Page 1: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Introduction About Compaq 11Mbps Wireless LAN ___________________________1-1 About Compaq 11Mbps Wireless LAN Tools ______________________1-1 About 11Mbps Wireless LAN Access Points_______________________1-3 WL410 Wireless SMB Access Point_________________________1-3 WL510 Wireless Enterprise Access Point ____________________1-3 About This User’s Guide _____________________________________1-3 About Icons used in this Document_________________________1-4...
Page 2 Installing 11Mbps Wireless LAN Software _______________________ 3-4 Client Manager _______________________________________ 3-4 AP Manager _________________________________________ 3-5 Configuration Scenarios_____________________________________ 3-7 Wired LAN Administrator Station __________________________ 3-7 Wireless LAN Administrator Station ________________________ 3-9 Uninstalling 11Mbps Wireless LAN Software ____________________ 3-10 Basic Network Configuration Introduction______________________________________________ 4-1 Peer-to-Peer Workgroups _______________________________ 4-1 Infrastructure Networks ________________________________ 4-1...
Page 3 Using the AP Manager _____________________________________5-17 Monitoring Options____________________________________5-17 Connecting to Access Points ____________________________5-18 System Information ___________________________________5-19 Remote Link Test Window ______________________________5-20 Remote Statistics Tab _________________________________5-23 System Intervals _____________________________________5-25 Optimizing Performance Introduction ______________________________________________6-1 Eliminating Redundant Traffic_________________________________6-1 Protocol Filtering ______________________________________6-2 Optimizing Wired Connections ____________________________6-4 Optimizing Wireless Connections __________________________6-6 Link Integrity ________________________________________6-17 Designing High Capacity Networks ____________________________6-18...
Page 4 Managing Configuration Consistency______________________ 8-15 Modifying the Configuration_________________________________ 8-18 Changing Common Parameters __________________________ 8-18 Restoring a Back-up Configuration ___________________________ 8-19 Dual WL110 Wireless PC Card Configuration ____________________ 8-19 About IP Addresses and Subnets _____________________________ 8-20 BOOTP and DHCP ____________________________________ 8-20 Start-up Configuration...
Page 5 Forced Reload Procedure Introduction _____________________________________________ C-1 Performing a Forced Reload _________________________________ C-2 Step 1 - Preparations __________________________________ C-2 Step 2 - Set to “Forced Reload” Mode _____________________ C-3 Step 3 - Configuring and Uploading Files ___________________ C-4 Creating a Back-up File ________________________________ C-7 Upgrading Access Point Software About the Access Point Software _____________________________ D-1 Upload Software__________________________________________ D-1...
Page 6 11Mbps Wireless LAN - User’s Guide...
Page 7: About Compaq 11Mbps Wireless Lan
The Compaq 11Mbps Wireless LAN product family consists of: WL110 Wireless PC Card, for (mobile) computers that support the PC Card Type II slot. WL210 Wireless PCI Card for desktop computers WL215 Wireless USB Adapter for computers that support USB connections.
Page 8 Client Manager AP Manager The Compaq 11Mbps Wireless LAN tools can be installed on stations that run the Microsoft Windows 95, 98, ME, NT 4.0 or 2000 operating systems. Note: The Compaq 11Mbps Wireless LAN products have been designed for interoperability with all other wireless LAN products that use the direct sequence radio technology, as identified in the IEEE 802.11 standard for...
Page 9: About 11Mbps Wireless Lan Access Points
The WL510 Access Point is a transparent bridge device equipped with two PC Card slots A and B. Wireless Network Interfaces A and B are corresponding to slot A and B of the WL510 Wireless Enterprise Access Point, into which WL110 PC Cards can be inserted.
Page 10: About Icons Used In This Document
Throughout this document we use the following icons to represent the various networking devices: Icon Description Wireless computer Equipped with: • WL110 Wireless PC Card • WL215 Wireless USB Adapter • WL210 Wireless PCI Card Access Point - WL310 Wireless Home Office Gateway - WL410 Wireless SMB Access Point, or...
Page 11: On-Line Help Documentation
You can also download or view the “readme.txt” file on the Compaq 11Mbps Wireless LAN website. Other Sources of Information For information on updates and other Compaq news, see the website at: http:// www.compaq.com/support/files/networking/wlan/ For technical support, please consult the information at the back of this document.
Page 12 Introduction...
Page 13: Wireless Configurations
chapter 2 Wireless Configurations Introduction This document describes a number of network scenarios that may serve as an example for building your wireless system. Wireless systems typically apply to indoor network environments that require connectivity for devices roaming throughout the network environment. Wireless systems are wireless networks that service wireless (mobile) devices.
Page 14: Basic Infrastructure
Figure 2-1 Peer-to-Peer Workgroup Peer-to-Peer networks are typically used for small networks where: All wireless stations participate in workgroup computing, for example using the disk-sharing option of Microsoft Networking and Printers. All stations are within range of a wireless server. Peer-to-Peer networks are a quick and easy solution to set up a wireless network at trade-shows, business visits or other (off-site) locations.
Page 15: Wireless Access To Ethernet Networks
The wireless infrastructure is identified by a unique network name. All equipped devices that wish to connect to this network, must be configured with an identical network name. Mobile wireless stations will maintain communication with the infrastructure as long as they remain within range of the Access Point in their 11Mbps Wireless LAN network.
