RadioLAN DockLINK User Manual

Wireless Local Area Network

DockLINK User Guide

890-010 12/04/98 © 1998 RadioLAN. All rights Reserved

Notices

FCC

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

890-010 12/04/98 Page ii © 1998 RadioLAN.

FCCID: MCIPUNIIT
FCC Rule Part(s): 15
Frequency (MHz): 5775, 5200, 5300
Equipment Class Low Power Communication Device Transmitter

Remarks:

Maximum Output Power: 50 mW

Notes:

This device has shown compliance with new rules adopted under Docket 87-389 and is not affected by Section

15.37, transition rule.
Each radio is marked with its operating frequency.

890-010 12/04/98 Page iii © 1998 RadioLAN.

Disclaimer

The instructions in this document have been carefully checked for accuracy and are presumed to be reliable.
RadioLAN and its writers assume no responsibility for inaccuracies and reserve the right to modify and revise this
document without notice.

It is always our goal at RadioLAN to supply accurate and reliable documentation. If you discover a discrepancy in
this document, please e-mail your comments or suggested corrections to [e-mail].

No part of this publication may be placed in a retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced in any way, including,
but not limited to, photograph, photocopy, computer disk or other record, without prior agreement and written
permission from:

RadioLAN
455 De Guigne Drive
Sunnyvale, CA 94086

© 1998 RadioLAN, Sunnyvale, CA, USA. All rights reserved.

890-010 12/04/98 Page iv © 1998 RadioLAN.

Trademark Disclosures

RadioLAN has made every effort to provide disclosures when using trademarks owned by other companies.
Trademarked designations appear throughout this publication. The publisher states that it is using the
designations only for editorial purposes, and to the benefit of the trademark owner with no intent to infringe upon
that trademark. The following trademarks are found in this manual:

Microsoft™, and Windows for Workgroups™, and Windows 95™, Microsoft Internet Explorer™ and Windows NT™ are trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.
Netscape™ is a registered trademark of The Netscape Corporation

Novell™ and NetWare™ are trademarks of Novell, Inc.
Xerox™ is a trademark of the Xerox Corporation.
IBM™ is a trademark of International Business Machines.
10BaseRadio™ and RadioLAN10™ are trademarks of RadioLAN.
Java™ is a trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Manual Conventions

The following text formats are used throughout this manual:
References to other locations in the manual or to other manuals provided by RadioLAN are italicized.
Narrow Bold Letters describe buttons and fields on the screen.
SMALL CAPITAL LETTERS describe Screen Names or Screen Tab Names.
Bold and Italicized Letters indicate important information.

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Table of Contents

Notices...................................................................................................................................................................ii

FCC........................................................................................................................................................................ii

Disclaimer.............................................................................................................................................................. iv

Trademark Disclosures ............................................................................................................................................ v

Manual Conventions................................................................................................................................................ v

Table of Contents..............................................................................................................................................vi

Introduction.........................................................................................................................................................1

Quick Installation Steps...................................................................................................................................5

To Test the Antenna Placement................................................................................................................................ 6

Designing Your System....................................................................................................................................7

Installing the DockLINK....................................................................................................................................9

Locating the Radio Unit ..........................................................................................................................................10

Connecting the DockLINK......................................................................................................................................11

Initial IP Address Setup ..........................................................................................................................................13

Using the DockLINK Manager......................................................................................................................16

The DockLINK Manager .........................................................................................................................................16

Accessing the DockLINK with the Browser ..............................................................................................................17

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Logging Onto the DockLINK Manager.....................................................................................................................17

DockLINK Manager Layout.....................................................................................................................................19

Discovering Wireless Nodes Within the DockLINK’s Data Range..............................................................................21

Setting Up Security Features ..................................................................................................................................25

Setting the DockLINK’s Mode of Operation ..............................................................................................................30

Securing the DockLINK with Data Encryption ..........................................................................................................31

Setting up10BaseT Port Parameters .......................................................................................................................32

Managing Packet Flow through the DockLINK.........................................................................................................40

Interrogating DockLINK for Performance Information................................................................................................44

Upgrading System Software...................................................................................................................................50

Saving or Rejecting Configuration Setting Changes .................................................................................................53

Resetting the DockLINK.........................................................................................................................................55

Testing DockLINK Connectivity to the Wireless Network ..........................................................................................56

Recording Important System Information.................................................................................................59

Viewing the System Log .........................................................................................................................................62

Managing the DockLINK Locally..................................................................................................................63

DockLINK Local Management................................................................................................................................65

