Compex NetPassage 16A User Manual

i

© 2003 Compex Systems Pte Ltd

All Rights Reserved
This document contains information, which is protected by copyright. Reproduction, adaptation
or translation without prior permission is prohibited, except as allowed under the copyright
laws.

Trademark Information

Compex®, ReadyLINK® and MicroHub® are registered trademarks of Compex, Inc. Microsoft
Windows and the Windows logo are the trademarks of Microsoft Corp. NetWare is the
registered trademark of Novell Inc. All other brand and product names are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Notice: Copyrights © 2003 by Compex, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction, adaptation, or
translation without prior permission of Compex, Inc. is prohibited, except as allowed under the
copyright laws.
Manual Revision by Jake
Manual Number: U-0363-V1.1C Version 1.1, January 2003

Disclaimer

Compex, Inc. provides this manual without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied,
including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose. Compex, Inc. may make improvements and/or changes to the product and/or
specifications of the product described in this manual, without prior notice. Compex, Inc will
not be liable for any technical inaccuracies or typographical errors found in this guide. Changes
are periodically made to the information contained herein and will be incorporated into later
versions of the manual. The information contained is subject to change without prior notice.

Your Feedback

We value your feedback. If you find any errors in this user’s manual, or if you have suggestions
on improving, we would like to hear from you. Please contact us at:

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

ii

FCC NOTICE

This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A 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 device 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 device does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Connect the computer into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is

connected.
Increase the separation between the computer and receiver.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the grantee of this device
could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
FCC Compliance Statement: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions:
This device may not cause harmful interference, and
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause

undesired operation.

Declaration of Conformity

Compex, Inc. declares the following:
Product Name: Broadband Internet Gateway Model No.: Compex NetPassage 16A conforms
to the following Product Standards: Radiated Emission Standards: EN55022A, FCC Part 15
Class A; Conducted Emission Standards: EN60555Pt2 conducted emission; EN55022A
conducted emission, FCC Part 15 Class A; Immunity Standards: IEC 801-2; IEC 801-3; IEC

801-4. Therefore, this product is in conformity with the following regional standards

:

FCC

Class A - following the provisions of FCC Part 15 directive;
CE Mark - following the provisions of the EC directive.

This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

15

th

January 2003

iii

Technical Support Information

The warranty information and registration form are found in the Quick Install Guide.

For technical support, you may contact Compex or its subsidiaries. For your convenience, you
may also seek technical assistance from the local distributor, or from the authorized
dealer/reseller that you have purchased this product from. For technical support by email, write
to [e-mail].

Refer to the table below for the nearest Technical Support Centers:

Technical Support Centers

Contact the technical support center that services your location.

U.S.A., Canada, Latin America and South America

 Write

Compex, Inc.

4051 E. La Palma, Unit A
Anaheim, CA 92807, USA

 Call

Fax

Tel:
Tel:
Fax:
BBS:

[phone] (8 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific time)
[phone] (Ext.122 Technical Support)
[phone]
[phone] (24-hour access)

Europe

 Write

ReadyLINK Networktechnology Gmbh

Albert Einstein StraEe 34/M21

63322 Rödermark, Germany
Tel:

Fax:
BBS:

+49 (0) 6074 - 98017 (8 a.m.-5 p.m. local time)

+49 (0) 6074 - 90668
+49 (0) 6074 - 93974 (24-hour access)

 Call

Support Email: [e-mail]

Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Middle East

and the rest of the World

 Write

Compex Systems Pte Ltd

135, Joo Seng Road #08-01, PM Industrial Building
Singapore 368363

 Call

Tel:
Tel:
Fax:
BBS:

(65) 6286-1805 (8 a.m.-5 p.m. local time)
(65) 6286-2086 (Ext.199 Technical Support)
(65) 6283-8337
(65) 6282-8854 (24-hour access)

Internet
access/

E-mail:
FTPsite:

[e-mail]
ftp.compex.com.sg

Website:

http://www.cpx.com or http://www.compex.com.sg

Fax

Fax

iv

About This Document

The product described in this document, Compex Broadband Internet Gateway Series,
NetPassage 16A is a licensed product of Compex Systems Pte Ltd. This document contains
instructions for installing, configuring and using Compex NetPassage 16A. It also gives an
overview of the key applications and the networking concepts with respect to the product.