Page 16 Figure 2-4 Dual Channel Configuration If the configuration pictured in Figure 2-4, will be realized with WL510 Access Points, each WL510 Access Point is equipped with a single WL110 PC Card. By configuring neighboring Access Points with different frequencies, you create separate mediums for each wireless cell.
Page 17: Setting Up Your Lan Administrator Station
Infrastructure network - all stations communicate to each other and the Ethernet backbone via Access Point interfaces. For an overview of the 11Mbps Wireless LAN software tools, please refer to “About Compaq 11Mbps Wireless LAN Tools” on pag e1-1. Assigning an LAN Administrator Station Minimum Requirements...
Page 18: Managing Peer-To-Peer Workgroups
You may also install the Client Manager on all stations within the network, or on selected mobile stations with the WL110 PC Card, to monitor the link between the mobile station and the nearest Access Points. Wired or Wireless? The choice for a wireless or wired LAN administrator station will depend on your preferences and abilities to administer your network.
Page 19 a remote location, via modem, calling into a RAS or PPP entry point to your network. Tool: AP Manager Your next consideration for wired or wireless station should be the size of your network. For instance: in larger networks, it may be more convenient to manage the stations from a central location, so a wired station would be more appropriate.
Page 20: Installing 11Mbps Wireless Lan Software
However, a wired LAN administrator station can use the AP Manager remote link test and remote statistics features to perform monitoring tasks. With the AP Manager you can validate radio frequency links between a remote Access Point and stations connected to that Access Point. For more information on monitoring, refer to “Monitoring Options”...
Page 21: Ap Manager
Install Client Manager 5. Follow the instructions on your screen. If not available yet, a special Compaq group in the Windows Programs menu will be created. This group will provide access to the Client Manager. Note: Previously installed versions of the Client Manager program will automatically be replaced.
Page 22 Install AP Manager 5. Follow the instructions on your screen. If not available yet, a special Compaq group in the Windows Programs menu will be created. This group will provide access to the AP Manager software to configure your Access Point.
Page 23: Configuration Scenarios
b. From the list of component types, select and click the Protocol button. c. Select a TCP/IP protocol from the list displayed. In most network environments, the Microsoft TCP/IP protocol will work just fine. Alternatively, select a TCP/IP protocol that matches your network operating system.
Page 24 Figure 3-1 Wired Access via a Direct Cable Connection Selecting a wired LAN administrator station is recommended in one of the following situations: You prefer to manage your Access Points from a fixed central location. The Access Points will be installed on remote locations, that are accessible via TCP/IP networking.
Page 25: Wireless Lan Administrator Station
When installing new Access Points “out-of-the-box”, you are advised to configure the Access Points one-by-one using the “desktop workplace” scenario as pictured in Figure 3-1 on page 3-8. This will allow you to assign a unique IP address value to each unit prior to connecting the units to the network infrastructure.
Page 26: Uninstalling 11Mbps Wireless Lan Software
Figure 3-4 Wireless Access via an Indirect Connection When looking at the scenario pictured in Figur e3-4 on page 3-10, the wireless network interface of the LAN administrator station should be configured to match the settings of Access Point B. The scenario pictured in Figur e3-3 will be most convenient when configuring multiple “out-of-the-box”...
Page 27: Basic Network Configuration
chapter 4 Basic Network Configuration Introduction This chapter will describe how to configure the 11Mbps Wireless LAN network for: Peer-to-Peer workgroups, and Infrastructure networks Peer-to-Peer Workgroups A Peer-to-Peer workgroup consists of several wireless stations communicating directly with each other without bridging data via the Access Point (see Figure 4-1).
Page 28: Configuring Infrastructure Networks
The instructions for “Configuring Infrastructure Networks” on page4-2 will work fine in most networking environments. More advanced configurations settings are described in chapter 8 “Advanced Network Configurations”. — The Advanced Parameters (page 8-1) may help you with tailoring the Access Point configuration to meet your networking requirements. —...
Page 29 Figure 4-2 Basic Access Network To connect a wireless station to the 11Mbps Wireless LAN network, each station must be configured with the same Network Name as the Access Point. To configure the wireless stations, follow the instructions as described in the documentation that comes with your wireless client adapter.
Page 30 You must change this factory-set IP address (153.69.254.254) upon first configuration. To connect to the Access Point proceed as follows: 1. Start the AP Manager program. 2. Select the Access Point that you wish to configure from the list or enter the IP address in the field (see Enter the IP address for a specific Access Point...
Page 31 3. Enter the Read Write password and click (default password is “public”). If the Access Point is found and if you entered the right passwords, a new window appears with parameter tabs to change the configuration (see Figure 4-4). If the Access Point is not found in the network and/or the configuration is not read, or if the wrong password is entered, the message “Invalid password”...
Page 32 3. Enter the identification designator in the field for the service Network Name type that this interface should use: The network name can be any alphanumeric string from 1 to 32 characters in the range of “a” to “z”, “A” to “Z” and “0” to “9”. The network name should be the same for all wireless network interfaces that will service wireless stations that belong to the network.
Page 33 5. Record the filename and the location where the Access Point will be installed on the “Access Point Configuration Record” in Start-up Configuration (page A-1). To install and configure other Access Points, refer back to “Step 1 - Installing the Access Point” on page 4-3. Basic Network Configuration...
