Installation and Initialization

This chapter contains information on the following:

AP-4000 Series Hardware Description

Overview

The AP-4000 and AP-4000M are tri-mode APs that simultaneously support 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11a clients. The AP-4900M is a quad-mode AP that supports 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11a, and 4.9 GHz Public Safety clients.

The AP-4000/4000M/4900M contains two embedded radios: one 802.11b/g radio and one 802.11a only radio. The 802.11a radio supports operation in 802.11a only mode in the AP-4000, and operation in either 802.11a only or 4.9 GHz Public Safety mode in the AP-4900M. 4.9 GHz Public Safety mode is for use in the licensed 4.9 GHz band; only users with licenses to operate in this band should access it.

The 802.11b/g radio supports the following operational modes:

The AP-4000/4000M/4900M can be powered through either Active Ethernet (802.3af Power over Ethernet) or through an external DC power source using the power cord.

The AP-4000/4000M/4900M includes a a power jack, a 10/100 base-T Ethernet port, and an RS-232 serial data communication port. The AP includes an optional security cover that can be installed to protect against access to the power and LAN cables and to the reset and reload buttons. See Figure 2-1.

Figure 2-1 Rear Panel

The AP-4000/4000M/4900M has been designed to rest horizontally on a flat surface, but can be wall- or ceiling- mounted with the long axis vertical. The unit includes screw slots in the bottom plastic for mounting to a flat wall or ceiling.

NOTE:
All AP-4900M units, and AP-4000/4000M units using external antennas, must be installed by a suitably trained professional installation technician or by a qualified installation service.

Antennas

Each radio on the AP-4000/4000M/4900M employs two internal antennas for antenna diversity: one is vertically polarized, and the other is horizontally polarized to provide optimal spatial and polarization diversity. When the AP is hung on the wall of an office or building, the horizontally polarized antenna provides coverage for that particular floor level. The vertically polarized antenna provides spatial diversity for the horizontally polarized antenna in the event of an antenna null. In addition, the vertically polarized antenna provides some coverage above and below the current floor level. When the AP is mounted on the ceiling or sitting on a table, the effect is the same, but the roles of the two antennas switch.

The AP supports both receive and transmit diversity. When receiving, the AP chooses the antenna that receives the strongest signal. When transmitting, the AP chooses the antenna with the highest success rate, and broadcasts are transmitted on alternating antennas.

Antenna diversity is enabled by default (set to "auto") per wireless interface. When using the internal antennas, Proxim recommends leaving antenna diversity enabled. However, you may disable antenna diversity by manually selecting which antenna to use for each wireless interface through the Command Line Interface. See Configure Antenna Diversity for information.

When operating in 4.9 GHz Public Safety mode, an external 4.9 GHz antenna must be attached to the pigtail connected to Antenna connector 3 (and the corresponding internal antenna is disabled). See External Antennas for information and Professional Installation for installation instructions.

External Antennas

NOTE:
All AP-4900M units, and AP-4000/4000M units using external antennas, must be installed by a suitably trained professional installation technician or by a qualified installation service.

See Hardware Installation for cabling and mounting instructions, and Professional Installation for external antenna installation instructions.

The AP-4000/4000M/4900M also has four antenna connectors, two on each radio, for use with external antennas. External antennas can be used with either radio on the AP-4000/4000M/4900M.

Figure 2-2 AP-4000/4000M/4900M Antenna Connectors

Connectors 1 and 2 are for the 802.11b/g radio; connectors 3 and 4 are for the 802.11a radio. When the AP is mounted on a wall, connectors 1 and 4 correspond to the horizontally polarized internal antenna, providing a coverage pattern parallel to the wall; connectors 2 and 3 correspond to the vertically polarized internal antenna, providing a coverage pattern parallel to the ceiling/floor. When the AP is mounted to a ceiling, connectors 1 and 4 correspond to the vertically polarized internal antenna, and connectors 2 and 3 correspond to the horizontally polarized internal antenna. Plugging an external antenna in to the antenna connector disables the corresponding internal antenna on the wireless interface.

