TRENDnet TEW-310APBX User Manual

TEW-310APB

TEW-310APBX

2.4 GHz Wireless Access Point + Bridge

User's Guide

Rev. 11222002

CONTENTS

1.Package Contents

2.Introduction

3.Wireless Basics

4.Getting Started

5.Using the Configuration Utility

6.Troubleshooting

7.Networking Basics

8.Technical Specifications

9. Contacting Technical Support

NOTE

Note: TEW-310APBX functions just like TEW-310APB and the configuration procedures are the same as the TEW-310APB. The only difference between the two models is the TEW-310APBX comes with 2 detachable antennas. Below is the antenna installation instruction.

Locate the two antennas inside the box.

Screw in antenna by turning the knob clockwise.

Knob

Locate antenna connectors on the unit.

Connectors

The antenna should fit securely in place.

Replacing the antenna with high gain antenna

You can also replace one of the antennas with a higher gain TRENDnet antenna (4dBi Indoor Omni Directional, 6dBi Indoor Patch Directional, or 14dBi Outdoor Directional). At default, both antennas are transmitting/receiving data. When installing the high gain antenna, you can choose to install it on either the left or right antenna position. After that, go to the Access Point's configuration page, select "Advanced Settings", and at the bottom of the page, select the desired antenna position.

1. Package Contents

Fig. 1.1 TEW-310APB

Fig. 1.2 TEW-310APBX

Contents

TEW-310APB/TEW-310APBX Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Access Point 2 Detachable Antennas (TEW-310APBX only) Power Supply 5V DC, 2.0A Manual on CD Quick Installation Guide Ethernet Cable

Note: Using a power supply with a different voltage rating than the one included with the TEW-310APB will cause damage and void the warranty for

If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.

System Requirements

Computer with Windows, Macintosh, or Linux-based operating system with an installed Ethernet adapter

Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator version 4.0 or above, with JavaScript enabled

2. Introduction

TEW-310APB Wireless Access Point is an enhanced 802.11b highperformance, wireless access point. It is an ideal way to extend the reach and number of computers connected to your wireless network.

Unlike most 802.11b access points, the TEW-310APB is capable of data transfer speeds up to 22 Mbps (compared to the standard 11 Mbps) when used with other TRENDnet products such as the TEW-301PC PCMCIA CardBus Adapter and TEW-303PI Wireless PCI Adapter.

After completing the steps outlined in the Quick Installation Guide (included in your package) you will have the ability to share information and resources, such as files and printers, and enjoy the freedom that wireless networking delivers.

The TEW-310APB is compatible with most popular operating systems, including Macintosh, Linux and Windows, and can be integrated into a large network. This Manual is designed to help you connect the Access Point and the TRENDnet 2.4GHz Wireless Adapters into a network in Infrastructure mode.

Please take a look at the Getting Started section in this manual to see an example of an Infrastructure network using the TEW-310APB.

This manual provides a quick introduction to wireless technology and its application as it relates to networking. Please take a moment to read through this manual and get acquainted with wireless technology.

Connections

Diversity Antenna

Power Adapter Receptor

Reset Button: Press

this button to reset all configurations back to factory result settings.

Ethernet Port (RJ-45): Supports 10/100Mbps. Use Ethernet cable to connect this port to another ethernet.

Fig. 2.1

Features and Benefits

Up to 2X Faster than regular 802.11b Products - high-speed wireless data transfer rates up to 22Mbps. With twice the data rate and capacity, the TEW-310APB delivers media rich content such as digital images, videos, and MP3 files much faster than standard 802.11b networks

Fully 802.11b Compatible Fully compatible with the IEEE 802.11b standard and interoperable with all existing 802.11b compliant devices

Improved Performance Up to 20% faster data transfer rates on standard

802.11b networks

Stronger Network Security with 256-bit WEP Encryption Supports 64/128/256-bit WEP encryption for higher level of security for your data and wireless communication than encryption found in existing 802.11b products

Built-in DHCP Server If enabled, it will automatically assign IP addresses to wireless clients in a temporary network.

