LINKSYS HGA9NWAP54GPE User Manual

®
A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
2.4802GHz.11g Wireless-G	User Guide
Exterior Access Point	User Guide
WIRELESS
Model No. WAP54GPE

Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

Specifications are subject to change without notice. Linksys is a registered trademark or trademark of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and certain other countries. Copyright © 2004 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

WARNING: This product contains chemicals, including lead, known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

How to Use this User Guide

The user guide to the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point has been designed to make understanding networking with the Access Point easier than ever. Look for the following items when reading this User Guide:

This checkmark means there is a note of interest and is something you should pay special attention to while using the Access Point.

This exclamation point means there is a caution or warning and is something that could damage your property or the Access Point.

This question mark provides you with a reminder about something you might need to do while using the Access Point.

In addition to these symbols, there are definitions for technical terms that are presented like this:

word: definition.

Also, each figure (diagram, screenshot, or other image) is provided with a figure number and description, like this:

Figure numbers and descriptions can also be found in the “List of Figures” section.

WAP54GPE-UG-41217NC JL

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction	1
Welcome	1
What’s in this User Guide?	2
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network	4
Network Topology	4
Roaming	4
Network Layout	4
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point	5
The LEDs	5
The Ports	6
The Reset Button and Ground	7
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point	8
Overview	8
Hardware Installation	8
Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point	10
Setup Wizard	10
Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point	17
Overview	17
Navigating the Utility	17
Accessing the Utility	19
The Setup Tab	19
The Wireless - Basic Wireless Settings Tab	21
The Wireless - Wireless Security Tab	22
The Wireless - Wireless Network Access Tab	25
The Wireless - Advanced Wireless Settings Tab	25
The AP Mode Tab	27
The Administration - Management Tab	30
The Administration - Log Tab	31
The Administration - Factory Default Tab	33
The Administration - Firmware Upgrade Tab	33
The Administration - Language Upgrade Tab	34
The Administration - Reboot Tab	34

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point
The Administration - Config Management Tab	35
The Status - Local Network Tab	35
The Status - Wireless Tab	36
The Status - System Performance Tab	37
Appendix A: Troubleshooting	39
Frequently Asked Questions	39
Appendix B: Wireless Security	43
Security Precautions	43
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks	43
Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware	46
Appendix D: Windows Help	47
Appendix E: Glossary	48
Appendix F: Specifications	55
Appendix G: Warranty Information	57
Appendix H: Regulatory Information	58
Appendix I: Contact Information	60

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

List of Figures

Figure 3-1: Front Panel	5
Figure 3-2: Ethernet Network Port	6
Figure 3-3: Antenna Port	6
Figure 3-4: Reset Button	7
Figure 4-1: Mark the Locations of the Two Wall-Mount Slots	8
Figure 4-2: Attach the Mounting Plate	8
Figure 4-3: Ground the Access Point	9
Figure 4-4: Attach the Access Point to the Wall	9
Figure 5-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen	10
Figure 5-2: Connecting the Access Point	11
Figure 5-3: Select an Access Point	11
Figure 5-4: Login Screen	12
Figure 5-5: Configure Network Address Settings Screen	12
Figure 5-6: Wireless Settings Screen	13
Figure 5-7: Wireless Security Settings - WEP Screen	14
Figure 5-8: Wireless Security Settings - WPA-Personal Screen	15
Figure 5-9: Wireless Power Management Screen	15
Figure 5-10: Confirmation Screen	16
Figure 5-11: Congratulations Screen	16
Figure 6-1: Login Screen	19
Figure 6-2: Setup - Automatic Configuration - DHCP Screen	19
Figure 6-3: Setup - Static IP Address Screen	20
Figure 6-4: Wireless - Basic Wireless Settings Screen	21
Figure 6-5: Wireless - Wireless Security (WPA Pre-Shared Key) Screen	22
Figure 6-6: Wireless Security - WPA RADIUS Screen	23
Figure 6-7: Wireless Security - RADIUS Screen	24
Figure 6-8: Wireless Settings - WEP Screen	24
Figure 6-9: Wireless - Wireless Network Access Screen	25

