Askey Computer RTW010 Users manual

Wireless LAN Access Point

User’s Guide

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Contents

Contents.................................................................................................................. i

Introduction ........................................................................................................... 1

Identifying External Components on the Access Point................................2

Access Point Status LEDs ...........................................................................4

Wireless LAN Networking .................................................................................... 6

Introduction to Networks.............................................................................6

Wireless LAN Networks .............................................................................7

Stand-Alone Wireless Network........................................................8

Infrastructure Network ..................................................................... 9

TCP/IP Addressing.................................................................................... 10

Selecting an IP Address .................................................................10

Creating a Subnet Mask ................................................................. 12

DHCP Server............................................................................................. 13

Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) ............................................................ 14

Access Point Manager............................................................................... 15

Verifying the TCP/IP Protocol Settings.........................................15

Configuring Access Point with Wired Clients................................16

Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide

Installing the Wireless LAN Access Point........................................................... 18

Installing the Access Point Manager.................................................................... 24

Configuring the Access Point ..............................................................................28

Configuring Access Point with Wireless Clients............................17

Verifying Supplied Access Point Components.......................................... 18

Mounting the Access Point to a Vertical Surface ......................................20

Making Network Connections................................................................... 22

Connecting to a Wired Client.........................................................22

Connecting to a Wireless Client.....................................................22

Making Modem Connections (Optional)...................................................23

Making Power Connections....................................................................... 23

Installing the PCMCIA Card .....................................................................23

Using the Default Access Point Configuration Settings ............................28

Starting the Access Point Manager............................................................ 30

Changing the Access Point IP Address......................................................30

Changing the Device Name and Location Description.............................. 32

Viewing the Status Page ............................................................................34

Configuring the Wireless LAN Settings.................................................... 36

Configuring the SSID................................................................................ 36

Configuring the Privacy Setting.................................................................38

Configuring the Transmission Rate Setting............................................... 40

Configuring the RTS Threshold Setting ....................................................42

Configuring the Long/Short Retry Limit Setting .......................................44

Configuring the Channel Setting ...............................................................46

Setting Up DHCP Service .........................................................................48

Contents

Setting Up Internet Connection Sharing (ICS).......................................... 52

Changing Your Password .......................................................................... 56

Saving a Configuration.............................................................................. 58

Loading a Configuration............................................................................ 60

Rebooting the Access Point....................................................................... 62

Rebooting Remotely.......................................................................62

Rebooting Manually.......................................................................62

Upgrading............................................................................................................ 64

Upgrading Access Point Manager ............................................................. 65

Upgrading Access Point Firmware............................................................ 66

Upgrading PCMCIA Card Firmware.........................................................68

Uninstalling the Access Point Manager ............................................................... 70

Troubleshooting................................................................................................... 72

Cannot Establish Wireless Link to Access Point....................................... 72

Radio Interference..................................................................................... 73

PCMCIA Card Not Detected..................................................................... 73

Cannot Connect to Another Wireless Client..............................................73

Wireless Client Cannot Connect to Access Point...................................... 74

Technical Support .....................................................................................75

Glossary............................................................................................................... 76

Index.................................................................................................................... 80

iii

Introduction

This User’s Guide contains information on how to install and configure your Wireless LAN Access Point.

A local area network (LAN) is a network that exists in a relatively limited area. A network is two or more computers connected together sharing files and peripheral devices, such as printers.

A wireless LAN allows you to interact with other computers without having to run cables normally associated with networks, and the Wireless LAN Access Point allows computers equipped with wireless LAN cards (wireless clients) to have access to an existing wired LAN, forming an infrastructure wireless network.

The Access Point is capable of being used in a wide variety of applications, and offers the following functions:

• stand-alone wireless intranet relay station that increases communication range

• wireless access to Ethernet intranet

• wireless access to Internet

• DHCP server to automate IP address assignment

• Internet connection to a single ISP shared by multiple wireless intranet clients

Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide

Identifying External Components on the Access Point

Component Description

• PCMCIA slot

• 6 LEDs

• DC power socket

• Recessed reset button

• Power switch

• 9-pin serial/RS-232 connector

• RJ-45/10BaseT jack

• 2 slotted holes Vertical mounting screw holes

Accepts Access Point PCMCIA card only Status/Function. See table on page 4.

DC power cable connection Restores Access Point to factory settings

Turns power to Access Point on and off Modem connection

Network interface connection

PCMCIA Card

Status LEDs

Recessed Reset Button

Introduction

RJ-45 Ethernet Jack

9-pin Serial Connector

DC Power Socket

Ground Lug

Power Switch

Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide

Access Point Status LEDs

When the power to the Access Point is turned on, the Access Point will perform its startup diagnostics and initialization. After a few seconds, the LEDs will display the operating mode of the Access Point.

