Asus SpaceLink WL-300 User manual

SpaceLink™ Access Point
WL-300
User’s Manual
®

2 SpaceLink Access Point
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Copyright © 2002 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright Information
Product Name: SpaceLink Access Point (WL-300)
Manual Revision: 1.00 E1020
Release Date: May 2002

SpaceLink Access Point 3
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (Asia-Pacific)
Address: 150 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 112
General Tel: [phone]
General Fax: [phone]
General Email: [email protected]
Technical Support
MB/Others (Tel): [phone] (English)
Notebook (Tel): [phone] (English)
Desktop/Server (Tel): [phone] (English)
Support Fax: [phone]
Support Email: [email protected]
Web Site: www.asus.com.tw
Newsgroup: cscnews.asus.com.tw
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)
Address: 6737 Mowry Avenue, Mowry Business Center,
Building 2, Newark, CA 94560, USA
General Fax: [phone]
General Email: [email protected]
Technical Support
Support Fax: [phone]
Notebook (Tel): 1-877-918-ASUS (2787)
Web Site: www.asus.com
Support Email: [email protected]
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Address: Harkortstr. 25, 40880 Ratingen, BRD, Germany
General Fax: [phone]
General Email: [email protected] (for marketing requests only)
Technical Support
Support Hotline: MB/Others: [phone]
Notebook (Tel): [phone]
Support Fax: [phone]
Support (Email): www.asuscom.de/de/support (for online support)
Web Site: www.asuscom.de
Copyright Information

4 SpaceLink Access Point
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B
digitaldevice,pursuanttoPart15oftheFederalCommunicationsCommission (FCC)
rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
thisequipmentdoescauseharmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
WARNING! The use of a shielded-type power cord is required in
order to meet FCC emission limits and to prevent interference to
the nearby radio and television reception. It is essential that only
the supplied power cord be used. Use only shielded cables to con-
nect I/O devices to this equipment. You are cautioned that changes
or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void your authority to operate the equipment.
Reprinted from the Code of Federal Regulations #47, part 15.193, 1993. Washington
DC: Office of the Federal Register, NationalArchives and RecordsAdministration,
U.S. Government Printing Office.
Canadian Department of Communications
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme àla norme
NMB-003 du Canada.
Safety Statements

SpaceLink Access Point 5
Safety Information
In order to maintain compliance with the FCC RF exposure guidelines,
this equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20
cm between the radiator and your body. Use only with supplied antenna.
Unauthorized antenna, modification, or attachments could damage the
transmitter and may violate FCC regulations.Any changes of modifications
not expressly approved by the grantee of this device could void the users
authority to operate the equipment.
FCC Radio Frequency Exposure Caution Statement
Installation and use of thisWireless LAN device must be in strict accordance
with the instructions included in the user documentation provided with the
product. Any changes or modifications (including the antennas) made to
this device that are not expressly approved by the manufacturer may void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment. The manufacturer is not
responsible for any radio or television interference caused by unauthorized
modification of this device, or the substitution or attachment of connecting
cables and equipment other than manufacturer specified. It is the
responsibility of the user to correct any interference caused by such
unauthorized modification, substitution or attachment. Manufacturer and
itsauthorizedresellers or distributors will assumeno liability for any damage
or violation of government regulations arising from failing to comply with
these guidelines.

6 SpaceLink Access Point
Table of Contents
1. Introduction.......................................................................................... 8
The SpaceLink™Family ....................................................................... 8
System Requirements ........................................................................... 8
The IEEE 802.11b Specification .......................................................... 11
Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum..................................................... 12
Wireless Operation .............................................................................. 13
SpaceLink™Access Point LED Indicators .......................................... 16
Power Requirements ........................................................................... 16
2. Installation.......................................................................................... 17
Installation Procedure.......................................................................... 17
Wall Mounting Option .......................................................................... 18
3. SpaceLink Access Point Manager ................................................... 20
Installing the Access Point Manager.................................................... 20
Connecting to SpaceLink Access Points ............................................. 22
Wired Ethernet Cable...................................................................... 22
Wireless Connection ....................................................................... 22
Across Gateways ............................................................................ 22
Searching for SpaceLink Access Points .............................................. 23
Using the SpaceLink Access Point Manager....................................... 25
Buttons............................................................................................ 29
SSID................................................................................................ 30
SSID Broadcasting.......................................................................... 30
Name .............................................................................................. 30
Data Rate ........................................................................................ 30
Advanced............................................................................................. 32
64/128bits versus 40/104bits .......................................................... 34
Authorization Table .............................................................................. 35
Operational Mode ................................................................................ 36
SSID................................................................................................ 37
MAC Address of Host AP ................................................................ 37
Point to Point................................................................................... 38
Channel........................................................................................... 38
MAC Address of Host AP ................................................................ 38
Point to MultiPoint ........................................................................... 38

