AirLive WHA-5500CPE User manual

W
H
A
-5500CPE
802.11a Multi-Function Outdoor CPE
Version 2.0
User’s Manual

Copyright and Disclaimer
AirLive WHA-5500CPE User’s Manual
Copyright & Disclaimer
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, whether
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or recording without the written consent of OvisLink
Corp.
OvisLink Corp. has made the best effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this
user’s guide. However, we are not liable for the inaccuracies or errors in this guide.
Please use with caution. All information is subject to change without notice
All Trademarks are properties of their respective holders.

Table of Contents
i
AirLive WHA-5500CPE User’s Manual
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................................................1
1.1 Overview..............................................................................................1
1.2 How to Use This Guide........................................................................1
1.3 Firmware Upgrade and Tech Support ..................................................3
1.4 Features...............................................................................................4
1.5 Wireless Operation Modes...................................................................5
1.5.1 Access Point Mode..................................................................................................... 5
1.5.2 Repeater Mode ...........................................................................................................5
1.5.3 WDS Bridge Mode .................................................................................................... 6
1.5.4 Bridge Infrastructure Mode........................................................................................ 6
1.5.5 Client Infrastructure Mode......................................................................................... 7
1.5.6 Client Ad Hoc Mode .................................................................................................. 8
1.5.7 WISP Router Mode .................................................................................................... 8
1.5.8 AP Router Mode......................................................................................................... 9
2. Installing the WHA-5500CPE...................................................................10
2.1 Before You Start.................................................................................10
2.2 Package Content ...............................................................................11
2.3 Hardware Installation .........................................................................11
2.3.1 Mounting Configuration ..........................................................................................14
2.3.2 Antenna polarization ................................................................................................15
3. Configuring the WHA-5500CPE ..............................................................16
3.1 Important Information.........................................................................16
3.2 Prepare your PC ................................................................................17
3.3 Management Interface.......................................................................17
Web Management (HTTP):...............................................................................................17
Secured Web Management (HTTPS):...............................................................................18
Command Line Interface (Telnet):....................................................................................19
3.4 Introduction to Web Management......................................................19
3.4.1 Getting into Web Management ................................................................................20
3.4.2 Welcome Screen and Login ..................................................................................... 22
3.5 Initial Configurations ..........................................................................24
3.5.1 Choose the wireless Operation Modes.....................................................................24
3.5.2 Change the Device’s IP Address .............................................................................. 25
3.5.3 Change the Country Code........................................................................................26
3.5.4 Set the Time and Date .............................................................................................. 27

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AirLive WHA-5500CPE User’s Manual ii
3.5.5 Change System Management...................................................................................27
3.5.6 Change Password ..................................................................................................... 28
4. Web Management: Wireless and WAN Settings ...................................29
4.1 About WHA-5500CPE’s Menu Structure............................................29
4.2 Operation Modes (Wireless and WAN Settings) ................................30
4.2.1 Regulatory Domain.................................................................................................. 31
4.2.2 Network SSID.......................................................................................................... 31
4.2.3 Site Survey ............................................................................................................... 32
4.2.4 Signal Survey ........................................................................................................... 33
4.2.5 Lock-to-AP ..............................................................................................................33
4.2.6 Radio Mode (11a, SuperA, TurboA)........................................................................33
4.2.7 SuperA Option ......................................................................................................... 34
4.2.8 Channel .................................................................................................................... 34
4.2.9 Channel Width .........................................................................................................36
4.2.10 Security Settings ....................................................................................................36
4.2.11 Distance..................................................................................................................40
4.2.12 Transmit Power ...................................................................................................... 40
4.2.13 Advance Settings (Wireless) .................................................................................. 41
4.2.14 Access Control (ACL)............................................................................................ 43
4.2.15 Multiple SSID ........................................................................................................44
4.2.16 WMM QoS............................................................................................................. 48
4.2.17 RADIUS Settings...................................................................................................51
4.2.18 Bandwidth Control.................................................................................................52
4.3 WDS Settings ....................................................................................57
4.4 Router Mode Settings ........................................................................59
4.4.1 WISP Router Mode .................................................................................................. 59
4.4.2 AP Router Mode....................................................................................................... 59
4.4.3 WAN Port Settings ................................................................................................... 60
4.4.4 Dynamic DNS Settings............................................................................................ 61
4.4.5 Remote Management Settings .................................................................................61
4.4.6 IP Routing Settings ..................................................................................................62
4.4.7 DHCP Server............................................................................................................63
4.4.8 Multiple DMZ..........................................................................................................64
4.4.9 Virtual Server Settings ............................................................................................. 64
4.4.10 Special Applications...............................................................................................65
4.4.11 IP Filtering Settings................................................................................................ 66
5. Web Management 2: System Configuration, Tools and Status ...........67
5.1 System Configuration.........................................................................67
5.1.1 Device IP Settings.................................................................................................... 67
5.1.2 Time Settings ...........................................................................................................69
5.1.3 Password Settings ....................................................................................................69
5.1.4 System Management................................................................................................70
5.1.5 Ping Watchdog .........................................................................................................71
5.1.6 Firmware Upgrade ...................................................................................................72

