Linksys WAP4400N User Manual 2

Wireless-N Access Point

USER GUIDE

with Ports
4-portuter

with Power Over Ethernet

Model No. WAP4400N

Wireless

Model No.

Model No.

Model No.

Model No.

BUSINESS SERIES

Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

Copyright and Trademarks

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 © 2006 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.

WAP4400N-UG-60519NC BW

Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description

Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

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
Example of a simple wireless network 5

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point 7

The LEDs 7
The Ports 8
Antennas and Positions 9

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-N Access Point 11

Overview 11
Connection 11
Placement Options 12

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-N Access Point 13

Overview 13
Accessing the Utility 13
Navigating the Utility 14

Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-N Access Point 16

The Setup - Basic Setup Tab 16
The Setup - Time Tab 17
The Wireless - Basic Wireless Settings Tab 18
The Wireless - Wireless Security Tab 20
The Wireless - Wireless Connection Control Tab 24
The Wireless - Advanced Wireless Settings Tab 25
The Security Monitor Tab 27
The Administration - Management Tab 28
The Administration - Log Tab 30
The Administration - Factory Default Tab 32
The Administration - Firmware Upgrade Tab 32

Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

The Administration - Reboot Tab 33
The Administration - Config Management Tab 34
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 44

Security Precautions 44
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 44

Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware 47
Appendix D: Windows Help 48
Appendix E: Glossary 49
Appendix F: Specifications 54
Appendix G: Warranty Information 56
Appendix H: Regulatory Information 57
Appendix I: Contact Information 63

Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

List of Figures

Figure 2-1: Example of a Simple Wireless Network 5
Figure 3-1: Front Panel 7
Figure 3-2: Back View 8
Figure 3-3: Stackable Position and its Antenna Setup 9
Figure 3-4: Standalone Position and its Antenna Setup 10
Figure 4-1: Connect the Ethernet Cable 11
Figure 4-2: Connect the Power 11
Figure 4-3: The Stand Option 12
Figure 4-4: Stand 12
Figure 4-5: Mounting Dimensions 12
Figure 5-1: Login Screen 14
Figure 6-1: Setup - Static IP Address 16
Figure 6-2: Setup - Automatic Configuration - DHCP 17
Figure 6-3: Setup - Time 17
Figure 6-4: Wireless - Basic Wireless Settings 18
Figure 6-5: Pop-up message on Auto Channel Selection 18
Figure 6-6: Wireless - Wireless Security (Disabled) 20
Figure 6-7: Wireless - Wireless Security (WPA-Personal) 20
Figure 6-8: Wireless - Wireless Security (WPA2-Personal) 21
Figure 6-9: Wireless - Wireless Security (WPA2-Personal Mixed) 21
Figure 6-10: Wireless - Wireless Security (WPA-Enterprise) 22
Figure 6-11: Wireless - Wireless Security (WPA2-Enterprise) 22
Figure 6-12: Wireless - Wireless Security (WPA2 - Enterprise Mixed) 23
Figure 6-13: Wireless Settings - WEP 23
Figure 6-14: Wireless - Wireless Connection Control 24
Figure 6-15: Select MAC Address from Wireless Client List 24
Figure 6-16: Wireless - Advanced Wireless 25
Figure 6-17: Security Monitor 27

Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

Figure 6-18: Administration - Management 28
Figure 6-19: The Administration - Log 30
Figure 6-20: Administration - Factory Default 32
Figure 6-21: Administration - Firmware Upgrade 32
Figure 6-22: Administration - Reboot 33
Figure 6-23: Administration - Config
Management 34
Figure 6-24: Status - Local Network 35
Figure 6-25: Status - Wireless 36
Figure 6-26: Status - System Performance 37
Figure C-1: Firmware Upgrade 47

Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

Thank you for choosing the Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet. This Access Point will allow you to
network wirelessly better than ever. 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. The Wireless-N Access
Point also offers the convenience of Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability (in addition to regular 12VDC power
adaptor), so it can receive data and power over a single Ethernet network cable.

