Black Box LWE120A User manual

User Manual
• Operates at 2.4-GHz to provide superior Wi-Fi connectivity at a low cost.
• Use for SMB or hotspot networks.
• Provides centralized management and monitoring of all the VAC-managed
APs on the network.
Wireless Ethernet Extender
LWE120A LWE120A-KIT
LWE120AE LWE120AE-KIT
Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [e-mail]
Customer
Support
Information

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Trademarks Used in this Manual
We‘re here to help! If you have any questions about your application
or our products, contact Black Box Tech Support at 724-746-5500
or go to blackbox.com and click on “Talk to Black Box.”
You’ll be live with one of our technical experts in less than 60 seconds.
Trademarks Used in this Manual
Black Box and the Double Diamond logo are registered trademarks of BB Technologies, Inc.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the trademark owners.
Disclaimer:
Black Box Network Services shall not be liable for damages of any kind, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential or
cost of cover damages, resulting from any errors in the product information or specifications set forth in this document and Black
Box Network Services may revise this document at any time without notice.

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FCC and IC RFI Statements/FCC Radiation Exposure Statement
Federal Communications Commission and Industry Canada Radio Frequency Interference
Statements
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy, and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested and found
to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC
rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is operated in a com-
mercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his
own expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from digital apparatus set out in the Radio
Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques
de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. To avoid the possibility
of exceeding radio frequency exposure limits, you shall beep a distance of at least 100 cm between you and the antenna of the
installed equipment. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
The availability of some specific channels and/or operational frequency bands are country dependent and are firmware
programmed at the factory to match the intended destination. The firmware setting is not accessible by the end user.

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NOM Statement
Instrucciones de Seguridad
(Normas Oficiales Mexicanas Electrical Safety Statement)
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de operación deben ser respetadas.
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca
de una alberca, etc.
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales que sean recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación.
Todo otro servicio deberá ser referido a personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico
sobre una cama, sofá, alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar en libreros o gabinetes
que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios de ventilación.
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros
aparatos (incluyendo amplificadores) que producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como
se indique en el aparato.
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados
sobre o contra ellos, poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las recomendaciones del fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas de energia.
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1. Specifications.........................................................................................................................................................................8
2. Overview ...........................................................................................................................................................................9
2.1 Description ....................................................................................................................................................................9
2.2 Features.........................................................................................................................................................................9
2.3 What’s Included ............................................................................................................................................................9
2.4 Hardware Description..................................................................................................................................................10
2.5 Typical Management Scenario..................................................................................................................................... 12
3. Installation
3.1 Preparing for Installation.............................................................................................................................................. 14
3.2 Safety Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................... 14
3.3 Installation Precautions................................................................................................................................................ 14
3.4 System Installation....................................................................................................................................................... 14
3.4.1 Connect Up...................................................................................................................................................... 14
3.4.2 Using the Grounding Wire ............................................................................................................................... 15
3.4.3 Mount the AP on a Pole................................................................................................................................... 16
3.4.4 Power Up ......................................................................................................................................................... 17
3.4.5 Connect to the Extender .................................................................................................................................. 18
4. Quick Setup Tutorial ............................................................................................................................................................ 21
4.1 Access the Web Configurator...................................................................................................................................... 21
4.2 Configure the AC+Thin AP Mode................................................................................................................................22
4.3 Firmware Upgrade for Ethernet Extender in AC mode................................................................................................ 24
4.4 Install the Managed Thin AP .......................................................................................................................................24
4.5 Manage the Extender-Managed APs...........................................................................................................................25
4.6 Firmware Upgrade for Managed Thin APs ..................................................................................................................26
4.7 Monitor the Ethernet Extender-Managed APs.............................................................................................................27
4.8 Configure the Fat AP Mode.........................................................................................................................................27
4.8.1 AP Mode ..........................................................................................................................................................28
4.8.2 Wireless Client Mode .......................................................................................................................................29
4.8.3 Bridge Mode .................................................................................................................................................... 31
4.8.4 AP Repeater Mode ...........................................................................................................................................33
5. Navigating the Web Configurator .......................................................................................................................................34
5.1 Virtual AC+Thin AP Mode ...........................................................................................................................................34
5.1.1 Status ...............................................................................................................................................................34
View Basic Information.....................................................................................................................................34
View Managed APs..........................................................................................................................................34
View Wireless Users .........................................................................................................................................35
View DHCP Client Table ...................................................................................................................................35
5.1.2 Wireless Settings ..............................................................................................................................................35
WIreless Networks (VAP Profiles Settings) ........................................................................................................35
Network Basic Setting ......................................................................................................................................39
Wireless Protocols.............................................................................................................................................39
Traffic Shaping..................................................................................................................................................42
Radius Settings .................................................................................................................................................42
TCP/IP Settings .................................................................................................................................................43
Captive Portal...................................................................................................................................................44
Firewall Settings................................................................................................................................................45

