Proxim Harmony 802.11b User manual

Harmony 802.11b
Access Point
Model 8550
User’s Guide

1
Copyright
© 2000 Proxim, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA. All rights reserved. This manual and the software de-
scribed in it are copyrighted with all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be repro-
duced, 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, 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 802.11b Access Point Model 8850 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
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:
❑From the use of the product;
❑From the loss of use, revenue or profit of the product; or
❑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.
Part # 7360.xxxx
Rev. A

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Warranty Return Policy
If you have a problem with the Harmony 802.11b Access Point Model 8550, 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 Materials 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:
❑Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
❑Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
❑Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that which the receiver
is connected.
❑Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

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Contents
1. Introduction .................................................................4
The Harmony Family ............................................................................... 5
System Requirements ............................................................................... 6
2. Installation ...................................................................7
Installation Procedure............................................................................... 7
Mounting Option ...................................................................................... 8
LED Indicators ......................................................................................... 9
3. Wirefree Operation ....................................................10
Harmony Architecture............................................................................ 10
The IEEE 802.11b Specification............................................................ 11
Roaming Between Harmony 802.11b Access Points............................. 11
Roaming Guidelines ............................................................................ 12
4. Configuration Parameters ........................................14
Basic Settings....................................................................................... 14
WEP Settings ....................................................................................... 17
Advanced Settings ............................................................................... 17
5. Performance Hints ....................................................19
Microwave Ovens .................................................................................. 19
Range...................................................................................................... 19
6. Troubleshooting ........................................................21
How to Obtain Help with Your LAN Installation.................................. 21
Common Problems and Solutions .......................................................... 21
A. How to Reach Technical Support............................24
B. Harmony 802.11b Access Point Specifications .....25

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1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing Proxim’s Harmony 802.11b Access Point Model 8550, a
member of Proxim’s Harmony Wirefree Infrastructure Family. The Harmony product
line is the first wirefree networking solution to embrace all current and future wirefree
LAN standards, including OpenAir, IEEE 802.11b, and future 10 Mbps frequency
hopping and 5 GHz technologies, in a single, homogeneous architecture.
For enterprise customers implementing wirefree solutions, Harmony reduces equip-
ment acquisition costs, installation complexity, and long-term operating costs by
centralizing network management, communication, and security services.
Harmony protects current and future wirefree infrastructure investments by supporting
all leading and forthcoming wireless LAN protocols. Existing RangeLAN2,
OpenAir-compatible and IEEE 802.11b products are all fully compatible with Har-
mony. Customers may seamlessly transition to new LAN standards by adding low-cost
access points without changing the management interface or disturbing existing users.
Harmony further reduces network costs through its SmartArchitecture, the first
wirefree management system to provide one-click, system-wide security updates and
remote office infrastructure management through a single interface. The system may be
managed through a Web-based interface, which provides customizable network maps
and traffic statistics, or through standard enterprise SNMP packages. Harmony’s
SmartArchitecture also greatly reduces the time and expense of installation by avoiding
many of the hidden costs of a wirefree infrastructure.
Harmony Access Points may be connected to any portion of the Ethernet network,
eliminating the need for special wirefree subnets common in other installations. Har-
mony clients also roam seamlessly anywhere there is wirefree coverage, without the
need for extra client software. In addition, Harmony SmartAttach software auto-
discovers and configures new access points upon connection to the Ethernet network,
simplifying installation.
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 wirefree LAN market.

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The Harmony Family
The Harmony Wirefree Infrastructure Family includes the following products:
❑The Harmony 7560 Access Point Controller centralizes the management,
security, and filtering capabilities of a wirefree 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 wirefree standard.
❑The 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 wirefree standards: the model
7550 OpenAir Access Point and the model 8550 802.11b Access Point. Note
that only the Harmony Power System operates only with the 802.11b Access
Point.
❑The Harmony PC Card is a wirefree 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 wirefree standards.
❑The optional Harmony Power System provides remote DC power to Har-
mony 802.11b Access Points over the unused pins of a twisted pair Ethernet
cable.

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System Requirements
To begin using the Harmony 802.11b Access Point, you need the following minimum
requirements:
❑At least one Harmony Access Point Controller;
❑An Ethernet (10Base-T) or Fast Ethernet (100Base-TX) LAN switch or hub;
and
❑At least one 802.11b PC Card.

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2. Installation
This chapter describes the installation procedure for the Harmony 802.11b Access
Point and the LEDs found on the unit.
Installation Procedure
Follow these steps to install the Harmony 802.11b Access Point Model 8550:
Note:
YoumustinstallaHarmonyAccessPointControllerbeforeinstallingaHarmony
Access Point.
1. Determine the best location for the Harmony 802.11b Access Point. Keep in
mind the following considerations:
❑The length of the Ethernet cable that connects the Access Point to the network
must not exceed 100 meters.
❑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 bookcase, keeping clear of metal obstruc-
tions and away from direct sunlight.
❑Try to centrally locate the Access Point so that it will provide coverage to all of
the mobile devices in the area.
❑If 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.
2. Place the Access Point in the desired location. An optional wall mount is avail-
able for the Access Point. Refer to the section entitled “Mounting Option” later
in this chapter for details.

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3. 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 8550 Access Point does not support 100Base-TX; it only supports
10Base-T.
4. 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 manual for instructions.
The Status LED, located on the top of the Access Point, will turn 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.
In addition, the green Link LED will turn on to indicate that the Access Point has a
network connection.
5. 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 Manual for more information on how to configure an Access Point.
Mounting Option
The Harmony 802.11b Access Point is designed to sit on a desktop. In addition, an
optional hardware bracket is available for purchase so that the unit may be mounted to
a wall or ceiling.
Follow these steps to attach the mounting bracket to the Access Point:

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1. Remove the 2 rubber feet on the bottom of the Access Point. Note that the rubber
feet are attached to the unit with an adhesive.
2. Underneath the rubber feet there are 3 unthreaded mounting 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 hardware.
4. Insert the screws into the 3 holes of the mounting bracket and Access Point (i.e.,
the holes aligned in Step #2 above).
5. Tighten the screws with a screwdriver to attach the mounting bracket to the
Access Point.
LED Indicators
There are three LEDs on the top panel of the Harmony 8550 802.11b Access Point:
❑Status LED: This LED, located on the right 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. If there is an internal
problem with the unit, the LED will turn red. If the Status LED turns red, try
recycling power to the unit. If the LED remains red, contact Proxim Technical
Support for assistance.
❑Radio LED: This LED, located in the center of the three LEDs, blinks green
when the Access Point is transmitting data packets over its radio.
❑Ethernet LED: This LED, located on the left side, blinks green when the
Access Point is transmitting data over the 10Base-T Ethernet port.
There is also one LED on the back panel of the Harmony 8550 802.11b Access Point:
❑Link LED: This LED, located between the power connector and the
10Base-T port, will turn green when the Access Point has a physical connec-
tion to the Ethernet network.

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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 network must include at least one Access Point Controller. The AP
Controller centralizes the management, security, and filtering capabilities of a wirefree
LAN. In a traditional wirefree LAN, each Access Point duplicates this functionality
adding additional, unnecessary cost to the network infrastructure. By consolidating
these functions into a one or more AP Controllers, additional Access Points can easily
be added to the network as it grows. Also, as new wirefree standards are introduced in
the future, additional Access Points may be added at a lower cost than with a traditional
Access Point infrastructure.
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 up to ten Access Points. A network subnet can
support up to ten 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 a one Access
Point depends on the amount of information that each client exchanges with the net-
work; this will vary based on the applications in use and how frequently network
information is accessed.
When a Harmony 802.11b Access Point is connected to the network for the first time,
the AP Controller automatically configures it with the AP AutoConfig default settings.
In addition, a Harmony 802.11b Access Point may be manually configured via the AP
Controller’s Wireless Network Management interface. Refer to the Harmony Access
Point Controller Model 7560 User’s Manual for information on how to access the
Wireless Network Management interface.

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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 wirefree devices operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. This standard
includes provisions for three radio technologies: direct sequence spread spectrum,
frequency 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 oper-
ate 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 fre-
quencies and each Channel is 25 MHz wide.
In the United States, the 802.11b standard allocates 11 operating Channels for direct
sequence devices. Channels 1, 6, and 11 do not overlap with each other; these three
Channels are known as independent Channels. To avoid interference between 802.11b
Access Points, Proxim recommends that you configure the Access Points using only
Channels 1, 6, and 11.
The 802.11b operating parameters are described in Chapter 4.
Roaming Between Harmony 802.11b Access Points
If there are multiple Harmony 802.11b 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 coverage area or Basic Service Set (BSS).
A mobile device can communicate with a particular Access Point if it is within the
Access Point’s coverage area.

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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 Set (ESS). All members of an Extended Service Set are configured with an ID,
known as the ESSID. Mobile clients must be configured with the same ESSID as the
Access Points on the network; a client can only roam between Access Points that share
the same ESSID.
Roaming Guidelines
❑A Harmony 802.11b PC Card can only roam between Harmony 802.11b
Access Points. An 802.11b PC Card cannot communicate with Harmony
OpenAir Access Points.
❑All Harmony 802.11b Access Points must have the same ESSID.
❑All workstations with Harmony 802.11b PC Cards must have the same ESSID
as the Access Points that they will roam between.
❑If WEP encryption is enabled, then all 802.11b Access Points and PC Cards
must use the same Encryption Key to communicate.
❑The 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.
❑All Access Points in the same vicinity should use a unique, independent
Channel. There are 3 independent Channels for 802.11b Access Points.
❑Access Points that use the same Channel should be installed as far away from
each other as possible to reduce potential interference.

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❑Proxim 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 for more information on the technical training class.
❑An 802.11b Access Point and an OpenAir Access Point installed in the same
vicinity will interfere with each other. If you use both 802.11b and OpenAir
Access Points on your network, Proxim recommends that you test for potential
interference first before deploying the equipment.

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4. Configuration Parameters
The first time that a Harmony 802.11b Access Point is connected to the network, the
AP Controller will automatically configure it using the AP AutoConfig default settings.
In addition, a Harmony 802.11b Access Point may be manually configured via the AP
Controller’s Wireless Network Management interface. Refer to the Harmony Access
Point Controller Model 7560 User’s Manual for information on how to access the
Wireless Network Management interface.
This chapter describes the configuration parameters for a Harmony 802.11b Access
Point.
You may configure the following parameters for a Harmony 802.11b Access Point:
❑Basic Settings
❑WEP Settings
❑Advanced Settings
Each of these options is discussed in detail below.
Basic Settings
The Basic Settings tab allows you to configure the following parameters:
AP Name
You may assign a name to the Harmony 802.11b Access Point in the field provided.
The AP Name cannot exceed 63 characters.
Physical Address
A Harmony 802.11b 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 6 pairs of two hexadecimal digits separated by colons; for example,
00:60:b3:6e:00:77.

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Partnered AP Controller
Each Access Point is partnered with one of the AP Controllers 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, you can select an AP Controller from
the drop-down list and the Access Point will partner with it.
Channel
By default, an AP Controller will automatically provide a Channel assignment to a
Harmony 802.11b Access Point. The Harmony system will assign Channel 6 to the
first 802.11b Access Point, Channel 1 to the second 802.11b Access Point, Channel 11
to the third 802.11b Access Point, Channel 6 to the fourth 802.11b Access Point, and
so on.
If necessary, you may manually configure the Channel assignment of an 802.11b
Access Point. To minimize interference, use only Channels 1, 6, and 11. If you have
more than three Access Points on the network, make sure that units that share the same
Channel are as far away from each other as possible, based on the results of your site
survey of the facility.
Note:
Proxim recommends that you manually assign Channels if you have more than
three Harmony 802.11b Access Points on one network.
Supported Clients
802.11b products can operate at 11 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps or 1 Mbps. This allows
802.11b devices to communicate with any existing 802.11 direct sequence devices that
operate only at 1 or 2 Mbps.
By default, the Harmony 802.11b Access Point will support both 802.11b and 2 Mbps
802.11 direct sequence clients. If you want the Harmony 802.11b Access Point to only
support 11 Mbps 802.11b clients, select the option labeled “11 Mbps clients only.”

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Note that allowing 2 Mbps clients to communicate with 802.11b products may signifi-
cantly reduce the 802.11 products’ data rate.
ESSID
The ESSID is a string of up to 32 ASCII characters that must match on all communi-
cating 802.11b devices within the same network. ESSID stands for Extended Service
Set ID.
All Harmony 802.11b Access Points and Harmony 802.11b PC Cards must have the
same ESSID to allow a mobile client to roam between Access Points.
By default, the ESSID is set to “proxim.”
IP Addressing
An Access Point can receive an IP address assignment in one of three ways:
1. From a DHCP server on the network;
2. From an AP Controller if there is no DHCP server on your network; and
3. Manually via the Wireless Network Management interface.
If you do not have a DHCP server on the network and the AP Controller has not been
assigned a static IP address, then it will assign IP addresses in the 169.254.0.0 network
to the Harmony Access Points.
If you want the Access Point to receive an IP address using method 1 or 2 above, then
choose the option labeled “DHCP.”
Otherwise, select “Specify IP” to assign a static IP address, subnet mask, and default
gateway for the Access Point.

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WEP Settings
The Harmony 802.11b products support both 40 and 128-bit encryption using the
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) algorithm.
You may configure the Harmony 802.11b Access Point to use encryption only during
authentication (the “Authentication” option), during authentication and when sending
data (the “All Traffic” option), or to not use encryption at all (the “Off” option).
In addition, each Access Point can store four 40-bit and four 128-bit Encryption Keys.
All 802.11 Access Points and 802.11b PC Cards within an ESS must have the same
Encryption Level and use the same Encryption Key to communicate.
Advanced Settings
The Advanced Settings tab allows you to configure the parameters described below.
Supported Rates
The IEEE 802.11b specification supports four data rates: 11 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps,
and 1 Mbps. As a mobile client travels further and further away from an 802.11b
Access Point, the data rate automatically decreases in order to maintain a usable radio
connection. Therefore, a client that is close to an Access Point may operate a 11 Mbps,
but a client that is far away from the Access Point may operate at 2 Mbps.
By default, the Harmony 802.11b Access Point supports all four data rates. However,
you can prevent the Access Point from using a specified data rate by unchecking the
appropriate box.
For example, if your application requires that the Harmony PC Card maintains an 11
Mbps data rate, you can uncheck the 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps, and 1 Mbps options. The
Access Point and PC Card will always attempt to operate at 11 Mbps but this may
greatly reduce the size of the coverage area provided by the Access Point. Once the PC
Card moves outside the range that provides 11 Mbps operation, the PC Card will lose
connectivity with the network.

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RTS/CTS Threshold
The 802.11b specification supports optional RTS/CTS communication based on
packet size.
Without RTS/CTS, a sending radio listens to see if another radio is already using the
medium before transmitting a data packet. If the medium is free, the sending radio
transmits its packets. However, there is no guarantee that another radio is not transmit-
ting a packet at the same time, causing a collision.
When RTS/CTS occurs, the sending radio first transmits a Request to Send (RTS)
packet to confirm that the medium is clear. When the receiving radio successfully
receives the RTS packet, it transmits back a Clear to Send (CTS) packet to the sending
radio. When the sending radio receives the CTS packet, it sends the data packet to the
receiving radio. The RTS and CTS packets contain a reservation time to notify other
radios that the medium is in use for a specified period of time. This helps to minimize
collisions.
While RTS/CTS adds overhead to the radio network, RTS/CTS is particularly useful
for large packets which take time to resend if a collision occurs during an attempt to
send.
You may configure a Harmony 802.11b Access Point to always use RTS/CTS, never
use RTS/CTS, or use RTS/CTS for packets over a certain size.
For example, if the RTS/CTS Threshold is set to 1000 Bytes, than a sending radio will
use RTS/CTS before transmitting any packet 1000 Bytes or larger.
The RTS/CTS Threshold parameter supports a range between 0 and 1513 Bytes (which
is the largest Ethernet packet).
If set to 0, then a sending radio will use RTS/CTS before sending any packet. If set to
1513, then a sending radio will not use RTS/CTS for any packets except those that are
1513 Bytes.

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5. Performance Hints
This section provides the user with ideas for how to increase performance and network
satisfaction on a Harmony 802.11b network.
Microwave Ovens
Microwave ovens operate in the same frequency band as the Harmony 802.11b Access
Point. Therefore, if you use a microwave within range of the Access Point you may
notice network performance degradation. However, both your microwave and your
Access Point will continue to function.
Range
Every environment is unique with different obstacles, barriers, materials, etc. and
therefore, it is difficult to determine the exact range that will be achieved without
testing. However, Proxim has developed some guidelines to estimate the range that
users will see when the product is installed in their facility, but there are no hard and
fast specifications.
Radio signals may reflect off of some obstacles or be absorbed by others depending on
their construction. For example, with two 802.11b radios, you may achieve up to 1000'
in open space outdoors where the two antennas are line of sight, meaning they see each
other with no obstacles. However, the same two units may only achieve up to 300' of
range when used indoors.
The IEEE 802.11b specification supports four data rates: 11 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps,
and 1 Mbps. Operation at 1 Mbps provides greater range than operation at 11 Mbps.
The Harmony 802.11b Access Point will automatically adjust the data rate to maintain
a usable radio connection. Therefore, a client that is close to the Access Point may
operate at 11 Mbps while a client that is on the fringe of coverage may operate at 1
Mbps. As described in Chapter 4, you may configure the data rates that the Access
Point will use. Note that if you limit the range of data rates available to the Access
Point, you may reduce the effective range of the Harmony 802.11b products.