Configuring the DockLINK for use in the Dock Mode................................................................................................66

Logging onto the DockLINK Configuration Screen....................................................................................................67

Using the Main Menu.............................................................................................................................................69

Working with the System Configuration Menu ..........................................................................................................71

Configuration Manager Menu Items ........................................................................................................................74

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Troubleshooting...............................................................................................................................................85

Glossary..............................................................................................................................................................87

Access Point .........................................................................................................................................................87

Appendix A: Indicators, Switches, and Connectors...............................................................................91

Indicators..............................................................................................................................................................91

MDI/MDI-X switch ..................................................................................................................................................92

IO Connectors.......................................................................................................................................................93

Serial Port connector......................................................................................................................................94

Appendix B: Technical Specifications.......................................................................................................95

Network Protocol...................................................................................................................................................95

Standards Support.................................................................................................................................................95

Electrical Specifications..........................................................................................................................................95

Physical Specifications...........................................................................................................................................96

Environmental Specifications..................................................................................................................................96

Electromagnetic Emissions ....................................................................................................................................97

Safety Agency Approvals .......................................................................................................................................97

Getting Technical Support.............................................................................................................................98

Index....................................................................................................................................................................99

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Introduction

Welcome to the next generation of RadioLAN wireless network
products. The DockLINK is a module, which connects to a 10BaseT
Network device, such as a PC, workstation, or printer, allowing
interaction with RadioLAN wireless network resources.

The DockLINK includes a Radio Unit, a RJ-45 jack for connection to
an Ethernet Hub, a power jack, and a special RJ11 serial port for

connecting the DockLINK to a VT-100 terminal or modem.
There are two versions of the DockLINK:
Model 408 for US Installations: This version uses a plug-in power

adapter that is compatible with US electrical systems.
Model 408Z for International Installations: This version uses a

plug-in power adapter that is compatible with European electrical
systems.

Each version now supports options that you can download anc
configure to enhance the DockLINK’s operation and security
capabilities, so you can add Data Encryption to the already
powerful capabilities included with the DockLINK.

Figure 1: The DockLINK and Radio Unit

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Transform a 10BaseT Network Node into a Wireless Network Station

DockLINK

Network

Interface

The primary use of the DockLINK is to transform a typical
hard-wired 10BaseT Network Interface Card into a wireless
network station. This allows the station to access and share
network resources such as printers, modems, and servers.

When you use the DockLINK in the Dock Mode, you can
connect the DockLINK to any device containing a 10BaseT
Ethernet Network Interface Card to transform your standard

PC

Card

Network Interface Card to a wireless network Interface Card.
The DockLINK exchanges information between the Ethernet
device and the RadioLAN wireless network.

Although the DockLINK and the device each have their own
MAC address, the DockLINK hides its address from others

Figure 2: Dock Mode

Category 5 Cable

on the wireless network. If attempting to Ping the DockLINK
from a remote wireless station, the DockLINK will not respond. Instead, you will receive an IP Address response
from the network interface card that is directly connected to the DockLINK.

If you set an IP Address in the DockLINK, you will receive an IP Address response only when you Ping the
DockLINK from the device to which it is connected.

When using the Dock Mode, the DockLINK’s configuration screens are “invisible” to wireless network stations

890-010 12/04/98 Page 2 © 1998 RadioLAN.

Designed for Simplicity

The DockLINK is designed to be installed and set up quickly. If you require no more than basic management of
packet flow, you can simply install the DockLINK and begin using its powerful network access capabilities. In
circumstances like these, there is no need for custom configuration.

By default, the DockLINK filters all data packets that are not intended for wireless nodes, providing the most
efficient wireless network operation.

If your network falls into this category, you need only Quick Installation Steps on page 5 in this manual to install
the system.

Adding Security to the Wireless Network Station

As an option, you can contact RadioLAN to enable the Data Encryption feature. This feature secures the wireless
network station by setting an encryption key that protects your sensitive data on the wireless network. When you
enable Data Encryption, only stations that share the same encryption key can share data. Stations that do not
have Data Encryption capabilities, or those who do not share the same encryption key, cannot share data with
encrypted stations.

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Local Management

The DockLINK includes a built-in serial port for connecting a VT-100 terminal or a modem. Using a terminal
allows you serial access configuration and system performance pages. Connecting a modem to the Serial port
allows you to dial into the DockLINK from a remote location to log in and configure or view system performance.

System Requirements

To successfully place a DockLINK into operation, you must meet the following requirements:

• The DockLINK must connect directly to a 10BaseT Network Interface Card.

