Hewlett Packard Enterprise WL560 User Manual

Quick Start Guide

11a/b/g Wireless Workgroup Bridge

3CRWE675075

The 3Com 11a/b/g Wireless Workgroup Bridge combines high-performance, interoperability, and easeof-use to join isolated wired networks into a cohesive wireless local area network (WLAN). Instead of traveling over wires, data is transmitted across the WLAN using radio waves.

The 3Com 11a/b/g Wireless Workgroup Bridge includes a robust suite of standards-based security features, and supports wireless network standards including 802.11a and 802.11g. For a complete list of the Bridge’s features, see the 3Com 11 a/b/g Wireless Workgroup Bridge User Guide located on the 3Com Installation CD.

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This Quick Start Guide describes the basic installation of the Bridge. It covers the following topics:

■ Unpacking the Bridge

■ Deciding Where to Place the Bridge

■ Connecting the Bridge

■ Checking the LED Indicators

■ Attaching An External Antenna

■ Determining if you Need to Configure the Bridge

■ Using the 3Com Installation CD

For complete instructions on using the Bridge, see the 3Com 11 a/b/g Wireless Workgroup Bridge User Guide located on the 3Com Installation CD.

Observing Safety Precautions

This equipment must be installed in compliance with local and national building codes, regulatory restrictions, and FCC rules. For the safety of people and equipment, only professional network personnel should install the Bridge.

WARNING: To comply with FCC radio frequency (RF) exposure limits, a minimum body-toantenna distance of 20 cm (8 in.) must be maintained when the Bridge is operational.

WARNING: To avoid possible injury or damage to equipment, you must use either the provided power supply or power supply equipment that is safety certified according to UL, CSA, IEC, or other applicable national or international safety requirements for the country of use. All references to power supply in this document refer to equipment meeting these requirements.

CAUTION: The 3Com power supply (part number 61-0107-000) input relies on a 16A rated building fuse or circuit protector for short circuit protection of the line to neutral conductors.

1 Unpacking the Bridge

Make sure that you have the following items, which are included with the Bridge:

■ Power adapter and power cord.

■ Standard Category 5 unshielded twisted pair (UTP) Ethernet cable.

■ Locking bar (used for securing a wall-mounted installation).

■ Rubber feet (four; used for a flat-surface installation).

■ 3Com Installation CD.

2 Deciding Where to Place the Bridge

Place the Bridge in a dry, clean location near the hub, computer, or printer that will be connected to the Bridge. The location must have a power source and be within the following distance of a Wi-Ficompliant wireless LAN access point or ad hoc wireless station:

■ For 802.11a compatibility, place the Bridge within 50 m (164 ft) of a Wi-Fi compliant wireless

LAN access point.

■ For 802.11b/g compatibility, place the Bridge within 100 m (300 ft) of a Wi-Fi compliant

wireless LAN access point.

The location should be away from transformers, heavy-duty motors, fluorescent lights, microwave ovens, refrigerators, or other equipment that could cause radio signal interference.

Wall-mounting the Bridge

The Bridge comes equipped with a cradle for mounting on a wall. For additional security, the Bridge also comes with a locking bar, which can be used with a security lock (not provided) to lock the Bridge to the cradle after the Bridge is mounted to the wall.

To wall-mount the Bridge:

1 Screw the cradle to a wall. 2 Route the power and Ethernet cables through the large opening in the cradle.

The figures below show the cradle being mounted to a wall, and then a cable being routed through the large opening in the cradle.

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Wall-mounting the cradle

3 Connect the power and Ethernet cables to the ports on the front of the Bridge. 4 Snap the Bridge onto the cradle.

Routing a cable

To install the locking bar, push the locking bar through the opening in the side of the cradle until the hole on the locking bar is exposed. Insert a lock (not provided) through the hole on the locking bar, and then close the lock to secure it in place. See the user guide for detailed instructions.

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Inserting the locking bar

Securing the bar with a lock

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Placing the Bridge on a Flat Surface

To install the Bridge on a flat surface such as a table or desktop, remove the backing from the four rubber feet and attach them on the bottom of the cradle.

CAUTION: Do not place the Bridge on any type of metal surface. Select a location that is clear of obstructions and provides good reception.

3 Connecting the Bridge

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Before connecting the Bridge to an Ethernet client, connect the power supply. The figure below shows the ports for connecting the power and Ethernet cables.

