PLANET APPro54G User Manual

Wroc∏aw 2007

Witold Warczak, Przemys∏aw Kobel

APPro54G

Software User’s Guide.

Version for

Planet WAP-4035/WRT-414

Access Point

Security Bandwidth management Wireless connection sharing Configuration using Linux console Bridge, Router, WISP, WDS Modes

Witold Warczak, Przemys∏aw Kobel

APPro54G

Software User’s Guide.

Version for

Planet WAP-4035/WRT-414

Access Point

APPro54G

Software User’s Guide

Version for

Planet WAP-4035/WRT-414

Access Point

Witold Warczak

Przemys∏aw Kobel

2006 © by Alfanet Sp. z o.o., Wroc∏aw

APPro54G Software User’s Guide. Version for Planet WAP-4035/WRT-414

mgr in˝. Witold Warczak, mgr in˝. Przemys∏aw Kobel

ISBN-13: 978-83-924807-0-9

Published by:

Alfanet Sp.z o.o. Bulwar Ikara 29A/2 54-130 Wroc∏aw www: http://www.approsoftware.com email: info@approsoftware.com tel: +48 71 79 56 000 fax.: +48 71 79 56 500 Images of Planet Access Point used with courtesy of Action SA.

Design and DTP:

Rafa∏ Komorowski, Karol ¸otocki, Pro-Forma Sp.z o.o., Tomasz Stasiak

Print:

„

Duet” S.C. Drukarnia ul. Cybulskiego 35b 50-205 Wroc∏aw tel. (071) 32 87 879

prior written consent of the publisher. This also applies to photocopying, microfilms and transferring data to

computer systems.

Acknowledgements

Authors of this book want to thank many persons for their valuable input and support that helped to complete the work. In particular, we are thankful to: Robert Bogacz, Bohumil Boura, Robert Kowal, Jacek Pasek, and ¸ukasz Piotrowski. Also, the product managers of Polish distributors had their part in communication with hardware manufacturers. Without that help APPro development would be much more difficult – if not impossible. That’s why we want to send our thanks to: Pawe∏ Koz∏owski, Pawe∏ Martyniuk, Maciej Miku∏owski, Pawe∏ Walczak and Bartosz Wróbel. Maciej Miku∏owski is the first person that believed in APPro success and in November 2004 agreed to install this software on Access Points. Since then, APPro/APlite software has been installed on over 100 000 devices around the globe.

Thak you!

The APProSoftware.com Team.

Table of contents

1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

1.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

1.2 Basic modes of operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2. Device setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2.1 Starting the AP device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2.2 Accessing the Web interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2.3 Restoring AP’s default settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

