Buffalo Technology WLA-G54C User Manual

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wireless compact

WLA-G54C

repeater bridge-g

User Manual

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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1.1 AirStation 54 Mbps* Compact Repeater Bridge (WLA-G54C). . . . . . . . . . 3

1.2 AirStation Wireless Network Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1.3 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1.4 AirStation Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1.5 Product Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1.6 About the AirStation CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

INSTALLATION/SETUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

STANDARD SETTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

3.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

3.2 Setup Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

3.3 Setup Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

3.4 Access the Web interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

3.5 Main Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3.6 Basic Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3.7 Basic MAC Address Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

ADVANCED CONFIGURATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

4.1 LAN Setting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

4.1.1 Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

4.1.2 LAN Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4.1.3 Wireless LAN Computer Limitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4.1.4 WDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4.2. Network Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.2.1 Routing Setup (Not in use) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.2.2 Packet Filter (Not in use) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.3 Management (Network Diagnosis Settings) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.3.1 System Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.3.2 Name/Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

4.3.3 Time Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

4.3.4 Transfer Packet Condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

4.3.5 PING Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

4.3.6 Log Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4.3.7 Syslog transmitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4.3.8 Save/restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4.3.9 Initialization/reboot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4.3.10 Firmware update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4.4 Logout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

1 Table of Contents

SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

GLOSSARY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

FCC INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

WARRANTY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

CONTACT INFORMATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Introduction

1.1 AirStation 54 Mbps* Compact Repeater Bridge (WLA-G54C)

This User Manual introduces you to the high-speed AirStation 54 Mbps* Compact Repeater Bridge and will

assist you with the more advanced features of the product.

The AirStation 54 Mbps* Compact Repeater Bridge , WLA-G54C, is a wireless network access point that can

be added to an existing network (LAN) to create a wireless network or added to an existing WLAN to extend the range of the WLAN. The WLA-G54C complies with the IEEE 802.11g wireless standard and is interoperable with the IEEE 802.11b wireless standard. IEEE 802.11g technology features longer range than

IEEE 802.11a and greater bandwidth with data rates up to 54 Mbps* in the turbo mode. The WLA-G54C sup-

ports Wi-Fi Protected Access™, AES, 802.1x and WEP for security. The WLA-G54C supports the Wireless Distribution System (WDS) and can be used as a multi-functional bridge/link between wired and wireless LANs. The WLA-G54C has an MC connector for external antenna support.

1.2 AirStation Wireless Network Features

Summary of the AirStation WLA-G54C features:

• Wi-Fi™ (Wireless Fidelity) certiﬁ ed AirStation will communicate with other Wi-Fi compliant 802.11g wireless LAN products.

• Supports Wi-Fi Protected Access™ (WPA), AES, 802.1x/EAP, and WEP for security

• Automatic Transmit Rate Select mechanism transmits at speeds of 24, 12, 11, 5.5, 2 and 1Mbps.

• Supports turbo mode of 36, 48 and up to 54 Mbps*.

• Wireless Distribution System (WDS) support for multi-point communication.

• Ability to set a ﬁ xed data rate for faster than 11Mbps ignoring 802.11b legacy devices.

• Auto roaming, supports seamless roaming over multiple channels.

• Auto VPN setup, for secure communications.

• Supports the addition of external 2.4GHz antennas to boost range and performance.

• Syslog transmits some or all system activities to a central Syslog server.

• Auto Media Dependent Interface/Crossover (MDI/X) port, allows connection by standard and crossover CAT5 cables.

• Supports Universal Plug and Play (UPnP).

• Improved resistance to environmental conditions.

2 Introduction

1.3 System Requirements

• Existing Local Area Network

• Any Wi-Fi (wireless) compatible computer with a Web Browser Internet Explorer or Netscape 4.5 or later.

(Safari 1.0 is supported with Macintosh OS X.2) Buffalo AirStation Client Manager operates on: Windows® 98SE, 2000, Me and XP

1.4 AirStation Package Contents

The AirStation WLA-G54C package contains of the following items:

1. WLA-G54C Compact Repeater Bridge

2. AC adapter and Power cord

3. CAT5 straight cable

4. Quick Setup Guides

5. Utility CD with Manuals

6. Warranty Statement

1.5 Product Views

1.6 About the AirStation CD

The AirStation does not require any software to be installed on your computer for conﬁ guration. The AirStation CD contains client drivers for Buffalo Wireless Adapters (i.e. Notebook Adapter and Desktop PCI Adapter) and the AirStation Client Manager which can be used to connect the client adapters to the AirStation in order to access the web conﬁ guration screen of the AirStation.

The WLA-G54C CD contains the AirStation utility, AirNavigator. Buffalo Technology USA does not recommend the use of AirNavigator with the WLA-G54C or any other Buffalo AirStation G54 product.

