InterEpoch IWE1100-T User manual
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USER’S MANUAL
Wireless Dual-Radio Repeater
User’s Guide
Version: 1.5
Last Updated: 10/18/2004
Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pur-
suant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiated ra-
dio 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 equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is en-
couraged to try to correct the interference by one of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is con-
nected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Caution: To assure continued compliance, (example – use only shielded interface cables when
connecting to computer or peripheral devices). Any changes or modifications not expressly approved
by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or trans-
mitter.
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environ-
ment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20 cm between the ra-
diator & your body.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two condi-
tions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any inter-
ference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
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R&TTE Compliance Statement
This equipment complies with all the requirements of DIRECTIVE 1999/5/CE OF THE EUROPEAN
PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF 9 March 1999 on radio equipment and telecommunication
terminal equipment and the mutual recognition of their conformity (R&TTE).
The R&TTE Directive repeals and replaces in the directive 98/13/EEC (Telecommunications Termi-
nal Equipment and Satellite Earth Station Equipment) as of April 8,2000.
Safety
This equipment is designed with the utmost care for the safety of those who install and use it. How-
ever, special attention must be paid to the dangers of electric shock and static electricity when work-
ing with electrical equipment. All guidelines of this and of the computer manufacture must therefore
be allowed at all times to ensure the safe use of the equipment.
EU Countries Intended for Use
The ETSI version of this device is intended for home and office use in Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, France (with Frequency channel restrictions), Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,
Portugal, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, and United Kingdom.
The ETSI version of this device is also authorized for use in EFTA member states Norway and Swit-
zerland.
EU Countries Not Intended for Use
None.
Potential Restrictive Use
France: only channels 10, 11, 12, and 13.
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Overview...................................................................................................................1
1.2. Features.................................................................................................................... 1
1.3. LED Definitions ......................................................................................................... 4
2. First-Time Installation and Configuration ............................................................................ 5
2.1. Selecting a Power Supply Method............................................................................ 5
2.2. Mounting the DRRP on a Wall.................................................................................. 5
2.3. Preparing for Configuration....................................................................................... 6
2.3.1. Connecting the Managing Computer and the DRRP...................................... 6
2.3.2. Changing the TCP/IP Settings of the Managing Computer ............................ 7
2.4. Configuring the DRRP .............................................................................................. 7
2.4.1. Entering the User Name and Password ......................................................... 7
2.4.2. Step 1: Selecting an Operational Mode.......................................................... 9
2.4.3. Step 2: Configuring TCP/IP Settings ............................................................ 11
2.4.4. Step 3: Configuring IEEE 802.11 Settings.................................................... 11
2.4.5. Step 4: Reviewing and Applying Settings..................................................... 14
2.5. Deploying the DRRP............................................................................................... 14
3. Using Web-Based Network Manager................................................................................ 17
3.1. Overview................................................................................................................. 17
3.1.1. Menu Structure ............................................................................................. 17
3.1.2. Save, Save & Restart, and Cancel Commands............................................ 18
3.1.3. Home and Refresh Commands .................................................................... 19
3.2. Viewing Status ........................................................................................................ 19
3.2.1. Associated Wireless Clients ......................................................................... 19
3.2.2. Current DHCP Mappings.............................................................................. 20
3.2.3. System Log................................................................................................... 20
3.2.4. Link Monitor .................................................................................................. 20
3.3. General Operations ................................................................................................ 21
3.3.1. Specifying Operational Mode ....................................................................... 21
3.3.2. Changing Password ..................................................................................... 24
3.3.3. Managing Firmware...................................................................................... 24
3.3.3.1. Upgrading Firmware by HTTP............................................................ 24
3.3.3.2. Backing up and Restoring Configuration Settings by HTTP............... 25
3.3.3.3. Upgrading Firmware by TFTP ............................................................ 25
3.3.3.4. Backing up and Restoring Configuration Settings by TFTP ............... 27
3.3.3.5. Resetting Configuration to Factory Defaults....................................... 28
