MediaFlex 2900 Multimedia Access Point User’s Guide Part number: 8000001 May, 2005
Copyright © 2005 Video54, Inc. All rights reserved. May, 2005. Trademarks Video54, BeamFlex™, MediaFlex™, MediaFlex 2900 Multimedia Access Point, MediaFlex 2501 Multimedia Wireless Adapter, M2900 AP, and M2501 Adapter are trademarks of Video54, Inc. All other brand and product names are registered trademarks of their respective holders. Statement of Conditions In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, Video54, Inc.
Contents Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Who Should Use this Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What You’ll Find in this Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Typographic conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Viewing Wireless Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Viewing Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Viewing LAN Interface Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Who Should Use this Guide Preface This MediaFlex 2900 Multimedia Access Point User’s Guide will help you understand the MediaFlex 2900 Multimedia Access Point, how to install it, and configure it using the Video54 Web Interface. Who Should Use this Guide This User’s Guide assumes that the reader has basic to intermediate computer and Internet skills. All the basic computer networking, Internet, and other information required to configure this device is provided herein.
System Requirements System Requirements The MediaFlex 2900 Multimedia Access Point is compatible with most contemporary personal computers and operating systems that are configured for Internet and wireless networking. The M2900 AP is accessed and configured via a Web browser interface. Any of the following Web browsers are supported: • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 and higher • Netscape version 6.0 and higher • Apple Safari 1.0 and higher • Mozilla Firefox version 1.
Chapter 1: Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of the MediaFlex 2900 Multimedia Access Point (M2900 AP). The M2900 AP is a device that enables wireless multimedia networking for video, voice and data, without replacing existing routers, network adapters and media receivers. A typical installation consists of a Video54, Inc. MediaFlex 2900 Multimedia Access Point connected to a DSL router or cable modem.
MediaFlex™ MediaFlex™ MediaFlex™ is Video54, Inc.’s family of purpose-built, multimedia WiFi appliances that enable reliable wireless distribution of entertainment-quality, real-time media applications throughout the home. Media applications require consistent and uninterrupted bandwidth; however most wireless LANs (WLANs) cannot provide consistent service because of the variable nature of the wireless medium. Video54, Inc.
Key Features Multiple Concurrent Video Streams with Simultaneous Data Traffic • Delivers 15-20 Mbps of bandwidth at 99.9% availability throughout a typical 2500ft2 (300m2) home. • Supports one MPEG-4/WMV stream, one DVD-quality MPEG-2 streams, or one 10Mbps+ high definition video stream at 50ft (18m), with simultaneous data traffic.
Key Features 10 MediaFlex 2900 Multimedia Access Point User’s Guide 8000001, May, 2005
Chapter 2: Installation and Setup This chapter describes how to install your MediaFlex 2900 Multimedia Access Point, and how to set up your PC to connect to the Video54 Web Interface.
Packing List Packing List 1. MediaFlex 2900 Multimedia Access Point 2. AC power adapter 3. Category 5 (CAT5) Ethernet Cable 4. MediaFlex 2900 Multimedia Access Point Quick Setup Guide MediaFlex 2900 Multimedia Access Point Front View Figure 2— “Front View of theMediaFlex 2900 Multimedia Access Point” shows the front view M2900 AP, with the LED indicators numbered. The numbers correspond to the labels describing LED behavior in Table 2— “LED Indicators and Meanings” on page 13.
LED Status Lights LED Status Lights Table 2— “LED Indicators and Meanings” describes the LED lights on the front of the M2900 AP. Table 2—LED Indicators and Meanings Label LED Activity Description 1 Antenna All LEDs On Green Solid The M2900 AP is booting. Counterclockwise flashing The M2900 AP is up. Green Flashing randomly The lit LEDs indicate which antennae are active. Green Power is supplied to the M2900 AP. Off Power is not supplied to the M2900 AP. Green Steady The M2900 AP has link.
LED Status Lights Rear View 6 7 8 Figure 3—Rear View of the M2900 AP Table 3—Rear Ports and Adapters Label Description 6 AC Power Adapter (Input: DC 5V 2A) 7 10/100 Mbps Auto-sensing, autonegotiating RJ-45 network port 8 Reset button. Used only if you need to reset the M2900 AP to its factory default settings. Insert the end of a paper clip or pin into the hole and hold it in for at least 4 seconds.
Placement Guidelines Placement Guidelines You or your service provider or installer can determine the best placement for the M2900 AP by using the following guidelines. Establishing a good general location Your M2900 AP should be placed: • Near the center of the room. • On a shelf or other elevated location where other wireless networking devices are within line-of-sight access. • Away from other sources of electromagnetic interference (for example, microwave ovens, and cordless phones).
Connecting to the M2900 AP Connecting to the M2900 AP Before using the M2900 AP, you have to configure it to work within your home network. Your service provider or installer will likely perform all installation tasks for you, or you may read the following section to understand how to configure it manually. To gain administrative control of the unit, set your PC or laptop network IP address to an address within the same network as the M2900 AP’s default IP address.
Connecting to the M2900 AP 4. Select the Use the following IP address button, and enter an IP address within the network as noted above. 5. Hit the Tab key and allow the Subnet mask address to auto-fill to 255.255.255.0. 6. Click OK to exit the TCP/IP Properties window. 7. Click OK to exit the Local Area Connection Properties window. Connecting a PC to the M2900 AP The following steps will guide you through connecting to your M2900 AP. 1.
