Extricom EXSW-400, EXSW-800, EXSW-800G, EXRP-30n, EXRP-40En User Manual

EXTRICOM WLAN SYSTEM USER GUIDE

EXSW-400/800
EXSW-1200/2400
MULTI SERIES 1000
EXRP-20/40/30N
EXRP-20E/40E/40EN

For System Firmware Release 4.2

Document Version 4.0

Important Notice

:

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 © 2010 Extricom Ltd. All rights reserved. The products described herein are protected
by U.S. Patents and may be protected by other foreign patents, or pending applications.

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Read this user manual, safety instructions, and the release notes for your switch
firmware, 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.

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o

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.

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Changes or modification to equipment not expressly approved by Extricom Ltd. is
strictly prohibited and could void the user's license to operate the equipment.

Extricom access points are for indoor use only.

• The maximum antenna gain is 4dBi

• An Extricom access point includes multiple WLAN radio modules; each radio

module is configured separately and serves a different set of clients. There is

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no relation between transmissions on different radio modules, hence :

o The same information cannot be transmitted over separate Radio

modules

o Radio modules cannot transmit simultaneously over the same radio

channel

Client can transmit and receive data through one Radio module.

Please check the release notes for your version of Extricom firmware, before
installing or operating the system. The relevant release notes supersede this user
guide.

The availability of some specific channels and/or operational frequency bands are country
dependent and the firmware programmed at the factory to match the intended destination. This
firmware setting is not accessible by the end user.

The Extricom WLAN System User Guide i

Federal Communication Commission and Industry Canada Interference Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC and IC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the
following measures:

• 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

FCC Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC & IC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:

1) This device may not cause harmful interference

2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

Important Note:

FCC and IC Radiation Exposure Statement

This equipment complies with FCC and IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 cm
between the radiator and your body.

This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter.

Operations in the 5.15-5.25 GHz band are restricted to indoor usage only, to reduce potential for
harmful interference to co-channel satellite systems.

The maximum antenna gain permitted (for devices in the 5725-5825 MHz band) must comply with
the e.i.r.p. limits specified for point-to-point and non point-to-point operation as appropriate, as
stated in section A9.2(3).

Sec. A9.2 (3): For the band 5725-5825 MHz, the maximum conducted output power shall not
exceed 1.0 W or 17 + 10 log10 B, dBm, whichever power is less. The power spectral density shall
not exceed 17 dBm in any 1.0 MHz band. The maximum e.i.r.p. shall not exceed 4.0 W or 23 + 10
log10 B, dBm, whichever power is less. B is the 99% emission bandwidth in MHz.

ii Disclaimer

Fixed point-to-point devices for this band are permitted up to 200 W e.i.r.p. by employing higher
gain antennas, but not higher transmitter output powers. Point-to-multipoint systems, omni­directional applications and multiple co-located transmitters transmitting the same information are
prohibited under this high e.i.r.p. category. However, remote stations of point-to-multipoint systems
shall be permitted to operate at the point-to-point e.i.r.p. limit provided that the higher e.i.r.p. is
achieved by employing higher gain directional antennas and not higher transmitter output powers.

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 ..................................................................................................4

Overview of the Extricom Switches .............................................................................7

Overview of the Multi Series 1000 Appliance Platform ...............................................9

Overview of the Extricom Access Points ................................................................... 11

Access Points with Internal Integrated Antennas ..................................................... 11

Access Points with Connectors for External Antennas ............................................. 12

A Typical Extricom Wireless Network Topology....................................................... 13

Switch Cascade (Multi Series 1000 Platform Only) ................................................. 14

Extricom Support for 802.11n.................................................................................... 15

Brief Overview of 802.11n ...................................................................................... 16

Chapter 2 Installing the Extricom WLAN System .......................................................... 19

Unpacking the Extricom WLAN System ................................................................... 19

Additional Equipment ............................................................................................... 19

Determining the Location of the Extricom Access Points ........................................... 20

EXSW-400/800/1200/2400/Multi Series 1000 Switch (EXSW-800G, EXSW-1600) .. 20

Extricom EXRP-20/20E/40/40E/30n/40En Access Points ......................................... 23

Connecting the Switch and Access Points .................................................................. 26

Mounting the Access Points (Optional) ...................................................................... 28

Chapter 3 Configuring the Extricom WLAN System ..................................................... 30

Accessing the Extricom Switch GUI .......................................................................... 30

When System Pop-up Windows Appear In Explorer 8 ............................................. 31

Using the Extricom Web Configuration Pages ........................................................... 31

Configuring LAN Parameters .................................................................................... 34

iv Table of Contents

Configuring WLAN Parameters................................................................................. 36

Configuring ESSIDs ............................................................................................... 36

Configuring WLAN Radios .................................................................................... 49

WLAN Wizard ......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

ESSID Assignment ................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Powering Access Points ............................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

System Tools Configuration ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

Applying Saved Changes .......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Rebooting the Switch ................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

Maintenance tab ........................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

Time & Date Setting ................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Setting Passwords for the Extricom Switch ............... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Upgrading Extricom Firmware .................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Upload a Switch Certificate and Key ......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Application.................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Advanced Configuration of the Extricom WLAN ........ Error! Bookmark not defined.

