Proxim RangeLAN2 7500 User manual

RANGELAN2
Model 7500
User's Guide

Notice to RangeLAN2 Customers:
The following manual is for the RangeLAN2 7500 Access Point. Proxim has
discontinued this product, and it is no longer available for sale.
This manual is provided for the convenience of existing RangeLAN2 customers
who still operate the model 7500 Access Point in wireless installations.
Also, note that the Proxim Technical Support information contained in Appendix F
of this manual is no longer valid. If you need to contact Proxim Technical Support,
you may do so by voice, fax, email, BBS, or mail as follows:
Tel: [phone] or 650-526-3640
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
BBS: 650-960-2419 (14400 bps, N/8/1)
Proxim, Inc.
Attn: Technical Support
295 North Bernardo Ave.
Mountain View, CA 94043

i
Copyright
© 1996 Proxim, Inc., Mountain View, CA. All rights reserved. This manual 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
RangeLAN, the RangeLAN logo, RangeLAN2, RangeLINK, ProxLink, 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 RangeLAN2 LAN Adapter against defects in materials and
workmanship. Proximwillnothonorthiswarrantyiftherehasbeenanyattempt
to tamper with or remove the Adapter's external foil label.
This warranty does not cover and Proxim will not be liable for any damage or
failurecausedbymisuse,abuse,actsofGod,accidents,orothercausesbeyond
Proxim's control, or claim by other than the original purchaser.
If, after inspection, Proxim determines there is a defect, Proxim will repair or
replacetheAdapteratnocosttoyou.ToreturndefectivemerchandisetoProxim
please call Proxim Customer Service at: 1 [phone] to obtain a Return
Merchandise Authorization (RMA) Number.
Innoeventshall 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
❑ Asa 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 # 7360.0079
Rev.A

ii
Warranty Return Policy
If you have a problem with your RangeLAN product, please call Proxim
Technical Support at 415/960-1630. 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 from Proxim Customer Service. 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 DISCLAIMER
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates,uses,andcanradiateradiofrequencyenergyand,ifnotinstalledand
usedinaccordancewiththeinstructionmanual,maycauseharmfulinterference
to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to
correct the interference at his own expense.
This device contains a RangeLAN2/ISA card which complies with the limits for
aClassBdigitaldevice,pursuanttoPart15oftheFCCRules.The RangeLAN2/
ISA card has been granted FCC ID IMKCHISA-100.
EUROPEAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS STANDARDS INSTITUTE
Statement of Compliance
Information to User
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the European
Telecommunication Standard ETS 300.328. This standard covers Wideband
Data Transmission Systems referred to in the CEPT recommendation T/R
10.01.
This type of accepted equipment is designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. Thisequipmentgenerates, usesandcanradiateradiofrequency
energyand, if not installed andusedin accordance withtheinstruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
EUROPEAN SAFETY STANDARD
GS Approval Statement of Compliance
Information to User
This equipment has been evaluated and tested by T_V Product Service and
foundincompliancethe Safety Standard (GS) EN 60950 (1992) + Am.1 +Am.2
(1993).

iii
Contents
1. Introduction .................................................................1
The RangeLAN2 Family.......................................................................... 2
System Requirements ............................................................................... 2
The Product Package................................................................................ 3
2. Quick Installation ........................................................5
3. Network Topologies....................................................7
Client/Server Network Operating Systems.............................................. 7
Peer-to-Peer Network Operating Systems ............................................... 8
4. Understanding RangeLAN2........................................9
RangeLAN2 Software Parameters ........................................................... 9
Station_Type .......................................................................................... 9
Domain ................................................................................................ 10
Channel................................................................................................ 11
Subchannel........................................................................................... 11
Master_Name....................................................................................... 12
Security ID ........................................................................................... 12
MAC_Optimize ................................................................................... 13
Roam_Config....................................................................................... 13
RangeLAN2 Roaming............................................................................ 14
Guidelines for Roaming ...................................................................... 17
Spanning Tree Protocol Support............................................................ 18
Spanning Tree Priority ........................................................................ 19
Bridge Max Age .................................................................................. 19
Bridge Hello Timer.............................................................................. 19
Bridge Forward Delay ......................................................................... 20
Aging Time.......................................................................................... 20
RangeLAN2 Port Priority and Ethernet Port Priority......................... 20
RangeLAN2 Port Enabled and Ethernet Port Enabled....................... 20
RangeLAN2 Port Path Cost and Ethernet Port Path Cost .................. 21

