Black Box LW6004A Instruction Manual

1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax [phone]

© Copyright 2004. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.

CUSTOMER

SUPPORT

INFORMATION

Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [e-mail]

JULY 2004

LW6004A

Pure Networking 802.11g

Wireless Access Point with Switch

1

FCC AND IC RFI STATEMENTS

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

and INDUSTRY CANADA

RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS

Class B Digital Device. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B computing device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
telephone reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the following
measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.

• Consult an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

CAUTION

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.

To meet FCC requirements, shielded cables and power cords are required to
connect this device to a personal computer or other Class B certified device.

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emission from digital
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.

2

PURE NETWORKING 802.11G WIRELESS ACCESS POINT WITH SWITCH

EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

This equipment complies with the requirements of the European EMC Directive
89/336/EEC.

3

NOM STATEMENT

NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM)

ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT

INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD

1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de
que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.

2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.

3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.

4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.

5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca
de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc..

6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales que
sean recomendados por el fabricante.

7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.

8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá
a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser
referido a personal de servicio calificado.

9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá,
alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar
en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios de
ventilación.

10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.

11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el aparato.

4

PURE NETWORKING 802.11G WIRELESS ACCESS POINT WITH SWITCH

12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización
del equipo no sea eliminada.

13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del
aparato.

14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.

15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas
de energia.

16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea
usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.

17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.

18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:

A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u

B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o

C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o

D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su

desempeño; o

E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

5

TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL

TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL

Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.

Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the
trademark owners.

6

PURE NETWORKING 802.11G WIRELESS ACCESS POINT WITH SWITCH

Contents

Chapter Page

1. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2.2 What’s Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2.3 Physical Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.3.1 Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.3.2 Back Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

3. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

4. Configuration Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4.1 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4.2 Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4.2.1 Status and Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4.2.2 Wireless Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

4.2.3 Advanced Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

4.2.4 Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

4.2.5 MAC Address Filtering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

4.2.6 System Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

4.2.7 Configuration Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

4.2.8 Firmware Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

4.2.9 Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

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

5.1 Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

5.2 Calling Black Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

5.3 Shipping and Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

7

CHAPTER 1: Specifications

1. Specifications

Antenna: (1) RP-SMA detachable

CPU: ADMtek 5120 175-MHz MIPS R400

Distance (Maximum): 328 ft. (100 m)

Memory: 2 MB Flash, 8 MB DRAM

Operating System: Compatible with all major operating systems; Drivers included

for Windows

®

98 SE/Me/XP, Windows NT®, Windows 2000, and Linux

®

Speed: Wireless: 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 11, 9, 6, 5.5, 2, 1 Mbps with auto fallback;
Ethernet: 10/100 Mbps, autosensing

Standards: IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g, IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u

Security: 64-, 128-, 152-bit WEP Data Encryption

Frequency Band: 2.400–2.4835 GHz

Radio Technology: Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)

Connectors: (5) RJ-45 LAN, (1) RP-SMA

Indicators: (12) LEDs: (1) Power, (1) WLAN, (5) LAN, (5) 10/100

Temperature Tolerance: Operating: 32 to 131°F (0 to 55°C);

Storage: -4 to +158°F (-20 to +70°C)

Humidity: Up to 90%, noncondensing

Power: 12 VDC, 1A; Transmit power: 18 dBm (typical)

Size: 1.2"H x 5"W x 3.6"D (3 x 12.7 x 9.1 cm)

8

PURE NETWORKING 802.11G WIRELESS ACCESS POINT WITH SWITCH

2. Introduction

2.1 Overview

The Pure Networking 802.11g Wireless Access Point with Switch is an access point
for an IEEE 802.11g/b 2.4-GHz wireless network. Any wireless LAN station can join
the wireless network by using the infrastructure mode. The access point supports
54-, 11-, 5.5-, 2-, and 1-Mbps network speeds. It automatically falls back to a slower
speed in case of obstacles or interference. Also included is an internal 5-port Fast
Ethernet switch for wired Ethernet connection.

The access point supports Web-based configuration. It has a built-in DHCP server
to allow multiple wireless and wired users to get their IP address automatically.
These versatile features allow you to integrate your wireless and wired Ethernet
LAN network seamlessly.

With the access point’s ESSID authentication, 64-/128-/152-bit WEP encryption,
and MAC address filtering, you can prevent unauthorized wireless stations from
accessing your wireless network.

Attach the access point’s dipole antenna to an RP-SMA connector. Install a high­gain antenna for better network link quality so that you can build a wireless
network with more flexibility.

2.2 What‘s Included

Your package should contain the following items. If anything is missing or
damaged, please contact Black Box at 724-746-5500.

• (1) Pure Networking 802.11g Wireless Access Point with Switch

• (1) 2.2-dBm dipole antenna

• (1) power adapter

• (1) CD-ROM containing this users’ manual in PDF format

9

CHAPTER 2: Introduction

2.3 Physical Description

2.3.1 F

RONTPANEL

The front panel contains LED indicators that tell you the access point’s current
status. Numbers 1–4 in Figure 2-1 correspond to numbers 1–4 in Table 2-1.

Figure 2-1. Front panel.

Table 2-1. Indicators.

LED Color Status Description

① Power Green Lit Power is supplied.

