Cabletron Systems Network Router 3Com User Manual

®
AirConnect 11 Mbps  
Wireless LAN Access Point  
User Guide  
Version 2.0  
Part No. 09-2045-000  
Published December 2000  
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OVERVIEW OF DIGITAL WIRELESS  
NETWORKING  
1
Introduction  
AirConnect® from 3Com is made up of a series of products that work together to  
deliver high-speed digital wireless networking. This technology provides connectivity  
between wireless clients and network nodes in a variety of indoor environments,  
and also provides bridging architecture between wired and wireless network  
segments. AirConnect is based on the IEEE 802.11B standard, and delivers 11 Mbps  
data transfer rates.  
The core hardware products that make up an AirConnect network include  
the following:  
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A wireless network interface card (NIC) installed in a wireless client, either  
a PC Card installed in a notebook computer, or a PCI card installed in a  
desktop computer.  
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Access point, or AP, which serves as a wireless network node.  
PowerBASE-T (optional), which provides bus power to the access point when  
connected to an Ethernet network.  
Also included in your AirConnect kit are an AP mounting bracket and hardware,  
a serial cable, a power adapter and associated power cables, and one CD: the  
AirConnect Installation CD.  
AirConnect Network  
Topologies  
To better understand how the various AirConnect products work together to create  
a wireless network, it might be helpful to depict a few of the possible AirConnect  
network topologies. The topology used in a particular environment depends on many  
factors, such as the functionality of the AP in the network, or desired data transfer  
rates. Your AirConnect network topology will probably resemble one of the following  
scenarios, or perhaps a combination of two or more.  
Peer-To-Peer Network The simplest AirConnect topology consists of one AP providing a single-cell  
network for wireless clients. In this scenario, as shown in the figure below, the  
wireless clients (notebook and desktop computers with the AirConnect NIC  
installed) communicate through the AP on a peer-to-peer network. The clients can  
be moved anywhere within the coverage area of the AP, and still communicate  
with each other. The AP in this instance serves the same purpose as a stand-alone  
network hub, and is not connected to any other network segments.  
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CHAPTER 1: OVERVIEW OF DIGITAL WIRELESS NETWORKING  
Same-Site Separate In this scenario, as shown in the following figure, Multiple APs can coexist as  
Networks separate networks at the same site without interference using different network  
identifiers (wireless LAN service areas). The wireless clients can move within the  
coverage area of one AP and remain connected, or can roam (if configured to do  
so) to the coverage area of a different AP, and communicate with the wireless  
clients associated with that AP.  
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AirConnect Network Topologies  
11  
Single AP Bridge Another possible AirConnect topology is a single AP bridging an Ethernet and  
wireless network. As shown in the next figure, the AP, wired to a network server  
or LAN through an Ethernet cable, serves as a network node and provides the link  
between the server and the wireless clients. The wireless clients can move freely  
throughout the coverage area of the AP while remaining connected to the server.  
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CHAPTER 1: OVERVIEW OF DIGITAL WIRELESS NETWORKING  
Multiple-AP Full This network topology will be used in most enterprise environments: multiple APs  
Coverage Network wired to an existing LAN to provide complete wireless network coverage. In this  
scenario, as shown in the following figure, wireless clients can roam seamlessly  
between different coverage areas and remain connected to the network.  
AirConnect Access  
Point  
The AirConnect access point (AP) provides either a wireless peer-to-peer network  
coverage area, or a bridge between Ethernet-wired LANs and AirConnect wireless  
networks. Essentially replacing the cabling of wired networks, the AP delivers  
transparent connectivity between wireless clients, or between Ethernet networks  
and wireless clients.  
The AP provides an 11 Mbps data transfer rate, monitoring Ethernet traffic and  
forwarding appropriate Ethernet messages to wireless clients over the network.  
It also monitors wireless client radio traffic and forwards wireless client packets  
to the Ethernet LAN.  
The AP uses high data rate, direct sequence spread spectrum technology to  
communicate with mobile and stationary units at distances of up to 300 feet,  
providing high-capacity networking capability and the flexibility of mobility to  
end users.  
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AirConnect Access Point  
13  
A wireless client communicating with an AP appears on the network as a peer to  
other network devices, rendering the wireless interface transparent. The AP receives  
data from its wired interfaces and forwards the data to the proper interface.  
The AP has connections for wired networks, built-in antennas, and a power supply.  
It attaches to a wall or ceiling, or can be placed on a flat surface, depending on  
installation-site requirements. The AP uses a diversity antenna for radio transmission  
and reception, allowing the AP to automatically select the strongest of the radio  
signals picked up by the antenna.  
AP Features  
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Built-in diagnostics (including a power-up self-check)  
Wireless MAC interface  
Upgradable firmware  
10BASE-T Ethernet port interface with full-speed filtering  
Power supply IEC connector and a country-specific AC power cable  
PC/AT Serial Port Interface  
Built-in antenna diversity  
Support for up to 63 wireless clients  
SNMP support  
IEEE 802.11 MIB support  
DHCP support  
HTTP Web server support.  
PowerBASE-T This device allows the AP to be powered through the Ethernet cable connecting  
the AP to a LAN. The PowerBASE-T should be used when the AP is connected to  
LAN and is mounted in a location where access to a standard electric outlet is  
severely limited.  
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CHAPTER 1: OVERVIEW OF DIGITAL WIRELESS NETWORKING  
For details concerning the installation of your PowerBASE-T, see “Using the  
Radio Basics  
AirConnect devices use radio signals to transmit and receive data without wires.  
You can communicate with the network by establishing radio links between  
wireless clients and APs.  
AirConnect uses Quadative Phase Shift layered modulation (QPSK) to transmit  
digital data from one device to another. Using QPSK, a radio signal begins with a  
carrier signal that provides the base or center frequency. The digital data signal is  
superimposed on the carrier signal in process called “modulation.” The radio  
signal then travels through the air as electromagnetic waves. A receiving antenna  
in the path of the waves absorbs them as electrical signals. The receiving device  
“demodulates” the signal by removing the carrier signal. This demodulation  
results in the original digital data.  
AirConnect uses its environment (the air and certain other objects) as the  
transmission medium. AirConnect radio devices transmit in the 2.4-2.5 GHz  
frequency range, a license-free range throughout most of the world. The actual  
range your AirConnect network operates at is country-dependent.  
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Radio Basics  
15  
AirConnect devices, like other Ethernet devices, have unique, hardware-encoded  
Media Access Control (MAC), or IEEE, addresses. MAC addresses determine the  
device sending or receiving data. A MAC address is a 48-bit number written as six  
hexadecimal bytes separated by colons. A typical MAC address might be:  
00:A0:F8:24:9A:C8  
The AP MAC address is printed on the bottom of the unit, as shown below.  
Cellular Coverage The AP establishes an average communication range with wireless clients called a  
Home Service Area (HSA), or cell. When a wireless client is in a particular cell, the  
wireless client associates and communicates with the AP in that cell. Each cell has  
a Home Service Area Identifier (HSA_ID). Under the 802.11 standard, the MAC  
address of an AP represents its HSA_ID. The wireless client recognizes the AP it  
associates with using the HSA_ID. Adding APs to a LAN establishes more cells in  
an environment, creating a wireless network using the same NET_ID. This type of  
network is called a Wireless LAN Service Area (WSA), as shown below.  
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CHAPTER 1: OVERVIEW OF DIGITAL WIRELESS NETWORKING  
APs with the same WLAN service area define a coverage area. The wireless client  
searches for APs with a matching wireless LAN service area and synchronizes  
with an AP to establish communications. This allows wireless clients within the  
coverage area to roam between AP cells. As you roam from cell to cell, your  
wireless client switches APs. The switch occurs when the wireless client analyzes  
the reception quality at a particular location and selects an AP to communicate  
with, based on such factors as signal strength and wireless client load.  
When the wireless client begins to lose the signal as it moves away from an  
associated AP, it performs a scan to find another AP. As wireless clients switch  
APs, the AP updates the association table. Roaming is invisible to the user.  
Wireless LAN Service Area  
The network administrator assigns the wireless LAN service area for the APs in a  
WSA. A valid wireless LAN service area is an alphanumeric, case-sensitive identifier  
of up to 32 characters. All nodes within one LAN use the same wireless LAN  
service area to communicate on the LAN. Multiple wireless LANs can coexist in  
a single environment by assigning different wireless LAN service areas for the  
corresponding APs.  
802.1d Spanning Tree Support  
This protocol creates a loop-free topography with exactly one path between every  
LAN. This is the shortest path from the Root AP to each AP and LAN. If an AP or  
LAN fails, a new route is calculated and added to the tree. All packet forwarding  
follows the spanning tree. APs have to choose one AP as the Root AP. The same  
holds true for WLANs associating with the root AP or another AP connected to the  
Ethernet LAN to prevent forming loops.  
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Theory of Operation  
17  
Site Topography For optimal performance, place wireless clients and APs away from transformers,  
heavy-duty motors, fluorescent lights, microwave ovens, refrigerators and other  
industrial equipment.  
Signal loss can occur when metal, concrete, brick, walls or floors block transmission.  
Locate antennas in open areas or add additional APs as needed to improve coverage.  
Site Surveys  
A site survey analyzes the installation environment and provides users with  
recommendations for the number and placement of APs. 3Com recommends that a  
site survey be conducted at any new site prior to installing AirConnect equipment.  
Theory of Operation  
To improve AP management and performance, you should understand basic AP  
functionality and configuration options. The AP includes features for different  
interface connections and network management.  
The AP provides MAC layer bridging between its interfaces. The AP monitors  
traffic from its interfaces and, based on frame address, forwards the frames to the  
proper destination. The AP tracks the frames sources and destinations to provide  
intelligent bridging as wireless clients roam or network topologies change. The AP  
also handles broadcast and multicast message initiations and responds to wireless  
client association requests.  
MAC Layer Bridging The AP listens to all packets on all interfaces and builds an address database using  
the unique IEEE 48-bit address (MAC address). An address in the database includes  
the interface media that the device uses to associates with the AP. (The AP internal  
stack interface handles all messages directed to the AP.) The AP uses the database  
to forward packets from one interface to another. The bridge forwards packets  
addressed to unknown systems to the default interface (either Ethernet or PPP).  
Each AP stores information on destinations and their interfaces to facilitate  
forwarding. When you send an Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) request packet,  
the AP forwards the request over all enabled interfaces (Ethernet, PPP, or radio),  
except over the interface on which the ARP request packet was received.  
(Radio-received ARP request packets echo back to other APs over radio.) Upon  
receiving the ARP response packet, the AP database keeps a record of the  
destination address along with the receiving interface. With this information,  
the AP forwards any directed packet to the correct destination. The AP forwards  
packets for unknown destinations to the Ethernet interface.  
The AP removes from its database destinations or interfaces not used for a  
specified time. The AP refreshes its database when it transmits or receives data  
from these destinations and interfaces.  
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CHAPTER 1: OVERVIEW OF DIGITAL WIRELESS NETWORKING  
Filtering and Access Control  
The AP provides facilities to limit the wireless clients that associate with it and the  
data packets that can forward through it. Filters provide network security or improve  
performance by eliminating broadcast/multicast packets from the radio network.  
The Access Control List (ACL) contains MAC addresses for wireless clients allowed  
to associate with the AP. This provides security by preventing unauthorized access.  
The AP also uses a disallowed address list of destinations. This feature prevents  
the AP from communicating with specified destinations. This can include network  
devices that do not require communication with the AP or its wireless clients.  
Depending on the setting, the AP can keep a list of frame types that it forwards or  
discards. The Type Filtering option prevents specific frames (indicated by the 16-bit  
DIX Ethernet Type field) from being processed by the AP. These include certain  
broadcast frames from devices unimportant to the wireless LAN but which utilize  
bandwidth. Filtering out unnecessary frames also improve throughput.  
DHCP Support The AP uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to obtain a leased IP  
address and network configuration information from a remote server. DHCP is  
based on BOOTP protocol. DHCP can coexist or interoperate with BOOTP. An AP  
sends out a DHCP request searching for a DHCP server to acquire the network  
configuration and firmware filenames. Because BOOTP and DHCP interoperate,  
the one that responds first becomes the server that allocates information. The  
DHCP client automatically sends a DHCP request to renew the IP address lease as  
long as the AP is running. (This parameter is programmed at the DHCP server. For  
example, Windows NT servers typically are set for 3 days.)  
The AP can optionally download two files when a boot takes place, the firmware  
file and an HTML file, because firmware versions 4.00-31 and above support Web  
servers. Users can program the DHCP or BOOTP server to transfer these two files  
when a DHCP request is made.  
When the AP receives a network configuration change or is not able to renew the  
IP address lease the AP sends out an SNMP trap.  
Media Types The AP supports bridging between Ethernet, radio, and serial media.  
The Ethernet interface fully complies with Ethernet Rev. 2 and IEEE 802.3  
specifications. The AP supports 10BASE-T wired connections and full-speed  
filtering. The data transfer rate over radio waves is 11 Mbps. The Ethernet  
interface is optional for single-cell or PPP-connected networks.  
The radio interface conforms to IEEE 802.11B specifications. The interface  
operates at 11 Mbps using direct-sequence radio technology. The AP supports  
multiple-cell operations with fast, transparent roaming between cells. With the  
direct-sequence system, each cell operates independently. Each cell provides a  
11 Mbps bandwidth. Adding cells to the network provides increased coverage  
area and total system capacity. The AP supports wireless clients operating in  
Power Save Polling (PSP) mode or Continuously Aware Mode (CAM) without  
user intervention.  
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Theory of Operation  
19  
The DB-9, 9-pin, RS-232 serial port provides a User Interface (UI) or a  
Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) connection. The UI provides basic management  
tools for the AP. The PPP provides a link between APs using a serial connection.  
The serial link supports short haul (direct serial) or long haul (telephone line)  
connections. The AP is a Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) device with male pin  
connectors for the RS-232 port. Connecting the AP to a PC requires a null-modem  
cable; connecting the AP to a modem requires a straight-through cable.  
Bridging Support The AP PPP interface, accessible from the serial port at the rear of the AP, provides  
two types of bridging operations: Internet Protocol (IP) bridging between an AP  
and a computer, and between two APs (with one AP connected to a LAN). To  
establish an Internet Protocol bridge with an AP, ensure that the computer  
includes the appropriate Telnet software with PPP and TCP/IP protocols. Using  
Telnet, a remote computer can connect to any AP on an Ethernet network, as  
long as data transfers through IP packets.  
A PPP link provides the option of using a direct serial link or modem to extend  
wired Ethernet topologies. Once in PPP mode, the AP automatically attempts to  
communicate with the other device using the Data-Link Bridging (DLB) protocol.  
An AP using DLB communicates on the MAC level, and receives and transmits  
Ethernet frames.  
If the other device does not support DLB, the AP attempts to communicate using  
Internet Protocol Control Protocol (IPCP). An AP using IPCP communicates on the  
IP level, and receives and transmits IP packets.  
The PPP implementation in the AP uses the Link Control Protocol (LCP) and  
Network Control Protocol (NCP) as described in:  
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RFC 1171: the Point-to-Point Protocol, July 1990.  
RFC 1220: PPP Extensions for Bridging, April 1991.  
RFC 1332: The PPP Internet Protocol Control Protocol, May 1992.  
RFC 1661: The Point-to-Point Protocol, July 1994.  
(RFCs are Requests For Comments used in Internet Communities.)  
The AP database dynamically tracks wireless clients and APs on the PPP interface.  
Packets forward to the PPP link after the AP determines their destination.  
The PPP implementation in the AP uses the NCP as described in RFC 1220: PPP  
Extensions for Bridging to encapsulate packets at the Ethernet level. The PPP provides  
IP bridging control as defined by RFC 1172 and MAC-level bridging. The protocol  
provides support for PPP negotiations conforming to RFC 1661. Users cannot plug a  
non-AP node directly into the AP serial port, only AP-to-AP PPP links.  
For detailed information, refer to RFC 1171: The Point to Point Protocol and RFC  
1220: PPP Extensions for Bridging.  
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CHAPTER 1: OVERVIEW OF DIGITAL WIRELESS NETWORKING  
PPP Connection  
Connecting an AP and a computer with a direct serial link requires the use of a  
null-modem serial cable.  
Connecting an AP and computer with modem devices requires the use of  
straight-through cables between the APs and modems. Using modems requires  
a telephone line for as long as the link remains active.  
When using a modem connection, one AP represents the originating AP and the  
other represents the answering AP. When using a PPP link, do not use the serial  
port to access the UI. Access to the UI requires establishing a Telnet session with  
the AP.  
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Theory of Operation  
21  
Direct-Sequence Spread Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) uses a high-speed, non-information  
Spectrum bearing signal to spread the transmitted information over a segment of the  
radio frequency band or spectrum. The AirConnect access point uses DSSS for  
radio communication.  
Direct-sequence systems communicate by continuously transmitting a redundant  
pattern of bits called a chipping sequence. Each bit of transmitted data is mapped  
into chips by the access point to find the chipping sequence corresponding to the  
output signal.  
Wireless clients receiving a direct-sequence transmission use the same chipping  
sequence to recreate the original data transmitted by the access point. Intercepting  
and decoding a direct-sequence transmission requires a predefined algorithm to  
associate the chipping sequence used by the transmitting access point to the  
receiving wireless client. This algorithm is established when the access point and  
wireless client are configured. The bit redundancy within the chipping sequence  
enables the receiving wireless client to recreate the original data pattern, even if bits  
in the chipping sequence are corrupted by interference.  
Wireless Client APs recognize wireless clients as they associate with the AP. The AP keeps a list of  
Association Process the wireless clients it services. Wireless clients associate with an AP based on the  
following conditions:  
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Signal strength between the AP and wireless client  
Wireless clients currently associated with the AP  
Wireless client Supported Rate (see table below).  
Positive match between the wireless client and encryption keys (optional)  
Positive wireless client authorization by the Access Control List (optional)  
Data Rate  
Requirement  
Optional  
11 Mbps  
5.5 Mbps  
2 Mbps  
Optional  
Required  
1 Mbps  
Required  
Wireless clients perform preemptive roaming by intermittently scanning for APs  
and associating with the best available AP. Before roaming and associating with  
APs, wireless clients perform scans to collect AP statistics and determine the  
direct-sequence channel used by the AP.  
Scanning is a periodic process where the wireless client sends out messages on all  
frequencies defined by the country code. The statistics enable a wireless client to  
reassociate by synchronizing its frequency to the AP. The wireless client continues  
communicating with that AP until it needs to switch cells or roam.  
Wireless clients perform scans at start-up. In a scan, a wireless client uses a  
sequential set of channels as the scan range. For each channel in range, the  
wireless client tests for Clear Channel Assessment (CCA). When a  
transmission-free channel becomes available, the wireless client broadcasts a  
probe with the wireless LAN service area and the broadcast HSA_ID. An  
AP-directed probe response generates a wireless client Acknowledgment (ACK)  
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CHAPTER 1: OVERVIEW OF DIGITAL WIRELESS NETWORKING  
and the addition of the AP to the AP table with a proximity classification. An  
unsuccessful AP packet transmission generates another wireless client probe on  
the same channel. If the wireless client fails to receive a probe response within the  
time limits, it repeats the probe process on the next channel in the sequence. This  
process continues through all channels in the range.  
