ASUS WL-320GE User Manual
802.11g Access Point
®
WL-320gE
(For 802.11g and 802.11b Wireless Clients)
User’s Manual
Copyright Information
E4466
Third Edition
February 2009
Copyright © 2009 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any
language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for
backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
(“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or
altered, unless such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2)
the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES
OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE
LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
(INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE
OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR
ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED
FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME
WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY
ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR
INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS
AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered
trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or
explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
2 ASUS 802.11g Access Point
ASUS Contact information
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (Asia Pacic)
Address 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259
Website www.asus.com.tw
Technical Support
Telephone +886228943447
Support Fax +886228907698
Software download support.asus.com*
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)
Address 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539, USA
Telephone +15029550883
Fax +15029338713
Website usa.asus.com
Software download support.asus.com*
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria)
Address Harkort Str. 25, D40880 Ratingen, Germany
Telephone +49210295990
Fax +492102959911
Online contact www.asus.com.de/sales
Technical Support
Telephone +49210295990
Fax +492102959911
Online support www.asus.com.de/support
Website www.asus.com.de/news
* Available on this site is an online Technical Inquiry Form that you can ll out to contact
technical support.
ASUS 802.11g Access Point 3
Table of Contents
ASUS Contact information
About this user guide
Notational conventions .....................................................................6
Typographical conventions ...............................................................6
Symbols ............................................................................................6
The ASUS Wireless Family ...............................................................7
1. Introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................9
1.2 Package contents ...................................................................... 9
1.3 Technical Specications............................................................. 10
1.4 Wireless Performance ...............................................................12
1.5 Getting to Know the WL-320gE ................................................. 14
2. Installation
2.1 Installation Procedure ................................................................ 16
2.2 Wall Mounting Option ................................................................17
3. Software Conguration
3.1 Conguring the ASUS 802.11g AP ............................................ 18
3.2 ASUS WLAN Utilities ................................................................. 21
3.3 Connecting to the WLAN Web Manager .................................... 21
3.4 Device Discovery ....................................................................... 22
3.5 Access Point Mode .................................................................... 24
3.6 Quick Setup ............................................................................... 25
3.7 Wireless ..................................................................................... 26
3.8 IP Cong .................................................................................... 36
3.9 System Setup ............................................................................37
3.10 Status & Log ..............................................................................45
3.11 Firmware Restoration ................................................................46
4. Troubleshooting
5. Appendix
Operating frequency range ............................................................... 50
Number of operating channels .......................................................... 50
Glossary ............................................................................................ 51
6. Safety Information
Federal Communications Commission ............................................ 59
4 ASUS 802.11g Access Point
Table of Contents
FCC Radio Frequency Interference Requirements ..........................60
FCC RF Exposure Guidelines (Access Points) ................................60
FCC RF Exposure Guidelines (Wireless Cards) ............................... 61
Canadian Department of Communications .......................................61
Operation Channel for Different Domains ......................................... 61
ASUS 802.11g Access Point 5
About this user guide
Notational conventions
• Acronyms are dened the rst time they appear in the text.
• The ASUS WL-320gE is referred to as the “ASUS 802.11g WLAN AP”.
Typographical conventions
• Boldface type text is used for items you select from menus and dropdown
lists, and commands you type when prompted by the program. These items
could either be enclosed in < > (open and close brackets) or " " (open & close
quotations). Boldface type text is also used for emphasis.
Symbols
This document uses the following icons to call your attention to specic instructions
or explanations.
Note: Provides clarication or non-essential information on the current topic.
Warning: Provides messages of high importance, including messages relating to personal safety
or system integrity.
6 ASUS 802.11g Access Point
The ASUS Wireless Family
The ASUS Wireless family contains several wireless network solutions for 802.11g &
802.11b wireless local area networks.
Access Point or Client
The ASUS WLAN 802.11g
Access Point (WL-300g)
creates a wireless network
using the IEEE 802.11g and
802.11b wireless standards.
The ASUS WL320gE Wireless Access
Point incorporates 802.11g OFDM
technology designs, which provides the
fastest IEEE 802.11g wireless transmission at
54Mbps and is compatible with existing IEEE
802.11b devices.
Access Point & Router
The ASUS 3 in 1
Pocket Access
Point (WL330g) creates a
wireless network
using the IEEE
802.11g/b wireless
standards.
The ASUS WLAN Gateway (WL-500g)
creates a wireless network using the IEEE
802.11g/b wireless standards and allows
sharing of a single Internet connection.