3.4. Configuring TCP/IP Related Settings ..................................................................... 29
3.4.1. Addressing.................................................................................................... 29
3.4.2. DHCP Server................................................................................................ 29
3.4.2.1. Basic................................................................................................... 29
3.4.2.2. Static DHCP Mappings....................................................................... 30
3.5. Configuring IEEE 802.11b-Related Settings........................................................... 30
3.5.1. Communication............................................................................................. 30
3.5.1.1. Basic................................................................................................... 30
3.5.1.2. Static Bridge Links.............................................................................. 31
3.5.1.3. AP Client ............................................................................................ 32
3.5.1.4. Link Integrity ....................................................................................... 33
3.5.1.5. Association Control ............................................................................ 33
3.5.1.6. AP Load Balancing............................................................................. 34
3.5.2. Security......................................................................................................... 34
3.5.2.1. AP Interface........................................................................................ 34
3.5.2.2. Static/Dynamic Bridge Interface ......................................................... 38
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3.5.3. IEEE 802.1x/RADIUS ................................................................................... 38
3.6. Configuring Advanced Settings .............................................................................. 40
3.6.1. Packet Filters................................................................................................ 40
3.6.1.1. Ethernet Type Filters .......................................................................... 40
3.6.1.2. IP Protocol Filters ............................................................................... 41
3.6.1.3. TCP/UDP Port Filters ......................................................................... 41
3.6.2. Management................................................................................................. 42
3.6.2.1. Basic................................................................................................... 42
3.6.2.2. UPnP .................................................................................................. 42
3.6.2.3. System Log ........................................................................................ 42
3.6.2.4. SNMP ................................................................................................. 43
Appendix A: Default Settings ................................................................................................ 44
Appendix B: Troubleshooting................................................................................................ 45
Appendix C: Additional Information....................................................................................... 47
C-1: Firmware Upgrade Using Xmodem Upgrade......................................................... 47
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1. Introduction
1.1. Overview
The wireless Dual-Radio Repeater (DRRP for short) is a multifunctional device that has two inde-
pendently configurable IEEE 802.11b interfaces. Each IEEE 802.11b interface can be configured ei-
ther as an AP (Access Point) interface, static bridge interface, or dynamic bridge interface. An AP
interface enables wireless clients to associate with this device for IEEE 802.11 infrastructure applica-
tions and the wireless clients can be authenticated by IEEE 802.1x/RADIUS. A static bridge interface
enables the device to connect to at most 6 other bridges wirelessly by the Wireless Distribution Sys-
tem (WDS) technology. A dynamic bridge interface automatically associates with a nearby AP to es-
tablish a bridge link.
With the sleek and intuitive Web-based user interface and Windows-based user interface (Wireless
Network Manager), an administrator can easily and clearly manage the dual-radio repeater. With its
maximal versatility and ease-of-management, this device can satisfy system integrators’ various re-
quirements.
In Chapter 2, we describe the steps to install and configure a newly acquired DRRP. Following the
steps, the DRRP can be quickly set up to work. In Chapter 3, detailed explanation of each Web man-
agement page is given for you to understand how to fine-tune the settings of a DRRP to meet his or
her specific needs. In addition to using Web-based management user interface to configure a DRRP,
the Windows-based Wireless Network Manager can also be used to configure and monitor deployed
DRRPs. See the on-line help of Wireless Network Manager for more information.
1.2. Features
IEEE 802.11b
Dual interfaces. According to the device’s operational mode, each of the two IEEE
802.11b interfaces can be configured as an AP (Access Point) interface, static bridge inter-
face, or dynamic bridge interface.
Operational modes
Bridge Repeater.In this mode, both WLAN interfaces are configured as
WDS-based static bridge interfaces. A bridge repeater forwards packets between two
wireless bridges. It’s possible to use multiple bridge repeaters between two wireless
bridges if the distance is very long.
Static AP Repeater. In this mode, one WLAN interface is configured as an AP in-
terface, and the other is configured as a WDS-based bridge interface. The static AP
repeater is suitable for situations in which Ethernet wiring between the AP and the
network backbone is impossible or costs highly and the topology of the wireless
bridging network is static.
Dynamic AP Repeater. In this mode, one WLAN interface is configured as an AP
interface, and the other is configured as an AP client-based dynamic bridge interface.
The dynamic AP repeater is suitable for situations in which Ethernet wiring between
the AP and the network backbone is impossible or costs highly and the network to-
pology is stellar (point-to-multipoint).
