Linksys Instant Wireless WAP11 User Manual

Instant WirelessTMSeries

Wireless Network

Access Point

Use this guide to install: WAP11 ver. 2.2

User Guide

COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS
Copyright © 2002 Linksys, All Rights Reserved. Instant Wireless™ is a registered trade­mark of Linksys. Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks and brand names are the property of their
respective proprietors.

LIMITED WARRANTY
Linksys guarantees that every Wireless Network Access Point is free from physical
defects in material and workmanship under normal use for one year from the date of pur­chase. If the product proves defective during this warranty period, call Linksys Technical
Support in order to obtain a Return Authorization Number. BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR
PROOF OF PURCHASE AND A BARCODE FROM THE PRODUCT’S PACKAGING ON
HAND WHEN CALLING. RETURN REQUESTS CANNOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT
PROOF OF PURCHASE. When returning a product, mark the Return Authorization
Number clearly on the outside of the package and include a copy of your original proof
of purchase. All customers located outside of the United States of America and Canada
shall be held responsible for shipping and handling charges.

IN NO EVENT SHALL LINKSYS’ LIABILITY EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE PROD­UCT FROM DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAM­AGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCT, ITS ACCOMPANYING SOFT­WARE, OR ITS DOCUMENTATION. LINKSYS DOES NOT OFFER REFUNDS FOR ANY
PRODUCT. Linksys makes no warranty or representation, expressed, implied, or statuto­ry, with respect to its products or the contents or use of this documentation and all
accompanying software, and specifically disclaims its quality, performance, mer­chantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. Linksys reserves the right to revise or
update its products, software, or documentation without obligation to notify any individ­ual or entity. Please direct all inquiries to:

Linksys P.O. Box 18558, Irvine, CA 92623.
FCC STATEMENT

This product has been tested and complies with the specifications 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 according to 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 is found 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 or devices

• Connect the equipment to an outlet other than the receiver’s

• Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement

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

UG-WAP11 ver. 2.2-071002B JL

Wireless Network Access Point

Chapter 1: Introduction

The Instant WirelessTMNetwork Access Point

Don’t be bound by cabling restrictions any longer! The Instant Wireless™
Network Access P oint from Linksys deli vers the freedom to configure your net­work yourway. Utilization of state-of-the-art wireless technology gives you the
ability to set up workstations in ways you never thought possible; no cables to
install means fewer expenses and fewer hassles.

The Instant Wireless™ Network Access Point’s high-powered antennae offer a
range of operation of up to 1500 feet, providing seamless roaming throughout
your LAN infrastructure. Advanced user authentication ensures a high level of
security for wireless networking, while easy-to-use W indo ws-based diagnostics
and statistics tools ensure that you’ll always be in control. Best of all, the
Instant Wireless™ Network Access Point features easy installation—just plug
it in and you’re ready to go!

When all these features come together in one compact, lightweight, and power­efficient unit, you have the ultimate in flexible networking—the Linksys
Instant Wireless™ Network Access Point.

Features

• Highly Efficient Dipole Antennae Provide Extensive Range of Operation

• Enjoy Your Wireless Off ice Beyond the Range of Ethernet Networking

• Auto Fall-Back Data Rate for Long-Distance Communication and Noisy
Environments

• High-Speed Data Transfer Rate Up to 11 Mbps

• Interoperable with IEEE 802.11b (DSSS) 2.4GHz-Compliant Equipment

• Features Roaming and Network Traffic Filtering

• Extensive Operating Range Supports up to 300 ft. (Indoors) and 500 feet
(Outdoors)

• Up to 256-Bit Wired Equivalent Privacy Supported

• Free Software Driver Upgrades

• Compatible with Virtually All Major Operating Systems

• Free Technical Support—24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week for North America
Only

• 1-Year Limited Warranty

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction 1

The Instant WirelessTMNetwork Access Point 1
Features 1
Package Contents 2
System Requirements 2

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network 3

Network Topology 3
Roaming 3

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless Network Access Point 4

The Wireless Network Access Point’s Ports 4
The Wireless Network Access Point’s LEDs 5

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless Network Access Point 6
Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless Network Access Point 7
Chapter 6: Conf iguring the Wireless Network Access Point 14

The Setup Tab 14
The Password Tab 19
The Status Tab 20
The Help Tab 22
The Filter Tab 23
The Wireless Tab 25

Appendix A:Troubleshooting 28

Frequently Asked Questions 28

Appendix B: Setting Up the TCP/IP Protocol 32

Setting Up TCP/IP in Windows 32
TCP/IP Setup for Windows 95, 98, and Millennium 33
TCP/IP Setup for Windows NT 4.0 34
TCP/IP Setup for Windows 2000 35

Appendix C: Glossary 36
Appendix D: Specifications 44

Environmental 45

Appendix E:Warranty Information 46
Appendix F: Contact Information 47

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Wireless Network Access Point

3

Chapter 2: Planning You r
Wireless Network

A wireless LAN is a group of computers, each equipped with one Instant
Wireless™ Series adapter. Computers in a wireless LAN must be conf igured
to share the same radio channel.

The Instant Wireless™ Series adapters pro vide access to a wired LAN for wire­less workstations. An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an
Infrastructure configuration. A group of Instant Wireless™ Series adapter
users and an Instant Wireless™ Wireless Network Access Point compose a
Basic Service Set (BSS). Each Instant Wireless™ Series adapter PC in a BSS
can talk to any computer in a wired LAN infrastructure via the Instant
Wireless™ Wireless Network Access Point.

An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of an Instant
Wireless™ Series adapter PC to a wired LAN, and doubles the effective wire­less transmission range for two Instant Wireless™ Series adapter PCs. Since
the Wireless Network Access Point is able to forward data within its BSS, the
effective transmission range in an infrastructure LAN is doubled.

Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. More
than one BSS can be configured as an Extended Service Set (ESS). This con­tinuous network allows users to roam freely. All PCs equipped with an Instant
Wireless™ Series adapter must be configured with the same SSID and use the
same radio channel.

Before enabling a network with roaming capability, choosing a feasible radio
channel and optimum Wireless Network Access Point position is recommend­ed. Proper Wireless Network Access Point positioning combined with a clear
radio signal will greatly enhance performance.

Instant WirelessTMSeries

Package Contents

• One Instant Wireless

TM

Wireless Network Access Point

• One AC Pow er Adapter

• One Setup Wizard CD-ROM (with User Guide)

• Two Detachable Antennae

• One Quick Installation and Registration Card (not shown)

• One CAT 5 Ethernet Cable (not shown)

System Requirements

• A Windows 95, 98, Millennium, NT version 4.0, 2000, or XP PC

• Internet Explorer ver. 4.0 or higher

• One CD-ROM Drive

2

Roaming

Figure 1-1

Network Topology

Wireless Network Access Point

Instant WirelessTMSeries

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the
Wireless Network Access Point

The Access Point’s ports, where a network cable is connected, are located on
the Access Point’s rear panel.

Dipole Antenna
Connectors These two round connections are where the antennae are

connected to the Access Point.

LAN This LAN (Local Area Network) port connects to

Ethernet network devices, such as a hub, switch, or
router.

Power The Power port is where you will connect the power

adapter.

Reset Button There are two ways to Reset the Access Point’s factory

defaults. Briefly press the Reset Button for approximately
ten seconds, or use the Password tab of the Access Point’s
Web-Based Utility.

4

The Wireless Network Access Point’s Ports

Figure 3-1

T

Power Red. The Powe r LED lights up when the Access Point is

powered on.

ACT Green. If the LED is flickering, the Access Point is actively

sending or receiving data to or from one of the devices on the
network.

LINK Amber. The LINK LED serves two purposes. If the LED is

continuously lit up, the Access Point is successfully connect­ed to a device through the LAN port. If the LED is flicker­ing, it is an indication of any network activity.

The Wireless Network Access Point’s LEDs

Figure 3-2

Important: Resetting the Access Point will erase all of your settings
(WEP Encryption, Wireless and LAN settings, etc.) and replace
them with the factory defaults.

5

Chapter 5: Setting Up the
Wireless Network Access Point

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 get the Access Point connecting your wireless network to
your wired network and communicating more efficiently.

1. Insert the Setup Wizard CD into your PC’s CD-ROM driv e. Optimall y, your

PC should be on your wired network.

2. The screen in Figure 5-1 should appear on your monitor. If it does not, this

means the autorun is not functioning. Start the autorun manually by click­ing the Start button, selecting Run, and typing d:\setup.exe (where “D” is
your PC’s CD-ROM drive). Click the Setup button to continue this Setup
Wizard. Clicking the User Guide button opened this User Guide. To access
the Linksys web site on an active Internet connection, click the Linksys
We b button or to exit this Setup Wizard, click the Exit button.

Chapter 4: Connecting the
Wireless Network Access Point

1. Locate an optimum location for the Access Point.The best place for the

Access Point is usually at the center of your wireless network, with line of
sight to all of your mobile stations.

2. Fix the direction of the antenna. Try to place it in a position which can

best cover your wireless network. Normally, the higher you place the anten­na, the better the performance will be. The antenna’s position enhances the
receiving sensitivity. Both antennae should be perpendicular to the ground
and parallel to each other.

3. Connect a standard Ethernet network cable to the Access Point. Then,

connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to a switch or hub. The Access
Point will then be connected to your 10/100 Network.

