Cabletron Systems 9032848-02 - Manuals

Notice iv Declaration of Conformity Addendum Application of Council Directive(s): 89/336/EEC73/23/EEC Manufacturer ’s Name: Cabletron Systems, Inc. Manufacturer ’s Address: 35 Industrial WayPO Box 5005Rochester, NH 03867 European Representative Name: Mr. J. Solari European Representative Address: Ca...

v Notice Getting Help For additional support related to this device or document, contact Cabletron Systems using one of the following methods: Before calling Cabletron Systems, have the following information ready: • Your Cabletron Systems service contract number • A description of the problem • A d...

vii Contents Preface Intended Audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiTerminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....

Table of Contents viii 3 Installing the RoamAbout Access Point Installing the PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2Installing the AP into a MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....

ix Table of Contents 5 Problem Solving Using the LEDs to Determine the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2Reset Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....

xi 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 du...

Terminology xii 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 t...

xiii Associated Documents Associated Documents The following table lists each component, with its associated document, that can be used with your RoamAbout Access Point. Component Document PC Card RoamAbout IEEE DS/PC Card and ISA Adapter Card User’s Guide RoamAbout Access Point Manager Online Help ...

Introducing RoamAbout Access Point 1-1 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 MultiSw...

Summary of Features 1-2 Introducing RoamAbout Access Point Summary of Features The AP includes the following features: • Supports any 802.11 Direct Sequence (DS) compliant radio in a wireless client 1 . • Supports ThinWire (10base2) and 10BaseT Ethernet LANs. • Ideally, an AP can support up to 250 u...

Introducing RoamAbout Access Point 1-3 Summary of Features Figure 1-1: Front, Side, and Rear View of the AP The AP contains the following LEDs, connectors, ports, and controls: Item Name Description 1 Network Connector (BNC) Connects the AP to a ThinWire network. This connector is not used if the AP...

Summary of Features 1-4 Introducing RoamAbout Access Point 4 Wired LAN Activity LED Indicates the status of the wired Ethernet segment. The LED lights (green) when packets are: • Received on the Ethernet port and forwarded to the wireless port. • Addressed to or generated by the AP using the Etherne...

AP to Wireless Clients Configuration 1-6 Introducing RoamAbout Access Point 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...

Introducing RoamAbout Access Point 1-7 AP to AP Configuration 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 buildin...

Bridging Services 1-8 Introducing RoamAbout Access Point 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 Usin...

Introducing RoamAbout Access Point 1-9 Configuration Tools 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 enable...

Configuration Tools 1-10 Introducing RoamAbout Access Point 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 characteri...

Introducing RoamAbout Access Point 1-11 Optional Antennas 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 ...

Optional Antennas 1-12 Introducing RoamAbout Access Point 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 antenna...

Preparing for Installation 2-1 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...

Selecting the Location 2-2 Preparing for Installation 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 guid...

Preparing for Installation 2-3 Selecting the Location Figure 2-1: Mounting the AP in a Central Location 1 2 R o a mA b ou t LKG-8805-931-01

Reviewing the Site Requirements 2-4 Preparing for Installation 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 ...

Preparing for Installation 2-5 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 Environm...

Reviewing the Site Requirements 2-6 Preparing for Installation Table 2-3: Electrical Specifications Table 2-4: AP Power Supply Specifications Table 2-5: AP Acoustical Specifications Acoustics — Declared values per ISO 9296 and ISO 7779 Schallemissionswerte — Werteangaben nach ISO 9296 und ISO 7779/D...

Preparing for Installation 2-7 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...

Installing the RoamAbout Access Point 3-1 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 followin...

Installing the PC Card 3-2 Installing the RoamAbout Access Point Installing the PC Card To install the PC Card, do the following: Step Action 1 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. 2 Gently push the card in...

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

Installing the AP into a MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90 3-4 Installing the RoamAbout Access Point 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 insta...

Installing the RoamAbout Access Point 3-5 Installing the AP 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 1 Place the AP in the previously ...

Verifying the Operation of the RoamAbout Access Point 3-10 Installing the RoamAbout Access Point Verifying the Operation of the RoamAbout Access Point The AP runs a series of self-tests on power-up and reports status using its LEDs. When power-up begins, the following occurs: The diagnostics take ap...

Connecting a Device to the Console Port 3-12 Installing the RoamAbout Access Point 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. Y...

Connecting a Device to the Console Port 3-14 Installing the RoamAbout Access Point Figure 3-2: Console Port Cabling Item Description 1 MultiSwitch 900 console port 2 AP console port 3 Console port device R o am A b o u t 1 2 2 H8571-J H8575-A 1 3 BN24H Access Point H8571-J H8575-A 3 BC16E

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

Setting the AP Parameters 3-16 Installing the RoamAbout Access Point 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...

Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point 4-1 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...

Starting a Configuration Tool 4-2 Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point 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...

Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point 4-3 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...

Showing Current Settings 4-4 Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point 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 Netw...

Wireless Parameters 4-6 Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point 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 Paramet...

Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point 4-7 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 cl...

Wireless Parameters 4-8 Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point 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 t...

Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point 4-9 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 ...

Setting Bridge Mode 4-10 Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point 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 co...

Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point 4-11 Setting Encryption 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 corr...

Setting RMON Values 4-12 Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point 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 an...

Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point 4-13 Checking the Configuration on Multiple APs 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 selec...

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

Configuring the AP for SNMP Management 4-16 Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point 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 inter...

Configuring the AP for SNMP Management 4-18 Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point 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 nam...

Configuring the RoamAbout Access Point 4-19 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 a...

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

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

Problem Solving 5-5 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 Table 5-4: Diagnostics LED Patterns LEDs 1 1. =on, =off, =steady blinking, =random ...

Using the LEDs to Determine the Problem 5-6 Problem Solving Table 5-5: Network Loading/Upline Dumping LED Patterns LEDs 1 1. =on, =off, =steady blinking, =random blinking, =any state 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Meaning of LED Pattern Waiting for downline load from load host Downline loading image from load host F...

Problem Solving 5-7 Reset Button Reset Button You can force a downline load of the AP’s firmware from a load host and reset to factory parameters by pressing the Reset button on the front panel of the AP during a power-up cycle. When you press the Reset button as the AP is powering up, the LEDs cycl...

Showing Counters 5-8 Problem Solving 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 person...

Displaying Error Logs 5-10 Problem Solving 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...

Problem Solving 5-11 Removing the AP from the MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90 Removing the AP from the MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90 Follow this procedure if it becomes necessary to remove the AP: Step Action 1 Lift the release lever located on the top of the MultiSwitch 900 slot or the DEChub 90 slot. ...