Page 34 Basic Network Configuration...
Page 35: Monitoring Your 11Mbps Wireless Lan Network
chapter 5 Monitoring your 11Mbps Wireless LAN Network Introduction Once your network has been configured and installed, you can use 11Mbps Wireless LAN software tools to: Monitor the performance of your network; Verify optimal placement of your Access Points and wireless stations. You are advised to verify the performance of your network on a regular basis, as performance may change when wireless stations are relocated, or office environments add or re-arrange cube walls, or when new equipment is installed...
Page 36: Which Tool Should You Use
Some of these tools require additional functions in the hardware that (by default) is supported by all Compaq 11Mbps Wireless LAN products, but may not be supported by the other vendors’ products. Monitoring your 11Mbps Wireless LAN Network...
Page 37: Using The Client Manager
Start Select , and then select the program group. Programs Compaq Wireless LAN Next select to start the Client Manager program. Client Manager 2. Click on the Client Manager icon in the taskbar to open the main Client Manager window pictured in Figure 5-1.
Page 38 The name of the network to which your station is connected (“Peer-to-Peer” in case of a Peer-to-Peer workgroup, or the network name of your Access Point infrastructure, e.g. “Your company network name”). The quality of the radio connection to this network: —...
Page 39: Link Test Window
Link Test Window You can use the link test mode to perform detailed diagnostic measurements in indoor wireless environments between your Clien tManager station and one specific test partner. Subject to the type of network to which your Client Manager station is connected, the test partner may be either one of the following: The Access Point, when your Clien tManager station is connected to an “Infrastructure Network”...
Page 40 The “Link Test” window provides you with three link test options to assist you in analyzing the link test data: Test results - provides measurement results of the link test. Test history - provides graphical results of the link quality. Log Settings - set the measurement parameters to record test results for future analysis.
Page 41 When running a link test, your Client Manager station will exchange messages with its test partner. The test partner will confirm proper receipt by returning an acknowledgment response. Both your wireless station and the link test partner will use these messages to: Measure the signal to noise ratio (SNR).
Page 42: Site Monitor Window
Advice - to display more detailed information related to the current link quality and troubleshooting hints to increase performance. Freeze - to momentarily stop the dynamic indicators and updating of numerical values, for example to analyze the results on your screen in more detail.
Page 43 adequate coverage, or that suffer from in-band interference from other (wireless) equipment such as security gates, microwave ovens or photo copiers. To start the site monitor, select in the menu in the main Site Monitor Advanced Client Manager window. This will display the window pictured in Figure 5-3 on page 5-9.
Page 44 Current Network (SSID) - which identifies the name of the network to which you are currently connected. Distance between APs - describes the Access Point density setting of the network to which you are currently connected. These fields will remain visible when selecting any of the other options in the Site Monitor window.
Page 45 — You are building the Access Point name list as described on “AP Names Tab” on page5-13. — Your network includes WL510 Access Points that have been equipped with multiple WL110 PC Cards, and you wish to distinguish the cards inserted into the Access Point specifically. Selection Tab...
Page 46 Peer-to-Peer workgroup: — a workgroup is created between stations with the setting Peer-to-Peer. Selecting another Wireless Network: 1. Click the tab on the Site Monitor window to display the window Selection pictured in Figure 5-4. Figure 5-4 Select another Network to Monitor The list of on this tab will show: Observed Networks...
Page 47 network. You can display these values only for the infrastructure network to which you are actually connected. When the list of does not show other networks, this means Observed Networks that: Your Client Manager station has been configured with a specific Network Name.
Page 48: Logging Measurement Data
Share the file with other LAN Administrators that use the Clien tManager tool to monitor performance of the wireless network. This file (“APlist.txt”) is stored in “C:\Program Files\Compaq Wireless LAN\Client Manager”, or Edit the names later on, using an ASCII editor, such as the MS-Windows Notepad.
Page 49 When you choose the manual mode, you may also wish to enable the option to allow you to add comments to your logging comments to log information, e.g. a description of the location or event. If you enable this option, a dialog box will appear each time you press the button.
Page 50: Diagnose Card
Manual data logging - to manually record your link measurements. Optionally, you can add comments each time you log data by clicking the “Add comments” check box. Automatic data logging - to automatically log data. You must enter a time interval between measurements. Continuous data logging (only available in Link Test window) - Auto- matically log data with the following interval: —...
Page 51: Using The Ap Manager
Your Client Manager station is “out-of-range” of the Access Points that you wish to monitor. Typically the values for signal level and SNR are ‘0’ (zero). A configuration mismatch of your Client Manager station, for example: — Your Client Manager station uses a specific network name that does not match the name of the infrastructure that you wish to monitor.
Page 52: Connecting To Access Points
All other diagnostic options are standard SNMP tallies that are not described in this manual, but documented in the on-line help system of your AP Manager program. Note: All diagnostic options are described in the on-line help information of the AP Manager. To access that you can access by pressing the function key or clicking the button in your A PManager window.
