NetComm NP6800 User Manual
Contents
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................3
About the NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point ..................................................4
Wireless LAN Basics .............................................................................................................. 5
Installation ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Driver Installation & Configuration ........................................................................................ 10
Installing the Driver in Windows XP ...................................................................................... 11
Installing the Access Point Utility ................................................................................................. 12
Uninstallation Procedure ....................................................................................................... 13
Configuring the Access Point .....................................................................................................14
Configuring the Access Point via USB .................................................................................14
Configuring the Access Point via Ethernet .......................................................................... 18
Assigning a Temporary IPAddress ....................................................................................... 18
Connecting to the Access Point using the SNMP Manager ................................................. 19
File Menu ...............................................................................................................................21
Setup Menu ...........................................................................................................................22
Commands Menu ...................................................................................................................31
Info Menu ............................................................................................................................... 32
Traps Menu ........................................................................................................................... 33
Network Menu ....................................................................................................................... 33
Window Menu ....................................................................................................................... 34
About Menu ........................................................................................................................... 34
Advanced Topics ........................................................................................................................35
Network Topology ................................................................................................................. 35
How to Make Your Wireless Network More Secure ............................................................ 36
Glossary ......................................................................................................................................37
Troubleshooting ...........................................................................................................................39
Windows Troubleshooting Tips ............................................................................................ 39
Registering your NetComm Product ............................................................................................ 40
Contact Information ...............................................................................................................40
Trademarks and Notices ....................................................................................................... 40
Product Warranty .................................................................................................................. 43
Limitations of Warranty .........................................................................................................43
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Introduction
The NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point is a Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum
(DSSS) product. DSSS is a spread spectrum network operating between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz. This
provides a high-capacity network within either large or small environments using multiple access
points.
Based on IEEE 802.11b, Wireless LAN (WLAN) products can perform at speeds of up to 11
Mbps. This technology works by using multiple frequencies in the 2.4 GHz range utilizing
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology.
Designed to cover distances of up to 100 metres indoors and 300 metres outdoors, WLAN
technology lets you access your network from anywhere within this radius. The range of
WLAN is limited by the number of walls, ceilings, floors, or other objects the wireless signals
must pass through. Typical ranges vary depending upon the types of materials and background
radio-frequency in the WLAN area.
WLAN products offer the following network features:
■ WLAN bridging architecture allows communication between wired network devices and
mobile devices.
■ WLAN products support the IEEE 802.11b and WiFi specifications. This open architecture
allows WLAN devices to communicate with wireless devices from other manufacturers that
conform to the same specifications.
■ WLAN products allow mobile devices to roam throughout large facilities while remaining
connected to the network.
■ WLAN products allow establishment of ad-hoc wireless workgroup networks.
■ WLAN products are protocol-independent, allowing mobile devices to communicate with a
wide range of servers, hosts and systems.
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NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point Page 3
About the NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point
The NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point allows USB equipped host systems to
configure, connect to and link a wireless network.
Features Include:
■ IEEE 802.11b compatibility providing wireless Ethernet connectivity at speeds of up to 11
Mbps.
■ Dynamic scaling of the connection speed between 11, 5.5, 2, and 1 Mbps to match the
wireless network conditions.
■ Wireless security with 64-bit and 128-bit WEP data encryption.
■ Support for Microsoft Windows 98, Millennium (ME) 2000, and Windows XP.
■ C-Tick compliance.
■ Multiple operating mode options for access point (infrastructure), peer-to-peer (ad-hoc) or
bridging associations.
■ LED indicators provide power and network link status.
NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point LED Descriptions
The NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point has two LED's.
■ The PWR LED illuminates during connection
■ The LAN LED indicates that the access point is functioning and is connected to the LAN.
■ The WLAN LED flashes when activity is detected on the wireless link.
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Wireless LAN Basics
In order to set up and use your NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point you should
have some basic understanding of both wired and wireless network technology and the various
functions of the device.
WLAN devices use electromagnetic waves within a broad, unlicensed range of the radio
spectrum to transmit and receive Frequency Modulation (FM) radio signals. WLAN devices
generate a carrier wave and modulate this signal using various techniques. In this way, digital data
can then be superimposed onto the carrier signal. The radio signal carries data to wirelesscapable devices within its range. The antennas of wireless-equipped devices transmit and receive
the signal. The transmission method used by WLAN devices is called Direct Sequence Spread
Spectrum (DSSS) and they operate in a range of the radio spectrum between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz.
Wireless LANs support the same network applications that are used on wired Ethernet LANs.
The NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point may be used on laptop and desktop
computer systems and support the same protocols as Ethernet adaptors. For most users, there
is no noticeable functional difference between a desktop workstation hard-wired to an Ethernet
network and a WLAN workstation other than the added benefit of being able to roam within the
WLAN.
