ASUSTeK Computer WL300G Users Manual

SpaceLink™ 802.11g Access Point

®

WL-300g

(For 802.11g and 802.11b Wireless Clients)

User’ s Manual

Copyright Information

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”).

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 DIRECT ORS, 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.

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is
repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration
is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is
defaced or missing.

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 identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without
intent to infringe.

SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS
MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND
ARE SUBJECT T O 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.

Copyright © 2003 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

Product Name: SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point (WL-300g)
Manual Revision: 1 E1289
Release Date: April 2003

2 ASUS SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point

Copyright Information

ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (Asia-Pacific)

Address: 150 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 112
General Tel: [phone]
General Fax: [phone]
General Email: [e-mail]

Technical Support

MB/Others (Tel):[phone] (English)
Notebook (Tel): [phone] (English)
Desktop/Server: [phone] (English)
Support Fax: [phone]
Support Email: [e-mail]
Web Site: www.asus.com.tw

ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)

Address: 44370 Nobel Drive, Fremont, CA 94538, USA
General Fax: [phone]
General Email: [e-mail]

Technical Support

Support Fax: [phone]
General Support: [phone]
Web Site: www.asus.com
Support Email: [e-mail]

ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany & Austria)

Address: Harkortstr. 25, 40880 Ratingen, BRD, Germany
General Fax: [phone]
General Email: [e-mail] (for marketing requests only)

Technical Support

Support Hotline: MB/Others: [phone]
Notebook (Tel): [phone]
Support Fax: [phone]
Support (Email): www.asuscom.de/de/support (for online support)
Web Site: www.asuscom.de

ASUS SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point 3

Table of Contents

1. Introduction ............................................................................. 7

Overview................................................................................................ 7

The SpaceLink™ Family................................................................... 8

System Requirements..................................................................... 10

The Product Package ..................................................................... 10

Features.......................................................................................... 11

Wireless Operation .............................................................................. 12

Roaming Between SpaceLink™ Gateways or APs......................... 13

Roaming Guidelines (SpaceLink™ Gateways or APs) ................... 14

SpaceLink™ Home Gateway Topology .......................................... 15

LED Indicators ..................................................................................... 18

2. Hardware Installation ............................................................ 19

Installation Procedure.......................................................................... 19

Wired and Wireless Connections ........................................................ 21

Configuring the SpaceLink 802.11g AP............................................... 23

Installing the Homegateway Utilities ............................................... 25

Homegateway Utilities ......................................................................... 26

Connecting to the SpaceLink Web Manager ....................................... 26

Home Gateway Discovery ................................................................... 27

User Name and Password .............................................................. 29

Home Page ..................................................................................... 29

Quick Setup ......................................................................................... 30

Wireless............................................................................................... 31

IP Config.............................................................................................. 35

NAT Setting ......................................................................................... 37

Internet Firewall ................................................................................... 38

Wireless Firewall ................................................................................. 39

System Setup ...................................................................................... 40

Status & Log ........................................................................................ 41

Firmware Restoration .......................................................................... 42

Using a Hub .................................................................................... 42

Printer Setup Wizard ........................................................................... 43

Add Printer Wizard.......................................................................... 43

Printer Setup Wizard....................................................................... 45

V erifying Your Printer ...................................................................... 46

4 ASUS SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point

Table of Contents

4. Wireless Performance ........................................................... 47

Site Topography................................................................................... 47

Site Surveys ........................................................................................ 47

Range .................................................................................................. 48

5. Troubleshooting..................................................................... 49

Common Problems and Solutions ....................................................... 49

Reset to Defaults ................................................................................. 50

6. Appendix................................................................................. 53

Operating frequency range.................................................................. 53

Number of operating channels ............................................................ 53

DSSS PHY frequency channel plan .................................................... 53

Specifications ...................................................................................... 54

IEEE 802.11b (11Mbits/sec)............................................................ 61

Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum (for 802.11b) ........................... 62

IEEE 802.11a (54Mbits/sec) ........................................................... 63

COFDM (for 802.11a) ..................................................................... 64

Federal Communications Commission Statement.......................... 65

Canadian Department of Communications ..................................... 66

Regulatory Information / Disclaimers .............................................. 66

Safety Information........................................................................... 66

MPE Statement............................................................................... 67

Caution Statement of the FCC Radio Frequency Exposure ........... 67

RF Exposure ................................................................................... 67

ASUS SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point 5

6 ASUS SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point

Chapter 1 - Introduction

1. Introduction
Overview

Thank you for purchasing the ASUS SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point. The
ASUS SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point is designed to be fully compliant
with IEEE 802.11g wireless local area networks (WLAN). 802.11g is an
extension to 802.11b, used in majority of wireless LANs today. 802.11g
will broaden 802.11b's data rates to 54 Mbps within the 2.4 GHz band
using OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) technology.