This documentation is for both Network Administrators and the end users who possess some
basic knowledge in the networking structure and protocols.

It makes a few assumptions that the host computer has already been installed with TCP/IP and
ready to access Internet. Procedures for Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP operating systems are
included in this document. However, for other operating system, you may need to refer to your
operating system’s documentation for networking.

How to Use this Document

The document is written in such a way that you as a user will find it convenient to find specific
information pertaining to the product. It comprises of chapters that explain in details on the
installation and configuration of Compex NetPassage 16A.

Software

Universal Configuration (uConfig) patent pending.

Conventions

In this document, special conventions are used to help and present the information clearly. The
Compex Broadband Internet Gateway NetPassage 16A is often referred to as Compex
NetPassage 16A in this document. Below is a list of conventions used throughout.

NOTE

This section will consist of important features or instructions

CAUTION

This section concerns risk of injury, system damage or loss of data

WARNING

This section concerns risk of severe injury

References on Menu Command, Push Button, Radio Button, LED and Label appear in Bold.
For example, “Click on the “Ok” button”

Table of Contents

Copyrights © 2003 Compex Systems Pte Ltd ..................................................................................i

Trademark Information.....................................................................................................................i

Disclaimer ........................................................................................................................................i

Your Feedback..................................................................................................................................i

FCC NOTICE..................................................................................................................................ii

Declaration of Conformity...............................................................................................................ii

Technical Support Information...................................................................................................... iii

About This Document ....................................................................................................................iv

How to Use this Document.............................................................................................................iv

Firmware ........................................................................................................................................iv

Conventions....................................................................................................................................iv

Chapter 1 Product Overview.................................................................................... 1

1.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................1

1.2 Key Features ..........................................................................................................................2

1.2.1 Broadband Internet Sharing.......................................................................................2

1.2.2 Integrated 4-port 10/100Mbps Switch .......................................................................2

1.2.3 Wireless LAN Option ................................................................................................2

1.2.4 Firewall Security Features .........................................................................................2

1.2.5 Wireless Pseudo VLAN.............................................................................................2

1.2.6 56K Dial-Up Backup Connection ..............................................................................3

1.2.7 Built-In DHCP Server................................................................................................3

1.2.8 Virtual Server.............................................................................................................3

1.2.9 Time-based Access Management...............................................................................3

1.2.10 IP Packet Filtering .....................................................................................................3

1.2.11 Web-based Configuration Interface ...........................................................................3

1.2.12 Remote Management .................................................................................................4

1.3 Package Contents ...................................................................................................................4

1.4 Panel Views and Descriptions................................................................................................4

1.4.1 Panel Views ...............................................................................................................4

1.4.2 Panel Features............................................................................................................5

1.5 Specifications.........................................................................................................................7

1.5.1 Compex NetPassage 16A Specifications ...................................................................7

1.5.2 Wireless LAN Specifications.....................................................................................9

Chapter 2 Getting Started ...................................................................................... 10

2.1 Hardware Setup....................................................................................................................10

2.1.1 Distributing Broadband Internet Access to Fast Ethernet Network .........................10

2.1.2 Distributing Broadband Internet Access to Fast Ethernet & Wireless Network.......11

2.1.3 Wireless LAN-to-LAN Connection with Broadband Internet Access .....................12

2.2 Using Universal Configuration (uConfig) Program to access to Internet.............................13

2.3 NPfind Utility Software .......................................................................................................14

Table of Contents

2.4 Alternative Approach to connect to the Configuration Interface..........................................15

2.4.1 Web-based Configuration Interface.........................................................................16

2.4.2 TELNET Command Console...................................................................................18

2.4.3 RS232 Serial Command Console.............................................................................19

2.5 TCP/IP Configuration of the Computers ..............................................................................21

2.5.1 Configuring your Computer to Dynamically Obtain IP Address.............................21

2.5.2 Configuring your Computer with Static IP Address ................................................23

Chapter 3 Configuring Compex NetPassage 16A................................................. 26