A wireless client can roam within the coverage area by switching APs. Roaming  
is transparent and virtually instantaneous in high-level applications. Roaming  
occurs when:  
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An unassociated wireless client attempts to associate or reassociate with an  
available AP.  
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The supported rate changes or the wireless client finds a better transmit rate  
with another AP.  
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The signal quality of a potential AP exceeds that of the current AP.  
The ratio of good-transmitted packets to attempted-transmitted packets falls  
below a threshold.  
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The wireless client detects an imbalance in the number of wireless clients  
associated with available APs and roams to a less loaded AP.  
A wireless client selects the best available AP and adjusts itself to the AP  
direct-sequence channel to begin association. Once associated, the AP begins  
forwarding any frames it receives addressed to the wireless client. Each frame  
contains fields for the current direct-sequence channel. The wireless client uses  
these fields to resynchronize to the AP.  
Roaming The AirConnect Roaming feature enables a wireless client on the Internet to move  
from one AP to another within a single subnet. The scanning and associating  
process continues for active wireless clients. This allows the wireless clients to find  
new APs and discard out-of-range or deactivated APs. By testing the airwaves, the  
wireless clients can choose the best network connection available.  
Extended Roaming The AirConnect extended roaming (roaming across routers) feature enables a  
wireless client on the Internet to move from one subnet to another while keeping  
its IP address unchanged. extended roaming enables a wireless client to  
communicate with other hosts using only its home IP address after changing its  
point-of-attachment to the Internet/Intranet.  
For extended roaming to work, you must use a static IP address.  
The Internet Protocol identifies the wireless client point of attachment to a  
network through its IP address. The AP routes packets according to the location  
information contained in the IP header. If the wireless client roams across routers  
to another subnet with extended roaming disabled, the following situations occur:  
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The wireless client changes its point of attachment without changing its IP  
address, causing forthcoming packets to become undeliverable.  
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The wireless client changes its IP address when it moves to a new network,  
causing it to lose connection.  
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Theory of Operation  
23  
Enabling the extended roaming feature is like giving an individual a local post  
office forwarding address when leaving home for an extended period. When mail  
arrives for the individual home address, it is forwarded by the local post office to  
the current care-of-address. Using this method, only the local post office requires  
notification of the individual current address. While this example represents the  
general concept of extended roaming operation and functionality, it does not  
represent the implementation of extended roaming used.  
If you wish to use extended roaming, set your wireless clients for extended  
roaming as specified in the AirConnect Wireless PC Card User Guide.  
The following terms describe elements of the extended roaming feature:  
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A tunnel is the path taken by the original packet encapsulated within the  
payload portion of a second packet to some destination on the network.  
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A Home Agent is an AP acting as a router on the wireless client home network.  
The home agent intercepts packets sent to the wireless client home address  
and tunnels the message to the wireless client at its current location. This  
happens as long as the wireless client keeps its home agent informed of its  
current location on some foreign link.  
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A Foreign Agent is an AP acting as a router at the wireless client location on a  
foreign link. The foreign agent serves as the default router for packets sent out  
by the wireless client connected on the same foreign link.  
A care-of-address is the IP address used by the wireless client visiting a foreign  
link. This address changes each time the wireless client moves to another  
foreign link. It can also be viewed as an exit point of a tunnel between the  
wireless client home agent and the wireless client itself.  
Security Security involves two distinct areas: authentication and privacy. Authentication  
ensures that only authorized users access the wireless network. Privacy ensures  
that communication between authenticated users and the network cannot be  
intercepted or overheard. The Access Control List provides authentication using  
the wireless LAN service area and a system administrator-supplied list of all the  
wireless client MAC addresses authorized to access the Home Service Area. Privacy  
is ensured by enabling the 40-bit WEP encryption option.  
Supporting CAM and Continuously Aware Mode (CAM) stations leave their radios on continuously to  
PSP Stations hear every beacon and message transmitted. These systems operate without any  
adjustments by the AP.  
A beacon is a uniframe system packet broadcast by the AP to keep the network  
synchronized. A beacon includes the wireless LAN service area, the AP address, the  
Broadcast destination addresses, a time stamp, Delivery Traffic Indicator Maps, and  
the Traffic Indicator Message (TIM).  
Power Save Polling (PSP) stations power off their radios for long periods. When a  
wireless client in PSP mode associates with an AP, it notifies the AP of its activity  
status. The AP responds by buffering packets received for the wireless client. The  
PSP-mode wireless client wakes up to listen to the AP beacon every nth Beacon  
Interval where n is a PSP-mode value from the 1 to 5-range; the Beacon Interval is  
set on the wireless client. When the wireless client wakes up and sees its bit set in  
the TIM, it issues a poll request to the AP for packets stored for it. The AP sends  
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CHAPTER 1: OVERVIEW OF DIGITAL WIRELESS NETWORKING  
them to the wireless client and the wireless client goes back to sleep. A DTIM field,  
also called a countdown field, informs wireless clients of the next window for  
listening to broadcast and multicast messages. The AP sends the messages  
following the nth beacon where n is the DTIM interval defined in the AP. When the  
AP has buffered broadcast or multicast messages for associated wireless clients, it  
sends the next DTIM with a DTIM Interval value. This value decreases by '1' with  
each successive beacon. The AP sends broadcast and multicast messages  
immediately following the beacon where the DTIM value is '0.' To prevent a  
PSP-mode wireless client from sleeping through a DTIM notification, select a PSP  
mode value less than or equal to the DTIM value. PSP-mode wireless clients hear  
the beacons and awaken to receive the broadcast and multicast messages.  
A TIM is a compressed virtual bitmap identifying the AP associated wireless clients  
in PSP mode that have buffered directed messages. wireless clients issue a poll  
request when APs issue a TIM. A beacon with the broadcast-indicator bit set  
causes the wireless client to note DTIM Count field value. The value informs the  
wireless client of the beacons remaining before next DTIM. This ensures the  
wireless client turns on the receiver for the DTIM and the following BC/MC packet  
transmissions.  
HTTP, HTML Web Server Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is the native language of the World Wide Web.  
Support The HTTP protocol makes requests from browsers to servers and responses from  
servers to browsers. This function provides the user with a Web-based format for  
configuration and firmware download.  
Web pages are written in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). HTML allows the  
user to create Web pages containing text, graphics, and pointers or links to other  
Web pages or elsewhere on the page or document. Pointers are known as  
Uniform Resource Locators (URLs). A URL is essentially the name of the Web page.  
The URL consists of three parts:  
1 Protocol (or Scheme)  
2 Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN), the machine where the page is located  
3 Local name that identifies the page (usually the HTML file name).  
The HTML language describes how to format the document, indication which  
fonts to use, much like a copy editor describes which fonts to use, such as the  
location, color, header size and text.  
Management Options Managing AirConnect includes viewing network statistics and setting  
configuration options. Statistics track the network activity of associated wireless  
clients and data transfers on the AP interfaces. Configuration involves, among  
other things, setting system operating parameters and filters used in bridging.  
The AP requires one of the following to perform a custom installation or maintain  
the AirConnect network:  
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Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).  
Wired or wireless LAN workstation with a telnet client.  
Terminal or PC with RS-232 connection and access to ANSI emulation.  
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Theory of Operation  
25  
Changing one AP does not affect the configuration of other APs on the network.  
Make configuration changes to APs individually. Each AP requires an individual  
IP address.  
Programmable SNMP Trap Support  
The SNMP protocol defines the method for obtaining information about networks  
operating characteristics and changing router and gateway parameters. The SNMP  
protocol consists of three elements:  
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Management stations  
Management information  
Management protocol (MIB)  
Nodes can perform as hosts, routers, bridges or other devices that can  
communicate status information. An SNMP Agent is a node that runs the SNMP  
management process to systematically monitor and manage the network. The  
management station performs network management by running application  
management software.  
An SNMP trap is an alert to all configured management stations of some  
significant event that occurred on the network. The management station queries  
all stations for details of each specific event, including what, when and where the  
event took place and the current status of the node or network. The format or  
structure is defined in the SNMP protocol. The MIB defines what and who  
monitors the variables.  
Using SNMP  
The AP includes SNMP agent versions accessible through an SNMP manager  
application (HP Open View or Cabletron Spectrum MIB browser). The SNMP agent  
supports SNMP versions 1 and 2, MIB II, 802.11 MIB and one proprietary 3Com  
Management Information Base (MIB). The SNMP agent supports read-write,  
read-only or disabled modes. The AP supports traps that return to the SNMP  
manager when certain events occur. The Wireless LAN Installation and Utilities disk  
packaged with wireless clients contains the MIB.  
Increased MIB Support  
The MIB defines what the management station needs to understand and which  
objects the station manages. The MIB has ten categories defined with  
approximately 175 variables.  
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26  
CHAPTER 1: OVERVIEW OF DIGITAL WIRELESS NETWORKING  
Using the User Interface  
The User Interface (UI) is a text-based maintenance tool integrated into the AP. It  
provides statistical displays, AP configuration options, and firmware upgrades.  
Access to the UI requires one of the methods listed in the following table:  
Method  
Description  
Telnet Client  
Gain access to the AP built-in Telnet server from any AP interface  
Direct Serial  
Connection  
Acts as a DTE device to connect directly to a DTE device with a  
null-modem serial cable. The direct serial access method requires a  
Dial Up Access  
The dial-up access method requires a communication program  
with ANSI emulation on the remote terminal or PC. The terminal  
or PC dials to an AP with a modem connection. The AP supports  
connection to a Hayes-compatible 28,800-baud or faster modem.  
SNMP Via a MIB  
Browser  
Gain access to the AP SNMP function via a MIB Browser.  
Web Browser  
Gain access to the AP built-in Web server from any AP interface  
including remote Ethernet connections.  
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INSTALLING ACCESS POINT HARDWARE  
2
Introduction  
To install an AP, you will have to connect the AP to your network, mount the AP in  
a location best suited for reception, and provide power to the AP.  
Precautions  
Before installing the AP, review the following guidelines and precautions.  
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Ensure that you have performed the preinstallation procedure outlined in the  
Access Point Quick Start Guide.  
Do not install the AP in wet or dusty areas without additional protection.  
Contact a 3Com representative for more information.  
Verify the environment has a temperature range between  
-20˚ C to 55˚ C.  
If you attach the AP to a wired Ethernet, make sure that the AP is on the  
same subnet.  
Package Contents  
The AP package contains the following items.  
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1 access point (Check the AP model number on the bottom of the unit against  
the model listed on the packaging.)  
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1 power adapter  
1 mounting bracket and hardware  
1 PowerBASE-T module  
1 null-modem serial cable  
2 power cords  
Contact 3Com Customer Support (see Appendix B) to report missing or improperly  
functioning items.  
Requirements  
The minimum installation requirements for a single-cell, peer-to-peer network  
is a power outlet. The AP supports a 10BASE-T unshielded twisted pair (UTP)  
Ethernet cable.  
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28  
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING ACCESS POINT HARDWARE  
Network Connection Locate the Ethernet port and power plug on the back of the AP, as shown by items  
2 (power plug) and 3 (Ethernet port) in the figure below. Item 1 is the serial port.  
Ethernet configurations vary according to the environment. Determine the  
Ethernet wiring to connect the AP, 10BASE-T UTP, or single cell.  
10BASE-T UTP Use a 10BASE-T connection for multiple APs or an AP attached to a wired UTP  
Ethernet hub. Normal 10BASE-T limitations apply.  
1 Plug the data cable with an RJ-45 connector into the AP Ethernet port.  
2 Plug the other end of the data cable into the LAN access port (possibly a hub or  
wall connection).  
3 Add additional APs as needed.  
Single Cell The single-cell connection option allows a single AP to connect wireless clients  
without a wired network. Wireless clients appear as peers, as in any Ethernet  
environment.  
Power Options  
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Standard power supply: 115/230VAC, 50/60Hz, 24V/14.  
US line cord Part Number: 23844-00-00  
Remote power distribution system, Part Number: AP-PS-11  
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Refer to application note AP-PS-01 located on the 3Com Technologies  
web page.  
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Mounting the AP  
29  
Mounting the AP  
The AP can be mounted in any number of locations, some of which are shown  
below.  
Flat Surface To mount an AP on a flat surface, place the AP so that it rests on the four rubber  
pads on its underside. The surface should be clear of debris and away from traffic.  
Wall Mount To mount an AP on a wall:  
1 Attach the mounting bracket to the AP by lining up the raised flanges in the  
center of the bracket with the mounting holes on the bottom of the AP.  
2 Firmly press the rounded ends of the flanges into both mounting holes, and then  
push forward until the flanges slide into the holes and the bracket locks into place.  
3 Mount the AP, using two screws (not provided) inserted into the wall through the  
holes on the outer flanges of the mounting bracket.  
Or:  
1 Using the mounting bracket (shown below) as a template, mark the location of  
the two flanged holes in the center of the bracket on the wall with a pen or pencil.  
2 Install two screws at the marks on the wall made in Step 1. Leave the heads of the  
screws approximately 1/8” above the surface of the wall.  
3 Position the AP on the wall, and slide it down so that it hangs from the two screws  
installed in Step 2.  
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30  
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING ACCESS POINT HARDWARE  
Ceiling Mount To mount an AP on a ceiling:  
1 Attach the mounting bracket to the AP by lining up the raised flanges in the  
center of the bracket with the mounting holes on the bottom of the AP.  
2 Firmly press the rounded ends of the flanges into both mounting holes, and then  
push forward until the flanges slide into the holes and the bracket locks into place.  
3 Attach both t-rail grips to the outer flanges of the mounting bracket with the  
t-rail wingnuts. Do not tighten the wingnuts completely; the t-rail grips should  
remain loose.  
4 Align the t-rail grips with the ceiling t-rails, and attach them to the t-rails.  
5 Tighten the t-rail wingnuts.  
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Mounting the AP  
31  
The power adapter connects to the rear of the AP and to a power outlet.  
1 Plug the power adapter cable into the socket at the back of the AP.  
2 Plug the adapter into an outlet.  
The AP is functional when the Status indicator on the front of the AP flashes  
Indicators” for more details). This indicates that the AP is ready for wireless clients  
to associate with it.  
The AP operates without user intervention after setup. See the AP LED indicators  
to verify that the unit operates properly.  
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32  
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING ACCESS POINT HARDWARE  
Using the  
PowerBASE-T  
The PowerBASE-T allows you to power the AP using the Ethernet cable. If you are  
forced to mount the AP in an area where access to an electrical outlet is limited,  
the PowerBASE-T can be used to power the AP.  
The PowerBASE-T can be located at any point between the AP and the hub or  
switch, where a convenient AC outlet exists. To connect the PowerBASE-T, use the  
following procedure.  
1 Connect the power adapter cable to the power supply.  
2 Connect the power adapter cable from the power supply to the PowerBASE-T  
module. See item 1 in the following figure.  
3 Connect the power cord to the power supply.  
4 Plug the power cord into a power outlet.  
When the PowerBASE-T module receives power, the green LED on top lights up.  
5 Connect an Ethernet cable from the Ethernet port to your network hub or switch.  
See item 2 in the following figure.  
6 Connect an 8-wire Category 5 Ethernet cable from the PowerBase-T module to  
the access point. See item 3 in the following figure.  
When it receives power over the Ethernet cable, the access point will start its boot  
sequence and its LED will light up.  
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LED Indicators  
33  
LED Indicators  
The top panel LED indicators provide a status display indicating transmission, error  
condition, and other activity.  
LED  
Off  
On  
Blinking  
Power  
No power  
Power on  
During boot sequence  
LAN  
No power  
No network  
connection  
Link to hub, but no LAN traffic is detected. The  
network traffic  
heavier the traffic, the faster the  
blinking.  
WLAN  
No power  
No radio signal  
No associated  
wireless clients  
Radio traffic is detected. The  
heavier the traffic, the faster the  
blinking.  
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34  
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING ACCESS POINT HARDWARE  
Troubleshooting  
Check the following symptoms and their possible causes before contacting the  
3Com Support Center.  
Verify AP Operation  
1 If the AP does not power up, you may be experiencing one of the following:  
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Faulty AP power supply  
Failed AC supply  
Electrical Management System (EMS) operating outlet  
2 After the AP resets and hardware is initialized, it performs an SRAM test. If the test  
passes, all three LEDs turn on. If the test fails, the LEDs all turn off and the AP  
resets. The LEDs turn off sequentially, in the order shown, as each of the following  
tests pass.  
LED  
State  
Test Passed  
Power  
Blinks  
continuously  
Bootup and run-time codes  
downloaded to AP flash memory  
successful. Run-time code controls the  
AP.  
Wireless LAN Activity  
Wired LAN Activity  
Off  
Off  
Serial port initialized, FIFO buffer  
flushed, serial port to AP connection  
checked.  
LAN adapter present.  
Identify wired network problems:  
3 No operation:  
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Verify AP configuration via Telnet, PPP or UI. Review procedures for Ethernet  
and serial connection of the AP. Review AP firmware revisions and update  
procedures.  
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Verify network configuration by ensuring that there are no duplicate IP  
addresses. Power down the device in question and ping the assigned  
address of the device. Ensure no other device responds to that address.  
4 AP powered on but has no connection to the wired network:  
Check connections for proper wiring.  
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Troubleshooting  
35  
Verify Network Wiring  
and Topology  
1 Verify network wiring and topology for proper configuration:  
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Check that the cables used have proper pinouts and connectors.  
Verify router configuration and filtration setting.  
Check that network band use does not exceed 37% of bandwidth.  
Verify wireless client operations.  
Confirm AP operation.  
Confirm AP and wireless client wireless LAN service area.  
Check that the radio driver loaded properly.  
Check that the wireless client PROTOCOL.INI or NET.CFG file is compatible  
with the network operating system.  
2 Slow or erratic performance:  
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Check wireless client and RF communications range.  
Check antenna, connectors and cabling.  
Verify the AP is using the primary antenna connection for single antenna use.  
Verify that antenna diversity setting for AP is appropriate. If using one  
antenna, the setting is Primary Only, if using two antennas, the setting is  
Primary and Secondary.  
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Verify network traffic does not exceed 37% of bandwidth.  
Check to see that the wired network does not exceed 10 broadcast  
messages per second.  
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Verify wired network topology and configuration.  
Setting Up Wireless Refer to documentation for installing drivers, client software and testing. Use the  
Clients default values for the WLAN service area and other configuration parameters until  
network connection verification.  
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MONITORING STATISTICS  
3
Introduction  
The AirConnect AP keeps statistics of its transactions during operation. These  
statistics include traffic, transmission success, and the existence of other radio  
network devices. This chapter discusses the statistics that can be monitored. All  
statistics can be cleared as needed.  
