3Com Megahertz
Access Point User Guide
Configuring the AP 

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Configuring the AP

The AP has many configuration parameters. This section discusses all the AP parameters and how to set them.

System Parameters

The AP has configuration options to operate the unit, including security access and interface control. Some parameters do not require modification. To configure the system parameters, follow the procedure below.

  1. Select Set System Configuration from the Main Menu, which generates the System Configuration window.
  2. Select the appropriate value from the table below to configure the direct-sequence channel settings for the operating country.
  3.  

    Frequency

    No. of Channels

    Country

    2412

    11

    US (standard)

    2412

    13

    Europe

    2457

    2

    Spain

    2457

    4

    France

    2484

    1

    Japan

  4. Configure the AP system settings as required. The parameters are explained in the table below.
  5.  

    Ethernet Timeout

    Disables radio interface if no activity is detected on the Ethernet line after the seconds indicated (a range from 30-255). The AP disassociates wireless clients and prevents further associations until it detects Ethernet activity.

    Value

    • 0--Default value. disables this feature.
    • 1--Detects whether the 10Base-T line goes down
    • 2--WLAP sends a WLAP Alive BPDU on the Ethernet line every WLAP Hello Time seconds to allow WLAPs on the Ethernet line to detect its existence.
    • 3--WLAP tracks the WLAP Alive BPDU. If the BPDU is missing for WLAP Hello Time seconds, the WLAP state changes to WLAP Lost on Ethernet. Once the WLAP Alive BPDU is detected, the WLAP resets and starts over.

    When the Ethernet connection is broken:

    • If the WLAP mode is disabled, the AP clears the wireless client table and disables the RF interface until the Ethernet connection comes up.
    • If the WLAP mode is enabled, the AP sets the time-out value to zero (0), resets itself, and attempts to associate with another WLAP in the network.

    Telnet Logins

    Specifies whether the AP accepts or rejects Telnet Logins. The default value is Enabled.

    System Password

    For administrative access, select any alphanumeric, case-sensitive entry up to 13 characters. The default System Password is comcomcom.

    Agent Ad Interval

    Specifies the interval in seconds between the mobility agent advertisement transmission. The default is 0.

    AirConnect Mobile IP

    If enabled, this feature allows wireless clients to roam across routers. The default is Disabled.

    Mobile-Home MD5 key

    Secret key used for Mobile-Home registration and authentication.

    Web Server

    Enables the use of a Web based browser to access the UI instead of HyperTerminal or Telnet applications. An AP Reset is required for this feature to take effect.

    Access Control

    Specifies enabling or disabling the access control feature. If enabled, the ACL (Access Control List) specifies the MAC addresses of wireless clients that can associate with this AP. The default is Disabled.

    Type Filtering

    Specifies filter type for packets received either Forward/Discard or Disabled. The default value is Disabled.

    WNMP Functions

    Specifies whether the AP can perform WNMP functions. The default value is Enabled.

    AP-AP State Xchg

    Specifies AP-to-AP communication exchanged. If Disabled prevents AP Auto Configure and AP load leveling function. The default is Enabled.

  6. To enable or disable interfaces on the AP, modify the following parameters:
  7.  

    Parameter

    Description

    Ethernet Interface

    Enables or disables wired Ethernet. The default value is On.

    PPP Interface

    Enables or disables serial PPP. The default value is Off.

    RF Interface

    Enables or disables radio. The default value is On.

    Default Interface

    Specifies the default interface (Ethernet or PPP) that the AP forwards a frame to if the AP cannot find the address in its forwarding database. The default interface is Ethernet.

  8. Verify that values reflect the network environment and change them as needed.
  9. Do one of the following:
  10. Select OK to register the settings.
    1. Or:
  11. Select Save to write changes to nonvolatile memory (NVM), which generates a confirmation prompt.
  12. Select Save ALL APs-[F2] to save the RF Configuration information to all APs with the same WLAN Service Area.
  13. This option saves the configuration changes for the current AP, and sends two WNMP messages to all other APs on the Known APs table to update their configurations and reset them after the configuration has been modified. You can execute this option only among the same hardware platforms and same firmware versions.
  14. Select Cancel-[ESC] to cancel any changes you made to this screen and return to the previous menu.

Radio Parameters

The AP automatically configures most radio parameters. Exercise extreme caution when adjusting radio parameters for the AP since these parameters affect system operations. Options in the RF Configuration window fine-tune the radio and WLAP functions. To configure the radio parameters, follow the procedure below.

  1. Select Set RF Configuration from the Main Menu to display the RF Configuration window.
  2. Configure the settings as required. The table below describes the Configuration parameters.
  3.  

    Parameter

    Description

    DTIM Interval

    Configure DTIM packet frequency as a multiple of beacon packets. The DTIM Interval indicates how many beacons equal one cycle. Do not modify.

