ActionTec 11 Mbps Wireless Access Point User manual

User Manual
11Mbps
Wireless
Access Point

1
Table of Contents
1Introduction 3
Package Contents 3
Minimum System Requirements 3
Access Point Features 4
Technical Support 6
2Wireless Networking Basics 7
Creating a Wireless Network 7
Extending a Wired Network 8
3Installing the Access Point 11
Before Installing 11
Installing the Access Point 11
Placing or Mounting the Access Point 12
4Setting Up the Access Point 13
Wireless Access Point Configuration Utility 13
5Troubleshooting and FAQ 21
Troubleshooting 21
Frequently Asked Questions 21
BSetting Up Static IP 23
Windows 98 and 98 SE 23
Windows Me 27
Windows 2000 30
Windows XP 34
CSpecifications 39
Notices 41
Regulatory Compliance Notices 41
Modifications 41
Limited Warranty 43

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Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual

3
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Actiontec 11Mbps Access Point. This Access Point is
the simplest way to create a wireless network for your home office or small busi-
ness. If you want to take your computing to the next level, the Actiontec 11Mbps
Access Point is one of the keys to your success.
Package Contents
Actiontec 11Mbps Access Point
Power adapter
Ethernet cable (cross-over type, for connecting to hub or switch)
USB cable
Installation CD (includes user manual)
Quick start guide
Warranty and registration card
Minimum System Requirements
Computer(s) with the following:
a 10 Mbps or 10/100 Mbps Ethernet, or USB connection
Microsoft Windows 98,98 Second Edition (SE), Millennium Edition (Me),
2000, or XP
Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher (5.x recommended) or Netscape
Navigator 4.0 or higher (4.7 recommended)
TCP/IP network protocol installed
All computers included on the wireless network must have wireless net-
working capabilities
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Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual
Access Point Features
The Access Point has a series of LEDs on its front panel, and a series of ports on its
rear panel. It is recommended that the user become familiar with these features
before installing or setting up the Access Point.
Front Panel
There are five LEDs (light emitting diodes) on the front panel of the Access Point,
as shown in the figure, below.
Power LED
The Power LED glows green when power is supplied to the Access Point. When
it blinks, the Access Point is going through its initialization process.
Activity LED
The Activity LED flickers green when the Access Point is sending and/or receiv-
ing data.
Wireless LED
The Wireless LED glows green when the Access Point is ready to start.
LAN LED
The LAN LED glows green when the Access Point is successfully connected to a
LAN (Local Area Network).
Power
Activity
Wireless LAN
USB

5
Chapter 1 Introduction
USB LED
The USB LED glows green when the Access Point is successfully connected to a
computer with a USB cable.
Rear Panel
The Access Point has three ports and a Reset button on its rear panel.
LAN Port
The LAN port is used to connect the Access Point to a hub or computer with the
Ethernet cable.
USB Port
The USB port is used to connect the Access Point to a computer with the USB cable.
Power Port
The Power port is used to connect the Access Point’s Power cord.
Reset Button
The Reset button is used to reset the Access Point and restore the factory default
settings.
LAN Reset USB Power

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Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual
Technical Support
Actiontec Electronics, Inc., prides itself on making durable, high-quality, high-
performance products. If you need assistance, the Actiontec Technical Support
Department is available every day from 6 A.M. to 11 P.M. (MST) to provide
professional support.
Actiontec Electronics, Inc.
760 N. Mary Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
Technical Support
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web site: www.actiontec.com/support

7
Wireless
Networking Basics
Wireless networking connects computers to each other using radio signals rather
than wires. This allows users the freedom to move around and work anywhere
within the range of the wireless network.
The range of a wired network usually depends on the number and power of its
access points. Access points transmit wireless signals over a defined area. Installing
a series of access points across a large area expands the range of a wireless network.
The Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point, when used with computers with the
Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless PC Card installed, creates a seamless and easy-to-use
wireless networking environment.
The following sections give an overview of the options available when setting up a
wireless network.
Creating a Wireless Network
Creating a wireless network involves two basic steps:
1. Setting up an access point to send and receive wireless network signals.
2. Setting up computers to send and recieve wireless network signals from the
access point(s).
A typical wireless network may look similar to the one in the figure, below.
Power
Activity
Wireless LAN
USB
2

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Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual
All of the wirelessly networked computers (also known as clients) communicate
with each other through the access point, which acts as a wireless hub.
Extending a Wired Network
To add wireless networking to an established wired network:
1. Connect the access point(s) to the wired network. This is usually done with an
Ethernet cable connecting a wired network hub to an access point.
2. Set up the access point(s) to send and receive wireless network signals.
3. Set up computers (wireless clients) to send and recieve wireless network sig-
nals from the access point(s).
The figure below illustrates one possibility for extending a wired network:
The access point is wired to a hub, which in turn is connected to a traditionally
wired network. The notebook computer (or client), set up to receive wireless net-
working signals, can access the wired network via the access point.
Power
Activity
WirelessLAN
USB
Wired
Network
Hub

