EXTRICOM WLAN SYSTEM
USER GUIDE
EXSW800
EXSW-1200
EXSW-2400
EXRP-20
EXRP-40
EXRP-20E
EXRP-40E
EXSW-1600
EXSW-8000
Version 3.1.24
Copyright
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any
form or by any means, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written consent of
Extricom Ltd. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained
herein.
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this publication, Extricom Ltd. assumes
no responsibility for errors or omissions. The information contained in this publication and features
described herein are subject to change without notice. Extricom Ltd. reserves the right at any time
and without notice, to make changes in the product.
Copyright © 2007 Extricom Ltd. All rights reserved 312401. The products described herein are
protected by U.S. Patents and may be protected by other foreign patents, or pending applications.
Important Notice:
Read this user manual and safety instructions before installing and operating the
Extricom WLAN system.
Disclaimer
Extricom makes no representations or warranties, whether express or implied, that the
Extricom wireless local area network (WLAN) system or any component thereof shall meet
the purchaser’s operating requirements or that system operation will be uninterrupted or
error-free. All WLANs, including the Extricom WLAN system, can potentially be affected by
outside sources of interference such as other broadcasting devices, radiation, device immunity
level, and other external sources of interference.
Declaration of Conformity
Manufacturer’s Name: Extricom Ltd.
Declares under our sole responsibility that the products:
Product Names: Extricom EXSW800, EXSW-1200, EXSW-2400 , EXSW-8000
Conform(s) to the following standard(s) or other normative document(s):
EMC: FCC Part 15 Class B
EN 300386
VCCI V-3/2001.04
ANATEL Resolution 237
Safety: EN 60950-1
UL 60950-1
IEC 60950-1
ANATEL Resolution 238
Environmental: EU Directive 2002/95/EC of January 27, 2003, on the Restriction of the Use of
Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS)
The Extricom WLAN System User Guide i
Manufacturer’s Name: Extricom Ltd.
Declares under our sole responsibility that the product:
Product Name: Extricom EXRP-, EXRP-40 , EXRP-20E , EXRP-40E
Conforms to the following standard(s) or other normative document(s):
EMC: FCC Part 15 Class B
EN 301489
VCCI V-3/2001.04.
Radio: FCC Part 15 C
FCC Part 15 E
EN 300328
EN 301893
Japan Type Certificate: Article 2, clause 1
ANTEL Resolution 365
Safety: EN 60950-1
UL 60950-1
IEC 60950-1
Environmental: EU Directive 2002/95/EC of January 27, 2003, on the Restriction of the Use of
Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS)
Note: This equipment has been tested ad found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation.
This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the Following
measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
ii Declaration of Conformity
This equipment has been approved for mobile applications where the equipment is
to be used at distances greater than 20cm from the human body (with the exception
of hands, wrists, feet and ankles). Operation at distances of less than 20 cm is
strictly prohibited.
!
Changes or modification to equipment not expressly approved by Extricom LTD
are strictly prohibited and could void the user's license to operate the equipment.