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point
Figure 6-10: Wireless - Advanced Wireless Settings Screen	25
Figure 6-11: AP Mode Screen	27
Figure 6-12: Wireless Repeater Diagram	28
Figure 6-13: Site Survey Screen	28
Figure 6-14: Wireless Bridge Diagram	29
Figure 6-15: Administration - Management Screen	30
Figure 6-16: The Administration - Log Screen	31
Figure 6-17: Administration - Factory Default Screen	33
Figure 6-18: Administration - Firmware Upgrade Screen	33
Figure 6-19: Administration - Language Upgrade Screen	34
Figure 6-20: Administration - Reboot Screen	34
Figure 6-21: Administration - Config Management Screen	35
Figure 6-22: Status - Local Network Screen	35
Figure 6-23: Status - Wireless Screen	36
Figure 6-24: Status - System Performance Screen	37
Figure C-1: Firmware Upgrade	46

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point. This Access Point will allow you to network wirelessly better than ever.

How does the Access Point do all of this? An access point allows for greater range and mobility within your wireless network while also allowing you to connect the wireless network to a wired environment. In fact, the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point can support communications on up to eight wireless networks, using Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) technology.

The Wireless-G Exterior Access Point also offers the convenience of Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability, so it can receive data and power over a single Ethernet network cable. And with the advantage of its weather-proof housing, you can mount the Access Point outside to extend your wireless networking range and mobility to the outdoors. You can even connect wired networks in two different buildings, by using two Access Points set to Wireless Bridge mode.

But what does all of this mean?

Networks are useful tools for sharing computer resources. You can access one printer from different computers and access data located on another computer's hard drive. Networks are even used for playing multiplayer video games. So, networks are not only useful in homes and offices, they can also be fun.

PCs on a wired network create a LAN, or Local Area Network. They are connected with Ethernet cables, which is why the network is called "wired".

PCs equipped with wireless cards and adapters can communicate without cumbersome cables. By sharing the same wireless settings, within their transmission radius, they form a wireless network. This is sometimes called a WLAN, or Wired Local Area Network. The Access Point bridges wireless networks of both 802.11g and 802.11b standards and wired networks.

Use the instructions in this Guide to help you connect the Access Point, set it up, and configure it to bridge your different networks. These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Access Point.

access point: a device that allows wireless-equipped computers and other devices to communicate with a wired network. Also used to expand the range of a wireless network.

network: a series of computers or devices connected together.

lan (local area network): the computers and networking products that make up your local network.

poe (power over ethernet): a technology enabling an Ethernet network cable to deliver both data and power.

ethernet: network protocol that specifies how data is placed on and retrieved from a common transmission medium.

adapter: a device that adds network functionality to your PC.

802.11g: a wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps, an operating frequency of 2.4GHz, and backward compatibility with 802.11b devices.

802.11b: a wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

What’s in this User Guide?

This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point.

•Chapter 1: Introduction

This chapter describes the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point’s applications and this User Guide.

•Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network

This chapter describes the basics of wireless networking.

•Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point This chapter describes the physical features of the Access Point.

•Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

This chapter instructs you on how to connect the Access Point to your network.

•Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

This chapter explains how to use the Setup Wizard to configure the settings on the Access Point.

•Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

This chapter explains how to use the Access Point’s Web-based Utility for advanced configuration.

•Appendix A: Troubleshooting

This appendix describes some frequently asked questions regarding installation and use of the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point.

•Appendix B: Wireless Security

This appendix explains the risks of wireless networking and some solutions to reduce the risks.

•Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware

This appendix instructs you on how to upgrade the Access Point’s firmware.

•Appendix D: Windows Help.

This appendix describes some of the ways Windows can help you with wireless networking.

•Appendix E: Glossary

This appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.

•Appendix F: Specifications

This appendix provides the Access Point’s technical specifications.

Chapter 1: Introduction

What’s in this User Guide?

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

•Appendix G: Warranty Information

This appendix supplies the Access Point’s warranty information.

•Appendix H: Regulatory Information

This appendix supplies the Access Point’s regulatory information.

