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Cabletron Systems RoamAbout User Manual

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RoamAbout Access Point
User's Guide
9032848-02

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Summary of Contents for Cabletron Systems RoamAbout

  • Page 1 RoamAbout Access Point User’s Guide 9032848-02...
  • Page 3 Notice Notice Cabletron Systems reserves the right to make changes in specifications and other information contained in this document without prior notice. The reader should in all cases consult Cabletron Systems to determine whether any such changes have been made.

  • Page 4: Industry Canada Notice

    Notice FCC Notice This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules.
  • Page 5 Notice Taiwanese Notice — Class A Computing Device: CE Notice — Class A Computing Device: Warning! This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures. Achtung! Dieses ist ein Gerät der Funkstörgrenzwertklasse A.

  • Page 6: Declaration Of Conformity

    Notice Declaration of Conformity Addendum Application of Council Directive(s): 89/336/EEC 73/23/EEC Manufacturer’s Name: Cabletron Systems, Inc. Manufacturer’s Address: 35 Industrial Way PO Box 5005 Rochester, NH 03867 European Representative Name: Mr. J. Solari European Representative Address: Cabletron Systems Limited Nexus House, Newbury Business Park...

  • Page 7: Getting Help

    Notice Getting Help For additional support related to this device or document, contact Cabletron Systems using one of the following methods: http://www.cabletron.com World Wide Web http://www.cabletron.com/wireless Phone (603) 332-9400 Internet mail support@cabletron.com To send comments or suggestions concerning this document, contact the Cabletron Systems Technical Writing Department via the following email address: TechWriting@cabletron.com...

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    RoamAbout Access Point Manager ........
  • Page 10 Installing the AP ............. . 3-5 Verifying the Operation of the RoamAbout Access Point ......3-10 Connecting a Device to the Console Port .
  • Page 11 Table of Contents 5 Problem Solving Using the LEDs to Determine the Problem ......... . 5-2 Reset Button .

  • Page 13: Intended Audience

    Preface The RoamAbout™ Access Point is a 2-port bridge that connects a wired Ethernet (ThinWire™ or 10BaseT) local area network (LAN) and a wireless LAN. This manual describes how to install and configure the RoamAbout Access Point. It also describes how to troubleshoot problems that may arise during installation or operation.
  • Page 14 A 2-port bridge that connects a wireless LAN to a wired Ethernet LAN. Referred to as AP. RoamAbout PC Card™ A PC Card that installs in a RoamAbout Access Point or wireless client to provide wireless connectivity in a LAN environment.
  • Page 15 Associated Documents Associated Documents The following table lists each component, with its associated document, that can be used with your RoamAbout Access Point. Component Document PC Card RoamAbout IEEE DS/PC Card and ISA Adapter Card User’s Guide RoamAbout Access Point...
  • Page 17 Chapter 1 Introducing RoamAbout Access Point This chapter provides an overview of the RoamAbout Access Point (AP) and its operation. The AP is a 2-port bridge. One port connects the AP to an Ethernet LAN through a 10BaseT or ThinWire cable (or through a MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90 Ethernet backplane).

  • Page 18: Summary Of Features

    1. As of V3.0, the AP no longer supports the legacy, non-802.11 PC Cards. If you require the AP to support the earlier ver- sions of the RoamAbout DS or Frequency Hopping (FH) cards, use AP firmware V2.4, which is included in the AP Manager diskettes.
  • Page 19 Lights (green) when the AP passes its power-up self-test. If the AP fails the test, the Module OK LED is off. If this LED is flashing, the Ethernet or wireless port (or both) has a fault, preventing connection to the network. Introducing RoamAbout Access Point 1-3...
  • Page 20 LED indicates the level of activity on the wireless port. If the LED is flashing together with the Bridge State LED (6), the wireless port has a fault that prevents the AP from establishing a connection to the network. 1-4 Introducing RoamAbout Access Point...
  • Page 21 Receives +5 Vdc from the AP’s standalone power Connector supply. Not used when the AP is installed in a MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90. Mounting Tab Secures the AP to the MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90 backplane. Introducing RoamAbout Access Point 1-5...

  • Page 22: Ap To Wireless Clients Configuration

    When a wireless client (such as the laptop computer in Figure 1-2) approaches the boundary of a coverage area, the wireless client searches for a new AP that provides a better quality signal, resulting in more reliable data throughput. 1-6 Introducing RoamAbout Access Point...

  • Page 23: Ap To Ap Configuration

    Figure 1-3: Building-to-Building Configuration 2844-01-03 You can also configure APs to connect two LANs in the same building. Contact your Cabletron sales representative or visit the RoamAbout web site for more information about the optional outdoor antenna kits. Introducing RoamAbout Access Point 1-7...

  • Page 24: Bridging Services

    In Workgroup Bridge mode, the AP learns addresses only from the wireless side of the network. The AP only forwards packets to multicast addresses, broadcast addresses, and known addresses on the wireless LAN. The default Aging Timer interval is 32 minutes. 1-8 Introducing RoamAbout Access Point...

  • Page 25: Configuration Tools

    The device needs to be directly connected to the AP console port. RoamAbout Access Point Manager The RoamAbout Access Point Manager is included in the RoamAbout Access Point kit. You install the AP Manager on a Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT system.

  • Page 26: Other Management Tools

    The Cabletron clearVISN system also supports the AP. NOTE The AP Manager and console port do not support RMON. To set RMON parameters and the multicast limiting rate value, you need an NMS system or clearVISN. 1-10 Introducing RoamAbout Access Point...

  • Page 27: Optional Antennas

    APs are located in separate buildings. Range Extender Antenna The RoamAbout PC Card in the AP has two integrated antennas that perform best in an open environment with as few obstacles as possible. Use the Range Extender Antenna (Figure 1-4) to ensure optimal transmission and reception quality for situations where the integrated antennas are shielded, such as: The PC Card is close to metal surfaces.

  • Page 28: Outdoor Antenna Kit

    Optional Antennas Figure 1-4: Range Extender Antenna Outdoor Antenna Kit The RoamAbout outdoor antenna kit allows you to connect multiple buildings or LANs via a wireless outdoor point-to-point link. The kit provides a selection of high-gain, low-noise antennas and components.

  • Page 29: Unpacking And Checking The Contents Of The Shipment

    Unpack and check the shipment for damage or missing parts. The shipment includes: RoamAbout Access Point Power supply RoamAbout Access Point Manager software on diskettes. Optionally, you could also have these kits: RoamAbout PC Cards for wireless clients Range Extender Antenna...

  • Page 30: Selecting The Location

    The size of the coverage area (in open air) is determined by the type of PC Card in the AP and wireless client(s). The RoamAbout PC Card has an effective range of up to a 550-ft. radius area (in an open environment). If using a card other than the RoamAbout PC Card in wireless clients, refer to that card’s documentation for...

  • Page 31: Mounting The Ap In A Central Location

    Selecting the Location Figure 2-1: Mounting the AP in a Central Location LKG-8805-931-01 Preparing for Installation 2-3...

  • Page 32: Reviewing The Site Requirements

    If you are installing the AP in a standalone configuration, ensure that an appropriate ac power source is within 1.6 m (5.5 ft) of the AP. Ensure that a PC to install the RoamAbout Access Point Management software or a console port device (a terminal or PC with terminal emulation software) is available at the site for configuring the AP.

