Related Manuals for 3Com WL-311
Summary of Contents for 3Com WL-311
- Page 1 User Guide Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge WL-311 Wireless Network Solution http://www.3com.com/ http://www.3com.com/productreg Published June 2001 User guide version 1.0.0...
- Page 2 3Com Corporation. 3Com Corporation reserves the right to revise this documentation and to make changes in content from time to time without obligation on the part of 3Com Corporation to provide notification of such revision or change.
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
Contents Introduction Point-to-Point Topology Point-to-Multipoint Topology Antennas and Cables Omnidirectional Antenna Flat-panel Directional Antenna Selecting an Antenna Antenna Options Selecting a Cable Cable Options Installing the Hardware and Software Wireless Bridge Kit Contents System Requirements Physical Dimensions LED Indicators Bridge Placement Considerations Indoor Location Outdoor Location Considering Antenna Placement... - Page 4 Contents Using System Tools and Viewing Information Accessing System Tools Saving and Loading Configurations Saving a Configuration Loading a Configuration Resetting the Unit Resetting the Unit to Factory Defaults Using the Reset to Default Icon Resetting by Using the Configuration Button Updating the Bridge Firmware Setting the Password Using the Log Viewer...
- Page 5 Main Menu Overview Edit Configuration Menu Overview Using The Editor Configuration File Format File Contents System [configure] [bridge] Bridged Ethernet (lan0) [hardware] [encryption] [rmp] [bootp] [ip] Error Codes Index Limited Warranty and Regulatory Compliance Information 3Com Corporation Limited Warranty Regulatory Compliance Information...
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Page 7: Introduction
The 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge provides a way to extend the scope of the wireless LAN far beyond the walls of a particular building. A 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge can be used in two network configurations, or topologies: Point-to-point communication... -
Page 8: Point-To-Multipoint Topology
3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridges can be used for communicating among multiple (two or more) bridges, with each bridge connected to a particular building’s wired LAN. The next figure shows a bridging network in which four 3Com Building-to-Building Bridges are used to provide wireless connectivity among four buildings. This topology typically uses omnidirectional antennas for communication between bridges if bridging is desired among all buildings in the bridging network without restriction (see “Antennas... -
Page 9: Antennas And Cables
Antennas and Cables Antennas and Cables You can connect the following types of antennas to the 3Com Wireless Building-to- Building Bridge: Flat-panel directional Omnidirectional For best performance, place each antenna outdoors using the mounting hardware provided with the antenna. Outdoor placement is especially important if the building consists of metal construction or has metal siding. -
Page 10: Selecting An Antenna
(RF) energy into a particular direction. Thus, high-gain antennas direct their energy more narrowly and precisely, and low-gain ones direct energy more broadly. The range estimates listed are those that can be expected between two 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridges using the listed antenna combinations. -
Page 11: Installing The Hardware And Software
Mounting hardware Printed quick start guide with warranty Installation CD containing this user guide and configuration software If any of these items is missing or damaged, please contact the place of purchase or 3Com Customer Support (http://support.3com.com). System Requirements Before you can install a set of wireless bridges, your system environment must satisfy the conditions listed below. -
Page 12: Physical Dimensions
Installing the Hardware and Software Physical Dimensions If you want to mount the wireless bridge on a vertical surface, see the outside dimensions and mounting hole dimensions of the mounting plate shown below. Primary dimensions are given in inches and secondary dimensions are shown in millimeters. Use #6 or M4 flathead fasteners for mounting bracket 3.89"... -
Page 13: Led Indicators
LED Indicators LED Indicators The 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge has five LED indicators, as shown in the figure below. Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge Power Alert Wireless Ethernet Serial The LED indicators are described in the table below: Lights Power Green when power is applied. -
Page 14: Considering Antenna Placement
Installing the Hardware and Software Considering Antenna Placement You can place the antenna either indoors or outdoors. An outdoor location, such as a rooftop, provides the following advantages: Fewer obstacles to signal paths between wireless bridges Increased antenna range Fewer multipath problems Proper Grounding To ensure the physical safety of anyone near the antenna and to prevent damage to the wireless bridge, follow the building codes for antenna installations in your area. -
Page 15: Installing The Hardware
CAUTION: Installing the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge, cables, and antennas should be done only by professional network personnel. 1 Remove your 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge from the packaging. The bridge ships fully assembled. An SMA port for attaching the antenna cable is located on one side of the bridge (see figure below). - Page 16 10 Verify that the bridge Ethernet LED is illuminated (see “LED Indicators” on page 7), indicating a valid Ethernet connection to your Ethernet LAN. Your bridge hardware is now ready for configuration using the 3Com Wireless Building- to-Building Bridge Manager software.
