3Com Wireless LAN 11 Mbps User manual

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11 Mbps Wireless LAN
Access Point 8000
User Guide
Version 1.1
Published April, 2002
Version 1.1.2

3Com Corporation
5400 Bayfront Plaza
Santa Clara, California
95052-8145
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C
ONTENTS
1
I
NTRODUCTION
Wireless and Wired Networks 1
Access Point 8000 Feature Summary 1
Installation Overview 2
2
I
NSTALLING THE
A
CCESS
P
OINT
Before You Begin 5
Deciding Where to Place Equipment 5
Connecting the Standard Antenna 6
Placing the Access Point 6
Mounting on a Wall 7
Mounting on a Ceiling 8
Connecting Power 9
Connecting to an Ethernet Network 10
Checking the LEDs 10
Selecting A Different Antenna 11
Omnidirectional Antenna 11
Ceiling Mount Omnidirectional Antenna 12
Ceiling Mount Hallway Antenna 12
Directional Panel Antenna 13
Connecting an Optional Antenna 13
Installing Software Utilities 14
3
A
CCESS
P
OINT
S
ECURITY
Upper-Layer Authentication 17
EAP-MD5 17
EAP-TLS 17
3Com Serial Authentication 18
Additional Security Configuration Options 18
802.1x RADIUS Support 19
Using the Wireless 802.1x Agent 19
Authentication and Login 19
802.1x Client Properties 20
4
C
ONFIGURING THE
A
CCESS
P
OINT
8000
Installing the Device Manager 23
Launching a Wireless Device Configuration 24

Using the Configuration Management System 25
Changing Access Point Properties 26
Setting Network Properties 26
Setting Data Transmission Properties 27
Setting Advanced Data Transmission Properties 28
Setting up Security 29
Security Settings 29
Access Point Encryption Settings 30
Setting up a User Access List 30
Setting up a MAC Address Access List 31
Defining RADIUS Servers 31
Configuring for SNMP Management 31
Defining a TFTP Server 32
Setting up a System Log 32
Upgrading the System 32
Changing the Administration Password 33
Restoring Factory Defaults 33
Resetting the Access Point 33
Backing up Configurations 33
Restoring Configurations 33
Viewing Statistics 34
Viewing System Status 35
5
C
ONDUCTING A
S
ITE
S
URVEY
Before You Begin 37
Choosing Trial Locations 37
Environmental Requirements 37
Electrical Requirements 38
Summary of the Survey Procedure 38
Using the Site Survey Tool 39
Setting up Equipment 39
Launching the Tool 39
Configuring the Survey 39
Running the Tests 39
Interpreting Test Results 40
Site Survey Menus 41
6
T
ROUBLESHOOTING
A
T
ECHNICAL
S
UPPORT
Online Technical Services 45
World Wide Web Site 45
3Com Knowledgebase Web Services 45
3Com FTP Site 45
Support from Your Network Supplier 46
Support from 3Com 46

Returning Products for Repair 48
R
EGULATORY
C
OMPLIANCE
I
NFORMATION
I
NDEX

1
I
NTRODUCTION
The 3Com wireless product family lets you set up a local area network (LAN)
without the restraints of network cabling. If your office already has an Ethernet
LAN, the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Access Point 8000 can extend the network
without additional cabling. The access point security features extend the security
of installed wired networks to include all wireless components.
The type of network you configure depends on the size of your office and whether
you require a connection to a wired LAN. A simple configuration consists of an
access point and several clients. The clients can associate with the wireless
network anywhere within the coverage area of the access point.
For more complex requirements, you can configure several access points as
separate networks at the same site. The access points use different network
identifiers called wireless LAN service areas (WLAN service areas) or Extended
Service Set Identities (ESSID). Client computers can roam within the coverage areas
of access points in the same segment with the same WLAN service areas.
Wireless and Wired
Networks
An access point can be connected to a wired LAN by an Ethernet cable acting as a
bridge between the wired and wireless networks. In this configuration, the access
point provides the link between the wired network and wireless clients. Clients
can move freely throughout the service area of the access point and remain
associated with the larger network, allowing client access to the full range of
network services.
For complete wireless coverage, several access points can be connected to an
existing LAN. Wireless clients can roam freely between different access points with
the same WLAN service areas and remain associated with the larger network.
Access Point 8000
Feature Summary
Clear channel select When initializing, automatically scans the frequency spectrum and
selects the channel with the least interference.
Power over Ethernet Powered over the Ethernet cable to reduce the number of cables
and simplify installation.
Access point discovery Clients and network administrators can discover access points and
ESSIDs within the same network segment. The network
administrator can also discover, manage, and upgrade access
points across routers by means of the 3Com Network Supervisor
(3NS).
Rate control Rate Control options available in the access point to select
Optional, Required, or Not Used.
Transmit power control Adjustable power level from minimum to maximum to extend
transmission range.
Roaming within segments Allows client to roam between access points within the same
segment.