Prior to copying or installing any software, please read the Software License Agreement “license.txt”, located in the root folder of the CD. By installing, copying or using the AirStation software, you are consenting to the terms of this agreement. If you do not agree to all of the terms of the Software License Agreement, do not download, copy or install the AirStation software.

It is the policy of Buffalo Technology to improve products as new technology, components, software and ﬁ rmware become available.

Before you proceed with the installation of this product, please consult the AirStation wireless website

3 Introduction

Installation/Setup

(http://www.buffalotech.com/wireless/) to download and install the latest software for your product.

Do not connect the AirStation 54 Mbps* Bridge to your existing network until

configuration of the AirStation is complete!

Please reference the Quick Setup Guide for information regarding how to connect the AirStation for initial configuration.

Once configuration is complete, plug the provided 7ft. Ethernet cable into the 10/100M Ethernet port on the AirStation and plug the other end into an Ethernet port of your existing Local Area Network (LAN).

Figure 2.1

Connect to

LAN

Figure 2.1a

AirStation

in use

AirStation Compact Repeater Bridge provides wireless connectivity to your existing LAN.

4 Introduction

Standard Settings

Introduction

Conﬁ guring the AirStation using a standard web browser requires basic wireless conﬁ guration knowledge. Setup includes manual wireless conﬁ guration and basic administrative management.

3.2 Setup Preparation

The WLA-G54C is conﬁ gured to function right out of the box. Basic settings for security and MAC Address registration are offered in this section (3). Specialized setups for security, ﬁ ltering and other features will be explained in section 4 and conﬁ gured by clicking the Advanced Button.

3.3 Setup Overview

Your computer must be physically connected to the AirStation with an CAT5 straight cable plugged into the LAN port for initial configuration. Refer to the Quick Setup Guide for initial configuration information.

A Web browser version 4.5 or later should be used to configure the AirStation.

The WLA-G54C CD contains the Client Manager program. The Client Manager is used with a Buffalo Wireless Client Adapter (CardBus, USB or PCI) to associate, setup and conﬁ gure the AirStation and for monitoring the wireless signal between the AirStation and Buffalo client.

Client Manager is currently not recommended for initial conﬁ guration of the AirStation. Please refer to the Buffalo website for the latest information and software for the AirStation.

Advanced settings for security, ﬁ ltering and other features will be explained in Section 4.

Figure 3.4

Window

3.4 Access the Web Interface

• Connect the AirStation according to the instructions in the Quick Setup Guide.

• The AirStation has a default LAN IP address of 192.168.11.1 and Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0.

■ Note:

with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. The Quick Setup Guide enclosed with the product contains detailed instructions on how to conﬁ gure your computer for initial conﬁ guration.

The computer used to conﬁ gure the AirStation must be set to a static IP address of 192.168.11.2

On the computer used to configure the AirStation, launch a Web Browser 4.5 or later.

- Enter 192.168.11.1 into the URL field.

- A window will open prompting you to enter a User ID and Password.

Enter “root” as the User ID and leave the password field blank.

5 Introduction

Figure 3.5

Main Setup

Screen

Figure 3.6

Basic WEP

Setup

3.5 Main Screen

The main screen is the gateway to all conﬁ guration screens of the AirStation. For Advanced settings, click the Advanced button detailed in Section 4.

3.6 Basic Security

Click Encrypt the wireless communications by WEP to enter simple WEP settings to protect your wireless data. Select Encrypt or No encrypt and then select either ASCII or HEX to input a password (encryption code) to encrypt and protect wireless com mu ni ca tions. It is possible to enter up to 4 different WEP keys. The WEP key must match between AirStation and clients for secure com mu ni ca tions.

Examples of WEP keys:

64-bit ASCII: 5 digits of alphanumeric characters, “ab34Y”

128-bit ASCII: 13 digits of alphanumeric characters, “123456abcdef7”

■ Note: ASCII WEP is case sensitive.

64-bit HEX: 10 digits, using characters 0-9 and a-f, “00234ABCDE”

128-bit HEX: 26 digits, using characters 0-9 and a-f, “20123456789abcdeabcdeabcde”

Figure 3.7

Basic MAC

Address

Registration

6 Installation / Setup

3.7 Basic MAC Address Registration

Click Register for allowable PC’s MAC address for basic MAC access restriction settings for the AirStation. Input the MAC addresses that are allowed to communicate via the AirStation.

MAC address to be registered - Enter the MAC address of the computers that are allowed to communicate and click register. MAC Addresses should be input in the form of two characters separated by a colon and click Add.

MAC Address Ex: 00:00:00:00:00:00

List of PCs found on the Network - Computers connected to the AirStation are shown and can be registered by checking the enable con-

nection checkbox and then clicking Change the marked item.