Off No power.

② Wireless Green Flash The antenna is transmitting or

Activity receiving data.

Off The antenna is not transmitting

or receiving data.

③ LAN

Link/Activity Green On A valid link is established.

Flash The access point is transmitting

or receiving data.

Off No link is established.

①

②

③

④

10

PURE NETWORKING 802.11G WIRELESS ACCESS POINT WITH SWITCH

Table 2-1 (continued). Indicators.

LED Color Status Description

④10/100 Mbps Green On Network speed is 100 Mbps.

Off Network speed is 10 Mbps.

2.3.2 B

ACKPANEL

The access point’s connection ports are located on the back panel (see Figure 2-2).
Numbers 1–4 in Figure 2-2 correspond to numbers 1–4 in Table 2-2.

Figure 2-2. Back panel.

①② ④③

11

CHAPTER 2: Introduction

Table 2-2. Connection ports.

Connector or Port Description

① Antenna Connector This round connector is a standard reverse SMA

connector. Any antenna with a reverse SMA

connector can connect to the access point.

② DC Adapter Port Insert the power adapter’s power jack into this

port.

③ Reset The reset button allows you to do one of two

things:

1. If problems occur with your access point,

press the reset button with a pencil tip (for

less than 4 seconds). The access point

will reboot itself, keeping your original

configurations.

2. If problems persist, you experience extreme

problems, or you forgot your password, press

the reset button for longer than four seconds.

The access point will reset itself to the factory

default settings.

④ LAN Port The access point’s LAN ports are where you

connect to your LAN’s network devices.

WARNING

If you press the reset button for longer than four seconds, your original
configurations will be replaced with the factory-default settings.

12

PURE NETWORKING 802.11G WIRELESS ACCESS POINT WITH SWITCH

3. Installation

1. Decide where to place the Pure Networking 802.11g Wireless Access Point
with Switch. The best access point location is usually at the center of your
wireless network with line-of-sight to all of your mobile stations.

2. Connect the access point to your router, hub, or switch. Attach one end of
standard UTP cable to the access point’s LAN port and connect the other end
of the cable to a switch, a router, or a hub. The access point will then be
connected to your existing wired LAN network.

3. Connect the DC power adapter to the access point’s power socket. Use only
the access point’s included power adapter. Using a different adapter may
damage the access point.

The hardware installation is complete.

13

CHAPTER 4: Configuration Utility

4. Configuration Utility

4.1 Getting Started

This access point provides a Web-based configuration tool, allowing you to
configure it from wired or wireless stations. Follow the instructions below.

From a wired station:

1. Make sure your wired station is in the access point’s subnet.

The access point’s default IP address and subnet mask:

Default IP address: 192.168.2.1

Default subnet: 255.255.255.0

2. Configure your PC to be in the access point’s subnet.

2a. Windows 95/98/Me

1. Click on the Start button and select Settings, then click on Control
Panel. The Control Panel window will appear.

2. Double-click on the Network icon. The Network window will appear.

3. Check the Network Components list. If TCP/IP is not installed, click on
the Add button to install it now. If TCP/IP is installed, go to step 6.

4. In the Network Component Type dialog box, select Protocol and click
on the Add button.

5. In the Select Network Protocol dialog box, select Microsoft

®

and
TCP/IP, then click on the OK button to start installing the TCP/IP
protocol. You may need your Windows CD to complete the installation.

6. After installing TCP/IP, go back to the Network dialog box. Select

TCP/IP from the list of network components and then click on the
Properties button.

14

PURE NETWORKING 802.11G WIRELESS ACCESS POINT WITH SWITCH

7. Check each of the tabs and verify the following settings:

• Bindings: Check Client for Microsoft networks and File and Printer
Sharing for Microsoft networks.

• Gateway: All fields are blank.

• DNS Configuration: Select Disable DNS.

• WINS Configuration: Select Disable WINS Resolution.

• IP Address: Select Specify an IP Address. Specify the IP address and
subnet mask.

IP Address: 192.168.2.3 (any IP address within

192.168.2.2–192.168.2.254 is available, do not set up 192.168.2.1)

Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

8. Reboot the PC. It will now have the IP address you specified.

2b. Windows 2000

1. Click on the Start button and select Settings, then click on Control
Panel. The Control Panel window will appear.

2. Double-click on the Network and Dial-up Connections icon. In the
Network and Dial-up Connection window, double-click on the Local
Area Connection icon. The Local Area Connection window will appear.

3. In the Local Area Connection window, click on the Properties button.

4. Check the Network Components list. You should see Internet Protocol
[TCP/IP] on your list. Select it, then click on the Properties button.

5. In the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window, select Use the
following IP address and specify the IP address and subnet mask as
follows:

IP Address: 192.168.2.3 (any IP address within 192.168.2.2–

192.168.2.254 is available, do not set up 192.168.2.1)

Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

15

CHAPTER 4: Configuration Utility

6. Click on OK to confirm the setting. Your PC will now have the IP
address you specified.

2c. Windows NT

1. Click on the Start button and select Settings, then click on Control
Panel. The Control Panel window will appear.

2. Double-click on the Network icon. The Network window will appear.
Select the Protocol tab from the Network window.

3. Make sure the TCP/IP Protocol is on the Network Protocols list. If
TCP/IP is not installed, click on the Add button to install it now. If
TCP/IP is installed, go to step 5.