802.11g allows backward compatibility with 802.11b devices but only at
11 Mbps or lower depending on the range and presence of obstructions.

Wireless LANs are complementary extensions to existing wired LANs, of fering
complete mobility while maintaining continuous network connectivity to both
corporate and home Intranets. They add a new level of convenience for LAN
users. PC users stay connected to the network anywhere throughout a building
without being bound by a LAN wires. This is accomplished through the use of
SpaceLink Access Points. SpaceLink Access Points with built-in Internet
gateway capability, allows your family to share a broadband Modem and one
ISP account simultaneously from different rooms without wires! ASUS
SpaceLink products can keep you connected anywhere, any time.

1. Introduction

ASUS SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point 7

Chapter 1 - Introduction

LNK
AIR

1. Introduction

The SpaceLink™ Family

The SpaceLink™ Wireless PCI Card is a member of a product family that
provides a complete wireless networking solution.

The SpaceLink™ Home Gateway
(WL-500) creates a wireless network
using the IEEE 802.11b wireless
standard and allows sharing a single
Internet connection.

The SpaceLink™

PC Card (WL-100)

is a IEEE 802.11b
wireless LAN
adapter that fits into
a PCMCIA Type II
slot in a Notebook
PC.

The SpaceLink™

Access Point (WL-

300) creates a wireless

network using the
IEEE 802.11b
wireless standard.

The SpaceLink™

Cardbus Card (WL-

200) is a dual band (IEEE

802.11a/b) wireless LAN
adapter that fits into a
Notebook PC’s
PCMCIA Type II slot
with Cardbus support.

The SpaceLink™

CF Card (WL-110)

is a IEEE 802.11b
wireless LAN
adapter that fits into
a Compact Flash
Type II slot in a
Portable Digital
Assistant (PDA).

The above illustrations are not to scale.

The SpaceLink™
PCI Card (WL-230)

is a dual band (IEEE

802.11a/b) wireless
PCI card that supports
IEEE 802.11a,

802.11b, and
Bluetooth.

8 ASUS SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point

Chapter 1 - Introduction

1. Introduction

The SpaceLink™ Dual-Band
Home Gateway (WL-600) creates

a wireless network using the IEEE

802.11b and 802.11a wireless
standards and allows sharing a single
Internet connection.

The SpaceLink

802.1 1g Access Point
(WL-300g) creates a

wireless network
using the IEEE

802.11g and 802.11b
wireless standards.

The USB SpaceLink™ Client
(WL-140) is an IEEE 802.11b
wireless USB LAN adapter that
connects to any computer’s USB
port with the benefit of being able
to place the antenna anywhere in
order to maximize signal strength.

ASUS SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point 9

Chapter 1 - Introduction

1. Introduction

System Requirements

To begin using the SpaceLink Access Point, you must have the following
minimum requirements:

• An Ethernet (10Base-T or 10/100Base-TX) adapter for wired client

• At least one 802.11g (54Mbps) or one 802.11b (11Mbps) wireless
adapter for wireless mobile clients

• TCP/IP and an Internet browser installed

Note: The SpaceLink™ Access Point only supports 10Base-T, there­fore it cannot be connected to pure 100Base-TX networks. The net­work must be either 10-Base or 10/100Base-TX.

The Product Package

Each SpaceLink™ Access Point comes with:

• One SpaceLink™ 802.11g Access Point

• One SpaceLink™ 802.11g Access Point Quick Start Guide

• One SpaceLink™ 802.11g Access Point User’s Manual

• One power adapter (5 Volts DC, 1 Amp)

• One support CD (utilities and documentation)

• One RJ-45 Ethernet cable (straight-through)

• One Bracket for ceiling mounting

• One Bracket for office partition mounting

• One Sticker for wall mounting alignment

10 ASUS SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Wireless Operation

The SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point supports three modes of operation:

• Access Point: The SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point operates as a stand-

alone device to provide network access to wireless mobile clients.

• Access Point Client: The SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point partners

with another SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point to provide network access
to wireless mobile clients.

• Wireless Bridge: The SpaceLink 802.1 1g Access Point communicates

only with other SpaceLink Access Points that are set to W ireless Bridge
Mode. (SpaceLink Access Points set to Wireless Bridge mode cannot
support wireless mobile clients.)

