National Instruments NI WAP-3701, NI WAP-3711 User Manual

NI WAP-3701/3711
User’s Manual
First Edition, Sept 2007
NI WAP-3701/3711
User’s Manual
accordance with the terms of that agreement.
Copyright Notice
Copyright © 2007 National Instruments Corporation.
All rights reserved.
Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
Trademarks
National Instruments or NI is a registered trademark of National Instruments Corporation.
All other trademarks or registered marks in this manual belong to their respective manufacturers.
Disclaimer
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of NI.
NI provides this document “as is,” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, its particular purpose. NI reserves the right to make improvements and/or changes to this manual, or to the products and/or the programs described in this manual, at any time.
Information provided in this manual is intended to be accurate and reliable. However, NI assumes no responsibility for its use, or for any infringements on the rights of third parties that may result from its use.
This product might include unintentional technical or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the information herein to correct such errors, and these changes are incorporated into new editions of the publication.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction ...............................................................................................1-1
Overview .............................................................................................................................. 1-2
Package Checklist................................................................................................................. 1-2
Product Features ................................................................................................................... 1-2
Product Specifications .......................................................................................................... 1-2
Chapter 2 Getting Started ..........................................................................................2-1
First-Time Installation and Configuration ............................................................................ 2-2
Deploying the Access Point (AP) ......................................................................................... 2-5
Setting up Client Computers................................................................................................. 2-5
Configuring IEEE 802.11g-related Settings.............................................................. 2-5
Configuring TCP/IP-related Settings ........................................................................ 2-6
Confirming the Settings of the AP and Client Computers.................................................... 2-6
Checking if the IEEE 802.11g-related Settings Work............................................... 2-6
Checking if the TCP/IP-related Settings Work ......................................................... 2-6
Chapter 3 Web Console Configuration.....................................................................3-1
Overview .............................................................................................................................. 3-2
Menu Structure.......................................................................................................... 3-2
Save, Save & Restart, and Cancel Buttons................................................................ 3-3
Home and Refresh Buttons........................................................................................ 3-3
Viewing Status...................................................................................................................... 3-3
Associated Wireless Clients ...................................................................................... 3-3
Current DHCP Mappings .......................................................................................... 3-4
System Log................................................................................................................ 3-4
Link Monitor (AP Client mode only)........................................................................ 3-4
General Operations............................................................................................................... 3-5
Specifying the Operational Mode.............................................................................. 3-5
Administrative Password........................................................................................... 3-6
Managing the Firmware ............................................................................................ 3-6
Configuring TCP/IP-related Settings.................................................................................. 3-10
Addressing............................................................................................................... 3-10
DHCP Server (AP/Bridge modes only)................................................................... 3-11
Configuring IEEE 802.11g-related Settings ....................................................................... 3-12
Communication ....................................................................................................... 3-12
Security ................................................................................................................... 3-15
IEEE 802.1X/RADIUS (AP mode only)................................................................. 3-19
Configuring Advanced Settings.......................................................................................... 3-21
Packet Filters........................................................................................................... 3-21
Management............................................................................................................ 3-22
Appendix A Default Settings........................................................................................A-1
Appendix B Troubleshooting.......................................................................................B-1
Wireless Settings Problems ..................................................................................................B-1
TCP/IP Settings Problems ....................................................................................................B-2
Unknown Problems ..............................................................................................................B-3
Appendix C Regulatory Statement.............................................................................. C-1
Appendix D Technical Support and Professional Services ......................................D-1
1
1

Chapter 1 Introduction

The NI WAP-3701/3711 enables wireless users to access network resources wirelessly. The NI WAP-3701/3711 can authenticate and authorize wireless users by IEEE 802.1X and RADIUS, and communicate with a back-end RADIUS (Remote Authentication User Dial-In Service) server to determine if a wireless user is allowed to access the wireless network..
The following topics are covered in this chapter:
Overview
Package Checklist
Product Features
Product Specifications
NI WAP-3701/3711 User’s Manual Introduction

Overview

NI WAP-3701/3711 is rated to operate at temperatures ranging from 0 to 60°C, and is rugged enough for any harsh industrial environment. It can be installed easily on DIN-Rail mounting as well as in distribution boxes. The DIN-Rail mounting capability, wide operating temperature range, and the IP30 case with LED indicators make the NI WAP-3701/3711 a ready, plug-and-play, yet reliable solution for your Industrial Wireless application.