System Properties  
The System Properties window displays information about the configuration of the  
AP, status of AP modes, AP hardware identification numbers, and firmware and  
HTML versions.  
To view System Properties, select StatisticsSystem Properties. To exit the System  
Properties window, select any other item in the left-hand column, or click on  
Access Point at the top of the navigation pane.  
Interface Statistics  
The AP interface also monitors packets sent to the AP protocol stack (e.g.  
configuration requests, SNMP, Telnet). The Interface Statistics window provides the  
following information on these packets:  
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Packet forwarding statistics for each interface (Ethernet, PPP, RF)  
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Performance information for each interface in packets per second (PPS) and  
bytes per second (BPS).  
To view Interface Statistics, select StatisticsInterface Statistics.  
You can dynamically update this information by using the Refresh option. Click  
Start Refresh at the bottom of the page to update the values approximately once  
every two seconds. Click Stop Refresh at the bottom of the page to terminate  
dynamic updates.  
Select any other item or click Access Point at the top of the navigation pane to exit.  
Forwarding Counts  
Forwarding Counts provides information on packets transmitted from one  
interface to another (Ethernet, PPP, radio, AP). Forwarding Counts also displays the  
broadcast packets transmitted from the AP.  
To view the Forwarding Counts window, select Statistics-->Forwarding Counts.  
You can dynamically update this information by using the Refresh option. Click  
Start Refresh at the bottom of the page to update the values approximately once  
every two seconds. Click Stop Refresh at the bottom of the page to terminate  
dynamic updates.  
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38  
CHAPTER 3: MONITORING STATISTICS  
Select any other item or click Access Point at the top of the navigation pane to exit.  
Ethernet Statistics  
The AP keeps Ethernet performance statistics, including packet transmission and  
data retries, until it is reset.  
To view or change Ethernet statistics, select Statistics-->Ethernet Statistics.  
Statistic  
Definition  
Packets Seen  
Packets received on the Ethernet interface.  
Packets Forwarded Packets forwarded from the Ethernet interface to other  
interfaces.  
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Discarded/No Match—Packets discarded because of  
unknown destinations (destinations not in the known list  
of database entries).  
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Discarded/Forced—Packets discarded because of the  
applied address filters.  
Discarded/Buffer—Packets discarded because of  
insufficient buffers in AP.  
Discarded/CRC—Packets discarded because of data errors.  
Broadcast/Multicast Total broadcast or multicast packets received.  
Individual Address  
Packets Sent  
Packets received with designated individual addresses.  
Total packets sent out.  
Any Collision  
1 + Collisions  
Packets affected by at least one collision.  
Packets affected by more than one collision.  
Maximum Collisions Packets affected by the maximum number of collision.  
Late Collisions  
Defers  
Collisions occurring after the first 64 bytes.  
The number of times the AP had to defer transmit requests on  
the Ethernet because of a busy medium.  
You can dynamically update this information by using the Refresh option. Click  
Start Refresh at the bottom of the page to update the values approximately once  
every two seconds. Click Stop Refresh at the bottom of the page to terminate  
dynamic updates.  
Select any other item or click Access Point at the top of the navigation pane to exit.  
Radio Frequency  
Statistics  
The AP keeps radio performance statistics, including packet and communication  
information.  
To view the Radio Frequency statistics, select Statistics-->RF.  
You can dynamically update this information by using the Refresh option. Click  
Start Refresh at the bottom of the page to update the values approximately once  
every two seconds. Click Stop Refresh at the bottom of the page to terminate  
dynamic updates.  
Select any other item or click Access Point at the top of the navigation pane to  
escape from the Ethernet Statistics page.  
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Miscellaneous Statistics  
39  
Miscellaneous  
Statistics  
The AP keeps statistics on WNMP and SNMP packets, filtering violations, and serial  
port use in the Miscellaneous Statistics window. to display the Misc System  
Statistics window, select Main MenuMisc Statistics.  
Type  
Name  
Definition  
WNMP  
Echoes  
Echo requests received by the AP.  
Ping requests received by the AP.  
Pings  
Passthrough Echoes  
Echoes for wireless clients associated with  
the AP.  
SNMP  
Filter  
Requests  
Configuration requests received from the  
SNMP manager.  
Traps  
AP messages sent to the SNMP manager.  
ACL Violations  
Attempts by wireless client(s) not in ACL list  
to associate with this AP.  
Address  
Packets discarded by address filter.  
Packets discarded by type filter.  
Dial-out attempts by the AP.  
Dial-out failures by the AP.  
Type  
Modem  
Number of Dialouts  
Dialout Failures  
Number of Answers  
Current Call Time  
Answer attempts by the AP.  
Current connection session length, in  
seconds.  
Last Call Time  
Last connection session length, in seconds.  
Select Refresh or press the F1 key to update the values manually. Select Timed or  
press the F2 key to have the AP automatically update the display every two seconds.  
Press Esc or Previous [F4] to exit.  
Analyzing Retries The AP keeps statistics of packets with multiple retries. Use these statistics to  
identify severe occurrences of retries. Retries occur when the transmitting station  
fails to receive an acknowledgment for a transmitted packet. This lack of  
acknowledgment can result from:  
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Two or more stations transmitting simultaneously and causing collisions  
The receiving station moving out of range  
The receiving station being powered off.  
Any one of these incidents causes both devices to suspend transmitting and retry  
later. Too many retries can indicate a system problem.  
To view retry severity, do the following:  
1 Select Statistics from the Main Menu.  
2 Select Retry Histogram. The display indicates the packets that experience retries  
(up to 15 retries).  
3 Press any key to return to the Main Menu.  
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40  
CHAPTER 3: MONITORING STATISTICS  
Clearing Statistics  
To clear statistics, do the following:  
1 Select Configuration from the Main Menu.  
2 Select Clear All Statistics.  
3 Select Perform Function. The AP zeroes out all statistics. Resetting the AP also  
clears statistics.  
Known APs  
The AP displays a list of the known APs derived from AP-to-AP communication.  
The list includes the MAC and IP addresses and configuration information for each  
AP. The first AP on the list provides the information. The AP recognizes other APs  
listed in subsequent lines. It sends a broadcast message to other APs every 12  
seconds to establish communication and refresh this list.  
Select Show Known APs from the Main Menu to display the Known Access Points  
window and to review information about the APs.  
Category  
Description  
MAC Address  
Unique 48-bit, hard-coded Media Access Control address,  
known as the station identifier.  
IP Address  
Network-assigned Internet Protocol address. An “x” appearing  
after the IP address indicates the AP on this line is not using  
the 802.11 protocol, and its firmware must be upgraded.  
DS Channel (CH)  
WCS  
Direct-sequence channel used by the AP.  
Wireless clients associated with the AP.  
KBIOS  
The data traffic handled by the AP, measured by kilobytes in  
per second and kilobytes out per second  
FW_Ver  
Away  
Firmware version used by the specified AP  
Determines whether the AP functions as a part of the network  
or is “Away.” Away indicates the last known transmission  
took place 12 or more seconds ago.  
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CONFIGURING THE ACCESS POINT USING  
A WEB BROWSER  
4
Introduction  
Software configuration requires setting up a connection to the Access Point (AP)  
and gaining access to the User Interface (UI).  
Gaining Access to the  
User Interface (UI)  
Using a Web Browser  
In order to configure an AP, you need access to the Web and you need to know  
the IP address of the AP. In the address/URL text box of your browser, type IP  
address of the AP and press Enter.  
Before configuring the AP, you should upgrade the AirConnect firmware to the  
If you are using Hyperterminal or a similar ASCII interface, refer to the  
Using a Web Browser Using a Web browser to gain access to the UI requires the workstation to have a  
TCP/IP stack and access to a Web browser. The remote station can be on either the  
wired or wireless LAN. There are two methods for setting up the Web Help file:  
1 Placing the Help file on the network Web server  
2 Placing the Help file on the local workstation hard disk.  
To use this feature, the Web browser (Internet Explorer 4.0 or greater, or Netscape)  
requires JavaScript.  
Help File Access  
A network Web server is required to access the Help file from the AirConnect  
Access Point Configuration Management System Web pages. This procedure is  
intended for Microsoft Internet Information Server. The network Web server can  
be different. If this is the case, some of the procedures will differ.  
Setup Network Web Server Help File Access  
To create the Help file on a network Web server, a network or system administrator  
uses the procedure below. (NT4 is used in this example.)  
1 Create a directory on the network Web server in which the AP Web Site Help Files  
will reside. Often this is a subdirectory to C:\InetPub\wwwRoot.  
2 Copy all .gif and .htm files to the directory or folder.  
3 Select Start from the Windows Task Bar.  
4 Select Programs-->Microsoft Internet Server (common)-->Internet Service Manager.  
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42  
CHAPTER 4: CONFIGURING THE ACCESS POINT USING A WEB BROWSER  
5 Make sure the server WWW service is running.  
6 Select Properties-->Service Properties to display the WWW service properties for  
the server. The WWW Service Properties window opens.  
7 Select the Directories tab.  
8 Click Add to open the Directories dialog box.  
9 Type the complete path to the directory created in step one.  
10 Select Virtual Directory.  
11 Type the folder alias (i.e., AirConnectHelp).  
12 Click OK.  
13 Enable the Default document option.  
14 Type AirConnectHelp.htm as the default document and click Apply.  
15 Click OK to exit the window.  
Setup Local Workstation Help File Access  
To access the Help file from a local workstation, users need to load the Help file on  
the hard disk. To install the Help file, run the InstallShield program.  
1 Select AirConnect Firmware & Software Downloads from the disk or 3Com Web  
2 Find and click the APHTMLHelp_Install32_102.exe file. The Unpacking WAP HTML  
Help window displays indicating that the file is decompressing and the installation  
wizard is about to run. The WAP HTML Help Installation Setup dialog box displays.  
3 Follow the on-screen instructions to install the Help file on the local workstation  
hard disk.  
To access the Help file located on the local workstation, follow the procedure below.  
1 Click Start from the Windows Task bar.  
2 Select Programs-->3Com (or the directory name created during the installation  
process).  
3 Click WAP HTML Help to launch the help file program.  
To exit the Help file, do the following:  
1 Click File from the Windows menu bar.  
2 Select Close/Exit.  
Accessing the Web Browser UI  
Using a Web browser to gain access to the UI requires that the workstation have a  
TCP/IP stack and access to a Web browser. The remote station can be on the wired  
or wireless LAN.  
To verify that the Web Server option is enabled for the AP, do the following:  
1 Access the UI using a Serial or Telnet connection.  
2 Select System Configuration.  
3 Verify that the Web Server option on the System Configuration dialog box is enabled.  
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Gaining Access to the User Interface (UI) Using a Web Browser  
43  
4 Select Save [F1] to save the configuration.  
You must always reset the AP after you make configuration changes if you want  
the changes to be initiated. To reset the AP, follow the procedure below.  
1 Select Special Functions.  
2 Select Reset AP.  
3 Select Yes at the confirmation prompt.  
To enable Help file access, change the Help URL parameter using the following  
procedure.  
1 Select Special Functions.  
2 Select Alter Filename(s)/HELP URL/TFTP Server/DHCP using Tab.  
3 Press Enter.  
4 Select the .HELP URL field using the Tab key.  
5 Type the IP address/URL (Universal Request Locator) of the Web server or the  
directory/folder of the Web server for the Help file location.  
6 Press Enter.  
7 Select OK [CR] using the Tab key and press ENTER.  
8 Select the Save Configuration option to save the new setting.  
9 Select Yes at the confirmation prompt.  
The Main Menu displays.  
10 Reset the AP for changes to take effect.  
To access the AP UI via a Web browser from a workstation, do the following:  
1 Set the IP address of the workstation and the subnet mask from the NCPA  
properties window.  
The workstation, in this case, is the workstation or notebook computer running  
the Web browser. The informational message instructs you to reboot the system  
for property changes to take effect.  
2 Ping the AP to verify the connection by typing the command below at the default  
DOS prompt:  
Ping -t xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx  
If the ping receives no response, verify that the hardware connections, IP address,  
gateway address, and subnet mask are correct. If these items are correct, contact  
your network administrator for assistance.  
3 Start your Web browser (Internet Explorer 4.0 or greater, or Netscape 3.0 or greater).  
4 Type the IP Address for the associated AP to access that AP via the Web browser. The  
AirConnect Access Point Configuration Management System main page displays.  
(The Web pages look different than the Telnet, Direct Serial, or Dial-Up  
Connections. Access the different page types using the nodes located in the left  
frame. Refer to the online help file for Web page navigation, page contents, and  
parameter use.)  
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44  
CHAPTER 4: CONFIGURING THE ACCESS POINT USING A WEB BROWSER  
5 Turn off the caching function for the browser to view configuration, function, or  
option changes on the Web page(s).  
I
For Netscape  
a Select Edit-->Preferences from the menu bar.  
b Select Advanced-->Cache when the Preferences dialog box opens.  
c Select Every time under the Document in cache is compared to document on  
network item.  
I
For Internet Explorer  
a Select View-->Internet Options from the menu bar.  
b Select Temporary Internet files and Settings.  
c Select Every visit to the page under the Check for newer versions of stored  
pages item.  
You must set this option so that the latest version of a Web page is displayed.  
You can access help from any AirConnect Access Point Configuration  
Management System Web page. To do so, select Help from the top right-hand  
corner of any page.  
You can change the caching options in the Easy Setup and Configuration pages.  
To access the Easy Setup and Configuration pages, follow the procedure below.  
1 Select Easy Setup and Configuration. The Username and Password Required dialog  
box displays.  
2 Type the (case sensitive) AP name.  
3Com Access Point  
3 Type the (case sensitive) password:  
comcomcom  
4 Exit the browser to manually terminate the session.  
Changing UI Access To change the System Password, do the following:  
1 In the Main Menu, select Configuration under Access Point in the navigation pane  
(the left frame of the browser window).  
2 Under Configuration, select Security.  
3 Select System Password.  
4 Type the new password and press Enter.  
5 Select Save Settings to confirm the entry.  
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Installing the Access Point  
45  
Installing the Access  
Point  
AP Easy Setup is the program in which you set basic parameters for an AirConnect  
wireless network. These parameters include designating a gateway address that  
enables message forwarding across routers on the wired Ethernet.  
To install an AP, follow the procedure below.  
1 Select Easy Setup-->Easy Setup.  
The parameters in the Access Point Easy Setup window are explained in the list below.  
Parameter  
Description  
Unit Name  
AP name  
IP Address  
Network-assigned Internet Protocol address of the AP  
Gateway IP Address  
IP address of a router the AP uses on the Ethernet  
default gateway  
Subnet Mask  
Consists of four sets of digits that help divide a  
network into subnetworks and simplify routing and  
data transmission  
DHCP  
Enable/Disable automatic IP address assignment by a  
DHCP server  
Help URL  
URL of web management help file  
WLAN service area identifier  
Wireless LAN Service  
Area  
Diversity  
Enables selection of antenna diversity. Choose  
Primary Only  
Additional Gateways  
IP addresses of the additional gateways used. You can  
access up to eight gateways  
2 Verify that the AP parameters reflect the network environment and change the  
parameters as needed.  
3 Do one of the following:  
I
Click Save Settings to write changes if you make modifications.  
I
Click Clear Entries to remove your changes and return the default settings.  
Adding Additional You can add the IP addresses of additional gateways during Easy Setup. To do so,  
Gateways follow this procedure:  
1 Select Easy Setup-->Easy Setup.  
2 Click Add/Delete Gateways.  
The Easy Setup - Add/Delete Gateways page displays.  
3 Enter the IP addresses of up to seven additional APs.  
4 Click Save Settings to write your changes.  
5 Click Clear Entries to remove your changes and return the default settings.  
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CHAPTER 4: CONFIGURING THE ACCESS POINT USING A WEB BROWSER  
Configuring the AP  
The AP has many configuration parameters. This section discusses all the AP  
parameters and how to set them.  
Security One of the first tasks you need to accomplish is to set AP security. By doing so,  
you define the system password, enable your Access Control List (ACL),  
determine which wireless clients have access to an AP and which do not, and  
enable or disable encryption.  
1 Select Configuration-->Security.  
The Security Setup page displays.  
2 Review the default settings and change as appropriate.  
3 Do one of the following:  
I
Click Save Settings to write your changes.  
I
Click Clear Entries to remove your changes and return the default settings.  
Adding Allowed Wireless Clients  
1 Select Configuration-->Security.  
2 Select Enabled for Access Control.  
3 Click View/Add/Delete next to Allowed Wireless Clients.  
The Access Control List - Add/Delete Allowed Wireless Clients page displays.  
4 Enter the MAC address of a wireless client that can associate with the AP and click  
Add Wireless Client.  
5 Click Clear Entry if you decide not to allow the wireless client association with the AP.  
6 Repeat step 4 for as many wireless clients as you wish.  
7 Click Security Home Page when you have completed your entry on this page.  
Adding or Deleting a Range of Allowed Wireless Clients  
1 Select Configuration-->Security.  
2 Select Enabled for Access Control.  
3 Click View/Add/Delete next to Ranges of Allowed Wireless Clients.  
The Access Control List - Add/Delete Allowed Ranges page displays.  
4 Enter the MAC address of the allowed wireless client that begins the range.  
5 Enter the MAC address of the allowed wireless client that ends the range.  
6 Click Clear Entry if you decide to modify the range or eliminate the range.  
7 Click Security Home Page when you have completed your entry on this page.  
Adding or Deleting Disallowed Wireless Clients  
1 Select Configuration-->Security.  
2 Select Enabled for Access Control.  
3 Click View/Add/Delete next to Disallowed Wireless Clients.  
The Access Control List - Add/Delete Disallowed Wireless Clients page displays.  
4 Enter the MAC address of a wireless client that cannot associate with the AP and  
click Add Disallowed Wireless Client.  
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Special Configuration Considerations  
47  
5 Click Clear Entry if you decide to remove a wireless client from disallowed status  
with the AP.  
6 Repeat step 4 for as many wireless clients as you wish.  
7 Click Security Home Page when you have completed your entry on this page.  
Enabling or Disabling Encryption  
The encryption configuration requirements are as follows:  
I
The encryption level (open, 40-bit, or 128-bit) must be the same on the  
wireless client and the access point.  
I
All Shared Keys on the wireless client must be the same as those on the access  
point with which the client will associate. They must match exactly (key order  
and hex-digit sequence).  
I
The selected keys do not need to be the same among different clients and/or  
access points.  
1 Select Configuration-->Security.  
2 Select Enabled for WEP (Privacy) to turn on encryption or Disabled for no  
encryption.  
3 If you have enabled encryption, select 40 bit key or 128 bit key or 40 bit key for  
WEP Algorithm.  
4 Click Save Settings when you have completed your entry on this page. You will  
need to reset the AP using the Special Functions screen to have your encryption  
settings take effect. Refer to Reset AP in the table on page 54 in the Special  
Functions section.  