Connection from unregistered wireless PCs Limit - Select Deny and no wireless connection

is allowed unless the wireless card’s MAC address is registered with the AirStation. Select Allow and all wireless communication requests are granted.

- When multiple AirStations have an identical SSID, WEP, client computers may Roam

Fig ure 4.1.1

ireless LAN

Advanced Settings

Although your AirStation will function ﬁ ne using only the settings from Section 3, you may wish to explore more advanced options. This chapter explains each parameter. Advanced settings may accessed by clicking the Advanced button on the Main screen. (Section 3.3).

Click the Top tab and click the Advanced button.

4.1 LAN SETTING

Set up LAN connections.

4.1.1 Wireless

Wireless Function - Enable or disable wireless LAN

computer communication.

Wireless Mode - Select one of the following:

•11g(54M)-Turbo - Boosts 11g devices to

turbo 54 Mbps* mode. 11b devices cannot con-

nect.

•11g(54M)/11b(11M)-Auto - Allows communication of 11g and 11b devices. Communica-

etting

tion speed will drop to 11Mbps when 11b devices are connected. (Default setting)

•11b(11M) Wi-Fi - Uses only the IEEE 802.11b (11Mbps Wi-Fi compatible) standard.

ESS-ID (SSID) - Default SSID is the LAN MAC Address of the AirStation. Administrator can alter the SSID of the AirStation by entering an SSID of choice. Use up to 32 al pha nu mer ic characters for the ESS-ID (case sensitive).

oamin

between the AirStations.

Wireless Channel - Select the channel used for wireless communication. There are 11 overlapping channels. Channels 1, 6 and 11 are non-overlapping. Default setting is Channel 11.

If there are multiple APs in close proximity using the same channel, there may be interference. In this case, change the AirStation channel to another non-overlapping channel.

WPA Conﬁ guration - Conﬁ gure WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access™) setting. Network Authentication is disabled if using WEP. Select 802.1x, WPA or WPA-PSK.

WPA Pre-Shared Key - See examples below of examples of a WPA Key.

The WPA Group Rekey Interval is an interval of time the encryption keys are changed. Recommended to leave unchanged at “0.”

RADIUS Server - Enter the RADIUS Server IP Address

RADIUS Port - Enter the RADIUS Server port number

RADIUS key is obtained from LAN Administrator (RADIUS Server password)

7 Installation / Setup

802.1x - Uses 802.1x authorization. Clients authorized by RADIUS servers can access this AirStation.

RADIUS Server, RADIUS Port and RADIUS Key should be entered. You can also use secure communication selecting WEP encryption from “Type of encryption” ﬁ eld. WPA - Authorized client by RADIUS server can access this AirStation. RADIUS Server, RADIUS Port and RADIUS Key should be entered. You should select either TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) or AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) from “Type of encryption” ﬁ eld. WPA-PSK - Clients access this AirStation by PSK (Pre-Shared Key) without RADIUS authorization. You should select either TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) or AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) from “Type of encryption” ﬁ eld.

Examples of WPA key:

WPA-PSK (Pre-Shared Key) must be composed of at least 8 characters, but no more than 63 characters. The following are acceptable characters for a WPA-PSK key:

Upper case letters, lower case letters, numbers, spaces, punctuation <>?=+&%

WPA-PSK Key Example: “This is <1> example of a WPA Key”

■ Note: WPA keys are case sensitive.

Type of Encryption - Select Off, WEP, TKIP or AES

Encryption Key (WEP) - If WEP is selected, create and enter an encryption code to protect wireless

com mu ni ca tions. It is possible to enter up to 4 different WEP keys. The WEP key must match between AirStation and client computers for secure com mu ni ca tions.

Privacy Separator - Enable or disable communication between wireless clients. If you choose to use this feature, every wireless client that is associated to the AirStation will not be able to communicate with any other wireless clients.

■ Note: If this function is used, wired clients can still communicate with wireless clients.

BSS (Basic Service Set) Basic Rate Set - The transmission data rate between devices. If one device supports 2Mbps only, the data rate for the entire network should be limited to 2Mbps (“Default” selection). Otherwise, use 11Mbps Max (“All” selection).

Holding 802.11b Association - When this function is enabled, the AirStation requests IEEE802.11b devices to stop communication for a while prior to starting IEEE802.11g communication. If communication speed is decreased, this setting improves total throughput with existing IEEE802.11g and IEEE802.11b

standard devices,. The throughput decreases if only IEEE802.11g standard devices exists.

DTIM Period - An access point transmits beacon signals to nearby clients at a preset interval. This parameter sets the beacon transmission interval time (1-255 seconds). Se lec tion of a larger number may conserve energy for the client computer (when client power management is enabled), but may delay wireless communication. The default value of 1 is recommended.