• The DockLINK must be located within the data range of other RadioLAN wireless network stations.

Browser Requirements

You cannot access the DockLINK from any station but the one to which it is connected. To access the DockLINK
by way of the local station’s 10BaseT Network Interface Card, you must use a browser that is compatible with
HTML, frames, and Java™ script language, such as Netscape™ 4.x or Microsoft Internet Explorer™ 4.x provides.

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Quick Installation Steps

CAT5 Cable

with 10BaseT network

2

3

10BaseT

The RadioLAN DockLINK easily
attaches to your 10BaseT equipment
and puts it onto the wireless network.
Like other RadioLAN products, the
DockLINK is easy to install in just a
few steps.

1. Locate the DockLINK near to the
10BaseT device, like the printer in
Figure 3.

2. Attach an Ethernet cable between
the DockLINK 10BaseT port and
the device

3. Attach the radio assembly, and
locate it as high as practical, with
the two points upward

4. Apply power to the DockLINK, and
then power up the Ethernet device and you are done.

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Switched

Outlet

4

Radio Unit

DockLINK

Non-switched

Outlet

Figure 3: Quick Installation Steps

Printer equipped
interface card

1

Installation of the DockLINK does not require the use of tools, and no configuration is needed in the DockLINK for
operation. If your site uses RadioLAN SubNet ID codes, or encryption, then the DockLINK will need to be
configured before operation.

To Test the Antenna Placement

If you sense the DockLINK connected device is not operating properly, you may need to review the location of the
antenna. This can be done either using the DockLINK Manager display to show the signal quality, or with a
RadioLAN equipped computer in the area running RadioNET Manager software.

If you use the optional serial cable onto the DockLINK, you may also use the Node Discovery Menu (see NODE
DISCOVERY MENU on page 80) in the DockLINK to study and adjust the antenna location, and show the statistics
on either the Ethernet, or RadioNet side. Errors on the Ethernet side of a DockLINK would be very unusual, and
indicate a problem with the cable. Errors on the RadioNet side may indicate the antenna location is not correct.

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Designing Your System

This section describes the best ways to locate one or more DockLINKs, and to orient the DockLINK’s Radio Unit.
For best performance, orient the DockLINK’s Radio Unit perpendicular to the horizon. Because signal strength

and quality diminish when the Radio Unit is enclosed, it is best to locate the Radio Unit outside of cabinets. The
most suitable locations are above obstacles such as cubical walls or shelves.

For the highest quality wireless network coverage, spacing between DockLINKs and other wireless stations
should not exceed 150 feet in semi-enclosed offices. Office conditions vary; actual maximum distances depend
on your office environment.

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Testing the Data Range

1

2

3

DockLINK Station

To test for best signal quality, locate a temporary wireless
station in the location at which you intend to locate the

2

Signal Quality

DockLINK. Use the NODE DISCOVERY page at each wireless
station on the network to verify signal quality. Also test locations

3

where fixed wireless stations are not normally located, such as
conference rooms.

4

As you test each location, note the signal strength measured on
the NODE DISCOVERY page (see Figure 4). In the event that you

4

5

discover a location where signal quality is low, there are three
basic options for action:

1. If most or all station locations report a low-quality signal,
relocate the DockLINK.

2. If one or only a few station locations report a low-quality
signal, relocate the antennas at weak locations to improve

Figure 4: Testing Data Range

signal quality.

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Installing the DockLINK

Local Station with 10BaseT

Network Interface Card

Before installing the DockLINK, note the
DockLINK’s Media Access Control (MAC) Address.
Each DockLINK’s MAC Address is noted on the
bottom of the DockLINK’s housing.

Distant Wireless Users PCMCIA Users

There are three basic inputs required by the
DockLINK (see Figure 5):

• Non-switched electrical outlet

• Access to the 10BaseT Network Interface Card

Switched

Outlet

Radio Unit

DockLINK

• Acceptable signal quality in the wireless
network

Non-switched

Outlet

Figure 5: Network Requirements

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Locating the Radio Unit

Good

RadioLAN Radio Units include a dual antenna assembly. The antenna
assembly operates best if oriented perpendicular to the horizon (see Figure

6). Failing to orient the antenna in this vertical orientation will diminish signal

quality between the DockLINK and all wireless stations that communicate
with it. You can locate the DockLINK assembly on the desk next to your PC,
or when using a longer Category 5 cable, you can mount the assembly on a
wall, or ceiling.

Do this:

• Point the Radio Unit to the ceiling or to the floor.

• Locate the Radio Unit in an open area.

• Locate the Radio Unit within 120 feet from each wireless network user.