Package Checklist

The NI WAP-3701/3711 is shipped with the following items. If any of these items is missing or damaged, please contact your customer service representative for assistance.
y 1 × NI WAP-3701/3711 802.11g/b Wireless AP/Bridge/Client y 2 × Swivel Type Antenna (2 dBi RP-SMA) y Quick Installation Guide y Document & Software CD (includes User’s Manual and Windows Utility)

Product Features

y IEEE 802.11b/g Compliant y Redundant 24 VDC power inputs or Power-over-Ethernet y Powerful security with WPA/802.1X/MAC address filtering y DIN-Rail mounting capability y Casing design meets IP30 protection standard

Product Specifications

WLAN
Standards IEEE802.11g/b for wireless LAN, IEEE802.3u 10/100BaseTX
Frequency Range 2.4-2.4835 GHz, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) Data Rate & Modulation OFDM@54Mbps, CCK@11/5.5Mbps, DQPSK@2Mbps and
Operating Channels USA: 1-11 (FCC) / Europe: 1-13 (ETSI) Security 64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption, WPA (IEEE
Data Rates 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps Transmit Power 802.11b:
Receiver Sensitivity 802.11b:
for Ethernet LAN, IEEE802.3af for Power over Ethernet
DBSK@1Mbps
802.1X/RADIUS and TKIP)
17dBm
802.11g: 6/9Mbps17dBm, 12/18Mbps15dBm, 24Mbps14dBm, 36Mbps≥14dBm, 48Mbps12dBm, 54Mbps≥12dBm
8% FER@1Mbps≤-91dBm, 8% FER@2Mbps≤-88dBm 8% FER@5.5Mbps≤-85dBm, 8% FER@11Mbps≤-83dBm
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NI WAP-3701/3711 User’s Manual Introduction
802.11g: 10% PER@6Mbps≤-88dBm, 10% PER@9Mbps≤-87dBm 10% PER@12Mbps≤-84dBm, 10% PER@18Mbps≤-82dBm 10% PER@24Mbps≤-79dBm, 10% PER@36Mbps≤-75dBm 10% PER@48Mbps≤-69dBm, 10% PER@54Mbps≤-68dBm
Software Features
Protocols HTTP, DHCP, TCP/IP, RADIUS, DNS, NetBIOS, NetBEUI,
Configuration Web-based management Client OS Support Windows 95/98/2000/ME/NT/XP, Unix, and Macintosh
Interface
Antenna 2dBi diversity antenna with an R-SMA connector RJ45 port 10/100BaseT(X) auto negotiation speed LED Indicators PWR1, PWR2, WLAN (Link/ACT), LAN (Link/ACT)
Power
Input Voltage 12 to 45 VDC; Redundant dual DC power inputs or Power over
Input Current (@24V) 0.3A Connection Removable Terminal Block Overload Current Protection 1.6A Reverse Polarity Protection Present
Mechanical
Casing IP30 protection, metal case Installation DIN-Rail or panel mounting
Environment
Operating Temperature 0 to 60°C (32 to 140°F) Storage Temperature -20 to 70°C (-4 to 158°F) Ambient Relative Humidity 5 to 95% (non-condensing)
Regulatory Approvals Safety UL60950-1, CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1, EN60950-1, TUV
Hazardous Location UL/cUL Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, and D
Emissions FCC, CE, SRRC
AppleTalk, and IPX/SPX
Ethernet (PoE, power on RJ45 pins 4, 5 for power + and pins 7, 8 for power -)
1-3

Chapter 2 Getting Started

This chapter explains how to install the NI WAP-3701/3711 for the first time.
The following topics are covered:
First-Time Installation and Configuration
Deploying the Access Point (AP)
Setting up Client Computers
Configuring IEEE 802.11g-related Settings
¾ ¾
Configuring TCP/IP-related Settings
Confirming the Settings of the AP and Client Computers
Checking if the IEEE 802.11g-related Settings Work
¾ ¾
Checking if the TCP/IP-related Settings Work
2
2
NI WAP-3701/3711 User’s Manual Getting Started