■ Note: Setting the DTIM period too high can cause detrimental effects to the network and power

saving clients may lose their connections entirely.

ANY Connection - Select Allow to accept connections from any wireless client using an SSID of “ANY” and to broadcast the SSID. If Deny is selected under the “ANY Connection,” SSID of the AirStation will not be broadcast and users will not be able to connect to the WLA-G54C unless the speciﬁ c ESS-ID is entered in the client PC.

Wireless output power - Conﬁ gure output power of AirStation. Decrease wireless output power to shrink the wireless communication range. The default setting of 22mW is recommended. 22mW is combined with the internal 10mW power ampliﬁ er to attain 32mW total output.

8 Installation / Setup

Fig ure 4.1.2

LAN Port

Setting

Fig ure 4.13

Wireless LAN

Computer

Limitation

4.1.2 LAN port

Set LAN side Ethernet settings

LAN Side IP address - Allows ad min is tra tor to have LAN IP assigned by DHCP Server or specify a static IP and Subnet Mask for the LAN side of the AirStation.

■ Note: If the AirStation’s LAN IP address is changed, the conﬁ guring computer’s IP must be changed to the same range to continue conﬁ gura- tion. If the LAN IP is changed, restart the AirStation.

Default Gateway - Allows administrator to use the Default Gateway address (the AirStation’s IP address), assign a speciﬁ c Gateway address, or block clients from Gateway notiﬁ cation.

DNS server - Allows administrator to use the default DNS address (the AirStation’s IP address), assign speciﬁ c DNS addresses.

4.1.3 Wireless LAN Computer Limitation

MAC Address Registration

Wireless LAN Restriction Setup - This option limits the PCs allowed a wireless connection to the AirStation. It is used to control the wireless connections to the AirStation.

- MAC access restriction set up in LAN. Click to input the MAC addresses to be allowed to communicate. MAC address list - Display a table list of all MAC addresses.

Wireless PC’s Connection - Select Limit to restrict the connection and Do not Limit for open access. Register your client PC’s MAC address before selecting Set.

Fig ure 4.1.4

Wireless

Bridge

(WDS)

9 Installation / Setup

4.1.4 Wireless Bridge (WDS)

Wireless Distribution System allows the wireless connection of access points to extend a wired or wireless infrastructure to locations where cabling is not possible or too expensive to implement.

Wireless bridge (WDS) function: Select Enable to allow WDS mode between AirStations

or Disable to block communication between AirStations.

Wireless bridge (WDS) dedicated mode: Select Enable to disable wireless PCs from communicating with the AirStation.

■ Note: Both AirStations must support WDS to communicate with each other. WDS conﬁ guration process

must be repeated with other bridge access points. Example: AP1 MAC Address is entered into AP2; AP2 MAC Address is entered into AP1;

d h

Fig ure 4.1.5a

WDS Display

Add AirStation (MAC Address): Allows administrator to register the wireless MAC address of AirStations for (WDS) point-to-point or point-to multipoint communication between AirStations. The MAC address to enter is found in the Management section, under System Information/Wireless MAC address section. (Section 4.3.1) The WDS function must be set to Enable. The MAC address is 12 characters long.

Enter the Wireless MAC address in the form of two characters separated by a colon and click Add. Up to six sets may be registered.

MAC Address Example: 00:00:00:00:00:00

Connected AirStation (Display/Delete): Once settings have been added to the WDS conﬁ gura- tion screen, the MAC Address of associated Access Point(s) will be displayed.

Click Apply to conﬁ rm settings.

4.2 NETWORK SETTING

4.2.1 Routing Setup - Routing is not functional feature on an AirStation Bridge.

4.2.2 Packet Filter - Packet Filter is not functional feature on an AirStation Bridge.

■ NOTE: These screens may be skipped entirely.

Fig ure 4.3.1

System Infor-

mation

4.3 MANAGEMENT

Network Diagnosis Settings

4.3.1 System information

System information of the AirStation is obtaine

ere

• Model name - Displays model and

irmware version

• AirStation Name - Displays AirStation

host name

• DHCP Server function - Displays On

or Off

• Wireless - Displays the wireless LAN

settings such as wireless MAC address and wireless firmware.

• LAN - Displays the AirStation LAN

settings

• WAN - Displays the AirStation WAN

settings

• Default Gateway - Displays default

gateway settings

• WAN side IP address auto

acquisition - This is the method to acquire

the IP address from the WAN (Internet) side DHCP server.

