ActionTec GT701AP User manual

Solutions for the Digital Life™
User Manual
54 Mbps
Wireless
Access Point
Model #: GT701AP
Firmware version: 3.0.1.0.5-GT701-AP

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Table of Contents
1Introduction 3
Package Contents 3
Minimum System Requirements 3
Access Point Features 4
Technical Support 6
2 Wireless Networking Basics 7
Creating a Wireless Network 7
Extending a Wired Network 8
3 Installing the Access Point 10
Before Installing 10
Connecting the Access Point 10
Placing or Mounting the Access Point 11
4 Setting Up the Access Point 12
Making a Connection 13
Accessing & Viewing the Control Panel 13
Basic Settings 15
Security Settings 17
Advanced Settings 19
6 Troubleshooting and FAQ 24
Troubleshooting 24
Frequently Asked Questions 24
A Setting Up Static IP 28
Windows 98 and 98 SE 28
Windows Me 32
Windows 2000 35
Windows XP 39
B Specifications 43
Notices 48
Regulatory Compliance Notices 48
Modifications 48
Limited Warranty 50

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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point. We’ve
worked hard to make this Access Point the simplest, most convenient way to create
a wireless network for your home office or small business. If you want to take your
computing to the next level, the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point is one of
the keys to your success.
This User Guide will show you how to set up the Actiontec 54 Mbps Access Point,
and how to customize its configuration to get the most out of your new product.
Package Contents
sActiontec 54 Mbps Access Point
sPower adapter
sGray Crossover Ethernet cable
sInstallation CD (includes user manual)
sQuick start guide
Minimum System Requirements
sComputer(s) with the following:
ûa 10/100 Mbps Ethernet connection
ûMicrosoft Windows 98,98 Second Edition (SE), Millennium Edition (Me),
2000, or XP
ûInternet Explorer 4.0 or higher (5.x recommended), or Netscape
Navigator 4.0 or higher (4.7 recommended)
sTCP/IP network protocol installed
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sAll computers included on the wireless network must have wireless net-
working capabilities
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 three LEDs (light emitting diodes) on the front panel of the Access
Point, as shown in the figure, below.
Power LED
The Power LED glows red when power is supplied to the Access Point. When it
blinks green, the Access Point is going through its initialization process. Steady
green indicates the Access Point is ready.
Ethernet LED
The Ethernet LED glows green to indicate that your Access Point “sees” an active
Ethernet connection.
Wireless LED
The Wireless LED glows green when the Access Point is ready to use. It will blink

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intermittently when there is wireless activity.
Rear Panel
The Access Point has a Power Connector, A LAN (Ethernet) Port, an Antenna Jack,
and a Reset button on its rear panel.
LAN Port
The Ethernet (LAN) port is used to connect the Access Point to a hub or router
with the Gray Crossover Ethernet cable.
Power Port
The Power Port is used to connect the Access Point’s Power Adapter.
Antenna Jack
The Antenna Jack connects the Access Point to its antenna.
Reset Button
The Reset button is used to reset the Access Point and restore the factory default
settings.

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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 to provide professional support 24 hours a day, every day,
except major holidays.
Actiontec Electronics, Inc.
760 N. Mary Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Technical Support
Phone: [phone] (USA), 0845 65 80411 (UK)
Email: http://support.actiontec.com/email_support/support_form.php

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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. A wireless network consists of two ele-
ments - Clients and Access Points.
• A Client is a computer or any other device equipped with a wireless network
adapter, such as the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card .
• An access point is a device, like your Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access
Point, that connects the clients with the network and each other.
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 receive wireless network signals from the
access point(s).
A typical wireless network may look similar to the one in the figure, below.
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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 or router to an access point
using a “cross-over” style Ethernet cable (included in the Quick Start Kit).
2. Set up the access point(s) to send and receive wireless network signals.
3. Set up computers (wireless clients) to send and receive 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.

