Comtec FT213 User manual

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FT200 Series Wireless Access Point
ModelFT213
User’s Manual

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Table of Content
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
OVERVIEW -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
KEY FEATURES -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
PREPARATION FOR USE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5
MINIMUM SYSTEM AND COMPONENT REQUIREMENTS--------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
CHAPTER 2: BASIC INSTALLATION AND SECURITIES------------------------------------------------------------7
OPERATING DISTANCE TIPS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7
DEFAULT FACTORY SETTINGS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7
GETTING TO KNOW WIRELESS SECURITY OPTIONS----------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
Security Precautions----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
SECURITY OPTIONS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
INSTALLING FT213ACCESS POINT------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9
DEPLOY THE FT213ACCESS POINT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
CHAPTER 3: GENERAL INFORMATION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
INFORMATION-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
CONNECTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 12
STATISTICS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
CHAPTER 4: COPIOUS FUNCTIONALITIES----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
TIME SERVER --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
BRIDGE/ROUTER MODE------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
ANY IP------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 15
UNDERSTANDING RADIUS SETTINGS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
FIREWALL MANAGEMENT------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 18
VIRTUAL SERVER ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19
CHAPTER 5: WIRELESS SETUP ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21
OPERATING MODE--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21
VAP /VLAN SETTINGS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 22
Overview --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22
UNDERSTANDING WEP/WPA SECURITY OPTIONS ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 24
ACCESS CONTROL---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24
WDS MODE ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25
SMART WDS---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26
ADVANCED SETTINGS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27
Wi-Fi Multi-media (WMM) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 27
Super-G and Turbo-A wireless parameters------------------------------------------------------------------- 28
CHAPTER 6: SITE SURVEY AND LINK TEST---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29
SITE SURVEY---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29
LINK TEST ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29
CHAPTER 7: MANAGEMENT----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31
CHANGE PASSWORD ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 31
REMOTE MANAGEMENT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31
UPGRADE FIRMWARE----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 37
BACKUP /RESTORE SETTINGS---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 38
EVENT LOG------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 39
REBOOT AP------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 40
CHAPTER 8: WARRANTY INFORMATION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 41

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FCC STATEMENT----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 42
CHAPTER 10: TECHNICAL SUPPORT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 43

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Chapter 1: Introduction
This manual covers the installation and operation of the Comtec’s FT213 Wireless
Access Point. This Access Point provides a secure, affordable, and easy-to-use wireless
LAN solution that combines flexibility with the enterprise-class features required by
networking professionals.
This chapter gives an overview of the enterprises-class access point, as well as its key
features. In addition, we detail about the hardware description, system requirement
and basic installation.
Overview
FT213 access point distinguishes herself by one built-in mini-PCI card, providing wired
and wireless two ports in a bigger infrastructure. Typically, VAP functionality allows a
single network AP to behave as “8” number of virtual network APs. This does away with
the limitation by the sheer number of Ethernet connections that need APs acting as a
proxy. WMM prioritizes traffic demands from different applications and extends Wi-Fi’s
high quality end-user experience from data connectivity to voice, music, and video
applications under a wide variety of environment.
This Access points serves as the connection point between wireless and wired networks
or as the center point of a stand-alone wireless network. In large installations, wireless
users within radio range of an access point can roam throughout a facility while
maintaining seamless, uninterrupted access to the network.
You can configure and monitor FT213 using the command-line interface (CLI), the
browser-based management system, or Simple Network Management Protocol
(SNMP).
Networks are useful tools for sharing computer resources. You can access one printer
from different computers and access data located on another computer's hard drive.
Networks are even used for playing multiplayer video games. So, networks are not only
useful in homes and offices, they can also be fun. Use the instructions in this Guide to
help you connect FT213, set it up, and configure it to bridge your different networks.
Key Features
FT213 is use-friendly and provides solid wireless and networking support. The following
standards and conventions are supported:
• Standards Compliant. The Wireless Access Point complies with the IEEE 802.11a/b/g
for Wireless LANs.
• WEP support. Support for WEP is included 64-bit, 128-bit, and 152-bit keys.
• DHCP Client Support. DHCP Server provides a dynamic IP address to PCs and other
devices upon request. The FT213 can act as a client and obtain information from your
DHPC server.
• RADIUS Accounting - Enable accounting on FT213 to send accounting data about
wireless client devices to a RADIUS server on your network.
• SNMP Support. Support for Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
Management Information Base (MIB) management.
• Multiple operating modes:
Access point
Station Adapter
Wireless Bridge.
Wireless Repeater

