3Com Network Router WL 450 User Manual

User Guide  
Wireless LAN Access Points 8250/8500/8750  
3CRWE825075A  
3CRWE850075A  
3CRWE875075A  
(Models WL-450, WL-462, WL-463)  
Version 2  
Published January, 2004  
Version 2.3.12  
 
Network Configuration and Planning  
Infrastructure Wireless LAN  
9
9
Infrastructure Wireless LAN for Roaming Wireless PCs 10  
Terminology 11  
16  
Mounting on a Wall 19  
Flat Surface Installation 21  
Selecting and Connecting a Different Antenna Model 22  
Power Settings on the Access Point for External Antennas 24  
Installing Software Utilities 24  
 
Where To Go For Help 54  
Troubleshoot Online 54  
Contact Us 55  
Telephone Technical Support and Repair 55  
Regulatory Compliance Information  
Index  
 
o
INTRODUCTION  
The 3Com® Wireless LAN Access Points 8250, 8500, and 8750 offer a dual-mode  
architecture that supports 802.11g, 802.11a and 802.11b wireless users on a single  
device. This means you can mix and match radio bands to meet different coverage and  
bandwidth needs within the same area. Different access point models give you the  
flexibility to choose to support both radio modes immediately or choose one radio  
mode now and upgrade to newer standards later as they become available with an  
easy-to-install optional Mini PCI upgrade kit.  
With their flexibility and unfettered access, wireless LANs are changing the way  
people work. Now with 3Com’s enterprise-class wireless access points, you can build  
a cost effective, reliable, secure wireless network that provides users with seamless  
connectivity to the Internet, company intranet, and the wired corporate network from  
anywhere they happen to be—conference room, cafeteria or office.  
3Com’s dual-mode design supports 802.11g, 802.11a and 802.11b wireless standards  
on a single access point. This capability increases configuration and coverage  
flexibility and protects your network investment for both existing and emerging  
wireless standards.  
Industry-leading security features and comprehensive management and performance  
features combine to make these enterprise class wireless access points an ideal choice  
for organizations ready to serve their increasingly mobile workforce.  
PRODUCT FEATURES  
o
o
Access Point 8250—Creates an enterprise-class wireless LAN supporting up to  
250 simultaneous users. The single wireless interface 802.11g 2.4 GHz, 54-Mbps  
access point upgrades to 802.11g-802.11a dual mode with optional upgrade kit.  
Access Point 8500—Creates a high-performance enterprise-class wireless LAN  
supporting up to 250 simultaneous users. The single wireless interface 802.11a 5  
GHz, 54-Mbps access point upgrades to 802.11b/g-802.11a dual mode with  
optional upgrade kit.  
6
 
   
o
Access Point 8750—Creates a high-performance enterprise-class dual-mode  
802.11g and 802.11a wireless LAN supporting up to 250 simultaneous users up to  
100 meters (328 feet).  
SECURITY  
3Com offers one of the most robust suite of standards-based security on the market  
today. To protect sensitive data broadcast over the wireless LAN, 3Com supports  
Wireless Equivalent Privacy (WEP) RC4 40/ 64-bit, 128-bit and 152-bit shared-key  
encryption. 3Com strengthens this basic security mechanism with additional security  
features, including MAC address access control lists, IEEE 802.1x per-port user  
authentication with RADIUS server authentication support, Temporal Key Integrity  
Protocol (TKIP), Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), Wireless Protected Access  
(WPA) and Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) support: EAP-MD5, EAP-TLS,  
EAP-TTLS, and PEAP.  
In addition to standards-based security, 3Com 128-bit Dynamic Security Link offers a  
high level of security, requiring a user name and password to access the wireless LAN.  
PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY  
3Com wireless access point performance features ensure reliable and seamless  
connections for users wherever they roam. Automatic channel selection automatically  
finds the least loaded channel for interference-free communication. Auto network  
connect and dynamic rate shifting keep users connected through a wide variety of  
conditions by changing to the optimum connection speed as they move through the  
network.  
MANAGEABILITY  
3Com offers a wide range of standards-based management support, from SNMP to  
3Com Network Supervisor and HP OpenView for seamless integration with your  
wired network.  
Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager and Wireless LAN Device Discovery tools let  
you configure parameters, run diagnostics, backup and restore configurations, and  
monitor performance from anywhere on the network using an embedded web server  
browser. You can also update wireless device software on multiple devices using  
3Com Network Supervisor to simplify bulk updates.  
With Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, the same Category 5 cable that connects your  
access point to the data network also provides its power. A single cable installation  
dramatically improves your choice of mounting configurations because you no longer  
7
 
     
need to consider AC power outlet locations. PoE support makes it easier than ever to  
overcome installation problems with difficult-to-wire or hard-to-reach locations.  
WIRELESS NETWORK STANDARDS  
Understanding the characteristics of the 802.11g and 802.11a standards can help you  
make the best choice for your wireless implementation plans.  
FAR-REACHING 802.11G  
802.11g operates in the 2.4 GHz band at up to 54Mbps. Ratified in 2003, it supports  
the widest coverage—up to 100 meters (328 feet). However, is subject to a greater risk  
of radio interference because it operates in the more popular 2.4 GHz band.  
Consider 802.11g when you need wider coverage and vendor compatibility and you  
are:  
o
Maintaining support for existing 802.11b users and the existing wireless investment  
while providing for expansion into 802.11g.  
o
Implementing a complete wireless LAN solution, including bridges, gateways,  
access points and clients; Wi-Fi certification guarantees compatibility  
among vendors  
o
Providing access to hot spots in public spaces such as coffee shops or university  
cafeterias  
HIGH-PERFORMANCE 802.11A  
Ratified in 2002, 802.11a is IEEE’s more recent wireless standard. It operates at the 5  
GHz band and supports data rates at up to 54 Mbps. For those organizations  
demanding even higher speeds, a “turbo mode” feature can boost throughput rates up  
to 108 Mbps. And because there are fewer devices in the 5 GHz band, there’s less  
potential for RF interference. However, because it is at an entirely different radio  
spectrum, it is not compatible with 802.11g.  
The higher spectrum provides about 50 meters (164 feet) of coverage—about half  
what 802.11g offers.  
Consider 802.11a when you need high throughput in a confined space and you are:  
o
Running high-bandwidth applications like voice, video, or multimedia over a  
wireless network that can benefit from a fivefold increase in data throughput  
o
Transferring large files like computer aided design files, preprint publishing  
documents or graphics files, such as MRI scans for medical applications, that  
demand additional bandwidth  
8
 
     
o
Supporting a dense user base confined to a small coverage area. Because 802.11a  
has a greater number of non-overlapping channels, you can pack more access  
points in a tighter space.  
NETWORK CONFIGURATION AND PLANNING  
The wireless solution supports a stand-alone wireless network configuration as well as  
an integrated configuration with 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LANs.  
The wireless network cards, adapters, and access point can be configured as:  
o
o
o
Ad hoc for departmental or SOHO LAN  
Infrastructure for wireless LAN  
Infrastructure wireless LAN for roaming wireless PCs  
AD HOC WIRELESS LAN  
An ad hoc wireless LAN consists of a group of computers, each equipped with a  
wireless adapter, connected via radio signals as an independent wireless LAN.  
Computers in a specific ad hoc wireless LAN must therefore be configured to the same  
radio channel. An ad hoc wireless LAN can be used for a branch office or SOHO  
operation.  
Ad Hoc Wireless LAN  
Notebook with  
Wireless USB Adapter  
Notebook with  
Wireless PC Card  
PC with Wireless  
PCI Adapter  
INFRASTRUCTURE WIRELESS LAN  
The access point can also provide access to a wired LAN for wireless workstations. An  
integrated wired/wireless LAN is called an infrastructure configuration. A Basic  
Service Set (BSS) consists of a group of wireless PC users, and an access point that is  
directly connected to the wired LAN. Each wireless PC in this BSS can talk to any  
computer in its wireless group via a radio link, or access other computers or network  
resources in the wired LAN infrastructure via the access point.  
9
 
           
The infrastructure configuration not only extends the accessibility of wireless PCs to  
the wired LAN, but also increases the effective wireless transmission range for  
wireless PCs by passing their signal through one or more access points.  
A wireless infrastructure can be used for access to a central database, or for connection  
between mobile workers, as shown in the following figure.  
Wired LAN Extension  
to Wireless Adapters  
File  
Server  
Desktop PC  
Switch  
Notebook with Wireless  
PC Card Adapter  
Access Point  
PC with Wireless  
PCI Adapter  
INFRASTRUCTURE WIRELESS LAN FOR ROAMING WIRELESS  
PCS  
The Basic Service Set (BSS) is the communications domain for each access point. For  
wireless PCs that do not need to support roaming, set the domain identifier (SSID) for  
the wireless card to the SSID of the access point to which you want to connect. A  
wireless infrastructure can also support roaming for mobile workers. More than one  
access point can be configured to create an Extended Service Set (ESS). By placing the  
access points so that a continuous coverage area is created, wireless users within this  
ESS can roam freely.  
10  
 
   
File  
Server  
Desktop PC  
Switch  
Notebook with Wireless  
PC Card Adapter  
Switch  
<BSS2>  
Access Point  
Notebook with Wireless  
PC Card Adapter  
Access Point  
<ESS>  
<BSS1>  
Seamless Roaming  
PC with Wireless  
PCI Adapter  
TERMINOLOGY  
Access Point—An internetworking device that seamlessly connects wired and  
wireless networks.  
Ad Hoc—An ad hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers, each with LAN adapters,  
connected as an independent wireless LAN.  
Backbone—The core infrastructure of a network. The portion of the network that  
transports information from one central location to another central location where it is  
unloaded onto a local system.  
Base Station—In mobile telecommunications, a base station is the central radio  
transmitter/receiver that maintains communications with the mobile radiotelephone  
sets within its range. In cellular and personal communications applications, each cell  
or micro-cell has its own base station; each base station in turn is interconnected with  
other cells’ bases.  
BSS—Basic Service Set. It is an access point and all the LAN PCs that are associated  
with it.  
CSMA/CA—Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance.  
EAP—Extensible Authentication Protocol, which provides a generalized framework  
for several different authentication methods.  
11  
 
   
ESS—Extended Service Set. More than one BSS is configured to become an ESS.  
LAN mobile users can roam between different BSSs in an ESS (ESS-ID, SSID).  
Ethernet—A popular local area data communications network, which accepts  
transmission from computers and terminals.  
Infrastructure—An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an  
infrastructure configuration.  
RADIUS—Remote Access Dial-In User Server is an authentication method used in  
conjunction with EAP for 802.1x authentication and session based keys.  
Roaming—A wireless LAN mobile user moves around an ESS and maintains a  
continuous connection to the infrastructure network.  
RTS Threshold—Transmitters contending for the medium may not be aware of each  
other (they are “hidden nodes”). The RTS/CTS mechanism can solve this problem. If  
the packet size is smaller than the preset RTS Threshold size, the RTS/CTS  
mechanism will not be enabled.  
VLAN—Virtual Local Area Network. A LAN consisting of groups of hosts that are on  
physically different segments but that communicate as though they were on the same  
segment.  
WEP—Wired Equivalent Privacy is based on the use of security keys and the popular  
RC4 encryption algorithm. Wireless devices without a valid WEP key will be excluded  
from network traffic.  
WPA—Wi-Fi Protected Access.  
12  
 