First-Time Installation and Configuration

Before installing the NI WAP-3701/3711, check to make sure that all items in the Package Checklist are in the box. In addition, you will need access to a notebook computer or PC equipped with an Ethernet port. The NI WAP-3701/3711 has a default IP address that you must use when connecting to the NI WAP-3701/3711 for the first time.
NOTE
NOTE
For testing requirements, if you only have one NI WAP-3701/3711, we strongly suggest that you prepare a notebook computer or PC with a wireless LAN adapter installed. After finishing the installation and configuration, you should test the NI WAP-3701/3711 to make sure the wireless transmission is working normally.
Step 1: Select the Power Source
The NI WAP-3701/3711 can be powered by a DC power input, or by PoE (Power over Ethernet). The NI WAP-3701/3711 will use the power source that you choose.
The PoE capability of the bridge is PowerDsine-compatible. Please visit PowerDsine’s website for more information (
Step 2: Connect the NI WAP-3701/3711 to a notebook or PC
Since the NI WAP-3701/3711 supports MID/MID-X auto-sensing, you can use either a straight-through cable or cross-over cable to connect the NI WAP-3701/3711 to the notebook. If the LAN LED on the NI WAP-3701/3711’s front panel lights up, it means the connection is established.
Step 3: Set up the computer’s IP address
In a Windows environment, the computer’s IP address can be changed in the TCP/IP settings window. Select an IP address on the same subnet as the NI WAP-3701/3711. Since the NI WAP-3701/3711’s default IP address is 192.168.127.253, and the subnet mask is 255.255.255.0, you should set the IP address of the computer to 192.168.127.xxx.
http://www.powerdsine.com).
Step 4: Use the web-based manager to configure the NI WAP-3701/3711
Open your computer’s web browser and type http://192.168.127.253 in the address box to access
the homepage of the web-based Network Manager. Before the homepage opens, you will need to enter the user name and password as shown in the following figure. For first-time configuration,
enter the default user name and password and then click on OK:
Default user name & password
User name: admin Password: root
192.168.127.253
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NI WAP-3701/3711 User’s Manual Getting Started
NOTE
For security reasons, we strongly recommend changing the password. To do this, open the
Network Manager homepage, click on General Æ Password, and then follow the onscreen
instructions.
Step 5: Select the Operational Mode for NI WAP-3701/3711
By default, the NI WAP-3701/3711’s operation mode is set to AP/Bridge. If you want to change the setting, click on General Æ Operational Mode, as shown in the following figure, select an operation mode, and then click on Save to activate the change.
Go to the General, Operational Mode section, select an operational mode and then click Save at
the bottom of this page. This will take you back to the starting page.
NOTE
The AP supports 2 operational modes:
y AP/Bridge
This mode provides both Access Point and Static LAN-to-LAN Bridging functionality. The
static LAN-to-LAN bridging function is supported through WDS (Wireless Distribution System).
y AP Client
This mode is for Dynamic LAN-to-LAN Bridging. The AP Client automatically establishes
bridge links with APs from any vendors. In either mode, the NI WAP-3701/3711 forwards packets between its Ethernet interface and wireless interface for wired hosts on the Ethernet side and wireless host(s) on the wireless side.
Detailed information about configuring the NI WAP-3701/3711’s Operation Mode is given in Chapter 3.
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NI WAP-3701/3711 User’s Manual Getting Started
Step 6: Configure the NI WAP-3701/3711’s IEEE 802.11 settings
Go to the IEEE 802.11 Communication section to configure IEEE 802.11g-related communication settings, including Regulatory domain, Channel number, and Network name (SSID).
The number of available RF channels depends on local regulations; therefore, you will need to choose an appropriate regulatory domain to comply with local regulations. The SSID of a wireless client computer and the SSID of the NI WAP-3701/3711 must be identical for them to be able to communicate with each other.
When you are finished, click on Save at the bottom of the page. This will return you to the home
page.
NOTE
Step 7: Review and Apply Settings
On the home page, you can review all of the settings you have made. Changes are highlighted in
red. If the changes are okay, click on Restart to restart the NI WAP-3701/3711 for the new
settings to take effect.
About 10 seconds are needed for the AP to complete its restart process.
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NI WAP-3701/3711 User’s Manual Getting Started

Deploying the Access Point (AP)

After the settings have been configured, deploy the AP to the field application environment. Connect the AP to an Ethernet LAN through an Ethernet switch or hub.
If you are configuring a pair of NI WAP-3701/3711 units for AP mode for a dynamic or static bridging application and external high-gain directional antennas are used, it is difficult to adjust alignments of the antennas when the two devices are separated by a long distance.
To adjust the alignments of a pair of bridges’ directional antennas:
1. Connect each bridge to a computer via Ethernet
2. Configure the date rate of each bridge to the lowest value, 1 Mbps.
3. Fix the alignment of the antenna on one side.
4. Adjust the alignment of the antenna on the other side by using response time information
obtained by pinging (i.e., running PING.exe) the “fixed-side” computer.
5. Fine-tune the alignment of the antenna until you get a best response time.
6. Increase the data rate of each bridge simultaneously until a maximum workable data rate is
reached. You may not be able to use the highest data rate, 54 Mbps, because of the distance and the gain of the antennas.
Adjust antenna alignment
WDS Link
Bridge 1
PING (ICMP Echo Request)
Computer 1 Computer 2
ICMP Echo Reply
Bridge 2

Setting up Client Computers

The TCP/IP and IEEE 802.11g-related settings of wireless client computers must match those of the Access Point.

