Troubleshooting

The following list identifies important troubleshooting concepts and topics. The most common initialization and installation problems relate to IP addressing. For example, you must have valid IP addresses for both the AP and the management computer to access the unit's HTTP interface.

IP Address management is fundamental.

Factory default units are set for "Dynamic" (DHCP) IP Address assignment. The default IP address for the AP is 169.254.128.132 if your network does not have a DHCP server. If you connect the AP to a network with an active DHCP server, then use ScanTool to locate the IP address of your unit. If a DHCP server is not active on your subnet, then use ScanTool to assign a static IP address to the unit.

The Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) provides a means to download and upload files. These files include the AP Image (executable program) and configuration files.

If the AP password is lost or forgotten, you will need to reset to default values. The Reset to Factory Default Procedure resets configuration, but does not change the current AP Image.

The AP Supports a Command Line Interface (CLI). If you are having trouble locating your AP on the network, connect to the unit directly using the serial interface and see Command Line Interface (CLI) for CLI command syntax and parameter names.

ScanTool does not work over routers. You must be connected to the same subnet/physical LAN segment to use ScanTool. Note that ScanTool also works over the wireless interface; you can run it on a wireless client connected to the target AP or an AP connected to the same LAN segment/subnet.

If all else fails... Use the Forced Reload Procedure to erase the current AP Image and configuration file and then download a new image.

Symptoms and Solutions

Connectivity Issues

Connectivity issues include any problem that prevents you from powering up or connecting to the AP.

AP Unit Will Not Boot - No LED Activity

Make sure your power source is operating.

Make sure all cables are connected to the AP correctly.

If you are using Active Ethernet, make sure you are using a Category 5, foiled, twisted pair cable to power the AP.

Serial Link Does Not Work

Make sure you are using a standard, straight-through, 9-pin serial cable.

Double-check the physical network connections.

Make sure your PC terminal program (such as HyperTerminal) is active and configured to the following values:

Com Port: (COM1, COM2, etc. depending on your computer);

Baud rate: 9600; Data bits: 8; Stop bits: 1; Flow Control: None; Parity: None;

Line Feeds with Carriage Returns
(In HyperTerminal select:
File > Properties > Settings > ASCII Setup > Send Line Ends with Line Feeds)

Ethernet Link Does Not Work

Double-check the physical network connections. Use a known-good unit to make sure the network connection is present. Once you have the AP IP address, you can use the "Ping" command over Ethernet to test the IP Address. If the AP responds to the Ping, then the Ethernet Interface is working properly.

By default, the Access Point will attempt to automatically detect the Ethernet settings. However, if you are having problems with the Ethernet link, manually configure the Access Point's Ethernet settings. For example, if your switch operates at 100 Mbits/sec/Full Duplex, manually configure the Access Point to use these settings (see Ethernet). If you cannot access the unit over Ethernet, then use the CLI interface over the serial port to configure the Ethernet port (see Command Line Interface (CLI) and Set Ethernet Speed and Transmission Mode).

Perform network infrastructure troubleshooting (check switches, routers, etc.).

Basic Software Setup and Configuration Problems

Lost AP, Telnet, or SNMP Password

Perform the Reset to Factory Default Procedure in this guide. This procedure resets system and network parameters, but does not affect the AP Image.
The default AP HTTP password is "public". The default Telnet password and the default SNMP password are also "public".

Client Computer Cannot Connect

Client computers should have the same Network Name and security settings as the AP.

Network Names should be allocated and maintained by the Network Administrator.

See the documentation that came with your client card for additional troubleshooting suggestions.

AP Has Incorrect IP Address

Default IP Address Assignment mode is dynamic (DHCP). If you do not have a DHCP server on your network, the default IP Address is 169.254.128.132. If you have more than one unintialized AP connected to the network, they will all have the same default IP address and you will not be able to communicate with them (due to an IP address conflict). In this case, assign each AP a static IP address via the serial cable or turn off all units but one and change the IP address using ScanTool one at a time.

The AP only contacts a DHCP server during boot-up. If your network's DHCP server is not available while the AP is booting, the device will use the default IP address (169.254.128.132). Reboot the AP once your DHCP server is on-line again or use the ScanTool to find the Access Point's current IP address.