The Extricom WLAN System User Guide iii
Table of Contents
About This Guide..................................................................................................1
Audience..........................................................................................................................1
Conventions..................................................................................................................... 1
Safety Precautions ...........................................................................................................1
Chapter 1 Introduction to the Extricom Wireless LAN System ........................................3
Overview of the Extricom WLAN System .....................................................................3
Features and Benefits ......................................................................................................5
Overview of the Extricom Switches................................................................................7
Overview of the Extricom Access Point .......................................................................10
A Typical Extricom Wireless Network Topology.........................................................13
Chapter 2 Installing the Extricom WLAN System ............................................................15
Unpacking the Extricom WLAN System ......................................................................15
Additional Equipment Needed ......................................................................................15
Determining the Location of the Extricom Access Points ............................................16
The Extricom EXSW800/1200/2400 Switch ................................................................16
Extricom EXRP-20/40 Access Points ...........................................................................19
Connecting the Switch and Access Points.....................................................................22
Mounting the Access Points (Optional) ........................................................................22
Chapter 3 Configuring the Extricom WLAN System .......................................................23
Using the Extricom Web Configuration Pages..............................................................24
Configuring the LAN Parameters..................................................................................26
Configuring WLAN Parameters....................................................................................28
Configuring SSIDs ........................................................................................................32
Configuring Security Definitions ..................................................................................37
Advanced Configuration of the Extricom WLAN Architecture....................................41
Advanced Tab.............................................................................................................41
Rogue Tab................................................................................................................... 45
IDS Tab....................................................................................................................... 47
Centralized Configuration Settings ...............................................................................49
iv Table of Contents
Access Point Powering..................................................................................................51
Configuration of the Extricom WLAN Architecture Utilities....................................... 53
Viewing the System Configuration File .....................................................................54
Configuration File Backup..........................................................................................54
Uploading a New Configuration File..........................................................................55
Restoring System Defaults..........................................................................................55
Upgrading the Extricom Firmware.............................................................................55
Rebooting the Extricom Switch..................................................................................56
Reconfigure Switch - Smart Configuration ................................................................56
Setting the Time and Date...........................................................................................56
Setting Passwords in the Extricom Switch.................................................................... 58
Viewing Reports and Events Log..................................................................................58
Viewing a Summary of the Updated Configuration......................................................59
Viewing Extricom Information .....................................................................................61
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................63
Appendix A Specifications...................................................................................................... 65
Extricom Switch Specifications ....................................................................................65
Extricom Access Point Specifications...........................................................................67
Appendix B Access Point Mounting Template..................................................................... 70
The Extricom WLAN System User Guide v
About This Guide
This guide provides detailed instructions for installing, configuring, and troubleshooting the
Extricom EXSW800/1200/2400 WLAN switches and Extricom EXRP-20/40 UltraThin™ Access
Point (AP).
Audience
This guide is intended for enterprise IT managers and system installers who are familiar with
installing and configuring networks.
Conventions
This is a note. It provides additional information to users.
This is a caution. A caution warns of possible damage to the equipment if a
-
procedure is not followed correctly.
A warning alerts you to important operating instructions.
!
Safety Precautions
Follow the instructions in the guide to ensure proper installation and operation of the switch and
APs.
The use of wireless devices is limited to the constraints imposed by local laws.
!
Operate the switch and APs in an indoor environment.
Disconnect the switch and APs from power sources before servicing.
The Extricom WLAN System User Guide 1
The switch and AP enclosure must not be opened by anyone other than an authorized
service representative.
To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, maintain a minimal separation
distance of at least 20 cm/8 inches between the AP and all persons.
The switch contains an internal battery.
Note that with EXSW-8000, the SFP modules are not shipped with product. You must use
class 1 laser compliant with CDRH and/or EN 60825-1 See Appendix A for approved
modules
Always replace the battery with the same type to avoid the risk of explosion.
!
Dispose of used battery according to the instructions provided with the new battery.
2 Introduction to the Extricom Wireless LAN System
Chapter 1
Introduction to the Extricom Wireless
LAN System
A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) based on the IEEE 802.11 standard enables laptops,
PDAs, phones, and other “Wi-Fi” equipped devices to wirelessly connect to the enterprise network.
However, large scale deployments of traditional cell-based WLANs, in which each access point
(AP) operates on a different channel than that of adjacent APs, have been hindered by issues such as
poor coverage, low capacity, high-latency mobility, and expensive interference analysis or site
survey and maintenance costs.
Extricom’s WLAN, on the other hand, is a completely new solution. Referred to as the InterferenceFree™ architecture, it eliminates the coverage and capacity trade-offs of traditional cell-based
WLAN architecture. In addition, the need for cell planning and interference analysis, a highly
expensive aspect of owning a WLAN, is also eliminated. Finally, Extricom’s innovative approach
does away with most WLAN maintenance tasks. Extricom’s WLAN System is specifically designed
to provide increased network capacity, seamless mobility, high level of security, and easy
installation and configuration.
Overview of the Extricom WLAN System
The Extricom WLAN consists of a wireless switch (EXSW800/1200/2400) connected to a set of
UltraThin™ APs (EXRP-20/40). The Extricom WLAN system eliminates the concept of cellplanning and replaces it with the “channel blanket” topology. In this topology, each Wi-Fi radio
channel is used on every access point to create continuous “blankets” of coverage. By using multiradio APs, the Extricom system is able to create multiple overlapping channel blankets from the
same physical set of devices, as illustrated in Figure 1.
