Linksys WAP11 - Instant Wireless Network Access... User manual

Instant WirelessTM Series
WirelessNetwork
AccessPoint
Use this guide to install: WAP11 User Guide

COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS
Copyright © 2001 Linksys, All Rights Reserved. Instant Wireless™ is a registered trade-
mark of Linksys. Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks and brand names are the property of their
respective proprietors.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Linksys guarantees that every Wireless Network Access Point is free from physical
defects in material and workmanship under normal use for one year from the date of pur-
chase. If the product proves defective during this warranty period, call Linksys Customer
Support in order to obtain a Return Authorization Number. BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR
PROOF OF PURCHASE AND A BARCODE FROM THE PRODUCT'S PACKAGING ON
HAND WHEN CALLING. RETURN REQUESTS CANNOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT
PROOF OF PURCHASE. When returning a product, mark the Return Authorization
Number clearly on the outside of the package and include your original proof of pur-
chase. All customers located outside of the United States of America and Canada shall
be held responsible for shipping and handling charges.
IN NO EVENT SHALL LINKSYS’ LIABILITY EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE PROD-
UCT FROM DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAM-
AGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCT, ITS ACCOMPANYING SOFT-
WARE, OR ITS DOCUMENTATION. LINKSYS DOES NOT OFFER REFUNDS FOR ANY
PRODUCT. Linksys makes no warranty or representation, expressed, implied, or statuto-
ry, with respect to its products or the contents or use of this documentation and all
accompanying software, and specifically disclaims its quality, performance, mer-
chantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. Linksys reserves the right to revise or
update its products, software, or documentation without obligation to notify any individ-
ual or entity. Please direct all inquiries to:
Linksys P.O. Box 18558, Irvine, CA 92623.
FCC STATEMENT
This product has been tested and complies with the specifications for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide rea-
sonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equip-
ment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used according to the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communi-
cations. 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 is found by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment or device
• Connect the equipment to an outlet other than the receiver’s
• Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth
for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with
minimum distance 20cm between the radiator and your body.
UG-WAP11-10719D DG

Wireless Network Access Point
Introduction
The Instant WirelessTM Wireless Network Access Point
Don’t be bound by cabling restrictions any longer! The Instant Wireless™
Network Access Point from Linksys delivers the freedom to configure your net-
work your way. Utilization of state-of-the-art wireless technology gives you the
ability to set up workstations in ways you never though possible; no cables to
install means fewer expenses and fewer hassles.
The Instant Wireless™ Network Access Point’s high-powered antennas offer a
range of operation of up to 457 meters, providing seamless roaming throughout
your LAN infrastructure. Advanced user authentication ensures a high level of
security for wireless networking, while easy-to-use Windows-based diagnostics
and statistic tools ensure that you’ll always be in control. Best of all, the Instant
Wireless Network Access Point features easy installation— just plug it in and
you’re ready to go!
When all these features come together in one compact, lightweight, and power-
efficient unit, you have the ultimate in flexible networking—the Linksys Instant
Wireless™ Network Access Point.
Features
• Highly Efficient Dipole Antennas Provide Extensive Range of Operation
• EnjoyYour Wireless Office Beyond the Range of Ethernet Networking
• Auto Fall-Back Data Rate for Long-Distance Communication and Noisy
Environments
• High-Speed Data Transfer Rate Up to 11 Mbps
• Interoperable with IEEE 802.11b (DSSS) 2.4GHz-Compliant Equipment
• Features Roaming, Best Access Point Selection, Load Balancing, and
Network Traffic Filtering
• Extensive Operating Range Supports 150m (Indoors) and 500m (Outdoors)
• 64-Bit Wired Equivalent Privacy
• Free Software Driver Upgrades
• Compatible with Virtually All Major Operating Systems
• Auto Fallback Data Rate for Long-Distance Communication and Noisy
Environments
• Free Technical Support—24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week for North
America Only
• 1-Year Limited Warranty
TableofContents
Introduction 1
The Instant WirelessTM Wireless Network Access Point 1
Features 1
Package Contents 2
System Requirements 2
Planning Your Wireless Network 3
Network Topology 3
Roaming 3
Getting to Know theWireless Network Access Point 4
The Wireless Access Point’s Rear Panel 4
The Wireless Access Point’s Front Panel 6
Connecting and Setting Up
the Wireless Network Access Point 7
Installing the USB Drivers for theWireless NetworkAccess Point 8
Installing the Driver Software for Windows 98 8
Installing the Driver Software for Windows Millennium 10
Installing the Driver Software for Windows 2000 11
Configuring the Wireless NetworkAccess Point 14
Installing the Configuration Utility 14
The USB Configuration Utility 18
Configuring the Wireless Network Access Point
with the USB Configuration Utility 18
TheAccess Point’s SNMP Configuration Utility 28
Creating a Temporary IP Address 28
Configuring the Wireless Network Access Point
with the Access Point’s SNMP Configuration Utility 29
Troubleshooting 40
Common Problems and Solutions 40
Frequently Asked Questions 40
Glossary 44
Specifications 49
Environmental 50
Warranty Information 51
Contact Information 52
1
Instant WirelessTM Series