3.1 Setting up your LAN............................................................................................................26

3.1.1 Configuring IP Addressing......................................................................................26

3.1.2 Advanced Option for DHCP Server.........................................................................28

3.2 Configuring Compex NetPassage 16A with your Broadband Internet Account...................30

3.2.1 Cable Internet with Dynamic IP Assignment...........................................................31

3.2.2 Cable Internet with Static IP Assignment ................................................................34

3.2.3 ADSL Internet using PPP over Ethernet (PPPoE) ...................................................35

3.2.4 Singapore SingTel Magix SuperSurf .......................................................................38

3.2.5 Australia Big Pond Cable Internet ...........................................................................39

3.2.6 Point to Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) ...............................................................41

3.3 Network Address Translator (NAT).....................................................................................43

3.3.1 Introduction to Virtual Servers ................................................................................44

3.3.2 Defining Virtual Server based on De-Militarized Zone (DMZ)...............................45

3.3.3 Defining Virtual Server based on Port Forwarding..................................................47

3.3.4 Defining Virtual Server based on IP Forwarding.....................................................48

3.4 Static Address Translation (SAT) ........................................................................................50

3.4.1 Enable/disable Static Address Translation...............................................................50

3.5 DNS Redirection..................................................................................................................51

3.6 Configuring Routing Protocol..............................................................................................52

3.6.1 Static Routing ..........................................................................................................53

3.6.2 Dynamic Routing.....................................................................................................54

3.7 Managing Compex NetPassage 16A from the Internet ........................................................55

3.7.1 Activating Remote Router Management..................................................................55

3.8 Load Balancing & Fail-Over Redundancy with Parallel Broadband....................................56

3.8.1 Implementing Parallel Broadband............................................................................57

3.9 56K analog Dial-Up/ISDN Modem as Backup Link............................................................58

3.9.1 Setting Up 56K Dial-Up Access/ISDN Modem as Backup Link.............................58

Table of Contents

3.10 Firewall Configuration .........................................................................................................60

3.11 Firewall Log.........................................................................................................................63

3.12 IP Packet Filtering................................................................................................................64

3.12.1 Time-based Access Management.............................................................................64

3.12.2 Internet Application Filtering...................................................................................66

3.13 8e6 Internet Filtering............................................................................................................67

3.14 Compex NetPassage 16A’s System Tools............................................................................69

3.14.1 Setting Router Identity.............................................................................................69

3.14.2 Synchronizing Router’s Clock with your Computer................................................70

3.14.3 Upgrading Router’s Firmware .................................................................................71

3.14.4 Profile Saving, Restore & Reset to Defaults ............................................................72

3.14.5 Rebooting Compex NetPassage 16A .......................................................................73

3.14.6 Changing Administrative Password.........................................................................73

Chapter 4 Wireless LAN Option ............................................................................ 74

4.1 Activating Compex NetPassage 16A Wireless LAN Option................................................74

4.2 Operating Mode of Compex NetPassage 16A Wireless LAN Option..................................75

4.3 Wireless Pseudo VLAN .......................................................................................................76

4.3.1 Per Node Wireless Pseudo VLAN ...........................................................................76

4.3.2 Per Group Wireless Pseudo VLAN..........................................................................77

4.4 Configuring Compex NetPassage 16A’s Wireless LAN Option ..........................................78

4.4.1 Configuring Compex NetPassage 16A in AP Mode ................................................78

4.4.2 Configuring Compex NetPassage 16A in Client Mode ...........................................80

4.4.3 Implementing Wireless Pseudo VLAN....................................................................82

4.4.4 Defining WEP Private Encryption...........................................................................85

Appendix A Console Commands ............................................................................... 89

Appendix B ISP-Specific Notes.................................................................................. 93

B1 Singapore SingNet Broadband ....................................................................93

B2 Singapore Pacific Internet Broadband .........................................................93

B3 Germany T-DSL & T-Online ......................................................................93

B4 Australia Optus@Home ..............................................................................93

Table of Contents

Appendix C Frequently Asked Question .................................................................. 94

Chapter 1 Product Overview

1

Chapter 1 Product Overview

1.1 Introduction

Compex NetPassage 16A is a Broadband Internet Gateway supporting external
Cable/ADSL modem for broadband Internet sharing. It is integrated with a 4-port
10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet Switch and a PCMCIA slot for Compex Wireless LAN card
to provide Wireless LAN option that allows seamless distribution of Internet access to
the wired and wireless networks.