    BC/MC Q Max

    Determines the memory allocated for the queue used in the AP to temporarily hold broadcast/multicast messages. Unit measure is in packets and corresponds to maximum-sized Ethernet packets. The default is 10.

    Max Retries (d)

    The maximum allowed retries before aborting a single transmission. The default is 15.

    Max Retries (v)

    The maximum allowed retries before aborting a single transmission. The default is 5.

    Multicast Mask (d) and (v)

    AirConnect supports broadcast download protocols for any wireless client (typically Point-of-Sale terminals) requiring the expedited download of a new operating image over the network instead of using a local nonvolatile drive.

    All multicast downstream data packets that match the top 32 bits of the multicast mask are forwarded immediately instead of being queued for transmission at the next DTIM interval.

    Beacon Interval

    The time between beacons in milliseconds. The default is 100.

    Accept Broadcast WSA_ID

    Allows the AP to respond to any station sending probe packets with the industry-standard broadcast WSA. If Enabled, this feature allows industry-standard devices interoperability. The AP probe response includes the WSA_ID and information about the network. By default, this feature is Disabled and the AP responds only to stations that know the WSA_ID. This helps preserve network authentication security.

    Wireless Client inactivity Timeout

    Allows industry-standard device interoperability by specifying the time the AP allows for wireless client inactivity.
    An AirConnect AP recognizes wireless client activity through data packet transmission and reception, and through scanning. AirConnect wireless clients conduct active scanning. Other industry-standard wireless clients might conduct passive scans and an AirConnect AP could classify them as inactive.

    Rate Control

    Defines the data transmission rate:

    • 11 Mbps-Optional
    • 5.5 Mbps-Optional
    • 2 Mbps-Required
    • 1 Mbps-Required

    Fragmentation Threshold

    Fragmentation is not supported at this time.

    RTS Threshold

    RTS/CTS operation is not supported at this time.

  4. Verify that values reflect the network environment and change them as needed.
  5. Do one of the following:
  6. Select OK to register the settings.
    1. Or:
  7. Select Save to write changes to NVM, which generates a confirmation prompt.
  8. To save the RF Configuration information to all APs with the same WLAN Service area, select Save ALL APs-[F2].
  9. This option saves the configuration changes for the current AP, and sends two WNMP messages to all other APs on the Known APs table to update their configurations and reset them after the configuration has been modified. You can execute this option only among the same hardware platforms and same firmware versions.
  10. Select Cancel-[ESC] to disregard any changes made to this window and return to the previous menu.

Configuring PPP

To use a Point-to-Point (PPP) connection, choose the appropriate hardware connection (direct or modem). Verify the enable status of the serial port) in the System Configuration menu.

PPP Direct

PPP direct is a direct null-modem serial cable connection between an AP and computer. To configure PPP direct, follow the procedure, below.

  1. Select Set Serial Port Configuration from the Main Menu. The Serial Port Configuration window will be generated.
  2. Set the Port Use parameter to UI.
  3. Verify that the Modem Connected parameter setting is No.
  4. Set the Connect Mode parameter to Answer.

Establishing a Connection

To establish the PPP port connection on the AP, do the following.

  1. Select Set System Configuration from the Main Menu.
  2. Set the PPP Interface to OFF.
  3. Press the space bar or left/right arrows to change the value.
  4. Press Enter to confirm the change.

PPP with Modems

The PPP interface provides a connection using modems over a telephone line. Connect modems to the APs with null-modem (straight-through) serial cables. Designate one AP as the Originating AP and the other AP as the Answering AP. Configure the Originating AP with dial-out information to the answering AP. The answering AP waits for the originating AP to dial in to it.

The AP supports modems that use the generic Hayes Smartmodem command set. The AP uses Hayes commands and is capable of working with various modems of 19200 baud or faster. 3Com does not support modems the company has not qualified.

The following modems qualify to work with the AP:

Dial out manually through the Special Functions menu or dial out automatically when the system boots up.

Originating AP

To configure an originating AP, do the following from the UI of the originating AP:

  1. Select Set Serial Port Configuration from the Main Menu.
  2. Set the Port Use parameter to PPP.
  3. Set the Modem Connected parameter to Yes.
  4. Set the Connect Mode to Originate.
  5. Select Dialout Number and type the dial-out telephone number of the answering AP (maximum 31 characters).
  6. This string matches what follows a typical Hayes Smartmodem ATDT command. Possible characters include pauses, numbers, and letters. Refer to your modem documentation.
  7. Set the Dialout Mode to Auto.
  8. Configure the remaining settings as required.
  9. :

    Parameter

    Description

    Answer Wait Time

    Time in seconds waiting for a remote connection before dropping attempt. The default is 60 (range: 5 - 255)

    Modem Speaker

    Sends a command to the modem to turn the modem speaker on or off. The default is On.