SpaceLink Access Point 7
Table of Contents
4. Wireless Performance ....................................................................... 39
Site Topography................................................................................... 39
Site Surveys ........................................................................................ 39
Range .................................................................................................. 39
External Antenna Placement ............................................................... 40
Location of antenna connector ............................................................ 41
5. Troubleshooting ................................................................................. 42
Common Problems and Solutions ....................................................... 42
Reset to Defaults ................................................................................. 43
Updating the SpaceLink Access Point Firmware................................. 46
6. Appendix ............................................................................................. 48
IEEE 802.11b Direct Sequence Channels ........................................... 48
Country Identification Codes ............................................................... 49
Data Input Criteria ............................................................................... 51
SpaceLink Access Point Specifications ............................................... 52
Operating Modes ............................................................................ 53

Chapter 1
Chapter 1 - Introduction
8 SpaceLink Access Point
1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the SpaceLink™Access Point, a member ofASUS’
SpaceLink™ wireless infrastructure family. The SpaceLink™Access Point
complies with the IEEE 802.11b wireless standard to provide wireless
mobile clients with network connectivity at data rates of up to 11 Mbps.
The stand-alone SpaceLink™ Access Point connects to a small Ethernet
network to provide wireless access for wireless mobile clients.
The SpaceLink™Family
TheSpaceLink™AccessPoint is a memberofa product family that provides
a complete wireless networking solution.
• The SpaceLink™Access Point (WL-300) creates a wireless network
using the IEEE 802.11b wireless standard.
• The SpaceLink™ PC Card (WL-100) is a wireless LAN adapter that
fits into a PCMCIA Type II slot in a Notebook PC.
• The SpaceLink™ CF Card (WL-110) is a wireless LAN adapter that
fits into a Compact Flash Type II slot in a Portable Digital Assistant
(PDA).
System Requirements
To begin using the SpaceLink™Access Point, you must have the following
minimum requirements:
• An Ethernet (10Base-T or 10/100Base-TX) LAN switch or hub
• At least one 802.11b wireless adapter for a wireless mobile client
Note: The SpaceLink™Access Point only supports 10Base-T, there-
fore it cannot be connected to pure 100Base-TX networks. The net-
work must be either 10-Base or 10/100Base-TX.

Chapter 1
SpaceLink Access Point 9
Chapter 1 - Introduction
The Product Package
Each SpaceLink™ Access Point comes with:
• One SpaceLink™ Access Point (WL-300)
• One power adapter (5 Volts DC, 1 Amp)
• One SpaceLink™ Access Point (WL-300) Quick Start Guide
• One SpaceLink™ Access Point (WL-300) User’s Manual
• One warranty card
• One installation CD (tools and documentation)
• One RJ-45 Ethernet cable
• One Bracket for ceiling mounting
• One Bracket for office partition mounting
• One Sticker for wall mounting alignment

Chapter 1
Chapter 1 - Introduction
10 SpaceLink Access Point
SpaceLink™Access Point Models
There are two models of the SpaceLink™ Access Point available. Both
models offer the same functionality and have the same user interface.
Basic Model is an SpaceLink™Access Point that ships with an integrated
antenna that provides diversity. For best results, stand the SpaceLink™
Access Point in the vertical position. The integrated antenna cannot be
seen or removed from this model.
Wide LAN model is an SpaceLink™ Access Point that ships with an
external antenna that can increase the range of the SpaceLink™ Access
Point. The external antenna connector supports antenna diversity, which
can improve system reliability. Due to the characteristics of radio waves, it
is possible that one antenna may provide better performance than a second
antenna installed a short distance away. Note that a second antenna provides
diversity only; it cannot be used to further increase the range of theAccess
Point or increase its coverage area.
The wide LAN model SpaceLink™Access Point ships with one high-gain
omnidirectionalantennathat connect directly to theunit’s antenna connector.
A high-gain external antenna and antenna cabling for this model are sold
separately. Contact your reseller for information on the available antennas
that have been certified for use with the SpaceLink™ Access Point.