Encryption Upgrade If you are upgrading the wireless client from 40-bit encryption to 128-bit  
Access Codes encryption, you must enter an access code to perform the upgrade. Until the  
access code is entered, you can only enable or disable 40-bit encryption.  
An access code for upgrading to 128-bit encryption can only be done using the  
ASCII user interface (Hyperterminal or similar UI). Refer to Chapter 6, Configuring  
Special Configuration  
Considerations  
The following configuration settings are recommended for optimal performance.  
Disable Short Preamble If you are installing the access point in a network that includes earlier versions of  
3Com access points, you must disable the short RF preamble (default is enabled).  
To disable short RF preamble:  
1 Select Configuration in the left-hand frame of the Web page window.  
2 Under Configuration, select RF. The RF Setup Web page appears  
3 For the Short RF Preamble setting, click Disabled.  
4 Click the Save Settings button to save your selection.  
your settings to take effect.  
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CHAPTER 4: CONFIGURING THE ACCESS POINT USING A WEB BROWSER  
System Parameters The AP has configuration options to operate the unit, including security access  
and interface control. Some parameters do not require modification. To configure  
the system parameters, follow the procedure below.  
1 Select Configuration-->System  
The System Setup page displays  
2 Type the APs name in the Unit Name text box.  
3 Enter the appropriate value for Channel.  
The table below lists the direct-sequence channel settings for the operating  
countries.  
Frequency  
2412  
No. of Channels  
Country  
Standard  
Europe  
Spain  
11  
13  
2
2412  
2457  
2457  
4
France  
Japan  
2484  
14  
4 Check Enabled or Disabled for Mobile IP.  
5 Type a security key in the Mobile-Home MD5 Key text box. This security word key  
is used for Mobile-Home registration and authentication.  
6 Select the status of the Ethernet Timeout and enter the number of seconds  
between 30 and 255.  
This feature disables radio interface if no activity is detected on the Ethernet line  
after the seconds indicated. The AP disassociates wireless clients and prevents  
further associations with itself until it detects Ethernet activity.  
If the Ethernet Timeout is disabled when the Ethernet connection is broken, the  
AP clears the wireless client table and disables the RF interface until the Ethernet  
connection is restored.  
If the Ethernet Timeout is enabled when the Ethernet connection is broken, the AP  
sets the time-out value to zero (0) and attempts to associate with another WLAP in  
the network.  
7 Enter a value in seconds for Agent AD Interval. This specifies the interval in  
seconds between the mobility agent advertisement transmission. The default is 0.  
8 Enable or disable interfaces on the AP.  
Interface  
Description  
Default Condition  
AP-AP State Xchg  
Specifies AP-to-AP communication exchanged. Enabled  
If disabled, prevents AP Auto Configure and AP  
load leveling function from operating.  
WNMP Functions  
Specifies whether the AP can perform WNMP  
functions.  
Enabled  
Ethernet Interface  
RF Interface  
Enables or disables wired Ethernet.  
Enables or disables radio.  
On  
On  
Default Interface  
Specifies the default interface (Ethernet or PPP) Ethernet  
that the AP forwards a frame to if the AP  
cannot find the address in its forwarding  
database.  
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Special Configuration Considerations  
49  
9 Click Clear Entries to reinstate the default settings.  
10 Click Save Settings to save your entries on this page.  
Radio Frequency The AP automatically configures most radio parameters. Exercise extreme caution  
Parameters when you adjust radio parameters for the AP since these parameters affect system  
operations. Options in the RF Configuration window fine-tune the radio and  
WLAP functions.  
To configure the radio parameters:  
1 Select ConfigurationRF. The RF Setup page displays.  
2 Enter a value (in packets) for BC/MC QueuMax.This value determines the amount  
of memory allocated for the queue used in the AP to temporarily hold  
broadcast/multicast messages. The packets corresponds to the maximum-size  
Ethernet packets. The default is 10.  
3 Enter the Max Retries (data) value. The value represents the maximum allowed  
retries before the AP aborts a single transmission attempt. The default is 15.  
4 Enter the Max Retries (voice) value. The value represents the maximum allowed  
retries before the AP aborts a single transmission attempt. The default is 15.  
5 Enter the Multicast Mask (data) and (voice) values.  
AirConnect supports broadcast download protocols for any wireless client  
(typically Point-of-Sale terminals) requiring the expedited download of a new  
operating image over the network instead of using a local nonvolatile drive.  
All multicast downstream data packets that match the top 32 bits of the multicast  
mask are forwarded immediately instead of being queued for transmission at the  
next DTIM interval.  
6 Enter the time between beacons in milliseconds for Beacon Interval. The default is  
100 milliseconds.  
7 Select Enable or Disable for Accept Broadcast Wireless LAN Service Area.  
This feature allows the AP to respond to any station sending probe packets with  
the industry-standard broadcast WSA. When Enabled, this feature allows  
industry-standard devices interoperability. The AP probe response includes the  
WSA_ID and information about the network. By default, this feature is Disabled  
and the AP responds only to stations that know the WSA_ID. This helps preserve  
network authentication security.  
8 Enter a value in minutes for the Wireless Client Inactivity Timeout.  
This value specifies the number of minutes the AP allows for wireless client  
inactivity. An AirConnect AP recognizes wireless client activity through data packet  
transmission and reception, and through scanning. AirConnect wireless clients  
conduct active scanning. Other industry-standard wireless clients might conduct  
passive scans and an AirConnect AP could classify them as inactive.  
9 Select values for Rate Control at the three transmission rates.  
The default values are:  
I
I
I
I
11 Mbps - Optional  
5.5 Mbps - Optional  
2 Mbps - Required  
1 Mbps - Required  
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50  
CHAPTER 4: CONFIGURING THE ACCESS POINT USING A WEB BROWSER  
10 Do nothing with the RTS Threshold setting. RTS/CTS operation is not supported at  
this time.  
11 Click Clear Entries to reinstate the default settings.  
12 Click Save Settings to save your entries on this page.  
Configuring the SNMP An SNMP manager application gains access to the AP SNMP agent if the  
Agent management application has the APs IP address. To ensure security when SNMP is  
used, the SNMP agent can be configured as read-only, read-write, or disabled. The  
AP sends specific traps for some conditions.  
See the 3Com MIB on the Wireless LAN Installation and Utilities disk for  
specific entries.  
The AP supports SNMP V1, MIB-II and the 3Com.MIB. To configure the SNMP  
agent, follow the procedure below.  
1 Select Configuration-->SNMP.  
The SNMP Setup page displays.  
2 Select a mode for SNMP Agent Mode.  
I
I
I
Disabled disables SNMP functions.  
Read-only allows get and trap operations.  
Read/Write (default) allows get, set, and trap operations.  
3 Enter a user-defined password of up to 31 characters for Read-Only Community.  
This password is for and identifies users with read-only privileges.  
4 Enter a user-defined password of up to 13 characters for Read/Write Community.  
This password is for and identifies users with read/write privileges. This password  
should be the same password as the System Password used to gain access to the  
System Configuration page.  
5 Enter the IP address of the trap manager for Trap IP Address.  
6 Select Enabled or Disable All for All SNMP Traps.  
Use this feature to disable all traps or to selectively enable the individual traps. The  
default value is Disabled. The table below explains the traps.  
SNMP Trap  
Description  
Default Value  
Cold Boot  
Sends a trap to the manager when the Deselected  
AP cold boots.  
Authentication Failure Indicates that community strings other  
than those specified for the Read-Only  
and Read/Write Community were  
submitted.  
Deselected  
Radio Restart  
Sends a trap to the manager for radio  
restart.  
Deselected  
Deselected  
Deselected  
Access Control  
Violation  
Sends a trap to the manager when an  
ACL violation occurs.  
DHCP Change  
7 Click Clear Entries to reinstate the default settings.  
8 Click Save Settings to save your entries on this page.  
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Special Configuration Considerations  
51  
Configuring PPP/Modem To use a Point-to-Point (PPP) connection, choose the appropriate hardware  
connection (direct or modem). On the System Configuration page, select PPP for  
Default Interface.  
The PPP interface provides a connection using modems over a telephone line.  
Connect modems to the APs with straight-through serial cables. Designate one  
AP as the Originating AP and the other AP as the Answering AP. Configure the  
Originating AP with dial-out information to the answering AP. The answering AP  
waits for a dial-in from the originating AP.  
The AP supports modems that use the generic Hayes Smartmodem command  
set The AP uses Hayes commands and is capable of operating with various  
modems of 19200 baud or faster. 3Com does not support modems the  
company has not qualified.  
The following modems qualify to work with the AP:  
I
I
I
Practical Peripherals PM288MT II V.34  
Supra Fax Modem 288  
US Robotics Sportster Modem 28.8  
Configuring the Originating Modem  
1 Select Configuration-->PPP/Modem. The PPP/Modem Setup page displays.  
2 Select Enabled for PPP Interface.  
3 Select PPP for Serial Port Use.  
4 Select Originate for Modem Connect Mode.  
5 Select Yes for Modem Connected.  
6 Select Auto for Dialout Mode.  
7 Select the appropriate mode for Modem Speaker.  
This setting sends a command to the modem to turn the modem speaker on or  
off. The default is On.  
8 Type the telephone number (maximum 31 characters) of the answering AP for  
Dialout Number.  
This string follows a typical Hayes Smartmodem ATDT command. Possible  
characters include pauses, numbers and letters. Refer to your modem  
documentation for specific information.  
9 Enter the time in seconds that the AP will wait for a remote connection for Answer  
Wait Time.  
If the AP does not make a remote connection in the amount of time you specify, it  
will discontinue attempts to make a connection. The default is 60 seconds from a  
5- to 255-second range.  
10 Enter the time in minutes for Inactivity Timeout.  
This setting controls the time-out between issuing a PPP packet and the  
anticipated reply. This is necessary if the serial connection has long delay periods.  
Zero (0) indicates no time-out. The default is 3 from a 0 to 255-minute range.  
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CHAPTER 4: CONFIGURING THE ACCESS POINT USING A WEB BROWSER  
11 Enter the time in seconds for Maximum PPP Terminates.  
This setting controls the PPP-terminate requests an AP issues when a PPP-linked AP  
does not respond to a terminate request. The AP closes the PPP connection after  
issuing PPP-terminate requests for the maximum time specified. The default is 10  
seconds from a 0-255-second range.  
12 Click Modem Dialout to dial the modem.  
13 Click the Modem Hangup check box to have the modem hang up after a call.  
14 Click Clear Entries to reinstate the default settings.  
15 Click Save Settings to save your entries on this page.  
Configuring the Answering Modem  
1 Complete steps 1-3 for configuring the originating modem above.  
2 Select Answer for Modem Connect Mode.  
3 Complete steps 5-11 for configuring the originating modem above.  
Filtering In order to control the types of network traffic the AP handles or to eliminate  
some network traffic, you can configure the AP to forward or discard particular  
types of packets (TCP/IP, IPX). Or you can allow all traffic through by disabling the  
filtering option.  
1 Select Configuration-->Filtering. The Filtering Setup page displays.  
2 Determine what type of filtering you want to set up and select the appropriate  
procedure below.  
Filtering to Forward Packets  
To configure the AP to forward packets of particular types, do the following:  
1 Click Forward as the Type Filtering.  
2 Enter the four hex digits associated with the network protocol for which you want  
the AP to forward packets.  
3 Click Add Filter.  
4 Repeat steps 2 and 3 to add additional protocol types.  
5 Click Clear Entries to reinstate the default settings.  
6 Click Save Settings to save your entries on this page.  
Filtering to Discard Packets  
To configure the AP to discard packets of particular types, do the following:  
1 Click Discard as the Type Filtering.  
2 Enter the four hex digits associated with the network protocol for which you want  
the AP to discard packets.  
3 Click Add Filter.  
4 Repeat steps 2 and 3 to add additional protocol types.  
5 Click Clear Entries to reinstate the default settings.  
6 Click Save Settings to save your entries on this page.  
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Special Configuration Considerations  
53  
Removing Filtered Packet Types (Networking Protocols)  
You may have set up particular type of packets for discarding or forwarding by the  
AP. If you chose to remove packet types from your list, do the following.  
1 Highlight the hex number representing the packet type you want to delete.  
2 Click Delete Filter.  
3 Click Clear Entries to reinstate the default settings.  
4 Click Save Settings to save your entries on this page.  
Disabling Type Filtering  
If you want the AP to handle all types of network traffic, disable type filtering.  
1 Select Disabled (the default) as the Type Filtering if it is not already selected.  
2 Click Save Settings to save any changes you made on this page.  
Updating AP Firmware To upgrade your firmware, you need a TFTP server and a connection between the  
AP and PC on the same Ethernet segment.The files required for firmware updates  
are dsap_fw.bin and 3cap_htm.bin.  
If you update the AP firmware, you will not be able to downgrade to the  
previous version of AP firmware.  
To upgrade the access point to version 2.0, you must first perform the update  
procedure to update the AP to version 1.5 firmware, and then repeat the update  
procedure to update to version 2.0. You cannot update the AP directly from 1.0  
to 2.0 firmware. If you need additional details, contact 3Com Customer Support  
at the following Web site: http://support.3com.com/wireless.htm  
Verify the PC has a TFTP server running on it. Running the server requires third  
party software such as FTP PC/TCP for DOS or OnNet™ for Windows. The wireless  
TFTP upgrade method requires a connection between the AP and a TFTP server.  
The TFTP server can be running on a 3Com AirConnect device.  
To update the AP firmware, do the following:  
1 In the Main Menu, select Configuration under the Access Point link in the left  
frame of the browser window.  
2 Under Configuration, select Firmware.  
3 Enter your password when prompted (the default is comcomcom).  
The Firmware Download page displays, showing the values for Firmware Filename,  
HTML Filename, and the TFTP Server.  
4 Do one of the following:  
To update only the current AP, select either Firmware, HTML File, or both under  
TFTP update THIS Access Point’s  
To update all APs, select either Firmware, HTML File, or both under UTFTP Update  
ALL Access Points. If you need to modify your entries, click Clear Entries and  
start over.  
5 Select Perform Function to start the download.  
6 A message box appears to tell you that the AP will reboot after the firmware  
upgrade. Click OK to continue.  
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54  
CHAPTER 4: CONFIGURING THE ACCESS POINT USING A WEB BROWSER  
7 A message box appears to tell you that the AP will reboot after the HTML file  
upgrade. Click OK to continue.  
8 Return to the Main Menu. To check the upgrade status, return to the Firmware  
Download page and check Status of last update. The status displays successful.  
Special Functions The configuration items under Special Functions perform housekeeping functions  
on APs that are explained in the following table.  
Special Function  
Description  
Clear All Statistics  
Clears the current statistics for the AP.  
Clear Wireless Client Table  
Ensures that wireless clients associating with the AP are  
active. Clear the wireless client association table for  
diagnostic purposes. Clear wireless clients from an AP if the  
AP has many wireless client associations that are no longer in  
use. The AP removes the wireless clients associated with it.  
Wireless clients cleared from an AP will attempt to  
reassociate with the AP or another nearby AP.  
Clear Access Control List (ACL) - Clears the list of MAC addresses for the wireless clients that  
Individual can associate with the AP.  
Clear Access Control List (ACL) - Clears the range of MAC addresses for the wireless clients  
Range  
that can associate with the AP.  
Clear Address Filters  
Clears filters that have been set up for the AP.  
Loads the list of MAC address from the wireless client list.  
Load ACL from Wireless Client  
List  
Reset AP  
The AP keeps only saved configuration changes after a  
reset. Resetting an AP clears statistics and restores the last  
saved configuration. If changes are made and not saved,  
the AP clears those changes and restores the factory  
defaults upon reset.  
After a reset, the AP LEDs flash as they do when the AP  
powers up. The AP returns to a STATUS-flashing state.  
Save Configuration to All APs  
Saves the configuration options you have selected for the  
current AP to all APs with the same network ID on the  
same subnet.  
1 In the Main Menu, select Configuration under the Access Point link in the left  
frame of the browser window.  
2 Under Configuration, select Special Functions. The Special Functions window  
displays.  
3 Select all appropriate options. (You can click Clear Entries to remove all of your  
entries.) You must select Reset AP to have the settings you have selected in other  
AP configuration screens take effect.  
4 Select Perform Function to execute your choices.  
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MONITORING WIRELESS CLIENTS  
5
Introduction  
The AP keeps statistics of its transactions during operation. These statistics indicate  
traffic, transmission success, and the existence of other radio network devices.  
Clear statistics as needed.  
Wireless Clients  
Wireless Client statistics provide information on wireless clients associated with  
an AP. The statistics include information on data sent and received, activity and  
association. A wireless client shows only in the Home/Foreign Agent Table screens  
when the wireless client has roamed to another AP on a different subnet. Once a  
wireless client has roamed, the wireless client IP Address displays on the Home  
Agent Table screen of the wireless clients home AP with the IP Address of the  
Foreign Agent to tell the “home” AP where to forward packets.  
The wireless client IP Address is also shown in the Foreign Agent Table and Regular  
screens of the new “foreign” AP to tell the new AP where to expect packets from  
for newly associated wireless clients. The AP Regular screen shows the wireless  
clients associated locally on the same subnet.  
1 Select Wireless Client from the Main Menu.  
2 Use the Tab or arrow keys to highlight the desired screen.  
3 Press Enter to display the screen you selected.  
4 Select Regular at the Wireless Clients prompt.  
The display shows the currently associated wireless clients listed by MAC address.  
The list appears as follows: addr [p:i#:e]  
Variable  
Description  
addr  
Wireless client MAC address  
(xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx format)  
p
Wireless clients power mode:  
I
P–PSP  
I
C–CAM.  
An unassociated wireless client does not  
display any character  
i
Wireless client location on AP interfaces:  
I
I
I
R–radio,  
P–PPP.  
A–associated with AP in the past, but  
not at time of verifying status  
#
Current AP radio transmit rate (Mbps) for  
messages sent to this wireless client.  
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56  
CHAPTER 5: MONITORING WIRELESS CLIENTS  
Variable  
Description  
V
Indicates a 3Com voice-enabled device.  
5 Select Start Refresh to have the AP automatically update the display every  
two seconds.  
The information displayed about the wireless client includes the following:  
:
Category  
Description  
Interface  
Displays the wireless client connection (RF, Ethernet, PPP  
or AP)  
State  
Connection state between the AP and the wireless client:  
I
I
I
Host–unit is on AP or PPP interface  
Associated–current association on radio interface  
Away–unit is no longer associated with AP.  
