USRobotics Instant802 APSDK User Manual
Professional Access Point
Administrator Guide
R46.1224.00
rev 2.0 07/06
Professional Access Point
Administrator Guide
Professional Access Point
Administrator Guide
U.S. Robotics Corporation
935 National Parkway
Schaumburg, Illinois
60173-5157
USA
No part of this documentation may be reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any derivative work (such as a
translation, transformation, or adaptation) without written permission from U.S. Robotics Corporation. U.S. Robotics Corporation
reserves the right to revise this documentation and to make changes in the products and/or content of this document from time to
time without obligation to provide notification of such revision or change. U.S. Robotics Corporation provides this documentation
without warranty of any kind, either implied or expressed, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. If there is any software on removable media described in this documentation, it is furnished under a
license agreement included with the product as a separate document, in the hard copy documentation, or on the removable media
in a directory named LICENSE. If you are unable to locate a copy, please contact USRobotics and a copy will be provided to you.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT LEGEND If you are a United States government agency, then this documentation and the software described herein are provided to you subject to the following:
All technical data and computer software are commercial in nature and developed solely at private expense. Software is delivered
as “Commercial Computer Software” as defined in DFARS 252.227-7014 (June 1995) or as a “commercial item” as defined in
FAR 2.101(a) and as such is provided with only such rights as are provided in USRobotics standard commercial license for the
Software. Technical data is provided with limited rights only as provided in DFAR 252.227-7015 (Nov 1995) or FAR 52.227-14
(June 1987) whichever is applicable. You agree not to remove or deface any portion of any legend provided on any licensed program or documentation contained in, or delivered to you in conjunction with, this Administrator Guide.
Copyright © 2005 U.S. Robotics Corporation. All rights reserved. U.S. Robotics and the USRobotics logo are registered trademarks of U.S. Robotics Corporation. Other product names are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their
respective companies. Product specifications subject to change without notice.
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Contents
About This Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ix
Getting Started
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Features and Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
What’s Next? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Pre-Launch Checklist: Default Settings and Supported Administrator/
Client Platforms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Professional Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Administrator’s Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Wireless Client Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Understanding Dynamic and Static IP Addressing on the Professional Access Point . . . . . . . . . . 20
Setting Up and Launching Your Wireless Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Step 1. Unpack the access point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Step 2. Connect the access point to network and power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Step 3. Run the Detection Utility to find access points on the network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Step 4. Log on to the Web User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Step 5. Configure Basic Settings and start the wireless network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Wall Mounting the Access Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
What’s Next? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Web User Interface
Basic Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Navigating to Basic Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Review / Describe the Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Provide Administrator Password and Wireless Network Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Set Configuration Policy for New Access Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Update Basic Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Summary of Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Basic Settings for a Standalone Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Your Network at a Glance: Understanding Indicator Icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Access Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
User Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Sessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Channel Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Wireless Neighborhood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
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Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Transmit/Receive Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Client Associations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Neighboring Access Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Advanced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Ethernet (Wired) Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Wireless Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Guest Login . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Virtual Wireless Networks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Radio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
MAC Filtering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Load Balancing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Quality of Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Wireless Distribution System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Time Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
SNMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Reboot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Reset Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Upgrade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Backup/Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Command Line Interface
Class Structure, Commands, and Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Comparison of Settings Configurable with the CLI and Web User Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
How to Access the CLI for an Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Quick View of Commands and How to Get Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Command Usage and Configuration Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Keyboard Shortcuts and Tab Completion Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
CLI Class and Field Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Class and Field Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Troubleshooting
Installation and Connectivity Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Configuration Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Wireless Distribution System (WDS) Problems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Cluster Recovery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Support Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
For Canadian Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
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CE Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
U.S. Robotics Corporation Two (2) Year Limited Warranty .
299
1.0 GENERAL TERMS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
2.0 CUSTOMER OBLIGATIONS:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
3.0 OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
4.0 WARRANTY REPLACEMENT: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
5.0 LIMITATIONS:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
6.0 DISCLAIMER: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
7.0 GOVERNING LAW: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
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About This Document
This guide describes setup, configuration, administration and maintenance of one or more Professional
Access Points on a wireless network.
Administrator Audience
This information is intended for the person responsible for installing, configuring, monitoring, and
maintaining the Professional Access Point as part of a small-to-medium business information technology
infrastructure.
Online Help Features
Online Help for the Professional Access Point Web User Interface provides information about all fields and
features available in the interface. The information in the Online Help is a subset of the information
available in the Administrator Guide.