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AirLive WHA-5500CPE User’s Manual
5.1.7 Configuration Save and Restore ..............................................................................72
5.1.8 Factory Default ........................................................................................................73
5.2 Tools...................................................................................................74
5.2.1 Network Ping ........................................................................................................... 74
5.2.2 Network Traceroute .................................................................................................74
5.3 Device Status.....................................................................................76
5.3.1 Device Information ..................................................................................................76
5.3.2 Wireless Information................................................................................................ 77
5.3.3 Internet Information................................................................................................. 77
5.3.4 Wireless Client Table ............................................................................................... 78
5.3.5 System Log ..............................................................................................................78
6. Command Line Interface .........................................................................79
6.1 System Commands............................................................................79
6.2 Debugging Commands ......................................................................81
6.3 Show Commands...............................................................................82
6.4 Set Commands ..................................................................................87
6.5 Enable/Disable Commands ...............................................................94
6.6 Add/Delete Commands ......................................................................95
7. Application Example: Infrastructure ......................................................99
7.1 Application Environment ....................................................................99
7.2 Device A: Access Point Mode ..........................................................100
7.2.1 Device A Wireless Settings ....................................................................................101
7.2.2 Device A Bandwidth Management ........................................................................ 103
7.3 Device B: Bridge Infrastructure Mode ..............................................105
7.3.1 Device B Wireless Settings....................................................................................105
7.3.2 Device B Total Bandwidth Control........................................................................ 107
7.4 Device C: Client Infrastructure Mode ...............................................108
7.4.1 Device C IP Address ..............................................................................................108
7.4.2 Device C Wireless Settings....................................................................................109
8. Application Example 2: Bridge Network ..............................................111
8.1 Preparation for Building Outdoor Bridge Networks .......................... 111
8.2 WDS Bridge vs. Bridge Infrastructure ..............................................113
8.3 WDS Bridge Network Example ........................................................115
9. Application Example 3: Router and Repeater .....................................121
9.1 Application Environment ..................................................................121

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AirLive WHA-5500CPE User’s Manual iv
9.2 WHA-5500CPE in WISP Router Mode ............................................122
9.2.1 WISP Router: Wireless Settings.............................................................................122
9.2.2 WISP Router: WAN Port and Virtual Server ......................................................... 124
9.3 WHA-5500CPE in Repeater Mode ..................................................127
9.3.1 Repeater Router: Wireless Settings........................................................................127
10. Emergency Firmware Recovery .........................................................130
10.1 How Emergency Upgrade Works...................................................130
10.2 Emergency Upgrade Procedure ....................................................130
11. Frequent Asked Questions .................................................................133
12. Specifications.......................................................................................136
12.1 Hardware Features ........................................................................136
12.1.1 General Hardware Feature ...................................................................................136
12.1.2 Antenna ................................................................................................................ 136
12.1.3 Power Supply ....................................................................................................... 136
12.1.4 Dimension and Weight.........................................................................................136
12.2 Radio Specifications ......................................................................137
12.2.1 Frequency Band ................................................................................................... 137
12.2.2 Rate and Modulation............................................................................................137
12.2.3 TX Output Power................................................................................................. 137
12.2.4 Receiver Sensitivity .............................................................................................137
12.2.5 Supported WLAN Mode...................................................................................... 137
12.3 Software Feature ...........................................................................138
12.3.1 Operation Mode ................................................................................................... 138
12.3.2 Management Interface .........................................................................................138
12.3.3 Channel Width (Rate Mode) ................................................................................ 138
12.3.4 Advance Functions...............................................................................................138
13. Wireless Network Glossary.................................................................140