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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. Use a standard Ethernet cable (pur-
chased separately).
2. Set up the access point to send and receive wireless network signals.
3. Set up computers (wireless clients) to send and receive 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 10 to connect the Access Point.

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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 Adapter into the Power port on the back of the
Access Point, and the other end into a power outlet. The Power LED on the
front panel of the Access Point will be red until the initialization process
begins, then blinks green. It will turn steady green when the device is ready
for service. (This may take up to 30 seconds)
2. If connecting to a network hub or switch, plug one end of a “cross-over” type
Ethernet cable (not 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.
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2a. If connecting to a Router, hub or switch for wireless network usage or for
administration of an access point (using the Web Configuration Utility to
change an access point’s settings, for example), plug one end of Gray
Crossover Ethernet cable (included in this Quick Start Kit) in the LAN port
on the back of the Access Point, and plug the other end into the computer. See
figure below.
+Note: Do not use the Ethernet cable included with the Access
Point Quick Start Kit to connect to a computer. This Gray
Ethernet cable is a “crossover” type, and is used to connect the
Access Point to a network hub or switch.
An Ethernet port looks like a phone port, but is slightly larger.
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: If planning 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 12.

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Setting Up the
Access Point
The 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point is shipped ready for immediate use. Its factory
default settings allow the user to access the wireless network after making a few
adjustments to the wireless clients to recognize its pre-programmed SSID.
You should note however that in its default mode, your Access Point has its securi-
ty options disabled and is pre-configured to run on channel # 9 of its 11 available
channels. In some cases, you may have to change security settings, radio channels,
IP addresses, client access privileges or other options, so it will work properly in
your facility. In this case, you will have to reconfigure the default settings using the
unit’s internal web-based “control panel” that you can view using any standard
web browser program, such as MS Internet Explorer or Netscape,.
Configuring the Access Point
Making A Connection
Configuring the Access Point’s settings requires you to to make a connection to
the unit’s Ethernet port access the unit’s web-based control panel or via its wireless
link. This can be done in one of two ways:
1. Connecting your computer to the Access Point via an Ethernet router.
This is the preferred technique if you have a router port available in your net-
work. Simply 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. Details may be found in sub-section 2 of the
previous chapter.
2. Connecting your computer directly to the Access Point via an Ethernet cable.
If you need to connect directly to the Access Point via your computer, 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. Details may be found in sub-section 2a of the previous chapter.
3. Connecting to the Access Point via a wireless connection.
You can also access the control panel by associating with the access point. If
you are running Windows 98 through Windows 2000, simply set the SSID for
the WiFi client in your computer to “Actiontec” (case sensitive), and select the
“Infrastructure” operating mode. For Windows XP systems, simply right
click on network icon in lower right, select "view available wireless networks”
from the menu, and then select "Actiontec" from list. Click Apply and close.
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Your connection to the Access Point should be established and you are ready
to access to the unit’s control panel.
Accessing & Using The Control Panel
Making Sure Your Computer Can Talk To The Access Point .
The Access Point’s control panel has an internal IP address of 192.168.0.240 which
enables any standard web browser to view and adjust its settings. If you are con-
nected to your access point via an Actiontec brand router, it has an address that is
within the same subnet address range. This means that you are ready to “talk” to
the control panel and don’t need to read this section and should proceed directly
to the next section “Viewing The Control Panel” a bit further down on this page.
If, however, you are using another brand of router (Linksys and some other prod-
ucts), the you may need to configure your computer’s NIC card with a static IP
address that is within the range of the access point’s control panel. This is true
whether you are making a wired or wireless connection to the unit.
If you are unsure of your router’s subnet address range, you can try talking to the
control using the procedures in the next section “Viewing The Control Panel”abit
further down on this page. If this does not work, follow the procedures outlined in
Appendix A - “Setting Up A Static IP Address” on page 28 before attempting to
access the control panel again.
NOTE: If you are making a “direct” connection to your computer without going
through a router, you will also need to adjust your NIC card’s IP address using this
procedure.
Viewing The Control Panel
Simply plug one end of a “cross-over” type Ethernet cable (purchased separately) in
the LAN port on the back of the Access Point, and plug the other end into the hub
or switch. Details may be found in sub-section 2 of “Connecting The Access Point”
in the previous chapter.
1. Open your Web browser.
2. In the address bar enter http://192.168.0.240 then press <enter>.
NOTE: The Username/Password setting is disabled when the Access Point is shipped
from the factory to allow for easy first-time access to the control panel. If you
receive the Access Point after it has had a password set but do not know what it is,
you will not be able to access the control panel. You can disable the password
mode by physically resetting the access point. This is done by by holding the
“Reset” button on the back of the Access Point for 15 seconds and releasing it.

