User Guide Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge WL-311 Wireless Network Solution http://www.3com.com/ http://www.3com.com/productreg Published June 2001 User guide version 1.0.
3Com Corporation ■ 5400 Bayfront Plaza ■ Santa Clara, California ■ 95052-8145 ■ U.S.A. Copyright © 2001 3Com Corporation. All rights reserved. 3Com is a registered trademark and the 3Com logo is a trademark of 3Com Corporation. Assembled in the USA. No part of this documentation may be reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any derivative work (such as translation, transformation, or adaptation) without written permission from 3Com Corporation.
Contents 1 Introduction Point-to-Point Topology 1 Point-to-Multipoint Topology 2 Antennas and Cables 3 Omnidirectional Antenna 3 Flat-panel Directional Antenna Selecting an Antenna 4 Antenna Options 4 Selecting a Cable 4 Cable Options 4 2 3 Installing the Hardware and Software Wireless Bridge Kit Contents 5 System Requirements 5 Physical Dimensions 6 LED Indicators 7 Bridge Placement Considerations 7 Indoor Location 7 Outdoor Location 7 Considering Antenna Placement 8 Proper Grounding 8 Alignment 8 Pola
Contents 4 Using System Tools and Viewing Information Accessing System Tools 25 Saving and Loading Configurations 26 Saving a Configuration 26 Loading a Configuration 27 Resetting the Unit 27 Resetting the Unit to Factory Defaults 28 Using the Reset to Default Icon 29 Resetting by Using the Configuration Button 29 Updating the Bridge Firmware 30 Setting the Password 32 Using the Log Viewer 33 Event Log 33 Forward Table 34 Association Log 35 Viewing Signal Strength with the RSSI Monitor 36 Long Term Statis
Contents Configuration and Management Features Local Configuration 42 Remote Configuration Support 42 Dimensions 43 Environmental 43 B 42 Using the Terminal Configurator Establishing a Direct Serial Connection 45 Establishing a Telnet Connection 46 Using the Terminal Configurator 47 Main Menu Overview 47 Edit Configuration Menu Overview 48 Using The Editor 48 Configuration File Format 48 File Contents 49 System 49 [configure] 49 [bridge] 49 Bridged Ethernet (lan0) 49 [hardware] 49 [encryption] 50 [rmp]
1 Introduction The 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge lets you wirelessly connect previously isolated, wired networks scattered across a campus of buildings. You can extend the reach of any number of wired LANs without needing to physically lay cable between the buildings that house them. A wireless local area network (WLAN), can be an extension or alternative to a wired network within a building or campus. Data is transmitted and received across the WLAN using radio waves instead of cable.
1 Introduction Point-to-Multipoint Topology 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridges can be used for communicating among multiple (two or more) bridges, with each bridge connected to a particular building’s wired LAN. The next figure shows a bridging network in which four 3Com Building-to-Building Bridges are used to provide wireless connectivity among four buildings.
Antennas and Cables Antennas and Cables You can connect the following types of antennas to the 3Com Wireless Building-toBuilding Bridge: ■ Flat-panel directional ■ Omnidirectional For best performance, place each antenna outdoors using the mounting hardware provided with the antenna. Outdoor placement is especially important if the building consists of metal construction or has metal siding.
1 Introduction Selecting an Antenna The following table shows guidelines for selecting antennas based upon their gain properties (expressed in decibels (dB)). The gain of any antenna is essentially a specification that quantifies how well that antenna is able to direct the radiated radio frequency (RF) energy into a particular direction. Thus, high-gain antennas direct their energy more narrowly and precisely, and low-gain ones direct energy more broadly.
2 Installing the Hardware and Software This chapter describes the contents of the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge package, system requirements, configuration guidelines, and hardware and software installation procedures. CAUTION: Installing the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge, cables, and antennas should be done only by professional network personnel.
2 Installing the Hardware and Software Physical Dimensions If you want to mount the wireless bridge on a vertical surface, see the outside dimensions and mounting hole dimensions of the mounting plate shown below. Primary dimensions are given in inches and secondary dimensions are shown in millimeters. Use #6 or M4 flathead fasteners for mounting bracket 3.89" (99 mm) .50" (13 mm) 1.95" (49 mm) .77" (20 mm) 3.38" (86 mm) 6.20" (157 mm) 6 1.