1. Introduction
1AirLive WHA-5500CPE User’s Manual
1 1. Introduction
1.1 Overview
The WHA-5500CPE is a wireless outdoor multi-function device based on IEEE 802.11a
5-GHz radio technologies. When installed in upright position, it is rain and splash proof.
It features an integrated 18dBi patch antenna and 802.3af to simplify the installation. .
The firmware of the AP provides up to 8 operations modes* to satisfy different application
environments. This guide is for firmware version V2.00e01a or newer. If you have older
firmware, please go to www.airlive.com to download the latest version.
1.2 How to Use This Guide
WHA-5500CPE is an advanced wireless CPE with many functions. It is recommended
that you read through the entire user’s guide whenever possible. The user guide is
divided into different chapters. You should read at least go through the first 3 chapters
before attempting to install the device.
Recommended Reading
Chapter 1
1.5 Operation Modes: This section explains the usage of each wireless
operation mode. It is a must read.
Chapter 2: This chapter is about hardware installation. You should read
through the entire chapter.
Chapter 3:
3.1 Important Information: This section has default settings information
suchs as IP, password, SSID, and recommended browser
3.3 Management Interface: This section introduces Web, HTTPS, and
Telnet.
3.4 Introduction to Web Management: This section tells you how to get into
the Web UI using HTTP and HTTPS. In addition, it also explains about the
basic menu structure.
3.5 Initial Configurations: This section guide you through the essential initial
configurations such as choosing operation mode, set device IP, password,
and change frequency domain.
Chapter 4 Web Management – Wireless and WAN Settings: This chapter
explain the wireless functions and router mode settings in the WHA-5500CPE. If
time permitted, you should read through the entire chapter.

1. Introduction
AirLive WHA-5500CPE User’s Manual 2
4.2 Operation Mode (wireless): Operation mode is the page where all the
wireless settings and router mode settings are. Therefore, it is advised that
you must read through the entire section.
z4.2.3 Site Survey: Site Survey is the connection wizard that will search
for available networks and let you connect with the select network by
simply clicking. It also includes RSSI signal survey for antenna
alignment.
z4.2.8 and 4.2.9 Channel and Channel Width: This part explains the
concept of variable Channel Width and how to use them. Channel
Width can be 40MHz, 20MHz, 10MHz, or 5MHz.
z4.2.13 Bandwidth Management: Be sure to read about
WHA-5500CPE’s powerful Bandwidth Control that allow you to limit
up/downlink speed by interface, IP, MAC address, or IP segment. This
section provides step-by-step examples also.
4.3 WDS Settings: Here explans the WDS setting page. After reading this
section, please go to Chapter 8: Bridge Network example to see
step-by-step instructions on setting up a multi-point WDS Bridge network.
4.4 Router Modes: This section includes WAN port, virtual server, remote
management, virtual servers and all router related settings.
Chapter 5: Web Management 2: Configurations, Tools and Status
This chapter explains all the non-wireless settings and status such as IP settings,
Ping Watchdog.
5.1.5 PING Watchdog: PING watchdog is a crucial function to keep your
wireless connection alive. When WHA-5500CPE can’t get a response
from remote devices, it will attempt to re-establish the connection.
WHA-5500CPE’s PING watchdog goes the extra step to allow 2 sets of IP
to avoid false alarm.
5.1.7 Configuration Save and Restore: You should always backup your
configurations so you can restore in the event of system crash.
Chapter 6: Command Line Interface
This chapter explains all the commands in the Telnet interface. Be sure to “save
config” after making all changes. In case you forget a command, just type “help” to
display all available commands and their usage.
Chapter 7: Application Example: Infrastructure
In this chapter, you will learn how to use AP mode, Client Infrastructure Mode, and
Bridge Infrastructure mode in one application example. In addition, you will also
learn how to make multiple SSID and bandwidth control.
Chapter 8: Application Example 2: WDS Bridge