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The bridge can also be connected to a serial device. Serial cables come with a variety of connector sizes. If your connector is large and prevents the cradle from being attached to the Bridge, remove the end cap on the cradle. This allows the connector to extend through the cradle.

Connecting to an Ethernet Device

The Bridge is designed to be connected to an Ethernet client device such as a hub, computer, or printer.

CAUTION: To avoid the possibility of a transmission loop situation between the Bridge and an access point, which could disrupt network operation, do not connect a Bridge that is set in Wireless Client (Infrastructure) mode directly to the LAN (for example, through a wall port or through a hub that is connected directly to the LAN).

Connecting to a Hub

You can supply network connections for up to 16 devices, such as computers and network printers, by connecting the Bridge to an Ethernet hub, as shown below.

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CAUTION: You can directly connect the Bridge to a hub that does not have an uplink

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(MDIX) port, without the need of an Ethernet crossover cable.

Connecting to a Network Printer

You can connect a network printer directly to the Bridge or to a hub that is connected to the Bridge. Used this way, the Bridge allows you to place network printers in areas that are not wired for Ethernet.

1 Configure the network printer as you would for connecting it to the wired LAN. For

details on configuring the printer, see your printer documentation.

2 If necessary, configure the Bridge to associate with your access point. 3 Connect the Bridge to power in its permanent location. 4 Connect the network printer directly to the Bridge as shown in the figure below, or into a

hub that is connected to the Bridge as shown in the previous section, “Connecting to a Hub.”

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Connecting to a Computer

You can connect the Bridge directly to a computer as shown below. Used this way, the Bridge can convert a desktop computer to a wireless computer. This connection also allows you to configure a Bridge before connecting it to another device.

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4 Checking the LED Indicators

When the Bridge is connected to power, LEDs indicate activity as follows (solid LED indicates connection; blinking LED indicates activity):

LED Color Indicates

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Power Green

Off

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Off

The Bridge is powered up and operating normally.

The Bridge is not receiving power or there is a fault with the power supply.

The Bridge has WLAN frame transmissions over an

802.11a 5 GHz radio band. No link is present.

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Off

100 Green

Off

10 Green

Off

The Bridge has WLAN frame transmissions over an

802.11g 2.4 GHz radio band. No link is present.

The Bridge has a 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet connection.

No link is present.

The Bridge has a 10 Mbps Ethernet connection.

No link is present.

5 Attaching An External Antenna

The Bridge has two internal diversity dual-band antennas. If you want to increase the range of the Bridge, an external antenna can be attached to the external antenna connector on the Bridge. The 3Com-approved external antenna for this Bridge is the 3Com 2.4/5 GHz Omnidirectional Workgroup Bridge Antenna (3CWE501). For more information, go to www.3Com.com

6 Determining if you Need to Configure the Bridge

If your network has a DHCP server and no special security requirements, you can most likely use the Bridge just as it is shipped from the factory. View the Bridge’s default settings on the next page to determine whether or not you need to configure the Bridge for your network.

It takes about one to two minutes for the Bridge to determine if there is a DHCP server on the network. If your network does not have a DHCP server or is more complex, you will want to configure the Bridge

and organize devices so that you can manage the wireless LAN easily and keep it secure.

CAUTION: For non-U.S. versions of the Bridge, you need to set the Country mode. This is done when you first open the Bridge’s Configuration Management System. Select the Country in which the Bridge is operating and then click Apply.

Networks with a DHCP Server

If your network has a DHCP server, an IP address is automatically assigned to the Bridge. Use the 3Com Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager (Widman) included on the 3Com Installation CD to locate the Bridge on the network and view its IP address.

After you determine the Bridge’s IP address, you can enter that IP address into a web browser on a computer on the same subnet to view the Bridge’s system status or change its configuration.

Networks without a DHCP Server

If your network does not have a DHCP server, the Bridge uses a default IP address (169.254.2.2) that is assigned at the factory. You can use that IP address to configure the Bridge, or you can assign a new IP address to the Bridge.

To verify that the Bridge is using the default IP address assigned at the factory:

1 Connect a computer directly to the Bridge using the supplied standard Category 5

UTP Ethernet cable.

2 Enter the Bridge’s default IP address (169.254.2.2) into the computer’s web browser.

If the Configuration Management System starts, the Bridge is using the factory assigned IP address. You can configure the Bridge with the following login information:

■ Login name: admin

■ Password: none (blank)

If the Configuration Management System does not start, the Bridge is on a different subnet than the computer. Install and start the 3Com Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager to discover the Bridge’s IP address.

