Buffalo Technology WLA-AWCG - Manual

1.4 Terms and conventions This section describes the standard terms and conventions that are used throughout the manual. 1.4.1 Standard terms The following standard terms are used throughout the manual. 1.4.2 Typographic conventions The following conventions are used throughout the manual: Term Mean...

1.4.3 Safety information As with all electrical products, you must exercise care when using the AirStation Pro. This table describes the various warning symbols used throughout this manual to indicate situations where extra caution is needed. Symbol Meaning Serious injury or damage. Failure to follo...

7 Getting Started WLA-AWCG User Manual 2.1 About this chapter This chapter explains how to set up the AirStation Pro system. It explains how to connect the AirStation Pro to your PC and how to connect an external antenna. 2.2 Setting up the AirStation Pro Before you begin establishing connections us...

Getting Started 8 WLA-AWCG User Manual „ WLA-AWCG User Manual „ Warranty Card „ Antenna connector 2.2.2 Software requirements The AirStation Pro requires the following software to operate: „ Windows 95/98/ME, NT or 2000 „ Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher, or Netscape Navigator 4.0 or higherInternet E...

9 Getting Started WLA-AWCG User Manual Connecting to a hub Connect the other end of the straight-through cable to your hub. Note: A straight-through cable can be used to connect to the hub provided the hub is fitted with a cascade port Figure 2: AirStation Pro installation setup 4 Connect the power ...

Getting Started 10 WLA-AWCG User Manual 2.2.3 Installing the Wireless LAN card To enable an AirStation Pro to communicate with a computer, a network adapter must be installed in the PC or the laptop. The AirStation Wireless LAN card (WLI-PCM-L11) consists of both LAN and radio functions. For more de...

11 Getting Started WLA-AWCG User Manual Installing an AirStation Wireless LAN card on a laptop PC If you are using Windows 95/98 or 2000, you can install the network card whilst the laptop is switched on. To install the network card, follow these steps: 1 Insert the Wireless LAN network card into th...

Getting Started 12 WLA-AWCG User Manual Attaching the antenna adapter Prior to connecting an external antenna, you must attach an antenna adapter. To attach the antenna adapter you must first disassemble the AirStation Pro . To disassemble the AirStation Pro and attach the adapter, follow these step...

13 Getting Started WLA-AWCG User Manual 3 Remove the protective cover from the slot on the Wireless LAN card and connect the end of the antenna adapter to the Wireless LAN card by inserting it into the slot. Figure 7: Attaching the antenna adapter to the Wireless LAN network card Attaching the exter...

Getting Started 14 WLA-AWCG User Manual 2 Attach the metal stabiliser to the AirStation Pro using the screw provided, in order to secure the antenna adapter. Figure 9: Attaching the metal stabiliser to the AirStation Pro 3 Connect the end of the antenna adapter connector to the external antenna. Fig...

15 Getting Started WLA-AWCG User Manual Having installed Client Manager follow these steps: 1 From the Start menu, select Programs , MELCO Wireless LAN and then Client Manager . 2 From Client Manager screen, select File , Manual Figure 11: Client Manager Manual option 3 Select File , Manual . This M...

Connection test results The following table displays the connection test results in terms of their connection and the radio status. The diagnostic test results are displayed as a combination of connection status and radio status. Connection Status Radio Status Very Good Very Good Good Good Poor Ques...

Antenna connections and transmission ranges The actual range depends on the environment in which the aerial is used as shown in the table: The following conditions may affect the signal transmission: „ Obstacles such as trees or buildings between antennas. „ The existence of high voltage wire or an ...

21 Product Overview WLA-AWCG User Manual 3.1 About this chapter This chapter describes the main features and capabilities of the AirStation Pro. 3.2 Main features of the AirStation Pro The AirStation Pro acts as an access point for wireless LAN’s, enabling communication between physically separated ...

Product Overview 22 WLA-AWCG User Manual LED Indicators The AirStation Pro WLA-AWCG displays the following physical features: Figure 18: AirStation Pro + DIAG POWER WIRELESS 10M/100M DC ETHERNET RESET BUTTON AirStation Pro Wired MAC Address AirStation Pro Wireless MAC Address (Required for AP Commun...

23 Product Overview WLA-AWCG User Manual As shown in the diagram above, the AirStation Pro has four LED indicators, each indicator relaying important information to the user. This information is described in the following table: Diagnostic Indicator Each flash of the Diagnostic indicator conveys a p...

