TRENDnet TEW-310APB User manual

TEW-310APB
2.4 GHz Wireless Access Point + Bridge
User's Guide
Rev. 050302

CONTENTS
1.Package Contents
2.Introduction
3.Wireless Basics
4.Getting Started
5.Using the Configuration Utility
6.Troubleshooting
7.Networking Basics
8.Technical Specifications
9. Contacting Technical Support
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4
7
10
12
20
25
44
46

1. Package Contents
TEW-310APB Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Access Point
Power Supply 5V DC, 2.0A
Manual on CD
Quick Installation Guide
Ethernet Cable
Note: Using a power supply with a different voltage rating than the one
included with the TEW-310APB will cause damage and void the warranty for
this product.
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
Computer with Windows, Macintosh, or Linux-based operating system
with an installed Ethernet adapter
Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator version 4.0 or above, with
JavaScript enabled
System Requirements
Contents
3
Fig. 1.1

2. Introduction
TEW-310APB Wireless Access Point is an enhanced 802.11b high-
performance, wireless access point. It is an ideal way to extend the reach and
number of computers connected to your wireless network.
Unlike most 802.11b access points, the TEW-310APB is capable of data
transfer speeds up to 22 Mbps (compared to the standard 11 Mbps) when used
with other TRENDnet products such as the TEW-301PC PCMCIA CardBus
Adapter and TEW-303PI Wireless PCIAdapter.
After completing the steps outlined in the Quick Installation Guide
(included in your package) you will have the ability to share information and
resources, such as files and printers, and enjoy the freedom that wireless
networking delivers.
The TEW-310APB is compatible with most popular operating systems,
including Macintosh, Linux and Windows, and can be integrated into a large
network. This Manual is designed to help you connect the Access Point and the
TRENDnet 2.4GHz Wireless Adapters into a network in Infrastructure mode.
Please take a look at the Getting Started section in this manual to see an
example of an Infrastructure network using the TEW-310APB.
This manual provides a quick introduction to wireless technology and its
application as it relates to networking. Please take a moment to read through
this manual and get acquainted with wireless technology.
Connections
Reset Button: Press
this button to reset all
configurations back to
factory result settings.
Ethernet Port (RJ-45):
Supports 10/100Mbps. Use
Ethernet cable to connect
this port to another ethernet.
Power Adapter Receptor
Diversity Antenna
4
Fig. 2.1

Up to 2X Faster than regular 802.11b Products - high-speed wireless
data transfer rates up to 22Mbps. With twice the data rate and capacity,
the TEW-310APB delivers media rich content such as digital images,
videos, and MP3 files much faster than standard 802.11b networks
Fully 802.11b Compatible Fully compatible with the IEEE 802.11b
standard and interoperable with all existing 802.11b compliant devices
Improved Performance Up to 20% faster data transfer rates on standard
802.11b networks
Stronger Network Security with 256-bit WEP Encryption Supports
64/128/256-bit WEP encryption for higher level of security for your data
and wireless communication than encryption found in existing 802.11b
products
Built-in DHCP Server If enabled, it will automatically assign IP addresses
to wireless clients in a temporary network.
Web-based interface for Managing and Configuring Easy-to-use
interface independent of the operating system
4 Different Operation Modes Capable of operating in one of four different
operation modes to meet your wireless networking requirements: Access
Point, AP-to-AP Bridging, AP-to-Multipoint Bridging, and Wireless Client.
Features and Benefits
5

LED Indicators
LED stands for Light-Emitting-Diode. The TEW-310APB has three LEDs:
Power - Solid red light indicates receiving power
TX/RX (Wireless Network) - Solid green light indicates
wireless connection enabled, blinking green indicates
wireless network activity
Link (Ethernet Port) - Solid green light indicates good
Ethernet connection on the RJ-45 port, blinking green
indicates Ethernet port activity
Power
TX/RX
Link
6
Fig. 2.2