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Dual AP. In this mode, both WLAN interfaces are configured as AP interfaces. The
dual AP can handle twice the number of wireless clients than a normal AP. It can be
treated as “two APs in a box.”
AP interface
Enabling/disabling SSID broadcasts. The administrator can enable or disable
the SSID broadcasts functionality for security reasons. When the SSID broadcasts
functionality is disabled, a client computer cannot connect to the AP interface with an
"any" SSID; the correct SSID has to be specified on client computers.
MAC-address-based access control. Blocking unauthorized wireless client
computers based on MAC (Media Access Control) addresses. The ACL (Access
Control List) can be downloaded from a TFTP server.
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). The AP interface supports the WPA standard
proposed by the Wi-Fi Alliance (http://www.wi-fi.org). Both WPA-PSK (Pre-Shared
Key) mode and full WPA mode are supported. WPA is composed of TKIP (Temporal
Key Integrity Protocol) and IEEE 802.1x and serves as a successor to WEP for better
WLAN security.
IEEE 802.1x/RADIUS. User authentication and dynamic encryption key distribu-
tion can be achieved by IEEE 802.1x Port-Based Network Access Control and RA-
DIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service).
Wireless client isolation. Wireless-to-wireless traffic among the associated wire-
less clients can be blocked so that the wireless clients cannot see each other. This ca-
pability can be used in hotspots applications to prevent wireless hackers from attack-
ing other wireless users’ computers.
AP load balancing. Several APs can form a load-balancing group. Within a group,
wireless client associations and traffic load can be shared among the APs. This func-
tion is available when the AP is in AP/Bridge mode.
Link integrity. If the Ethernet LAN interface is detected to be disconnected from
the wired network, all currently associated wireless clients are disassociated by the
AP and no wireless client can associate with it.
Association control. When the AP is in AP/Bridge mode, it can be configured to
deny association requests when it has served too many wireless clients or traffic load
is too heavy.
Associated wireless clients status. Showing the status of all wireless clients
that are associated with the AP interface.
Static bridge interface
6 Bridge links. The static bridge interface provides 6 bridge links based on the
WDS (Wireless Distribution System) technology, so that it can wirelessly connect to
at most 6 other wireless bridges, APs, or wireless routers with WDS support.
Antenna alignment assistance.The DRRP provides a WDS link quality indica-
tor via Wireless Network Manager to facilitate alignment of directional antennas
when deploying pairs of wireless bridges.
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Link health monitoring. This feature enables the administrator to see if the WDS
links of the DRRP to other peer wireless bridges are working fine.
Dynamic bridge interface
Link monitor. This feature enables the administrator to monitor link quality and sig-
nal strength of the AP client-based dynamic bridge link.
Site survey. This feature enables the administrator to scan nearby APs, and then
select a scanned AP to associate with.
64-bit and 128-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). Data transmitted over AP or
bridge links can be protected by WEP encryption for better security.
Transmit power control. Transmit power of the DRRP’s RF modules can be adjusted
to change RF coverage of the DRRP.
Detachable antennas. The factory-mounted antennas can be replaced with high-gain
antennas for different purposes.
DHCP client. The DRRP can automatically obtain an IP address from a DHCP server.
DHCP server. The DRRP can automatically assign IP addresses to computers or other devices
by DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol).
Static DHCP mappings. The administrator can specify static IP address to MAC ad-
dress mappings so that the specified IP addresses are always assigned to the hosts with the
specified MAC addresses.
Showing current DHCP mappings. Showing which IP address is assigned to which
host identified by an MAC address.
Packet Filtering. The DRRP provides Layer 2, Layer 3, and Layer 4 filtering capabilities.
Firmware Tools
Firmware upgrade. The firmware of the DRRP can be upgraded in the following meth-
ods:
Xmodem-based. Upgrading firmware over RS232.
TFTP-based. Upgrading firmware by TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol).
HTTP-based. Upgrading firmware by HTTP (HeperText Transfer Protocol).
Configuration backup. The configuration settings of the DRRP can be backed up to a
file via TFTP or HTTP for later restoring.
Configuration reset. Resetting the configuration settings to factory-default values.
Management
Windows-based Wireless Network Manager for configuring, monitoring, and diag-
nosing the local computer and neighboring APs. The management protocol is MAC-based.
Web-based Network Manager for configuring and monitoring the DRRP via a Web
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browser. The Web management port can be specified (80 by default).
