Linksys WAP51AB Router Manual PDF (Setup & Configuration Guide)

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Dual-Band Wireless Access Point

•

Fragmentation Length.

This specifies the maximum size a data packet

will be before splitting and creating a new packet and should remain at its

default setting of 2,346. A smaller setting means smaller packets, which

will create more packets for each transmission. If you have decreased this

value and experience high packet error rates, you can increase it again, but

it will likely decrease overall network performance. Only minor modifica-

tions of this value are recommended.

•

Data Beacon Rate.

(5GHz/802.11a only) This value, between 1 and

16384, indicates the interval of the Delivery Traffic Indication Message. A

Data Beacon Rate field is a countdown field informing clients of the next

window for listening to broadcast and multicast messages. When the Access

Point has buffered broadcast or multicast messages for associated clients, it

sends the next message with a rate value.

Access Point Clients hear the bea-

cons and awaken to receive the broadcast and multicast messages.

Instant Wireless™ Series

When you’ve completed making any changes on this tab, click the

Apply

button to

save those changes or

Cancel

to exit the Web-based Utility without saving changes.

To clear any of the information you’ve typed by not yet applied, click the

Clear

but-

ton. For more information on this tab, you can click the

Help

button.

Before making any changes to the Wireless tab, shown in Figure 6-12, please check

your wireless settings on other systems, as these changes will alter the effectiveness

of the Access Point. In most cases, these settings do not need to be changed.

•

Beacon Interval.

This value indicates the frequency interval of the beacon. A

beacon is a packet broadcast by the Access Point to keep the network synchro-

nized. A beacon includes the wireless LAN service area, the AP address, the

Broadcast destination addresses, a time stamp, Delivery Traffic Indicator Maps,

and the Traffic Indicator Message (TIM).

•

RTS Threshold.

This value should remain at its default setting of 2,346. Should

you encounter inconsistent data flow, only minor modifications are recom-

mended.

Figure 6-11

The Wireless Tab

Figure 6-12

Page 17 / 29

Dual-Band Wireless Access Point

Appendix A: Troubleshooting

This chapter provides solutions to problems usually encountered during the

installation and operation of the Access Point. Read the description below to

solve your problems. If you can’t find an answer here, check the Linksys web-

site at www.linksys.com.

Can the Access Point act as my DHCP Server?

No.

The Access Point is nothing more than a wireless hub, and as such cannot

be configured to handle DHCP capabilities.

Can I run an application from a remote computer over the wireless net-

work?

This will depend on whether or not the application is designed to be used over

a network. Consult the application’s user guide to determine if it supports oper-

ation over a network.

Can I play multiplayer games with other users of the wireless network?

Yes, as long as the game supports multiple players over a LAN (local area net-

work). Refer to the game’s user guide for more information.

What IEEE 802.11a features are supported?

The product supports the following IEEE 802.11a functions:

•

OFDM protocol

•

Multi-Channel Roaming

•

Automatic Rate Selection

•

RTS/CTS feature

•

Fragmentation

What IEEE 802.11b features are supported?

The product supports the following IEEE 802.11 functions:

•

CSMA/CA plus Acknowledge protocol

•

Multi-Channel Roaming

•

Automatic Rate Selection

•

RTS/CTS feature

•

Fragmentation

•

Power Management

Frequently Asked Questions

Instant Wireless™ Series

•

Turbo Mode.

(5GHz/802.11a only)

Click the radio button beside

Enable

to increase the speed of your wireless transmissions to 72 Mbps, keeping in

mind that the Access Point’s range diminishes in Turbo Mode. If you do not

wish to utilize Turbo Mode, make sure the radio button beside

Disable

selected.

•

DTIM Interval.

(2.4GHz/802.11b only)

This value indicates the interval

of the Delivery Traffic Indication Message (DTIM). A DTIM field is a

countdown field informing clients of the next window for listening to

broadcast and multicast messages. When the Access Point has buffered

broadcast or multicast messages for associated clients, it sends the next

DTIM with a DTIM Interval value.

Access Point Clients hear the beacons

and awaken to receive the broadcast and multicast messages.

•

Transmission Rates.

The basic transfer rates should be set depending on

the speed of your wireless network. You can select from a range of trans-

mission speeds or select

Best

to have the Access Point automatically engage

the network’s optimum speed.

•

Preamble Type.

(2.4GHz/802.11b only)

The preamble defines the length

of the CRC block for communication between the Access Point and a roam-

ing Network Card. (High network traffic areas should use the shorter pre-

amble type.) Select the appropriate preamble type and click the

Apply

but-

ton to set it.

•

Authentication Type.

You may choose between

Open System

Shared

Key

The Authentication Type default is set to

Open System

, in which the

sender and the recipient do NOT share a secret key.

Each party generates

its own key-pair and asks the receiver to accept the randomly-generated key.

Once accepted, this key is used for a short time only.

Then a new key is

generated and agreed upon.

Shared Key

is when both the sender and the

recipient share a secret key.

When you’ve completed making any changes on this tab, click the

Apply

but-

ton to save those changes or

Cancel

to exit the Web-based Utility without sav-

ing changes. For more information on this tab, you can click the

Help

button.