Wireless Network Access Point
3
PlanningYourWirelessNetwork
Network Topology
A wireless LAN is a group of computers, each equipped with one Instant
Wireless™ Network Card. Computers in a wireless LAN must be configured
to share the same radio channel.
The Instant Wireless™ Network Card provides access to a wired LAN for wire-
less workstations. An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an
Infrastructure configuration. A group of Instant Wireless™ Network Card
users and an Instant Wireless™ NetworkAccess Point compose a Basic Service
Set (BSS). Each Instant Wireless™ Network Card PC in a BSS can talk to any
computer in a wired LAN infrastructure via the Instant Wireless™ Network
Access Point.
An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of an Instant
Wireless™ Network Card PC to a wired LAN, and doubles the effective wire-
less transmission range for two Instant Wireless™ Network Card PCs. Since
the Wireless Network Access Point is able to forward data within its BSS, the
effective transmission range in an infrastructure LAN is doubled.
The use of a unique ID in a BSS is essential. All Instant Wireless™ Network
PC Card PCs configured without roaming options in an independent BSS must
be configured with a BSS ID used in the BSS.
The wireless LAN Infrastructure configuration is appropriate for enterprise-
scale wireless access to a central database, or as a wireless application for
mobile users.
Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. More
than one BSS can be configured as an Extended Service Set (ESS). This con-
tinuous network allows users to roam freely within an ESS. All Instant
Wireless™ Network PC Card PCs within one ESS must be configured with the
same ESS ID and use the same radio channel.
Before enabling an ESS with roaming capability, choosing a feasible radio
channel and optimum Wireless Network Access Point position is recommend-
ed. Proper Wireless Network Access Point positioning combined with a clear
radio signal will greatly enhance performance.
Instant WirelessTM Series
Package Contents
• One Instant WirelessTM Network Access Point
• One AC Power Adapter
• One Setup CD-ROM
• One User Guide and Registration Card
• Two Detachable Antennas
• One USB Cable
System Requirements
• A PC with USB Support or Ethernet Connection
• Windows 95, 98, Millennium, NT version 4.0, or 2000 Professional
• 500 Kbytes of free disk space for utility and driver installation
• A 10 Mbps Category 3 or Better network RJ-45 connection
2
Roaming
Linux/Unix Users: Though these operating systems are not supported by
Linksys, the Wireless Access Point should work in these environments. The
WAP11 can be configured under these operating systems using SNMP. A
configurable Management Information Base file (MIB) named
AT76C510.MIB can be found on the Setup Utility CD. This file is for
Linux/Unix users only, and is not necessary for anyWindows installation.

