Cabletron Systems Switch 9032848 02 User Manual

RoamAbout Access Point

User’s Guide

9032848-02

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Notice

Cabletron Systems reserves the right to make changes in specifications and other information contained in this

document without prior notice. The reader should in all cases consult Cabletron Systems to determine whether

any such changes have been made.

The hardware, firmware, or software described in this manual is subject to change without notice.

IN NO EVENT SHALL CABLETRON SYSTEMS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT,

SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO

LOST PROFITS) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS MANUAL OR THE INFORMATION

CONTAINED IN IT, EVEN IF CABLETRON SYSTEMS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF, KNOWN, OR

SHOULD HAVE KNOWN, THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Cabletron Systems, Inc.

35 Industrial Way

Rochester, NH 03867

Order Number: 9032848-02

Cabletron, Cabletron Systems, clearVISN, DEChub, MultiSwitch, NetRider, RoamAbout, the RoamAbout

logo, and ThinWire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cabletron Systems, Inc.

PC Card is a trademark of PCMCIA.

Microsoft, Windows, Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT are either trademarks or registered

trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

Web Site: http://www.cabletron.com/wireless

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Notice

FCC Notice

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two

conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any

interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital

device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable

protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial

environment. This equipment uses, generates, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not

installed in accordance with this user’s guide, may cause harmful interference to radio

communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area may cause interference in which

case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

WARNING: Changes or modifications made to this device which are not expressly approved by

the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

VCCI Notice

This is a Class A product based on the standard of the Voluntary Control Council for Interference

by Information Technology Equipment (VCCI). If this equipment is used in a domestic

environment, radio disturbance may arise. When such trouble occurs, the user may be required to

take corrective actions.

Industry Canada Notice

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from digital

apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of

Communications.

Le présent appareil numérique n'émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites

applicables aux appareils numériques de la class A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage

radioélectrique édicté par le ministère des Communications du Canada.

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Notice

Taiwanese Notice — Class A Computing Device:

CE Notice — Class A Computing Device:

Warning!

This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in

which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

Achtung!

Dieses ist ein Gerät der Funkstörgrenzwertklasse A. In Wohnbereichen können bei Betrieb dieses

Gerätes Rundfunkstörungen auftreten, in welchen Fällen der Benutzer für entsprechende

Gegenmaßnahmen verantwortlich ist.

Avertissement!

Cet appareil est un appareil de Classe A. Dans un environnement résidentiel cet appareil peut

provoquer des brouillages radioélectriques. Dans ce cas, il peut être demandé à l'utilisateur de

prendre les mesures appropriées.

iii

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Notice

Declaration of Conformity

Addendum

Application of Council Directive(s):

89/336/EEC

73/23/EEC

Manufacturer’s Name:

Manufacturer’s Address:

Cabletron Systems, Inc.

35 Industrial Way

PO Box 5005

Rochester, NH 03867

European Representative Name:

European Representative Address:

Mr. J. Solari

Cabletron Systems Limited

Nexus House, Newbury Business Park

London Road, Newbury

Berkshire RG13 2PZ, England

Conformance to Directive(s)/Product Standards:

EC Directive 89/336/EEC

EC Directive 73/23/EEC

EN 55022

EN 50082-1

EN 60950

Equipment Type/Environment:

Networking Equipment, for use in a

Commercial or Light Industrial

Environment.

We the undersigned, hereby declare, under our sole responsibility, that the equipment

packaged with this notice conforms to the above directives.

Manufacturer

Legal Representative in Europe

Mr. Ronald Fotino

____________________________________________________

Mr. J. Solari

____________________________________

Full Name

Principal Compliance Engineer

____________________________________________________

Managing Director - E.M.E.A.

____________________________________

Title

_{_}R_{_}o_{__}c_{_}h_{_}e_{__}s_{_}te_{__}r,_{__}N_{__}H_{__},_{_}U_{__}S_{__}A_{______________________________}

Location

Newbury, Berkshire, England

Location

____________________________________

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Notice

Getting Help

For additional support related to this device or document, contact Cabletron Systems using one of

the following methods:

http://www.cabletron.com

World Wide Web

http://www.cabletron.com/wireless

Phone

(603) 332-9400

Internet mail

[email protected]

To send comments or suggestions concerning this document, contact the

Cabletron Systems Technical Writing Department via the following

email address: [email protected]

Make sure to include the document Part Number in the email message.

Before calling Cabletron Systems, have the following information ready:

•

Your Cabletron Systems service contract number

A description of the problem

A description of any action(s) already taken to resolve the problem

The serial and revision numbers of all involved Cabletron Systems products in the network

A description of your network environment (layout, cable type, etc.)

Network load and frame size at the time of trouble (if known)

The device history (i.e., have you returned the device before, is this a recurring problem, etc.)

Any previous Return Material Authorization (RMA) numbers

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Contents

Preface

Intended Audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi

Terminology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xii

Associated Documents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii

1 Introducing RoamAbout Access Point

Summary of Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

AP to Wireless Clients Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

AP to AP Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Bridging Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Configuration Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

Console Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

RoamAbout Access Point Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

Other Management Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

Optional Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

Range Extender Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

Outdoor Antenna Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

2 Preparing for Installation

Unpacking and Checking the Contents of the Shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Selecting the Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Reviewing the Site Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Hardware Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Electrical and Environmental Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Cabling Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

vii

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Table of Contents

3 Installing the RoamAbout Access Point

Installing the PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Installing the AP into a MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Removing the Back Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Seating the AP in the MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Installing the AP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

Verifying the Operation of the RoamAbout Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10

Connecting a Device to the Console Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12

Console Port Signaling Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12

Connecting to the Console Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12

Installing the RoamAbout Access Point Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15

Setting the AP Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16

Verifying Wireless Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16

4 Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point

Starting a Configuration Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

RoamAbout Access Point Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Console Port Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Showing Current Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Wireless Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Wireless Network Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Station Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

AP Density . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Transmit (Tx) Rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

RTS Threshold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

IEEE Power Management (DTIM Period). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Secure Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Setting Bridge Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Setting Default Rate Limiting (Multicast Traffic) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Setting Encryption. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11

Setting RMON Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12

Checking the Configuration on Multiple APs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

Resetting the RoamAbout Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14

Configuring the AP for LAN-to-LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15

Configuring the AP for SNMP Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16

Set In-Band Interface Addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16

Set SNMP Read/Write Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18

Set SNMP Trap Addresses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19

Upgrading the RoamAbout Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20

viii

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Table of Contents

5 Problem Solving

Using the LEDs to Determine the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Reset Button. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7

Setting Upline Dump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7

Showing Counters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8

Displaying Error Logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

Removing the AP from the MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11

A Connector, Cable, and Adapter Pin Assignments

Figures

Front, Side, and Rear View of the AP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Roaming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Building-to-Building Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Range Extender Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

Mounting the AP in a Central Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Normal LED Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

Console Port Cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14

10BaseT (8-pin MJ) Connector Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-1

Console Port (DB-9) Connector Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-2

BN24H Cable Pin Assignments (Used with Console Port) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-2

BC16E Cable Pin Assignments (Used with Console Port) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-2

H8571-J Adapter Pin Assignments (Used with Console Port) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-3

H8575-A Adapter Pin Assignments (Used with Console Port) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-3

Tables

AP Physical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Environmental Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

AP Power Supply Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

AP Acoustical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Console Port Cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13

LED Summary Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

LED Problem Solving Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Normal Operating Mode LED Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Diagnostics LED Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Network Loading/Upline Dumping LED Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

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Preface

The RoamAbout™ Access Point is a 2-port bridge that connects a wired Ethernet

(ThinWire™ or 10BaseT) local area network (LAN) and a wireless LAN.

This manual describes how to install and configure the RoamAbout Access Point. It

also describes how to troubleshoot problems that may arise during installation or

operation.

Intended Audience

This manual is intended for the device installer and network manager. This manual

assumes that you have a working knowledge of local area networking and bridging

functions.

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Terminology

The following terms are used throughout this manual. You should be familiar with

these terms before you continue.

Term

Definition

RoamAbout Access Point

A 2-port bridge that connects a wireless LAN to a

wired Ethernet LAN. Referred to as AP.

RoamAbout PC Card™

A PC Card that installs in a RoamAbout Access

Point or wireless client to provide wireless

connectivity in a LAN environment.

PCMCIA

The Personal Computer Memory Card

International Association (PCMCIA) is the

standards body for the type of PC card used with

the AP.

RoamAbout Access Point

Manager

Software used to manage and configure one or

more APs. The software is installed on a Windows

computer that connects to the AP via a wired LAN

or wireless LAN.

Range Extender Antenna

An indoor antenna that extends the coverage area

of the AP.

LAN-to-LAN Wireless

Bridge

An AP mode that allows two APs to communicate,

effectively connecting two wired LANs through a

wireless link.

wireless LAN

A collection of end-user systems connected

together using a medium such as radio frequency

or infrared technology. The RoamAbout products

use radio frequencies

wireless client

A computer such as a PC, laptop, or notebook, that

uses the PC card for wireless LAN connectivity. A

wireless client is also referred to as a station.

xii

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Associated Documents

The following table lists each component, with its associated document, that can be

used with your RoamAbout Access Point.

Component

Document

PC Card

RoamAbout IEEE DS/PC Card and ISA

Adapter Card User’s Guide

RoamAbout Access Point

Manager

Online Help

RoamAbout Building-to-

Building

RoamAbout 802.11 Outdoor Antenna

Installation Guide

xiii

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Chapter 1

Introducing RoamAbout Access Point

This chapter provides an overview of the RoamAbout Access Point (AP) and its

operation.