By default, the SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point operates in Access Point
mode.

1. Introduction

Access Point Mode

In “Access Point” mode, the SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point will operate
as a MAC layer learning bridge and forward packets between wireless
mobile clients and the Ethernet network.

A wireless LAN that uses the SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point in “Access
Point” mode generally consists of one or more 802.11b Access Points and
one or more wireless mobile clients that have an 802.11b adapter installed.

The SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point maintains a table of MAC addresses,
which it has learned are located either on the Ethernet network or on the
radio network by monitoring the source address of packets it receives. For
example, if the SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point receives a packet over its
radio, it creates an entry in its table for the node that sent the packet and
labels the entry as a member of the radio network. The SpaceLink 802.1 1g
Access Point removes an entry from the table after five minutes of inactivity .

When the SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point receives a packet from the
Ethernet network, it compares the packet’s destination address with the
node addresses listed in its table. If the packet’s destination address is not
in the table, the SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point will forward the packet to
the wireless mobile clients. If the packet’s destination address is listed in
the table as a member of the radio network, the SpaceLink 802.11g Access
Point will forward the packet to the wireless mobile clients. If the packet’ s
destination address is listed in the table as a member of the Ethernet network,
the SpaceLink

ASUS SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point 11

Chapter 1 - Introduction

1. Introduction

Access Point will not forward the packet to the wireless mobile clients.
The SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point applies the same principles to
determine if a packet received over its radio should be forwarded to the
Ethernet network.

The SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point forwards all broadcast packets to
wireless mobile clients. Given this, the SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point
can only support a limited amount of network traffic. It is recommended
that you only use the SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point on networks that
contain less than 512 nodes.

The number of wireless mobile clients that can be supported by the
SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point depends on the amount of information
that each client exchanges with the network. Therefore, the number of clients
that can be supported by one SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point will vary
based on the applications in use and how frequently network information
is accessed.

Roaming Between SpaceLink Access Points

If there are multiple SpaceLink Access Points on the network, then a wireless
mobile client may seamlessly roam from one SpaceLink 802.11g Access
Point to another.

Each SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point creates its own wireless cell or
coverage area. This is also known as a Basic Service Set (BSS). Any wireless
mobile client can communicate with a particular SpaceLink 802.11g Access
Point if it is within the SpaceLink Access Point’s coverage area.

If the cells of multiple SpaceLink Access Points overlap, then the wireless
mobile client may switch from one SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point to
another as it travels throughout the facility. During the hand-off from one
SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point to another, the wireless mobile client
maintains an uninterrupted connection to the network. This is known as
“roaming.”

Multiple SpaceLink Access Points connected to a common Ethernet network
form an Extended Service Set (ESS). All members of an Extended Service
Set are configured with an ID, known as the SSID or ESSID. Wireless
mobile clients must be configured with the same SSID as the SpaceLink
Access Points on the network; a client can only roam between SpaceLink
Access Points that share the same SSID.

12 ASUS SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Roaming Guidelines

• An 802.11b PC Card can only roam between 802.11b Access Points.

• All SpaceLink Access Points must have the same SSID.

• All computers with SpaceLinkPC card or CF card adapters must have
the same SSID as the Access Points that they will roam between.

• If WEP encryption is enabled, then all SpaceLink Access Points and
client adapters must use the same encryption level and WEP Key(s) to
communicate.

• The SpaceLink Access Points’ 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.

• SpaceLink Access Points 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 SpaceLinkPC card or CF card to determine the
best location for each SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point in the facility.

1. Introduction

ASUS SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point 13

Chapter 1 - Introduction

1. Introduction

SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point LED
Indicators

There are three LEDs on the front of the SpaceLink Access Point, as shown
here.

Power (Amber)
Air (Green)

Link (Green)

Power LED

The Power LED is the top LED and turns amber when the power adapter is
connected and the power switch is turned ON.

Air LED

The Air LED is the middle LED and turns green when the wireless function
is working.

Link LED

The Link LED is the bottom LED and turns green when the Access Point
has a physical connection to the Ethernet network.

Power Requirements

The SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point requires power from an external power
supply . The SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point ships with a UL listed, Class
2 power supply (5V, 1A).

14 ASUS SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point

Chapter 1 - Introduction

2. Installation

This chapter describes the installation procedure for the SpaceLink 802.11g
Access Point and includes a description of the LEDs found on the unit.

Installation Procedure

Follow these steps to install the SpaceLink Access Point.

1. Determine the best location for the SpaceLink Access Point. Keep in
mind the following considerations:

• The length of the Ethernet cable that connects the Access Point to

the network must not exceed 100 meters.