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Page 17: Installing The Wireless Bridge Manager Software
Installing the Wireless Bridge Manager Software Installing the Wireless Bridge Manager Software You can install the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge Manager on a PC or workstation running Windows 95, 98, Me, Windows 2000, or Windows NT. The Bridge Manager is a software configuration utility that allows you to graphically and remotely: Display a list of wireless bridges running on the local network. -
Page 19: Configuring The Bridge
Configuring the Bridge This chapter describes how to add a 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge to your wireless network using the Wireless Bridge Manager configuration utility. The 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge Manager software communicates with each wireless bridge using a non-routable protocol. Therefore, your wireless bridges must be accessible on the local subnet to communicate with the Bridge Manager. -
Page 20: Scanning For Bridge Groups
3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge Manager screen. After completing the scan, the Bridge Manager displays the detected bridge groups on the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge Manager screen. Also displayed are all the individual bridges associated with each detected bridge group. You configure a bridge unit by selecting it on this screen, as described in the next section “Selecting a Bridge to... -
Page 21: Selecting A Bridge To Configure
Selecting a Bridge to Configure Selecting a Bridge to Configure To start configuring a wireless bridge unit, display the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge Manager screen (described in “Scanning for Bridge Groups” on page 14) and follow these steps: 1 To show the options available for a listed wireless bridge unit, right-click the displayed unit name. -
Page 22: Setting Network And Security Values
Configuring the Bridge Setting Network and Security Values You can change network and security settings for the wireless bridge in the Network / Security tab of the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen. The Network / Security tab lets you set the following values: WLAN service area (ESSID) Level of desired WEP (Wired Equivalent Protection) security Station name... -
Page 23: Network Settings
Setting Network and Security Values Network Settings Network settings determine the wireless network with which the bridge can associate. Some wireless LANs are set up with different WLAN service areas. The WLAN service area is used to specify a unique wireless network. Wireless bridges use the WLAN service area to connect to a specific network. -
Page 24: Security Settings
Configuring the Bridge Security Settings Enabling security is the best way to protect your data from unauthorized observers. 3Com recommends using the strongest encryption setting supported by your wireless bridge. NOTE: The 128-bit encryption setting may not be available to you, depending on U.S. -
Page 25: 40-Bit Shared Key Encryption Settings
Setting Network and Security Values 40-bit Shared Key Encryption Settings Establishing 40-bit shared-key security requires that you set up encryption keys. You can have the encryption keys automatically generated by entering an encryption string, or you can manually enter the keys. Entering an Encryption String To enter an encryption string that will automatically generate the WEP keys, follow these steps: 1 In the Network / Security tab of the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen, select... - Page 26 Configuring the Bridge Entering the Encryption Keys You can decline to enter an encryption string (as described in the preceding section) and instead manually enter the WEP keys. To manually enter the WEP keys in hexadecimal notation, follow these steps: 1 In the Network / Security tab of the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen, select 40-bit Shared Key from the Security setting list (see step 2 on page 17.) 2 Click Encryption Key Settings.
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Page 27: 128-Bit Shared Key
Setting Network and Security Values 128-bit Shared Key Establishing 128-bit shared key security requires that you set up encryption keys. You can have the encryption keys automatically generated by entering an encryption string, or you can manually enter the keys. Entering an Encryption String To enter an encryption string that will automatically generate the WEP keys, follow these steps: 1 In the Network / Security tab of the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen, select... - Page 28 Configuring the Bridge Entering the Encryption Keys You can decline to enter an encryption string (as described in the preceding section) and instead manually enter the WEP keys. To manually enter the WEP keys in hexadecimal notation, follow these steps: 1 In the Network / Security tab of the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen, select 128-bit Shared Key from the Security setting list (see step 2 on page 17.) 2 Click Encryption Key Settings.