Page 53: System Information
Figure 5-6 System Information Window System Information The system information does not provide on-line statistics, but is primarily used to verify the version level of the embedded software that is loaded into the Access Point. To display the system information for the Access Point, you must first connect to the target Access Point (see “Connecting to Access Points”...
Page 54: Remote Link Test Window
, and with new releases on the software CDs. networking/wlan/ You are advised to consult the Compaq website at regular intervals to find out whether newer software is available for your Access Points. Remote Link Test Window The AP Manager remote link test enables you to investigate the radio link between the Access Point of your choice (the “initiator station”) and a station...
Page 55 — 3 = PC Card slot B (for WL510 Access Point only) field identifies the type of PC Card (in the corresponding Radio Type slots): — IEEE 802.11 for WL110 PC Cards 2. (Optional) To refresh the list, click the button. Refresh 3.
Page 56 Note: Subject to the “Radio Type” of the wireless network interface that you selected, the lay-out of the Remote Link Test windows may differ. The window pictured in Figure 5-8 represents the window for the wireless network interface. Figure 5-8 Remote Link Test window Important Indicators to Monitor The Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) identifies the communication quality of the radio path between the initiator station (i.e.
Page 57: Remote Statistics Tab
A high noise level indicates a source of radio interference in the radio path between the Access Point and its link test partners. Comparing the values for the Access Point and its link test partner will help you to identify the location where the interference occurs, and investigate whether any actions to eliminate or remedy the source interference resulted in a better performance.
Page 58 Important Indicators to Monitor The AP Manager tab statistics display a wide range of variables that Remote provide information about the performance of the selected Access Point. The indicators which provide the main monitoring information is called the ratio of Errors to Bridge Packets. There are three ratios which are of particular diagnostic value: In errors / Bridge in packets Out errors / Bridge out packets...
Page 59: System Intervals
System Intervals To display the system interval parameters to monitor the Access Point, you must first connect to the target Access Point as described in “Connecting to Access Points” on pag e5-18. Select the tab and click the button to display the window pictured System Options in Figure 5-10.
Page 60 Use a longer time interval (e.g. 15 seconds) when you run a remote link test only for background information purposes, or in cases when you access the initiator stations network via a low-speed connection (e.g. a dial-up modem connection). Adjusting SNMP Polling Interval The data displayed in the tab refreshes at regular intervals that can vary Remote...
Page 61: Optimizing Performance
chapter 6 Optimizing Performance Introduction The performance of your LAN is usually determined by a complex combination of different factors. This section will present a number of considerations that may help you to: Determine whether optimization is really needed, Tailor your 11Mbps Wireless LAN network to optimize its performance. Consider optimizing network performance in these situations: You are troubleshooting a suspected problem LAN performance is less then expected, or...
Page 62: Protocol Filtering
The ratio of network overhead in relation to “True Data” differs from one networking service to another. However when the ratio of network overhead is more than actually required, this may affect the performance of your wireless LAN, because your “True Data” has to share the bandwidth capacity with the network overhead.
Page 63 When the number of “Non-Unicast packets out” is relatively high when compared to the number of “Unicast packets out”, this might indicate your network generates a large amount of network traffic. This does not necessarily mean that the traffic load is caused by the protocols, but it might be worth investigating whether protocol filtering will improve your network performance.
Page 64: Optimizing Wired Connections
Repeat the steps as described under “Do You Need Protocol Filtering?” on page 6-2 to see whether this change resolved your problem. If this does not solve your problem, consider one of the following options: Optimizing wired connections Optimizing wireless connections Optimizing Wired Connections Sometimes performance degradation of your (wireless) connection is caused by a failure in the cabling system that connects the network to the wired...
Page 65 If the problem is observed on only one Access Point, the problem may lie in the connectors or cable(s) that connect the Access Point to the hub or wired backbone. When the problem exists with multiple Access Points, it is likely to be caused by the cables or connectors of the wired backbone, hub or the bridge/router device that connects this network segment to your LAN.
Page 66: Optimizing Wireless Connections
grouped into the same LAN segment. 11Mbps Wireless LAN stations will not be able to roam between LAN segments that are separated by routers and/or gateways. If this does not solve your problem, consider one of the following options as described in this chapter: Protocol Filtering (page 6-2) Optimizing Wireless Connections (page 6-6)
Page 67 — The IEEE information — The Remote Statistics tab These tallies can be useful in determining whether or not the performance of your network is caused by interference. Remote Link Test For instructions about the Remote Link Test window that displays communications as dynamic indicators, please refer to the information about this window as described on “Remote Link Test Window”...
Page 68 Retry Count - counts the number of frames that are lost (due to collisions) during the initial transmission. During normal operation, the Retry Count should be less than 3% of the Transmitted Fragment Count Multiple Retry Count - counts the number of frames that are lost after the initial transmission.