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Inter-building
• Repeater mode—Configure FT213 as a wireless repeater to extend the coverage area
of your wireless network.
• VAPs
Assign Multi-SSIDs on your access point (one SSID per VAP) to differentiate policies
and services among users forming a wide variety of VLANs.
• QoS
Use this feature to support quality of service for prioritizing traffic from the Ethernet
to FT213. FT213 also supports the voice-prioritization schemes used by 802.11a/b/g
wireless phones.
• Transmit Power Control
Supports settable transmit power levels to adjust coverage cell size, ranging from full,
half(50%), quarter(25%) eighth(12.5%) and min
• Atheros Super AG Mode: Super AG mode enables the transmission up to 108Mbps
• Multiple security settings per VLAN with up to 8 VLANs
Security settings for multiple groups – so employees, guests and contractors now
easily and securely share the same infrastructure
• Access Control.
The Access Control MAC address filtering feature can ensure that only trusted
wireless stations can use the to gain access to your LAN.
• Hidden Mode
The SSID is not broadcast assuring only clients configured with the correct SSID can
connect.
Preparation for Use
The Comtec's FT213 Wireless Access Point requires physical mounting and installation
on the site, following a prescribed placement design to ensure optimum operation and
roaming.
The FT213 operates with Power over Ethernet (PoE) which requires the installation of a
separate Power injector which “injects” DC current into the Cat5 cable.
The FT213 package includes the following items:
• The FT213 Wireless Access Point
• POE Power Injector
• AC Power Cord
• Mast Mounting Kit & Screw
• Documentation as PDF files (on CD-ROM)
• Quick installation guide
The FT213 can be mounted outdoor on a high post to achieve the best bridge result. If
mounted outdoor, the outdoor protection kit must be used to prevent lightning damage.
Minimum System and Component Requirements
The FT213 is designed to be attached to the Mast at appropriate locations. To complete
the configuration, you should have at least the following components:
• Access to at least one laptop or PC with an Ethernet card and cable that can be used
to complete the initial configuration of the unit.

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• A Web browser program (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later, or Netscape
4.78 or later) installed on the PC or laptop you will be using to configure the Access
Point.
• TCP/IP Protocol (usually comes installed on any Windows PC.)
Chapter 2: Basic Installation and Securities

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This chapter explains how to place and connect the Comtec’s Access Point. In addition,
the security features are elaborated.
Note
• A location for the that conforms to the Observing Placement and Range Guidelines
below.
• The wireless access point connected to your LAN through a device such as a hub,
switch, router, or Cable/DSL gateway.
• One or more computers with properly configured 802.11a/b/g.
Operating Distance Tips
The range of your wireless connection is significantly determined by the physical
placement of FT213.
To optimize the results, place your wireless access point:
• Near the center of the area in which your PCs will operate.
• In an elevated location such as a high shelf where the wirelessly connected PCs have
line-of-sight access (even if through walls).
• Away from sources of interference, such as PCs, microwaves, and 2.4 GHz cordless
phones. • Away from large metal surfaces.
• Putting the antenna in a vertical position provides best side-to-side coverage. Putting
the antenna in a horizontal position provides best up-and-down coverage.
• If using multiple access points, it is better if adjacent access points use different radio
frequency Channels to reduce interference. The recommended Channel spacing
between adjacent access points is 5 Channels (for example, use Channels 1 and 6, or
6 and 11).
Default Factory Settings
We’ll detail about FT213 default factory settings below. Factory Default Restore will
enable you to restore these defaults.
FEATURE FACTORY DEFAULT SETTINGS
User Name (case sensitive) admin
Password (case sensitive) password
Access Point Name APxxxxxx(xxxxxx represents the last 6 digits of
MAC address)
Country / Region United States
Router Mode Bridge
IP Type static IP
You need to prepare these three things before you can establish a connection through
your wireless access point.