  • Page 33: Electrical And Environmental Requirements

    Reviewing the Site Requirements Electrical and Environmental Requirements Ensure that the environmental and electrical requirements are within the ranges described in the following tables. Table 2-2: Environmental Specifications Parameter Description Operating Environment 5 C to 50 C (41 F to 122 F) Temperature Maximum rate of change 20 C/h (36 F/h)
  • Page 34 Acoustics — Declared values per ISO 9296 and ISO 7779 Product Sound Power Level L Sound Pressure Level , dBA (bystander positions) Idle/Operate Idle/Operate RoamAbout Access Point No acoustic noise No acoustic noise Schallemissionswerte — Werteangaben nach ISO 9296 und ISO 7779/DIN EN27779 Produkt Schalleistungspegel Schalldruckpegel L...

  • Page 35: Cabling Requirements

    Reviewing the Site Requirements Cabling Requirements For a standalone configuration only: Ensure that you have the appropriate types and lengths of cable for connecting the AP to the wired Ethernet. For a 10BaseT connection, use a BN26K cable. For a ThinWire connection, you need a BC16M cable, T-connector (H8223-00), and 50-ohm terminator (H8225-00).

  • Page 37: Installing The Roamabout Access Point

    Chapter 3 Installing the RoamAbout Access Point This chapter provides a step-by-step procedure to install the RoamAbout Access Point. Before installing the AP, ensure that all the procedures in Chapter 2 are completed. Installing the AP involves the following tasks:...

  • Page 38: Installing The Pc Card

    Gently push the card into the slot until it is firmly seated. You will sense a slight resistance as you insert the card. When properly inserted, the card protrudes approximately 1-1/2 inches from the AP. 3-2 Installing the RoamAbout Access Point...

  • Page 39: Installing The Ap Into A Multiswitch 900 Or Dechub 90

    Lift up the latch on the back cover by inserting a flat-blade screwdriver into the top mounting hole. LKG-6722-921-01 With the latch up, pull the top of the back cover away, pivoting at the bottom of the AP. Installing the RoamAbout Access Point 3-3...

  • Page 40: Seating The Ap In The Multiswitch 900 Or Dechub 90

    Press down on the release lever to ensure that it is locked. Release Lever Hub Manager Clicks when Status Display MultiSwitch 900 Module is Seated. DEChub 90 Mounting Tab LKG-9453-941-01 Perform the appropriate steps in “Installing the AP” on page 3-5. 3-4 Installing the RoamAbout Access Point...

  • Page 41: Installing The Ap

    T-connector, and terminator to the BNC connector on the AP. Note that instead of a terminator, the other side of the T-connector can be cabled to another device in the LAN. T-Connector 50-ohm Terminator A c c e s s P o in LKG-8685-931-01 Installing the RoamAbout Access Point 3-5...
  • Page 42 To connect to a 10BaseT Network –– Connect the 10BaseT cable to the 10BaseT Ethernet connector. LKG-8686-931-01 Connect the other end of the ThinWire cable or 10BaseT cable to an active Ethernet outlet, such as a DECconnect faceplate or other appropriate network device. 3-6 Installing the RoamAbout Access Point...
  • Page 43 Installing the AP Step Action To configure the AP, you need the RoamAbout Access Point Manager (see “Installing the RoamAbout Access Point Manager” on page 3-15) or a console device. To use a console device, connect a 9-pin serial cable to the AP’s 9-pin, D-Sub, PC-compatible serial port.
  • Page 44 Installing the AP Step Action If using an antenna (outdoor or range extender antenna), install the antenna cable to the PC Card. The following figure shows the optional range extender antenna. Range Extender Antenna (Optional) 2848-01-02 3-8 Installing the RoamAbout Access Point...
  • Page 45 AP. If using an outdoor antenna, make sure that the AP and the outdoor antenna use the same grounding system, as described in the RoamAbout 802.11 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide. Connect the power supply to an AC outlet to turn on the AP.

  • Page 46: Verifying The Operation Of The Roamabout Access Point

    Verifying the Operation of the RoamAbout Access Point Verifying the Operation of the RoamAbout Access Point The AP runs a series of self-tests on power-up and reports status using its LEDs. When power-up begins, the following occurs: Stage Description The firmware begins running diagnostics, initializes minimal hardware, then sequentially turns LEDs 2 through 6 on and off.