ASUS 802.11g Access Point 7
The ASUS WLAN 802.11g Pocket Router
(WL-530g) creates a wireless network using
the IEEE 802.11g and 802.11b wireless
standards and allows sharing of a single
Internet connection.
PCMCIA Client Compact Flash (CF) Client
802.1
1g 54M
bps
The ASUS WLAN PC Card
(WL-107g) is a wireless
LAN adapter that ts into
the PCMCIA Type II slot in
a Notebook PC and creates
a wireless network using
the IEEE 802.11g/b wireless
standards.
PCI Client
Access Point & File Server
The ASUS WLAN
PCI Card (WL138g) is a wireless
LAN adapter
that ts into the
standard PCI slot
in a desktop PC
and creates a
wireless network
using the IEEE
802.11g/b wireless
standards.
The ASUS WLAN 802.11g Access Point
(WL-HDD) creates a wireless network using
the IEEE 802.11g and 802.11b wireless
standards. It also serves as a le server
(wireless network attached storage).
USB Access Point or Client USB Client
The ASUS USB
Wireless LAN Adapter
(WL-160g) creates a
wireless network using
the IEEE 802.11g/b
wireless standards
and connects to any
computer via the USB
2.0 slot.
The ASUS USB Wireless LAN Adapter
(WL-167g) creates a wireless network using
the IEEE 802.11g/b wireless standards and
connects to any computer via the USB2.0
slot.
The ASUS 802.11b
Wireless CF Card (WL-
110) is an IEEE 802.11b
wireless LAN adapter that
ts into a Compact Flash
Type II slot in a Portable
Digital Assistant (PDA).
The illustrations are not to scale.
8 ASUS 802.11g Access Point
Chapter 1 - Introduction
1. Introduction
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for purchasing the ASUS WL320gE Wireless Access Point!
The ASUS WL320gE Wireless Access Point incorporates 802.11g OFDM
technology designs, which provides fastest IEEE 802.11g wireless transmission at
54Mbps and is compatibile with existing IEEE 802.11b devices. With its Afterburner
technology, its performance is greatly enhanced compared to the standard IEEE
802.11g devices. The packets are protected by WiFi Protected Access version 2.0
(WPA2), a wireless security protocol.
1.2 Package contents
Check the following items in your WL-320gE package.
• WL-320gE WLAN Access Point x1
• Quick Start Guide x1
• Power adapter x1 (5 Volts DC, 1 Amp)
• Support CD x1 (utilities and user’s manual)
• RJ-45 Ethernet cable x1 (straight-through)
• Bracket for ceiling mounting x1
• Bracket for ofce partition mounting x1
• Sticker for wall mounting alignment x1
If any of items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1. Introduction
ASUS 802.11g Access Point 9
Chapter 1 - Introduction
1. Introduction
1.3 Technical Specications
Ethernet interface RJ45 for 10/100 BaseT with auto cross-over function
Operating Frequency 2.4 - 2.5 GHz
Operation channels 11 for N. America, 14 Japan, 13 Europe (ETSI)
HARDWARE
(MDI/MDI-X)
Antenna 1 x external dipole antenna with Reverse-SMA
antenna connector, 1 X internal Inverted-F
PCB antenna (TBD)
Output power 24dBm in b mode and 20dBm in g mode with 1.5dB
tolerance
Power adapter AC Input: 100V~240V(50~60HZ)
DC Output: 5V with max. 2 A current
Reset button Using a pen or a paper clip, press for over ve
seconds to restore the AP to its factory default
settings.