With the unique Parallel Broadband, Compex NetPassage 16A delivers scalable Internet
bandwidth to your network, supporting Load Balancing and Fail-Over Redundancy with
multiple broadband channels.

In addition, Compex NetPassage 16A is also designed with Wireless Pseudo VLAN.
While WEP provides security for wireless LAN access, Wireless Pseudo VLAN ensures
privacy among the wireless clients.

Other advanced features such as Virtual Server, Time-based Access Management, IP
Packet Filtering and Remote Management have also been designed on Compex
NetPassage 16A. It is the complete Internet solution for your home and office.

*Wireless LAN Card not included.

Chapter 1 Product Overview

2

1.2 Key Features

Compex NetPassage 16A, the Broadband Internet Gateway, is designed with the
following features:

1.2.1 Broadband Internet Sharing

Compex NetPassage 16A comes with a RJ45 Ethernet WAN port supporting
external Cable or ADSL modem, sharing a single Cable/ADSL Internet
subscription with multiple users.

1.2.2 Integrated 4-port 10/100Mbps Switch

Integrated with a 4-port 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet Switch, Compex
NetPassage 16A provides an immediate solution for four users on private
LAN switching. With the auto-crossover mechanism, hubs or switches can be
easily cascaded to Compex NetPassage 16A easily to support more users.

1.2.3 Wireless LAN Option

Compex NetPassage 16A is designed with a Type II PCMCIA slot, supporting
Compex 11Mbps Wireless LAN card for Wireless LAN implementation.
Compex NetPassage 16A activated with wireless LAN distributes Internet
access to the 11Mbps Wireless LAN while bridging the wireless segment to
the Fast Ethernet segment. Alternatively, you may also configure the Wireless
LAN option to operate in Client Mode as a LAN-to-LAN Wireless Bridge

1.2.4 Firewall Security Features

Firewall function is built into Compex NetPassage 16A. This SPI firewall
improves the security of your network. It provides a first level of defense
against hackers.

1.2.5 Wireless Pseudo VLAN

While Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) provides security for wireless LAN
access, the Wireless Pseudo VLAN, engineered by Compex, offers another
level of privacy for the users. It segregates the Wireless LAN into multiple
Pseudo VLANs, supporting a single user per Pseudo VLAN, or a group of
users for each Pseudo VLAN.

Chapter 1 Product Overview

3

1.2.6 56K Dial-Up Backup Connection

Designed with a RS232 serial interface, Compex NetPassage 16A may be
installed with a V.90 56k analog modem, utilizing the 56K dial-up connection
as the backup link to the Internet. In addition, it allows connectivity to Diva
ISDN modem.

1.2.7 Built-In DHCP Server

Compex NetPassage 16A is integrated with a DHCP server, dynamically
assigns IP address, gateway information and DNS server addresses to your
PCs in the wired and wireless networks. Simply configure your PCs to
dynamically obtain IP addresses.

1.2.8 Virtual Server

Compex NetPassage 16A supports Virtual Server that enables hosting of
Internet servers in your private network. Virtual Server based on Port
Forwarding and IP Forwarding may be defined on Compex NetPassage 16A.

1.2.9 Time-based Access Management

With Time-based Access Management, the network administrators may define
administrative function on Compex NetPassage 16A, restricting certain PCs to
access to the Internet during a pre-defined time.

1.2.10 IP Packet Filtering

The network administrators may also define functions on Compex NetPassage
16A to filter undesired Internet applications in the private network based on
the TCP/UDP ports.

1.2.11 Web-based Configuration Interface

Compex NetPassage 16A is integrated with an embedded HTTP server,
facilitating the configuration process with a user-friendly web-based interface.
Simply connect to Compex NetPassage 16A with a JAVA-enabled web
browser and complete the configuration process in just a few minutes.