To find the unit's current IP address if using DHCP, open the IP Client Table in the DHCP Server and match the Access Point's IP address to its MAC address (found on the product label). Alternatively, use ScanTool to identify an Access Point's current IP address.

Once you have the current IP address, use the HTTP or CLI Interface to change the unit's IP settings, if necessary.

If you use static IP Address assignments, and cannot access the unit over Ethernet, use the Initializing the IP Address using CLI procedure. Once the IP Address is set, you can use the Ethernet Interface to complete configuration.

Perform the Reset to Factory Default Procedure in this guide. This will reset the unit to "DHCP" mode. If there is a DHCP Server on the network, the DHCP Server will assign an IP Address to the AP.

HTTP Interface or Telnet Interface Does Not Work

Make sure you are using a compatible browser:

Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 with Service Pack 1 or later

Netscape 7.1 or later

Make sure you have the proper IP address. Enter your Access Point's IP Address in the browser address bar, similar to this example:
http://192.168.1.100
When the Enter Network Password window appears, leave the User Name field empty and enter the HTTP password in the Password field. The default HTTP password is "public".

Use the CLI over the serial port to check the IP Access Table, which can be restricting access to Telnet and HTTP.

HTML Help Files Do Not Appear

Verify that the HTML Help files are installed in the default directory:
C:\Program Files\ORiNOCO\AP4xxxx\HTML\

If the Help files are not located in this folder, contact your network administrator to find out where the Help files are located on your server.

Copy the entire folder to your Web server.

Perform the following steps to specify the path for the Help files:

Click the Commands button in the HTTP interface.

Select the Help tab located at the top of the screen.

Enter the pathname where the Help files are located in the Help Link box. This must be an HTTP address.

Click OK.

Telnet CLI Does Not Work

Make sure you have the proper IP Address. Enter your AP IP address in the Telnet connection dialog, from a DOS prompt, type:
C:\> telnet <AP IP Address>

Use the CLI over the serial port to check the IP Access Table, which can be restricting access to Telnet and HTTP.

TFTP Server Does Not Work

Make sure the TFTP Server has been started.

Verify the IP address of the TFTP Server. The server may be local or remote, so long as it has a valid IP address.

Configure the TFTP Server to "point" to the folder containing the file to be downloaded (or to the folder in which the file is to be uploaded).

Verify that you have entered the proper AP Image file name (including the file extension) and directory path (if needed).

If you have a problem uploading a file, verify that the TFTP server is configured to allow uploads (typically the default setting is to allow only downloads).

Client Connection Problems

Client Software Finds No Connection

Make sure you have configured your client software with the proper Network Name and Security settings. Network Names and WEP Keys are typically allocated and maintained by your network administrator.

Client PC Card Does Not Work

Make sure you are using the latest PC Card driver software.

Download and install the latest ORiNOCO client software from http://support.proxim.com.

Intermittent Loss of Connection

Make sure you are within range of an active AP.

You can check the signal strength using the signal strength gauge on your client software.

Client Does Not Receive an IP Address - Cannot Connect to Internet

If the AP is configured as a DHCP server, open the Web-browser Interface and select the Configure button and then the Network tab to make sure the proper DHCP settings are being used.

If you are not using the DHCP server feature on the AP, then make sure that your local DHCP server is accessible from the Access Point's subnet.

If using Active Ethernet, make sure you are not using a crossover Ethernet cable between the AP and the hub.

VLAN Operation Issues

Verifying Proper Operation of the VLAN Feature

The correct VLAN configuration can be verified by "pinging" both wired and wireless hosts from both sides of the AP device and the network switch. Traffic can be "sniffed" on both the wired (Ethernet) and wireless (WDS) backbones (if configured). Bridge frames generated by wireless clients and viewed on one of the backbones should contain IEEE 802.1Q compliant VLAN headers or tags. The VLAN ID in the headers should correspond to one of the VLAN User IDs configured for the AP.