The Extricom WLAN System User Guide 3
Figure 1. Two Channel Blanket Coverage
The Extricom solution is based on a fully centralized WLAN architecture, in which the switch
makes all of the decisions for packet delivery on the wireless network. In this configuration, the
access points (APs) simply function as radios, with no software, storage capability, or IP address.
Even the basics of connecting are different: clients associate directly with the switch, not with the
AP. The AP acts as an “RF conduit” to rapidly funnel traffic between the clients and the switch. The
Extricom architecture has essentially centralized the 802.11 logic in the switch, while distributing
the wireless electronics in the APs.
Centralization of the Wi-Fi environment enables enterprises to deploy 802.11a/b/g channels at every
AP, creating multiple overlapping “channel blankets” that leverage each of the radios in the multiradio UltraThin AP. Each channel’s bandwidth is delivered across the blanket’s service area (i.e. the
combined coverage of all APs connected to the switch), with interference-free operation and
consistent capacity throughout.
As the client moves throughout the blanket, different APs will be in the best position to serve the
client at different times. The switch always uses the uplink and downlink path that is optimal to
serve the client. While this is going on “behind the scenes,” the client never experiences an AP-toAP handoff (i.e. de-association and re-association), resulting in seamless mobility.
Within each channel blanket, the switch avoids co-channel interference by permitting multiple APs
to simultaneously transmit on the same channel only if they won’t interfere with each other. This is
the essence of the TrueReuse™ functionality.
4 Introduction to the Extricom Wireless LAN System
Features and Benefits
Extricom’s WLAN system solution offers the following features:
Ease of deployment - No cell planning
Extricom’s architecture requires no cell planning and experiences no constraints due to RF
interference or channelization. Consequently, Extricom APs can be deployed wherever needed,
in any density or even varying density, to meet the desired end-client service level (stipulated in
terms of connection rate). The traditional site survey is therefore reduced to just physical
equipment installation planning.
Multi-Layer WLAN
Using multiple radio Access Points, a single set of APs enables deployment of multiple highdata-rate channel blankets with overlapping coverage, resulting in multiplied aggregate
capacity. Separate channel blankets also offer the unique ability to guarantee Quality of Service
by physically segregating different user types, traffic, and roles onto different channels.
Same band operation
The Extricom WLAN system enables two WLAN channels, in the same band (e.g. Channel 1
and 6 in 2.4 GHz), to be simultaneously used within the same AP, to form overlapping channel
blankets using the same physical set of APs.
TrueReuse bandwidth
TrueReuse technology multiplies the bandwidth of a standard 802.11 channel by dynamically
optimizing the reuse of each frequency. Within a channel blanket, up to three APs are permitted
to simultaneously transmit on the same channel, when the TrueReuse algorithm determines that
they can do this without causing each other co-channel interference.
Zero-latency mobility
In an Extricom WLAN, wireless device remains on the same channel everywhere within the
channel blanket. Inter-AP handoffs delays or packet loss do not occur as the client moves across
the range of different APs.
WiFi collaboration
Extricom’s patented WiFi Collaboration technology in which all APs are able to receive on the
same channel, provides uplink path diversity for client transmissions, making the system highly
resistant to RF instabilities and outside interference.
Dense AP deployment
In an Extricom WLAN, APs can be deployed in any density convenient to the enterprise, to
achieve both blanket coverage and a guaranteed communications rate to all users. In fact, while
cell-based solutions shy away from dense deployments because of their inherent RF obstacles,
Extricom’s system performance actually increases with AP density.
Wire-line quality VoWLAN
Extricom’s Interference-Free architecture is perfectly suited for VoWLAN providing
zero-latency mobility, voice and data separation, reduced power consumption, and high RF
resiliency, all together resulting in superior voice performance.
The Extricom WLAN System User Guide 5
IEEE 802.11i support
Extricom’s products support WEP-64, WEP-128, WPA-TKIP, WPA2-AES (CCMP)
encryption. The authentication modes supported include: RADIUS (802.1x) and WPA
Pre-Shared Key (PSK).