Do not do this:

• Do not orient the Radio Unit parallel to the horizon.

• Do no locate the Radio Unit inside a cabinet.

• Do not locate the Radio Unit farther than 150 feet from wireless network

users.

• Do not power the DockLINK from a switched electrical outlet.

• Do not mount the Radio Unit outside of the building.

890-010 12/04/98 Page 10 © 1998 RadioLAN.

Figure 6: Radio Unit Orientation

Bad

Connecting the DockLINK

3

2

You must connect the DockLINK to the station’s
10BaseT Network Interface Card and to the power
adapter. Optionally, you can also connect a modem
or VT-100 terminal to the DockLINK for local
configuration. Follow these steps to connect
external cabling to the DockLINK:

1. Connect the radio to the female DB15 jack on
the DockLINK. The radio’s connector is keyed,
and only inserts into the jack one way. Do not
force the connector into the jack.

Local Station’s

Network Interface Card

1

2. Connect the power adapter cable to the
DockLINK.

4

3. Plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet.

Figure 7: Connecting the DockLINK

890-010 12/04/98 Page 11 © 1998 RadioLAN.

4. Route a standard RJ-45 cable between

10BaseT Ethernet

3

the station’s10BaseT Network Interface
Card and the 10BaseT jack on the
DockLINK. Connect the cable to the
DockLINK first, and then connect the other
end of the cable to the port on the
station’s Network Interface Card.

5. Set the MDI/MDI-X push-button switch to
the correct setting for the RJ-45 Dual­modular cable.

10BaseT Network

Interface Card

or Crossover Cable

1

Push the switch in for use with a
crossover cable.

Push the switch out for use with a
standard Category 5 cable.

890-010 12/04/98 Page 12 © 1998 RadioLAN.

Figure 8: Setting the MDI/MDI-X Switch

2

Initial IP Address Setup

DockLINK

Network

Interface

Before you can manage the DockLINK, from the local station,
for example, a PC, the DockLINK must contain a valid network
IP Address. There are two ways to assign an IP Address to the
DockLINK:

• Using the connection between the DockLINK and a
station’s Network Interface Card.

• A VT-100 terminal connection to the DockLINK Local Port

This section describes in detail each method for assigning the
DockLINK an IP Address.

Connect the DockLINK

To use the IP ASSIGN Utility, you must first connect DockLINK to the station’s 10BaseT Network Interface Card.
The station must not be running a DHCP server while performing this procedure.

1. Determine the method that you are using to assign the IP Address:

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PC

Card

Category 5 Cable

Figure 9: Quick Configuration

Using the Local Station: If you installed the IP ASSIGN Utility in the local station, connect an RJ45,
10BaseT cable between the DockLINK and the jack on the station’s Network Interface Card.

Using the DockLINK Local Port: If you are using the Local Port, connect the Serial port from a VT-100
terminal to the DockLINK Local Port.

2. Connect the Radio Unit to the DockLINK.

3. Connect the DockLINK’s power adapter to the power jack on the DockLINK.

4. Plug the DockLINK’s power adapter into a 115VAC electrical outlet.

The DockLINK’s Power LED illuminates.
If you are using the local station, see Using the IP ASSIGN Utility to Optionally assign the DockLINK’s IP Address

on page 15. If you are using the DockLINK Local Port, see Managing the DockLINK Locally on page 65.

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Using the IP ASSIGN Utility to Optionally assign the DockLINK’s IP Address

RadioLAN provides an optional IP ASSIGN Utility diskette with your package. The utility
allows you to optionally assign an IP Address to the DockLINK quickly. The station’s
Network Interface Card must have an IP Address assigned.

To install the IP ASSIGN Utility and assign an IP Address to the DockLINK, follow these
steps from a PC connected to the DockLINK:

1. Insert the IP ASSIGN Utility Diskette into drive A.

2. Using the Windows RUN command, type A: IPASSIGN and click OK.
The utility starts and begins searching the local LAN segment for any DockLINKs that

are not configured with an IP Address.
The utility returns a page listing of the MAC Addresses for all non-configured

Figure 10:

Optional

Configuration

Disk

DockLINKs on the LAN segment.

3. Highlight the MAC Address for the DockLINK that you want to configure.

4. Enter the desired temporary IP Address for the DockLINK. Later, you can permanently set it using the IP
PARAMETERS screen.

The utility checks the IP Address to verify its validity. If the newly entered IP Address is valid, the utility
assigns it to the DockLINK and prompts you to configure the DockLINK using your network browser.