Six LEDs on the Access Point indicate the connection status and data transfer operation status of the Access Point. Viewing the Access Point from the PCMCIA slot end, the LEDs are described in the table below, starting from the left side.

LED Color State Description

Ready Green On Access Point is in ready mode.

Link Green Blinking Wireless station communicating with the

WireLink Orange On Access Point is connected to an Ethernet

WireAct Orange Blinking Access Point is transmitting or receiving data

LineLink Red On Access Point is connected to a modem. LineAct Red Blinking Access Point is transmitting or receiving data

Access Point.

network hub or switch through the RJ-45 port.

through the Ethernet port.

through the COM port to a modem.

Introduction

LineAct

WireAct

LineLink

WireLink

Link

Ready

Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide

Wireless LAN Networking

Introduction to Networks

A network is a group of computers and associated devices that can communicate with each other through permanent connections, such as cables, or temporary connections made through telephone or other communication links. A network can be as small as a local area network (LAN) consisting of a few computers, printers, and other devices, or it can consist of many small and large computers distributed over a vast geographic area as a wide area network (WAN).

A network allows you to share files, programs, scanners, printers, fax machines, etc.

Wireless LAN Networks

A wireless LAN is a network that uses radio signals to send and receive data between individual devices. Wireless LANs are often used in office or factory settings where a user must carry a portable computer from place to place. Wireless LANs are also becoming a popular and convenient way of connecting computers in a home environment.

Wireless LANs perform the same functions as a wired LAN, but without the wire. The network devices are connected to each other by radio waves. By using the Wireless LAN Access Point, the wireless LAN can be connected to a wired network.

The Wireless LAN Access Point provides connectivity between wireless clients and Ethernet (wired) clients. The Access Point complies with the IEEE 802.11 standard, enabling communication among all wireless clients that meet this standard.

Wireless LAN Networking

Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide

Stand-Alone Wireless Network

The stand-alone wireless network is the simplest use of an Access Point. In this configuration, the Access Point acts as a relay between wireless clients. This enables the transfer of information among all computers within the Access Point coverage area.

To communicate with the Access Point and other computers in the network, the Access Point and all computers in the network must have the same Group ID. While an Access Point is not required, its relay capability effectively doubles the communication distance between two computers.

Wireless Client

Access Point

Wireless Client

Wireless LAN Networking

Infrastructure Network

In an infrastructure network, the Access Point connects clients to a wired network. This enables the wireless clients to access all computers and peripherals on the wired network.

Multiple Access Points can be used to achieve seamless wireless access throughout an extended service area. All Access Points and wireless clients must have the same Group ID. Roaming among different Access Points is controlled automatically to maintain the wireless connection at all times.

Wireless Client

Wired Client

Hub or Switch

Access Point

Network Server

Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide

TCP/IP Addressing

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) has become the standard for network data transmission. The Wireless LAN Access Point uses TCP/IP addressing to communicate between both wired and wireless clients.

For correct IP address information for your wireless LAN installation, contact your network administrator.

For more information on IP addresses, see the Network Working Group Specification RFC 1918 on the Internet.

If you are installing the Wireless LAN Access Point into a wired LAN, you must obtain a static IP address and a subnet mask for the Access Point from the wired network administrator. See Configuring the Wireless LAN Settings.

If you don’t have a network administrator, you will have to select an IP address from one of the available blocks of addresses.

Selecting an IP Address

An IP address consists of four components. Each component can contain up to 256 numbers (0 to 255). Thus, you can select a unique address from a range of addresses (0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255) to identify a device within a network.

Not all addresses are available for private networks. Only the addresses in the following three blocks are available:

Define your network by determining the number of addresses you will need (allow for expansion).

10. 0 . 0. 0 — 10.255.255.255

172. 16. 0. 0 — 172. 31.255.255

192.168. 0. 0 — 192.168.255.255

Wireless LAN Networking

For example:

If your network will consist of 10 wired clients and 10 wireless clients, you could define the first 3 components of your address as 10.100.100. Next, you would define the fourth component range. You need 20 (allowing for an expansion of 10) addresses for your wired clients and 20 (allowing for an expansion of 10) addresses for your wireless clients.

You could then reserve a block of addresses for the wired clients of

10.100.100.0 through 10.100.100.19 and another block for wireless clients of

10.100.100.20 through 10.100.100.39. Now you can start assigning appropriate addresses to individual clients.

Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide

Creating a Subnet Mask

In addition to an IP address, you will need to define a subnet mask to ensure that your computers only communicate with other computers and devices that are within your network.

A subnet mask has four components that correspond to the four components of the IP address. Like the IP address, each component can contain up to 256 numbers (0 to 255). These numbers determine if an IP address component must be an exact match or if a range of numbers is acceptable.