Page 69 If the problem is a poor signal you may consider: — Connecting the Range Extender Antenna to the station or Access Point that suffers from poor radio performance. — Adding an extra Access Point to the network, or — Adjusting the placement of your Access Points and/or antennas to provide coverage for all wireless stations.
Page 70 “hidden station” problem. When configuring the WL110 PC Card parameters of an individual station you can enable the RTS/CTS Medium Reservation parameter: To enable RTS/CTS Medium Reservation parameter, choose...
Page 71 You can enable RTS/CTS Medium Reservation on individual stations, i.e. the setting of this parameter does not have to be the same for all 11Mbps Wireless LAN equipped devices in your network. Figure 6-3 Medium Reservation “Request to Send” About the Medium Reservation Mechanism When you enable RTS/CTS medium reservation on a suspect “hidden station”, this station and its Access Point will use a Request to Send/Clear to Send protocol (RTS/CTS).
Page 72 Figure 6-4 Medium Reservation “Clear to Send” Note: In most networking environments it is very unlikely that you will need to enable RTS/CTS medium reservation on the Access Point to prevent collisions. Since all stations connected to the Access Point are typically within range of that Access Point, they should be able to sense whenever the Access Point is using the medium to transmit messages via the wireless medium.
Page 73 All other stations will defer their transmissions for the duration of the “radio-silence time” identified in the CTS message. Enabling RTS/CTS Medium Reservation 1. Start the A PManager program, select the Access Point that services the wireless cell where you suspect poor performance caused by a hidden station problem and click the button.
Page 74 All Access Points identified as operating on channel A would use channel 1 (2412 MHz). All Access Points identified as operating on channel B would use channel 11 (2462 MHz). Figure 6-5 Dual Channel Configuration This way you can apply a maximum channel separation for neighboring Access Points that will easily satisfy the requirements recommended for optimal operation.
Page 75 A, B to C to remain connected to the network. When your network includes WL510 Access Point devices, you can use the device in combination with two WL110 PC Cards to create overlapping cells for maximum throughput performance.
Page 76 4. Click the button. A pull-down box will appear. Select the Advanced frequency of your choice. The number of channels is subject to local regulations. 5. In the Wireless Advanced Setup window, use the pull-down menu to Channel select a sub-channel that allows for maximum channel separation from neighboring Access Points (minimum channel separation: 25 MHz).
Page 77: Link Integrity
11. (Optionally) Modify the configurations of all your other Access Points accordingly. We recommend that you use different frequencies for neighboring Access Points, as described in Dual Channel Configuration (page 6-13) or Multiple-Channel Configuration (page 6-14). Link Integrity In situations where the connection of the Access Point to the rest of the Ethernet network fails, typically as a result of a broken cable connection or network error, the Ethernet failure might disrupt regular network communication for (roaming) wireless stations.
Page 78: Designing High Capacity Networks
Designing High Capacity Networks In networking environments where you have either data intensive users, or a large number of users in a small area, you may wish to improve the throughput efficiency and/or load balancing of your Access Points. This solution described in this section allows you to balance “maximum range for minimum hardware investments”...
Page 79 The last example would typically occur only in networks where all Access Points have been configured to operate at the same frequency, or at frequencies with an insufficient channel separation (see “Frequency Channel Management” on page 6-13). Influencing the Deferral Behavior To overcome the performance issue described on previous pages, you can choose to design a high performance network based on the following principles: Add more Access Points to your network.
Page 80 The receiver sensitivity in this mode causes the wireless radio device to defer transmissions for all messages that it senses within its range (identified by the colored circles). Roaming stations in a specific cell will remain connected to the servicing Access Point until they exit the wireless cell.
Page 81 Figure 6-9 Medium Distance between APs Figure 6-10 Small Distance between APs Optimizing Performance 6-21...
Page 82 Optimizing Performance 6-22...
Page 83: Security
Access to network resources is controlled via standard security mechanisms, such as user names and passwords, as implemented by all network operating systems. The Compaq 11Mbps Wireless LAN products allow you to apply additional security measures to restrict access to your wireless medium and/or network resources.
Page 84: Restrict Wireless Access To The Network
— all stations with the correct network name. — all stations with the network name set to “ANY”. The Closed configuration is the Compaq 11Mbps Wireless LAN proprietary mode that closes your network to all stations that have not been programmed with the correct network name.
Page 85: Access Control
Figure 7-1 Close the Wireless System 8. (Optional) Click the second interface to set the security parameters (return to step 4). 9. Click to save the new configuration to the Access Point and to return to the main AP Manager window. Your Access Point will automatically reboot and start bridging operation again allowing access only to those users that have been configured with exactly the same network name as identified in the setup of your Access Point(s).
Page 86 To authorize wireless stations to access the network, the LAN administrator(s) must: append the unique universal MAC address of the Wireless LAN station to the access control table file (*.tbl), and upload the access control table file to all Access Points. Note: The access control feature does not work in network environments that require local MAC addressing.