Power Mode  
Station ID  
Wireless client power mode (CAM, PSP, or N/A)  
The IEEE 802.11 specification requires that each AP assign  
a station ID to all associated wireless clients, regardless of  
the wireless client power mode (PSP or CAM)  
Begin Current Assoc  
Supported Rates  
Current Xmt Rate  
Packets Sent  
Time at which current association began (hh:mm:ss)  
Indicates data station supported transmission rates  
Current rate of AP-station data transmissions  
Number of packets sent by AP to wireless client  
Number of packets received by AP from wireless client  
Number of bytes sent by AP to wireless client  
Packets Rcvd  
Bytes Sent  
Bytes Rcvd  
Number of bytes received by AP from wireless client  
Number of packets discarded because of data error  
Discard Pkts/CRC  
Last Activity  
Amount of time since the last communication with AP  
(hh:mm:ss)  
Last Data Activity  
Amount of time since the last data transfer (hh:mm:ss)  
6 Select Refresh at the bottom of the window to update the values manually.  
7 Press Close to return to the previous menu.  
Clearing Statistics  
To clear statistics, do the following:  
1 Select Special Functions from the Main Menu.  
2 Select Clear All Statistics.  
The AP zeroes out all statistics. Resetting the AP also clears statistics.  
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CONFIGURING THE AP USING THE  
ASCII INTERFACE  
6
Introduction  
Software configuration consists of setting up a connection to the Access Point (AP)  
and gaining access to the User Interface (UI).  
Before configuring the AP, you should upgrade the AirConnect firmware to the  
The dot in front of certain parameters, functions, or options (.Antenna Selection  
Primary Only) indicates these items update to all APs with the same WLAN  
Service Area when you select the “Upgrade ALL APs” [F2] option. This option can  
only be executed among the same hardware platforms and same firmware  
versions.  
In Windows 2000, the F1 key will not work correctly to save configuration  
settings. To save settings, press the Tab key to highlight the onscreen F1  
selection, then press Enter. Answer yes when prompted to save changes.  
To enable the F1 key to work correctly in Windows 2000, you should upgrade  
your Hyperterminal application to Hyperterminal Private Edition. This software is  
Gaining Access to the  
User Interface (UI)  
The method for establishing access to the UI depends on the connection used.  
Select the setup that best fits the network environment. Your connection  
options are:  
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Telnet  
Direct serial connection  
Dial-up connection  
If using a PPP or serial connection, access the UI through a Telnet session.  
Using Telnet Using a Telnet session to gain access to the UI requires that a remote station has a  
TCP/IP stack. The remote station can be on the wired or wireless LAN.  
To access the AP from the workstation, follow the procedure below.  
1 From the DOS prompt, Telnet to the AP using its IP address:  
Telnet xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx  
2 If desired, enter a password (case sensitive) when prompted. The default is  
password is comcomcom.  
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58  
CHAPTER 6: CONFIGURING THE AP USING THE ASCII INTERFACE  
3 Press ESC. The AP displays the Main Menu. If the session is idle (due to no input,  
for example) for the configured time, the session terminates. To manually  
terminate the session, press CTRL+D.  
4 Select the Set System Configuration option to set the System Password.  
Using a Direct Serial To use the ASCII interface with a direct serial connection, follow the instructions in  
Connection the AP Quick Start Guide, included in your package.  
Using a Dial-up The AP supports a dial-up connection to the UI. This requires accessing the UI from  
Connection Telnet or a direct serial connection and changing the serial port configuration.  
Configure the AP for the following:  
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Enable serial port.  
Set serial port for UI.  
Disable any modem connection.  
Set AP to answer mode.  
Select the Set Serial Port Configuration option to configure these settings. For  
Navigating the UI  
Use the following keystrokes to navigate through the UI menus and windows  
depending on the terminal emulation. For terminal emulation programs that do  
not support arrow or function keys, use the control-character equivalents.  
Arrow/Function Key Control Character  
Up Arrow  
CTRL + O  
CTRL + I  
Down Arrow  
Left Arrow  
CTRL + U  
CTRL + P  
CTRL + Q  
CTRL + W  
CTRL + E  
CTRL + R  
Right Arrow  
F1  
F2  
F3  
F4  
The following conventions also apply to navigating windows and menus:  
I
To select menu items, press the key corresponding to the bold letter for the  
item (case-sensitive hot key). Press Enter to select the item.  
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Press Tab to scroll through menu items.  
To change menu items, select items from the bottom line of the Main Menu for  
configuration options. For multiple choice options, press the bold letter to  
select. To change values, type in the new value and press Enter. If the value is  
invalid, the AP beeps and restores the original value. Press Tab to scroll to the  
next menu item.  
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Select an option from the bottom line on the menu to enable changes to take  
effect. Press Tab to scroll to the item and press Enter to select it.  
When you change values, such as System Name or System Password, accept  
values by scrolling to the next field or pressing Enter.  
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Navigating the UI  
59  
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You can use function keys to enable commands in some windows. For  
example, statistic windows include Refresh [F1] and Timed [F2] command/key  
combinations to update the display.  
Some options listed at the bottom of screens indicate possible commands for a  
selected item. For example, in the Known APs window, highlighting an AP on  
the list and pressing F1 brings up the Ping function to ping that AP.  
To exit from submenus, press Esc.  
Administration screens include options for saving or clearing data that appear on  
the bottom line of the screen. Confirmation prompts are listed below.  
Prompt  
Description  
OK  
Registers settings but does not save them in  
nonvolatile memory (NVM). A reset command returns  
to previously saved settings.  
Save  
Saves all settings (including ones not on that screen) to  
NVM. This is the same as Save Configuration in the  
Special Functions screen.  
Save ALL APs  
To save the AP installation configuration information to  
all APs with the same WLAN Service Area. This option  
saves the configuration changes for the current AP on  
the Known APs table to update their configurations and  
reset after the configuration has been modified. Users  
can perform this option only among the same hardware  
platforms and same firmware versions. Example:  
AP-3020 running FW 4.01-xx.  
Cancel  
Does not register settings changed in a screen.  
Entering Admin Mode The UI defaults to User mode, allowing read-only access to the APs functions  
(view statistics, for example). Switching to Admin mode provides access to  
configuration menus and allows you to configure the AP.  
To enter Admin mode requires the administration password. To enter Admin  
mode, do the following:  
1 Select Enter Admin Mode from the Main Menu. The AP prompts for the  
administration password:  
Enter System Password:  
2 If a password has been set, enter it now (case sensitive). The default password is  
comcomcom.  
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If the password is correct, the AP displays the Main Menu with the Enter Admin  
Mode menu item changed to Exit Admin Mode.  
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If the password is incorrect, the AP continues to display the Main Menu with  
the Enter Admin Mode menu item.  
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60  
CHAPTER 6: CONFIGURING THE AP USING THE ASCII INTERFACE  
Changing the Access To prevent unauthorized Telnet access, change the configuration access to the UI. This  
to the UI includes enabling or disabling the Telnet Logins or changing the System Password.  
To change Telnet access to the AP, do the following:  
1 Select Set System Configuration from the Main Menu.  
2 Select Telnet Logins.  
3 Press the space bar or left/right arrow to toggle between Enabled and Disabled.  
4 Press Tab to highlight the Save [F1] function at the bottom of the screen.  
5 Press Enter to confirm the save.  
To change the System Password, do the following:  
1 Select Set System Configuration from the Main Menu.  
2 Press Tab to select System Password.  
3 Type the new password and press Enter.  
4 Press Tab to highlight the Save [F1] function at the bottom of the screen.  
5 Press Enter to confirm the save.  
Configuring for Dial-Up A dial-up connection requires a straight-through Ethernet cable between the  
to the UI modem and the AP. The remote PC requires a modem and a communication  
program, such as HyperTerminal.  
The AP supports modems that use the generic Hayes Smartmodem command set.  
The AP uses Hayes commands and is capable of working with various modems  
of 19200 baud or faster. 3Com does not support modems the company has  
not qualified.  
The following modems qualify to work with the AP:  
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Practical Peripherals PM288MT II V.34  
Supra Fax Modem 288  
USRobotics Sportster Modem 28.8  
Configuring The Serial Port  
To enable and configure the serial port connection on the AP:  
1 Select Set Serial Port Configuration from the Main Menu.  
2 Set the Port Use parameter to PPP.  
3 Set the Modem Connected parameter to Yes.  
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Navigating the UI  
61  
Configure the other settings as required on the AP. The table below explains the  
other settings.  
Setting  
Description  
Answer Wait Time  
The time waiting for a remote  
connection before dropping the  
attempt. The default is 60 seconds.  
Modem Speaker  
Inactivity Timeout  
AP sends a command to the modem to  
turn on/off the modem speaker. The  
default is On.  
The inactivity time on the UI that causes  
the AP to terminate the connection  
while using a modem. The default is 5  
minutes. A value of zero indicates no  
time-out.  
Configuring the Dial-Up System  
To configure the Dial-up System, (assuming the PPP, serial port, and answer mode  
are enabled on the AP), follow the procedure below.  
1 Attach a null-modem serial cable from the AP to the modem.  
2 Verify the modem connects to the telephone line and has power. Refer to the  
modem documentation for information on verifying device power.  
3 Start the communication program from the remote terminal.  
4 Select the correct serial port along with the following parameters:  
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Emulation—ANSI  
Baud rate—19200 bps  
Data bits—8  
Stop bits—1  
Parity—none  
Flow control—none  
5 Dial out to the AP with the appropriate telephone number. No password is required.  
6 Press Esc to refresh the display.  
The AP displays the Main Menu.  
Hanging Up  
To hang up from the UI while a call is still connected:  
1 Select Special Functions from the Main Menu.  
2 Select Modem Hangup.  
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CHAPTER 6: CONFIGURING THE AP USING THE ASCII INTERFACE  
Access Point  
Installation  
The AP UI includes an AP Installation window in which you can set basic  
parameters for an AirConnect wireless network. These parameters include  
designating a gateway address that enables message forwarding across routers on  
the wired Ethernet.  
To install an AP, follow the procedure below.  
1 Enter Admin Mode.  
2 Select AP Installation from the Main Menu to display the Access Point Installation  
window.  
Parameter  
Description  
Unit Name  
AP name.  
IP Address  
Network-assigned Internet Protocol address of the AP.  
Gateway IP Address  
IP address of a router the AP uses on the Ethernet default  
gateway.  
Subnet Mask  
The Subnet Mask consists of four sets of digits that help  
divide a network into subnetworks and simplify routing and  
data transmission:  
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Sets 1 and 2—Network domain.  
Set 3—Subset of hosts within a larger network.  
Set 4—Individual computer.  
WLAN Service Area  
The unique, 32-character, alphanumeric, case-sensitive  
network identifier of the AP.  
Antenna Selection  
Enables selection of antenna diversity.  
Additional Gateways  
The IP address of the additional gateways used. You can  
access up to eight gateways.  
3 Verify that the AP parameters reflect the network environment and change the  
parameters as needed.  
4 Press the space bar or the Left or Right Arrows to toggle between Primary Only  
and Primary and Secondary in the Antenna Selection field.  
5 Do one of the following:  
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Select OK to register the settings.  
Or:  
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Select Save to write changes to NVM, which generates a confirmation prompt.  
6 Select Save ALL APs [F2] to save the AP installation configuration information to all  
APs with the same WLAN Service Area.  
This option saves and updates the configuration changes for the current AP on the  
Known APs table. The AP is reset after the configuration has been modified. You  
can execute this option only among the same hardware platforms and same  
firmware versions.  
7 Select Cancel [ESC] to disregard any changes made in this window and return to  
the previous menu.  
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Configuring the AP  
63  
Configuring the AP  
The AP has many configuration parameters. This section discusses all the AP  
parameters and how to set them.  
System Parameters The AP has configuration options to operate the unit, including security access and  
interface control. Some parameters do not require modification. To configure the  
system parameters, follow the procedure below.  
1 Select Set System Configuration from the Main Menu, which generates the System  
Configuration window.  
2 Select the appropriate value from the table below to configure the direct-sequence  
channel settings for the operating country.  
Frequency  
2412  
No. of Channels  
Country  
US (standard)  
Europe  
11  
13  
2
2412  
2457  
Spain  
2457  
4
France  
2484  
14  
Japan  
3 Configure the AP system settings as required. The parameters are explained in the  
table below.  
Ethernet Timeout  
Disables radio interface if no activity is detected on the Ethernet line after  
the seconds indicated (a range from 30-255). The AP disassociates  
wireless clients and prevents further associations until it detects Ethernet  
activity.  
Value  
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0—Default value. disables this feature.  
1—Detects whether the 10Base-T line goes down  
2—WLAP sends a WLAP Alive BPDU on the Ethernet line every WLAP  
Hello Time seconds to allow WLAPs on the Ethernet line to detect its  
existence.  
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3—WLAP tracks the WLAP Alive BPDU. If the BPDU is missing for  
WLAP Hello Time seconds, the WLAP state changes to WLAP Lost on  
Ethernet. Once the WLAP Alive BPDU is detected, the WLAP resets  
and starts over.  
When the Ethernet connection is broken:  
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If the WLAP mode is disabled, the AP clears the wireless client table  
and disables the RF interface until the Ethernet connection comes up.  
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If the WLAP mode is enabled, the AP sets the time-out value to zero  
(0), resets itself, and attempts to associate with another WLAP in the  
network.  
Telnet Logins  
Specifies whether the AP accepts or rejects Telnet Logins. The default  
value is Enabled.  
System Password  
For administrative access, select any alphanumeric, case-sensitive entry up  
to 13 characters. The default System Password is comcomcom.  
Agent Ad Interval Specifies the interval in seconds between the mobility agent  
advertisement transmission. The default is 0.  
AirConnect Mobile If enabled, this feature allows wireless clients to roam across routers. The  
IP  
default is Disabled.  
Mobile-Home MD5 Secret key used for Mobile-Home registration and authentication.  
key  
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64  
CHAPTER 6: CONFIGURING THE AP USING THE ASCII INTERFACE  
Web Server  
Enables the use of a Web based browser to access the UI instead of  
HyperTerminal or Telnet applications. An AP Reset is required for this  
feature to take effect.  
Access Control  
Specifies enabling or disabling the access control feature. If enabled, the  
ACL (Access Control List) specifies the MAC addresses of wireless clients  
that can associate with this AP. The default is Disabled.  
Type Filtering  
Specifies filter type for packets received either Forward/Discard or  
Disabled. The default value is Disabled.  
WNMP Functions  
Specifies whether the AP can perform WNMP functions. The default  
value is Enabled.  
AP-AP State Xchg Specifies AP-to-AP communication exchanged. If Disabled prevents AP  
Auto Configure and AP load leveling function. The default is Enabled.  
4 To enable or disable interfaces on the AP, modify the following parameters:  
Parameter  
Description  
Ethernet Interface Enables or disables wired Ethernet. The default value is On.  
PPP Interface  
RF Interface  
Enables or disables serial PPP. The default value is Off.  
Enables or disables radio. The default value is On.  
Default Interface  
Specifies the default interface (Ethernet or PPP) that the AP  
forwards a frame to if the AP cannot find the address in its  
forwarding database. The default interface is Ethernet.  
5 Verify that values reflect the network environment and change them as needed.  
6 Do one of the following:  
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Select OK to register the settings.  
Or:  
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Select Save to write changes to nonvolatile memory (NVM), which  
generates a confirmation prompt.  
7 Select Save ALL APs [F2] to save the RF Configuration information to all APs with  
the same WLAN Service Area.  
This option saves the configuration changes for the current AP, and sends two  
WNMP messages to all other APs on the Known APs table to update their  
configurations and reset them after the configuration has been modified. You can  
execute this option only among the same hardware platforms and same firmware  
versions.  
8 Select Cancel [ESC] to cancel any changes you made to this screen and return to  
the previous menu.  
Radio Parameters The AP automatically configures most radio parameters. Exercise extreme caution  
when adjusting radio parameters for the AP since these parameters affect system  
operations. Options in the RF Configuration window fine-tune the radio and  
WLAP functions. To configure the radio parameters, follow the procedure below.  
1 Select Set RF Configuration from the Main Menu to display the RF Configuration  
window.  
2 Configure the settings as required. The table below describes the Configuration  
parameters.  
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Configuring the AP  
65  
Parameter  
Description  
DTIM Interval  
Configure DTIM packet frequency as a multiple of beacon packets. The  
DTIM Interval indicates how many beacons equal one cycle. Do not  
modify.  
BC/MC Q Max  
Determines the memory allocated for the queue used in the AP to  
temporarily hold broadcast/multicast messages. Unit measure is in  
packets and corresponds to maximum-sized Ethernet packets. The  
default is 10.  
Max Retries (d)  
Max Retries (v)  
The maximum allowed retries before aborting a single transmission.  
The default is 15.  
The maximum allowed retries before aborting a single transmission.  
The default is 5.  
Multicast Mask (d)  
and (v)  
AirConnect supports broadcast download protocols for any wireless  
client (typically Point-of-Sale terminals) requiring the expedited  
download of a new operating image over the network instead of using  
a local nonvolatile drive.  
All multicast downstream data packets that match the top 32 bits of  
the multicast mask are forwarded immediately instead of being  
queued for transmission at the next DTIM interval.  
Beacon Interval  
The time between beacons in milliseconds. The default is 100.  
Accept Broadcast  
WSA_ID  
Allows the AP to respond to any station sending probe packets with  
the industry-standard broadcast WSA. If Enabled, this feature allows  
industry-standard devices interoperability. The AP probe response  
includes the WSA_ID and information about the network. By default,  
this feature is Disabled and the AP responds only to stations that know  
the WSA_ID. This helps preserve network authentication security.  
Wireless Client  
inactivity Timeout  
Allows industry-standard device interoperability by specifying the time  
the AP allows for wireless client inactivity.  
An AirConnect AP recognizes wireless client activity through data  
packet transmission and reception, and through scanning. AirConnect  
wireless clients conduct active scanning. Other industry-standard  
wireless clients might conduct passive scans and an AirConnect AP  
could classify them as inactive.  
Rate Control  
Defines the data transmission rate:  
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11 Mbps–Optional  
5.5 Mbps–Optional  
2 Mbps–Required  
1 Mbps–Required  
Fragmentation  
Threshold  
Fragmentation is not supported at this time.  
RTS/CTS operation is not supported at this time.  
RTS Threshold  
3 Verify that values reflect the network environment and change them as needed.  
4 Do one of the following:  
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Select OK to register the settings.  
Or:  
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Select Save to write changes to NVM, which generates a confirmation prompt.  
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66  
CHAPTER 6: CONFIGURING THE AP USING THE ASCII INTERFACE  
5 To save the RF Configuration information to all APs with the same WLAN Service  
area, select Save ALL APs [F2].  
This option saves the configuration changes for the current AP, and sends two  
WNMP messages to all other APs on the Known APs table to update their  
configurations and reset them after the configuration has been modified. You can  
execute this option only among the same hardware platforms and same firmware  
versions.  
6 Select Cancel [ESC] to disregard any changes made to this window and return to  
the previous menu.  
Configuring PPP To use a Point-to-Point (PPP) connection, choose the appropriate hardware  
connection (direct or modem). Verify the enable status of the serial port) in the  
System Configuration menu.  
PPP Direct  
PPP direct is a direct null-modem serial cable connection between an AP and  
computer. To configure PPP direct, follow the procedure, below.  
1 Select Set Serial Port Configuration from the Main Menu. The Serial Port  
Configuration window will be generated.  
2 Set the Port Use parameter to UI.  
3 Verify that the Modem Connected parameter setting is No.  
4 Set the Connect Mode parameter to Answer.  
Establishing a Connection  
To establish the PPP port connection on the AP, do the following.  
1 Select Set System Configuration from the Main Menu.  
2 Set the PPP Interface to OFF.  
3 Press the space bar or left/right arrows to change the value.  
4 Press Enter to confirm the change.  
PPP with Modems  
The PPP interface provides a connection using modems over a telephone line.  
Connect modems to the APs with null-modem (straight-through) serial cables.  
Designate one AP as the Originating AP and the other AP as the Answering AP.  
Configure the Originating AP with dial-out information to the answering AP. The  
answering AP waits for the originating AP to dial in to it.  
The AP supports modems that use the generic Hayes Smartmodem command  
set. The AP uses Hayes commands and is capable of working with various  
modems of 19200 baud or faster. 3Com does not support modems the company  
has not qualified.  
The following modems qualify to work with the AP:  
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Practical Peripherals PM288MT II V.34  
Supra Fax Modem 288  
USRobotics Sportster Modem 28.8  
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Configuring the AP  
67  
Dial out manually through the Special Functions menu or dial out automatically  
when the system boots up.  
Originating AP  
To configure an originating AP, do the following from the UI of the originating AP:  
1 Select Set Serial Port Configuration from the Main Menu.  
2 Set the Port Use parameter to PPP.  
3 Set the Modem Connected parameter to Yes.  
4 Set the Connect Mode to Originate.  
5 Select Dialout Number and type the dial-out telephone number of the answering  
AP (maximum 31 characters).  
This string matches what follows a typical Hayes Smartmodem ATDT command.  
Possible characters include pauses, numbers, and letters. Refer to your modem  
documentation.  
6 Set the Dialout Mode to Auto.  
7 Configure the remaining settings as required.  
Parameter  
Description  
Answer Wait  
Time  
Time in seconds waiting for a remote connection before dropping attempt.  
The default is 60 (range: 5 - 255)  
Modem Speaker Sends a command to the modem to turn the modem speaker on or off. The  
default is On.  
PPP Timeout  
Controls the time-out between issuing a PPP packet and the anticipated  
reply. This is necessary if the serial connection has long delay periods. Zero  
(0) indicates no time-out. The default is 3 from a 0 to 255-second range.  
PPP Terminates  
Controls the PPP terminate requests the AP issues when a PPP-linked AP  
does not respond to a terminate request. The AP closes the PPP connection  
after making the maximum requests. The default is 10 from a 0 to  
255-terminate request range.  
Answering AP  
From the answering APs UI:  
1 Select Set Serial Port Configuration from the Main Menu.  
2 Set the Port Use parameter to PPP.  
3 Set the Modem Connected parameter to Yes.  
4 Set the Connect Mode to Answer.  
5 Configure the other required settings the same as on the originating AP.  
Initiating Modem Connection To manually initiate dial-out from the  
originating AP to the answering AP, do the following:  
1 Select the Special Functions Menu from the Main Menu.  
2 Select Modem Dialout.  
The AP dials out and attempts to make a connection according to parameters set  
in the Serial Port Configuration. If dial-out fails, the AP switches to manual  
dial-out.  
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CHAPTER 6: CONFIGURING THE AP USING THE ASCII INTERFACE  
For automatic dial-out, reset the AP.  
To hang up, do the following:  
1 Select Special Functions from the Main Menu.  
2 Select Modem Hangup.  
Configuring the SNMP An SNMP manager application gains access to the AP SNMP agent if it has the AP  
Agent IP address. The agent configures as read-only, read-write or disabled to provide  
security when using SNMP. The AP sends specific traps for some conditions. Ensure  
the SNMP trap manager recognizes how to manage these traps.  
See the 3Com MIB on the Wireless LAN Installation and Utilities disk for  
specific entries.  
The AP supports SNMP V1, MIB-II and the 3Com.MIB. To configure the SNMP  
agent, use the following procedure.  
1 Select Set SNMP Configuration from the Main Menu, which generates the SNMP  
Configuration window.  
2 Configure the settings as required.  
:
Parameter  
Description  
SNMP Agent  
Mode  
Defines the SNMP agent mode:  
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Disabled—Disables SNMP functions.  
Read-only—Allows get and trap operations.  
Read/Write (default)—Allows get, set, and trap operations.  
Read-Only  
Community  
User-defined password string up to 31 characters identifying users with  
read-only privileges.  
Read/Write  
Community  
User-defined password up to 13 characters for users with read/write  
privileges. Ensure the password used matches the System Password used  
to gain access to the System Configuration screen.  
Trap IP Address  
All Traps  
Trap manager IP address.  
Enables or disables all trap operations. The default value is Disabled.  
Cold Boot  
Send a trap to manager when the AP cold boots. The default value is  
Disabled.  
Authentication  
failure  
Indicates that community strings other than those specified for the  
Read-Only and Read/Write Community were submitted. The default value  
is Disabled.  
Radio Restart  
Send a trap to manager for radio restart. The default is value Disabled.  
Access Cntrl  
Violation  
Send a trap to manager when an ACL violation occurs. The default value  
is Disabled.  
DHCP Change  
If enabled, this trap generates the following enterprise-specific traps:  
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Gateway Address Change—Indicates the gateway address for the  
router has changed.  
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IP Address Change—Indicates the IP address for the AP has changed.  
IP Address Lease is up—Informs you the IP address leased from the  
DHCP server is about to expire.  
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Configuring the AP  
69  
3 Verify that values reflect the network environment and change them as needed.  
4 Do one of the following:  
I
Select OK to register the settings.  
Or:  
I
Select Save to write changes to NVM, which generates a confirmation  
prompt.  
5 Select Save ALL APs [F2] to save the SNMP Configuration information to all APs  
with the same WLAN Service Area.  
This option saves the configuration changes for the current AP, and sends two  
WNMP messages to all other APs on the Known APs table to update their  
configurations and reset them after the configuration has been modified. You  
can execute this option only among the same hardware platforms and same  
firmware versions.  
6 Select Cancel [ESC] to disregard any changes made to this screen and return to the  
previous menu.  
Configuring the Access The Access Control List (ACL) supports adding wireless client entries by individual  
Control List MAC address or by a range of MAC addresses. To select a a method of adding  
wireless clients, do the following:  
1 Select Set Access Control List from the Main Menu. The prompt below displays:  
Address Type? range individual  
2 Press up/down arrows to toggle between range and individual.  
Range of Wireless Clients  
To select a range of MAC addresses, follow the procedure below.  
1 Type the minimum MAC address as the top value.  
00:0A:F8:F0:01:01  
2 Press Enter to accept the value.  
3 Press down arrow to select the maximum value.  
4 Type the maximum MAC address in the bottom value.  
00:0A:F8:F0:02:FF  
5 Press Enter to accept the value.  
6 Press down arrow to select OK.  
7 Press Enter. The UI generates the Ranges of Allowed Mobile Units window.  
8 Verify that values reflect the network environment and change them as needed.  
9 Select Delete [F1] to delete a range of Mobile Units.  
10 Select Add [F2] to add a range of Mobile Units.  
11 Select Save ALL APs [F3] to save the Ranges of Allowed Mobile Units information  
to all APs with the same WLAN Service Area. This option saves the configuration  
changes for the current AP, and sends two WNMP messages to all other APs on  
the Known APs table to update their configurations and reset them after the  
configuration has been modified. You can execute this option only among the  
same hardware platforms and firmware versions.  
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CHAPTER 6: CONFIGURING THE AP USING THE ASCII INTERFACE  
12 Select Exit [ESC] to return to the previous menu.  
When you enable the Access Control option, all wireless clients within the  
specified range can associate with the AP. Specify additional ranges as needed or  
add to the ACL using individual address entries.  
Adding Allowed Wireless Clients  
The Access Control List screen provides a facility to add wireless clients to the ACL.  
To do so, follow the procedure below.  
1 Select Set Access Control List from the Main Menu.  
The prompt below displays.  
Address Type? range individual  
2 Press the up/down arrows to toggle between range and individual.  
3 Press Add [F2].  
The AP prompts for a MAC address.  
00:00:00:00:00:00  
4 Enter the MAC address. You can enter MAC addresses without colons.  
5 Select Save ALL APs [F3] to save the AP installation configuration information to all  
APs with the same WLAN Service Area.  
This option saves the configuration changes for the current AP, and sends two WNMP  
messages to all other APs on the Known APs table to update their configurations and  
reset them after the configuration has been modified. You can execute this option  
only among the same hardware platforms and firmware version.  
Removing Allowed Wireless Clients  
To remove wireless clients, do the following:  
1 Select the Allowed Mobile Units window.  
2 Highlight the wireless client you want to remove using the Up or Down Arrows.  
3 Press Delete [F1].  
Enable/Disable the ACL  
To toggle between enable or disable, locate the ACL in the System Configuration  
window, then do the following:  
1 Select Set System Configuration from the Main Menu.  
2 Press Tab to select Access Control.  
3 Press space bar to Enable.  
4 Select Save to save changes.  
Removing All Allowed Wireless Clients  
You can remove all wireless clients from the ACL by following the procedure below.  
1 Select Special Functions from the Main Menu.  
2 Select Clear ACL.  
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Configuring the AP  
71  
Load ACL from Wireless Client List  
The Load ACL from wireless client List option, from the Special Functions menu,  
takes all currently associated wireless clients and creates an ACL from them. This  
builds an ACL without you having to manually type addresses. Edit the ACL using  
the add and delete functions.  
1 Select Special Functions from the Main Menu.  
2 Select Load ACL from wireless client List to add the addresses of associated  
wireless clients to the ACL.  
Filtering The AP has two types of filtering: address filtering and type filtering. This section  
explains the two types of filtering and how to use them.  
Address Filtering  
The AP can keep a list of the MAC addresses of wireless clients that are disallowed  
from associating with it. The Disallowed Addresses option provides security by  
preventing unauthorized access by known devices. Use the option for preferred  
association of wireless clients to APs. To lter by MAC address, follow the  
procedure below.  
1 Select Set Address Filtering from the Main Menu, which generates the Disallowed  
Addresses list window.  
2 View the list to determine whether you would like to add or delete addresses from  
the list.  
Adding Disallowed Wireless Clients  
To add wireless clients to the Disallowed Addresses list, do the following:  
1 Select Set Address Filtering from the Main Menu.  
2 Select Add [F2]. The AP prompts for a MAC address.  
00:00:00:00:00:00  
3 Enter the appropriate MAC address. You can enter MAC addresses without colons.  
Removing Disallowed Wireless Clients  
To remove wireless clients from the Disallowed Addresses list, do the following:  
1 Select Set Address Filtering from the Main Menu.  
2 Highlight the MAC address using the Up or Down Arrows.  
3 Select Delete [F1] to delete the MAC address.  
Type Filtering  
Packet types supported for the type filtering function include the 16-bit DIX  
Ethernet types. The list can include up to 16 types.  
Adding Filter Types  
To add packet types to the Type Filtering list, do the following:  
1 Select Set Type Filtering from the Main Menu.  
2 Select Add [F2].  
3 Enter the packet type.  
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CHAPTER 6: CONFIGURING THE AP USING THE ASCII INTERFACE  
Removing Filter Types  
To remove packet types from the Type Filtering list, do the following:  
1 Select Set Type Filtering from the Main Menu.  
1 Highlight the packet type by pressing up/down arrows.  
2 Select Delete.  
Controlling Type Filters  
Set the type filters to forward or discard the types listed. To control the type  
filtering mode:  
1 Select Set System Configuration from the Main Menu.  
2 Select Type Filtering.  
3 Press space bar to toggle between the Forward, Discard or Disable type filtering.  
4 Press Enter to confirm your choice.  
5 Select Save ALL APs [F2] to save the Type Filtering Setup information to all APs  
with the same WLAN Service Area.  
You can execute this option only among the same hardware platforms and  
firmware versions.  
Clearing Wireless  
Clients from the AP  
The Clear wireless client Table feature ensures that wireless clients associating with  
the AP are active. You should only clear the wireless client association table for  
diagnostic purposes, or if the AP has many wireless client associations that are no  
longer in use.  
To clear wireless clients associated with an AP, do the following:  
1 Select Special Functions from the Main Menu.  
2 Select Clear wireless client Table.  
The AP removes the wireless clients associated with it. Wireless Clients cleared  
from an AP attempt to reassociate with the AP or another nearby AP.  
Setting Logging  
Options  
The AP keeps an event log based on settings for logging options. This allows the  
administrator to log important events and keeps the log concise through the  
128-entry circular buffer. To set even logging options, do the following:  
1 Select Set Event Logging Configuration from the Main Menu, which generates the  
Event Logging Configuration window.  
2 Set Any Event Logging to Enabled to log all events.  
3 Disable events that do not require logging when Any Event Logging is disabled.  
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Manually Updating AP Firmware  
73  
4 Press space bar or left/right arrows to toggle between Enabled and Disabled.  
Parameter  
Description  
Any Event Logging  
Security Violations  
MU State Changes  
WNMP Events  
Serial Port Events  
AP-AP Msgs  
Logs all events listed in the window.  
Logs ACL filter or administrative password access violations.  
Allows logging of all wireless client state changes.  
Logs WNMP events such as wireless clients using WNMP.  
Logs serial port activity.  
Logs AP to AP communication.  
Telnet Logins  
Logs telnet sessions for monitoring and administration.  
Internal use only.  
System Events  
Ethernet Events  
Logs events such as packet transmissions and errors.  
5 Verify that values reflect the network environment and change them as needed.  
6 Do one of the following:  
I
Select OK to register the settings.  
Or:  
I
Select Save to write changes to NVM, which generates a confirmation  
prompt.  
7 Select Save ALL APs [F2] to save the Event Logging Configuration information to  
all APs with the same WLAN Service Area.  
This option saves the configuration changes for the current AP, and sends two WNMP  
messages to all other APs on the Known APs table to update their configurations and  
reset them after the configuration has been modified. You can execute this option  
only among the same hardware platforms and firmware versions.  
8 Select Cancel [ESC] to disregard any changes made to this screen and return to the  
previous menu.  
Manually Updating  
AP Firmware  
You have two options for manually updating the AP firmware. You can use either  
of the following:  
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A TFTP host  
Any computer using the Xmodem file transfer protocol.  
The two files required for firmware updates are:  
dsap_fw.bin  
3cap_htm.bin  
If you update the AP firmware, you will not be able to downgrade to the  
previous version of AP firmware.  
To upgrade the access point to version 2.0, you must first perform the update  
procedure to update the AP to version 1.5 firmware, and then repeat the update  
procedure to update to version 2.0. You cannot update the AP directly from 1.0  
to 2.0 firmware. If you need additional details, contact 3Com Customer Support  
at the following Web site: http://support.3com.com/wireless.htm  
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CHAPTER 6: CONFIGURING THE AP USING THE ASCII INTERFACE  
Update using TFTP The Ethernet TFTP upgrade method requires a connection between the AP and PC  
on the same Ethernet segment. Verify the PC has a TFTP server running on it.  
Running the server requires third party software such as FTP PC/TCP for DOS or  
OnNet™ for Windows. The wireless TFTP upgrade method requires a connection  
between the AP and a TFTP server. The TFTP server can be running on a 3Com  
AirConnect device.  
Updating the firmware requires that a TFTP server be running in the background.  
To update the AP firmware using TFTP, do the following:  
1 Copy the firmware files dsap_fw.bin and 3cap_htm.bin to the terminal or PC  
hard disk.  
2 Telnet to the AP using its IP address.  
3 Type the case-sensitive password at the prompt, which generates the Main Menu.  
4 Select Special Functions from the Main Menu.  
5 Select Alter Filename(s)/HELP URL/TFTP and press Enter.  
Type the firmware file name in the Download Filename field..  
The remainder of this procedure uses Windows 98 as an example.  
6 Only change this file name if you are required to do so. The default file names are  
dsap_fw.bin and 3cap_htm.bin. Verify that the path to the files is accurate.  
7 Enter the TFTP Server IP address in the TFTP Server field.  
8 Press Enter.  
9 Select Save Configuration to save settings.  
10 Select Special Functions from the Main Menu.  
11 Select Use TFTP to Update Access Points and press Enter., which generates the  
following prompt: Are you sure (Y/N)?”  
12 Type y. The Telnet session ends when you type y at the prompt. The WIRED LAN  
ACTIVITY indicator on the AP does not flash. The AP resets when the file transfer  
and flash programming complete.  
13 Telnet to the AP using its IP address.  
14 Type the case-sensitive password at the password prompt, which generates the  
Main Menu.  
15 Verify the accuracy of the version number on the System Summary window.  
16 Press Ctrl+D to end the Telnet session.  
17 Repeat this process for other APs in the network.  
Updating using The Xmodem upgrade method requires a direct connection between the AP and  
Xmodem PC using a null-modem serial cable and software such as HyperTerminal for  
Windows 95. Xmodem supports file transfers between terminal emulation  
programs and the AP UI. Xmodem transfers require more time than TFTP transfers.  
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Manually Updating AP Firmware  
75  
To update the AP firmware using Xmodem, follow the procedure below.  
1 Copy the firmware files dsap_fw.bin and 3cap_htm.bin to the PC hard disk that  
runs a terminal emulation program.  
2 Attach a null-modem serial cable from the AP to the PC serial port.  
3 Start the communication program on the PC. Name the session “AirConnect AP”  
and select OK.  
The remainder of this procedure uses Windows 98 as an example.  
4 Select the correct communication port, typically Direct to Com1, along with the  
following parameters:  
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Emulation—ANSI  
Baud rate—19200 bps  
Data bits—8  
Stop bits—1  
Parity—none  
Flow control—none  
5 Select OK.  
6 Press Enter to display the Main Menu.  
7 Select Enter Admin Mode and type the case-sensitive password.  
8 Open the Special Functions window.  
9 Select Firmware, HTML file, or Both under the function heading Use XMODEM to  
Update Access Points.  
Both downloads the dsap_fw.bin and 3cap_htm.bin files separately. Make sure  
both files are located in the same directory before the download begins.  
10 Press Enter.  
11 Type y at the confirmation prompt, which generates the following message:  
Downloading firmware using XMODEM.  
Send firmware with XMODEM now ...  
CAUTION: When you use Xmodem, verify the accuracy of the file name before a  
send. An incorrect file can render the AP inoperable.  
12 Select Transfer from the emulation program menu bar.  
13 Select Send File.  
14 Click Browse to locate the file(s), dsap_fw.bin or 3cap_htm.bin.  
15 Select the XModem protocol from the drop down list.  
16 Click Send. The terminal or PC displays the transfer process through a progress bar.  
If you are downloading both the firmware and HTML files, the following message  
is generated:  
Downloading HTML file using XMODEM.  
Send HTML file with XMODEM now ...  