The AP continues to support antenna diversity with external antennas connected. With one external antenna connected to one of the two antenna connectors on a radio, one internal antenna and one external antenna are used for antenna diversity. With two external antennas connected, both external antennas are used for antenna diversity, and both internal antennas are disabled.

With external antennas connected, you may wish to manually select a particular antenna for use. To do so, disable antenna diversity by manually selecting which antenna to use for each wireless interface through the Command Line Interface. See Configure Antenna Diversity for information.

For a list of recommended antennas, see http://www.proxim.com/products/wifi/accessories.

For installation instructions, see Professional Installation.

4.9 GHz Antenna

On the AP-4900M, antenna connector 3 is equipped with a pigtail adaptor for connection to a 4.9 GHz antenna. When the AP-4900M is configured to operate in the 4.9 GHz Public Safety operational mode, antenna diversity is automatically disabled by default, and antenna 3 is configured for use. Connecting an external antenna to this antenna port disables the corresponding internal antenna. For a list of recommended antennas, see http://www.proxim.com/products/wifi/accessories. For installation instructions, see Professional Installation.

Active Ethernet (Power Over Ethernet)

The AP-4000/4000M/4900M is equipped with an 802.3af-compliant Active Ethernet module. Active Ethernet (AE) delivers both data and power to the access point over a single Ethernet cable. If you choose to use Active Ethernet, there is no difference in operation; the only difference is in the power source.

Also see Hardware Specifications.

NOTE: The AP's 802.3af-compliant Active Ethernet module is backwards compatible with all ORiNOCO Active Ethernet hubs that do not support the IEEE 802.3af standard.

LED Indicators

The top panel of the AP-4000/4000M/4900M has the following LED indicators.

Figure 2-3 LED Indicators on the AP-4000/4000M/4900M Top Panel

The LED indicators exhibit the following behavior:

Indication
Power
Wireless Interface A
(802.11a radio)
Wireless Interface B
(802.11b/g radio)
Ethernet
Solid Green
AP image running.
Wireless interface A is preparing for use.
Wireless interface B is preparing for use.
Ethernet interface is connected at 100 Mbps with no traffic.
Blinking Green
n/a
Wireless interface A is transmitting or receiving wireless packets.
Wireless interface B is transmitting or receiving wireless packets.
Ethernet interface is connected at 100 Mbps with traffic.
Solid Amber
The Bootloader is loading the application software.
n/a
n/a
Ethernet interface is connected at 10 Mbps with no traffic.
Blinking Amber
The AP is reloading.
n/a
n/a
The Ethernet interface is connected at 10 Mbps with traffic.
Solid Red
Power On Self Test (POST) running.
n/a
n/a
n/a
Blinking Red
Rebooting.
n/a
n/a
n/a

Prerequisites

General Prerequisites

Before installing an AP-4000/4000M/4900M, you need to gather certain network information. The following table identifies the information you need.

Network Name (SSID of the wireless cards)
You must assign the Access Point a Network Name before wireless users can communicate with it. The clients also need the same Network Name. This is not the same as the System Name, which applies only to the Access Point. The network administrator typically provides the Network Name.
AP's IP Address
If you do not have a DHCP server on your network, then you need to assign the Access Point an IP address that is valid on your network.
HTTP Password
Each Access Point requires a read/write password to access the web interface. The default password is public.
CLI Password
Each Access Point requires a read/write password to access the CLI interface. The default password is public.
SNMP Read Password
Each Access Point requires a password to allow get requests from an SNMP manager. The default password is public.
SNMP Read-Write Password
Each Access Point requires a password to allow get and set requests from an SNMP manager. The default password is public.
SNMPv3 Authentication Password
If Secure Management is enabled, each Access Point requires a password for sending authenticated SNMPv3 messages. The default password is public. The default SNMPv3 username is administrator, with SHA authentication, and DES privacy protocol.
SNMPv3 Privacy Password
If Secure Management is enabled, each Access Point requires a password when sending encrypted SNMPv3 data. The default password is public.
Security Settings
You need to determine what security features you will enable on the Access Point.
Authentication Method
A primary authentication server may be configured; a backup authentication server is optional. The network administrator typically provides this information.
Authentication Server Shared Secret
This is a password shared between the Access Point and the RADIUS authentication server (so both passwords must be the same), and is typically provided by the network administrator.
Authentication Server Authentication Port
This is a port number (default is 1812) and is typically provided by the network administrator.
Client IP Address Pool Allocation Scheme
The Access Point can automatically provide IP addresses to clients as they sign on. The network administrator typically provides the IP Pool range.
DNS Server IP Address
The network administrator typically provides this IP Address.
Gateway IP Address and Subnet Mask
The gateway IP address and subnet mask of the network environment where the Access Point is deployed.

