Symbol Spectrum24 AP-3020 User manual

www.symbol.com
Spectrum24
Access Point AP-3020
Product Reference Guide
PRE-RELEASE
70-20504-02
April 1999

ii Spectrum24 Access Point AP-3020 Product Reference Guide
Copyright
Copyright © 1999 by Symbol Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be modified or adapted in any way, for any purposes without permission in writing from Symbol. The material in this manual
is subject to change without notice.
Symbol reserves the right to make changes to any product to improve reliability, function, or design.
No license is granted, either expressly or by implication, estoppel, or otherwise under any Symbol Technologies, Inc., intellectual property rights. An implied
license only exists for equipment, circuits, and subsystems contained in Symbol products.
Symbol, the Symbol logo and Spectrum24 are registered trademarks of Symbol Technologies, Inc.
Other product names mentioned in this manual may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies and are hereby acknowledged.
Novell and LAN Workplace are registered trademarks of Novell Inc.
Patents
This product is covered by one or more of the following U.S. and foreign Patents:
U.S. Patent No.4,360,798; 4,369,361; 4,387,297; 4,460,120; 4,496,831; 4,593,186; 4,603,262; 4,607,156; 4,652,750; 4,673,805; 4,736,095;
4,758,717; 4,816,660; 4,845,350; 4,896,026; 4,897,532; 4,923,281; 4,933,538; 4,992,717; 5,015,833; 5,017,765; 5,021,641; 5,029,183;
5,047,617; 5,103,461; 5,113,445; 5,130,520 5,140,144; 5,142,550; 5,149,950; 5,157,687; 5,168,148; 5,168,149; 5,180,904; 5,229,591;
5,230,088; 5,235,167; 5,243,655; 5,247,162; 5,250,791; 5,250,792; 5,262,627; 5,262,628; 5,266,787; 5,278,398; 5,280,162; 5,280,163;
5,280,164; 5,280,498; 5,304,786; 5,304,788; 5,306,900; 5,321,246; 5,324,924; 5,337,361; 5,367,151; 5,373,148; 5,378,882; 5,396,053;
5,396,055; 5,399,846; 5,408,081; 5,410,139; 5,410,140; 5,412,198; 5,418,812; 5,420,411; 5,436,440; 5,444,231; 5,449,891; 5,449,893;
5,468,949; 5,471,042; 5,478,998; 5,479,000; 5,479,002; 5,479,441; 5,504,322; 5,519,577; 5,528,621; 5,532,469; 5,543,610; 5,545,889;
5,552,592; 5,578,810; 5,581,070; 5,589,679; 5,589,680; 5,608,202; 5,612,531; 5,619,028; 5,664,229; 5,668,803; 5,675,139; 5,693,929;
5,698,835; 5,705,800; 5,714,746; 5,723,851; 5,734,152; 5,734,153; 5,745,794; 5,754,587; 5,658,383; D305,885; D341,584; D344,501;
D359,483; D362,453; D362,435; D363,700; D363,918; D370,478; D383,124; D391,250.
Invention No. 55,358; 62,539; 69,060; 69,187 (Taiwan); No. 1,601,796; 1,907,875; 1,955,269 (Japan).
European Patent 367,299; 414,281; 367,300; 367,298; UK 2,072,832; France 81/03938; Italy 1,138,713.
Symbol Technologies, Inc.
One Symbol Plaza
Holtsville, N.Y. 11742-1300
Telephone:(800)SCAN234, [phone], TLX:6711519
www.symbol.com

Spectrum24 Access Point AP-3020 Product Reference Guide iii
About This Document
This document covers...and has the following sections:
• ...
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Reference Documents
This reference guide refers to the following documents:
RFCs (Request For Comments) can be found on the Web at: http://www.ctrl-c.lin.se/ftp/DOC/RFC.
Conventions
Keystrokes are indicated as follows:
Typeface conventions used include.
Part Number Document Title
70-xxxxx-01 Title
ENTER identifies a key.
FUNC, CTRL, C identifies a key sequence. Press and release each key in turn.
Press A+B press the indicated keys simultaneously.
Hold A+B press and hold the indicated keys while performing or waiting for another
function. Used in combination with another keystroke.
<angles> indicates mandatory parameters in a given syntax.
[brackets] for command line, indicates available parameters; in configuration files
brackets act as separators for options.
GUI Screen text indicates the name of a control in a GUI-based application.
Italics indicates the first time a term is used, a book title, variables, and menu titles.

iv Spectrum24 Access Point AP-3020 Product Reference Guide
This document uses the following for certain conditions or types of information:
Indicates tips or special requirements.
Indicates conditions that can cause equipment damage or data loss.
Indicates a potentially dangerous condition or procedure that only Symbol-
trained personnel should attempt to correct or perform.
Screen indicates monitor screen dialog. Also indicates user input. A screen is
the hardware device on which data appears. A display is data arranged
on a screen.
Terminal indicates text shown on a radio terminal screen.