iv
5. Configuring the RangeLAN2 7500 ...........................23
Locally (Out-of-band) ............................................................................ 23
Remotely (In-band) ................................................................................ 26
Using an SNMP Management Package................................................. 30
SNMP Supported Traps....................................................................... 32
6. Using the Configuration Software ...........................33
Configure RangeLAN2 .......................................................................... 33
Configure Bridge.................................................................................... 37
Configure TCP/IP .................................................................................. 38
Configure Filters .................................................................................... 40
7. Performance Hints ....................................................43
Running Large Executable Files Efficiently.......................................... 43
Determining Master Stations and Alternate Master Stations ............... 43
Microwave Ovens................................................................................... 45
Range...................................................................................................... 45
8. Troubleshooting........................................................47
How to Obtain Help with Your LAN Installation ................................. 47
General Problems ................................................................................... 47
RangeLAN2 7500 LEDs ........................................................................ 49
RangeLAN2 7500 Audio Aids............................................................... 51
Commonly Asked Technical Support Questions................................... 51
Other....................................................................................................... 53
A. Setting the RangeLAN2 Security ID ........................54
B. Upgrading the Software ...........................................55
B. USA Frequency Allocations.....................................56
D. U.S. Specifications ...................................................57
E. Glossary.....................................................................58
F. How to Reach Technical Support............................60

1
1. Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of RangeLAN2 7500 Access
Point, a member of the RangeLAN2 family. As with all members
of the RangeLAN2 family, RangeLAN2 7500 is a long range,
high performance LAN product that allows networked
computerstocommunicate wirelessly.
RangeLAN2 7500 was designed to be a “plug-and-play” product.
In many cases, you will not even need to run any software to
configure it. If you need to use it, the configuration software is
simple to understand and has on-line help. In no time, you will
have a wireless connection to your network's application
software, printing, e-mail, and other network services!
RangeLAN2 7500 is a wireless access point which allows for
easy expandability of your wireless network increasing range
and facilitating mobility applications. It operates at the Data
Link level (layer 2) of the OSI model, providing protocol-
independent access for RangeLAN2 computer users into an
existing wired Ethernet LANs.
Today, Proxim is the leading supplier of spread spectrum radio
networking technology for local area environments. Proxim's
unmatched spread spectrum networking expertise, combined
with the company's extensive experience serving the
communications needs of the mobile computing user, have kept
Proxim at the forefront of the emerging wireless LAN market.
Proxim also manufactures RangeLINK, a family of high speed
wireless inter-building bridges, and ProxLink. ProxLink is a
family of RS-232 cable replacement products. If you would like
more information on RangeLINK or ProxLink, please contact
Proxim's Sales Department at 800/229-1630.