Online Help information corresponds to each tab on the Professional Access Point Web User Interface. To
display help for the current tab, Click Help at the top of the Web User Interface page or click the More... link
at the bottom of the tab’s inline help panel.
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Recommended Settings, Notes and Cautions
An arrow next to field description information indicates a recommended or suggested configuration
setting for an option on the Access Point.
A Note provides more information about a feature or technology and cross-references to related topics.
A Caution provides information about critical aspects of access point configuration, combinations of settings, events, or procedures that can adversely affect network connectivity, security, and so on.
Typographical Conventions
This guide uses the following typographical conventions:
italics Glossary terms, new terms, and book titles
typewriter font
typewriter font italics
Bold Keywords Menu titles, window names, and button names
Screen text, URLs, IP addresses, and MAC addresses, UNIX file, command, and
directory names, user-typed command-line entries
Var iables
PDF Links
In addition to URL links, which are shown in blue and underscored, this document contains links to
related sections and to glossary terms. Whenever your cursor turns into the pointing hand, a single
click will take you to the referenced topic.
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Getting Started
This part of the Professional Access Point Administrator Guide provides the information that you need to
establish a network by performing basic installation for one or more Professional Access Points:
• Overview
• Pre-Launch Checklist: Default Settings and Supported Administrator/Client Platforms
• Setting Up and Launching Your Wireless Network
Overview
The Professional Access Point provides continuous, high-speed access between your wireless and
Ethernet devices. It is an advanced, standards-based solution for wireless networking in small and
medium-sized businesses. The Professional Access Point enables zero-administration wireless local area
network (WLAN) deployment while providing state-of-the-art wireless networking features.
The Professional Access Point provides best-of-breed security, ease-of-administration, and industry
standards—providing a standalone and fully-secured wireless network without the need for additional
management and security server software.
The access point can broadcast in the following modes.
• IEEE 802.11b
• IEEE 802.11g
The following sections list features and benefits of the Professional Access Point, and tell you what’s next
when you’re ready to get started.
• Features and Benefits
• IEEE Standards Support and Wi-Fi Compliance
• Wireless Features
• Security Features
• Guest Interface
• Clustering and Auto-Management
• Networking
Overview - 11
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• Maintainability
• What’s Next?
Features and Benefits
IEEE Standards Support and Wi-Fi Compliance
• Support for IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11g wireless networking standards
• Provides bandwidth of up to 11 Mbps for IEEE 802.11b and 54 Mbps for IEEE 802.11g
• Wi-Fi compliance required for certification
Wireless Features
• Auto channel selection at startup
• Transmit power adjustment
• Wireless Distribution System (WDS) for connecting multiple access points wirelessly. Extends your
network with less cabling and provides a seamless experience for roaming clients.
• Quality of Service (QoS) for enhanced throughput and better performance of time-sensitive wireless
traffic like Video, Audio, Voice over IP (VoIP) and streaming media. The Professional Access Point
QoS is Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) compliant.
• Load Balancing
• Built-in support for multiple SSIDs (network names) and multiple BSSIDs (basic service set IDs) on the
same access point
• Channel management for automatic coordination of radio channel assignments to reduce accesspoint-to-access-point interference on the network and maximise Wi-Fi bandwidth
• Neighbouring access point detection finds nearby access points, including rogues.
• Support for multiple IEEE 802.11d Regulatory Domains (country codes for global operation)
Security Features
• Prohibit SSID Broadcast
• Station isolation
• Weak IV avoidance
• Wireless Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
Overview - 12
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• Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2/802.11i)
• Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
• User-based access control, local user database, and user life-cycle management with built-in RADIUS
authentication server
• WPA/WPA2 Enterprise
• MAC address filtering
Guest Interface
• Captive portal to guide guests to customized, guest-only Web page
• Implementation with dedicated access point or as VLAN with unique network name (SSID)
Clustering and Auto-Management
• Automatic setup with the Professional Access Point Detection Utility
• Provisioning and auto-configuration of access points through clustering and cluster rendezvous
The administrator can specify how new access points should be configured before they are added to
the network. When new access points are added to the same wired network, they can automatically
rendezvous with the cluster and securely download the correct configuration. The process does not
require manual intervention, but is under the control of the administrator.