4. In the Select Network Protocol window, select TCP/IP Protocol and
click on the OK button to start installing the TCP/IP protocol. You may
need your Windows CD to complete the installation.

5. After you install TCP/IP, go back to the Network window. Select
TCP/IP from the list of network protocols, then click on the Properties
button.

6. Check each of the tabs and verify the following settings:

• IP Address: In the Specify an IP address window, type in the IP
address and subnet mask as follows.

IP Address: 192.168.2.3 (any IP address within

192.168.2.2–192.168.2.254 is available, do not set up 192.168.2.1)

Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

• DNS: Leave all fields blank.

• WINS: Leave all fields blank.

• Routing: Leave all fields blank.

7. Click on OK to confirm the setting. Your PC will now have the IP
address you specified.

16

PURE NETWORKING 802.11G WIRELESS ACCESS POINT WITH SWITCH

3. Enter 192.168.2.1 from the Web browser to get into the access point’s
configuration tool.

4. A screen (see Figure 4-1) will pop up and request that you enter the user
name and password. The default user name and password are as follows.

User Name: Admin

Password: 1234

Enter the default user name and password, then click on the OK button. See
Figure 4-1.

5. You can start configuring the access point.

Figure 4-1. Enter Network Password screen.

From a wireless station:

1. Make sure your wireless station is in the access point’s subnet. Refer to step 1
at the beginning of Section 4.1 for configuring the wireless station’s IP
address and sub mask.

2. Connect to the access point. The access point’s ESSID is “default” and the
WEP encryption function is disabled. Make sure your wireless station is using
the access point’s ESSID and associate your wireless station to the access
point.

17

CHAPTER 4: Configuration Utility

3. Enter 192.168.2.1 from the Web browser to get into the access point’s
configuration tool.

4. Enter the user name and password, then click on the OK button. The Status
and Information screen (see Figure 4-2) appears. You can now configure the
access point from this screen.

4.2 Menu Options

The screen shown in Figure 4-2 lists menu options vertically on the left-hand side.
To get to this screen, enter the user name and password in the Enter Network
Password screen (see Figure 4-1), then click on the OK button. These menu
options (described in Sections 4.2.2 through 4.2.9) enable you to set the access
point’s functions. You don’t have to set the functions in the order they are
presented here. Just choose the menu option you want to set and go to the
corresponding numbered section.

4.2.1 S

TATUS ANDINFORMATION

On this screen (see Figure 4-2 and Table 4-1), you can see the general access point
information.

Figure 4-2. Status and information screen.

18

PURE NETWORKING 802.11G WIRELESS ACCESS POINT WITH SWITCH

Table 4-1. Status and information screen options.

Parameter Description

Alias Name The access point’s alias name. Assign an alias name in

AP mode, station-ad hoc mode, station-infrastructure

mode, and AP bridge-WDS mode. See Section 4.2.2 for

a description of each mode.

Uptime The amount of time that the access point has been active

since the last reboot or power on.

Runtime Code This is the current operating code version.

Version

Mode AP (Access Point), station, bridge, or WDS (Wire

Distributed System Repeater) mode.

ESSID The ESSID (up to 31 printable ASCII characters) is the

unique name identified in a WLAN. The ID prevents the

unintentional merging of two co-located WLANs. Make

sure that all stations’ ESSIDs in the same WLAN network

are the same. The default ESSID is “default”. Assign an

alias name in AP mode, station-ad hoc mode, station-

infrastructure mode, and AP bridge-WDS mode.

Channel Number Select the appropriate channel from the list provided to

correspond with your network settings. Channels differ

from country to country.

Channel 1–11 (North America)

Channel 1–14 (Japan)

Channel 1–13 (Europe)

Assign an alias name in AP mode, station-ad hoc mode,

AP bridge-point to point mode, AP bridge-point to

multipoint mode, and AP bridge-WDS mode.

Security This selects whether WEP is enabled or disabled.

19

CHAPTER 4: Configuration Utility

Table 4-1 (continued). Status and information screen options.

Parameter Description

Associated Clients Click on the Show Active Clients button at the bottom of

the screen (not visible in Figure 4-2, since you must scroll

down to see it), then an Active Wireless Client table will

pop up. You can see the status of all active wireless

stations that are connecting to the access point.

IP Address This is the access point’s LAN IP address.

Subnet Mask This is the subnet mask for the attached LAN segment.

Default Gateway This is your local LAN’s default router address.

Click on the Apply button at the bottom of the screen (not shown in Figure 4-2,
since you must scroll down to see it) to save the above configurations. You can now
configure other advanced sections or start using the access point.

4.2.2 W

IRELESSSETTING

This access point supports AP mode, station ad-hoc mode, station-infrastructure
mode, and AP bridge-WDS mode. AP mode provides pure access point function.
Station ad-hoc mode enables a wired Ethernet network device to communicate
with a wireless LAN. Station-infrastructure mode links two wired Ethernet networks
together via a wireless LAN. AP bridge-WDS mode enables the access point to
bridge a wired Ethernet network and connect to other wireless stations at the same
time.