5. Choose Yes to launch your default network browser, and press Enter.
The utility displays the login page for the DockLINK Manager configuration program.

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Using the DockLINK Manager

The DockLINK Manager allows you to interrogate and interact with the DockLINK from the local station using a
Web browser. Your browser must support Java script and frames. After launching your browser, enter the IP
Address for the DockLINK. If you just setup the DockLINK for the first time, you should have already assigned the
DockLINK’s IP Address using the IP ASSIGN Utility, or with the VT-100 terminal.

This section discusses how to log onto the DockLINK, and how to use the DockLINK Manager.

The DockLINK Manager

The DockLINK Manager allows you to view pages, which contain configuration information about the DockLINK.
Using the manager, you can assign passwords, set up IP Address for the DockLINK, set address filters, and view
DockLINK performance statistics.

When using the DockLINK Manager to make changes, edit your choices on the manager’s pages, then accept all
session changes by accessing the SYSTEM CONFIGURATION - CONFIGURATION CHANGES page. This causes the
DockLINK to store configuration changes. Changes take effect after you save the changes and reset the
DockLINK.

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Accessing the DockLINK with the Browser

To access the DockLINK with your browser, follow these steps:

1. Open your Web browser.

2. In the browser’s address field, type the IP Address for the DockLINK, and then press Enter.

The DockLINK’s LOGON page appears.

Logging Onto the DockLINK Manager

The LOGON page provides security to DockLINK configuration items. There are three fields on the page:

• Product ID

• Enter User Name

• Enter Password

If this is the first time that you log on, use the following entries, and then set up Access Security features
immediately:

User Name: Blank
Password: Blank

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Product ID

The Product ID field is a read-only field that reports the Product ID for the DockLINK.

Enter User Name

The Enter User Name field is an entry field where you enter your user name to gain access to the configuration and
diagnostic pages. Only entries matching those programmed into the SYSTEM CONFIGURATION: ACCESS SECURITY
page are allowed access to the program.

Enter Password

The Enter Password field allows you to enter your user password for access to configuration and diagnostic pages.
Enter your password here, and then press Enter to go to the next page. If the user name and password match
those stored in the ACCESS SECURITY MENU page, you will be allowed to view and edit items on the page. If you
make entries that do not match those stored in the program, you will remain on the LOGON page.

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DockLINK Manager Layout

System

Features

Node

Discovery

System

Configuration

System

Statistics

System

Reset

The DockLINK Manger uses frames that allow you to size and view the pages

Main

Menu

according to your needs. The menu is made up of seven major topics:

• Node Discovery – Find connected stations here.

• System Features – Enable enhanced DockLINK features here.

• System Configuration – Configure the DockLINK for use with your Network

Interface card and wireless network here.

• System Statistics – See DockLINK performance here.

• System Status – See the system’s current status here.

• Diagnostics – Perform network diagnostics here.

Status

• Reset – Reset the DockLINK to lock in program changes here.

Diagnostics

Figure 11: The Main Menu

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Figure 12 shows a picture of the main screen. The left
side of the page contains a menu that allows you to
select the screen that you want to view or change. Menu
items that have a [+] next to them have submenu items
that lead to specific pages.

After selecting a submenu item, the right frame of the
page changes to display program items and other
information. You can size the frames by clicking on the
divider line and dragging the line to the size that meets
your needs.

Figure 12: The Main Page

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Discovering Wireless Nodes Within the DockLINK’s Data Range

The DockLINK dynamically discovers wireless nodes as they
enter into the DockLINK’s data range. Each time the DockLINK
discovers a Wireless Node, it places the node’s MAC Address
into an internal database. Alternatively, the DockLINK removes
MAC Addresses for wireless nodes that leave the DockLINK’s
data range.

The NODE DISCOVERY page displays wireless nodes that are
currently within data range of the DockLINK. Nodes found on
this screen are connected to the local station using the
DockLINK as a bridge. The page displays a table with two
main tabs:

• Station List

• Connectivity

Figure 13: Node Discovery Network

Information Page: Station List Tab

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Station List

The Station List tab shows a list of stations that are currently connected to the DockLINK. The list is a table with a
number of columns. Clicking on column headings sorts the list alphabetically. Clicking the table heading again
reverses the sort. The table shows the following columns:

Name

This column displays the station name of each connected wireless station.

Address

This column displays the station’s MAC Address.

Type

This column displays the station types. The following types are found here:

• ICL ISA CardLINK Model 101 and P101 PCMCIA Card

• DKL DockLINK Units

• BBL BackboneLINK Units

• CBL CampusLINK Units

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