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Chapter 2 Wireless Networking Basics
☞Note:An additional computer can be connected to the Access
Point in this configuration via USB cable.
Creating a Wireless Network from a Single Computer
It is also possible to connect an access point to a single computer, instead of a network
hub. This method can be used to share the computer’s Internet connection among the
wireless clients, and is a common way to use a wireless network in the home.
To create a wireless network from a single computer:
1. Connect the access point to the computer. This is usually done with an
Ethernet cable connecting the computer to the access point. The Actiontec 11
Mbps Access Point can also connect to the computer with a USB cable.
2. Set up the access point to send and receive wireless network signals.
3. Set up computers (wireless clients) to send and recieve wireless network sig-
nals from the access point(s).
The figure below shows a typical access point - computer setup:
The access point is wired to the computer (usually, this computer will have an
Internet connection). The notebook computer (wireless client) can access the
wired computer, as well as use the Internet connection to surf the Web.
Next, go to “Installing the Access Point” on page 11 to connect and mount the
Access Point.
Power
Activity
WirelessLAN
USB

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Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual

11
Installing the
Access Point
Before Installing
Before installing the Access Point, be aware that this device can subject the user to
electrical shock. Follow the guidelines in this manual and the manuals of any other
equipment used during the installation. Failure to do so may result in injury or
damage to the equipment.
Important:This Access Point is a 2.4 GHz low-power RF
device. It is intended for home and office use in all EU member
states except France, where restrictive use applies.
Connecting the Access Point
To connect the Access Point to a network hub, switch, or computer (via Ethernet
cable), use the following procedure:
1. Plug one end of the Power cable in the Power port on the back of the Access
Point, and the other end in a power outlet. The Power LED on the front panel
of the Access Point flashes green until the initialization process is complete,
then glows steadily green.
2a. If connecting to a network hub or switch, plug one end of a cross-over
Ethernet cable (included with the Access Point) in the LAN port on the back
of the Access Point , and plug the other end into the hub or switch. See the
figure on the next page.
2b. If connecting to a computer for wireless network usage or for adminstration
of an access point (using the Web Configuration Utility to change an access
point’s settings, for example), plug one end of a straight-through Ethernet
cable (purchased separately) in the LAN port on the back of the Access Point,
and plug the other end into the computer. See the figure below.
3

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Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual
☞Note:Do not use the Ethernet cable included with the Access
Point to connect to a computer. This Ethernet cable is a cross-
over type, and is used to connect the Access Point to a network
hub or switch.
Placing or Mounting the Access Point
The Access Point can be placed on a flat surface (such as a desktop). Ensure there
are no obstructions around the Access Point that may interfere with the sending
and receiving of wireless signals.
The Access Point can also be mounted on a wall. On the bottom panel of the Access
Point are four screw mounting holes. Insert two screws into the wall, and ensure the
screw heads protrude slightly from the wall surface. Mount the access point on the wall.
☞Note:Ifplanning to mount the Access Point in a hard-to-reach
location, ensure the cables are connected and the Access Point is
configured properly before mounting.
Next, go to “Setting Up the Access Point” on page 13.
LAN Reset USB Power
To Hub,
Switch, or
Computer
To Power
Outlet

13
Setting Up the
Access Point
The Access Point is a ready-to-use device. Its factory default settings allow the user
to access the wireless network after making a few adjustments to the wireless clients.
See “Settings” on page 15 for more information on adjusting the wireless clients to
communicate via the Access Point.
The configuration capabilities of the Access Point include changing the security
settings, radio channels, IP addresses, and client access privileges.
Wireless Access Point Configuration Utility
The Wireless Access Point Configuration Utility contains two parts: a) the
Actiontec AP Wizard that locates all access points available to the computer;
and b) a Web-based configuration utility that allows the user to change the settings
for a selected access point.
Loading and Using the Actiontec AP Wizard
1. Insert the Installation CD in the CD-ROM drive of the computer connected
to the Access Point.
2. The InstallShield Wizard launches. If the InstallShield Wizard does not
launch, double-click on the file SETUP.EXE in the CD’s root directory.
3. When the first InstallShield Wizard window appears, click Next.
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Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual
4. The Actiontec AP Wizard software loads. When complete, click Finish.
5. From the desktop, launch the Actiontec AP Wizard by selecting Start,
Programs,then Actiontec Access Point.
6. Select the Access Point and click Configure.
7. The Web Configuration Utility launches. Go to the next section, “Configuring
the Access Point,” to change the settings of the Access Point.

