3Com OfficeConnect 3CRWE454A72 Installation Manual page 2

Introduction
This Guide takes you through the basic steps necessary to install and configure
your OfficeConnect Wireless 11a/b/g Access Point, and establish a connection
from your wireless LAN to your wired LAN. Throughout this guide the
OfficeConnect Wireless 11a/b/g Access Point is simply referred to as the Access
Point.
Note: 3Com recommends that the Access Point is configured from a wired
Ethernet computer during the initial set-up.
Your package contains:
• One OfficeConnect Wireless 11a/b/g Access Point
• One power adapter for use with the Access Point
• Four rubber feet
• One Ethernet cable
• One CD-ROM containing the Access Point Discovery program and the User
Guide
• This Installation Guide
• One Support and Safety Information Sheet
• One Warranty Flyer
System Requirements
Before starting, you must ensure the following:
• You have a computer that has an Ethernet connection available and is
already correctly configured for communication with the network. Your
computer must have a Web browser installed.
• You have a computer with a wireless 802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g adapter
card installed.
If one or more of these conditions are not met, refer to the comprehensive
Access Point User Guide provided on the accompanying CD-ROM for further
guidance.
step
Using the OfficeConnect
2
Discovery Application
As part of the installation process, you need to launch the OfficeConnect
Discovery Application provided on the CD-ROM. This application configures your
Access Point to work within the network by allocating an IP address to it. The
Discovery Application must be run from a PC that is connected to the network. If
your network has a DHCP server in it, the Access Point will obtain an IP address
automatically. However, if the Access Point is unable to detect a DHCP server
then it will automatically choose a free IP address within the same range that the
Windows 98/Me/2000/XP AutoIP function uses (in the 169.254.x.x subnet). For
more information about IP addressing, see the IP Addressing section in the Access
Point User Guide.
Windows Installation
(95/98/2000/Me/NT)
1. Insert the Access Point CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive on your computer. A
menu will appear; select Discovery. Discovery will find the Access Point even if
it is unconfigured or misconfigured.
2. When the Welcome screen is displayed click on Next and wait until the
application discovers the Access Points connected to your LAN.
3. Figure 3 shows an example Discovered Devices screen. Highlight
the Wireless Access Point by clicking on it, and press Next.
4. Click on Finish to launch a web browser and display the login page
for the Access Point.
step
Positioning and Installing your
1
Access Point
Safety Information
WARNING: Please read the 'Important Safety Information' section in the
Support and Safety Information sheet before you start.
VORSICHT: Bitte lesen Sie den Abschnitt 'Wichtige Sicherheitsinformationen'
sorgfältig durch, bevor Sie das Gerät einschalten.
AVERTISSEMENT: Veuillez lire attentivement la section "Consignes
importantes de sécurité" avant de mettre en route.
When positioning your Access Point, ensure:
• The unit is centrally located to the wireless computers that will connect to
the Access Point. A suitable location might be on top of a high shelf or
similar furniture to optimise wireless connections to computers in both
horizontal and vertical directions, allowing coverage throughout.
• It is out of direct sunlight and away from sources of heat.
• Cabling is away from power lines, fluorescent lighting fixtures, and sources
of electrical noise such as radios, transmitters and broadband amplifiers.
• In order to meet FCC radiation exposure regulations the Access Point should
be located in a position that maintains a minimum distance of 20 cm (8
inches) from any personnel (refer to the User Guide for details).
• Water or moisture cannot enter the case of the unit.
• Air flow around the unit and through the vents in the side of the case is not
restricted. We recommend you provide a minimum of 25 mm (1 in.)
clearance.
Using the Rubber Feet
Use the four self-adhesive rubber feet to prevent your Access Point from
moving around on your desk or when stacking with other flat top
OfficeConnect units. Only stick the feet to the marked areas at each corner of
the underside of your Access Point.
Computer Computer
Power Adapter Power Adapter
3Com 3Com
Wireless 11a/b/g Wireless 11a/b/g
Access Point Access Point
Wireless User Wireless User
Wireless User Wireless User
step
3
Running the Setup Wizard
1. Login using the default password admin. The Wizard will attempt to launch
automatically, but if it fails, select the Wizard option from the main menu.
2. The Wizard will ask for SSID, channels for 11a and 11g, and IP address.
Most of these should be provided to you by your network administrator.
3. By default, 3Com recommends that you set the IP allocation mode for the
Access Point as "Static". You should make a note of the new address :
Access Point's LAN IP Address _______._______._______._______
The default wireless settings for the Access Point are:
Service Area Name / SSID is 3Com WEP Encryption is off
Channel 11
If you do not have a Wireless LAN you can use the Access Point's default
settings. Ensure that your wireless clients have the default SSID, channel
and WEP as detailed above.
If you have an existing Wireless LAN, configure the Access Point to use the
same SSID and WEP/WPA settings to be compatible with your existing
wireless network.
Service Area Name/SSID ______________________________
Channel Number ______________________________
Connecting to the Wireless LAN
When the Wizard has completed, follow the steps in section 4 to connect your
wireless computer to the Access Point.
Refer to the User Guide if you cannot make contact with the Access Point.
Wall Mounting
There are two slots on the underside of the OfficeConnect Access Point which
can be used for wall mounting.
When wall mounting your Access Point, ensure that it is within reach of
the power outlet.
Connecting Your Access Point
1. Connect the power adapter to the Access Point and wait for the Alert LED
to stop flashing.
2. Ensure that your computer is switched on.
3. Connect your computer to the 10/100 LAN port on the Access Point.
Check that the LAN Port Status LED lights.
Connecting to a Hub or Switch
Hub / Switch Hub / Switch
To connect your wireless network to your wired network you will need an
additional Hub or Switch, this should be connected to the Ethernet port.
step
4
Connecting to the Wireless LAN
1. Now you have configured the Access Point via the wired computer, you
can connect to the Access Point via a wireless computer.
To connect via wireless all the wireless clients must have the same SSID
and WEP settings as the Access Point. All wireless clients must use
Infrastructure mode.
2. If your computer has both a wired and wireless NIC installed, you must
ensure that only one NIC is used to communicate with the LAN. To use the
wireless NIC, unplug the Ethernet cable and reboot your computer.
3. Launch your web browser and attempt to browse the IP address of the
Access Point. If you can successfully access this site, then your wireless
computer and Access Point have been successfully configured.
4. 3Com strongly recommends that you enable WEP/WPA encryption to
improve the security of your wireless network and you change the SSID to
something other than the default. Consult the on line help or the User
Guide for details.
5. For more trouble shooting see
http://knowledgebase.3com.com/3CRWE454A72.asp