Linksys WAP54A - Instant Wireless - Access Point User manual

Instant WirelessTM Series
Wireless Access
Point
Use this guide to install: WAP54A User Guide

COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS
Copyright © 2002 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 Access Point is free from physical defects in
material and workmanship under normal use for one year from the date of purchase. If
the product proves defective during this warranty period, call Linksys Technical 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 PUR-
CHASE. When returning a product, mark the Return Authorization Number clearly on the
outside of the package and include a copy of your original proof of purchase. All cus-
tomers located outside of the United States of America and Canada shall be held respon-
sible 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 devices
• 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-WAP54A-040302NC KL

Wireless Access Point
Chapter 1: Introduction
The Instant WirelessTM Wireless Access Point
Don’t be bound by cabling restrictions any longer! The Instant Wireless™
WirelessAccess 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 thought possible; no cables
to install means less expense and less hassle.
The Instant Wireless™ Wireless Access Point’s high-powered antenna offers a
range of operation of up to 328 feet indoors, providing seamless roaming
throughout your wireless LAN infrastructure; an advanced user authentication
feature ensures a high level of network security. The Instant Wireless™
Wireless Access Point is easy to install (just plug it in and you’re ready to go!)
and easy to use. With Internet browser-based diagnostics and statistic tools,
you’re always in control.
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™ Wireless Access Point.
Features
• Interoperable with other 802.11a wireless equipment
• Up to 72Mbps turbo mode (only when used with the Linksys WPC54A)
• Up to 64 wireless users (nodes)
• Operation in the uncrowded 5 GHz band
• Enhanced security using up to 152-bit WEP encryption
• MAC address filtering and WEP ensure DSSS security
• Quick and easy setup using your own web browser
• Easy-to-Use Web-Based management
• Free technical support— 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, toll-free U.S. calls
• 1-Year limited warranty
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
The Instant WirelessTM Wireless Access Point 1
Features 1
Package Contents 2
System Requirements 2
Chapter 2: PlanningYour Wireless Network 3
Network Topology 3
Roaming 3
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless Access Point 4
The Wireless Access Point’s Ports 4
The Wireless Access Point’s LEDs 5
Chapter 4: Connecting theWirelessAccess Point 6
Chapter 5: Configuring the WirelessAccess Point 7
The Setup Tab 7
The Status Tab 11
The Filter Tab 12
The Advanced Tab 13
The Help Tab 14
AppendixA: Troubleshooting 16
Frequently Asked Questions 16
Appendix B: Setting Up the TCP/IP Protocol 21
Setting Up TCP/IP in Windows 21
TCP/IP Setup for Windows 98 and Millennium 22
TCP/IP Setup for Windows NT 4.0 22
TCP/IP Setup for Windows 2000 23
TCP/IP Setup for Windows XP 23
Appendix C: Glossary 24
Appendix D: Specifications 32
Environmental 32
Appendix E:Warranty Information 33
Appendix F: Contact Information 34
1
Instant WirelessTM Series

Wireless Access Point
3
Chapter 2: Planning Your
Wireless Network
A wireless LAN is a group of computers, each equipped with one Instant
Wireless™ Series adapter. Computers in a wireless LAN must be configured
to share the same radio channel.
The Instant Wireless™ Series adapters provide 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™ Series adapter
users and an Instant Wireless™ WirelessAccess Point compose a Basic Service
Set (BSS). Each Instant Wireless™ Series adapter PC in a BSS can talk to any
computer in a wired LAN infrastructure via the Instant Wireless™ Wireless
Access Point.
An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of an Instant
Wireless™ Series adapter PC to a wired LAN, and doubles the effective wire-
less transmission range for two Instant Wireless™ Series adapter PCs. Since
the Wireless Access Point is able to forward data within its BSS, the effective
transmission range in an infrastructure LAN is doubled.
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 PCs equipped
with an Instant Wireless™ Series adapter 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 Access Point position is recommended. Proper
Wireless Access Point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will
greatly enhance performance.
Instant WirelessTM Series
Package Contents
• One Wireless Access Point (IEEE 802.11a)
• One Power Adapter
• One User Guide
• Registration Card (not shown)
s
• One Pentium Class, 200MHz or Faster, PC equipped with Windows 98,
Millennium, NT version 4.0, 2000, or XP, 64 MB RAM, and an Ethernet
Adapter with Network Cable for Initial Setup
• One 802.11a-compliant Wireless Adapter
2
Roaming
Figure 1-1
Network Topology
Minimum Requirements