The simplest way to build up a wireless LAN is to use AP mode (see Figure 4-3 and
Table 4-2).

20

PURE NETWORKING 802.11G WIRELESS ACCESS POINT WITH SWITCH

Figure 4-3. AP mode setting page.

Table 4-2. AP mode setting parameters.

Parameter Description

Mode AP (Access Point), station, bridge, or WDS.

Alias Name The access point’s alias name. Assign an alias name in

AP mode, station-ad hoc mode, station-infrastructure

mode, and AP bridge-WDS mode.

ESSID The ESSID (up to 31 printable ASCII characters) is the

unique name identified in a WLAN. The ID prevents the

unintentional merging of two co-located WLANs. Make

sure that all stations’ ESSIDs in the same WLAN network

are the same. The default ESSID is “default”. Assign an

alias name in AP mode, station-ad hoc mode, station-

infrastructure mode, and AP bridge-WDS mode.

21

CHAPTER 4: Configuration Utility

Table 4-2 (continued). AP mode setting parameters.

Parameter Description

Channel Number Select the appropriate channel from the list provided to

correspond with your network settings. Channels differ

from country to country.

Channel 1–11 (North America)

Channel 1–14 (Japan)

Channel 1–13 (Europe)

Assign an alias name in AP mode, station-ad hoc mode,

AP bridge-point to point mode, AP bridge-point to

multipoint mode, and AP bridge-WDS mode.

Associated Clients Select Show Active Clients from the Associated Clients

drop-down menu, then an Active Wireless Client table will

pop up. You can see the status of all active wireless

stations that are connecting to the access point.

Apply button Click on this button to save your changes.

Cancel button Click on this button to cancel your changes.

AP mode is used to allow a network device with only wired Ethernet function to
have wireless LAN communication capability. It provides both ad-hoc (without
access points) and infrastructure (with access points) applications.

Station-ad hoc mode enables your network device to join multiple PCs together to
form a wireless LAN.

Station-infrastructure mode enables your network device to join a wireless LAN
through an access point.

AP bridge mode-WDS bridges more than two wired Ethernet networks together via
a wireless LAN. You can use two access points with AP bridge-point to point mode
to bridge two wired Ethernet networks together. See Figure 4-4 and Table 4-3.

22

PURE NETWORKING 802.11G WIRELESS ACCESS POINT WITH SWITCH

Figure 4-4. AP bridge-point to point mode setting page.

Table 4-3. AP bridge-point to point mode parameters.

Parameter Description

Mode AP (Access Point), station, bridge, or WDS.

Channel Number Select the appropriate channel from the list provided to

correspond with your network settings. Channels differ

from country to country.

Channel 1–11 (North America)

Channel 1–14 (Japan)

Channel 1–13 (Europe)

Assign an alias name in AP mode, station-ad hoc mode,

AP bridge-point to point mode, AP bridge-point to

multipoint mode, and AP bridge-WDS mode.

23

CHAPTER 4: Configuration Utility

Table 4-3 (continued). AP bridge-point to point mode parameters.

Parameter Description

MAC Address If you want to bridge more than one wired Ethernet

network together with a wireless LAN, you have to set this
access point to AP bridge-point-to-point mode, AP bridge­point-to-multipoint mode, or AP bridge-WDS mode. You
have to enter the MAC addresses of other access points
that join the bridging work.

Set Security Enable or disable the security option.

Apply button Click on this button to save your changes.

Cancel button Click on this button to cancel your changes.

If you want to bridge more than two wired Ethernet networks together, you have to
use enough access points with AP bridge-point to multipoint mode. An access
point with AP bridge-point to point mode or AP bridge-point to multipoint mode
can only be used to bridge wired Ethernet networks together. It can’t accept
connections from other wireless stations at the same time.

If you want an access point to bridge a wired Ethernet network and provide
connection service for other wireless stations at the same time, you have to set the
access point to AP bridge-WDS mode. See Figure 4-5 and Table 4-4. Simply
speaking, AP bridge-WDS mode function is the combination of AP mode and AP
bridge-point to multipoint mode.

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PURE NETWORKING 802.11G WIRELESS ACCESS POINT WITH SWITCH

Figure 4-5. AP bridge-WDS mode setting page.

Table 4-4. AP bridge-WDS mode parameters.

Parameter Description

Mode AP (Access Point), station, bridge, or WDS.

Alias Name The access point’s alias name. Assign an alias name in

AP mode, station-ad hoc mode, station-infrastructure

mode, and AP bridge-WDS mode.

ESSID The ESSID (up to 31 printable ASCII characters) is the

unique name identified in a WLAN. The ID prevents the

unintentional merging of two co-located WLANs. Make

sure that all stations’ ESSIDs in the same WLAN network

are the same. The default ESSID is “default”. Assign an

alias name in AP mode, station-ad hoc mode, station-

infrastructure mode, and AP bridge-WDS mode.

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CHAPTER 4: Configuration Utility

Table 4-4 (continued). AP bridge-WDS mode parameters.

Parameter Description

Channel Number Select the appropriate channel from the list provided to

correspond with your network settings. Channels differ

from country to country.