Instant WirelessTM Series
GettingtoKnowtheWireless
NetworkAccessPoint
The ADSL Modem Router’s Rear Panel
Your Access Point’s ports, where network cables are connected, are located on
the rear panel of your Access Point.
The Wireless Network Access Point’s Ports
Dipole Antenna
Connectors These two round connections are where the anten-
nas are connected to the Access Point.
LAN This LAN (Local Area Network) port connects to
network devices, such as a hub, switch, or router.
Power The Power port is where you will connect the
power adapter. Be sure to connect the power cord to
the power adapter before plugging it in.
Configuration Port The Configuration Port is a USB port (Type B-
slave) which connects to a USB-ready PC in order
to configure the Access Point’s settings. To work
with USB ports, your PC must be running Windows
98, 2000, or Millennium.
4
Your Access Point comes with a USB cable that has two different types of con-
nectors. Type A, the master connector, is shaped like a rectangle and plugs into
your PC’s
USB port. Type B, the slave connector, resembles a square and connects to the
USB port on the rear panel of your Wireless Network Access Point.
USB Compatibility with Your PC
To use the USB port on the Wireless Network Access Point, you must have
Windows 98, 2000, or Millennium installed on your PC. USB is not support-
ed in a Windows 95 or NT environment.
Also, your PC must have a USB port installed and enabled. Some PCs may
have a disabled USB port. If your port doesn’t seem to be working, there may
be jumpers on the motherboard or a menu option in the BIOS to enable a PC’s
USB port.
Other motherboards have USB interfaces, but no ports. You can install your
own USB port and attach it to your PC’s motherboard using hardware pur-
chased at retail computer stores. See your PC’s User Guide for instructions.
There is no USB Support on PCs
running Windows 95 or Windows NT.
USB Type A USB Type B
The Wireless Access Point’s Rear Panel
Note: The Configuration Port does not connect your Access
Point to your PC (or any other device) for networking purposes.
Its only function is to allow you to configure yourAccess Point’s
settings. Once the Access Point is configured, you may remove
the USB cable connecting the Access Point to your PC.
Wireless Network Access Point
5

Instant WirelessTM Series
ConnectingandSettingUpthe
WirelessNetworkAccessPoint
1. Locate an optimum location for theWireless NetworkAccess Point.The
best place for your Wireless NetworkAccess Point is usually at the center of
your wireless network, with line of sight to all of your mobile stations.
2. Fix the direction of the antenna.Try to place it in a position which can best
cover your wireless network. Normally, the higher you place the antenna, the
better the performance will be. The antenna’s position enhances the receiv-
ing sensitivity.
3. Connect an RJ-45 connector to theWireless NetworkAccess Point.Then,
connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to a switch or hub. The Wireless
Network Access Point will then be connected to your 10/100 Network.
4. Connect the AC Power Adapter to the Wireless Network Access Point’s
Power Socket. Only use the power adapter supplied with the Wireless
Network Access Point. Use of a different adapter may result in product dam-
age.
5. Connect the appropriate end of the USB Cable to theWireless Network
Access Point’s Configuration Port. Connect the other end to the USB port
on your PC. If your USB port is working properly, your system should
immediately recognize the Access Point and attempt to install drivers for it.
Continue on to the next section for instructions on how to install the drivers.
Now that the hardware installation is complete, proceed to Installing the USB
Drivers for theWireless NetworkAccess Point and The USB Configuration
Utility for configuring the Access Point through your PC’s USB port. To con-
figure the Access Point through an Ethernet or Wireless connection, proceed to
TheAccess Point’s SNMP Configuration Utility.
The Hardware Installation is complete.
7
Wireless Network Access Point
T
he ADSL Modem + Router’s LEDs
The LAN Indicators
Power Red. The Power LED lights up when the Access Point is
powered on.
Link Amber. The Link LED serves two purposes. If the LED is
continuously lit up, theAccess Point is successfully connect-
ed to a device through the LAN port. If the LED is flicker-
ing, it is an indication of any network activity.
Act Green.The Act LED is lit to show that other wireless devices
are accessing the Access Point. If the LED is flickering, the
Access Point is actively sending or receiving data to or from
one of the wireless devices on the network.
The Wireless Access Point’s Front Panel
Note: Once your Access Point is installed and con-
figured, the USB cable may be removed.
6

