Contec FX-DS110-APE User Manual

FX-DS110-APE

Access Point

User’s Guide

Copyright

Copyright 2001 CONTEC Co., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form

by any means without prior written consent of CONTEC Co., LTD.

CONTEC Co., LTD. makes no commitment to update or keep
current the information contained in this document.
The information in this document is subject to change without
notice.

All relevant issues have been considered in the preparation of this
document. Should you notice an omission or any questionable
item in this document, please feel free to notify
CONTEC Co., LTD.

Regardless of the foregoing statement, CONTEC assumes no
responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document nor
for results obtained by the user as a result of using this product.

Trademarks

MS, Microsoft, MS-DOS and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks of
their respective holder.

FX-DS110-APE

i

Product Configuration

- FX-DS110-APE…1

- Antenna (The dipole antennas that attach

to the FX-DS110-APE)…2

- Wall mounting fittings (for mounting on wall, etc.)…4

- Magnet (for mounting on metallic surfaces) …4

- Smart Media Clip…1

(Used to prevent SmartMedia falling out when inserted
in the FX-DS110-APE.)

- Floppy disk
(Two maintenance tools、One terminal software)…3

- User’s Manual (this booklet)…1

FX-DS110-APE

Floppy disk x 3

Antenna x 2

Smart Media Clip

Wall mounting fittings x 4

Magnet x 4

Check the contents to make sure that you have everything listed
above. If you do not have all the items, contact your distributor
or CONTEC group office where you purchased.

ii

FX-DS110-APE

Table of Contents

Copyright........................................................................... i

Trademarks........................................................................ i

Product Configuration......................................................ii

1. Introduction............................................................. 1

Features.........................................................................1

Terminology/Abbreviations ...........................................2

Limited Three-Year Warranty......................................3

How to Obtain Service..................................................3

Liability .........................................................................3

Handling Precautions...................................................4

Precautions for Use.......................................................4

Precautions Related to Service.....................................4

Notes on Radio Interference.........................................5

Precautions Related to Electromagnetic Interference5
Precautions Related to Electromagnetic Interference6

2. Component Locations and Setting.............................. 7

Component Locations....................................................... 7

Production Introduction to the FLEXLAN-DS110

Series ...........................................................................11

3. About FLEXLAN-DS110 Series.................................15

Features of the FLEXLAN-DS110 Series ..................... 15

Roaming Function.......................................................... 17

IP Tunneling Function................................................... 19

Operating Mode Descriptions........................................ 20

ADHOC (Simple Mode)...............................................20

Infrastructure (Standard Mode).................................22

Inter-Segment Brouter Mode .....................................23

Brouter Mode...............................................................25

Interconnection Mode .................................................26

Operating Modes and Communications.....................27

Comparison of Main Functions..................................28

FX-DS110-APE

iii

4. Installation Method ................................................. 31

Determining the Network Address................................ 31

Attaching the Antenna................................................... 31

Setup............................................................................... 32

Table Top Installation.................................................32

Wall Installation............................................................. 33

Attaching Using a Magnet............................................. 35

Cable Installation........................................................... 37

Network Cable Installation........................................37

Power Supply Cable Connection ................................38

Installation in a Network............................................... 39

Features of the Wireless Network ..............................39

Operating Environment and Radio Waves................40

Constructing a Network .............................................42

5. Setup Preparation ................................................... 47

Setup Methods................................................................ 47

Setup Using a Terminal................................................. 48

Connecting the Terminal ............................................... 49

Connect to Console Program......................................50

Terminal Keyboard Operation....................................54

Explanation of Top Menu and IP Settings.................55

Setup Using a Web Browser .......................................... 57

Connecting to the Web Browser PC...........................58

Connecting to an FX-DS110-APE...............................59

6. Software Setup........................................................ 61

Setting Method............................................................... 61

Password Input...........................................................61

Operating Mode Selection...........................................62

Setting Method............................................................62

Exiting Setup...............................................................62

AP Status Display.......................................................... 62

Setup Item List............................................................... 64

iv

FX-DS110-APE

Settings........................................................................... 66