Web-based interface for Managing and Configuring Easy-to-use interface independent of the operating system

4 Different Operation Modes Capable of operating in one of four different operation modes to meet your wireless networking requirements: Access Point, AP-to-AP Bridging, AP-to-Multipoint Bridging, and Wireless Client.

LED Indicators

LED stands for Light-Emitting-Diode. The TEW-310APB has three LEDs:

Power

Link

Power - Solid red light indicates receiving power

TX/RX (Wireless Network) - Solid green light indicates

wireless connection enabled, blinking green indicates wireless network activity

Link (Ethernet Port) - Solid green light indicates good

Ethernet connection on the RJ-45 port, blinking green indicates Ethernet port activity

TX/RX

Fig. 2.2

3. Wireless Basics

TRENDware wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-use and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home, business or wherever a wireless network is available. Strictly adhering to the IEEE standard, the TRENDware wireless family of products will allow you to access the data you want, when and where you want it. No longer will you be limited to one location or forced to run new wiring through your home or office. You will be able to enjoy the freedom that wireless networking delivers.

A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a cellular computer network that transmits and receives data with radio signals instead of wires. Wireless LANs are used increasingly in both home and office environments, and public areas such as airports, coffee shops and universities. Innovative ways to utilize WLAN technology are helping people to work and communicate more efficiently. Increased mobility with the absence of cabling and other fixed infrastructure have proven to be beneficial for many users.

Wireless users can use the same applications they use on a wired network. Wireless adapter cards used on laptop and desktop systems, support the same protocols as Ethernet adapter cards. For most users, there is no noticeable functional difference between a wired Ethernet desktop computer and a wireless computer equipped with a wireless adapter other than the added benefit of the ability to roam within a wireless-cell. Under many circumstances, it may be desirable for mobile network devices to link to a conventional Ethernet LAN in order to use servers, printers or an Internet connection supplied through the wired LAN. A Wireless Access Point (AP) is a device used to provide this link.

People use wireless LAN technology for many different purposes.

Mobility - Productivity increases when people have access to data in any location within the operating range of the WLAN. Management decisions based on real-time information can significantly improve worker efficiency.

Low Implementation Costs WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks) are easy to set up, manage, change and relocate. Networks that frequently change, both physically and logically, can benefit from WLANs ease of implementation. WLANs can operate in locations where installation of wiring may be impractical.

Installation Speed and Simplicity - Installing a wireless LAN system can be fast and easy and can eliminate the need to install cable through walls and ceilings.

Network Expansion - Wireless technology allows the network to go where wires cannot go.

Reduced Cost-of-Ownership - While the initial investment required for Wireless LAN hardware might be higher than the cost of wired LAN hardware, overall installation expenses and life-cycle costs will be significantly lower. Long-term cost benefits are greatest in dynamic environments requiring frequent moves, adds, and changes.

Scalability - Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) can be configured in a variety of topologies to meet the needs of specific applications and installations. Configurations are easily changed and range from peer-to-peer networks suitable for a small number of users to full infrastructure networks of thousands of users that allow roaming over a broad area.

TRENDware Wireless Family of LAN products include:

2.4GHz Wireless LAN PCI Network Adapter (TEW-301PC)

2.4GHz Witrless LAN CompactFlash Network Adapter (TEW-302CF)

2.4GHz Wireless LAN PCI Adapter (TEW-303PI)

2.4GHz Wireless LAN USB Network Adapter (TEW-304UB)

Wireless Access Point + Wireless Bridge (TEW-310APB)

Wireless Internet Router/Access Point (TEW-311BRP)

Standards - Based Technology

The IEEE802.11b standard-based technology assures that the TRENDware Products are interoperable with existing compatible 2.4GHz wireless technology. This means you will be able to transfer large files quickly or even watch a movie in MPEG format over your network without noticeable delays. The technology works by using multiple frequencies in the 2.4GHz range at speeds up to 22Mbps. TRENDware products will automatically sense the best possible connection speed to ensure the greatest speed and range possible with the technology.

