Table of Contents l. Introduction Page 2 3 4 7 11 21 22 24 26 ll. Contacting Technical Support lll. Introduction to Wireless Networks IV. Installing the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point V. Configuring the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point VI Troubleshooting VII Frequently Asked Questions VIII Regulatory Notices and Statements IX Warranty Statements Proprietary Notice and Disclaimer Unless otherwise noted, this document and the information herein disclosed are proprietary to Actiontec Electronics, Inc the manufacturer. Any person or entity to whom this document is furnished or who otherwise has possession thereof, by acceptance agrees that it will not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part, nor used in any manner except to meet the purposes for which it was delivered. The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a commitment by Actiontec the manufacturer. Although Actiontec the manufacturer will make every effort to inform users of substantive errors, Actiontec the manufacturer disclaims all liability for any loss or damage resulting from the use of this document or any hardware or software described herein, including without limitation contingent, special or incidental liability. Note: PC is a trademark of IBM Corporation. Windows 98 , Windows 98 SE, Windows NT, and Windows XP is a trademark of Microsoft Inc. All other brand or product names and logos used in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Table of Contents 1 l Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Actiontec 54Mbps Wireless Access Point. This Wireless Access Point is easy to use and easy to setup. If you like the freedom of accessing your network from anywhere within your home or office, then take your networking to the next level with the Actiontec 54Mbps Wireless Access Point. You will be able to have full access to your network and share files, printers, and even your High-Speed Internet access. Package Contents Make sure the following items came in this package: Actiontec 54Mbps Wireless Access Point and power adapter Accessories bag (lugs, screws, etc...) This User's Manual and Quick Start Installation Guide Minimum System Requirements PC Computer with an Ethernet Adapter configured for TCP/IP. Internet Browser (Microsoft Explorer, Netscape Navigator, etc..). Microsoft Windows XP, 2000/Windows Millennium Edition, Windows 98 Second Edition (SE), Windows NT 4.0 Contacting Technical Support Actiontec Electronics prides itself on making high-quality, durable, high-performance products. If you should need assistance, the Actiontec Technical Support Department is available 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week to provide professional support. ll U.S. Contact: Actiontec Electronics, Inc. 760 N. Mary Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94085 Phone: 1-888-436-0657 E-mail: techsupp@actiontec.com Europe Contact: Actiontec Europe Ltd. Merlin House, Brunel Road Theale, Berkshire UK RG7 4AB Tech Support: 0845 65 80411 E-mail: eurosupport@actiontec.com 2 Introduction Contacting Technical Support 3 Introduction to Wireless Networks A wireless network connects computers to each other using radiotechnology which allows you the freedom to move around the area and work anywhere within reach of an Access Point. lll The Actiontec 54Mbps Wireless Access Point supports the 802.11g wireless LAN protocol and is backward compatible with 802.11b. The Access Point can be connected to a wired network to allow communication between the wired network and computers using Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Wireless PC Cards. The technology is an extension to the existing Ethernet networking standard, so you can connect the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point to an existing Ethernet network. Adding Access Points to your network Placement and connection of the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point depends entirely on your specific (network) environment. The Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point can be used for the following configurations: Creating a wireless network. Extending an existing wireless network. Connecting to a single computer. Creating a wireless network Your Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point can be used to setup a wireless network as shown on figure 1. Follow the steps below to create a wireless network. 1. Prepare one computer that you will want to connect wirelessly. (Install wireless network card and software). 2. Configure the IP settings for this client computer. 3. Install the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point. 4. Your 54 Mbps wireless network is now ready. 5. For further functionality and security, the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point can be configured using any Web Broser. 6. Install other client computers if this is applicable to your environment. Extending a wired network with one or more 54 Mbps Wireless Access Points When the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point is used as an extension to a wired network (figure 2), please make sure that the current wired network is completely functional. lll Figure 2. Extending a Wired Network Note: Refer to the appropriate user manual for successful installation of your wireless network. Follow these steps to extend you wired network: 1. Install the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point and connect it to your wired network. 2. You can now use the wireless network. Figure 1. Creating a Wireless Network Note: Refer to the appropriate user manual for successful installation of your 3. For further functionality and security, the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point can be configured using any Web Browser. 4. Install the wireless client computer(s). Introduction to Wireless Networks wireless network. 4 Introduction to Wireless Networks 5 Connecting an Access Point directly to a computer Your Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point can be connected directly to your computer as shown in figure 3. Installing the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point This equipment is designed with utmost care for the safety of those who install and use it. However, special attention must be paid to the dangers of electric shock and static electricity when working with electronic equipment. All guidelines of this manual and of the computer manufacturer must therefore be followed at all times to ensure the safe use of the equipment. Physical installation of the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Wireless Access Point For best performance, and range, the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access point needs to be placed in a flat hoizontal position with the antennae extended up as shown in figure 4. lV lll Figure 3. Connecting Directly to a Computer Note: Refer to the appropriate user manual for successful installation of your wireless network. Follow these steps to connect your Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point directly to your computer: 1. Install a network interface card (NIC) in the computer you want to connect the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point to. 2. Configure the IP settings for this client. 