AP Setup......................................................................66

Hardware.....................................................................69

IP Settings (Ethernet).................................................71

IP Settings (Wireless) .................................................71

Routing ........................................................................72

DHCP Server...............................................................73

Security Relation.........................................................74

SNMP Relation............................................................75

Remote Maintenance ..................................................76

Spanning Tree.............................................................76

Logging ........................................................................78

Others..........................................................................78

7. AP Maintenance ...................................................... 79

Maintenance Tool ........................................................... 79

How to Use SmartMedia.............................................79

File Transfer Utility (TFTP).......................................80

Log File Collection.......................................................... 81

Using SmartMedia to Get the Log File ......................82

Using TFTP to Get the Log File.................................82

Saving the Settings File................................................. 83

Using SmartMedia to Backup the Settings File .......83

Using TFTP to Backup the Settings File ...................84

Restoring the Software Settings.................................... 85

Using SmartMedia to Restore the Settings ...............85

Using TFTP to Restore the Settings..........................85

Upgrading the Firmware............................................... 86

Performing an Upgrade Using SmartMedia .............86

Performing an Upgrade Using TFTP.........................86

Upgrade Firmware on Multiple APs..........................87

Running the Loader to Forcibly Upgrade the

Firmware.....................................................................87

Using TFTP to Reboot the AP........................................ 88

FX-DS110-APE

v

8. Spanning Tree Algorithms (STA) .............................. 89

What is an STA?............................................................. 89

STA Parameters.............................................................. 90

Bridge Level ................................................................90

Port Level ....................................................................92

Sample STA Application................................................. 93

9. SNMP Agent Functions............................................ 97

SNMPc Overview............................................................ 97

MIB Support................................................................... 98

Control Using SNMPc.................................................... 99

Building-in to SNMPc.................................................. 100

MIB Database Updates................................................ 100

10. Troubleshooting...................................................101

When Communication Fails.....................................101

When You Cannot Use a Modem or Terminal..........102

When You Cannot Perform Setup Using a Browser102

When SNMP Connections Fail.................................103

When the AP Cannot Access the SmartMedia.........103

When the AP Will Not Start.....................................103

11. Appendix.............................................................105

Factory Default Settings List...................................... 105

Hardware Setup........................................................105

Software Setup..........................................................106

Product Specifications.................................................. 108

Physical Specifications..............................................108

Software Specifications.............................................108

Environmental Specifications for Installing

the FX-DS110-APE ...................................................109

LEDs ..............................................................................110

FX-DS110-APE..........................................................110

During Normal Operation ........................................110

Others........................................................................112

vi

FX-DS110-APE

Input/Output Interface .................................................113

Pin Assignment for UTP Port...................................113

COM Port...................................................................113

Replacing the Battery...................................................115

Glossary .........................................................................116

List of Figures

Figure 2.1. FX-DS110-APE (Front)............................................7

Figure 2.2. FX-DS110-APE (Back) .............................................7

Figure 2.3. User Unit .................................................................11

Figure 2.4. Access Point............................................................12

Figure 2.5. FX-DS110-APL......................................................12

Figure 2.6. Smart Media............................................................13

Figure 2.7. Option Antenna for FX-DS110-APE.......................13

Figure 2.8. Option Antenna for User Units................................ 14

Figure 3.1. Roaming Function 1 ................................................17

Figure 3.2. Roaming Function 2 ................................................18

Figure 3.3. IP Tunneling Function.............................................19

Figure 3.4. ADHOC (Simple Mode) ......................................... 20

Figure 3.5. Infrastructure (Standard Mode) ...............................22

Figure 3.6. Inter-Segment Brouter Mode...................................23

Figure 3.7. Multi-Port Router ....................................................23

Figure 3.8. Brouter Mode.......................................................... 25

Figure 3.9. Interconnection Mode .............................................26

Figure 4.1. Antenna...................................................................31

Figure 4.2. The Ventilation Slits................................................32

FX-DS110-APE

vii

Figure 4.3. Wall Installation...................................................... 33

Figure 4.4. Attaching Magnets..................................................35