The AP is a 2-port bridge. One port connects the AP to an Ethernet LAN through a

10BaseT or ThinWire cable (or through a MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90 Ethernet

backplane). The other port connects the AP to the wireless network through a

RoamAbout PC Card.

The wireless network can consist of multiple wireless clients and multiple APs. A

client can be a laptop or notebook computer or desktop PC. Typically, a single AP is

used to enable several wireless clients to connect to a wired Ethernet LAN.

The AP fully supports wireless clients equipped with any 802.11-Compliant Direct

Sequence (DS) PC Card.

You can also configure the AP to communicate with another AP in a LAN-to-LAN

configuration. This allows you to connect two Ethernet LANs (usually in separate

buildings) through a wireless link.

The AP is shown in Figure 1-1.

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Summary of Features

The AP includes the following features:

•

Supports any 802.11 Direct Sequence (DS) compliant radio in a wireless client .

Supports ThinWire (10base2) and 10BaseT Ethernet LANs.

Ideally, an AP can support up to 250 users. However, this number can be

significantly reduced by various factors, such as obstructions in the coverage area

and the amount of network utilization by each client.

•

Can be configured to communicate with another RoamAbout Access Point in a

LAN-to-LAN configuration .

•

Supports 802.11 Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and Secure Access Mode.

Allows wireless clients to roam from one Access Point to another in the same

wireless LAN without losing connectivity.

•

Can be standalone or mountable in a MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90.

Can be managed via its local console port or remotely by the RoamAbout Access

Point Manager software, clearVISN system, or Network Management Station

(NMS).

•

Supports RMON Groups 1, 2, 3, and 9 (Statistics, History, Alarms, and Events).

Can be upgraded via a downline-load using BOOTP and TFTP.

Supports IEEE power management.

Contains an 8000 node forwarding address database.

Redundancy through 802.1D Spanning Tree.

Supports protocol filtering.

Supports source and destination address filtering.

Contains various user-selectable parameters.

1. As of V3.0, the AP no longer supports the legacy, non-802.11 PC Cards. If you require the AP to support the earlier ver-

sions of the RoamAbout DS or Frequency Hopping (FH) cards, use AP firmware V2.4, which is included in the AP Manager

diskettes.

2. Requires the AP firmware to be V3.4 or later.

3. Requires the AP firmware to be V4.0 or later.

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Summary of Features

Figure 1-1: Front, Side, and Rear View of the AP

Access Point

Height: 27.31 cm (10.75 in)

Width: 3.18 cm (1.25 in)

Depth: 13.3 cm (5.25 in)

LKG-8679-931-02

The AP contains the following LEDs, connectors, ports, and controls:

Item

Name

Description

Network

Connector

(BNC)

Connects the AP to a ThinWire network. This

connector is not used if the AP is connected to a

10BaseT network or installed in a MultiSwitch 900 or

DEChub 90.

Power OK

LED

Lights (green) when the AP has power.

Module OK

LED

Lights (green) when the AP passes its power-up

self-test. If the AP fails the test, the Module OK LED

is off. If this LED is flashing, the Ethernet or wireless

port (or both) has a fault, preventing connection to the

network.

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Summary of Features

Item

Name

Description

Wired LAN

Activity

Indicates the status of the wired Ethernet segment. The

LED lights (green) when packets are:

LED

• Received on the Ethernet port and forwarded to the

wireless port.

• Addressed to or generated by the AP using the

Ethernet port.

Packets received and filtered are not shown. Data

traffic forwarded to the Ethernet port is not shown.

The average brightness of the LED indicates the level

of activity on the Ethernet port. If the LED is flashing

together with the Bridge State LED (6), the Ethernet

port has a fault that prevents the AP from establishing

a connection to the network.

10BaseT

Ethernet

Connector

Connects the AP to a 10BaseT network. This

connector is not used if the AP is connected to a

ThinWire network or installed in a MultiSwitch 900 or

DEChub 90.

Bridge State

LED

Lights (green) when the AP is forwarding packets.

Access Point

Saturated

Lights (yellow) when the AP is saturated. Saturation

occurs when the AP cannot forward packets from the

Ethernet to the wireless side due to the lower

throughput of the wireless network. The degree of

LED brightness indicates the level of saturation. The

LED dims (and eventually extinguishes) as the

network congestion is processed.

LED

Wireless LAN Indicates the status of the wireless Ethernet segment.

Activity

The LED lights (green) when packets are:

LED

• Received on the wireless port and forwarded to the

Ethernet port.

• Addressed to or generated by the AP using the

wireless port.

Packets received and filtered are not shown. Data

traffic forwarded to the wireless port is not shown. The

average brightness of the LED indicates the level of

activity on the wireless port. If the LED is flashing

together with the Bridge State LED (6), the wireless

port has a fault that prevents the AP from establishing

a connection to the network.

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Summary of Features

Item

Name

Description

PC Card

Present

Lights (green) when the PC Card is correctly installed

at power-up.

LED

Local Console Used to configure the AP.

Port

PC Card Slot

Used for the PC Card.

Ethernet

Hardware

Address

Unique physical address of the AP.

Reset Button

Forces a downline load of the AP’s firmware from a

load host and resets the AP to its factory default

settings.

Back Cover

Locking Tab

Present on standalone APs only. Covers the backplane

connector and mounting assembly.

Locks the AP into a MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90.

48-Pin

Backplane

Connector

Provides network and power connections to the AP

when installed in a MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90.

Power Supply

Connector

Receives +5 Vdc from the AP’s standalone power

supply. Not used when the AP is installed in a

MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90.

Mounting Tab

Secures the AP to the MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90

backplane.

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AP to Wireless Clients Configuration

The AP enables wireless clients to move from the coverage area of one AP into the

coverage area of another AP while maintaining LAN connectivity. This capability is

called roaming. Figure 1-2 illustrates a wireless client roaming from one AP coverage

area to another. Each coverage area is called a cell, where a cell is a single AP and its

wireless clients within a network of multiple APs.

Figure 1-2: Roaming

Coverage

Areas

Cell 1

Cell 2

(Ap1)

(Ap2)

(Ap1)

(Ap2)

AP1

AP2

(Ap1)

Wireless

Client

(Ap2)

(Ap1)

LKG-8892-931-01

In Figure 1-2, Cell 1 and Cell 2 share overlapping areas of coverage. As a wireless

client moves from Cell 2 to Cell 1, the necessary network information is passed from

AP2 to AP1.

When a wireless client (such as the laptop computer in Figure 1-2) approaches the

boundary of a coverage area, the wireless client searches for a new AP that provides a

better quality signal, resulting in more reliable data throughput.

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AP to AP Configuration

You can connect two separate LANs over a wireless link by configuring two

RoamAbout Access Points to communicate with each other. This is called a

LAN-to-LAN connection.

Figure 1-3 shows two APs in different buildings using an outdoor antenna to connect

the LANs in those buildings.

Figure 1-3: Building-to-Building Configuration

2844-01-03

You can also configure APs to connect two LANs in the same building.

Contact your Cabletron sales representative or visit the RoamAbout web site for more

information about the optional outdoor antenna kits.

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Bridging Services

The AP provides the following bridging services:

•

Store-and-forward capability

The AP receives, checks, and transmits frames to other LANs, enabling the

configuration of extended LANs.

•

Frame filtering based on address

Using the address database and the source and destination addresses from

incoming frames, the AP isolates the traffic that should not be allowed on other

LANs. This action reduces the total data traffic on an extended LAN by not

forwarding the packets that have local destination addresses or packets that are not

allowed to be forwarded. This increases bandwidth efficiency.

•

Data Link layer relay

The AP operates at the Data Link layer of the Open System Interconnection (OSI)

model. Operation at this layer makes the AP transparent to the protocols that use

the LAN connectivity service. This protocol transparency is a key factor in the

extended LAN service.

Dynamic address learning

The forwarding and translating process module automatically adds new source

addresses to the address database while the AP is operating. This reverse learning

of the address and port association allows automatic network configuration

without prior downline loading of configuration data to the AP. Note that the

address learning is protocol and management entity independent.

How long an address remains in the database is determined by an Aging Timer

that measures how much time has elapsed since data was last addressed to or from

a particular node. If the timer lapses without any traffic, the node’s address is

removed from the database.

•

LAN-to-LAN Bridge mode

LAN-to-LAN mode is used to configure the AP to communicate with another AP.

In LAN-to-LAN mode, the AP learns addresses from both the wireless network

and the wired Ethernet LAN. The AP filters packets based on their destination

address and forwards all packets with unknown addresses. The default Aging

Timer interval is 2 minutes.

Workgroup Bridge mode

Workgroup Bridge mode (the default mode) is used to configure the AP to

communicate with wireless clients. In Workgroup Bridge mode, the AP learns

addresses only from the wireless side of the network. The AP only forwards

packets to multicast addresses, broadcast addresses, and known addresses on the

wireless LAN. The default Aging Timer interval is 32 minutes.

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Configuration Tools

You can configure the AP using these tools:

•

RoamAbout Access Point Console Port

RoamAbout Access Point Manager

clearVISN and Network Management Stations (NMS)

Console Port

The AP has a local console port that enables you to configure and manage the AP using

a console port device (a terminal or personal computer running terminal emulation

software). The device needs to be directly connected to the AP console port.