Channel 1–11 (North America)

Channel 1–14 (Japan)

Channel 1–13 (Europe)

Assign an alias name in AP mode, station-ad hoc mode,

AP bridge-point to point mode, AP bridge-point to

multipoint mode, and AP bridge-WDS mode.

Associated Clients Click on the Show Active Clients button, then an Active

Wireless Client table will pop up. You can see the status

of all active wireless stations that are connecting to the

access point.

MAC Address If you want to bridge more than one wired Ethernet

network together with a wireless LAN, you have to set this
access point to AP bridge-point-to-point mode, AP bridge­point-to-multipoint mode, or AP bridge-WDS mode. You
have to enter the MAC addresses of other access points
that join the bridging work.

Set Security Enable or disable the security option.

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Active Wireless Client Table

The Active Wireless Client table (see Figure 4-6 and Table 4-5) records the status of
all active wireless stations that connect to the access point. To get to this screen,
select the Show Active Clients option from the drop-down menu in Figure 4-5.

Figure 4-6. Active wireless client table.

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CHAPTER 4: Configuration Utility

Table 4-5. Active wireless client table options.

Parameter Description

MAC Address The active wireless station’s MAC address.

Tx Packet The number of transmitted packets that are sent out from

this active wireless station.

Rx Packet The number of received packets that are received by this

active wireless station.

TX Rate The transmission rate in Mbps.

Power Saving Shows if the wireless client is in power-saving mode.

Expired Time The time in seconds before dissociation. If the wireless

station stays idle longer than the expired time, this access

point will dissociate it. The wireless client station has to

associate again when it becomes active.

Refresh Refresh the Active Wireless Client table.

Close Close the Active Wireless Client table.

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PURE NETWORKING 802.11G WIRELESS ACCESS POINT WITH SWITCH

Wireless Site Survey

When one access point is in station-ad hoc mode or station-infrastructure mode, it
should associate with another access point and connect to your wireless LAN
through the associated access point. The wireless site survey (see Figure 4-7)
searches for all available access points nearby. To get to this screen, select Station
mode from the drop-down mode menu in Figure 4-3. The wireless site survey will
appear; select one access point listed in this table.

Figure 4-7. Wireless site survey screen.

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CHAPTER 4: Configuration Utility

4.2.3 A

DVANCEDSETTING

You can set the access point’s advanced parameters (see Figure 4-8 and Table 4-6).
You should not change these parameters unless you know what effect the changes
will have on this access point.

Figure 4-8. Advanced settings selected.

Table 4-6. Advanced setting options.

Parameter Description

Authentication Type There are two authentication types: open system and

shared key. When you select open system, wireless

stations can associate with this access point without WEP

encryption. When you select shared key, you should also

set up WEP key in the encryption page, and wireless

stations should use WEP encryption in the authentication

phase to associate with this access point. If you select

both, the wireless client can associate with this access

point by using either one of these two authentication

types.

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Table 4-6 (continued). Advanced setting options.

Parameter Description

Fragment Threshold Fragment threshold specifies the maximum data packet

size to be transmitted during data fragmentation. If you

set this value too low, it will result in bad performance.

RTS Threshold When the packet size is smaller than the RTS threshold,

the access point will not use the RTS/CTS mechanism to

send this packet.

Beacon Interval The interval of time that this access point broadcasts a

beacon. A beacon is used to synchronize the wireless

network.

DTM Period This is a delivery traffic indication message. It tells clients

when the next interval is so it can listen for broadcasts.

Transmit Rate The data rate is the rate this access point uses to transmit

data packets. The access point will use the highest

possible selected transmission rate.

Broadcast ESSID If you enable broadcast ESSID, every wireless station

located within this access point’s coverage can discover

this access point easily. If you are building a public

wireless network, enable this feature. Disabling broadcast

ESSID can provide better security.

Operating Rates Mode Operates in a pure 802.11g (54 Mbps) environment or a

mix of 11-Mbps (802.11b) and 54-Mbps devices.

CTS Protection Locks out access so that 802.11b frames and 802.11g

frames are not mixed up.

Transmit Burst Mode Provides short-lived bursts of data to 54-Mbps devices.

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CHAPTER 4: Configuration Utility

Table 4-6 (continued). Advanced setting options.

Parameter Description

Apply button Click on this button to save your changes.

Cancel button Click on this button to cancel your changes.

Click on the Apply button at the bottom of the screen to save the configurations.
You can now configure other advanced sections or start using the access point.

4.2.4 S

ECURITY

This access point provides complete wireless LAN security functions. With these
functions, you can protect your wireless LAN from illegal access. Make sure your
wireless stations use the same security function.

Figure 4-9. Security functions.

Once you select a security function from the drop-down menu, click on the Apply
button to save your changes, or click on the Cancel button to exit the screen
without making any changes.

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WEP

WEP is an authentication algorithm that protects authorized wireless LAN users
against eavesdropping. The wireless stations’ authentication type and WEP key
must be the same as the access point’s. This access point supports a 64-/128-/
152-bit WEP encryption function. With this function, your data will be transmitted
over the wireless network securely.

Figure 4-10. WEP security selected.

Table 4-7. WEP security options.

Parameter Description

Key Length Select the 64-, 128-, or 152-bit key to encrypt transmitted

data. A larger WEP key length will provide a higher level

of security, but the throughput will be lower. You can also

select disable to transmit data without encryption.