Configuring IEEE 802.11g-related Settings

Open Internet Explorer and type the NI WAP-3701/3711’s IP address in the Address field. Press Enter to establish the connection.
Before the TCP/IP networking system of a wireless client computer can communicate with other hosts, the underlying wireless link must be established between this wireless computer and an Access Point.
To establish a wireless link to an Access Point:
1. Launch the configuration/monitoring utility provided by the vendor of the installed WLAN
NIC.
2. Use the utility to make appropriate Operating Mode, SSID, and WEP settings.
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NI WAP-3701/3711 User’s Manual Getting Started
NOTE
NOTE
NOTE
NOTE
A wireless client computer must be in infrastructure mode to associate with an AP.
The SSID of the wireless client computer and the SSID of the AP must be identical. Or, if the
SSID broadcast capability of the AP is enabled (default setting), the SSID of the wireless client
computer could be set to “any.”
Both the wireless client computer and the Access Point must have the same WEP settings for them to communicate with each other.
For better wireless security, IEEE 802.1X capability of the Access Point must be enabled so that only authenticated wireless users can access the wireless network.

Configuring TCP/IP-related Settings

Use the Windows Network Control Panel Applet to change the TCP/IP settings of the client
computers so that the IP addresses of the client computers and the IP address of the Access Point are in the same IP subnetwork.
If a client computer is originally set up with a static IP address, you can either change its IP address to match the IP address of the Access Point, or select the option “automatically-obtain-an-IP-address” if there is a DHCP server on the network.
NOTE
For some versions of Windows, the computer needs to be restarted for the new TCP/IP settings to take effect.

Confirming the Settings of the AP and Client Computers

After you have completed deploying the Access Point and setting up client computers, you must make sure the settings you have made are correct.

Checking if the IEEE 802.11g-related Settings Work

To check if a wireless client computer can associate with the NI WAP-3701/3711:
1. Launch the configuration/monitoring utility provided by the vendor of the installed WLAN
NIC.
2. Check if the client computer is associated to an NI WAP-3701/3711. If the check fails, see
Appendix B, “Wireless Settings Problems,” to troubleshoot the problem.

Checking if the TCP/IP-related Settings Work

To check if a client computer can assess the Internet:
1. Open a Windows Command Prompt window on the client computer.
2. Type “ping AP”, where AP is the IP address of the Access Point. Replace it with your real IP
address—for example, 192.168.127.253, and then press Enter.
If the AP responds, go to the next step; otherwise see Appendix B, “TCP/IP Settings Problems” to troubleshoot the problem.
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NI WAP-3701/3711 User’s Manual Getting Started
3. Type “ping default_gateway”, where default_gateway is the IP address of the default gateway
of the wireless client computer, and then press Enter. If the gateway responds, go to the next
step; otherwise, see Appendix B, “TCP/IP Settings Problems,” to troubleshoot the problem.
4. Type “ping 1st_dns_server”, where 1st_dns_server is the IP address of the primary DNS
server of the wireless client computer, and then press Enter. If this DNS server responds, go
to the next step; otherwise, see Appendix B, “TCP/IP Settings Problems,” to troubleshoot the problem.
2-7
3
3

Chapter 3 Web Console Configuration

In this chapter, we will explain each Web management page of the Web-based Network Manager.
The following topics are covered in this chapter:
Overview
Menu Structure
¾ ¾
Save, Save & Restart, and Cancel Buttons
¾
Home and Refresh Buttons
Viewing Status
Associated Wireless Clients
¾ ¾
Current DHCP Mappings
¾
System Log
¾
Link Monitor (AP Client mode only)
General Operations
Specifying the Operational Mode
¾ ¾
Administrative Password
¾
Managing the Firmware
Configuring TCP/IP-related Settings
Addressing
¾ ¾
DHCP Server (AP/Bridge modes only)
Configuring IEEE 802.11g-related Settings
Communication
¾ ¾
Security
¾
IEEE 802.1X/RADIUS (AP mode only)
Configuring Advanced Settings
Packet Filters
¾ ¾
Management
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