Contec FX-DS110-APL User Manual

FX-DS110-APL

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-APL i

Product Configuration

- FX-DS110-APL …1

- AC Adapter with 1.8m cable …1

- Cross cable(1.5m) …1

- Tapping screws (for mounting on wall, etc.) …2

- Locking screw (for connecting to ground wire) …1

- Magnets (for mounting on metallic surfaces) …2

- Rubber feet …4

- Floppy disk …1

- User’s Manual (this booklet)…1

- Installation Guide …1

RX

LINK

WRX

WLINK

POWER

Cross cable (1.5m) x 1

FX-DS110-APL

User's Manual

User's Manual

AC Adapter x 1

Installation
Guide

Floppy disk x 1

Magnet x 2

Tapping screw x 2

Rubber feet x 4

Locking screw x 1

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.

FX-DS110-APLii

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

Limited One-Year Warranty.........................................3

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

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

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

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

Precautions Related to Service ....................................5

About the Manual.........................................................6

2. Overview.................................................................. 7

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

LED Indicators..................................................................8

DIP Switches.....................................................................9

Multi-channel Operation................................................10

3. Operating Mode Descriptions................................... 13

ADHOC (Simple Mode)...................................................13

Infrastructure (Standard Mode / Compatible Mode).......14

Operating Modes and Communications.........................15

4. Setup ..................................................................... 17

Wall Installation .............................................................17

Using the Mounting Screws (Included).....................17

Using the Magnets (Included)....................................18

Table Top Installation.....................................................20

Cable Installation ...........................................................20

Power Supply Connection...............................................21

Ground Connection.........................................................22

FX-DS110-APL iii

5. Settings ................................................................. 23

Preparing the Utility Software.......................................23

Utility Software Settings................................................24

Node Registration.......................................................25

Configuration..............................................................26

Base .............................................................................27

Wireless.......................................................................27

SNMP ..........................................................................30

Spanning Tree.............................................................31

File Management........................................................32

Status ..........................................................................33

Environment...............................................................34

Interfaces.....................................................................35

Wireless Node..............................................................36

Bridge..........................................................................37

Spanning Tree.............................................................38

Wireless Counter.........................................................39

To Register or Set Up a New Access Point.....................40

To Edit Settings for an Existing Access Point...............40

To Use Data scramble Functions for Better Security ...41

To Use SNMP Agent Functions......................................41

To Use Spanning Tree.....................................................42

To Access the APL from a Different Router...................42

6. Spanning Tree Algorithms (STA).............................. 43

What is an STA?..............................................................43

STA Parameters..............................................................44

Bridge Level................................................................44

Port Level....................................................................46

Sample STA Application .................................................47

7. SNMP Agent Functions ........................................... 51

SNMPc Overview............................................................51

MIB Support....................................................................52

Control Using SNMPc.....................................................53

Building-in to SNMPc.....................................................54

FX-DS110-APLiv

MIB Database Updates...................................................54

8. Troubleshooting...................................................... 55

When Communication Fails.......................................55

When SNMP Connections Fail...................................56

When the APL Will Not Start.....................................57

9. Appendix................................................................ 59

Product Specifications.....................................................59

Input/Output Interface...................................................61

UTP Port Pin Assignments.........................................61

Glossary...........................................................................62

10. Index.................................................................... 65

FX-DS110-APL v

List of Figures

Figure 2.1. Component Locations............................................... 7

Figure 2.2. Multi-channel Operation......................................... 10

Figure 2.3. Channel Frequencies ............................................... 11

Figure 3.1. ADHOC Mode ....................................................... 13

Figure 3.2. Infrastructure Mode................................................ 14

Figure 4.1. Wall Installation..................................................... 17

Figure 4.2. Attaching Magnets Figure 4.3. Removing Magnets 18

Figure 4.4. Installation on a Steel Desk.................................... 19

Figure 4.5. Cable Connection................................................... 20

Figure 4.6. Power Supply Connection...................................... 21

Figure 4.7. Ground Connection................................................ 22

Figure 5.1. Main Menu ............................................................. 24