  • Page 47: Normal Led Pattern

    Verifying the Operation of the RoamAbout Access Point Figure 3-1: Normal LED Pattern LKG-10067-931-01 Item LED Name Operational State Power OK On = power is okay Module OK On = self-test passed Wired LAN Activity Blinking = network connection Bridge State...

  • Page 48: Connecting A Device To The Console Port

    Ensure that the transmit and receive baud rates on the console port device are set to 9600 baud only. Connect the console port device to the console port connector on either the AP front-panel serial port or the MultiSwitch 900 console port. 3-12 Installing the RoamAbout Access Point...

  • Page 49: Console Port Cabling

    Terminal with a H8575-A BN24H-xx 25-pin D-Sub connector Terminal with a H8575-A BN24H-xx 6-pin MMJ connector 1. xx indicates cable length in meters. 2. The AP requires an H8571-J also. Installing the RoamAbout Access Point 3-13...

  • Page 50: Console Port Cabling

    Connecting a Device to the Console Port Figure 3-2: Console Port Cabling P o in e s s A c c H8571-J H8571-J H8575-A H8575-A BN24H BC16E Item Description MultiSwitch 900 console port AP console port Console port device 3-14 Installing the RoamAbout Access Point...

  • Page 51: Installing The Roamabout Access Point Manager

    LAN can not upgrade the firmware on its associated AP. To install the RoamAbout Access Point Manager, insert the floppy disk (disk 1 of 2) in the PC and run A:SETUP (this can be done from the Windows Explorer, DOS prompt or the Run option from the Start button).

  • Page 52: Setting The Ap Parameters

    You can also use the RoamAbout Client Utility to test the communications path from a wireless client to the AP. The client utility is described in the RoamAbout IEEE DS/PC Card and ISA Adapter Card User’s Guide.

  • Page 53: Configuring The Roamabout Access Point

    Depending on the configuration of your wireless network, you may need to change the default settings of various parameters. Refer to “Configuring the AP for SNMP Management” on page 4-16 to have the AP managed by an SNMP Manager. Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point 4-1...

  • Page 54: Starting A Configuration Tool

    Access Point Manager or a device connected to the console port. The following sections describe how to start each tool. RoamAbout Access Point Manager If you have installed the RoamAbout Access Point Manager on a computer, go to that computer, click the Start button on the Windows desktop, and select: Programs...

  • Page 55: Console Port Device

    Press F1 on your keyboard while in any AP Manager window for information about the parameters in that window. Console Port Device If using a device connected to the AP console port, you need to access the RoamAbout Access Point Installation Menu to modify the AP parameters. Perform the following: Step...

  • Page 56: Showing Current Settings

    : Not Configured Wired Ethernet MAC Address : 08-00-2B-A3-89-61 Wireless Ethernet MAC Address : 00-60-6D-92-00-FB Wireless Network Adapter : RoamAbout IEEE 2.4 GHz DS Adapter Revisions : Hardware 2.000 Firmware 3.01 Bridge Mode : Work Group Upline Dump : DISABLED...
  • Page 57 ============================================================ RoamAbout Access Point Wireless Configuration Current Station Name : RoamAbout AP Current Wireless Network Name : RoamAbout Default Network Name Current Secure Access : Enabled Current Channel : 2.4220 GHz (802.11-3)

  • Page 58: Wireless Parameters

    NOTE To implement a change to one or more wireless parameters, you need to reset the AP, as described in “Resetting the RoamAbout Access Point” on page 4-14. Channel The channel sets the center frequency of the AP. In a LAN-to-LAN configuration, the APs need to be set to the same channel.

  • Page 59: Station Name

    In this environment, transmitting at 1 Mbit/s is not more useful than transmitting at 2 Mbit/s. The transmit rate you select does not affect the receive rate. For example, you can set the transmit rate to 1 Mbit/s and still receive 2 Mbit/s data. Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point 4-7...