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Page 29: Setting Network Transmission Options
Setting Network Transmission Options Setting Network Transmission Options The Options tab of the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen lets you set values for the following options: Options Purpose Transmit rate settings Control the rates at which the wireless bridge makes physical layer transmissions. -
Page 30: Setting The Transmit Rates
When the signal quality is poor the radio will drop back to lower rates. NOTE: 3Com recommends that you select all the Transmit rate settings (11, 5.5, 2, 1 Mbps) to achieve the best performance. -
Page 31: Using System Tools And Viewing Information
Using System Tools and Viewing Information This chapter describes various system tools available for use with the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge. The wireless bridge system tools allow you to: Write a configuration to a file. Reload a saved configuration file to a selected bridge. -
Page 32: Saving And Loading Configurations
Using System Tools and Viewing Information Saving and Loading Configurations Selecting the Tools tab on the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen displays the Load Config (Configuration) From File and Write Config To File tools. Use these tools to back up the bridge configuration settings once you are satisfied with them, and recover the bridge configuration settings, if necessary. -
Page 33: Loading A Configuration
Resetting the Unit Loading a Configuration The Wireless Bridge Manager allows you to easily reload a saved configuration file to the currently selected bridge. To reload a saved configuration file, follow these steps: 1 From the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen (see “Selecting a Bridge to Configure” on page 15), select the Tools tab. -
Page 34: Resetting The Unit To Factory Defaults
Using System Tools and Viewing Information To reset the wireless bridge unit, follow these steps: 1 From the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen (see “Selecting a Bridge to Configure” on page 15), select the Tools tab. 2 Double-click the Reset Unit icon. The Reset Unit screen appears, asking you to verify that you want to restart the bridge unit. -
Page 35: Using The Reset To Default Icon
3 Click Yes to restart the unit. Resetting by Using the Configuration Button You can also reset the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge to factory default settings without using the Bridge Manager: 1 Disconnect power to the bridge. 2 Insert one end of an extended paper clip into the small hole labeled Config. (located near the serial port on the bridge back panel) to press the configuration button. -
Page 36: Updating The Bridge Firmware
Using System Tools and Viewing Information Updating the Bridge Firmware The 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge ships with the most current firmware available. Over time, as features are added and problems are fixed, newer firmware may become available. If you are having trouble with your wireless bridge, it is recommended that you first upgrade to the latest firmware version. - Page 37 Updating the Bridge Firmware 5 Use the Open Firmware File screen to locate the firmware file. Select the file and click Open. The Bridge Manager fills in the path and file name in the Firmware Upgrade Tool screen for the file you selected, as shown here: 6 Click Upgrade to begin the upgrade process using the selected firmware.
