User manual BELKIN F5D6130

Wireless Network Access Point User Manual F5D6130 Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1­2 Product Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Knowing your Belkin Wireless Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4­5 Quick Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6­7 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8­10 Installing the Wireless Access Point Manager Software . . . . . . . 11­12 Using the Belkin Wireless Access Point Manager . . . . . . . . . . . 13­21 Wireless Networking Using 802.11b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22­25 Glossary of Wireless Networking Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26­27 Glossary of Wired Networking Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28­29 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32­33 Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Belkin 11Mbps Wireless Access Point (WAP) and welcome to the world of wireless networking. Now you can take advantage of this great new technology and gain the freedom you need around the home or office without using cables. The WAP acts as a bridge between your existing wired network and your wireless equipped computers. The easy installation and setup will have you networking wirelessly in minutes. Please be sure to read through this manual completely to be sure that you are getting the most out of your WAP. Key Features Wide Area Coverage at High Speeds The Belkin WAP provides coverage over an indoor area up to 300 feet in radius and an outdoor area over 1,800 feet in radius. Up to 128-bit Security Encryption Your Belkin WAP is capable of encrypting (scrambling) the transmitted radio waves so you can be sure that your data is secure. The optional encryption feature allows you to encrypt at 64-bits or 128-bits using a key that you enter yourself. MAC Address Filtering For added security, you can set up a list of MAC addresses (unique client identifiers) that are allowed access to your wireless network. Every computer equipped with a wireless network adapter has its own MAC address. Simply enter these MAC addresses into a list using the Belkin Wireless 802.11b Network Manager software, and access to your network through the WAP is restricted to only those MAC addresses. 1 Introduction Applications · Wireless roaming with a laptop around the home or office Gain the freedom you need around the home or office with no cables. · Difficult-to-wire environments For use in buildings with solid or finished walls or open areas where wiring is difficult to employ. · Frequently Changing Environments Offices or environments that frequently rearrange the workplace and change location. · Temporary LANs for special projects or peak time Trade shows, exhibitions, and construction sites that need a network on a temporary basis. Companies that need additional workstations for a peak activity period. · SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) SOHO users who need easy and quick setup. Package Contents · Belkin Wireless Network Access Point · Power Supply · Belkin 802.11b Wireless Manager Software · User Manual System Requirements · At least one computer equipped with an 802.11b compliant wireless Ethernet adapter · TCP/IP networking protocol installed on each computer 2 Product Specifications Specifications Wireless Standard: Radio Technology: Operating Channels: 802.11b Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) IEEE 802.11 compliant 11 channels (US, Canada) 13 channels (ETSI) 14 channels (Japan) 11, 5.5, 2, 1Mbps per channel (Auto-Rollback) 590 ft.(180M) @ 11Mbps 984 ft.(300M) @ 5.5Mbps 1476 ft.(450M) @ 2Mbps 1800 ft.(550M) @ 1Mbps IEEE 802.3 10BaseT Link, Activity, and Power ISM Band, 2400 ~ 2483.5MHz QPSK, BPSK, CCK 1/2/5.5/11Mbps per channel CSMA/CA (Collision Avoidance) with ACK 13dBm ~ 20dBm (50 mW) (max.) Min. -78dBm for 11Mbps @BER 10E-5; Min. -82dBm for 5.5/2/1Mbps @BER 10E-5 64/128-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) 2dBi (max.) @ External PCB patch diversity antenna 5V, 750mA max. 114.5 x 54 x 5.0mm 50 g Windows® 95 (OSR2), 98, 2000, NT, Millennium Edition FCC Class B, CE Mark, C-Tick Data Rate: Typical Indoor Operating Range: Network Standards: LED Indicator: Frequency Band: Modulation Type: Data Rate: Protocol: Output Power: Receive Sensitivity: Encryption: Antenna Type: Power Consumption: Physical Dimensions: Weight: OS Support: Certification: 3 Knowing your Belkin Wireless Access Point Ethernet Link/Activity LED Transmit/Receive LED Power LED Power LED Indicates that the WAP is receiving power Transmit/Receive LED Flashing Green: Indicates data is being transmitted Flashing Amber: Indicates data is being received Ethernet Link/Activity LED Solid Green: Indicates a valid Ethernet (Wired) cable link Flashing Orange: Indicates Ethernet (Wired) activity 4 Knowing your Belkin Wireless Access Point Rotatable Dual Dipole Antennas DC Power Jack RJ45 Ethernet Jack DC Power Jack Connect the 9V DC connector from the power supply to this jack. RJ45 Ethernet Jack Connect an Ethernet cable to this socket, and connect to an open RJ45 10BaseT port on a switch or hub. Rotatable Dual Dipole Antennas Two unidirectional dipole antennas are located on the side of the WAP. The antennas can rotate 360 degrees. The antennas should be oriented in the vertical position for best operation. 