Compex NetPassage WPE54G User manual

i
© 2003 Compex Systems Pte Ltd
All Rights Reserved
This document contains information, which is protected by copyright. Reproduction,
adaptation or translation without prior permission is prohibited, except as allowed under
the copyright laws.
Trademark Information
Compex®, ReadyLINK®and MicroHub®are registered trademarks of Compex, Inc.
Microsoft Windows and the Windows logo are the trademarks of Microsoft Corp. NetWare
is the registered trademark of Novell Inc. All other brand and product names are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Notice: Copyrights © 2003 by Compex, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction, adaptation,
or translation without prior permission of Compex, Inc. is prohibited, except as allowed
under the copyright laws.
Manual Revision by Kee
Manual Number: U-0397-V1.1C Version 1.1, October 2003
Disclaimer
Compex, Inc. provides this manual without warranty of any kind, either expressed or
implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness
for a particular purpose. Compex, Inc. may make improvements and/or changes to the
product and/or specifications of the product described in this manual, without prior
notice. Compex, Inc will not be liable for any technical inaccuracies or typographical
errors found in this guide. Changes are periodically made to the information contained
herein and will be incorporated into later versions of the manual. The information
contained is subject to change without prior notice.
Your Feedback
We value your feedback. If you find any errors in this user’s manual, or if you have
suggestions or comments, we would like to hear from you. Please contact us at:
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Firmware
Please note that this User’s Manual is written based on NetPassage WPE54G Firmware
Release 1.00.
FCC NOTICE
This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This device
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 this device does cause harmful interference to radio or television

ii
reception, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
 Connect the computer into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
 Increase the separation between the computer and receiver.
 Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the grantee of this
device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
FCC Compliance Statement:This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. 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.
Declaration of Conformity
Compex, Inc. declares the following:
Product Name: Compex NetPassage WPE54G 54Mbps Wireless-G Access Point
Model No.: NetPassage WPE54G conforms to the following Product Standards:
This device complies with the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (89/336/EEC) issued
by the Commission of the European Community. Compliance with this directive implies
conformity to the following European Norms (in brackets are the equivalent international
standards.)
Electromagnetic Interference (Conduction and Radiation): EN 55022 (CISPR 22)
Electromagnetic Immunity: EN 55024 (IEC61000-4-2,3,4,5,6,8,11)
Power Line Harmonics: EN 61000-3-2 (IEC610000-3-2)
Power Line Flicker: EN 61000-3-3 (IEC610000-3-3)
Therefore, this product is in conformity with the following regional standards:
FCC Class B ⎯following the provisions of FCC Part 15 directive;
CE Mark ⎯following the provisions of the EC directive.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

iii
About This Document
The product described in this document, Compex 54Mbps Wireless-G Access Point
series, NetPassage WPE54G, is a licensed product of Compex Systems Pte Ltd.
Information provided: This document provides an overview of the key features and
applications of the WPE54G. It also contains instructions for installing, configuring
and using the Compex NetPassage WPE54G.
Audience: This manual is intended for both Network Administrators and end-users
who possess a basic knowledge of networking structures and protocols.
Assumptions: Procedures listed in the document are intended for Microsoft Windows
users. If you are running a different operating system, you may need to refer to your
operating system’s documentation for networking instructions.
How to use this document: If you want to get started without having to read
everything
 Skip to Chapter 3 for the hardware setup procedure
 Follow Chapter 4 for logging onto the configuration interface
 Tag on with Chapter 5 for basic configurations
 Advanced users can pursue further configuration with Chapter 6
 The Table of Contents will guide you to specific topics.
Conventions: The Compex 54Mbps Wireless-G Access Point NetPassage WPE54G
is often referred to as WPE54G. Here is a list of icons used throughout the manual:
This symbol alerts the user of an important notice to be heeded. The
user is advised to read instructions carefully before proceeding
further.
This symbol characterises sections meant for advanced users or
specific features meant for exceptional non-standard applications.
The user is assumed to have sufficient relevant network knowledge to
carry out the necessary configuration or understand the information
given.
This symbol suggests that the user find additional networking
information from our unique Technology Primer documents included
on the Product CD. The documents explain specific network
concepts, Compex-exclusive features and provide illustrated
walkthroughs for common networking scenarios.
This symbol highlights exclusive features found on this Compex
product or on Compex’s family of products.
e X pert
e
X pert
exclusive!
Technolo
g
y
Prime
r
!