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IPAddress 192.168.1.1
IP Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway 0.0.0.0
Operating Mode Access Point
Wireless Mode 802.11a
Channel / Frequency 52 / 5.260GHz
Getting To Know Wireless Security Options
Comtec wants to make wireless networking as safe and easy for you as possible. The
current generation of products provides several network security features, but they
require specific action on your part for implementation. So, keep the following in mind
whenever you are setting up or using your wireless network.
Security Precautions
The following is a complete list of security precautions to take as shown in this User’s
Manual. (at least steps 1 through 5 should be followed):
1. Change the default SSID.
2. Disable SSID Broadcast.
3. Change the default password for the Administrator account.
4. Enable MAC Address Filtering.
5. Change the SSID periodically.
6. Use the highest encryption algorithm possible. Use WPA if it is available. Please note
that this may reduce your network performance.
7. Change the WEP encryption keys periodically.
To ensure network security, steps one through four should be followed, at least.
Wireless networks are easy to find. Hackers know that in order to join a wireless
network, wireless networking products first listen for “beacon messages”. These
messages can be easily decrypted and contain much of the network’s information, such
as the network’s SSID (Service Set Identifier).
Security Options
There are several ways you can enhance the security of your wireless network:
• Restrict Access Based on MAC address. You can restrict access to only trusted clients
so that unknown clients cannot wirelessly connect to the FT213. MAC address
filtering adds an obstacle against unwanted access to your network, but the data
broadcast over the wireless link is fully exposed.
• Use WEP. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) data encryption provides data security.
WEP Shared Key authentication and WEP data encryption will block all but the most
determined eavesdropper.
• Use WPA or WPA-PSK. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) data encryption provides data
WPA makes it virtually impossible to compromise.
• Enable Wireless Security Separator
The associated wireless clients will not be able to communicate with each other if this
feature is enabled. The default setting is Disable.

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Installing FT213 Access Point
Before installing, you should make sure that Ethernet network is perfectly working. You
will be connecting the FT213 to the Ethernet network so that computers with 10/100
Fast Ethernet adapters will communicate computers on the Ethernet.
SETUP THE ACCESS POINT Tip
Before mounting the FT213 in a high location, first set up and test the FT213 to verify
wired network connectivity.
a. Prepare a computer with an Ethernet adapter. If this computer is already part of your
network, record its TCP/IP configuration settings.
b. Configure the computer with a static IP address of 192.168.1.x (x cannot be 1)and
255.255.255.0 for the Subnet Mask.
c. Connect an Ethernet cable from the FT213 to the computer.
d. Turn on your computer, connect the power adapter to the FT213
CONFIGURE LAN AND WIRELESS ACCESS
Configure the Ethernet port for LAN access
• Connect to the FT213 by opening your browser and entering http://192.168.1.1 in
the address field. A login window like the one shown below opens:
Figure: 2-1 login window
When prompted, please enter admin for Name and password for password, Clicking

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Login now, it will navigate you into FT213’s homepage-----General Information will be
shown below.
Figure: 2-2 general information
Deploy the FT213 Access Point
a. Disconnect the FT213 and position it where you will deploy it. The best location is
elevated, such as wall mounted or on the top of a cubicle, at the center of your
wireless coverage area, and within line of sight of all the mobile devices.
b. Lift the antenna on either side so that they are vertical.
Note: Consult the antenna positioning and wireless mode configuration information
in the Advanced Configuration chapter of the Reference Manual.
c. Connect an Ethernet cable from your FT213 Access Point to a LAN port on your router,
switch, or hub.
d. Connect the power adapter to the wireless access point and plug the power adapter
in to a power outlet.