4. Connect the AC Power Adapter to the Access Point’s Power Socket.

Only use the power adapter supplied with the Access Point. Use of a differ­ent adapter may result in product damage.

Now that the hardware installation is complete, proceed to Chapter 5:Setting
Up the Wireless Network Access Point for directions on how to setup the
Access Point.

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Wireless Network Access Point

Instant WirelessTMSeries

Have You: Connected the Access Point to a hub, switch or router
on your wired network as shown in Chapter 4: Connecting the
Wireless Network Access Point.

Note: While the Access Point has been designed to work correct­ly right out of the box, setting it up on a wireless computer will
require you to use the Linksys default settings. These settings can
then be changed with the Web-based Browser Utility.

Note: In order for all other wireless devices to communicate with
the Access Point, those devices must be operating in the
Infrastructure Mode. If any wireless devices are conf igured in
the Ad Hoc Mode, they will not be recognized by the Access Point.

7

9

3. The following screen, shown in F igure 5-2, displays how there are two wa ys
to configure the Access Point in this Setup Wizard. Optimally, you should
perform this setup through a PC on your wired network. You can also set up
the Access Point through one of the PCs on your wireless network. Click
the Next button to continue or Exit to exit the Setup Wizard.

8

4. The next screen to appear, shown in Figure 5-3, will display a list of access
points on your network along with the status information for each access
point. If this is the only access point on your network, it will be the onl y one
displayed. If there are more than one displayed, select the Access Point by
clicking on it and click the Yes button to continue or No to exit the Setup
Wizard.

5. As shown in Figure 5-4, the Basic Settings screen will now appear. Enter
your wireless network’s SSID, select the channel at which the network
broadcasts its wireless signal, and enter a unique access point name for the
Access Point. Then, click the Next button to continue or Back to previous
page.

• SSID.The SSID is the unique name shared among all points in a wireless

network. The SSID must be identical for all points in the 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
points in your wireless network.

• Channel. Select the appropriate channel from the list provided to corre-

spond with your network settings, between 1 and 11 (in North America).
All points in your wireless network must use the same channel in order
to function correctly.

Wireless Network Access PointInstant WirelessTMSeries

Figure 5-2

Figure 5-3

Figure 5-1

• IP Address. This IP address must be unique to your network. (The

default IP address of 192.168.1.251.) As this is a private IP address,
there is no need to purchase a separate IP address from your service
provider.

• IP Mask. The Access Point’s IP Mask (also known as a Subnet Mask)

must be the same as your Ethernet network.

• Gateway. This setting only appears when the DHCP, Automatically
obtain an IP Address, option is enabled; it indicates the status of the

gateway and is not user-adjustable.

7. The Security Settings screen (Figure 5-6) will appear next. From this
screen, you will set the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption for
your wired network. Select a WEP configuration method and a passphrase.
Then, click the Next button to continue or Back to previous page.

• WEP (Disable/64-bit WEP/128-bit WEP/256-bit WEP). In order to

utilize WEP encryption, select the WEP setting from the pull-down
menu. If you do not wish to utilize WEP encryption, make sure Disable
is selected. The Access Point’s WEP encryption is unique to Linksys and
may conflict with other vendors’WEP encryption.

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• Access Point Name. You may assign any name to the Access Point.

Unique, memorable names are helpful, especially if you are employing
multiple access points on the same network.

6. As shown in Figure 5-5, the IP Settings screen will appear next. Unless your net­work has a DHCP server, you will want to click the radio button beside Set IP
Address Manually to select this option. Enter an IP Address and IP Mask appro­priate to your network. Then, click the Next button to continue or Back to pre­vious page.

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Wireless Network Access Point

Instant WirelessTMSeries

Figure 5-5

Figure 5-6

Figure 5-4

• Passphrase. This is the code used when logging a wireless device onto

the wireless network. It is a text string with a maximum of 16 alphanu­meric characters. The WEP Key Settings are based upon the Passphrase
determined by you. Type that here. This passphrase may not work with
non-Linksys products due to possible incompatibility with other vendors’
passphrase generators.

8. The following Security Settings screen, shown in F igure 5-7, will allow you
to enter your WEP key. Each point in your wireless network must use the
same WEP key for the network to function properly. Verify that the appro­priate key is entered and click the Next button to continue or Back to pre­vious page.

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Instant WirelessTMSeries

Wireless Network Access Point

9. The next screen (Figure 5-8) will allow y ou to re vie w y our settings. If these

settings are correct, click the Yes button to save these settings. If there are
any problems with the settings, click the No button and you will return to
the screen shown in Figure 5-2.

10. At this point, the configuration performed with the Setup Wizard is com­plete, as shown in Figure 5-9. To configure any other Access Points in your
network, you can run this Setup Wizard again. Click the Exit button to exit
the Setup Wizard.

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Figure 5-9

Figure 5-7

Figure 5-8