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Table of Contents
5.1.3 Management....................................................................................................................................................48
AP Management ..............................................................................................................................................48
System Settings ................................................................................................................................................50
Time Settings.................................................................................................................................................... 51
Firmware Upgrade............................................................................................................................................ 51
Backup/Retrieve Settings ..................................................................................................................................52
Restore Factory Default Settings.......................................................................................................................53
Reboot..............................................................................................................................................................53
Password Settings ............................................................................................................................................54
Syslog Settings .................................................................................................................................................54
System Log ....................................................................................................................................................... 55
System Alert ..................................................................................................................................................... 55
5.1.4 Tools .................................................................................................................................................................56
Ping ..................................................................................................................................................................56
Trace Route ......................................................................................................................................................57
5.2 Thin AP Mode .............................................................................................................................................................57
5.2.1 Information.......................................................................................................................................................57
5.2.2 Basic Settings....................................................................................................................................................58
5.3 Fat AP Mode ...............................................................................................................................................................58
5.3.1 Status ...............................................................................................................................................................58
View Basic Information.....................................................................................................................................58
View Association List........................................................................................................................................59
View Network Flow Statistics ...........................................................................................................................60
View ARP Table ................................................................................................................................................ 61
View Bridge Table............................................................................................................................................. 61
View Active DHCP Client Table......................................................................................................................... 61
View Network Activities ...................................................................................................................................62
5.3.2 System..............................................................................................................................................................62
Basic System Settings .......................................................................................................................................62
TCP/IP Settings .................................................................................................................................................62
Time Settings....................................................................................................................................................64
RADIUS Settings...............................................................................................................................................64
Firewall Settings................................................................................................................................................65
UDP Passthrough..............................................................................................................................................68
DMZ .................................................................................................................................................................68
5.3.3 Wireless............................................................................................................................................................69
VAP Profile Settings.......................................................................................................................................... 71
VLAN................................................................................................................................................................73
Advanced Settings............................................................................................................................................ 74
Access Control..................................................................................................................................................75
Traffic Shaping..................................................................................................................................................77
Captive Portal...................................................................................................................................................77
WDS Settings ...................................................................................................................................................78
5.3.4 Management....................................................................................................................................................79
Password ..........................................................................................................................................................79
Upgrade Firmware............................................................................................................................................80
Backup/Retrieve Settings ..................................................................................................................................80
Restore Factory Default Settings....................................................................................................................... 81
Reboot..............................................................................................................................................................82
Remote Management.......................................................................................................................................82

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Table of Contents
SNMP Management.........................................................................................................................................82
Certificate Settings ...........................................................................................................................................83
5.3.5 Tools .........................................................................................................................................................................84
System Log .......................................................................................................................................................84
Ping Watchdog.................................................................................................................................................84
Appendix. ASCII ....................................................................................................................................................................86

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Chapter 1: Specifications
1. Specifications
Environmental
Operating temperature -4 to +158° F (-20 to +70° C)
Storage temperature -40 to +158° F (-40 to +70° C)
Humidity 10-95% noncondensing
Management
Access Method Web User Interface (HTTP/S), Telnet, SSH, FTP, SNMP V1, V2c, V3
Configuration on File Backup and restore, Reset to factory default, Reboot device injector via PoE
Operating Modes VAC, Thin AP, FAP (AP, Wireless Client, Bridge, AP Repeater)
Restore Factory Default Web, Push button
Wireless
Antenna (2) Transmit, (2) Receive; 2.4 GHz: internal 9 dBi directional antennas
Data Rates 80 Mbps maximum
Distance 6 miles (10 km)
Frequency 802.11 b/g/n: 2.4 – 2.484 GHz
Radio Chains 2x2 MIMO with two spatial streams
Operating Channels 2.4 GHz – FCC 1-11; ETSI 1-13
RF Output Power 2.4 GHz: 30 dBm (2 TX) (The maximum power setting will vary by channel and according to
individual country regulations.)
Receive Sensitivity IEEE 802.11b: 85 dBm @ 11 Mbps;
IEEE 802.11g: 89 dBm @ 6 Mbps;
IEEE 802.11n: 86 dBm @ HT20,
83 dBm @ HT40
RF Channels 20-, 40-MHz
Security Open, Share key (64/128/152-bits WEP;
Legacy 802.1X;
WPA WAP2, WPA-PSK(TKIP), WPA2-PSK(AES), WPA-PSK + WPA2-PSK
Standards IEEE 802.11b/g/n, 2.4 GHz
Subscribers 32 maximum
General
Approvals FCC : 5725-5850 MHz; CE: 5470-5725 MHz (DFS band); RoHS
Enclosure IP55 rated
Indicators LEDs: Power, WLAN, LAN, Signal
Interfaces (1) 10/100BASE-T RJ-45; (1) DC power
Power DC Input: 15 V @ 0.8A
Dimensions Each unit: 8.1"H x 2.4"W x 2.5"D (20.5 x 6.4 x 6.1 cm)
Weight Each unit: 1.1 lb (.5 kg)