2.4 Changing the access password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

2.5 Confirming and activating new settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

2.6 Updating the firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

3. Step by step: common configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

3.1 AP Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

3.2 APC Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

3.3 Bridge Master mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

3.4 Bridge Slave mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

3.5 WISP mode (wireless connection sharing) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

3.6 Wireless Router mode (WAN connection sharing) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

3.7 Wireless Router mode (DSL connection sharing) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

3.8 Wireless Router mode (DSL with PPPoE connection sharing) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

3.9 WDS/Repeater mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

3.10 Bandwidth management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

3.10.1 Selecting uplink and downlink interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

3.10.2 QoS settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

3.10.3 Flow Limits settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

3.10.4 Traffic Manager settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

3.11 Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

3.11.1 Access Control List (ACL) for client stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

3.11.2 Authentication of wireless stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

3.11.3 Encryption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

3.11.4 Blocking unauthorized machines with MAC and IP addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

4. AP’s Web interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

4.1 Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

4.1.1 AP Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

4.1.2 Linux System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

4.1.3 Active clients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

4.1.4 DHCP Clients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

4.1.5 Connection Tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

TABLE OF CONTENTS 5

4.2 Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

4.2.1 Basic Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

4.2.2 Advanced Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

4.2.3 Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

4.2.4 Access Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

4.2.5 Site Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

4.2.6 WDS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

4.3 TCP/IP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

4.3.1 Basic Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

4.3.2 Advanced Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

4.3.3 DHCP Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

4.3.4 PPPoE Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

4.3.5 Port Filtering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

4.3.6 Port Forwarding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

4.3.7 Quality of Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

4.3.8. Traffic Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

4.4 Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

4.4.1 Reboot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

4.4.2 Firmware/Configuration Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

4.4.3 Password Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

4.4.4 System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

4.4.5 Register Now! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

4.4.6 Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

4.5 Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

4.5.1 Traffic Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

4.5.2 QoS Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

4.5.3 Client Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

5. Configuration using Linux console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

5.1 Logging on to APPro54G software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

5.2 Filesystem structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

5.3 Commands specific to APPro54G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

5.4 APPro54G’s boot process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

5.5 APPro54G’s interfaces configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

5.6 Internal firewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

5.7 QoS module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

6 TABLE OF CONTENTS

6. Advanced topics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

6.1 Syslog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

6.2 Messages for AP’s clients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

6.3 Modifying system files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

6.4 Disconnecting specific client station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

6.5 Extended connection logging with syslog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

6.6 Repairing corrupted firmware with TFTP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

6.7 Optimizing performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

6.8 Common issues in low-performance networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

6.9 Analysis and interpretation of system log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

6.10 PPPoE settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

7 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

7.1 How to report problems with software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149

7.2 Sending the AP for service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151

8. Appendices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

A Literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

B Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

C New firmware versions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

D New versions of this Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

TABLE OF CONTENTS 7

1. Introduction

This guide contains description of innovative APPro54G software, created by Alfanet – a company based in Wroclaw, Poland. This software enables the creation and complete oversight of computer networks – both wired (LAN), and wireless (WiFi or WLAN) – while maintaining a very low cost of construction and operation of such a network. Thanks to APPro54G, a simple Access Point (AP in short) gains new capabilities, matching (and sometimes even exceeding) those of high-profile, expensive wireless devices. While advanced, the software is still easy to use. More experienced users can get extra functionality by logging on to the built-in Linux system.

About us

Alfanet sp. z o.o. is a Wroc∏aw-based Polish company, operating since 1996 as an ISP, as well as provider of solutions based on Open-Source Software and Linux operating system. We offer to our customers such services as Web hosting, domain registration and maintenance, design of Web applications and Web pages, network security and wireless Internet access. Alfanet also designs and sells specialized APPro54G software for Access Points based on RTL8186 chipset.

Alfanet, SP. z o.o. Bulwar Ikara 29A/2 54-130 Wroc∏aw, Poland

8 INTRODUCTION

1.1 AP overview

Planet WAP-4035/WRT-414 Access Point is a modern device intended for 802.11b/g wireless

networks.

Its backplate contains:

•

RP-SMA port for external antenna, like the one enclosed with the device or any other designed for 2,4 GHz WiFi networks.

•

Five Ethernet ports (10/100 Mbit/s) capable of automatic cable type detection (MDI or MDIX).

•

Power socket (12 V DC) for power supply included with the device.

•

StatusReset button.

On the AP’s front panel:

•

PWR LED, indicating device status. When this LED is lit, the AP is ready to work. If this LED is out, device configuration is being changed.

6. POWER 7. WLAN 10. Link/Act9. LAN1–48. WAN

1. RESET 2. Zasilanie 3. LAN1–4 4. WAN 5. RP-SMA Antena

INTRODUCTION 9

•

Yellow WLAN LED’s indicating data transmission through wireless network.

•

LEDs designated with numbers 1 to 5 indicate mode of operation and data transmission through corresponding Ethernet ports.

Depending on device configuration, its Ethernet ports can perform following functions:

•

Ports 1–5 work in switch mode and are visible as LAN1 or Bridge interface (in AP’s management interface), and as eth0 interface (in Linux system).

•

Ports 2–5 operating in switch mode and are visible as LAN1 interface (in AP’s management interface), and as eth0 interface (in Linux system). Port 1 works independently and is visible as LAN2 or WAN interface (in AP’s management interface), and as eth1 interface (in Linux system).

In router mode, the WAN interface is assigned to Ethernet 1 port,

and ports Ethernet 2 to 5 are used for LAN network.

1.2 Basic modes of operation

APPro54G software is available in several versions that differ in some features and are tailored to specific tasks. Users can pick any of these versions, and change them at any time. This way their APs can always be adapted to any current needs. Steps needed to change installed version of APPro54G software are the same as in case of firmware upgrade, discussed in chapter 2.6 and Appendix C.

At this time, the following versions of APPro54G are available:

•

APPro54G standard: General-purpose version, intended for most users.