Figure 4.5. Removing Magnets.................................................35

Figure 4.6. Mounting on Steel Desks ........................................36

Figure 4.7. 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX Connection................ 37

Figure 4.8. Power Supply Earth Connection..............................38

Figure 4.9. Example Using Standard Mode...............................44

Figure 4.10. Example Using Simple Mode ..................................45

Figure 4.11. Medium-Sized Wireless LAN .................................46

Figure 5.1. WWW Browser .......................................................47

Figure 5.2. Example Terminal Setup Screen.............................. 48

Figure 5.3. Connecting the Terminal.........................................49

Figure 5.4. HyperTerminal........................................................50

Figure 5.5. Hyperterm.exe.........................................................51

Figure 5.6. Selection of an Icon.................................................51

Figure 5.7. Port Settings............................................................52

Figure 5.8. Password Entry Screen............................................53

Figure 5.9. TOP Menu...............................................................53

Figure 5.10. Help Screen............................................................. 54

Figure 5.11. IP Address Setting Screen.......................................55

Figure 5.12. IP Address Setting Screen (2)..................................56

Figure 5.13. Example Browser Setting Screen............................ 57

Figure 6.1. Password Input Screen............................................61

Figure 7.1. How to Use SmartMedia .........................................80

Figure 8.1. Sample STA Application.........................................93

Figure 8.2. After STA Application............................................94

viii

FX-DS110-APE

Figure 8.3. ReconFigure d After STA Application.................... 95

Figure 9.1. Settings...................................................................99

Figure 11.1. Front/back.............................................................110

Figure 11.2. Cross Cable...........................................................114

Figure 11.3. Straight Cable .......................................................114

List of Tables

Table 2.1. LED Display during Normal Operation..................... 8

Table 2.2. Unit Type AP in Standard Mode, Inter-Segment

Brouter Mode, Brouter Mode, or Interconnection

Mode.........................................................................8

Table 2.3. Unit Type Station in Standard Mode, Inter-Segment

Brouter Mode, Brouter Mode, or Interconnection

Mode.........................................................................9

Table 2.4. Simple Mode, Spanning Tree ON..............................9

Table 2.5. Simple Mode, Spanning Tree OFF............................9

Table 2.6. DIP Switches...........................................................10

Table 2.7. Connectors..............................................................11

Table 3.1. Operating Modes and Communications ...................27

Table 3.2. Comparison of Main Functions...............................28

Table 4.1. TOP Menu...............................................................55

Table 6.1. Setup Item List < 1 / 2 >...................................... 64

Table 6.1. Setup Item List < 2 / 2 >...................................... 65

Table 6.2. Access Point Type...................................................66

Table 6.3. Channel DIP Switch Settings ..................................69

Table 6.4. Static Route............................................................. 72

FX-DS110-APE

ix

Table 7.1. Log File Collection.................................................81

Table 9.1. Group Names..........................................................98

Table 11.1. Software Setup < 1 / 2 > ....................................106

Table 11.1. Software Setup < 2 / 2 > ....................................107

Table 11.2. Physical Specifications..........................................108

Table 11.3. Software Specifications.........................................108

Table 11.4. Environmental Specifications

(Environmental Specs).......................................... 109

Table 11.5. Wired LAN LEDs .................................................110

Table 11.6. Unit Type AP in Standard Mode, Inter-Segment

Brouter Mode, Brouter Mode, or Interconnection

Mode..................................................................... 111

Table 11.7. Unit Type Station in Standard Mode, Inter-Segment

Brouter Mode, Brouter Mode, or Interconnection

Mode..................................................................... 111

Table 11.8. Simple Mode, Spanning Tree ON..........................111

Table 11.9. Simple Mode, Spanning Tree OFF........................111

Table 11.10. When Writing Firmware........................................112

Table 11.11. Error Display.........................................................112

Table 11.12. RSSI Display (When RSSI Switch Is “ON”).........112

Table 11.13. AP Mode Display (When RSSI Switch Is “ON”)..112

Table 11.14. UTP Port Pin Assignments....................................113

Table 11.15. COM Port .............................................................113

x

FX-DS110-APE

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the FX-DS110-APE access point.
This product is a wireless LAN access point using the 2.4GHz

spectrum diffusion system, and is compatible with IEEE Standard

802.11b for wireless LAN.
In addition to high-level functions such as routing and roaming, all
setup and management operations can be performed simply via the
LAN using a browser. As the FX-DS110-APE includes an SNMP
agent, you can use separately purchased network management
software such as “SNMPc”.
This document explains how to use the FX-DS110-APE. Be sure
to read it carefully so that you can use the product correctly.

