Proxim 7550 User manual

1
Copyright
© 2001 Proxim, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA. All rights reserved. Covered by one or more of the
following U.S. patents: 5,412,687; 5,844,900; 5,875,179; 5,913,174; 6,006,090; and 5,231,634.
This user’s guide and the software described in it are copyrighted with all rights reserved. No
part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval
system, or translated into any language in any form by any means without the written permis-
sion of Proxim, Incorporated.
Trademarks
Harmony, RangeLAN, the RangeLAN logo, RangeLAN2, and Proxim are trademarks of
Proxim, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Limited Warranty, Disclaimer, Limitation Of Liability
For a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase by the retail customer, Proxim warrants
the Harmony OpenAir Access Point Model 7550 against defects in materials and workman-
ship. Proxim will not honor this warranty if there has been any attempt to tamper with or
remove the product’s external foil label.
This warranty does not cover and Proxim will not be liable for any damage or failure caused by
misuse, abuse, acts of God, accidents, or other causes beyond Proxim’s control, or claim by
any entity other than the original purchaser.
If, after inspection, Proxim determines there is a defect, Proxim will repair or replace the
Access Point at no cost to you. To return defective merchandise to Proxim, please call Proxim
Technical Support 1-408-731-2640 to obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA)
number.
In no event shall Proxim, Incorporated be responsible or liable for any damages arising:
q From the use of the product
q From the loss of use, revenue or profit of the product
q As a result of any event, circumstance, action, or abuse beyond the control of
Proxim, Incorporated
Whether such damages be direct, indirect, consequential, special or otherwise and whether
such damages are incurred by the person to whom this warranty extends or a third party.
Harmony OpenAir Access Point Model 7550 User’s Guide
Part # 7360.0137
Rev. B

2
Warranty Return Policy
If you have a problem with the Harmony OpenAir Access Point Model 7550, please call Proxim
Technical Support at 1-408-731-2640. Proxim Technical Support will assist with resolving any
technical difficulties you may have with your Proxim product.
After calling Proxim Technical Support, if your product is found to be defective, you may return
the product to Proxim after obtaining an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) number.
The product must be returned in its original packaging. The RMA number should be clearly
marked on the outside of the box. Proxim cannot be held responsible for any product returned
without an RMA number, and no product will be accepted without an RMA number.
FCC WARNING
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant 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 radiate radio 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 encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
q Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
q Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
q Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that which the
receiver is connected.
q Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

3
Contents
1. Introduction .................................................................................................5
The Harmony Family .......................................................................................................................... 6
System Requirements .......................................................................................................................... 7
The Product Package........................................................................................................................... 7
2. Installation ...................................................................................................8
Installation Procedure.......................................................................................................................... 8
Mounting Option ............................................................................................................................... 11
Using the Optional Harmony Power System .................................................................................... 12
LED Indicators .................................................................................................................................. 13
3. Wirefree Operation ....................................................................................16
Harmony Architecture....................................................................................................................... 16
The OpenAir Specification................................................................................................................ 17
Roaming Between Harmony OpenAir Access Points....................................................................... 17
Roaming Guidelines ....................................................................................................................... 18
4. Configuration Parameters ........................................................................19
AP Name ......................................................................................................................................... 19
Physical Address ............................................................................................................................. 19
Enable AP ....................................................................................................................................... 19
Partnered AP Controller.................................................................................................................. 20
Domain............................................................................................................................................ 20
Channel ........................................................................................................................................... 20
Subchannel...................................................................................................................................... 21
Master Name ................................................................................................................................... 22
Security ID ...................................................................................................................................... 22
MAC Optimize................................................................................................................................ 22
IP Addressing.................................................................................................................................. 23
5. Performance Hints ....................................................................................25
Microwave Ovens ............................................................................................................................. 25
Antenna Options................................................................................................................................ 25
Range................................................................................................................................................. 25
Using Harmony With Other OpenAir-Compatible Products ............................................................ 26

4
6. Troubleshooting ........................................................................................27
How to Obtain Help with Your LAN Installation............................................................................. 27
LED Error Codes............................................................................................................................... 27
Common Problems and Solutions ..................................................................................................... 28
A. Parameters ................................................................................................31
B. Harmony OpenAir Access Point Specifications ....................................32
C. How to Reach Technical Support............................................................33
Index...............................................................................................................34