Figure 5.2. Node Registration................................................... 25

Figure 5.3. Configuration (Base).............................................. 27

Figure 5.4. Configuration (Wireless) ........................................ 28

Figure 5.5. Configuration (SNMP)........................................... 30

Figure 5.6. Configuration (Spanning Tree)............................... 31

Figure 5.7. File Management.................................................... 32

Figure 5.8. Status (Environment).............................................. 34

Figure 5.9. Status (Interfaces) ................................................... 35

Figure 5.10. Status (Wireless Node)........................................... 36

Figure 5.11. Status (Bridge) ....................................................... 37

Figure 5.12. Status (Spanning Tree) ........................................... 38

Figure 5.13. Status (Wireless Counter)....................................... 39

FX-DS110-APLvi

Figure 6.1. Sample STA Application........................................ 47

Figure 6.2. After STA Application............................................ 48

Figure 6.3. Reconfigured After STA Application..................... 49

Figure 7.1. Settings................................................................... 53

Figure 9.1. External Dimensions .............................................. 60

List of Tables

Table 2.1. ADHOC (Simple Mode) ............................................. 8

Table 2.2. Infrastructure (Standard Mode) / (Compatible

Mode) [Unit Type AP].............................................. 8

Table 2.3. Infrastructure (Standard Mode) / (Compatible

Mode) [Unit Type Station]........................................ 8

Table 2.4. Other........................................................................... 9

Table 2.5. DIP Switches .............................................................. 9

Table 3.1. Operating Modes and Communications..................... 15

Table 7.1. Group Names............................................................ 52

Table 9.1. Physical Specifications.............................................. 59

Table 9.2. Software Specifications ............................................. 59

Table 9.3. Installation Environment Conditions (Environment

Specifications)........................................................ 59

Table 9.4. UTP Port Pin Assignments........................................ 61

FX-DS110-APL vii

FX-DS110-APLviii

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the FX-DS110-APL 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.
The FX-DS110-APL is designed for use as an access point as well

as a station (Ethernet wireless converter). It is independent of
operating systems or protocols, so that it can be connected by UTP
cable to any Ethernet-compatible desktop computer, workstation,
point-of-sale terminal, printer, etc. for immediate wireless LAN use.
This product can also enable wireless communications from any PC
previously unsuitable for wireless communications due to lack of a
PC card slot or expansion bus slot.

Of course the FX-DS110-APL also operates as an access point,
allowing the user to configure a small wireless LAN system using
the product by itself.

This document explains how to use the FX-DS110-APL. Be sure to
read it carefully so that you can use the product correctly.

Introduction

Features

- Ultra-compact antenna (micro access point)
Space-saving design allows installation anywhere (wall, magnet,
desktop)

- Operates as a LAN station

- Optional power supply from LAN cable
Uses compact, lightweight AC adapter.

- Full range of functions (roaming, 11 or 13-channel support)

- Automatic transmission speed (wireless) switching
Automatically switches transmission speeds from 11Mbps to

5.5Mbps, 2Mbps, 1Mbps according to conditions.

- Built-in SNMP agent
Uses SNMP compatible software for easy network management.

- Can be used with higher level model FX-DS110-APE.

FX-DS110-APL 1

Introduction

Terminology/Abbreviations

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

Full term Term used in this manual

FX-DS110-APL Access point/AP/APL
FX-DS110-APL or a device User unit /
containing the above Wireless terminal
Personal computer PC

FX-DS110-APL2

Limited One-Year Warranty

CONTEC Interface boards are warranted by CONTEC Co., LTD. to
be free from defects in material and workmanship for up to one year
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-APL 3

Introduction

Handling Precautions

Take the following precautions when handling this board.

- 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.

FX-DS110-APL4

Precautions Related to Service

Clean the FX-DS110-APL 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.

Notes!

- The unauthorized reproduction of this document, in whole or in

part, is prohibited.

- The specifications, designs, and other contents of this document

are subject to change without notice.

- The contents of this document are believed to be accurate,

however if any discrepancies noted should be brought to the
attention of the store where this product was purchased.