Features

- Interface between wireless and wired LAN
Operates as an interface between the wireless LAN and wired
LANs such as Ethernet.

- A high performance network can be configured using multiple
FX-DS110-APE units.
You can use multiple FX-DS110-APE units to configure a high
performance network. For example:

- IP tunneling can be used to support functions such as sending
and receiving mail by enabling the mobile unit to roam via
different routers without having to change IP address.

- Duplicate connections can be established using the simple
mode spanning tree feature

- FX-DS110-APE units can be operated as brouters to form a
multi-port wireless router.

- Simple setup using a browser
As the FX-DS110-APE contains a built-in web server, setup and
management can be performed easily using any web browser.

- SNMP agent
Network management can be performed easily using software
that supports the SNMP protocol. The AP supports MIB II and
private MIB.

Introduction

FX-DS110-APE

1

Introduction

- SmartMedia support
SmartMedia can be used to store log and setting data, recover
backed-up settings, and upgrade the firmware. As operation
simply consists of inserting the SmartMedia into the FX-DS110­APE , no computer knowledge is required.

- Automatic transmission speed switching (wireless)
The FX-DS110-APE automatically switches the transmission
speed between 11Mbps, 5.5Mbps, 2Mbps, and 1Mbps depending
on the radio transmission conditions.

Terminology/Abbreviations

The following terms and abbreviations are used in this manual for
convenience.

Full term Term used in this manual

FX-DS110-APE Access point/AP
A device with the wireless function User unit/

Personal computer PC

Wireless terminal

2

FX-DS110-APE

Limited Three-Year Warranty

CONTEC Interface boards are warranted by CONTEC Co., LTD. to
be free from defects in material and workmanship for up to three
years from the date of purchase by the original purchaser.

Repair will be free of charge only when this device is returned
freight prepaid with a copy of the original invoice and a Return
Merchandise Authorization to the distributor or the CONTEC group
office, from which it was purchased.

This warranty is not applicable for scratches or normal wear, but
only for the electronic circuitry and original boards. The warranty
is not applicable if the device has been tampered with or damaged
through abuse, mistreatment, neglect, or unreasonable use, or if the
original invoice is not included, in which case repairs will be
considered beyond the warranty policy.

How to Obtain Service

For replacement or repair, return the device freight prepaid, with a
copy of the original invoice. Please obtain a Return Merchandise
Authorization Number (RMA) from the CONTEC group office
where you purchased before returning any product.

Introduction

* No product will be accepted by CONTEC group without the

RMA number.

Liability

The obligation of the warrantor is solely to repair or replace the product.
In no event will the warrantor be liable for any incidental or
consequential damages due to such defect or consequences that arise
from inexperienced usage, misuse, or malfunction of this device.

FX-DS110-APE

3

Introduction

Handling Precautions

Take the following precautions when handling this product.

- Do not attempt to modify this device. The manufacturer will
bear no responsibility whatsoever for the device if it has been
modified.

- Do not store this device in high temperature or low temperature
surroundings, or expose it to rapid temperature changes.
(Operating temperature range: 0° to 50°C)

- Do not use or store this device where it is exposed to direct
sunlight or near stoves or other sources of heat.

- Do not use or store this device where it is exposed to dust or high
humidity. (Operating humidity range: 10-90%RH, without
condensation)

- This product contains precision electronic elements and must not
be used in locations subject to physical shock or strong vibration.

- Do not use or store this device near strong magnetic fields or
devices emitting electromagnetic radiation.

- If abnormal smells or heat are noticed, disconnect the power
supply immediately.

- In case of abnormal operation or failure, contact the store where
this product was purchased.