3. Wireless Basics
TRENDware wireless products are based on industry standards to provide
easy-to-use and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home,
business or wherever a wireless network is available. Strictly adhering to the IEEE
standard, the TRENDware wireless family of products will allow you to access the
data you want, when and where you want it. No longer will you be limited to one
location or forced to run new wiring through your home or office. You will be able to
enjoy the freedom that wireless networking delivers.
A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a cellular computer network that
transmits and receives data with radio signals instead of wires. Wireless LANs are
used increasingly in both home and office environments, and public areas such as
airports, coffee shops and universities. Innovative ways to utilize WLAN technology
are helping people to work and communicate more efficiently. Increased mobility
with the absence of cabling and other fixed infrastructure have proven to be
beneficial for many users.
Wireless users can use the same applications they use on a wired network.
Wireless adapter cards used on laptop and desktop systems, support the same
protocols as Ethernet adapter cards. For most users, there is no noticeable
functional difference between a wired Ethernet desktop computer and a wireless
computer equipped with a wireless adapter other than the added benefit of the ability
to roam within a wireless-cell. Under many circumstances, it may be desirable for
mobile network devices to link to a conventional Ethernet LAN in order to use
servers, printers or an Internet connection supplied through the wired LAN. A
Wireless Access Point (AP) is a device used to provide this link.
People use wireless LAN technology for many different purposes.
Mobility - Productivity increases when people have access to data in any
location within the operating range of the WLAN. Management decisions based
on real-time information can significantly improve worker efficiency.
Low Implementation Costs WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks) are easy
to set up, manage, change and relocate. Networks that frequently change, both
physically and logically, can benefit from WLANs ease of implementation.
WLANs can operate in locations where installation of wiring may be impractical.
Installation Speed and Simplicity - Installing a wireless LAN system can be
fast and easy and can eliminate the need to install cable through walls and
ceilings.
7

Network Expansion - Wireless technology allows the network to go where
wires cannot go.
Reduced Cost-of-Ownership - While the initial investment required for
Wireless LAN hardware might be higher than the cost of wired LAN
hardware, overall installation expenses and life-cycle costs will be
significantly lower. Long-term cost benefits are greatest in dynamic
environments requiring frequent moves, adds, and changes.
Scalability - Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) can be configured in a
variety of topologies to meet the needs of specific applications and
installations. Configurations are easily changed and range from peer-to-peer
networks suitable for a small number of users to full infrastructure networks
of thousands of users that allow roaming over a broad area.
TRENDware Wireless Family of LAN products include:
2.4GHz Wireless LAN PCI Network Adapter (TEW-301PC)
2.4GHz Witrless LAN CompactFlash Network Adapter (TEW-302CF)
2.4GHz Wireless LAN PCI Adapter (TEW-303PI)
2.4GHz Wireless LAN USB Network Adapter (TEW-304UB)
Wireless Access Point + Wireless Bridge (TEW-310APB)
Wireless Internet Router/Access Point (TEW-311BRP)
Standards - Based Technology
The IEEE802.11b standard-based technology assures that the TRENDware
Products are interoperable with existing compatible 2.4GHz wireless
technology. This means you will be able to transfer large files quickly or even
watch a movie in MPEG format over your network without noticeable delays. The
technology works by using multiple frequencies in the 2.4GHz range at speeds
up to 22Mbps. TRENDware products will automatically sense the best possible
connection speed to ensure the greatest speed and range possible with the
technology.
Installation Considerations
Designed to go up to 1,312 feet (400 meters) outdoors and up to 328 feet (100
meters) indoors, the TRENDware TEW-310APB lets you access your network
with your laptop computer from virtually anywhere. Keep in mind,
However,that the number, thickness, and location of walls, ceilings or other
8