• Single universal view of clustered access points and cluster configuration settings
Configuration for all access points in a cluster can be managed from a single interface. Changes to
common parameters are automatically reflected in all members of the cluster.
• Self-managed access points with automatic configuration synchronization
The access points in a cluster periodically ensure that the cluster configuration is consistent, and
check for the presence and availability of the other members of the cluster. The administrator can mon
itor this information through the Web User Interface.
• Enhanced local authentication using 802.1x without additional IT setup
A cluster can maintain a user authentication server and database stored on the access points. This
eliminates the need to install, configure, and maintain a
administrative task of deploying a secure wireless network.
RADIUS infrastructure and simplifies the
-
Networking
• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) support for dynamically assigning network configuration
information to systems on the LAN/WLAN.
Overview - 13
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• Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) support
SNMP Support
The Professional Access Point includes the following standard Simple Network Protocol (SNMP)
Management Information Bases (MIB):
• SNMP v1 and v2 MIBs
• IEEE802.11 MIB
• Four USRobotics proprietary MIBs support product, system, channel, and wireless system statistics.
Maintainability
• Status, monitoring, and tracking views of the network including session monitoring, client associations,
transmit/receive statistics, and event log
• Link integrity monitoring to continually verify connection to the client, regardless of network traffic
activity levels
• Reset configuration option
• Firmware upgrade
• Backup and restore of access point configuration
• Backup and restore of user database for built-in RADIUS server (when using IEEE 802.1x or WPA/
WPA2 Enterprise (RADIUS) security mode)
What’s Next?
Are you ready to get started with wireless networking? Read through the “Pre-Launch Checklist: Default
Settings and Supported Administrator/Client Platforms” on page 15, and then follow the steps in “Setting
Up and Launching Your Wireless Network” on page 23.
Overview - 14
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Pre-Launch Checklist: Default Settings and Supported Administrator/Client Platforms
Before you plug in and boot a new Access Point, review the following sections for hardware, software, and
client configuration requirements and for compatibility issues. Make sure that you have everything you
need for a successful launch and test of your new or extended wireless network.
• Professional Access Point
• Default Settings for the Professional Access Point
• What the Access Point Does Not Provide
• Administrator’s Computer
• Wireless Client Computers
• Understanding Dynamic and Static IP Addressing on the Professional Access Point
• How Does the Access Point Obtain an IP Address at Startup?
• Dynamic IP Addressing
• Static IP Addressing
Professional Access Point
The Professional Access Point provides continuous, high-speed access between your wireless and
Ethernet devices in IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g modes.
The Professional Access Point offers a Guest Interface feature that allows you to configure access points
for controlled guest access to the wireless network. This can be accomplished by using Virtual LANs. For
more information on the Guest interface, see “Guest Login” on page 121 and “A Note About Setting Up
Connections for a Guest Network” on page 25.
Pre-Launch Checklist: Default Settings and Supported Administrator/Client Platforms - 15
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Default Settings for the Professional Access Point
Option Default Settings Related Information
System Name
User Name
Password
Network Name (SSID)
Network Time Protocol (NTP) None “Time Protocol” on page 161
USR5453-AP
admin
The user name is read-only. It cannot be modified.
admin
USR5453 Internal Network
nal interface
USR5453 Guest Network
interface
for the Inter-
for the Guest
“Setting the DNS Name” on
page 91 in “Ethernet (Wired) Settings” on page 89
“Provide Administrator Password and Wireless Network
Name” on page 38 in “Basic Settings” on page 35
“Review / Describe the Access
Point” on page 37 in “Basic Settings” on page 35
“Configuring Internal LAN Wireless Settings” on page 99 in
“Wireless Settings” on page 97
“Configuring Guest Network
Wireless Settings” on page 100
in “Wireless Settings” on page 97
IP Address
Connection Type Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0
192.168.1.10
The default IP address is used if you do not
use a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
(DHCP) server. You can assign a new static IP
address through the Web User Interface.
If you have a DHCP server on the network,
then an IP address will be dynamically
assigned by the server at access point startup.
(DHCP)
If you do not have a DHCP server on the Internal network and do not plan to use one, the
first thing you must do after bringing up the
access point is to change the connection type
from DHCP to Static IP.
The Guest network must have a DHCP server.
This is determined by your network setup and
DHCP server configuration.
