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™
ENJ OY THE FREEDOM OF WIRELESS NETWORKING
802.11 Wireless Networking Guide
ENTERASYS.COM
P/N 9034042-08
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NOTICE Enterasys Networks reserves the right to make changes in specifications and other information contained in this document and its web site without prior notice. The reader should in all cases consult Enterasys Networks to determine whether any such changes have been made. The hardware, firmware, or software described in this document is subject to change without notice. IN NO EVENT SHALL ENTERASYS NETWORKS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHATSOE
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Contents Preface Intended Audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi Associated Documents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xii Document Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii Getting Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Contents 2 Understanding Wireless Network Characteristics In This Chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 Wireless Network Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2 Access Point MAC Addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 RoamAbout R2 MAC Addresses. . . . . . . . . .
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Contents Static and Dynamic VLANs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25 RoamAbout SNMP Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26 Access Point 2000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26 RoamAbout R2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
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Contents 5 Configuring the Wireless Network In This Chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1 Configuring APs in an Infrastructure Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3 Required Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3 Wireless Parameters Used in an Infrastructure Network . . . . . . . .
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Contents RoamAbout R2 Console Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28 Access Point 2000 Console Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28 Configuring the R2 for SNMPv1 or SNMPv2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29 Configuring the AP for Authentication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-30 RADIUS Managemen
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Contents Using the RoamAbout R2 Console Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11 Using the Access Point 2000 Console Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11 Checking RoamAbout Product Version Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13 Using AP Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13 Using the Access Point 2000
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Contents B Connecting a Device to the Console Port C ASCII to HEX Conversion Glossary Index ix
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Preface A RoamAbout wireless network consists of RoamAbout wireless products, such as the RoamAbout R2 Wireless Access Platform, RoamAbout Access Point 2000, RoamAbout PC Card, and other wireless products that use an 802.11 Direct Sequence (DS) compliant radio. This manual describes how to design, install, configure and maintain a RoamAbout wireless network. It also describes how to troubleshoot problems that may arise during installation or operation. NOTE: AP refers to the Access Point an
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Associated Documents Associated Documents You can download the documentation, drivers, and utilities from the RoamAbout Wireless web site. Check the RoamAbout Wireless web site regularly for product upgrades: http://www.enterasys.com/wireless Component Information Location RoamAbout AP Manager RoamAbout 802.11 Wireless Networking Guide and online help RoamAbout R2 Wireless Access RoamAbout R2 Wireless Access Platform Platform Hardware Installation Guide and online help RoamAbout Access Point
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Document Conventions Document Conventions The following icons are used in this document: Icon Meaning CAUTION: Contains information essential to avoid personal injury or damage to the equipment. NOTE NOTE: Calls the reader’s attention to any item of information that may be of special importance. xiii
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Getting Help Getting Help For additional support related to this device or document, contact Enterasys Networks using one of the following methods: World Wide Web: http://www.enterasys.com/wireless Phone: North America: (603) 332-9400 Europe: 353 61 701 910 Asia: +800 8827-2878 Internet mail: support@enterasys.com To send comments or suggestions concerning this document, contact the Enterasys Networks Techni
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Chapter 1 Wireless Network Configurations There are three basic RoamAbout wireless network configurations: • One or more APs connecting wireless clients to a wired network, using the Workgroup Bridge mode. A wireless client can be any computer with an 802.11 Direct-Sequence (DS) compliant radio card. This type of network is referred to as a wireless infrastructure network. • Two or more APs used as a wireless link connecting wired networks. This is called a LAN-to-LAN configuration. There a
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RoamAbout AP RoamAbout AP This guide addresses the different RoamAbout AP hardware platforms: RoamAbout Access Point (sometimes referred to as Classic), RoamAbout Access Point 2000, and RoamAbout R2 Wireless Access Platform. Unless otherwise specified, AP refers to all the RoamAbout AP platforms. The RoamAbout Access Point Classic is no longer available; however, a number of the Access Point 2000 reference information and procedures apply to the Classic platform. The RoamAbout Access Point 2
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RoamAbout AP • Dynamic address learning The forwarding and translating process module automatically adds new source addresses to the address database while the AP is operating. This reverse learning of the address and port association allows automatic network configuration without prior downline loading of configuration data to the AP. Address learning is protocol and management entity independent. An Aging Timer determines how long an address remains in the database. The timer measures th
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RoamAbout PC Card RoamAbout PC Card The RoamAbout PC Card is an IEEE 802.11 Direct Sequence (DS) compliant wireless network interface card. The RoamAbout PC Card functions like any standard wired Ethernet card; however, the RoamAbout PC Card uses radio frequencies instead of a cable for the LAN connection. When installed in a computer, the PC Card and computer are referred to as a RoamAbout wireless client. The RoamAbout PC Card fits into any PC card type II slot and includes the following