5
1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing Proxim’s Harmony OpenAir Access Point Model 7550, a
member of Proxim’s Harmony wirefree infrastructure family. The Harmony product
line is the first wirefree networking solution to support all current and future wireless
LAN standards, including OpenAir, IEEE 802.11b, and future 10 Mbps frequency
hopping and 5 GHz technologies, within a single, homogeneous architecture. Harmony
provides centralized management, configuration, and security for a wireless LAN.
Harmony protects current and future wirefree infrastructure investments by supporting
all leading and forthcoming wireless LAN protocols. Existing RangeLAN2 and
OpenAir-compatible products and existing IEEE 802.11b devices are all compatible
with Harmony. Customers can seamlessly transition to new LAN standards by adding
low-cost access points without changing the management interface or disturbing
existing users.
Harmony’s SmartArchitectureTM is the first wirefree management system to provide
one-click, system-wide security updates and remote office infrastructure management
through a single Web-based interface.
Harmony Access Points can be connected to any portion of the Ethernet network,
eliminating the need for special wirefree subnets common in other installations. Also,
Harmony clients can roam seamlessly anywhere there is wirefree coverage, without the
need for extra client software. In addition, Harmony SmartAttachTM software simplifies
installation by automatically discovering and configuring new access points upon
connection to the Ethernet network.
Proxim is the leading supplier of wirefree networking solutions. Proxim’s unmatched
expertise in spread spectrum radio networking technology, combined with the
company’s extensive experience serving the communication needs of the mobile
computing user, have kept Proxim at the forefront of the wireless LAN market.

6
The Harmony Family
The Harmony OpenAir Access Point Model 7550 is a member of a product family that
provides a complete wirefree networking solution.
qThe Harmony Access Point Controller Model 7560 centralizes the manage-
ment, security, and filtering capabilities of a wireless LAN. The Access Point
Controller communicates with Harmony Access Points over the Ethernet
network to provide wirefree network access for mobile clients. The Access
Point Controller can support multiple Access Points, even if each Access Point
follows a different wireless standard.
qThe Harmony Access Point is a networking bridge that operates at Layer 2 of
the OSI networking model. Working in conjunction with a Harmony Access
Point Controller, the Access Point forwards packets between its radio and the
Ethernet network. Two models of the Harmony Access Point are available to
support either the OpenAir or IEEE 802.11b wireless standards: the OpenAir
Access Point Model 7550 and the 802.11b Access Point Model 8550. Note
that the 802.11b Access Point does not require an AP Controller to provide
mobile clients with wirefree network access.
qThe Harmony PC Card is a wireless LAN adapter that fits into a PCMCIA
Type II slot in a laptop computer. Two models of the Harmony PC Cards are
available to support either the OpenAir (7430 Series) or IEEE 802.11b (8430
Series) wireless standards.
qThe Harmony 802.11b PCI Card Model 8110 is a wireless LAN adapter that
fits into a standard PCI expansion slot and complies with the IEEE 802.11b
wireless standard.
qThe Harmony OpenAir USB Adapter Model 7230 is a wireless LAN
adapter that connects to a Windows 98/2000 computer’s Universal Serial Bus
(USB) port and complies with the OpenAir wireless standard.
qThe optional Harmony Power System Model 7562 provides remote DC
power to Harmony Access Points over the unused pins of a twisted pair
Ethernet cable.

7
System Requirements
To begin using the Harmony OpenAir Access Point, you must have the following
minimum requirements:
qAt least one Harmony Access Point Controller
qAn Ethernet (10Base-T) LAN switch or hub
qAt least one OpenAir client adapter (i.e., PC Card, USB Adapter, etc.)
The Product Package
Each Harmony OpenAir Access Point comes with:
qOne Harmony OpenAir Access Point Model 7550
qOne 10Base-T crossover adapter
qOne power adapter (12V, 1 Amp)
qOne Harmony OpenAir Access Point Model 7550 User’s Guide
qOne warranty registration card

8
2. Installation
This chapter describes the installation procedure for the Harmony OpenAir Access
Point Model 7550 and includes a description of the LED indicators found on the unit.
Installation Procedure
Follow these steps to install the Harmony OpenAir Access Point Model 7550.
Note:
YoumustinstallaHarmonyAccessPointControllerbeforeinstallingaHarmony
Access Point.
1. If not already attached, firmly screw the antenna, included with the product, onto
the antenna connector using a clockwise motion. The antenna connector is
located on the side of the Access Point, as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1
Attaching the Antenna