•Appendix I: Contact Information

This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.

Chapter 1: Introduction

What’s in this User Guide?

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

Network Topology

A wireless network is a group of computers, each equipped with one wireless adapter. Computers in a wireless network must be configured to share the same radio channel. Several PCs equipped with wireless cards or adapters can communicate with one another to form an ad-hoc network.

Linksys wireless adapters also provide users access to a wired network when using an access point, such as the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point, or wireless router. An integrated wireless and wired network is called an infrastructure network. Each wireless PC in an infrastructure network can talk to any computer in a wired network infrastructure via the access point or wireless router.

An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a wireless PC to a wired network, and may double the effective wireless transmission range for two wireless adapter PCs. Since an access point is able to forward data within a network, the effective transmission range in an infrastructure network may be doubled.

ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices communicating directly with each other (peer-to-peer) without the use of an access point.

infrastructure: a wireless network that is bridged to a wired network via an access point.

Roaming

Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. Roaming means that you can move your wireless PC within your network and the access points will pick up the wireless PC's signal, providing that they both share the same channel and SSID.

Before enabling you consider roaming, choose a feasible radio channel and optimum access point position. Proper access point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.

roaming: the ability to take a wireless device from one access point's range to another without losing the connection.

ssid: your wireless network's name

Network Layout

The Wireless-G Exterior Access Point has been designed for use with 802.11g and 802.11b products. The Access Point is compatible with 802.11g and 802.11b adapters, such as the Notebook Adapters for your laptop computers, PCI Adapters for your desktop PCs, and USB Adapters for when you want to enjoy USB connectivity. These wireless products can also communicate with a 802.11g or 802.11b Wireless PrintServer.

To link your wired network with your wireless network, connect the Access Point’s Ethernet network port to any switch or router with Power over Ethernet (PoE)—or a PoE injector, such as the Linksys WAPPOE or WAPPOE12.

With these, and many other, Linksys products, your networking options are limitless. Go to the Linksys website at

www.linksys.com for more information about wireless products.

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

Network Topology

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

The LEDs

The Access Point's LEDs, where information about network activity is displayed, are located on the front panel.

	Figure 3-1: Front Panel
(Power)	Green. The power LED lights up when the Access Point is powered on.
(Wired)	Green. The wired LED lights up when the Access Point is successfully connected to a device
	through the Ethernet network port. If the wired LED is flashing, the Access Point is actively
	sending to or receiving data from one of the devices over the Ethernet network port.
(Wireless)	Green. The wireless LED lights up when the Access Point is successfully connected to a
	wireless device. If the wireless LED is flashing, the Access Point is actively sending to or
	receiving data from a wireless device.

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

The LEDs

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

The Ports

The Access Point's Ethernet network port is located on the bottom panel, while the antenna port is located on the top panel.

Ethernet

Figure 3-2: Ethernet Network Port

(Ethernet) The Ethernet network port connects to Ethernet network devices, such as a switch or router that supports Power over Ethernet (PoE).

Antenna

	Figure 3-3: Antenna Port
(Antenna)	The Access Point has a built-in, internal patch antenna. It also has a male N-type antenna port
	for an optional, high-gain external antenna.

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

port: the connection point on a computer or networking device used for plugging in cables or adapters

The Ports

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

The Reset Button and Ground

The Access Point's Reset button and ground are located on the back panel.

Reset Button

Ground

	Figure 3-4: Reset Button
Reset Button
Reset	There are two ways to Reset the Access Point's factory defaults. Either press the Reset
	button, for approximately ten seconds, or restore the defaults using the Access Point's Web-
	based Utility.
Ground
(Ground)	Before you mount the Access Point, you must ground the Access Point as a precaution.

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

IMPORTANT: Resetting the Access Point will erase all of your settings (including wireless security, IP address, and power output) and replace them with the factory defaults. Do not reset the Access Point if you want to retain these settings.

The Reset Button and Ground

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

Overview

hardware: the physical aspect of

This chapter explains how to mount and connect the Access Point. computers, telecommunications, and other information technology devices.