“Understanding Dynamic and
Static IP Addressing on the Professional Access Point” on
page 20
“Understanding Dynamic and
Static IP Addressing on the Professional Access Point” on
page 20
For information on how to reconfigure the Connection Type, see
“Configuring Internal Interface
Ethernet Settings” on page 93.
“Ethernet (Wired) Settings” on
page 89
Pre-Launch Checklist: Default Settings and Supported Administrator/Client Platforms - 16
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Option Default Settings Related Information
Radio On “Radio” on page 129
IEEE 802.11 Mode 802.11g “Radio” on page 129
802.11g Channel Auto “Radio” on page 129
Beacon Interval 100 “Radio” on page 129
DTIM Period 2 “Radio” on page 129
Fragmentation Threshold 2346 “Radio” on page 129
Regulatory Domain FCC “Radio” on page 129
RTS Threshold 2347 “Radio” on page 129
MAX Stations 2007 “Radio” on page 129
Transmit Power 100 percent “Radio” on page 129
Rate Sets Supported (Mbps)
Rate Sets (Mbps)
(Basic/Advertised)
Broadcast SSID Allow “Broadcast SSID, Station Isola-
Security Mode None “Broadcast SSID, Station Isola-
Authentication Type None
MAC Filtering Allow any station unless in list “MAC Filtering” on page 135
Guest Login and
Management
Load Balancing Disabled “Load Balancing” on page 139
WDS Settings None “Wireless Distribution System”
• IEEE 802.11g: 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 11, 9,
6, 5.5, 2, 1
• IEEE 802.11b: 11, 5.5, 2, 1
• IEEE 802.1g: 11, 5.5, 2, 1
• IEEE 802.1b: 2, 1
Disabled “Guest Login” on page 121
“Radio” on page 129
“Radio” on page 129
tion, and Security Mode” on
page 107 in “Security” on
page 101
tion, and Security Mode” on
page 107 in “Security” on
page 101
on page 153
SNMP Enabled “Enabling and Disabling Simple
Network Management Protocol
(SNMP)” on page 166
SNMP SET Requests Disabled “Enabling and Disabling Simple
Network Management Protocol
(SNMP)” on page 166
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What the Access Point Does Not Provide
The Professional Access Point is not designed to function as a gateway to the Internet. To connect your
Wireless LAN (WLAN) to other LANs or the Internet, you need a gateway device.
Administrator’s Computer
Configuration and administration of the Professional Access Point is accomplished with the Professional
Access Point Detection Utility, which you run from the CD, and through a Web-based user interface. The
following table describes the minimum requirements for the administrator’s computer.
Required Software or
Component
Ethernet Connection to
the First Access Point
Wireless Connection to
the Network
Web Browser / Operating
System
Description
The computer used to configure the first access point with the Detection Utility must
be connected to the access point, either directly or through a hub, by an Ethernet
cable.
For more information on this step, see “Step 2. Connect the access point to network
and power” on page 24 in Setting Up and Launching Your Wireless Network.
After initial configuration and launch of the first access point on your new wireless
network, you can make subsequent configuration changes through the Web User
Interface using a wireless connection to the internal network. For wireless connection to the access point, your administration device needs Wi-Fi capability:
• Portable or built-in Wi-Fi client adapter that supports one or more of the IEEE
802.11 modes in which you plan to run the access point. IEEE 802.11b and
802.11g modes are supported.
• Wireless client software such as Microsoft Windows XP or Funk Odyssey wireless client configured to associate with the Professional Access Point.
For more details on Wi-Fi client setup, see “Wireless Client Computers” on
page 19.
Configuration and administration of the Professional Access Point is provided
through a Web-based user interface hosted on the access point. USRobotics recommends using one of the following supported Web browsers to access the Web
User Interface:
• Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5.5 or 6.x (with up-to-date patch level for
either major version) on Microsoft Windows XP or Microsoft Windows 2000
• Mozilla 1.7.x on Redhat 9 with 2.4 kernel
The administration Web browser must have JavaScript enabled to support the interactive features of the Web User Interface. The browser must also support HTTP
uploads to use the firmware upgrade feature.
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Required Software or
Description
Component
Detection Utility Wizard on
CD-ROM
CD-ROM Drive The administrator’s computer must have a CD-ROM drive to run the Installation
Security Settings Ensure that security is disabled on the wireless client used to initially configure the
You can run the Installation CD-ROM on any Windows laptop or computer that is
connected to the access point via wired or wireless connection. It detects Professional Access Points on the network. The wizard steps you through initial configuration of new access points, and provides a link to the Web User Interface where you
finish the basic setup process in a step-by-step mode and launch the network.