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CHAPTER 4: Configuration Utility

Table 4-7 (continued). WEP security options.

Parameter Description

Key Format Select ASCII characters (alphanumeric format) or

hexadecimal digits (in the A–F, a–f, and 0–9 range) to be
the WEP key. For example:

ASCII characters: guest

Hexadecimal digits: 12345abcde

Default Tx Key Select one of the four keys to encrypt your data. Only the

key you select in the default key option will take effect.

Encryption The WEP keys are used to encrypt data transmitted in

Key 1–4 the wireless network. Fill in the text box, keeping in mind

the points listed below.

64-bit WEP: Type in 10-digit hex values (in the A–F, a–f,

and 0–9 range) or 5-digit ASCII characters as the

encryption keys. For example, “0123456aef”.

128-bit WEP: Type in 26-digit hex values (in the A–F, a–f,

and 0–9 range) or 13-digit ASCII characters as the

encryption keys. For example,

“01234567890123456789abcdef”.

152-bit WEP: Type in 32-digit hex values (in the A–F, a–f,

and 0–9 range) or 16-digit ASCII characters as the

encryption keys. For example,

“01234567890123456789abcdef”.

Apply button Click on this button to save your changes.

Cancel button Click on this button to cancel your changes.

Click on the Apply button at the bottom of the screen to save the above
configurations. You can now configure other advanced sections or start using the
access point.

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802.1x

IEEE 802.1x is an authentication protocol. Every user must use a valid account to
login to this access point before accessing the wireless LAN. The authentication is
processed by a RADIUS server. You can use an external RADIUS server or use the
access point’s built-in RADIUS server. This mode only authenticates users by IEEE

802.1x, but it does not encrypt the data during communication.

Figure 4-11. 802.1x security selected.

Table 4-8. 802.1x security options.

Parameter Description

Use internal MD5 RADIUS Server This is a checkbox that you can select to use

the internal RADIUS server to process the
authentication job. The internal RADIUS
server uses the MD5 authentication method.
Although this checkbox does not appear in
Figure 4-11, it will appear on the software’s
screen.

RADIUS Server IP address The external RADIUS server’s IP address.

RADIUS Server Port The external RADIUS server’s service port.

RADIUS Server Password The external RADIUS server’s password.

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CHAPTER 4: Configuration Utility

Table 4-8 (continued). 802.1x security options.

Parameter Description

Apply button Click on this button to save your changes.

Cancel button Click on this button to cancel your changes.

Click on the Apply button at the bottom of the screen to save the above
configurations. You can now configure other advanced sections or start using the
access point.

802.1x WEP Static Key

IEEE 802.1x is an authentication protocol. Every user must use a valid account to
login to the access point before accessing the wireless LAN. The authentication is
processed by a RADIUS server. You can use an external RADIUS server or use the
access point’s built-in RADIUS server. This mode also uses WEP to encrypt the data
during communication.

Figure 4-12. 802.1x WEP static key selected.

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PURE NETWORKING 802.11G WIRELESS ACCESS POINT WITH SWITCH

Table 4-9. 802.1x WEP static key selected options.

Parameter Description

Key Length Select 64-bit or 128-bit to encrypt transmitted data. A

larger WEP key length will provide a higher level of

security, but the throughput will be lower. You also can

select Disable to transmit data without encryption.

Key Format Select ASCII characters (alphanumeric format) or

hexadecimal digits (in the A–F, a–f, and 0–9 range) to be

the WEP key. For example:

ASCII characters: guest

Hexadecimal digits: 12345abcde

Default Tx Key Select one of the four keys to encrypt your data. Only the

key you select in the default key will take effect.

Encryption Key 1–4 The WEP keys are used to encrypt data transmitted in the

wireless network. Fill in the text box, keeping in mind the
points listed below.

64-bit WEP: Type in 10-digit Hex values (in the A–F, a–f,

and 0–9 range) or 5-digit ASCII character as the

encryption keys. For example, “0123456abcdef”.

128-bit WEP: Type in 26-digit Hex values (in the A–F, a–f,

and 0–9 range) or 10-digit ASCII characters as the

encryption keys. For example,

“0123456789001234567890abcdef”.

Use internal MD5 You can select to use the internal RADIUS server to

RADIUS Server process the authentication job. This is a checkbox on the

software screen (not shown in Figure 4-12).The internal

RADIUS server uses the MD5 authentication method.

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CHAPTER 4: Configuration Utility

Table 4-9 (continued). 802.1x WEP static key selected options.

Parameter Description

RADIUS Server IP The external RADIUS server’s IP address.

address

RADIUS Server Port The external RADIUS server’s service port.

RADIUS Server The external RADIUS server’s password.

Password

Apply button Click on this button to save your changes.

Cancel button Click on this button to cancel your changes.

Click on the Apply button at the bottom of the screen to save the above
configurations. You can now configure other advance sections or start using the
access point.

WPA Pre-Shared Key

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is an advanced security standard. You can use a pre­shared key to authenticate wireless stations and encrypt data during
communication. It uses TKIP to change the encryption key frequently. This can
improve security.