VLAN Workgroups

The correct VLAN assignment can be verified by pinging the AP to ensure connectivity, by pinging the switch to ensure VLAN properties, and by pinging hosts past the switch to confirm the switch is functional. Ultimately, traffic can be "sniffed" on the Ethernet or WDS interfaces (if configured) using third-party packages. Most problems can be avoided by ensuring that 802.1Q compliant VLAN tags containing the proper VLAN ID have been inserted in the bridged frames. The VLAN ID in the header should correspond to the user's assigned network name.

What if network traffic is being directed to a nonexistent host?

All sessions are disconnected, traffic is lost, and a Forced Reload is necessary. See Forced Reload Procedure.

Workaround: you can configure the switch to mimic the nonexistent host.

I have just configured the Management ID and now I can't manage the AP?

Check to ensure your password is correct. If your password is incorrect or all inbound packets do NOT have the correct tag, then a Forced Reload is necessary. See Forced Reload Procedure.

CAUTION: The Forced Reload Procedure disconnects all users and resets all values to factory defaults.

Active Ethernet (AE)

The AP Does Not Work

Verify that you are using a standard UTP Category 5 cable.

Try a different port on the same AE hub (remember to move the input port accordingly) - if it works, there is probably a faulty port or bad RJ-45 port connection.

If possible, try to connect the AP to a different AE hub.

Try using a different Ethernet cable - if it works, there is probably a faulty connection over the long cable, or a bad RJ-45 connection.

Check power plug and hub.

If the Ethernet link goes down, check the cable, cable type, switch, and hub.

There Is No Data Link

Verify that the indicator for the port is "on."

Verify that the AE hub is connected to the Ethernet network with a good connection.

Verify that the Ethernet cable is Category 5 or better and is less than 100 meters (approximately 325 feet) in length from the Ethernet source to the AP.

Try to connect a different device to the same port on the AE hub - if it works and a link is established, there is probably a faulty data link in the AP.

Try to re-connect the AP to a different output port (remember to move the input port accordingly) - if it works, there is probably a faulty output or input port in the AE hub or a bad RJ-45 connection.

"Overload" Indications

Verify that you are not using a cross-over cable between the AE output port and the AP.

Verify that there is no short over any of the twisted pair cables.

Move the device into a different output port (remember to move the input port accordingly); if it works, there is probably a faulty port or bad RJ-45 connection.

Recovery Procedures

The most common installation problems relate to IP addressing. For example, without the TFTP server IP Address, you will not be able to download a new AP Image to the AP. IP Address management is fundamental. We suggest you create a chart to document and validate the IP addresses for your system.

If the password is lost or forgotten, you will need to reset the AP to default values. The Reset to Factory Default Procedure resets configuration settings, but does not change the current AP Image.

If the AP has a corrupted software image, follow the Forced Reload Procedure to erase the current AP Image and download a new image.

Reset to Factory Default Procedure

Use this procedure to reset the network configuration values, including the Access Point's IP address and subnet mask. The current AP Image is not deleted. Follow this procedure if you forget the Access Point's password:

Press and hold the RELOAD button for 10 seconds.

NOTE: You need to use a pin or the end of a paperclip to press a button.

The AP reboots, and the factory default network values are restored.

If not using DHCP, use the ScanTool or use CLI over a serial connection to set the IP address, subnet mask, and other IP parameters. See Command Line Interface (CLI) for CLI information.

Forced Reload Procedure

Use this procedure to erase the current AP Image and configuration file and download a new AP Image. In some cases, specifically when a missing or corrupted AP Image prevents successful booting, you may need to use ScanTool or the Bootloader CLI to download a new executable AP Image.

For this procedure, you will first erase the AP Image currently installed on the unit and then use either ScanTool or the Bootloader CLI (over the serial port) to set the IP address and download a new AP Image. Follow these steps:

While the unit is running, press the RESET button.

NOTE: You need to use a pin or the end of a paperclip to press a button.

The AP reboots and the indicators begin to flash.

CAUTION: By completing Step 2, the firmware in the AP will be erased. You will need an Ethernet connection, a TFTP server, and a serial cable (if using the Bootloader CLI) to reload firmware.

Press and hold the RELOAD button for about 20 seconds until the POWER LED turns amber.

The AP deletes the current AP Image.

