Linksys WAP54GP User Manual
A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
®
2.4
Model No.
GHz
802.11g
WIRELESS
WAP54GP
Wireless-G
Access Point with
Power Over Ethernet
User Guide
Wireless-G 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 © 2005 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 Access Point with Power Over Ethernet 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.
WAP54GP-UG-50926A BW
Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description
Wireless-G 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 5
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet 6
The Front Panel 6
The Back Panel 7
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet 8
Overview 8
Connections for Setup 8
Placement Options 9
Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet 10
Overview 10
Navigating the Utility 10
Accessing the Utility 12
The Setup Tab 12
The Wireless - Basic Wireless Settings Tab 14
The Wireless - Wireless Security Tab 16
The Wireless - Wireless Network Access Tab 20
The Wireless - Advanced Wireless Settings Tab 21
The AP Mode Tab 23
The Administration - Management Tab 26
The Administration - Log Tab 28
The Administration - Factory Default Tab 29
The Administration - Firmware Upgrade Tab 29
The Administration - Language Upgrade Tab 30
The Administration - Reboot Tab 30
The Administration - Config Management Tab 31
The Status - Local Network Tab 32
Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
The Status - Wireless Tab 33
The Status - System Performance Tab 34
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 36
Frequently Asked Questions 36
Appendix B: Wireless Security 40
Security Precautions 40
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 40
Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware 43
Appendix D: Windows Help 44
Appendix E: Glossary 45
Appendix F: Specifications 52
Appendix G: Warranty Information 54
Appendix H: Regulatory Information 55
Appendix I: Contact Information 61
Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
List of Figures
Figure 3-1: Front Panel 6
Figure 3-2: Back Panel 7
Figure 4-1: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable 8
Figure 4-2: Connect the Power 8
Figure 4-3: The Access Point’s Stand Slots 9
Figure 4-4: The Access Point’s Wall-Mount Slots 9
Figure 5-1: Login Screen 12
Figure 5-2: Setup - Automatic Configuration - DHCP Screen 12
Figure 5-3: Setup - Static IP Address Screen 13
Figure 5-4: Wireless - Basic Wireless Settings Screen 14
Figure 5-5: Wireless - Wireless Security (WPA-Personal) Screen 16
Figure 5-6: Wireless Security - WPA-Enterprise Screen 17
Figure 5-7: Wireless Security - RADIUS Screen 18
Figure 5-8: Wireless Security - WEP Screen 19
Figure 5-9: Wireless - Wireless Network Access Screen 20
Figure 5-10: Select MAC Address Screen 20
Figure 5-11: Wireless - Advanced Wireless Settings Screen 21
Figure 5-12: AP Mode Screen 23
Figure 5-13: Wireless Repeater Diagram 24
Figure 5-14: Site Survey Screen 24
Figure 5-15: Wireless Bridge Diagram 25
Figure 5-16: Administration - Management Screen 26
Figure 5-17: Administration - Log Screen 28
Figure 5-18: Administration - Factory Default Screen 29
Figure 5-19: Administration - Firmware Upgrade Screen 29
Figure 5-20: Administration - Language Upgrade Screen 30
Figure 5-21: Administration - Reboot Screen 30
Figure 5-22: Administration - Config Management Screen 31
Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
Figure 5-23: Status - Local Network Screen 32
Figure 5-24: Status - Wireless Screen 33
Figure 5-25: Status - System Performance Screen 34
Figure C-1: Firmware Upgrade 43
Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet. 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 Access Point with Power Over Ethernet can support communications on up to eight wireless
networks, using Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) technology.
The Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet also offers the convenience of Power over Ethernet (PoE)
capability, so it can receive data and power over a single Ethernet network cable.
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.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
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-G 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-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet.
• Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter describes the 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 Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
This chapter describes the physical features of the Access Point.
• Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
This chapter instructs you on how to connect the Access Point to your network.
• Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
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 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.
• 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.
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this User Guide?
2
Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
• 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?
3
Wireless-G 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 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 Access Point with Power Over Ethernet, 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.
Roaming
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.
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 using the roaming capabilities, choose a feasible radio channel and optimum access point position. Proper
access point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.
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-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
Network Layout
The Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet 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. If you want to use Power Over Ethernet (POE), then connect the Access Point to any switch or
router that complies with the POE standard (802.3af)—or you can use 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 Layout
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Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
The Front Panel
The Access Point's LEDs, which indicate activity and status information, are located on the front panel.
Power Green. The Power LED lights up when the Access Point is powered on.