SNMP. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) MIB I, MIB II, IEEE 802.1d,
IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.1x, and Enterprise MIB are supported.
UPnP. The DRRP responds to UPnP discovery messages so that a Windows XP user can
locate the DRRP in My Network Places and use a Web browser to configure it.
System log. For system operational status monitoring.
Local log. System events are logged to the on-board RAM of the DRRP and can be
viewed using a Web browser.
Remote log by SNMP trap. Systems events are sent in the form of SNMP traps to
a remote SNMP management server.
Remote log by BSD Syslog. Systems events are sent in the form of BSD Syslog
(RFC3164) to a remote Syslog server.
Power over Ethernet (optional). Supplying power to a DRRP over an Ethernet cable using
PowerDsine (http://www.powerdsine.com) technology (IEEE 802.3af compliant in the future).
This feature facilitates large-scale wireless LAN deployment.
Hardware Watchdog Timer. If the firmware gets stuck in an invalid state, the hardware
watchdog timer will detect this situation and restart the DRRP. This way, the DRRP can provide
continuous services.
1.3. LED Definitions
There are several LED indicators on the housing of the DRRP. They are defined as follows:
ALV:Alive. Blinks when the DRRP is working normally.
RF: 1st IEEE 802.11b interface activity
RF2: 2nd IEEE 802.11b interface activity
LAN: Ethernet LAN interface activity
PWR: Power
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2. First-Time Installation and Configuration
2.1. Selecting a Power Supply Method
Optionally, the DRRP can be powered by the supplied power adapter or POE (Power over Ethernet).
The DRRP automatically selects the suitable one depending on your decision.
To power the DRRP by the supplied power adapter:
1. Plug the power adapter to an AC socket.
2. Plug the connector of the power adapter to the power jack of the DRRP.
NOTE: This product is intended to be power-supplied by a Listed Power Unit, marked “Class 2” or
“LPS” and output rated “5V DC, 1 A minimum” or equivalent statement.
To power the DRRP by POE:
1. Plug one connector of an Ethernet cable to an available port of an active Ethernet switch that can
supply power over Ethernet.
2. Plug the other connector of the Ethernet cable to the LAN/Config port of the DRRP.
2.2. Mounting the DRRP on a Wall
The DRRP is wall-mountable.
1. Stick the supplied sticker for wall-mounting.
2. Use a
φ7.0mm driller to drill a 25mm-deep hole at each of the cross marks.
3. Plug in a supplied plastic conical anchor in each hole.
4. Screw a supplied screw in each plastic conical anchor for a proper depth so that the wireless
DRRP can be hung on the screws.
5. Hang the wireless DRRP on the screws.
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Fig. 1. Mounting the DRRP on a wall.
2.3. Preparing for Configuration
For you to configure a DRRP, a managing computer with a Web browser is needed. For first-time
configuration of a DRRP, an Ethernet network interface card (NIC) should have been installed in the
managing computer. For maintenance-configuration of a deployed DRRP, either a wireless computer
(if the DRRP is configured to act as an AP Repeater or Dual AP) or a wired computer can be em-
ployed as the managing computer.
NOTE: If you are using the browser, Opera, to configure a DRRP, click the menu item File, click
Preferences..., click File types, and edit the MIME type, text/html, to add a file extension “.sht” so
that Opera can work properly with the Web management pages of the DRRP.
Since the configuration/management protocol is HTTP-based, we have to make sure that the IP ad-
dress of the managing computer and the IP address of the managed DRRP are in the same IP
subnet (the default IP address of a DRRP is 192.168.0.1 and the default subnet mask is
255.255.255.0.)
2.3.1. Connecting the Managing Computer and the DRRP
To connect the Ethernet managing computer and the managed DRRP for first-time configuration, you
have two choices as illustrated in Fig. 2.
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Managing
Computer
Normal
Ethernet
cable
Managed
DRRP
Normal
Ethernet
cable
Ethernet
Hub/Switch
Cross-over
Ethernet
cable
Fig. 2. Connecting a managing computer and a DRRP via Ethernet.
You can use either a cross-over Ethernet cable (included in the package) or a switch/hub with 2 nor-
mal Ethernet cables.