- Notwithstanding the foregoing, the manufacturer is unable to

accept any claims for losses or lost profits, etc. Resulting from
the use of this product.

- MS, Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, and MS-DOS are

registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in
the U.S.A. and other countries.
Netscape Navigator is a registered trademark of Netscape
Communications.
Other names of companies and products used in this document
trademarks or registered trademarks of the related companies.
This document does not use the symbols ™ , ® , © etc.

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.

FX-DS110-APL 5

Introduction

About the Manual

This manual consists of the following chapters:
Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Overview

Chapter 3 Operating Modes

Chapter 4 Placement

Chapter 5 Setting Up

Chapter 6 Spanning Tree Algorithm

Chapter 7 SNMP Agent Functions

Chapter 8 Troubleshooting

Chapter 9 Appendix

Chapter 10 Index

FX-DS110-APL6

2. Overview

Component Locations

Overview

Front

RX

LINK

WRX

WLINK

LED

Ground
terminal

Power
supply plug

DIP switches UTP connector

Caution Do not obstruct the ventilation slots.

This can cause heat buildup which can lead to damage or failure.

POWER

DC/UTP

Power supply switch

UTP

Side

Ventilation Slits

Figure 2.1. Component Locations
LED Indicators

The five LED indicators indicate the sending /receiving status of the
wireless or wired LAN, power supply, LAN connection status, etc.

DIP Switches

The DIP switches are used for initialization, unit type selection, and
operating mode selection.

Power Supply Switch

Selects power supply from the AC adapter, or a UTP cable (requires
the POW-CB10, sold separately).

FX-DS110-APL 7

Overview

LED Indicators

Table 2.1. ADHOC (Simple Mode)

Name Status Indicator

POWER

WLINK On Operating
WRX Flashing Receiving wireless LAN data
LINK On Wire LAN connection normal
RX Flashing Receiving wire LAN data

Table 2.2. Infrastructure (Standard Mode ) /

(Compatible Mode) [Unit Type AP]

Name Status Indicator

POWER

WLINK On Wireless LAN connection normal
WRX Flashing Receiving wireless LAN data
LINK On Wire LAN link connection normal
RX Flashing Receiving wire LAN data

Flashing Startup, or startup error
On Operating

Flashing Startup, or startup error
On Operating

Table 2.3. Infrastructure (Standard Mode ) /

(Compatible Mode) [Unit Type Station]

Name Status Indicator

POWER

WLINK On Wireless LAN connection normal
WRX Flashing Receiving wireless LAN data
LINK On Wire LAN link connection normal
RX Flashing Receiving wire LAN data

Flashing Startup, or startup error
On Operating

FX-DS110-APL8

Table 2.4. Other

AP…

Name Status Indicator

POWER

POWER
WLINK
WRX

DIP Switches

The DIP switches are used to make AP settings.
The default setting for the utility software gives priority to the DIP

switch settings. The factory setting for all DIP switches is OFF.
At the factory, the unit is set to ADHOC Mode. The unit can be

used with the factory settings, by setting only the DIP switches.
However, security is not assured.

Table 2.5. DIP Switches

INIT _1

IP

2

LESS

3 AP

4

INFRA

All switches are set to OFF at factory.

Flashing 2 times Initialization error
Flashing 3 times Firmware writing error

OFF

_

ST

ADHOC

All flashing
at the same time

Used to initialize APs.
When this switch is turned on, the POWER, WLNK, and
WRX LED will start flashing.
If this switch is turned off while the LED's are flashing
(about 3 seconds), then all AP settings will be restored to default
values after the next startup.

Before resetting or turning off the power, wait until the POWER,
WLINK, and WRX LEDs have stopped flashing and the unit has
returned to its state prior to initializing.

If this switch is on, the AP can operate without an IP address.
However the utility software cannot use the SNMP agent functions.
This switch sets the unit type.
It is valid when operating in infrastructure (standard mode).

Controls APs used on other user units or STs.
ST… Treated as a user unit (controlled by (logged in) AP).
This switch sets the mode.
INFRA… Selects infrastructure (standard mode).