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Page 38: Setting The Password
Using System Tools and Viewing Information Setting the Password Setting a password prevents unauthorized users from accessing or changing the settings for your wireless bridge. You must enter this password each time you reconfigure the bridge. It is recommended that you set a password for each wireless bridge. To initially set or change the password, follow these steps: 1 From the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen (see “Selecting a Bridge to Configure”... -
Page 39: Using The Log Viewer
Using the Log Viewer Using the Log Viewer The Log Viewer lets you display: The different logs and tables stored on the wireless bridge. Status and error messages issued by the wireless bridge. NOTE: Viewing the logs may interrupt network connectivity. Therefore, it is recommended that you try to schedule viewing the logs for a time when the rate of network traffic is at a minimum, preferably after normal working hours. -
Page 40: Forward Table
Using System Tools and Viewing Information Forward Table The forward table displays the MAC addresses that have been detected by the wireless bridge. The table lists the interface, wire (10BASE-T) or radio (Wireless), on which each MAC address was observed. The time for each entry indicates the number of seconds until that entry will be removed from the table. -
Page 41: Association Log
Using the Log Viewer Association Log The Association Log records association and disassociation events. Each association event is recorded with a time stamp and, if available, the MAC address and WLAN service area name of the bridge with which the association was made. Each disassociation event contains only a time stamp. -
Page 42: Viewing Signal Strength With The Rssi Monitor
Using System Tools and Viewing Information Viewing Signal Strength with the RSSI Monitor The RSSI Monitor tool provides graphical information about the signal strength of packets received by the wireless bridge. While this tool is open, the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) information is updated each time the unit receives a data packet. -
Page 43: Long Term Statistics
Viewing System Information Long Term Statistics The top graph in the RSSI Monitor displays Long Term Statistics. The information in this graph is reset every time you open the RSSI Monitor. It reports the Maximum, Average, and Minimum received packet signal strength for all packets since the RSSI Monitor was opened. -
Page 45: Troubleshooting Bridge Problems
Troubleshooting Bridge Problems If your 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge is not operating properly, make sure the bridge is running the latest firmware, and use this guide before contacting 3Com Customer Support through the 3Com Customer Support Web site: http://support.3com.com Upgrading Firmware If you have any trouble with your bridge unit, go first to the Web site shown below and download the latest version of the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge firmware. -
Page 46: Handling Event Log Errors
4 Contact 3Com Customer Support if the problem persists. Handling Terminal Configurator Error Codes See Appendix B, “Using the Terminal Configurator,” for detailed information about using the Terminal Configurator method to configure your 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge. Error Code Description Xxxx: [yyyy]: Section named yyyy in configuration file named xxxx was missing. -
Page 47: Technical Specifications
40- and 128-bit WEP encryption, shared key Security VPN pass through Power Specifications Available Transmit Power Settings 300 mA, typically 1.While the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge conforms with the IEEE 802.11b standard, it is not compatible or interoperable with other IEEE 802.11b devices. -
Page 48: Radio Specifications
Technical Specifications Radio Specifications Frequency Band 2.4 GHz Range Transmit and receive information up to 2.6 miles (4,146 meters) between wireless bridges (depending on antenna selection) Wireless Medium DSSS Media Access Protocol CSMA/CA Modulation DSSS Operating Channels 1 through 11 (U.S.) Nonoverlapping Channels 1, 6, and 11 Sensitivity and Data Rate... -
Page 49: Dimensions
Dimensions Dimensions Length: 6.20 inches (157 mm) Width: 3.89 inches (99 mm) Height: 1.10 inches (28 mm) Environmental Environment Limits Storage temperature -20° to +70° C (-4° to 158° F) Operating temperature -20° to +55° C (-4° to 131° F) Humidity 95% maximum, Non-condensing Operating altitude... -
Page 51: Using The Terminal Configurator
Using the Terminal Configurator You can use the Terminal Configurator as an alternative method to configure your 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge in the event that the Wireless Bridge Manager configuration utility (Chapter 3) is not available. The Terminal Configurator is a text-based configuration method that lacks many of the features of the Bridge Manager. -
Page 52: Establishing A Telnet Connection
Using the Terminal Configurator 10 Click OK. The COMx Settings screen appears. 11 Select 9600 in the Bits per second field. Leave the default of 8 selected for the Data Bits field. Parity should be left at its default of None. The Stop bits setting should be left at its default of 1. -
Page 53: Using The Terminal Configurator
You can use this option to keep a record of the settings made for a particular wireless bridge unit, or to generate a file if you need to contact 3Com Customer Support. Reset configuration to default This option allows you to set all configuration files to their factory default settings. -
Page 54: Edit Configuration Menu Overview
Using the Terminal Configurator Edit Configuration Menu Overview The Edit Configuration Menu contains three selections: Return to Main Menu Goes back to the previous menu selections. System Displays the editor screen with the configuration file for system options. Bridged Ethernet (lan0) Displays the editor screen with the configuration file for the radio parameters and IP network settings. -
Page 55: File Contents
This parameter controls the low-level MAC timeout. Do not change this parameter from its default value of 324 unless instructed to do so by 3Com technical support. -
Page 56: [Encryption]
This section contains only a single low-level configuration parameter. ethertype This value should be changed only if requested by 3Com Technical Support. [bootp] This section contains parameters to configure and enable bootp for the wireless bridge. You can configure the wireless bridge to determine its IP information from a bootp server. -
Page 57: Error Codes
IP parameters. Xxxx: file does not exist. Configuration file could not be found. Reset the configuration to factory defaults, and reset the wireless. If the problem persists, contact 3Com Customer Support. -
Page 59: Index
Index Numerics 10BASE-T Ethernet port 10 data and sensitivity rate 42 IEEE 802.11b 41 128-bit shared key security 18 diagnosis, problem 39 indicators, LED 7 40-bit shared key security 18 dimensions 6, 43 Info tab 37 direct serial connection 45 installing direct serial connection, establishing 45 hardware... - Page 60 Index security setting 17 sensitivity and data rate 42 password technical specifications 41 serial connection 45 changing technical support 39 serial port 10 removing Telnet connection settings polarization 8 assigning an IP address for channel ports 10 establishing encryption power jack 10 terminal configurator medium rate temperature...
