Page 3 - Notice
i Notice Notice Cabletron Systems reserves the right to make changes in specifications and other information contained in this document without prior notice. The reader should in all cases consult Cabletron Systems to determine whether any such changes have been made. The hardware, firmware, or soft...
Page 4 - FCC Notice
Notice ii 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. NOT...
Page 5 - Taiwanese Notice — Class A Computing Device:
iii 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 Fu...
Page 6 - Declaration of Conformity; Manufacturer ’s Name:
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...
Page 7 - Getting Help; Your Cabletron Systems service contract number
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...
Page 9 - Contents; Preface
vii Contents Preface Intended Audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiTerminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....
Page 10 - Table of Contents; Installing the RoamAbout Access Point
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....
Page 11 - Problem Solving
ix Table of Contents 5 Problem Solving Using the LEDs to Determine the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2Reset Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....
Page 13 - Intended Audience
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...
Page 14 - Terminology; Term
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...
Page 15 - Associated Documents; Component; PC Card
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 ...
Page 17 - Chapter 1; The AP fully supports wireless clients equipped with any 802.11
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...
Page 18 - Summary of Features
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...
Page 19 - Item; Power OK
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...
Page 20 - LED
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...
Page 22 - AP to Wireless Clients Configuration
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...
Page 23 - AP to AP Configuration; You can also configure APs to connect two LANs in the same building.
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...
Page 24 - Bridging Services; The AP provides the following bridging services:
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...
Page 25 - Configuration Tools; You can configure the AP using these tools:; Console Port; The AP Manager has the following features:
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...
Page 26 - Other Management Tools; DEC ELAN Vendor MIB; NOTE
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...
Page 27 - Optional Antennas; Range Extender Antenna; The PC Card is close to metal surfaces.
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 ...
Page 28 - Outdoor Antenna Kit
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...
Page 29 - Chapter 2; Unpacking and Checking the Contents of the Shipment
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...
Page 30 - Selecting the Location; For an AP to wireless client configuration:
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...
Page 31 - Figure 2-1: Mounting the AP in a Central Location
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
Page 32 - Reviewing the Site Requirements; Hardware Requirements; Parameter
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 ...
Page 33 - Electrical and Environmental Requirements; Table 2-2: Environmental Specifications
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...
Page 34 - RoamAbout Access Point
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...
Page 35 - Cabling Requirements; If you are using the console port:
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...
Page 37 - Chapter 3
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...
Page 38 - Installing the PC Card; To install the PC Card, do the following:; Step; Logo
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...
Page 39 - Installing the AP into a MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90; Removing the Back Cover
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...
Page 40 - Seating the AP in the MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90; Pivot the AP on the mounting tab and align the connectors.
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...
Page 41 - Installing the AP
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 ...
Page 46 - Verifying the Operation of the RoamAbout Access Point; Stage
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...
Page 48 - Connecting a Device to the Console Port; Console Port Signaling Standards; To connect a device to the AP console port, do the following:
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...
Page 50 - MultiSwitch 900 console port
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
Page 51 - Installing the RoamAbout Access Point Manager
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...
Page 52 - Setting the AP Parameters
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...
Page 53 - Chapter 4; This chapter describes how to configure the AP parameters.
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...
Page 54 - Starting a Configuration Tool; RoamAbout Access Point Manager; RoamAbout; The program starts with the following screen.
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...
Page 55 - Console Port Device
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...
Page 56 - Showing Current Settings; You can display the settings that the AP is currently using.
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...
Page 58 - Wireless Parameters; Channel
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...
Page 59 - Station Name
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...
Page 60 - RTS Threshold
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...
Page 61 - Secure Access
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 ...
Page 62 - Setting Bridge Mode; Setting Default Rate Limiting (Multicast Traffic)
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...
Page 63 - Setting Encryption
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...
Page 64 - Setting RMON Values; A maximum of six Statistics groups.
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...
Page 65 - Checking the Configuration on Multiple APs
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...
Page 66 - Resetting the RoamAbout Access Point; There are two ways to reset the AP:; Reset with Current Settings
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 ...
Page 68 - Configuring the AP for SNMP Management; Set In-Band Interface Addresses
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...
Page 70 - Set SNMP Read/Write Community; Select the AP in the Managed List field.; Click on the Options menu and select Community Strings.; Enter the community name (4 to 31 printable ASCII characters).
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...
Page 71 - Set SNMP Trap Addresses; To enter an SNMP trap address using the console port:; Enter the SNMP trap address.; To delete an existing trap address using the console port:; Enter the existing SNMP trap address that you wish to delete.
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...
Page 72 - Upgrading the RoamAbout Access Point; You can only upgrade one AP at a time.; To upgrade the AP using the AP Manager:; To upgrade the AP using the console port:; Make sure that you have properly configured a BootP/TFTP server.
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 ...
Page 74 - Using the LEDs to Determine the Problem; LED On Status
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...
Page 77 - Table 5-3: Normal Operating Mode LED Patterns
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 ...
Page 78 - LEDs
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...
Page 79 - Reset Button
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...
Page 80 - Showing Counters; To show a subset of the counters using the AP Manager:; Click the Statistics button.; To show all the counters using the console port:
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...
Page 82 - Displaying Error Logs; AP Settings
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...
Page 83 - Removing the AP from the MultiSwitch 900 or DEChub 90; Follow this procedure if it becomes necessary to remove the AP:
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. ...