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION............................................................. 1
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR PRODUCT ........................... 3
Key features.................................................................................................. 3
Security Features.......................................................................................... 4
The NetPassage WPE54G Package............................................................ 5
Schematic Overview of the NetPassage WPE54G...................................... 5
When to use which mode ............................................................................. 6
The Access Point Mode ........................................................................................6
The Access Point Client Mode..............................................................................7
The Gateway Mode...............................................................................................8
The Wireless Routing Client Mode.......................................................................9
The Wireless Ethernet Adapter Mode...................................................................9
CHAPTER 3: HARDWARE INSTALLATION ........................................ 10
CHAPTER 4: WEB-BASED CONFIGURATION INTERFACE................ 11
Log-in to web-based configuration interface............................................... 11
1. Through the uConfig utility............................................................................11
2. Through your web browser ............................................................................12
CHAPTER 5: BASIC CONFIGURATION ............................................. 13
Basic configuration...................................................................................... 13
Show Link Information – a helpful feature.................................................. 17
Using the SYSTEM TOOLS Menu.............................................................. 18
System Identity....................................................................................................18
Set System’s Clock..............................................................................................19
Firmware Upgrade.............................................................................................20
Save or Reset Settings.........................................................................................21
Reboot System ....................................................................................................23
Change Password...............................................................................................24
Logout ................................................................................................................25
Using the HELP menu................................................................................ 26
Get Technical Support........................................................................................26
About System......................................................................................................27
CHAPTER 6: ADVANCED CONFIGURATION ..................................... 28
Management Port Setup............................................................................. 28
SNMP Setup............................................................................................... 31
WEP Encryption.......................................................................................... 32
IEEE 802.1X/RADIUS Setup...................................................................... 34
WAN Setup................................................................................................. 37
Wireless Setup - The Wireless Distributed System (WDS)........................ 42

Star Configuration Infrastructure Network........................................................42
Chain Configuration Infrastructure Network.....................................................43
Parallel Broadband ..................................................................................... 47
Load balancing...................................................................................................47
Fail-Over Redundancy.......................................................................................47
Ease of implementation......................................................................................47
Wireless Setup – The Wireless Pseudo VLAN........................................... 50
Wireless Pseudo VLAN Per Node.......................................................................50
Wireless Pseudo VLAN Per Group.....................................................................51
Tag VLAN...........................................................................................................55
NAT............................................................................................................. 58
The De-Militarised Zone (DMZ) Host................................................................59
The Port-Forwarding Virtual Server..................................................................60
The IP-Forwarding Virtual Server.....................................................................63
Routing........................................................................................................ 65
Dynamic Routing................................................................................................67
IP Filtering................................................................................................... 69
Remote Management................................................................................. 73
Scan for Site Survey................................................................................... 74
Data collected in AP mode.............................................................................74
Data collected in wireless client mode.........................................................74
APPENDIX A: CONFIGURING FOR NETWORK ACCESS.................... 76
Adding TCP/IP network protocol for Microsoft Windows 98/98SE/ME....... 76
Configuring Dynamic IP address allocation................................................ 78
Microsoft Windows 98/98SE/ME .......................................................................78
Configuring Static IP address allocation..................................................... 79
Configuring Static IP address allocation..................................................... 80
Microsoft Windows 98/98SE/ME .......................................................................80
Configuring Wireless Network Settings ...................................................... 83
Microsoft Windows XP.......................................................................................83
APPENDIX B: TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 85
Solutions to Common Problems................................................................. 85
APPENDIX C: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ............................ 88
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions.................................................... 88
APPENDIX D: GLOSSARY OF TERMS............................................... 89
APPENDIX E: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................... 94
APPENDIX F: TECHNICAL SUPPORT INFORMATION........................ 96

Chapter 1 Introduction
1
Chapter 1: Introduction
hank you for purchasing the Compex
NetPassage WPE54G 54 Mbps Wireless-G
Access Point! We are committed to deliver,
meet and even exceed your expectations of a
high-performance, feature-rich, user-friendly and cost-
effective network access point device. You will soon
be discovering more about a product which we have
proudly developed.
T
The Compex NetPassage WPE54G is a high-
performance IEEE 802.11g-compliant wireless access
point which supports industry-leading security
standards. It features PRISM NitroTM Technology
which allows you to achieve up to 50% higher
throughput in pure wireless “G” networks and 300%
better throughput in mixed mode environments.
In addition to fast performance, the WPE54G
supports IEEE 802.1x authentication and
128-bits Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
encryption as a guarantee of peace of mind when
it comes to transmitting confidential data.
Moreover, the WPE54G supports Compex’s
unique Wireless Pseudo VLAN feature to
provide further privacy and security among
wireless users in the network or hotspot.
64/
What makes the WPE54G more than great is that
may be operated in up to 5 different modes!
The flexibility of its functions, as Access Point,
Access Point Client, Gateway, Wireless Routing
Client or Wireless Ethernet Adapter, makes it
suitable for nearly all kinds of network
applications that you may require.
it
Advanced Features
 New 54Mbps Wireless-G
802.11g 5X faster than 802.11b!
 Turbo-charge your wireless
networks with PRISM Nitro™
Technology for 50% greater
throughput in “G” and 300% in
mixed networks consisting “B”
and “G” devices.
 Secure your data transmissions
with IEEE 802.1x authentication
and 64/128-bits WEP
Encryption!
Read on to find out more about
these features!

