Chapter 1: Introduction - 3e Technologies International 3e-525A User Manual

Chapter 1: Introduction

This manual covers the installation and operation of the 3e Technolo-
gies International's 3e-525A Wireless Access Point. The 3e-525A is a rug-
gedized access point/gateway/bridge which is intended for use in indus-
trial and external environments. It accommodates both 802.11b WLAN
and 802.11g WLAN access and uses Power over Ethernet (PoE) access to
the Ethernet WAN to eliminate the need for internal access point power
supply units (AC-DC converters) and 110-220V cabling installations. The
wireless LANs can include mobile devices such as handheld Personal
Data Assistants (PDAs), mobile web pads, and wireless laptops.
If encryption is desired for the WLAN, you can employ diffent en-
cryption depending on the mode you are in. If you are using FIPS 140-2
mode (highly secure) you can set encryption for None, Static AES, Static
3DES or Dynamic Ket Exchange. If you are using the 3e-525A as an access
point but not using FIPS 140-2 mode, you can select None, or Statis 3DES,
or Static AES, Static WEP, or WPA. WPA uses TKIP or AES-CCMP so you
can employ legacy client WEP cards and still secure the wireless band.
If it is desired that the access point employ state-of-the-art AES or
3DES encryption, wireless devices must have the 3e-010F Crypto Client
software installed. (The 3e-010F Crypto Client software is sold with the
3e-110 long range PC Card or sold separately for use with other compat-
ible PC Cards.)
The 3e-525A incorporates IEEE 802.3af (Power over Ethernet) and the
capability for the highest security functionality (AES) as well as long-
range RF capability. The PoE interface on the 3e-525A is compatible with
commercial vendor "injected power" hub units (also known as Ethernet
Power Supply or Power over Ethernet Hubs).
The 3e-525A includes AES/3DES cryptographic modules for wireless
encryption and HTTPS/TLS, for secure web communication. In addition,
it contains the capability to use the traditional WEP algorithm, either as
static WEP or managed under WPA. The 3e-525A has an Ethernet WAN
interface for communication to the wired LAN backbone, Ethernet LAN
local port for purposes of initial setup and configuration, and two wire-
less LAN antennas for communicating on the 802.11b or 802.11g frequen-
cy. Further, it has the capability for use of an external (remote) antenna
(purchased separately), for bridging, using the 802.11b or 802.11g frequen-
cy. The 802.11g frequency is very suitable for use when configuring the
unit to be used as a bridge.
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