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Chapter 2: Overview
2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
The Wireless Ethernet Extender is a 2x2 outdoor access point. The LWE120A operates at 2.4-GHz band. Ideally suited for SMB or
hotspot networks, this breakthrough innovation provides superior Wi-Fi network solutions at significantly lower cost.
In addition, the easy-to-install Wireless Ethernet Extender is also a high-performance last-mile broadband solution that provides
reliable wireless network coverage for outdoor broadband application.
While operating as access point, the Wireless Ethernet Extender also provides centralized management and monitoring of all the
VAC-managed APs on the network. In addition, the easy-to-install Wireless Ethernet Extender is also a high-performance last-mile
broadband solution that provides reliable wireless network coverage for outdoor broadband application.
2.2 Features
• Centralized configuration control for your network.
• Compliant with IEEE 802.11n standard.
• Support passive PoE supplied with 24V.
• High reliable watertight housing endures almost any harsh environments.
• Three management modes including AC, AC+Thin AP, Thin AP and Fat AP.
• Four wireless operation modes in FAT AP mode including AP, Wireless Client, WDS and AP Repeater.
• Up to 8 BSSIDs available for service deployment.
• Support encryption: 64/128/152-bit WEP and 802.1X, WPA, WPA2, WPA & WPA2, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, and WPA-PSK &
WPA2-PSK.
• User-friendly Web and SNMP-based management interface.
2.3 What’s Included
Your package should contain the following items. If anything is missing or damaged, contact Black Box Technical Support
at 724-746-5500 or [e-mail].
The LWE120A and LWE120AE packages contain the following items:
• (1) IEEE 802.11n Wireless Ethernet Extender
• (1) pole-mounting ring
• (1) 24-VDC power cord and PoE injector
• (1) ferrite suppression core
• (1) grounding wire
• A printed quick installation guide
The LWE120A-KIT and LWE120AE-KIT packages contain two each of the items listed above for LWE120A and LWE120AE.
To download the user manual from the Web site:
1. Go to www.blackbox.com
2. Enter the part number (LWE120A) in the search box:
3. Click on the “Resources” tab on the product page, and select the document you wish to download.
NOTE: Users MUST use the power cord and PoE injector shipped in the box with the Wireless Ethernet Extender. Using other
options will damage the unit.

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Chapter 2: Overview
2.4 Hardware Description
Figure 2-1. Front view.
Figure 2-2. Back view.

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Chapter 2: Overview
RJ-45 port
Grounding point
Reset button
Figure 2-3. Inside the bottom cover.
Figure 2-4. Pole-mounting ring.
Figure 2-5. Power supply.

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Chapter 2: Overview
Table 2-1. LED indicators.
LED Color Status Description
PWR Green ON The device is powered on.
OFF The device is not receiving power.
LAN Green ON The device has an Ethernet connection.
OFF The device has no Ethernet connection.
Blinking Transmitting/receiving Ethernet packets.
WLAN Green ON The WLAN is active.
OFF The WLAN is inactive.
Blinking Transmitting/receiving wireless packets.
Signal Green 3 LED ON The signal strength is excellent.
2 LED ON The signal strength is good.
1 LED ON The signal strength is weak.
2.5 Typical Management Scenario
This section describes the typical management of Wireless Ethernet Extender. By default, it is set to thin AP mode (managed AP)
which allows it to be managed by the Wireless Ethernet Extender in AC mode. The following figure illustrates a VAC wireless
network.
LWE120A
HVAC
LWE120A
HVAC
HVAC
HVAC
LWE120A
LWE121A
operating as an
access point
Figure 2-6. Typical management scenario.

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Chapter 2: Overview
When a thin AP mode joins a wired network, it will start to look for a Wireless Ethernet Extender in AC mode. If the thin AP fids
the AP controller on the network, it will send the registration request to the AP controller. Once the registration is successfully
made, the AP that acts as the AP controller will add the thin AP to its management list and provides it configuration information.