  • Page 60: Rts Threshold

    AP so that the devices can sense each other’s transmissions, if possible. Otherwise, set Medium Reservation on the RoamAbout client to the Hidden Stations setting. For a hidden station problem, change Medium Reservation on the client, not the AP.

  • Page 61: Ieee Power Management (Dtim Period)

    In such cases, disabling power management on the client might result in better throughput performance. RoamAbout PC Cards with Station Firmware lower than V2.00, do NOT support Power Management. Enabling Power Management for such cards can cause unpredictable computer behavior and a loss of the network connection.

  • Page 62: Setting Bridge Mode

    NOTE To implement this change, you need to reset the AP as described in “Resetting the RoamAbout Access Point” on page 4-14. Setting Default Rate Limiting (Multicast Traffic) By default, the AP is configured to limit multicast traffic to 100Kb/sec (5%).

  • Page 63: Setting Encryption

    If you enable/disable Encryption or allow/disallow nonencrypted clients to communicate with the AP, you need to reset the AP as described in “Resetting the RoamAbout Access Point” on page 4-14. You do not need to reset the AP to add, delete, or modify keys.

  • Page 64: Setting Rmon Values

    80 buckets each to the long and short term History groups assigned to the Wired interface, and 20 buckets each to the long and short term History groups assigned to the Wireless interface. This example does not exceed the maximum of 200 buckets. 4-12 Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point...

  • Page 65: Checking The Configuration On Multiple Aps

    Modes - Checks that all APs are configured with the same operating modes, such as rate limiting, upline dump, and bridge mode. Firmware Revisions - Verifies that all APs have the same version of the firmware. Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point 4-13...

  • Page 66: Resetting The Roamabout Access Point

    Reset/Reload button, then click the Reset with Factory Defaults button. From a device attached to the console port, select Reset with Factory Defaults from the Installation Menu. Allow approximately 1 minute for the AP to reset and complete its self-test. 4-14 Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point...

  • Page 67: Configuring The Ap For Lan-To-Lan

    “Wireless Parameters” on page 4-6 to change the Transmit Rate. 5) Perform this procedure on the other AP. The following AP parameters are not used in this mode: Wireless Network Name Secure Access AP Density Power Management (DTIM Period) Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point 4-15...

  • Page 68: Configuring The Ap For Snmp Management

    To modify an existing AP’s subnet mask and default gateway using the AP Manager: 1) Select the AP in the Managed List field. 2) Click the IP Network Parameters button. 3) Enter the subnet mask and default gateway. 4-16 Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point...
  • Page 69 To enter the AP’s IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway using the console port: 1) At the RoamAbout Installation Menu, choose Set In-Band Interface IP Address. 2) Enter the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. You do not need to reset the AP.

  • Page 70: Set Snmp Read/Write Community

    AP. To enter a community name for the AP using the console port: 1) At the RoamAbout Installation Menu, choose Set SNMP Read/Write Community. 2) Enter the community name (4 to 31 printable ASCII characters).

  • Page 71: Set Snmp Trap Addresses

    To have the AP send SNMP traps, you need to enter the IP address of the device where the trap is to be sent. A trap is a defined event or condition detected by the RoamAbout Access Point SNMP agent.

  • Page 72: Upgrading The Roamabout Access Point

    The AP internal firmware, also called embedded software, can be easily upgraded. This firmware is stored in an area called flash memory. You should regularly check the RoamAbout web site (listed in the front of this guide) for the latest information concerning new firmware releases, new features, and bug fixes.

  • Page 73: Problem Solving

    Chapter 5 Problem Solving This chapter contains problem solving information for the AP. Refer to the appropriate section for information about solving specific problems. Problem Solving 5-1...