1 INSTALLING THE ACCESS POINT  
This equipment must be installed in compliance with local and national building codes,  
regulatory restrictions, and FCC rules. For the safety of people and equipment, this  
product must be installed by a professional technician/installer.  
CAUTION: Before installing, see the important warnings and cautions in “Safety  
Information” on page 14.  
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS  
The following items are required for installation:  
o
o
o
o
Access Point 8250, 8500, or 8750  
Standard detachable antennas (Access Point 8250 and 8750)  
3Com installation CD.  
Wall-mount installation hardware (supplied): mounting plate, mounting screws,  
and plastic anchors for drywall mounting.  
o
If you do not have IEEE 802.3af power-over-Ethernet LAN equipment, use the  
3Com Integrated Power-over-Ethernet power supply that comes with the access  
point.  
If your LAN equipment complies with the IEEE 802.3af power-over-Ethernet  
standard, you can connect directly to the equipment, and the 3Com power supply  
is not needed.  
o
Standard category 5 straight (8-wire) Ethernet cable.  
The cable must be long enough to reach the power supply or the  
power-over-Ethernet LAN port.  
If you use the 3Com power supply, you need an additional Ethernet cable to  
connect the access point to the LAN.  
o
To access and use the Web configuration management system, you need a computer  
that is running Internet Explorer 5.0 or newer and one of the following operating  
systems: Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 6, Windows  
2000, or Windows XP. It is recommended that this computer become the dedicated  
13  
 
             
workstation for managing and configuring the access point and the wireless  
network.  
POWER REQUIREMENTS  
The access point complies with the IEEE 802.3af power-over-Ethernet standard. It  
receives power over standard category 5 straight (8-wire) Ethernet cable. Installation  
requires the use of either the 3Com power supply provided or IEEE 802.3af compliant  
power supply equipment (output power rated 48 V dc @ 350 mA maximum). Such  
national or international safety requirements for the country of use. All references to  
the power supply in this document refer to equipment that meets these requirements.  
Because the power supply plug is the only means of disconnecting the access point  
from power, make sure the power outlet is accessible.  
See “Using the Power Supply” on page 18 and “Using a Power-Over-Ethernet LAN  
Port” on page 19.  
Note for use of the 3Com power supply (part number 61-0107-000) in Norway: This  
product is also designed for use on an IT power system with phase-to-phase voltage of  
230 V.  
SAFETY INFORMATION  
This equipment must be installed in compliance with local and national building codes,  
regulatory restrictions, and FCC rules. For the safety of people and equipment, only  
professional network personnel should install the access point, cables, and antennas.  
CAUTION: If you supply your own Ethernet cable for connecting power, be sure that it is  
category 5 straight-through (8-wire) cable that has not been altered in any way. Use of  
nonstandard cable could damage the access point.  
CAUTION: To comply with FCC radio frequency (RF) exposure limits, a minimum  
body-to-antenna distance of 1 meter (3 feet) must be maintained when the access point  
is operational.  
CAUTION: To avoid possible injury or damage to equipment, you must use either the  
provided power supply or IEEE 802.3af compliant power supply equipment that is safety  
certified according to UL, CSA, IEC, or other applicable national or international safety  
requirements for the country of use. All references to power supply in this document refer to  
equipment meeting these requirements.  
CAUTION: The 3Com power supply (part number 61-0107-000) input relies on a 16A rated  
building fuse or circuit protector for short circuit protection of the line to neutral conductors.  
14  
 
       
CAUTION: It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure that the Power-over-Ethernet  
(POE) power supply is properly connected. Connection to any other device, such as a standard  
Ethernet card or another POE supply, may result in permanent damage to equipment, electric  
shock, or fire. Refer to the installation instructions for proper installation  
DECIDING WHERE TO PLACE EQUIPMENT AND  
PERFORMING A SITE SURVEY  
The access point is ideally designed for vertical installation on a wall surface, but can  
also be flat-surface mounted in an elevated location where it will not be disturbed.  
Ceiling installation is not recommended.  
Whether you choose to mount the access point on a wall or place it on a flat surface,  
make sure to select a clean, dry location that is elevated enough to provide good  
reception and network coverage. Do not mount the access point on any type of metal  
surface. Do not install the access point in wet or dusty areas. The site should not be  
close to transformers, heavy-duty motors, fluorescent lights, microwave ovens,  
refrigerators or any other electrical equipment that can interfere with radio signals.  
If you are connecting the access point to a wired network, the location must provide an  
Ethernet connection. You will need to run an Ethernet cable from the power supply to  
the access point.  
An access point provides coverage at distances of up to 100 Meters (300 Feet). Signal  
loss can occur if metal, concrete, brick, walls, floors or other architectural barriers  
block transmission. If your location includes these kinds of obstructions, you may need  
to add additional access points to improve coverage  
Configuring a wireless LAN can be as easy as placing a 3Com Wireless Access Point  
in a central area and making the necessary connections to the AP and the clients.  
3Com Site Survey tool (located on the installation CD) can help you determine if your  
wireless LAN connectivity and throughput is adequate and all users are covered by an  
Access Point.  
If you plan to use an optional antenna instead of the standard detachable antennas that  
are supplied, review “Selecting and Connecting a Different Antenna Model” on  
page 22 before selecting the final location and be sure to allow for routing the antenna  
cable as required.  
For optimal performance, ensure the access point operates in temperature ranges  
between –10° C to 40° C (14° F to 104° F). When used with external antennas, the  
access point operating temperature range must be 15° C to 40° C (59° F to 104° F).  
15  
 
   
Regulatory restrictions dictate that when this device is operational, the minimal  
body-to-antenna distance is 1 Meter (3 Feet).  
BEFORE YOU BEGIN  
Record the access point MAC address in a safe place before the access point is  
installed in a hard-to-reach location. The MAC address is printed on the back of the  
access point housing.  
The following illustration shows the front and rear views of the access point, including  
the LEDs and connecting ports.  
Reset  
button  
Console port  
Ethernet port  
LEDs  
Access Point 8500  
Access Point 8250/8750  
Caution: Do not connect a telephone cable into the Console port; doing so can cause  
serious damage to the access point.  
CONNECTING THE STANDARD ANTENNAS  
The Access Point 8250 and Access Point 8750 are supplied with standard detachable  
antennas. These should be attached before the access point is installed. If using an  
alternate antenna, see “Selecting and Connecting a Different Antenna Model” on  
page 22.  
16  
 
         
1
Carefully unpack the standard detachable antennas.  
CAUTION: Do not handle the antenna tips, especially after they are connected to the  
access point, as this could lead to electrostatic discharge (ESD), which could damage  
the equipment.  
2
3
Screw an antenna into each of the sockets in the access point housing.  
Hand-tighten the antennas at the very base of the SMA connectors without  
handling the antenna tips.  
4
Access Point 8250 and Access Point 8750: Position the antennas so they turn out  
and away from the access point at a 45-degree angle. After network startup, you  
may need to adjust the antennas to fine-tune coverage in your area.  
Rotate for  
best reception.  
Depending on the coverage required for your site, you may want to replace the  
standard detachable antennas with one of the external antennas available for use  
with the access point. See “Selecting and Connecting a Different Antenna Model”  
on page 22.  
CONNECTING POWER  
It is advisable to connect the power and check the Ethernet cables and LEDs before  
installing the unit in a hard-to-reach location.  
The access point complies with the IEEE 802.3af power-over-Ethernet standard. It  
receives power over a standard category 5 straight (8-wire) Ethernet cable.  
There are two ways to supply power to the access point:  
o
Use the 3Com Integrated Power-over-Ethernet power supply. In this case, you need  
to supply a second Ethernet cable to connect to the wired LAN.  
17  
 
       
o
Connect the access point directly to your own power-over-Ethernet hub or switch,  
which must also comply with the IEEE 802.3af standard.  
If you supply your own Ethernet cable for connecting power, be sure that it is  
standard category 5 straight-through (8-wire) cable that has not been altered in any  
way. Use of nonstandard cable could damage the access point.  
"To Access Point"  
"To Hub/Switch"  
Using the Power Supply  
Using A Power-over-Ethernet  
LAN Port  
USING THE POWER SUPPLY  
CAUTION: To avoid damaging network equipment, make sure that the cables are  
connected from access point to power supply to LAN as shown above and  
described below.  
The power supply can be located at any point between the access point and the LAN  
access port, wherever a convenient power outlet exists. If you supply your own  
Ethernet cable for connecting power, be sure that it is standard category 5  
straight-through (8-wire) cable that has not been altered in any way. Use of  
nonstandard cable could damage the access point.  
Refer to the illustration above, and follow these steps:  
1
2
Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the access point.  
Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the port labeled To Access Point on  
the power supply.  
3
Connect the power cord to the power supply and plug the cord into a power outlet.  
18  
 
   
4
To link the access point to your Ethernet network, plug one end of another  
Ethernet cable into the port labeled To Hub/Switch on the power supply, and plug  
the other end into a LAN port (on a hub or in a wall).  
USING A POWER-OVER-ETHERNET LAN PORT  
If your LAN equipment complies with the IEEE 802.3af power-over-Ethernet  
standard, you can connect the access point directly to a LAN port. For example, the  
illustration above right shows a connection through a 3Com Ethernet Power Supply to  
a 3Com SuperStack® Switch.  
CHECKING THE LEDS  
When power is connected, the access point LEDs light. The illustration and the  
following table describe the LEDs and their functions.  
Name  
Description  
Radio  
LED blinks red to indicate radio activity. Faster  
blinking indicates more activity.  
Power  
LED lights green when operational code  
is running.  
Reset  
Button  
Reset  
Button  
Press this button and hold for 15 seconds to restore  
the factory defaults.  
Ethernet LED lights yellow when Ethernet link is  
established. LED blinks to indicate activity on the  
Ethernet. Faster blinking indicates more activity.  
Radio  
LED blinks red to indicate radio activity. Faster  
blinking indicates more activity. (This LED is  
only active when a second radio is installed.)  
MOUNTING ON A WALL  
CAUTION: The mounting plate is designed for wall mount installation only. To avoid  
equipment damage and possible injury, do not use the mounting plate for a ceiling  
installation.  
The access point comes equipped with all the necessary hardware for mounting on a  
wall, including a mounting plate. For a secure installation, the mounting plate should  
be placed perpendicular to the floor, with the arrow pointed up, as indicated on the  
mounting plate, with the smooth side against the wall.  
19  
 
           
1
Install the mounting plate as shown in the following illustration, on either a stud  
(or other hard wall surface), or onto drywall.  
If installing into drywall, use  
3 plastic anchors and 3 screws.  
If installing into a stud or other  
secure vertical surface, use 2 screws.  
o
o
o
Allow for a clearance of at least 25 cm (10 Inches) between the ceiling and the  
top of the mounting plate.  
Make sure that “UP” or “A” is oriented toward the top of the bracket, and align  
the mounting plate screw holes vertically.  
For installation on a wall stud, install the top screw into the stud, as shown at  
left in the illustration, and then vertically align the mounting plate before  
installing the bottom screw.  
o
For installation on to drywall, mark three screw holes using the mounting plate  
as a template for vertical alignment, as shown at right in the illustration above.  
o
o
Use a 5-mm (3/16-in.) drill bit if using the plastic anchors provided.  
For drywall mounts, you can route the cable through either a side or center  
opening for a seamless appearance using one of the methods illustrated below.  
Alternatively, you can simply attach the Ethernet cable to the side of the unit,  
allowing it to trail along the wall.  
o
If you have routed the Ethernet cable through the center opening, secure the  
cable on the hook located on the mounting plate as shown in the illustration  
below.  
2
Connect the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the access point.  
20  
 