Your NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point providea a link between the WLAN and
a wired Ethernet network and its resources.
Ad-Hoc (IBSS) Mode
Connecting to other network devices, without access points, to form a peer-to-peer network is
called Ad-Hoc (IBSS) mode. Use Ad-Hoc to create simple wireless networks where the number
of wireless computers (also referred to as network nodes) are small. In this configuration, the
first wireless LAN card to start transmitting a beacon will determine the channel and data rate
used for the other Adaptors in the IBSS network. Ad-Hoc networks are very easy to set up and
require minimal involvement by network administrators or IT personnel.
Infrastructure (ESS or 802.11-Station) Mode
In Infrastructure (ESS or 802.11-Station) mode, the NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access
Point connects to an access point (AP). In ESS mode, the WLAN workstation can roam freely
between other access point cells in the network or transmit and receive across subnets. ESS is
the default mode for the NetComm NP6800- Wireless LAN Access Point.
A Windows based utility is supplied to select the operational mode and to generally monitor and
configure, the NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point.
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NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point Page 5
11 Mbps Operation
The NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point supports a maximum 11 Mbps data
transfer rate. When the adaptors transmit (TX) rate is set to Auto, the adaptor automatically
shifts to a 5.5, 2 or 1 Mbps data rate when unable to maintain a high quality connection at 11
Mbps. When the adaptor detects improved signal strength, it shifts to an increased data rate, up
to the maximum 11 Mbps.
The following factors can dynamically alter the data rate:
■ signal strength between the access point and adaptor,
■ the ratio of good transmitted packets to attempted transmitted packets that fall below a
threshold, or -
■ the adaptor finds a higher transmit rate with another AP or it encounters an unspecified data
rate.
Physical obstructions and numerous devices operating in close proximity to one another
negatively impact the ability to maintain an 11 Mbps access point association.
Signal Range
WLAN devices are designed to operate over a radius of 100 meters indoors and 300 metres
outdoors. Obstructions such as walls, ceilings, floors, office equipment, and furniture can reduce
this range. The following example or just some factors that affect the signal range of your
Wireless network.
■ Obstructions. The Wireless LAN radio signal can penetrate through ceilings and walls.
However, each wall or ceiling the signal must pass through to reach other WLAN devices
will reduce the effective range your Wireless LAN.
You should also keep the depth of the obstructions to a minimum. Take an example of a wall
that is half a metre thick. For a radio signal going through the wall, at a forty degree angle, it
must pass through almost one metre of material. At a two degree angle, this increases to over
14 metres! Position adaptors and access points so that the signal will travel straight through
a wall or ceiling for better reception.
Position your adaptors and access points above desk height so as to minimise the number
and depth of obstructions and always position your adaptors and access points so that the
signal passes through drywalls or open doorways and not through metallic materials.
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■ Antenna Position: Where possible, keep your adaptors and access points at least 1 or 2
metres away from devices that generate strong radio-frequency or electromagnetic signals,
such as microwaves, computer monitors, cellular telephones and electric motors. Use the
utilities included with your product to measure the best reception (signal quality/strength)
achieved when repositioning the antenna.
Should the signal be inadequate in an area where you wish to use your wireless network,
consider adding Access Points to increase the signal strength in that area.
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NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point Page 7
Installation
Before beginning the installation, verify the hardware package contains the NetComm NP6800 Wireless LAN Access Point and ensure that you have the requirements listed below. Keep the
serial number in a safe place. The Support Centre uses this information to reference warranty
and service contract information.
Note: The MAC Address of the Access Point is indicated on the bottom of the case.
The NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point installation requires:
■ a computer with an available USB port.
■ a CD-ROM drive or Internet access.
■ Microsoft Windows 98, Millennium (ME), Windows 2000 or Windows XP
■ an ethernet cable to connect to your LAN.
Avoid exposing the NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point to liquids or
abrasive materials.
1. Place the NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point in an optimum position so that
the minimum number of obstructions such as walls, floors, ceilings, and office equipment are
between it and the nearest connecting access point or wireless device.
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 position of the antennas will enhance the receiving sensitivity.
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3. Connect a standard UTP ethernet cable to the Wireless Network Access Point.
Then, connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to a switch or hub or computer with a
Network Interface Card installed. The Wireless Network Access Point will then be
connected to your 10/100 Network.
4. Connect the AC Power Adapter supplied to the Access Point’s power socket.
5. Connect the appropriate end of the USB Cable to the Wireless Network Access Point’s
Configuration Port. Connect the other end to the USB port on your PC. Your system will
immediately recognize the Access Point and attempt to install drivers for it. Refer to the
appropriate operating system section for instructions on how to install the drivers.