Installation Considerations

Designed to go up to 1,312 feet (400 meters) outdoors and up to 328 feet (100 meters) indoors, the TRENDware TEW-310APB lets you access your network with your laptop computer from virtually anywhere. Keep in mind, However,that the number, thickness, and location of walls, ceilings or other

objects that the wireless signal must pass thru may limit range. Typical ranges vary depending on the types of materials and any background RF (radio frequency) noise in your home or business. The key to maximizing range is to follow these basic guidelines:

1. Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the wireless Access Point and your receiving device to a minimum - Each wall or ceiling can reduce your TRENDnet Wireless product's range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.) Position your Access Points, Internet Routers, and computers so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.

2. Be aware of the direct line between Access Points, Internet Routers, and computers. A wall that is 1.5 feet thick (.5 meters), at a 45-degree angle appears to be almost 3 feet (1 meter) thick. At a 2-degree angle it looks over 42 feet (14 meters) thick! Try to make sure that the Access Points and Adapters are positioned so that the signal will travel straight through a wall or ceiling for better reception.

3. Building Materials make a difference - A solid metal door or aluminum studs may have a negative effect on range. Try to position Access Points, and computers with wireless adapters so that the signal passes through drywall or open doorways and not other materials.

4. Make sure that the device's antenna is positioned for best reception by using the software signal strength tools included with your product.

5. Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical devices or appliances that may generate extreme RF noise.

For the average home, signal range should not be an issue. If you experience low or no signal strength in areas of your home that you wish to access, consider positioning the Access Point in a location directly between the computers with wireless adapters. Additional Access Points can be connected to provide better coverage in rooms where the signal does not appear as strong as desired.

Using radio frequency (RF) technology, WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks) transmit and receive data over the air, minimizing the need for wired connections. Thus, WLANs combine data connectivity with user mobility, and, through simplified configuration, enable movable LANs.

4. Getting Started

Right out of the box, with its default settings, the TEW-310APB will automatically connect with other TRENDnet products.

For the price of a single IP Address from your Broadband Internet Service provider you can share the Internet with all the computers on your local network, without sacrificing speed or security, using TRENDware networking products.

IP ADDRESS

Please note: If you have a DHCP-capable router, please configure the TEW-310APB to disable its DHCP Server and enable its DHCP Client

If you need to assign IP Addresses to the computers on the network, please remember that the IP Address for each computer must be in the same IP Address range as all the computers in the network, and the Subnet mask must be exactly the same for all the computers in the network.

For example: If the first computer is assigned an IP Address of

192.168.0.2 with a Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0, then the second computer can be assigned an IP Address of 192.168.0.3 with a Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0, etc.

IMPORTANT: If computers or other devices are assigned the same IP Address, one or more of the devices may not be visible on the network.

An Infrastructure network contains an Access Point. The Infrastructure Network example shown on the below contains the following TRENDnet

network devices:

Wireless Access Point (TEW-310APB) (DHCP enabled at default) Ethernet Broadband Router (TW100-S4W1CA) (DHCP enabled at default)

Notebook computer with a wireless adapter (TEW-301PC) Desktop computer with a wireless adapter (TEW-303PI) Cable modem or DSL Modem

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It is a protocol

for assigning dynamic IP addresses “automatically”. With a DHCP-

capable gateway/router, there is no need to manually assign an IP address to each computer in the network.

Setting Up an Infrastructure Network

Please remember that TRENDware wireless devices are pre-configured to connect together, right out of the box, with the default settings.

You will need a broadband Internet access (Cable/DSL) subscription.

Consult with your Cable/DSL provider for proper installation of the modem.

Configure TEW-310APB. Refer to the Quick Installation Guide for

setting up the Access Point.

Note:

If you already have a DHCP server (e.g. Internet Router) on the

network, please disable the DHCP Server function on the TEW-310APB.

If you are connecting a desktop computer in your network, you can install the TRENDnet TEW-303PI wireless PCI adapter into an available PCI slot. See the Quick Installation Guide included

with the TEW-303PI

If you are connecting a Notebook computer in the network, install the drivers for the TEW-301PC wireless CardBus adapter into the laptop computer. See the Quick Installation Guide included with

TEW-301PI for installation instructions.