9
2. If you are not using the Harmony Power System and an AP Power Over LAN
Module to supply power to the Access Point, connect the 10Base-T crossover
adapter, included with the product, to the 10Base-T port located on the back panel
of the Access Point.
Note:
Do not use the 10Base-T crossover adapter with the AP Power Over LAN
Module. The AP Power Over LAN Module ships with a 6-inch crossover
cable that connects directly to the Access Point’s Ethernet port.
3. Determine the best location for the Harmony OpenAir Access Point. Keep in
mind the following considerations:
qThe length of the Ethernet cable that connects the Access Point to the network
must not exceed 100 meters.
qTry to place the Access Point on a flat, sturdy surface as far from the ground
as possible, such as on top of a desk or bookcase, keeping clear of metal
obstructions and away from direct sunlight.
qTry to centrally locate the Access Point and its antenna so that it will provide
coverage to all of the mobile devices in the area.
qIf you are not using the Harmony Power System to supply power to the Access
Point, the distance between the Access Point and a power outlet cannot exceed
the length of the power adapter’s cable.
qYou can install the Access Point and the AP Controller on different IP subnets.
Refer to the Harmony Access Point Controller Model 7560 User’s Guide for
details.
4. Place the Access Point in the desired location. The Access Point is designed to
sit on a desktop but it also includes four pre-threaded holes for mounting. Refer
to the section entitled “Mounting Option” later in this chapter for details.
5. Attach one end of an Ethernet cable to the Access Point and attach the other end
to the 10Base-T port of a network hub, switch, router, or patch panel.

10
Note:
The Harmony OpenAir Access Point does not support 100Base-TX; it only
supports 10Base-T.
6. Attach one end of the AC power adapter, included in the product package, to the
back of the Access Point and the other end to a power outlet. If you are using an
AP Power Over LAN Module and a Harmony Power System to supply power to
the Access Point, refer to the documentation that came with those products for
installation instructions.
Note:
Use the Access Point only with the power adapter supplied by Proxim in the
productpackage. UsinganotherpowersupplymaydamagetheAccessPoint.
All three LEDs on the top of the Access Point will light up when the unit is powered
on. Next, the Status LED will turn amber and then green to indicate that the unit is
operational. Note that the Status LED will remain amber if the Access Point cannot
find an AP Controller to partner with.
Note:
If the Status LED remains amber, the Access Point cannot find an AP
Controller to partner with. Refer to Chapter 6 for troubleshooting sugges-
tions.
In addition, the green Link LED will turn on to indicate that the Access Point has a
network connection.
7. The AP Controller will automatically detect and configure the Access Point over
the network. Refer to Chapter 4 and the Harmony Access Point Controller Model
7560 User’s Guide for more information on how to configure an Access Point.

11
Mounting Option
The Harmony OpenAir Access Point is designed to sit on a desktop. However, there
are four pre-threaded holes on the underside of the unit so that it may be mounted on
any surface. The mounting holes are shown Figure 2. These holes are a #6-32 tap and
0.175" deep. Screws and mounting tools are not provided by Proxim, but an AP Wall
Mounting Kit is available. Contact your Proxim reseller for details.
Note:
Whenmountingthe AccessPointontoaflat surface,youmayneedto remove
the plastic feet from the underside of the unit so that the mounting holes are
flush against the mounting surface. The plastic feet are glued onto the
undersideof theunitand canberemoved withasmall flat-headscrewdriver.
Figure 2
Mounting Holes
2.75"
2.10"

12
Using the Optional Harmony Power System
The optional Harmony Power System provides remote DC power to Harmony Access
Points over the unused pins of a Category 5 Ethernet cable. This product simplifies
Access Point installation: you only need to run a single cable to the Access Point to
provide both power and data.
However, the Harmony OpenAir Access Point must be attached to a Harmony AP
Power Over LAN Module Model 7059 to receive power and data from the Harmony
Power System.
Figure 3 illustrates how the AP Power Over LAN Module connects the Harmony
OpenAir Access Point to the Harmony Power System.
Figure 3
AP Power Over LAN Module

13
The AP Power Over LAN Module receives the combined power and data signal from
the Harmony Power System and then divides this signal into separate power and data
lines through two 6-inch cables. The AP Power Over LAN Module includes two
six-inch cables that connect directly to the Harmony Open Air AP’s DC power and
Ethernet connectors. Refer to the Harmony AP Power Over LAN Module Installation
Guide for more information.
Note:
Each Harmony OpenAir Access Point requires an AP Power Over LAN
Module to connect to the optional Harmony Power System.
LED Indicators
There are three LEDs on the top panel of the Harmony OpenAir Access Point, as
shown in Figure 4.
qStatus LED: This LED, located on the left side (with the unit orientated so
that you can read the Proxim logo), is green when the unit is powered up and
operational. The LED is amber during initialization and when the Access
Point is not partnered with a Harmony AP Controller. This LED will blink red
in a repeating pattern if a problem occurs with the unit during operation. See
Chapter 6 for a discussion of these patterns.
qRadio LED: This LED, located in the center of the three LEDs, blinks amber
when the Access Point receives data packets over its radio.
qEthernet LED: This LED, located on the right side, blinks green when the
Access Point receives data packets over the 10Base-T Ethernet port.

14
Figure 4
Harmony OpenAir Access Point’s Top Panel LEDs
There are also four LEDs on the back panel of the Harmony OpenAir Access Point, as
shown in Figure 5.
qMaster LED: This LED, located between the DC power jack and the serial
port, will turn green when the unit is powered on and operational.
Status LED Radio LED Ethernet LED

15
qLink LED: This LED, located to the right of the 10Base-T connector, will
turn green when the Access Point has a physical connection to the Ethernet
network. However, this LED reflects Ethernet activity as well as link integ-
rity. Therefore, when an Ethernet cable is attached and there is Ethernet
activity, the LED will blink off momentarily. When a damaged or improper
Ethernet cable is attached and the unit attempts to send data through its
Ethernet port, the LED will blink on momentarily.
qThe two yellow LEDs are nonfunctional and reserved for future use.
Figure 5
Harmony OpenAir Access Point’s Back Panel LEDs
The rotary switches, located on the underside of the OpenAir Access Point, and the
serial port, located on the back panel of the OpenAir Access Point, are nonfunctional.
Important Note:
The serial port located on the back panel of the OpenAir Access Point is
nonfunctional.
Link LED Master LED

16
3. Wirefree Operation
Harmony Architecture
The Harmony wirefree infrastructure family provides network connectivity to mobile
clients without the use of wires or cabling.
Each Harmony System must include at least one Access Point Controller. The AP
Controller centralizes the management, security, and filtering capabilities of a wireless
LAN. In a traditional wireless LAN, each Access Point duplicates this functionality
adding additional, unnecessary cost to the network infrastructure. By consolidating
these functions into one or more AP Controllers, additional Access Points can easily be
added as the network grows. Also, as new wireless standards are introduced in the
future, additional Access Points may be added at a lower cost than with a traditional
Access Point infrastructure.
The AP Controller handles all of the configuration and management of an Access
Point. On a Harmony network, each Access Point acts as an intermediary between its
mobile clients and the AP Controller, converting radio signals into Ethernet packets
and vice versa.
A single AP Controller can support a maximum of 10 Access Points (an AP Controller
can support more than 10 Access Points but a maximum of 10 APs per AP Controller is
the recommended configuration for best performance). A network subnet can support
up to 10 AP Controllers to form a Harmony System that can be managed using a single
user interface. The number of clients that can be supported by one Access Point
depends on the amount of information that each client exchanges with the network.
Therefore, the number of clients that can be supported by one Access Point will vary
based on the applications in use and how frequently network information is accessed.
When a Harmony OpenAir Access Point is connected to the network for the first time,
the AP Controller automatically configures it with the AP Default settings. In addition,
an OpenAir Access Point may be manually configured via the Harmony System’s Web
browser interface. Refer to the Harmony Access Point Controller Model 7560 User’s
Guide for information on how to access the Web browser interface.

17
The OpenAir Specification
The OpenAir standard describes a set of wireless protocols used by frequency hopping
spread spectrum devices that operate in the 2.4 GHz frequency band at a data rate of
1.6 Mbps.
An OpenAir radio changes its operating frequency several times a second. The order in
which an OpenAir changes frequencies is known as a hopping pattern or Channel.
The OpenAir standard specifies 15 non-overlapping Channels for operation. These
Channels are orthogonal: any two Channels are guaranteed to overlap only once during
a hopping cycle. Therefore, Access Points configured for different Channels will not
interfere with each other, even when operating in close proximity. The OpenAir
operating parameters are described in Chapter 4.
Roaming Between Harmony OpenAir Access Points
If there are multiple Harmony OpenAir Access Points on the network, then a mobile
client may seamlessly roam from one Access Point to another.
Each Access Point creates its own wirefree cell or coverage area. This is also known as
a Basic Service Area (BSA). A mobile device can communicate with a particular
Access Point if it is within the Access Point’s coverage area.
If the cells of multiple Access Points overlap, then the mobile client may switch from
one Access Point to another as it travels throughout the facility. During the hand-off
from one Access Point to another, the mobile client maintains an uninterrupted connec-
tion to the network. This is known as “roaming.”
Multiple Access Points connected to a common Ethernet network form an Extended
Service Area (ESA). All members of an Extended Service Area are configured with
the same Domain number and the same Security ID.
Mobile clients must be configured with the same Domain and Security ID as the
Access Points on the network; a client can only roam between Access Points that share
the same Domain and Security ID.