•

APPro54G turbo: Optimized version, that offers high transmission speeds (over 10 Mbit/s).

For more information about differences between particular flavors of APPro54G, visit the site

http://approsoftware. com/appro54g/

. This book refers to the standard version of the software. Devices equipped with APPro54G can operate in several basic modes, including Access Point, Router, Access Point Client, Bridge or part of WDS (Wireless Distribution System) . In each of these modes, the device performs different functions, suited for specific applications.

Access Point

In this mode, AP enables connection between WiFi devices and resources of wired LAN network. AP’s LAN interfaces work as a multiport switch, relaying traffic between traditional LAN and wireless WLAN networks. For more information: see page 16.

10 INTRODUCTION

AP Client

In this mode AP operates as a WiFi network adapter, connected to the computer via an ordinary LAN port. Simultaneously it’s possible to use AP as a multiport network switch that relays traffic between LAN and WLAN networks, but to connect multiple LAN users to WiFi, adequate device configuration is necessary. For more information: see page 22.

Bridge

Devices operating in bridge mode allow connection of several different LAN networks (up to five) with wireless links. Such configuration offers slightly higher performance than common AP – APC connection. For more information: see page 28.

WISP (wireless connection sharing)

In this mode it’s possible to share a single wireless connection between multiple LAN users. Device operates similarly to a client station (AP Client) , but additionally has routing feature enabled, and it’s possible to use network address translation (NAT) . For more information: see page 41.

Wireless Router (WAN connection sharing)

This mode enables sharing with multiple users a connection (usually to the Internet) provided via the Ethernet interface. The shared connection is available to both LAN and WiFi network users. For more information: see page 47.

WDS/Repeater

Device operating in this mode acts as an element of Wireless Distribution System (WDS) . Such system enables creation of a wireless network that covers a much larger area than is possible with single Access Point. For more information: see page 61.

APPro54G software has much greater capabilities, such as functions that optimize network operation, connection diagnostics, address filtering or bandwidth management for specific users. These topics are covered in detail on (in the) next sections of this guide.

INTRODUCTION 11

2 Device setup

2.1 Starting the AP device

After powering up, the device shortly flashes its PWR LED. Then the operating system is loaded, which is indicated with PWR LED going out. When the LED is lit again, AP is ready to work and can be accessed, for example via the Web browser.

2.2 Accessing the Web interface

Before AP can be used, it’s necessary to connect the device with a PC using enclosed LAN cable. The computer needs to have a LAN adapter as well. Also, you can connect AP to your existing LAN (for example to a switch) , and configure the device using any of networked computers. Ensure that the AP is connected to the network via one of LAN2–LAN5 ports. Also, you need to properly configure network settings of your computer. The following example shows how to configure a computer with Windows XP OS.

Network settings for Windows XP

Default IP address of Access Point is

192.168.100.252

with subnet mask of

255.255.255.0

(additional information on default network settings is shown in box below) . In order to communicate with the AP, your computer needs to have an IP address from the same class, e. g.

192.168.100.1

To configure your PC’s network settings for communication with AP

•

From

Start

menu choose

Control Panel

•

In Control Panel window click

Switch to Classic View

and double-click the

Network

Connections

. A list of network connections will be displayed.

•

Right-click on

Local Area Connection

corresponding to interface connected with AP, and

choose

Properties

. A dialog box with network settings will be shown.

•

Highlight

Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

on the list and click

Properties

button.

Default settings of Access Point

IP Address

192.168.100.252

Subnet mask

255.255.255.0

Gateway

192.168.100.254

admin

password

admin

SSID

APPRO

Channel

DHCP Server

wy∏àczony

Mode

Access Point

12 DEVICE SETUP

•

In the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog enable

Use the following

IP address

option, and in

IP address

and

Subnet mask

fields type values

192.168.100.1

and

255.255.255.0

respectively. You can leave other fields unchanged.

•

Close dialogs, confirming new settings with OKbutton. Your computer is now ready to work the with Access Point device. Now you can power up the AP, and on computer launch a Web browser that supports JavaScript (some of popular browsers are Internet Explorer, Mozilla and Opera) .

Opening device’s management panel

•

After proper setup of network connection and powering up the AP, you can open its manage-

ment panel. In order to do that, you need to open a Web browser, in address bar type

http: //192.168.100.252/

and then press the Enter key.