Bridge Default Settings

The table below shows the Bridge configuration factory defaults.

Property Default Setting

Device Name 3Com WWB

Device Location None

Country For U.S. versions, United States and Canada

Client Mode Support multiple wired Ethernet clients

IP Network Setting Obtain IP address automatically

IP Address Obtained automatically (with a DHCP server)

Subnet Mask Obtained automatically (with a DHCP server)

Gateway IP Address Obtained automatically (with a DHCP server)

Network Mode Wireless Client (Infrastructure)

Radio Mode Auto Select

Wireless LAN Service Area Attach to any WLAN Service Area (ESSID) automatically

Channel Selection Automatic Best Channel (uses access point setting)

Transmit Power 100%

For non-U.S. version, set by the user

169.254.2.2 (without a DHCP server)

255.255.0.0 (without a DHCP server)

0.0.0.0 (without a DHCP server)

Antenna Selection Internal

Data Preamble Long (if Network Mode is set to Ad-Hoc)

Security Setting Open System (no security)

802.1x Authentication State Disabled

SNMP Enabled

Administration Login Name admin

Administration Password None (blank)

TFTP Server IP Address None

FTP Server IP Address None

Same as access point setting (if Network Mode is set to Wireless Client [Infrastructure])

7 Using the 3Com Installation CD

The 3Com Installation CD contains the following tools and utilities:

■ 3Com Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager—an administration tool that helps you

select 3Com wireless LAN devices and launch their configurations in your Web browser.

■ 3Com 3CDaemon Server Tool—a firmware upgrade tool that can act as a TFTP Server, a

SysLog Server, an optional TFTP Client, or an optional FTP Server.

To use the 3Com Installation CD, you need a computer running Internet Explorer (latest version is recommended) and one of the following operating systems: Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT 4.0, Windows Me, or Windows 98.

To install one of the tools on your computer:

1 Turn on the computer. 2 Insert the 3Com Installation CD in the CD-ROM drive.

The setup menu appears. If it does not appear, you can start the setup menu from the Windows Start menu. For example: Start > Run > d:setup.exe.

3 In the menu, click Tools and Utilities. 4 In the next screen, click the tool you want to install. 5 Follow the instructions on the screens to complete the installation.

Reboot the computer if prompted to do so.

6 Launch the tool from the Windows Start menu.

For details on using the Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager, see “Using the 3Com Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager” in the 3Com 11 a/b/g Wireless Workgroup Bridge User Guide.

For instructions on using the 3CDaemon Server Tool, see the application’s online help.

Copyright © 2004 3Com Corporation. All rights reserved. 3Com and the 3Com logo are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

DQA6750-75AAA01 Published July 2004

3Com 11a/b/g Wireless Workgroup Bridge User Guide

Model: WL-560 3CRWE675075

http://www.3com.com/

Part No. DUA6750-75AAA01 Published July 2004

3Com Corporation 350 Campus Drive Marlborough MA USA 01752-3064

Copyright © 2004, 3Com Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this documentation may be reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any derivative work (such as translation, transformation, or adaptation) without written permission from 3Com Corporation.

3Com Corporation reserves the right to revise this documentation and to make changes in content from time to time without obligation on the part of 3Com Corporation to provide notification of such revision or change.

3Com Corporation provides this documentation without warranty, term, or condition of any kind, either implied or expressed, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties, terms or conditions of merchantability, satisfactory quality, and fitness for a particular purpose. 3Com may make improvements or changes in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this documentation at any time.

If there is any software on removable media described in this documentation, it is furnished under a license agreement included with the product as a separate document, in the hard copy documentation, or on the removable media in a directory file named LICENSE.TXT or !LICENSE.TXT. If you are unable to locate a copy, please contact 3Com and a copy will be provided to you.

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT LEGEND

If you are a United States government agency, then this documentation and the software described herein are provided to you subject to the following:

All technical data and computer software are commercial in nature and developed solely at private expense. Software is delivered as “Commercial Computer Software” as defined in DFARS 252.227-7014 (June 1995) or as a “commercial item” as defined in FAR 2.101(a) and as such is provided with only such rights as are provided in 3Com’s standard commercial license for the Software. Technical data is provided with limited rights only as provided in DFAR 252.227-7015 (Nov 1995) or FAR 52.227-14 (June 1987), whichever is applicable. You agree not to remove or deface any portion of any legend provided on any licensed program or documentation contained in, or delivered to you in conjunction with, this User Guide.