    PPP Timeout

    Controls the time-out between issuing a PPP packet and the anticipated reply. This is necessary if the serial connection has long delay periods. Zero (0) indicates no time-out. The default is 3 from a 0 to 255-second range.

    PPP Terminates

    Controls the PPP terminate requests the AP issues when a PPP-linked AP does not respond to a terminate request. The AP closes the PPP connection after making the maximum requests. The default is 10 from a 0 to 255-terminate request range.

Answering AP

From the answering APs UI:

  1. Select Set Serial Port Configuration from the Main Menu.
  2. Set the Port Use parameter to PPP.
  3. Set the Modem Connected parameter to Yes.
  4. Set the Connect Mode to Answer.
  5. Configure the other required settings the same as on the originating AP.
Initiating Modem Connection

To manually initiate dial-out from the originating AP to the answering AP, do the following:

  1. Select the Special Functions Menu from the Main Menu.
  2. Select Modem Dialout.
  3. The AP dials out and attempts to make a connection according to parameters set in the Serial Port Configuration. If dial-out fails, the AP switches to manual dial-out.

     

     

    NOTE: For automatic dial-out, reset the AP.

To hang up, do the following:

  1. Select Special Functions from the Main Menu.
  2. Select Modem Hangup.

Configuring the SNMP Agent

An SNMP manager application gains access to the AP SNMP agent if it has the AP IP address. The agent configures as read-only, read-write or disabled to provide security when using SNMP. The AP sends specific traps for some conditions. Ensure the SNMP trap manager recognizes how to manage these traps.

    See the 3Com MIB on the Wireless LAN Installation and Utilities disk for specific entries.

The AP supports SNMP V1, MIB-II and the 3Com.MIB. To configure the SNMP agent, use the following procedure.

  1. Select Set SNMP Configuration from the Main Menu, which generates the SNMP Configuration window.
  2. Configure the settings as required.
  3. :

    Parameter

    Description

    SNMP Agent Mode

    Defines the SNMP agent mode:

    • Disabled--Disables SNMP functions.
    • Read-only--Allows get and trap operations.
    • Read/Write (default)--Allows get, set, and trap operations.

    Read-Only Community

    User-defined password string up to 31 characters identifying users with read-only privileges.

    Read/Write Community

    User-defined password up to 13 characters for users with read/write privileges. Ensure the password used matches the System Password used to gain access to the System Configuration screen.

    Trap IP Address

    Trap manager IP address.

    All Traps

    Enables or disables all trap operations. The default value is Disabled.

    Cold Boot

    Send a trap to manager when the AP cold boots. The default value is Disabled.

    Authentication failure

    Indicates that community strings other than those specified for the Read-Only and Read/Write Community were submitted. The default value is Disabled.

    Radio Restart

    Send a trap to manager for radio restart. The default is value Disabled.

    Access Cntrl Violation

    Send a trap to manager when an ACL violation occurs. The default value is Disabled.

    DHCP Change

    If enabled, this trap generates the following enterprise-specific traps:

    • Gateway Address Change--Indicates the gateway address for the router has changed.
    • IP Address Change--Indicates the IP address for the AP has changed.
    • IP Address Lease is up--Informs you the IP address leased from the DHCP server is about to expire.
  4. Verify that values reflect the network environment and change them as needed.
  5. Do one of the following:
  6. Select OK to register the settings.
    1. Or:
  7. Select Save to write changes to NVM, which generates a confirmation prompt.
  8. Select Save ALL APs-[F2] to save the SNMP Configuration information to all APs with the same WLAN Service Area.
  9. This option saves the configuration changes for the current AP, and sends two WNMP messages to all other APs on the Known APs table to update their configurations and reset them after the configuration has been modified. You can execute this option only among the same hardware platforms and same firmware versions.
  10. Select Cancel-[ESC] to disregard any changes made to this screen and return to the previous menu.

Configuring the ACL

The ACL supports adding wireless client entries by individual MAC address or by a range of MAC addresses. To select a a method of adding wireless clients, do the following:

  1. Select Set Access Control List from the Main Menu. The prompt below displays:
  2. Address Type? range individual
  3. Press up/down arrows to toggle between range and individual.

Range of Wireless Clients

To select a range of MAC addresses, follow the procedure below.