3. Windows will now ask you where to search for the driver software. Select
Specify a location and type in the blank field D:\WAP11\WIN9X (where
“D” specifies your CD-ROM). Then, click the Next button.
4. Windows will now search for the driver. After Windows has acknowledged
finding the driver, click the Next button.
5. Windows will now install the driver files. Click the Finish button when com-
pleted.
6. Continue on to the Configuring theWireless NetworkAccess Point section
for software installation.
9
InstallingtheUSBDriversfor
theWirelessNetworkAccess
Point
1. Windows 98 will automatically identify the Wireless Network Access Point,
once it is connected to the PC, and prompt you to install the necessary driver.
Make sure that the Setup Utility CD is inserted into your CD-ROM drive and
click the Next button on the Add New HardwareWizard screen to proceed.
(When you insert the Setup Utility CD, the installation may try to run auto-
matically. If it does, exit out of the program and return here.)
2. Select Search for the best driver... and click the Next button. This will
search for the Windows 98 driver.
8
Instant WirelessTM Series Wireless Network Access Point
Installing the Driver Software for Windows 98

1. Windows 2000 will automatically identify the Wireless Network Access
Point, once it is connected to the PC, and prompt you to install the necessary
driver. Make sure that the Setup Utility CD is inserted into your CD-ROM
drive and click the Next button on the Found New HardwareWizard screen
to proceed.
2. Select Search for a suitable driver... and click the Next button. This will
search for the Windows 2000 driver.
11
1. Windows Millennium
will automatically identi-
fy the Wireless Network
Access Point, once it is
connected to the PC, and
prompt you to install the
necessary driver.
2. Select Automatic Search for a better driver (Recommended) and click the
Next button. This will search for the Windows Millennium driver.
3. Windows will now install the driver files. Click the Finish button when com-
pleted. Windows may ask for the driver, which is located at
“D:\WAP11\USBDrv” (where “D” specifies your CD-ROM drive). Click
OK.
4. Continue on to the Configuring the Wireless NetworkAccess Point sec-
tion for software installation now.
10
Instant WirelessTM Series
Installing the Driver Software for Windows 2000
Wireless Network Access Point
Installing the Driver Software for Windows Millennium

5. Windows will now install the driver files. Click the Finish button when com-
pleted.
6. Continue on to the Configuring the Wireless NetworkAccess Point sec-
tion for software installation.
13
3. Under “Optional Search Locations”, select Specify a location and click the
Next button.
4. You will be prompted to enter a path; type “D:\WAP11\usbdrv” (where D:
is the letter of your CD-ROM drive) and click OK. Windows will now
search for the driver. After Windows has acknowledged finding the driver,
click the Next button.
12
Instant WirelessTM Series Wireless Network Access Point

Instant WirelessTM Series
Configuring the Wireless
Network Access Point
The Wireless Network Access Point can be configured one of two ways,
through the USB Utility or the Access Point SNMP Configuration Utility.
USB Utility
The USB Utility can be used when configuring the Wireless Network Access
Point through a USB connection and is compatible with Windows 98,
Millennium, and 2000.
Access Point SNMP Configuration Utility
The Access Point SNMP Configuration Utility can be used when configuring
the Wireless NetworkAccess Point through an Ethernet connection and is com-
patible with all Windows Operating Systems. You may also configure the
Access Point through its wireless connections.
Insert the Setup Utility CD into your CD-ROM Drive. The Setup Utility
should run automatically and
the screen shown on the top of
the next page should appear.
If it does not, click the Start
button and choose Run. In the
box that appears, enter
D:\setup.exe (where “D” is
the letter of your CD-ROM
drive).
14
Note: In order for all other wireless devices to communicate with the Wireless
Network Access Point, those devices must be operating in the Infrastructure
Mode. If any wireless devices are configured in the Ad Hoc Mode, they will
not be recognized by the Access Point.
Installing the Configuration Utility
1.The following screen should appear.
Click on the WAP11 product button in the column on the left to select it.
2.When this screen appears, click on the Install tab to start the setup.
15
Wireless Network Access Point
Linux/Unix Users: Since the Configuration Utility is written for Windows
users, you will have to configure theWirelessAccess Point using SNMP. A con-
figurable MIB file (AT76C510.MIB) can be found on the Setup Utility CD.
Remember, Linksys does not support Linux or Unix as an operating system.
This file is for Linux/Unix users only, and is not necessary for anyWindows
installation.
Note: This useful menu screen can be accessed at any time, simply by insert-
ing the Setup Utility CD into your CD-ROM drive. From this menu, software
can be uninstalled, you may view online documentation and contact informa-
tion.