Chapter 1 Product Overview

4

1.2.12 Remote Management

Remote Management may be activated on Compex NetPassage 16A, enabling
the network administrator to manage the Broadband Internet Gateway over the
Internet with a HTTP or TELNET session.

1.3 Package Contents

Your Compex NetPassage 16A retail package contains the following items:

1 x Compex NetPassage 16A
1 x External Power Adapter (5V

DC

, 3A) and 1 x Power Cord
1 x Quick Install Guide with Warranty Registration Form
1 x Product CD (consist of User’s Manual, Firmware Recovery Tool & Utility)

1.4 Panel Views and Descriptions

1.4.1 Panel Views

Figure 1.4a Front View of Compex NetPassage 16A

2 3 4 5 6

1

Chapter 1 Product Overview

5

Figure 1.4b Side View of Compex NetPassage 16A

Figure 1.4c Back View of Compex NetPassage 16A

1.4.2 Panel Features

Indicator Description

1 Power (LED) Steady Green indicates that the power has

been turned on

2 WAN Link/Act (LED) Steady Amber indicates that the

connectivity is linked at 100Mbps

Flashing Amber indicates that 100Mbps

data transmission is detected at the
respective port

Steady Green indicates that the

connectivity is linked at 10Mbps

Flashing Green indicates that 10Mbps

data transmission is detected at the
respective port

3 DIAG (LED) Steady Green indicates potential problem

with router

7

8 9 10 11 12 13

Chapter 1 Product Overview

6

Indicator Description

4 WLAN Link/Act (LED) Steady Green indicates that at least one

wireless client is present

Flashing Green indicates that activity is

detected in the wireless network

5 1, 2, 3, 4 Link/Act/Speed (LEDs) Four Link/Activity/Speed LEDs for the

integrated Fast Ethernet Switch.
Steady Amber indicates that the

connectivity is linked at 100Mbps

Flashing Amber indicates that 100Mbps

data transmission is detected at the
respective port

Steady Green indicates that the

connectivity is linked at 10Mbps

Flashing Green indicates that 10Mbps

data transmission is detected at the
respective port

6 CONN (LED)

Steady Green indicates that the WAN

connection is established

Flashing Green indicates that the WAN

connection is NOT established

Rapid Flashing Green indicates that the

firmware has been corrupted

If the WAN interface is configured with
Static IP, this LED will not light up

7 PCMCIA Slot PCMCIA slot for a Wireless LAN card to

be installed

8 UpLink (Push Button) Allows you to set Port 4 to become an

uplink port.

1)Push-in – normal

2)Push-out - uplink

9 5V DC/3A (DC Input) 5V, 3A DC power input

10 1, 2, 3, 4 (RJ45 Ports) Integrated 4-port 10/100Mbps Switch

11 WAN (RJ45 Ports) 10Base-T and 100Base-TX Port connects

to cable modem or xDSL modem.

Chapter 1 Product Overview

7

12 RS232 (DB9 Serial Interface) RS232 Serial Interface for two functions:

Connecting to Compex NetPassage 16A

Command Console using RS232
crossover serial cable

Connected to an external V.90 56K

analog modem for 56K backup
connection

13 Reset (Push Button)

1) Push once and release

2) Push and hold 3-7 sec

3) Push and hold 7-12sec

4) Push and hold >12 sec

CONN LED Lights

1) Steady On indicates normal reboot

2) Blink fast (2 flash/sec) indicates
password reset to default

3) Blink slowly (1 flash/sec) indicates
configuration reset to factory default.

4) Steady On indicates normal reboot

1.5 Specifications

1.5.1 Compex NetPassage 16A Specifications

x

Industry Standards Complies with

IEEE 802.3 10Base-T, IEEE 802.3u

100Base-TX, IEEE 802.3x Flow
Control

CE Mark, FCC Class A, Gost, C-Tick, UL

x

WAN Interface One RJ45 Ethernet port (for external

Cable/ADSL modem)