LED Power, Ethernet, Wireless Activities, and Wireless
LED Association
Wireless Association behavior:
• On: associated (AP mode), or associates with an AP
(EA mode or URE is enabled, RSSI>= -65dBm)
• Flashing: (EA mode or URE is enabled)
< -89 dBm On: 200 ms, Off: 1000 ms
>= -89 dBm < -83 dBm On: 200 ms, Off: 800 ms
>= -83 dbm < -77 dBm On: 200 ms, Off: 600 ms
>= -77 dBm < -71 dBm On: 200 ms, Off: 400 ms
>= -71 dBm < -65 dBm On: 200 ms, Off: 200 ms
• Off: not associated (AP mode), or associates with
no APs (EA mode)
Size 185 mm x 205 mm x 36 mm (LxWxH). Size excludes
the external antenna
Weight 500g (excluding power supply)
Spreading Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum
Modulation OFDM, CCK, DQPSK, DBSPK
Emissions ETS; CE Mark; FCC Part 15
Data rate 802.11g: 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54Mbps
802.11b: 1, 2, 5.5, 11Mbps
Range 3 (non-overlapping)
(continued on the next page)
10 ASUS 802.11g Access Point
Chapter 1 - Introduction
SOFTWARE
Management Access point mode
Ethernet adapter cable
Gateway mode
WDS
URE
DHCP server, DHCP client
Device statistic
Noise level, noise level on other channel, signal
level of current AP, list of other APs and log of last 10
association attempts
Smart Wizard web-based administration
Guest SSID (only in Gateway mode)
Bandwidth management
UPnP Internet Gateway Device (only in Gateway
mode)
Network management
a. Save/restore congurations
b. MAC address cloning
c. Upgrade rmware via web browser
d. Remote rmware upgrade: enable
management by operator
e. SNMP version 2.0
f. Network initiated throughput test: supports
ncttcp server embedded; this will enable mesh
network to initiate uplink and downlink
throughput tests
Security Firewall:
• NAT and SPI
Filtering:
• Port, IP address, protocol and URL Keyword
Logging:
• Device statistic (TBD)
Encryption:
• 64/128-bit WEP
• WPA/WPA2, WPA-TKIP/AES, WPA-PSK
Authentication:
• MAC address, 802.1x RADIUS (TLS, TTLS, PEAP)
Utilities Device Discovery: Allows you to search for WL-
300g/WL-320g/WL-500g/WL-600/WL700g in your
network and allows you to congure the WL-320gE
through its web interface.
Firmware Restoration: Restores the rmware that
failed during its rmware upgrading process.
1. Introduction
ASUS 802.11g Access Point 11
Chapter 1 - Introduction
1. Introduction
1.4 Wireless Performance
This section provides you with information on how to improve the performance of
an ASUS WLAN network.
1.4.1 Site Topography
For optimal performance, locate wireless mobile clients and the ASUS APs away
from transformers, heavy-duty motors, uorescent lights, microwave ovens,
refrigerators, and other industrial equipment. Signal loss can occur when metal,
concrete, walls or oors block transmission. Locate the ASUS APs in open areas or
add the ASUS APs as needed to improve coverage.
Microwave ovens operate in the same frequency band as the ASUS AP . If you use
a microwave within range of the ASUS AP, you may notice network performance
degradation. But both your microwave and your the ASUS AP continue to function.
1.4.2 Range
Every environment is unique with different obstacles, barriers, or materials. Hence,
it is difcult to determine the exact range that will be achieved without testing.
Some guidelines have been developed so users can estimate the rage, but there
are no hard and fast specications.
Radio signals may reect off of some obstacles or be absorbed by others
depending on their construction. For example, with two 802.11b radios, you may
achieve up to 1000’ in open space outdoors where there are no obstacles between
the two devices. The same two units may only achieve up to 300’ of range when
used indoors.
By default, the ASUS AP will automatically adjust the data rate to maintain a usable
radio connection. A client that is close to the ASUS AP may operate at a higher
speed while a client that is on the fringe of coverage may operate at a lower speed.
As mentioned earlier, you can congure the data rates that the ASUS AP will use.
If you limit the range of data rates available to the ASUS AP, you may reduce the
effective wireless range of the WLAN coverage.
1.4.3 Site Surveys
A site survey, a utility provided with the ASUS WLAN cards, analyzes the
installation environment and provides you with recommendations for the device
and its placement. The optimum placement differ depending on the ASUS AP
design and specications.
12 ASUS 802.11g Access Point
Chapter 1 - Introduction
1.4.4 Roaming Between ASUS APs
If there are multiple ASUS APs on the network, then a wireless mobile client may
seamlessly roam from one ASUS AP to another.
Each ASUS AP creates its own wireless cell or coverage area, which is also known
as the Basic Service Set (BSS). Any wireless mobile client can communicate with a
particular ASUS AP if it is within the ASUS AP’s coverage area.
If the cells of multiple ASUS APs overlap, then the wireless mobile client may
switch from one ASUS AP to another as it travels throughout the facility. During
the hand-off from one ASUS AP to another, the wireless mobile client maintains an
uninterrupted connection to the network. This is known as “roaming.”