Page 87 6. Repeat step 5 for all stations you want to authorize to send/receive data via this Access Point. Figure 7-2 Setup Access Control 7. Click the button to make a back-up copy of the access control table Save file file you just created (*.tbl). You can use this file later to import the configuration into other Access Points.
Page 88 2. Select the tab and click the button to display all MAC Access Control Edit addresses that are currently authorized. 3. Click the button and select the access control table file (*.tbl) that Import File you wish to import. 4. Click the button to import the selected file.
Page 89: Wireless Data Encryption
3. Build a list of MAC addresses of all (wireless) stations that you wish to authorize to establish a wireless connection with your Access Point infrastructure. 4. Configure all Access Points to: — Enable RADIUS MAC Address authentication — Set the RADIUS Authorization Lifetime —...
Page 90: Enabling Wep Encryption
The option to use 4 different keys for decrypting wireless data, allows you to change your WEP keys at regular intervals without affecting regular network performance (see also “Maintaining WEP Encryption Keys” on page7-15). Enabling WEP Encryption To enable WEP encryption you will need to ensure that: All wireless devices will be configured with matching encryption key values.
Page 91 3. Select the tab. Wireless Interfaces 4. Click the button to view the Wireless Security Setup window (see Security Figure 7-3). 5. Select the option to enable encryption, and: Enable Encryption Enter up to 4 different keys to decrypt data received via the wireless interface Select one of these keys to encrypt wireless data that is to be transmitted via the wireless interface.
Page 92 specified no more than 2 key values, you can only select the transmit key from these two values. CAUTION: If you cleared the “Deny non-encrypted Data” tick box, your Access Point may also transmit in “non-encrypting mode”. Deny non-encrypted Data If you decide to use wireless data encryption, you are advised to encrypt all data that will be transmitted via the wireless medium.
Page 93 11Mbps Wireless LAN and most of today's network operating systems (e.g. user names and passwords), Compaq advises against using this option, unless you want to provide easy access for any client station and/or migration is more critical to your data network than top-level security.
Page 94: Securing Access Point Setup
key, or will know where to find it, even the strongest lock can be opened by an intruder. That's why, for example you wouldn't “hide” the key to your house underneath the doormat. Similar good practice should be applied to the keys you will use to encrypt wireless communications.
Page 95: Snmp Ip Access List
You can define a read password in the field on the Read Password SNMP (Select Access Point from list, click and select tab). The default value Edit SNMP is “public”. Read/Write password A read/write password will provide you with full access to display Access Point diagnostic information found under the button, as well as the Monitor...
Page 96: Trap Host Alerts
3. Select the tab to display the SNMP parameters. The SNMP SNMP IP Access List is visible at the bottom of the tab as pictured in Figure 8-6 on page 8- SNMP 4. Use the following buttons to modify the SNMP IP access list: Add - to add IP addresses to the list.
Page 97: Advanced Security Maintenance
The trap host password is included in the trap messages and will help the trap host station to identify whether a received trap host message came from its own domain or not. Trap Host Messages The following message types can be distinguished: Call boot trap messages Authentication failure messages Link up or down messages...
Page 98 These keys can be used to smooth the transition from the usage of one key to usage of a next key. The general requirement for two cards to transmit encrypted between each other is that they share a common key value at the same key-index number in the 4-key area at the moment of transmission.
Page 99 Single Key – No Transition Table 7-1 shows a system, where at each point in time only one single key is used. The key to be used is dictated by the AP settings, showing only one valid key at each period. This requires a change over of keys at all stations more or less synchronous with the Access Point configuration changes.
Page 100 Notice that in the transition periods 1, 3 and 5 the end users can switch over from one Txkey index to the next. At the end of this period, all stations must be over to the new key index. Transition period 7 includes the transition to a new set of keys as well.
Page 101: Advanced Network Configurations
“Advanced Parameters”, “Configuring Large Networks”, “Modifying the Configuration”, “Restoring a Back-up Configuration”, (For WL510 Access Point only) “Dual WL110 Wireless PC Card Configuration”, and “About IP Addresses and Subnets”. Advanced Parameters You may wish to explore the “Advanced Parameters” options as supported by your Access Points, especially when administering larger networks that encompass more than 10 Access Points.
Page 102 To set the advanced parameters, simply follow the instructions as described in the previous section, “Configuring Infrastructure Networks” on page 4-2, to connect to the Access Point that you wish to configure. Advanced Parameters If you created a basic Access Point configuration, as described in the previous section, you may have already noticed the additional buttons in the setup window, as pictured in Figure 4-4 on page 4-5.
Page 103 — an interference source is located in the signal path between the “trouble” stations and the Access Point. To enable Interference Robustness click the button on the Advanced Wireless tab in the edit mode to display the Advanced Setup window, then select Interfaces the option Interference Robustness...
Page 104: Bridge Parameters
Note: The settings distance between Access Points require a Medium Small excellent quality of radio communications throughout the entire wireless coverage area. In environments where the actual placement of Access Points was designed to obtain maximum wireless coverage with a minimum number of Access Points, changing the distance between Access Points from will not yield better results.