One RS232 serial port (for external V.90

56K analog modem)

x

WAN Type Static IP

Dynamic IP
PPP Over Ethernet (PPPoE)
Remote Access Service
56K Analog Dial-Up

x

LAN Interface Integrated 4-port 10/100Mbps Switch

One Type II PCMCIA (for an 11Mbps

Wireless LAN Card)

x

IP Addressing All Classful/Classless Subnets

Chapter 1 Product Overview

8

x

Built-In DHCP Server Yes

x

DHCP Reservation By MAC Address

x

NAT Firewall Yes

x

Load Balancing Parallel Broadband

x

Fail-Over Redundancy Parallel Broadband

x

Virtual Server Based on Port Forwarding & IP

Forwarding

x

Time-based Access Management Yes

x

IP Packet Filtering By TCP Port

By Source IP

x

IP Routing Static & Dynamic Entry

x

Routing Protocol RIP1 & RIP2

x

VPN Client Pass-Through PPTP

IPSec
L2TP

x

Microsoft NetMeeting Yes

x

Configuration Interface Web-based Configuration Interface

TELNET/RS232 Command Console

x

Remote Management HTTP & TELNET Session

x

Profile Backup & Restore Yes

x

Firmware Upgrade Yes

x

Environmental Requirement
Temperature

Humidity

Operating:

Storage:

Operating:

Storage:

0ºC to 40ºC

-20ºC to 70ºC
10% to 80% RH
5% to 90% RH

x

Physical Dimensions 180mm x 145mm x 33mm (L x W x H)

x

Weight

| 0.8Kg (including power adapter)

Chapter 1 Product Overview

9

1.5.2 Wireless LAN Specifications

x

Industry Standards IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.11b

x

Operating Frequency 2.4000 – 2.4835 (US & Canada)

2.4000 – 2.4970 (Europe)

2.4465 – 2.4835 (France)

x

Radio Technology Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum

x

Frequency Channels 11 Channels (US & Canada)

13 Channels (Europe)
4 Channels (France)

x

Data Rates 11Mbps, 5.5Mbps, 2Mbps, 1Mbps

x

Wireless LAN Architecture Infrastructure

x

Private Encryption 64/128-bit WEP

x

Wireless Pseudo VLAN Per Node & Per Group

x

Operating Mode Access Point Mode

Client Mode

Chapter 2 Getting Started

10

Chapter 2 Getting Started

Compex NetPassage 16A may be used in different applications. It is integrated with an
embedded HTTP server providing a user-friendly web-based configuration interface to ensure
fast and easy configuration process for these applications. This chapter provides the information
on how to connect to the configuration interface, how to setup the hardware for configuration
and operation.

2.1 Hardware Setup

Compex NetPassage 16A may be installed in different applications. This section
summarizes the hardware setup for each application.

2.1.1 Distributing Broadband Internet Access to Fast Ethernet Network

Figure 2.1a Compex NetPassage 16A distributes broadband Internet access to

the Fast Ethernet segment

In this hardware setup, four computers are connected to the integrated 4-port
10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet Switch of Compex NetPassage 16A. These
computers are able to share a single broadband Internet account as well as
their resources. You may also cascade Compex NetPassage 16A to another
Hub or Switch to support more users. The Fast Ethernet ports of Compex
NetPassage 16A are designed with auto-crossover mechanism that can be
easily connected to another Hub or Switch regardless of the orientation of the
UTP cable (straight or crossover).

Chapter 2 Getting Started

11

2.1.2 Distributing Broadband Internet Access to Fast Ethernet & Wireless

Network

Compex NetPassage 16A may be installed with a PCMCIA Wireless LAN
card (iWavePort WL11A) to support broadband Internet sharing with wireless
LAN clients. To install the wireless LAN card into Compex NetPassage 16A,
you must first turn off the power supply of Compex NetPassage 16A, and
gently insert the wireless LAN card into the PCMCIA slot of Compex
NetPassage 16A.

Figure 2.1b Compex NetPassage 16A distributes broadband Internet access to

the Fast Ethernet and Wireless segment.

In this hardware setup, 4 computers are connected to the integrated 4-port
10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet Switch of Compex NetPassage 16A, whereas two
notebook computers are connected to Compex NetPassage 16A via the IEEE

802.11b Wireless LAN. All of these computers are able to share a single
broadband Internet account as well as sharing their resources.