Multiple ASUS APs connected to a common Ethernet network form an Extended
Service Set (ESS). All members of an Extended Service Set are congured with an
ID, known as the SSID or ESSID. Wireless mobile clients must be congured with
the same SSID as the ASUS APs on the network. A client can only roam between
ASUS APs that share the same SSID.
1.4.5 Roaming Guidelines
• An ASUS WLAN Card can only roam between APs of the same type.
• All ASUS APs must have the same SSID.
• All computers with ASUS WLAN Cards must have the same SSID as the
Access Points that they will roam between.
• If WEP encryption is enabled, then all ASUS APs and client adapters must use
the same encryption level and WEP Key to communicate.
• The ASUS APs’ cells must overlap to ensure that there are no gaps in coverage
and to ensure that the roaming client will always have a connection available.
• ASUS APs that use the same channel should be installed as far away from
each other as possible to reduce potential interference.
• It is strongly recommended that you perform a site survey using the utility
provided with the ASUS WLAN Card to determine the best location for each
ASUS AP in the facility.
1. Introduction
ASUS 802.11g Access Point 13
Chapter 1 - Introduction
1. Introduction
1.5 Getting to Know the WL-320gE
1.5.1 Front panel features
The ASUS WL-320gE Access Point includes LED indicators which show the
system, LAN, wireless network, and link status.
PWR (Power)
OFF: No power or performing boot sequence
ON: System ready
Blinking: Firmware upgrade failed
PWR
LAN
AIR
Status Indicators
LINK
LAN (Local Area Network)
OFF: No power
ON: Has physical connection to an Ethernet network
Blinking: Transmitting or receiving data (through Ethernet cable)
AIR (Wireless Network)
OFF: No power
ON: Wireless function ready
Blinking: Transmitting or receiving data (wireless)
LINK (Link Status)
OFF: No power
ON: Has physical connection to an Ethernet network
Blinking: Transmitting or receiving data (through Ethernet cable)
14 ASUS 802.11g Access Point
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Operation Mode AP/Repeater/Bridge/
Gateway
Off Client not associated Not associated to AP
On Client associated Associated to AP with
Blinking slowly -- Associated to AP with
Blinking slowly -- Associated to AP with
Client
strong signal
better signal
weak signal
1.5.2 Rear panel features
The rear panel contains the Ethernet, the DC port, and the Reset button.
Label Description
1. Introduction
ETHERNET The Ethernet port connects to an Ethernet device such
RESET Using a pen or a paper clip, press the Reset button to
DC The DC port connects to the power adapter.
as to a switch or to a router.
restore to factory default settings.
ASUS 802.11g Access Point 15
2. Installation
This chapter describes the installation procedure for the ASUS 802.11g AP and
includes a description of the LEDs found on the unit.
2.1 Installation Procedure
Follow these steps to install the ASUS 802.11g WLAN AP.
1. Determine the best location for the ASUS 802.11g WLAN AP. Keep in mind the
2. Hardware
• The length of the Ethernet cable that connects the Access Point to the network
• For standard placement, try to place the Access Point on a at, sturdy surface
• For external antenna mounting, install the external antennas so that they are
• Try to centrally locate the Access Point or its antennas so that it will provide
• Use only the power supply that came with this unit. Other power supplies may
Chapter 2 - Hardware Installation
following considerations:
must not exceed 100 meters.
as far from the ground as possible, such as on top of a desk or bookcase,
keeping clear of metal obstructions and away from direct sunlight.
clear of obstructions. Refer to the documentation that came with the antennas
for mounting and installation instructions.
coverage to all of the wireless mobile devices in the area.
t but the voltage and power may not be compatible.
Note: The ASUS AP 802.11g AP should be operated at least 20 centimeters from any person.
This is necessary to ensure that the product is operated in accordance with the RF Guidelines
for Human Exposure which have been adopted by the Federal Communications Commission.
2. Place the Access Point in the desired location. Wall mounting is also possible
for the Access Point. Refer to the section Wall Mounting Option on the next
page for details.
3. Attach one end of an RJ-45 Ethernet cable to the Access Point and attach the
other end to the RJ-45 10Base-T port of a network hub, switch, router, or patch
panel (possibly on a wall).
4. Attach one end of the bundled AC power adapter to the back of the ASUS
802.11g AP and the other end to a power outlet.
16 ASUS 802.11g Access Point
Chapter 2 - Hardware Installation
Note: Use only the power adapter included in the product package. Using another power supply
may damage the Access Point.