2
The RangeLAN2 Family
RangeLAN2 7500 is part of a family of high-performance
products that provides a complete wireless networking solution.
❑RangeLAN2 7200 is a high performance wireless LAN
adapter which fits into a PCMCIA Type II slot on a
portable notebook, laptop or pen-based computer.
❑RangeLAN2 7100 is a high performance wireless LAN
adapter that fits into a standard PC/AT ISA bus slot.
System Requirements
To begin using your RangeLAN2 7500, you need the following
minimum system requirements:
❑An Ethernet cable drop
❑A DOS-based PC either on the network or with a free
serial port to run the configuration program
OR an SNMP management station
❑At least one other RangeLAN2 LAN adapter product
installed on the network

3
The Product Package
Each RangeLAN2 7500 comes with:
❑One RangeLAN2 7500
❑One 3 1/2" disk containing RangeLAN2 7500
software labeled “Access Point”
❑One 3 1/2" disk containing RangeLAN2 7500
configuration software labeled “Configuration Tool”
❑One floppy disk drive cover
❑One antenna
❑One RangeLAN2 7500 User's Guide
❑One power cord which is intended for use in the
United States of America. For continued compli-
ance with harmonized standards, an appropriate
approved HAR power cord should be used with the
RangeLAN2 7500 in countries other than the United
States of America.
❑One BNC “T” Adapter
If any of these items are missing or damaged, please contact
your reseller or Proxim Customer Service.

4
Figure 1
RangeLAN2 Components
Proxim
Configuration
Tool
R ANGE LAN2/7500
Wireless LANAccess point
User's Guide
by proxim
2
POWER LAN 1 LAN 2 RangeLAN2/Access Point
proxim
Proxim
Access Point

5
2. Quick Installation
You may follow the quick installation steps if the following
conditions are true:
❑There will only be one RangeLAN2 7500 on this
network
❑You will use all the software default values (MASTER,
domain 0, IP address 192.0.1.2)
❑ You will not be setting security IDs on your network
❑All RangeLAN2 computers are configured as STATIONs
or ALTERNATE MASTERs
If your installation meets the preceding criteria, proceed with the
followinginstructions:
1. Insert the floppy diskette labeled “Access
Point” into the drive on the front of the
RangeLAN2 7500. You can ignore this
step if you are using a RangeLAN2 7501.
2. Firmly screw the end of the RangeLAN2
antenna cable onto the antenna connector at
the back of the RangeLAN2 7500
clockwise.
Note
FCC regulations mandate that the RangeLAN2 7500
antenna not be alterable. Therefore, RangeLAN2
7500 uses a custom antenna connector. Do not
attemptto useadifferentantennaor youmaydamage
the connector and the RangeLAN2 7500 unit.

6
Figure 2
Attachment of the RangeLAN2 7500 Antenna
3. Attach an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet
port on the back of the RangeLAN2 7500.
4. Plug the power cable into the back of the
RangeLAN2 7500 and into an AC power
outlet.
5. Turn the RangeLAN2 7500 on. The power
switch can be found on the back of the
bridge.
6. Watch the floppy drive LED to see that the
disk is being accessed when power is
applied.
7. Install the floppy drive cover.

7
3. Network Topologies
Network operating system consist of servers and clients. Servers
store the information and clients access it. The way these
computers are configured and communicate depends on the type
of network operating system.
Client/Server Network Operating Systems
In a client/server network operating system, one machine is the
dedicated file server. Typically, it cannot be used for any other
functions while acting as the file server. NetWare is an example
of a client/server operating system.
POWER LAN1 LAN 2 RangeLAN2/AccessPoint proxim
PC
PC
Bridge
Printer
Server
Mainframe
POWER LAN1 LAN 2 RangeLAN2/Access Point proxim POWER LAN1 LAN 2 RangeLAN2/Access Point proxim
))))) ((((((
)))))) ((((((
))))) (((((
)))))) (((((
)))))) (((((
))))))))) (((((((((
)))) ((((
)))))) ((((((
RangeLAN2/7500
Access Point
Channel 1
RangeLAN2/7500
Access Point
Channel 2
Domain 2 Domain 1
Figure 3
A Client/Server Network Operating System with Wired and
Wireless Clients

8
Peer-to-Peer Network Operating Systems
In a peer-to-peer network operating system, each machine can
be configured as both a server and a client. Servers are typically
non-dedicated and can, therefore, be used as someone's desktop
machine.
In the peer-to-peer environment, all stations can communicate
with all other stations directly provided they have the same
cabling type. In the wireless arena, this means that all wireless
stations can talk to all other wireless stations. In order to have
wireless stations communicate with wired Ethernet clients, you
need a RangeLAN2 7500 Access Point attached to the Ethernet
wire. If you have multiple RangeLAN2 7500 Access Points,
your wireless clients will also be able to roam.
POWER LAN1 LAN2 RangeLAN2/AccessPoint
proxim
))))))) ((((((
)))))))) ((((((((
))))))))) ((((((((
RangeLAN2/7200
RangeLAN2/7500
RangeLAN2/7200
PC
PC
RangeLAN2/7100
Figure 4
A Peer-to-Peer Network Operating System with Wired and
Wireless Clients

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4. Understanding RangeLAN2
RangeLAN2 radios use a radio technology called frequency
hopping spread spectrum. This means that the radio signal is
constantly moving from one frequency to another while sending
packets of data. This hopping technique allows for multiple
hopping patterns to be used in the same area and minimizes
interference.
RangeLAN2 Software Parameters
Station_Type default=2
In order for this system to work, in each subnetwork there must
be one unit that coordinates the hops. This station is called the
Master. It might help you to think of the Master as the conduc-
tor of a frequency hopping orchestra. The Master keeps time so
all units know when to hop and what frequency to hop to.
Units classified as Stations synchronize to the Master and follow
its signal to learn what frequency in the pattern the Master is
currently using.
An acting “Master” can be configured either as a Master or
Alternate Master. Alternate Masters act either as a Master or a
Station. If an Alternate Master unit is unable to locate any other
Master within range, it acts as a Master. If a Master station is
already present, then the Alternate Master acts as a Station.
When there are multiple Alternate Masters, they coordinate
amongst themselves to determine who will become the Master.

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There must be at least one station on the network designated the
Master station. For most network operating systems, the
RangeLAN2 7100 card in the server or RangeLAN2 7500
should be the Master and all clients are defined as Stations. In a
roaming environment, all RangeLAN2 7500 Access Points will
be configured as Masters. The RangeLAN2 7100 and
RangeLAN2 7200 clients are all configured as Stations and
roam from one Master to another. For performance consider-
ations regarding the setting of this parameter, refer to Chapter 7,
“Performance Hints.”
The Station_Type settings are as follows:
❑Master = 2
❑Alternate Master = 1
❑Station = 0
The RangeLAN2 7500 default Station_Type is 2.
Domain default=0
In order to establish communications, all Station_Types require
the same Domain number. Radios on different Domains cannot
communicate with each other. The Domain is a software filter
which does not affect the actual radio frequency or the fre-
quency hop sequence.
You may want to set everyone on your network to the same
Domain. For larger wireless networks, use the Domain to
establish roaming subnetworks throughout your building. For
example, the Engineering Department may use Domain 2 and
the Sales Department may use Domain 5. Then engineers can
only roam within the geographical area mapped out by
RangeLAN2 7500 Access Points with a Domain setting of 2.

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The Domain is a number between 0 and 15 with 0 being the
default setting.
Channel default=1
Each Master can select one of 15 Channels to establish commu-
nications with Stations. Each Channel number sets a unique
frequency hopping sequence allowing for multiple subnetworks
with higher data rate transmission capability in the same air
space. You may think of the Channel as a pipe. In order to
communicate, radios must be on the same Channel and there
must be one (and only one) Master that provides the timing for
that Channel.
There are 15 independent Channels designated 1 through 15
with 1 being the default setting. This means that there are 15
different sequences of frequency hops. Each Channel is at a
different frequency at a different time. For networks with
multiple Masters (like in a roaming environment), set each
Master to a different channel for optimum performance. All
Stations will use the same channel as the Master they are syn-
chronized to.
You need only set the Channel on a Master or Alternate Master.
Stations will ignore the parameter if it is set.
Subchannel default=1
The Subchannel is just a software code that is appended to each
radio packet. It does not affect the frequency hopping sequence
like a Channel does. Use a Subchannel if you need more than
15 Masters in the same coverage area and, therefore, all the
Channels are used.