 
3
Position the access point at an angle to the mounting plate bayonet connection and  
turn the unit clockwise until it snaps into place, as shown below.  
Leave at least 13 cm (5 in.) length.  
Ethernet cable may be routed through  
center opening or through the side.  
Hold the access point at an angle. Turn  
clockwise to engage and secure it on  
the mounting plate.  
Hook for securing  
the cable  
Side opening  
Center  
opening  
FLAT SURFACE INSTALLATION  
The access point can also be placed on a flat surface such as a table, desktop or filing  
cabinet. Do not install the access point on any type of metal surface. If you choose a  
flat surface mount, select a location that is clear of obstructions and provides good  
reception.  
Rotate for  
best reception.  
Connect  
Ethernet cable.  
Note: Regulatory restrictions dictate that when this device is operational, the minimal  
body-to-antenna distance is 1 Meter (3 Feet).  
21  
 
   
SELECTING AND CONNECTING A DIFFERENT ANTENNA  
MODEL  
Note: For FCC regulatory compliance reasons, in the United States, Canada, and  
other countries governed by FCC guidelines, external antennas can only be used in  
an access point operating temperature range of 15° C - 40° C (59° F - 104° F).  
Note: If the access point is used with an external antenna you must also purchase an  
antenna cable. For maximum efficiency, use the shortest antenna cable possible.  
Antenna cables induce signal loss, which will limit the radiated power output and  
range of the access point. Of the options available, we recommend the 3Com 6-foot  
Antenna Cable (3CWE480).  
The standard detachable antennas supplied with the Access Point 8250 and Access  
Point 8750 are suitable for a broad variety of environments. If you require a different  
type of antenna for the Access Point 8250 or Access Point 8750, several options are  
8500 does not support interchangeable antennas.)  
For each of the antenna models, you will need either a 6-foot accessory cable (model  
3CWE480) or a 20-foot accessory cable (model 3CWE481) to provide the transition  
from the SMA connector on the access point to the N-type connector on the antenna.  
To ensure the physical safety of anyone near the antenna and to prevent damage to the  
access point, follow the building codes for antenna installations in your area. Also,  
when connecting the optional antenna to the access point, remember to use only the  
A-side connector on the access point, on the right when properly installed.  
22  
 
     
Back  
Back  
1
Position the antenna so that there are minimal obstacles between it and any client  
with which it will communicate. While maintaining a direct line of sight between  
the antenna and a client is not strictly necessary, such an arrangement helps to  
ensure a strong signal. Ensure that access is available for routing the antenna cable  
from the antenna to the access point.  
2
3
4
5
If they are installed, remove both arms of the standard detachable antenna, making  
sure not to handle the tips of the antenna.  
Connect one end of the optional antenna cable to the antenna and secure the  
antenna in place.  
Connect the free end of the antenna cable to the right-hand side connection on the  
access point, as shown in the illustration above.  
Make certain that the antennas and antenna masts are appropriately grounded to  
prevent injury or damage from lightning strikes.  
23  
 
POWER SETTINGS ON THE ACCESS POINT FOR EXTERNAL  
ANTENNAS  
USA  
2.5dBi  
4dBi  
8dBi  
(3CWE492) (3CWE490, (3CWE491,  
3CWE497) 3CWE498)  
6 ft  
(3CWE480)  
100%  
100%  
100%  
100%  
100%  
100%  
100%  
100%  
100%  
20ft  
(3CWE481)  
50 ft  
(3CWE482)  
European Community  
2.5dBi  
4dBi  
8dBi  
13dBi  
(3CWE492) (3CWE490, (3CWE491, (3CWE495)  
3CWE497) 3CWE498)  
6 ft  
(3CWE480)  
100%  
100%  
100%  
100%  
100%  
100%  
25%  
12.5%  
25%  
20ft  
(3CWE481)  
100%  
100%  
50 ft  
100%  
(3CWE482)  
INSTALLING SOFTWARE UTILITIES  
The installation CD includes documentation and software utilities to help you set up  
and administer the wireless components of your network.  
24  
 
     
To view product documentation, select View the Documentation from the CD Startup  
Menu and then select the item you wish to view.  
The software Tools and Utilities include:  
o
3Com Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager. Use this tool to discover access  
points and select devices for administrative changes.  
o
3Com 3CDaemon Server Tool. This tool can act in four different capacities:  
o
As a TFTP Server, necessary for firmware upgrades, and backup and restore  
functions. Use this option if you do not have a TFTP server set up.  
o
o
o
As a SysLog Server, which is necessary to view SysLog messages.  
As an optional TFTP Client.  
As an optional FTP Server.  
o
o
3Com Network Supervisor. The 3Com Network Supervisor (3NS) graphically  
discovers, maps, and displays network links and IP devices, including 3Com  
wireless access points. It is not required for access point management.  
3Com Site Survey Tool. This utility assists in selecting the best location for your  
access point before installing the device permanently. Use the Site Survey Tool to  
determine if the intended mounting locations will provide adequate coverage with  
good signal strength and quality.  
o
Internet Explorer 5.5. This browser is included for those who do not have a  
suitable browser.  
To install a tool from the CD:  
1
2
Power up the computer and put the 3Com CD in the CD-ROM drive.  
The setup menu should appear when the CD autostarts. If no menu appears, you  
can run the setup.exe startup program from the Windows Start menu. For example,  
if your CD drive is the D drive: Start / Run / d:setup.exe.  
3
4
From the CD startup menu, select Tools and Utilities.  
Select the item you want to install and follow the instructions on the screen.  
25  
 
       
2 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION  
The access point can be configured using a Web browser that has Java support  
(Internet Explorer 5.0 or newer). Using the Web management interface, you can  
configure the access point and view statistics to monitor network activity.  
The 3Com Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager helps you locate 3Com wireless  
LAN devices on the network, select a device and view its properties, and launch the  
device’s configuration in your Web browser. To configure a device, the device  
manager must be installed on a computer that has an Ethernet adapter and is running a  
supported Windows operating system and Web browser.  
USING THE 3COM WIRELESS DEVICE MANAGER  
After the 3Com Wireless Device Manager is installed, ensure that the device to be  
configured is either wired to the network, associating with the wireless network, or  
connected directly to the computer, and connected to power. If more than one device  
using the factory default name is connected, make a note of the MAC address of the  
device you want to select so that you can identify it in the device manager.  
LAUNCHING A WIRELESS DEVICE CONFIGURATION  
If you do not have a DHCP server on your network, it can take up to one minute for a  
device to become discoverable after it has been powered up.  
1
To launch the 3Com Device Manager, select Start /Programs /3Com  
Wireless/Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager.  
If you have more than one network adapter installed on your computer, you may  
be prompted to choose a network adapter. Choose the appropriate adapter and  
click OK.  
The Wireless Network Tree appears in the 3Com Wireless Infrastructure Device  
Manager window. The tree lists all WLAN service areas on the network and  
expands to show the 3Com wireless LAN devices that are associated to each  
service area. Devices in a different subnet than your computer are identified with  
26  
 
                 
exclamation points (!). You can refresh this display by clicking Refresh. You  
should refresh the display, for example, after you change a device IP address.  
2
3
In the Wireless Network Tree, select the device you want to configure.  
If more than one wireless LAN device appears in the tree and you are not sure that  
you have selected the right one, click Properties and check the MAC address to  
verify that it is the one you want.  
Click Configure.  
o
If the selected device is on the same subnet as your computer, the configuration  
management system main page appears in your Web browser. (If a password is  
set on the device, enter it when prompted.)  
o
If the selected device is on a different subnet, the Pre-IP Configuration Wizard  
is activated automatically. This wizard lets you configure the IP settings for the  
selected wireless device. It proposes IP address and subnet mask settings  
derived from your computer’s settings, so the selected device will then reside on  
the same subnet as your computer. You can accept the suggested settings or  
change them as required. For more information, see “Using the Pre-IP  
Configuration Wizard” on page 28.  
The next window prompts for an administrative password to allow the new IP  
address to be set. When the units are shipped from the factory, there is no  
administration password and you should leave the password field blank. If an  
administration password has been set for the device, enter the password and click  
Next. The 3Com Web Configuration Management System main screen appears in  
your Web browser.  
The following table describes the functions of the buttons in the 3Com Wireless  
Infrastructure Device Manager window.  
Button  
Description  
Properties  
Displays the following properties of the selected device: Device Name, Device  
Type, Wireless LAN Service Area (ESSID), IP Address, Subnet Mask, and  
MAC Address.  
Configure  
Refresh  
Launches the Configuration Management System for the selected device. If the  
selected device is on a different subnet, you are prompted to assign an address  
on the same subnet as your computer.  
Scans the network and displays the connected 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless  
LAN devices.  
Choose NIC If your computer has more than one network interface card installed, allows you  
to choose which card you want to use.  
Close  
Help  
Closes the device manager window and ends the session.  
Launches the device manager help page in your browser.  
27  
 
               
USING THE PRE-IP CONFIGURATION WIZARD  
You can only configure devices that are on the same subnet as your computer. To  
configure a device on a different subnet, you must first assign it an IP address on the  
same subnet as your computer. After you launch the configuration, you can change  
settings as usual. Just before you finish, you must change the device IP address back to  
its original setting. Follow this procedure:  
1
In the Wireless Infrastructure Device Pre-IP Configuration window, accept the  
suggested settings or change them as required. You can assign a static IP address  
or specify that the device obtain its IP address from a DHCP server.  
2
The next window prompts for an administrative password. When the units are  
shipped from the factory, there is no administration password and you should  
leave the password field blank. If an administration password has been set for the  
device, enter the password and click Next. The Configuration Management System  
main page appears in the Web browser.  
CONFIGURATION LOGIN  
After you launch the configuration from the device manager, the login page appears in  
your browser. The default Username is admin and the default password is no  
password. For an initial configuration, enter the default Username and click LOGIN.  
Then set the Country Code as described below.  
SETTING THE COUNTRY CODE  
The Country Code determines the available channels and transmission power level  
based on regulatory restrictions in the country where the access point is installed. The  
first time you log in, you must set the Country Code.  
To ensure compliance with local regulations, be sure to select the country in which the  
access point is installed.  
In the Country Code page, select the country from the pull-down list and click Apply.  
The Home page appears.  
28  
 
             
BASIC SETUP  
For a basic configuration, use the Setup Wizard as described below.  
At any time, you can click Home to return to the Home page of the configuration  
interface. If you want to configure more advanced features, click Advanced Setup in  
the Home page.  
1
2
3
In the Home page, click Setup Wizard.  
In the “1-2-3” Setup Wizard page, click Next to start basic configuration.  
In the SSID page, enter the same Service Set ID as the other wireless devices in  
your network and click Next. (The SSID may be up to 32 alphanumeric characters  
and is case sensitive.)  
4
In the Channel page, select the channel options for the access point radios and  
click Next. The channel options are:  
802.11gYou can select from these options:  
o
802.11g Radio Channel—Set the operating radio channel number.  
o
Auto Channel Select—When this mode is enabled, the access point selects a  
radio channel automatically.  
802.11aYou can select from these options:  
o
Turbo Mode—In some countries you can use Turbo Mode, allowing the access  
point to operate with a data rate of up to 108 Mbps. If Turbo Mode is not  
allowed in your country, this option is not available.  
o
o
802.11a Radio Channel—Set the operating radio channel number.  
Auto Channel Select—When this mode is enabled, the access point selects a  
radio channel automatically.  
802.11b—Set the operating radio channel number.  
5
6
In the TCP/IP Settings page, you can choose whether the access point obtains its  
IP address from a DHCP server or uses a static IP address. Configure the DHCP  
Client settings and click Next.  
In the Security page, make selections and click Next.  
For details on security settings, see “Security” on page 42.  
7
8
Click Finish.  
Click OK to restart the access point.  
29  
 