Mesh Prerequisites

Before setting up a Mesh network, gather the following information:

Mesh Mode
The mode in which the AP will be used. If the AP will be connected directly to the wired backbone, it should be configured for Mesh Portal mode; if it will connect to the Portal and backbone wirelessly, it should be configured for Mesh AP mode. If the AP will not be used in a Mesh network, Mesh Mode can be disabled.
Mesh Interface Number
The interface on which the Mesh functionality will be enabled. For Wireless A, the interface number is 3; for Wireless B, the interface number is 4.
Mesh SSID
The name of the Mesh network. The Mesh SSID should be between 1 and 16 characters.
Mesh Security Mode
Mesh links may be secured through AES encryption. You may also choose to use Mesh functionality without security enabled (not recommended).
Mesh AP Shared Secret
The password shared between Mesh Access Points when AES is enabled (AES is enabled by default). This password should be between 6 and 32 characters. The default password is public.

Product Package

Each AP-4000/4000M/4900M comes with the following:

If any of these items are missing or damaged, please contact your reseller or Technical Support (see Technical Services and Support for contact information).

System Requirements

To begin using an AP, you must have the following minimum requirements:

Hardware Installation

NOTE:
All AP-4900M units, and AP-4000/4000M units using external antennas, must be installed by a suitably trained professional installation technician or by a qualified installation service.

NOTE:
Before installing and using this product, see the Safety and Regulatory Compliance Guide and the Professional Installation section.

NOTE:
Avant d'installer et d'utiliser ce produit, consultez le manuel Safety and Regulatory Compliance Guide et la section «Professional Installation».

NOTA:
Prima dell'installazione e dell'utilizzo del prodotto, consultare il documento Safety and Regulatory Compliance Guide (Guida per la sicurezza e la conformità alle normative), nonché la sezione intitolata "Professional Installation" (Installazione professionale).

ANMERKUNG:
Lesen Sie vor der Installation und Verwendung dieses Produkts die wichtigen Informationen im Handbuch Safety and Regulatory Compliance Guide (Sicherheit und Einhaltung der Richtlinien) sowie den Abschnitt „Professional Installation" (Professionelle Installation).

NOTA:
Antes de instalar y utilizar este producto, consulte el manual Safety and Regulatory Compliance Guide (Manual de seguridad y cumplimiento de la normativa) y la sección "Professional Installation" (Instalación profesional).

注記:
この製品をインストールして使用する前に、『Safety and Regulatory Compliance Guide』および の「Professional Installation」.

Required Materials

Perform the following procedures to install the AP hardware:

Cabling the AP-4000/4000M/4900M

Connect cables to the AP as follows:

  1. Provide power to the AP, as follows:
    1. Plug the power cord into the power jack (the left port) and connect the unit to an AC power outlet (100~240V, 50~60Hz).
    2. If using Active Ethernet, connect power to the unit from a DC injector device, such as the ORiNOCO 1-Port Active Ethernet DC Injector hub.
  2. Attach one end of an Ethernet cable to the AP's LAN port (the center port, labeled "LAN") and the other end to a network hub or switch.
  3. Optionally, connect an RS-232 cable to the RS-232 console port (the right port, labeled "RS-232").
    4. NOTE: You cannot install the security cover to the AP-4000/4000M/4900M if an RS-232 cable is connected.