10 Installation / Setup

assword

Statio

word

Fig ure 4.3.2

Name and

2 Name and P

ake it easier to identify each AirStation.

n name - Select a unique name to

dministrator name - “root”, cannot be

changed

dministrator password - Allows the

ministrator to enter an administrator pass

to restrict access to the setting screens. Enter new password. Enter up to eight alpha numeric characters (case sensitive) and conﬁ rm password

■ Note:

If password is forgotten or misplaced, The WLA-G54C can be returned to all the factory default

settings by holding down the INIT button on the back of the unit for three seconds.

Fig ure 4.3.

Time Setu

Fig ure 4.3.4

Transfer Packet

Information

4.3.3 Time setup

Time setup - Enter the current date and time, and click Set.

NTP - Select Use or Do not use.

■ Note: If NTP is used, time is set au to mat i cal ly.

NTP server name - Enter the NTP server name

Check Interval - Enter the time interval for time check frequency

Time Zone - Select local time zone

Click Set.

4.3.4 Transfer Packet Condition

Displays number of packets sent and received

ired WA

ired LAN

reless LAN

Click Refresh to start new transfer packet log.

Fig ure 4.3.5

11 Installation / Setup

Ping Test

4.3.5 PING Test

Performs a PING test from the AirStation to a LAN or WAN address.

Enter the target IP address and click OK (e.g.

192.168.11.2 - OR- www.buffalotech.com)

Station.

Fig ure 4.3.7

Log Information

.3.6 Log Information

Display log info level - Select Error and/or Notify

o specify the types of reports to be logged by the

splay log info - Select the speciﬁ c reports to

e logged.

og information - Displays recorded logs.

Fig ure 4.3.7

Syslog

Transmitting

Fig ure 4.3.8

Save / Restore

■

Note:

If the setting ﬁ le is saved by a newer ﬁ rmware than the current one, the AirStation can’t

restore the settings.

.3.7 Syslog transmittin

elect Use or Do not use

Syslog Server - Enter the IP address of the

Syslog server.

Log Information Level - Select

Error and/or Notify to specify the types of reports to be sent to the Syslog server.

Log Information - Select the speciﬁ c reports

to be sent to the Syslog server.

4.3.8 Save/Restore Save current settings - Click Save to

open the ﬁ le saving dialog and save current AirStation settings to a ﬁ le. Restored saved settings - Restores settings from a ﬁ le that has been saved. Click

Choose ﬁ le to select the saved ﬁ le and click Restore.

12 Installation / Setup

Fig ure 4.3.9

Initialization /

Reboot

4.3.9 Initialization/Reboot

Click Restart to reboot AirStation

Click Restore to reset the AirStation to default factory settings.

■

Note:

Resetting to default factory settings will erase all settings and passwords previously entered.

Fig ure 4.3.10

Firmware

Update

4.3.10 Firmware Update

Firmware ﬁ le name - Enter the path and

ﬁ lename for new ﬁ rmware or select Browse to search for the path.

Click Firmware Update to load ﬁ rmware to the AirStation.

■ Note: Firmware update does not erase current user settings.

■ Note: Firmware Updates can only be performed by the recommended Web Browsers below on the

Macintosh. OSX - The AirStation can be updated using Netscape v7 or Apple’s Safari Web browser v1.0 or later.

OS9 - The AirStation can be updated using Netscape v4.5 or later or Internet Explorer 4.5 or later.

4.4 LOGOUT -

configure the AirStation with the web interface.

This feature logs administrator out of the AirStation web interface. Only one user at a time can

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please check the Buffalo Web site (www.buffalotech.com/wireless) for the latest information and any corrections made in this manual.

For more information, please consult one of the following:

• The on-line help system of your AirStation wireless system - for in for ma tion about software and driver func tion al ity.

• The AirStation website at http://www.buffalotech.com - for frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) and Software Updates.

13 Installation / Setup

Speciﬁ cations

Dimensions W2.2 x H4.8 x D3.6in. (W56 x H120 x D92mm)

Weight: 9oz (256g with power supply)

Temperature & Humidity

Operation 0˚ to 40˚ C

Humidity: 20-80% (Non condensing)

Power Characteristics

Transmit Mode 1.1A (Nominal),

Power Supply 3.3 V

External Antenna Connector - MC Connector

Regulatory Information

Wireless communication is often subject to local radio regulations. Although AirStation wireless networking products have been designed for operation in the license-free 2.4 GHz band, local radio regulations may impose limitations on the use of wireless com mu ni ca tion equipment.

Networking Characteristics Compatibility

• IEEE 802.11g and 802.11b Standard for Wireless LANs

• Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) certiﬁ ed by the Wi-Fi Alliance.