   
ADVANCED SETUP  
The Advanced Setup pages allow you to configure features that are not available in the  
basic setup. On the Home page, click Advanced Setup to open the Advanced Setup  
menu.  
After making selections and entering data on each page, click Apply to save the  
changes.  
The following sections describe the Advanced Setup pages.  
IDENTIFICATION  
On the Identification page, you can identify the access point by providing a descriptive  
name. This name then appears in the device manager window. Enter a maximum of 32  
alphanumeric characters in the System Name field and click Apply.  
TCP/IP SETTINGS  
On the TCP/IP Settings page, you can configure TCP/IP (Transmission Control  
Protocol/Internet Protocol) settings as described below. When you are finished  
configuring items on this page, click Apply.  
DHCP CLIENT  
When DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) Client is enabled, and a DHCP  
server is located on the network, the network DHCP server assigns the IP address,  
subnet mask and default gateway to the access point.  
If there is no DHCP server on the network, the access point automatically uses its  
default IP address, 169.254.2.1.  
When DHCP Client is disabled, you can specify the IP setup as follows:  
o
IP Address and Subnet Mask—If you configure an IP address and subnet mask,  
you must configure the network settings of the computers on your wireless LAN to  
use the same subnet mask. The IP addresses specified must be valid on the same  
subnet.  
o
o
Default Gateway—The default gateway address is optional, but may be required  
by your Internet Service Provider.  
Primary DNS Address and Secondary DNS Address—The Domain Name  
Servers (DNS) map numerical IP addresses to the equivalent domain name (for  
example, www.3Com.com). Your internet service provider should provide the IP  
30  
 
                     
address of one or more domain name servers. Enter those addresses in Primary  
DNS Address and Secondary DNS Address fields.  
SECURE WEB SERVER CONNECTION  
This option controls whether Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology is used to encrypt  
information between the computer and the device during a configuration session. By  
default this option is Off. When this option is turned on, the HTTPS protocol is used,  
and data is protected during the configuration session. When it is turned off, the HTTP  
protocol is used, and data could be intercepted during the configuration session.  
Changing this option causes the device to reset, which disrupts the network association  
temporarily, but does not affect device configuration settings that have already been  
saved.  
RADIUS  
The RADIUS page lets you define servers to be used for authentication and  
accounting. RADIUS (Remote Access Dial-In User Service) is a login authentication  
protocol that uses software running on a central AAA (Access, Authentication, and  
Accounting) server to control access to RADIUS compliant devices on the network.  
There are no special settings on the access point to distinguish between the various  
RADIUS policies or authentication types (for example EAP-MD5, EAP-TLS,  
EAP-TTLS). These policies are setup and controlled on the AAA server. Note that for  
most RADIUS software packages, the access point is actually called the “RADIUS  
client” and has a shared secret or secret key corresponding to the RADIUS setup page  
(see KEY parameter below).  
The access point can send connection parameters to a RADIUS server, as well as  
statistics for accounting purposes. The access point is compatible with RFC2866 (the  
RADIUS Accounting specification).  
Configuring a secondary RADIUS server provides a backup in case the primary server  
fails. The access point will use the secondary server if a failure is detected in the  
primary server. Once the access point switches over to the secondary authentication  
server, it periodically attempts to establish communication again with primary  
authentication server. Once communication is established, the secondary  
authentication server reverts back to a backup server. The access point will use the  
secondary accounting server if a failure is detected in the primary accounting server. It  
will continue to use the secondary accounting server until it fails, in which case it  
returns to sending data to the primary accounting server.  
See here for recommended steps in configuring RADIUS Authentication.  
31  
 
       
In the RADIUS Authentication section, enter the required parameters for a primary  
and secondary RADIUS authentication server.  
In the RADIUS Accounting section, click the Enable radio button, then enter required  
parameters for a primary and secondary RADIUS accounting server.  
When you are finished configuring items on this page, click Apply.  
The parameters are described below.  
o
IP Address—The address of the server.  
o
Port—The network (UDP) port of the server used for messages. The port defaults  
to 1812 (1813 for RADIUS Accounting) and must match the port configured on the  
RADIUS server.  
o
Key—The encryption key is a shared ASCII string that is used to authenticate  
logon access for the client. The maximum length is 255 characters. Do not use  
blank spaces in the string. The key must be configured the same on both the access  
point and the RADIUS server. The Authentication and Accounting RADIUS  
servers can have different secret keys.  
o
o
o
o
Timeout—The number of seconds the access point waits for a reply from the  
RADIUS server before it resends the request.  
Retransmit attempts—The number of times the access point will try to  
authenticate logon access.  
Update Interval— (RADIUS Accounting Only) This is the interval in seconds  
between accounting updates sent to the RADIUS accounting server.  
Accounting Log Options— (RADIUS Accounting Only) This option controls  
which clients will generate accounting logs. If set to RADIUS Authenticated  
Clients Only, only those clients which successfully complete 802.1x Authentication  
will generate accounting logs. The default is for all authenticated clients to generate  
accounting logs.  
AUTHENTICATION  
The Authentication page allows you to configure the type of upper-layer authentication  
the access point uses for wireless clients. This authentication setup is applicable for  
both radio interfaces. Access is checked against the MAC Address authentication  
database stored on the access point.  
NOTE: This level of authentication occurs BEFORE any 802.1x authentication  
configured on the Security page. When using Local and RADIUS MAC  
Authentication, clients attempting to authenticate to the access point MUST pass these  
settings before any subsequent 802.1x authentication is attempted and verified. If no  
MAC address filtering is desired, leave this set to the default setting of Disable.  
32  
 
     
Configure the options as described below. When you are finished, click Apply.  
o
MAC Authentication— Selecting MAC authentication allows you to define  
access permission and precedence. Options are:  
Local MAC— With this option, the MAC address of the associating station is  
compared against the local access control list. You must build this list (called the  
MAC Authentication Table) as described in Local MAC Authentication below.  
Use this option if you want to restrict wireless clients authentication to the access  
point based off their MAC address.  
RADIUS MAC— With this option, the MAC address of the associating station is  
sent to the configured RADIUS server for validation. You must specify the  
authentication sequence and the corresponding parameters for the remote  
authentication protocol. See “RADIUS” on page 31 and “802.1x Wireless  
Setup” below.  
Disable— No MAC address related checks are performed on a client requesting  
authentication to the access point.  
o
802.1x Wireless Setup—802.1x is designed to enhance the security management  
of the wireless network. Select one of the following options:  
Disable— The access point will neither initiate nor respond to any 802.1x  
authentication requests to or from wireless clients.  
Supported — Legacy clients (non 802.1x) and 802.1x clients are both supported.  
This is provided for ease of migration. This option works with WPA key  
management set to either “WPA authentication over 802.1x” or “WPA pre-shared  
key (PSK)” on the radio security page.  
Required — Clients authenticate to a RADIUS server via the access point. Clients  
are not allowed onto the wired LAN until authentication is successful. If two  
Radios are installed and WPA is being used, both radios’ security must be set to  
“WPA authentication over 802.1x” for the WPA key management when 802.1x is  
Required. If one radio’s security is set to “WPA pre-shared key (PSK)” for WPA  
key management and the other is “WPA authentication over 802.1x”, then the  
802.1x Wireless Setup must be set to “Supported” instead.  
When 802.1x is enabled, the broadcast and session key rotation intervals can also  
be configured. Set these values to force the periodic refresh of broadcast or session  
keys for each 802.1x client.  
First set up the RADIUS authentication for the client on the RADIUS  
authentication server. (See “RADIUS” on page 31.) Select Supported or Required  
on the 802.1x Wireless Setup field above. Enter data as described in the following  
table.  
33  
 
     
Field  
Default  
Description  
Broadcast Key Refresh Rate  
0
Defines how long the RADIUS server will  
refresh the primary broadcast key.  
(minutes)  
Session Key Refresh Rate  
0
Defines how long the RADIUS server will  
dynamically re-assign a session key to a  
connected client station.  
(minutes)  
802.1x Reauthentication  
Refresh Rate  
0
Defines the time interval in which the Access  
Point forces a Reauthentication and  
(seconds)  
subsequently re-issues a new session key.  
o
Access Point 802.1x Authentication to Network—802.1x can also be enabled on  
the ethernet port of the switch that the access point’s ethernet cable is plugged into.  
Having 802.1x enabled on the switch prevents any device that is not able to  
successfully authenticate from being able to use the ethernet port. This option is  
useful if your access point is located in an insecure location, and you want to  
prevent someone who plugs a computer or another access point into the network  
connection being used by your access point from being able to access the network.  
This feature defaults to being disabled.  
If “MD5 Authentication to Network with MAC Address” is selected, the access  
point’s MAC address will be used for both the username and password. For  
example, an access point with the MAC Address 12-34-56-78-9A-BC would use a  
username and password of “123456789abc”.  
If “MD5 Authentication to Network with Supplied Username and Password” is  
selected, the access point with authenticate using the username and password  
supplied. If you press the “Apply” button when no password is specified, the  
previous password will continue to be the one used. You must enter the same  
password twice to successfully change the password.  
o
Local MAC Authentication—Client computers can be filtered using the unique  
MAC addresses of their network cards. To build the MAC Authentication Table,  
enter a MAC address in the space provided, choose the permission, and click  
Update. MAC addresses are listed in the MAC Authentication Table in the order  
that they were entered. The Local MAC Authentication parameters are described in  
the following table:  
Parameter  
System Default  
Description  
Define the default filtering setting as Deny or Allow.  
34  
 
         
Parameter  
Description  
MAC Address  
Enter the MAC address of a client for the access control. You can  
find the MAC address of a network card as follows:  
Windows 95/98/ME—Click Start/Run. Type winipcfg and press  
Enter. The MAC address is in the Adapter Address section.  
Windows NT4/2000/XP—At the command prompt, type  
ipconfig /all and press Enter. The MAC address is listed as the  
Physical Address.  
Linux—Run the command “/sbin/ipconfig.” The card’s MAC  
address is the value after the word “HWaddr.”  
Permission  
Allows or denies access to the access point of devices matching  
the specified MAC address.  
Update button  
Click Update to refresh the MAC Authentication Table. To avoid  
the possibility of entering an invalid MAC address on the  
Authentication page, always click Update after typing the  
address. If you press Enter, address error checking does  
not occur.  
FILTER CONTROL  
The Filter Control page allows you to control client communication within the wireless  
network. You may enable one or more types of supported filtering; however, some  
filter choices may supersede others. Configure the options as described below. When  
you are finished, click Apply.  
FILTERING BY VLAN  
The access point supports filtering of up to 64 VLANs (virtual local area networks).  
VLAN IDs must be configured for each client on one of the RADIUS authentication  
servers specified on the RADIUS configuration page. If a RADIUS server is not being  
used or not setup to update the VLAN ID, then the access point will tag all ethernet  
packets with the Native VLAN ID (defaulted to 1).  
If a RADIUS authentication server will be used to create/modify the VLAN ID, the  
following attributes must be provisioned on the RADIUS Server to be passed back to  
the authenticating client:  
The AP’s IP address is the RADIUS Client/Radius User  
Tunnel_type (64) = VLAN (13)  
Tunnel_Medium_type (65) = 802  
Tunnel_Private_group_ID (81) = VLAN ID specified in Hexadecimal format.  
35  
 
