Linksys WAP51AB User Manual

Instant WirelessTMSeries

Dual-Band Wireless

Access Point

Use this guide to install: WAP51AB

User Guide

COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS Copyright © 2002 Linksys, All Rights Reserved. Linksys is a registered trademark of Linksys. Instant Wireless is a 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 Instant Wireless™ Dual-Band Wireless 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-WAP51AB-073102NC KL

Dual-Band Wireless Access Point

Chapter 1: Introduction

The Instant WirelessTMDual-Band Wireless Access Point

Install an access point that protects your infrastructure investment without limiting you to a single type of wireless technology. The Instant Wireless™ DualBand Wireless Access Point works simultaneously with both 802.11a and

802.11b wireless standards to bring you the ultimate in wireless freedom. This means you can enjoy the broadest spectrum of wireless networking now without the worry of a costly upgrade later.

The Dual-Band Wireless Access Point's antennas enhance reception and provide seamless roaming through your wireless networks. An advanced user authentication feature and security encryption of up to 152 bits give you the highest level of network security. It's both easy to install and easy to use. With Internet browser-based configuration and Windows-Based Setup Wizard, you're always in control.

Compact, lightweight, and power-efficient, the Dual-Band Wireless Access Point is the perfect wireless networking solution, no matter which wireless networking standard you choose to use.

• High Speed Wireless Networking

• Protection for Your W ireless Investment - Supports Both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wireless Technology

• Wireless Security with WEP Encryption of up to 152-bits and MAC Address Filtering

• Quick and Easy to Use with Web-Based Management and Windows-Based Setup Wizard

• Operates in Both the 5GHz and 2.4GHz Bands

• Wi-Fi Compatibility with 802.11a and 802.11b Technology

• Up to 72 Mbps Turbo Mode (with Linksys 802.11a products only)

• Supports up to 64 Simultaneous Wireless Users

• Free Technical Support - 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week, Toll-Free U.S. Calls

• 1-Year Limited War ranty

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction 1

The Instant WirelessTMDual-Band Wireless 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 Dual-Band Wireless Access Point 4

The Dual-Band Wireless Access Point’s Back Panel 4 The Dual-Band Wireless Access Point’s Front Panel 5

Chapter 4: Connecting the Dual-Band Wireless Access Point 6 Chapter 5: Setting Up the Dual-Band Wireless Access Point 7 Chapter 6: Configuring the Dual-Band Wireless Access Point 16

The Setup Tab 16 The Password Tab 20 The Status Tab 21 The Help Tab 22 The Filter Tab 23 The Wireless Tab 24

Appendix A:T roubleshooting 27

Frequently Asked Questions 27

Appendix B: Setting Up the TCP/IP and IPX Protocols 32

Setting Up TCP/IP in Windows 32 TCP/IP Setup for Windows 95, 98, and Millennium 33 IPX Setup for Windows 95, 98, and Millennium 33 TCP/IP Setup for Windows NT 4.0 34 IPX Setup for Windows NT 4.0 34 TCP/IP Setup for Windows 2000 35 IPX Setup for Windows 2000 35 TCP/IP Setup for Windows XP 36

Appendix C: Glossary 37 Appendix D: Specifications 45

Environmental 46

Appendix E:Warranty Information 47 Appendix F: Contact Information 48

Instant WirelessTMSeries

Features

Dual-Band Wireless Access Point

Chapter 2: Planning Your 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 configured to share the same radio channel.

The Instant W ireless™ Series adapters pro vide access to a wired LAN for wireless workstations. An integ rated wireless and wired LAN is called an infrastructure configuration. A group of Instant Wireless™ Series adapter users and an Instant Wireless™ Dual-Band Wireless 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 Dual-Band W ireless 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 Dual-Band W ireless 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 Ser vice Set (ESS). This continuous network allows users to roam freely within an ESS. All PCs equipped with an Instant Wireless™ Series adapter within one ESS must be conf igured with the same ESS ID and use the same radio channel.

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

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• One Dual-Band Wireless Access Point

• One Setup CD-ROM with User Guide

• One Power Adapter

• One Quick Installation guide

• One Registration Card

One Pentium Class PC (200MHz or Faster Processor) with:

• 64MB RAM,

• Internet Explorer 4.0 or Netscape Navigator 4.7 or Higher for Web-based configuration,

• one CD-ROM Drive, and

• 802.11a or 802.11b Wireless Adapter with TCP/IP Protocol Installed

• a Network Adapter with Categor y 5 Ethernet Network Cabling and TCP/IP protocol installed

Roaming

Figure 1-1

Network Topology

Package Contents

System Requirements

Dual-Band Wireless Access Point

Instant WirelessTMSeries

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Dual-Band Wireless Access Point

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

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.

Power Switch The Power Switch is where you will turn the Access

Point on and off.

Reset Button 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 from the password tab in the Access Point’s Web-Based Utility.

The Dual-Band Wireless Access Point’s Back Panel

Figure 3-1

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

powered on.

Diag Red. The Diag LED indicates the Access Point’s self-diagnosis

mode during boot-up and restart. It will turn off upon completing the diagnosis. If this LED stays on for an abnormally long period of time, refer to the Troubleshooting Appendix.