    Figure 2-4 Cabling the AP-4000/4000M/4900M
  4. Verify LED Status
  5. When the AP-4000/4000M/4900M boots, it performs a series of self-tests.
  6. Wait for the power LED to turn green before proceeding.

Installing the Security Cover

You can optionally install a security cover to deter unauthorized access to the AP-4000. The security cover is a plastic cover that prevents access to the cabling and to the Reset and Reload buttons.

NOTE: You cannot connect an RS-232 cable to the AP-4000/4000M/4900M when a security cover is installed.
  1. Slide the hinging end of the security cover into the hole on the rear panel of the AP-4000/4000M/4900M to the left of the connectors.
  2. Use two screws to screw the right side of the security cover to the RS-232 screw holes on the rear panel of the AP-4000.

Mounting the AP-4000/4000M/4900M

Proxim recommends that you have a site survey professionally conducted to determine the best location for the AP. For professional site surveyors, Ekahau Site Survey software is included in the Xtras folder on the Installation CD-ROM.

The following considerations must be kept in mind when the AP-4900M is mounted in a vehicle or outdoors:

Once you have chosen a final location for your unit, mount the AP-4000/4000M/4900M to a wall, to a T-bar ceiling, or in a vehicle as described below.

Mounting the AP-4000/4000M/4900M to a Ceiling

  1. Attach the mounting plate to the bottom of the AP-4000/4000M/4900M by lining up the keyholes and attaching it with two screws.
  2. Snap the tabs onto the ceiling T-bar. Rotate the AP-4000/4000M/4900M until it snaps on to the T-bar.



    3. Figure 2-5 AP-4000/4000M/4900M Mounting Plate

Mounting the AP-4000/4000M/4900M to a Wall

  1. Put the mounting plate up to the wall.
  2. Screw through the mounting plate.
  3. Place the AP up against the mounting plate. Orient the AP with the long access vertical, with the connectors facing to the left.

Mounting the AP-4900M in a Vehicle

  1. Attach the mounting plate up to the wall or to the wall partition (cage) behind the passenger seat in a vehicle. The knobs that fit into the keyholes on the AP-4900M should be in a vertical line.
  2. Screw through the mounting plate.
  3. Place the AP up against the mounting plate. Orient the AP with the long access vertical, with the connectors facing right.

Installing the AP in a Plenum

In an office building, plenum is the space between the structural ceiling and the tile ceiling that is provided to help air circulate. Many companies also use the plenum to house communication equipment and cables. These products and cables must comply with certain safety requirements, such as Underwriter Labs (UL) Standard 2043: "Standard for Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Release for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air-Handling Spaces".

The AP-4000/4000M/4900M has been certified under UL Standard 2043 and can be installed in the plenum.

When installed in a plenum, the AP must use Active Ethernet.

Initialization

The following sections detail how to initialize the AP using ScanTool, log in to the HTTP interface, perform an initial configuration of the AP using the Setup Wizard, and download the required AP software.

Using ScanTool

ScanTool is a software utility that is included on the installation CD-ROM. It is an initial configuration tool that allows you to find the IP address of an Access Point by referencing the MAC address in a Scan List, or to assign an IP address if one has not been assigned.

The tool automatically detects the Access Points installed on your network, regardless of IP address, and lets you configure each unit's IP settings. In addition, you can use set initial device parameters that will allow the AP to retrieve a new software to an AP that does not have a valid software image installed (see Client Connection Problems).

To access the HTTP interface and configure the AP, the AP must be assigned an IP address that is valid on its Ethernet network. By default, the AP is configured to obtain an IP address automatically from a network Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server during boot-up. If your network contains a DHCP server, you can run ScanTool to find out what IP address the AP has been assigned. If your network does not contain a DHCP server, the Access Point's IP address defaults to 169.254.128.132. In this case, you can use ScanTool to assign the AP a static IP address that is valid on your network.