Configuring Redundancy .......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Configuring Rogue ................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Configuring Syslog & Monitor .................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Configuring SNMP ................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Centralized Configuration Tab .................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

IDS Tab .................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Portal Tab (Captive Portal)........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

Others Tab ................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

Viewing Events and Reports ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

Reports Window - Details ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Viewing an Overview of the Configuration .................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Chapter 4 Troubleshooting .................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Appendix A Internal Access Point Mounting Template.......... Error! Bookmark not defined.

The Extricom WLAN System User Guide v

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About This Guide

This guide provides detailed instructions for installing, configuring, and troubleshooting the
Extricom EXSW-400/800/1200/2400 and Multi Series 1000 WLAN switches and Extricom EXRP­20/40/30n and 20E/40E/40En UltraThin™ Access Points (APs).

This version of the user guide has been updated to include product changes up to and including
switch version 4.2.43.04.

Audience

This guide is intended for enterprise IT managers and system installers who are familiar with
installing and configuring networks.

Conventions

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This is a note. It emphasizes important information to users.

This is a caution. A caution warns of possible damage to the equipment if a

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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 subject 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 power cable included should not be used with any other electrical equipments other

than Extricom switches.

 The switch contains an internal battery.

 CAUTION - Always replace the battery with the same type to avoid the risk of

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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, takes a different and novel solution approach, by avoiding
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 (EXSW-400/800/1200/2400, &EXSW-1600
based on the Multi Series 1000 platform) connected to a set of UltraThin™ APs (EXRP-20/40/30n
and EXRP-20E/40E/40En). The Extricom WLAN system eliminates the concept of cell-planning
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 multi-radio 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: Four 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/n channels at
every AP, creating multiple overlapping “Channel Blankets” that leverage each of the radios in the
multi-radio 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.

Extricom supports the 802.11n standard. 802.11n builds upon existing 802.11 standards. 802.11n
can be used in both the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz frequency bands, introduces enhancements to the MAC
and the PHY layer, and makes use of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology. MIMO is
a technology that employs multiple transmitter and receiver antennas to support simultaneous data
streams. Such technology is capable of increasing data throughput via enhancements such as spatial
multiplexing (data streams), 40MHz channel bonding, Block Acknowledgment and frame
aggregation, and use of spatial diversity to increase range.

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.

4 Introduction to the Extricom Wireless LAN System

 Same band operation

The Extricom WLAN system enables WLAN channels, in the same band (e.g. Channel 1, 6, and
11 in 2.4 GHz), to be simultaneously used within the same AP, to form overlapping Channel
Blankets using the same physical set of APs. It is possible to configure up to four channels of
same band when using EXRP-40/40E/40En 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.

 Wi-Fi Collaboration

Extricom’s patented Wi-Fi 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.

 IEEE 802.11n

Extricom architecture supports 802.11n both in the 2.4 GHz and in the 5GHz bands, using both
20MHz and 40MHz wide channels. The advantages of Extricom’s architecture are numerous in
the 802.11n setting. Among them is the unique ability to deliver full-bandwidth performance in
the 2.4GHz band, to both 802.11n and 802.11b/g devices. By contrast, cell-planning
architectures cannot be used with 802.11n 40MHz channel-bonding, since the number of non
overlapping channels is insufficient for this.

 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. This is based on various IEEE 802.11 standard power-save
specifications such as PS-Poll and U-APSD for 802.11a/b/g devices, and SM & U-PSMP power
save for 802.11n devices.

The Extricom WLAN System User Guide 5

 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 a cascade or hot-standby
topology. The switchover parameters are user-configurable

 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,
using SNMP Traps. SNMP is provided for customers wishing to use their existing network
management system to administer multiple Extricom switches. Alternatively, the Extricom
EXNM-2000 network management software platform is available as a dedicated centralized
Extricom WLAN management system.

 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 use the standard 802.11
handoff mechanism, which is further facilitated by the opportunistic key caching mechanism in
the 802.11i standard. In addition to this, the Extricom system speeds up 802.11i handoff
between Extricom switches by use of Extricom’s inter-switch protocol. This permits the client
to avoid repetitive 802.1x authentications, thereby enabling faster transition between Access
Points connected to different switches with minimal session interruption

 Captive Portal – The Captive Portal technique compels any HTTP client to view a special web

page (usually for authentication purposes) before accessing the rest of the network. Captive
Portal turns a Web browser into a secure authentication device. This is done by intercepting an
internet access request and redirecting it to an Extricom local logging web page which may
require authentication, or simply display an acceptable use policy and require the user to agree.