LED Indicators LED Indicators The 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge has five LED indicators, as shown in the figure below. Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge Power Alert Wireless Ethernet Serial The LED indicators are described in the table below: LED Lights Power Green when power is applied. Alert Amber when status information is available. View the event log for status information. (See “Event Log” on page 33 for more information.
2 Installing the Hardware and Software Considering Antenna Placement You can place the antenna either indoors or outdoors. An outdoor location, such as a rooftop, provides the following advantages: ■ Fewer obstacles to signal paths between wireless bridges ■ Increased antenna range ■ Fewer multipath problems Proper Grounding To ensure the physical safety of anyone near the antenna and to prevent damage to the wireless bridge, follow the building codes for antenna installations in your area.
Installing the Hardware Installing the Hardware CAUTION: Installing the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge, cables, and antennas should be done only by professional network personnel. 5V DC RJ -45 l ia er t S ne er th E ss le ire W er ow P rt le A ss ole -t ri e ing W uild e B r idg B B ui ld in g 1 Remove your 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge from the packaging. The bridge ships fully assembled.
2 Installing the Hardware and Software 4 After securing the mounting plate to the desired location, attach the bridge onto the mounting plate. 5 If you are mounting the bridge in an outdoor location, install the outdoor enclosure accessory according to the installation instructions provided with the accessory. 6 Connect the antenna cable to the SMA port at the end of the bridge unit (see figure below). 1 2 3 5 VDC RJ-45 4 5 Serial Config.
Installing the Wireless Bridge Manager Software Installing the Wireless Bridge Manager Software You can install the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge Manager on a PC or workstation running Windows 95, 98, Me, Windows 2000, or Windows NT. The Bridge Manager is a software configuration utility that allows you to graphically and remotely: ■ Display a list of wireless bridges running on the local network. ■ Display and edit the current configuration of any wireless bridge.
3 Configuring the Bridge This chapter describes how to add a 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge to your wireless network using the Wireless Bridge Manager configuration utility. The 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge Manager software communicates with each wireless bridge using a non-routable protocol. Therefore, your wireless bridges must be accessible on the local subnet to communicate with the Bridge Manager.
3 Configuring the Bridge Scanning for Bridge Groups Whenever it is started, the Wireless Bridge Manager automatically scans the local network to detect currently accessible bridge groups. In this case, a bridge group is defined as all wireless bridges having the same wireless local area network (WLAN) service area (also known as an Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID)). You can force the Bridge Manager to scan the network without having to restart it.
Selecting a Bridge to Configure Selecting a Bridge to Configure To start configuring a wireless bridge unit, display the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge Manager screen (described in “Scanning for Bridge Groups” on page 14) and follow these steps: 1 To show the options available for a listed wireless bridge unit, right-click the displayed unit name. 2 Select Configure. .
3 Configuring the Bridge Setting Network and Security Values You can change network and security settings for the wireless bridge in the Network / Security tab of the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen.
Setting Network and Security Values Network Settings Network settings determine the wireless network with which the bridge can associate. Some wireless LANs are set up with different WLAN service areas. The WLAN service area is used to specify a unique wireless network. Wireless bridges use the WLAN service area to connect to a specific network. Only bridges with the same WLAN service area can associate with each other; they cannot communicate with bridges that have different WLAN service areas.
3 Configuring the Bridge Security Settings Enabling security is the best way to protect your data from unauthorized observers. 3Com recommends using the strongest encryption setting supported by your wireless bridge. NOTE: The 128-bit encryption setting may not be available to you, depending on U.S. export restrictions to your country. The 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge supports the following levels of hardware encryption: Security Level Description No Security (Open System) No encryption.
Setting Network and Security Values 40-bit Shared Key Encryption Settings Establishing 40-bit shared-key security requires that you set up encryption keys. You can have the encryption keys automatically generated by entering an encryption string, or you can manually enter the keys.
3 Configuring the Bridge Entering the Encryption Keys You can decline to enter an encryption string (as described in the preceding section) and instead manually enter the WEP keys. To manually enter the WEP keys in hexadecimal notation, follow these steps: 1 In the Network / Security tab of the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen, select 40-bit Shared Key from the Security setting list (see step 2 on page 17.) 2 Click Encryption Key Settings. The 40 Bit Encryption Key Settings screen appears.
