Extricom EXWO-404 User manual

Version 1.0
THE EXTRICOM WLAN SYSTEM:
WIRELESS OFFICE EDITION
EXWO-404
SER GIDE

Copyright
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form
or by any means, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written consent of Extricom Ltd.
No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein.
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this publication, Extricom Ltd. assumes no
responsibility for errors or omissions. The information contained in this publication and features
described herein are subject to change without notice. Extricom Ltd. reserves the right at any time and
without notice, to make changes in the product.
Copyright 2007 © Extricom Ltd. All rights reserved. The products described herein are protected by
U.S. Patents and may be protected by other foreign patents, or pending applications.



Important Notice:
Read this user manual and safety instructions before installing and operating the
Extricom WLAN system.
Disclaimer
Extricom makes no representations or warranties, whether express or implied, that the Extricom
wireless local area network (WLAN) system or any component thereof shall meet the purchaser’s
operating requirements or that system operation will be uninterrupted or error-free. All
WLANs, including the Extricom WLAN system, can potentially be affected by outside sources of
interference such as other broadcasting devices, radiation, device immunity level, and other
external sources of interference.

Declaration of Conformity
Manufacturer’s Name: Extricom Ltd.
Declares under our sole responsibility that the products:
Products Name: Extricom EXSW400
Conforms to the following standard(s) or other normative document(s):
EMC: FCC Part 15 Sub Part B
EN 301
EN 55022
VCCI V-2/2001.04
Safety: EN-60950
UL-60950
IEC60950
Manufacturer’s Name: Extricom Ltd.
Declares under our sole responsibility that the product:
Product Name: Extricom EXRP-20
Conforms to the following standard(s) or other normative document(s):
EMC: FCC Part 15 Sub Part B
EN 55022
EN 301
EN 300328
ENV 301893
EN 300440
VCCI V-2/2001.04.
Safety: EN-60950
UL-60950
IEC60950

The Extricom EXWO-404 WLAN System User Guide i
Table of Contents
About This Guide .................................................................................................1
Audience..........................................................................................................................1
Conventions.....................................................................................................................1
Safety Precautions ...........................................................................................................1
Chapter 1 Introducing the Extricom Wireless LAN System ..............................................3
Overview of the Extricom WLAN System - Wireless Office Edition ............................3
Features and Benefits ......................................................................................................4
Overview of the Extricom EXWO-404 Wireless Package..............................................6
A Typical Extricom Wireless Network Topology...........................................................8
Chapter 2 Installing the Extricom WLAN System..............................................................9
Unpacking the Extricom EXWO-404 WLAN System....................................................9
Additional Equipment Needed ........................................................................................9
Determining the Location of the Extricom Access Points ..............................................9
The Extricom EXSW400...............................................................................................10
The Extricom Access Points..........................................................................................12
Connecting the Switch and Access Points.....................................................................13
Mounting the Access Points (Optional) ........................................................................13
Chapter 3 Configuring the Extricom WLAN System .......................................................15
Using the Extricom Web Configuration Pages .............................................................16
Configuring the LAN Parameters..................................................................................18
Configuring the WLAN Parameters..............................................................................21
Configuring SSIDs ........................................................................................................26
Configuring Security Definitions ..................................................................................31
Advanced Configuration of the Extricom WLAN Architecture ...................................33
Configuration of the Extricom WLAN Architecture Utilities.......................................34
Viewing the System Configuration File .....................................................................36
Configuration File Backup..........................................................................................36
Uploading a New Configuration File..........................................................................36
Restoring System Defaults..........................................................................................36
Upgrading the Extricom Firmware .............................................................................37

ii Table o Contents
Setting the Time and Date ..........................................................................................37
Rebooting the Extricom Switch..................................................................................37
Reconfigure Switch – Smart Configuration................................................................37
Setting Passwords in the Extricom Switch....................................................................38
Viewing a Summary of the Updated Configuration......................................................38
Viewing Extricom Information .....................................................................................40
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting..................................................................................................41
Appendix A Specifications...................................................................................................... 43
Extricom EXSW400 Switch Specifications ..................................................................43
Extricom EXRP-20 Access Point Specifications ..........................................................45
Appendix B Access Point Mounting Template..................................................................... 48

The Extricom EXWO-404 WLAN System User Guide 1
About This Guide
This guide provides detailed instructions for installing, configuring, and troubleshooting the
Extricom EXWO-404 Wireless Office Edition package. This solution is comprised of one (1) four-
port Extricom EXSW400 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) switch and four (4) Extricom
EXRP-20 UltraThin™ Access Points (APs).
Audience
This guide is intended for IT managers and system installers who are familiar with installing and
configuring networks.
Conventions



This is a note. It provides additional information to users.
-
This is a caution. A caution warns of possible damage to the equipment if a
procedure is not followed correctly.
!
A warning alerts you to the presence of important operating instructions.
Safety Precautions
Follow the instructions in the guide to ensure proper installation and operation of the switch and
APs.
!
The use of wireless devices is limited to the constraints imposed by local laws.