       
VLAN Switch ports must be tagged ports that match the VLAN ID on the Access  
Point. Associated client VLAN IDs will appear in the Syslog file in ASCII Decimal  
format.  
When VLAN filtering is enabled, the access point queries the server for the VLAN IDs  
of associating clients and saves the VLAN IDs. If a client does not have a VLAN ID,  
the access point assigns its own native VLAN ID to that client.  
To enable VLAN filtering, enter a VLAN ID (a number between 1 and 4095) in the  
Native VLAN ID field and select VLAN Enable.  
When VLAN filtering is disabled, the access point ignores VLAN-tagged frames.  
SECURITY FILTERS  
These options allow you to block communication among wireless clients  
(client-to-client blocking) and prevent wireless clients from performing access point  
administration.  
o
Local Bridge Filter—Enable this filter to prevent direct communication between  
wireless clients, creating a more secure wireless network.  
o
AP Management Filter—Enable this filter to prevent wireless clients from  
accessing the access point for management; for example through TELNET or  
SNMP.  
CLIENT LIST TIMEOUT  
This option sets the timeout for inactive clients to be disassociated and removed from  
the associated client list. The interval can be set to 1, 5, 10, 30 or 60 minutes (default is  
30 minutes).  
UPLINK PORT MAC ADDRESS FILTERING  
This feature allows associated wireless clients to communicate only with specific  
selected MAC addresses on a sub net. By only allowing clients to communicate with a  
few specific servers such as DHCP server, a Gateway, or a local web server, clients are  
blocked from communicating with other clients on the local sub net, but are still  
allowed (via the gateway) to communicate with severs on the Internet. Note: In most  
cases client to client blocking should also be enabled as the Uplink Filter only works  
on packets coming into the AP from its Ethernet (uplink) port.  
For security reasons it is desirable to block client to client communications for wireless  
clients associated with an Access Point (AP). It is also desirable to block client to  
client communications between clients associated with different AP’s on the local sub  
net. For instance an airport may have several AP’s to service several "hot spots" within  
36  
 
             
the airport. However the client to client blocking feature of the AP will only block  
communications to other clients associated with the same AP. And will not block client  
to client of another AP communications. By using the Uplink Filtering function of the  
AP communications to all other clients of all other AP’s on the same sub net can be  
blocked.  
It is important to note that this feature only works if all the AP’s are on the same sub  
net. If an AP is located on the far side of the gateway (i.e. on a different sub net) its  
clients will NOT be blocked from communicating with clients on the local sub net of  
interest.  
This feature is accessed on the Filter Page of the user interface. Click on the Uplink  
Filter List link and add up to eight MAC addresses that WILL be allowed to  
communicate with clients of the AP. Make sure to include the MAC of the local  
DHCP server, if it not the same as the gateway as well as and redirect gateways and  
other servers that should be allowed to communicate with the AP’s wireless clients.  
Make sure to click on the save button on both the Uplink Filter List page as well as the  
Filter page to activate the function.  
FILTERING BY ETHERNET PROTOCOL TYPE  
Use the Ethernet Type Filter table to filter out Ethernet packet frames that match the  
Ethernet protocol type. Select Ethernet Type Filter Enable, then set the status of each  
Ethernet frame type in the list.  
Although there are five types of IPX packets, the Filter Control page shows only two  
options for IPX filtering. The following table shows how to filter each IPX packet  
type:  
ISO Designator  
8138  
Filter  
Enable 8138  
Enable 8137  
Enable 8138  
Enable 8138  
Enable 8137  
8137  
802.3(Raw)  
802.2  
SNAP  
SNMP  
Use the SNMP page to display and enter a community string for the Simple Network  
Management Protocol. To communicate with the access point, the SNMP agent must  
first be enabled and the Network Management Station must submit a valid community  
37  
 
       
string for authentication. Select SNMP Enable and enter data into the fields as  
described below. When you are finished, click Apply.  
o
Location—Specifies the access point location.  
o
Contact—Sets the system location string that describes the system location.  
(Maximum length: 255 characters)  
o
o
Community Name (Read Only)—Specifies a community string with read-only  
access. Authorized management stations are able to retrieve MIB objects.  
(Maximum length: 23 characters)  
Community Name (Read/Write)—Specifies a community string with read-write  
access. Authorized management stations are able to both retrieve and modify MIB  
objects. (Maximum length: 23 characters)  
o
o
Trap Destination IP Address—Fill in the IP address box for a trap manager that  
will receive these messages.  
Trap Destination Community Name—Fill in the community string box for a trap  
manager that will receive these messages. (Maximum length: 23 characters)  
ADMINISTRATION  
The Administration page allows you to perform access point management tasks as  
described below.  
o
Change Password—A password is required to configure the access point. Enter  
the user name and new password in the spaces provided and click Apply. It is  
recommended that you change the password from the default value (no password)  
to ensure network security.  
o
Firmware UpgradeYou can upgrade firmware from a downloaded file that you  
have placed on the local computer, or from a remote FTP or TFTP server.  
o
Local—Click Browse to locate the downloaded firmware file. Click Start  
Upgrade to start the upgrade process. The upgrade takes place through the  
HTTP protocol from the local machine.  
o
Remote—Select FTP or TFTP. Enter the firmware file name, the host IP  
address where the file is stored, the user name, and the password. Click Start  
Upgrade to start the upgrade process.  
o
Backup and Restore Configurations—Access point configurations can be saved  
as data files and later used to restore the access point configuration. This option lets  
you save access point settings in an external file or copy them from an external file  
to the access point. You can save an entire configuration for use as a backup to a  
single access point, or you can save a basic configuration, which can then be used  
in common by several access points in a network, providing an easy way to  
reconfigure all access points in a network.  
You must have a TFTP server set up on which to store the backup files.  
38  
 
                 
To back up a configuration — Type the IP address of the TFTP server and a  
name for the backup file in the spaces provided. Click Basic (to save a partial  
configuration) or Complete (to save an entire configuration) and click  
Backup Configuration.  
To restore a configuration — Type the IP address of the TFTP server and the  
name of the backup file in the spaces provided and click Restore Configuration.  
Restoring a configuration causes the access point to reset. If the file being restored  
was saved as a Basic configuration, only general configuration parameters such as  
SSID, country code, radio settings, security settings, RADIUS server settings, and  
management setup information are restored. Parameters that are unique to  
individual access points, such as device names, IP addresses, and administration  
passwords, are neither affected nor overwritten.  
Before restoring a configuration you can view a description of the restoration  
point by clicking the Restore User Comment button. Comments made at the  
point the backup was created will appear in the “User Comments” field. This  
feature allows the user to select the correct restoration point.  
To restore comments — Click the Restore Comments button to view comments  
saved on previous backups.  
o
o
Factory Settings—Click Restore to load the factory default configuration and  
reboot the access point. All user-configured information is lost. You must reenter  
the default user name (admin) to regain management access to this device.  
Reset Access Point—Click Reset to perform a hardware reset of the access point.  
Current configuration settings are not changed.  
SYSTEM LOG  
The System Log page allows you to set up a server to store event logs and to specify  
how the access point obtains the date and time. When you are finished configuring  
items on this page, click Apply.  
Each logging message is tagged with a severity level, as defined in RFC3164. The  
severity levels are:  
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Emergency: system is unusable  
Alert: action must be taken immediately  
Critical: critical conditions  
Error: error conditions  
Warning: warning conditions  
Notice: normal but significant condition  
Informational: informational messages  
Debug: debug-level messages  
39  
 
     
To set up a server for event logs: Select System Log Setup Enable, select a logging  
severity level from the pulldown list, enable the Logging Host and Logging Console,  
and enter the IP address of the server in the space provided.  
To designate an SNTP server for obtaining the date and time: Select SNTP Server  
Enable and enter the IP addresses for primary and secondary SNTP servers in the  
spaces provided.  
To use the access point as an SNTP server: Select SNTP Server Disable, specify  
time values in the spaces provided, select the time zone from the pull-down list. If you  
check the Enable Daylight Saving check box, the time will adjust automatically for  
standard and daylight saving time. When the SNTP Server setting is disabled, date and  
time settings revert to the defaults after an access point is reset, affecting the accuracy  
of log reports. To avoid this situation, enable the SNTP server setting and allow the  
access point to obtain the date and time from an SNTP server. (The event log page will  
display the default time after a reset until the access point receives the correct  
information from the SNTP server.)  
STATUS  
The Status pages display additional information about the access point status and  
station status.  
o
AP Status—Click AP Status to view the access point system configuration and  
access point wireless configuration.  
o
Stations Status—Click Stations Status to view the configurations of connected  
stations. The Station Status page displays basic connection information for all  
associated stations. Select “refresh” on you browser to see update station status.  
o
Event Logs—Click Event Logs to display the activity log of the access point. The  
event log resets to zero if the access point is reset or the Clear Event Logs button is  
pressed. The log saves 128 events, then overwrites the first event and continues.  
RADIO INTERFACE  
The access point radio interface detects the number of radios installed and their type  
(802.11g Radio, 802.11a Radio or 802.11b Radio). The Radio Settings and Security  
options for the radio interface are described in the following sections.  
RADIO SETTINGS  
Some radio settings are available only on the 802.11a radio, as noted in the  
descriptions below. When you are finished configuring items on this page, click Apply.  
40  
 
                   
o
SSID—Enter the Service Set ID (up to 32 alphanumeric characters). Clients must  
set their SSIDs to match the access point. The SSID is case sensitive.  
o
o
Closed System— Enabling this option will not publicly broadcast the SSID.  
Turbo Mode (802.11a only)—Turbo Mode is an enhanced wireless LAN operating  
mode that can provide a higher data rate. The normal mode of the 802.11a radio  
provides connections up to 54 Mbps. Select Turbo Mode Enable to allow the radio  
to provide connections up to 108 Mbps.  
In normal mode the channel bandwidth is 20 MHz. In Turbo Mode the channel  
bandwidth is increased to 40 MHz. However, only a limited number of channels  
are available when Turbo Mode is enabled.  
Turbo Mode is not regulated in the IEEE 802.11a standard, and it is not allowed in  
some countries.  
o
Radio Channel—From the pull-down list, select the radio channel over which the  
access point communicates to computers in its BSS. Available channel settings are  
limited by local regulations that determine which channels are allowed. The client  
channel for wireless users is automatically set to that used by the access point to  
which they are linked. When multiple access points are deployed in the same area,  
be sure to choose channels separated by at least five channels to avoid channel  
interference. You can deploy up to three access points in the same area; for  
example, Ch1, Ch6, and Ch11.  
o
o
o
Auto Channel Select (802.11g and 802.11a only)—Select Auto Channel Select  
Enable to allow the access point to select a radio channel automatically. (Default:  
Enable)  
Transmit Power (802.11g and 802.11a only)—Set the signal strength transmitted  
from the access point. The longer the transmission distance, the higher the  
transmission power required. (Default: 100%)  
Maximum Station Data Rate—Select the appropriate data rate from the  
drop-down list for the data transfer speed running on your network. (802.11b  
default: 11 Mbps.) In order to reach all clients, this rate should be set lower (for  
example, 1 or 2 Mbps on an 802.11b radio). To isolate clients that are unable to  
connect at higher rates, set this value higher.  
o
Beacon Interval (20-1000)—Sets the beacon signal interval at which beacon  
frames are transmitted from the access point. The beacon signals allow wireless  
devices to maintain contact with each other. They may also carry  
power-management information. The Beacon Interval unit is TU, which  
corresponds to 1024 microseconds. (Default: 100 TU)  
o
Fragment Length (256-2346) (802.11g and 802.11a only)—The Fragment  
Length can be set between 256 and 2,346. If the packet size is smaller than the  
preset fragment size, the packet will not be segmented.  
41  
 