12
For example, you can use Channel 1, Subchannel 1 for Network
A and Channel 1, Subchannel 2 for Network B. The two net-
works will not communicate with one another. They are, how-
ever, still sharing the 1.6 Mbps pipe since they are both using
Channel 1.
The Subchannels are designated 1 through 15 with 1 being the
default setting.
You need only set the Subchannel on a Master or Alternate
Master. Stations will ignore the parameter if it is set.
Master_Name optional
This optional parameter of up to 11 characters specifies an
alphanumeric name to simplify the identification of each Master
in your network. You may not have spaces in the name.
You need only set the Master_Name on a Master or Alternate
Master. Stations will ignore the parameter if it is set.
Security ID
To further improve the security of a wireless subnetwork, each
unit requires the same Security ID to establish communication.
The Security ID is used on all RangeLAN2 products and all
Station_Types. This ID is encrypted and stored on the
RangeLAN2 7100 card itself, not in software. It cannot be
accessed but you may change it. If you do change it, however,
you will need to change the Security ID on all other radios with
which this one was communicating.
There are 1,048,576 unique choices for the Security ID.
Change the Security ID by using the CFG program. To set the
Security ID, refer to Appendix A.

13
MAC_Optimize default=1
This parameter can help improve throughput for small net-
works. If you have 8 or fewer wireless nodes communicating
with a RangeLAN2 7500 at the same time, set this parameter to
Light. (You can have more than 8 nodes synchronized to a
RangeLAN2 7500 but only 8 or fewer communicating at the
same time for the Light parameter setting.) In networks with
more than 8 concurrent wireless users, set the parameter to
Normal.
You need only set the MAC_Optimize parameter on a Master or
Alternate Master. Stations will ignore the parameter if it is set.
The MAC_Optimize settings are as follows:
❑Light = 0
❑Normal = 1
Roam_Config default=1
The Roam_Config parameter allows you to determine how
quickly stations will roam from one RangeLAN2 7500 to
another. In areas with many RangeLAN2 7500 units that provide
heavy overlapping coverage, set this parameter to Fast to main-
tain high throughput for each of the wireless nodes.
In most networks, set the Roam_Config parameter to Normal.
Wireless node throughput will not change noticeably, and an
overabundance of RangeLAN2 7500 units is not required.
If the wireless coverage area provided by RangeLAN2 7500 units
is sparse, set the Roam_Config parameter to Slow. Wireless
node will not roam under they are nearly out of range of the
RangeLAN2 7500.

14
You need only set the Roam_Config parameter on a Station or
Alternate Master. Masters will ignore the parameter if it is set.
The Roam_Config settings are as follows:
❑Slow = 0
❑Normal = 1
❑Fast = 2
RangeLAN2 Roaming
In order to enhance our wireless solutions, Proxim offers roam-
ing capability to break the wireless distance barrier. To accom-
plish this, install RangeLAN2 7500 Access Points throughout
your building. The coverage of each RangeLAN2 7500 Access
Point should overlap in order to provide uninterrupted wireless
access at any location within the building. The RangeLAN2
7500 Access Points act as “cells,” similar in concept to those of a
cellular phone network. With the installed wireless network,
mobile clients attach to any RangeLAN2 7500 within range.
Each RangeLAN2 7500 within a roaming network should be
configured as a Master (not Alternate Master) on a unique
Channel/Subchannel pair, but all must have the same Domain
number and Security ID. The portable PCs are equipped with
RangeLAN2 7200 cards which are also set to the same Domain.
As the portable PC seamlessly switches from cell to cell, its
network connectivity is preserved.