1. Introduction
3AirLive WHA-5500CPE User’s Manual
This chapter tells you the basic knowledge about building a long distance connection.
Then it will describe the differences between WDS bridge and Bridge Infrastructure
mode, and how to make a choice between them. At last, a step-by-step instruction
on how to build a multipoint WDS network is provided.
Chapter 9: Application Example 3: Repeater and WISP Router
A step-by-step application example on Repeater and WISP router
Chapter 10: Emergency Firmware Recovery
It your WHA-5500CPE can no longer be access due to firmware crash. You might
be able to recover it following the procedure on this chapter.
Chapter 11: Frequent Asked Questions
If you have a question about WHA-5500CPE that is not found on other part of this
guide, you might find your answer here. Including how to make connection with
Mikrotik AP, how to save password settings on the browser...etc.
.
Chapter 13: Wireless Network Glossary
Explanations on wireless network technical terms from A to Z. Highly recommeded
for referencing when you encounter an unfamiliar term.
1.3 Firmware Upgrade and Tech Support
If you encounter a technical issue that can not be resolved by information on this guide, we
recommend that you visit our comprehensive website support at www.airlive.com. The
tech support FAQ are frequently updated with latest information.
In addition, you might find new firmwares that either increase software functions or provide
bug fixes for WHA-5500CPE. You can reach our on-line support center at the following
link:
http://www.airlive.com/support/support_2.jsp
Since 2009, AirLive has added the “Newsletter Instant Support System” on our website.
AirLive Newsletter subscribers receives instant email notifications when there are new
download or tech support FAQ updates for their subscribed airlive models. To become an
AirLive newsletter member, please visit: http://www.airlive.com/member/member_3.jsp

1. Introduction
AirLive WHA-5500CPE User’s Manual 4
Figure 1.4: AirLive Newsletter Suppport System
1.4 Features
Atheros AR-2313 + AR-5112 108mbps 802.11a chipset
4MB Flash and 32MB SDRAM
8 wireless multi-function modes: Access Point, Repeater, WDS Bridge, Bridge
Infrastructure, Client Infrastructure, Client Ad Hoc, WISP Router, AP Router.
18dBi Integrated Antenna: Vertical Polarization, Horizontal Polarization, External
Antenna options switchable by software. 15 degree Horizontal and Vertical coverage
in the forward direction.
Built from High Temperature resistant ABS material with Anti-UV protection
Power by 48V 802.3af PoE system
Support Super Channels
Support 5/10/20/40MHz Channel Width
Slide out housing design for easy maintenance.
Metal Wall Mount and Pole Mount included
Total Bandwidth and Per-User Bandwidth Control
Limit Bandwidth of HTTP, FTP, Torrent, and eDonkey traffic in router mode
Site Survey, RSSI signal Survey, and RSSI LED indicator.
Multi-SSID, TAG VLAN, WMM, TOS
ACK Timeout Adjustment for long distance connection.
Emergency firmware recovery mode
Web, HTTPS, and Telnet

1. Introduction
5AirLive WHA-5500CPE User’s Manual
1.5 Wireless Operation Modes
The WHA-5500CPE can perform as a multi-function wireless device. Through the
AirLogic web interface, users can easily select which wireless mode they wish the
WHA-5500CPE to perform.
The WHA-5500CPE can be configured to operate in the following wireless operation
modes:
1.5.1 Access Point Mode
When operating in the Access Point mode, the WHA-5500CPE becomes the center hub of
the wireless network. All wireless cards and clients connect and communicate through
WHA-5500CPE. This type of network is known as “Infrastructure network”. Other
WHA-5500CPE or 802.11a CPE can connect to AP mode through “Client Infrastructure
Mode” or “Bridge Infrastructure Mode”. The Access Point mode will act as “WDS AP”
when connecting with the “Bridge Infrastructure mode”. Please see Chapter 8 for step-by-step
application example of this operation mode.
1.5.2 Repeater Mode
In Repeater mode, the WHA-5500CPE functions as a repeater that extends the range of
remote wireless LAN. The WHA-5500CPE’s repeater mode is a universal repeater, not
WDS repeater. Because the radio is divided into client + AP mode, the Repeater mode
will have less performance and distance. We recommended using a dual radio product
like Airlive WLA-9000AP or WH-9200AP if you require full performance in this application.
Please see Chapter 10 for step-by-step application example of this operation mode.