Chapter 1
SpaceLink Access Point 11
Chapter 1 - Introduction
The IEEE 802.11b Specification
In 1997, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) adopted
the 802.11 standard for wireless devices operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency
band.This standard includes provisions for three radio technologies: direct
sequence spread spectrum, frequency hopping spread spectrum, and
infrared. Devices that comply with the 802.11 standard operate at a data
rate of either 1 or 2 Mbps.
In 1999, the IEEE created the 802.11b standard. 802.11b is essentially
identical to the 802.11 standard except 802.11b provides for data rates of
up to 11 Mbps for direct sequence spread spectrum devices. Under 802.11b,
direct sequence devices can operate at 11 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps, or 1
Mbps. This provides interoperability with existing 802.11 direct sequence
devices that operate only at 2 Mbps.
Direct sequence spread spectrum devices spread a radio signal over a range
of frequencies. The IEEE 802.11b specification allocates the 2.4 GHz
frequency band into 14 overlapping operating Channels. Each Channel
corresponds to a different set of frequencies. See theAppendix to determine
the center frequency used by each Channel.
If operating multiple 802.11bAccess Points in the same vicinity, the distance
between the center frequencies must be at least 25 MHz to avoid
interference. Note that the Channels available to an 802.11b Access Point
will vary from country to country. In the United States, the 802.11b standard
allocates 11 operating Channels for direct sequence devices. Channels 1,
6, and 11 are independent and do not overlap with each other. To avoid
interference between 802.11b Access Points, It is recommended that you
configure the Access Points using only Channels 1, 6, and 11.

Chapter 1
Chapter 1 - Introduction
12 SpaceLink Access Point
Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum
Spread spectrum (broadband) uses a narrowband signal to spread the
transmissionovera segment of theradio frequency band or spectrum.Direct-
sequence is a spread spectrum technique where the transmitted signal is
spread over a particular frequency range. The Space Link Access Point
uses Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) for radio communication.
Direct-sequence systems communicate by continuously transmitting a
redundant pattern of bits called a chipping sequence. Each bit of transmitted
data is mapped into chips by the access point and rearranged into a
pseudorandom spreading code to form the chipping sequence. The chipping
sequence is combined with a transmitted data stream to produce the access
point output signal.
Wireless mobile clients receiving a direct-sequence transmission use the
spreading code to map the chips within the chipping sequence back into
bits to recreate the original data transmitted by the access point. Intercepting
anddecodinga direct-sequence transmission requires a predefinedalgorithm
to associate the spreading code used by the transmitting access point to the
receiving wireless mobile client.
This algorithm is established by IEEE 802.11b specifications. The bit
redundancy within the chipping sequence enables the receiving wireless
mobile client to recreate the original data pattern, even if bits in the chipping
sequence are corrupted by interference. The ratio of chips per bit is called
the spreading ratio. A high spreading ratio increases the resistance of the
signal to interference. A low spreading ratio increases the bandwidth
available to the user.The access point uses a constant chip rate of 11Mchips/
s for all data rates, but uses different modulation schemes to encode more
bits per chip at the higher data rates. The access point is capable of an 11
Mbps data transmission rate, but the coverage area is less than a 1 or 2
Mbps access point since coverage area decreases as bandwidth increases.