Precautions for Use

This product is classified as "wireless equipment for stations of
low-power data transmissions systems" under the Wireless
Telegraphy Act, and does not require a radio transmission license.
The law prohibits modification of the interior of this product.

Precautions Related to Service

Clean the FX-DS110-APE by wiping lightly with a soft cloth
moistened with water or a cleaning solution.

Take care to avoid the use of benzene, thinners or other volatile
solutions which may cause deformation or discoloration.

4

FX-DS110-APE

Notes on Radio Interference

The frequency band used by this product covers the operating
frequencies of mobile-identification local radio stations (requiring
the license) and specific low-power radio stations (requiring no
license) as well as industrial, scientific, and medical equipment
such as microwave ovens.

Introduction

1. Before using this product, make sure

2.4 DS 4

that there is no mobile-identification
local radio station or specific low­power radio station operating near the product.

2. If the product should cause radio interference with any mobile-

identification local radio station or specific low-power radio
station, immediately change the operating frequency to avoid
the radio interference.

3. Contact your local retailer or CONTEC if the product has

trouble such as recurrent radio interference with mobile­identification local radio stations or specific low-power radio
stations.

This product operates in the 2.4 GHz band and uses DSSS for
modulation. The interfering distance is 40 mm.

Precautions Related to Electromagnetic Interference

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.

This equipment complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Any changes or
modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

CAUTION: To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance
requirements, a separation distance of at least 5 cm must be
maintained between this device and all persons.

FX-DS110-APE

5

Introduction

Precautions Related to Electromagnetic Interference

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.

This equipment complies with part 15 of the FCC rules.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.

CAUTION: To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance
requirements, a separation distance of at least 5 cm must be
maintained between this device and all persons.

6

FX-DS110-APE

Component Locations and Setting

2. Component Locations and Setting

Component Locations

LED Indicator

DIPSwitches

LED Indicator

Figure 2.1. FX-DS110-APE (Front)

Antenna

COM Port

SmartMedia

LED Indicator

UTP Port

Power Switch

Figure 2.2. FX-DS110-APE (Back)

FX-DS110-APE

Power supply jack

Power Cable

7

Component Locations and Setting

Antenna

Transmits and receives radio waves.

LED indicator

The AP has 10 LED indicators (7 on the front, 3 on the rear) to
show information such as the user unit connection status,
transmit/receive, power supply, and wired LAN connection status.
When the AP is operating normally, the LEDs illuminate as follows
depending on the operation mode and unit type of the AP.

Table 2.1. LED Display during Normal Operation

Status

10/100M On Indicates a 100BASE-TX connection.

Off Indicates a 10BASE-T connection.

LINK/ACT On Indicates that the connection is operating normally.

Flashing Indicates data transmit or receive is in progress.

Off Indicates that the AP is not connected.

FDX/COL On Indicates that the AP is operating in full-duplex mode.

Off Indicates that the AP is operating in half-duplex mode.

BUSY Flashing Indicates that the AP is accessing the Smart Media.

Off Indicates that the AP is not accessing the SmartMedia.

If the FDX/COL LED illuminates, this indicates that the settings need to be changed.

IndicatorName

The operation of the POWER, MGMT, WLINK, and WTX/WRX
LEDs depends on the AP operation mode and unit type, as follows.

Table 2.2. Unit Type AP in Standard Mode, Inter-Segment

Brouter Mode, Brouter Mode, or Interconnection
Mode

POWER(Front back) On Power On

Status

MGMT On Firmware is running.
WLINK(Front back) On User unit is connected.
WTX/WRX Flashing Transmitting or receiving wireless data.

IndicatorName

8

FX-DS110-APE

Component Locations and Setting

Table 2.3. Unit Type Station in Standard Mode, Inter-Segment

Brouter Mode, Brouter Mode, or Interconnection
Mode

Status
POWER(Front back) On Power On
MGMT On Firmware is running.
WLINK(Front back) On Logged in to AP

Flashing Scanning (enhanced roaming)

WTX/WRX Flashing Transmitting or receiving wireless data.