NOTE: Mesh APs must have static IP addresses, as the DHCP client will not function on wireless interfaces.

ScanTool Instructions

Follow these steps to install ScanTool and initialize the AP:

  1. Locate the unit's Ethernet MAC address and write it down for future reference. The MAC address is printed on the product label. Each unit has a unique MAC address, which is assigned at the factory.
  2. Confirm that the AP is connected to the same LAN subnet as the computer that you will use to configure the AP.
  3. Power up, reboot, or reset the AP.

    4. The unit requests an IP Address from the network DHCP server.

  4. Insert the Installation CD into the CD-ROM drive of the computer that you will use to configure the AP.

    5. The installation program will launch automatically.

  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the Access Point software and documentation.
    6. NOTE: The ORiNOCO Installation program supports the following operating systems:
    • Windows® 98SE
    • Windows® 2000
    • Windows® NT
    • Windows® ME
    • Windows® XP
  6. After the software has been installed, double-click the ScanTool icon on the Windows desktop to launch the program (if the program is not already running).

    7. ScanTool scans the subnet and displays all detected Access Points. The ScanTool's Scan List screen appears, as shown in the following example.

    NOTE: If your computer has more than one network adapter installed, you will be prompted to select the adapter that you want ScanTool to use before the Scan List appears. If prompted, select an adapter and click OK. You can change your adapter setting at any time by clicking the Select Adapter button on the Scan List screen. Note that the ScanTool Network Adapter Selection screen will not appear if your computer only has one network adapter installed.



    Figure 2-6 Scan List
  7. Locate the MAC address of the AP you want to initialize within the Scan List.
    8. NOTE: If your Access Point does not appear in the Scan List, click the Rescan button to update the display. If the unit still does not appear in the list, see Troubleshooting for suggestions. Note that after rebooting an Access Point, it may take up to five minutes for the unit to appear in the Scan List.
  8. Do one of the following:
    • If the AP has been assigned an IP address by a DHCP server on the network, write down the IP address and click Cancel to close ScanTool. Proceed to the Logging In section for information on how to access the HTTP interface using this IP address.
      • NOTE: Mesh APs must be configured with static IP addresses. To assign the AP a static IP address, follow the steps below.
    • If the AP has not been assigned an IP address (in other words, the unit is using its default IP address, 169.254.128.132), follow these steps to assign it a static IP address that is valid on your network:
      1. Highlight the entry for the AP you want to configure.
      2. Click the Change button.

        3. The Change screen appears.



        Figure 2-7 Scan Tool Change Screen
      3. Set IP Address Type to Static.
      4. Enter a static IP Address for the AP in the field provided. You must assign the unit a unique address that is valid on your IP subnet. Contact your network administrator if you need assistance selecting an IP address for the unit.
      5. Enter your network's Subnet Mask in the field provided.
      6. Enter your network's Gateway IP Address in the field provided.
      7. Enter the SNMP Read/Write password in the Read/Write Password field (for new units, the default SNMP Read/Write password is "public").
        8. NOTE: The TFTP Server IP Address and Image File Name fields are only available if ScanTool detects that the AP does not have a valid software image installed. See Client Connection Problems.
      8. Click OK to save your changes.
      9. The Access Point will reboot automatically and any changes you made will take effect.
      10. When prompted, click OK a second time to return to the Scan List screen.
      11. Click Cancel to close the ScanTool.

Logging In

Once the AP has a valid IP Address and an Ethernet connection, you may use your web browser to monitor and configure the AP. (To configure and monitor using the command line interface, see Command Line Interface (CLI).)

  1. Open a Web browser on a network computer.
    • The HTTP interface supports the following Web browsers:
      • Microsoft® Internet Explorer 6 with Service Pack 1 or later
      • Netscape® 7.1 or later
  2. If necessary, disable the browser's Internet proxy settings. For Internet Explorer users, follow these steps:
    • Select Tools > Internet Options.
    • Click the Connections tab.
    • Click LAN Settings.
    • If necessary, remove the check mark from the Use a proxy server box.
    • Click OK twice to save your changes and return to Internet Explorer.
  3. Enter the Access Point's IP address in the browser's Address field and press Enter or Go.

    4. This is either the dynamic IP address assigned by a network DHCP server or the static IP address you manually configured. See Using ScanTool for information on how to determine the unit's IP address and manually configure a new IP address, if necessary.

    NOTE: Mesh APs must be configured with static IP addresses.

    The Enter Network Password screen appears.



    Figure 2-8 Enter Network Password
  4. Enter the HTTP password in the Password field. Leave the User Name field blank. For new units, the default HTTP password is public.

    5. If you are logging on for the first time the Setup Wizard will launch automatically.

    NOTE: To prevent the Setup Wizard from launching upon log in, click on Management > Services and choose Disable from the Setup Wizard drop down menu.
  5. Follow the steps below to configure the AP using the Setup Wizard (see Using the Setup Wizard), or click Exit to configure the system manually. Upon clicking Exit, the System Status screen will appear.



    6. Figure 2-9 System Status Screen

    The buttons on the left of the screen provide access to the monitoring and configuration options for the AP. See Advanced Configuration to begin configuring the AP without using the Setup Wizard.

    The Command Line Interface (CLI) also provides a method for monitoring and configuring the AP using Telnet or a serial connection. For more information about monitoring and configuring the AP with the CLI, see Command Line Interface (CLI).

Using the Setup Wizard

The first time you connect to an AP's HTTP interface, the Setup Wizard launches automatically. The Setup Wizard provides step-by-step instructions for how to configure the Access Point's basic operating parameters, such as Network Name, IP parameters, system parameters, and management passwords.

Figure 2-10 Setup Wizard

Setup Wizard Instructions

  1. Click Setup Wizard to begin. If you do not wish to use the Setup Wizard, click Exit. The Setup Wizard supports the following navigation options:
    • Save & Next Button: Each Setup Wizard screen has a Save & Next button. Click this button to submit any changes you made to the unit's parameters and continue to the next page. The instructions below describe how to navigate the Setup Wizard using the Save & Next buttons.
    • Navigation Panel: The Setup Wizard provides a navigation panel on the left-hand side of the screen. Click the link that corresponds to the parameters you want to configure to be taken to that particular configuration screen. Note that clicking a link in the navigation panel will not submit any changes you made to the unit's configuration on the current page.
    • Exit: To exit from the Setup Wizard at any time, click Step 1: Introduction on the navigation panel, and then click the Exit button.
      • CAUTION: If you exit from the Setup Wizard, any changes you submitted (by clicking the Save & Next button) up to that point will be saved to the unit but will not take effect until it is rebooted.
  2. Configure the System Configuration settings and click Save & Next. See System for more information.
    3. NOTE: On APs with model numbers ending in -WD, -EU, or -UK you must select the operating country on this page or on the Configure > System tab. Setting the country makes the AP automatically compliant with the rules of the regulatory domain in which it is used by configuring the allowed frequency bands, channels, Dynamic Frequency Selection status, Transmit Power Control status, and power levels. If the country is not selected, an informational message will appear on the Status page, and you will be unable to configure interface parameters.
  3. Configure the Access Point's IP Configuration, including basic IP address settings, if necessary, and click Save & Next. See Basic IP Parameters for more information.
  4. On the Password Configuration screen, assign the AP new passwords to prevent unauthorized access and click Save & Next. Each management interface has its own password:
    • SNMP Read Password
    • SNMP Read-Write Password
    • CLI Password
    • HTTP (Web) Password

      • By default, each of these passwords is set to "public". See Passwords for more information.

  5. Configure the basic Wireless Interface Configuration settings:
    • Select the Operational Mode as follows and click Save & Next:

      • The Wireless-A interface operates only in 802.11a mode on the AP-4000/4000M and in either 802.11a mode or 4.9 GHz Public Safety mode on the AP-4900M. The Wireless-B interface can be configured to operate in the following modes:

      • 802.11b mode only: The radio uses the 802.11b standard only.
      • 802.11g mode only: The radio is optimized to communicate with 802.11g devices. This setting will provide the best results if this radio interface will only communicate with 802.11g devices.
      • 802.11b/g mode: This is the default mode. Use this mode if you want to support a mix of 802.11b and 802.11g devices.
      • 802.11g-wifi: 802.11g-wifi has been defined for Wi-Fi testing purposes. It is not recommended for use in your wireless network environment.

        • In general, you should use either 802.11g only mode (if you want to support 802.11g devices only) or 802.11b/g mode to support a mix of 802.11b and 802.11g devices.

    • Configure the following available options and click Save & Next:
      • Primary Network Name (SSID): Enter a Network Name (between 1 and 32 characters long) for the wireless network. You must configure each wireless client to use this name as well. Note that the AP-4000/4000M/4900M supports up to 16 SSIDs and VLANs per wireless interface (radio). Please see the Advanced Configuration chapter for information on the detailed rules on configuring multiple SSIDs, VLANs, and security profiles.
        • NOTE: Do not use quotation marks (single or double) in the Network Name; this will cause the AP to misinterpret the name.
      • Auto Channel Select: By default, the AP scans the area for other Access Points and selects the best available communication channel, either a free channel (if available) or the channel with the least amount of interference. Remove the check mark to disable this option. See Dynamic Frequency Selection/Radar Detection (DFS/RD) for information and Available Channels for a list of available channels.
        • NOTE: When an AP is configured to function as a Mesh AP, its channel will depend on the channel of its Portal.
      • Frequency Channel: When Auto Channel Select is enabled, this field is read-only and displays the Access Point's current operating channel. When Auto Channel Select is disabled, you can specify the Access Point's channel. If you decide to manually set the unit's channel, ensure that nearby devices do not use the same frequency. Available Channels vary based on regulatory domain. See Dynamic Frequency Selection/Radar Detection (DFS/RD) for details more information and Available Channels for a list of available channels.
        • NOTE: When an AP is configured to function as a Mesh AP, its channel will depend on the channel of its Portal.
      • Transmit Rate: Use the drop-down menu to select a specific transmit rate for the AP-4000/4000M/4900M's radios. The Auto Fallback feature allows the AP to select the best transmit rate based on the cell size.
        • For the 802.11a radio operating in 802.11a mode, choose between 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbits/s, and Auto Fallback.
        • For the 802.11a radio operating in 4.9 GHz Public Safety mode, choose between 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbits/s, and Auto Fallback. These transmit rates are based on a 20 MHz channel bandwidth (the default). Additional rates are available with 10 MHz channel bandwidths. To select alternate bandwidths and transmit rates, see Operational Mode.
        • For the 802.11b/g radio operating in 802.11b mode, choose between 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbits/s, and Auto Fallback.
        • For the 802.11b/g radio operating in 802.11g mode, choose between 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbits/s, and Auto Fallback.
        • For the 802.11b/g radio operating in 802.11b/g mode, choose between 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbits/sec, and Auto Fallback.
        • For the 802.11b/g radio operating in 802.11g-wifi mode, choose between 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbits/s, and Auto Fallback.
          • NOTE: 802.11g-wifi has been defined for Wi-Fi testing purposes. It is not recommended for use in your wireless network environment.

          Additional advanced settings are available on the Interfaces tab.

          Also see Security Profile for a description of security features, Management VLAN for a description of VLAN capabilities, and Configuring Security Profiles for detailed security configuration procedures.

  6. Review the configuration Summary. If you want to make any additional changes, use the navigation panel on the left-hand side of the screen to return to an earlier screen. After making a change, click Save & Next to save the change and proceed to the next screen.
  7. When finished, click Reboot on the Summary screen to restart the AP and apply your changes.