RoamAbout Access Point Manager

The RoamAbout Access Point Manager is included in the RoamAbout Access Point

kit. You install the AP Manager on a Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT

system.

The AP Manager can be used as a setup/configuration tool for new APs and as a

management tool to assist the ongoing management and support of RoamAbout

wireless LANs. The AP Manager can manage multiple APs simultaneously.

The AP Manager has the following features:

•

Ability to manage multiple APs remotely, including changing parameters on

multiple APs in a wireless network with a single command.

Ability to view AP parameters, such as AP statistics, AP firmware version

number, MAC addresses, amount of memory, and card type.

Integrity checking for many wireless parameter changes. This warns the user if a

common wireless network management mistake is about to be made, or if the

operation requested is unusual and usually not recommended.

•

Integrity checking of an existing wireless network configuration for consistent

settings and common management errors.

Improved wireless network performance through easy packet filtering and

recommended filter settings.

Integrated with a BootP/TFTP application for simple AP firmware upgrades, also

called flash upgrades.

Support for 802.11 radio technology as well as the earlier versions of the

RoamAbout Direct Sequence (DS) and Frequency Hopping (FH) products.

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Configuration Tools

Other Management Tools

The AP supports the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) through any

standard Network Management Station (NMS) that supports SNMP. The SNMP

management capability enables you to manage standard SNMP MIB characteristics,

such as protocol filtering and address filtering.

To manage the AP with an NMS system, you must configure the AP with a valid IP

address, as described in “Configuring the AP for SNMP Management” on page 4-16.

The management systems use MIB objects to manage the AP. The AP supports the

following MIB objects:

•

MIB II (RFC–1213)

IETF Bridge MIB (RFC–1493)

Ethernet MIB (RFC–1398)

DEC ELAN Vendor MIB

HUB PCOM MIB

RoamAbout Access Point MIB

RMON MIB (RFC-1757)

802.11 MIB

For details on the management features of each MIB, consult your NMS

documentation.

The Cabletron clearVISN system also supports the AP.

NOTE

The AP Manager and console port do not support RMON. To set RMON

parameters and the multicast limiting rate value, you need an NMS system or

clearVISN.

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Optional Antennas

When the AP is configured to support wireless clients, you may need the Range

Extender antenna to improve signal quality when the PC Card in the AP is shielded.

In a LAN-to-LAN configuration, you may need to install outdoor antennas, especially

when the APs are located in separate buildings.

Range Extender Antenna

The RoamAbout PC Card in the AP has two integrated antennas that perform best in

an open environment with as few obstacles as possible. Use the Range Extender

Antenna (Figure 1-4) to ensure optimal transmission and reception quality for

situations where the integrated antennas are shielded, such as:

•

The PC Card is close to metal surfaces.

The AP is installed in a hidden location, e.g. under a desk or inside a cabinet.

Objects shield the PC Card.

You can connect the Range Extender antenna to the PC Card by inserting the connector

into the socket on the extended side of the PC card. To protect the socket from dust, it

is shielded with a cap. Remove this cap before you connect the antenna.

The Range Extender antenna has a mounting bracket and a base for vertical positioning

that allows you to place the antenna on top of a table or filing cabinet, or hang it on the

wall or ceiling.

NOTE

Many computer monitors support a degauss option. The electromagnetic

discharge that may occur when degaussing the monitor may cause damage to the

antenna. To avoid damage, do not place the Range Extender Antenna on top of, or

too close to, a monitor.

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Optional Antennas

Figure 1-4: Range Extender Antenna

Outdoor Antenna Kit

The RoamAbout outdoor antenna kit allows you to connect multiple buildings or

LANs via a wireless outdoor point-to-point link. The kit provides a selection of

high-gain, low-noise antennas and components.

Refer to the RoamAbout 802.11 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide or the

RoamAbout web site for more information.

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Chapter 2

Preparing for Installation

Before installing the AP, you must complete the following tasks:

•

Unpack the AP and check the contents of the shipment.

Select the location to install the AP.

Review the site requirements.

Unpacking and Checking the Contents of the Shipment

Unpack and check the shipment for damage or missing parts. The shipment includes:

•

RoamAbout Access Point

Power supply

RoamAbout Access Point Manager software on diskettes.

Optionally, you could also have these kits:

•

RoamAbout PC Cards for wireless clients

Range Extender Antenna

Outdoor antenna kit (building-to-building)

If any item is damaged or missing, immediately notify the delivery agent and your

sales representative.

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Selecting the Location

If the AP is not installed in a MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90, you can mount the AP

on a wall, ceiling, or cubicle partition.

Depending on your configuration, choose the location to install the AP based on the

following guidelines.

For an AP to wireless client configuration:

•

The size of the coverage area (in open air) is determined by the type of PC Card

in the AP and wireless client(s). The RoamAbout PC Card has an effective range

of up to a 550-ft. radius area (in an open environment). If using a card other than

the RoamAbout PC Card in wireless clients, refer to that card’s documentation for

information about allowable distances.

•

Centrally locate the AP within the group of wireless clients to have all wireless

clients within the AP’s coverage area. If permanent obstructions prevent you from

centrally mounting the AP, mount it as high as possible. Figure 2-1 shows an

example of a centrally located, standalone AP.

Minimize obstructions, such as walls (especially those made of steel reinforced

concrete or masonry), between the AP and its wireless clients. Obstructions can

reduce the effective range of the radio transmissions from the PC Cards.

•

If it is necessary to install the AP in an obstructed location, use the optional range

extender antenna, as described in “Optional Antennas” on page 1-11.

If using multiple APs in the same wireless network, make sure that they have

overlapping coverage areas. You many need to adjust the placement of the APs

after the initial installation to obtain the best signal quality and coverage.

For a LAN-to-LAN configuration:

•

If using an outdoor antenna, make sure that the AP and the outdoor antenna use

the same grounding system, as described in the RoamAbout 802.11 Outdoor

Antenna Installation Guide.

•

If not using an antenna, the APs should be within 500 feet of each other; less if

there are obstructions.

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Selecting the Location

Figure 2-1: Mounting the AP in a Central Location

LKG-8805-931-01

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Reviewing the Site Requirements

Review the following to ensure that all site preparation tasks were completed.

Hardware Requirements

•

Ensure that the Ethernet LAN is in place and operable.

•

If you are installing the AP in a standalone configuration, locate the Ethernet

interface device (for example, a ThinWire segment, DECconnect faceplate, or

other appropriate network device) to which to connect the AP. Otherwise, if you

are installing the AP in a MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90, ensure that the device

is installed and operable.

•

If you are installing the AP in a standalone configuration, ensure that an

appropriate ac power source is within 1.6 m (5.5 ft) of the AP.

Ensure that a PC to install the RoamAbout Access Point Management software or

a console port device (a terminal or PC with terminal emulation software) is

available at the site for configuring the AP.

•

Ensure that PC Cards are obtained for each wireless client.

Ensure that the location can accommodate the physical size of the AP, as

described in the following table.

Table 2-1: AP Physical Specifications

Parameter

Width

Value

3.18 cm (1.25 in)

27.31 cm (10.75 in)

13.34 cm (5.25 in)

0.68 kg (1.5 lb)

Height

Depth

Weight

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Reviewing the Site Requirements

Electrical and Environmental Requirements

Ensure that the environmental and electrical requirements are within the ranges

described in the following tables.

Table 2-2: Environmental Specifications

Parameter

Description

Operating Environment

5°C to 50°C (41°F to 122°F)

Temperature

Maximum rate of change

Relative humidity

Wet-bulb temperature

Altitude

20°C/h (36°F/h)

10% to 95% (noncondensing)

32°C (90°F)

Sea level to 2.4 km (8000 ft)

Convection cooled

Air flow

Nonoperating Environment

Temperature

–40°C to 66°C (–40°F to 151°F)

Up to 95% (noncondensing)

Up to 4.9 km (16,000 ft)

Relative humidity

Altitude

Certifications

CE, CSA, FCC, TÜV, UL, VCCI

1. For sites above 4900 m (16,000 ft), decrease the operating temperature specification by

^1.8°C for each 1000 m or 3.2°F for each 3200 ft.

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Reviewing the Site Requirements

Table 2-3: Electrical Specifications

Voltage

Current (Amperes)

Power (Watts)

+5.0 V

1.2 A

6.0 W

Table 2-4: AP Power Supply Specifications

Parameter

Value

Input voltage

100 Vac to 240 Vac

0.25 A

Current at 120 V

Frequency

50 Hz to 60 Hz

16 W

Power consumption

Output voltage

5.1 Vdc

Output current (maximum)

1.8 A

Table 2-5: AP Acoustical Specifications

Acoustics — Declared values per ISO 9296 and ISO 7779

Sound Power Level L

WAd , B

Sound Pressure Level

L pAm , dBA

(bystander positions)

Product

Idle/Operate

RoamAbout Access Point No acoustic noise

No acoustic noise

Schallemissionswerte — Werteangaben nach ISO 9296 und

ISO 7779/DIN EN27779

Schalleistungspegel

L WAd , B

Schalldruckpegel L

pAm , dBA

(Zuschauerpositionen)

Produkt

Leerlauf/Betrieb

RoamAbout Access Point keine meßbaren

keine meßbaren

Schallemissionen

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Reviewing the Site Requirements

Cabling Requirements

For a standalone configuration only: Ensure that you have the appropriate types and

lengths of cable for connecting the AP to the wired Ethernet. For a 10BaseT

connection, use a BN26K cable. For a ThinWire connection, you need a BC16M cable,

T-connector (H8223-00), and 50-ohm terminator (H8225-00).