Page 18 / 29

Dual-Band Wireless Access Point

What is ESSID?

An Infrastructure configuration could also support roaming capability for

mobile workers. More than one BSS can be configured as an Extended Service

Set (ESS). Users within an ESS could roam freely between BSSs while main-

taining a continuous connection to the wireless network stations and Access

Points.

What is ISM band?

The FCC and their counterparts outside of the U.S. have set aside bandwidth

for unlicensed use in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band.

Spectrum in the vicinity of 2.4 GHz, in particular, is being made available

worldwide. This presents a truly revolutionary opportunity to place convenient

high speed wireless capabilities in the hands of users around the globe.

What is Spread Spectrum?

Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequency technique devel-

oped by the military for use in reliable, secure, mission-critical communica-

tions systems. It is designed to trade off bandwidth efficiency for reliability,

integrity, and security. In other words, more bandwidth is consumed than in the

case of narrowband transmission, but the trade-off produces a signal that is, in

effect, louder and thus easier to detect, provided that the receiver knows the

parameters of the spread-spectrum signal being broadcast. If a receiver is not

tuned to the right frequency, a spread-spectrum signal looks like background

noise. There are two main alternatives, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum

(DSSS) and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS).

What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?

Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) uses a narrowband carrier that

changes frequency in a pattern that is known to both transmitter and receiver.

Properly synchronized, the net effect is to maintain a single logical channel. To

an unintended receiver, FHSS appears to be short-duration impulse noise.

Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) generates a redundant bit pattern for

each bit to be transmitted. This bit pattern is called a chip (or chipping code).

The longer the chip, the greater the probability that the original data can be

recovered. Even if one or more bits in the chip are damaged during transmis-

sion, statistical techniques embedded in the radio can recover the original data

without the need for retransmission. To an unintended receiver, DSSS appears

as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most narrowband

receivers.

Instant Wireless™ Series

What is Ad-hoc?

An Ad-hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers, each with a WLAN adapter,

connected as an independent wireless LAN. An Ad-hoc wireless LAN is appli-

cable at a departmental scale for a branch or SOHO operation.

What is Infrastructure?

An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configura-

tion. Infrastructure is applicable to enterprise scale for wireless access to a cen-

tral database, or wireless application for mobile workers.

What is Roaming?

Roaming is the ability of a portable computer user to communicate continu-

ously while moving freely throughout an area greater than that covered by a

single Access Point. Before using the roaming function, the workstation must

make sure that it is the same channel number as the Access Point of the dedi-

cated coverage area.

To achieve true seamless connectivity, the wireless LAN must incorporate a

number of different functions. Each node and Access Point, for example, must

always acknowledge receipt of each message. Each node must maintain contact

with the wireless network even when not actually transmitting data. Achieving

these functions simultaneously requires a dynamic RF networking technology

that links Access Points and nodes. In such a system, the user’s end node under-

takes a search for the best possible access to the system. First, it evaluates such

factors as signal strength and quality, as well as the message load currently

being carried by each Access Point and the distance of each Access Point to the

wired backbone. Based on that information, the node next selects the right

Access Point and registers its address. Communications between end node and

host computer can then be transmitted up and down the backbone.

As the user moves on, the end node’s RF transmitter regularly checks the sys-

tem to determine whether it is in touch with the original Access Point or

whether it should seek a new one. When a node no longer receives acknowl-

edgment from its original Access Point, it undertakes a new search. Upon find-

ing a new Access Point, it then re-registers, and the communication process

continues.

What is BSS ID?

A specific Ad-hoc LAN is called a Basic Service Set (BSS). Computers in a

BSS must be configured with the same BSS ID.

Page 19 / 29

Dual-Band Wireless Access Point

You may also try using different channels, as this may eliminate

interference

affecting only one channel.

Also, due to FCC regulations, more power may be

transmitted, using 802.11a, on channels 52, 56, 60 and 64, than on the lower

channels.

Lastly, check the Advanced tab of the Web-Based Utility and make

sure that FULL is selected in the Transmission Rate field.

Does the Turbo Mode work with Windows XP PCs?

No. The Turbo Mode does not work with Windows XP PCs.

Does the Access Point function as a firewall?

No. The Access Point is only a bridge from wired Ethernet to wireless clients.

I have excellent signal strength, but I cannot see my network.

WEP is probably enabled on the Access Point, but not on your wireless adapter

(or vice versa).

Verify that the same WEP Keys and levels (64, 128 or 152) are

being used on all nodes on your wireless network.

What is the maximum number of users the Access Point facilitates?

No more than 65, but this depends on the volume of data and may be less if

many users create a large amount of network traffic.

How many channels/frequencies are available with the Access Point?

Using 802.11a, there are eight available frequencies, ranging from 5.15GHz to

5.32GHz.

Using 802.11b, there are eleven available channels, ranging from 1

to 11.

What is Turbo mode?

Turbo mode allows high-speed connections, but severely limits range.

Turbo

mode must be enabled on both the Access Point and the wireless PCs to func-

tion.