Operate the switch and APs in an indoor environment.

2 Introducing the Extricom Wireless LAN System


Disconnect the switch and APs from power before servicing.


The switch and AP enclosure should not be opened by anyone other than an authorized
service representative.


To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, maintain a minimal separation
distance of at least 20 cm/8 inches between the AP and all persons.


The switch contains an internal battery.
!


Always replace the battery with the same type to avoid the risk of explosion.


Dispose of used batteries according to the instructions provided with the battery.

The Extricom EXWO-404 WLAN System User Guide 3
Chapter 1
Introducing the Extricom Wireless
LAN System
A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) based on the IEEE 802.11 standard enables laptops,
PDAs, phones, and other “Wi-Fi” equipped devices to wirelessly connect to the network.
However, large scale deployments of traditional cell-based WLANs, in which each access point
(AP) operates on a different channel than that of adjacent APs, have been hindered by issues such as
poor coverage, low capacity, high-latency mobility, and expensive interference analysis or site
survey and maintenance costs.
Extricom’s WLAN, on the other hand, is a completely new solution. Referred to as the Interference-
Free™architecture, it eliminates the coverage and capacity trade-offs of traditional cell-based
WLAN architecture. In addition, the need for cell planning and interference analysis, a highly
expensive aspect of owning a WLAN, is also eliminated. Finally, Extricom’s innovative approach
does away with most WLAN maintenance tasks. Extricom’s WLAN System is specifically designed
to provide increased network capacity, seamless mobility, high level of security, and easy
installation and configuration.
Overview of the Extricom WLAN System - Wireless
Office Edition
The Extricom WLAN system eliminates the concept of cell-planning and replaces it with the
“channel blanket” topology. In this topology, each Wi-Fi radio channel is used on every access
point to create continuous “blankets” of coverage. By using multi-radio APs, the Extricom system is
able to create multiple overlapping channel blankets from the same physical set of devices, as
illustrated in Figure 1.

4 Introducing the Extricom Wireless LAN System
Figure 1. Two Channel Blanket Coverage
The Extricom solution is based on a fully centralized WLAN architecture, in which the switch
makes all of the decisions for packet delivery on the wireless network. In this configuration, the
access points (APs) simply function as radios, with no software, storage capability, or IP address.
Even the basics of connecting are different: clients associate directly with the switch, not with the
AP. The AP acts as an “RF conduit” to rapidly funnel traffic between the clients and the switch. The
Extricom architecture has essentially centralized the 802.11 logic in the switch, while distributing
the wireless electronics in the APs.
Centralization of the Wi-Fi environment enables organizations to deploy 802.11a/b/g channels at
every AP, creating multiple overlapping “channel blankets” that leverage each of the radios in the
multi-radio UltraThin AP. Each channel’s bandwidth is delivered across the blanket’s service area
(i.e. the combined coverage of all APs connected to the switch), with interference-free operation
and consistent capacity throughout.
As the client moves throughout the blanket, different APs will be in the best position to serve the
client at different times. The switch always uses the uplink and downlink path that is optimal to
serve the client. While this is going on “behind the scenes,” the client never experiences an AP-to-
AP handoff (i.e. de-association and re-association), resulting in seamless mobility.
Within each channel blanket, the switch avoids co-channel interference by preventing different APs
from simultaneously transmitting on the same channel.
Features and Benefits
Extricom’s WLAN system solution offers the following features:


Ease of deployment - No cell planning
Extricom’s architecture requires no cell planning and experiences no constraints due to RF
interference or channelization. Consequently, Extricom APs can be deployed wherever needed,
in any density or even varying density, to meet the desired end-client service level (stipulated in
terms of connection rate). The traditional site survey is therefore reduced to just physical
equipment installation planning.

The Extricom EXWO-404 WLAN System User Guide 5


Multi-Layer WLAN
A single set of APs enables deployment of multiple high-data-rate channel blankets with
overlapping coverage, resulting in multiplied aggregate capacity. Separate channel blankets also
offer the unique ability to guarantee Quality of Service by physically segregating different user
types, traffic, and roles onto different channels.


Same band operation
The Extricom WLAN system enables two WLAN channels, in the same band (e.g. Channel 1
and 6 in 2.4 GHz), to be simultaneously used within the same AP, to form overlapping channel
blankets using the same physical set of APs.