Host Operating System

Microsoft Windows®) ME/98/NT4.0/2000/XP, Unix/Linux/MacOS

Media Access Protocol

Wired - CSMA/CD (Collision Detection)

Wireless - CSMA/CA (Collision Avoidance) with Acknowledgment (ACK)

Radio Characteristics

RF Frequency Band 2.4 GHz (2400-2483 MHz)

11 selectable sub-channels

14 Installation / Setup

Communication Range

*Speed Indoor Outdoor 54Mbps 65ft(20m) 165ft(50m) 18Mbps 195ft(60m) 490ft(150m) 11Mbps 245ft(75m) 590ft(180m) 1Mbps 410ft(125m) 1870ft(570m)

*All Distances are estimated. Wireless connections may be affected as physical conditions and

circumstances vary.

Table “Communication Range” lists the typical range when in ordinary use.

Modulation Technique Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum

• OFDM

• CCK

• DQPSK

• DBPSK

Spreading 11-chip Barker Sequence

Bit Error Rate (BER) Better than 10 -5

Nominal Output Power 15 dBm (32mW)

Receiver Sensitivity -92 dBm

Delay Spread (at FER of <1%) 65 ns 225 ns 400 ns 500 ns

• The range of wireless devices can be affected by metal surfaces, solid high-density materials and obstacles in the signal path.

■ Note: Technology AirStation laboratories. These values are provided for your guidance but may vary according to the actual radio conditions at the location where the AirStation product is installed.

AirStation IEEE 802.11 Channel Sets

The range of the wireless signal is related to the Transmit Rate of the wireless communication. Communications at a lower Transmit range may travel longer distances.

Center Channel ID FCC

1-2412 4-2427 7-2442 10-2457

2-2417 5-2432 8-2447 11-2462 *

3-2422 6-2437 9-2452

* default channel

The range values listed in Table “Radio Characteristics” are typical distances as measured at Buffalo

15 Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Common Problems:

• Out of range, client cannot connect to the AirStation.

• Conﬁ guration mismatch, client cannot connect to the AirStation.

• Absence or conﬂ ict with the Client Driver.

• Conﬂ ict of another device with the AirStation hardware.

1.1 LED Activity

Monitoring LED activity helps identify problems.

• Wireless LED should be GREEN if the line is active. If is it blinking GREEN, wireless communication is active.

• Ethernet LED should be GREEN (100Mbps) or AMBER (10Mbps) while the communication is active.

If the LEDs indicate that the network is working properly (Transmit/Receive LED blinks), check the TCP/IP settings of the network.

1.2 LEDs Work But Client PC Cannot Connect to Network

If the LEDs indicate that the network is working properly (Wireless LED is on, Transmit/Receive LED blinks), check the TCP/IP settings of the network.

Changing Client TCP/IP Settings in your computer.

Consult the LAN Administrator for TCP/IP settings.

Windows

To add or change the TCP/IP Settings:

1. On the Windows task bar click Start.

2. Select Settings, then Control Panel.

3. Double-click on the Network icon to view the Network Properties.

4. From the list of installed components, verify the TCP/IP -> Buffalo Wireless LAN adapter protocol (or appropriate wireless LAN adapter) is installed.

• If this protocol is not yet installed, click the Add button and select the TCP/IP protocol from the list. Refer to Windows Help for more information.

• If this protocol is installed, select this protocol and click the Properties button. Verify the parameters match the settings provided by your LAN Administrator. Make changes if necessary, and click OK.

5. When prompted, restart your computer.

16 Troubleshooting

Macintosh OS X

1. Open the System Preferences from your Dock

2. Click Network

3. Select Airport under Show

4. Select DHCP or input static IP Address

The AirStation 54 Mbps* Wireless Notebook Adapter, WLI-CB-G54A, works with Powerbooks and the AirSta-

tion Wireless Desktop PCI Adapter, WLI-PCI-G54 works with PowerMac Desktops. Users must have OS

10.2.6 and Airport 3.1 or 3.1.1

Macintosh OS9

1. Open the Control Panels

2. Double-click TCP/IP

3. Select Airport

4. Select DHCP or input static IP Address

Buffalo does not have an 54 Mbps* 802.11g solution for OS 9.

1.3 Other Problems

Please refer to www.buffalotech.com for further reference materials or call Buffalo’s Toll-Free Tech Support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 866-752-6210.

1.3 Other Problems

Please refer to www.buffalotech.com for further reference materials.

17 Speciﬁ cations

Glossary

10BaseT or 100BaseTx: 802.3 based Ethernet network that uses UTP (Unshielded twisted pair) cable and a star topology. 10 is 10 Mbps and 100 is 100 Mbps.

802.1x: The standard for wireless LAN authentication used between an AP and a client. 802.1x with EAP will initiate key handling.

Ad-Hoc Network: The wireless network based on a peer-to-peer communications session. Also referred to as AdHoc.

Bandwidth: The transmission capacity of a computer or a communication channel, stated in Megabits per second (Mbps).