After the configuration, connect the Access Point to your network. If you have an Internet Router, connect it to the cable/DSL

Please refer to the following sections of this manual for additional information about setting up a network:

Networking Basics- learn how to check your IP Address; share printers and files.

Using the Configuration Utility-

learn the settings you must use on each computer in your network for successful communication.

Troubleshooting learn how to check for the proper installation of the network adapters' drivers and other tips for troubleshooting the network.

Fig. 4.1

5. Using the Configuration Menu

The Configuration Menu for the TEW-310APB is web-based. When using the configuration program, please consider the following:

You will need a JavaScript-enabled web-browser such as the Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher, or the Netscape Navigator 4.0 or higher.

The computer that you are using for initial configuration must setup to receive IP address from DHCP server (or have an IP Address within the same range as the IP Address of the TEW-310APB). The TEW-310APB has a default IP Address of

192.168.1.1 with subnet mask 255.255.255.0 and DHCP Server function enabled.

If you are using an Internet router with its DHCP server enabled, please do not connect the TEW-310APB to the network. You will need to configure the TEW310APB, disable its DHCP Server and enable the DHCP Client.

If you have static IP address for each network device, please prepare a computer with DHCP client enabled and use this computer to configure the TEW-310APB's IP address to fit your network.

Factory Default Setting for the TEW-310APB

ESSID default Channel 1 WEP disabled User Name admin Password admin IP Address 192.168.1.1 DHCP Server enabled DHCP Client disabled

Configuration Menu

Whenever you want to configure your network or the TEW-310APB, you can access the Configuration Utility by opening the web-browser and typing in the IP Address of the TEW-310APB. The TEW-310APB default IP Address is shownin Fig 5.1.

· Open the web browser

· Type in the IP Address of the

Access Point

(default http://192.168.1.1)

Fig. 5.1

(The IP Address shown in the example above is the default setting. Use this IP address when connecting to a network consisting of other TRENDnet devices set to their default settings. If you have changed the IP Address of the TEW-310APB to conform to a network other than one with TRENDnet devices, at their default setting, then input that IP Address in the web browser, instead of the default IP Address shown.)

· Type admin in the User Name field

· Type in admin in the Password field

· Click OK

Status Screen with Menu Bar

The Configuration window will appear. Here the Status tab is displayed. Click on View Log to see the wireless clients connection history.

First Page - displays the first page of the Log Last Page - displays the last page of the Log

Previous - moves back one log page Next - moves forward one log page Clear - clears the log completely Refresh - updates the log with the

latest information

If you wish to change the default settings, click on Basic Setting on the menu bar.

Fig. 5.2

Fig. 5.3

Basic Settings

you can make changes to the following items:

AP name SSID Channel WEP Key Mode

Fig. 5.4

AP Name: You may choose to rename your Access Point, especially if you have more than one Access Point on your network.

SSID: (Service Set Identifier) “default” is the factory setting. The SSID is a unique name that identifies a network. All devices on a network must share the same SSID name in order to communicate on the network. If you choose to change the SSID from the default setting, input your new SSID name in this field. The SSID can be up to 32 characters in length.

Channel: Channel 1 is the default channel. Input a new number if you want to change the default setting. All devices on the network must be set to the same channel to communicate on the network.

WEP Encryption: Select 64-bit, 128-bit, or 256-bit to use WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) on the network. All devices on the network, and the

Access Point, must share the same level WEP, and they must share the same WEP key.

Mode: The WEP key is generated from ASCII or HEX (Hexadecimal) entries that are either 64, 128, or 256 bit in length. Select HEX for entering HEX numbers 0 ~ 9 and alphabet A ~ F. Or select ASCII for entering any ACSII characters. The number of characters that you can enter is depending on the level of WEP Key. The higher the WEP key level, the more characters you need to enter for the keys. For 64-bit key, you need to enter 10 HEX or 5 ASCII characters. 128-bit requires 26 HEX or 13 ASCII characters. 256-bit WEB key needs 58 HEX or 29 ASCII characters.

Hexadecimal digits consist of the numbers 0-9 and the letters A-F ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is a code

for representing English letters as numbers from 0-127

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