•

A dialog box is displayed, asking for username and password. If AP has default password

settings, in both fields type word

admin

In order to improve network security, you should change device’s default user-

name and password. This will prevent unauthorized users from changing

AP’s configuration.

•

APPro54G management page will be shown in browser window. If your copy of

APPro54G software is still unregistered, you’ll also see a dialog box asking for product regi-

stration. The registration requires only one piece of information: the e-mail address of the

APPro54G user.

Advanced users will appreciate the possibility of logging on directly to device’s Linux console via Telnet or SSH protocols. To use this feature, all you need to do is to enter device’s IP as a host address. Username and password are the same as in AP’s Web interface.

Registered users will receive messages strictly concerning APPro54 software (i.e. about latest updates and new products from APPro family). E-mail sent during registration won’t be shared with any third party, nor used for any other purposes than stated above.

DEVICE SETUP 13

2.3 Restoring AP’s default settings

In case of AP’s incorrect configuration (e.g. resulting in lack of access to Web interface), you can restore device’s settings to factory defaults. To perform this operation, you need to wait until system loading completes (PWR LED is on again), and then press and hold Reset button, placed on AP’s back panel. After about three seconds PWR LED will go out – at this point you can release Reset button and you must not press it at least until AP’s completely restarted and PWR LED is lit again. AP will be accessible under its default IP address after device’s PWR LED is lit again.

To restore default settings using AP’s Web interface:

•

Log on to the AP (see: page 12) .

•

Other

section click on

Upgrade Firmware

•

Click

Restore Default

button.

•

Wait a few seconds until AP reverts to default settings.

Default settings will be written to device’s memory, but they won’t be

activated until you restart AP or click the Apply Changes button.

2.4 Changing the access password

After installing device you should change default username and password as quickly as possible. This will prevent AP’s management interface from unauthorized access.

To change APPro54G’s access password:

•

Log on to the AP (see: page 12) .

•

Other

section click

Password Change

•

User Name

field type new username.

•

In both

New Password

and

Confirm Password

fields enter your new access password.

•

Save new settings by clicking OKbutton.

•

To restore page’s initial values, click

Reset

button.

2.5 Confirming and activating new settings

In APPro54G’s Web interface, each page that allows change of settings contains two buttons: OKand

Apply Changes

. Their purpose is always the same – OKbutton saves new parameters in device’s me-

mory, but activation of these settings will take place only when AP is restarted or after clicking

Apply

Changes

button. Pressing

Apply Changes

button also saves new settings, but at the same time it ac-

tivates them.

14 DEVICE SETUP

2.6 Updating the firmware

With the Firmware Update feature users can perform AP modernization. Usually new versions of APPro54G software include new functionality or improved utilization of AP’s hardware resources. Upgrade operation is very simple: you just need to download a file with latest version of APPro54G from the Internet, and then upload it to the device.

To upgrade APPro54G software in AP device:

•

Launch Web browser (e. g. Firefox, Opera or Internet Explorer) .

•

In addres bar, type the following address

http: //approsoftware.com/

•

Download

section, choose the latest version of APPro54G software.

•

In browser’s address bar type AP’s IP address (default is

http: //192.168.100.252/

) .

Enter username and password when asked (default:

admin

and

admin

) .

•

Other

section click on

Upgrade Firmware

. A panel will be displayed that allows softwa-

re upgrade.

•

Select File

box specify path and filename of downloaded firmware. You can also click

Choose

button and select a file from new dialog box.

•

Click on

Upload

button.

•

To restart device with the new firmware, in

Other

section click

Reboot

, and then click on

Reboot

button. The device will perform a complete system restart, and then it will run the

new version of APPro54G.

It is extremely important to ensure that the uploaded file contains correct firmware and isn’t corrupted. If the downloaded file has some errors or is

intended for another type of device, AP will stop working. To restore AP’s

correct operation (in case of damaged software) or revert to manufacturer’s

original firmware, follow steps described on page 140.

APPro54G versions older than 01 Jun 2006 are not suitable

for Planet WAP-4035/WRT-414 Access Point.

DEVICE SETUP 15

3. Step by step: common configurations

3.1 AP Mode

In this mode, you can use your AP to connect wireless devices to a standard wired LAN network. Access Point operates like a multiport network switch, that relays traffic between LAN and WLAN networks.

This section doesn’t apply to AP mode with NAT feature enabled. Such configurations are dis-

cussed on following pages.