objects that the wireless signal must pass thru may limit range. Typical ranges
vary depending on the types of materials and any background RF (radio
frequency) noise in your home or business. The key to maximizing range is to
follow these basic guidelines:
1. Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the wireless Access
Point and your receiving device to a minimum - Each wall or ceiling can
reduce your TRENDnet Wireless product's range from 3-90 feet (1-30
meters.) Position your Access Points, Internet Routers, and computers
so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.
2. Be aware of the direct line between Access Points, Internet Routers, and
computers. Awall that is 1.5 feet thick (.5 meters), at a 45-degree angle
appears to be almost 3 feet (1 meter) thick. At a 2-degree angle it looks
over 42 feet (14 meters) thick! Try to make sure that the Access Points
and Adapters are positioned so that the signal will travel straight through
a wall or ceiling for better reception.
3. Building Materials make a difference - A solid metal door or aluminum
studs may have a negative effect on range. Try to position Access
Points, and computers with wireless adapters so that the signal passes
through drywall or open doorways and not other materials.
4. Make sure that the device's antenna is positioned for best reception by
using the software signal strength tools included with your product.
5. Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical
devices or appliances that may generate extreme RF noise.
For the average home, signal range should not be an issue. If you experience
low or no signal strength in areas of your home that you wish to access, consider
positioning the Access Point in a location directly between the computers with
wireless adapters. Additional Access Points can be connected to provide better
coverage in rooms where the signal does not appear as strong as desired.
Using radio frequency (RF) technology, WLANs (Wireless LocalArea Networks)
transmit and receive data over the air, minimizing the need for wired
connections. Thus, WLANs combine data connectivity with user mobility, and,
through simplified configuration, enable movable LANs.
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4. Getting Started
For the price of a single IP Address from your Broadband Internet Service
provider you can share the Internet with all the computers on your local network,
without sacrificing speed or security, using TRENDware networking products.
An Infrastructure network contains an Access Point. The Infrastructure
Network example shown on the below contains the following TRENDnet
network devices:
WirelessAccessPoint (TEW-310APB) (DHCPenabledat default)
Ethernet Broadband Router (TW100-S4W1CA) (DHCPenabledat default)
Notebook computer with a wireless adapter (TEW-301PC)
Desktop computer with a wireless adapter (TEW-303PI)
Cable modem or DSL Modem
DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It is a protocol
for assigning dynamic IP addresses “automatically”.With a DHCP-
capable gateway/router, there is no need to manually assign an IP
address to each computer in the network.
Right out of the box, with its default settings, the TEW-310APB will
automatically connect with other TRENDnet products.
Please note: If you have a DHCP-capable router, please configure
the TEW-310APB to disable its DHCP Server and enable its DHCP
Client
If you need to assign IP Addresses to the computers on the network,
please remember that the IP Address for each computer must be in
the same IP Address range as all the computers in the network, and
the Subnet mask must be exactly the same for all the computers in the
network.
For example: If the first computer is assigned an IP Address of
192.168.0.2 with a Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0, then the second
computer can be assigned an IP Address of 192.168.0.3 with a Subnet
Mask of 255.255.255.0, etc.
IMPORTANT: If computers or other devices are assigned the same IP
Address, one or more of the devices may not be visible on the network.
IP ADDRESS
10

Please remember that TRENDware wireless devices are pre-configured to connect
together, right out of the box, with the default settings.
1
1You will need a broadband Internet access (Cable/DSL)
subscription.
Consult with your Cable/DSL provider for proper installation of the
modem.
Configure TEW-310APB. Refer to the Quick Installation Guide for
setting up the Access Point.
If you already have a DHCP server (e.g. Internet Router) on the
network, please disable the DHCP Server function on the TEW-310APB.
If you are connecting a desktop computer in your network, you
can install the TRENDnet TEW-303PI wireless PCI adapter into
an available PCI slot. See the Quick Installation Guide included
with the TEW-303PI
If you are connecting a Notebook computer in the network, install
the drivers for the TEW-301PC wireless CardBus adapter into the
laptop computer. See the Quick Installation Guide included with
TEW-301PI for installation instructions.
After the configuration, connect the Access Point to your network.
If you have an Internet Router, connect it to the cable/DSL
Note:
Please refer to the following sections
of this manual for additional
information about setting up a
network:
Networking Basics- learn how to
check your IP Address; share printers
and files.
Using the Configuration Utility-
learn the settings you must use on
each computer in your network for
successful communication.
Troubleshooting learn how to check
for the proper installation of the
network adapters' drivers and other
tips for troubleshooting the network.
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
Setting Up an Infrastructure Network
6
6
11
Fig. 4.1