Setting Network and Security Values 128-bit Shared Key Establishing 128-bit shared key security requires that you set up encryption keys. You can have the encryption keys automatically generated by entering an encryption string, or you can manually enter the keys.
3 Configuring the Bridge Entering the Encryption Keys You can decline to enter an encryption string (as described in the preceding section) and instead manually enter the WEP keys. To manually enter the WEP keys in hexadecimal notation, follow these steps: 1 In the Network / Security tab of the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen, select 128-bit Shared Key from the Security setting list (see step 2 on page 17.) 2 Click Encryption Key Settings. The 128 Bit Encryption Key Settings screen appears.
Setting Network Transmission Options Setting Network Transmission Options The Options tab of the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen lets you set values for the following options: Options Purpose Transmit rate settings Control the rates at which the wireless bridge makes physical layer transmissions. Medium reservation Controls the 802.11 Request to Send/Clear to Send (RTS/CTS) mechanism. Channel Controls the radio frequency.
3 Configuring the Bridge Setting the Transmit Rates The transmit-rate-settings parameter controls the rates at which the wireless bridge makes physical layer transmissions. The rates listed are those supported by the 802.11b radio. These rates refer to the physical layer transmissions, and do not necessarily correspond to the data throughput that you will achieve. Data throughput is affected by many factors, including distance, signal quality, and network protocol.
4 Using System Tools and Viewing Information This chapter describes various system tools available for use with the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge. The wireless bridge system tools allow you to: ■ Write a configuration to a file. ■ Reload a saved configuration file to a selected bridge. ■ Reset the unit. ■ Restore the unit default settings. ■ Update the bridge firmware. ■ Change the bridge password. ■ View log information. ■ View the signal strength of packets received by the wireless bridge.
4 Using System Tools and Viewing Information Saving and Loading Configurations Selecting the Tools tab on the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen displays the Load Config (Configuration) From File and Write Config To File tools. Use these tools to back up the bridge configuration settings once you are satisfied with them, and recover the bridge configuration settings, if necessary.
Resetting the Unit Loading a Configuration The Wireless Bridge Manager allows you to easily reload a saved configuration file to the currently selected bridge. To reload a saved configuration file, follow these steps: 1 From the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen (see “Selecting a Bridge to Configure” on page 15), select the Tools tab. 2 Double-click the Load Config From File icon. The Open screen appears, and displays all the saved configuration files.
4 Using System Tools and Viewing Information To reset the wireless bridge unit, follow these steps: 1 From the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen (see “Selecting a Bridge to Configure” on page 15), select the Tools tab. 2 Double-click the Reset Unit icon. The Reset Unit screen appears, asking you to verify that you want to restart the bridge unit. 3 Click Yes to restart the unit.
Resetting the Unit to Factory Defaults Using the Reset to Default Icon To reset the wireless bridge unit configuration settings to their factory default values, follow these steps: 1 From the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen (see “Selecting a Bridge to Configure” on page 15), select the Tools tab. 2 Double-click the Reset To Default icon. The Reset To Default screen appears, asking you to verify that you want to restart the bridge unit. 3 Click Yes to restart the unit.
4 Using System Tools and Viewing Information Updating the Bridge Firmware The 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge ships with the most current firmware available. Over time, as features are added and problems are fixed, newer firmware may become available. If you are having trouble with your wireless bridge, it is recommended that you first upgrade to the latest firmware version.
Updating the Bridge Firmware 5 Use the Open Firmware File screen to locate the firmware file. Select the file and click Open. The Bridge Manager fills in the path and file name in the Firmware Upgrade Tool screen for the file you selected, as shown here: 6 Click Upgrade to begin the upgrade process using the selected firmware. A warning is displayed instructing you not to disrupt power to the unit while the update is in progress. 7 Click OK to continue. The Bridge Manager first validates the firmware (.
4 Using System Tools and Viewing Information Setting the Password Setting a password prevents unauthorized users from accessing or changing the settings for your wireless bridge. You must enter this password each time you reconfigure the bridge. It is recommended that you set a password for each wireless bridge. To initially set or change the password, follow these steps: 1 From the Wireless Bridge Configuration screen (see “Selecting a Bridge to Configure” on page 15), select the Tools tab.