Power save
Full power conservation management is enabled for associated mobile devices over unicast,
multicast, and broadcast frames. For multicast and broadcast frames, the DTIM (Delivery
Traffic Indicator Message) period is configurable.
Centralized configuration
New switches are added to the network via a single Web interface either manually by the user,
or automatically using an Extricom protocol.
System redundancy
Extricom enables full redundancy by connecting two switches in parallel to different APs over
the same area. The switchover parameters are user-configurable, and the Active to Standby
switchover is seamless to the user.
SNMP
The Extricom system supports SNMP V2 based on standard and private MIBs, enabling the
user to configure the switch using SNMP Set operations, read switch status using SNMP Get
operation and determine the status of the system, including the status of APs and Redundancy
statuses using SNMP Traps.
Rogue AP Detection
The Extricom system supports Rogue AP detection and reporting without the need for
additional hardware. By using one radio in each of the multi-radio APs, the Extricom Rogue AP
solution delivers the benefits of a dedicated security sensor network, without the costs of such a
physical overlay.
Multiple RADIUS & RADIUS Redundancy
The Extricom system supports multiple RADIUS servers per ESSID, enabling the user to set
redundancy between these RADIUS servers.
Network Time Protocol (NTP)
The Extricom system supports synchronization of the system clock over the network, thereby
ensuring accurate local time keeping with reference to radio and atomic clocks located on the
Intranet and/or Internet.
Fast Handoff (Opportunistic Key Caching)
WLAN clients roaming between APs of the same channel blanket within a single switch’s
coverage area will experience Zero-latency mobility . Clients roaming between different
Extricom WLAN switches are subject to the 802.11i handoff mechanism. In addition to this, the
Extricom system speeds up 802.11i handoff between Extricom switches by use of Extricom’s
inter-switch protocol. This technique enables the client to avoid repetitive 802.1x
authentications, thereby enabling faster transition between Access Points connected to different
switches with minimal session interruption.
6 Introduction to the Extricom Wireless LAN System
Overview of the Extricom Switches
The Extricom EXSW800, EXSW-1200, the EXSW-2400 and the EXSW-8000 switches provide
central control and configuration of the WLAN. The switches implement the Interference-Free
architecture in the Extricom WLAN. The WLAN switches are connected to EXRP-20 or the EXRP40 a APs to form an Extricom WLAN.
The EXSW800 switch can connect to up to 8 EXRP-20 APs each with two 802.11a/b/g radios,
supporting two channel blankets.
The EXSW-8000, the Mega switch is introduced to extend WLAN radio access provided by the
EXSW-2400 and EXSW-1200. It posses 8 Copper downlink ports to connect
to 8 EXSW-2400/1200 switches and is able to push over 1GE Ethernet using 2 GE ports (two
copper or fiber) .
The EXSW-1600 is GBE based edge switch, it can connect up to 16 GBE based Access Points and
support 802.11a/b/g/n . It posses 16 Copper downlink ports to connect 16 EXRP-30n/40En and is
able to push over 1GE Ethernet using 2 GE ports (two copper or fiber).
It posses 16 WALN GBE PoE ports and two combo port Copper/Fiber
The EXSW-1200 and EXSW-2400 can connect to EXRP-20 or EXRP-40 APs; he EXSW-1200 can
connect to 12 APs and the EXSW-2400 switch can connect up to 24 APs. each with two or four
802.11a/b/g radios, supporting two or four channel blankets.
Figure 2. Extricom EXSW-2400 Switch
The Extricom WLAN System User Guide 7
Figure 3. Extricom EXSW-1200 Switch
Figure 4. Extricom EXSW800 Switch
Figure 5. Extricom EXSW-8000 Switch
The EXSW-8000 switch (The Mega switch) aim is to allow Radio “blanket extension” , the
EXW-8000 has 8 GE copper ports and s able to aggregate up to 8 EXSW-1200 or EXSW-2400
switches and provide coverage for up to 96 Extricom’s AP .
8 Introduction to the Extricom Wireless LAN System
6. Extricom EXSW-1600 Switch
The EXSW-1600 switch is a GBE based switch, it shall support existing Access points and new
planned 802.11n Access points, the EXW-1600 posses 16 GbE copper PoE ports and is able to
aggregate up to 16 Access points.