18
Roaming Guidelines
qA Harmony OpenAir PC Card can only roam between Harmony OpenAir
Access Points. An OpenAir PC Card cannot communicate with Harmony
802.11b Access Points.
qAll Harmony OpenAir Access Points must have the same Security ID and
Domain.
qAll workstations with Harmony OpenAir client adapters must have the same
Domain and Security ID as the Access Points that they will roam between.
qThe Access Points’ cells must overlap to ensure that there are no gaps in
coverage and to ensure that the roaming client will always have a connection
available.
qAll Access Points operating in the same vicinity should have a unique
Channel/Subchannel pair. Preferably, each Access Point should have a unique
Channel. Use the Subchannel only when you have used all 15 Channels in the
same coverage area.
qAccess Points that use the same Channel should be installed as far away from
each other as possible to reduce potential interference.
qProxim strongly recommends that you perform a site survey to determine the
best location for each Access Point in the facility, as described in Proxim’s
free one-day technical training class. See Proxim’s Web site at
http://www.proxim.com/support/ for more information on the technical
training class.
qAn OpenAir Access Point and an 802.11b Access Point installed in the same
vicinity will interfere with each other. If you use both OpenAir and 802.11b
Access Points on your network, Proxim recommends that you test for potential
interference first before deploying the equipment.

19
4. Configuration Parameters
The first time a Harmony OpenAir Access Point is connected to the network, the
Harmony System will automatically configure the Access Point using the OpenAir AP
Default settings.
In addition, a Harmony OpenAir Access Point may be manually configured via the
Harmony System’s Web browser interface. Refer to the Harmony Access Point
Controller Model 7560 User’s Guide for information on how to access the Web
browser interface.
This chapter describes the parameters for a Harmony OpenAir Access Point that may
be configured via the Web browser interface.
AP Name
You may assign a name to this specific Harmony OpenAir Access Point. The AP
Name cannot exceed 21 characters. The Harmony System assigns an AP Name to each
Access Point that it automatically detects and configures. By default, the AP Name is
the device’s physical address.
Physical Address
A Harmony OpenAir Access Point’s physical address is assigned at the factory and
cannot be changed by the end user. The physical address or MAC address is a 48-bit
unique identifier assigned to each networking device. The physical address is com-
monly written as six pairs of two hexadecimal digits separated by colons (for example,
00:20:a6:34:00:77).
Enable AP
When enabled, the Access Point operates normally and provides mobile clients with
access to the Ethernet network. When disabled, the Access Point cannot partner with
an AP Controller or communicate with mobile clients.

20
Partnered AP Controller
Each Access Point is partnered with one of the AP Controllers (APCs) on the network.
If you do not wish to specify which AP Controller the Access Point should partner
with, then select the Any option. Otherwise, select an AP Controller from the list of
available devices and the Access Point will partner with it.
Domain
In order to establish radio communication, all OpenAir devices must be configured
with the same Domain number. Radios on different Domains cannot communicate
with each other. The Domain is a software filter that does not affect the actual radio
frequency or the frequency hopping sequence.
You may want to set everyone on your network to the same Domain. For larger wire-
less networks, use the Domain to establish roaming subnetworks throughout your
building. For example, the Engineering Department may use Domain 2 and the Sales
Department may use Domain 5. Then engineers can only roam within the geographical
area mapped out by OpenAir Access Points with a Domain setting of 2.
The Domain is a number between 0 and 15. By default, the Harmony System will
automatically assign Domain 0 to an Access Point.
Note:
An OpenAir Access Point will use Domain 13, the Error Domain, until it has
successfully partnered with an AP Controller.
Channel
OpenAir devices are frequency hopping spread spectrum devices that change frequen-
cies several times each second in a pseudorandom pattern. The specific pattern of
frequencies used by a frequency hopping device is called a Channel.
The OpenAir specification supports 15 non-overlapping Channels for radio communi-
cation. Access Points configured for different Channels will not interfere with each
other, even when operating in close proximity.