Product Overview 24 WLA-AWCG User Manual AirStation Pro ports On the side panel of the AirStation Pro are a number of ports see “LED Indicators” on page 22 . 3.2.1 Access point to access point communication External access point communication The AirStation Pro enables numerous variations of communi...

25 Product Overview WLA-AWCG User Manual The above example illustrates the use of AirStation Pro’s to connect between buildings. By directing the external adapters in each building toward each other, you can strengthen the signal range between buildings. The communication distance will vary dependin...

Product Overview 26 WLA-AWCG User Manual The above right-hand diagram illustrates how the AirStation Pro enables you to roam with a laptop, whilst remaining connected to the network. Chain type communication Using multiple network adapters to establish Wireless communication with the AirStation Pro ...

29 AirStation Pro Installation WLA-AWCG User Manual 4.1 About this chapter This chapter describes all the necessary procedures that you must perform to connect your PC or laptop to the AirStation Pro. There are five steps that you must follow before you can successfully communicate through the AirSt...

AirStation Pro Installation 30 WLA-AWCG User Manual The System Properties - Device Manager dialog box is displayed. Figure 22: System Properties - Device Manager dialog box 5 Under the Network adapters option, check that the MELCO WLI-PCM-L11 Wireless LAN adapter is listed. — If it is listed continu...

31 AirStation Pro Installation WLA-AWCG User Manual Windows 2000 1 On the Start menu, select Setup, Network and Dial-up connection . 2 Select the Local Area Connection icon. 3 Click Properties . 4 Ensure that the network adapter name is displayed. 4.2.2 Checking the TCP/IP settings The TCP/IP settin...

AirStation Pro Installation 32 WLA-AWCG User Manual Note: Running winipcfg allows you to check the IP address of all network adapters. Windows NT & Windows 2000 1 On the Start menu, select Programs , Command Prompt . For Windows 2000, select Programs, Accessories, Command Prompt . 2 Enter ipconf...

33 AirStation Pro Installation WLA-AWCG User Manual 4.2.3 Installing the AirStation Manager Software For security reasons the AirStation Manager software will only normally be installed on the configuration PC. This means that only an administrator has access to configure the AirStation Manager sett...

AirStation Pro Installation 34 WLA-AWCG User Manual 5 Select Install the AirStation Manager option. 6 Leave all other options deselected. Click Next . An installation welcome message is displayed. 7 Click Next . The Setup dialog box is displayed. Figure 28: Setup dialog box 8 Ensure that the Destina...

35 AirStation Pro Installation WLA-AWCG User Manual An installation confirmation message is displayed. Figure 30: Installation confirmation message 11 Click OK . Note: To uninstall the AirStation Manager, on the Start menu select Programs, MELCO AirStation, Uninstall AirStation Manager . The uninsta...

AirStation Pro Installation 36 WLA-AWCG User Manual Note: If you are connecting to a Wired LAN PC, the process of connecting to the AirStation Pro will differ slightly to the process of connecting to a Wireless LAN PC. To connect to a Wired LAN PC, simply click the icon and proceed to step 7 . To co...

AirStation Pro Installation 38 WLA-AWCG User Manual Any AirStation Pro’s found on the network are displayed in the AirStation Manager screen. Figure 34: AirStation Pro’s found 8 Highlight the AirStation Pro for which you want to configure the settings. 9 Select Admin , Set IP address . The IP addres...

39 AirStation Pro Installation WLA-AWCG User Manual 10 Enter an IP Address in the IP Address field. Enter the subnet mask in the Subnet Mask field. Note: If you do not know an IP address and a subnet mask that corresponds with the IP range of your network you should consult your network administrato...

AirStation Pro Installation 40 WLA-AWCG User Manual The Enter network password dialog box is displayed. Figure 37: Network password dialog box 2 Enter root in the Username field. 3 Leave the Password field blank. This is the default password 4 Click OK . The Standard Settings screen is displayed. Fi...

41 AirStation Pro Installation WLA-AWCG User Manual 5 Click Set . A confirmation screen is displayed, confirming your settings. Figure 39: Standard settings confirmation screen 4.2.5 Check the reception of the external antenna If you have installed an external antenna you should ensure that it is fu...

43 Configuring AirStation Settings WLA-AWCG User Manual 5.1 About this chapter This chapter describes how to configure the settings of the AirStation, using the browser based settings screen as part of the AirStation Manager software. The AirStation Pro has many useful functions and options which ca...

Configuring AirStation Settings 44 WLA-AWCG User Manual The Web browser launches automatically, and the Settings screen is displayed. Figure 41: Settings screen 5.2.2 Registering multiple AirStation Pro MAC addresses Access point communication enables computers to communicate wirelessly with one ano...

Configuring AirStation Settings 46 WLA-AWCG User Manual Note: You must enter the wireless MAC address of your AirStation Pro ( see page 22 to locate the wireless MAC address ), on the remote AirStation Pro. The diagram below illustrates a local to remote connection. Figure 44: Local to remote connec...

47 Configuring AirStation Settings WLA-AWCG User Manual The settings for the roaming function must be made from a PC that is on a Wired LAN. To configure the roaming function, you must adjust the settings on the AirStation Pro, using the AirStation Manager and the Client Manager. Configuring the Air...

Configuring AirStation Settings 48 WLA-AWCG User Manual 5.2.4 Setting up AirPort configuration The AirPort function enables the sharing of files between a Macintosh computer and a Windows computer. In order to enable this file sharing you must have the DAVE software and the AirPort software installe...

49 Configuring AirStation Settings WLA-AWCG User Manual 5.2.5 Setting up WEP security The AirStation Pro WEP (Wireless Encryption Privacy) security feature prevents external decryption of wireless packets; the packets are encoded prior to communication. A Wired LAN must be used to configure the WEP ...

Configuring AirStation Settings 50 WLA-AWCG User Manual 5.2.6 Restricting Wireless LAN PC’s This function allows you to restrict the number of Wireless LAN PC’s that can be connected to the network. Once this function is enabled, only Wireless LAN PC’s that have been registered can connect to the ne...

51 Configuring AirStation Settings WLA-AWCG User Manual 6 When the added MAC address is displayed, press Return . The MAC address you registered should now be displayed in the Authorised Wireless LAN PCs list. Note: You can register up to 255 MAC addresses. If you do not wish to limit the number of ...

Configuring AirStation Settings 52 WLA-AWCG User Manual Note: Passwords can be of any combination of alphanumeric characters up to a maximum of 8. Passwords are case-sensitive. If you forget your password, restore the AirStation Pro factory settings. See the Appendix chapter, “Restoring AirStation P...

53 Configuring AirStation Settings WLA-AWCG User Manual 5.2.8 Configuring channel settings If numerous AirStation Pro’s are being used to communicate with a Wireless LAN PC on the same floor, the baud rate may be reduced, this is because the AirStation Pro’s are using the same frequency which can cr...

Configuring AirStation Settings 54 WLA-AWCG User Manual The Routing Setup screen is displayed. Figure 48: Routing Setup screen 3 Set the IP address of the default gateway IP in the Default Gateway address field. If there is no default gateway, leave the Default Gateway address field blank and click ...

55 Configuring AirStation Settings WLA-AWCG User Manual 5.2.10 Setting up the Packet Filter The Packet Filter feature can be used to prohibit transmission and reception of data which may cause abnormal operation. The following restrictions can be implemented using the Packet Filter settings: „ Prohi...

Configuring AirStation Settings 56 WLA-AWCG User Manual Note: Rules can also be deleted by selecting the rule you want to delete and clicking Delete the checked rules . 5.2.11 Diagnostics The diagnostics function displays all AirStation Pro information and settings. To access this function, follow t...

57 Configuring AirStation Settings WLA-AWCG User Manual The following information about the AirStation Pro is displayed: Field Description Model Name Displays the AirStation Pro model name. AirStation Pro name Displays the AirStation Pro name. Wireless module Firmware Displays the name and version o...

59 Troubleshooting WLA-AWCG User Manual 6.1 About this chapter This chapter can be used as a reference for troubleshooting and tips. If you should encounter any difficulties during the installation or configuration of the AirStation Pro or any of its peripherals, follow these troubleshooting tips. 6...

Troubleshooting 60 WLA-AWCG User Manual Cause 2: Connections to the LAN have not been attached correctly. Solutions: If the AirStation Pro is connected to a LAN cable, you must ensure that: „ The cable connection to both the computer and the hub is secure.If the hub is switched on, the Ethernet LED ...

61 Troubleshooting WLA-AWCG User Manual The ESS-ID is displayed. Figure 51: ESS-ID Checking the ESS-ID for Windows 2000 To check the ESS-ID on your network adapter: 1 Right-click My Network Places , select Properties . 2 Select Local Area Network , right-click Properties. 3 Select MELCO WL1-PCM-L11 ...