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CHAPTER 6: CONFIGURING THE AP USING THE ASCII INTERFACE  
17 Repeat step 12 through step 16 to download the next file and avoid a transfer  
time-out error if you are downloading both the firmware and HTML files.  
The download is complete when the UI displays:  
Download Successful  
Updating AP  
Update Successful  
If the firmware update fails, the UI displays an error code indicating the cause. The  
AP automatically resets after all file transfers are completed.  
18 Exit the communication program to terminate the session.  
19 Repeat this process for other APs in the network.  
Auto Upgrade all APs  
Via Messaging  
The Update ALL Access Points feature upgrades or downgrades the firmware of all  
associated APs with the same WLAN Service Area on the same subnet and  
includes all recognized hardware platforms regardless of firmware version. The  
initiating AP sends the correct file name for each 3Com platform. The initiating AP  
does not send update commands to non-3Com platforms.  
You can find the specific APs that have firmware upgraded or downgraded in the  
Known APs window. There is a 2-second time interval between the WNMP update  
firmware commands for updating each AP. This interval prevents more than one  
AP from accessing the TFTP server at once and causing network congestion.  
The Ethernet TFTP upgrade method requires a connection between the AP and PC  
on the same Ethernet segment. Verify the PC has a TFTP server running on it.  
Running the server requires third party software such as FTP PC/TCP for DOS or  
OnNet™ for Windows. The wireless TFTP upgrade method requires a connection  
between the AP and a TFTP server. The TFTP server can be running on a 3Com  
AirConnect device.  
Updating the firmware requires that a TFTP server be running in the background.  
To update the AP firmware:  
1 Copy the firmware files dsap_fw.bin and 3cap_htm.bin to the terminal or PC  
hard disk.  
2 Telnet to the AP using its IP address.  
3 Type the case-sensitive password at the prompt (see “Changing the Access  
to the UI” for more details). The AP generates the Main Menu.  
4 Select Special Functions from the Main Menu.  
5 Select Alter Filename(s)/HELP URL/TFTP Server and press Enter.  
6 Type the firmware file name in the Download Filename field.  
Only change this file name if you are required to do so. The default file names are  
dsap_fw.bin and 3cap_htm.bin. Verify that the path to the files is accurate. (See  
step one)  
7 Enter the TFTP Server IP address in the TFTP Server field.  
8 Press Enter.  
9 Select Save Configuration to save settings.  
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Performing Pings  
77  
10 Select Special Functions from the Main Menu.  
11 Select Use TFTP to Update All Access Points and press Enter, which generates the  
following prompt: “Are you sure (Y/N)?”  
12 Type y. The Telnet session ends at this point. The AP resets when the file transfer  
and flash programming complete.  
13 Telnet to the AP using its IP address.  
14 Type the case-sensitive password at the password prompt, which generates the  
Main Menu.  
15 Verify the accuracy of the version number in the System Summary window.  
16 Press Ctrl+D to end the Telnet session.  
Performing Pings  
A network node sends a ping packet to a wireless client or AP and waits for a  
response. Use pings to evaluate signal strength between two stations. The other  
station can exist on any AP interface. (This ping operates at the MAC level and not  
at the Internet Control Message Protocol [ICMP] level.  
No pings returned or fewer pings returned than sent can indicate a  
communication problem between the AP and the non-network station.  
To ping a station, follow the procedure below.  
1 Select Show Wireless Clients from the Main Menu.  
2 Select Regular from the Show Wireless Clients window. The Wireless Clients  
window generates.  
3 Press Tab to highlight the MAC address of the station to ping.  
4 Press the [F1] key to select Ping [F1] This generates the Packet Ping Setup window.  
5 Enter the number of Pings (1 to 539), the Packet Length in bytes (1 to 539), and  
the Packet Data content in hex (0x00 to 0xFF).  
6 Select Start [CR] to begin pinging.  
The AP dynamically displays ping packets transmitted and received.  
Extended Roaming  
Using MD5  
Authentication  
You can achieve authentication by using the MD5 algorithm with a shared key  
configured into the AP and its wireless client. MD5 is a message-digest algorithm  
that takes an arbitrarily long message and computes a fixed-length (16 bytes) digest  
version of the original message. You can think of the message-digest as a unique  
fingerprint of the original message computed using a mathematical formula or  
algorithm. The message-digest is the authentication checksum of a message from  
a mobile wireless client to an AP during the Home Agent registration process. The  
MD5 algorithm prevents a wireless client from impersonating an authenticated  
wireless client.  
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78  
CHAPTER 6: CONFIGURING THE AP USING THE ASCII INTERFACE  
Enabling or Disabling  
Encryption  
The AP can be set for encryption of links to associated wireless clients. Any  
wireless clients associated with the AP must also have encryption enabled and set  
to the same level of encryption. To enable encryption in the AP, do the following:  
1 Select RF Configuration from the Main menu.  
2 Select Enabled for WEP (Privacy) to turn on encryption or Disabled for no encryption.  
3 If you have enabled encryption, select 40 bit key or 128 bit key (USA) or 40 bit key  
(non-USA) for WEP Algorithm.  
4 Select Save to enter your selections, then answer Yes at the confirmation prompt.  
take effect.  
Encryption  
Configuration  
Requirements  
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The encryption level (open, 40-bit, or 128-bit) must be the same on the  
wireless client and the access point.  
All Shared Keys on the wireless client must be the same as those on the access  
point with which the client will associate. They must match exactly (key order  
and hex-digit sequence).  
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The selected keys do not need to be the same among different clients and/or  
access points.  
Encryption Upgrade If you are upgrading the access point from 40-bit encryption to 128-bit  
Access Codes encryption, you must enter an access code to perform the upgrade. Until the  
access code is entered, you can only enable or disable 40-bit encryption.  
1 From the Hyperterminal main menu, select RF Configuration.  
2 Press the tab key to highlight Enable Strong Encryption.  
3 Press Enter.  
4 An access code entry screen appears. Enter the access code in the fields.  
5 Select Save to save the access code entry.  
6 If you have enabled encryption, select 128 bit shared key for WEP Algorithm.  
7 Select Save to enter your encryption algorithm, then answer Yes at the  
confirmation prompt.  
take effect.  
Special Configuration  
Considerations  
The following configuration settings are recommended for optimal performance.  
Disable Short Preamble If you are installing the access point into a network that includes earlier versions of  
3Com access points, you must disable the short RF preamble setting (default is  
enabled).  
To disable short RF preamble:  
1 Start Hyperterminal and connect to the access point.  
2 From the Hyperterminal main menu, select RF Configuration.  
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Saving, Resetting, and Restoring Configurations  
79  
3 Press the Tab key to highlight .Short RF Preamble Enabled.  
4 Press the space bar to change the selection to Disabled.  
5 Press F1 to save the setting.  
take effect.  
WLAP Mode Setting It is recommended that the WLAP Mode setting in the Hyperterminal RF  
Configuration screen should always remain disabled or set to Link Required.  
Should WLAP Mode be enabled, the access point will lose the ability to connect  
wirelessly to any wireless clients. Once enabled, WLAP Mode can be reset to  
disabled only by contacting 3Com Customer Support for instructions at the  
Saving, Resetting,  
and Restoring  
Configurations  
This section discusses how you can save, restore, or reset your AP configurations.  
Saving a Configuration The AP keeps only saved configuration changes after a reset. To make  
configuration changes permanent, save changes as needed. To save all changes,  
press F1 in all configuration screens that display the Save option. Otherwise,  
follow the procedure below.  
In Windows 2000, the F1 key will not work correctly to save configuration  
settings. To save settings, press the Tab key to highlight the onscreen F1  
selection, then press Enter. Answer yes when prompted to save changes.  
To enable the F1 key to work correctly in Windows 2000, you should upgrade  
your Hyperterminal application to Hyperterminal Private Edition. This software is  
1 Select Special Functions from the Main Menu. The Special Functions Menu  
displays.  
2 Select Save Configuration and press Enter.  
The Save All APs function saves only the five parameters the precede it in the  
Special Functions Menu. You can use this option only among the same hardware  
platforms and firmware versions.  
The NVRAM stores saved configuration information. To clear configuration  
Resetting an AP Resetting an AP clears statistics and restores the last saved configuration. If you  
changes and do not save them, the AP clears those changes and restores the  
factory defaults on reset. To reset the AP, do the following:  
1 Select Special Functions from the Main Menu.  
2 Select Reset AP. The AP LEDs flash as they do when the AP powers up. The AP  
returns to a STATUS-flashing state.  
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CHAPTER 6: CONFIGURING THE AP USING THE ASCII INTERFACE  
Restoring the Default AP If an AP fails to communicate because of improper settings, restore the factory  
Configuration configuration defaults. Restoring the factory default settings clears all  
configuration and statistics for an AP.  
To restore the default configuration, do the following.  
1 Select Special Functions from the Main Menu.  
2 Select Restore Factory Configuration.  
The AP erases all user applied configuration information and replaces the factory  
default configuration.  
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ACCESS POINT SPECIFICATIONS  
A
Physical Characteristics  
Dimensions  
1.25” H x 5.5” L x 7.75” W (3.18 cm H x  
14.97 cm L x 19.69 cm W)  
Weight (w/power  
supply)  
1 lbs (0.454 kg)  
Operating  
Temperature  
-4º F to 131º F (-20º C to 55º C)  
-40º F to 149º F (-40º C to 65º C)  
Storage  
Temperature  
Humidity  
Shock  
ESD  
10% to 95% noncondensing  
40 G, 11 ms, half-sine  
Meets CE-Mark  
Drop  
Withstands up to a 30 in. (76 cm) drop to  
concrete with possible surface marring  
Radio Characteristics  
Frequency  
2412  
No. of Channels  
Country  
US, Standard  
Europe  
11  
13  
2
2412  
2457  
Spain  
2457  
4
France  
2484  
14  
Japan  
Frequency range is country dependent, within 2400 MHz to 2500 MHz.  
Output Characteristics  
Radio Power  
Output  
100mW  
Range  
Open  
environment  
Over 1000 ft. (303 m)  
Office  
environment  
Up to 80 ft. @ 11Mbps  
Up to 120 ft. @ 5.5Mbps  
Up to 200 ft. @ 2Mbps  
Up to 300 ft. @ 1Mbps  
TX Max. Radiated US: FCC part 15.247; Europe: ETS 300 320;  
EIRP  
Japan: RCR STD-33  
Modulation  
DBPSK, DQPSK  
TX Out-of-Band  
Emissions  
US: FCC part 15.247, 15.205, 15.209;  
Europe: ETS 300 320; Japan: RCR STD-33  
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82  
APPENDIX A: ACCESS POINT SPECIFICATIONS  
Network Characteristics  
Ethernet Frame  
DIX, Ethernet_II, IEEE 802.3  
Filtering Packet  
Rate  
14,400 frames per second filtering and  
forwarding  
Ethernet  
10Base-T (RJ-45)  
Connection  
Serial  
PC/AT serial port - DB9 Female, RS-232  
using a DTE termination, 19200 bps  
SNMP  
Version 1, MIB-II, 3Com MIB  
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TECHNICAL SUPPORT  
B
Online Technical  
Services  
3Com offers worldwide product support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through  
the following online systems:  
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World Wide Web site  
3Com FTP site  
World Wide Web Site Access the latest networking information on the 3Com Corporation World Wide Web  
site by entering the URL into your Internet browser:  
This service provides access to online support information such as technical  
documentation and software library, as well as support options ranging from technical  
education to maintenance and professional services.  
3Com FTP Site Download drivers, patches, software, and MIBs across the Internet from the  
3Com public FTP site. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  
To connect to the 3Com FTP site, enter the following information into your FTP client:  
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Hostname: ftp.3com.com (or 192.156.136.12)  
Username: anonymous  
Password: <your Internet e-mail address>  
A user name and password are not needed with Web browser software such as  
Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer.  
Support from Your  
Network Supplier  
If additional assistance is required, contact your network supplier. Many suppliers  
are authorized 3Com service partners who are qualified to provide a variety of  
services, including network planning, installation, hardware maintenance,  
application training, and support services.  
When you contact your network supplier for assistance, have the following  
information ready:  
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Product model name, part number, and serial number  
A list of system hardware and software, including revision levels  
Diagnostic error messages  
Details about recent configuration changes, if applicable  
If you are unable to contact your network supplier, see the following section on  
how to contact 3Com.  
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84  
APPENDIX B: TECHNICAL SUPPORT  
Support from 3Com  
If you are unable to obtain assistance from the 3Com online technical resources or  
from your network supplier, 3Com offers technical telephone support services. To  
find out more about your support options, please call the 3Com technical  
telephone support phone number at the location nearest you.  
When you contact 3Com for assistance, have the following information ready:  
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Product model name, part number, and serial number  
A list of system hardware and software, including revision levels  
Diagnostic error messages  
Details about recent configuration changes, if applicable  
Below is a list of worldwide technical telephone support numbers:  
Country  
Telephone Number  
Country  
Telephone Number  
Asia Pacific Rim  
Australia  
Hong Kong  
India  
P.R. of China  
10800 61 00137 or  
021 6350 1590  
800 6161 463  
1 800 678 515  
800 933 486  
Singapore  
Indonesia  
Japan  
Malaysia  
New Zealand  
Pakistan  
Philippines  
+61 2 9937 5085  
001 800 61 009  
03 5783 1270  
1800 801 777  
0800 446 398  
+61 2 9937 5085  
1235 61 266 2602  
S. Korea  
From anywhere  
in S. Korea:  
From Seoul:  
Taiwan, R.O.C.  
Thailand  
00798 611 2230  
(0) 2 3455 6455  
0080 611 261  
001 800 611 2000  
Europe  
From anywhere in  
Europe, call:  
+31 (0)30 6029900 phone  
+31 (0)30 6029999 fax  
From the following European countries, you may use the toll-free numbers:  
Australia  
Austria  
Belgium  
Denmark  
Finland  
1800 678 515  
0800 297468  
0800 71429  
New Zealand  
Norway  
P.R. of China  
Phillipines  
Poland  
0800 446 398  
800 11376  
10 800 61 00137  
1235 61 266 2602  
0800 3111206  
0800 831416  
800 616 1463  
0800 995014  
00798 611 2230  
900 983125  
800 17309  
0800 113153  
0800 917959  
0800 1821502  
800 933 486  
06800 12813  
001 80061 009  
1 800 553117  
1 800 9453794  
800 879489  
France  
Portugal  
Germany  
Hong Kong  
Hungary  
Indonesia  
Ireland  
Israel  
Italy  
Singapore  
South Africa  
South Korea  
Spain  
Sweden  
020 795482  
Switzerland  
Taiwan, R.O.C.  
Thailand  
0800 55 3072  
0080 611 261  
001 800 611 2000  
0800 966197  
Malaysia  
Netherlands  
1800 801777  
0800 0227788  
U.K.  
Latin America  
Argentina  
Brazil  
Chile  
Colombia  
AT&T +800 666 5065  
0800 13 3266  
0800 13 3266  
98012 2127  
Mexico  
Peru  
Puerto Rico  
Venezuela  
AT&T +800 778 5573  
AT&T +800 666 5065  
800 666 5065  
AT&T +800 666 5065  
North America  
1 800 527 8677  
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Returning Products for Repair  
85  
Returning Products  
for Repair  
Before you send a product directly to 3Com for repair, you must first obtain a  
Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number. Products sent to 3Com without  
RMA numbers will be returned to the sender unopened, at the senders expense.  
To obtain an RMA number, call or fax:  
Country  
Telephone Number  
65 543 6500  
Fax Number  
Asia, Pacific Rim  
65 543 6348  
Europe, South Africa, and  
Middle East  
+ 44 1442 435860  
+ 44 1442 435718  
From the following European countries, you may call the toll-free numbers; select option 2 and  
then option 2:  
Australia  
Austria  
Belgium  
1800 678 515  
0800 297468  
0800 71429  
Denmark  
Finland  
France  
Germany  
Hong Kong  
Hungary  
Indonesia  
Ireland  
800 17309  
0800 113153  
0800 917959  
0130 821502  
800 933 486  
06800 12813  
001 80061 009  
1 800 553117  
1 800 9453794  
800 879489  
Israel  
Italy  
Malaysia  
Netherlands  
New Zealand  
Norway  
P.R. of China  
Phillipines  
Poland  
Portugal  
South Africa  
South Korea  
Spain  
1800 801777  
0800 0227788  
0800 446 398  
800 11376  
10 800 61 00137  
1235 61 266 2602  
0800 3111206  
0800 831416  
0800 995014  
00798 611 2230  
900 983125  
Sweden  
020 795482  
Switzerland  
Taiwan, R.O.C.  
Thailand  
U.K.  