5. Using the Configuration Menu
The Configuration Menu for the TEW-310APB is web-based. When using the
configuration program, please consider the following:
You will need a JavaScript-enabled web-browser such as the Internet Explorer 4.0
or higher, or the Netscape Navigator 4.0 or higher.
The computer that you are using for initial configuration must setup to receive IP
address from DHCP server (or have an IP Address within the same range as the
IP Address of the TEW-310APB). The TEW-310APB has a default IP Address of
192.168.1.1 with subnet mask 255.255.255.0 and DHCP Server function enabled.
If you are using an Internet router with its DHCP server enabled, please do not
connect the TEW-310APB to the network. You will need to configure the TEW-
310APB, disable its DHCP Server and enable the DHCP Client.
If you have static IP address for each network device, please prepare a computer
with DHCP client enabled and use this computer to configure the TEW-310APB's
IP address to fit your network.
Factory Default Setting for the TEW-310APB
ESSID default
Channel 1
WEP disabled
User Name admin
Password admin
IP Address 192.168.1.1
DHCP Server enabled
DHCP Client disabled
Configuration Menu
Whenever you want to configure your network or the TEW-310APB, you can
access the Configuration Utility by opening the web-browser and typing in the
IP Address of the TEW-310APB. The TEW-310APB default IP Address is
shownin Fig 5.1.
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· Open the web browser
· Type in the IP Address of the
Access Point
(default http://192.168.1.1)
(The IP Address shown in the example above is the default setting. Use this IP address
when connecting to a network consisting of other TRENDnet devices set to their default
settings. If you have changed the IP Address of the TEW-310APB to conform to a network
other than one with TRENDnet devices, at their default setting, then input that IP Address in
the web browser, instead of the default IP Address shown.)
·Type admin in the User Name
field
·Type in admin in the Password
field
·Click OK
Status Screen with Menu Bar
The Configuration window will
appear. Here the Status tab is
displayed. Click on View Log to see
the wireless clients connection
history.
First Page - displays the first page of
the Log
Last Page - displays the last page of
the Log
Previous - moves back one log page
Next - moves forward one log page
Clear - clears the log completely
Refresh - updates the log with the
latest information
If you wish to change the default
settings, click on Basic Setting on
the menu bar.
13
Fig. 5.1
Fig. 5.2
Fig. 5.3

Basic Settings
you can make changes to the
following items:
AP name
SSID
Channel
WEP Key
Mode
Passphrase
AP Name: You may choose to rename your Access Point, especially if you
have more than one Access Point on your network.
SSID: (Service Set Identifier)“default” is the factory setting. The SSID
is a unique name that identifies a network. All devices on a network must
share the same SSID name in order to communicate on the network. If you
choose to change the SSID from the default setting, input your new SSID
name in this field. The SSID can be up to 32 characters in length.
Channel: Channel 1 is the default channel. Input a new number if you want
to change the default setting. All devices on the network must be set to the
same channel to communicate on the network.
WEP Encryption: Select 64-bit, 128-bit, or 256-bit to use WEP (Wired
Equivalent Privacy) on the network. All devices on the network, and the
Access Point, must share the same level WEP, and they must share the same
WEP key.
Mode: The WEP key is generated from ASCII or HEX (Hexadecimal) entries
that are either 64, 128, or 256 bit in length. Select HEX for entering HEX
numbers 0 ~ 9 and alphabet A ~ F. Or select ASCII for entering any ACSII
characters. The number of characters that you can enter is depending on the
level of WEP Key. The higher the WEP key level, the more characters you
need to enter for the keys. For 64-bit key, you need to enter 10 HEX or 5ASCII
characters. 128-bit requires 26 HEX or 13 ASCII characters. 256-bit WEB key
needs 58 HEX or 29 ASCII characters.
Hexadecimal digits consist of the numbers 0-9 and the letters A-F
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is a code
for representing English letters as numbers from 0-127
14
Fig. 5.4