1. Introduction
AirLive WHA-5500CPE User’s Manual 6
1.5.3 WDS Bridge Mode
This mode is also known as “WDS Pure MAC mode”. When configured to operate in the
Wireless Distribution System (WDS) Mode, the WHA-5500CPE provides bridging functions
with remote LAN networks in the WDS system . The system will support up to total of 8
bridges in a WDS network (by daisy chain). However, each bridge can only associate with
maximum of 4 other bridges in the WDS configuration. This mode is best used when you
want to connect LAN networks together wirelessly (for example, between office and
warehouse). If you have more than 2 AP in WDS Bridges mode, please remember to turn
on the “802.1d Spanning Tree” or “STP” option on to avoid network loop. This mode
usually delivers faster performance than infrastructure mode. Please see Chapter 9 for
step-by-step application example of this operation mode.
1.5.4 Bridge Infrastructure Mode
This mode is also known as "WDS Station" or "Client mode with MAC address

1. Introduction
7AirLive WHA-5500CPE User’s Manual
transparency". The Bridge Infrastructure mode can only connect with “Access Point”
mode. 2 Bridge Infrastructure can not connect with each other. It works like client mode
with MAC address transparency function. In another word, the MAC addresses of the PCs
will be passed instead of the AP's wireless MAC address. If you require Bridge connection
with WPA-PSK or WPA-PSK2 connection, please use this mode instead. However, this
mode might not work with some outdoor APs. If it occurs, please use Client Infrastructure
or WDS Bridge instead. Please see Chapter 8 for step-by-step application example of this
operation mode.
1.5.5 Client Infrastructure Mode
This mode is also known as “Client” mode. In Client Infrastructure mode, the
WHA-5500CPE acts as if it is a wireless adapter to connect with a remote Access Point.
Users can attach a computer or a router to the LAN port of WHA-5500CPE to get network
access. This mode is often used by WISP on the subscriber’s side. Please see Chapter 8
for step-by-step application example of this operation mode.
For WHA-5500CPE, there are 2 types of Client Infrastructure Mode: “Single User” and
“Multiple-User”. When “Single User” is chosen, only one PC that is connected behind the
AirMax can get IP address from remote DHCP server. When “multiple user” is chosen,

1. Introduction
AirLive WHA-5500CPE User’s Manual 8
more than one PC can get IP address from remote DHCP server. However, in Client
Infrastructure mode, the WHA-5500CPE always sends the WHA-5500CPE’s wireless MAC
address to the remote AP. If you want the WHA-5500CPE to send the PC’s MAC
addresses to remote AP, then you should use the “Bridge Infrastructure” mode. Bridge
Infrastructure provides the “Mac Address Transparency” functionality.
1.5.6 Client Ad Hoc Mode
In Client Ad Hoc mode, WHA-5500CPE can connect to other wireless adapters without
access point. Users can attach a computer or a router to the LAN port of WHA-5500CPE
to get network access.
1.5.7 WISP Router Mode
In WISP Router Mode, WHA-5500CPE connects to the remote Access Point as in Client
Infrastructure Mode. On the LAN side, it acts like a wired router for IP sharing function.
This mode is best used for IP sharing application for WISP subscribers. In this mode, the
WAN is the wireless client side, the LAN is the wired side. Please see Chapter 10 for
step-by-step application example of this operation mode.

1. Introduction
9AirLive WHA-5500CPE User’s Manual
1.5.8 AP Router Mode
In AP Router Mode, the WHA-5500CPE behaves like a wireless router. The LAN port of
the WHA-5500CPE will become WAN port. The wireless network of WHA-5500CPE
becomes the LAN side. Please note when this mode is used, the only way to manage the
WHA-5500CPE is through the wireless side unless remote management is opened.