0800 55 3072  
0080 611 261  
001 800 611 2000  
0800 966197  
Latin America  
1 408 326 2927  
1 800 527 8677  
1 408 326 3355  
1 408 326 7120  
U.S.A. and Canada  
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87  
B
F
INDEX  
bridging  
features  
media types 18  
support 19  
access point 13  
filtering 18  
configuring 52  
forwarding counts 37  
full coverage (see multiple-AP  
network) 12  
C
cable  
null-modem serial 20  
Numbers  
CAM (see continuously aware mode) 23  
cellular coverage 15  
changing access, ASCII UI 60  
changing UI access 44  
clearing statistics 40, 56  
configuration  
10BASE-T connection 28  
3Com URL 83  
G
gateways, adding 45  
802.1d spanning tree support 16  
H
A
resetting 79  
restoring 79  
restoring default 80  
saving 79  
help file access 41  
access control 18  
access point  
configuring in ASCII UI 62  
description 12  
features 13  
I
configuring  
installation  
ACL in ASCII UI 69  
answering modem 52  
dial-up connection 60  
filtering 52  
AP software 45  
ceiling mount 30  
minimum requirements 27  
mounting the AP 29  
wall mount 29  
installing 29  
network characteristics 82  
output characteristics 81  
physical characteristics 81  
radio characteristics 81  
accessing  
ASCII user interface (UI) 57  
adding  
additional gateways 45  
wireless clients 46  
admin mode, ASCII UI 59  
analyzing retires 39  
answering modem  
configuring 52  
in ASCII UI 62  
PPP connection in ASCII UI 66  
radio parameters in ASCII UI 64  
security 46  
interface statistics window 37  
serial port 60  
K
configuring the AP  
known APs 40  
adding wireless clients 46  
in ASCII UI 63  
continuously aware mode (CAM) 23  
coverege (see multiple-AP network) 12  
L
logging options 72  
AP  
wall mount 29  
D
AP firmware  
M
default configuration, restoring 80  
DHCP support 18  
update before configuring AP 57  
updating using TFTP 74  
updating using web browser UI 53  
upgrading all APs 76  
ASCII 57  
MAC (Media Access Control) address 15  
MDS authenification for extended  
romaing 77  
dial-up connection  
configuring 60  
media types (see bridging) 18  
messaging to upgrade all APs 76  
MIBs 83  
miscellaneous statistics 39  
modulation 14  
monitoring statistics 37  
mounting the AP 29  
ceiling mount 30  
direct serial connection 58  
direct-sequence spread spectrum  
(DSSS) 21  
disallowed wireless clients 46  
DSSS (see direct-sequence spread  
spectrum) 21  
ASCII UI  
accessing 57  
admin mode 59  
changing access 59, 60  
clearing wireless clients 72  
configuring ACL 69  
configuring PPP connection 66  
configuring radio parameters 64  
configuring system parameters 63  
configuring the AP 63  
navigating 58  
wall mount 29  
E
multiple APs  
10BASE-T connection 28  
multiple-AP network 12  
Easy Setup 45  
encryption  
configuration requirements 78  
enabling and disabling in ASCII  
enabling and disabling using web  
browser 47  
updating AP firmware 73  
association process 21  
Ethernet  
interface 18  
statistics 38  
extended roaming  
MDS authentification 77  
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88  
INDEX  
N
S
U
navigating the ASCII UI 58  
network connection 28  
network supplier support 83  
network topologies  
same-site separate networks 10  
security 23  
updating AP firmware  
ASCII UI 73  
configuring 46  
before configuring AP 57  
using web browser UI 53  
user interace, changing access 44  
user interface (UI) 26  
serial port  
multiple-AP network 12  
peer-to-peer network 9  
same-site separate networks 10  
single AP bridge 11  
configuring 60  
setting up wireless clients 35  
single AP bridge 11  
single-cell connection 28  
site surveys 17  
W
SNMP  
Web browser  
agent 68  
trap support 25  
O
user interface 41  
user interface, accessing 42  
wireless client  
online technical services 83  
special functions 54  
specifications, access point 81  
network characteristics 82  
output characteristics 81  
physical characteristics 81  
radio characteristics 81  
statistic  
association process 21  
setting up 35  
P
wireless clients  
package contents 27  
parameters  
adding 46  
clearing in ASCII UI 72  
disallowed 46  
system 48  
peer-to-peer network 9  
pings, performing 77  
point-to-point connection 20  
point-to-point protocol 19  
power options 28  
power save polling (PSP) 23  
PowerBASE-T  
monitoring 37  
statistics 55  
statistics  
wireless LAN service area 16  
World Wide Web (WWW) 83  
clearing 40, 56  
Ethernet 38  
interface 37  
miscellaneous 39  
radio frequency  
radio frequency statistics 38  
transaction  
X
using 32  
Xmodem, using to update AP firmware  
AP firmware  
PPP (see point-to-point protocol) 19  
PPP connection (see point-to-point  
connection) 20  
updating using Xmodem 74  
transaction statistics 37  
wireless clients 55  
system parameters 48  
configuring in ASCII UI 63  
system password, changing 44  
system properties window 37  
precautions  
installation 27  
properties  
system 37  
PSP (see power save polling) 23  
T
R
technical support  
radio basics 14  
network suppliers 83  
product repair 85  
radio interface 18  
radio parameters  
configuring in ASCII UI 64  
retries, analyzing 39  
returning products for repair 85  
Telnet, using 57  
TFTP, using to update AP firmware 74  
theory of operation 17  
transmit frequency range 14  
troubleshooting  
verify AP operation 34  
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WARRANTY AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE  
3Com Corporation Limited Warranty  
This warranty applies to customers located in the United States, Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, U.K.,  
and other English language countries, and countries for which a translation into the local language is not provided  
3Com AirConnect Access Point  
HARDWARE  
3Com warrants to the end user (“Customer”) that this hardware product will be free from defects in workmanship and  
materials, under normal use and service, for the following length of time from the date of purchase from 3Com or its  
authorized reseller:  
Three (3) years  
Spare Parts and Spares Kits are warranted for ninety (90) days  
3Com’s sole obligation under this express warranty shall be, at 3Com’s option and expense, to repair the defective product or  
part, deliver to Customer an equivalent product or part to replace the defective item, or if neither of the two foregoing options  
is reasonably available, 3Com may, in its sole discretion, refund to Customer the purchase price paid for the defective product.  
All products that are replaced will become the property of 3Com. Replacement products or parts may be new or reconditioned.  
3Com warrants any replaced or repaired product or part for ninety (90) days from shipment, or the remainder of the initial  
warranty period, whichever is longer.3Com’s sole obligation under this express warranty shall be, at 3Com’s option and  
expense, to repair the defective product or part, deliver to Customer an equivalent product or part to replace the defective  
item, or if neither of the two foregoing options is reasonably available, 3Com may, in its sole discretion, refund to Customer  
the purchase price paid for the defective product. All products that are replaced will become the property of 3Com.  
Replacement products may be new or reconditioned. 3Com warrants any replaced or repaired product or part for ninety (90)  
days from shipment, or the remainder of the initial warranty period, whichever is longer.  
SOFTWARE  
3Com warrants to Customer that each software program licensed from it, except as noted below, will perform in substantial  
conformance to its program specifications, for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase from 3Com or its  
authorized reseller. 3Com warrants the media containing software against failure during the warranty period. No updates are  
provided. 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 specifications. Customer assumes responsibility for the selection of the appropriate  
applications program and associated reference materials. 3Com makes no warranty or representation that its software  
products will meet Customer’s requirements or work in combination with any hardware or applications software products  
provided by third parties, that the operation of the software products will be uninterrupted or error free, or that all defects in  
the software products will be corrected. For any third party products listed in the 3Com software product documentation or  
specifications as being compatible, 3Com will make reasonable efforts to provide compatibility, except where the  
non-compatibility is caused by a “bug” or defect in the third party's product or from use of the software product not in  
accordance with 3Com’s published specifications or user manual.  
The site survey software is licensed "AS IS".  
THIS 3COM PRODUCT MAY INCLUDE OR BE BUNDLED WITH (1) THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE, OR (2) 3COM SOFTWARE WHICH  
IS USED WITH THE LINUX OPERATING SYSTEM, THE USE OF WHICH IS GOVERNED BY A SEPARATE END USER LICENSE  
AGREEMENT. THIS 3COM WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY TO SUCH THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE OR 3COM LINUX SOFTWARE.  
FOR THE APPLICABLE WARRANTY, PLEASE REFER TO THE END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT GOVERNING THE USE OF SUCH  
SOFTWARE OR THE ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION RELATING TO SUCH SOFTWARE  
YEAR 2000 WARRANTY  
In addition to the Hardware Warranty and Software Warranty stated above, 3Com warrants that each product sold or licensed  
to Customer on and after January 1, 1998 that is date sensitive will continue performing properly with regard to such date data  
on and after January 1, 2000, provided that all other products used by Customer in connection or combination with the 3Com  
product, including hardware, software, and firmware, accurately exchange date data with the 3Com product, with the  
standard. If it appears that any product that is stated to meet this standard does not perform properly with regard to such date  
data on and after January 1, 2000, and Customer notifies 3Com before the later of April 1, 2000, or ninety (90) days after  
purchase of the product from 3Com or its authorized reseller, 3Com shall, at its option and expense, provide a software update  
which would effect the proper performance of such product, repair such product, deliver to Customer an equivalent product to  
replace such product, or if none of the foregoing is feasible, refund to Customer the purchase price paid for such product.  
Any software update or replaced or repaired product will carry a Year 2000 Warranty for ninety (90) days after purchase or  
until April 1, 2000, whichever is later.  
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OBTAINING WARRANTY  
SERVICE  
Customer must contact a 3Com Corporate Service Center or an Authorized 3Com Service Center within the applicable  
warranty period to obtain warranty service authorization. Dated proof of purchase from 3Com or its authorized reseller may be  
required. Products returned to 3Com's Corporate Service Center must be pre-authorized by 3Com with a User Service Order  
(USO) number (or a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number or a Service Repair Order (SRO) number, whichever was  
issued) marked on the outside of the package, and sent prepaid and packaged appropriately for safe shipment, and it is  
recommended that they be insured or sent by a method that provides for tracking of the package. Responsibility for loss or  
damage does not transfer to 3Com until the returned item is received by 3Com. The repaired or replaced item will be shipped  
to Customer, at 3Com's expense, not later than thirty (30) days after 3Com receives the defective product, and 3Com will  
retain risk of loss or damage until the item is delivered to Customer.  
3Com shall not be responsible for any software, firmware, information, or memory data of Customer contained in, stored on,  
or integrated with any products returned to 3Com for repair, whether under warranty or not.  
Dead- or Defective-on-Arrival. In the event a product completely fails to function or exhibits a defect in materials or  
workmanship within the first forty-eight (48) hours of installation but no later than thirty (30) days after the date of purchase,  
and this is verified by 3Com, it will be considered dead- or defective-on-arrival (DOA) and a replacement shall be provided by  
advance replacement, but only if Customer provides a purchase order number, credit card number, or other method of  
payment acceptable to 3Com, to be used if 3Com needs to charge Customer for the replacement, as explained below. The  
replacement product will normally be shipped not later than three (3) business days after 3Com’s verification of the DOA  
product, but may be delayed due to export or import procedures. The shipment of advance replacement products is subject to  
local legal requirements and may not be available in all locations. When an advance replacement is provided and Customer fails  
to return the original product to 3Com within fifteen (15) days after shipment of the replacement, 3Com will charge Customer  
for the replacement product, at list price.  
INCLUDED SERVICES: Telephone Support, with coverage for basic troubleshooting only, will be provided for ninety (90) days  
from the date of purchase, on a commercially reasonable efforts basis. Telephone support is available from 3Com only if  
Customer purchased this product directly from 3Com, or if Customer’s reseller is unable to provide telephone support. Please  
refer to the Technical Support appendix in the User Guide for telephone numbers.  
WARRANTIES EXCLUSIVE  
IF A 3COM PRODUCT DOES NOT OPERATE AS WARRANTED ABOVE, CUSTOMER'S SOLE REMEDY FOR BREACH OF THAT  
WARRANTY SHALL BE REPAIR, REPLACEMENT, OR REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID, AT 3COM'S OPTION. TO THE FULL  
EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER  
WARRANTIES, TERMS, OR CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, EITHER IN FACT OR BY OPERATION OF LAW, STATUTORY OR  
OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WARRANTIES, TERMS, OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR  
PURPOSE, SATISFACTORY QUALITY, CORRESPONDENCE WITH DESCRIPTION, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT, ALL OF WHICH ARE  
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED. 3COM NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT ANY OTHER  
LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE OR USE OF ITS PRODUCTS.  
3COM SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER THIS WARRANTY IF ITS TESTING AND EXAMINATION DISCLOSE THAT THE ALLEGED  
DEFECT OR MALFUNCTION IN THE PRODUCT DOES NOT EXIST OR WAS CAUSED BY CUSTOMER'S OR ANY THIRD PERSON'S  
MISUSE, NEGLECT, IMPROPER INSTALLATION OR TESTING, UNAUTHORIZED ATTEMPTS TO OPEN, REPAIR OR MODIFY THE  
PRODUCT, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE BEYOND THE RANGE OF THE INTENDED USE, OR BY ACCIDENT, FIRE, LIGHTNING, POWER  
CUTS OR OUTAGES, OTHER HAZARDS, OR ACTS OF GOD.  
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY  
TO THE FULL EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, 3COM ALSO EXCLUDES FOR ITSELF AND ITS SUPPLIERS ANY LIABILITY, WHETHER  
BASED IN CONTRACT OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR  
PUNITIVE DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR FOR LOSS OF REVENUE OR PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF INFORMATION OR  
DATA, OR OTHER FINANCIAL LOSS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE,  
USE, PERFORMANCE, FAILURE, OR INTERRUPTION OF ITS PRODUCTS, EVEN IF 3COM OR ITS AUTHORIZED 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.  
DISCLAIMER  
Some countries, states, or provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or the limitation of incidental  
or consequential damages for certain products supplied to consumers, or the limitation of liability for personal injury, so the  
above limitations and exclusions may be limited in their application to you. When the implied warranties are not allowed to be  
excluded in their entirety, they will be limited to the duration of the applicable written warranty. This warranty gives you  
specific legal rights which may vary depending on local law.  
GOVERNING LAW  
This Limited Warranty shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, U.S.A. excluding its conflicts of laws principles  
and excluding the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods.  
3Com Corporation  
5400 Bayfront Plaza  
Santa Clara, CA 95054  
(408) 326-5000  
January 3, 2000  
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Regulatory Compliance Information  
RADIO FREQUENCY  
INTERFERENCE REQUIREMENTS  
This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the Federal  
Communications Commissions Rules and Regulation. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against  
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can  
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful  
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in  
which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.  
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If the equipment does cause harmful  
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is  
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:  
I
I
I
I
Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that which the receiver is connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
CANADA  
This Class A digital apparatus meets the requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.  
CE MARKING AND EUROPEAN  
UNION COMPLIANCE  
Products intended for sale within the European Union are marked with the CEMark which indicates compliance to applicable  
Directives and European Normes (EN), as follows. Amendments to these Directives or ENs are included: Normes (EN), as follows.  
Applicable Directives:  
I
Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 89/336/EEC  
Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC  
I
Applicable Standards:  
I
EN 55 022 - Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Interference Characteristics of Information technology  
Equipment  
I
I
EN 50 082-1 - Electromagnetic Compatibility - Generic Immunity Standard, Part 1: Residential, commercial, Light Industry  
IEC 801.2 - Electromagnetic Compatibility for Industrial Process Measurement and Control Equipment Part 2: Electrostatic  
Discharge Requirements  
I
I
IEC 801.3 - Electromagnetic Compatibility for Industrial Process Measurement and Control Equipment Part 3: Radiated  
Electromagnetic Field Requirements  
IEC 801.4 - Electromagnetic Compatibility for Industrial Process Measurement and Control Equipment Part 4: Electrical Fast  
Transients Requirements  
I
I
EN 60 950 + Amd 1 + Amd 2 - Safety of Information Technology Equipment Including Electrical Business Equipment  
EN 60 825-1 (EN 60 825) - Safety of Devices Containing Lasers  
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3Com End User Software License Agreement  
IMPORTANT: Read Before Using This Product  
YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT. IT  
CONTAINS SOFTWARE, THE USE OF WHICH IS LICENSED BY 3COM CORPORATION (“3COM”) TO ITS CUSTOMERS FOR  
THEIR USE ONLY AS SET FORTH BELOW. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS  
AGREEMENT, DO NOT USE THE SOFTWARE. USING ANY PART OF THE SOFTWARE INDICATES THAT YOU ACCEPT  
THESE TERMS.  
LICENSE: 3Com grants you a nonexclusive license to use the accompanying software program(s) (the “Software”) subject to  
the terms and restrictions set forth in this License Agreement. You are not permitted to lease, rent, distribute or sublicense the  
Software or to use the Software in a time-sharing arrangement or in any other unauthorized manner. Further, no license is  
granted to you in the human readable code of the Software (source code). Except as provided below, this License Agreement  
does not grant you any rights to patents, copyrights, trade secrets, trademarks, or any other rights in respect to the Software.  
The Software is licensed to be used on any workstation or any network server owned by or leased to you, provided that the  
Software is used only in connection with a 3Com adapter. You may reproduce and provide one (1) copy of the Software and  
supporting documentation for each such workstation or network server on which the Software is used as permitted hereunder.  
Otherwise, the Software and supporting documentation may be copied only as essential for backup or archive purposes in  
support of your use of the Software as permitted hereunder. You must reproduce and include all copyright notices and any  
other proprietary rights notices appearing on the Software and the supporting documentation on any copies that you make.  
NO ASSIGNMENT; NO REVERSE ENGINEERING: You may not transfer or assign the Software and/or this License Agreement  
to another party without the prior written consent of 3Com. If such consent is given and you transfer or assign the Software  
and/or this License Agreement, then you must at the same time either transfer any copies of the Software as well as the  
supporting documentation to the same party or destroy any such materials not transferred. Except as set forth above, you may  
not transfer or assign the Software or your rights under this License Agreement.  
Modification, reverse engineering, reverse compiling, or disassembly of the Software is expressly prohibited. However, if you  
are a European Community (“EC”) resident, information necessary to achieve interoperability of the Software with other  
programs within the meaning of the EC Directive on the Legal Protection of Computer Programs is available to you from 3Com  
upon written request.  
EXPORT RESTRICTIONS: You agree that you will not export or re-export the Software or accompanying documentation (or  
any copies thereof) or any products utilizing the Software or such documentation in violation of any applicable laws or  
regulations of the United States and the country in which you obtained them.  
The 3Com product and/or software covered by this agreement may contain encryption code which is unlawful to export from  
the US or Canada without an approved US Department of Commerce export license. You agree that you will not export,  
reexport, either physically or electronically, any encrypted product without an approved export license.  
TRADE SECRETS; TITLE: You acknowledge and agree that the structure, sequence and organization of the Software are the  
valuable trade secrets of 3Com and its suppliers. You agree to hold such trade secrets in confidence. You further acknowledge  
and agree that ownership of, and title to, the Software and all subsequent copies thereof regardless of the form or media are  
held by 3Com and its suppliers.  
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT LEGEND: All technical data and computer software are commercial in nature and developed  
solely at private expense. The Software is delivered as “Commercial Computer Software” as defined in DFARS 252.227-7014  
(June 1995) or as a “commercial item” as defined in FAR 2.101(a) and as such is provided with only such rights as are provided  
in this License Agreement, which is 3Com’s standard commercial license for the Software. Technical data is provided with  
limited rights only as provided in DFAR 252.227-7015 (Nov. 1995) or FAR 52.227-14 (June 1987), whichever is applicable. You  
agree not to remove or deface any portion of any legend provided on any licensed program or documentation delivered to you  
under this License Agreement.  
TERM AND TERMINATION: This license will expire fifty (50) years from the date that you first use the Software, if it is not  
earlier terminated. You may terminate it at any time by destroying the Software and documentation together with all copies  
and merged portions in any form. It will also terminate immediately if you fail to comply with any term or condition of this  
License Agreement. Upon such termination you agree to destroy the Software and documentation, together with all copies and  
merged portions in any form.  
GOVERNING LAW: This License Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California as such laws are applied to  
agreements entered into and to be performed entirely within California between California residents and by the laws of the  
United States. You agree that the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (1980) is hereby  
excluded in its entirety from application to this License Agreement.  
LIMITED WARRANTY; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: All warranties and limitations of liability applicable to the Software are as  
stated on the Limited Warranty Card or in the product manual, whether in paper or electronic form, accompanying the  
Software. Such warranties and limitations of liability are incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference.  
SEVERABILITY: In the event any provision of this License Agreement is found to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the  
validity, legality and enforceability of any of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired and a valid,  
legal and enforceable provision of similar intent and economic impact shall be substituted therefor.  
ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This License Agreement sets forth the entire understanding and agreement between you and 3Com,  
supersedes all prior agreements, whether written or oral, with respect to the Software, and may be amended only in a writing  
signed by both parties.  
3Com is a registered trademark of 3Com Corporation.  
3Com Corporation, 5400 Bayfront Plaza, P.O. Box 58145, Santa Clara, CA 95052-8145. (408) 326-5000  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
 
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  

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