Hardware Installation

1.Locate an optimum location for the Access Point.

2.Use the mounting plate as a template. On the wall you have chosen, mark the locations of the two wall-mount slots at the bottom of the mounting plate.

3.Attach two screws (not included) to the wall, so that the Access Point’s wall-mount slots line up with the two screws.

4.Use four screws (included with the Access Point) to attach the mounting plate to the back panel of the Access

Point.

Figure 4-1: Mark the Locations of the Two Wall-Mount Slots

5. Connect the included Category 5e Ethernet network cable to the Ethernet network port of the Access Point. Then screw the connector cap tightly onto the port, so the Access Point has a water-resistant seal.

6. If you want to connect the optional, high-gain external antenna, unscrew the cap protecting the Type-N antenna port. Then connect your antenna to this port.

Figure 4-2: Attach the Mounting Plate

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

Overview

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

7.Make sure you properly ground the Access Point.

8.Maneuver the Access Point so the two screws on the wall are inserted into the Access Point’s wall-mount slots. Then slide the Access Point down so the screws fit snugly in the slots.

9.Attach two screws (not included) at the top of the mounting plate so the Access Point is securely mounted.

10.Connect the other end of the Ethernet network cable to a switch, router, or other device that supports Power over Ethernet. The Access Point will then be connected to your wired network.

Now that the hardware installation is complete, proceed to “Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point,” for directions on how to configure the Access Point.

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

Figure 4-3: Ground the Access Point

Figure 4-4: Attach the Access Point to the Wall

Hardware Installation

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

Setup Wizard

Now that you've connected the Access Point to your wired network, you are ready to begin setting it up. This

Setup Wizard will take you through all the steps necessary to configure the Access Point.

1.Insert the Setup Wizard CD into your PC's CD-ROM drive. Your PC must be on your wired network to set up the Access Point.

2.The Setup Wizard's Welcome screen should appear on your monitor. If it does not, then click the Start button and select Run. In the field provided, enter D:\setup.exe (if “D” is the letter of your PC's CD-ROM drive).

Click the Setup button to proceed with this Setup Wizard. Clicking the User Guide button opened this Guide. To exit this Setup Wizard, click the Exit button.

Figure 5-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

Setup Wizard

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

3.The next screen displayed shows how the Access Point should be connected as you run the Setup Wizard. Optimally, you should perform this setup through a PC on your wired network. Click the Next button to continue or Exit to exit the Setup Wizard.

Figure 5-2: Connecting the Access Point

4.The Setup Wizard will run a search for the Access Point within your network and then display a list along with the status information for the selected access point. If this is the only access point on your network, it will be the only one displayed. If there are more than one displayed, select the Access Point by clicking on it. Then click the Yes button to continue or No to exit the Setup Wizard.

Figure 5-3: Select an Access Point

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

Setup Wizard

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

5.You will be asked to sign onto the Access Point you have selected. Enter the default user name and password, admin, in both fields. Then, click Enter. (This user name and password can be changed from the Web-based Utility's Administration - Management tab.)

6.The Configure Network Address Settings screen will appear next. If your network router will automatically assign an IP address to the Access Point, then select Automatically obtain an IP address (DHCP).

If you want to assign a static or fixed IP address to the Access Point, then select Set IP configuration manually. Enter an IP Address, a Subnet Mask, and the IP address of your network gateway.

Then, click the Next button to continue or Back to return to the previous page.

•IP Address. This IP address must be unique to your network. (The default IP address is 192.168.1.245.)

•Subnet Mask. The Access Point's Subnet Mask must be the same as the subnet mask of your Ethernet network.

•Gateway. This IP address should be the IP address of the gateway between the Internet and the local network. (If you do not have a gateway, then enter the IP address of your network router.)

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

Figure 5-4: Login Screen

Figure 5-5: Configure Network Address Settings Screen

dhcp (dynamic host configuration protocol): a networking protocol that allows administrators to assign temporary IP addresses to network computers by “leasing” an IP address to a user for a limited amount of time, instead of assigning permanent IP addresses.

ip (internet protocol): a protocol used to send data over a network.

ip address: the address used to identify a computer or device on a network.

subnet mask: an address code that determines the size of the network.

gateway: a device that interconnects networks with different, incompatible communications protocols.