3. Install the Access Point. Note: For this connection you need to use a cross-over Ethernet cable. 4. You can now use the wireless network. 5. For further functionality and security, the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point can be configured using the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point Locator software utility and the Web Interface. 6. Install the wireless client computer(s). Figure 4 Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Wireless Access Point 6 Introduction to Wireless Networks Installing the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point 7 The Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point can be installed in 2 different ways: On a desktop. Determine a clear area within your desktop where the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point can be placed in a horizontal position clear of obstructions. Accessories such as screws and lugs to fasten the Access Point to a wall are provided in the Accessories bag. Connecting the Access Point to a network Now that your Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point has been installed, it is ready to be connected to the power outlet and to your wired network. Ethernet Port lV Power Port lV Figure 5. Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point on a desktop Mounted on a wall. Prior to drilling holes into a wall, make sure the wall area of interest is clear of electrical wiring or water pipes. Determine the position of the screws and mark with a pencil. Drill holes in the wall at the location of the marks. Insert plastic lugs into the holes Fasten the screws into the plastic lugs and make sure to leave a 3mm distance as clearance between the wall and screw heads. Mount the Actiontec54 Mbps Wireless Access Point onto the screws. Figure 7 Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point connectors 1. Attach the power adapter output connector to the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point and check the power LED to see if you are connected properly. Power LED 2. Identify the Ethernet port; this is located next to the power connector on the Actiontec 802.11.Access Point. 3. Attach the Ethernet cable to the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point and connect the cable on the other end to either a hub in the network, or a computer. Please see note below for proper connection. If the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point is connected to a hub or switch, a 'cross-over' Ethernet cable must be used. If the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point is connected directly to a computer, a 'straight' Ethernet cable must be used. Figure 6. Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point on a wall 8 Installing the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point Installing the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point 9 LEDs There are three LEDs (Light emitting diodes) on the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point. These visual aids can help you verify proper operation. Power The power LED lights up when the Access Point is connected to a power source. Configuring the 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point How to configure the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point Configuring the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point means installing settings with respect to the use of radio channels, security, identification, etc. You only need to configure the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point when you want to change these settings. You can configure the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point through the Access Pont Locator utlity provided in the Installation CD or via the Web Interface. Locator utlity provided in the Installation CD. V Starting the Access Point Locator Utility The Access Point Locator utility helps you identify and modify the IP values of the Access Point without launching the Web Interface. 1. Insert the Access Point Installation CD in your Computer's CD-ROM Drive, and close the drive tray, this will launch the installation process. 2. When the following screen appears, click on Install Software to continue. lV Network The network LED will blink when the Access Point is connected to a wired network Power LED Ethernet LED Radio LED Radio The radio LED blinks when the Access Point is active. Figure 7. Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point LEDs 3. When the following screen appears, click Next to continue. 10 Installing the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point Configuring the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point 11 4. When the following screen appears, click Finish to continue. 8. When the following screen appears, enter the appropriate values and click Apply. 9. If you are not sure of the IP addressvalues, you can click on the Auto IP Icon. This will configure the Access Point properly. V 5. Once the Installation is complete, from the Windows Desktop click on the Access Point Locator Icon. V Note: The Access Point Locator allows the end user to identify the IP address of the Access Point as an aid to Adjusting the Access Point's network address values, we reccommend keeping the factory defaults. Note: Make sure you record the IP settings assigned by the Auto IP function. We reccommend keeping the factory defaults if you are not sure 6. The Access Point Locator will scan for any available Access Points and display their information. . 10. Once completed, click on the Internet Explorer Icon on the Access Point Locator Window in order to adjust the Access Point Settings using the Web Interface 7. If you wish to change the factory defaul values, click on the configure icon. Note: The Access Point can also be adjusted manually by accessing it from any browser. Note: Make sure you record the current IP settings prior to changing the current configuration. 12 Configuring the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point Configuring the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point 13 Starting the Web Interface Once the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point Configuration Utility has finished and the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point is available for configuration in the network, configure it by using any Web Browser. 1. Launch the Web Brow ...