Turbo mode is not compatible with Windows XP and may only function

with Linksys 5GHz wireless adapters.

What is the difference in range

between 802.11a and 802.11b

products?

Overall, range will be a little

less in a typical environment,

while higher speeds may be

achieved with 802.11a, through-

put degrades more quickly. (See

Figure A-1.)

Instant Wireless™ Series

Would the information be intercepted while transmitting on air?

WLAN features two-fold protection in security. On the hardware side, as with

Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum technology, it has the inherent security fea-

ture of scrambling. On the software side, the WLAN series offers the encryp-

tion function (WEP) to enhance security and access control. Users can set it up

depending upon their needs.

Can Instant Wireless

products support file and printer sharing?

Instant Wireless

products perform the same function as LAN products.

Therefore, Instant Wireless

products can work with Netware, Windows

NT/2000, or other LAN operating systems to support printer or file sharing.

What is WEP?

WEP is Wired Equivalent Privacy, a data privacy mechanism based on a 40-bit

shared-key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard.

What is a MAC Address?

The Media Access Control (MAC) address is a unique number assigned by the

manufacturer to any Ethernet networking device, such as a network adapter,

that allows the network to identify it at the hardware level.

For all practical pur-

poses, this number is usually permanent.

Unlike IP addresses, which can

change every time a computer logs on to the network, the MAC address of a

device stays the same, making it a valuable identifier for the network.

How do I avoid interference?

Using multiple Access Points on the same channel and in close proximity to

one another will generate interference.

When employing multiple Access

Points, be sure to operate each one on a different channel (frequency).

How do I reset the Access Point?

Press the

Reset

button on the back of the Access Point for about ten seconds.

This will reset the unit to its default settings.

How do I resolve issues with signal loss?

There is no way to know the exact range of your wireless network without test-

ing. Every obstacle placed between an Access Point and wireless PC will cre-

ate signal loss.

Leaded glass, metal, concrete floors, water and walls will inhib-

it the signal and reduce range.

Start with your Access Point and your wireless

PC in the same room and move it away in small increments to determine the

maximum range in your environment.

Figure A-1

Page 20 / 29

Dual-Band Wireless Access Point

The following instructions are provided as examples for reference only. For

complete instructions on installing and troubleshooting TCP/IP and IPX, con-

sult your Windows operating system documentation.

Click the

Start

button, select

Settings

, and open the

Control Panel

. Inside

the Control Panel, double-click the

Network

icon.

If the

TCP/IP Protocol

is listed for your network adapter, go to step five.

Otherwise, click the

Add

button.

When the

Component Type

window appears, select

Protocol

and click the

Add

button.

Select

Microsoft

in the Manufacturers list and choose

TCP/IP

in the

Network Protocols list. Then, click the

button.

When the Network window reappears, click

TCP/IP

. Then, click the

Properties

button.

Select

Specify an IP Address

Enter an IP Address for the computer, along with a Subnet Mask. Click the

button. If you do not have these values, consult your network adminis-

trator.

When the Network window reappears, click the

button. Restart your

machine. TCP/IP has now been successfully installed.

Click the

Start

button, select

Settings

, and open the

Control Panel

. Inside

the Control Panel, double-click the

Network

icon.

If the

TCP/IP Protocol

is listed for your network adapter, go to step four.

Otherwise, click the

Add

button.

When the

Component Type

window appears, select

Protocol

and click the

Add

button.

Select

Microsoft

in the Manufacturers list and choose

IPX/SPX protocol

in the Network Protocols list. Then, click the

button.

Instant Wireless™ Series

Appendix B: Setting Up the TCP/IP and

IPX Protocols

Before a computer can communicate with the Access Point, it must be config-

ured with the TCP/IP protocol. If you know how to set up TCP/IP on your com-

puters, do so now. Otherwise, use the guidelines below to help get TCP/IP

installed on all of the computers that need to communicate with the Access

Point. If you are unable to successfully install TCP/IP on one or more comput-

ers after following the directions, contact the manufacturer of your computers'

network operating system for further assistance. Check with your network

administrator for your TCP/IP settings.

The directions below provide general guidelines for coming up with IP address-

es and subnet masks. Check with your network administrator to see if you need

to use specific IP addresses or DHCP settings.

First, each computer on the network will require an IP address, which is a series

of numbers, separated by periods, identifying the PC on the network. To make

things simple, you should use the following numbering scheme:

192.168.1.X

In this example, X is a unique, arbitrarily assigned number from 1 to 254. Each

computer must have its own unique X number. Note: Never use 0, 250 or 255

for X. These numbers are reserved by TCP/IP for other uses.

For example, if you have three computers, you could number them as follows:

192.168.1.17

192.168.1.44

192.168.1.126

In this case, 17, 44, and 126 are arbitrary numbers between 1 and 254.

Each computer will also require a subnet mask, which is a numerical “filter”

that tells a computer what kinds of TCP/IP data packets to accept. If you’re not

sure which mask to use, the following mask is recommended:

255.255.255.0

TCP/IP Setup for Windows 95, 98, and Millennium

IPX Setup for Windows 95, 98, and Millennium

Setting Up TCP/IP in Windows

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