Note that with EXSW-8000/1600, the SFP modules are not shipped with product.
Configuring a switch and its associated set of APs is as simple as configuring a single traditional
AP, greatly reducing the effort required to deploy and maintain the WLAN.The minimal
configuration required for the switch is done via a dedicated secured Web interface.
You must use class 1 laser compliant with CDRH snd/or EN 60825-1
See Appendix A for approved modules
The Extricom EXSW-1200 is derived from the EXSW-2400 , with the same
hardware and software. The only difference between the two models is the number
-
of WLAN ports supported.
The Extricom WLAN System User Guide 9
Overview of the Extricom Access Point
• The Extricom access points are for indoor usage only.
• The maximum antenna gain is 4dBi
• Single Extricom Access Point includes multiple WLAN Radio modules; each
Radio module is independent, it is configured separately and serves different set
Internal antenna access points
Extricom’s EXRP-20 and EXRP-40 UltraThin APs are high-bandwidth devices, containing standard
802.11 radios. The EXRP-20 contains two radios while the EXRP-40 contains four radios.
of clients. There is no relation between transmissions on different Radio
modules, hence :
o Same information can not be transmitted over separated Radio modules
o Radio modules can not transmit simultaneously over the same radio
channel
o Client can transmit and receive data through one Radio module.
Since the APs have no software, they require no configuration. This makes them fully
interchangeable, enabling truly plug-and-play installation. If stolen, the APs do not pose a security
risk, since all encryption is performed in the switch.
With all intelligence residing in the WLAN switch, APs may be placed as close together as
necessary to provide high-quality, high-speed connectivity from all locations within the enterprise.
APs are connected to the Extricom WLAN Switch via standard Cat5e/6 cables. Since the APs are
powered by the standard 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE), only a single Cat5e/6 cable connection
is required to support two simultaneous radios.
Figure 7. Extricom EXRP-20 AP
10 Introduction to the Extricom Wireless LAN System
Figure 8 Extricom EXRP-40 AP
Plenum Rated External Antenna Access points
FCC Safety Compliance Statement
When used with approved Extricom antennas, this product meets the uncontrolled
Some applications may require an external antenna access point, for this purpose Extricom introduce a
new Access point based on the same Hardware as the EXRP-20/EXRP-40 but with external antennas.
Extricom defined the EXRP-xxE access point series, EXRP-20E , two radio access point with Four
external antenna connectors (parallel to EXRP-20) , the EXRP-40E Four radio access point with Eight
external antenna connectors (parallel to EXRP-40) .
Exactly as internal antennas APs , the external antenna APs are connected to the Extricom WLAN Switch
via standard Cat5e/6 cables. The APs are powered by the standard 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE), but
could also be powered up by an external power supply as defined by the internal antennas APs.
The External antenna connecter is RP (reverse polarity female –U.fi SMA), users can buy Rubber duck
4dbi 2.4/5Ghz dual band antennas with right connectors and connect it to the APs.
environmental limits found in OET-65 . Proper installation of this radio according to
the instructions found in this manual will result in user exposure that is substantially
below the FCC recommended limits
The Extricom WLAN System User Guide 11
The AP is IEEE 802.11n future ready and could be equipped with up to 12 External antennas , in fact, the
same hardware can be used for 2 radio AP where only 4 connectors will be provided, 4 Radio where 8
connectors will be provided. Two 802.11n radio AP with 6 connectors and four 802.11n Radio AP with 12
connectors.
With EXRP-20E/40E - Use only xPVC or similar jacket cable which is NEC Article
!
725 and 444 Compliant and plenum rated per NFPA 262 (UL 910) standard
12 Introduction to the Extricom Wireless LAN System
A Typical Extricom Wireless Network Topology
An Extricom WLAN switch is connected to the wired LAN, and the APs distributed throughout the
enterprise. Figure 9 shows a typical Extricom enterprise topology, consisting of an Extricom switch
and eight APs.
Extricom uses standard WLAN protocols (IEEE 802.11). As a result, any 802.11a/b/g standard
wireless device can work seamlessly with the Extricom system.
The Extricom WLAN System User Guide 13
Figure 9. Typical Extricom Typology
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