Zero-latency mobility
In an Extricom WLAN, wireless device remains on the same channel everywhere within the
channel blanket. Inter-AP handoffs do not occur as the client moves across the range of
different APs.


WiFi collaboration
With all APs able to receive on the same channel, the Extricom WLAN provides uplink path
diversity for client transmissions, making the system highly resistant to RF instabilities and
outside interference.


Dense AP deployment
In an Extricom WLAN, APs can be deployed in any density convenient to the organization, to
achieve both blanket coverage and a guaranteed communications rate to all users. In fact, while
cell-based solutions shy away from dense deployments because of their inherent RF obstacles,
Extricom’s system performance actually increases with AP density.


Wire-line quality VoWLAN
Extricom’s Interference-Free architecture is perfectly suited for VoWLAN providing
zero-latency mobility, voice and data separation, reduced power consumption, and high RF
resiliency, all together resulting in superior voice performance.


Security
The EXWO-404 system supports WEP-64, WEP-128, and WPA-TKIP. The authentication
modes supported include RADIUS (802.1x) and WPA Pre-Shared Key (PSK).


Power save
Full power conservation management is enabled for associated mobile devices over unicast,
multicast, and broadcast frames. For multicast and broadcast frames, the DTIM (Delivery
Traffic Indicator Message) period is configurable.


SNMP traps
The Extricom system supports SNMP traps, enabling the user to determine the status of the
system, including the status of APs.

6 Introducing the Extricom Wireless LAN System
Overview of the Extricom EXWO-404 Wireless
Package
The EXWO-404 package is comprised of one (1) four-port Extricom EXSW400 Wireless Local
Area Network (WLAN) switch, loaded with the Wireless Office Edition of Extricom’s WLAN
System, plus four (4) Extricom EXRP-20 UltraThin™ Dual-Radio a/b/g Access Points.
The Extricom EXSW400 switch provides central control and configuration of the WLAN. The
switches implement the Interference-Free architecture in the Extricom WLAN, providing two
blankets of continuous coverage for the entire wireless area.
Figure 2. Extricom EXSW400 Switch
Configuring a switch and its associated set of APs is as simple as configuring a single traditional
AP, greatly reducing the effort required to deploy and maintain the WLAN. The minimal
configuration required for the switch is performed via a dedicated secured Web interface.
Extricom’s EXRP-20 UltraThin APs are high-bandwidth devices, containing two standard 802.11
a/b/g radio devices. Since the APs have no software, they require no configuration. This makes
them fully interchangeable, enabling truly plug-and-play installation. If stolen, the APs do not pose
a security risk, since all encryption is performed in the switch.
With all intelligence residing in the WLAN switch, APs may be placed as close together as
necessary to provide high-quality, high-speed connectivity from all locations within the
organization.
APs are connected to the Extricom WLAN Switch via standard Cat 5e/6 cables. Since the APs are
powered by the standard 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE), only a single Cat 5e/6 cable
connection is required to support two simultaneous radios.

The Extricom EXWO-404 WLAN System User Guide 7
Figure 3. Extricom EXRP-20 AP



Extricom APs only function when they are directly connected to Extricom switches.

8 Introducing the Extricom Wireless LAN System
A Typical Extricom Wireless Network Topology
Extricom’s switch is connected to the wired LAN, and the APs placed throughout the office or area
to be covered. Figure 4 displays a typical Extricom topology, consisting of an Extricom switch and
four APs.
Figure 4 Typical Extricom Topology
Extricom uses standard WLAN protocols (IEEE 802.11). As a result, any 802.11a/b/g standard
wireless device can work seamlessly with the Extricom system.

The Extricom EXWO-404 WLAN System User Guide 9
Chapter 2
Installing the Extricom WLAN System
This chapter provides instructions for unpacking and installing the Extricom WLAN system.
npacking the Extricom EXWO-404 WLAN System
The Extricom EXWO-404 WLAN system is shipped with the following:


One EXSW400 Extricom WLAN switch.


CD which contains The Extricom EXWO-404 WLAN System User Guide and firmware.


Four EXRP-20 UltraThin Dual-Radio a/b/g APs.


Power cable for switch.
Additional Equipment Needed
The following additional equipment is required for installing the Extricom WLAN system:


Four CAT-5e/6 cables, one for each AP.


One CAT-5e/6 cable for connecting the WLAN switch uplink to the LAN switch.