If you are using the console port:

•

For standalone and DEChub 90 configurations: Ensure that you have two 9-pin

DECconnect adapters (H8571-J) and an MMJ DECconnect BC16E cable for

connecting the console port device to the AP.

•

For MultiSwitch 900 configurations: Ensure that you have a 9-pin DECconnect

adapter (H8571-J) and an MMJ DECconnect BN24H cable for connecting the

console port device to the MultiSwitch 900. If your local console port device is a

PC running terminal emulation software, you can use a 9-pin, D-Sub

(PC-compatible) serial (null modem) cable.

Refer to Table 3-1 on page 3-13 for a list of console port cable part numbers.

NOTE

Refer to Appendix A for connector, cable and adapter pinout information.

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Chapter 3

Installing the RoamAbout Access Point

This chapter provides a step-by-step procedure to install the RoamAbout Access Point.

Before installing the AP, ensure that all the procedures in Chapter 2 are completed.

Installing the AP involves the following tasks:

•

Installing the PC Card into the AP

Installing the AP in a standalone configuration, or in a MultiSwitch 900 or

DEChub 90

•

Verifying the operation of the AP

Connecting a device to the console port (if not using the AP Manager)

Installing the RoamAbout Access Point Manager

Setting the AP parameters

Verifying wireless communication

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Installing the PC Card

To install the PC Card, do the following:

Step

Action

With the logo on the PC Card facing the same direction as the AP’s BNC

connector, partially insert the card into the PC Card slot.

Access Point

BNC

Connector

PC Card

Logo

2844_01_04

Gently push the card into the slot until it is firmly seated. You will sense

a slight resistance as you insert the card. When properly inserted, the

card protrudes approximately 1-1/2 inches from the AP.

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Installing the AP into a MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90

This section describes how to install the AP in a MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90.

Removing the Back Cover

If there is a cover on the back of the AP, you must remove it before inserting the AP

into the backplane. Perform the following steps to remove the back cover:

Step

Action

Lift up the latch on the back cover by inserting a flat-blade screwdriver

into the top mounting hole.

LKG-6722-921-01

With the latch up, pull the top of the back cover away, pivoting at the

bottom of the AP.

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Installing the AP into a MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90

Seating the AP in the MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90

You can install the AP in the MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90 without turning off

power. Seating the AP initiates the power-up sequence. However, when installing the

AP into a DEChub 90, connect the console port device to the console port before

applying power to the AP.

Perform the following steps to install the AP in the MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90.

Step

Action

Place the AP’s mounting tab into the first mounting slot on the

MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90.

Pivot the AP on the mounting tab and align the connectors.

Firmly push the AP onto the backplane connectors until the release lever

clicks.

Press down on the release lever to ensure that it is locked.

Release Lever Hub Manager

Clicks when

Module is

Seated.

Status Display

MultiSwitch 900

DEChub 90

Mounting Tab

LKG-9453-941-01

Perform the appropriate steps in “Installing the AP” on page 3-5.

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Installing the AP

Perform the following procedure to install the AP as a standalone module. Also, you

may need to perform steps 4 and 5 after installing the AP in a DECHub 90 or

MultiSwitch 900.

Step

Action

Place the AP in the previously defined location. Site requirements are

defined in Chapter 2.

Connect the AP to the wired network using either the 10BaseT or

ThinWire connector, as follows:

To Connect to ThinWire Network –– Connect a ThinWire cable,

T-connector, and terminator to the BNC connector on the AP. Note that

instead of a terminator, the other side of the T-connector can be cabled

to another device in the LAN.

T-Connector

50-ohm

Terminator

Access Point

LKG-8685-931-01

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Installing the AP

Step

Action

To connect to a 10BaseT Network –– Connect the 10BaseT cable to

the 10BaseT Ethernet connector.

Access Point

LKG-8686-931-01

Connect the other end of the ThinWire cable or 10BaseT cable to an

active Ethernet outlet, such as a DECconnect faceplate or other

appropriate network device.

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Installing the AP

Step

Action

To configure the AP, you need the RoamAbout Access Point Manager

(see “Installing the RoamAbout Access Point Manager” on page 3-15)

or a console device.

To use a console device, connect a 9-pin serial cable to the AP’s 9-pin,

D-Sub, PC-compatible serial port.

Note: The pinouts for the AP’s local console connector are listed in

Appendix A.

Access Point

LKG-8804-931-01

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Installing the AP

Step

Action

If using an antenna (outdoor or range extender antenna), install the

antenna cable to the PC Card. The following figure shows the optional

range extender antenna.

Access Point

Range

Extender

Antenna

(Optional)

2848-01-02

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Installing the AP

Step

Action

Connect the AP’s power supply cable to the power connector on the

back panel of the AP.

If using an outdoor antenna, make sure that the AP and the outdoor

antenna use the same grounding system, as described in the RoamAbout

802.11 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide.

Connect the power supply to an AC outlet to turn on the AP.

LKG-8673-931-01

Go to “Verifying the Operation of the RoamAbout Access Point” on

page 3-10.

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Verifying the Operation of the RoamAbout Access Point

The AP runs a series of self-tests on power-up and reports status using its LEDs.

When power-up begins, the following occurs:

Stage

Description

The firmware begins running diagnostics, initializes minimal hardware,

then sequentially turns LEDs 2 through 6 on and off.

After LED 6 turns on and then turns off, the firmware completes its

diagnostics and hardware initialization. During this portion of the

diagnostics and hardware initialization, LEDs 2 through 7 flash on and

then off.

The diagnostics then checks to see if the PC Card is properly inserted in

the AP. If a card is present, the PC Card Present LED lights.

The diagnostics take approximately 10 seconds to complete after power-up. Upon

successful completion of the diagnostics, the LED pattern shown in Figure 3-1 is

displayed.

If the AP fails to display the proper LED pattern, verify that you have correctly

installed the AP. If the AP still fails to display the LED pattern, refer to Chapter 5.

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Verifying the Operation of the RoamAbout Access Point

Figure 3-1: Normal LED Pattern

Access Point

o u

LKG-10067-931-01

Item

LED Name

Power OK

Operational State

On = power is okay

Module OK

On = self-test passed

Wired LAN Activity

Bridge State

Blinking = network connection

On = lights after 30 seconds indicating

that the AP is forwarding packets

AP Saturated

Off

Wireless LAN Activity

PC Card Present

Blinking

On = PC Card is installed

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Connecting a Device to the Console Port

The console port on the AP allows you to access and set AP parameters. If the AP is

installed on the MultiSwitch 900, you need to connect the device to the hub’s console

port.

You do not need to use the console port if you plan to manage the AP with the AP

Manager.

Console Port Signaling Standards

Signals from the MultiSwitch 900 console port and from the standalone console port

conform to the EIA-232D signaling standard at 9600 baud only. To the user, the port

appears as a data terminal equipment (DTE) device.

Connecting to the Console Port

The console port on the AP standalone unit or the MultiSwitch 900 can be connected

to a console port device (a terminal or personal computer) by using the cables and

adapters listed in Table 3-1 and shown in Figure 3-2. Refer to Appendix A for the

console port connector, cable and adapter pinouts.

NOTE

When installing the AP into a DEChub 90, you must connect the console port

device to the console port before applying power to the AP.

To connect a device to the AP console port, do the following:

•

Ensure that the transmit and receive baud rates on the console port device are set

to 9600 baud only.

Connect the console port device to the console port connector on either the AP

front-panel serial port or the MultiSwitch 900 console port.

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Connecting a Device to the Console Port

Table 3-1: Console Port Cabling

Connecting

to a...

If the console

port device is

a...

Then use

this cable...

With these

adapters...

StandaloneAP or PC with a 9-pin

BC16E-xx or

H8571-J (qty = 2)

DEChub 90

D-Sub

any std. PC

compatible

9-pin serial

cable.

communicationsport

and terminal

emulation

Terminal with a

25-pin D-Sub

connector

H8575-A,

BC16E-xx

H8571-J

Terminal with a

6-pin MMJ

connector

BC16E-xx

H8571-J

MultiSwitch 900 PC with a 9-pin

D-Sub

BN24H-xx

H8571-J

communicationsport

and terminal

emulation

Terminal with a

25-pin D-Sub

connector

H8575-A

BN24H-xx

Terminal with a

6-pin MMJ

connector

BN24H-xx

1. xx indicates cable length in meters.

2. The AP requires an H8571-J also.

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Connecting a Device to the Console Port

Figure 3-2: Console Port Cabling

Access Point

H8571-J

BN24H

^am

H8575-A

BC16E

Item

Description

MultiSwitch 900 console port

AP console port

Console port device

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Installing the RoamAbout Access Point Manager

Before installing the RoamAbout Access Point Manager, first select a computer that

meets these requirements:

•

Operating system is Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows NT V4.0 or later.

The computer is connected to the AP’s wired or wireless LAN. However, a

computer connected on the wireless LAN can not upgrade the firmware on its

associated AP.

To install the RoamAbout Access Point Manager, insert the floppy disk (disk 1 of 2)

in the PC and run A:SETUP (this can be done from the Windows Explorer, DOS

prompt or the Run option from the Start button). Follow the Setup instructions.

If you have a previous version of the AP Manager, install the AP Manager on the same

computer. The setup process automatically upgrades the existing software and keeps

your existing configuration files.