Chapter 1 Introduction
2
In the Access Point mode operation, the WPE54G
allows you to perform wireless to wired Ethernet
bridging, linking up your wired network with the
wireless clients. On the other hand, you may also
configure the WPE54G as an Access Point Client so
as to set up a wireless bridge between two wired
LANs. The Gateway mode offers a unique setup,
allowing you to share a broadband Internet access with
up to 253 wireless clients using NAT technology.
This feature-rich mode lets you configure a full-
fledged gateway with built-in DHCP server, and
further supports Virtual Servers based on IP and Port
Forwarding, De-Militarized Zone, Packet Filtering and
more!
Compex Exclusive!
 Enhance your wireless
network privacy with
Wireless Pseudo VLAN!
 Operate the WPE54G in
up to 5 advanced modes
for any kind of network
operations!
 Quickly access your
network device’s
administration setup with
uConfig!
Read on to find out more
about these features!
The Compex NetPassage WPE54G presents the most
comprehensive features that will meet your highest
expectations as a network user.

Chapter 2 Getting to know your product
3
Chapter 2: Getting to Know Your Product
The Compex NetPassage WPE54G has been designed for high performance and offers
a rich suite of features, with which you should acquaint yourself in order to exploit
your WPE54G’s full potential.
Key features
hot
Compatible with IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11b standards
Adopting the 802.11g standard, the Compex NetPassage WPE54G provides you the fastest
wireless access within your office or home network. Since it is fully backward compatible
with 802.11b, you can safeguard your existing network investments.
Static IP, Dynamic IP, PPP and PPTP over Ethernet WAN types
Whether you are using the Compex NetPassage WPE54G in a fixed IP network, in a VPN or
for broadband Cable /ADSL modem connection sharing, our free and easy web-based
configuration interface will get your network up and functioning in no time.
Built-in Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Server
As a network administrator, you can easily manage your network’s IP address allocation
with the Compex NetPassage WPE54G’s built-in DHCP server. Once set up, it will
automatically and dynamically allocate addresses from a pool, to devices or computers
connected to your network. Technology Primer
Learn more from our
DHCP
Featuring PRISM NitroTM Technology
PRISM NitroTM Technology is incorporated into the Compex NetPassage WPE54G so as to
reduce data packet collisions when using mixed “G” and “B” wireless network devices. By
employing an advanced algorithm for burst mode transmission, the Compex NetPassage
WPE54G can achieve up to 50% higher throughput for “G” networks and up to 300%
increased throughput in mixed mode operation situations.
Read more on this at http://www.intersil.com.
Wireless Distributed System (WDS)
Cost-effective and highly flexible, WDS is your key to creating a roaming network! Using
WDS enables you to wirelessly connect several access points, and in so doing, extend your
wired infrastructure to cover locations where cabling is not implemented.

Chapter 2 Getting to know your product
4
Security Features
You will be glad to learn about the security elements we have put in place to better
protect your data and privacy.
exclusive!
t
Virtual Servers based on Port-forwarding
Virtual servers on the Compex NetPassage WPE54G allow you to set up application servers
such as FTP file servers and HTTP web servers based on Port-forwarding.
Wireless Pseudo VLAN
Compex’s exclusive Wireless Pseudo VLAN feature extends the security advanta
g
es of the
Ethernet-based VLAN to wireless networks. This feature offers data privacy and protection
between individual clients in a wireless network, and is especially useful in a corporate
network or in a public ‘hotspot’.
Internet Access Policies: Packet filtering
To complement the NAT technolo
g
ies incorporated into the Compex NetPassa
g
e WPE54G,
you can use the packet filtering features to regulate the types of Internet Access permitted
and control the transmission of TCP, UDP packets for different ports.
802.1x Authentication
Compex supports the industry standard IEEE 802.1x authentication for enhanced security in
wireless networks. By using the existing Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP, RFC 2284)
that works on both wired and wireless LANs for message exchange during the
authentication process, 802.1x authenticates the user with a central authority.
Built-in “NAT” firewall
As the Compex NetPassage WPE54G handles the incoming and outgoing data packet
transactions between the internal and external network, it looks at and validates individual
packet information before passing it onto a client in the network. This checking provides
effective firewall protection and automatically discards rogue packets.
64/128-bit WEP encryption support for wireless security
The Compex NetPassa
g
e WPE54G uses a private key encryption known as Wired Equivalent
Privacy protocol with key lengths of either 64-bit or 128-bit, to protect data communication
in your wireless network can.