Passphrase: Available in HEX mode only. Type in any phrase up to 31
characters, click Generate, and the unit will generate a set of 4 keys
automatically. The same phrase on compatible 11Mbps wireless devices will
generate the same set of keys. You can also manually enter the 4 keys.
Please note that only one key can be activated at a time.
Click Apply if you have made any changes or additions.
Click Cancel to discard the changes.
IP Settings
Click on this tab to change
device's IP Addresses.
The default IP Address is
192.168.1.1
LAN IP: If you have a DHCP Server,
such as an Internet Router, on the
network, click Obtain IP
Automatically. Or you can
manually enter the IP address,
Subnet Mask, and Gateway by
clicking Fixed IP.
If the Access Point's LAN IP range is different from the configuration
computer's IP range, the computer will not be able to enter the
configuration menu using web browser.
DHCP Server: Available only when LAN IP is Fixed IP. Click On to enable
the TEW-310APB to assign IP addresses to computers on the network.
Click Off to disable this feature.
IP Range: IP address range that the device will distribute (e.g. From
192.168.1.2 To 192.168.1.100). Available when DHCP Server is On.
15
Fig. 5.5

Advanced Settings
AP Mode
There are 4 modes available.
AP: Access Point mode. Bridge
wireless clients to wired Ethernet
network.
AP Client: Acts as a wireless client
and connects to a remote Access
Point. This is used to convert an
Ethernet device to Wireless Client.
You must enter the remote AP's MAC address in the Remote AP BSS ID.It is
best to use another TEW-310APB as the Remote AP, please find AP's LAN
MAC address in the Status page and enter it here.
(Note: When the device is set to AP Client mode, it no longer accepts
connection from any wireless clients.)
MAC Address (Media Access Control Address): A unique hardware
address that identifies a device on a network. It is assigned at the factory
and cannot be changed. Usually you will find this address on a sticker on
the device or on the packaging.
Wireless Bridge: Bridges two wired Ethernet networks together wirelessly
using two TEW-310APB. You must enter the Remote Bridge AP's MAC
address in the Remote Bridge MAC. It is best to use another TEW-310APB
as the Remote Bridge AP, please find AP's LAN MAC address in the Status
page and enter it in Remote Bridge MAC.
(Note: When the device is set to Wireless Bridge or Multiple Bridge
mode, it no longer accepts connections from any wireless clients.)
Multiple Bridge: Bridges multiple wired Ethernet networks together using
multiple AP. All AP must have the same ESSID and Channel number. It is
best to use TEW-310APB as the Bridging AP. Although there is no limit on
the numbers of AP you can bridge together, please keep in mind that all AP
share the 11Mbps wireless bandwidth. In Multiple Bridge environment, you
could also limit certain APs' bandwidth by setting their Supported Rate to
lower number (e.g. 1~2Mbps).
Beacon Interval: Beacons are packets sent by an Access Point to
synchronize a wireless network. Specify a Beacon interval value. Default
(100) is recommended.
16
Fig. 5.6

RTS Threshold: This value should remain at its default setting of 2,432. If you
encounter inconsistent data flow, only minor modifications to the value range
between 256 and 2,432 are recommended.
Fragmentation: This value should remain at its default setting of 2,346. If
you experience a high packet error rate, you may slightly increase your
Fragmentation Threshold within the value range of 256 to 2,346. Setting
the Fragmentation Threshold too low may result in poor performance.
DTIM Interval (Beacon Rate): (Delivery Traffic Indication Message) Enter
a value between 1 and 16384 for the Delivery Traffic Indication Message
(DTIM.) A DTIM is a countdown informing clients of the next window for
listening to broadcast and multicast messages.
(Note: You could modify Beacon Interval, RTS Threshold, Fragmentation,
and DTIM Interval to fine-tune your wireless network, however, this takes
many trial and error and we recommend keeping them in their default
values.)
Authentication Type:
Open System:communicates the key across the network
Shared Key:devices must have identical WEP settings to communicate
Both automatically adjusts to the Authentication mode of the wireless client
All wireless devices must have the same Authentication Type. The default
setting is Both.
Preamble: The preamble defines the length of the CRC block for
communication between the Access Point and roaming Network Card.
Please select the appropriate preamble type and click the Apply button to
save the settings. (Note: High network traffic areas should use the shorter
preamble type. All wireless devices in the same network need to have the
same preamble setting.)
Basic Rate and Supported Rate: Select the desire bandwidth for the
wireless device. The Basic Rate is for factory trouble shooting purpose and
it will not affect the device's performance. Supported Rate is the true
bandwidth of the device. When the wireless signal is strong, set it at 1-2-
5.11-22(Mbps) to have the highest performance. When the signal is weak,
select 1-2(Mbps) to reduce transmission error.
Antenna Selection: Select which antenna you will use to receive data. The
default setting is Diversity (uses both antennas to receive data which help
overcome multi-path distortion).
Click Apply if you have made any changes or additions.
Click Cancel to discard the changes.
17