For more information about using the Detection Utility, see “Step 3. Run the Detection Utility to find access points on the network” on page 26 under “Setting Up and
Launching Your Wireless Network”.
CD-ROM.
access point.
Wireless Client Computers
The Professional Access Point provides wireless access to any client with a properly configured Wi-Fi
client adapter for the 802.11 mode in which the access point is running.
Multiple client operating systems are supported. Clients can be laptops or desktops, personal digital
assistants (PDAs), or any other hand-held, portable, or stationary device equipped with a Wi-Fi adapter
and supporting drivers.
In order to connect to the access point, wireless clients need the following software and hardware.
Required Component Description
Wi-Fi Client Adapter Portable or built-in Wi-Fi client adapter that supports one or more of the IEEE
802.11 modes in which you plan to run the access point. (IEEE 802.11b and
802.11g modes are supported.)
Wi-Fi client adapters vary considerably. The adapter can be a PC card built in to the
client device, a portable PCMCIA or PCI card, or an external device such as a USB
or Ethernet adapter that you connect to the client by means of a cable.
The access point supports 802.11b/g modes, but you will probably make a decision
during network design phase as to which mode to use. The fundamental requirement for clients is that they all have configured adapters that match the 802.11
mode for which your access point is configured.
Wireless Client Software Client software such as Microsoft Windows Supplicant or Funk Odyssey wireless
client configured to associate with the Professional Access Point.
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Required Component Description
Client Security Settings Security should be disabled on the client used to do initial configuration of the
access point.
If the Security mode on the access point is set to anything other than None, wireless clients will need to set a profile to the authentication mode used by the access
point and provide a valid user name and password, certificate, or similar user identity proof. Security modes are Static WEP, IEEE 802.1x, WPA/WPA2 with RADIUS
server, and WPA/WPA2-PSK.
For information on configuring security on the access point, see “Security” on
page 101.
Understanding Dynamic and Static IP Addressing on the Professional Access Point
Professional Access Points are designed to auto-configure, with very little setup required for the first
access point and miminal configuration required for additional access points subsequently joining a preconfigured cluster.
How Does the Access Point Obtain an IP Address at Startup?
When you deploy the access point, it looks for a network DHCP server and, if it finds one, obtains an IP
Address from the DHCP server. If no DHCP server is found on the network, the access point will continue
to use its default Static IP Address (192.168.1.10) until you reassign it a new static IP address and specify
a static IP addressing policy or until a DHCP server is brought online.
Note
• If you configure both an Internal and Guest network and plan to use a dynamic addressing policy
for both, separate DHCP servers must be running on each network.
• A DHCP server is a requirement for the Guest network.
When you run the Detection Utility, it discovers the Professional Access Points on the network and lists
their IP addresses and MAC addresses. The Detection Utility also provides a link to the Web User
Interface of each access point using the IP address in the URL. For more information about the Detection
Utility, see “Step 3. Run the Detection Utility to find access points on the network” on page 26.
Dynamic IP Addressing
The Professional Access Point generally expects that a DHCP server is running on the network where the
access point is deployed. Most business networks already have DHCP service provided through either a
gateway device or a centralized server. However, if no DHCP server is present on the Internal network, the
access point will use the default Static IP Address for first-time startup.
Similarly, wireless clients and other network devices will receive their IP addresses from the DHCP server,
if there is one. If no DHCP server is present on the network, you must manually assign static IP addresses
to your wireless clients and other network devices.
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The Guest network must have a DHCP server.
Static IP Addressing
The Professional Access Point ships with a default Static IP Address of 192.168.1.10. (See “Default
Settings for the Professional Access Point” on page 16.) If no DHCP server is found on the network, the
access point retains this static IP address at first-time startup.
After access point startup, you have the option of specifying a static IP addressing policy on Professional
Access Points and assigning static IP addresses to APs on the Internal network via the access point Web
User Interface. (See information about the Connection Type field and related fields in “Configuring Internal
Interface Ethernet Settings” on page 93.)