The Power LED on the front of the Access Point will light up when the unit is
powered ON. In addition, the green Link LED will turn ON to indicate that the
Access Point has a physical Ethernet network connection.
2.2 Wall Mounting Option
The ASUS WL-320gE Access Point is designed to sit on a raised at surface like a
le cabinet or a bookshelf. The unit may also be converted for mounting to a wall
or ceiling.
Follow these steps to mount the ASUS
802.11g WLAN AP to a wall:
1. Look on the underside for the two
mounting hooks.
2. Mark two upper holes in a at surface.
3. Tighten two screws until only 1/4” is
showing.
4. Latch the hooks of the ASUS WL-320gE
onto the screws.
Note: Readjust the screws if you cannot latch the Access Point onto the screws or if it is too
loose.
2. Hardware
ASUS 802.11g Access Point 17
3. Software Conguration
3.1 Conguring the ASUS 802.11g AP
The ASUS 802.11g AP meets various working scenarios with proper
congurations. You may need to change the ASUS AP’s default settings so as to
meet the requirements in your environment.
Conguring the ASUS 802.11g AP through a web browser. You need a Notebook
PC or desktop PC connected to the ASUS 802.11g AP (either directly or through a
hub) and running a web browser as a conguration terminal. The connection can
be wired or wireless. For the wireless connection, you need an IEEE 802.11g/b
compatible device, such as an ASUS WLAN Card, installed in your Notebook PC.
You should also disable WEP and set the SSID to “default” for your wireless LAN
device.
To access the ASUS 802.11g AP, you must have the correct TCP/IP settings on
your wired or wireless clients. Ensure that the clients’ IP addresses are within the
same subnet as the ASUS 802.11g AP.
3. Software
Chapter 3 - Software Conguration
Note: Changing TCP/IP settings may require rebooting your PC. When rebooting, the ASUS
802.11g AP should be switched ON and in the ready state.
18 ASUS 802.11g Access Point
Chapter 3 - Software Conguration
Settings up an IP address manually
If you want to manually assign an IP address to a client, we recommended that you
use the following settings:
• IP address 192.168.1.xxx (xxx can be any number between 2 and 254 that is not
used by another device)
• Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0 (same as the ASUS 802.11g AP)
• Gateway 192.168.1.1 (this is the ASUS 802.11g AP IP address)
• DNS 192.168.1.1 (ASUS 802.11g AP IP address or your own).
3. Software
ASUS 802.11g Access Point 19
Chapter 3 - Software Conguration
3.1.1 Installing the ASUS WLAN Utilities
The support CD contains the utilities for conguring the ASUS 802.11g AP. To
install the ASUS WLAN utilities in Microsoft® Windows OS, insert the support CD in
the optical drive. If Autorun is disabled, run setup.exe from the root directory of the
support CD.
3. Software
(1) Click Install...Utilities.
(3) Click Yes after reading the license
agreement.
(5) Click Next to accept the default
program folder or enter another name.
(2) Click Next.
(4) Click Next to accept the default
destination folder or click Browse to
specify another path.
(6) Click Finish when setup is complete.
20 ASUS 802.11g Access Point
Chapter 3 - Software Conguration
3.2 ASUS WLAN Utilities
After installation, you can launch the utilities through the Start menu.
3.3 Connecting to the WLAN Web Manager
3. Software
WLAN Utilities
Wired Ethernet Connection
Besides using a network hub, you can also use an Ethernet cable to connect the
ASUS 802.11g AP to your computer. The ASUS 802.11g AP has auto-crossover
function, so use either a straight-through or crossover cable for wired connection.
Wireless Connection
Use a wireless adapter to connect your computer with the ASUS 802.11g AP.
Ensure that the TCP/IP settings are set correctly.
ASUS 802.11g Access Point 21
Chapter 3 - Software Conguration
3.4 Device Discovery
Device Discovery is an ASUS WLAN utility that detects an ASUS wireless device,
and enables you to congure the device.
WLAN Utilities
3. Software
Manually Entering the Address
Launch the web browser on your computer and enter the IP address of the ASUS
802.11g AP : http://192.168.1.1
(This is the wrong setting.)
If your computer’s IP is not on the
same subnet as the ASUS 802.11g AP
(192.168.1.X), you will be asked to change
it. The IP address can be any number from
2 to 254 that is not used by another device.
Gateway is not required.
(This is the correct setting.)
Note: You can also change your TCP/IP settings through Windows network properties.
22 ASUS 802.11g Access Point
Loading...