Chapter 1
SpaceLink Access Point 13
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Wireless Operation
The SpaceLink™ Access Point supports three modes of operation:
•Access Point: The SpaceLink™Access Point operates as a stand-alone
device to provide network access to wireless mobile clients.
•Access Point Client: The SpaceLink™ Access Point partners with
another SpaceLink Access Point to provide network access to wireless
mobile clients.
•Wireless Bridge: The SpaceLink™ Access Point communicates only
with other SpaceLink™ Access Points that are set to Wireless Bridge
Mode. (SpaceLink™Access Points set to Wireless Bridge mode cannot
support wireless mobile clients.)
By default, the SpaceLink™ Access Point operates in Access Point mode.
Access Point Mode
In “Access Point” mode, the SpaceLink™ Access Point will operate as a
MAC layer learning bridge and forward packets between wireless mobile
clients and the Ethernet network.
Awireless LAN that uses the SpaceLink™Access Point in “Access Point”
mode generally consists of one or more 802.11b Access Points and one or
more wireless mobile clients that have an 802.11b adapter installed.
The SpaceLink™Access Point maintains a table of MAC addresses, which
it has learned are located either on the Ethernet network or on the radio
network by monitoring the source address of packets it receives. For
example, if the SpaceLink™Access Point receives a packet over its radio,
it creates an entry in its table for the node that sent the packet and labels the
entry as a member of the radio network. The SpaceLink™ Access Point
removes an entry from the table after five minutes of inactivity.
When the SpaceLink™ Access Point receives a packet from the Ethernet
network, it compares the packet’s destination address with the node
addresses listed in its table. If the packet’s destination address is not in the
table, the SpaceLink™Access Point will forward the packet to the wireless
mobile clients. If the packet’s destination address is listed in the table as a
member of the radio network, the SpaceLink™ Access Point will forward
the packet to the wireless mobile clients. If the packet’s destination address
is listed in the table as a member of the Ethernet network, the SpaceLink™

Chapter 1
Chapter 1 - Introduction
14 SpaceLink Access Point
Access Point will not forward the packet to the wireless mobile clients.
The SpaceLink™Access Point applies the same principles to determine if
a packet received over its radio should be forwarded to the Ethernet network.
The SpaceLink™ Access Point forwards all broadcast packets to wireless
mobile clients. Given this, the SpaceLink™Access Point can only support
a limited amount of network traffic. It is recommended that you only use
the SpaceLink™Access Point on networks that contain less than 512 nodes.
The number of wireless mobile clients that can be supported by the
SpaceLink™Access Point depends on the amount of information that each
client exchanges with the network. Therefore, the number of clients that
can be supported by one SpaceLink™Access Point will vary based on the
applications in use and how frequently network information is accessed.
Roaming Between SpaceLink™Access Points
If there are multiple SpaceLink™ Access Points on the network, then a
wireless mobile client may seamlessly roam from one SpaceLink™Access
Point to another.
Each SpaceLink™ Access Point creates its own wireless cell or coverage
area.This is also known as a Basic Service Set (BSS).Any wireless mobile
client can communicate with a particular SpaceLink™Access Point if it is
within the SpaceLink™ Access Point’s coverage area.
If the cells of multiple SpaceLink™Access Points overlap, then the wireless
mobile client may switch from one SpaceLink™ Access Point to another
as it travels throughout the facility. During the hand-off from one
SpaceLink™Access Point to another, the wireless mobile client maintains
an uninterrupted connection to the network. This is known as “roaming.”
Multiple SpaceLink™ Access Points connected to a common Ethernet
network form an Extended Service Set (ESS).All members of an Extended
Service Set are configured with an ID, known as the SSID or ESSID.
Wireless mobile clients must be configured with the same SSID as the
SpaceLink™Access Points on the network; a client can only roam between
SpaceLink™ Access Points that share the same SSID.

Chapter 1
SpaceLink Access Point 15
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Roaming Guidelines
• An 802.11b PC Card can only roam between 802.11b Access Points.
• All SpaceLink™ Access Points must have the same SSID.
• All computers with SpaceLink™ PC card or CF card adapters must
have the same SSID as the Access Points that they will roam between.
• If WEPencryption is enabled, then all SpaceLink™ Access Points and
client adapters must use the same encryption level and WEP Key(s) to
communicate.
• The SpaceLink™Access Points’cells must overlap to ensure that there
are no gaps in coverage and to ensure that the roaming client will always
have a connection available.
• SpaceLink™AccessPoints that use thesameChannel should be installed
as far away from each other as possible to reduce potential interference.
• It is strongly recommended that you perform a site survey using the
utility provided with the SpaceLink™ PC card or CF card to determine
the best location for each SpaceLink™ Access Point in the facility.