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Chapter 4 Setting Up the Access Point
Configuring the Access Point
Once an access point is selected in the Actiontec AP Wizard, the Web
Configuration Utility launches and the “Main Menu” screen appears.
☞Note:The Web Configuration Utility can be accessed directly
from a computer on the network without loading the AP Wizard,
if the computer and the Access Point are on the same subnet. See
“Appendix A - Setting Up Static IP” on page 23 for details.
There are five options available in the Main Menu. To select an option, click it and
its screen appears.
Settings
In the “Settings” screen, the Access Point’s ESSID and Channel values can be
changed, as well as the level of WEP encryption.

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Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual
ESSID is the network name assigned to the wireless network. The factory
default setting is “ACTIONTEC.” Although Actiontec recommends keeping
the default value intact, the ESSID value can be modified, using any combi-
nation of alphanumeric characters (i.e., A-Z, a-z, 0-9). All clients must have
this same ESSID value. (For the Actiontec 802.11b Wireless PC Card, the
ESSID value must be the same as the SSID value. The SSID value can also
be called the Network Name.) Note that the ESSID is case sensitive.
Channel assigns the frequency band at which the Access Point communicates.
In the United States, use channels 1-11. (The factory default value is set to 1.)
Wireless Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is an encryption method used with
the 802.11b standard to ensure data security over wireless networks. The
Access Point offers three levels of WEP: Off, 64-bit, and 128-bit. If encryp-
tion is not required, Actiontec recommends selecting Off (the factory
default setting). Encryption is not required for wireless operation, and can
reduce network performance. If selecting 64-bit or 128-bit encryption, acti-
vate click the respective radio button, then click Next.
Off disables encryption. Selecting this option allows any computer with
wireless capability and the correct ESSID value to join the wireless network.
64-bit WEP requires four separate keys. Each key comprises five hexadeci-
mal digit pairs. A hexadecimal digit consists of an alphanumeric character
ranging from 0-9 or A-F. An example of a 64-bit WEP key is: 4E-A3-3D-
68-72. To create a set of 64-bit WEP keys, enter five hexadecimal digit
pairs in each Key text box (Key 1,Key 2,Key 3,Key 4). After activating
64-bit WEP on the Access Point, a client can join the network only if these
same keys are entered in that client’s wireless encryption scheme.
The WEP keys can also be entered in ASCII text. To do this, click the
ASCII WEP key check box, then enter the keys in ASCII text.

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Chapter 4 Setting Up the Access Point
128-bit WEP requires one key of 13 hexadecimal pairs. A hexadecimal digit
consists of alphanumeric characters ranging from 0-9 or A-F. An example of
a 128-bit WEP key is: 3D-44-FE-6C-A1-EF-2E-D3-C4-21-74-5D-B1. To cre-
ate a 128-bit WEP key, enter 13 hexadecimal digit pairs in the Key text box.
After activating 128-bit WEP on the Access Point, a client can join the net-
work only if this key is entered in that client’s wireless encryption scheme.
The WEP key can alos be entered in ASCII text. To do this, click the ASCII
WEP key check box, then enter the key in ASCII text.
☞Note:Not all wireless PC Cards support 128-bit WEP. Ensure all
wireless PC Cards installed in the clients support 128-bit WEP
before activating.

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Actiontec 11Mbps Wireless Access Point User Manual
Access Control
In the “Access Control” screen, the user can block clients from using the Access
Point.To deny or accept particular clients, enter the MAC (Media Access
Control) address of the client in the “Client MAC address” text box, then click
Add.
☞Note:Ensure the MAC address entered is in the correct format
(i.e., six sets of two hexidecimal numbers separated by colons). A
properly formatted MAC address would be the following:
00:20:ea:08:00:17
If an incorrectly formatted MAC address is entered, an error mes-
sage stating that an invalid MAC address has been entered
appears. If this occurs, enter a properly formatted MAC address.
The client’s MAC address is added to the “Exception List” text box. If Accept all
clients is activated, all entries entered in the Exception List are denied access. If
Deny all clients is activated, all entries in the Exception List are allowed access.
To remove a client from the Exception List, select it from the Exception List text
box, then click Remove.

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Chapter 4 Setting Up the Access Point
IP Address
In the “IP Address” screen, the Access Point can be set up with DHCP (Dynamic
Host Configuration Protocol) client capabilities, or the IP address of the Access
Point can be changed. Actiontec recommends keeping the default factory IP
address (192.168.0.1), but if a different IP address is needed, enter it in the “IP
Address” text box.
To allow the Access Point to obtain an IP address from a DHCP server on the
network, select DHCP.
Status
The “Current Status” screen contains the Access Point’s current configuration
information. No settings can be changed from this screen.