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3. The "Welcome" screen appears. From this point, you can configure the Access
Point from one of its seven sub-menus
Setting the IP Address
The IP Address section allows you to setup IP Address, either DHCP or static IP
mode. NOTE: Changing these settings is not required in most applications
Click on the “IP Address” selection and the “IP Address” page will appear.
Actiontec recommends keeping the unit’s default static IP address
(192.168.0.240), but if it conflicts with another device in the network, you can
enter a new address in the “IP Address” text box.
If your network requires the Access Point to run in Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol (DHCP) mode which dynamically assigns an IP address,
you can change these settings from this screen.

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Basic Settings
Click on the “Basic Settings” selection and the “Basic Settings” page will appear.
This menu allows you to change the Wireless Network Name (ESSID*),from
its default value, change the Operating Channel**, and enable one of several
available security options***.
* ESSID is the network name assigned to the wireless network. The factory
default setting is “ACTIONTEC.” The ESSID value can be modified if needed,
using any combination of alphanumeric characters (i.e., A-Z, a-z, 0-9). All
clients must have this same ESSID value. (For the Actiontec 802.11g 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 sen-
sitive.
s** Operating 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.)
*** Security Options on the “Basic Settings” page allow you to activate the
following security options by selecting the appropriate buttons on the con-
trol panel page:
Off - or no encryption enabled. This is the Access Point’s default security set-
ting, Selecting this option allows any computer with wireless capability and the
correct ESSID value to join the wireless network.
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) - This is an encryption method used with
the 802.11g standard to ensure data security over wireless networks. After acti-
vating 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.
To Activate WEP, select the “WEP” button, and then click on the “Next” button.
Your browser will then display the “WEP Key” menu page.
Although WEP only uses one key at a time, the WEP Key menu allows you to
store up to four keys which can be activated for use by clicking the button next
to the key you wish to use. You can choose from two levels of WEP encryption
(64-bit and 128-bit) from the pull-down menus alongside each key entry.

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64-bit WEP uses a key made from of five hexadecimal digit pairs. A hexadeci-
mal 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 into the desired Key text
box (Key 1, Key 2, Key 3, Key 4).
128 bit WEP Key is just like the 64-bit key except that it uses 13 hexadecimal
pairs to provide more secure encryption. To create a 128-bit WEP key,
enter 13 hexadecimal digit pairs in the Key text box.
256 bit WEP Key is just like the 64-bit key except that it uses 29 hexadecimal
pairs to provide more secure encryption. To create a 256-bit WEP key,
enter 29 hexadecimal digit pairs in the Key text box.
+NOTE: Not all wireless PC Cards support 128-bit or 256-bit WEP.
Ensure all wireless PC Cards installed in the clients support the
version of WEP you want to use before activating.
The Authentication Type controls how a client connects, or “authenticates” itself
with the Access Point when WEP is enabled.
Open mode allows any client to try to authenticate to THE ACCESS POINT using
a WEP key.
Shared Key mode provides tighter security by requiring that a wireless client also
have a digital certificate that authorizes it to talk with the THE ACCESS POINT
before it is allowed to authenticate itself. In Shared Key mode, the client will issue
a digital certificate or second key to that the Access Point will pass through
through to a server for authentication. The Access Point however is just a conduit
and does not do any processing of the certificate itself. Do not enable this feature
unless your network supports shared authentication features.