You can access the AP Manager through the MultiChassis Manager (MCM)

component (V6.2 or later) of the clearVISN system. Simply right click on the device

and select the RoamAbout Configurator menu item. However, the AP Manager default

directory has changed from an earlier default setting. Therefore, you may need to

change the \Program Files\clearVIS\hubwatch\hubwatch.ini file as follows:

Find these lines:

[Applications]

RoamAbout Configurator=c:\roamabt\config\config.exe $I $C

Change them to:

[Applications]

RoamAbout Configurator=c:\Program Files\RoamAbout\Manager\Rmabt_APManager.exe $I $C

NOTE

To manage an AP with the AP Manager, you must assign the AP an IP address.

You can use the AP Manager to load the IP address, as described in “Configuring

the AP for SNMP Management” on page 4-16.

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Setting the AP Parameters

The AP is shipped with the following default values:

IP Address: 0.0.0.0

IEEE Power Management enabled

•

Secure Access enabled

Encryption disabled

Workgroup bridge mode

Station name: RoamAbout AP

Wireless Network Name: RoamAbout Default Network Name

AP Density: Low

RTS Threshold: 2347 (this value equals an OFF state)

Transmit Rate: Auto Rate Select

Limit multicast traffic to 100Kb/sec

Refer to Chapter 4 to change these and other parameters. Also refer to “Configuring

the AP for SNMP Management” on page 4-16 for instructions to specify the AP’s

SNMP management parameters.

To configure the AP for LAN-to-LAN, refer to “Configuring the AP for

LAN-to-LAN” on page 4-15.

Verifying Wireless Communication

To verify that the AP can communicate with its wireless clients or another AP, use the

AP Manager Point-to-Point diagnostic test as follows. To use this test, the AP firmware

must be V3.4 or later and the AP Manager must be V3.4 or later.

1) Select the AP in the Managed List field.

2) Click Integrity in the menu bar.

3) Select Point-to-Point Diagnostics. For more information, press F1 on the

keyboard for the online help topic.

You can also use the RoamAbout Client Utility to test the communications path from

a wireless client to the AP. The client utility is described in the RoamAbout IEEE

DS/PC Card and ISA Adapter Card User’s Guide.

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Chapter 4

Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point

This chapter describes how to configure the AP parameters.

Depending on the configuration of your wireless network, you may need to change the

default settings of various parameters.

Refer to “Configuring the AP for SNMP Management” on page 4-16 to have the AP

managed by an SNMP Manager.

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Starting a Configuration Tool

To modify AP parameters after installing the AP, you need to use the RoamAbout

Access Point Manager or a device connected to the console port. The following

sections describe how to start each tool.

RoamAbout Access Point Manager

If you have installed the RoamAbout Access Point Manager on a computer, go to that

computer, click the Start button on the Windows desktop, and select:

Programs→RoamAbout→ RoamAbout Access Point Manager

The program starts with the following screen.

To manage APs from the AP Manager, you need to add the APs by selecting the

Setup/Add New Access Point button. First, you are prompted to add a new AP with

or without an IP address. If the AP has an IP address, select NO; otherwise, select YES

and fill in the required information.

When you first establish communications with the AP, you are prompted for some

general information and then prompted for your wireless parameters. It is highly

recommended that you change the Wireless Network Name from the default, as

described in “Wireless Parameters” on page 4-6.

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Starting a Configuration Tool

You can add all your APs within a wireless domain (defined by the same Wireless

Network Name) so that they show up in one Managed List for future changes. Before

you exit the AP Manager, make sure to save your Managed List file (you will be

prompted). If you are managing APs in multiple domains (different Wireless Network

Names) you should save these APs in a separate file.

Press F1 on your keyboard while in any AP Manager window for information about

the parameters in that window.

Console Port Device

If using a device connected to the AP console port, you need to access the RoamAbout

Access Point Installation Menu to modify the AP parameters. Perform the following:

Step

Action

Press Return a few times on the console port device until a menu

appears.

If the AP is connected to a DEChub 90 or is a standalone unit, the

RoamAbout Access Point Installation Menu appears.

Note: If the AP is installed in a DEChub 90, the AP must be powered off

before connecting a cable to the console port.

If the AP is connected to the MultiSwitch 900 console port, choose Start

Redirect Mode in the MultiSwitch Installation Menu. Afterwards, enter

the AP slot number as shown in the following example.

Enter selection: 9

================================================

Enter the slot number for redirection (1-8): [n]

setup redirected to 3: RoamAbout Access Point

The initial installation menu allows you to display and modify the Access Point

parameters. Use the Module-Specific Options menu item to display and modify the

wireless networking parameters.

To prevent other users from accessing the console port menu, choose Enable/Disable

Console Password from the menu and enable it. Then change the default SNMP

community string as described in “Configuring the AP for SNMP Management” on

page 4-16. Afterwards, the console port will require users to enter the community

string before displaying the menu.

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Showing Current Settings

You can display the settings that the AP is currently using.

Using the AP Manager, select the AP in the Managed List field and click the various

buttons, such as Wireless Parameters, Operating Modes, IP Network Parameters,

and Hardware.

In the Wireless Parameters dialog, click the Advanced button to view all the wireless

parameters. If you see a Normal button instead of Advanced, the dialog is currently

displaying all the wireless parameters. If you have changed any wireless parameters

and have not yet reset the AP, the operating (current) settings are displayed on the left

and the settings that will take affect after the next reset are on the right.

Using the console port, choose Show Current Settings to display the current AP

settings, as shown below.

=================================================================

RoamAbout Access Point,Wireless-to-Wired Bridge:HW=V1.0,RO=V1.4,SW=V4.n

SysUpTime

SNMP Read/Write Community

: 00:26:37

: public

98 resets

Console Password

: Disabled

SNMP Trap Addresses

: Not Configured

: 08-00-2B-A3-89-61

: 16.20.40.156

In-Band Interface Hardware Address

In-Band Interface IP Address

In-Band Interface Subnet Mask

In-Band Interface Default Gateway

Wired Ethernet MAC Address

Wireless Ethernet MAC Address

Wireless Network Adapter

Adapter Revisions

: 255.0.0.0

: Not Configured

: 08-00-2B-A3-89-61

: 00-60-6D-92-00-FB

: RoamAbout IEEE 2.4 GHz DS

: Hardware 2.000 Firmware 3.01

: Work Group

Bridge Mode

Upline Dump

: DISABLED

Memory

: 4194304 bytes

===================================================================

Press Return for Main Menu ...

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Showing Current Settings

To display the current wireless settings, choose Module-Specific Options then select

Show Wireless Configuration. If you have changed a wireless parameter and have

not yet reset the AP, the new setting is NOT reflected in this display. The following

example shows the dialog associated with this option.

============================================================

RoamAbout Access Point Wireless Configuration

Current Station Name

: RoamAbout AP

Current Wireless Network Name : RoamAbout Default Network Name

Current Secure Access

Current Channel

: Enabled

: 2.4220 GHz (802.11-3)

Current AP Density

Current RTS Threshold

Current Transmit Rate

Current DTIM Period

: Low

: 2347

: Auto Rate Select

: 001

Press Return for Main Menu ...

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Wireless Parameters

The wireless parameters affect how the AP communicates with wireless clients or

another AP.

To modify any wireless parameter using the AP Manager, select the AP in the

Managed List field and click the Wireless Parameters button. To see all the wireless

parameters, click the Advanced button.

To modify any wireless parameter using the console port, choose Module-Specific

Options then choose Set Wireless Configuration. To not change a value while in its

screen, press Return to go back to the previous menu.

The following sections describe the various wireless parameters.

NOTE

To implement a change to one or more wireless parameters, you need to reset the

AP, as described in “Resetting the RoamAbout Access Point” on page 4-14.

Channel

The channel sets the center frequency of the AP. In a LAN-to-LAN configuration, the

APs need to be set to the same channel. In a wireless client configuration with multiple

APs, adjacent APs should be set to different channels that are at least 5 channels apart.

For example, in a configuration with 3 APs, set the channels to 1, 6, and 11. Note that

some countries only support a limited number of channels. The AP does not allow you

to set channels outside your country’s band.

Wireless clients with RoamAbout PC Cards automatically switch to the AP’s channel

when roaming between APs in a wireless network.

Wireless Network Name

The Wireless Network Name is the network name for your AP. All APs on the same

LAN must be set with the same Wireless Network Name.

If the AP is configured to communicate with wireless clients and the Secure Access

parameter is enabled, each client must be configured with the same Wireless Network

Name. If Secure Access is not enabled, clients can be configured with the AP’s

wireless network name, ANY (all uppercase), or keep the Wireless Network Name

field blank.

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Wireless Parameters

Station Name

The Station Name is displayed when clients run the Client Utility. Select a name that

will help identify the location of the AP.

AP Density

The AP Density changes the sensitivity of the roaming client. When APs are placed

close together, you can change the AP Density to Medium or High to force clients to

roam sooner to a closer AP. The default value is Low. Clients should be set to the same

value as the AP.

Transmit (Tx) Rate

The transmit rate identifies the preferred data transmission speed of the AP. The actual

data transmission speed is subject to the type of PC Cards at both ends of the wireless

link and the communications quality of the link.

By default, the PC Card automatically switches to a lower rate when data transmissions

fail more than once. Transmissions at lower rates are usually more reliable.