IndicatorName

Table 2.4. Simple Mode, Spanning Tree ON

Status
POWER(Front back) On Power On
MGMT On Firmware is running.
WLINK(Front back) On Spanning tree is in the Forwarding state.

Flashing Spanning tree is in the Listening/Learning state.

Off Spanning tree is in the Blocking state.

WTX/WRX Flashing Transmitting or receiving wireless data.

IndicatorName

Table 2.5. Simple Mode, Spanning Tree OFF

Status
POWER(Front back) On Power On
MGMT On Firmware is running.
WLINK(Front back) On Always illuminated
WTX/WRX Flashing Transmitting or receiving wireless data.

IndicatorName

FX-DS110-APE

9

Component Locations and Setting

POWER(back)

WLINK(back)

ON

OFF

OFFONON

ON

DIP switches

These are used for settings such as the COM port mode, LED
display, wireless channel, and initializing the AP.

Table 2.6. DIP Switches

Item

MODEM/ Specifies whether a modem or terminal is connected to the COM port.

1

TERMINAL The default factory setting is TERMINAL.

Changes the LEDs on the front panel (MGMT, WLINK, and WTX/WRX) to display RSSI.

RSSI

2

CHANNEL13

4 CHANNEL2

5 INIT

This can be used in cases such as when adjusting the orientation of the optional antenna
when using the unit for inter-building or similar communications.
Also changes the LEDs on the rear (POWER and WLINK) to display the mode.

Off Off ADHOC Mode
On Off

Off On

Sets the channel.
You can change the channel setting to separate network groups.
The switch settings allow the network to be configured with up to four independent groups.

CHANNEL 1 CHANNEL 2

OFF OFF

The above settings can select ch1, 6 and 11.
Ch1 to ch11 or 13 can be set by software.

When setting via software, it is recommended that a separation of at least 5 channels is
maintained to prevent interference between adjacent groups (wireless stations).

Used to initialize the AP.
Setting this switch ON causes the POWER, MGMT, WLINK, and WTX/WRX LEDs to start
blinking. If the switch is turned OFF while the LEDs are still blinking (within
approximately 3 seconds), all AP settings return to their factory defaults the next time the
unit is restarted.

operation/function

Mode

Infrastructure mode,
unit type AP

Infrastructure mode,
unit type station

Channel
Not used

ch1
ch6

ch11

10

FX-DS110-APE

Component Locations and Setting

Connectors
Table 2.7. Connectors

Item operation/function

SmartMedia Used to insert the SmartMedia (sold separately). An eject button is provided.
COM Used to connect a modem or terminal to update the settings or firmware.
UTP 10/100M Used when connecting to 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX.

DC5V power supply input jack. When no AC power supply is available,
supply the power using this connector.

Power supply
jack

- Power supply specifications: 4.85 to 5.25VDC Max. 2.0A

- Power supply plug

- Specification: EIAJ RC-5320A Voltage category 2

- Polarity: Outside terminal is negative (-) and center terminal is positive (+)

- Plug diameter:

4.0mm (external diameter),φ 1.7mm (internal diameter)

φ

Note!

Use either the AC power supply or DC power supply on the
FX-DS110-APE.
Using both power supplies at the same time may damage the AP.

Production Introduction to the FLEXLAN-DS110 Series

User unit (Option)

The user unit is equivalent to the LAN card for a wired LAN. It is
plugged into the PC for use.
The FX-DS110-PCC is the PC Card (TYPE II) type.
The PC-CARD(PC)H, FX-PCI-EXT2, and FX-PCI-WOL are the
ISA bus adapter, PCI bus adapter, and PCI bus adapter for Wake­on-LAN, respectively, available as options.

Figure 2.3. User Unit

FX-DS110-APE

WIRELESS LA N CARD

FX-DS110-PCC

FX-PCI-EXT2PC-CARD(PC)H FX-PCI-WOL

11

Component Locations and Setting

Access point (This product)

The access point is used to manage the wireless network, relay
messages, and serve as the bridge to a wired LAN.
It has advanced functions such as routing and tunneling.