Using the Log Viewer Using the Log Viewer The Log Viewer lets you display: ■ The different logs and tables stored on the wireless bridge. ■ Status and error messages issued by the wireless bridge. NOTE: Viewing the logs may interrupt network connectivity. Therefore, it is recommended that you try to schedule viewing the logs for a time when the rate of network traffic is at a minimum, preferably after normal working hours.
4 Using System Tools and Viewing Information Forward Table The forward table displays the MAC addresses that have been detected by the wireless bridge. The table lists the interface, wire (10BASE-T) or radio (Wireless), on which each MAC address was observed. The time for each entry indicates the number of seconds until that entry will be removed from the table. The forward table helps the wireless bridge make efficient use of the radio bandwidth.
Using the Log Viewer Association Log The Association Log records association and disassociation events. Each association event is recorded with a time stamp and, if available, the MAC address and WLAN service area name of the bridge with which the association was made. Each disassociation event contains only a time stamp. The time stamp indicates the number of 10-millisecond periods since the unit was turned on or reset.
4 Using System Tools and Viewing Information Viewing Signal Strength with the RSSI Monitor The RSSI Monitor tool provides graphical information about the signal strength of packets received by the wireless bridge. While this tool is open, the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) information is updated each time the unit receives a data packet. This tool is a useful aid when aligning your antennas. You want to adjust your antennas to achieve the maximum possible received signal strength.
Viewing System Information Long Term Statistics The top graph in the RSSI Monitor displays Long Term Statistics. The information in this graph is reset every time you open the RSSI Monitor. It reports the Maximum, Average, and Minimum received packet signal strength for all packets since the RSSI Monitor was opened. This graph also shows the received signal strength of the last packet received. The Packet Count indicates how many packets have been received since the monitor tool was opened.
5 Troubleshooting Bridge Problems If your 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge is not operating properly, make sure the bridge is running the latest firmware, and use this guide before contacting 3Com Customer Support through the 3Com Customer Support Web site: http://support.3com.com Upgrading Firmware If you have any trouble with your bridge unit, go first to the Web site shown below and download the latest version of the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge firmware.
5 Troubleshooting Bridge Problems Handling Event Log Errors The following table lists event log errors. (See “Using the Log Viewer” on page 33 for more information about accessing the event log.) All entries in the event log are preceded by a number. This number is a time stamp used by Customer Support, but is not relevant to looking up items in this table.
A Technical Specifications Supported Standards Network Standard ■ IEEE 802.11b1 Network Architecture Types ■ Bridge 802.3 to 802.11b Network Connection Type ■ 10BASE-T Bridging Protocol ■ MAC layer encapsulation Encryption ■ 40- and 128-bit WEP encryption, shared key Security ■ VPN pass through Power Specifications Available Transmit Power Settings ■ 300 mA, typically 1.While the 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge conforms with the IEEE 802.
A Technical Specifications Radio Specifications Frequency Band ■ 2.4 GHz Range ■ Transmit and receive information up to 2.6 miles (4,146 meters) between wireless bridges (depending on antenna selection) Wireless Medium ■ DSSS Media Access Protocol ■ CSMA/CA Modulation ■ DSSS Operating Channels ■ 1 through 11 (U.S.) Nonoverlapping Channels ■ 1, 6, and 11 Sensitivity and Data Rate Receive Sensitivity ■ ■ ■ ■ 11 Mb: -81 dBm 5.
Dimensions Dimensions Length: 6.20 inches (157 mm) Width: 3.89 inches (99 mm) Height: 1.
B Using the Terminal Configurator You can use the Terminal Configurator as an alternative method to configure your 3Com Wireless Building-to-Building Bridge in the event that the Wireless Bridge Manager configuration utility (Chapter 3) is not available. The Terminal Configurator is a text-based configuration method that lacks many of the features of the Bridge Manager. The terminal configurator can be accessed using a direct serial or Telnet connection.
B Using the Terminal Configurator 10 Click OK. The COMx Settings screen appears. 11 Select 9600 in the Bits per second field. Leave the default of 8 selected for the Data Bits field. Parity should be left at its default of None. The Stop bits setting should be left at its default of 1. 12 Select None for the flow control option. 13 Click OK after all of the COM settings have been chosen. The next screen will appear blank.