Security
Password: Change the login User
Name and Password in this screen.
Administrator ID: This is the login
User Name for the browser
configuration. Default is admin, you
can enter a name with up to 15
characters.
AP Password New: Enter the new
password (up to 15 characters).
Confirm: Enter the new password again.
Click Apply to save the new User Name and Password.
Click Cancel to discard the changes.
MAC Filter: Use MAC Filters to allow or deny wireless connection to the
TEW-310APB. Select Enable to activate the filter, select Disable (default)
to disable this feature.
Select Only deny PCs with the MAC listed below to access the device
or select Only allow PCs with the MAC listed below to access the
device and enter the MAC Address of the selected computers into the
fields below.
You could enter up to 50 MAC address entries, but only 10 entries are
displayed. Please click on the 1~10 pull-down arrow and select the next 10
entries (21~30, 31~40, and 41~50).
Click Apply to save the settings.
Click Cancel to discard the changes.
802.1X
802.1X Authentication protocol. This protocol is not available with the first
released firmware. Please check TRENDware web site
(www.trendware.com) for updated firmware that supports 802.1X protocol.
18
Fig. 5.7

Tools
Backup Settings: The current
device settings can be saved as a
file onto the local hard drive by
clicking Backup and then follow the
instructions on the screen to save
the configuration file to desired
Restore Settings: The saved settings can be loaded back on the TEW-
310APB by entering the correct path or clicking Browse and locate the
correct saved file location. When you have selected the settings file, click
Restore to load the settings.
Restore to default settings: Click Default to return all settings back to
Factory Default Settings.
Firmware Upgrade: Upgrade the firmware for the Access Point. Please
visit TRENDware web site , select Download, and
download the new firmware for TEW-310APB. After you have downloaded
a firmware upgrade to your local drive, click Browse, select the firmware
file, and click Upgrade to perform the firmware upgrade. After that, go to
Status page and verify the new firmware version.
(Note: Please do not interrupt the firmware upgrade process.)
www.trendware.com
19
Fig. 5.8

6. Troubleshooting
Based on Windows XP Operating System
This chapter provides solutions to problems that can occur during the installation
and operation of the TEW-310APB Wireless Access Point. We cover various
aspects of the network setup, including the network adapters. Please read the
following if you are having problems.
Note: It is recommended that you use an Ethernet connection to
configure the TEW-310APB Access Point.
1.The computer used to configure the TEW-310APB cannot access the
Configuration menu.
·Check that the Ethernet LED on the TEW-310APB is ON. If the
LED is not ON, check that the cable for the Ethernet connection is
securely inserted.
·Check that the Ethernet Adapter is working properly. Please Check
that the drivers for the network adapters are installed properly
·Check that the IP Address is in the same range and subnet as the
TEW-310APB. Please see Checking the IP Address in Windows
XP in the Networking Basics section of this manual.
The IP Address of the TEW-310APB is 192.168.1.1. All the computers on the
network must have a unique IP Address in the same range, e.g., 192.168.1.x. Any
computers that have identical IP Addresses will not be visible on the network. They
must all have the same subnet mask, e.g., 255.255.255.0
·Do a Ping test to make sure that the TEW-310APB is responding.
Go to Start>Run>Type Command>Type ping 192.168.1.1. A
successful ping will show four replies.
Note:
20
Fig. 6.1