Proxim 8550 User manual

1
Copyright
© 2001 Proxim, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA. All rights reserved. Covered by one or more of the
following U.S. patents: 5,809,060; 6,075,812; 5,077,753; 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 permission of Proxim, Incorporated.
Trademarks
Harmony, the Harmony logo, Proxim, and the Proxim logo are trademarks of Proxim, Inc. All
othertrademarksarethepropertyoftheirrespectiveowners.
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 802.11b Access Point Model 855x against defects in materials and workmanship.
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
TechnicalSupport1-408-731-2640toobtainaReturnMerchandiseAuthorization(RMA)number.
In no event shall Proxim, Incorporated be responsible or liable for any damages arising:
GFrom the use of the product
GFrom the loss of use, revenue or profit of the product
GAs a result of any event, circumstance, action, or abuse beyond the control of
Proxim,Incorporated
Whethersuchdamagesbedirect,indirect,consequential,special or otherwise and whether
such damages are incurred by the person to whom this warranty extends or a third party.
Harmony 802.11b Access Point Model 855x User’s Guide
Part#7360.0133
Rev. E

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WarrantyReturnPolicy
If you have a problem with the Harmony 802.11b Access Point Model 855x, 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
theproducttoProximafter obtaining anRMA(ReturnMerchandiseAuthorization)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.
FCCWARNING
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
protectionagainstharmfulinterferencein aresidentialinstallation. Thisequipmentgenerates,
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
causeharmful interference to radio or televisionreception, which can be determined byturning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
moreofthe following measures:
GReorientorrelocatethereceivingantenna.
GIncreasetheseparationbetweentheequipmentandthe receiver.
GConnect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that which the
receiver is connected.
GConsultthe dealer or an experienced radio/TVtechnicianforhelp.

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Declaration of Conformity
DéclarationdeConformité
Konformitätserklärung
TheManufacturer: Proxim Europe B.V.
Le Constructeur:
Der Hersteller:
Address: Strawinskylaan3127
Addresse: 1077 ZX, P.O. Box 7067,
Addresse: 1007JBAmsterdam,TheNetherlands
DeclaresthattheProduct:
Déclare que le Produit:
Erklärt, dass das Produkt: Type: Harmony
Model: 8550AccessPoint
VariantModel: 8551AccessPoint
meetsthe essential requirementsaccording to article3 of thefollowing EC-Directive:
est conforme aux exigencies essentielles d’article 3 de la Directive CE:
die grundlegenden Anforderungen gemäâ Artikel 3 der nachstehenden EU-Richtlinie erfült:
Directive 1999/5/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 09
March1999 relating to Radio and telecommunications Terminal Equipment
(R&TTE), including the mutual recognition of their conformity.
Directive 1999/5/EC du Parlement Europeen et du Conseil du 09 mache 1999
concernant les radio et equipments terminaux de telecommunications, incluant la
reconnaissance mutuelle de leur conformite.
Richtlinie 1999/5/EG des Europäischen Parlaments und des Rates vom 09. März 1999
über Funkanlagen und Telekommunikationsendeinrichtungen und die gegenseitige
Anerkennung ihrer Konformität.
and that the following harmonized standards have been applied:
et que les standards marmonises suivants ont ete appliqués:
und dass die folgenden harmonisierten Normen angewandt wurden:
ETS 300328 / July 1997
ETS 300826 / November 1997
EN 60950 / August 1992
IEC 950 / 1991 Second Edition

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Equipment Class Identifier
This Product is a Class-2 under the scope of the R&TTE. Be aware that France uses other
frequencies. This means that products bought elsewhere might cause problems in the above
mentinonedcountry(ies)andshouldbeavoided.
Amsterdam, 11May 2001
Placeand Dateof the declaration
Lieu et date de la declaration –Ort und Datum der Konformitätserklärung
NameandSignature
Nom et Signature –Name und Unterschrift
CarmeloS.Amarena
InternationalProductManager
Proxim, Inc. & Proxim Europe B.V.