Two stainless steel pan head 8x1-1/4" self-tapping Phillips screws for mounting each AP
(optional).
Determining the Location of the Extricom Access
Points
Before installing the switch and access points, plan the placement of the APs. Before permanently
mounting the APs, it is recommended to test the network (using a laptop client) to identify potential
coverage holes. If such a problem exists, relocate an AP or add additional APs to resolve the
coverage hole.
The APs should be placed in a stable, secure location, such as on top of a closet or bookshelf, or
mounted on a wall.
The switch should be placed near the distribution point of the LAN line. This is usually in the
communications closet of your organization.

10 Installing the Extricom WLAN System
The Extricom EXSW400
The Extricom EXSW400 switch has 6 connectors and 3 LEDs on the front panel
Console WLANLAN
Power StatusLnk/Act 100M Link
Console WLANLAN
Power StatusLnk/Act 100M Link
Figure 5 Extricom EXSW400 Switch

The Extricom EXWO-404 WLAN System User Guide 11
Table 1 describes the front panel and connectors of the Extricom EXSW400 switch.
Table 1. Extricom EXSW400 Switch Connectors
Connectors Description
Console Serial connector – only to be used by, or as instructed by Extricom
personnel for troubleshooting, support, or maintenance. Can be
accessed using a Null modem cable.
LAN RJ-45 connector – used to connect the switch to the wired LAN.
WLAN RJ-45 connectors – used to connect Extricom APs to the switch.
-
Do not connect any device other than Extricom APs to
the WLAN ports.
These ports provide 802.3AF PoE compatible power.
Maximum current: 270 mA, 48 volts.
Table 2 describes the front panel LEDs of Extricom EXSW400 switches.
Table 2. Extricom EXSW400 Switch LEDs
LEDs Color Description
Power Green On/off
LAN
Link/Act Green 

On indicates connection to the LAN network


Blinking indicates activity in the LAN network connection


Off indicates no connection to the LAN network
100M Orange 

100Mbps – on


10Mbps – off
WLAN
Link Green 

On indicates connection to the WLAN AP


Blinking indicates activity over the connection to the WLAN
AP


Off indicates no connection to the WLAN AP

12 Installing the Extricom WLAN System
The Extricom Access Points
Extricom APs have two connectors located on the side of the device and four LEDs located on the
top of the device.
LEDs
WLAN Connector
Power Connection
LEDs
WLAN Connector
Power Connection
Figure 6 Extricom AP
Table 3 describes the Extricom Access Point connectors.
Table 3. Extricom AP Connectors
Connectors Description
Power



External power is not required for most
applications. Power is supplied through the
Ethernet (PoE).
In case of an external power requirement by the application,
use a UL Listed LPS (Limited Power Source) or NEC Class
II adapter. Rating – Input: 90-240VAC 0.8A max. Output:
48VDC 0.56A max.
-
Due to regulatory requirements and pending
certification process for the power supply
connector - external power supply should not be
used.
WLAN RJ-45 connector – used to connect the Extricom AP to the
wired LAN switch. This connector also provides Power
over Ethernet to the AP.

The Extricom EXWO-404 WLAN System User Guide 13
Table 4. Extricom AP LEDs
LEDs Color Description
Radio 1 Green 1st Radio is active
Off 1st Radio is malfunctioning
Radio 2 Green 2nd Radio is active
Off 2nd Radio is malfunctioning
LAN Green (flashing) Connection to the LAN switch is active
Off Not active
Power Green On/Off
Connecting the Switch and Access Points
Extricom’s switch is connected to the wired LAN and the APs that are located throughout the
office.
To connect the switch and Access Points:
1. Using a CAT-5e/6 cable, connect the switch RJ-45 LAN connector (located on the front panel
of the switch, (refer to Figure 5) to the LAN switch.
2. Using a CAT-5e/6cable, directly connect each AP (refer to Figure 5) to one of the switch’s RJ-
45 WLAN connectors.
3. Connect the power cable to the power connector located on the rear panel of the switch, and
plug the other end of the power cable into a power source.
4. Verify that the Power LEDs on both the switch and connected APs are green.
Mounting the Access Points (Optional)
Extricom APs can be mounted on the wall. To mount the APs, you will need two stainless steel pan
head 8x1-1/4" self-tapping Phillips screws.
To mount the Access Points:
1. Place the installation template (refer to Access Point Mounting Template on page 48) on the
wall where you want to mount the AP.
2. Mark the "Point for Drilling" locations on the wall.
3. Screw the two stainless steel pan head 8x1-1/4" self-tapping Phillips screws into the wall
leaving enough of the screws protruding to enable you to hook the AP over the screw.
4. Align the holes on the back of the Access Point with the screws and slip the AP into place.



Position the AP so that the connectors are on its bottom left corner.