Installing the Software

Proxim periodically releases updated software for the AP on its Web site, http://support.proxim.com (Knowledgebase Answer ID 1250). Proxim recommends that you check the Web site for the latest updates after you have installed and initialized the unit.

Download the Software

  1. In your web browser, go to http://support.proxim.com.
  2. If prompted, create an account to gain access.
    3. NOTE: The Knowledgebase is available to all website visitors. First-time users will be asked to create an account to gain access.
  3. Click Search Knowledgebase.
  4. In the Search Knowledgebase field, enter 1250.
  5. From the Search By drop-down menu, select Answer ID.
  6. Click Search.
  7. Click on the appropriate link to download the software.
  8. Use the instructions in the following sections to install the new software.

Install Software with HTTP Interface

Use the Update AP via HTTP tab to update the AP with the latest software image.

  1. Click Commands > Update AP > via HTTP.



    2. Figure 2-11 Update AP via HTTP Command Screen
  2. From the File Type drop-down menu, select Image.
  3. Use the Browse button to locate or manually type in the name of the file (including the file extension) you downloaded from the Proxim Knowledgebase. If typing the file name, you must include the full path and the file extension in the file name text box.
  4. To initiate the HTTP Update operation, click the Update AP button.

    5. A warning message advises you that a reboot of the device will be required for changes to take effect.



    Figure 2-12 Warning Message
  5. Click OK to continue with the operation or Cancel to abort the operation.
  6. If the operation is unsuccessful, you will receive an error message. If this occurs, see the Troubleshooting chapter or attempt installing the software with a TFTP server, as described in the next section.
  7. If the operation is successful, you will receive a confirmation message. For installation changes to take effect, reboot the AP as follows:
    • Click Commands > Reboot.
    • Enter 0 in the Time to Reboot field.
    • Click OK.

Install Software with TFTP Server

A Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) server allows you to transfer files across a network. You can upload files from the AP for backup or copying, and you can download the files for configuration and AP Image upgrades. The Solarwinds TFTP server software is located on the ORiNOCO AP Installation CD-ROM. You can also download the latest TFTP software from Solarwind's Web site at http://www.solarwinds.net.

NOTE: If a TFTP server is not available in the network, you can perform similar file transfer operations using the HTTP interface.See Update AP via HTTP.

After the TFTP server is installed:

The following types of files can be downloaded to the AP from a TFTP server:

Install Updates from your TFTP Server using the Web Interface

  1. Download the latest software from http://support.proxim.com (Knowledgebase Answer ID 1250). See Download the Software for instructions).
  2. Copy the latest software updates to your TFTP server.
  3. In the Web Interface, click the Commands button and select the Download tab.
  4. Enter the IP address of your TFTP server in the field provided.
  5. Enter the File Name (including the file extension). If the file is located in the default TFTP directory, you need enter only the file name. Otherwise, enter the full directory path and file name.
  6. Select the File Type from the drop-down menu (use Img for software updates).
  7. Select Download & Reboot from the File Operation drop-down menu.
  8. Click OK. The Access Point will reboot automatically when the download is complete.

Install Updates from your TFTP Server using the CLI

  1. Download the latest software to http://support.proxim.com (Knowledgebase Answer ID 1250). See Download the Software for instructions).
  2. Copy the latest software updates to your TFTP server.
  3. Open the CLI interface via Telnet or a serial connection.
  4. Enter the CLI password when prompted.
  5. Enter the command: download <tftpaddr> <filename> img

    6. The download will begin, and the image will be downloaded to the Access Point.

  6. When the download is complete, type reboot 0 and press Enter.
    7. NOTE: See Command Line Interface (CLI) for more information.

Related Topics

The Setup Wizard helps you configure the basic AP settings required to get the unit up and running. The AP supports many other configuration and management options. The remainder of this user guide describes these options in detail.


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