Transmissions at higher rates do not cover the same distances as the lower data rates.

Shortly after completing the transmission, the PC Card returns to transmitting data at

the selected rate. This is called the auto-rate select feature.

Use a lower rate in networks where range is more important than speed, or network

response times are affected by numerous retransmissions. For example, set the

transmit rate to a low rate when the communications quality is low due to a low signal

level. Setting the transmit rate to a lower rate prevents the PC Card from slowing

network response times by transmitting data unsuccessfully at a higher rate then

retransmitting at a lower rate.

Use a fixed rate when performance slows down as a result of many retransmissions,

even though the devices show an excellent radio connection. This situation can occur

when, for example, microwave ovens interfere with communication. A fixed rate

prevents the PC Card from slowing network response time by retransmitting at a

slower rate. In this environment, transmitting at 1 Mbit/s is not more useful than

transmitting at 2 Mbit/s.

The transmit rate you select does not affect the receive rate. For example, you can set

the transmit rate to 1 Mbit/s and still receive 2 Mbit/s data.

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Wireless Parameters

RTS Threshold

RTS Threshold, also known as medium reservation, specifies the packet size, where

messages larger than the specified size must use the RTS/CTS (Request to Send/Clear

to Send) protocol. The default value, 2347, effectively turns off the RTS Threshold.

In a wireless network, only one wireless device transmits at a time. Each device can

sense transmissions from other devices in its network that use the same frequency. This

behavior is referred to as the Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance

protocol (CSMA/CA).

The RTS Threshold is useful when collisions frequently occur at the AP. This can be

caused when the AP and another device transmit data to each other simultaneously. By

lowering the RTS Threshold on the AP:

•

When a message is shorter than the RTS Threshold, the AP transmits data when it

senses that the medium is free. The RTS/CTS protocol is not used.

When the message exceeds the threshold, the AP sends an RTS to the client (or

AP in a LAN-to-LAN configuration). The AP waits until the device responds with

a CTS message.

Lowering the RTS Threshold imposes additional network overhead that could

negatively affect the throughput performance. Therefore, you should only lower the

RTS Threshold when the wireless network experiences frame collisions and lost

messages.

Medium Reservation on the client is useful for resolving a hidden station problem,

where two or more clients cannot sense each other’s transmissions, causing frame

collisions and lost messages. This problem can occur with clients located at opposite

ends of the AP coverage area. If you have a hidden station problem, move the clients

or AP so that the devices can sense each other’s transmissions, if possible. Otherwise,

set Medium Reservation on the RoamAbout client to the Hidden Stations setting. For

a hidden station problem, change Medium Reservation on the client, not the AP.

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Wireless Parameters

IEEE Power Management (DTIM Period)

Power Management can extend battery life of clients by allowing the client to sleep for

short periods of time while the AP buffers messages for the client.

You may need to balance wireless performance versus battery-life. Power

Management can impose a more active use of the wireless medium, which might lead

to more frequent transmission delays, experienced as slower network response times

during file transfers.

With slower response times, the client may spend more time in operational mode

resulting in less effective power management. In such cases, disabling power

management on the client might result in better throughput performance.

RoamAbout PC Cards with Station Firmware lower than V2.00, do NOT support

Power Management. Enabling Power Management for such cards can cause

unpredictable computer behavior and a loss of the network connection. To check the

Station Firmware version, run the RoamAbout Client Utility, choose Diagnose Card

then choose the tab Version Info. If the secondary firmware version is less than V2.0,

check the RoamAbout web site for available upgrades.

The AP supports IEEE Power Management. The DTIM (Delivery Traffic Indication

Message) interval value sets the buffering time. For example, the default value of 1

corresponds to 100ms of sleep time. It is highly recommended that you do not change

this value.

Secure Access

When Secure Access is enabled, the AP denies access to wireless clients that do not

use the correct Wireless Network Name. When Secure Access is disabled, the AP

allows access to wireless clients that use ANY (all uppercase) as the Wireless Network

Name or have a blank Wireless Network Name.

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Setting Bridge Mode

The options are:

•

Workgroup Mode configures the AP to communicate with wireless clients. This

is the default setting.

LAN-to-LAN Mode configures the AP to communicate with another AP. The AP

to AP configuration connects two LANs.

To configure an AP for LAN-to-LAN mode, you may need to change other parameters.

For the complete procedure, refer to “Configuring the AP for LAN-to-LAN” on page

4-15.

The bridge mode setting is available by clicking the Wireless Parameters button in

the AP Manager then clicking the Advanced button. In the console port menu, select

Module-Specific Options.

NOTE

To implement this change, you need to reset the AP as described in “Resetting the

RoamAbout Access Point” on page 4-14.

Setting Default Rate Limiting (Multicast Traffic)

By default, the AP is configured to limit multicast traffic to 100Kb/sec (5%).

You can enable or disable this parameter from the AP Manager or console port.

Disabling this parameter could cause multicast traffic to use more network bandwidth.

Should a broadcast storm occur when this parameter is disabled, the multicast traffic

could cause a serious degradation of network performance.

You can change the value of the multicast traffic limit from a Network Management

Station (NMS).

The Default Rate Limiting setting is available by clicking the Operating Modes

button in the AP Manager, or selecting the Module-Specific Options in the console

port menu.

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Setting Encryption

The Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) feature uses a specific key to encrypt all data

transmitted from the Access Point. However, it uses one of 4 keys to decode received

encrypted data. A wireless client without the correct encryption keys cannot receive

and decipher encrypted data from the Access Point. You can configure the AP to

communicate with clients that use WEP and clients that do not.

One version of the RoamAbout PC Card in the AP supports the 802.11 standard 40-bit

encryption only. Another version supports both 40-bit and 128-bit encryption. The

standard 40-bit encryption uses a 5 character key (or 10 hexadecimal digits). The

128-bit encryption uses a 13 character key (or 26 hexadecimal digits).

NOTE

A hexadecimal digit key must start with 0x, which is not counted in the number of

digits. For example, 0xABCDEF0123 is a valid 40-bit encryption hexadecimal

key (10 hex digits).

There are 4 positions, Key 1, Key 2, Key 3, and Key 4. The position of each key is

important, since the clients must enter the same key in the same position to

communicate with the AP.

In the AP Manager, the Encryption setting is available by clicking the Encryption

button. When you open the Encryption window, press F1 on your keyboard for specific

information on each field.

In the console port menu, select the Module-Specific Options. If you enable

Encryption, you must also enter at least one key and choose a transmit key.

If you wish to prevent any SNMP Manager, including the AP Manager, from changing

the Encryption parameters, select Set Exclude WEP SNMP from the Encryption

menu in the console port and enable it.

NOTE

If you enable/disable Encryption or allow/disallow nonencrypted clients to

communicate with the AP, you need to reset the AP as described in “Resetting the

RoamAbout Access Point” on page 4-14. You do not need to reset the AP to add,

delete, or modify keys.

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Setting RMON Values

The AP supports four of the nine Remote Network Monitoring MIB (RMON) groups:

Statistics, History, Alarm, and Event. However, the settings for these groups can only

be accessed with an NMS system. The console port and AP Manager can not change

or view the RMON group settings.

•

Statistics - The Statistics group contains statistics measured by the probe for the

Wired LAN and the Wireless LAN interfaces.

History - The History group records periodic statistical samples from a network

and stores them for later retrieval.

Alarm - The Alarm group periodically takes statistical samples from variables in

the probe and compares them to previously configured thresholds. If the

monitored variable crosses a threshold, an event is generated.

•

Event - The Event group controls the generation and notification of events from

this device.

When the AP is initialized, two statistics groups are generated: one for the Wired

interface and one for the Wireless interface. Also, two History groups are generated for

each interface: one with a short term polling period of thirty seconds and one with a

long term polling period of thirty minutes.

The AP has the following limits for the RMON MIB because of memory limitations:

•

A maximum of six Statistics groups.

A maximum of four History groups, each group allowing a maximum of fifty (50)

“buckets”, i.e., samples.

•

A maximum of ten Alarm groups.

A maximum of ten Event groups.

With an NMS system, you can reconfigure each group. For example, you could assign

80 buckets each to the long and short term History groups assigned to the Wired

interface, and 20 buckets each to the long and short term History groups assigned to

the Wireless interface. This example does not exceed the maximum of 200 buckets.

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Checking the Configuration on Multiple APs

You can use the AP Manager to check the integrity of your APs’ configuration. This

will insure that all your APs (within a domain) are configured correctly. You can select

to check the Wireless, Mode or Firmware integrity. Before running an integrity test,

click the Select All button under the list of APs to ensure that all the APs are checked.

Wireless IDs - Checks that all APs are configured with the same Wireless Network

Name, different station name, same AP density setting, and the same RTS Threshold.

Modes - Checks that all APs are configured with the same operating modes, such as

rate limiting, upline dump, and bridge mode.

Firmware Revisions - Verifies that all APs have the same version of the firmware.

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Resetting the RoamAbout Access Point

There are two ways to reset the AP:

•

Reset with Current Settings

This option reboots the AP but leaves the AP’s configured NVRAM parameters

at their current settings.

If you change any wireless configuration parameter (Wireless Network Name,

Channel, Station Name, etc.), you must select this option to reset the AP.

From the AP Manager, select Reset/Reload then select Reset with Current

Settings.

From a device attached to the console port, select Reset with Current Settings

from the Installation Menu.

Allow approximately 1 minute for the AP to reset and complete its self-test.

