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

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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

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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

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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
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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