Chapter 1
Chapter 1 - Introduction
16 SpaceLink Access Point
Power (Amber)
Air (Green)
Link (Green)
SpaceLink™Access Point LED Indicators
There are three LEDs on the front of the SpaceLink™Access Point, as
shown here.
Power LED
The Power LED is the top LED and turns amber when the power adapter is
connected and the power switch is turned ON.
Air LED
TheAir LED is the middle LED and turns green when the wireless function
is working.
Link LED
The Link LED is the bottom LED and turns green when the Access Point
has a physical connection to the Ethernet network.
Power Requirements
The SpaceLink™Access Point requires power from an external power
supply. The SpaceLink™Access Point ships with a ULlisted, Class 2 power
supply (5V, 1A).

Chapter 1
SpaceLink Access Point 17
Chapter 1 - Introduction
2. Installation
This chapter describes the installation procedure for the SpaceLinkAccess
Point and includes a description of the LEDs found on the unit.
Installation Procedure
Follow these steps to install the SpaceLink Access Point.
1. Determine the best location for the SpaceLink Access Point. Keep in
mind the following considerations:
•The length of the Ethernet cable that connects the Access Point to
the network must not exceed 100 meters.
•For standard placement, try to place theAccess Point on a flat, sturdy
surface as far from the ground as possible, such as on top of a desk
or bookcase, keeping clear of metal obstructions and away from
direct sunlight.
•For external antenna mounting, install the external antennas so that
they are clear of obstructions; refer to the documentation that came
with the antennas for mounting and installation instructions.
•Try to centrally locate theAccess Point or its antennas so that it will
provide coverage to all of the wireless mobile devices in the area.
•Use only the power supply that came with this unit. Other power
supplies may fit but the voltage and power may not be compatible.
It is the responsibility of the installer and users of the SpaceLink
Access Point to guarantee that the antenna is operated at least 20
centimeters from any person. This is necessary to insure that the
product is operated in accordance with the RF Guidelines for Hu-
man Exposure which have been adopted by the Federal Communi-
cations Commission.
2. Place the Access Point in the desired location. Wall mounting is also
possible for the Access Point. Refer to the section entitled “Wall
Mounting Option”on the next page for details.
3. Attach one end of an RJ-45 Ethernet cable to the Access Point and
attach the other end to the RJ-45 10Base-T port of a network hub, switch,
router, or patch panel (possibly on a wall).
The SpaceLink Access Point does not support 100Base-TX; it only
supports 10Base-T. Hubs or switches that supports both 10Base-T
and 100Base-TX may be used.

Chapter 2 - Installation
Chapter 2
18 SpaceLink Access Point
4. Attach one end oftheAC power adapter, included inthe product package,
to the back of the SpaceLinkAccess Point and the other end to a power
outlet.
Wall Mounting Option
Out of the box, the SpaceLink Access Point is designed to sit on a raised
flat surface like a file cabinet or book shelf.The unit may also be converted
for mounting to a wall or ceiling.
Follow these steps to mount the Access Point to a wall:
1. Remove the base by pressing the tab and sliding the base.
2. Remove the side cover to expose the mounting hooks.
3. Locate the screws provided with the Access Point.
4. Mark two holes in a flat surface using the provided hole template.
5. Tighten the two provided screws until only 1/4”is showing.
6. Latch the Access Point onto the two screws.
Note: Readjust the screws if you cannot latch theAccess Point onto
the screws or if it is too loose.
Note: Use theAccess Point only with the power adapter supplied in
the product package. Using another power supply may damage the
Access Point.
The Power LED on the front of theAccess Point will light up when the unit
is powered ON. In addition, the green Link LED will turn ON to indicate
that the Access Point has a physical Ethernet network connection.

Chapter 2
Chapter 2 - Installation
SpaceLink Access Point 19
1
2
Step 1
Before: After:
Step 2
Before: After:
Note: Mounting brackets are provided for you to hang the SpaceLink
Access Point on an office partition or office ceiling.

Chapter 3
20 SpaceLink Access Point
Chapter 3 - SpaceLink Access Point Manager
1. InsertthesupportCD,selectalan-
guageifnecessary,andclickonIn-
stall WLAN AP Utilities.
2. Click Next after reading the Wel-
come message.
3. Click Next to accept the default di-
rectory or browse to another loca-
tion.
4. Click Next to use the default pro-
gramfolder orenteranotherfolder.
3. SpaceLink Access Point Manager
This chapter describes how to access the SpaceLinkAccess Point Manager,
which is used to configure SpaceLink Access Points.
Installing the Access Point Manager
Follow these steps to install the SpaceLink Access Point Manager in
Windows: