Proxim Harmony 8569 User manual

Harmony
Harmony 802.11a Access Point
User's Guide

Copyright
© 2002 Proxim, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA. All rights reserved. Covered by one or more o the ollowing U.S.
patents: 5,231,634; 5,875,179; 6,006,090. This user’s guide and the so tware described in it are
copyrighted with all rights reserved. No part o this publication may be reproduced, transmitted,
transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any orm by any means
without the written permission o Proxim, Incorporated.
Trademarks
Harmony, the Harmony logo, 2X, Proxim, and the Proxim logo are trademarks o Proxim, Inc. All other
trademarks are the property o their respective owners.
Limited Warranty, Disclaimer, Limitation O Liability
For a period o one (1) year rom the date o purchase by the retail customer, Proxim warrants the
Harmony 802.11a Access Point against de ects in materials and workmanship. Proxim will not honor this
warranty i there has been any attempt to tamper with or remove the product’s external oil label.
This warranty does not cover and Proxim will not be liable or any damage or ailure caused by misuse,
abuse, acts o God, accidents, or other causes beyond Proxim’s control, or claim by any entity other than
the original purchaser.
I , a ter inspection, Proxim determines there is a de ect, Proxim will repair or replace the Access Point at
no cost to you. To return de ective merchandise to Proxim please call Proxim Technical Support at 1-408-
731-2640 to obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number.
In no event shall Proxim, Incorporated be responsible or liable or any damages arising:
•From the use o the product
•From the loss o use, revenue or pro it o the product
•As a result o any event, circumstance, action or abuse beyond the control o Proxim, Inc.
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.
Warranty Return Policy
I you have a problem with the Harmony 802.11a Access Point, please call Proxim Technical Support at
1-408-731-2640. Proxim Technical Support will assist with resolving any technical di iculties you may
have with your Proxim product.
A ter calling Proxim Technical Support, i your product is ound to be de ective, you may return the
product to Proxim a ter 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 o
the box. Proxim cannot be held responsible or 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 ound to comply with the limits or a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 o the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harm ul inter erence in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
requency energy and, i not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harm ul
inter erence to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that inter erence will not occur in
a particular installation. I this equipment does cause harm ul inter erence to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment o and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the inter erence by one or more o the ollowing 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 di erent rom that which the receiver is con-
nected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician or help.
This device complies with part 15 o the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the ollowing two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harm ul inter erence, and (2) this device must accept any inter erence
received, including inter erence that may cause undesired operation.
Harmony 802.11a Access Point User’s Guide
Part # 2050.0460
Rev. B

3
Table o f Co n ten ts
Chapter 1 - Introduction .................................................................................. 4
The Harmony Family ....................................................................................... 5
System Requirements ....................................................................................6
The Product Package .....................................................................................6
Harmony 802.11a Access Point Models .......................................................... 7
Access Point Overview ...................................................................................8
Top Panel LEDs ........................................................................................8
Rear Panel ...............................................................................................9
Chapter 2 - Installation .................................................................................. 11
Pre-installation Considerations .....................................................................11
Regulatory Warnings ...............................................................................11
Installation .................................................................................................. 13
Mounting Instructions ............................................................................ 14
Chapter 3 - Configuration .............................................................................. 17
The IEEE 802.11a Speci ication ..................................................................... 18
802.11a Access Point Con iguration ............................................................. 19
Auto Con igure De ault Parameters ..............................................................20
Basic Settings ........................................................................................20
Security Settings .................................................................................... 23
Advanced Settings ................................................................................. 25
Roaming Between Access Points .................................................................. 27
Roaming Guidelines .............................................................................. 27
Chapter 4 - Troubleshooting .......................................................................... 28
LED Error Codes ...........................................................................................28
Range ..........................................................................................................29
Common Problems and Solutions ................................................................30
Appendix A - Technical Specifications ............................................................. 32
Speci ications .............................................................................................. 32
Parameters .................................................................................................. 33
Appendix B - Technical Support and Training ................................................... 35
Index............................................................................................................ 36

4
Chapter 1
Introduction
Thank you or choosing Proxim’s Harmony 802.11a Access Point, a member o
Proxim’s Harmony wireless in rastructure amily. The Harmony 802.11a Access Point
complies with the IEEE 802.11a wireless standard to provide mobile clients with
network connectivity at high speed data rates o up to 54 Mbps (up to 108 Mbps in
2XTM mode).
The Harmony 802.11a Access Point is used in conjunction with a Harmony Access
Point Controller as part o a wireless networking solution that supports all current and
uture wireless network standards including IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, and OpenAir
simultaneously within a single, homogeneous architecture. A Harmony System, which
includes Access Point Controllers and Access Points, provides centralized
management, con iguration, and security or a wireless network.
Proxim is the pioneer in wireless broadband networking. Proxim’s unmatched
expertise in radio networking technology, combined with the company’s extensive
experience serving the communication needs o the mobile computing user, have
kept Proxim at the ore ront o the wireless LAN market.

Introduction 5
The Harmony Family
The Harmony 802.11a Access Point is member o a product amily that provides a
complete wireless networking solution.
•The Harmony Access Point Controller Model 7560 centralizes the management,
security, and iltering capabilities o a wireless LAN. The Access Point (AP) Con-
troller communicates with Harmony Access Points over the Ethernet network to
provide wireless network access or mobile clients. The AP Controller can support
multiple APs, even i each AP complies with a di erent wireless standard.
•The Harmony Access Point is a networking bridge that operates at Layer 2 o the
OSI networking model. Working in conjunction with a Harmony AP Controller, the
AP orwards packets between its radio and the Ethernet network. Three models
o the Harmony AP are available to support the IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, or
OpenAir wireless standards: the 802.11a Access Point Model 8569/8570/8571,
the 802.11 Access Point Models 8550/8551, and the OpenAir Access Point
Model 7550.
•The optional Harmony Power System Model 7563 provides DC power to Harmony
APs over the unused pins o a twisted pair Ethernet cable.
•The Harmony 802.11a CardBus Card Model 8450 is a wireless LAN adapter that
its into a 32-bit CardBus slot in a laptop computer and complies with the IEEE
802.11a standard.
•The Harmony PC Card is a wireless LAN adapter that its into a PCMCIA Type II slot
in a laptop computer. Two models are available to support the IEEE 802.11b
(8430 Series) or OpenAir (7430 Series) wireless standards.
•The Harmony CompactFlash Card is a wireless LAN adapter that its into a
CompactFlash slot in a Pocket PC. Two models are available to support the IEEE
802.11b (Model 8630) or OpenAir (Model 7630) wireless standards.
•The Harmony PCI Card is a wireless LAN adapter that its into a standard PCI
expansion slot. Two models are available to support the IEEE 802.11a (Model
8150) or 802.11b (Model 8110) wireless standards.
•The Harmony OpenAir USB Adapter Model 7230 is an OpenAir-compliant wire-
less LAN adapter that connects to a Windows 98/ME/2000 computer’s Universal
Serial Bus (USB) port.

Introduction 6
System Requirements
To begin using the Harmony 802.11a Access Point, you must have the ollowing items
installed on your local network:
• A Harmony AP Controller (with irmware version 2.0 or greater installed)
• A 10Base-T Ethernet or 100Base-TX Fast Ethernet switch or hub
• At least one 802.11a adapter
The Product Package
Each Harmony 802.11a Access Point package includes:
• One Harmony 802.11a Access Point
• Model 8569/8570 with two integral antennas, or
• Model 8571 with two SMA antenna connectors
• One power adapter (12V, 1 Amp)
• One Wall Mounting Kit
• One Harmony CD-ROM containing this user’s guide in Portable Document Format
(PDF)
•One
Harmony 802.11a Access Point Quick Start Guide
• One warranty registration card
I any o these items are missing or damaged, please contact your reseller or Proxim
Technical Support.

Introduction 7
Harmony 802.11a Access Point Models
There are three models o the Harmony 802.11a Access Point available. They are all
essentially the same device with a ew di erences.
Model 8569
• Includes two integral antennas that provide antenna diversity; these antennas
cannot be removed rom the unit
• Provides eight independent Channels in 802.11a mode and three independent
Channels in 2X mode
• Does not support Power-over-Ethernet; not compatible with the Harmony Power
System
Model 8570
• Includes two integral antennas that provide antenna diversity; these antennas
cannot be removed rom the unit
• Provides eight independent Channels in 802.11a mode and three independent
Channels in 2X mode
• Supports Power-over-Ethernet; use with Harmony Power System Model 7563
Model 8571
• Includes two SMA antenna connectors or use with high-gain antennas (high-gain
external antennas and antenna cabling are sold separately)
• Provides three independent Channels in 802.11a mode and one independent
Channel in 2X mode
• Supports Power-over-Ethernet; use with Harmony Power System Model 7563
Contact your Proxim sales representative or reseller or list o available antennas in
your area.

Introduction 8
Access Point Overview
Figure 1: Harmony 802.11a Access Point Model 8570
To p Pa n e l L E D s
The top panel LEDs are ( rom le t to right) the Status Wireless and
Ethernet LEDs.
Status LED
The Status LED gives in ormation about the Access Point.
Status LED
LED Behavior Indication
O Unit not powered on
Lit solid amber Unit is initializing or is not partnered with an
AP Controller
Blinking amber Unit needs new irmware
Lit solid green Unit is partnered with an AP Controller and
operational
Blinking red Problem with unit

Introduction 9
Wireless LED
The Wireless LED blinks green when the Access Point receives data packets over the
wireless network.
Ethernet LED
The Ethernet LED blinks green when the Access Point receives data packets over the
Ethernet port.
Rear Panel
Figure 2: Harmony 802.11a Access Point Model 8570 Rear Panel
Ethernet Port
This port connects the Access Point to your 10/100Base-T Ethernet network using a
straight-through Ethernet cable.
Ethernet Link/Activity LED
The Link LED is lit solid green when the Access Point is connected at 100 Mbps to the
Ethernet network, and lit solid amber when connected at 10 Mbps. It will blink to
indicate activity on the Ethernet network.

Introduction 10
Power Port
The Harmony 802.11a Access Point has a power port on its back panel. The voltage
range or the Access Point’s power connector is 10-26 VDC. Proxim recommends that
you connect only the Class 2 power supply (12V, 1 Amp) provided with the product to
the power port.
In addition, Model 8570 and 8571 can accept power rom a Harmony Power System
Model 7563, which is an alternative power source to the supplied Class 2 power
supply. The Harmony Power System is sold separately. Re er to Proxim’s Web site or
the
Harmony Power System User’s Guide or more in ormation.
Note: The Access Point requires power rom either a Harmony Power System or
rom an external power supply. I you are not using the Harmony Power Sys-
tem, connect the power supply that came with your Harmony 802.11a Access
Point to the power port.

11
Chapter 2
Installation
The Harmony 802.11a Access Point requires a Harmony Access Point (AP) Controller.
The AP Controller must be installed on the network be ore the Access Point can be
installed and con igured. See the User’s Guide that came with your Harmony AP
Controller or instructions on how to install and con igure Access Points.
Note: The AP Controller must have irmware version 2.0 or greater installed to sup-
port the Harmony 802.11a Access Point. Con irm that the AP Controller has
the latest irmware version be ore installing the 802.11a Access Point.
Pre-installation Considerations
Regulatory Warnings
FCC Guidelines
It is the responsibility o the installer and users o the Harmony 802.11a Access Point
to guarantee that the antenna is operated at least 20 centimeters rom any person.
This is necessary to insure that the product is operated in accordance with the RF
Guidelines or Human Exposure which have been adopted by the Federal
Communications Commission.
Radio Frequency Interference Requirements
The Harmony 802.11a Access Point Models 8569 and 8570 operate in the requency
range o 5.15 to 5.35 GHz; they are restricted to indoor use due to their operation in the
5.15 to 5.25 GHz requency range. FCC 15.407(e) requires that these devices be used
indoors in the requency range o 5.15 to 5.25 GHz to reduce the potential or harm ul
inter erence to co-channel Mobile Satellite systems. There ore the devices should be
used indoor only or channels 36, 40, 44 and 48 and when 2X mode is enabled,
channels 42 and 50. The Harmony 802.11a Access Point Model 8571 operates in the
requency range o 5.25 to 5.35 GHz and is not subject to the above restriction.

Installation 12
Note: High power radars are allocated as primary users o the 5.25 to 5.35 GHz and
5.65 to 5.85 GHz band. These radar stations can cause inter erence with
and/or damage the Harmony 802.11a Access Point (Models 8569, 8570, and
8571).
Industry Canada Guidelines
Models 8569 and 8570 have been designed to operate with antennas having a
maximum gain o 6 dBi. Model 8571 has been designed to operate with an antenna
having a maximum gain o 12 dBi. Antennas having higher gains are strictly
prohibited per regulations o Industry Canada. The required antenna impedance is
50 ohms. To reduce potential radio inter erence to other users, the antenna type and
its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) is
not more than that required or success ul communication. The installer o this radio
equipment must ensure that the antennas are located or pointed such that they do
not emit RF ield in excess o Health Canada limits or the general population; consult
Sa ety Code 6, obtainable rom Health Canada’s website http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/rp .

Installation 13
Installation
Determine the best location or the Harmony 802.11a Access Point using the ollowing
considerations:
• The length o the Ethernet cable that connects the Access Point to the network
must not exceed 100 meters.
• Place the Access Point indoors, on a lat, sturdy sur ace as ar rom the ground as
possible, such as on top o a desk or bookcase, keeping clear o metal obstruc-
tions and away rom direct sunlight.
• Try to centrally locate the Access Point so that it will provide coverage to all o the
wireless devices in the area.
• I using Model 8571 with external antennas:
• Place the Access Point and antennas so that the antennas can be easily con-
nected to the Access Point.
• Use the shortest antenna cable possible; use a longer Ethernet cable i neces-
sary.
1. Place the Access Point in the desired location. I you want to mount the Access
Point to a wall or ceiling, see “Mounting Instructions” on page 14 or instructions.
Note: I using Model 8571 with external antennas, install the antennas and cabling
be ore proceeding to Step #2.
2. Connect the Ethernet port on the rear panel o the Access Point to a 10/100Base-T
network hub, switch, router, patch panel, or Harmony Power System using a
straight-through Category 5 Ethernet cable.
3. I you are not using the Harmony Power System to supply power to the Model
8570/8571 Access Point or i you want to connect the Access Point to both the
Power System and an AC power source, use the AC power adapter included in the
product package to connect the power port on the Access Point to a working
power outlet. Use only the power adapter supplied by Proxim in the product
package. Using another power supply may damage the Access Point.
4. The Link LED on the rear panel will light to indicate that the Access Point has a
network connection. The LED is lit green i connected to a 100Base-TX network
and lit amber i connected to a 10Base-T network.
5. By de ault, the Harmony 802.11a Access Point will attempt to ind an AP
Controller to partner with. I you have one or more AP Controllers on the network,
an AP Controller will automatically detect and con igure the Access Point over the
network (assuming you have not disabled the Harmony System’s ability to
automatically detect new Access Points). Re er to the
Harmony Access Point
Controller User’s Guide
or more in ormation on how to con igure an Access Point.

Installation 14
Mounting Instructions
The Harmony 802.11a Access Point ships with a wall mounting kit so that the unit can
be mounted to a wall or ceiling.
The wall mounting kit contains the ollowing parts:
• One AP Mounting Disk
• Two Plastic Wall Mount Anchors
• Two #6x0.75" Wood Screws
In addition, you will also need the ollowing tools to wall mount the Access Point:
• 3/16" Drill ( or installations using wall mount anchors)
•Marking Pen
• Phillips Screwdriver
Ceiling Mount
Follow these steps to mount the Harmony 802.11a Access Point on the T-bar that
separates o ice ceiling tiles:
1. Slide the AP Mounting Disk over a ceiling tile’s T-bar so the bar rests between the
two clips on the mounting disk, as shown in the illustrations below.
Figure 3: Attaching the AP Mounting Disk to a Ceiling T-Bar
Figure 4: AP Mounting Disk Secured to Ceiling T-Bar
Ceiling T-Bar
Mounting cli
p
s

Installation 15
2. Attach the Access Point to the mounting disk by aligning the Access Point’s
mounting holes (located on the underside o the unit) over the mounting disk’s
raised notches (shown below).
Figure 5: AP Mounting Disk Notches
3. Slide the Access Point over the mounting disk until it locks into place.
4. Ceiling mounting is now complete. Return the instructions on page 13 to install
the Access Point cabling.
Note: All cable runs to a ceiling-mounted Access Point must comply with the
National Electrical Code (NEC).
Wall Mount
Follow these steps to wall mount the Harmony 802.11a Access Point:
1. Determine the optimum location and orientation or the Access Point.
2. Place the AP Mounting Disk on the mounting location so that the side o the disk
that contains text is against the wall.
3. I wall anchors are required or your installation, mark the centers o the two
mounting holes (see Figure 6), remove the mounting disk rom the wall, and drill
a 3/16"-diameter hole at each mark. Return the mounting disk to the wall and
align it with the holes you drilled.
Note: Use only the two mounting holes shown in Figure 6 to secure the mounting
disk to a wall.
Figure 6: AP Mounting Disk
Mounting Notches
Mounting Notches
Mounting Holes

Installation 16
4. Align one o the #6 wood screws with one o the mounting holes (see Figure 6)
and screw it into one o the wall anchors or directly into the wall. Do not tighten.
5. Insert the second screw into the remaining mounting hole and screw it into the
remaining wall anchor or directly into the wall.
6. Tighten the two screws to secure the mounting disk to the wall.
7. Attach the Access Point to the mounting disk by aligning the Access Point’s
mounting holes (located on the underside o the unit) over the mounting disk’s
raised notches (see Figure 6).
8. Slide the Access Point over the mounting disk until it locks into place.
9. Wall mounting is now complete. Return the instructions on page 13 to install the
Access Point cabling.

17
Chapter 3
Configuration
The Harmony 802.11a Access Point must be used in conjunction with a Harmony AP
Controller. A Harmony System that supports 802.11a generally consists o one or more
Harmony AP Controllers, one or more Harmony Access Points, and one or more mobile
clients that have an 802.11a adapter installed. Each Access Point acts as an
intermediary between its mobile clients and the AP Controller, converting radio
signals into Ethernet packets and vice versa. The Harmony AP Controller handles all o
the con iguration and management o the Access Points on the network and
centralizes the management and security eatures o a wireless LAN.
The Harmony 802.11a Access Point supports two modes o operation: Tunneled and
Managed. In Tunneled mode, the Harmony 802.11a Access Point communicates
exclusively with the AP Controller using a technique known as IP Tunneling. An Access
Point in Tunneled mode can be installed on a remote subnet to support roaming
across a router. In Managed mode, the Harmony 802.11a Access Point communicates
directly with the Ethernet network but is still managed by the AP Controller. An Access
Point in Managed mode must be installed on the same IP subnet as the System’s AP
Controllers.
The number o Access Points per AP Controller varies based on the type o Access
Points installed and the operating mode o those Access Points. An AP Controller has
a inite capacity to orward and ilter packets on the network. Too many Access Points
communicating with a single AP Controller may reduce system per ormance, which
depends on the amount o tra ic that is generated by the Ethernet network and the
Access Points. For example, an AP Controller can support more 802.11a Access Points
in Managed mode than in Tunneled mode because, unlike Access Points in Tunneled
mode, Access Points in Managed mode communicate directly with the Ethernet
network and packets do not need to be processed by the AP Controller irst.
When a Harmony 802.11a Access Point is connected to the network or the irst time,
the AP Controller automatically con igures it with the AP AutoCon igure De ault
settings. See “Auto Con igure De ault Parameters” beginning on page 20 or details.

Con iguration 18
The IEEE 802.11a Specification
In 1997, the Institute o Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) adopted the 802.11
standard or wireless devices operating in the 2.4 GHz requency band. This standard
includes provisions or three radio technologies: direct sequence spread spectrum,
requency hopping spread spectrum, and in rared. Devices that comply with the
802.11 standard operate at a data rate o either 1 or 2 Mbps.
In 1999, the IEEE modi ied the 802.11 standard to support devices operating in the
5 GHz requency band, calling this new standard 802.11a. 802.11a devices are not
backwards compatible with 2.4 GHz 802.11 or 802.11b devices. 802.11a radios use a
radio technology called Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) to
achieve data rates o up to 54 Mbps.
In addition, Proxim’s Harmony 802.11a products support 2X Mode. This mode is not
part o the IEEE 802.11a speci ication but it allows data rates o up to 108 Mbps. See
“2X Mode” on page 21 or details.

Con iguration 19
802.11a Access Point Configuration
All Harmony Access Points are con igured automatically by the AP Controller or
manually using the AP Controller inter ace. See the User’s Guide that came with your
Harmony AP Controller or in ormation about con iguring the Access Point.
Once an Access Point is added to a Harmony network, an AP Controller on that
network will automatically con igure it or operation by assigning a Channel and a
value or the other networking parameters using the Access Point De aults settings.
Once con igured, the Access Point should automatically appear as an entry in the AP
Controller’s Web browser inter ace. (I not, you may need to manually add it. See the
“Manually Adding a New Access Point” section in your AP Controller User’s Guide.)
Follow these steps to con igure one o the Access Point Parameters:
1. Click the plus sign to the le t o an AP Controller to view the list o its partnered
Access Points.
2. Click the icon that corresponds to the Access Point that you want to con igure.
3. Edit one or more o the Access Point Parameters.
4. Click SAVE.
5. Recycle power on the Access Point i you changed any o its IP parameters.

Con iguration 20
Auto Configure Default Parameters
The Harmony System’s Web inter ace lists each Access Point underneath the AP
Controller with which it is partnered. (An Access Point that is not currently partnered
with an AP Controller is listed as an Unregistered AP.) The AP Controller will assign
de ault settings to a new Access Point automatically. These settings can be changed
within the System’s Web inter ace. See your AP Controller User’s Guide or more
in ormation
The 802.11a Access Point Con iguration Parameters are divided into three categories:
• Basic Settings
• Security Settings
• Advanced Settings
Basic Settings
AP Name
The AP Controller assigns an AP Name to each Access Point that it automatically
detects and con igures. By de ault, the AP Name is the device’s physical address, but
you can assign a di erent 21 character name to the Harmony Access Point.
Physical Address
A Harmony Access Point’s physical address is assigned at the actory and cannot be
changed by the end user. The physical address or MAC address is a 48-bit unique
identi ier assigned to each networking device.
Ena le AP
An Access Point is enabled by de ault, which allows the unit to operate normally,
providing mobile clients with access to the Ethernet network. When disabled, the
Access Point cannot partner with an AP Controller or communicate with mobile clients.
Auto Image Synchronization
When this option is enabled, the Harmony System automatically updates the Access
Point’s Flash Code when a new version is uploaded to the System’s AP Controllers.
Also, the Harmony System will compare an Access Point’s Flash Code version with the
version stored on the AP Controllers each time the Access Point is turned on or
rebooted. I the Access Point’s Flash Code version is older than the version stored on
the AP Controllers, the Harmony System will automatically upgrade the Access Point.
This eature automatically upgrades new Access Points as they are added to the
Harmony System (i necessary) and any Access Points that were unregistered or
turned o when a new Flash Code version was uploaded to the AP Controllers.