Page 105 Enabling the spanning tree mechanism to resolve the closed network loops errors (see “Spanning Tree” on page 8-7). Storm threshold filtering to limit the number of messages per port and/or station from being bridged (see “Storm Threshold” on pag e8-8). CAUTION:The Bridge parameter settings are typical “common”...
Page 106 Figure 8-2 Select Ethernet Protocols to be Filtered 3. Place a check mark in the check box of each protocol that does not need to be transmitted to the wireless medium. To stop filtering a specific protocol, clear the check box. 4.
Page 107 To filter out traffic between such devices add the MAC addresses of both devices as a pair in the list. Static MAC address Filter The way the filter works is that when one of the listed stations sends a message to a MAC address that has been identified as a pair, the Access Point will not forward it via the wireless station.
Page 108: Access Point Ip Parameters
5. Click again if you want to save this configuration and return to the main AP Manager window. Otherwise continue changing other parameters. At this point, we recommend that you create a backup file, as described in “Step 4 - Create a Back-up of the Configuration” on pag e4-6. Storm Threshold button allows you to set parameters that are used in Storm Thresholds...
Page 109 Access Point (unique for each Access Point, in case of a “IP address” BOOTP or DHCP server, this IP address is entered automatically). Access Point (the same for all Access Points, in case of a “Subnet Mask” BOOTP or DHCP server, this IP address is entered automatically). (optional) (usually the same for all Access Points).
Page 110 In case of manually assigning an IP address, use the field Access Point IP Address to enter a value from the range of IP addresses assigned to your organization. The IP address is primarily used to address this Access Point when you use the AP Manager program to configure and/or monitor this device.
Page 111: Snmp Parameters
The value will be decreased each time the message passes a router. When the TTL value becomes 0, the message will be rejected by the next router it meets. By default, the value is 64. SNMP Parameters Most SNMP parameters (except for the System Location and System Name) are common parameters, i.e.
Page 112 Read Password Change the parameter in order to prevent unauthorized access to Read Password the Access Points. A read password is requested when you connect to Access Points with the option. The default value is “public”. Monitor With the correct read password, a local LAN administrator can only monitor Access Point statistics and tables, but not view or change any of the parameters.
Page 113: Ethernet Interface
SNMP IP Access List You can use the to create an extra level of security in addition SNMP IP Access List to the read an read/write passwords. This will allow you to authorize a limited number of LAN administrator stations to view and/or modify the configuration of the Access Points, based upon the IP address of these stations.
Page 114: Configuring Large Networks
Figure 8-7 Select Ethernet Interface For more information about selecting the Ethernet Interface refer to the help-file of the AP Manager program. Configuring Large Networks Each Access Point configuration is characterized by two types of parameters: Common parameters that must be the same for ALL Access Points in your network, and Unique parameters that must be unique for each Access Point in your network.
Page 115: Common Parameters
Common Parameters Common parameters, such as the network name or SNMP Read/Write Password, are used to identify which Access Points belong to the same network environment. They differentiate your group of Access Points from other (neighboring) network environments. A list of common parameters is shown in Tabl e8-1 below, together with the AP Manager tabs where you can view or modify the parameters.
Page 116 In other words, the easiest way to manage a large number of Access Points is as follows: 1. Preparation Identify and record all information related to each of the Access Points to be configured. 2. Creating a template file Identify and set the common parameters that should apply to all Access Points within your network.
Page 117 Configuring other Access Points Having created the template file, we can now start (re-)configuring the other Access Points in batch-mode. For each Access Point, the procedure will be as follows: Run AP Manager and connect to the target Access Point. Upload the template file that contains the values that are common for all Access Points from a template file.
Page 118: Modifying The Configuration
Use a file name that allows you to easily recognize the relationship between the file name and this Access Point. The entire set of common and unique parameters are now saved permanently into the (non-volatile) FlashROM of the Access Point. They will remain stored in the Access Point, even if the Access Point is reset or switched off and on again.
Page 119: Restoring A Back-Up Configuration
Note: Only the WL510 Access Point has two PC Card slots. The WL410 Access Point has one integrated WL110 PC Card. The use of two WL110 PC Cards in one WL510 Access Point can serve multiple purposes, e.g.: Migration between various generations of the 11Mbps Wireless LAN products.
Page 120: About Ip Addresses And Subnets
About IP Addresses and Subnets In larger organizations that make use of IP addressing for communications, the network architecture may include different network segments (subnets), typically separated by a router or gateway. When installing the 11Mbps Wireless LAN infrastructure into this type of network architecture, please note that all Access Points and wireless stations must be installed on the same subnet, i.e.
Page 121 advised to assign a permanent IP address to the Access Point, using the Access Point field on the Access Point tab. IP Address An IP address that is assigned by a BOOTP server is stored in the configuration file of the BOOTP server. This configuration file has a one-to-one (static/fixed) mapping from MAC address to IP address.
Page 122 Advanced Network Configurations 8-22...
Page 123: Start-Up Configuration