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Page 61: Limited Warranty And Regulatory Compliance Information
3Com warrants to Customer that each software program licensed from it, except as noted below, will perform in substantial conformance to its published program specifications, for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase from 3Com or its authorized reseller. - Page 62 RESELLER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, AND LIMITS ITS LIABILITY TO REPAIR, REPLACEMENT, OR REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID, AT 3COM'S OPTION. THIS DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES WILL NOT BE AFFECTED IF ANY REMEDY PROVIDED HEREIN SHALL FAIL OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.
- Page 63 2 meters. This product does not contain any user serviceable components. Any unauthorized product changes or modifications will invalidate 3Com’s warranty and regulatory approvals. This product must be installed by a professional technician/installer.
- Page 64 Limited Warranty and Regulatory Compliance Information NDUSTRY ANADA OTICE PPLICABLE TO ITHIN ANADA This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors and away from windows to provide maximum shielding.
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Page 65: 3Com Corporation Limited Warranty
No updates are provided under this warranty. 3Com's sole obligation under this express warranty shall be, at 3Com's option and expense, to refund the purchase price paid by Customer for any defective software product, or to replace any defective media with software which substantially conforms to applicable 3Com published program specifications. - Page 66 Customer, at 3Com's expense, not later than thirty (30) days after 3Com receives the defective product. 3Com will retain risk of loss or damage until the item is delivered to Customer.
- Page 67 2 meters. This product does not contain any user serviceable components. Any unauthorized product changes or modifications will invalidate 3Com’s warranty and regulatory approvals. This product must be installed by a professional technician/installer.
- Page 68 Regulatory Compliance Information NDUSTRY ANADA OTICE PPLICABLE TO ITHIN ANADA This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors and away from windows to provide maximum shielding. Equipment (or its transmit antenna) that is installed outdoors is subject to licensing.
- Page 69 Regulatory Compliance Information EN 60950 Published June, 2001 Quick Start Guide Version 1.0.0...
- Page 71 No updates are provided under this warranty. 3Com's sole obligation under this express warranty shall be, at 3Com's option and expense, to refund the purchase price paid by Customer for any defective software product, or to replace any defective media with software which substantially conforms to applicable 3Com published program specifications.
- Page 72 Customer, at 3Com's expense, not later than thirty (30) days after 3Com receives the defective product. 3Com will retain risk of loss or damage until the item is delivered to Customer.
- Page 73 2 meters. This product does not contain any user serviceable components. Any unauthorized product changes or modifications will invalidate 3Com’s warranty and regulatory approvals. This product must be installed by a professional technician/installer.
- Page 74 Regulatory Compliance Information NDUSTRY ANADA OTICE PPLICABLE TO ITHIN ANADA This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors and away from windows to provide maximum shielding. Equipment (or its transmit antenna) that is installed outdoors is subject to licensing.
- Page 75 Regulatory Compliance Information EN 60950 Published June, 2001 Quick Start Guide Version 1.0.0...