FX-DS110-APE

Figure 2.4. Access Point
Micro access point (Option)

The micro access point can be used as an access point in a small­scale wireless LAN system or as a station (between the Ethernet
and wireless converter).

12

You can construct a wireless LAN easily by connecting the micro
access point to an Ethernet built-in device with an UTP cable.

RX

LINK

WRX

WLINK

POWER

Figure 2.5. FX-DS110-APL

FX-DS110-APE

Component Locations and Setting

SmartMedia (Option)

SmartMedia is used to save access point settings or to store upgrade
information. The FX-DS110-APE can use 3.3V media in 2MB,
4MB, 8MB, 16MB, and 32MB sizes. You can purchase
SmartMedia from general electrical stores.

Figure 2.6. Smart Media
Option antenna for FX-DS110-APE (Option)

Used if you wish to perform communications over longer distances
or a wider area. The FX-ANT-A1 flat antenna, FX-ANT-A2 non­directional high-gain antenna, and FX-ANT-A3 directional high­gain antenna are available. The FX-ANT-C12 (12m) and FX­ANT-C25H (25m) coaxial cables are also available for connecting
the antenna to the access point and the FX-ANT-H1 protection unit
is available to protect against surges such as due to lightning.

FX-ANT-A1

FX-ANT-A3

H

HVV

FX-ANT-A2

Figure 2.7. Option Antenna for FX-DS110-APE

FX-DS110-APE

13

Component Locations and Setting

Option antenna for user units (Option)

Use a user unit antenna if you wish to operate over longer distances
or a wider area, or if the user unit antenna is hidden by an
obstruction.

The FX-ANT-P2 built-in antenna, FX-ANT-P3 notebook PC
antenna, and FX-ANT-P4 desktop PC antennas are available.

FX-ANT-P3 FX-ANT-P4FX-ANT-P2

14

Figure 2.8. Option Antenna for User Units

FX-DS110-APE

About FLEXLAN-DS110 Series

3. About FLEXLAN-DS110 Series

This chapter describes the features and main functions of the
FLEXLAN-DS110 series wireless LAN system, the operating
modes of the FX-DS110-APE, and example network configurations
for each operating mode.

Features of the FLEXLAN-DS110 Series

The FLEXLAN-DS110 series are wireless LAN devices that
operate in the 2.4GHz band using spread-spectrum transmission.
The features are as follows.

IEEE 802.11b(11Mbps) compliant, 2.4GHz band wireless LAN

This product is a wireless LAN device operating in the 2.4GHz
band, which can be used with no license. It complies with the
IEEE 802.11b wireless LAN standard.

Direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) offering good noise
immunity

The product employs direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS),
enabling stable communication not susceptible to noise. It also
has a feature of avoiding easy interception of radio waves.

Three types of user unit interface are available: PC card, ISA
bus, and PCI bus

Access point FX-DS110-APE providing advanced features

The FX-DS110-APE provides advanced features. It allows for a
variety of forms of operation and is best suited even for a large­scale network.

Easy setup from within a web browser

Since the FX-DS110-PCC has a web server, you can set and
manage it easily over the LAN using your favorite web browser.

SNMP installed

The product is SNMP compliant, supporting MIB II and private MIB.

FX-DS110-APE

15

About FLEXLAN-DS110 Series

IP tunneling function

The product enables communication without changing settings even
for roaming after moving to a segment different in IP over beyond
the router.

Multi-channel correspondence

Supports multi-channel operation. The channel settings can be
changed to separate each network group.

Number of units

Each master AP can manage a maximum of 256 APs (including the
master AP).
Each AP can connect to a maximum of 254 UU/STs at one time.
An AP can manage a maximum of 2048 UU/STs including
tunneling UU/STs.

16

FX-DS110-APE

Roaming Function

The roaming function maintains the connection to the LAN by
automatically changing the access point to which the user unit is
connected when the unit moves. If access points are positioned so
as to cover the entire area where the wireless LAN is to be available,
the user unit can be used from anywhere.

When the operation mode of a FLEXLAN-DS110 user unit is
“Infrastructure”, it is designed to continuously monitor the AP
(access point) signal strength and change to the AP that provides
the most reliable communications.