               
Fragmentation of the PDUs (Package Data Unit) can increase the reliability of  
transmissions because it increases the probability of a successful transmission due  
to smaller frame size. If there is significant interference present, or collisions due  
to high network utilization, try setting the fragment size to send smaller fragments.  
This will speed up the retransmission of smaller frames. However, it is more  
efficient to set the fragment size larger if very little or no interference is present  
because it requires overhead to send multiple frames. (Default: 2346)  
o
RTS Threshold (0-2347)—Set the RTS (Request to Send) frame length. You may  
configure the access point to initiate an RTS frame sequence always, never, or only  
on frames longer than a specified length. If the packet size is smaller than the preset  
RTS threshold size, the RTS/CTS mechanism will not be enabled.  
The access point sends RTS frames to a particular receiving station to negotiate the  
sending of a data frame. After receiving an RTS frame, the station sends a CTS  
(Clear to Send) frame to acknowledge the right of the sending station to send data  
frames. The access points contending for the medium may not be aware of each  
other. The RTS/CTS mechanism can solve this hidden node problem. (Default:  
2346)  
o
Preamble Setting (802.11g and 802.11b only)—IEEE 802.11 frames begin with  
an alternating pattern of 1s and 0s called the preamble, which tells receiving  
stations that a frame is arriving. This provides time for the receiving station to  
synchronize to the incoming data stream. Enabling the Short preamble can boost  
your throughput; however, this can cause interoperability issues. (Default: Long)  
o
Client Access Mode (802.11g only)—802.11g radios can support both 802.11b  
and 802.11g clients. This option determines which mode the radio will operate in  
and consequently which clients will be able to connect to the radio interface. The  
default is to provide information for both 802.11g and 802.11b clients. Higher  
throughput can be achieved if the option for the 802.11g clients only is selected  
(since the radio is not required to transmit at the lower 802.11b rates/method).  
o
Data Beacon Rate (802.11g only)—Sets the interval at which a beacon will  
contain a delivery traffic indicator message (DTIM). The Access Point sends a  
DTIM to signal clients which are in sleep mode that a message is waiting to be  
delivered to them. The range for this setting is 1-255 beacons. (Default: 2)  
SECURITY  
The Security page allows you to set up lower-layer client authentication and data  
encryption parameters as described below. When you are finished configuring items on  
this page, click Apply.  
42  
 
     
CONFIGURING AUTHENTICATION  
Three types of authentication can be configured:  
o
Open System (the default)—Allows access to everyone.  
o
Shared Key—If Shared Key is enabled, Encryption must also be enabled as  
described in “Configuring Encryption” on page 43.  
o
128-Bit Dynamic Security Link—This option can only be used with other 3Com  
Wireless LAN devices. The user name and password set on the access point must  
match those set on the clients. Each network session creates a unique, one-time  
encryption code.  
To enable 128-bit Dynamic Security Link authentication, follow these steps:  
1
2
Select 128-bit Dynamic Security Link.  
Decide whether to require Windows user authentication:  
If you check the Require Windows user authentication check box, clients will be  
required to enter a user name and password every time they associate with the  
network. If you leave this box unchecked, the system will authenticate clients  
based on the access control list and the saved passwords on the clients.  
3
Create a User Access List:  
There must be at least one entry in the User Access List, which determines the  
users that can associate with the access point.  
Click Edit User Access List. In the User Access List page, user names are listed.  
Scroll to the bottom of the list to perform the following actions:  
To add a new user, click Add Users. In the next page, type the user name and  
password in the spaces provided and click Apply.  
To delete users, click Delete Users. In the next page, check the check boxes next to  
the names to be deleted and click Apply.  
To modify a password, click Change Password. In the next page, select the user  
name from the pull-down list. Enter the new password in the spaces provided and  
click Apply.  
CONFIGURING ENCRYPTION  
There are two types of data encryption available:  
o
WPA—Wi-Fi Protected Access.  
WEP—Wired Equivalent Privacy  
o
The access point and the wireless devices must have the same encryption settings  
to communicate. You can choose to allow only clients using WPA encryption, or you  
can allow both WPA and WEP clients.  
43  
 
                     
The following sections describe how to configure each type of encryption. When you  
are finished configuring the encryption, click Apply.  
WPA Configuration  
To configure WPA encryption:  
1
Under WPA Configuration, click the Required check box if you want to limit  
access to clients using WPA encryption. If you also want to allow WEP clients, do  
not check this box.  
2
Select the Cipher Mode, which determines the method by which keys are  
computed. WEP is the weakest Multicast Cipher Mode and is only provided for  
support of legacy clients which do not fully support WPA. Clients associated with  
WPA-TKIP will have unicast packets directed at them with corresponding  
encryption keys. However, with WEP selected as the Cipher Mode, ALL multicast  
traffic is sent out with WEP encryption. It is recommended to only select WEP as  
the Cipher Mode if legacy client support is critical.  
AES - Advanced Encryption Standard (Highest Security)  
TKIP—(Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) provides per-packet key mixing, a  
message integrity check and a re-keying mechanism  
WEP—Provides standard WEP ciphering (Least Secure)  
Select the type of WPA Key Management:  
3
WPA authentication over 802.1x (More secure, but requires a RADIUS  
authentication server setup. See WPA note below)  
WPA Pre-shared Key (PSK) (see WPA note below)  
4
5
Select the Key Type:  
Hexadecimal (0~9, A~F; for example, D7 0A 9C 7F E5)  
Alphanumeric (0~9, A~F; for example 01234)  
Enter the pre-shared key in the space provided if necessary.  
WPA Note:  
The WPA key management must match the settings on the Authentication Page. When  
using 802.1x, the access point uses session keys provided during the 802.1x EAP key  
exchange as the “seed key” for WPA. This is more secure than PSK, since each client  
starts with a unique session key for all subsequent keys generated. Otherwise, the PSK  
is used for the “seed key”.  
The 802.1x Wireless Setup on the Authentication Page should be set as follows:  
44  
 
   
- If only one Radio is installed, and “WPA pre-shared key (PSK)” is selected on the  
security page, then the 802.1x Wireless Setup can be either “Disabled” or “Supported”  
on the Authentication Page.  
-If only one Radio is installed and “WPA authentication over 802.1x” is selected on the  
security page, then 802.1x Wireless Setup must be either “Supported” or “Required”  
on the Authentication Page.  
- If two Radios are installed and WPA is being used with “WPA authentication over  
802.1x” selected for both radios’ WPA key management, then set the 802.1x Wireless  
Setup to “Required” on the Authentication Page.  
-If one radio’s security is set to “WPA pre-shared key (PSK)” for WPA key  
management and the other is set to “WPA authentication over 802.1x”, then the 802.1x  
Wireless Setup must be set to “Supported” on the Authentication Page instead.  
WEP Configuration  
WEP encryption is based on the use of security keys and the popular RC4 encryption  
algorithm.  
At least one transmit key must be defined in the WEP Configuration. Wireless devices  
without a valid WEP key will be excluded from network traffic.  
The key selected as the transmit key index is used by the access point for all  
transmissions. Other keys defined can be used by the access point for decrypting  
station communications. When enabling 802.1x security with dynamic session keys,  
key index 4 is reserved for the 802.1x client session key. Therefore, when 802.1x  
clients are in the network, the access point should not be configured to use key index 4  
as the transmit key index.  
To configure WEP encryption:  
1
2
Under Encryption, select Enable.  
Under WEP Configuration, select the Key Size.  
The access point supports shared key encryption with key lengths of 64-bits,  
128-bits, or 152-bits.  
3
4
Select the Key Type.  
Hexadecimal (0~9, A~F; for example, D7 0A 9C 7F E5)  
Alphanumeric (0~9, A~F; for example 01234)  
3Com Passphrase(a string, described below)  
Enter the keys in their fields.  
64-bit—Each key contains 10 hexadecimal digits or 5 alphanumeric characters.  
128-bit—Each key contains 26 hexadecimal digits or 13 alphanumeric characters.  
45  
 
     
152-bit—Each key contains 32 hexadecimal digits or 16 alphanumeric characters.  
3Com Passphrase—This encryption string is for use only with other 3Com  
Wireless LAN devices. It is a case-sensitive string between 6 and 30 characters  
long. To enter the string, click 3Com Passphrase. Then type any combination of  
letters and numbers in the Key 1 field and click Apply.  
5
6
Uncheck box under WPA Configuration  
Choose the WEP option under Multicast Cipher Mode.  
HOW TO SETUP THE ACCESS POINT FOR RADIUS  
AUTHENTICTION  
1
Using the Wireless Infrastructure Device Manger access the configuration screen  
for the AP8x00/AP82x0.  
2
Enter your User Name and Password and click LOGIN (Default: admin with no  
password)  
3
4
5
Select Advanced Setup.  
Click on RADIUS from the left frame page Menu.  
Enter all the settings of your Primary RADIUS Authentication Server (make sure  
the IP Address and Key match those on the RADIUS Authentication software).  
6
7
8
Click on Apply  
Choose Authentication from the left frame page Menu  
Make sure the following settings are set on the Authentication page:  
a MAC Authentication is Disabled. (if Local or RADIUS MAC Authentication  
is chosen MAC address filtering or authentication, respectively, will be done  
before the 802.1x authentication. Therefore, these setups must be validated  
individually and verified functional before 802.1x can be done).  
b 802.1x Wireless Setup: is set to Optional (if non-RADIUS clients need access  
too) or Required (if only RADIUS clients are to be allowed).  
c Click on Apply.  
9
Click Security on the 802.11a/b/g radio from the left frame page Menu  
10 Make sure the following settings are set from the Security page:  
a Authentication is set to Open System  
b Encryption is Enabled  
c WPA Configuration Required “Allow only WPA Clients” is left unchecked.  
d Cipher Mode is set to WEP.  
46  
 
     
e WEP Configuration has at least one valid WEP key.  
f Click on Apply.  
11 The Access Point is now configured for RADIUS Authentication.  
HOW TO SETUP THE ACCESS POINT FOR WPA WITH 802.1X  
SESSION KEYS  
1
Using the Wireless Infrastructure Device Manger access the configuration screen  
for the AP8x00/AP82x0.  
2
Enter your User Name and Password and click LOGIN (Default: admin with no  
password)  
3
4
5
Select Advanced Setup.  
Click on RADIUS from the left frame page Menu.  
Enter all the settings of your Primary RADIUS Authentication Server (make sure  
the IP Address and Key match those on the RADIUS Authentication software).  
6
7
8
Click on Apply  
Choose Authentication from the left frame page Menu  
Make sure the following settings are set on the Authentication page:  
a MAC Authentication is Disabled. (if Local or RADIUS MAC Authentication  
is chosen MAC address filtering or authentication, respectively, will be done  
before the 802.1x authentication. Therefore, these setups must be validated  
individually and verified functional before 802.1x can be done).  
b 802.1x Wireless Setup: is set to Optional (if non-RADIUS clients need access  
too) or Required (if only RADIUS clients are to be allowed).  
c Click on Apply.  
9
Click Security on the 802.11a/b/g radio from the left frame page Menu.  
10 Make sure the following settings are set from the Security page:  
a Authentication is set to Open System.  
b Encryption is Enabled.  
c WPA Configuration is Checked to “Allow only WPA Clients”.  
d Cipher Mode is set to AES/TKIP/WEP (WEP Cipher Mode is intended ONLY  
for support of legacy clients. If only WPA clients are on the network, choose  
AES or TKIP for increased security).  
e WEP Configuration has at least one valid WEP key.  
f WPA Key Management set to WPA Authentication over 802.1x.  
47  
 