Contents
Spectrum24 Access Point AP-3020 Product Reference Guide v
Chapter 1 Introduction............................................................................................ 1
1.1 Ethernet Access Point (AP) ............................................................... 1
1.1.1 New Features ...................................................................... 3
1.2 Radio Basics .................................................................................. 3
1.2.1 S24 Network Topology......................................................... 4
1.2.2 Quick Wireless AP Setup ...................................................... 8
1.2.3 Cellular Coverage ............................................................... 9
1.2.4 Site Topography ................................................................ 12
1.3 Advanced Radio Theory................................................................ 12
1.3.1 MAC Layer Bridging........................................................... 13
1.3.2 Auto Fallback to Wireless Mode.......................................... 15
1.3.3 DHCP Support................................................................... 15
1.3.4 Media Types...................................................................... 16
1.3.5 Bridging Support................................................................ 17
1.3.6 Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum ................................. 21
1.3.7 MU Association Process...................................................... 23
1.3.8 Mobile IP (Roaming Across Routers) ................................... 26
1.3.9 Supporting CAM and PSP Stations....................................... 28
1.3.10 Data Encryption............................................................... 29
1.3.11 HTTP, HTML Web Server Support...................................... 30
1.3.12 Management Options ...................................................... 31
Chapter 2 Configuring the AP............................................................................. 35
2.1 Gaining Access to the UI .............................................................. 35
2.1.1 Using Telnet ...................................................................... 35
2.1.2 Using a Direct Serial Connection ........................................ 36
2.1.3 Using a Dial-Up Connection .............................................. 38
2.1.4 Using a Web Browser......................................................... 38
2.2 Navigating the UI......................................................................... 45

vi Spectrum24 Access Point AP-3020 Product Reference Guide
2.2.1 Entering Admin Mode ........................................................... 47
2.2.2 Changing the Access to the UI ............................................... 48
2.2.3 Configuring for Dial-Up to the UI .......................................... 49
2.2.4 Navigating the UI Via a Web Browser .................................... 50
2.3 Access Point Installation................................................................... 51
2.4 Configuring System Parameters ....................................................... 53
2.5 Configuring Radio Parameters ......................................................... 58
2.5.1 Wireless Operation Parameters.............................................. 63
2.6 Configuring PPP .............................................................................. 67
2.6.1 PPP Direct............................................................................. 67
2.6.2 Establishing Connection ........................................................ 68
2.6.3 PPP with Modems.................................................................. 68
2.6.4 Originating AP...................................................................... 68
2.6.5 Answering AP ....................................................................... 69
2.6.6 Initiating Modem Connection................................................. 70
2.7 Configuring the SNMP Agent ........................................................... 70
2.8 Configuring the ACL........................................................................ 74
2.8.1 Range of MUs....................................................................... 74
2.8.2 Adding Allowed MUs............................................................. 76
2.8.3 Removing Allowed MUs......................................................... 76
2.8.4 Enable/Disable the ACL ........................................................ 77
2.8.5 Removing All Allowed MUs.................................................... 77
2.8.6 Load ACL from MU List ......................................................... 77
2.9 Configuring Address Filtering........................................................... 78
2.9.1 Adding Disallowed MUs ........................................................ 79
2.9.2 Removing Disallowed MUs .................................................... 79
2.10 Configuring Type Filtering ............................................................. 79
2.10.1 Adding Filter Types ............................................................. 79
2.10.2 Removing Filter Types.......................................................... 79
2.10.3 Controlling Type Filters........................................................ 80
2.11 Clearing MUs from the AP ............................................................. 80