5 Quick Setup Quick Setup--Connecting the WAP to your existing network The factory settings of the Belkin WAP were chosen to get you up and running quickly. Desktop PC Desktop PC Cable/DSL Modem Notebook with Wireless Notebook Network Card Belkin Router or Switch Wireless Access Point Notebook with Wireless Notebook Network Card Step 1: Installation Site Selection In general, the best location to place the WAP is at the center of your wireless coverage area, within line-of-sight of all wireless stations. Ensure all stations are within the service range of the WAP. Step 2: Hardware Setup 1.Connect your wired LAN to the WAP via a 10Mbps connection using a Category 3 or Category 5 cable with a standard RJ45 connector (not a 6 Quick Setup crossover cable). This connection from your wired LAN would come from a hub or switch connected to your LAN or a cable/DSL router. 2.Connect the external power supply to the 5V DC socket on the rear panel of the WAP. Step 3: Install the Belkin WAP Manager Software 1.Insert the CD into the CD-ROM drive. 2.Access your CD-ROM drive by double-clicking on the CD-ROM icon in the "My Computer" window. Double-click on the "Setup" icon and follow the directions in the installation wizard. Step 4: Configure the Wireless-Equipped Computer(s) to Communicate with the WAP 1.Start up the wireless-equipped computer and configure the wireless-equipped PC to connect to an SSID of "WLAN" or "Any". 2.If not done already, configure the wireless-equipped PC to "Obtain IP Address Automatically". 3.Restart the wireless-equipped PC. Your Belkin WAP is now fully configured. To configure advanced features, please reference the Installation section. Default Settings: WAP Parameter AP Name SSID Channel RTS Threshold IP Address Subnet Mask Default Gateway DHCP Client Encryption MAC Address Filter Password Default Value MiniAP WLAN 11 2346 192.168.0.254 255.255.255.0 0.0.0.0 Enabled Disabled Disabled MiniAP (case-sensitive) 7 Installation Selecting an appropriate site for your WAP Selecting an appropriate site for your WAP will ensure the best performance. First, a few rules of thumb: · Avoid locating the WAP near metal objects such as appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and washer/dryers. Keep in mind that your appliances may be on the other side of the wall in the area that you may be considering to locate the WAP. · For best performance, locate the WAP as close to the center of the area that you will be covering. Keep in mind that radio waves radiate outward from the WAP in a circular pattern. Typical range is 100-150 feet indoors at 11Mbps. If the area you wish to cover is smaller than 200-300 feet wide, then locating the WAP in the center of the area becomes less critical. · Normally, the higher that you locate the WAP, the better the performance and range will be. However, in an area such as an average-sized house or small office, height is less critical. · Remember that many things can cause a degrade of the radio signal such as brick walls, metal-reinforced concrete, the metal housing of appliances, or even wiring in the walls. Connecting the WAP to a cable/DSL router, Ethernet switch, or hub 1. Select a suitable site for your WAP. 2. Connect a CAT5 cable between the WAP and your cable/DSL router's LAN port, Ethernet switch, or hub by plugging one end of the cable into the RJ45 jack on the WAP and the other end into an open RJ45 jack on the cable/DSL router, Ethernet switch, or hub. 3. Connect the power supply to the WAP by plugging the round DC connector into the DC jack on the WAP. Plug the power supply into the wall. Verify that the Power LED and the Link LED are illuminated. If both LEDs are illuminated, this indicates that the WAP is connected properly. 