• For standard placement, try to place the Access Point on a flat, sturdy

surface 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.

• Try to centrally locate the Access Point or its antennas so that it will

provide coverage to all of the wireless mobile devices in the area.

• Use only the power supply that came with this unit. Other power

supplies may fit but the voltage and power may not be compatible.

1. Introduction

It is the responsibility of the installer and users of the SpaceLink

802.11g Access Point to guarantee that the antenna is operated at
least 20 centimeters from any person. This is necessary to insure
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 entitled “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).

The SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point does not support 100Base­TX; it only supports 10Base-T. Hubs or switches that supports both
10Base-T and 100Base-TX may be used.

ASUS SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point 15

Chapter 1 - Introduction

1. Introduction

4. Attach one end of the AC power adapter, included in the product package,
to the back of the SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point and the other end to
a power outlet.

Note: Use the Access Point only with the power adapter supplied 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.

Wall Mounting Option

Out of the box, the SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point is designed to sit on a
raised flat surface like a file cabinet or book shelf. The unit may also be
converted for mounting to a wall or ceiling.

Follow these steps to mount the Access Point to a wall:

1. Remove the base by pressing the tab and sliding the base.

2. Remove the side cover to expose the mounting hooks.

3. Locate the screws provided with the Access Point.

4. Mark two holes in a flat surface using the provided hole template.

5. Tighten the two provided screws until only 1/4” is showing.

6. Latch the Access Point onto the two screws.

Note: Readjust the screws if you cannot latch the Access Point onto
the screws or if it is too loose.

16 ASUS SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point

Chapter 1 - Introduction

1

Step 1
Before: After:

1. Introduction

2

Step 2
Before: After:

Note: Mounting brackets are provided for you to hang the SpaceLink

802.11g Access Point on an office partition or office ceiling.

ASUS SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point 17

Chapter 2 - Installation

Configuring the SpaceLink 802.11g AP

The home gateway can be configured to meet various usage scenarios.
Some of the factory default settings may suit your usage; however, others
may need changing. Prior to using the home gateway, you must check the
basic settings to guarantee it will work in your environment.

Configuring the SpaceLink 802.11g Access Pointis done through a web

2. Installation

browser . You need a Notebook PC or desktop PC connected to the SpaceLink

802.11g Access Pointand running a web browser as a configuration terminal.

The connection can be wired or wireless. For the wireless connection, you
need an IEEE 802.11b compatible device, e.g. ASUS SpaceLink PC Card,
installed in your Notebook PC. You should also disable WEP and set the
SSID to “default” for your wireless LAN device.

If you want to configure the SpaceLink 802.11g Access Pointor want to
access the Internet through the SpaceLink Dual-Band Home Gateway , TCP/
IP settings must be correct. Normally, the TCP/IP setting should be on the
IP subnet of the SpaceLink Dual-Band Home Gateway. The SpaceLink

802.11g Access Pointincorporates a DHCP server so the easiest method is

to set your PC to get its IP address automatically and reboot your computer .
So the correct IP address, gateway, DNS (Domain Name System Server)
can be obtained from the SpaceLink Dual-Band Home Gateway.

Note: Before rebooting your PC, the SpaceLink 802.11g Access
Pointshould be switched ON and in ready state.

18 ASUS SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point

Chapter 2 - Installation

Advanced IP Settings

If you want to set your IP address manually, the following default settings
of the SpaceLink 802.11g Access Pointshould be known:

• IP address 192.168.123.1

• Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0.

If you set your computer’s IP manually , it needs to be on the same segment.
For example:

• IP address 192.168.123.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 SpaceLink 802.11g Access
Point)

• Gateway 192.168.123.1 (this is the SpaceLink 802.11g Access PointIP ad­dress)

• DNS 192.168.123.1 (SpaceLink 802.11g Access PointIP address or your
own).

2. Installation

ASUS SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point 19

Chapter 2 - Installation

Installing the Homegateway Utilities

Follow these steps to install the SpaceLink Dual-Band Home Gateway
Manager in Microsoft Windows:

2. Installation

(1) Insert the support CD. Double-click

setup.exe if your autorun has been
disabled. Click Install...Utilities.

(3) Click Yes after reading the license

agreement.

(2) Click Next after reading the welcome

(4) Click Next to accept the default

screen.

destination folder or click Browse to
specify another path.

(5) Click Next to accept the default

program folder or enter another name.

20 ASUS SpaceLink 802.11g Access Point

(6) Click Finish when setup is complete.