEEE 802.1d-compliant and is
located between access points, configure data link tunneling. For help,
see “About Ethernet Bridging/Data Link Tunneling” on page 134.
25
Chapter 1: Getting Started
Example - Configuring an 802.11g Access Point with Roaming End
Devices
In this example, there is one 802.11g radio in each access point. Wireless
end devices can roam between the access points to communicate with the
host and other end devices.
Host
AP2
Ethernet
Figure 9. 802.11g Access Point with Roaming End Devices
Table 6. 802.11g Access Points Parameter Settings
Screen Parameter
802.11g
Node Type Master Master Master
Radio
SSID Op3rat!ons Op3rat!ons Op3rat!ons
Spanning
LAN ID000
Tree
Settings
Root
Priority
AP1
AP1
802.11g
Radio
(Root)
AP3
AP2
802.11g
Radio
AP3
802.11g
Radio
543
26
Ethernet
Bridging
Enabled
Secondary
LAN Bridge
Priority
Checked Checked Checked
000
AT-WA7500 and AT-WA7501 Installation and User’s Guide
The access points communicate with each other through the spanning
tree. The wireless end devices are configured as stations with LAN ID set
to 0 and SSID set to Op3rat!ons.
Using an Access
Point as a WAP
You can extend the range of your wireless network by configuring a dual
radio access point as a wireless access point (WAP). The WAP and the
wireless end devices it communicates with comprise a secondary LAN.
You can position WAPs in strategic locations so they receive data from
end devices and then forward the data to the wired network. This
configuration can be useful when distance or physical layout impedes
radio reception and transmission
This illustration shows a simple wireless network with one access point
and one WAP. Wireless end devices use the WAP to forward data to the
access point.
Host
Access
point
WAP
Ethernet
Figure 10. Access Point as a WAP
WAPs send data from end devices to the access points via wireless hops.
Wireless hops are formed when data from end devices move from one
access point to another access point through the radio ports. The master
radio in the access point transmits hello messages, which allow the WAPs
to attach to the spanning tree in the same way as access points.
The number of radios required in the WAP depends on the type of radio
installed:
If you have an 802.11a radio, the WAP only needs one radio because
this radio can simultaneously be a master and a station. This radio will
create wireless hops automatically when it cannot communicate to the
wired network.
If you have an 802.11g or 802.11b radio, the WAP must contain two
radios: one configured as master and one as station. The WAP master
radio must match the end devices radios, and the WAP station radio
must match the master radio in the access point.
Note
Currently, 802.11g networks cannot use WAPs because this radio
does not support wireless hops.
27
Chapter 1: Getting Started
WAPs must be on the same IP subnet as the access point. Also, data from
wireless end devices should not go through more than three wireless hops
before it gets to an access point on the primary LAN.
The following procedure explains how to install a simple wireless network
with a WAP and no roaming end devices. For help installing a simple
wireless network with a WAP and roaming end devices, see the two
examples in the next sections.
To install a simple wireless network with a WAP and no roaming end
devices
1. Follow the instructions for installing a simple wireless network in the
section “Using One Access Point in a Simple Wireless Network” on
page 22.
2. Configure the LAN ID. For help, see “Configuring the Spanning Tree
Parameters” on page 136.
3. (802.11g and 802.11b) Configure the station radio in the WAP:
a. From the main menu, click the link corresponding to the station
radio. The radio screen appears.
b. In the Primary service set Node Type field, choose Station.
c. In the Primary service set SSID (Network Name) field, type the
SSID. In this example, the SSID is Manufacturing.
d. Click Submit Changes to save your changes. The screen updates.
4. To activate your changes, from the menu bar click Save/Discard
Changes, and then click Save Changes and Reboot. For help, see
“Saving Configuration Changes” on page 45.
5. Configure the master radio in the WAP to communicate with the end
devices. For help, see Chapter 4, “Configuring the Radios” on
page 99.
28
AT-WA7500 and AT-WA7501 Installation and User’s Guide
6. Configure the master radio in the access point:
a. From the main menu, click the link corresponding to the master
radio. The radio screen appears.
b. Make sure the Allow Wireless Access Points field is On Primary.
c. In the Primary service set Node Type field, choose Master.
d. In the Primary service set SSID (Network Name) field, type the
SSID. In this example, the SSID is Manufacturing.
7. Click Submit Changes to save your changes. To activate your
changes, from the menu bar click Save/Discard Changes, and then
click Save Changes and Reboot. For help, see “Saving Configuration
Changes” on page 45.
8. Configure the access point to be a root access point. For help, see
“About the Primary LAN and the Root Access Point” on page 131.
9. Click Submit Changes to save your changes. To activate your
changes, from the menu bar click Save/Discard Changes, and then
click Save Changes and Reboot. For help, see “Saving Configuration
Changes” on page 45.
29
Chapter 1: Getting Started
Example - Configuring an 802.11b WAP With Roaming End Devices
In this example, there is one 802.11b radio in the access point and there
are two 802.11b radios (802.11b Radio-1 and 802.11b Radio-2) in the
WAP. Wireless end devices can roam between the WAP and the access
point.
Host
Access
point
WAP
Ethernet
Figure 11. 802.11b WAP with Roaming End Devices
Table 7. 802.11b Access Point and WAP Parameter Settings
Screen Parameter
802.11b
Radio
Allow
Wireless
Access
Point
802.11b
WAP
802.11b
Radio-1
802.11b
Radio-2
On Primary (not
applicable)
WAP
Access
Points
Node Type Master Master Station
SSID ATILAN ATILAN ATILAN
Spanning
LAN ID 11 11 11
Tree
Settings
Root
Priority
Ethernet
Bridging
50(not
applicable)
Checked Checked (not
applicable)
Enabled
You need to configure the wireless end devices to have the same SSID,
LAN ID, and frequency as the WAP master radio (802.11b Radio-1). You
do not need to configure any secondary LAN settings because the WAP is
not connected to a secondary LAN.
30
Allied Telesyn recommends that you always implement some type of
security.
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