Follow one of the procedures below to load a new AP Image to the Access Point:

Download a New Image Using ScanTool

Download a New Image Using the Bootloader CLI

Download a New Image Using ScanTool

To download the AP Image, you will need an Ethernet connection to the computer on which the TFTP server resides and to a computer that is running ScanTool (this is either two separate computers connected to the same network or a single computer running both programs).

ScanTool detects if an Access Point does not have a valid software image installed. In this case, the TFTP Server and Image File Name parameters are enabled in the ScanTool's Change screen so you can download a new image to the unit. (These fields are grayed out if ScanTool does not detect a software image problem.)

Preparing to Download the AP Image

Before starting, you need to know the Access Point's IP address, subnet mask, the TFTP Server IP Address, and the AP Image file name. Make sure the TFTP server is running and configured to point to the folder containing the image to be downloaded.

Download Procedure

Follow these steps to use ScanTool to download a software image to an Access Point with a missing image:

Download the latest software from http://support.proxim.com (Knowledgebase Answer ID 1250).

Copy the latest software updates to your TFTP server.

Launch ScanTool.

Highlight the entry for the AP you want to update and click Change.

Set IP Address Type to Static.

NOTE: You need to assign static IP information temporarily to the Access Point since its DHCP client functionality is not available when no image is installed on the device.

Enter an unused IP address that is valid on your network in the IP Address field. You may need to contact your network administrator to get this address.

Enter the network's Subnet Mask in the field provided.

Enter the network's Gateway IP Address, if necessary. You may need to contact your network administrator to get this address. You should only need to enter the default gateway address (169.254.128.133) if the Access Point and the TFTP server are separated by a router.

Enter the IP address of your TFTP server in the field provided.

Enter the Image File Name (including the file extension). Enter the full directory path and file name. If the file is located in the default TFTP directory, you need enter only the file name.

Click OK.

The Access Point will reboot and the download will begin automatically. You should see downloading activity begin after a few seconds within the TFTP server's status screen.

Click OK when prompted that the device has been updated successfully to return to the Scan List screen.

Click Cancel to close the ScanTool.

When the download process is complete, configure the AP as described in Installation and Initialization and Advanced Configuration.

Download a New Image Using the Bootloader CLI

To download the AP Image, you will need an Ethernet connection to the computer on which the TFTP server resides. This can be any computer on the LAN or connected to the AP with a cross-over Ethernet cable.

You must also connect the AP to a computer with a standard serial cable and use a terminal client, such as HyperTerminal. From the terminal, enter CLI Commands to set the IP address and download an AP Image.

Preparing to Download the AP Image

Download Procedure

Download the latest software from http://support.proxim.com (Knowledgebase Answer ID 1250).

Copy the latest software updates to your TFTP server's default directory.

Use a straight-through serial cable to connect the Access Point's serial port to your computer's serial port.

Open your terminal emulation program (like HyperTerminal) and set the following connection properties:

Com Port: <COM1, COM2, etc., depending on your computer>

Baud rate: 9600

Data Bits: 8

Stop bits: 1

Flow Control: None

Parity: None

Under File > Properties > Settings > ASCII Setup, enable the Send line ends with line feeds option.

HyperTerminal sends a line return at the end of each line of code.

Press the RESET button on the AP.

The terminal display shows Power On Self Tests (POST) activity. After approximately 30 seconds, a message indicates: Sending Traps to SNMP manager periodically. After this message appears, press the ENTER key repeatedly until the following prompt appears:

[Device name]>

Enter only the following statements:

[Device name]> show (to view configuration parameters and values)

[Device name]> set ipaddrtype static

[Device name]> set ipaddr <Access Point IP Address>

[Device name]> set ipsubmask <IP Mask>

[Device name]> set tftpipaddr <TFTP Server IP Address>

[Device name]> set tftpfilename <AP Image File Name, including file extension>

[Device name]> set ipgw <Gateway IP Address>

[Device name]> show (to confirm your new settings)

[Device name]> reboot

Example:

[Device name]> show

[Device name]> set ipaddrtype static

[Device name]> set ipaddr 10.0.0.12

[Device name]> set ipsubmask 255.255.255.0

[Device name]> set tftpipaddr 10.0.0.20

[Device name]> set tftpfilename MyImage.bin

[Device name]> set ipgw 10.0.0.30

[Device name]> show

[Device name]> reboot

The AP will reboot and then download the image file. You should see downloading activity begin after a few seconds within the TFTP server's status screen.