Troubleshooting 62 WLA-AWCG User Manual Cause 4: The protocols are not installed or configured correctly. Solutions: To check your TCP/IP protocols, refer to the Appendix chapter, “Checking that the protocols are added” on page 72. Incorrect protocol configuration will affect the performance of the ...

63 Troubleshooting WLA-AWCG User Manual Solutions: To correct this: 1 Ensure that the network adapter is installed in the computer. For instructions on how to do this, refer to the AirStation Pro Installation chapter, “Network adapter installation” on page 29 . 2 If the network adapter still cannot ...

Troubleshooting 64 WLA-AWCG User Manual Network adapter is displayed with “!”. Figure 52: Network adapter displayed with “!” If this symbol is displayed beside the network adapter, you must do one of the following to correct the error: „ Re-install the network adapter driver, or, „ Change the resour...

65 Troubleshooting WLA-AWCG User Manual 6.2.3 Network adapter fails at driver installation. Cause 1: Drivers are not installed correctly. Solutions: To correct this error, re-install the drivers for the network adapter. Refer to your Windows documentation for information on how to do this. If you ha...

Troubleshooting 68 WLA-AWCG User Manual Cause 7: The network setting is incorrect. Solutions: Ensure that the Protocol, Workgroup Name and Share settings are correct. „ To check the protocols, refer to the AirStation Pro Installation chapter, “Checking the TCP/IP settings” on page 31 . „ To check th...

Appendix 72 WLA-AWCG User Manual A.3 Restoring AirStation Pro factory settings You might need to restore the factory settings if you are having connection problems. To do this: 1 Turn the power on. 2 Find the reset switch, which is located on the back panel of the AirStation Pro. 3 Press the reset s...

73 Appendix WLA-AWCG User Manual The Network - Configuration dialog box is displayed. Figure 54: Network - Configuration dialog box All the protocols installed on your PC are displayed in this dialog box. If the protocol that you require is not displayed, you must add it. For instructions on how to ...

Appendix 74 WLA-AWCG User Manual 3 Select the Protocol tab. Figure 55: Network - Protocol dialog box If the protocol that you require is not displayed, you must add it. For instructions on how to do this, see “Adding protocols” on page 75. Windows 2000 1 On the Start menu , select Setup, Network and...

Appendix 76 WLA-AWCG User Manual 5 Select TCP/IP from the Network Protocols panel. 6 Click OK . The TCP/IP protocol is added. You will be prompted to restart your computer at this point. Click No because you still have to specify an IP address. For instructions on how to do this, see “Specifying the...

77 Appendix WLA-AWCG User Manual Windows 2000 1 Open the Local Area Connection Properties dialog box as shown in “Checking that the protocols are added” on pag e72. 2 Click Install . 3 Select Protocol and click Add . 4 Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) . 5 Click OK . The TCP/IP protocol is added. Yo...

Appendix 78 WLA-AWCG User Manual Windows 95/98 1 Open the Network - Configuration dialog box as shown in “Checking that the protocols are added” on page 72. Figure 59: Network - Configuration dialog box 2 Select the TCP/IP protocol and click the Properties button. The TCP/IP Properties dialog box is...

Appendix 82 WLA-AWCG User Manual A.5 Checking Web browser settings The method that you use to check the settings differs, depending on the Web browser installed on your PC. Follow the steps appropriate to the Web browser that you are using: A.5.1 Using Internet Explorer 5.0 1 Open Internet Explorer ...

GLOSSARY Access Point An access point serves as a bridge between an existing wired network and wireless devices. The AirStation Pro is a type of access point. CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory) An optical disc that is physically the same as an audio CD, but contains computer data. Storage capaci...

The protocol within TCP/IP that governs the break-up of data messages into packets from sender to destination network and sender to distribution network and station, and the re-assembly of the packets into original data messages at the destination. LAN (Local Area Network) A LAN is a network that co...

stay connected without being tied down to wired installations. The roaming function automatically changes access points. Straight-through cable Bulk cable and connectors used to ensure data transmission. TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol Internet Protocol) TCP/IP is basically a communications pr...

Wireless channel When connecting between Wireless LAN computers, the same Wireless channel must be used in all the Wireless LAN computers involved. If you change the Wireless channel, it may cause radio interference with other Wireless devices.

FCC Statement 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. Thi...