appendix A Start-up Configuration Introduction Your Access Point comes with installed operating software factory. Together with this software, the Access Point has also been loaded with a factory set configuration, that allows for “out-of-the box” operation. Note: The factory-set configuration should not be confused with a “default” configuration.
Page 124: Factory-Set Configuration
Start-up Configuration Factory-set Configuration Start-up Configuration-A-2...
Page 125 Start-up Configuration Factory-set Configuration Start-up Configuration-A-3...
Page 126 Start-up Configuration...
Page 127: Troubleshooting
appendix B Troubleshooting Introduction Problems experienced in wireless LAN operation can be related to: Configuration mismatch Component failure Wired or wireless network problems. Problem-solving Approach To resolve a configuration mismatch you will need to compare the configuration parameter settings of both Access Points and all stations involved. To determine a component failure, check the LED activity of the Access Point.
Page 128 Table B-1 LED Error Table Power Ethernet Wireless Wireless Description/Action: interface A interface Continuous Flicker Flicker Flicker Normal operation where flickering indicates Green Green Green Green interface activity. No action required. Normal operation that indicates there is no LAN activity •...
Page 129 Procedure” of this user’s guide. General hardware failure • Reboot the Access Point as described in this Appendix. • If the problem persists, contact Compaq technical support. Amber Ethernet hardware failure • Reboot the Access Point as described in this Appendix.
Page 130: Rebooting Access Points
• Consult the “readme.txt” file of the A PManager software for more information. If the WL110 Wireless PC Card is broken, which can be tested by inserting the card into the 11Mbps Wireless LAN computer, return the card to your authorized reseller.
Page 131: Remote Reboot
Figure B-1 Reset Button 3. Use a small pointed object, such as the tip of a ball-point, to press the Reset button. The Access Point will restart and run the start-up diagnostics, characterized by a LED sequence where the LEDs change color in the range Red, Amber, Green.
Page 132 Troubleshooting...
Page 133: Forced Reload Procedure
LAN administrator station. When using WL410 Access Points or WL510 Access Points are equipped with WL110 PC Cards only, you may wish to perform the forced reload using a configuration scenario as described in chapter 3 “Setting Up your LAN Administrator Station”...
Page 134: Performing A Forced Reload
A PManager program. Download Config File If you have access to the Compaq 11Mbps Wireless LAN website, you can download the latest software (*.bin) available for your Access Point. It is advised to specify a temporary IP address for the Access Point. To enter this temporary IP address: —...
Page 135: Step 2 - Set To "Forced Reload" Mode
Make sure the LAN administrator station and the Access Point are connected to the same LAN segment (subnet). To communicate with the Access Point in “Forced Reload” state, no routers are allowed between the target Access Point and the LAN administrator station.
Page 136: Step 3 - Configuring And Uploading Files
5. After approximately 5 seconds, use the small pointed object again to press button for approximately 30 seconds. Reload You will see the LEDs changing color in the range Amber, Red and Green again. 6. When all LEDs turn Amber, release the button.
Page 137 3. In the Open window, move to the directory where you have installed the AP Manager program. If you downloaded the latest Access Point software from the Compaq 11Mbps Wireless LAN website, select the directory where you saved the downloaded file.
Page 138 Note: When importing a configuration file, make sure you import the correct back-up file. Configuring the Access Point with a configuration file that is identical to the configuration of another Access Point may lead to unpredictable behavior of your network. If you do have a back-up configuration file and if you do wish to use this file to configure the Access Point, click Select the back-up configuration file (*.cnf) and click...
Page 139: Creating A Back-Up File
not influence the functionality of the software file. For more information see “Upload Software, a Look under the Hood” on pa geD-2. When you want to preserve the original software file, make a back-up copy of this file. 11. You are again prompted to confirm the “Reload of the Remote System”. Check the list of parameters displayed thoroughly to make sure all settings are right.
Page 140 Forced Reload Procedure...
Page 141: Upgrading Access Point Software
You can find a copy of this file in the program directory where you installed the AP Manager program. For the latest version of the Access Point software versions you are advised to consult the Compaq 11Mbps Wireless LAN website. Upload Software When uploading Access Point software (or firmware) no changes are made to the configuration of the Access Point.
Page 142: Upload Software, A Look Under The Hood
5. Click the button to open the Access Point software file. Open 6. Enter the password for the Access Point if you are prompted to and click to continue. 7. When prompted to confirm the Access Point software upload, click The Access Point will now reboot and start bridging operation using the parameters as set in the software file.
Page 143 2. The Configuration Parameters area that contains user-defined settings of the Access Point. The data in this area can be modified at any moment when you use the AP Manager program to open and save a remote config file. What actually happens in the procedure to upload Access Point software, is that the AP Manager program will merge the configuration parameters retrieved from the Access Point with the software information from the Access Point software file (*.bin).
Page 144 Upgrading Access Point Software...

This manual is also suitable for:

Wl210 Wl215 Wl310 Wl410

Compaq WL110 User Manual

Introduction

Wireless Configurations

Setting up Your LAN Administrator Station

Basic Network Configuration

Monitoring Your 11Mbps Wireless LAN Network

Optimizing Performance

Security

Advanced Network Configurations

Start-Up Configuration

Troubleshooting

Forced Reload Procedure

Upgrading Access Point Software

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