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Chapter 3: Installation
3. Installation
3.1 Preparing for Installation
CAUTION: Professional Installation Required. Seek assistance from a professional installer who is well trained in RF
installation and knowledgeable in the local regulations.
3.2 Safety Precautions
To keep you safe and install the hardware properly, read and follow these safety precautions.
1. If you are installing the Wireless Ethernet Extender for the first time, for your safety as well as others’, please assistance from a
professional installer who has received safety training on the hazards involved.
2. Keep safety as well as performance in mind when selecting your installation site, especially where there are electric power and
phone lines.
3. When installing the Wireless Ethernet Extender, note the following things:
• Do not use a metal ladder;
• Do not work on a wet or windy day;
• Wear shoes with rubber soles and heels, rubber gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt or jacket.
4. When the system is operational, avoid standing directly in front of it. Strong RF fields are present when the transmitter is on.
3.3 Installation Precautions
To keep the Wireless Ethernet Extender well while you are installing it, read and follow these installation precautions.
1. Users MUST use a proper and well-installed grounding and surge arrestor with the Wireless Ethernet Extender; otherwise, ran-
dom lightning could easily cause fatal damage to the unit.
WARNING: EMD (Lightning) DAMAGE IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
2. Users MUST use the power cord and PoE injector shipped in the box with the Wireless Ethernet Extender. Using other options
will damage the unit.
3. Users MUST power off the Wireless Ethernet Extender first before connecting the external antenna to it. Do not switch from
the built-in antenna to the external antenna from Web management without physically installing the external antenna onto the
unit. Otherwise, the Wireless Ethernet Extender might be damaged.
3.4 System Installation
3.4.1 Connect up
1. The bottom of the Wireless Ethernet Extender is a movable cover. Grab the cover and pull it back harder to take it out as the
figure shown below.
Figure 3-1. Removing the bottom cover from the extender.

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Chapter 3: Installation
2. Plug a standard Ethernet cable into the RJ-45 port.
Figure 3-2. Plugging a standard Ethernet cable into the RJ-45 port.
3. Slide the cover back and press down the lock button to seal the bottom of the Wireless Ethernet Extender.
Figure 3-3. Replacing the bottom cover.
3.4.2 Using the Grounding Wire
The extender is equipped with a grounding wire. Be sure to properly connect the extender, cables, and PoE injector to earth
ground to protect against surges or ESD during normal use.
1. Remove the screw on the grounding point at the bottom of the Wireless Ethernet Extender.
Remove the
grounding screw
Figure 3-4. Grounding point on the extender.

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Chapter 3: Installation
2. Put the grounding wire on the grounding point at the bottom of the Wireless Ethernet Extender. Then screw the grounding
wire to tighten up.
Figure 3-5. Tighten the grounding wire.
3. Connect the grounding wire to earth ground.
3.4.3 Mount the AP on a Pole
1. Turn the Wireless Ethernet Extender over. Put the pole mounting ring through the middle hole of it.
NOTE: Unlock the pole mounting ring with a screw driver before putting it through the device as the following right picture
shows.
Figure 3-6. Installing the pole mounting ring on the extender.

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Chapter 3: Installation
2. Mount the Wireless Ethernet Extender steadily to the pole by locking the pole mounting ring tightly.
Figure 3-7. Extender mounted on a pole.
3.4.4 Power Up
1. Plug the power cord into the DC port of the power supply as the following picture shows.
Figure 3-8. Power cord plugged into the power supply’s DC port.
2. Use an Ethernet cable to connect the Wireless Ethernet Extender to the “POE” port of the power supply as shown next.
Figure 3-9. Power up the extender.
3. Connect the power plug to a power socket. The Wireless Ethernet Extender will be powered up immediately.

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Chapter 3: Installation
3.4.5 Connect to the Extender
To be able to configure and manage the extender, do the following:
1. Open the ferrite core by unsnapping the connector latches. The core will open, revealing a concave surface.
Figure 3-10. Open the connector latches.
2. Lay the Ethermet cable into the core, usually within 2 to 3 inches of the connector.
Figure 3-11. Putting cable into the core.
3. Loop the cable around and through the core. This helps “lock” the core in place, and may be required in circumstances with
severe interference.
Figure 3-12. Loop cable around core.

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Chapter 3: Installation
4. Close the core and snap the halves back together.
Figure 3-13. Close core.
5. Connect the Ethernet cable with suppression core to the “Data In” port of the PoE injector.
Figure 3-14. Connecting cable to data-in port.

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Chapter 3: Installation
6. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to a PC or a switch hub. The harware installation is complete.
Figure 3-15. Completed installation.