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Contents
1. Introduction..................................................................................................7
The Harmony Family .......................................................................................................................... 8
Harmony 802.11b Access Point Model Numbers ............................................................................... 9
The IEEE 802.11b Specification ...................................................................................................... 10
System Requirements........................................................................................................................ 11
The Product Package......................................................................................................................... 11
2.Installation..................................................................................................12
Installation Procedure ....................................................................................................................... 12
Mounting Option .............................................................................................................................. 14
LED Indicators .................................................................................................................................. 15
Power Requirements.......................................................................................................................... 17
3.Wireless Operation ....................................................................................18
AP Controller Dependence ............................................................................................................... 18
Independent Mode.......................................................................................................................... 19
Dependent Mode ............................................................................................................................ 21
Flexible Mode ................................................................................................................................ 24
Roaming Between Access Points...................................................................................................... 24
Roaming in Independent Mode .....................................................................................................25
Roaming in Dependent Mode ........................................................................................................ 26
Roaming Guidelines ....................................................................................................................... 28
4. Access Point Management .......................................................................30
Accessing the Access Point Management Tool ................................................................................ 30
AccessPoint’sIPAddress ............................................................................................................... 31
Rebooting an Access Point Via the Management Tool.................................................................... 33
5. Configuration Parameters.........................................................................34
Network ............................................................................................................................................. 36
UseDHCP ....................................................................................................................................... 36
IPAddress ....................................................................................................................................... 37
Subnet Mask ................................................................................................................................... 37
GatewayIPAddress ........................................................................................................................ 37
AP Controller Dependence ............................................................................................................. 37

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Radio ................................................................................................................................................. 38
Channel........................................................................................................................................... 38
SSID ................................................................................................................................................ 39
Supported Clients ........................................................................................................................... 39
Supported Rates.............................................................................................................................. 39
RTS/CTS Threshold ....................................................................................................................... 40
Security ............................................................................................................................................. 41
WEP Encryption ............................................................................................................................. 41
WEPKey Size ................................................................................................................................. 42
Default Key ..................................................................................................................................... 42
WEPKeys ....................................................................................................................................... 43
SystemAccess ................................................................................................................................... 44
6. Status .........................................................................................................45
7.Statistics.....................................................................................................46
Radio Statistics ................................................................................................................................. 46
Ethernet Statistics ............................................................................................................................. 48
8. Performance Hints.....................................................................................49
Microwave Ovens ............................................................................................................................. 49
Range ................................................................................................................................................ 49
9. Troubleshooting ........................................................................................51
How to Obtain Help with Your LAN Installation ............................................................................. 51
LEDError Codes ............................................................................................................................... 51
Common Problems and Solutions..................................................................................................... 52
A. Parameters ................................................................................................55
Network ............................................................................................................................................. 55
Radio ................................................................................................................................................. 55
Security ............................................................................................................................................. 56
SystemAccess ................................................................................................................................... 56
B. IEEE 802.11b Direct Sequence Channels ...............................................57
C. Harmony 802.11b Access Point Specifications .....................................58
D. How to Reach Technical Support............................................................59
Index...............................................................................................................60

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1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing Proxim’s Harmony 802.11b Access Point Model 855x, a
memberof Proxim’s Harmony wireless infrastructure family. The Harmony 802.11b
Access Point complies with the IEEE 802.11b wireless standard to provide mobile
clients with network connectivity at data rates of up to 11 Mbps.
The Harmony 802.11b Access Point can be used on its own or in conjunction with a
Harmony Access Point Controller. A stand-alone Harmony 802.11b Access Point
connects to a small Ethernet network to provide wireless access for mobile clients.
When used in conjunction a Harmony Access Point Controller, the Harmony 802.11b
Access Point is part of a single wireless networking solution that supports all current and
future wireless LAN standards, including OpenAir, IEEE 802.11b, and future 10 Mbps
frequency hopping and 5 GHz technologies, simultaneously within a single, homoge-
neous architecture. A Harmony system of Access Point Controllers and Access Points
providescentralizedmanagement, configuration, and security forawireless LAN.
Proximis the leading supplierof wireless networking solutions. Proxim’s unmatched
expertisein spread spectrumradio networking technology, combined with the
company’sextensive experience servingthecommunicationneedsof the mobile comput-
ing user, have kept Proxim at the forefront of the wireless LAN market.

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The Harmony Family
The Harmony 802.11b Access Point Model 855x is a member of a product family that
providesacompletewirelessnetworkingsolution.
GThe Harmony Access Point Controller Model 7560 centralizes the manage-
ment, security, and filtering capabilities of a wireless LAN. The Access Point
Controllercommunicates with HarmonyAccess Points overthe Ethernet
network to provide wireless network access for mobile clients. The Access
Point Controller can support multiple Access Points, even if each Access Point
followsadifferentwirelessstandard.
GThe 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 types 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 855x. Note
that the 802.11b Access Point does not require an AP Controller to provide
mobileclientswithwirelessnetwork access.
GThe 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 or IEEE 802.11b wireless standard: the
7430 Series OpenAir PC Card and the 8430 Series 802.11b PC Card.
GThe Harmony 802.11b PCI Card is a wireless LAN adapter that fits into a
standard PCI expansion slot and complies with the IEEE 802.11b wireless
standard.
GThe optional Harmony Power System Model 7562 provides remote DC
power to Harmony Access Points over the unused pins of a twisted pair
Ethernetcable.

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Harmony 802.11b Access Point Model Numbers
There are two models of the Harmony 802.11b Access Point available. Both models
offerthe same functionality and have the same user interface.
Model 8550 is a Harmony 802.11b Access Point that ships with an integrated antenna
that provides diversity. This antenna supports two positions: up and down. For best
results, place the antenna in the up or vertical position, as shown in Figure 1 on page 13.
The integrated antenna cannot be removed from the Model 8550 Access Point.
Model 8551 is a Harmony 802.11b Access Point that ships with two Reverse polarity
TNC connectors (also known as R-TNC). This model supports external antenna options
that can increase the range of the Harmony 802.11b Access Point. It includes two
antennaconnectors tosupportantennadiversity, whichcanimprovesystem reliability.
Due to the characteristics of radio waves, it is possible that one antenna may provide
better performance than a second antenna installed a short distance away. Note that a
second antenna provides diversity only; it cannot be used to further increase the range of
the Access Point or increase its coverage area. When two antennas are connected to the
Access Point, only one antenna is in use at any point in time.
The Model 8551 Access Point ships with two 1-dBi omnidirectional antennas (Model
7015) that connect directly to the unit’s R-TNC antenna connectors. High-gain external
antennas and antenna cabling for the Model 8551 AP are sold separately. Contact your
Harmonyresellerfor information on the availableantennas that have been certifiedfor
use with this Access Point.

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The IEEE 802.11b Specification
In 1997, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) adopted the 802.11
standard for wireless devices operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. This standard
includesprovisionsforthreeradiotechnologies:directsequencespreadspectrum,fre-
quency hopping spread spectrum, and infrared. Devices that comply with the 802.11
standard operate at a data rate of either 1 or 2 Mbps.
In 1999, the IEEE created the 802.11b standard. 802.11b is essentially identical to the
802.11 standard except 802.11b provides for data rates of up to 11 Mbps for direct
sequence spread spectrum devices. Under 802.11b, direct sequence devices can operate
at 11 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps, or 1 Mbps. This provides interoperability with existing
802.11 direct sequence devices that operate only at 2 Mbps.
Direct sequence spread spectrum devices spread a radio signal over a range of frequen-
cies. The IEEE 802.11b specification allocates the 2.4 GHz frequency band into 14
overlapping operating Channels. Each Channel corresponds to a different set of frequen-
cies. See Appendix B to determine the center frequency used by each Channel.
If operating multiple 802.11b Access Points in the same vicinity, the distance between
the center frequencies must be at least 25 MHz to avoid interference. Note that the
Channels available to an 802.11b Access Point will vary from country to country.
In the United States, the 802.11b standard allocates 11 operating Channels for direct
sequence devices. Channels 1, 6, and 11 are independent and do not overlap with each
other. To avoid interference between 802.11b Access Points, Proxim recommends that
you configure the Access Points using only Channels 1, 6, and 11 (if available).
The 802.11b operating parameters are described in Chapter 5.

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System Requirements
To begin using the Harmony 802.11b Access Point, you must have the following mini-
mumrequirements:
GAn Ethernet (10Base-T) LAN switch or hub
GAt least one 802.11b adapter
Note:
IfyouwanttocreateaHarmonysystemthatprovidescentralizedmanagement,
configuration,filtering,andsecurity,youwillalsoneedatleastoneHarmony
AccessPointController.
The Product Package
Each Harmony 802.11b Access Point comes with:
GOne Harmony 802.11b Access Point Model 855x
GOne power adapter (12V, 1 Amp)
GTwo model 7015 1-dBi omnidirectional antennas (Model 8551 only)
GOne Harmony 802.11b Access Point Model 855x User’s Guide
GOnewarrantyregistrationcard

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2. Installation
This chapter describes the installation procedure for the Harmony 802.11b Access Point
and includes a description of the LEDs found on the unit.
Installation Procedure
Follow these steps to install the Harmony 802.11b Access Point Model 855x.
Note:
If you have a Harmony Access Point Controller, install it first before installing a
Harmony Access Point.
1. Determine the best location for the Harmony 802.11b Access Point. Keep in mind
thefollowingconsiderations:
GThe length of the Ethernet cable that connects the Access Point to the network
must not exceed 100 meters.
GFor Model 8550 Access Points, try 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 book-
case,keeping clear of metal obstructions and away from direct sunlight.
GFor Model 8551 Access Points, install the external antennas so that they are
clearof obstructions; refer to the documentation that came with the antennasfor
mountingandinstallationinstructions.
GTry to centrally locate the Access Point or its antennas so that it will provide
coverage to all of the mobile devices in the area.
GIf 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.

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Warning!
ItistheresponsibilityoftheinstallerandusersoftheHarmony802.11bAccess
Point Model 855x to guarantee that the antenna is operated at least 20
centimeters from any person. This is necessary to insure that the product is
operated in accordance with the RF Guidelines for Human Exposure which
have been adopted by the Federal Communications Commission.
2. Place the Access Point in the desired location. An optional wall mount is available
for the Access Point. Refer to the section entitled “Mounting Option” later in this
chapterfordetails.
3. If you are using a Model 8551 Access Point, connect the two 7015 antennas
directly to the unit. If you are using another model of external antenna, connect the
antennas to the Access Point’s antenna connectors with low-loss antenna cabling.
4. 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.
Note:
The Harmony 802.11b Access Point does not support 100Base-TX; it only
supports10Base-T.
5. If you are not using the Harmony Power System to supply power to the Access
Point or want to connect the Access Point to both the Power System and an AC
power source, 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.
Note:
Use the Access Point only with the power adapter supplied by Proxim in the
product package. Using another power supply may damage the Access Point. If
youwanttousetheAccessPointinconjunctionwiththeHarmonyPowerSystem,
refer to the Harmony Power System Model 7562 User’s Guide for instructions.
All three LEDs on the top of the Access Point will light up momentarily when the unit is
powered on. In addition, the green Link LED will turn on to indicate that the Access
Point has a network connection.

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By default, the Harmony 802.11b Access Point will attempt to find an AP Controller to
partner with. During this process, the Access Point’s Status LED will be amber.
5. If you have one or more AP Controllers on the network, an AP Controller will
automaticallydetect and configure the Access Point over the network (this assumes
thatyouhavenotdisabled the Harmony system’s ability toautomaticallydetect
new Access Points). The Access Point’s Status LED will turn solid green. Refer
to the Harmony Access Point Controller Model 7560 User’s Guide for more
information on how to configure an Access Point.
6. If you do not have an AP Controller on the network, the Access Point will auto-
matically switch to Independent mode (which does not require an AP Controller) if
it cannot find an AP Controller within one minute of booting up. The Access
Point’s Status LED will blink green in a repeating pattern (the LED will remain on
for two seconds and then turn off momentarily). Refer to Chapter 4 for information
on how to configure the Access Point.
Mounting Option
The Harmony 802.11b Access Point is designed to sit on a desktop. In addition, an
optional mounting bracket is available for purchase so that the unit may be mounted to a
wallor ceiling.
Follow these steps to attach the mounting bracket to the Access Point:
1. Remove the two rubber feet on the bottom of the AP. Note that the rubber feet are
attached to the unit with an adhesive.
2. Underneath the rubber feet there are three unthreaded holes that accept M5 thread
forming screws. Align the holes of the mounting bracket with these holes.
3. Locate the screws provided with the mounting bracket.
4. Insert the screws into the three holes of the mounting bracket and AP (that is, the
holes aligned in Step #2 above).
5. Tighten the screws with a screwdriver to attach the mounting bracket to the AP.

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LED Indicators
There are three LEDs on the top panel of the Harmony 802.11b Access Point, as shown
in Figure 1 (which is a picture of a Model 8550 Access Point). In addition, there is one
LED on the Access Point’s back panel.
Figure 1
Harmony 802.11b Access Point’s Top Panel LEDs
Status LED Radio LED Ethernet LED

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Status LED
The Ethernet LED is located on the left side of the Access Point’s top panel (with the
unit orientated so that you can read the Proxim logo).
The following table describes the behavior of the Status LED.
Radio LED
The Radio LED is the middle LED on the Access Point’s top panel and blinks green
when the Access Point receives data packets over its radio.
Ethernet LED
The Ethernet LED is located on the Access Point’s top panel to the right of the Radio
LED (with the unit orientated so that you can read the Proxim logo) and blinks green
when the Access Point receives data packets over the 10Base-T Ethernet port.
LED Behavior Status
Off Unit is not powered on
Solid Amber
AP is either
1) initializing or
2) not partnered with
an AP Controller
Blinking Amber AP requires a new firmware
image; see Chapter 9
Solid Green AP is partnered with an AP
Controller and is operational
Blinking Green
(2 seconds on, then 1 blink) AP is in Indepedent mode and is operational
Blinking Red A problem has occurred; see Chapter 9 for an explanation of the
blinking patterns

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Link LED
The Link LED is located on the Access Point’s back panel between the power connector
and the 10Base-T port and turns green when the Access Point has a physical connection
to the Ethernet network.
Power Requirements
The Harmony 802.11b Access Point requires power from either a Harmony Power
System or from an external power supply.
The voltage range for the Access Point’s power connector is 10-26 VDC.
The Harmony 802.11b Access Point ships with a UL listed, Class 2 power supply (12V,
1 Amp).

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3. Wireless Operation
This chapter describes how the Harmony 802.11b Access Point provides network access
tomobileclients.
It begins with a discussion of the Access Point’s operating modes and the parameter
known as AP Controller Dependence. AP Controller Dependence determines whether
the Access Point operates on its own or in conjunction with an AP Controller.
This chapter concludes with a description of how mobile clients roam between Access
Pointswhilemaintainingseamlessnetworkconnectivity.
AP Controller Dependence
The Harmony wireless infrastructure family is designed to grow with your network. For
isolated Ethernet networks that contain less than 512 nodes and connect to a single
router, the Harmony 802.11b Access Point can operate as a stand-alone bridge to pro-
videnetwork access to mobile clients.
But as you increase the number of Access Points or the complexity of the network, you
can add an Access Point Controller to provide centralized management and configuration
for the Access Points. Also, a Harmony system with an AP Controller offers several
additional features that are not available with the stand-alone Harmony 802.11b Access
Point, such as:
GAuthorization Table for Added Security
GRoaming Across a Router
GPacket Filtering Based on Protocol Type
GSNMPManagement
GManagement of Access Points via a Single User Interface
Refer to the Harmony Access Point Controller Model 7560 User’s Guide for more
informationonthesefeatures.

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Note:
Forbestperformance,ProximrecommendsusingaHarmony802.11bAccess
PointwithoutanAPControlleronisolatedEthernetnetworksthatcontainless
than 512 nodes and connect to a single router. The Access Point has limited
filteringand forwardingcapabilitiesandmay have difficultykeepingupwith
theamountoftrafficonlargernetworks. Thislimitationdoesnotapplytothe
Harmony AP Controller.
The Harmony 802.11b Access Point supports three modes of operation:
GIndependent: The Access Point operates as a stand-alone device to provide
networkaccess to mobileclients.
GDependent: The Access Point partners with an Access Point Controller to
providenetworkaccesstomobileclients.
GFlexible: The Access Point operates in Dependent mode if an AP Controller is
installed on the network; otherwise, it operates in Independent mode.
By default, the Access Point operates in Flexible mode.
Note:
If you configure a Harmony 802.11b Access Point to operate in Independent
mode,youcanalwaysaddanAPControllertothenetworkatalaterdateand
reconfigure the Access Point to operate in Dependent or Flexible mode.
Independent Mode
When AP Controller Dependence is configured to Independent, the Harmony 802.11b
Access Point will operate as a MAC layer learning bridge and forward packets between
mobileclientsand the Ethernet network.
A wireless LAN that uses the Harmony 802.11b Access Point in Independent mode
generally consists of one or more 802.11b Access Points and one or more mobile clients
that have an 802.11b adapter installed, as shown in Figure 2.

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Figure 2
802.11b Access Point in Independent Mode
The Access Point maintains a table of MAC addresses, which it has learned are located
either on the Ethernet network or on the radio network by monitoring the source address
of packets it receives. For example, if the Access Point receives a packet over its radio, it
creates an entry in its table for the node that sent the packet and labels the entry as a
member of the radio network. The Access Point removes an entry from the table after
fiveminutesofinactivity.