•

Reset with Factory Defaults

This option reboots the AP, causing the AP’s configured NVRAM parameters to

be initialized to factory default values.

This action deletes all configuration settings and replaces them with factory

default values. All configuration settings will be lost, including the IP address.

From the AP Manager, select the AP from the Managed List field, click the

Reset/Reload button, then click the Reset with Factory Defaults button.

From a device attached to the console port, select Reset with Factory Defaults

from the Installation Menu.

Allow approximately 1 minute for the AP to reset and complete its self-test.

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Configuring the AP for LAN-to-LAN

To configure two APs to communicate with each other in a LAN-to-LAN

configuration, perform the following tasks:

1) Get the wireless MAC address of the remote AP.

You can see the wireless address via the AP Manager or console device, as

described in “Showing Current Settings” on page 4-4. The wireless MAC address

is NOT the same as the wired MAC address printed on the front of the AP.

2) Set the Bridge Mode to LAN-to-LAN, as described in “Setting Bridge Mode” on

page 4-10.

3) Make sure that the APs use the same channel. To change the AP channel, see

“Wireless Parameters” on page 4-6.

4) Set the Transmit (TX) Rate to Auto Select, which is the default setting. See

“Wireless Parameters” on page 4-6 to change the Transmit Rate.

5) Perform this procedure on the other AP.

The following AP parameters are not used in this mode:

•

Wireless Network Name

Secure Access

AP Density

Power Management (DTIM Period)

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Configuring the AP for SNMP Management

To enable SNMP management for the AP, use the AP Manager or console port to

perform the following tasks:

•

Set the in-band interface IP address of the AP.

Set the in-band interface default gateway address.

Optionally set the SNMP read/write community name (default is “public”).

Optionally add SNMP trap addresses.

Set In-Band Interface Addresses

To perform SNMP management on the AP, you must assign it an IP address, along

with a subnet mask and default gateway. If there is a BootP/TFTP server on the

network configured with the MAC address of the AP, the AP will get an IP address

from it.

To enter the AP’s IP address, subnet mask and default gateway using the AP

Manager:

1) Click the Setup/Add New Access Point button.

2) In the popup dialog, select Yes to load a new IP address.

3) Enter the AP’s MAC address, IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway.

4) Click OK to reset the AP. Allow approximately 1 minute for the AP to reset and

complete its self-test, then click OK.

To modify an existing AP’s subnet mask and default gateway using the AP

Manager:

1) Select the AP in the Managed List field.

2) Click the IP Network Parameters button.

3) Enter the subnet mask and default gateway.

4-16 Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point

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Configuring the AP for SNMP Management

To change or delete the Access Point’s current IP address using the AP Manager:

1) Select the Access Point in the managed list.

2) Click the IP Network Parameters button.

3) Set the Address State to Volatile then click OK.

4) In the main AP Manager window, click the Reset/Reload button. Then click Reset

with Current Settings. This will set the IP address back to 0.0.0.0. The Access

Point is no longer manageable by the AP Manager.

5) Use the Setup/Add New Access Point button to give the Access Point a new IP

address and add it back to the list of managed Access Points.

To enter the AP’s IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway using the console

port:

1) At the RoamAbout Installation Menu, choose Set In-Band Interface IP Address.

2) Enter the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. You do not need to reset

the AP.

Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point 4-17

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Configuring the AP for SNMP Management

Set SNMP Read/Write Community

To perform SNMP management on the AP, you must assign it a community name. The

format for a community name is a string consisting of 4 to 31 printable ASCII

characters. This community name can be used by SNMP managers for read/write

access control. The default community name is public.

NOTE

If you use an SNMP read/write community name other than public, you can also

prevent other users from accessing the console port menu. To require users to

enter the community string before displaying the menu, choose Enable/Disable

Console Password from the console port menu and enable it.

To enter a community name for the AP using the AP Manager:

1) Select the AP in the Managed List field.

2) Click on the Options menu and select Community Strings.

3) Enter the community name (4 to 31 printable ASCII characters) in the dialog box

and click OK. The change is sent to the AP. The AP Manager also changes its

internal community string to match the AP.

If the AP has a community name, the AP Manager and any other SNMP Manager must

have the correct community name associated with the AP; otherwise, the tool will be

unable to make any changes to the AP.

To enter a community name for the AP using the console port:

1) At the RoamAbout Installation Menu, choose Set SNMP Read/Write

Community.

2) Enter the community name (4 to 31 printable ASCII characters).

4-18 Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point

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Configuring the AP for SNMP Management

Set SNMP Trap Addresses

To have the AP send SNMP traps, you need to enter the IP address of the device where

the trap is to be sent. A trap is a defined event or condition detected by the RoamAbout

Access Point SNMP agent.

To enter an SNMP trap address using the console port:

1) At the RoamAbout Installation Menu, choose Add SNMP Trap Addresses.

2) Enter the SNMP trap address.

Note: To not change the existing value, press Return to go back to the previous

menu.

To delete an existing trap address using the console port:

1) At the RoamAbout Installation Menu, choose Delete SNMP Trap Addresses.

2) Enter the existing SNMP trap address that you wish to delete.

Note: To not change the existing value, press Return to go back to the previous

menu.

Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point 4-19

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Upgrading the RoamAbout Access Point

The AP internal firmware, also called embedded software, can be easily upgraded.

This firmware is stored in an area called flash memory. You should regularly check the

RoamAbout web site (listed in the front of this guide) for the latest information

concerning new firmware releases, new features, and bug fixes.

Typically, all your parameter settings are retained after the upgrade.

To load the AP with an upgraded version of the firmware, you should copy the .bin file

from the web site to the same directory as the AP Manager or BootP/TFTP server. As

part of the upgrade, you will be asked for the location of the .bin file.

You can only upgrade one AP at a time.

The AP Manager includes a BootP/TFTP loader, called NetRider Loader, that will

upgrade the AP. If you are not using the AP Manager, you need to configure a

BootP/TFTP server.

When you start the upgrade, the AP immediately stops its operation. The firmware in

the AP’s memory is then upgraded with an image downline-loaded from the

BootP/TFTP server.

To upgrade the AP using the AP Manager:

1) Select the AP in the Managed List field.

2) Click the Reset/Reload button.

3) Click the Upgrade Flash Software button. You will see an indication of the flash

load on the NetRider Loader screen. After this happens, the AP processes the new

firmware and is unavailable for approximately one minute. The easiest way to

know this has completed is to look for normal flashing of the front panel lights or

try to communicate with the AP using the AP Manager.

To upgrade the AP using the console port:

1) Make sure that you have properly configured a BootP/TFTP server.

2) At the RoamAbout Installation Menu, choose Module-Specific Options.

3) In the next menu, choose Upgrade Flash. You will be asked to confirm the

upgrade.

4-20 Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point

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Chapter 5

Problem Solving

This chapter contains problem solving information for the AP. Refer to the appropriate

section for information about solving specific problems.

Problem Solving 5-1

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Using the LEDs to Determine the Problem

The LEDs on the AP show status and help you diagnose problems. After the AP is

powered up and completes its power-up self-test procedure, the LEDs indicate whether

the AP is functioning properly.

When the power-up self-test diagnostics detect a failure in the AP or you suspect a

failure, rerun the self-test to verify that the failure can be repeated. Run the self-test by

unplugging the ac power cord and plugging it back in.

Table 5-1 summarizes the AP LEDs.

Table 5-1: LED Summary Table

LED

No.

LED

Color

LED

Signal

LED On Status

Normal

State

Green

Power OK

Power is on.

Module OK

Firmware is running OK.

Wired LAN

Activity

Indicates activity on wired

LAN.

Blinking

Green

Bridge State Indicates AP is forwarding.

Yellow

Indicates that packets are

being lost due to congestion,

or an error condition exists

(see Table 5-2).

Off

Saturated

Green

Wireless

LAN

Activity

Indicates activity on

wireless LAN.

Blinking

PC Card

Present

PC Card is present in the AP. On

LEDs that blink do so in one of two modes:

•

Normal mode – At a variable (random) rate with varied intensity to indicate the

activity level during normal operation.

Error mode – At a constant (steady) rate and intensity to indicate an error.

5-2 Problem Solving

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Using the LEDs to Determine the Problem

Table 5-2 describes possible AP problems and recommended corrective actions.

Table 5-2: LED Problem Solving Summary

If...

Then...

Do This...

Power OK LED (1) is off. AP does not have

power.

Verify that the outlet has

power.

Check the power

connection to the AP.

Replace the power supply

(if a standalone

configuration).

Return the AP (contact

your sales representative).

Module OK LED (2) is

off.

Either the AP is

performing hardware

diagnostics, the

Verify the Ethernet

connection. If the LED

still fails to light, return

the AP (contact your sales

Ethernet connection is

bad, or the AP hardware representative).

is defective.

Module OK LED (2) is

blinking in Error mode

(constant rate and

intensity), and is blinking

in unison with the AP

Saturated LED and in

unison with either the

Wired LAN or Wireless

LAN activity LED.

TheAP isnot connected Check to see which

to either the wired LAN network activity LED the

or wireless LAN.

Module OK LED is

blinking in unison with,

and verify the appropriate

connection.

Wired LAN Activity LED AP is not connected to

(3) is blinking with a short the wired network, or

Verify that the AP is

physically connected to

the network.

on once per second.

there is no activity on

the wired LAN.