 
g Click on Apply.  
11 The Access Point is now configured for WPA Authentication over 802.1x.  
HOW TO SETUP THE ACCESS POINT FOR WPA WITH  
PRE-SHARED (PSK) KEY  
1
Using the Wireless Infrastructure Device Manger access the configuration screen  
for the AP8x00/AP82x0.  
2
Enter your User Name and Password and click LOGIN (Default: admin with no  
password)  
3
4
5
Select Advanced Setup.  
Choose Authentication from the left frame page Menu  
Make sure the following settings are set on the Authentication page:  
a MAC Authentication is Disabled. (if Local or RADIUS MAC Authentication  
is chosen MAC address filtering or authentication, respectively, will be done  
before the 802.1x authentication. Therefore, these setups must be validated  
individually and verified functional before 802.1x can be done).  
b 802.1x Wireless Setup: is set to Disabled or Optional (if RADIUS clients need  
access too).  
c Click on Apply.  
6
7
Click Security on the 802.11a/b/g radio from the left frame page Menu.  
Make sure the following settings are set from the Security page:  
a Authentication is set to Open System.  
b Encryption is Enabled.  
c WPA Configuration is Checked to “Allow only WPA Clients”.  
d Cipher Mode is set to AES/TKIP/WEP (WEP Cipher Mode is intended ONLY  
for support of legacy clients. If only WPA clients are on the network, choose  
AES or TKIP for increased security).  
e WEP Configuration has at least one valid WEP key (select the appropriate key  
length, key type, and key index).  
f WPA Key Management select WPA Pre-shared Key (PSK) and Key Type.  
g Enter the WPA PSK  
h Click on Apply.  
8
The Access Point is now configured for WPA Pre-shared Key.  
48  
 
 
WPA CONFIGURATION FOR WINDOWS XP  
The following table shows how to configure the access point to support the various  
authentication and encryption options available for Windows XP Wireless Zero  
Configuration.  
The following notes apply to configuring the access point for WPA under Windows  
XP:  
o
A WPA-capable wireless network interface card is required.  
o
The Windows XP Support Patch for Wireless Protected Access, which you can  
download from the Microsoft Web site, is required.  
o
o
To allow WEP clients, clear the WPA Configuration Required check box and enter  
an appropriate WEP key.  
For all WPA configurations, 802.1x must be enabled on the Authentication page.  
Windows XP Wireless Zero  
Configuration  
Access Points 8200/8250/8500/8700/8750  
Authentication Encryption Authentication Encryption  
Other  
Open  
Disabled  
WEP  
Open System  
Open System  
Disable  
Enable  
Enter static keys under  
WEP Configuration  
Shared  
WPA  
Disabled  
WEP  
Not available  
Shared Key  
Enable  
Enable  
Enter static keys under  
WEP Configuration  
AES  
Not available on 8200  
Open System  
TKIP  
WPA Configuration:  
Required  
Multicast Cipher Mode:  
TKIP  
WPA Key Management:  
WPA 802.1x  
WEP  
Open System  
Enable  
WPA Configuration:  
Required  
Multicast Cipher Mode:  
WEP  
WPA Key Management:  
WPA 802.1x  
49  
 
   
Windows XP Wireless Zero  
Configuration  
Access Points 8200/8250/8500/8700/8750  
Authentication Encryption Authentication Encryption  
Other  
WPA-PSK  
AES  
Not available on 8200  
Open System  
TKIP  
Enable  
WPA Configuration:  
Required  
Multicast Cipher Mode:  
TKIP  
WPA Key Management:  
WPA-PSK  
Select Key Type and enter  
Pre-Shared Key  
WEP  
Open System  
Enable  
WPA Configuration:  
Required  
Multicast Cipher Mode:  
WEP  
WPA Key Management:  
WPA-PSK  
Select Key Type and enter  
Pre-Shared Key  
50  
 
3 TROUBLESHOOTING  
If you have difficulty with the 3Com Wireless LAN access point, first check the  
following items in the configuration:  
o
Radio Settings page: Ensure that the SSID is the same on clients and the  
access point.  
o
o
Security page: Ensure that Encryption is the same on clients and the access point.  
Authentication page: Ensure that the Local MAC Authentication System Default is  
set to Allow. Ensure that 802.1x Authentication Settings are correct.  
o
TCP/IP Settings page: If the DHCP Client is set to Disabled, then ensure that the  
access point IP Address is within the same subnet as the wired LAN.  
If necessary, reset the access point to the factory defaults.  
Try the solutions in the following table. If you need further assistance, contact 3Com  
Technical Support through the following Web page:  
Symptom  
Solutions  
Access point does not  
power up.  
Make sure the Ethernet cable is plugged into the port labeled  
To Access Point on the power brick.  
Check for a faulty access point power supply.  
Check for a failed AC power supply  
Access point powers up, but  
Make sure that the Ethernet cable is plugged into the port  
has no connection to the wired labeled To Hub/Switch on the power brick.  
network.  
Verify the network wiring and topology for proper  
configuration. Check that the cables used are the proper type.  
51  
 
     
Symptom  
Solutions  
No operation.  
Verify the access point configuration.  
Review access point firmware revisions and update firmware  
if necessary.  
Make sure that there are no duplicate IP addresses on the  
network. Unplug the access point and ping the assigned  
address to make sure that no other device responds to that  
address.  
Access point powers up, but  
Confirm that the service area on the access point matches that  
does not associate with wireless on the clients.  
clients.  
Verify that the clients are operating correctly.  
Make sure that security settings on the access point match  
those on the clients.  
Make sure that the access point antennas are positioned  
properly.  
Check the range and move clients closer if necessary.  
Mobile users do not have  
roaming access to the access  
point.  
Make sure that all access points and wireless devices in the  
ESS in which mobile users can roam are configured to the  
same WEP setting, SSID, and authentication settings.  
Slow or erratic performance.  
Try changing the wireless channel on the access point.  
Check the access point antennas, connectors, and cabling for  
loose connections.  
Check the wired network topology and configuration  
for malfunctions.  
Running on a computer  
The 3Com Device Manager cannot discover devices across  
routers. Make sure that the computer is connected on the same  
segment as the access point.  
connected to the wired LAN,  
the 3Com Device Manager  
cannot find an access point.  
After you specify an IP address In the 3Com Device Manager window click the Refresh  
for an access point, the 3Com button to refresh the Wireless Network Tree. Then click the  
Device Manager continues to  
point to the old IP address  
when you select the access  
access point in the Wireless Network Tree and click  
Properties. The IP address you specified is now listed. If you  
want to continue configuring the access point,  
point in the Wireless Network click Configure.  
Tree.  
52  
 
 
Symptom  
Solutions  
While you are configuring the To maintain wireless association, the service area and the  
access point, the Configuration security settings on the client and the access point must  
Management System stops  
responding.  
match exactly. Therefore, if you are associated with the  
access point that you are configuring and you change the  
access point service area or security, make sure to change the  
client service area to match.  
If you change the IP address and save the change, you cannot  
continue to configure the access point using the old IP  
address. Therefore, if you want to continue configuring this  
access point after you save this change, you must do the  
following:  
1 Close your browser.  
2 Return to the 3Com Device Manager Wireless Network  
Tree and click Refresh.  
3 Select the access point and click Configure to start a new  
configuration session.  
The access point cannot be  
configured using the Web  
browser.  
Reset the access point (push the reset button located near the  
access point LEDs).  
53  
 
A TECHNICAL SUPPORT  
OBTAINING SUPPORT FOR YOUR PRODUCT  
REGISTER YOUR PRODUCT TO GAIN SERVICE BENEFITS  
To take advantage of warranty and other service benefits, you must first register your  
product at http://eSupport.3com.com/. 3Com eSupport services are based on  
accounts that you create or have authorization to access. First time users must apply for  
a user name and password that provides access to a number of eSupport features  
including Product Registration, Repair Services, and Service Request.  
PURCHASE VALUE-ADDED SERVICES  
To enhance response times or extend warranty benefits, contact 3Com or your  
authorized 3Com reseller. Value-added services can include 24x7 telephone technical  
support, software upgrades, onsite assistance or advance hardware replacement.  
Experienced engineers are available to manage your installation with minimal  
disruption to your network. Expert assessment and implementation services are offered  
to fill resource gaps and ensure the success of your networking projects. More  
information on 3Com Extended Warranty and Professional Services is available at  
WHERE TO GO FOR HELP  
Contact your authorized 3Com reseller or 3Com for additional product and support  
information. You will find support tools posted on the 3Com web site at  
TROUBLESHOOT ONLINE  
3Com Knowledgebase helps you troubleshoot 3Com products. This query-based  
interactive tool is located at http://knowledgebase.3com.com/ and contains thousands  
of technical solutions written by 3Com support engineers.  
54  
 
             
ACCESS SOFTWARE DOWNLOADS  
Software Updates are the bug fix / maintenance releases for the version of software  
initially purchased with the product. In order to access these Software Updates you  
must first register your product on the 3Com web site at http://eSupport.3com.com/.  
First time users will need to apply for a user name and password. A link to softwae  
downloads can be found from this http://eSupport.3com.com/ page, or located from  
the www.3Com.com home page.  
Software Upgrades are the software releases that follow the software version included  
with your original product. In order to access upgrades and related documentation you  
must first purchase a service contract from 3Com or your reseller.  
CONTACT US  
3Com offers telephone, e-mail and internet access to technical support and repair  
services. To access these services for your region, use the appropriate telephone  
number, URL or e-mail address from the list below. You will find a current directory of  
support telephone numbers posted on the 3Com web site at  
TELEPHONE TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND REPAIR  
To obtain telephone support as part of your warranty and other service benefits, you  
must first register your product at http://eSupport.3com.com/  
When you contact 3Com for assistance, please have the following information ready:  
To send a product directly to 3Com for repair, you must first obtain a return  
authorization number (RMA). Products sent to 3Com, without authorization numbers  
clearly marked on the outside of the package, will be returned to the sender unopened,  
at the sender’s expense. If your product is registered and under warranty, you can  
obtain an RMA number online at http://eSupport.3com.com/ First time users will  
need to apply for a user name and password.  
These numbers are correct at the time of publication. Find a current directory of  
support telephone numbers posted on the 3Com web site at  
55  
 
     
Country  
Telephone Number  
Country  
Telephone Number  
Asia, Pacific Rim  
Telephone Technical Support and Repair  
Australia  
Hong Kong  
India  
1 800 678 515  
800 933 486  
Philippines  
1235 61 266 2602 or  
1800 1 888 9469  
800 810 3033  
+61 2 9424 5179 or  
000800 650 1111  
001 803 61009  
00531 616 439 or  
03 5977 7991  
P.R. of China  
Singapore  
S. Korea  
Taiwan  
800 6161 463  
080 333 3308  
00801 611 261  
001 800 611 2000  
Indonesia  
Japan  
Thailand  
Malaysia  
1800 801 777  
New Zealand  
Pakistan  
0800 446 398  
+61 2 9937 5083  
You can also obtain support in this region using the follwoing email,  
Or request a repair authorization number (RMA) by fax using this number: + 65 543 6348  
Europe, Middle East, and Africa Telephone Technical Support and Repair  
From anywhere in these regions, call: +44 (0)1442 435529  
You can also obtain support in this region using the following URL, http://emea.3com.com/support/email.html  
From the following countries, you may use the numbers shown:  
Austria  
Belgium  
Denmark  
Finland  
France  
Germany  
Hungary  
Ireland  
Israel  
01 7956 7124  
70 700 770  
7010 7289  
01080 2783  
0825 809 622  
01805 404 747  
06800 12813  
01407 3387  
1800 945 3794  
199 161346  
Luxembourg  
Netherlands  
Norway  
342 0808128  
0900 777 7737  
815 33 047  
00800 441 1357  
707 200 123  
0800 995 014  
9 021 60455  
07711 14453  
08488 50112  
0870 909 3266  
Poland  
Portugal  
South Africa  
Spain  
Sweden  
Switzerland  
U.K.  
Italy  
56  
 