BSS (Basic Service Set): An 802.11 networking framework that includes an Access Point.

Client: A PC or workstation on a network.

Cross-Over Wiring: A UTP cable that has its transmit and receive pair crossed to allow communications between two devices.

DCE (Data Communications Equipment): Hardware used for communication with a Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) device.

Default Gateway: The IP Address of either the nearest router or server for the LAN.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Conﬁ guration Protocol): Based on BOOTP, it uses a pool of IP addresses, which it assigns to each device connected to it, and retrieves the address when the device becomes dormant for a period of time.

DNS (Domain Name System): System used to map readable machine names into IP addresses

Driver: Software that interfaces a computer with a speciﬁ c hardware device.

DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum): Method of spreading a wireless signal into wide frequency bandwidth.

DTE (Data Terminal Equipment): Device that controls data ﬂ owing to and from a computer.

Dynamic IP Address: An IP address that is automatically assigned to a client station in a TCP/IP network, typically by a DHCP server.

ESS (Extended Service Set): A set of two or more BSSs that form a single sub-network. ESS-ID is user identiﬁ ca- tion used in the ESS LAN conﬁ guration.

Ethernet: The most widely used architecture for Local Area Networks (LANs). It is a shared-media network architecture. The IEEE 802.3 standard details its functionality.

Ethernet cable: A wire similar to telephone cable that carries signals between Ethernet devices.

Firmware: Programming inserted into programmable read-only memory, thus becoming a permanent part of a computing device.

Frame: A ﬁ xed block of data, transmitted as a single entity. Also referred to as packet.

Full-Duplex: To transmit on the same channel in both directions simultaneously.

Gbps (Giga Bits per second): One billion bits per second.

Half-duplex: To transmit on the same channel in both directions, one direction at a time.

Hub: A device which allows connection of computers and other devices to form a LAN.

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers): The professional organization which promotes development of electronics technology.

IP (Internet Protocol) Address: A unique 32-binary-digit number that identiﬁ es each sender or receiver of infor- mation sent in packets.

Infrastructure: A wireless network or other small network in which the wireless network devices are made a part of the network through the Access Point.

ISP (Internet Service Provider): A company that provides access to the Internet and other related services.

IV (Initialization Vector): The header section of a message packet.

LAN (Local Area Network): A group of computers and peripheral devices connected to share resources.

LED (Light Emitting Diode): The lights on a hardware device representing the activity through the ports.

MAC (Medium Access Control) Address: A unique number that distinguishes network cards.

Mbps (Mega Bits Per Second): A measurement of millions of bits per second.

MDI/X (Media Dependent Interface/Cross-over): Port on a network hub or switch that crosses the incoming transmit lines with the outgoing receive lines.

MHz (MegaHertz): One million cycles per second.

MIB II: A database containing performance information and statistics on each device in a network.

NAT (Network Address Translation): An internet standard that enables a LAN to use one set of IP addresses for internal trafﬁ c and a second set for external trafﬁ c.

18 Speciﬁ cations

NIC (Network Interface Card): An expansion card connected to a computer so the computer can be connected to a network.

Packet: A block of data that is transferred as a single unit, also called a frame or a block.

Packet Filtering: Discarding unwanted network trafﬁ c based on its originating address or its type.

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect): A bus that is connected directly to the CPU.

PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) Card: Removable module that adds features to a portable computer.

Ping (Packet Internet Groper): An Internet utility used to determine whether a particular IP address is online.

Plug and Play: Hardware that, once installed (“plugged in”), can immediately be used (“played”), as opposed to hardware that requires manual conﬁ guration.

PoE (Power over Ethernet): A mechanism to send DC power to a device using a CAT5 Ethernet cable.

PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet): A speciﬁ cation for connecting users on an Ethernet line to the Internet through a common broadband medium.

RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial In User Service): A server that issues authentication key to clients.

Repeater Hub: A device that collects, strengthens and transmits information to all connected devices, allowing the network to be extended to accommodate additional workstations.

RC4: The encryption algorithm that is used in WEP.

RJ-45 connector: An 8-pin connector used between a twisted pair cable and a data transmission device.

Router: Device that can connect individual LANs and remote sites to a server.

Roaming: The ability to use a wireless device while moving from one access point to another without losing the connection.

Script: A macro or batch ﬁ le containing instructions and used by a computer to perform a task.

Server: Any computer that makes ﬁ les or peripheral de- vices available to users of the network and has a resident Network OS.

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): The protocol used to deﬁ ne and deliver electronic mail (E-mail) from one location to another.

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol: An application layer protocol that outlines the formal structure for communication among network devices.

Static IP Address: A permanent IP address is assigned to a node in a TCP/IP network. Also known as global IP.

STP (Shielded Twisted Pair): Twisted Pair cable wrapped in a metal sheath to provide extra protection from external interfering signals.

Subnet Mask: An eight-byte address divided into 4 parts

separated by periods.

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol: Protocol used by computers when communicating across the Internet or Intranet.

TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol): Simple form of FTP (File Transfer Protocol), which Uses UDP (User Datagram Protocol), rather than TCP/IP for data transport and provides no security features.

TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol): An encryption method replacing WEP. TKIP uses random IV and frequent key exchanges.

Topology: The shape of a LAN (Local Area Network) or other communications system.

Twisted Pair: Cable that comprises 2 or more pair of insulated wires twisted together.

UDP (User Datagram Protocol): A communication method (protocol) that offers a limited amount of service when messages are exchanged between computers in a network. UDP is used as an alternative to TCP/IP.

Uplink: Link to the next level up in a communication hierarchy.

UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cable: Two or more unshielded wires twisted together to form a cable.

WAN (Wide Area Network): A networking system covering a wide geographical area.

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy): An encryption method based on 64 or 128-bit algorithm.

Web Browser: A software program that allows viewing of web pages.

Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity): An organization that tests and assures interoperability among WLAN devices.

Wire Speed: The maximum speed at which a given packet can be transferred using Ethernet and Fast Ethernet standard speciﬁ cations.

WLAN (Wireless LAN): A LAN topology using wireless devices.

VPN (Virtual Private Network): A security method to connect remote LAN users to a corporate LAN system.

19 Speciﬁ cations

FCC / CE Information

Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential 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. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television 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:

• Re-orient 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 the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FCC Caution: To assure continued compliance, (example - use only shielded interface cables when connecting to computer or peripheral devices). Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that

may cause undesired operation.

IMPORTANT NOTE: FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement:

This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 centimeters between the radiator and your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. R&TTE Compliance Statement This equipment complies with all the requirements of the DIRECTIVE 1999/5/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL of 9 March 1999 on radio equipment and telecommunication terminal Equipment and the mutual recognition of their conformity (R&TTE). The R&TTE Directive repeals and replaces in the directive 98/13/EEC

(Telecommunications Terminal Equipment and Satellite Earth Station Equipment) As of April 8, 2000.

Safety

This equipment is designed with the utmost care for the safety of those who install and use it. However, special attention must be paid to the dangers of electric shock and static electricity when working with electrical equipment. All guidelines of this manual and of the computer manufacturer must therefore be allowed at all times to ensure the

safe use of the equipment.

EU Countries intended for use

The ETSI version of this device is intended for home and office use in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France (with Frequency channel restrictions), Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom. The ETSI version of this device is also authorized for use in EFTA member states Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and

Switzerland.

EU Countries Not intended for use

None

Potential restrictive use

France: Only channels 10,11,12, and 13.

20 FCC / CE Information

Warranty Information

Buffalo Technology (Melco Inc.) products come with a two-year limited warranty from the date

of purchase. Buffalo Technology (Melco Inc.) warrants to the original purchaser the product; good operating condition for the warranty period. This warranty does not include non-Buffalo Technology (Melco Inc.) installed components. If the Buffalo product malfunctions during the warranty period, Buffalo Technology/ (Melco Inc.) will, replace the unit, provided the unit has not been subjected to misuse, abuse, or non-Buffalo Technology/(Melco Inc.) authorized alteration, modiﬁ cations or repair.

All expressed and implied warranties for the Buffalo Technology (Melco Inc) product line including, but not limited to, the warranties of merchantability and ﬁ tness of a particular purpose are limited in duration to the above period.

Under no circumstances shall Buffalo Technology/(Melco Inc.) be liable in any way to the user for damages, including any lost proﬁ ts, lost savings or other incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use of, or inability to use the Buffalo products.

In no event shall Buffalo Technology/(Melco Inc.) liability exceed the price paid for the product from direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from the use of the product, its accompanying software, or its documentation. Buffalo Technology/(Melco Inc.) does not offer refunds for any product.

*54 Mbps is the IEEE 802.11g standard theoretical maximum data transfer rate. Actual wireless network throughput is limited by environmental and system factors and will be less.

Contact Information

ADDRESS

Buffalo Technology (USA), Inc.

4030 West Braker Lane, Suite 120

Austin, TX 78759-5319

GENERAL INQUIRIES

Monday through Friday

8:30am-5:30pm CT

Direct: 512-794-8533

Toll-free: 800-456-9799

Fax: 512-794-8520

Email: sales@buffalotech.com

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

North American Technical Support by phone is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (USA and Canada).

Toll-free: (866) 752-6210

Email: info@buffalotech.com

21 Warranty Information

Buffalo Technology WLA-G54C User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual