Wap54a User Guide.Qxd

Instant WirelessTM Series Wireless Access Point

Use this guide to install: WAP54A User Guide COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS Copyright © 2002 Linksys, All Rights Reserved. Instant Wireless™ is a registered trade- mark of Linksys. Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective proprietors. LIMITED WARRANTY Linksys guarantees that every Wireless Access Point is free from physical defects in material and workmanship under normal use for one year from the date of purchase. If the product proves defective during this warranty period, call Linksys Technical Support in order to obtain a Return Authorization Number. BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE AND A BARCODE FROM THE PRODUCT’S PACKAGING ON HAND WHEN CALLING. RETURN REQUESTS CANNOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT PROOF OF PUR- CHASE. When returning a product, mark the Return Authorization Number clearly on the outside of the package and include a copy of your original proof of purchase. All customers located outside of the United States of America and Canada shall be held responsible for shipping and handling charges. IN NO EVENT SHALL LINKSYS’ LIABILITY EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE PROD- UCT FROM DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAM- AGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCT, ITS ACCOMPANYING SOFT- WARE, OR ITS DOCUMENTATION. LINKSYS DOES NOT OFFER REFUNDS FOR ANY PRODUCT. Linksys makes no warranty or representation, expressed, implied, or statuto- ry, with respect to its products or the contents or use of this documentation and all accompanying software, and specifically disclaims its quality, performance, mer- chantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. Linksys reserves the right to revise or update its products, software, or documentation without obligation to notify any individual or entity. Please direct all inquiries to: Linksys P.O. Box 18558, Irvine, CA 92623. FCC STATEMENT This product has been tested and complies with the specifications for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide rea- sonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used according to 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 is found by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna • Increase the separation between the equipment or devices • Connect the equipment to an outlet other than the receiver’s • Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance

FCC Radiation Exposure Statement This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator and your body.

UG-WAP54A-040302NC KL pedxF otc nomto 34 32 24 33 Contact Information Appendix F: 16 Warranty Information Appendix E: 21 Specifications Appendix D: Glossary Appendix C: Setting Up the TCP/IP Protocol Appendix B: 7 Troubleshooting Appendix A: 6 1 the Configuring 4 Wireless Access Point Chapter 5: 3 Connecting the Wireless Access Point Chapter 4: Getting to Know the Wireless Chapter 3: Access Point Planning Your Chapter 2: Wireless Network Introduction Chapter 1: Table of Contents niomna 32 23 23 22 14 21 12 16 13 11 7 22 Environmental 3 TCP/IP Setup for Windows XP TCP/IP Setup for Windows 2000 TCP/IP Setup for Windows NT 4.0 Setup for Windows 98 and Millennium TCP/IP in Windows Setting Up TCP/IP 3 5 4 FrequentlyQuestions Asked The Help Tab The Advanced Tab The Filter Tab The Status Tab The Setup Tab The Wireless Access Point’s LEDs The Wireless Access Point’s Ports Roaming Network Topology etrs1 2 2 System Requirements Package Contents Features The Instant Wireless TM

ieesAcs on 1 Point Wireless Access

Instant Wireless

Series 1-Year limited warranty • Free24 hours a day, technical support— 7 days a week, toll-free U.S. calls • Easy-to-Use Web-Basedmanagement • Quick and easy setup using your own web browser ensure DSSS security • and MACWEP address filtering • Enhanced security using up to 152-bit WEP encryption • Operation in the uncrowded 5 GHz band • Up to 64 wireless users (nodes) • Up to 72Mbps turbo mode (only when used with the Linksys WPC54A) • Interoperable with other 802.11a wireless equipment • Features Point Wireless Access Wireless™ W unit, you haveefficient the ultimate in flexible When all these features come together in one compact, lightweight, and power- you’re always in control. and easy to use. With browser-based Internet diagnostics and statistic tools, Wireless Access Point is easy to install (just plug it in and you’re ready to go!) feature ensures a high level of network security. The Instant Wireless™ throughout youran advanced wireless LAN infrastructure; user authentication range of operation up to 328 feet indoors, providing seamless roaming The Instant Wireless™ Wireless Access Point’s high-powered antenna offers a to install means less expense and less hassle. the ability to set up workstations in ways you never thought possible; no cables work your way. wireless technology Utilization of “state-of-the-art” gives you Wireless Access Point your from Linksys deliversnet- the freedom to configure Don’t be bound by cabling restrictions any longer! The Instant Wireless™ The Instant Wireless Chapter 1: Introduction ireless Access Point. TM Wireless Access Point networking--the Linksys Instant 1 2 One 802.11a-compliant Wireless Adapter • One Pentium Class, 200MHz or Faster, PC equipped with Windows 98, • s Registration Card (not shown) • One User Guide • One Power Adapter • One Wireless Access Point (IEEE 802.11a) • Package Contents Minimum Requirements Adapter with Network Cable for Initial Setup RAM, and an Ethernet Millennium, NT version 4.0, 2000, or XP, 64 MB