Chapter 2 Getting Started

12

2.1.3 Wireless LAN-to-LAN Connection with Broadband Internet Access

Figure 2.1c Compex NetPassage 16A operating in Client Mode may access to

Compex NetPassage 16A operating as an Access Point.

If you have two Fast Ethernet segments that are environmentally not possible
to be connected by cable, you may configure two Compex NetPassage 16A in
different mode, one in Client Mode and one as an Access Point, as shown in
Figure 2.1c.

Chapter 2 Getting Started

13

2.2 Using Universal Configuration (uConfig) Program to access to Internet

Compex NetPassage 16A supports Universal Configuration (uConfig) that enables you
to connect to the Web-based Configuration Interface in effortlessly. There is no need to
fiddle with the TCP/IP configuration of your computer. Compex NetPassage 16A comes
with a uConfig agent and a window-based utility UCONFIG.EXE.

To connect to Compex NetPassage 16A’s Web-based Configuration Interface via
Universal Configuration (uConfig):

Save the file UCONFIG.EXE from the Product CD into your preferred directory.

Launch the Universal Configuration by double-clicking the file UCONFIG.EXE.

Universal Configuration will then display the information collected in the network, as

shown below.

Figure 2.2a Universal Configuration

Open
Web

Chapter 2 Getting Started

14

Select Compex NetPassage 16A from Compex Product List window and press the

OpenWeb button. The login prompt shall appear.

Figure 2.2b Logon Page

Enter the password and press the Log On! button to login. The default password is

password.

After you have completed the configuration, click on the ExitUconfig from the

Command Menu. The Compex NetPassage 16A will then reboot.

Please proceed to Section 3.1 to read more about network configuration.

CAUTION

Click on the ExitUconfig from the Command Menu to exit from the
uConfig mode. If you do not exit the uConfig mode, the router may not
function correctly.

2.3 NPfind Utility Software

In the event that you have forgotten Compex NetPassage 16A IP Address, Npfind is a
utility program for Windows which can be used to find out the IP address of Compex’s
product. To check your IP Address of Compex NetPassage 16A,

1. Connect one end of the MDI straight cable to one of the LAN port of Compex

NetPassage 16A, and the other end to your PC.

2. Next, insert Product CD to your CD-ROM Drive.

3. Go to DRIVERS & UTILITIES section and click on Npfind Utility Software.

Chapter 2 Getting Started

15

The program will automatically display the IP address of the device found.

Figure 2.3a Npfind discovered Compex Product

Contact your area of support for help if needed, or write to us at
[e-mail].

2.4 Alternative Approach to connect to the Configuration Interface

Compex NetPassage 16A is integrated with an embedded HTTP Server to provide a
user-friendly web-based configuration interface. Alternatively, you may also connect to
the Command Console of Compex NetPassage 16A via a TELNET session or a direct
serial connection.

This section assumes that the IP address of your Compex NetPassage 16A has not been
changed. It is still the default IP of 192.168.168.1.

This section also assumes that the TCP/IP settings of your computer have been
configured properly. To make sure that the TCP/IP of your computer has been
configured properly, perform the following command at the DOS prompt:

C:\WINDOWS\PING 192.168.168.1

If you receive replies from the above command, it indicates that your computer has been
properly configured with TCP/IP, else please proceed to Section 2.5 to set up your
TCP/IP for your computer.

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2.4.1 Web-based Configuration Interface

To connect to the Web-based Configuration Interface of Compex NetPassage
16A, all you need is a web browser. The requirement of the web browser is
stated below:

Web Browser: Netscape Navigator 4.0 & above

or Internet Explorer 4.0 & above

JAVA: Enabled

Proxy Settings: Cleared

Proxy Auto Discovery: Disabled

Connecting to Web-based Configuration Interface

1. Launch the Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator

2. Open the URL using the default IP of Compex NetPassage 16A. E.g. Type
in http://192.168.168.1 in the Address field of Internet Explorer.

3. The logon page will then be displayed, as shown in Figure 2.4a. The
default password of Compex NetPassage 16A is “password” which is pre­filled in the password text box. Press the Log On! button to log in to
Compex NetPassage 16A’s Configuration Interface.