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Figure 4-13. WPA pre-shared key security selected.

Table 4-10. WPA pre-shared key options.

Parameter Description

WPA Unicast Select the TKIP checkbox to change the encryption key

Cipher Suite frequently to enhance the wireless LAN security. Select the

AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) checkbox to keep the

encryption key the same.

Pre-shared Select ASCII characters (alphanumeric format) or hexadecimal

Key Format digits (in the A–F, a–f, and 0–9 range) to be the Pre-shared

Key. For example:

ASCII characters: iamguest

Hexadecimal digits: 12345abcde

Pre-shared Key The pre-shared key is used to authenticate and encrypt data

transmitted in the wireless network. Fill the text box by

following the rules below.

Hex WEP: Type in 64-digit Hex values (in the A–F, a–f, and

0–9 range) or at least an 8-character pass phrase as the pre-

shared keys.

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CHAPTER 4: Configuration Utility

Table 4-10 (continued). WPA pre-shared key options.

Parameter Description

Apply button Click on this button to save your changes.

Cancel button Click on this button to cancel your changes.

Click on the Apply button at the bottom of the screen to save the configurations.
You can now configure other advanced sections or start using the access point.

WPA RADIUS

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is an advanced security standard. You can use an
external RADIUS server to authenticate wireless stations and provide the session
key to encrypt data during communication. It uses TKIP to change the encryption
key frequently to improve security, or AES to keep the key the same.

Figure 4-14. WPA security selected.

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PURE NETWORKING 802.11G WIRELESS ACCESS POINT WITH SWITCH

Table 4-11. WPA security options.

Parameter Description

WPA Unicast Select the TKIP checkbox to change the encryption

Cipher Suite key frequently to enhance the wireless LAN security.

Select the AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)

checkbox to keep the encryption key the same.

RADIUS Server IP The external RADIUS server’s IP address.

Address

RADIUS Server Port The external RADIUS server’s service port.

RADIUS Server The external RADIUS server’s password.

Password

Apply button Click on this button to save your changes.

Cancel button Click on this button to cancel your changes.

Click on the Apply button at the bottom of the screen to save the above
configurations. You can now configure other advanced sections or start using the
access point.

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CHAPTER 4: Configuration Utility

4.2.5 MAC A

DDRESSFILTERING

This access point provides MAC address filtering, which prevents unauthorized
MAC addresses from accessing your wireless network.

Figure 4-15. MAC address filtering selected.

Table 4-12. MAC address filtering options.

Parameter Description

MAC Address This table records the wireless stations’ MAC addresses

Filtering Table that you want to allow to access your network. The

comment field describes the wireless station associated

with the MAC address and is helpful for you to recognize

the wireless station.

Delete Selected Delete the selected MAC addresses.

Delete All Delete all of the MAC addresses.

Reset Reset the filtering table without saving changes.

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Table 4-12 (continued). MAC address filtering options.

Parameter Description

Enable Wireless Check this checkbox to enable wireless access control.
Access Control

MAC address In the bottom new area, type in the MAC address for the

wireless station to be added.

Comment Type in the comment for the wireless station to be added.

Add button Click on this button to add this wireless station into the

MAC Address Filtering Table above.

Clear button If you make a typing mistake and you have not hit the Add

button, just click on this button. Both MAC Address and
Comment fields will be cleared.

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CHAPTER 4: Configuration Utility

4.2.6 S

YSTEMUTILITY

From here, you can define the access point’s IP address and login password and
enable the access point to be a DHCP server.

Figure 4-16. System utility selected.

Table 4-13. System utility options.

Parameter Description

Current Password Enter the current password (up to a 15-digit alphanumeric

string) of the access point. The default password for the

access point is 1234.

New Password Enter the password (up to a 15-digit alphanumeric string)

that you want to use to login to the access point.

Re-Enter Password Reconfirm the password (up to a 15-digit alphanumeric

string) you want to login to the access point.

NOTE

All of the passwords listed above are case-sensitive.

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PURE NETWORKING 802.11G WIRELESS ACCESS POINT WITH SWITCH

Table 4-13 (continued). System utility options.

Parameter Description

IP Address Designate the access point’s IP address. This IP address

should be unique in your network. The default IP address

is 192.168.2.1.

Subnet Mask Specify a subnet mask for your LAN segment. The access

point’s subnet mask is fixed, and the value is

255.255.255.0.

Gateway Address Specify the access point’s gateway address.

DHCP Server Enable or disable the DHCP server.

Click on the Apply button at the bottom of the screen to save the above
configurations. You can now configure other advanced sections or start using the
access point.

DHCP Server Setting

A DHCP server will automatically give your LAN client an IP address. To enable
DHCP, go to the System Utility initial configuration screen. If the DHCP is not
enabled, you’ll have to manually set your LAN client’s IP address.

Table 4-14. DHCP server options.

Parameter Description

Default Gateway IP Specify the gateway IP in your network. This IP address

should be different from the server IP.

Domain Name This is the DNS server IP address that your ISP gave

Server IP you; or you can specify your own preferred DNS server

IP address.

45

Table 4-14 (continued). DHCP server options.

Parameter Description

Start IP/End IP You can designate a particular IP address range for your

DHCP server to issue IP addresses to your LAN Clients.