Latin America: Telephone Technical Support and Repair.  
You can obtain support in this region using the following URLs: Latin America.  
Portuguese speakers, enter the URL: http://lat.3com.com/br/support/form.html  
English speakers in Latin America should send e-mail to: [email protected]  
Or call using the following numbers  
Antigua  
1 800 988 2112  
0 810 444 3COM  
1 800 998 2112  
1 800 998 2112  
1 800 998 2112  
52 5 201 0010  
1 800 998 2112  
1 800 998 2112  
0800 13 3COM  
1 800 998 2112  
Guatemala  
Haiti  
AT&T +800 998 2112  
57 1 657 0888  
Argentina  
Aruba  
Honduras  
Jamaica  
Martinique  
Mexico  
AT&T +800 998 2112  
1 800 998 2112  
Bahamas  
Barbados  
Belize  
571 657 0888  
01 800 849CARE  
AT&T +800 998 2112  
AT&T +800 998 2112  
54 11 4894 1888  
Bermuda  
Bonaire  
Nicaragua  
Panama  
Paraguay  
Peru  
Brazil  
Cayman  
Chile  
AT&T +800 998 2112  
1 800 998 2112  
AT&T +800 998 2112 Puerto Rico  
AT&T +800 998 2112 Salvador  
Colombia  
Costa Rica  
Curacao  
Ecuador  
Dominican Republic  
AT&T +800 998 2112  
1 800 998 2112  
AT&T +800 998 2112 Trinidad and Tobago  
1 800 998 2112  
Uruguay  
AT&T +800 998 2112  
AT&T+800 998 2112  
57 1 657 0888  
AT&T +800 998 2112 Venezuela  
AT&T +800 998 2112 Virgin Islands  
North America Telephone  
1 800 876 3266  
Technical Support and Repair  
57  
 
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE INFORMATION  
3Com Wireless LAN Access Points 8250/8500/8750 (Models WL-450, WL462, WL-463)  
FCC Radio-Frequency Exposure Notice  
This device generates and radiates radio-frequency energy. In order to comply with FCC radio-frequency radiation exposure  
guidelines for an uncontrolled environment, this equipment has to be installed and operated while maintaining a minimum body to  
antenna distance of 1 meter.  
This product does not contain any user serviceable components. Any unauthorized product changes or modifications will  
invalidate 3Com’s warranty and all applicable regulatory certifications and approvals. This product must be installed by a  
professional technician/installer.  
FCC Part 15 Notice (Applicable to Use Within the USA)  
802.11a radio only: This product is for indoor use only when using channels 36, 40, 44, or 48 (5150–5250 MHz).  
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not  
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause  
undesired operation.  
WARNING: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15  
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential  
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance  
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference  
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which  
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of  
the following measures:  
n
n
n
n
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from the one which the receiver is connected to.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful:  
The Interference Handbook  
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.  
Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity  
3Com Corporation  
350 Campus Drive  
Marlborough, MA 01752-3064  
(508) 323-5000  
Declares that the product:  
Date: 28 February 2003  
Brand Name: 3Com Corporation  
Model Number: WL-450  
Equipment Type: Wireless LAN Access Point  
Complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause  
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired  
operation.  
3Com Corporation WL-450  
Tested to Comply  
with FCC Standards  
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE  
 
 
Industry Canada Notice (Applicable to Use Within Canada)  
This device complies with Canadian RSS-210.  
To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors and away from windows to  
provide maximum shielding. Equipment (or its transmit antenna) that is installed outdoors is subject to licensing.  
The installer of this radio equipment must ensure that the antenna is located or pointed such that it does not emit RF field in excess  
of Health Canada limits for the general population; consult Safety Code 6, obtainable from Health Canada’s web site  
Avis de Conformité à la Réglementation d’Industrie Canada  
Pour empêcher toute interférence aux services faisant l'objet d'une licence, cet appareil doit être utilisé à l'intérieur seulement et  
devrait être placé loin des fenêtres afin de fournir un écran de blindage maximal.  
L’installateur du présent matériel radio doit s’assurer que l’antenne est située ou pointée de manière à ce que cette dernière  
n’émette pas de champs radioélectriques supérieurs aux limites specifées par Santé Canada pour le grand public; consulter le Code  
Industry Canada (IC) Emissions Compliance Statement  
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.  
Avis de Conformité à la Réglementation d’Industrie Canada  
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conform à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.  
European Community—CE Notice (WL-462, 802.11a Radio Module)  
Marking by the symbol:  
indicates compliance with the essential requirements of Directive 73/23/EC and the essential requirements of articles 3.1(b), 3.2  
and 3.3 of Directive 1999/5/EC. Such marking is indicative that this equipment meets or exceeds the following  
technical standards:  
n
EN 301 893—Broadband Radio Access Networks (BRAN); 5 GHz high performance RLAN; Harmonized EN covering  
essential requirements of article 3.2 of the R&TTE Directive.  
n
EN 301 489-17—Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio Spectrum Matters (ERM); Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)  
standard for radio equipment and services; Part 17: Specific conditions for 2.4 GHz wideband transmission systems and 5 GHz  
high performance RLAN equipment.  
n
EN 60950—Safety of information technology equipment, including electrical business equipment.  
Marking by the symbol:  
indicates that usage restrictions apply.  
n
n
n
This product is for indoor use only when using channels 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, or 64 (5150–5350 MHz).  
Turbo mode is not allowed in EC countries.  
Auto Channel Select option must remain enabled to ensure product compliance with EC regulations.  
To ensure compliance with local regulations, be sure to select the country in which the access point in installed.  
This product cannot be used in Greece.  
n
n
n
This product can be used as shown in the table below:  
Countries:  
Allowable Frequencies of Operation:  
Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.  
5150–5250 MHz only  
(Channels 36, 40, 44, and 48).  
France and Ireland.  
5150–5350 MHz only  
(Channels 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, and 64).  
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Italy,  
Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain,  
Sweden, The United Kingdom.  
5150–5350 MHz and 5470–5725 MHz  
(Channels 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 100, 104, 108, 112,  
116, 120, 124, 128, 132, 136, and 140).  
 
Countries:  
Allowable Frequencies of Operation:  
Greece.  
No 5 GHz operation allowed at this time.  
European Community—CE Notice (WL-463, 802.11g Radio Module)  
Marking by the symbol:  
indicates compliance with the essential requirements of Directive 73/23/EC and the essential requirements of articles 3.1(b), 3.2  
and 3.3 of Directive 1999/5/EC. Such marking is indicative that this equipment meets or exceeds the following  
technical standards:  
n
EN 300 328-2—Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); Wideband Transmission systems; data  
transmission equipment operating in the 2,4 GHz ISM band and using spread spectrum modulation techniques  
n
EN 301 489-17—Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio Spectrum Matters (ERM); Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)  
standard for radio equipment and services; Part 17: Specific conditions for 2.4 GHz wideband transmission systems and 5 GHz  
high performance RLAN equipment.  
n
EN 60950—Safety of information technology equipment, including electrical business equipment.  
Marking by the symbol:  
indicates that usage restrictions apply.  
n
n
To ensure compliance with local regulations, be sure to select the country in which the access point in installed.  
This product can be used as shown in the table below:  
Countries:  
Allowed Operation:  
Belgium  
Indoor: Channels 1-13  
Outdoor: Channel 13 only  
France  
Metropolitan Departments:  
Indoor: Channels 1-13  
Outdoor: Channels 1-7 only  
Guadeloupe, Martinique, St Pierre et  
Miquelon, Mayotte:  
Indoor: Channels 1-13  
Outdoor: Channels 1-13  
Reunion et Guane:  
Indoor: Channels 1-13  
Outdoor: Channels 5-13 only  
Italy  
Indoor: Channels 1-13  
Outdoor Requires license from national  
spectrum authority for outdoor operation.  
Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece,  
Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg,  
The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain,  
Sweden, Switzerland, The United Kingdom.  
Indoor: Channels 1-13  
Outdoor: Channels 1-13  
Additional Country Restrictions (WL-463, 802.11g Radio Module)  
n
In Jordan, this product must be configured to operate on a legal channel. Channels 10–13 are allowed.  
 
Consult user documentation for information on how to configure this product.  
Safety Compliance Notice  
This device has been tested and certified according to the following safety standards and is intended for use only in Information  
Technology Equipment which has been tested and certified to these or other equivalent standards:  
n
n
n
UL Standard 60950, 3rd Edition / CSA C22.2 No. 60950-00  
IEC 60950  
EN 60950  
Published September, 2003  
User Guide Version 2.3.2  
 
INDEX  
bridge  
resetting 31  
3Com 3CDaemon Server Tool 25  
3Com Network Supervisor 25  
3Com Passphrase encryption 46  
802.11a, turbo mode 41  
C
cable 13  
channel 41  
configuration 26  
advanced 30  
A
resetting 39  
basic 29  
login 28  
Configure button 27  
configuring encryption 43  
connecting  
an optional antenna 22  
power 14, 17  
contact 38  
ad hoc 9  
advanced setup 30  
antenna 16, 22  
AP status 40  
D
data  
authentication 32, 43  
default  
gateway 30  
device  
configuring 27, 28  
device manager 26  
launching 26  
DHCP client 30  
Dynamic Security Link 128-Bit 43  
local MAC 34  
MAC 33  
automatic channel selection 41  
B
backup configuration 38  
basic configuration 29  
beacon interval 41  
 
 
MAC address 35  
location  
configuration parameter 38  
log 39  
E
encryption  
configuring 43  
shared key 45  
login 28  
WEP 43, 45  
event logs 40  
recording 16  
use in locating devices 26, 27  
MAC authentication 33  
F
flat surface installation 21  
fragment length 41  
plate 20  
G
native VLAN ID 36  
network configuration and planning 9  
gateway, default 30  
I
identification 30  
installation 13  
open system 43  
cable 13  
passphrase 46  
power 14  
power 14  
requirements 13  
software utilities 24, 25  
connecting 17  
requirements 14  
supply, 3Com integrated 17, 18  
preamble 42  
Properties button 27  
L
launching the device manager 26  
LEDs 19  
R
radio channel 41  
radio interface 40  
radio settings 40  
RADIUS  
local bridge filter 36  
local MAC authentication 34  
locating  
devices 26, 27  
accounting 32  
 
Refresh button 27  
resetting a bridge 31  
resetting the access point 39  
roaming 10  
RTS threshold 42  
W
wall mount installation 19  
web server, secure connection 31  
WEP 43, 45  
Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration 49  
wireless network tree 26  
WPA 43, 44  
S
safety information 14  
settings  
settings, radio 40  
Setup Wizard 29  
SSID 41  
stations status 40  
statistics, accounting 32  
status 40  
T
TCP/IP settings 30  
terminology 11  
time and date settings 40  
trap destination 38  
troubleshooting 51  
turbo mode 41  
U
upgrading firmware 38  
user access list  
128-bit Dynamic Security Link 43  
 

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