ADHOC… Selects ADHOC (simple mode).

Firmware writing in progress

All wireless terminals communicate through unit type AP.

All terminal are paired, communicate only as paired units.

Overview

DescriptionON

FX-DS110-APL 9

Overview

Multi-channel Operation

By changing channels on adjacent access points, it is possible to
obtain higher throughput per wireless terminal than when is
channels are not changed, even when the number of wireless
terminals is increased.

The 2.4G ISH band (2400 to 2483.5 MHz) in which this product
operates is subdivided into 11 (FCC model) or 13 (CE model)
channels, numbered 1 to 11 or 13, by IEEE standard 802.11.
Because each frequency has sidebands around its central frequency,
sidebands on adjacent channels overlap. Overlapping frequencies
can adversely affect communications by interference with each
other's transmissions.

Refer to Figure 2.3 when selecting channels, to ensure that
frequency bands do not overlap.

The maximum number of channels that can be used simultaneously
without interference is four, by using a combination of channels 1, 6,

11. Channel numbers can be set from 1 to 11 using utility
software.

Two wireless terminals on the same network cannot use the same
frequency.

Network

RX

LINK

WRX
WLINK
POWER

AP1

Channel 1 Channel 6

RX

LINK

WRX
WLINK
POWER

RX
LINK
WRX

WLINK

POWER

RX

LINK

WRX

WLINK

POWER

AP2

RX

RX

LINK

LINK

WRX

WRX

WLINK

WLINK

POWER

POWER

RX
LINK

WRX

WLINK

POWER

RX

LINK

WRX
WLINK
POWER

Figure 2.2. Multi-channel Operation

FX-DS110-APL10

1234567891011

Center frequency

Channel

12

13

2412 2417 2422 24372427 2432 2442 2447 2452 2457 2462 2467 2472 2484

(13)

(12)

(11)

(10)

(9)

(8)

(7)

(6)

(5)

(4)

(3)

(2)

(1)

: Sideband frequency range for each channel

Figure 2.3. Channel Frequencies

Overview

(MHz)

FX-DS110-APL 11

Overview

FX-DS110-APL12

Operating Mode Descriptions

3. Operating Mode Descriptions

ADHOC (Simple Mode)

The following example shows a relatively small network configured
using ADHOC mode.

Network A

RX

LINK
WRX

WLINK

AH1

WLINK

POWER

POWER

RX

LINK

WRX

RX

LINK

WRX

WLINK

POWER

AH3

RX

LINK

WRX

WLINK

POWER

AH2

AH4

AH : Devices in ADHOC connection
FS : File server
: Wireless connection

FS

Network B

Figure 3.1. ADHOC Mode

In ADHOC (simple mode), all wireless devices are paired, and can
use wireless communication with the other device in the pair.
Lines can be duplicated using a spanning tree if bridges are
constructed using AP connections.

- Advantages
(1) Requires virtually no setup work to start.
(2) Can bridge multiple wired LAN's, allows duplication of lines.

- Disadvantages

Note!

(1) When the AP is a relay point the available communication

range is narrower than in infrastructure mode.

(2) Not suited to construction of large wireless LAN environments.

When configuring a wireless LAN in simple (ADHOC) mode, be
sure to place all wireless terminals within effective communication
range. If units are too far apart, communications can be hindered
by partitions or other obstacles causing some terminals to be
unreachable and reducing system throughput.

FX-DS110-APL 13

Operating Mode Descriptions

Infrastructure (Standard Mode / Compatible Mode)

This mode allows the use of multiple AP's to configure wide-area
wireless LAN's. All communication between wireless terminals
must go through an AP.

Figure 3.2. Infrastructure Mode

Note!

Roaming functions are supported, allowing log-in on any unit
type AP.

- Advantages
(1) Allows multiple AP's to be set up to configure wide-are

wireless LAN's.

(2) Allows log-in restrictions on unit type AP's (security function).

- Disadvantages
(1) All AP's must be IP controlled, requiring many settings.

When set as a station in Infrastructure (Compatible Mode), only
one PC can be connected via Ethernet.

FX-DS110-APL14