  1. Type the minimum MAC address as the top value.
00:0A:F8:F0:01:01
  1. Press Enter to accept the value.
  2. Press down arrow to select the maximum value.
  3. Type the maximum MAC address in the bottom value.
00:0A:F8:F0:02:FF
  1. Press Enter to accept the value.
  2. Press down arrow to select OK.
  3. Press Enter. The UI generates the Ranges of Allowed Mobile Units window.
  4. Verify that values reflect the network environment and change them as needed.
  5. Select Delete-[F1] to delete a range of Mobile Units.
  6. Select Add-[F2] to add a range of Mobile Units.
  7. Select Save ALL APs-[F3] to save the Ranges of Allowed Mobile Units information to all APs with the same WLAN Service Area.
  8. This option saves the configuration changes for the current AP, and sends two WNMP messages to all other APs on the Known APs table to update their configurations and reset them after the configuration has been modified. You can execute this option only among the same hardware platforms and firmware versions.
  9. Select Exit-[ESC] to return to the previous menu.

When you enable the Access Control option, all wireless clients within the specified range can associate with the AP. Specify additional ranges as needed or add to the ACL using individual address entries.

Adding Allowed Wireless Clients

The Access Control List screen provides a facility to add wireless clients to the ACL. To do so, follow the procedure below.

  1. Select Set Access Control List from the Main Menu.
  2. The prompt below displays.
    Address Type? range individual
  3. Press the up/down arrows to toggle between range and individual.
  4. Press Add-[F2].
  5. The AP prompts for a MAC address.
00:00:00:00:00:00
  1. Enter the MAC address. You can enter MAC addresses without colons.
  2. Select Save ALL APs-[F3] to save the AP installation configuration information to all APs with the same WLAN Service Area.
  3. This option saves the configuration changes for the current AP, and sends two WNMP messages to all other APs on the Known APs table to update their configurations and reset them after the configuration has been modified. You can execute this option only among the same hardware platforms and firmware version.

Removing Allowed Wireless Clients

To remove wireless clients, do the following:

  1. Select the Allowed Mobile Units window.
  2. Highlight the wireless client you want to remove using the Up or Down Arrows.
  3. Press Delete - [F1] .

Enable/Disable the ACL

To toggle between enable or disable, locate the ACL in the System Configuration window, then do the following:

  1. Select Set System Configuration from the Main Menu.
  2. Press Tab to select Access Control.
  3. Press space bar to Enable.
  4. Select Save to save changes.

Removing All Allowed Wireless Clients

You can remove all wireless clients from the ACL by following the procedure below.

  1. Select Special Functions from the Main Menu.
  2. Select Clear ACL.

Load ACL from Wireless Client List

The Load ACL from wireless client List option, from the Special Functions menu, takes all currently associated wireless clients and creates an ACL from them. This builds an ACL without you having to manually type addresses. Edit the ACL using the add and delete functions.

  1. Select Special Functions from the Main Menu.
  2. Select Load ACL from wireless client List to add the addresses of associated wireless clients to the ACL.

Filtering

The AP has two types of filtering: address filtering and type filtering. This section explains the two types of filtering and how to use them.

Address Filtering

The AP can keep a list of the MAC addresses of wireless clients that are disallowed from associating with it. The Disallowed Addresses option provides security by preventing unauthorized access by known devices. Use the option for preferred association of wireless clients to APs. To filter by MAC address, follow the procedure below.

  1. Select Set Address Filtering from the Main Menu, which generates the Disallowed Addresses list window.
  2. View the list to determine whether you would like to add or delete addresses from the list.
Adding Disallowed Wireless Clients

To add wireless clients to the Disallowed Addresses list, do the following:

  1. Select Set Address Filtering from the Main Menu.
  2. Select Add -[F2]. The AP prompts for a MAC address.
00:00:00:00:00:00
  1. Enter the appropriate MAC address. You can enter MAC addresses without colons.
Removing Disallowed Wireless Clients

To remove wireless clients from the Disallowed Addresses list, do the following:

  1. Select Set Address Filtering from the Main Menu.
  2. Highlight the MAC address using the Up or Down Arrows.
  3. Select Delete-[F1] to delete the MAC address.

Type Filtering

Packet types supported for the type filtering function include the 16-bit DIX Ethernet types. The list can include up to 16 types.

Adding Filter Types

To add packet types to the Type Filtering list, do the following:

  1. Select Set Type Filtering from the Main Menu.
  2. Select Add-[F2].
  3. Enter the packet type.
Removing Filter Types

To remove packet types from the Type Filtering list, do the following:

  1. Select Set Type Filtering from the Main Menu.
  2. Highlight the packet type by pressing up/down arrows.
  3. Select Delete.
Controlling Type Filters

Set the type filters to forward or discard the types listed. To control the type filtering mode:

  1. Select Set System Configuration from the Main Menu.
  2. Select Type Filtering.
  3. Press space bar to toggle between the Forward, Discard or Disable type filtering.
  4. Press Enter to confirm your choice.
  5. Select Save ALL APs-[F2] to save the Type Filtering Setup information to all APs with the same WLAN Service Area.
  6. You can execute this option only among the same hardware platforms and firmware versions.