Note: Once your Access Point is installed and configured, the USB cable may be
removed.
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NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point Page 9
Driver Installation & Configuration
The NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point is supplied with a Windows driver and a
USB and Ethernet Access Point Utility. The utility should be installed at the same time as the
Windows USB driver and is used to view and edit NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access
Point settings.
After following the driver installation instructions for your operating system, refer to the section
on Access Point Utility for installation instructions.
Before installing the Wireless Access Point Windows driver:
■ Connect the NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point to the USB port of your
computer.
■ Have the NetComm Driver CD ready for insertion.
Installing the WLAN Driver in Windows 98/ME/2000
To install the Wireless LAN Access Point driver in Windows 98, Windows Millennium (ME) or
Windows 2000, you must login as Administrator or a member of the Administrator Group (see
Windows Help for more information on this.)
1. After inserting the Access Point’s USB cable into an available USB port on the computer,
Windows recognises the Adaptor and the Add New Hardware Wizard dialog box
appears.
2. Insert the NetComm Driver CD.
3. Select the Specify the location of the driver checkbox. Click Next.
4. Type in the location of the driver or browse for D:\Drivers\
the letter of your CD ROM drive. Type or select the correct
(Win98, WinMe or Win2000) for your computer and click Next to continue.
5. Click Next when the Add New Hardware Wizard displays the location of the driver
files.
operating system
operating system
, where D:\ is
directory
Note: The Microsoft Digital 'Signature Not Found' dialog box could appear at this point in
the installation. A Microsoft digital signature is not required for the driver
installation. Click Yes to continue.
The Add New Hardware Wizard dialog box displays stating the required software has
been installed.
6. Click Finish to complete the installation and refer to the section on installing the Access
Point Utility.
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Installing the Driver in Windows XP
To install the Wireless LAN driver in Windows XP:
1. After inserting the Access Point into an available USB port on the computer, Windows XP
recognizes the adaptor and the Add New Hardware Wizard dialog box appears.
2. Insert the NetComm Driver CD.
3. Select the Install the software automatically (recommended) checkbox. Click Next.
4. The drivers will be found on the CD ROM in the location of D:\Drivers\WinXP, where D:\
is the letter of your CD ROM drive. Select a driver and click Next to continue.
Note: The Microsoft Windows Logo testing screen will appear advising that the driver has
not been tested. Click Continue anyway to proceed.
5. Click Finish to complete the installation and refer to the section on installing the Access
Point Utility.
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NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point Page 11
Installing the Access Point Utility
The Access Point Utility is used to configure and monitor the NetComm NP6800 - Wireless
LAN Access Point for all Windows operating systems.
The procedure described in this section can be used in order to install the Access Point Utility
under Microsoft® Windows®.
■ In this section it is assumed that you have a basic working knowledge of Microsoft
Windows and networking principles.
■ During the installation, you may be prompted to load operating system files from the
Windows installation disk. Please keep this disk handy.
■ You will need the CD provided with your Access Point.
To install the Access Point Utility:
1. Insert the provided CD into your CD-ROM drive and select Start -> Run and type in the
location of the software or browse for D:\AP Utility\Setup.exe, where D:\ is the letter of
your CD ROM drive.
2. The InstallShield Wizard will install Access Point Utility on your computer. To continue,
click Next.
3. Select the Program Folder for the Utility. The default folder will be 802.11 Wireless LAN.
Click Next to continue.
4. When the InstallShield Wizard has completed installation, click on the Finish button. Refer
to the section on Configuring the Access Point to set up your device.
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Uninstallation Procedure
To uninstall the application from Windows, follow the procedure described bellow:
1. Open the Add/Remove Programs icon under the Control Panel.
2. Select the Acess Point Utility option and click the Change/Remove... button under the
Control Panel to begin the uninstallation procedure.
3. Click OK in order to finish the removal of the Access Point Utility.
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NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point Page 13
Configuring the Access Point
The Access Point Utility consists of two programs, an AP Utility and an SNMP Manager,
which are used for the configuration of the NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point.
We recommend using the AP Utility for initial setup and configuration, with further
customisation available within the SNMP Manager to fine tune your Access Point settings.
Configuring the Access Point via USB
The AP Utility uses the USB connection to the Access Point and gives a one-screen listing of all
the settings of the Access Point.
Note: The AP Utility can only be used when the Access Point is connected via a USB
cable to your computer. If the USB cable is not connected, you will receive an error
message.
1. Open Start->Programs->802.11 Wireless LAN->Acess Point Utility and click on AP
Utility. The AP Utility screen will appear.
From this utility, the Access point can be reset or the settings may be altered or returned to
the default values. To Restore Defaults to your Access Point, click on the Restore
Defaults button. The factory default settings of your Access Point will be restored
immediately.
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