Figure 1-1

Instant Wireless

Series greatly enhance performance. Wireless Access Point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will channel and optimum Wireless Access Point position is recommended. Proper Before enabling an ESS with roaming capability, choosing a feasible radio with the same ESS ID and use radio channel. with an Instant Wireless™ Series adapter within one ESS must be configured tinuous network allows users to roam freely within an ESS. All PCs equipped Set (ESS). as an Extended Service This con- than one BSS can be configured roaming capabilities for mobile users. More mode also supports Infrastructure LAN is doubled. transmission range in an infrastructure the Wireless Access Point is able to forward data within its BSS, the effective less transmission range for two Instant Wireless™ Series adapter PCs. Since Wireless™ Series adapter PC to a wired LAN, and doubles the effective wire- extends the accessibility of an Instant configuration An infrastructure Access Point. via the Instant computer in a wired LAN infrastructure Wireless™ Wireless Set (BSS). Each Instant Wireless™ Series adapter PC in a BSS can talk to any users and an Instant Wireless™ Wireless Access Point compose a Basic Service of Instant A group configuration. Wireless™Infrastructure Series adapter less workstations. wireless and wired LAN is called an An integrated The Instant Wireless™ Series adapters provide access to a wired LAN for wire- to share the same radio channel. Wireless™ Series adapter. Computers in a wireless LAN must be configured of computers, each equipped with one Instant A wireless LAN is a group Wireless Network Chapter 2: Planning Your Point Wireless Access Roaming Network Topology 3 4 Reset ( 5V DC LAN the Access Point’s rear panel, as shown in Figure 3-1. The Access Point’s where ports, a network cable is connected, are located on Wireless Access Point Chapter 3: Getting to Know the The Wireless Access Point’s Ports utn Briefly pressing the Reset Button, for approximately ten Button) want to retain these settings. Do not reset the defaults. them with the factory Access Point if you settings, etc.) and replace Encryption, Wireless and LAN (WEP Important: potentially clearing any jammed links. seconds, will refresh the Access Point’s connections, adapter. The router. networkEthernet devices, such as a hub, switch, or This Resetting the Access Point will erase all of your settings Power LAN Figure 3-1 oti hr o ilcnette power is where port you will connect the

(Local Area Network) connects to port

Instant Wireless

Series LINK ACT Point Wireless Access Power 2. displayed, are located on the Access Point’s front panel, as shown in Figure 3- The Access Point’s LEDs, whereabout the unit’s information status is current The Wireless Access Point’s LEDs Green network. sending or receiving data to or from one of the devices on the Green powered on. ing, it is an indication of any network activity. is flicker- ed to a device If the LED through the LAN port. continuously lit up, the Access Point is successfully connect- Green . The is flickering, the Access Point is actively . If the LED . The LINK Power Figure 3-2 E evstoproe.I h E is twoLED serves If the LED purposes. E lights up when the Access Point is LED 5 Instant WirelessTM Series Instant WirelessTM Series Chapter 4: Connecting the Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless Access Point Wireless Access Point Important: Before configuring the Access Point, be sure to set 1. Locate an optimum location for the Access Point. The best place for the up the TCP/IP protocol on your wireless PCs. If this has not Access Point is usually at the center of your wireless network, with line of already been done, please refer to Appendix B: Setting Up the sight to all of your mobile stations. TCP/IP Protocol. 2. Fix the direction of the antenna. Try to place it in a position which can The Access Point has been designed to be functional right out of the box, with best cover your wireless network. Normally, the higher you place the antenna, the better the performance will be. The antenna’s position enhances the its default settings. However, if you’d like to change these settings, the Access receiving sensitivity. Point can be configured through your web browser with the Web-Based Utility. This chapter explains how to configure the Access Point in this manner. 3. Connect a standard Ethernet network cable to the Access Point. Then, connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to a switch or hub. The Access Open your web browser and enter the Access Point’s IP Address, Point will then be connected to your 10/100 Network. 192.168.1.252, into the address field. Press the Enter key and the following screen, shown in Figure 4. Connect the AC Power Adapter to the Access Point’s Power Socket. 5-1, will appear. Leave Only use the power adapter supplied with the Access Point. Use of a differ- the User Name field ent adapter may result in product damage. blank. The first time you open the Web- Now that the hardware installation is complete, proceed to Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless Access Point for directions on how to setup the Based Utility, use the Access Point. default password: admin. You can set a new password from the Note: In order for all other wireless devices to communicate with Setup tab shown in the Access Point, those devices must be operating in the Figure 5-2. Press the Infrastructure Mode. If any wireless devices are configured in OK button to continue the Ad Hoc Mode, they will not be recognized by the Access Point. or Cancel to quit. Figure 5-1 The Setup Tab

The first tab that appears, shown in Figure 5-2, is the Setup tab. This allows you to change the Access Point’s general settings. Change these settings as described here and click the Apply button to apply your changes or Cancel to cancel your changes. If you require online help, click the Help button.

• Firmware Version. This displays the current version of the Access Point’s firmware. Firmware should only be upgraded if you experience problems with the Access Point and can be upgraded from the Help tab.

6 7 Wireless Access Point Instant WirelessTM Series

• Access Point Name. You may assign any name to the Access Point. • Wireless: Unique, memorable names are helpful, especially if you are employing multiple access points on the same network. Verify this is the name you • Turbo Mode. Click this button to increase the speed of your wireless trans- wish to use and click the Apply button to set it. missions (it will change from Off to On), keeping in mind that the Access Point’s range diminishes in Turbo Mode. • LAN: Important: Always remember that, when the Access Point works in • IP Address. This IP address must be unique to your network. We suggest Turbo Mode, each point in your wireless network MUST use Turbo you use the default IP address of 192.168.1.252. As this is a private IP Mode as well or your wireless network will not function properly. address, there is no need to purchase a separate IP address from your service provider. Verify the address and click the Apply button to save changes. • SSID. The SSID is the unique name shared among all points in a wireless network. The SSID must be identical for all points in the wireless network. • Subnet Mask. The Access Point’s Subnet Mask (or IP Mask) must be the It is case sensitive and must not exceed 32 alphanumeric characters, which same as your Ethernet network. Verify this is correct and click the Apply may be any keyboard character. Make sure this setting is the same for all button to set it. points in your wireless network.

• Gateway. If a Gateway IP address is required, enter that here. • Channel. Select the appropriate channel from the list provided to corre- spond with your network settings. All points in your wireless network must use the same channel in order to function correctly.

• WEP. The WEP Encryption method is Disabled by default. To enable WEP, click the WEP Key Setting button.

Changing the sign-on password for the Access Point is as easy as typing the password into the AP Password field. Then, type it again into the second field to confirm.

Click the Apply button to apply your changes or Cancel to cancel your changes. If you require online help, click the Help button.

SETTING WEP ENCRYPTION:

Setting WEP Encryption through the Web-based Browser Utility is done by clicking the WEP Key Setting button on the Setup Screen as shown in Figure 5-2.

A screen will pop up, asking you Figure 5-3 to confirm the WEP change to mandatory, as shown in Figure 5-3. Click the OK button to enable WEP Encryption or Cancel to return to the Setup Screen. Important: Always remember that each point in your wireless network MUST use the same WEP Encryption method and encryption Figure 5-2 key or your wireless network will not function properly.

8 9

10 this tab, depending on your choice. Point Wireless Access or changes. If you require online help, click the Click the requires a 32 character key.152-bit encryption requires a 26 character key.128-bit encryption requires a 10 character key.64-bit encryption length: requires a keynumbers “0” through “9”. Each type of encryption of a certain characters, which, on your keyboard, are the letters “A” through “F” and the beside the keyKey you’ve 1-4. In the field chosen, type the key in Hexadecimal bit encryption. Then, select the key you wish youyour use for encrypting data, From the pull-down menu at the top of screen, select 64-bit, 128-bit, or 152- to use. encryption can select the type of WEP Key Setting screen, Figure 5-4. From this screen, you This will open the WEP Cancel button will return you button will return to the Setup tab. Click either button again on Apply button to apply your changes or Figure 5-4 Help button. Clicking the Cancel to cancel your

Apply that device. playing details on 6, will appear, dis- shown in Figure 5- another screen, of that device and the MAC Address listed, simply click tion on any device For more informa- ated with it. network associ- point on your Address of each wireless MAC address and state as well as the state and MAC The “Status” tab, shown in Figure 5-5, will display the Access Point’s current Wireless Network Access Point The Status Tab Figure 5-5 Figure 5-6 11 Instant Wireless™ Series Wireless Access Point

The Filter Tab The Advanced Tab

The “Filter” tab, shown in Figure 5-7, allows you to block or allow certain computers, by their MAC Address, from communicating with the Access Point.

To enable filtering of computers by their MAC Addresses, select Enable from the drop-down menu. Next, click the Add button. This will bring up another screen, as shown in Figure 5-8, where you will specify the MAC Address you will allow or deny over your wireless network.

In MAC Address field at the top of this screen, type the MAC Address(es) you wish to filter. Then, click the Type drop- down menu to select if you will allow access to other MAC Addresses or if you will deny the MAC Addresses.

To add this to your fil- tered MAC Addresses, click the Add to List button. Click the Cancel button to return to the previous screen without saving changes. Figure 5-9 For more information on this tab, you can Figure 5-7 Before making any changes to the Advanced tab, shown in Figure 5-9, please click the Help button. check your wireless settings on other systems, as these changes will alter the effectiveness of the Access Point. In most cases, these settings do not need to When you’ve complet- be changed. ed making any changes on this tab, click the Apply button to save • Beacon Interval. This value between 20 and 1000, indicates the frequen- those changes or cy interval of the beacon. A beacon is a packet broadcast by the Access Cancel to exit the Web- Point to keep the network synchronized. A beacon includes the wireless based Utility without LAN service area, the AP address, the Broadcast destination addresses, a saving changes. For time stamp, Delivery Traffic Indicator Maps, and the Traffic Indicator more information on Message (TIM). this tab, you can click the Help button. • RTS Threshold. This value should remain at its default setting of 2,346. Setting this parameter to a small value causes packets to be sent more often, consuming more of the available bandwidth and reducing throughput. A higher value, however, sends more packets less often. Should you encounter Figure 5-8 inconsistent data flow, only minor modifications are recommended.

12 13 14 ton to save those changes or When you’ve completed making any changes on this tab, click the Transmission Power. • Transmission Rate. • Data Beacon Rate. • Fragmentation Length. • name on the left hand side of screen. for the various tabs in this Web-basedThe help files Utility are listed by tab shown in Figure 5-10. Access Point’s and viewing this User Guide, click the “Help” tab, firmware For help on the various tabs in this Web-based Utility, the along with upgrading ing changes. For on this tab, you more information can click the The Help Tab wireless PCs. value other than FULL may limit the coverage area and data rates of your your network radius and possible lapses in network security. Selecting a Access Point transmits. This will allow you to prevent transmission outside transmission rate. your network or select the speed of your wireless network. Select the most appropriate rate for en to receive the broadcast and multicast messages. message with a rate value. Access Point Clients hear the beacons and awak- broadcast or multicast messages for associated clients, it sends the next broadcast and multicast messages. When the Access Point has buffered clients of the next window informing a countdown for listening to field val of the Delivery is Traffic Indication Message. A Data Beacon Rate field tions of this value are recommended. it will likely decrease overall network Only performance. minor modifica- value rates, you and experience high packetcan increase it again, but error will create more packets for each transmission. If you have decreased this 2,346. A smaller setting means packets, which setting of default will be before splitting and creating a new packet and should remain at its This value between 1 and 16384, indicates the inter- The basic transfer rates should be set depending on This option allows you to set the power at which the Best Cancel This specifies the maximum size a data packet This specifies , which will automatically select the optimal

to exit the Web-based Utility without sav- Instant Wireless Help

Apply TM

button. Series

but- about upgrading firmware. about upgrading Help Cancel the firmware, to upgrade Then, click the Browse not know the location, click If you do “.bin” file. firmware loaded and the location of that was down-the new firmware Address of the PC upon which appear requesting the IP FirmwareUpon clicking the Upgrade link, a new screen, shown in Figure 5-11, will from the website. file to this tab and click the Then, return process, click the Linksys Website link to download firmware’s the upgraded “.bin” unless you are experiencing problems with the Access Point. To begin the upgrade Firmware from this tab as well. your can be upgraded Do not upgrade firmware computer, click the in If you Adobe pdf format. do not have the Adobe PDF Reader installed on your For an about other Linksys products. and information Knowledgebase help files Wireless Network Access Point Click the The following resources require an Internet connection in order to access them. nieMna nPFformat Online Manual in PDF for more information button to locate the file. to stop the process, or Linksys Website Upgrade Adobe Website button link to connect the Linksys homepage for Figure 5-10 link to download this software. , click that text link. The manual will appear Figure 5-11 Firmware Upgrade link. 15 Instant Wireless™ Series Wireless Access Point

make sure that it is the same channel number as the Access Point of the dedi- Appendix A: Troubleshooting cated coverage area.