Connection setup

LAN network can be connected to any Ethernet port in the AP (ports are marked with numbers 1 to

5). Additionally, these ports work as a standard network switch, which allows connection to extra devices.

Requirements

•

To configure AP device, it has to operate with IP address and subnet mask consistent with addressing scheme established by network administrator or service provider (see: page 12).

•

To provide AP with Internet access, you need to set up proper gateway and name server (DNS) addresses in device’s options.

•

If AP’s configuration was previously altered, it’s recommended to restore its default settings.

16 STEP BY STEP: COMMON CONFIGURATIONS

Actions

•

Log on to the AP (see: page 12).

•

Wireless/Site Survey

page find a free, or the least occupied WiFi channel

(see: page 99).

•

Wireless/Basic Settings

page set the following options:

Mode:

AP Access Point;

ESSID

: enter name of your network, e. g.:

MY_NET

;

Enable Packet Aggregation

: remove selection;

Channel Number

: choose number of channel found on

Site Survey

page;

Modulation

: choose

802.11b

;

Click on OKbutton.

STEP BY STEP: COMMON CONFIGURATIONS 17

•

Wireless/Security

page set the following options:

Authentication Type

: Auto;

Click on OKbutton.

18 STEP BY STEP: COMMON CONFIGURATIONS

•

Wireless/Advanced Settings

page set the following options:

ACK Timeout

: 255;

Receiver Sensitivity

: -82 dBm;

TX Power

: 18 dBm;

Tx Rate

: 11M;

Block IBSS Traffic

: select this option to disable direct communication between

WiFi adapters;

NETBIOS Filtering

: select this option to disable „network neighborhood” – related com-

munication (like in Windows OS) between LAN and wireless networks;

Busy channel sensing

: Energy Detection;

Long retry limit

: 6;

Short retry limit

: 6;

Click on OKbutton.

STEP BY STEP: COMMON CONFIGURATIONS 19

•

TCP/IP/Basic Settings

page set the following options:

Routing/Bridging mode

: Bridge;

Bridge Interface settings

– enter IP address and subnet mask of your AP device. –

IP Address

: IP address;

–

Subnet Mask

: subnet mask;

Other settings/Default Gateway

: if your AP operates in LAN network with Inter-

net access, enter address of the gateway (a device that relays Internet communication).

Click on OKbutton.

20 STEP BY STEP: COMMON CONFIGURATIONS

•

TCP/IP/Advanced Settings

page set the following options:

Network Address Translation

section:

–

NAT

: choose Disabled;

Bandwidth management

section:

–

Uplink Interface (Internet)

: choose

LAN1, LAN2

;

–

Downlink Interface (clients)

: choose

WLAN

;

Other settings

section:

–

DNS Address

: type IP address of the name server (DNS) , obtained from your Inter-

net provider.

•

Click on

Apply Changes

button

After setting these options, you need to configure each computer in the wireless network with appropriate settings. At this point the Internet connection should be already available. If network operates properly with new settings, you can additionally configure:

•

encryption of data transmission (see: page 97),

•

authentication of client devices (see: page 94),

•

bandwidth management (see: page 72).

STEP BY STEP: COMMON CONFIGURATIONS 21

3.2 APC Mode

In APC mode (Access Point Client) device operates as WiFi network adapter. At the same time, it serves as a multiport switch, that relays traffic between WLAN and LAN networks. Thanks to MAC address masking, single Access Point in APC mode can be used to connect several other devices – however, it’s necessary to properly set up AP’s (base station’s) wireless network options.

This section doesn’t apply to APC mode with NAT feature enabled. Such configurations are discussed on following pages.

Connection setup

LAN network can be connected to any Ethernet port in the AP (ports are marked with numbers 1 to

5). Additionally, these ports operate as a standard network switch, which allows connection to extra devices.

Requirements

•

To enable AP’s connection with wireless network, you need to know that network’s SSID.

•

For proper operation of AP in client mode, you need to know channel number and mode (b or g) of wireless network you’d like to connect to.

•

If your network uses encryption, you need to know WEP or WPA encryption keys as well.

•

To enable communication between computers in LAN and a wireless network, machines in LAN need to have IP addresses and subnet mask consistent with addressing scheme established for WiFi network by AP administrator.