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The "Both" setting allows stations to use either authentication mode .
WEP 802.1x Security
The 802.1x protocol is a collection of security features intended primarily for
enterprise computing environments. It simplifies management by applying the
same authentication protocol for wired and wireless connections.
802.1x offers an effective framework for authenticating user traffic to a protected
network, and dynamically varying encryption of keys, and supports multiple
authentication methods. It employs a Server Address that ties it to an associated
server, a Port Number that designates a specific connection, and a Shared Secret
Word that is used as a private key by all system elements. The Group Key Interval
setting controls the number of minutes between which the group key is automati-
cally changed across the whole network, and is used for broadcast and multi-pack-
et operations.
To Enable 802.1x:
1. Click the 802.1x button in the Basic Settings menu box.
2. Enter the radio server's IP address in the Server Address box - This address is
obtained from the administrator of the radio server.
3. Enter the port number. The normal default value is 1812 unless the network
administrator changes it to match a particular radio server’s port setting. In this
case, consult your network administrator for the proper setting.
4. Enter the shared secret word, which can be any alphanumeric string, and is
case sensitive. NOTE: Client and server must have the same secret word.
5. Enter the group key interval value - typically between 3 and 60 minutes.

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WPA Security
The WiFi Protected Access (WPA) protocol is a collection of interoperable security
enhancements intended for use in both consumer and enterprise settings. It is a
forward-compatible subset of the upcoming 802.11i security standard that greatly
improves on the WEP security standard. WPA includes a stronger data encryption
scheme that uses the TKIP (temporal key integrity protocol) key exchange proto-
col, and a message integrity check (MIC) and an extended initialization vector
with sequencing roots to prevent interception of packets by unauthorized users.
WPA can be run on its own or in conjunction with the 802.1x procol. For most
home and small business applications, WPA is all that is necessary. When run on
its own, all that is necessary is to set up a single static PSK String as a shared mas-
ter key. When run in conjunction with 802.1x, it employs the same dynamic key
arrangement used by 802.1x itself. See the previous section “802.1x Security” for an
explanation of the 802.1x setting values.
To Enable WPA:
1. Click the WPA button in the Basic Settings menu box.
2. Click on the the PSK String menu button and enter an arbitrary alphanumer-
ic string in the window. The minimum suggested length is 8 characters Note: the
PSK String word is case sensitive.
3. If you do not wish to enable the 802.1x protocol, simply click the Next button

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and WPA is enabled. If you wish to enable 802.1x, continue to step 4 of this proce-
dure.
To Enable WPA with 802.1x:
4. Enter the radio server's IP address in the Server Address box - This address is
obtained from the administrator of the radio server.
5. Enter the port number. The normal default value is 1812 unless the network
administrator changes it to match a particular radio server’s port setting. In this
case, consult your network administrator for the proper setting.
6. Enter the shared secret word, which can be any alphanumeric string, and is
case sensitive. NOTE: Client and server must have the same secret word.
5. Enter the group key interval value - typically between 3 and 60 minutes.
Advanced Settings
The SSID Broadcast setting is normally run in default, or “Enabled”mode,
which allows visitor’s clients to see your SSID and attempt to associate with
the Access Point. Where security concerns warrant, you can prevent intruders
from “sniffing” your SSID by disabling 'SSID Broadcast',.
The 802.11b/g Mode setting defaults to “Mixed”, allowing your access point
to talk to both to 802.11b (11 Mbit/s) and 802.11g (54 Mbit/s) clients. You
can configure it to exclusively support either “b” or g” clients via the pull-
down menu. Selecting the “11g only” mode increases system performance,
especially for streaming media applications, but unless all clients in your net-
work are “g”-compliant, we recommend that you keep the Mixed Mode.