This chapter provides solutions to problems usually encountered during the To achieve true seamless connectivity, the wireless LAN must incorporate a installation and operation of the Access Point. Read the description below to number of different functions. Each node and Access Point, for example, must solve your problems. If you can’t find an answer here, check the Linksys web- always acknowledge receipt of each message. Each node must maintain contact site at www.linksys.com. with the wireless network even when not actually transmitting data. Achieving these functions simultaneously requires a dynamic RF networking technology Frequently Asked Questions that links Access Points and nodes. In such a system, the user’s end node under- Can I run an application from a remote computer over the wireless net- takes a search for the best possible access to the system. First, it evaluates such work? factors as signal strength and quality, as well as the message load currently This will depend on whether or not the application is designed to be used over being carried by each Access Point and the distance of each Access Point to the a network. Consult the application’s user guide to determine if it supports oper- wired backbone. Based on that information, the node next selects the right ation over a network. Access Point and registers its address. Communications between end node and host computer can then be transmitted up and down the backbone. Can I play multiplayer games with other users of the wireless network? Yes, as long as the game supports multiple players over a LAN (local area net- As the user moves on, the end node’s RF transmitter regularly checks the sys- work). Refer to the game’s user guide for more information. tem to determine whether it is in touch with the original Access Point or whether it should seek a new one. When a node no longer receives acknowl- What IEEE 802.11a features are supported? edgment from its original Access Point, it undertakes a new search. Upon find- The product supports the following IEEE 802.11a functions: ing a new Access Point, it then re-registers, and the communication process • OFDM protocol continues. • Multi-Channel Roaming • Automatic Rate Selection What is BSS ID? • RTS/CTS feature A specific Ad-hoc LAN is called a Basic Service Set (BSS). Computers in a • Fragmentation BSS must be configured with the same BSS ID.

What is Ad-hoc? What is ESSID? An Ad-hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers, each with a WLAN adapter, An Infrastructure configuration could also support roaming capability for connected as an independent wireless LAN. An Ad-hoc wireless LAN is appli- mobile workers. More than one BSS can be configured as an Extended Service cable at a departmental scale for a branch or SOHO operation. Set (ESS). Users within an ESS could roam freely between BSSs while main- taining a continuous connection to the wireless network stations and Access What is Infrastructure? Points. An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. Infrastructure is applicable to enterprise scale for wireless access to a cen- What is Spread Spectrum? tral database, or wireless application for mobile workers. Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequency technique developed by the military for use in reliable, secure, mission-critical communica- What is Roaming? tions systems. It is designed to trade off bandwidth efficiency for reliability, Roaming is the ability of a portable computer user to communicate continu- integrity, and security. In other words, more bandwidth is consumed than in the ously while moving freely throughout an area greater than that covered by a case of narrowband transmission, but the trade-off produces a signal that is, in single Access Point. Before using the roaming function, the workstation must effect, louder and thus easier to detect, provided that the receiver knows the parameters of the spread-spectrum signal being broadcast. If a receiver is not

16 17 Instant Wireless™ Series Wireless Access Point

tuned to the right frequency, a spread-spectrum signal looks like background How do I resolve issues with signal loss? noise. There are two main alternatives, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum There is no way to know the exact range of your wireless network without test- (DSSS) and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS). ing. Every obstacle placed between an Access Point and wireless PC will create signal loss. Leaded glass, metal, concrete floors, water and walls will inhib- What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences? it the signal and reduce range. Start with your Access Point and your wireless Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) uses a narrowband carrier that PC in the same room and move it away in small increments to determine the changes frequency in a pattern that is known to both transmitter and receiver. maximum range in your environment. Properly synchronized, the net effect is to maintain a single logical channel. To an unintended receiver, FHSS appears to be short-duration impulse noise. You may also try using different channels, as this may eliminate interference Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) generates a redundant bit pattern for affecting only one channel. Also, due to FCC regulations, more power may be each bit to be transmitted. This bit pattern is called a chip (or chipping code). transmitted on channels 52, 56, 60 and 64, than on the lower channels. Lastly, The longer the chip, the greater the probability that the original data can be check the Advanced tab of the Web-Based Utility and make sure that FULL is recovered. Even if one or more bits in the chip are damaged during transmis- selected in the Transmission Rate field. sion, statistical techniques embedded in the radio can recover the original data without the need for retransmission. To an unintended receiver, DSSS appears Does the Turbo Mode work with Windows XP PCs? as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most narrowband No. The Turbo Mode does not work with Windows XP PCs. receivers. Does the Access Point function as a firewall? Would the information be intercepted while transmitting on air? No. The Access Point is only a bridge from wired Ethernet to wireless clients. WLAN features two-fold protection in security. On the hardware side, as with Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum technology, it has the inherent security fea- I have excellent signal strength, but I cannot see my network. ture of scrambling. On the software side, the WLAN series offers the encryp- WEP is probably enabled on the Access Point, but not on your wireless adapter tion function (WEP) to enhance security and access control. Users can set it up (or vice versa). Verify that the same WEP Keys and levels (64, 128 or 152) are depending upon their needs. being used on all nodes on your wireless network.

Can Instant WirelessTM products support file and printer sharing? What is the maximum number of users the Access Point facilitates? Instant WirelessTM products perform the same function as LAN products. No more than 65, but this depends on the volume of data and may be less if Therefore, Instant WirelessTM products can work with Netware, Windows many users create a large amount of network traffic. NT/2000, or other LAN operating systems to support printer or file sharing. How many channels are available with the Access Point? What is WEP? There are eight available channels (frequencies) ranging from 5.15GHz to WEP is Wired Equivalent Privacy, a data privacy mechanism based on a 40 bit 5.32GHz. shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard. What is Turbo mode? How do I avoid interference? Turbo mode allows high-speed connections, but severely limits range. Turbo Using multiple Access Points on the same channel and in close proximity to mode must be enabled on both the Access Point and the wireless PCs to func- one another will generate interference. When employing multiple Access tion. Turbo mode is not compatible with Windows XP and may only function Points, be sure to operate each one on a different channel (frequency). with Linksys 5GHz wireless adapters.

How do I reset the Access Point? Press the Reset button on the back of the Access Point for about ten seconds. This will reset the unit to its default settings.

18 19 20 function with the Access Point. Yes. Any wireless adapter that adheres to the IEEE 802.11a standard should Access Point? Can I use wireless adapters from other vendors to connect the Linksys is that they will not interfere with each other.benefit No. Because their signals travel in different frequency bands, one significant Will 802.11a (5GHz) interfere with my 802.11b (2.4GHz) Access Point? scans for clear channels. interference than ever. The Access Point also has an "Auto Select" feature that No. Since the Access Point operates in the uncrowded 5GHz band, there is less cordless phones? Will the Access Point be subjected to interference from my microwave or ly. No. These products use different frequencies - 5GHz and 2.4GHz respective- Are 802.11a and 802.11b products compatible? Figure A-1.) more quickly.put degrades (See achieved with 802.11a, through- while higher speeds may be less in a typical environment, Overall, range will be a little 802.11b products? range between 802.11a and What is the difference in

Figure A-1

Instant Wireless™ Series Instant Wireless™ TCP/IP Setup for Windows 98 and Millennium Setting Up TCP/IP in Windows Wireless Network Access Point .Click the 1. sult your Windows operating system documentation. on installing and troubleshooting complete instructions TCP/IP and IPX, con- The following are provided instructions as examples for reference only. For 255.255.255.0 sure which mask to use, the following mask is recommended: that tells a computer what kinds of TCP/IP data packets to accept. If you’re not Each computer will also require a subnet mask, which is a numerical “filter” numbers betweenIn this case, 17, 44, and 126 are arbitrary 1 and 254. 192.168.1.126 192.168.1.44 192.168.1.17 For example, if you have three computers, you could number them as follows: for other uses. These numbers are reserved computer must have its own unique X number. Note: Never use 0 or 252 for X. In this example, X is a unique, arbitrarily assigned number from 1 to 252. Each 192.168.1.X things simple, it is recommended you use the following numbering scheme: of numbers, separated by periods, identifying the PC on network. To make First, each computer on the network will require an IP address, which is a series IP addresses or DHCP settings. to use specific es and subnet masks. Check with your network administrator to see if you need The directions below provide general guidelines for coming up with IP address- administrator for your TCP/IP settings. network assistance. Check with your operating system for further network ers after following of your the directions, contact manufacturer computers' Point. If you are unable to successfully install TCP/IP on one or more comput- installed on all of the computers that need to communicate with Access puters, do so now. Otherwise, use the guidelines below to help get TCP/IP ured with the TCP/IP protocol. If you know how to set up TCP/IP on your com- Before a computer can communicate with the Access Point, it must be config- Appendix B: Setting Up the TCP/IP Protocol .If the 2. Otherwise, click the the Control Panel, double-click the TCP/IP Protocol Start button, select Add is listed for your network adapter, go to step five. button. Settings Network , and open the icon. Control Panel . Inside 21

C/PStpfrWnosN 4.0 TCP/IP Setup for Windows NT Point Wireless Access .Select 4. .Select 6. When the Network window reappears, click 5. .When the 3. .When asked if you want to use DHCP, choose 4. Find the 3. Click the 1. When the Network window reappears, click the 8. Enter an IP Address for the computer, along with a Subnet Mask. Click the 7. .When the 2. .When TCP/IP appears in the 6. If asked to supply your Windows NT CD, do so. NT will copy the neces- 5. .Click the 7. 11. When you finish, click the When you finish, 11. Enter your Gateway Default if you have one. 10. Enter the computer’s IP Address and Subnet Mask. Check with your net- 9. Click the 8.

Properties Network Protocols list. Then, click the Add it once and then click the machine. TCP/IP has now been successfully installed. trator. OK the the Control Panel, double-click the Point’s Setup CD and the NT CD. to your system. files sary You may have to switch between the Access Bindings work administrator for your settings. from the Adapters box and select