2 C
HAPTER
1: I
NTRODUCTION
Installation Overview
1 Choose the best place for the installation (flat surface, wall, or acoustical ceiling).
Look for a location away from equipment that might cause radio interference. The
site should be elevated and centrally located relative to the users on your wireless
network.
2 Make sure that you are familiar with the following items and have them available
where required for your installation:
■ Access point
■ 3Com Integrated Power-over-Ethernet power supply and power cord
■ Standard category 5 straight-through (8-wire) Ethernet cable
■ Mounting hardware (for wall- or ceiling-mount installations)
It may be useful for you to conduct a site survey before permanently installing the
access point. See “Conducting a Site Survey” on page 37.
3 Install the access point following the steps outlined in “Installing the Access Point”
on page 5.
4 For information on improving the signal between the access point and a wireless
client, see “Selecting A Different Antenna” on page 11.
User support Supports up to 256 simultaneous users, regardless of mode of
operation.
DHCP support Uses DHCP to obtain a leased IP address and network
configuration information from a server. If the network has no
DHCP server, the access point’s internal DHCP server assigns IP
addresses to wireless clients in a stand-alone wireless network.
SNMP and MIB interfaces SNMP, HP OpenView, and 3Com Network Supervisor (3NS).
Authentication features Supports RADIUS authentication between the wireless client and
the RADIUS servers, in conjunction with the IEEE 802.1x. For Serial
Authentication, requires the 3Com 3CRWE62092A wireless LAN
PC card upgraded with the latest firmware.
Supports client authentication by MAC address list on access point
or on RADIUS server.
802.1x Support Port-based network access control utilizes the physical
characteristics of the switched LAN infrastructures to authenticate
devices attached to a LAN port, and prevent access to that port in
cases where the authentication process fails.
Encryption Supports 40-bit and 128-bit shared encryption, and 128-bit
dynamic encryption key. Compatible with Cisco and Agere/Lucent
access points and clients. Also supports 3Com Dynamic Security
Link 128-bit dynamic encryption key.
Management tools Web server in the access point supports device configuration and
management through your web browser. Access point software
tools run under Windows 98, 98 SE, Me, 2000, and XP; Windows
NT 4.0 with Service Pack 6 or higher;. The 3Com Network
Supervisor discovers and displays a map of all Wireless Clients
within a segment. Built-in Web server simplifies firmware
upgrades. Web-based interface is compatible with Internet
Explorer 5.0 or greater and Netscape Communicator 6.0 or
greater.
Privacy Mode Broadcasting of ESSID can be disabled.
Client-to-client blocking Prevents communication among associated clients, providing client
privacy in public access situations.

Installation Overview
3
5 After hardware installation is complete, install the access point tools, utilities, and
user guide from the installation CD. See “Installing Software Utilities” on page 14.
6 To set up a wireless client to authenticate through the access point to your RADIUS
server, refer to “Using the Wireless 802.1x Agent” on page 19.
7 To set access point security or configure the wireless network, refer to
“Configuring the Access Point 8000” on page 23.
8 Review the system settings and ensure they are suitable for your site.

2
I
NSTALLING THE
A
CCESS
P
OINT
Before You Begin The following items are required for installation:
■
3Com Integrated Power-over-Ethernet power supply and power cord.
■ Standard category 5 straight (8-wire) Ethernet cable for connecting the access
point to the power supply. This length of cable must reach from the access
point to the power supply.
If you plan to connect the access point to a wired network, you will need an
additional length of Ethernet cable.
■
If you plan to mount the access point on a wall:
■ Mounting template
■ Wall mount hardware kit
■
If you plan to mount the access point to the T-rail grid of an acoustical ceiling:
■ Mounting bracket
■ Two #6 panhead screws
Deciding Where to
Place Equipment
Select a clean, dry location that provides good reception. The site should not be
close to transformers, heavy-duty motors, fluorescent lights, microwave ovens,
refrigerators and other electrical equipment.
The power supply must be located near a power source. If you are connecting the
access point to a wired network, the location must provide an Ethernet
connection. You will need to run an Ethernet cable from the power supply to the
access point.
An access point provides coverage at distances of up to 1000 feet. Signal loss can
occur if metal, concrete, brick, walls, or floors block transmission. If your office has
these kinds of obstructions, you may need to add additional access points to
improve coverage.
If you plan to use one of the available optional antennas instead of the standard
detachable antennas, review “Selecting A Different Antenna” on page 11 before
For advanced installations, we recommend that you conduct a site survey before
permanently installing the access point. A site survey tool is provided on the
3Com CD. To conduct the survey, you must also use the administrator utilities to
set up a wireless client. See “Conducting a Site Survey” on page 37.
Only professional network personnel should install the access point, cables, and
antennas.

6 C
HAPTER
2: I
NSTALLING THE
A
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P
OINT
selecting the final location and be sure to allow for routing the antenna cable as
required.
Do not install the access point in wet or dusty areas without protection. Make sure
the temperature ranges between –20˚ C to 55˚ C (–4˚ F to 131˚ F).
Connecting the
Standard Antenna
The access point is supplied with standard detachable antennas. These should be
attached before the access point is installed.
1 Carefully unpack the standard detachable antennas.
2 Screw an antenna into each of the sockets in the access point housing.
3 Hand-tighten the antennas.
4 Position the antennas so they turn out and away from the access point at a
45-degree angle.
As a rule, the initial orientation of the antennas should be perpendicular to the
floor. After network startup, you may need to adjust the antennas to fine-tune
coverage in your area.
Depending on the coverage required for your site, you may want to replace the
standard detachable antennas with one of the external antennas available for use
with the access point. See “Selecting A Different Antenna” on page 11.
Placing the Access
Point
The access point can be placed on a flat surface such as a table or desktop or it
can be mounted on a wall or to the T-rail grid of an acoustical ceiling. If you
choose a flat surface, select one that is clear of obstructions and provides good
reception. Place the access point and adjust the antenna so that the arms point up
and away from the access point at a 45˚ angle.

Placing the Access Point 7
Mounting on a Wall To mount an access point on a wall, follow the instructions on the mounting
template supplied in the box and refer to the following illustration. Preferably,
mount the access point near the ceiling above any obstructions that could block
transmission. Position the antenna so that the arms point out and away from the
access point at a 45˚ angle
1
2
3
4

8CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE ACCESS POINT
Mounting on a Ceiling To mount an access point to the T-rail grid of an acoustical ceiling, you must first
attach the mounting bracket to the access point as shown.
Align the T-rail grips with the ceiling T-rail, adjusting them so they grip the T-rail
snugly. Tighten the screws on the T-rail grip. Position the antenna so that the arms
point down and away from the access point at a 45˚ angle.
NOTE: After installation, there may be some play in the fit of the T-rail grips on the
T-rail. This is likely due to the size of the T-rails but should not prevent a secure
grip.
RESET
TOPOWERSUPPLY
POWER
WIRELESS
ETHERNET
RESET
TO POWERSUPPLY

Connecting Power 9
Connecting Power The access point is powered by the 3Com Integrated Power-over-Ethernet power
supply, which provides power over a standard category 5 straight (8-wire) Ethernet
cable. This eliminates the need to run standard power directly to the access point.
The power supply can be located at any point between the access point and the
LAN access port (if you plan to connect to a wired LAN), wherever a convenient
power outlet exists.LEDs light.
When you connect the power make sure you connect the cable to the port labeled
To Access Point on the power supply. When the access point receives power, the
LEDs light.
The access point is IEEE 802.3af compliant. Before connecting the access point
to your own power-over-Ethernet hub or switch, ensure that your equipment
also complies with the IEEE 802.3af standard.
If you supply your own Ethernet cable for connecting power, be sure that it is
standard category 5 straight-through (8-wire) cable that has not been altered in
any way. Use of nonstandard cable could damage the access point.
RESETTOPOWERSUPPLY
ETHERNET
WIRELESS
POWER
TOACCESSPOINTTOHUB/SWITCH

10 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE ACCESS POINT
Connecting to an
Ethernet Network Use a standard Ethernet cable to connect the access point to an Ethernet network,
as shown below.
Checking the LEDs
To avoid damaging other components connected to the network, make sure
that the Ethernet cable connected to the LAN port is plugged into the To
Hub/Switch port on the power supply (not the To Access Point port).
RESETTOPOWERSUPPLY
ETHERNET
WIRELESS
POWER
TO ACCESSPOINT TOHUB/SWITCH
Ethernet
LED Description
Power ■On—Access point has power.
■Off—Access point is not receiving power.
Wireless ■Blinking—The access point is operating. The blink speed ranges from
approximately once every 2.5 seconds to approximately 10 times per
second, depending on the signal strength and transmission speed.
■Off—The access point is not receiving power.
Ethernet ■Blinking—Wired LAN traffic is detected. Faster blinking indicates
heavier traffic.
■Off—There is no wired LAN connection or the access point is not
receiving power.

Selecting A Different Antenna 11
Selecting A Different
Antenna The standard detachable portable antenna supplied with the access point is a
multi-purpose antenna suitable for a variety of environments, including office
LANs, physical plants, and factory floors. If your site has special requirements that
might be served by different types of antenna, four optional antenna models are
available, as shown below:
You can order any of the optional antennas by model number from the 3Com
Web site.
Omnidirectional Antenna
The fiberglass omnidirectional
antenna (model number 3CWE490)
is designed for use in harsh indoor
environments. It can be centrally
located on the ceiling to provide
uniform coverage over a wide area.
This antenna features a built-in
matching network that eliminates
the need for a ground plane.
This antenna can be mounted on
the ceiling by means of a standard
ceiling-mount bracket. Before
installing, ensure that access is
available for cable routing.
This antenna does not have an electrical connection between the mask mount and
the coaxial cable shield. However, adding a lightning arrestor will correct this
situation by grounding the outer shield as recommended. Some arrestor designs
provide over-voltage protection for the signal sent down the cable. If you use such
Model number 3CWE490 3CWE492 3CWE497 3CWE498
Design and type Omnidirectional
(fiberglass) Ceiling-mount omnidirectional Ceiling-mount hallway Directional Panel (indoor/outdoor)
Frequency Range 2.400-2.4835 GHz 2300-2500 Mhz 2300-2500 Mhz 2300-2500 Mhz
Gain 4 dBi 2.5 dBi 4 dBi 8 dBi
VSWR across band < 1.5:1 < 1.35:1 < 1.5:1 < 1.5:1
Distance (coverage)* 2100 feet 1800 feet 2100 feet 3600 feet
Effective Radiated Power
(ERP) @ different power
transmission settings**
High: 159 mW
Medium: 50 mW
Low: 13 mW
High: 112 mW
Medium: 36 mW
Low: 9 mW
High: 159 mW
Medium: 50 mW
Low: 13 mW
High: 398 mW
Medium: 126 mW
Low: 32 mW
Temperature range -40°C to +80°C -40°C to +80°C -40°C to +71°C -40°C to +80°C
Dimensions (inches) 10” (height) 4.25 (diameter) 2.6 x 1.8 x 0.2 5.1 x 4.7 x 1.5
Weight 5.34 oz. 8 oz. 2 oz. 8 oz.
Cable A six-foot accessory cable (model 3CWE480) is required for each of these optional antennas. It
provides the transition from the SMA connector on the access point to the N-type connector
on the antenna. A 20-foot cable (model 3CWE481) is also available.
* Coverage varies depending on building construction.
** See “Setting Data Transmission Properties” on page 27 for information on selecting power
transmission levels.

12 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE ACCESS POINT
a design, be sure that it can pass signals used in the 2.5 GHz signal range. Many
inexpensive units are available with F connectors, but these are typically designed
for cable TV-UHF applications and may degrade the signals in the band used by
the access point.
Ceiling Mount Omnidirectional Antenna
The ceiling-mount omnidirectional
antenna (model number 3CWE492)
is designed to cover large, open
areas. It should be located at or near
the center of the ceiling of a large,
open area (such as an open office
space divided into cubicles) to
provide uniform coverage in all
directions.
It is mounted by means of a single-hole stud mount, and so can be fixed easily to
drop ceiling tiles or to a solid ceiling surface where cable routing access is
available.
This antenna does not have an electrical connection between the mask mount and
the coaxial cable shield. However, adding a lightning arrestor will correct this
situation by grounding the outer shield as recommended. Some arrestor designs
provide over-voltage protection for the signal sent down the cable. If you use such
a design, be sure that it can pass signals used in the 2.5 GHz signal range. Many
inexpensive units are available with F connectors, but these are typically designed
for cable TV-UHF applications and may degrade the signals in the band used by
the access point.
Ceiling Mount Hallway Antenna
The ceiling-mount hallway antenna
(model number 3CWE497) has a
bidirectional design that makes it
ideal for use in long corridors. Its
small size means it can provide
extended WLAN coverage with
minimum visibility.
This model includes a bracket for
quick installation on standard
one-inch ceiling rails. In addition,
mountingholes allowforinstallation
to any flat surface with screws.

Selecting A Different Antenna 13
Directional Panel Antenna
The ceiling, wall, and corner-mount
flat-panel directional antenna
(model 3CWE498) provides stable
coverage both indoors and
outdoors.
The panel can be mounted virtually
anywhere and in any orientation.
The flat-panel directional antenna
operates with a gain of 8 dBi.
Depending on the country where
the access point is being installed,
there may be transmit power
restrictions:
■When using this antenna in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina,
Brazil, Taiwan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Colombia, India, and Peru, no
transmission power restrictions apply.
■In all other countries, transmit power is limited to 100 mW. You must manually
select Low or Medium power from the Data Transmission Properties page of
the configuration management system. See “Setting Data Transmission
Properties” on page 27 for information on manually selecting transmission
levels.
Connecting an Optional
Antenna To ensure the physical safety of anyone near the antenna and to prevent damage to the access point, follow the building codes for antenna installations in your
area. Also, when connecting the optional antenna to the access point, remember
to use only the A-side connector on the access point.
While aligning the antenna, you may want to use the Site Survey tool (preferably
installed on a mobile PC that can be used at the antenna site) to adjust the

14 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE ACCESS POINT
antenna to achieve the maximum possible received signal strength. See “Using the
Site Survey Tool” on page 39 for more information.
1Position the antenna so that there are minimal
obstacles between it and any client with which
it will communicate. While maintaining a direct
line of sight between the antenna and a client
is not strictly necessary, such an arrangement
helps to ensure a strong signal. Ensure that
access is available for routing the antenna cable
from the antenna to the access point.
2If they are installed, remove both arms of the
the standard detachable antenna.
3Connect one end of the optional antenna cable
to the antenna and secure the antenna in place.
4Connect the free end of the antenna cable to
the A side connection on the access point.
5Make certain that the antennas and antenna
masts are appropriately grounded to prevent
injury or damage from lightning strikes.
6Go to Data Transmission Properties and change
the Radio Antenna settings to Diversity Off. See “Setting Data Transmission
Properties” on page 27.
7If required in your country or at your site, go to Data Transmission Properties and
change the power transmission settings. See “Setting Data Transmission
Properties” on page 27.
Installing Software
Utilities The 3Com Administrator Utilities CD includes tools and utilities to help you set up
and administer the wireless components of your network. Software tools and
utilities are presented as Tools and Utilities options on the main menu of the CD
and include:
■Install the Utility Software and Documentation. This option installs the
Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager Tool which you can use to monitor
access points and select devices for administrative changes. It also installs the
Site Survey Tool and product documentation in other languages as translations
become available.
■Install 3Com TFTP 3CDaemon Server Tool. A TFTP server is required for
firmware upgrades and for backing up and restoring access point configuration
files. This option launches the 3CDaemon installation, which is a resident TFTP
server. You do not have to select this option if you already have a TFTP server
set up. The 3CDaemon server tool can also act as a system log (syslog) server
for the access point.
■Install 3Com 802.1x Agent. This option installs the Wireless Authentication
Agent for 802.1x support. If you will be using the access point in conjunction
with a RADIUS authentication server, you must install this agent on each
wireless client PC in the network. On systems running Windows XP this agent
is not required because 802.1x support is built into the operating system.
"A" side