Figure 2.4a Logon Page

NOTE

If the proxy settings of your web browser is not cleared, you will not
be able to connect to Compex NetPassage 16A’s web-based
configuration interface.

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Once log on, you will see a web page consist of three frames, the Command

Menu, Configuration Window and Message Window, as shown below.

Command Menu

Enable the user to select feature to be configured

Configuration Window

Enable the user to configure the parameters associated with the selected
feature

Message Window

Display the message (if any) associated with the configuration process

Figure 2.4b Compex NetPassage 16A Configuration Interface

Configuration

Window

Message
Window

Command

Window

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2.4.2 TELNET Command Console

Alternatively, the user may connect to the Command Console of Compex
NetPassage 16A via a TELNET session to the default IP of Compex
NetPassage 16A, 192.168.168.1. This section uses Microsoft TELNET
command for instruction. You may use any TELNET client.

Connecting to Compex NetPassage 16A’s Command Console via
TELNET

1. Connect to Compex NetPassage 16A’s Command Console with the
following command at DOS prompt. The TELNET application will then
be launched and connect to Compex NetPassage 16A.

C:\WINDOWS\TELNET 192.168.168.1

2. At the login prompt, type in “password” (default password) and press the
<ENTER> key, as shown in Figure 2.4c. You will then login to the
Command Console of Compex NetPassage 16A.

Figure 2.4c Command Console Login

NOTE

Please refer to Appendix A for the list of commands available at the
console.

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2.4.3 RS232 Serial Command Console

Apart from TELNET session, you may also connect to Compex NetPassage
16A’s Command Console via direct serial connection using the RS232
crossover cable (also known as null modem cable). This section assumes that
Hyper Terminal has been installed properly.

Direct Serial Connection to Compex NetPassage 16A’s Command
Console

1. Connect the RS232 serial port of Compex NetPassage 16A to the serial
COM port of a computer using the RS232 crossover cable.

2. Power on Compex NetPassage 16A and launch the Hyper Terminal, as
shown in Figure 2.4d.

3. Select the connection type from the drop down menu. For example, if the
RS232 crossover cable is connected to the COM1 of your computer, select
Direct to Com 1, as shown in Figure 2.4e. Press the OK button to
proceed.

Figure 2.4d Launching Hyper Terminal Figure 2.4e Selecting Communication

Port

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4. The Properties Window for the selected communication port will then be
displayed, as shown below. Configure the selected communication port
with the following settings and press the OK button to proceed.

Figure 2.4f Configuring Communication Port

5. Once the Properties Window is closed, hit the <ENTER> key once for the
login prompt to appear. Type in “password” (default password) and press
the <ENTER> key to login to the console.

Figure 2.4g Command Console Login

NOTE

Please refer to Appendix A for the list of commands available at the
console.

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2.5 TCP/IP Configuration of the Computers

Compex NetPassage 16A is designed with a built-in DHCP server. You may manually
configure the TCP/IP settings of your computers, or simply configure them to
dynamically obtain IP address from the DHCP server. If you are not an expert user, you
are advised to configure your computers to dynamically obtain IP addresses from the
built-in DHCP server of Compex NetPassage 16A.

Before proceeding, please take note of the following default settings of Compex
NetPassage 16A:

IP (LAN): 192.168.168.1
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
DHCP Server: Enabled

2.5.1 Configuring your Computer to Dynamically Obtain IP Address

To configure your computers to dynamically obtain IP address, gateway and
DNS information from Compex NetPassage 16A, perform the following
actions:

For Microsoft Windows 95/98/98SE/ME

Open the Control Panel from the Start menu

Double-click on the Network icon, the network configuration window shall

be displayed, as shown in Figure 2.5a.

Please ensure that the TCP/IP protocol is installed and bind to the
network adapter.

Double-click on the TCP/IP that is bound to your network adapter, the TCP/IP

configuration window shall be displayed, as shown in Figure 2.5b.

Press on the Obtain an IP address automatically radio button and press
the OK button.

Press the OK button again to close the network configuration window. The

Microsoft Windows will then prompt you to restart the computer. Press
the OK button to reboot.