Setup Wizard

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

7.The Wireless Settings screen should now appear. The Access Point can connect to up to eight wireless networks at the same time. On this screen, you can configure up to three wireless networks and the Access Point’s wireless mode. (If you want to configure additional networks, then use the Web-based Utility.)

Select Main SSID and enter your primary SSID in the field provided. Then select the channel at which the network broadcasts its wireless signal.

Select the wireless mode you want the Access Point to use for all of the wireless networks it supports. Select SSID 2 and enter your second SSID in the field provided. Then select this network’s channel setting. Select SSID 3 and enter your third SSID in the field provided. Then select this network’s channel setting.

After you have entered the settings for your three wireless networks, click the Next button to continue or Back to return to the previous page.

•SSID. The SSID is the unique name shared among all devices in a wireless network. It is case-sensitive and must not exceed 32 characters, which may be any keyboard character. Make sure this setting is the same for all devices in your wireless network.

•Channel. Select the appropriate channel from the list provided to correspond with your network settings. All devices in your wireless network must use the same channel in order to communicate.

•Mode. Select Mixed Mode if you want both Wireless-G and Wireless-B computers allowed on the networks, but note that the speed will be reduced. Select G-Only for maximum speed with Wireless-G products only. The final selection, B-Only, allows only Wireless-B products on the networks. You can also disable wireless performance if you select Disable.

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

Figure 5-6: Wireless Settings Screen

Setup Wizard

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

8.The Wireless Security Settings screen will appear next. From this screen, you can set the level of security you desire for each of your three networks.

First, select the wireless network you want to configure, Main SSID, SSID 2, or SSID 3.

Then select from WEP (64-Bit), WEP (128-Bit), and WPA-Personal, and follow the appropriate instructions below. If you want to use WPA-Enterprise, then select Disabled from the Security drop-down menu. (You will have to use the Web-based Utility to set up WPA-Enterprise or RADIUS; for more information, refer to “Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point.”)

After you have entered the settings for your three wireless networks, click the Next button to continue or Back to return to the previous page.

For more information on wireless security, refer to “Appendix B: Wireless Security.”

•WEP (64-Bit) or WEP (128-Bit). Enter the Passphrase for your network. If want to manually enter the WEP key, then leave the Passphrase field blank and enter the WEP key in the Key 1 field. The WEP key can consist of the letters “A” through “F” and the numbers “0” through “9” and should be 10 characters in length for 64-bit encryption or 26 characters in length for 128-bit encryption.

After you have entered the settings for your three wireless networks, click the Next button to continue or Back to return to the previous page.

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

Figure 5-7: Wireless Security Settings - WEP Screen

wep (wired equivalent privacy): a method of encrypting network data transmitted on a wireless network for greater security.

bit: a binary digit.

wpa (wi-fi protected access): a wireless security protocol using TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) encryption, which can be used in conjunction with a RADIUS server.

passphrase: used much like a password, a passphrase simplifies the WEP encryption process by automatically generating the WEP encryption keys for Linksys products.

Setup Wizard

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

•WPA-Personal. With WPA-Personal, you will use TKIP or AES for encryption with dynamic keys. Then enter a Pre-Shared Key of 8-63 characters.

After you have entered the settings for your three wireless networks, click the Next button to continue or Back to return to the previous page.

9.The Wireless Power Management screen will appear. You can adjust the power output of the Access Point to get the appropriate coverage for your wireless network. Select the setting appropriate for your environment. If you are not sure which setting to choose, then keep the default setting, 100%. Click the Next button to continue or Back to return to the previous page.

Figure 5-8: Wireless Security Settings - WPA-Personal Screen

tkip (temporal key integrity protocol): a wireless encryption protocol that provides dynamic encryption keys for each packet transmitted.

Figure 5-9: Wireless Power Management Screen

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

Setup Wizard

+ 48 hidden pages