Using the Terminal Configurator Using the Terminal Configurator Once you have established a connection to the Terminal Configurator, you will see the Main Menu. Use the arrow keys to move the highlighted bar between entries. If the arrow keys do not work, you can move the bar by holding down the Control key while pressing N (for Next) and P (for Previous) to move the bar. To select an entry, press Enter. To modify the configuration, as described in the following sections, select Edit configuration.
B Using the Terminal Configurator Edit Configuration Menu Overview ■ ■ ■ The Edit Configuration Menu contains three selections: Return to Main Menu Goes back to the previous menu selections. System Displays the editor screen with the configuration file for system options. Bridged Ethernet (lan0) Displays the editor screen with the configuration file for the radio parameters and IP network settings. Using The Editor Selecting one of the configuration files above will bring that file into the editor.
File Contents File Contents System [configure] This section contains settings that pertain to the operation of the Configuration menus. Currently, there is only one: password. ■ password This setting allows the creation of a password that will be asked for upon entry to the Configuration screen. Up to 15 alphanumeric characters will be accepted. Do NOT use any characters other than numbers and letters in this password.
B Using the Terminal Configurator ■ ■ ■ transmit rate This parameter controls the data rate at which the radio transmits. Legal values are: 1, 2, 5, and 11. antenna diversity This parameter controls antenna diversity. The wireless bridge has only a single antenna, so this parameter should always be kept at its default value of no. enable encryption This parameter indicates whether WEP encryption by the radio is desired or not.
Error Codes [ip] This section contains values for configuring the IP protocol. IP information is only necessary to “ping” the wireless bridge, or to “Telnet” to it. You are not required to set IP address information for normal operation of the wireless bridge, or to configure it using the Wireless Bridge Manager. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ip address This value specifies the IP address that will be used by other computers to communicate with a particular wireless bridge.
Index Numerics D I 10BASE-T Ethernet port 10 128-bit shared key security 18 40-bit shared key security 18 data and sensitivity rate 42 diagnosis, problem 39 dimensions 6, 43 direct serial connection 45 direct serial connection, establishing 45 discharge, electronic 43 IEEE 802.
Index P password changing 32 removing 32 polarization 8 ports 10 power jack 10 Power LED 39 power light 39 power specifications 41 power supply noise and interference specification 43 problem diagnosis 39 product dimensions 43 R radio specifications 42 Received Signal Strength Indicator, see RSSI monitor removing the mounting plate 9 Request to Send/Clear to Send 24 resetting to factory defaults 28, 37 RSSI monitor 36 RTS/CTS, see Request to Send/Clear to Send S saving a configuration 15, 26 screen conf
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Regulatory Compliance Information Regulatory Compliance Information 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 at least 2 meters. This product does not contain any user serviceable components.
Limited Warranty and Regulatory Compliance Information INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE (APPLICABLE TO USE WITHIN CANADA) This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. 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.
Limited Warranty and Regulatory Compliance Information 3Com Corporation Limited Warranty This warranty applies to customers located in the United States, Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, U.K.
Limited Warranty and Regulatory Compliance Information reasonable efforts to ship the repaired or replaced item to Customer, at 3Com's expense, not later than thirty (30) days after 3Com receives the defective product. 3Com will retain risk of loss or damage until the item is delivered to Customer.
Regulatory Compliance Information REGULATORY COMPLIANCE INFORMATION 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 at least 2 meters. This product does not contain any user serviceable components.
Regulatory Compliance Information INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE (APPLICABLE TO USE WITHIN CANADA) This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. 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.
Regulatory Compliance Information ■ EN 60950 Published June, 2001 Quick Start Guide Version 1.0.
Limited Warranty and Regulatory Compliance Information 3Com Corporation Limited Warranty This warranty applies to customers located in the United States, Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, U.K.
Limited Warranty and Regulatory Compliance Information reasonable efforts to ship the repaired or replaced item to Customer, at 3Com's expense, not later than thirty (30) days after 3Com receives the defective product. 3Com will retain risk of loss or damage until the item is delivered to Customer.
Regulatory Compliance Information REGULATORY COMPLIANCE INFORMATION 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 at least 2 meters. This product does not contain any user serviceable components.
Regulatory Compliance Information INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE (APPLICABLE TO USE WITHIN CANADA) This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. 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.
Regulatory Compliance Information ■ EN 60950 Published June, 2001 Quick Start Guide Version 1.0.