AP Saturated LED (5) is

AP is dropping packets

Examine your

blinking in Normal mode. due to excessive traffic. configuration to

determine if there are one

or more users transmitting

excessive amounts of

data.

AP Saturated LED (5) is

blinking in Error mode.

This indicates an error

condition exists.

See Module OK LED

description.

Problem Solving 5-3

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Using the LEDs to Determine the Problem

Table 5-2: LED Problem Solving Summary (Continued)

If...

Then...

Do This...

Wireless LAN Activity

LED (6) is blinking a short the wireless LAN. If

on once per second.

There is no activity on

Reconfigure the wireless

parameters. Ensure that

the AP and all wireless

clients in the AP’s

coverage area have the

same wireless parameters.

you know there is

activity on the wireless

LAN, then this status

indicates that the PC

Card has an incorrect

wireless parameter or is

not operating properly.

Verify that the PC Card is

installed properly.

Bridge State LED (4)

is off.

Self-test in progress or a Wait until self-test or

spanning tree

reconfiguration is

underway.

reconfiguration ends.

If the AP is in Standby

mode, verify your

Otherwise, this status

may indicate that there

is a redundant AP

handling the network

traffic and that this AP

is in Standby mode.

network configuration to

determine whether there is

another AP configured to

operate in the same

coverage area.

Bridge State LED (4) is

blinking.

Downline load is in

progress.

Wait for downline load to

complete.

PC Card Present LED (7) There is no PC Card

Turn off power and insert

is off.

installed in the slot, or it the PC Card into the AP.

is not properly inserted.

5-4 Problem Solving

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Using the LEDs to Determine the Problem

Table 5-3, Table 5-4, and Table 5-5 list common conditions and the corresponding

states of the LED indicators.

Table 5-3: Normal Operating Mode LED Patterns

LEDs

Meaning of LED Pattern

Normal operating mode.

AP is okay but waiting for Spanning Tree.

AP is okay but occasionally saturated.

PC Card is defective.

Ethernet problem after power-up.

=on,

=off,

=steady blinking,

=random blinking

Table 5-4: Diagnostics LED Patterns

LEDs

Meaning of LED Pattern

No power. (No power at the outlet or a failed

power supply.)

PC Card not inserted properly.

Diagnostics are running.

Ethernet connection broken.

Failure while initializing/testing the

memory.

=on

=off,

=steady blinking,

=random blinking,

=any state

Problem Solving 5-5

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Using the LEDs to Determine the Problem

Table 5-5: Network Loading/Upline Dumping LED Patterns

LEDs

Meaning of LED Pattern

Waiting for downline load from load host

Downline loading image from load host

Firmware error detected while downline

loading image from load host

TFTP file not found

Waiting for retry of TFTP load

Upgrading Flash

Flash upgrade successful

Invalid (wrong) load image

Unsuccessful Flash upgrade

Invalid load image: corrupted image

Invalid load image: image too large

TFTP error

Firmware error or number of retries

exceeded

Hardware error

=on,

=off,

=steady blinking,

=random blinking,

=any state

5-6 Problem Solving

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Reset Button

You can force a downline load of the AP’s firmware from a load host and reset to

factory parameters by pressing the Reset button on the front panel of the AP during a

power-up cycle. When you press the Reset button as the AP is powering up, the LEDs

cycle through three times to indicate that the AP recognized the reset request. If the

LEDs do not function properly after resetting the AP to its factory settings, remove the

AP and contact your sales representative.

Setting Upline Dump

This parameter allows you to specify whether the AP’s memory is upline dumped in

the event the AP crashes.

When upline dump mode is enabled, the AP’s memory is dumped to any local

BootP/TFTP load host that is configured with the AP’s address. Upline dump mode is

disabled by default.

Depending on the dump host, you may need to create a writable file to accept the dump.

The file name should be apxxxxxx.dmp, where xxxxxxx is the last 6 digits of the AP’s

wired MAC address, which is printed on the front cover of the AP.

The Upline Dump setting is available by clicking the Operating Modes button in the

AP Manager, or selecting the Module-Specific Options in the console port menu.

Problem Solving 5-7

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Showing Counters

You can display the values of all the counters maintained by the AP. This information

can help you to monitor the performance of your wireless network or better understand

a problem. Typically, this information is used by RoamAbout support personnel to

help you diagnose a problem.

To show a subset of the counters using the AP Manager:

1) Select the AP in the Managed List field.

2) Click the Statistics button.

To show all the counters using the console port:

1) At the RoamAbout Installation Menu, choose Module-Specific Options.

2) In the next menu, choose Show Counters.

5-8 Problem Solving

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Showing Counters

The following example shows the dialogs associated with Show Counters.

Device uptime:

0 00:30:08

ETHERNET Port 0 WIRELESS Port 1

Individually addressed bytes sent:

Multicast bytes sent:

111446

109406

Individually addressed bytes received:

Multicast bytes received:

Individually addressed frames sent:

Multicast frames sent:

Individually addressed frames received:

Multicast frames received:

Frames deferred:

1850

1820

Single collision:

Multiple collisions:

Excessive collisions:

Carrier check failed:

Transmit Frame too long:

Remote failure to defer:

Block check error:

Frame error:

Receive Frame too long:

Data Overrun:

System buffer unavailable:

Collision detect check fail:

Press RETURN to continue

Wireless PC card counters

Individually addressed frames sent:

Multicast frames sent:

156

1665

Fragments sent:

Individually addressed bytes sent:

Multicast bytes sent:

10380

Deferred transmissions:

126

Single retry frames sent:

Multiple retry frames sent:

Transmit retry limit exceeded frames:

Transmit frames discarded:

Individually addressed frames received:

Multicast frames received:

Fragments received:

Individually addressed bytes received:

Multicast bytes received:

Receive FCS errors:

Receive buffer not available:

Wrong station address on transmit:

Receive WEP errors:

162

220

Receive message in message fragments:

Receive message in bad msg fragments:

Receive WEP ICV errors:

Receive WEP excluded:

Press Return for Main Menu ...

Problem Solving 5-9

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Displaying Error Logs

The AP can display error logs used by support personnel when analyzing system faults.

Up to four error log dumps can be stored, and the most recent dump is displayed first.

There are two types of error logs. One for AP settings and one for wireless settings.

AP Settings

To display the AP settings error logs using the console port, choose Dump Error Log

from the RoamAbout Installation Menu.

This error log displays various information, including current reset count and

PCMCIA Card present/not present.

Wireless Settings

To display the wireless settings error logs using the console port:

1) At the RoamAbout Installation Menu, choose Module-Specific Options.

2) In the next menu, select Dump Error Log.

The following example shows the dialog associated with this option.

RoamAbout Access Point

================================================================

Product Specific ERROR LOG

================================================================

Entry Number = 58

Entry Type

Error Code

Error Data

= OTHER EXCEPTIONS

= FC000200 Vector offset = 0512

0:0001E8C8

4:0000EEAC

1:00000000

5:00050400

2:20100700

6:0001CBAC

3:C3360200

7:01001596

Dump another Log entry [Y]/N ?

To see the same information in the AP Manager, select the AP in the Managed List

field and click the Hardware and Troubleshooting buttons.

5-10 Problem Solving

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Removing the AP from the MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90

Follow this procedure if it becomes necessary to remove the AP:

Step

Action

Lift the release lever located on the top of the MultiSwitch 900 slot or

the DEChub 90 slot.

Pivot the AP back on its bottom mounting tab, and disengage the AP

from the backplane.

Hub Manager

Status Display

MultiSwitch 900

Lift Release Lever

s w

i t c h

0 0

DEChub 90

s w

i t c h

0 0

Mounting Tab

LKG-9454-941-01

Problem Solving 5-11

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Appendix A

Connector, Cable, and Adapter

Pin Assignments

The following figures illustrate the connector, adapter, and cable pin assignments for

the RoamAbout Access Point.

Figure A-1: 10BaseT (8-pin MJ) Connector Pin Assignments

Pin Assignment

Receive (RX+)

Receive (RX-)

Transmit (TX+)

No connect

Transmit (TX-)

No connect

8-pin MJ connector

LKG-8895-93-01

No connect

Connector, Cable, and Adapter Pin Assignments A-1

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Figure A-2: Console Port (DB-9) Connector Pin Assignments

Pin Assignment

Data Carrier Detect (DCD)

Receive Data (RXD)

Transmit Data (TXD)

Data Terminal Ready (DTR)

Ground

Data Set Ready (DSR)

Request to Send (RTS)

Clear to Send (CTS)

No connect

LKG-8996-931-01

Figure A-3: BN24H Cable Pin Assignments (Used with Console Port)

8 MMP

WH/GR 1

6 MMP

GR/WH 2

WH/OR 3

OR/WH 6

WH/BR 7

BR/WH 8

LKG-4716-91-01

Figure A-4: BC16E Cable Pin Assignments (Used with Console Port)

6 MMP

LKG-4718-911-01

A-2 Connector, Cable, and Adapter Pin Assignments

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Figure A-5: H8571-J Adapter Pin Assignments (Used with Console Port)

9 D-Sub(F)

DCD

6 MMJ

DTR

GRD

DSR

RTS

CTS

20 RI

LKG-5342-911-01

Figure A-6: H8575-A Adapter Pin Assignments (Used with Console Port)

25 D-Sub(F)

6 MMJ

DTR

TX+

TX -

RX-

RX +

DSR

LKG-8793-931-01

Connector, Cable, and Adapter Pin Assignments A-3

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