 MAC authentication – MAC authentication technique enables the Extricom switch to

authenticate WLAN devices via RADIUS server even if they have no native support for 802.1x.
This mechanism is normally used in “dumb” device WLAN topology (such as barcode readers)
where WLAN client authentication is to be managed via a central RADIUS server.

6 Introduction to the Extricom Wireless LAN System

Overview of the Extricom Switches

The Extricom WLAN switches are connected to Extricom APs to form an Extricom WLAN.

The Extricom EXSW-400, EXSW-800, EXSW-1200, and the EXSW-2400 switches are Fast­Ethernet capable; the EXSW-1600 and EXSW-800G are GbE-capable switches based on the
Extricom Multi Series 1000 platform.

The EXSW-400 and EXSW-800 can connect to EXRP-20/40 or EXRP-20E/40E APs to provide
legacy 802.11a/b/g service with up to 4 or 8 APs respectively. Alternatively, these switches can
connect to EXRP-30n or EXRP-40En APs to provide 802.11n and 802.11a/b/g service. However,
both switches can support up to a maximum of two channel blankets, regardless of the Extricom AP
model that is being used.

The EXSW-1200 and EXSW-2400 can connect to EXRP-20/40 or EXRP-20E/40E APs to provide
legacy 802.11a/b/g service. Alternatively, these switches can connect to EXRP-30n or EXRP-40En
APs to provide 802.11n and 802.11a/b/g service; the EXSW-1200 can connect to up to 12 APs and
the EXSW-2400 switch can connect to up to 24 APs.

When deployed with EXRP-20/20E access points, the EXSW-1200/2400 switches support up to
two channel blankets, and when they are connected to EXRP-40/40E/40En access points, the
EXSW-1200 and 2400 switches support up to four channel blankets. When deployed with EXRP­30n access points, the EXSW-1200/2400 can support up to three channel blankets, two with

802.11a/b/g/n support, and one with 802.11a/b/g support.

EXSW-1200/2400 switches are equipped with hardware for two LAN ports with 100 Mbps Ethernet
line speed. However, only one uplink port is used currently; the second port is reserved for future
port redundancy development. AP connectivity is also 100 Mbps.

The EXSW-800G and EXSW-1600 provide GbE speeds (1,000 Mbps) on both the AP ports and
LAN uplink port. The 800G and 1600 can connect to EXRP-20/40 or EXRP-20E/40E APs to
provide legacy 802.11a/b/g service. Alternatively, these switches can connect to EXRP-30n or
EXRP-40En APs to provide 802.11n and 802.11a/b/g service; the EXSW-800 can connect up to 8
APs and the EXSW-1600 can connect up to 16 APs.

When deployed with EXRP-20/20E access points, the EXSW-800G and 1600 switches support up
to two channel blankets, and when they are connected to EXRP-40/40E/40En access points, the
EXSW-800G and 1600 switches support up to four channel blankets. When deployed with EXRP­30n access points, these switches can support up to three channel blankets, two with 802.11a/b/g/n
support, and one with 802.11a/b/g support.

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. Configuration is done
via a dedicated, secured Web interface that comes standard with every switch, or via the optional
EXNM-2000 Network Management System.

The Extricom WLAN System User Guide 7

The Extricom EXSW

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1200 is derived from the EXSW

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2400, with the same hardware

Figure 2: Extricom EXSW-2400 Switch

Figure 3: Extricom EXSW-1200 Switch

and firmware. The only difference between the two models is the number of WLAN

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ports supported.

Figure 4: Extricom EXSW800 Switch

The EXSW800 switch only supports two channels, so when it is connected to EXRP-

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40, only two radios will operate.

8 Introduction to the Extricom Wireless LAN System

Figure 5: Extricom EXSW-400 Switch

The EXSW400 switch only supports two channels, so when it is connected to EXRP-

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40, only two radios will operate.

Overview of the Multi Series 1000 Appliance
Platform

The Extricom Multi Series 1000 is a high-performance hardware platform, and is software­configurable to support a range of wireless and networking functions in an Extricom WLAN
System.

The Multi Series 1000 is equipped with two RJ45/SFP GBE Combo port uplinks, and 16 GBE
PoE edge-side ports. The Multi Series 1000 is therefore capable of performing different wireless
and networking functions, depending on the firmware installed on it,

In the current release, the Multi Series 1000 platform is used to support the EXSW-1600, EXSW­1600C, and EXSW-800G. The EXSW-1600, EXSW-1600C, and EXSW-800G are the ultimate
platforms for full 802.11n implementation.

Figure 6: Extricom Multi Series 1000

The EXSW-1600C is a special version of the EXSW-1600. The EXSW-1600C is
designed and licensed for use only as part of a Switch Cascade pair.

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The Extricom WLAN System User Guide 9

The EXSW-1600 can be used as a standalone edge switch or as part of a Switch
Cascade pair.

SFP modules are not shipped with the Multi Series 1000. To use the SFP ports,

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you must use Class 1 laser certified SFP modules according to IEC/EN 60825-1
and /or CDRH.

10 Introduction to the Extricom Wireless LAN System