If the subnet mask number for an IP component is 255, that component must be an exact match for communication to take place. If the mask number is 0, any number in the component is acceptable. A mask number between 0 and 255 determines a range of numbers between the number and 255 that are acceptable. If you use a mask number of 250, IP address numbers between 250 and 255 are acceptable.

For example: if you choose an IP address of 10.100.100.1 and a subnet mask of

255.255.255.0, the first three components of the IP address must match exactly, and any number from 0 to 255 in the fourth component is acceptable for communication to take place.

The use of these addresses and masks is limited only by your imagination. You can use any rationale you like to select your addressing scheme.

DHCP Server

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a TCP/IP protocol that enables a host connected to a network to assign a temporary IP address to a client automatically when the client connects to the network.

The Access Point can function as a DHCP server to dynamically assign IP addresses and provide other configuration parameters to wireless LAN clients when requested by the client. This function reduces the network administrator’s workload and increases the usage efficiency of the IP addresses by recycling the addresses when the lease time is up.

The DHCP function of the Access Point can be enabled or disabled. You can also define a lower boundary and an upper boundary to establish a range of addresses that can be assigned. The Access Point can manage a maximum of 256 IP addresses (0 to 255).

In addition to providing an IP address, the Access Point provides the subnet mask, DNS IP address, domain name, gateway IP address, and lease period to complete the configuration of the wireless LAN clients. The Access Point maintains a mapping table with IP address, MAC (Media Access Control) address, and lease period for each client to control and manage the dynamic configuration.

Wireless LAN Networking

Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide

Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)

Internet connection sharing (ICS) enables you to configure your network to share a single connection to the Internet. The Wireless LAN Access Point acts as a gateway that allows multiple clients to connect to the Internet by sharing a single modem and ISP (Internet Service Provider) account.

When a client on your network sends a request to the Internet, its private IP address is transmitted to the Access Point, which translates it to the Internet IP address (specified by the ISP) of the Access Point, and then sends it on to the Internet. When the results are returned, the Access Point translates the IP address back again and routes it to the correct client on your network. The only device on your network visible to the Internet is the Access Point. None of the computers on your network have a direct connection to the Internet.

Wireless Client

Internet

Modem

Access Point

Wired Client

Hub or Switch

All Access Points are shipped with a factoryset IP Address of

192.168.1.1 to allow your APM computer to communicate with new Access Points.

Wireless LAN Networking

Access Point Manager

When Access Point Manager (APM) is installed on a computer in the network, you can change all operating parameters of the Access Point. The APM enables you to configure and monitor the operational performance of your network.

You can install the APM on as many computers in your network as you want, either wired or wireless. The choice for a wireless or wired computer depends on your preferences and your network configuration.

Verifying the TCP/IP Protocol Settings

Any computer you install the APM on must have TCP/IP networking protocol installed to be able to communicate with the Access Point. Using Windows Control Panel, double-click Network and check that TCP/IP is installed. If TCP/IP is not installed, install it (refer to TCP/IP Addressing on page 10 for a proper IP addressing).

Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide

Configuring Access Point with Wired Clients

If your Access Point is connected to an established wired network, you can install APM on any computer on the network. The first time you run APM, you will need to change the IP address of the Access Point to be compatible with the IP address of your network.

Wired Client

Hub or Switch

Access Point

Wireless LAN Networking

Configuring Access Point with Wireless Clients

If you want to configure an Access Point from a wireless client, you need to install APM on the wireless client. The SSID of the wireless client must match the SSID factory setting of the Access Point, or be set to “any”, or left blank.

The first time you run APM, you will need to change the IP address of the Access Point to be compatible with the IP address of your network.

Wireless Client

Access Point

Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide

Installing the Wireless LAN Access Point

Verifying Supplied Access Point Components

When you unpack the Access Point, you should have the following components:

• Access Point

• Mounting screws (2), 3/16-inch (5-mm) diameter head

• PCMCIA Card

• RJ-45 Ethernet cable

• AC Power Adapter

PCMCIA Card

AC Power

Installing the Wireless LAN Access Point

Access Point

RJ-45 Ethernet Cable

Adapter

Wireless LAN Access Point User’s Guide

Mounting the Access Point to a Vertical Surface

The Access Point module can sit on a horizontal surface or it can be mounted to a wall or other vertical surface. Select a location that provides both convenient access and a clear radio signal path to wireless clients.

The Access Point case has two slotted holes on its underside that enable you to mount the Access Point securely to two screws.

To mount the Access Point to a vertical surface:

1. Install the two mounting screws to a suitable vertical surface at a distance of 2-3/4 inches (70 mm) apart. Tighten the screws, leaving about 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) between screw head and surface.

2. Position the Access Point so the connector end is pointing downward. Engage the slotted holes on the bottom with the screw heads, and slide the unit down slightly until it is firmly seated.

2 ¾ inches

(70 mm)

Installing the Wireless LAN Access Point

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