Wireless Access Point
Instant WirelessTM Series
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the
Wireless Access Point
The Access Point’s ports, where a network cable is connected, are located on
the Access Point’s rear panel, as shown in Figure 3-1.
LAN This LAN (Local Area Network) port connects to
Ethernet network devices, such as a hub, switch, or
router.
DC 5V The Power port is where you will connect the power
adapter.
Reset (Button) Briefly pressing the Reset Button, for approximately ten
seconds, will refresh the Access Point’s connections,
potentially clearing any jammed links.
4
The Wireless Access Point’s Ports
Figure 3-1
The Access Point’s LEDs, where information about the unit’s current status is
displayed, are located on the Access Point’s front panel, as shown in Figure 3-
2.
Power Green. The Power LED lights up when the Access Point is
powered on.
ACT Green. If the LED is flickering, the Access Point is actively
sending or receiving data to or from one of the devices on the
network.
LINK Green. 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.
The Wireless Access Point’s LEDs
Figure 3-2
Important: Resetting the Access Point will erase all of your settings
(WEP Encryption, Wireless and LAN settings, etc.) and replace
them with the factory defaults. Do not reset the Access Point if you
want to retain these settings.
5

7
Instant WirelessTM Series
Chapter 5: Configuring the
Wireless Access Point
The Access Point has been designed to be functional right out of the box, with
its default settings. However, if you’d like to change these settings, the Access
Point can be configured through your web browser with the Web-Based Utility.
This chapter explains how to configure the Access Point in this manner.
Open your web browser and enter the Access Point’s IP Address,
192.168.1.252, into the address field. Press the Enter key and the following
screen, shown in Figure
5-1, will appear. Leave
the User Name field
blank. The first time
you open the Web-
Based Utility, use the
default password:
admin. You can set a
new password from the
Setup tab shown in
Figure 5-2. Press the
OK button to continue
or Cancel to quit.
The first tab that appears, shown in Figure 5-2, is the Setup tab.This allows you
to change the Access Point’s general settings. Change these settings as
described here and click the Apply button to apply your changes or Cancel to
cancel your changes. If you require online help, click the Help button.
• Firmware Version. This displays the current version of the Access Point’s
firmware. Firmware should only be upgraded if you experience problems
with the Access Point and can be upgraded from the Help tab.
Figure 5-1
The Setup Tab
Important: Before configuring the Access Point, be sure to set
up the TCP/IP protocol on your wireless PCs. If this has not
already been done, please refer to Appendix B: Setting Up the
TCP/IP Protocol.
Chapter 4: Connecting the
Wireless Access Point
1. Locate an optimum location for the Access Point. The best place for the
Access 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 anten-
na, the better the performance will be. The antenna’s position enhances the
receiving sensitivity.
3. Connect a standard Ethernet network cable to theAccess Point. Then,
connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to a switch or hub. The Access
Point will then be connected to your 10/100 Network.
4. Connect the AC Power Adapter to the Access Point’s Power Socket.
Only use the power adapter supplied with theAccess Point. Use of a differ-
ent adapter may result in product damage.
Now that the hardware installation is complete, proceed to Chapter 5:
Configuring the Wireless Access Point for directions on how to setup the
Access Point.
6
Instant WirelessTM Series
Note: In order for all other wireless devices to communicate with
the 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 theAccess Point.

• Wireless:
• Turbo Mode. Click this button to increase the speed of your wireless trans-
missions (it will change from Off to On), keeping in mind that the Access
Point’s range diminishes in Turbo Mode.
• SSID. The SSID is the unique name shared among all points in a wireless
network. The SSID must be identical for all points in the wireless network.
It is case sensitive and must not exceed 32 alphanumeric characters, which
may be any keyboard character. Make sure this setting is the same for all
points in your wireless network.
• Channel. Select the appropriate channel from the list provided to corre-
spond with your network settings. All points in your wireless network must
use the same channel in order to function correctly.
• WEP. The WEP Encryption method is Disabled by default. To enable
WEP, click the WEP Key Setting button.
Changing the sign-on password for the Access Point is as easy as typing the
password into the AP Password field. Then, type it again into the second field
to confirm.
Click the Apply button to apply your changes or Cancel to cancel your
changes. If you require online help, click the Help button.
SETTING WEP ENCRYPTION:
Setting WEP Encryption through
the Web-based Browser Utility is
done by clicking the WEP Key
Setting button on the Setup
Screen as shown in Figure 5-2.
A screen will pop up, asking you
to confirm the WEP change to
mandatory, as shown in Figure 5-3. Click the OK button to enable WEP
Encryption or Cancel to return to the Setup Screen.
Instant WirelessTM Series
8
Figure 5-3
Important: Always remember that each point in your wireless net-
work MUST use the same WEP Encryption method and encryption
key or your wireless network will not function properly.
Important: Always remember that, when theAccess Point works in
Turbo Mode, each point in your wireless network MUST use Turbo
Mode as well or your wireless network will not function properly.
• Access Point Name. You may assign any name to the Access Point.
Unique, memorable names are helpful, especially if you are employing
multiple access points on the same network. Verify this is the name you
wish to use and click the Apply button to set it.
• LAN:
• IP Address. This IP address must be unique to your network. We suggest
you use the default IP address of 192.168.1.252. As this is a private IP
address, there is no need to purchase a separate IP address from your serv-
ice provider.Verify the address and click the Apply button to save changes.
• Subnet Mask. The Access Point’s Subnet Mask (or IP Mask) must be the
same as your Ethernet network. Verify this is correct and click the Apply
button to set it.
• Gateway. If a Gateway IP address is required, enter that here.
9
Wireless Access Point
Figure 5-2

Wireless Network Access Point
The “Status” tab, shown in Figure 5-5, will display the Access Point’s current
MAC address and state as well as the state and MAC Address of each wireless
point on your
network associ-
ated with it.
For more informa-
tion on any device
listed, simply click
the MAC Address
of that device and
another screen,
shown in Figure 5-
6, will appear, dis-
playing details on
that device.
11
Figure 5-5
The Status Tab
This will open the WEP Key Setting screen, Figure 5-4. From this screen, you
can select the type of WEP encryption to use.
From the pull-down menu at the top of the screen, select 64-bit, 128-bit, or 152-
bit encryption. Then, select the key you wish you use for encrypting your data,
Key 1-4. In the field beside the key you’ve chosen, type the key in Hexadecimal
characters, which, on your keyboard, are the letters “A” through “F” and the
numbers “0” through “9”. Each type of encryption requires a key of a certain
length:
64-bit encryption requires a 10 character key.
128-bit encryption requires a 26 character key.
152-bit encryption requires a 32 character key.
Click the Apply button to apply your changes or Cancel to cancel your
changes. If you require online help, click the Help button. Clicking the Apply
or Cancel button will return you to the Setup tab. Click either button again on
this tab, depending on your choice.
Wireless Access Point
Figure 5-4
10
Figure 5-6