  • Page 74: Using The Leds To Determine The Problem

    Using the LEDs to Determine the Problem Using the LEDs to Determine the Problem The LEDs on the AP show status and help you diagnose problems. After the AP is powered up and completes its power-up self-test procedure, the LEDs indicate whether the AP is functioning properly.
  • Page 75 Using the LEDs to Determine the Problem Table 5-2 describes possible AP problems and recommended corrective actions. Table 5-2: LED Problem Solving Summary If... Then... Do This... Power OK LED (1) is off. AP does not have Verify that the outlet has power.
  • Page 76 Using the LEDs to Determine the Problem Table 5-2: LED Problem Solving Summary (Continued) If... Then... Do This... Wireless LAN Activity There is no activity on Reconfigure the wireless LED (6) is blinking a short the wireless LAN. If parameters. Ensure that on once per second.

  • Page 77: Normal Operating Mode Led Patterns

    Using the LEDs to Determine the Problem Table 5-3, Table 5-4, and Table 5-5 list common conditions and the corresponding states of the LED indicators. Table 5-3: Normal Operating Mode LED Patterns LEDs Meaning of LED Pattern Normal operating mode. AP is okay but waiting for Spanning Tree.
  • Page 78 Using the LEDs to Determine the Problem Table 5-5: Network Loading/Upline Dumping LED Patterns LEDs Meaning of LED Pattern Waiting for downline load from load host Downline loading image from load host Firmware error detected while downline loading image from load host TFTP file not found Waiting for retry of TFTP load Upgrading Flash...

  • Page 79: Reset Button

    Reset Button Reset Button You can force a downline load of the AP’s firmware from a load host and reset to factory parameters by pressing the Reset button on the front panel of the AP during a power-up cycle. When you press the Reset button as the AP is powering up, the LEDs cycle through three times to indicate that the AP recognized the reset request.

  • Page 80: Showing Counters

    You can display the values of all the counters maintained by the AP. This information can help you to monitor the performance of your wireless network or better understand a problem. Typically, this information is used by RoamAbout support personnel to help you diagnose a problem.
  • Page 81 Showing Counters The following example shows the dialogs associated with Show Counters. Device uptime: 0 00:30:08 ETHERNET Port 0 WIRELESS Port 1 Individually addressed bytes sent: Multicast bytes sent: 111446 109406 Individually addressed bytes received: Multicast bytes received: Individually addressed frames sent: Multicast frames sent: 1850 1820...

  • Page 82: Displaying Error Logs

    Wireless Settings To display the wireless settings error logs using the console port: 1) At the RoamAbout Installation Menu, choose Module-Specific Options. 2) In the next menu, select Dump Error Log. The following example shows the dialog associated with this option.
  • Page 83 Removing the AP from the MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90 Removing the AP from the MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90 Follow this procedure if it becomes necessary to remove the AP: Step Action Lift the release lever located on the top of the MultiSwitch 900 slot or the DEChub 90 slot.
  • Page 85 Appendix A Connector, Cable, and Adapter Pin Assignments The following figures illustrate the connector, adapter, and cable pin assignments for the RoamAbout Access Point. Figure A-1: 10BaseT (8-pin MJ) Connector Pin Assignments Assignment Receive (RX+) Receive (RX-) Transmit (TX+) No connect...
  • Page 86 Figure A-2: Console Port (DB-9) Connector Pin Assignments Assignment Data Carrier Detect (DCD) Receive Data (RXD) Transmit Data (TXD) Data Terminal Ready (DTR) Ground Data Set Ready (DSR) LKG-8996-931-01 Request to Send (RTS) Clear to Send (CTS) No connect Figure A-3: BN24H Cable Pin Assignments (Used with Console Port) 8 MMP WH/GR 6 MMP...
  • Page 87 Figure A-5: H8571-J Adapter Pin Assignments (Used with Console Port) 9 D-Sub(F) 6 MMJ LKG-5342-911-01 Figure A-6: H8575-A Adapter Pin Assignments (Used with Console Port) 25 D-Sub(F) 6 MMJ TX - RX + LKG-8793-931-01 Connector, Cable, and Adapter Pin Assignments A-3...

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