2. Install the WHA-5500CPE
AirLive WHA-5500CPE User’s Manual 10
2 2. Installing the
WHA-5500CPE
This section describes the hardware features and the hardware installation procedure for
the WHA-5500CPE. For software configuration, please go to chapter 3 for more details.
2.1 Before You Start
It is important to read through this section before you install the WHA-5500CPE
The WHA-5500CPE comes with everything you need to start installation with
exception of the PoE Ethernet Cable. You can use a good quality CAT-5E
outdoor graded Ethernet cable (shielded with anti-UV) according to the length
you need.
The WHA-5500CPE must be installed in the upright position if the unit is located
in outdoor or wet environments.
The use of 5GHz spectrum, Turbo modes, and 5/10MHz channel bandwidth
might be prohibited in some countries. Please consult with your country’s
telecom regulation first.
You must set the distance parameter to make long distance connection work.
Please refer to chapter 4 of this user’s guide for details.
The integrated antenna has forward coverage angle of 30 degree both in vertical
and horizontal direction.
The WHA-5500CPE is a 5GHz CPE device only, it can not operate in 2.4GHz.
If you choose to use the external antenna, please remember to connect the
external antenna first before power on WHA-5500CPE.

2. Install the WHA-5500CPE
11 AirLive WHA-5500CPE User’s Manual
2.2 Package Content
The WHA-5500CPE package contains the following items:
One WHA-5500CPE main unit
One 48V 0.4A DC power adapter with a splitter
Wall Mounting kit
One CD of the WHA-5500CPE Quick Star Guide
WHA-5500CPE Mounting Kits PoE Kits
Regarding to the specification of each application, the PoE Ethernet cable is not included in
the package.
You may choose outdoor specification Ethernet cable according to the length you need.
2.3 Hardware Installation
Please take the device unit from the color box, a scroll driver, an Ethernet cable with
adequate length according to your application.
1. A scroll driver and Ethernet Cable, four
screws and WHA-5500CPE main unit
2. Open the housing of WHA-5500CPE.

2. Install the WHA-5500CPE
AirLive WHA-5500CPE User’s Manual 12
3. Turn the WHA-5500CPE to another
side, the RJ-45 jack is at the middle of
LEFT side of main board.
4. Plug one side of RJ-45 cable into the
Ethernet port.
5. Put the Ethernet cable along the module,
till the exit (at the bottom of Housing).
6. Make sure that the other side of Ethernet
cable is out of housing. Close the
housing.

2. Install the WHA-5500CPE
13 AirLive WHA-5500CPE User’s Manual
7. Scroll up 4 screws well. Be careful, this is
very important; it could protect your
device against the water.
8. Plug the Ethernet to the PoE “P + DATA
OUT” jack of injector.
9. Plug the power cord of adaptor into the
injector “POWER IN” port.
10. Plug the Data Ethernet cable to the port
“DATA IN” of injector.

2. Install the WHA-5500CPE
AirLive WHA-5500CPE User’s Manual 14
2.3.1 Mounting Configuration
Your WHA-5500CPE comes standard with 2 plastic straps for pole mounting. Please
follow the procedure below to install:
1
23
5
67
8
3
4
Pole mount
M-Shaped mounting - 1 pc
Lock frame - 1 pc
M6-60 screw - 2 pcs
9
10
8
7
2
4
6
5
3
1
M6 S/W - 6 pcs
M6-16 screw - 4 pcs
M6 washer(φ
16mm ) - 4 pcs
Antenna body - 1pc
M6 washer(φ 12mm ) - 2 pcs
5"/32-16 screw - 4 pcs
Plastic anchor - 4 pcs
9
10
1
23
45
Wall mount
M-Shaped mounting - 1 pc
Lock frame - 1 pc
M6-60 screw - 2 pcs
9
10
8
7
2
4
6
5
3
1
M6 S/W - 6 pcs
M6-16 screw - 4 pcs
M6 washer(φ16mm) - 4 pcs
Antenna body - 1pc
M6 washer(φ12mm) - 2 pcs
5"/32-16 screw - 4 pcs
Plastic anchor - 4 pcs