Caution
If you do not have a DHCP server on the Internal network and do not plan to use one, the first thing
you must do after bringing up the access point is change the Connection Type from DHCP to
Static IP. You can either assign a new Static IP address to the access point or continue using the
default address. USRobotics recommends assigning a new Static IP address so that if later you
bring up another Professional Access Point on the same network, the IP address for each access
point will be unique.
Recovering an IP Address
If you experience trouble communicating with the access point, you can recover a Static IP Address by
resetting the access point configuration to the factory defaults (see “Reset Configuration” on page 171), or
you can get a dynamically assigned address by connecting the access point to a network that has DHCP.
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Setting Up and Launching Your Wireless Network
Setting up and deploying one or more Professional Access Points is in effect creating and launching a
wireless network. The Detection Utility wizard and corresponding Basic Settings Administration Web page
simplify this process. Here is a step-by-step guide to setting up your Professional Access Points and the
resulting wireless network. Have the Installation CD-ROM handy, and familiarise yourself with the “PreLaunch Checklist: Default Settings and Supported Administrator/Client Platforms” on page 15 if you
haven’t already. The topics covered here are:
• Step 1. Unpack the access point
• Step 2. Connect the access point to network and power
• Step 3. Run the Detection Utility to find access points on the network
• Step 4. Log on to the Web User Interface
• Step 5. Configure Basic Settings and start the wireless network
• Wall Mounting the Access Point
Step 1. Unpack the access point
Unpack the access point and familiarize yourself with its hardware ports, associated cables, and
accessories.
Access Point Hardware and Ports
The Access Point includes:
• Ethernet port for connection to the Local Area Network (LAN) via Ethernet network cable
• Power port and power adapter
• Reset button
• Two 5 dB antennas
What’s inside the Access Point?
An access point is a single-purpose device designed to function as a wireless hub. Inside the access point
is a Wi-Fi radio system, a microprocessor, and a mini-PC card. The access point boots from FlashROM
that contains USRobotics firmware with the configurable, runtime features summarized in “Overview” on
page 11.
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As new features and enhancements become available, you can upgrade the firmware to add new
functionality and performance improvements to the access points that make up your wireless network.
(See “Upgrade” on page 172.)
Step 2. Connect the access point to network and power
The next step is to set up the network and power connections.
1. Do one of the following to create an Ethernet connection between the access point and your computer:
• Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the LAN port on the access point and the other end to the
same networking device (such as a router) to which your computer is connected (see
Or
• Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the LAN port on the access point and the other end of the
cable to the Ethernet port on your computer (see
Initial Connection Notes
If you use a hub, the device that you use must permit broadcast signals from the access point to reach
all other devices on the network. A standard hub should work fine. Some switches, however, do not
allow directed or subnet broadcasts through. You may have to configure the switch to allow directed
broadcasts.
Figure 2).
Figure 1).
For initial configuration with a direct Ethernet connection and no DHCP server, be sure to set your
computer to a static IP address in the subnet 255.255.255.0. (The default IP address for the access
point is 192.168.1.10.)
If for initial configuration you use a direct Ethernet (wired) connection between the access point and
your computer, you will need to reconfigure the cabling for subsequent startup and deployment of the
access point so that the access point is no longer connected directly to your computer but instead is
connected to the LAN (either via a networking device as shown in Figure 1 or directly).
It is possible to detect access points on the network (using the Detection Utility) with a wireless connection. However, USRobotics strongly advises against using this method. In your environment you
may have no way of knowing whether you are connecting to the intended access point, and the initial
configuration changes required may cause you to lose connectivity with the access point over a wireless connection.
Setting Up and Launching Your Wireless Network - 24
Figure 1. Ethernet Connections When Using DHCP for Initial Configuration.
Professional Access Point
Administrator Guide
Switch
Professional Access Point
Administrator Computer
Figure 2. Ethernet Connections When Using Static IP Address for Initial Configuration.
Administrator Computer
(This computer must have
an IP address on the same
subnet as the access point.)
Professional Access Point
2. Connect the power adapter to the power port on the back of the access point, and then plug the other
end of the power adapter into a power outlet (preferably, via a surge protector).
Note to
UK Users
Replace the plug on the power adapter with the UK standard plug that is supplied in your USRobotics package. Apply enough pressure to cause a click and firmly seat the new plug in the
adapter.
Note
The access point may take up to one minute to boot. To ensure a smooth installation process, USRobotics recommends that you wait one minute before proceeding with “Step 3. Run the Detection Utility to find access points on the network”.
A Note About Setting Up Connections for a Guest Network
The Professional Access Point offers a Guest Interface that allows you to configure an access point for
controlled guest access to the network. The same access point can function as a bridge for two different
Setting Up and Launching Your Wireless Network - 25
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wireless networks: a secure Internal LAN and a public Guest network. This can be done virtually, by
defining two different Virtual LANs in the Web User Interface.
Hardware Connections for a Guest VLAN
If you plan to configure a guest network using VLANs, do the following:
• Connect the LAN port on the access point to a VLAN-capable switch.
• Define VLANs on that switch.
Once you have the required physical connections set up, the rest of the configuration process is
accomplished through the Web User Interface. For information on configuring Guest interface settings in
the Web User Interface, see “Guest Login” on page 121.
If you plan to configure the access point for guest access only, without maintaining separate Internal and
Guest networks, you do not need a VLAN-capable switch.
Step 3. Run the Detection Utility to find access points on the network
The Detection Utility is an easy-to-use utility for discovering and identifying new Professional Access
Points. The Detection Utility scans the network looking for access points, and displays ID details on those
it finds.
Notes and Cautions
• Keep in mind that the Detection Utility recognizes and configures only USRobotics Professional
Access Points. The Detection Utility will not find any other devices.
• Run the Detection Utility only in the subnet of the internal network (
tion Utility on the guest subnetwork.
• The Detection Utility will find only those access points that have IP addresses. IP addresses are
dynamically assigned to APs if you have a DHCP server running on the network. Keep in mind that
if you deploy the access point on a network with no DHCP server, the default static IP address
(192.168.1.10) will be used.
Use caution with non-DHCP enabled networks: Do not deploy more than one new access point
on a non-DHCP network because they will use the same default static IP addresses and conflict
with each other. (For more information, see “Understanding Dynamic and Static IP Addressing on
the Professional Access Point” on page 20 and “How Does the Access Point Obtain an IP Address
at Startup?” on page 20.)
Run the Installation CD-ROM on a laptop or computer that is connected to the same network as your
access points and use it to step through the discovery process as follows:
SSID). Do not run the Detec-
1. Insert the Installation CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive on your computer and select Setup from the
menu.
If the CD-ROM does not start automatically, navigate to the CD-ROM drive and double-click setup.exe.
If you receive a Windows Security Alert from your Windows Firewall, click Unblock to enable the java
Setting Up and Launching Your Wireless Network - 26
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program to access your network. If network access is blocked, the Detection Utility cannot find your
access point.
The Detection Utility Welcome screen is displayed.
2. Click Next to search for access points. Wait for the search to complete, or until the Detection Utility has
found your new access points.
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Note
If no access points are found, the Detection Utility indicates this and presents troubleshooting information about your LAN and power connections. Once you have checked hardware power and Ethernet
connections, you can click the Detection Utility Back button to search again for access points.
3. Review the list of access points found.
The Detection Utility will detect the IP addresses of Professional Access Points. Access points are
listed with their locations,
MAC addresses, and IP Addresses. If you are installing the first access point
on a single-access-point network, only one entry will be displayed on this screen
Verify the MAC addresses shown here against the Professional Access Point’s LAN MAC address.
(You can find the LAN MAC on the label on the bottom of the access point.) This will be especially
helpful later in providing or modifying the descriptive Location name for each access point.
Setting Up and Launching Your Wireless Network - 28
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Click Next.
4. Go to the Access Point Web User Interface by clicking the link provided on the Detection Utility page.
Setting Up and Launching Your Wireless Network - 29
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Note
The Detection Utility provides a link to the Web User Interface via the IP address of the first
Professional Access Point.The Web User Interface is a management tool that you can access via the
IP address for any access point in a cluster. (For more information about clustering see
“Understanding Clustering” on page 44.)
Step 4. Log on to the Web User Interface
When you follow the link from the Detection Utility to the Professional Access Point Web User Interface,
you are prompted for a user name and password.
The defaults for user name and password are as follows.
Field Default Setting
Username admin
Password admin
Enter the user name and password and click OK.
Viewing Basic Settings for Access Points
When you first log in, the Basic Settings page for Professional Access Point administration is displayed.
These are global settings for all access points that are members of the cluster and, if automatic
configuration is specified, for any new access points that are added later.
Setting Up and Launching Your Wireless Network - 30
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