By default, the IP range is from: Start IP 192.168.2.100

to End IP 192.168.2.200.

Domain Name You can specify the domain name for your access point.

Lease Time The DHCP server, when enabled, will temporarily give

your LAN client an IP address. Lease time allows you to

specify the time period that the DHCP server lends an IP

address to your LAN clients. The DHCP server will

change your LAN client’s IP address when this time

threshold period is reached.

Click on the Apply button at the bottom of the screen to save the above
configurations. You can now configure other advanced sections or start using the
access point.

4.2.7 C

ONFIGURATIONTOOL

The Configuration Tools screen allows you to backup the access point’s current
configuration setting. Saving the configuration settings provides an added
protection and convenience if problems occur with the access point and you have
to reset it to the factory default. When you back up the configuration setting, you
can re-load the saved configuration into the access point through the restore
selection. If extreme problems occur, you can use the Restore to Factory Default
selection; this will set all configurations to the original default settings (for
example, when you first purchased the access point).

CHAPTER 4: Configuration Utility

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PURE NETWORKING 802.11G WIRELESS ACCESS POINT WITH SWITCH

Figure 4-17. Configuration tool selected.

Table 4-15. Configuration tool options.

Parameter Description

Backup Settings Use the backup tool to save the access point’s

current configuration to a file named config.bin

on your PC. Click on Save to save the changes.

Restore Settings You can then use the Restore tool to upload and

restore the saved configuration to the access

point. Click on the Upload button.

Restore to Factory Default Or, you can use the Restore to Factory Default

tool to force the access point to perform a power

reset and restore the original factory settings.

Click on the Reset button.

47

4.2.8 F

IRMWAREUPGRADE

This page allows you to upgrade the access point’s firmware.

Figure 4-18. Upgrade selected.

Table 4-16. Upgrade option.

Parameter Description

Upgrade Method This tool allows you to upgrade the access point’s system

firmware. To upgrade your access point’s firmware,

download the firmware file to your local hard disk, and

enter that file name and path in this field on this page.

Browse Use this button to find the firmware file on your PC. Reset

the access point when the upgrade is complete.

Apply Click on this button to start the upgrade process.

Cancel Click on this button to cancel the upgrade process.

CHAPTER 4: Configuration Utility

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PURE NETWORKING 802.11G WIRELESS ACCESS POINT WITH SWITCH

Once you’ve selected the new firmware file, click on the Apply button at the
bottom of the screen to start the upgrade process. (You may have to wait a few
minutes for the upgrade to complete). Once the upgrade is complete, you can
start using the access point.

4.2.9 R

ESET

You can reset the access point’s system if any problem exists. The reset function
essentially reboots your access point’s system.

Figure 4-19. Reset selected.

If the system stops responding correctly or in some way stops functioning, perform
a reset. Your settings will not be changed. To perform the reset, click on the Apply
button. You will be asked to confirm your decision. Once the reset process is
complete, you can start using the access point again.

Click on the Cancel button to cancel the reset.

49

CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting

5. Troubleshooting

5.1 Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do you manually find your PC’s IP and MAC address?

a. In Windows, open the Command Prompt program.

b. Type Ipconfig/all and press Enter.

Your PC’s IP address is listed as “IP address.”

Your PC’s MAC address is listed as “Physical Address.”

2. What is BSS ID?

A specific ad-hoc LAN is called a Basic Service Set (BSS). Computers in a BSS
must be configured with the same BSSID.

3. What is ESSID?

An infrastructure configuration can also support roaming capability for
mobile workers. More than one BSS can be configured as an Extended
Service Set (ESS). Users within an ESS can roam freely between BSSs while
maintaining a continuous connection to the wireless network stations and the
access points.

4. Can data be intercepted while transmitting through the air?

WLAN features two-fold protection in security. On the hardware side, as with
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology, it has the inherent
scrambling security feature. On the software side, the WLAN series offers the
encryption function (WEP) to enhance security and access control.

5. What is WEP?

WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy, a data privacy mechanism based on
a 40-bit shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard.

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6. What is a MAC Address?

The Media Access Control (MAC) address is a unique number assigned by the
manufacturer to any Ethernet networking device (such as a network adapter)
that allows the network to identify it at the hardware level. For all practical
purposes, this number is usually permanent. Unlike IP addresses, which can
change every time a computer logs on to the network, the MAC address of a
device stays the same, making it a valuable identifier for the network.

5.2 Calling Black Box

If you determine that your Pure Networking 802.11g Wireless Access Point with
Switch is malfunctioning, do not attempt to alter or repair the unit. It contains no
user-serviceable parts. Contact Black Box at 724-746-5500.

Before you do, make a record of the history of the problem. We will be able to
provide more efficient and accurate assistance if you have a complete description,
including:

• the nature and duration of the problem.

• when the problem occurs.

• the components involved in the problem.

• any particular application that, when used, appears to create the problem or
make it worse.

5.3 Shipping and Packaging

If you need to transport or ship your Pure Networking 802.11g Wireless Access
Point with Switch:

• Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original container.

• If you are shipping the access point for repair, make sure you include
everything that came in the original package. Before you ship, contact Black
Box to get a Return Authorization (RA) number.