Before making any changes to the Advanced tab, shown in Figure 5-9, please
check your wireless settings on other systems, as these changes will alter the
effectiveness of the Access Point. In most cases, these settings do not need to
be changed.
• Beacon Interval. This value between 20 and 1000, indicates the frequen-
cy interval of the beacon. A beacon is a packet broadcast by the Access
Point to keep the network synchronized. A beacon includes the wireless
LAN service area, the AP address, the Broadcast destination addresses, a
time stamp, Delivery Traffic Indicator Maps, and the Traffic Indicator
Message (TIM).
• RTS Threshold. This value should remain at its default setting of 2,346.
Setting this parameter to a small value causes packets to be sent more often,
consuming more of the available bandwidth and reducing throughput. A
higher value, however, sends more packets less often. Should you encounter
inconsistent data flow, only minor modifications are recommended.
13
Wireless Access Point
The Advanced Tab
Figure 5-9
Instant Wireless™ Series
The “Filter” tab, shown in Figure 5-7, allows you to block or allow certain com-
puters, by their MAC Address, from communicating with the Access Point.
To enable filtering of computers by their MAC Addresses, select Enable from
the drop-down menu. Next, click the Add button. This will bring up another
screen, as shown in Figure 5-8, where you will specify the MAC Address you
will allow or deny over your wireless network.
In MAC Address field at the top of this screen, type the MAC Address(es) you
wish to filter. Then,
click the Type drop-
down menu to select if
you will allow access to
other MAC Addresses
or if you will deny the
MAC Addresses.
To add this to your fil-
tered MAC Addresses,
click the Add to List
button. Click the
Cancel button to return
to the previous screen
without saving changes.
For more information
on this tab, you can
click the Help button.
When you’ve complet-
ed making any changes
on this tab, click the
Apply button to save
those changes or
Cancel to exit the Web-
based Utility without
saving changes. For
more information on
this tab, you can click
the Help button.
12
The Filter Tab
Figure 5-7
Figure 5-8

Wireless Network Access Point
The following resources require an Internet connection in order to access them.
Click the Linksys Website link to connect to the Linksys homepage for
Knowledgebase help files and information about other Linksys products.
For an Online Manual in PDF format, click that text link. The manual will appear
in Adobe pdf format. If you do not have the Adobe PDF Reader installed on your
computer, click the AdobeWebsite link to download this software.
Firmware can be upgraded from this tab as well. Do not upgrade your firmware
unless you are experiencing problems with the Access Point. To begin the upgrade
process, click the Linksys Website link to download the upgraded firmware’s “.bin”
file from the website.Then, return to this tab and click the Firmware Upgrade link.
Upon clicking the Upgrade Firmware link, a new screen, shown in Figure 5-11, will
appear requesting the IP
Address of the PC upon which
the new firmware was down-
loaded and the location of that
firmware “.bin” file. If you do
not know the location, click the
Browse button to locate the file.
Then, click the Upgrade button
to upgrade the firmware,
Cancel to stop the process, or
Help for more information
about upgrading firmware.
1514
Figure 5-10
• Fragmentation Length. This specifies the maximum size a data packet
will be before splitting and creating a new packet and should remain at its
default setting of 2,346. A smaller setting means smaller packets, which
will create more packets for each transmission. If you have decreased this
value and experience high packet error rates, you can increase it again, but
it will likely decrease overall network performance. Only minor modifica-
tions of this value are recommended.
• Data Beacon Rate. This value between 1 and 16384, indicates the inter-
val of the Delivery Traffic Indication Message. A Data Beacon Rate field is
a countdown field informing clients of the next window for listening to
broadcast and multicast messages. When the Access Point has buffered
broadcast or multicast messages for associated clients, it sends the next
message with a rate value. Access Point Clients hear the beacons and awak-
en to receive the broadcast and multicast messages.
• Transmission Rate. The basic transfer rates should be set depending on
the speed of your wireless network. Select the most appropriate rate for
your network or select Best, which will automatically select the optimal
transmission rate.
• Transmission Power. This option allows you to set the power at which the
Access Point transmits. This will allow you to prevent transmission outside
your network radius and possible lapses in network security. Selecting a
value other than FULL may limit the coverage area and data rates of your
wireless PCs.
When you’ve completed making any changes on this tab, click the Apply but-
ton to save those changes or Cancel to exit the Web-based Utility without sav-
ing changes. For more information on this tab, you can click the Help button.
For help on the various tabs in this Web-based Utility, along with upgrading the
Access Point’s firmware and viewing this User Guide, click the “Help” tab,
shown in Figure 5-10.
The help files for the various tabs in this Web-based Utility are listed by tab
name on the left hand side of the screen.
Instant WirelessTM Series
The Help Tab
Figure 5-11