Spectrum24 Access Point AP-3020 Product Reference Guide vii
2.12 Setting Logging Options ................................................................ 80
2.13 Manually Updating AP Firmware.................................................... 82
2.13.1 Updating using TFTP........................................................... 82
2.13.2 Updating using Xmodem..................................................... 85
2.14 Auto Upgrade all APs Via Messaging.............................................. 88
2.15 Performing Pings........................................................................... 90
2.16 Mobile IP Using MD5 Authentication .............................................. 94
2.17 Saving the Configuration ............................................................... 95
2.18 Resetting the AP ............................................................................ 96
2.19 Restoring Configuration................................................................. 96
Chapter 3 Monitoring Statistics........................................................................... 97
3.1 System Summary............................................................................. 97
3.2 Interface Statistics.......................................................................... 100
3.3 Forwarding Counts........................................................................ 102
3.4 Mobile Units ................................................................................. 102
3.5 Mobile IP ...................................................................................... 107
3.6 Known APs.................................................................................... 108
3.7 Ethernet Statistics........................................................................... 110
3.8 Radio Statistics .............................................................................. 112
3.9 Miscellaneous Statistics.................................................................. 120
3.9.1 Analyzing Frequency Use .................................................... 122
3.9.2 Analyzing Retries................................................................. 123
3.10 Event History............................................................................... 124
3.11 Clearing Statistics........................................................................ 125
Chapter 4 Hardware Installation ...................................................................... 127
4.1 Precautions................................................................................... 127
4.2 Package Contents ......................................................................... 127
4.3 Requirements................................................................................ 128
4.3.1 Network Connection ........................................................... 128
4.3.2 10Base-T UTP..................................................................... 129
4.3.3 Single Cell.......................................................................... 129

viii Spectrum24 Access Point AP-3020 Product Reference Guide
4.4 Attaching the Antenna(s)................................................................ 130
4.4.1 Antenna Extension Cables ................................................... 131
4.5 Power Options .............................................................................. 131
4.6 Mounting the AP ........................................................................... 132
4.7 Connecting the Power Adapter....................................................... 132
4.8 LED Indicators............................................................................... 133
4.8.1 WLAP mode LED display. .................................................... 134
4.9 Troubleshooting ............................................................................ 136
4.9.1 Ensure wired network is operating........................................ 136
4.10 Setting Up MUs........................................................................... 138
Appendix A Specifications..................................................................................A - 1
A.1 Physical Characteristics.................................................................A - 1
A.2 Radio Characteristics....................................................................A - 2
A.3 Network Characteristics................................................................A - 3
Appendix B Supported Modems.......................................................................B - 1
Appendix C Customer Support........................................................................ C - 1
Appendix D Regulatory Compliance .............................................................. D - 1

Spectrum24 Access Point AP-3020 Product Reference Guide 1
Chapter 1 Introduction
Spectrum24 is a frequency-hopping, spread spectrum cellular network that
operates between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz (gigahertz). This technology provides
a high-capacity network using multiple access points within large or
small environments.
Spectrum24 features include:
• bridging architecture to provide communication between radio and
wired multiple network segments
• a design based on the IEEE 802.11 standard
• a 2 Mbps data rate for fast operation
• seamless roaming for mobile users with devices such as laptop
computers, wireless PCs, scanning terminals and computer devices with
PCMCIA slots.
1.1 Ethernet Access Point (AP)
The Ethernet Access Point (AP) provides a bridge between Ethernet wired
LANs and Spectrum24 wireless networks. It provides transparent access
between Ethernet wired networks and radio-equipped mobile units (MUs).
MUs include the full line of Symbol Spectrum24 terminals, scanners, third-
party devices and other devices.
The AP provides 1 and 2 Mbps data transfer rate on the radio network.
It monitors Ethernet traffic and forwards appropriate Ethernet messages to
MUs over the Spectrum24 network. It also monitors MU radio traffic and
forwards MU packets to the Ethernet LAN.
The AP meets the following:
• the regulatory requirements for Europe and many other areas of
the world
• FCC part 15, class A with no external shielding
• FCC part 15 class B, ETS 300-339 compliance, including CE mark.

Introduction
2 Spectrum24 Access Point AP-3020 Product Reference Guide
The AP has the following features:
• built-in diagnostics including a power-up self-check
• a four-way bridging architecture (wireless, Ethernet, PPP, internal stack)
• wireless MAC interface
• 10baseT Ethernet port interface with full-speed filtering
• 100 mW and 500 mW radio versions
• power supply IEC connector and a country-specific AC power cable
• PC/AT Serial Port Interface
• built-in antenna diversity
• multiple antenna options
• support for 127 mobile units
• SNMP support
• wireless AP support
• repeater functions.
An MU communicating with an AP appears on the network as a peer to
other network devices. The wireless interface is transparent. The AP receives
data from its wired or wireless interfaces and forwards the data to the
proper interface.
The AP has connections for the wired network, external antennas and
power supply. The AP attaches to a wall or ceiling depending on installation-
site requirements.
The AP requires a single antenna for radio transmission and reception.
The dual-antenna system allows the AP to select the best radio signal.

Introduction
Spectrum24 Access Point AP-3020 Product Reference Guide 3
1.1.1 New Features
• IEEE 802.1d Spanning Tree Support
• Auto-Fallback to Wireless Mode
• Increased MIB support
• DHCP Support
• HTTP, Web server Support
• Mobile IP Support
• Programmable SNMP Trap Support using SNMP Agents
• Data Encryption
• Wireless Options in Radio Parameters
• ACL (Access Control List)
• AP Auto Upgrade of other APs via messaging
• Multiple Gateways.
1.2 Radio Basics
Spectrum24 uses electromagnetic waves, radio signals, to transmit and
receive electric signals without wires. Users communicate with the network by
establishing radio links between terminals and APs.
Spectrum24 uses FM (frequency modulation) to transmit digital data from
one device to another. Using FM, a radio signal begins with a carrier signal
that provides the base or center frequency. The digital data signal is
superimposed on the carrier signal (modulation). The radio signal
propagates into the air as electromagnetic waves. A receiving antenna in the
path of the waves absorbs the waves as electrical signals. The receiving
device demodulates the signal by removing the carrier signal. This
demodulation results in the original digital data.
Spectrum24 uses the environment (the air and certain objects) as the
transmission medium. Spectrum24 radio devices use the 2.4 to 2.5-GHz
frequency range, a license-free range throughout much of the world. The
actual range is country-dependent.

Introduction
4 Spectrum24 Access Point AP-3020 Product Reference Guide
Spectrum24 devices, like other Ethernet devices, have unique, hardware-
encoded Media Access Control (MAC) or IEEE addresses. MAC addresses
determine the device sending or receiving data. The MAC address is a 48-bit
number written as six hexadecimal bytes separated by colons. For example:
00:A0:F8:24:9A:C8
To locate the AP MAC address see the bottom of the unit.
1.2.1 S24 Network Topology
The variations possible in Spectrum24 network topologies depend on the
following factors:
• the AP function in the network
• a 1 or 2 Mbps data transfer rate
•thewireless AP (WLAP) interface.
A WLAP communicates only with its root AP through the wireless interface as
discussed in The Root AP and Association Process on page 14.

Introduction
Spectrum24 Access Point AP-3020 Product Reference Guide 5
If the AP is not in wireless mode, select from the following topologies:
• A single AP used without the wired network provides a single-cell wireless
network for peer-to-peer MUs.
• A single AP can bridge the Ethernet and radio networks.
• Multiple APs can coexist as separate, individual networks at the same site
without interference using different Net_IDs.

Introduction
6 Spectrum24 Access Point AP-3020 Product Reference Guide
• Multiple APs wired together provide a network with better coverage area
and performance.
• Multiple 1 Mbps and 2 Mbps APs wired together.

Introduction
Spectrum24 Access Point AP-3020 Product Reference Guide 7
In WLAP mode, a wireless AP-to-AP connection functions:
• as a bridge to connect two Ethernet networks
• as a repeater to extend coverage area without additional
network cabling

Introduction
8 Spectrum24 Access Point AP-3020 Product Reference Guide
When using a wireless AP-to-AP connection, use the optimal antenna
configuration for the site. For example, use a directional antenna when
establishing a dedicated wireless bridge or repeater.
• A wireless AP network is possible, depending on the network bandwidth
and configuration. Each wireless AP can have connections with up to
four other wireless APs.
Using more than two WLAPs to establish a connection slows network
performance for all topologies. If not using the AP Auto Configure feature,
disable WNMP Functions and AP-AP State Xchg parameters under the Set
System Configuration screen to increase WLAP performance.
WNMP is a Wireless Network Management Protocol.
1.2.2 Quick Wireless AP Setup
To set up an AP for wireless operation automatically, select the Enabled
option for the WLAP Mode parameter. To set these values, See 2.5
Configuring Radio Parameters on page 43.
The WLAP initialization process length depends on the time specified in the
WLAP Forward Delay field. See 2.5 Configuring Radio Parameters on page
43.

Introduction
Spectrum24 Access Point AP-3020 Product Reference Guide 9
1.2.3 Cellular Coverage
The AP establishes an average communication range with MUs called a
Basic Service Set (BSS) or cell. When in a particular cell the MU associates
and communicates with the AP of that cell. Each cell has a Basic Service Set
Identifier (BSS_ID). In 802.11, the AP MAC address represents the BSS_ID.
The MU recognizes the AP it associates with using the BSS_ID. Adding APs to
a LAN establishes more cells in an environment, making it an RF Network
using the same Net_ID or Extended Service Set (ESS).
APs with the same Net_ID (ESS) define the coverage area. The MU searches
for APs with a matching Net_ID (ESS) and synchronizes with an AP to
establish communications. This allows MUs within the coverage area to move
about or roam. As the MU roams from cell to cell, it switches APs. The switch
occurs when the MU analyzes the reception quality at a location and decides
the AP to communicate with based on the best signal strength and lowest MU
load distribution.
If the MU does not find an AP with a workable signal, it performs a scan to
find any AP. As MUs switch APs, the AP updates the association table.
Roaming is transparent in high-level applications.

Introduction
10 Spectrum24 Access Point AP-3020 Product Reference Guide
The user can configure the Net_ID (ESS). A valid Net_ID (ESS) is an
alphanumeric, case-sensitive identifier up to 32 characters. Ensure all nodes
within one LAN use the same Net_ID (ESS) to communicate on the same
LAN. Multiple wireless LANs can coexist in a single environment by assigning
different Net_IDs (ESS) for APs.
The Root AP and Association Process
By default, APs with WLAP Mode enabled and within range of each other
automatically associate and configure wireless operation parameters at
power up. This association process determines the wireless connection
viability and establishes the Root AP and subsequently designated WLAPs.
APs communicating wirelessly together require the same Net_ID (ESS) setting.
The root AP maintains the wireless connection among WLAPs by sending out
beacons, sending and receiving configuration BPDU (Bridge Protocol Data
Unit) packets between each designated WLAP. The WLAP with the lowest
WLAP ID becomes the Root AP. The WLAP ID is a concatenation of the WLAP
Priority value and the MAC address. Ensure the WLAPs associated with the
Root AP use the Root AP hop sequence, DTIM (Delivery Traffic Indicator
Maps) and TIM (Traffic Indicator Message) interval.

Introduction
Spectrum24 Access Point AP-3020 Product Reference Guide 11
In this configuration, the WLAP Priority value is the default 8000 Hex. On
concatenating this value to the MAC addresses of the APs, AP A on Ethernet I
has the lowest WLAP ID with 800000A0F800181A, making it the Root AP. AP
C uses the AP A hop sequence, DTIM and TIM interval.
If AP D on Ethernet II has data for a device on Ethernet I, it requires a bridge
or a repeater. In this configuration, AP C functions as a repeater. To ensure
transmission to devices on Ethernet I, AP D has to use the AP A hop
sequence, DTIM and TIM interval.
To prevent forming a loop, disable WLAP mode on B and E. See 2.5
Configuring Radio Parameters on page 43.
To manually designate AP B as the Root AP, assign it a lower WLAP Priority
value. See 2.5 Configuring Radio Parameters on page 43. Assigning a WLAP
Priority value of 7000 Hex to the AP B MAC address of
00:A0:F8:11:23:5D causes AP B to become the Root AP by having the
lowest WLAP ID of 700000A0F811235D.
802.1d Spanning Tree Support
This protocol creates a loop-free topography with exactly ONE path between
every LAN. This is the shortest path from the Root AP to each AP and LAN. If
an AP or LAN fails, a new route is calculated and added to the tree. All
packet forwarding follows the spanning tree. APs have to choose one AP as
the Root AP. The same holds true for WLAPs associating with the root AP or
another AP connected to the Ethernet LAN to prevent forming loops.

Introduction
12 Spectrum24 Access Point AP-3020 Product Reference Guide
1.2.4 Site Topography
For optimal performance, locate MUs and APs away from transformers,
heavy-duty motors, fluorescent lights, microwave ovens, refrigerators and
other industrial equipment.
Signal loss can occur when metal, concrete, walls or floors block
transmission. Locate antennas in open areas or add APs as needed to
improve coverage.
In an open-air environment the radio range is up to 2000 ft. (606 m). In a
typical office or retail environment the radio range is between 180 and 250
ft (54.5 to 75.7 m).
Site Surveys
A site survey analyzes the installation environment and provides users with
recommendations for the equipment and its placement.
1.3 Advanced Radio Theory
To improve AP management and performance, users need to understand
basic AP functionality and configuration options. The AP includes features for
different interface connections and network management.
The AP provides MAC layer bridging between its interfaces. The AP monitors
traffic from its interfaces and, based on frame address, forwards the frames
to the proper destination. The AP tracks the frames sources and destinations
to provide intelligent bridging as MUs roam or network topologies change.
The AP also handles broadcast and multicast message initiations and
responds to MU association requests.