Unless otherwise indicated, 3Com registered trademarks are registered in the United States and may or may not be registered in other countries.

3Com and the 3Com logo are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation. Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, and Windows

NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Novell and NetWare are registered trademarks of Novell, Inc. UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries, licensed exclusively through X/Open Company, Ltd.

IEEE and 802 are registered trademarks of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are

associated.

ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

It is the policy of 3Com Corporation to be environmentally-friendly in all operations. To uphold our policy, we are committed to:

Establishing environmental performance standards that comply with national legislation and regulations. Conserving energy, materials and natural resources in all operations. Reducing the waste generated by all operations. Ensuring that all waste conforms to recognized

environmental standards. Maximizing the recyclable and reusable content of all products. Ensuring that all products can be recycled, reused and disposed of safely. Ensuring that all products are labelled according to recognized environmental standards. Improving our environmental record on a continual basis.

End of Life Statement

3Com processes allow for the recovery, reclamation and safe disposal of all end-of-life electronic components.

Regulated Materials Statement

3Com products do not contain any hazardous or ozone-depleting material.

Environmental Statement about the Documentation

The documentation for this product is printed on paper that comes from sustainable, managed forests; it is fully biodegradable and recyclable, and is completely chlorine-free. The varnish is environmentally-friendly, and the inks are vegetable-based with a low heavy-metal content.

CONTENTS

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

Conventions 2 Related Documentation 3 Accessing Online Documentation 3 Product Registration and Support 4

1 INTRODUCTION

Product Features 5

Security 5

Wireless Network Standards 6 Network Configuration and Planning 7 Example Configurations 8

2 INSTALLING THE BRIDGE

Unpacking the Bridge 9 Observing Safety Precautions 10 Deciding Where to Place the Bridge 11

Wall-Mounting the Bridge 11

Installing the Locking Bar 12

Placing the Bridge on a Flat Surface 13 Connecting the Bridge 14

Connecting to a Serial Device 14

Connecting to an Ethernet Device 15

About the Client List 15

Connecting to a Hub 15

Connecting to a Network Printer 16

Connecting to a Computer 16 Checking the LED Indicators 17 Attaching An External Antenna 18 Determining if you Need to Configure the Bridge 18 Using the 3Com Installation CD 21

3 CONFIGURING THE BRIDGE

Using Secure Web Server Connection 23 Using the 3Com Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager 24 Using the Configuration Management System 27

Clearing and Applying System Configuration Settings 28 Changing System Properties 29 Setting IP Network Properties 30 Setting Wireless Network Properties 31 Setting Up an Ad-Hoc Network 33 Changing Wireless Security Settings 34 Changing RADIUS Settings 36 Changing SNMP Settings 37 Using the Access Control List 38 Serial Port 39 Resetting the Bridge 41 Restoring the Bridge to Factory Defaults 42 Upgrading the System 42 Changing the Administration Login Name and Password 44 Backing up a Configuration 44 Restoring a Configuration 44 Logging Out 45 Viewing Connection Status 45 Clearing the Ethernet Client List 45 Viewing System Summary 46

4 TROUBLESHOOTING

Diagnosing Problems 47 Disconnecting the Bridge 49 Uninstalling Software and Documentation 49 Upgrading Bridge Firmware 49

A COMMAND-LINE INTERFACE

Logging In 51 Logging Out 51 Configuring the Bridge 52

B OBTAINING SUPPORT FOR YOUR 3COM PRODUCT

Register Your Product to Gain Service Benefits 55 Solve Problems Online 55 Purchase Extended Warranty and Professional Services 56 Access Software Downloads 56 Contact Us 56

Telephone Technical Support and Repair 57

END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT

REGULATORY INFORMATION

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

This guide provides all the information you need to install and use the 3Com 11a/b/g Wireless Workgroup Bridge in its default state.

The guide is intended for use by IT managers and experienced network installation and administration professionals who have a basic knowledge of current networking concepts.

If the information in the release notes that are shipped with your product differ from the information in this guide, follow the instructions in the release notes.

Most user guides and release notes are available in Adobe Acrobat Reader Portable Document Format (PDF) or HTML on the 3Com World Wide Web site:

http://www.3com.com/

2 ABOUT THIS GUIDE

Conventions Table 1 and Table 2 list conventions that are used throughout this guide.

Tab le 1 Notice Icons

Icon Notice Type Description

Information note Information that describes important features or

instructions.

Caution Information that alerts you to potential loss of data or

potential damage to an application, system, or device.

Warning Information that alerts you to potential personal

injury.

Tab le 2 Text Conventions

Convention Description

Screen displays This typeface represents information as it appears on the

Syntax The word “syntax” means that you must evaluate the syntax

Commands The word “command” means that you must enter the

The words “enter” and “type”

Keyboard key names If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key

Words in italics Italics are used to:

screen.

provided and then supply the appropriate values for the placeholders that appear in angle brackets. Example:

To change your password, use the following syntax:

system password <password>

In this example, you must supply a password for <password>.

command exactly as shown and then press Return or Enter. Commands appear in bold. Example:

To display IP information, enter the following command:

get ipaddr

When you see the word “enter” in this guide, you must type something, and then press Return or Enter. Do not press Return or Enter when an instruction simply says “type.”

names are linked with a plus sign (+). Example:

Press Ctrl+Alt+Del

■ Emphasize a point.

■ Denote a new term at the place where it is defined in the

text.

■ Identify menu names, menu commands, and software

button names. Examples: From the Help menu, select Contents. Click OK.

Related Documentation

Accessing Online Documentation

In addition to this guide, each Bridge documentation set includes the following:

■ Quick Start Guide—printed guide that describes basic installation.

■ Online Help—product help systems that describe how to use the

Configuration Management System and 3Com Wireless Infrastructure

Device Manager.

■ Release Note—printed note that describes important product

information.

■ README.TXT file—text file located on the 3Com Installation CD that

describes last-minute product information.

The CD supplied with your Bridge contains the following online documentation:

■ 3Com 11a/b/g Wireless Workgroup Bridge User Guide

■ 3Com Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager Online Help

■ 3Com 11a/b/g Wireless Workgroup Bridge Configuration

Management System Online Help

To access the online documentation from the CD:

1 Insert the 3Com Installation CD supplied with your Bridge in the CD-ROM

drive. The setup menu appears. If it does not appear, you can start the setup

menu from the Windows Start menu. For example: Start > Run > d:setup.exe.

2 In the menu, click View the Documentation to view the Bridge User

Guide. To view the online help, install and launch the Wireless Infrastructure

Device Manager or Configuration Management System. See Chapter 3 for instructions.

4 ABOUT THIS GUIDE

Product Registration and Support

To register your product with 3Com, go to the following Web page:

http://esupport.3com.com

For support information, see “Obtaining Support for your 3Com Product” on page 55 or log on to the 3Com Web site at http://www.3com.com and navigate to the product support page.

INTRODUCTION

3Com wireless technology has all of the benefits of a local area network (LAN) without the constraints and expense of network wiring.

3Com 11a/b/g Wireless LAN products provide easy, affordable, flexible ways to extend wireless networks to more users. This guide shows how you can use the 3Com 11a/b/g Wireless Workgroup Bridge in your office or classroom to connect groups of wired Ethernet client devices to your wireless LAN.

Product Features The 3Com 11a/b/g Wireless Workgroup Bridge includes a robust suite of

standards-based security features, and supports wireless network standards including 802.11a and 802.11g.

Security To protect sensitive data broadcast over the radio, 3Com supports

Wireless Equivalent Privacy (WEP) RC4 64-bit, 128-bit and 152-bit shared-key encryption. 3Com strengthens this basic security mechanism with additional security features, including:

■ MAC address access control lists

■ IEEE 802.1x per-port user authentication with RADIUS server

authentication support

■ Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP)

■ Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)

■ WiFi Protected Access (WPA)

■ Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) support: EAP-TTLS and PEAP

6 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Wireless Network

Standards

Understanding the characteristics of the 802.11a and 802.11g standards can help you

make the best choice for your wireless implementation plans.

802.11a

Ratified in 2002, 802.11a is IEEE’s more recent wireless standard. It operates at the 5

GHz band and supports data rates at up to 54 Mbps. For those organizations demanding even higher speeds, a “turbo mode” feature can boost throughput rates up to 108 Mbps. And because there are fewer devices in the 5 GHz band, there’s less potential for RF interference. However, because it is at an entirely different radio spectrum, it is not compatible with 802.11g.

The higher spectrum provides about 50 m (164 ft) of coverage—about

what 802.11g offers.

half

Consider 802.11a when you need high throughput in a confined space and you are:

■ Running high-bandwidth applications like voice, video, or multimedia

over a wireless network that can benefit from a five-fold increase in data throughput.

■ Transferring large files like computer-aided design files, preprint

publishing documents or graphics files, such as MRI scans for medical applications, that demand additional bandwidth.

■ Supporting a dense user base confined to a small coverage area.

Because 802.11a has a greater number of non-overlapping channels, you can pack more wireless devices in a tighter space.

802.11g

802.11g operates in the 2.4 GHz band at up to 54 Mbps. Ratified in 2003, it supports

the widest coverage—up to 100 m (328 ft). However, is subject to a greater risk of radio interference because it operates in the more popular 2.4 GHz band.

802.11b operates at up to 11 Mbps and supports coverage up to 100 m (328 ft).

Network Configuration and Planning 7

Consider 802.11g when you need wider coverage and vendor compatibility and you are:

■ Maintaining support for existing 802.11b users and the existing

wireless investment while providing for expansion into 802.11g.

■ Implementing a complete wireless LAN solution, including bridges,

gateways, access points and clients; Wi-Fi certification guarantees compatibility among vendors.

■ Providing access to hot spots in public spaces such as coffee shops or

university cafeterias.

Network Configuration and Planning

The Bridge can operate in either infrastructure or ad-hoc mode, and can support a stand-alone wireless network configuration or an integrated configuration with 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LANs.

Operating in infrastructure mode and connected to an Ethernet hub, a single Bridge can combine up to 16 client devices—such as computers with network adapters and printers—into a multiclient workgroup. The workgroup associates with the wired network through a wireless LAN access point such as the 3Com 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Access Point. Infrastructure configurations extend your wireless LAN to devices that would otherwise have to be connected to the wired network.

Operating in ad-hoc mode, two or more Bridges can associate among themselves and communicate with one another at close range without an access point. You may wish to set up an ad-hoc network, for example, if a group is working away from the office, or if a group in the office needs to share files apart from the wired LAN.

8 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

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Example Configurations

The following examples illustrate ways you can use the Bridge to configure Ethernet client devices into workgroups. (Details for setting up specific configurations are in “Installing the Bridge” on page 9.)

Wireless Infrastructure Network

You can connect several computers, including those with non-Windows operating systems, and network printers, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 Wireless Infrastructure Network

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Workgroup Ad-Hoc Network

You can provide flexible wireless network association for small groups in areas that cannot be wired, as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2 Workgroup Ad-Hoc Network

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INSTALLING THE BRIDGE

This chapter contains the information you need to install and set up the Bridge. It covers the following topics:

■ Unpacking the Bridge

■ Observing Safety Precautions

■ Deciding Where to Place the Bridge

■ Connecting the Bridge

■ Checking the LED Indicators

■ Attaching An External Antenna

■ Determining if you Need to Configure the Bridge

■ Using the 3Com Installation CD

Unpacking the Bridge

Make sure that you have the following items, which are included with the Bridge:

■ Power adapter and power cord.

■ Standard Category 5 unshielded twisted pair (UTP) Ethernet cable.

■ Locking bar (used for securing a wall-mounted installation).

■ Rubber feet (four; used for a flat-surface installation).

■ 3Com Installation CD.

You can directly connect the Bridge to a hub that does not have an uplink (MDIX) port, without the need of an Ethernet crossover cable.

For wall-mounting installations, you need the following items, which are not included with the Bridge:

■ Mounting screws.

■ Plastic anchors (for drywall mounting).

To secure the Bridge using the locking bar, you need a lock (not supplied).

10 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE BRIDGE

Figure 3 shows the front view of the Bridge, including the LEDs and connecting ports. It also shows the cradle, which is used to mount the Bridge to a wall or to install the Bridge on a flat surface.

Figure 3 Bridge

Observing Safety Precautions

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This equipment must be installed in compliance with local and national building codes,

regulatory restrictions, and FCC rules. For the safety of

people and equipment, only professional network personnel should install the Bridge.

WARNING: To comply with FCC radio frequency (RF) exposure limits, a minimum body-to-antenna distance of 20 cm (8 in.) must be maintained when the Bridge is operational.

CAUTION: The 3Com power supply (part number 61-0107-000) input relies on a 16A rated building fuse or circuit protector for short circuit protection of the line to neutral conductors.

+ 56 hidden pages