4. Place the WAP on a desktop or mount it to a wall in the location that you have chosen. Next, swivel the antennas so they are both pointing up. 8 Installation Connection and placement of your WAP is now complete. Go to "Installing the WAP Manager Software" to learn how to configure the WAP. Desktop PC Desktop PC Cable/DSL Modem Wireless Notebook Network Card Belkin Router or Switch Wireless Access Point Wireless Notebook Network Card Fig. 1 Connecting the WAP to a cable/DSL router, Ethernet switch, or hub 9 Installation Using the WAP to expand local coverage The WAP can act as a central point of communication of your wireless-equipped computers without connecting it to a wired network. Using the WAP in this manner will effectively double the range between your wireless-equipped computers by relaying the data from one computer to another. Simply locate the WAP in the center of the area you will be operating your network. The diagram below illustrates this concept. Notebook Wireless Notebook Network Card Wireless Access Point Notebook with Wireless Notebook Network Card PC with Wireless Desktop PCI Network Adapter 10 Installing the Wireless Access Point Manager Software The Belkin 802.11b Wireless Manager Software allows you to connect to the WAP and make changes to the configuration. Follow these steps to install the software. 1. Insert the Belkin Wireless Network Access Point "CD-ROM" into your CD-ROM drive. 2. Access your CD-ROM drive by double-clicking on the "CD-ROM" icon in the "My Computer" window. Double-click on the "Setup" icon to start the installation process. 3. The following screen will appear. Click "Next". 4. The installer will install the needed files to a folder named "C:\Belkin\Belkin Wireless Access Point". If you wish to change this, click "Browse" and select a folder. Click "Next" to continue. 11 Installing the Wireless Access Point Manager Software 5. The installer will create a program folder called "Belkin Wireless Access Point Manager". If you wish to change this, enter a name or select from the list below. Click "Next" to continue. 6. Click "Finish" to complete the installation. Start the WAP Manager Software by clicking "Start", "Programs", then select "Belkin Wireless Access Point Manager", then click on "Belkin Wireless Access Point Manager". 12 Using the Belkin Wireless Access Point Manager Once you launch the WAP Manager Software, a window will open and begin scanning for your WAP. The words "Scanning AP" will be displayed in the bottom right corner of the window. When finished scanning, "Scanning complete" will be displayed. You can connect to the WAP from any computer on the network that is either wired or wireless. Your WAP is shipped from the factory with the name "MiniAP". Instructions to change this are covered later in this manual. If your WAP is installed properly, you should see the name "MiniAP" in the "Wireless Manager" window when scanning has completed. If not, see troubleshooting tips at the end of this manual. Connecting to the WAP To make any changes to the configuration of the WAP, you must connect to the WAP by entering a password. The WAP is password-protected to keep unauthorized users from changing settings. 1. Click on "Command" and select "Connect AP..." in the drop-down menu. 13 Using the Belkin Wireless Access Point Manager 2. The "Input Password" window will appear. Your WAP ships from the factory with the password set to "MiniAP". Keep in mind that the password is casesensitive, and enter the password. Password = "MiniAP" (case-sensitive) 3. When connected, the word "Connected" will appear under the column labeled "State". If you cannot connect, see the troubleshooting tips at the end of this manual. Configuring to the WAP The WAP can be configured for many different parameters--from setting the password to enabling the encryption. To configure the WAP, click on "Command" and select "Configure AP". 14 Using the Belkin Wireless Access Point Manager The "AP Setting" screen will appear. A D B E C F G H I J K L M This screen displays the WAP's status and settings. Fixed Parameters A BSSID This displays the MAC address of the adapter. The MAC address is fixed and cannot be changed. Regulation Domain Each country's regulatory commission (FCC for the US) has specified a specific set of channels for 802.11b to operate on. Each country is different. To comply with the standards for each country, the WAP is programmed at the factory for the proper regulatory domain. The regulatory domain is fixed and cannot be changed. WEP This displays the status of the WEP encryption. Disabled = OFF. Enabled = ON. Associated Stations This indicates the number of wireless clients (computers) connected to the WAP. A total of 64 wireless clients can be connected at a single time. 15 B C D Using the Belkin Wireless Access Point Manager E Firmware Version Displays the version of firmware programmed into the WAP. Belkin may from time to time upgrade the firmware and provide it, at no cost, for download from the Belkin website. For more on upgrading the firmware, visit www.networking.belkin.com/update. Programmable Parameters F AP Name The AP Name is used to help identify an WAP when multiple APs are being used. For instance, in a large building using 20 APs, the names may be "AP 1:WEST ROOM", or in a large house, "AP 5:Kitchen". To enter a name, click in the name field and enter a name. When finished making changes, click "Save" for the changes to take effect. SSID The Service Set Identifier (SSID) is like a name for the wireless network and is sometimes called the "Network Name". All WAPs in a wireless network should be set to the same SSID to enable clients to roam from WAP to WAP. The wireless-equipped computers in the wireless network should also be set to the same SSID to gain access to the network. The default setting is "WLAN" (Wireless Local Area Network). To change the SSID, simply click in the SSID field and enter a new SSID. When finished making changes, click "Save" for the changes to take effect. Channel The 802.11b wireless standard supports up to 14 channels. The number of available channels are limited to local regulations that determine which channels are available. (FCC/IC: Channels 1-11; ETSI: Channels 1-13; France: Channels 10-13; Spain: Channels 10-11; MKK: Channels 1-14.) The default channel is 11. To change the channel, click the UP/DOWN arrows next to the channel field. When finished making changes, click "Save" for the changes to take effect. RTS Threshold This is the rate at which errors are checked. We recommend not changing this. G H I 16 Using the Belkin Wireless Access Point Manager J IP Address An IP address can be manually entered. The default IP address is 192.168.0.254. To enter the IP address, click in the "IP Address" field and enter the IP address. Subnet Mask A Subnet Mask can be manually entered. The default Subnet Mask is 255.255.255.0. To enter the Subnet Mask, click in the "Subnet Mask" field and enter the Subnet Mask. Default Gateway A Default Gateway address can be manually entered. The Default Gateway address is 0.0.0.0. To enter a Default Gateway address, click in the "Subnet Mask" field and enter the Default Gateway address. DHCP Client The WAP can obtain an IP address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway information automatically in a dynamic network environment. The default setting is "Enabled". If the WAP is connected to a network that does not employ DHCP, the default IP address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway will be used. To enable or disable the DHCP Client, click on the down arrow and select "Enabled" or "Disabled". When finished making changes, click "Save" for the changes to take effect. K L M Security The WAP features some methods of keeping your wireless network secure. Using these methods can greatly increase your security and peace of mind. Method 1: Encryption For secure data transmissions, the Belkin WAP is capable of encrypting, or "scrambling", the information that is sent over the air between your computers. The WAP uses a form of encryption called WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). There are two levels of WEP encryption--64-bit and 128-bit. As the numbers imply, 128-bit encryption is more secure than 64bit encryption. However, using 128-bit encryption can slow down the rate at which data is sent between the wireless-equipped computers and the WAP. WEP encryption uses keys to scramble and unscramble the data that is being sent between wireless-equipped computers and the WAP. The 17 Using the Belkin Wireless Access Point Manager WAP and the computers must use the same key to be able to communicate using encryption. For more information, go to the section called "Using WEP Encryption". Method 2: MAC Address Filtering The WAP can be programmed with a list of MAC addresses that are allowed to connect to the WAP. A MAC address is a unique "serial number" that is assigned to every wireless adapter. For instance, if you own a Belkin F5D6020 Wireless Notebook Network Adapter for your laptop, it has been assigned its own MAC address at the factory. The MAC address is located on a small sticker on the bottom of the product. Programming the WAP with this MAC address and enabling the MAC address filtering feature lets you manage which computers are allowed to connect to the WAP. Using WEP Encryption In the "Configuration" menu, click "Encryption". The following screen will appear. Select "64-bit" from the drop-down menu. You will notice when using 64-bit encryption, there are four keys labeled "Key 1" through "Key 4". Only one key can be used at a time. Keys can be entered manually, but for ease-of-use, the software can generate keys using a "passphrase" that you enter. This passphrase can be easily distributed to wireless-equipped computer users in your network. For instance, creating a key using the passphrase "Passphrase" generates four keys in 64-bit encryption mode and one key in 128-bit encryption mode. Users of laptops need only to enter the passphrase and the key number into their computers' wireless management software to be able to communicate while using encryption. All computers on the network must use the same encryption rate and passphrase. The passphrase can be changed as often as desired. 18