WLAN Act Green. If the WLAN’s Act LED is flickering, the Access Point

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

WLAN Link Green. The WLAN’ s Link LED lights whenever there is a suc-

cessful wireless connection.

LAN Act/Link Green. The LAN’s LINK LED serves two purposes. If the

LED is continuously lit, 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.

LAN Full/Col Green. The LAN’s Full/Col LED also serves two purposes.

When this LED is continuously lit, the connection made through the corresponding port is running in Full Duplex mode. A flickering LED indicates that the connection is experiencing collisions. Infrequent collisions are normal. If this LED blinks too often, there may be a problem with your connection. Refer to the Troubleshooting Appendix if you think there is a problem.

LAN 100 Orange. The LAN’s 100 LED indicates when a successful

100Mbps connection is made through the LAN port.

The Dual-Band Wireless Access Point’s Front Panel

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. Do not reset the Access Point if you want to retain these settings

Chapter 5: Setting Up the DualBand Wireless 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 conf igure the Access Point.

1. Inser t 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 screen in Figure 5-1 should appear on your monitor. If it does not, this means the autorun is not functioning. Start the Setup Wizard 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 W eb button or to exit this Setup Wizard, click the Exit button.

Chapter 4: Connecting the DualBand Wireless 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.

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 Dual-Band Wireless Access Point for directions on how to set up the Access Point.

Dual-Band Wireless Access Point

Instant WirelessTMSeries

Hav e You: Connected the Access Point to a hub, switch or router on your wired network as shown in Chapter 4: Connecting the Dual-Band Wireless Access Point? The Access Point can only be set up through your wired network.

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 Setup Wizard or 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 configured in the Ad Hoc Mode, they will not be recognized by the Access P oint.

3. The following screen, shown in Figure 5-2, displays how the Access Point is configured in this Setup Wizard. Optimally, you should perform this setup through a PC on your wired network. Click the Next button to con- tinue or Exit to exit the Setup Wizard.

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 netw ork, 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. You will be asked to sign onto the Access Point you’ve selected, as shown in Figure 5-4. Enter the Password you’ve assigned. If none has been assigned, enter the default password: admin. Then, click the OK button. (This password can be changed from the Web-based Utility’s Password tab.)

6. As shown in Figure 5-5, the IP Settings screen will appear next. Enter an IP Address, Subnet Mask, and enter a unique access point name for the Access Point appropriate to your network. 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 192.168.1.250.)

Dual-Band Wireless Access PointInstant WirelessTMSeries

Figure 5-2

Figure 5-3

Figure 5-1

Figure 5-4

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, 26 characters in length for 128-bit encryption, or 32 characters in length for 152-bit encryption. All points in your wireless network must use the same WEP key to utilize WEP encryption.

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

page.

• Subnet Mask. The Access Point’s Subnet Mask must be the same as your

Ethernet network.

• Access Point Name. Assign a name to the Access Point. Unique, mem-

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

7. As shown in Figure 5-6, the Basic Settings screen for your 5 GHz/802.11a wireless products will appear. Enter your wireless network’s SSID and select the channel at which the network broadcasts its wireless signal. Then, click the Next button to continue or Back to return to the previous page.

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

less 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 36 and 64. All points in your wireless network must use the same channel in order to function correctly.

8. The Security Settings screen (Figure 5-7) for your 5 GHz/802.11a wireless products will appear next. From this screen, you will set the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption, 64-bit/128-bit/152-bit, for your wireless network. Select a WEP conf iguration method and a WEP key.

Dual-Band Wireless Access Point

Instant WirelessTMSeries

Figure 5-6

Figure 5-5

Figure 5-7

9. As shown in Figure 5-8, the Basic Settings screen for your 2.4 GHz/802.11b wireless products will appear. Enter your wireless network’s SSID and select the channel at which the network broadcasts its wireless signal. Then, click the Next button to continue or Back to return to the pre- vious page.

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

• 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.

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Dual-Band Wireless Access Point

10. The Security Settings screen (Figure 5-9) for your 2.4 GHz/802.11b wireless products will appear next. From this screen, you will set the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption, 64-bit/128-bit, for your wireless network. Select a WEP conf iguration method and a WEP passphrase.

• WEP (Disable/64-bit WEP/128-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.

• Passphrase. This is a text string with a maximum of 16 alphanumeric

characters used for generating a WEP Key. Type the passphrase here. This passphrase may not w ork with non-Linksys products due to possib le incompatibility with other vendors’passphrase generators. If you’d rather not use a passphrase and would rather enter the WEP Key manually, click the Next button.

Click the Next button to continue or Back to return to the previous page.

Figure 5-8

Figure 5-9

Note: WEP encryption should be used whenever communicating over a wireless network. Wireless transmissions, by their very nature, are unprotected and WEP encryption helps to close this hole in security and make your wireless network safer to use.

Note: The Access Point’s passphrase function when mixing products from other manufacturers into your wireless network. Linksys products should always be used for optimum functionality. If another company’s wireless product is used, however, the WEP key should be set manually.

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