In the following example, the signals from the APs do not cover the
entire range in which the mobile station U1 moves and therefore the
connection to the wired LAN is lost when U1 is in position (2).

U1

OK

①

POWER

AP1

ON
OFF

About FLEXLAN-DS110 Series

10/100M

MGMT

1MODEM/TERMINAL
2RSSI

WLINK

LINK/ACT

3CHANNEL1
4CHANNEL2

WTX/WRX

FDX/COL

5INIT

10/100M

MGMT

1MODEM/TERMINAL
2RSSI

WLINK

LINK/ACT

3CHANNEL1

POWER

ON

4CHANNEL2

WTX/WRX

OFF

FDX/COL

5INIT

ST1

U1

NG

②

POWER

U1

OK

③

Figure 3.1. Roaming Function 1

FX-DS110-APE

10/100M

MGMT

1MODEM/TERMINAL
2RSSI

WLINK

LINK/ACT

3CHANNEL1

POWER

ON

4CHANNEL2

WTX/WRX

OFF

FDX/COL

5INIT

ST2

10/100M

MGMT

1MODEM/TERMINAL
2RSSI

WLINK

LINK/ACT

3CHANNEL1

ON

4CHANNEL2

AP3

WTX/WRX

OFF

FDX/COL

5INIT

17

About FLEXLAN-DS110 Series

With the addition of an extra AP, however, the mobile station can
now continue communications seamlessly.

U1

OK

①

AP2

POWER

ON
OFF

U1

OK

②

AP1

10/100M

MGMT

1MODEM/TERMINAL
2RSSI

WLINKON

LINK/ACT

3CHANNEL1

POWER

4CHANNEL2

OFF

WTX/WRX

FDX/COL

5INIT

10/100M

MGMT

1MODEM/TERMINAL
2RSSI

WLINK

LINK/ACT

3CHANNEL1

POWER

ON

4CHANNEL2

WTX/WRX

OFF

FDX/COL

5INIT

ST1

10/100M

MGMT

1MODEM/TERMINAL
2RSSI

WLINK

LINK/ACT

3CHANNEL1
4CHANNEL2

WTX/WRX

FDX/COL

5INIT

POWER

OFF

10/100M

MGMT

1MODEM/TERMINAL
2RSSI

WLINKON

LINK/ACT

3CHANNEL1

POWER

4CHANNEL2

OFF

WTX/WRX

FDX/COL

5INIT

ST2

MGMT

10/100M

1MODEM/TERMINAL
2RSSI

WLINKON

LINK/ACT

3CHANNEL1
4CHANNEL2

WTX/WRX

FDX/COL

5INIT

AP3

U1

OK

③

18

Figure 3.2. Roaming Function 2

Note

Roaming can only be used in standard mode and interconnection
mode.
Refer to the “Operating Mode Descriptions” section in this chapter
for more details about the operating modes.

FX-DS110-APE

IP Tunneling Function

In TCP/IP, packets belonging to different network groups cannot
normally be used. However, a technique called tunneling or IP
tunnel technology can be used to temporarily modify packets
belonging to different network groups so that they can be used.
This technique can enable user units to communicate with the wired
LAN as usual even when connected via an AP from a different
network group.

The following example shows how user unit U1, which belongs to
network group A, can connect via a router to terminal PC1, also in
network group A, despite U1 being connected to the LAN via AP2
which belongs to network group B.

About FLEXLAN-DS110 Series

Network A

A

1MODEM/TERMINAL
2RSSI
3CHANNEL1

POWER

ON

4CHANNEL2

OFF

5INIT

AP1 AP2

Router

10/100M

MGMT
WLINK

LINK/ACT

WTX/WRX

FDX/COL

PC1

Roaming beyond router

A

Moves

U1

Figure 3.3. IP Tunneling Function

Network B

10/100M

MGMT

1MODEM/TERMINAL
2RSSI

WLINK

3CHANNEL1

LINK/ACT

POWER

ON

4CHANNEL2

WTX/WRX

OFF

FDX/COL

5INIT

A

U1

FX-DS110-APE

19