Chapter 2 Getting to know your product
5
The NetPassage WPE54G Package
The Compex NetPassage WPE54G retail package contains the following items:
 1x Compex NetPassage WPE54G
 1x External Power Adapter (3.3VDC, 3A)
 1x UTP cross cable
 1x Quick Install Guide with Warranty Registration Form
 1x Product CD consisting of User’s Manual, Firmware Recovery Tool &
Utilities
Schematic Overview of the NetPassage WPE54G
The following diagrams provide a schematic overview of the WPE54G.
Side View
Diagnostic
LED
 Steady
GREEN ->
Booting
 LED Off ->
Connected
LAN Link/ Act LED
 YELLOW -> 10Mbps
 GREEN -> 100Mb
p
s
External
Antenna
 Rotata
ble antenna
Power LED
 Steady
BLUE -> Power
ON
WLAN Link/Act LED
 Steady GREEN ->
at least one wireless
client present
 Flashing GREEN ->
activity is detected in the
network.

Chapter 2 Getting to know your product
6
External Antenna

Foldable antenna
LAN RJ45
Port Power Input
 3.3V, 3A DC
Reset button

Push button
Back View
When to use which mode
The WPE54G is unique in the sense that it may operate in up to 5 different complex
modes in order to best suit any type of network applications that you might require.
We will henceforth employ the generic term AP mode when referring to the Access
Point and Gateway modes and the generic term wireless client mode to refer to the
Access Point Client, the Wireless Routing Client and the Wireless Ethernet Adapter
modes.
This section presents a brief outline of the different network applications that can be
accommodated through the different modes of the WPE54G.
The Access Point Mode
This is the default mode of the NetPassage WPE54G. The Access Point mode enables
you to bridge the wireless clients in your network to the wired network infrastructure.
The diagram below illustrates the WPE54G bridging a Fast Ethernet network with
Wireless 802.11b and 802.11g networks.

Chapter 2 Getting to know your product
7
Notebooks with
WL54G cards
(
Wireless-G clients
)
Workgroup
PCs connected
to switch/hub
Switch
Compex
NetPassage
WPE54G
PC with WLU11A
USB adapter
(Wireless-B client)
Server PC
The Access Point Client Mode
When configured in the AP Client
mode, the WPE54G acts as a
wireless client which can operate
concurrently with another access
point to perform transparent
bridging between two Fast Ethernet
networks.
In this diagram, the top local bridge
device is just a normal access point
which also supports wireless clients.
The bottom remote end uses an
AP/bridge which is set to AP client
mode and does not support wireless
clients.

Chapter 2 Getting to know your product
8
The Gateway Mode
Or more simply put: Broadband Internet sharing in a wireless network!
Since the WPE54G supports different types of broadband connections, the first step
towards a successful setup of the WPE54G as a Broadband Internet Gateway is to
identify the type of broadband Internet access you are subscribed to.
Static IP address
Use this type of connection if you have subscribed to a fixed IP address or a range of
fixed IP addresses from your Internet Service Provider.
Dynamic IP address
When powered through this type of connection, the WPE54G will request for an IP
address which will be automatically assigned to it by your Internet Service Provider.
For instance, this type of connection applies for:
- Singapore Cable Vision subscribers
- @HOME Cable Service users
Certain Internet Service Providers request for a DHCP Client ID before allocating an
IP address. In such a case, you should configure the System Identity with the DHCP
Client ID.
PPP over Ethernet (PPPoE)
Select this type of connection if you are using ADSL services in a country utilising
standard PPP over Ethernet for authentication.
For instance:
- if you are in Germany which uses T-1 connection or
- if you are using SingNet Broadband or Pacific Internet Broadband in
Singapore.
Singapore ADSL (Ethernet 512K)
All other ADSL subscribers in Singapore including SingTel Magix SuperSurf users
should opt for this type of connection.