NOTE: One connector of the Ethernet cable must be plugged into the LAN/CONFIG Ethernet jack
of the DRRP for configuration.
2.3.2. Changing the TCP/IP Settings of the Managing
Computer
Use the Windows Network Control Panel Applet to change the TCP/IP settings of the managing
computer, so that the IP address of the computer and the IP address of the DRRP are in the same IP
subnet. Set the IP address of the computer to 192.168.0.xxx (the default IP address of a DRRP is
192.168.0.1) and the subnet mask to 255.255.255.0.
NOTE: For some versions of Windows, the computer needs to be restarted for the changes of TCP/IP
settings to take effect.
TIP: After you have connected the managing computer and the DRRP via Ethernet, you can install
Wireless Network Manager on the managing computer and use it to configure the DRRP without be-
ing concerned about the TCP/IP settings of the managing computer. Refer to the on-line help of Wire-
less Network Manager for more information.
2.4. Configuring the DRRP
After the IP addressing issue is resolved, launch a Web browser on the managing computer. Then, go
to “http://192.168.0.1” to access the Web-based Network Manager start page.
TIP: For maintenance configuration of a DRRP, the DRRP can be reached by its host name using a
Web browser. For example, if the DRRP is named “DRRP”, you can use the URL “http://DRRP” to
access the Web-based Network Manager of the DRRP.
2.4.1. Entering the User Name and Password
Before the start page is shown, you will be prompted to enter the user name and password to gain the
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right to access the Web-based Network Manager. For first-time configuration, use the default user
name “root” and default password “root”, respectively.
Fig. 3. Entering the user name and password.
NOTE: It is strongly recommended that the password be changed to other value for security reasons.
On the start page, click the General, Password link to change the value of the password (see Section
3.3.1 for more information).
TIP: Since the start page shows the current settings and status of the DRRP, it can be saved or printed
within the Web browser for future reference.
Fig. 4. The Start page.
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2.4.2. Step 1: Selecting an Operational Mode
Fig. 5. Operational modes.
Go to the General, Operational Mode section to select an operational mode for the DRRP. There are
4 operational modes—Bridge Repeater, Static AP Repeater, Dynamic AP Repeater, and Dual AP.
Bridge Repeater. In this mode, both WLAN interfaces are configured as WDS-based static
bridge interfaces. A bridge repeater forwards packets between two wireless bridges. It’s possible
to use multiple bridge repeaters between two wireless bridges if the distance is very long.
LAN
Segment
2
LAN
Segment
1
Wireless
Bridge
Bridge Repeater Wireless
Bridge
WDS Link
Fig. 6. Bridge Repeater mode.
Static AP Repeater. In this mode, one WLAN interface is configured as an AP interface, and
the other is configured as a WDS-based bridge interface. The static AP repeater is suitable for
situations in which Ethernet wiring between the AP and the network backbone is impossible or
costs highly and the topology of the wireless bridging network is static.
Static AP Repeater
Notebook
Computer
LAN
Wireless
Bridge
WDS Link
Fig. 7. Static AP Repeater mode.
Dynamic AP Repeater. In this mode, one WLAN interface is configured as an AP interface,
and the other is configured as an AP client-based dynamic bridge interface. The dynamic AP
repeater is suitable for situations in which Ethernet wiring between the AP and the network
backbone is impossible or costs highly and the network topology is stellar (point-to-multipoint).
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Dynamic AP
Repeater
Notebook
Computer
LAN
AP
AP Client Link
Fig. 8. Dynamic AP Repeater mode.
Dual AP. In this mode, both WLAN interfaces are configured as AP interfaces. The dual AP can
handle twice the number of wireless clients than a normal AP. It can be treated as “two APs in a
box.”
LAN
Dual AP
Notebook
Computer
IEEE 802.11b
Channel 1
IEEE 802.11b
Channel 6
Fig. 9. Dual AP mode.
The following table shows the type of each WLAN interface for each operational mode.
WLAN 1 Interface Type WLAN 2 Interface Type
Bridge Repeater Static Bridge (WDS) Static Bridge (WDS)
Static AP Repeater AP Static Bridge (WDS)
Dynamic AP Repeater AP Dynamic Bridge (AP Client)
Dual AP AP AP
There are 2 types of wireless links as specified by the IEEE 802.11 standard.