•

To configure AP device, it has to operate with IP address and subnet mask consistent with addressing scheme established by network administrator or service provider.

•

To provide AP with Internet access, you need to set up proper gateway and name server (DNS) addresses in device’s options.

•

If AP’s configuration was previously altered, it’s recommended to restore its default settings.

22 STEP BY STEP: COMMON CONFIGURATIONS

Actions

•

Log on to the AP (see: page 12).

•

On the

Wireless/Site Survey

page find the correct base station (see: page 99). Ensure that this station’s signal has adequate strength (recommended value is 35 or more).

•

Wireless/Basic Settings

page set the following options:

Mode

: APC Infrastructure Client;

ESSID

: type SSID identifier of wireless network you want to connect to;

Enable Packet Aggregation

: remove selection;

Modulation

: choose operating mode of wireless network you want to connect to.

If you don’t know the correct value, select

802.11b

;

Click on OKbutton.

STEP BY STEP: COMMON CONFIGURATIONS 23

•

Wireless/Security

page set the following options:

Authentication Type

: Auto;

Click on OKbutton.

24 STEP BY STEP: COMMON CONFIGURATIONS

•

Wireless/Advanced Settings

page set the following options:

ACK Timeout

: 255;

Receiver Sensitivity

: –82 dBm;

TX Power

: 18 dBm;

Tx Rate

: 11M;

Block IBSS Traffic

: select this option to disable direct communication between

WiFi adapters;

NETBIOS Filtering

: select this option to disable ‘network neighborhood’ – related

communication (like in Windows OS) between LAN and wireless networks;

Busy channel sensing

: Energy Detection;

Long retry limit

: 6;

Short retry limit

: 6;

Click on OKbutton.

STEP BY STEP: COMMON CONFIGURATIONS 25

•

TCP/IP/Basic Settings

page set the following options:

Routing/Bridging mode

: Bridge;

Bridge Interface settings

– type correct (determined earlier) IP address and subnet mask of your AP device; –

IP Address

: IP address;

–

Subnet Mask

: subnet mask;

Other settings/Default Gateway

: if your AP operates in LAN network with Inter-

net access, enter address of the gateway (a device that relays Internet communication).

Click on OKbutton.

26 STEP BY STEP: COMMON CONFIGURATIONS

•

TCP/IP/Advanced Settings

page set the following options:

Bridge settings

section:

–

APC MAC Translation

: choose Enabled;

Network Address Translation

section:

–

NAT

: choose Disabled;

Bandwidth management

section:

–

Uplink Interface (Internet)

: choose WLAN;

–

Downlink Interface (clients)

: choose LAN1, LAN2;

Other settings

section:

–

DNS Address

: type IP address of the name server (DNS), obtained from your

Internet provider.

•

Click on

Apply Changes

button.

STEP BY STEP: COMMON CONFIGURATIONS 27

•

access options for computers in LAN network and bandwidth management (see: page 72).

3.3 Bridge Master mode

In this mode, Access Point can connect together up to five separate LAN networks. It is possible only after setting up Bridge Slave mode on other APs (max. four) that are connected to the Bridge Master – each of slaves creates a wireless bridge with your AP. Such a bridge has slightly higher throughput than typical connection between AP and its client (AP – APC). Additionally, AP in this mode doesn’t mask MAC addresses.

Connection setup

LAN network can be connected to any Ethernet port in the AP (ports are marked with numbers 1 to

5). Additionally, these ports operate as a standard network switch, which allows connection to extra devices.

28 STEP BY STEP: COMMON CONFIGURATIONS

Requirements

•

In order to connect other APs configured as Bridge Slaves, it’s necessary to know their MAC addresses.

Make sure that MAC addresses of Bridge Slaves are actually their WLAN inter-

face addresses (BSSID value on the AP Status page of APPro54G

Web interface).

•

To communicate with Bridge Master, Slave devices need to have IP addresses and subnet masks consistent with addressing scheme established by network administrator or connection provider.

•

To properly configure Bridge Master device, you need to set AP’s IP address and subnet mask that are consistent with addressing scheme established by network administrator or service provider.

•

To provide AP with Internet access, you need to set up proper gateway and name server (DNS) addresses in device’s options.

•

If AP’s configuration was previously altered, it’s recommended to restore its default settings.

STEP BY STEP: COMMON CONFIGURATIONS 29

+ 128 hidden pages