Chapter 2 Getting to know your product
9
Australia BPA Cable
This type of connection is especially customised for Big Pond Cable Internet users in
Australia.
PPTP
The Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) mode enables the implementation of
secure multi-protocol Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) through public networks.
The Wireless Routing Client Mode
When set up in the Wireless Routing Client mode, the WPE54G connects your
network on client site to any Internet connection while ensuring communication
among the clients on your network as well. The Routing Client would thus act as a
secure Internet gateway on your LAN, not only protecting the LAN against outside
intruders but also filtering internal users’ access to the Internet, if so configured.
An application of this mode could be for the WPE54G to act as a wireless client
bridge for broadband routing. In such a case, the Ethernet port of the wireless routing
client would be used for ad hoc connection with other devices on the network while
access to the Internet would be achieved through wireless communication with
another access point, which connects to the Internet via an ADSL/Cable modem.
The Wireless Ethernet Adapter Mode
This mode is intended for usage by Internet Service Providers. It is conceptually close
to the Access Point Client mode in that the WPE54G used in this mode, is able to
communicate wirelessly with another access point to perform transparent bridging
between two networks.
The difference lies in that the function of a network adapter is to interface a computer
to a network. Thus, the Wireless Ethernet Adapter connects with a single wired
workstation only. This characteristic implies more leeway for the user to set up more
explicit parameters for better control over communication to and from the workstation.

Chapter 3 Hardware Installation
10
Chapter 3: Hardware Installation
NetPassage WPE54G Hardware Setup
In two simple steps, you may power ON and begin configuring the WPE54G device.
Hardware Setup
1To configure the device,
connect the Ethernet cable
from a PC on one end, and
then connect the cable to the
s
ocket labeled LAN on the
NetPassage WPE54G.
2
A
ttach the power adapter to
the main electrical supply
,
and
connect the power plug onto
the socket labeled DC3.3V3A
on the NetPassage WPE54G.
You may turn the device ON.

Chapter 4 Web-based configuration interface
11
Chapter 4: Web-based configuration interface
Log-in to web-based configuration interface
Once you have verified that the WPE54G is switched on and that your PC is
connected to the WPE54G’s LAN port, you can set up the WPE54G to meet your
network requirements through the web-based configuration interface.
There are 2 alternative ways of accessing the web-based configuration interface:
1. Through the uConfig utility
Compex has developed uConfig to give the user direct access to web-
configurable Ethernet devices.
Accessing the Web-based Configuration Interface
(a). Through the uConfig utility:
Insert the Product CD into the
CD-ROM drive.
It will automatically run to the
page shown below.
1
21. Click on Utilities.
2. Click on the uConfig program
to run it.
You will see the screen shown in
step 3.

Chapter 4 Web-based configuration interface
12
2. Through your web browser
Accessing the Web-based Configuration Interface
(b). Through your Web browser:
1. Open your web browser.
2. At the Address bar, enter the
default IP address of the WPE54G,
which is http://192.168.168.1
3. Press
Enter.
This opens the WPE54G’s
configuration screen shown on the
right.
4. Press the
Log On! button to enter
the set up pages.
NOTE: The uConfig feature appears on all Compex devices
offering web-based configuration.
!
The password is set to password by
default.
Press the Log On! button to ente
r
the set up pa
g
es.
4
1. Ensure that the entry for the
NetPassage WPE54G is
selected under the Compe
x
Products List.
2. Click on Open Web.
This opens the WPE54G’s
configuration screen shown in
the next step.
3

Chapter 5 Basic configuration
13
Chapter 5: Basic configuration
Basic configuration
The default mode set by the WPE54G is the Access Point mode.
From the Configuration menu, the few steps illustrated below will enable you to
change to your required mode of operation.
Basic Configuration
1. Select your required mode
from the Network Mode
drop-down list.
2. Click on the Wireless
Setup Details button
to access the setup page
for your selected mode.
We illustrated with the
Wireless Routing Client
mode as shown below left.
2
The screen illustrated on the
right is the default web page
of the WPE54G.
Click on Mode Selection
from the Configuration
menu as shown below right to
set the WPE54G to you
r
required mode.
1

Chapter 5 Basic configuration
14
3
You can overwrite the default
parameters set by Compex to
enter the parameters for your own
network.
1. The Access Point Name
field appears when the
WPE54G is in AP mode
and refers to the identity
of the device. Each name
can reach a maximum of
31 alphanumeric
characters.
When the WPE54G is
operated in wireless clien
t
mode, this field is referred
to as Station Name
instead.
It is a good practice to
name the access points
uniquely, particularly
when there are several
devices in the network.
2. In AP mode, the ESSID
represents a unique
identifier for the networ
k
group. It is a case-sensitive
string consisting of a
maximum of 32
characters.
When the WPE54G is
operated in wireless clien
t
mode, this field is referred
to as SSID instead.
All devices connecting to
a specific network should
have the same ESSID
value.