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STA-AP. This type of wireless link is established between an IEEE 802.11 Station (STA)
and an IEEE 802.11 Access Point (AP). An STA is usually a client computer (PC or PDA)
with a WLAN network interface card (NIC). A dynamic bridge interface (AP Client) acts
as an STA.
WDS. This type of wireless link is established between two IEEE 802.11 APs. Wireless
packets transmitted along the WDS link comply with the IEEE 802.11 WDS (Wireless
Distribution System) format at the link layer.
NOTE: Although it’s more convenient to use AP client-based dynamic bridging, it has a limita-
tion—the AP Client only can handles only TCP/IP packets; other type of traffic (such as IPX and
AppleTalk) cannot be processed correctly.
2.4.3. Step 2: Configuring TCP/IP Settings
Fig. 10. TCP/IP settings.
Go to the TCP/IP, Addressing section to configure IP address settings. The IP address can be manu-
ally set or automatically assigned by a DHCP server on the LAN. If you are manually setting the IP
Address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway settings, set them appropriately, so that they comply
with your LAN environment. In addition, you can specify the Host Name and Domain (DNS suffix)
of the DRRP. When you are finished, click Save at the bottom of this page, and then you are brought
back to the start page.
2.4.4. Step 3: Configuring IEEE 802.11 Settings
Go to the IEEE 802.11, Communication section to configure IEEE 802.11b-related communication
settings, including Regulatory Domain, Channel Number, Network Name (SSID), and Bridge Links,
for both WLAN interfaces, depending on their interface types. No matter the type of a WLAN inter-
face is AP, static bridge, or dynamic bridge, Regulatory Domain, Channel Number, and Network
Name have to be configured.
The number of available RF channels depends on local regulations; therefore you have to choose an
appropriate regulatory domain to comply with local regulations. For two wireless devices to com-
municate with each other, they must be set to identical SSID (Service Set IDentifier).
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Fig. 11. Basic IEEE 802.11b communication settings.
For a static bridge interface, also set the MAC address of each peer bridge according to your planned
network topology. Specify an MAC address, and then select its corresponding checkbox.
Fig. 12. Bridge links settings.
When you are finished, click Save at the bottom of this page, and then you are brought back to the
start page.
TIP: Plan your wireless network and draw a diagram, so that you know how a DRRP is connected to
other peer bridges and can therefore set the bridge links settings correctly.
TIP: Plan your wireless network and draw a diagram, so that you know how a bridge is connected to
other peer bridges by WDS. See the following figure for an example network-planning diagram.
Fig. 13. Sample wireless bridge network topology.
WARNING: Don’t let your network topology consisting of wireless DRRPs, wireless bridges,
Ethernet switches, Ethernet links, and WDS links contains loops. If any loops exist, packets will circle
around the loops and network performance will be seriously degraded.
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Fig. 14. Network topology containing a loop.
TIP: You can check whether the WDS links of the DRRP are functioning by using Wireless Network
Manager.
Fig. 15. Link health monitoring.
Run Wireless Network Manager on a computer and locate the DRRP you want to manage. Go to the
WDS tab, and then click Test. The test results (OK or Broken) will be shown in the Link Status col-
umn of the WDS links table.
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2.4.5. Step 4: Reviewing and Applying Settings
Fig. 16. Settings changes are highlighted in red.
On the start page, you can review all the settings you have made. Changes are highlighted in red. If
they are OK, click Restart to restart the DRRP for the new settings to take effect.
NOTE: About 7 seconds are needed for the DRRP to complete its restart process.
2.5. Deploying the DRRP
After the settings have been configured, deploy the DRRP to the field application environment. Con-
nect the DRRP to a LAN segment through an Ethernet switch/hub.
If external high-gain directional antennas are used for LAN-to-LAN bridge interfaces, it’s difficult to
adjust alignments of the antennas when distance between the DRRP and its peer bridge is long.
To adjust the alignments of directional antennas:
1. Connect each device to a computer via Ethernet.
2. Configure the date rate of each bridge to the lowest value, 1Mbps.
3. Fix the alignment of the antenna on one side.
4. Adjust the alignment of the other side by using response time information obtained from
PINGing (run PING.exe) the “fixed-side” computer.
5. Fine-tune the alignment of the antenna until you get a best response time.
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