Ethernet Green. The Ethernet LED lights up when the Access Point is successfully connected to a
device through the Ethernet network port. If the LED is flashing, the Access Point is actively
sending to or receiving data from one of the devices over the Ethernet network port.
Wireless-G Green. The Wireless-G 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 Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
The Front Panel
Figure 3-1: Front Panel
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Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
The Back Panel
The Access Point's Ethernet network and power ports, as well as the Reset button, are located on the back panel.
Ethernet Port The Ethernet network port connects to an Ethernet network device, such as a switch or router.
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 using the Access Point's Webbased Utility.
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.
Power Port The Power port connects to the Access Point’s power adapter. (This port will not be used if you
are using Power Over Ethernet.)
port: the connection point on a computer or
networking device used for plugging in
cables or adapters
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
The Back Panel
Figure 3-2: Back Panel
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Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
Overview
This chapter explains how to connect the Access Point for setups.
Connections for Setup
1. Attach the Access Point’s antenna.
2. 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.
3. 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’s powers on.
Proceed to the following section, “Placement Options.”
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
Overview
Figure 4-1: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable
Figure 4-2: Connect the Power
NOTE: The Bridge features Power Over
Ethernet (POE) support. POE technology allows
a POE adapter (also known as a power injector,
power hub, or inline power device) to supply
data and power to an Ethernet device using a
single Ethernet network cable. To use the
Bridge’s POE feature, follow the instructions
for your specific POE device.
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Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
Placement Options
There are three ways to place the 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. Near the Access Point’s bottom panel are two rubber feet and two rubber inserts. Remove them to expose the
stand slots you want to use.
2. The Access Point includes four triangular stands. With its rubber pad facing the bottom, insert a stand into a
slot, and push the stand upward until the stand snaps into place.
Repeat this step with the other stands.
Now that the hardware installation is complete, proceed to “Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-G
Access Point with Power Over Ethernet,” for directions on how to configure the Access Point.
Wall-Mount Option
1. On one of the Access Point’s side panels are four rubber feet. Remove four adjacent feet to expose the wallmount slots you want to use. The distance between two adjacent slots is 145 mm (5.7 inches).
2. Determine where you want to mount the Access Point.
3. Drill four holes into the wall. Make sure adjacent holes are 145 mm (5.7 inches) apart.
4. Insert a screw into each hole, and leave 5 mm (0.2 inches) of its head exposed.
5. Maneuver the Router so the wall-mount slots line up with the four screws.
6. 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: Configuring the Wireless-G
Access Point with Power Over Ethernet,” for directions on how to configure the Access Point.
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
Placement Options
Figure 4-3: The Access Point’s Stand Slots
145 mm
(5.7 inches)
Figure 4-4: The Access Point’s Wall-Mount Slots
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Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
Overview
The Utility can be accessed via Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator through use of a computer that
is networked with the Access Point.
For a basic network setup, most users only have to use the following screens of the Utility:
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.
• Setup
On the Setup screen, enter your basic network settings 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.
Navigating the Utility
There are five main tabs: Setup, Wireless, AP Mode, Administration, and Status. Additional screens will be
available from most of the main tabs.
Setup
Enter the settings for the Access Point and your Internet connection on this screen.
Wireless
You will use the Wireless tabs to enter a variety of wireless settings for the Access Point.
• Basic Wireless Settings. Enter the network mode, Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) settings, SSIDs, and
other settings on this screen.
• Wireless Security. Use this screen to configure the Access Point’s security settings.
tcp/ip: a set of instructions 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.
• Wireless Network Access. From this screen, you can permit or block access to your wireless network.
Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
Overview
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Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
• Advanced Wireless Settings. Use this screen to configure the Access Point’s more advanced wireless
settings.
AP Mode
Use this screen to configure how the Access Point will work with other access points in your network.
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.
• Language Upgrade. On this screen, change the language of the Access Point’s Web-based Utility.
snmp: the standard e-mail protocol on the Internet.
• Reboot. Use this screen to reboot the Access Point.
• Config Management. You can back up the configuration file for the Access Point, as well as save 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 will display current information on the Access Point and its local network.
• Wireless. This screen will display current information on the Access Point and its wireless networks.
• System Performance. This screen will display current information on the Access Point and its data
transmissions.
Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
Navigating the Utility
firmware: the programming code that runs a
networking device.
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Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
Accessing the Utility
To access the Web-based Utility of the Access Point, launch Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator, 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.
The Setup Tab
The first screen that appears is the Setup screen. This allows you to change the Access Point's general settings.
Setup
Enter the Host and Device Names for the Access Point.
Host Name. You may assign any Host Name to the Access Point. Unique, memorable names are helpful,
especially if you are employing multiple access points on the same network.