Add

button. If you do not have these values, consult your network adminis- a Default Gateway is not required. Check with your network administrator. button. Specify an IP Address Microsoft button. TCP/IP protocol Start Start Protocols tab. Windows will store your new bindings. Properties Component Type Network button. button, select in the Manufacturers list and choose in the Manufacturers tab. Then, select tab. Then, window appears, click the button. Select the type of network adapter you have OK in the OK window appears, select Settings . button. button. If NT asks about WINS, ignore it. Network Protocols Select Network Protocol Specify an IP Address Network TCP/IP , and open the OK button. . icon. TCP/IP No Protocols OK . Protocol Control Panel button. Restart your button. Restart window, click the and then click the . tab. Then, click TCP/IP field. Click on field. and click the . Inside

in the TCP/IP Setup for Windows XP TCP/IP Setup for Windows 2000 Wireless Network Access Point 12. When the 12. When .At the Windows 2000 desktop, right click 1. .If the 2. .Select 6. Select 4. When the 3. .When the 8. Enter an IP Address for the computer, along with a Subnet Mask and 7. .Right click the 4. Double click the 3. Double click the 2. Click the 1. When the 5. .I h C/PProtocol is not installed, click the If the TCP/IP 5. computer when prompted. TCP/IP has now been successfully installed. Properties Add Otherwise, click the TCP/IP ues, consult your network administrator. Gateway.Default Then, click the OK your Windows XP CD. Then, follow the prompts to install TCP/IP. button. TCP/IP has now been successfully installed. button. TCP/IP Protocol Use the following IP Address Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) , and click the Start Component Type Local Area Connection Properties Network Local Area Connection Properties . Then, right click Local Area Connection Local Area button and open the Network Connections Network and Internet Connections window reappears, click the Install Properties is listed for your network adapter, go to step five. button. window appears, select Local Area Connection Local Area OK button. from the list and click Control Panel . button. If you do not have these val- icon and select icon. My Network Places window reappears, click the Close window reappears, select Install . Protocol . Choose icon. button. Restart your button. Restart Properties button and insert , and click the OK Properties and select . button. . 23

24 BSS that let youinterfaces online. browse text files "browser" seems to have originated prior to the Web for user as a generic term on the and interact with all the information World Wide Web or PC. The word Browser of data. Also, the smallest form Bit Traffic Indicator Maps, and the Traffic Indicator Message (TIM). the AP address, the Broadcast destination addresses, a time stamp, Delivery the network synchronized. area, A beacon includes the wireless LAN service Beacon Interval amount of time; expressed in bits per second (bps). transmit in a fixed can much data the facility Bandwidth works together and handles the most data. Backbone improves and the radio automatically switches back to the maximum. covered. When the user comes closer to access point, quality of link cannot sustain maximum rate. With lower data rates larger distances can be Automatic Rate Selection of the network. duration of a communications session while in some close proximity to the rest work in which some of the network devices of the network are part only for the Ad-hoc Network Internet. the typical adapter that allows to connect the intranet and/or the PC or server connectivity to a PC. In networked environment, a network card is interface Adapter Appendix C: Glossary Point Wireless Access Access Point. - digit. A binary The value numbering system. - 0 or 1-used in the binary ( B asic - A browser is an application program that provides a way to look at - Printed circuit board that plugs into a PC to add capabilities or - of a networkThe part that connects most of the systems and net- S - The transmission capacity of a given facility, of how in terms ervice ervice - A beacon is a packet broadcast by the Access Point to keep - An ad-hoc network is a wireless network or other small net- S et) - of wireless NetworkA group PC Card users and an - Switches the speed when the quality of link CSMA/CA the coordination of separate activities.support ing place" but exists not so much to accelerate the speed of an activity as to considered by the buffer designer. Like a cache, buffer is a "midpoint hold- buffer and the algorithms for moving data into and out of the buffer need to be being held up by the other. In order for a buffer to be effective, the size of sets of priorities. The buffer allows each device or process to operate without devices or program processes that operate at different speeds or with different Buffer CSMA/CD uations is small. compared to packet length and if the number of sit- the time allocated is short (CSMA/CD) to avoid having collisions occur a second time. This works best if sense multiple access/collision detection sion multiplexing with carrier area networking, this is the CSMA technique that combines slotted time-divi- address when a computer is plugged into different place in the network. tribute IP addresses from a central point and automatically sends a new IP address must be entered. DHCP lets a network and dis- administrator supervise if computers move of the network, to another location in part a new IP Without DHCP, the IP address must be entered manually at each computer and, an IP address must be assigned to each machine. nection to the Internet, unique IP address. When an organization sets up its computer users with a con- needs a protocol (TCP/IP), each machine that can connect to the Internet Protocol (IP) addresses in an organization's network. set of Using the Internet's administrators manage centrally and automate the assignment of Internet CTS time before retrying. the collision is detected, they both back off and each wait a random amount of two devices access the line at exactly the same time, their signals collide. When it waits If the network a random amount of time before retrying. is quiet and network, it checks to see if the network If it is not, is quiet (senses the carrier). access method used in Ethernet. When a device wants to gain access the DHCP tents can easily be accessed, managed, and updated. Database transmitting station that indicates it is ready to accept data. ( C ( - A buffer area used by is a shared or assigned memory hardware lear D ynamic - A database is a collection of data that organized so that its con- T ( ( C C o arrier arrier arrier arrier S end) - An RS-232 signal sent from the receiving station to the H ost S S ense ense C onfiguration onfiguration M M ultiple ultiple A A P ccess/ ccess/ rotocol) - A protocol that lets network C C ollision

ollision Instant Wireless D A etection) - The LAN

voidance) - In local

TM Series 25

26 DSSS lation of a network-compatible operating system. client or server device, and is installed during the initial instal- er; it is designed for a specific between a device and the upper-layer protocol software in the comput- running Driver session, download means receive, upload means transmit. Download IP address. need a permanent static addresses for computers containing DHCP supports Web that servers in which there are more computers than available IP addresses. quently. networks leases, DHCP can dynamically short Using very reconfigure cially useful in education and other environments where users change fre- location. It's espe- user is likely connection at a particular to require the Internet will be valid for a computer. The lease time can vary depending on how long a DHCP uses the concept of a "lease" or amount time that given IP address Point Wireless Access information. information. order to alter the data's appearance and prevent other devices from reading the Encryption addresses. and printers, are usually multiple users, such as servers serve assigned static IP station in a TCP/IP network, typically by a DHCP server. Network devices that Dynamic IP Address messages. Clients hear the beacons and awaken to receive the broadcast and multicast associated clients, it sends the next DTIM with a Interval value. AP ticast messages. When the AP has buffered broadcast or multicast messages for clients of the next window informing for listening to broadcast and mul- field DTIM rowband receivers. appears as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most nar- inal data without -the need for retransmission. To an unintended receiver, DSSS transmission, statistical techniques embedded in the radio can recover the orig- can be recovered. Even if one or more bits in the chip are damaged during ping code). the probability that original data The longer the chip, greater for each bit to be transmitted. pattern is called a chip (or chip- This bit pattern ( ( D - A workstation software or server module that provides an interface D irect- elivery - To transmitted over receive a file network. In a communications - A security method that applies a specific algorithm to data in - A security method that applies a specific S equence T raffic raffic - An IP address that is automatically assigned to a client S I ndication pread- S pectrum) - DSSS generates a redundant bit pectrum) M essage) - A DTIM field is a countdownessage) - A DTIM field of our members." of humanity,the benefit the advancement of the profession, and well-being the development and application of electrotechnology and allied sciences for describes itself as "the world's largest technical professional society, promoting IEEE cable that connects to a workstation. active, where the hubs are used like repeaters to provide an extension of the workstations. Can be passive,of the signals; or where there is no amplification Hub known as the software. from the program you put in it to make it do things. The program came to be tinguish the "box"and components of a computer and the electronic circuitry technologytions, and other information devices. arose as a wayThe term to dis- Hardware communications protocols. Gateway a network the original size of packet. medium that cannot support Fragmentation computing device. of a (programmable part ory read-only thus becoming a permanent memory), Firmware method. depending on the particular signals is extremely if not downrightof spread spectrum difficult, impossible frequency.the carrier frequency is not used, Because a fixed illegal monitoring changes spread spectrum ing to a pseudo-random set of channels, while chirp the center frequency of a conventional several carrier times per second accord- FHSS protocols, including TCP/IP and XNS. 10 Mbps. Forms the underlying vehicle used by transport several upper-level on and retrieved from a common transmission medium. Has transfer rate of Ethernet ESS - More than one BSS in a network. - The device as the central location for attaching wires from that serves ( (The F requency - A device that interconnects networks with different, incompatible - IEEE standard network protocol that specifies how- IEEE standard network data is placed protocol that specifies - Programming that is inserted into programmable- Programming that is inserted read-only mem- - Hardware is the physical aspect of computers, telecommunica- I nstitute of - Breaking a packet into smaller units when transmitting over H opping E lectrical and S pread S pectrum) - FHSS continuouslypectrum) changes E lectronics

E Instant Wireless

ngineers) - The IEEE

TM Series 27

28 Multicasting ment for data transmission. Mbps that allows the network to identify it at the hardware level. to any networkingmanufacturer Ethernet device, such as a network adapter, MAC building). example, within an office within a small geographic resources of a single processor or server area (for devices that share a common communications line and typically share the LAN venient high-speed wireless capabilities in the hands of users around globe. able worldwide. This presents a truly revolutionary to place con- opportunity in the vicinity of 2.4 GHz, particular, band. Spectrum is being made avail- and Medical) bandwidth for unlicensed use in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific ISM band it received. e-mail sender and can respond by sending another message using the IP address other end, the recipient can see IP address of Web page requestor or the Locator you requested or in the e-mail address you're sending a note to. At the that is obtained by Resource looking up the domain name in Uniform each of the packets if more than one is required) and sends it to the IP address of Protocol part TCP/IP includes your IP address in the message (actually, in Internet. When you request an HTML page or send e-mail, the Internet each sender or receiver that is sent in packet across the of information fies Protocol) today,(Internet digit number that identi- an IP address is a 32-binary IP Address through the Access Point which connects them to the rest of network. network in which the wireless network devices of the network are made a part Infrastructure IEEE Computer Society. many local chapters, and several large societies in special areas, such as the standards. international The organization publisheshas a number of journals, The IEEE fosters the development of standards that often become national and Point Wireless Access - A local area network of computers and associated (LAN) is a group ( ( M M edia ega - outside of the U.S.The FCC and their counterparts have set aside B - In the most widely installed level Protocol of the Internet - Sending data to a group of nodes instead a single destination. - Sending data to a group A its - networkAn infrastructure is a wireless network or other small ccess P er S C econd) - One million bits per second; unit of measure- ontrol) Address

- A unique number assigned by the to the receiving to transmit. station requesting permission Wireless Network Access Point RTS rates than bridges. works; they introduce longer delays and typically have much lower throughput Routers are useful in breaking down large a very network into smaller subnet- Router access point's range to another without losing the connection. Roaming devices.holds up to eight wires, used for connecting Ethernet OFDM - station. Node between users. Network RJ-45 printers. socketsputer are external for plugging in communications lines, modems and switch or router. For on a personal com- example, the serial and parallel ports Port or a hard disk. PC Card Linksys products. process byencryption automatically generating the keysWEP encryption for Passphrase Packet quency bands or sub-channels. by dividing a wide frequency band or channel into a number of narrower fre- to modulate a subcarrier. Essentially, transmission this creates a multi-carrier streams, which are then transmitted in parallel. Each lower speed stream is used breaking one high-speed data stream into a number of lower-speed data - A pathway into and out of the computer or a network device such as a ( R - A network junction or connection point, typically a computer or work ( - A unit of data routed between an origin and a destination in network. R equest - Protocol-dependent device that connects subnetworks together. egistered - A system that transmits any combination of voice, video and/or data - A credit-card sized removable module that contains memory, I/O, - The ability to use a wireless device and be able to move from one OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Muliplexing) works by - Used much like a password, the WEP a passphrase simplifies T o S J end) - An RS-232 signal sent from the transmitting station ack- 45 ) - A connector similar to a telephone that 29

30 Subnet Mask or a TCP/IP network. Static IP Address (DSSS) and Frequency (FHSS). Spread Spectrum Hopping Spread Spectrum noise. like background There are two main alternatives, Direct Sequence If a receiver is not tuned to the right frequency, signal looks a spread-spectrum receiver knows signal being broadcast. the parameters of spread-spectrum a signal that is, in effect, louder and thus easier to detect, provided that the sumed than in the case of narrowband transmission, but the trade off produces for reliability, integrity, and security. In other words, more bandwidth is con- ical communications systems. It is designed to trade off bandwidth efficiency cy technique developed by for use in reliable, the military secure, mission-crit- Spread Spectrum work at home or in small offices. Point Wireless Access units between computers over the Internet. While IP takes care of handling the of message Protocol) to send data in the form Protocol (Internet the Internet TCP cuit. device for making, breaking, or changing the connections in an electrical cir- allowing a large number of devices 2. to share a limited number of ports. A Switch for subnets. into a field of the host ID address field part address to turn or subnets. that is matched up with the IP groups, pattern The mask is a binary SOHO hardware how to process the data. A common misconception is that software is data. It not. Software tells the user. tem (DBMS). Application software is any program that processes data for the control programs such as the operating system and database management sys- "system software" and "application software." System software is made up of task is called a "program." a particular The two major categories of software are Software printing, communications, and other services. to files, Server ( T - Any computer whose function in a network is to provide user access ( ransmission - 1. A data switch connects computing devices to host computers, S - Instructions for the computer.- Instructions that performs A series of instructions mall - The method used for splitting IP networks into a series of sub- O ffice/ - IP address that is assigned to a node in an A permanent - Spread Spectrum technology- Spread Spectrum is a wideband radio frequen- C ontrol H ome P O rotocol) - A method (protocol) used along with

ffice) - Market segment of professionals whoffice) standard. bit, 128-bit, or 152-bit shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11a Wireless Network Access Point TCP/IP through the Internet. units of data (called packet)routing that a message is divided into for efficient actual delivery of the data, TCP takes care of keeping track of the individual WEP cable. twisted pair is sometimes installed in two or more pairs, all within a single Since some telephone sets or desktop locations require multiple connections, twisted around each other. Each signal on twisted pair requires both wires. magnetic induction between pairs of wires, two insulated copper wires are business computers to the telephone company. To reduce crosstalk or electro- wiring. Twisted copper wire that connects home and many pair is the ordinary UTP upload means transmit, download means receive. Upload Upgrade connections. tant of which include edge connections, backbone and wide-area Most large networks contain several levels of interconnection, the most impor- most common network devices include hubs, switches, routers, and gateways. devices on the network are connected and the distances between them. The Topology er in a given time period. Throughput may from also has a copy send messages to or get information of TCP/IP. vided with a copy of the TCP/IP program just as every other computer that you When youyour are set up with direct access to the Internet, computer is pro- munications protocol in a private network (either an intranet or extranet). It can also be used as a communication language or protocol of the Internet. - Unshielded twisted pair is the most common kind of copper telephone ( W - To over transmit a file network. In a communications session, ( ired T - To with a newer replace existing software or firmware version. - A network's topology is a logical characterization of how the ransmission - The amount of data moved successfully from one place to anoth- E quivalent C P ontrol rivacy) - A data privacy mechanism based on a 64- P rotocol/ I nternet nternet P rotocol) - The basic com- 31 Wireless Access Point Wireless Access Point Appendix D: Specifications Appendix E: Warranty Information

Standards IEEE 802.11a, 802.3, 802.3u BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE AND A BARCODE FROM THE PRODUCT’S PACKAGING ON HAND WHEN CALLING. Channels 8 Channels (US, Canada) RETURN REQUESTS CANNOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT PROOF OF PURCHASE. Ports/Buttons One 10/100 Ethernet One Reset Button IN NO EVENT SHALL LINKSYS’S LIABILITY EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE PRODUCT FROM DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCI- Cabling Type RJ-45 CAT 5 UTP Cable DENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCT, ITS ACCOMPANYING SOFTWARE, OR ITS Operating Range Indoors: Up to 328 feet (100 m) DOCUMENTATION. LINKSYS DOES NOT OFFER REFUNDS FOR ANY Outdoors: Up to 1148 feet (350 m) PRODUCT.

Data Rate Up to 72Mbps LINKSYS OFFERS CROSS SHIPMENTS, A FASTER PROCESS FOR PRO- CESSING AND RECEIVING YOUR REPLACEMENT. LINKSYS PAYS Transmit Power 18dBm FOR UPS GROUND ONLY. ALL CUSTOMERS LOCATED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CANADA SHALL BE HELD LEDs Power, Act, Link RESPONSIBLE FOR SHIPPING AND HANDLING CHARGES. PLEASE CALL LINKSYS FOR MORE DETAILS. Environmental

Dimensions 8.9” x 5” x 1.6” (226 mm x 127 mm x 41 mm)

Unit Weight 12 oz. (0.34 kg)

Power External, 5V DC 2.5A Radio Output: +18dBm (64mW)

Certifications FCC Class B

Operating Temp. 0ºC to 55ºC (32ºF to 131ºF)

Storage Temp. 0ºC to 70ºC (32ºF to 158ºF)

Operating Humidity 0% to 70% Non-Condensing

Storage Humidity 0% to 95% Non-Condensing

32 33 Instant WirelessTM Series Appendix F: Contact Information

For help with the installation or operation of this product, contact Linksys Technical Support at one of the phone numbers or Internet addresses below.

Sales Information 800-546-5797 (LINKSYS) Technical Support 866-242-8558 RMA Issues 949-261-1288 Fax 949-261-8868 Email [email protected] Web http://www.linksys.com FTP Site ftp.linksys.com

34 http://www.linksys.com