When the download process is complete, configure the AP as described in Installation and Initialization and Advanced Configuration.

Setting IP Address using Serial Port

Use the following procedure to set an IP address over the serial port using the CLI. The network administrator typically provides the AP IP address.

Hardware and Software Requirements

Standard straight-through serial data (RS-232) cable with a one male DB-9 connector and one female DB-9 connector. The AP comes with a female 9-pin serial port.

ASCII Terminal software, such as HyperTerminal.

Attaching the Serial Port Cable

Connect one end of the serial cable to the AP and the other end to a serial port on your computer.

Power on the computer and AP, if necessary.

Initializing the IP Address using CLI

After installing the serial port cable, you may use the CLI to communicate with the AP. CLI supports most generic terminal emulation programs, such as HyperTerminal (which is included with the Windows operating systems). In addition, many web sites offer shareware or commercial terminal programs you can download. Once the IP address has been assigned, you can use the HTTP interface or the CLI over Telnet to complete configuration.

Open your terminal emulation program (like HyperTerminal) and set the following connection properties:

Com Port: <COM1, COM2, etc., depending on your computer>

Baud rate: 9600

Data Bits: 8

Stop bits: 1

Flow Control: None

Parity: None

Under File > Properties > Settings > ASCII Setup, enable the Send line ends with line feeds option.

HyperTerminal sends a line return at the end of each line of code.

Press the RESET button on the AP.

The terminal display shows Power On Self Tests (POST) activity, and then displays a CLI prompt, similar to the example below. This process may take up to 90 seconds.

[Device name]> Please enter password:

Enter the CLI password (default is public).

The terminal displays a welcome message and then the CLI Prompt:

[Device name]>

Enter show ip. Network parameters appear:

Figure 7-1 Result of "show ip" CLI Command

Change the IP address and other network values using set and reboot CLI commands, similar to the example below (use your own IP address and subnet mask). Note that IP Address Type is set to Dynamic by default. If you have a DHCP server on your network, you should not need to manually configure the Access Point's IP address; the Access Point will obtain an IP address from the network's DHCP server during boot-up.

After each entry the CLI reminds you to reboot; however wait to reboot until all commands have been entered.

[Device name]> set ipaddrtype static

[Device name]> set ipaddr <IP Address>

[Device name]> set ipsubmask <IP Subnet Mask>

[Device name]> set ipgw <Default Gateway IP Address>

[Device name]> show ip (to confirm your new settings)

[Device name]> reboot 0

After the AP reboots, verify the new IP address by reconnecting to the CLI and enter a show ip command. Alternatively, you can ping the AP from a network computer to confirm that the new IP address has taken effect.

When the proper IP address is set, use the HTTP interface or CLI over Telnet to configure the rest of the unit's operating parameters.

Related Applications

RADIUS Authentication Server

If you enabled RADIUS Authentication on the AP, make sure that your network's RADIUS servers are operational. Otherwise, clients will not be able to log in. There are several reasons the authentication server services might be unavailable, here are two typical things to check:

Make sure you have the proper RADIUS authentication server information setup configured in the AP. Check the RADIUS Authentication Server's Shared Secret and Destination Port number (default is 1812; for RADIUS Accounting, the default is 1813).

Make sure the RADIUS authentication server RAS setup matches the AP.

TFTP Server

The "Trivial File Transfer Protocol" (TFTP) server allows you to transfer files across a network. You can upload configuration files from the AP for backup or copying, and you can download configuration files or new software images. The TFTP software is located on the ORiNOCO AP Installation CD-ROM.

If a TFTP server is not configured and running, you will not be able to download and upload images and configuration files to/from the AP. Remember that the TFTP server does not have to be local, so long as you have a valid TFTP IP address. Note that you do not need a TFTP server running unless you want to transfer files to or from the AP.