Device Name. You may assign any Device Name to the Access Point. Unique, memorable names are helpful,
especially if you are employing multiple access points on the same network.
Network Setup
Figure 5-1: Login Screen
The selections under this heading allow you to configure the Access Point’s IP setting(s).
IP Settings
Select Automatic Configuration - DHCP if your network router will assign an IP address to the Access Point.
Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
Accessing the Utility
Figure 5-2: Setup - Automatic Configuration -
DHCP Screen
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Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
Select Static IP Address if you want to assign a static or fixed IP address to the Access Point. Then complete the
following:
• IP Address. The IP address must be unique to your network. We suggest you use the default IP address of
192.168.1.245.
• Subnet Mask. The Subnet Mask must be the same as that set on your Ethernet network.
• Default Gateway. Enter the IP address of your network’s gateway. The gateway is the device that enables
communication between your computers and the Internet. In most cases, your router acts as your gateway.
• Primary and Secondary DNS. Enter the IP address of your Domain Name System (DNS) server. This
information should be provided by your ISP. You should enter at least one DNS address.
Change these settings as described here and click Save Settings to apply your changes, or click Cancel
Changes to cancel your changes. Click Help for more information.
Figure 5-3: Setup - Static IP Address Screen
static ip address: a fixed address assigned to a computer or
device that is connected to a network.
Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
The Setup Tab
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Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
The Wireless - Basic Wireless Settings Tab
Change the wireless network settings on this screen. The Access Point can connect to up to eight wireless
networks at the same time.
Wireless Network
Configure the Access Point using the available settings. You can enter and save more than one configuration for
the Access Point because the Access Point can work with a primary wireless network and up to seven Virtual
Local Area Networks (VLANs). The Access Point can support a maximum of 32 wireless client devices.
NOTE: To use the Access Point’s VLAN features, you must have a managed switch.
Wireless Network Mode. Select Mixed and both Wireless-G and Wireless-B computers will be allowed on the
network, but 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 network. You can also disable wireless
performance if you select Disabled.
VLAN Trunk. Select Enabled if you want to use the Access Point’s VLAN features.
Priority. Select Enabled if you want to use the Access Point’s capability to assign VLAN priorities. Select
Disabled if you want to disable the Access Point’s capability to assign VLAN priorities.
Main SSID. Enter settings for the Access Point’s primary wireless network.
Virtual SSID1-7. You can enter settings for up to seven virtual wireless networks.
SSID Name. The SSID is the unique name shared among all devices in a wireless network. It is case-sensitive
and must not exceed 32 alphanumeric characters, which may be any keyboard character. Make sure this setting
is the same for all devices in each wireless network.
VLAN ID. Enter the ID number you want to assign to this VLAN. Make sure at least one of these matches the
Access Point VLAN ID entered on this screen.
Priority. You can assign VLAN priority to each wireless network, Low, Medium, or High.
TX Rate Limitation. The default setting is 54 Mbps. The range is from 1 to 54Mbps. The rate of data
transmission should be set depending on the speed of your wireless network. You can select from a range of
transmission speeds, or you can keep the default setting, 54 Mbps, to have the Access Point enable the Auto-
Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
The Wireless - Basic Wireless Settings Tab
Figure 5-4: Wireless - Basic Wireless Settings Screen
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Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
Fallback feature. Auto-Fallback will automatically negotiate the best possible connection speed between the
Access Point and a wireless device.
Access Point VLAN ID. Enter the VLAN ID of the Access Point. Make sure this matches at least one of the VLAN
IDs listed in the aforementioned table.
NOTE: You must use the Access Point VLAN ID for one of your wireless networks in order to
maintain access to the Access Point’s Web-based Utility.
Wireless Channel. Select the appropriate channel from the list provided; this will be the channel that all of your
wireless devices will use.
Wireless SSID Broadcast. This feature allows the main SSID to be broadcast by the Access Point. You may want
to enable this function while configuring your network, but make sure that you disable it when you are finished.
With this enabled, someone could easily obtain the SSID information with site survey software and gain
unauthorized access to your main network. Click Enabled to broadcast the main SSID to all wireless devices in
range. Click Disabled to increase network security and block the main SSID from being seen on networked PCs.
NOTE: Only the main SSID of the Access Point can be broadcast. The Access Point cannot
broadcast any of its Virtual SSIDs.
Change these settings as described here and click Save Settings to apply your changes, or click Cancel
Changes to cancel your changes. Click Help for more information.
Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet
The Wireless - Basic Wireless Settings Tab
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