This Access Point supports the latest 802.11n draft Specification by IEEE early 2006. It also support 802.11g and

802.11b clients in a mixed environment. This Access Point currently can support an 11n data rate up to 300
Mbps. Besides the higher data rate, 802.11n technology also promises longer coverage by using multiple
antennas to transmit and receive data streams in different directions. Users are encouraged to update their
firmware through www.linksys.com when 802.11n specification is finalized by IEEE to ensure compatibility with
all the wireless-N devices.

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 client cards or 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 Wireless Local Area Network. The Access Point bridges wireless networks of 802.11n, 802.11g
and 802.11b standards and wired networks.

access point: a device that allows wireless-equipped
computers and other devices to communicate with each
other and with devices on 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
devices 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 defined in IEEE 802.3 standard
that specifies how data is placed on and retrieved from a
common transmission medium.

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

802.11n: wireless networking draft standard that specifies
a maximum data rate up to 600Mbps (300Mbps supported
by this device), an operating frequency of 2.4GHz, and
backward compatibility with 802.11b/g devices.

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.

Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome

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.

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Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

What’s in this User Guide?

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

• Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter describes the Wireless-N 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-N Access Point
This chapter describes the physical features of the Access Point.

• Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-N Access Point
This chapter instructs you on how to connect your Access Point to your network and placement options.

• Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-N Access Point
This chapter explains how to perform the most basic setting changes through the Web-based Utility.

• Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point
This chapter provides a reference for the available configuration through the Web-based Utility.

• 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?

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Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

• 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?

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Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

Network Topology

A wireless network is a group of computers, each equipped with one or more wireless adapters. Computers in a
wireless network must be configured to share the same radio channel to talk to each other. Several PCs equipped
with wireless cards or adapters can communicate with each other to form an ad-hoc network without the use of
an access point.

Linksys also provides products to allow wireless adaptors to access wired network through a bridge such as the
wireless 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 or wireless network
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 more than doubled since
Access Point can transmit signal at higher power to the wireless space.

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 wireless network (SSID) and wireless security settings.

This Access Point has 802.11F Inter-Access Point Protocol (IAPP) to complete the roaming process in seconds. If
your wireless networks share the same IP subnet, this will not disrupt your data connection while moving around.

Before 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.

Network Layout

The Wireless-N Access Point has been designed for use with 802.11n, 802.11g and 802.11b products. The
Access Point is compatible with 802.11n, 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 all PCs when you want to enjoy

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Network Topology

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

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Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

wireless connectivity. These wireless products can also communicate with a 802.11n, 802.11g or 802.11b
wireless print server (if available).

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.
Note that the 12 VDC on the WAPPOE12 is for the splitter output. Both PoE Injectors provide 48 VDC power output.

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.

Example of a simple wireless network

Figure 2-1: Example of a Simple Wireless Network

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Example of a simple wireless network

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Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

The above diagram shows a typical infrastructure wireless network setup. The wireless Access Points are
connecting to a Linksys switch that provides power to the Access Points. Each Access Point can connect multiple
wireless devices to the network. This network will provide connectivity among wireless network devices and PCs
that have a wired connection to the switch.

The switch then can connect to a router that can connect to an ISP to reach global Internet.

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Example of a simple wireless network

6

Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

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.

PoE Green. The PoE LED lights up when the Access Point is powered through Ethernet cable.

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

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Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

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.

ETHERNET Green. The ETHERNET LED lights up when the Access Point is successfully connected to a

device through the Ethernet network port. If the ETHERNET LED is flashing, the Access Point is
actively sending to or receiving data from one of the devices over the Ethernet network port.

The Ports

The Access Point’s port are located on the back of the device.

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

Figure 3-2: Back View

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

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Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

Power The Power port connects to the supplied 12VDC power adapter.

Ethernet The Ethernet network port connects to Ethernet network devices, such as a switch or router

that may or may not support Power over Ethernet (PoE).

Reset Button There are two ways to reset the Access Point to the factory default configuration. Either press

the Reset button, for approximately ten seconds, or restore the defaults using the Access
Point's Web-based Utility.

Antennas and Positions

The Access Point’s port are located on the back of the device. The Access Point can be placed in three different
positions. It can be either stackable, standalone, or wall-mount.

Antenna The Access Point has three non-detachable 2dBi omni-directional antennas. The three

antennas have a base that can rotate 90 degrees when in the standing position. The three
antennas will all be used to support 2X3 MIMO diversity in wireless-N mode.

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

Figure 3-3: Stackable Position and its Antenna Setup

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

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Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

Figure 3-4: Standalone Position and its Antenna Setup

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

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Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-N Access Point

Overview

This chapter explains how to place and connect the Access Point.

Depending on your application, you might want to set up the device first before mounting the device. Refer to
"Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-N Access Point".

Connection

1. Connect your Ethernet network cable to your network router or switch. Then connect the other end of the
network cable to the Access Point’s Ethernet port.

2. If you are using Power Over Ethernet (POE), proceed to the following section, “Placement Options.”

If you are not using POE, then connect the included power adapter to the Access Point’s Power port. Then plug
the power adapter into an electrical outlet. The LEDs on the front panel will light up as soon as the Access
Point powers on.

Proceed to the following section, “Placement Options.”

hardware: the physical aspect of
computers, telecommunications, and
other information technology devices.

Figure 4-1: Connect the Ethernet Cable

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-N Access Point
Overview

Figure 4-2: Connect the Power

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Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

Placement Options

There are three ways to place the Wireless-N Access Point. The first way is to place it horizontally on a surface,
so it sits on its four rubber feet. The second way is to stand the Access Point vertically on a surface. The third way
is to mount it on a wall. The stand and wall-mount options are explained in further detail below.

Stand Option

1. Locate the Access Point’s left side panel.

2. The Access Point includes two stands. With the two large prongs facing outward, insert the short prongs into
the little slots in the Access Point, and push the stand upward until it snaps into place.

Repeat this step with the other stand.

Now that the hardware installation is complete, proceed to “Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-N Access

Point,” for directions on how to set up the Access Point."

Figure 4-3: The Stand Option

Large
Prongs

Wall-Mount Option

1. On the Access Point’s back panel are two criss-cross wall-mount slots.

2. Determine where you want to mount the Access Point, and install two screws that are 2-15/16" apart.

3. Line up the Access Point so that the wall-mount slots line up with the two screws.

4. Place the wall-mount slots over the screws and slide the Access Point down until the screws fit snugly into
the wall-mount slots.

Now that the hardware installation is complete, proceed to “Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-N Access

Point,” for directions on how to set up the Access Point."

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-N Access Point
Placement Options

Figure 4-4: Stand

2-15/16"

Figure 4-5: Mounting Dimensions

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Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-N Access Point

Overview

The Access Point has been designed to be functional right out of the box with the default settings. However, if
you'd like to change these settings, the Access Point can be configured through your web browser with the Web­based Utility. This chapter explains how to use the Utility to perform the most basic settings.

The Utility can be accessed via web browsers, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox through the
use of a computer that is networked with the Access Point.

HAVE YOU: Enabled TCP/IP on your PCs? PCs
communicate over the network with this
protocol. Refer to “Appendix D: Windows Help”
for more information on TCP/IP.

For a basic network setup, most users only have to use the following screens of the Utility:

• Setup
On the Setup screen, enter your basic network settings (IP address) here.

• Management
Click the Administration tab and then select the Management screen. The Access Point’s default password
is admin. To secure the Access Point, change the AP Password from its default.

Most users will also customize their wireless settings:

• Wireless
On the Wireless screen, change default SSID under the Basic Wireless Settings Tab. Select the level of
security under the Wireless Security Tab and complete the options for the selected security mode.

Accessing the Utility

There are three ways to connect to your Access Point for the first time.

1. If you have a 48VDC Power Injector (e.g. Linksys WAPPOE), power up your Access Point first, then connect the
Injector’s cable to your PC. Configure your PC to have the static IP address on the same subnet as the Access
Point’s default IP address (192.168.1.245).

2. If you have a PoE switch (e.g. Linksys SRW224P), connect your Access Point and your PC to the same
network. Configure your PC to have the static IP address on the same subnet as the Access Point’s default IP
address (192.168.1.245). Or if there is a DHCP server connected to the switch, configure it to assign the IP
address in 192.168.1.0/24 subnet. Your PC will get an IP address in the subnet through the DHCP.

tcp/ip: a set of protocols PCs use to
communicate over a network.

browser: an application that provides a way to
look at and interact with all the information on the
World Wide Web.

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-N Access Point
Overview

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Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

3. Although it is not recommended, you can connect your PC wirelessly to the Access Point when the DHCP
server is connected on the LAN side. It is not recommended, because you can easily lose your connection
through configuration changes.

Launch your web browser, such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox and enter the Access Point’s default IP
address, 192.168.1.245, in the Address field. Press the Enter key.

Enter admin in the User Name field. The first time you open the Web-based Utility, use the default password,
admin. (You can set a new password from the Administration - Management tab.) Then click the OK button.

After setting up the Access Point to use DHCP or manually configure a new IP address, move your Access Point to
the desired network. You will have to use the new IP address the next time you access the Web-based Utility.

Navigating the Utility

The Web-based Utility consists of the following five main tabs: Setup, Wireless, Security Monitor, Administration,
and Status. Additional screens (sub tabs) will be available from most of the main tabs.

The following briefly describes the main & sub tabs of the Utility.

Setup

Enter the Host Name, IP Address settings, and set the time on this screen.

Figure 5-1: Login Screen

• Basic Setup. Configure the host name and IP address settings for this Access Point.

• Time. Set the time on this Access Point.

Wireless

You will use the Wireless tabs to enter a variety of wireless settings for the Access Point.

• Basic Wireless Settings. Choose the wireless network mode (e.g. B/G/N-Mixed), SSID, and radio channel on
this screen.

• Wireless Security. Use this screen to configure the Access Point’s security settings.

• Wireless Connection Control. Use this screen to control the wireless connections from client devices to this
Access Point.

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-N Access Point
Navigating the Utility

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Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

• Advanced Wireless Settings. Use this screen to configure the Access Point’s more advanced wireless settings
(e.g. Tx Rate Limiting, Channel Bandwidth, etc.).

Security Monitor

Use this screen to configure the Access Point’s security monitor capabilities. You will be able to monitor your
wireless network through a client utility on administrator’s PC. This feature works with WPC4400N and future
Linksys client devices.

Administration

You will use the Administration tabs to manage the Access Point.

• Management. This screen allows you to customize the password and Simple Network Management Protocol
(SNMP) settings.

• Log. Configure the Log settings for the Access Point on this screen.

• Factory Default. Use this screen to reset the Access Point to its factory default settings.

• Firmware Upgrade. Upgrade the Access Point’s firmware on this screen.

• Reboot. Use this screen to reboot the Access Point.

snmp: the standard network management protocol
on the Internet.

firmware: the software image that runs on a
CPU inside a networking device.

• Config Management. You can save the configuration file for the Access Point to your PC, as well as restore the
backup configuration file to the Access Point.

Status

You will be able to view status information for your local network, wireless networks, and network performance.

• Local Network. This screen displays system information, including software & hardware version, MAC
address, and IP address on the LAN side of the Access Point.

• Wireless. This screen displays wireless network settings including SSID, network mode, and wireless
channel.

• System Performance. This screen displays the current traffic statistics of this Access Point for both Wireless
and LAN ports.

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-N Access Point
Navigating the Utility

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