Accessing the Web Interface Accessing the Web Interface The M2900 AP provides a Web-based user interface for configuration and monitoring. For information about using the Video54 Web Interface, read the next chapter. To access the Video54 Web Interface, launch a Web browser and enter the M2900 AP’s IP address. If this is the first time the access point is being configured, enter the default IP address: http://192.168.0.1. A login screen will appear.
Chapter 3: Using the Video54 Web Interface This chapter describes the tasks you need to do to customize the M2900 AP to run on your wireless network.
Wireless Settings Worksheet Wireless Settings Worksheet Before you modify any wireless settings on the M2900 AP, print Table 5— “Wireless Network Settings Worksheet” and record the following information about your wireless network. Your ISP or network administrator may provide you with this information. The wireless information recorded in this worksheet should be used to configure the M2900 AP’s wireless settings.
M2900 AP Settings Worksheet M2900 AP Settings Worksheet Print Table 6, and record your personalized settings for configuring the M2900 AP. Enter the security settings you recorded in Table 5, “Wireless Network Settings Worksheet,” on page 20. Remember—If the wireless device settings and the M2900 AP do not match, the M2900 AP will not be able to authenticate onto your network. Store this information in a safe place.
Video54 Web Interface Menus Video54 Web Interface Menus The Video54 Web Interface menus are located on the left-hand navigation pane. To select a particular menu, simply click on the menu link. Common Buttons The following buttons are commonly found in the Video54 Web Interface screens: Logout Logs out the current session. Restore Restores the original configuration. Update Saves the new configuration. Next Progresses to the next menu. Only found in the Configuration menus.
Configuring the M2900 AP Configuring the M2900 AP This section describes the tasks and screens used to customize the M2900 AP configuration to run on your wireless network. Review the following topics before you change any system configuration settings: • “Connecting to the M2900 AP” on page 16 • “Accessing the Web Interface” on page 18.” System Configuration Table 6, “M2900 AP Default and User Settings Worksheet,” on page 21 shows the default settings used to login to the device.
Configuring the M2900 AP Customizing the System Configuration It is recommended that you customize the username and password so that you can control who can gain administrative access to the M2900 AP. You may also wish to change the default IP address if it conflicts with another device in your wireless network. Refer to Table 7 for details on each field. Figure 5—System Configuration Table 7—System Configuration Field Description IP Address The IP address of the M2900 AP.
Configuring the M2900 AP Table 7—System Configuration (Continued) Field Description User Name The user name. The default user name is admin. If you change the user name, make sure to write it down for future reference. Password / Confirm The user password. The default is no password. If you change the password, make sure to write it down for future reference. Configuring the Wireless Interface It is recommended that you consult with your service provider to understand the wireless settings.
Configuring the M2900 AP Table 8—Wireless Interface configuration Field Description SSID The SSID (Service Set IDentifier) is the name of the wireless network. The default SSID is V54, but it is strongly recommended that you change your SSID. If there are other wireless networks in your area, you should give your wireless network a unique name. The SSID can consist of up to 32 characters. Wireless mode The wireless mode options are: • • Country Code 2.4GHz 54Mbps (802.11g&b) - allows both 802.
Configuring the M2900 AP Advanced Wireless Configuration The Advanced Wireless Configuration menu is preconfigured with the optimum settings. Changing the advanced settings may negatively affect the M2900 AP’s operation, or completely disable it. For best results, leave the Advanced settings at their default values and do not change these settings unless directed by your technical support personnel.
Configuring the M2900 AP Table 9—Advanced Wireless Configuration Parameters Field Description Wireless Mode Sets the wireless mode for the M2900 AP. The wireless mode determines the wireless speed of devices that are allowed to associate to the M2900 AP. Options are: • • • • • 2.4GHz 11Mbps (802.11b only) 802.11g&b: stations running at either 802.11g (2.4GHz, 54Mbps) or 802.11b (2.4GHz 11Mbps) can associate to the M2900 AP. This is the default setting. 2.4GHz 54Mbps (802.11g only) 2.
Configuring the M2900 AP Table 9—Advanced Wireless Configuration Parameters (Continued) Field Description RTS/CTS Threshold The RTS-CTS threshold range. The range is between 256 and 2346. The default is 2346. The RTS-CTS threshold is a value that determines at what frame length the request-to-send/clear-to-send (RTS-CTS) function is triggered. By default, this threshold is set at its highest value. A lower threshold value means that the RTS-CTS function is triggered for smaller frame lengths.
Configuring the M2900 AP Table 9—Advanced Wireless Configuration Parameters (Continued) Field Description Protection Type Sets the protection type. RTS-CTS stands for an optional request-to send and clear-to-send protection function, which is used to prevent data collision between 802.11b and 802.11g traffic. RTS-CTS is a handshake in which the sender asks the receiver if the air is clear for sending data. If the air is clear, the receiving station will send a clear-to-send signal back to the sender.
Configuring the M2900 AP Configuring WEP Security 1. Click the Configuration ->Wireless link in the left-hand navigation pane. 2. Select WEP in the Security drop-down menu. 3. Click the Edit Security Settings button. 4. In the Configuration->Security (WEP) menu, select open system, shared key, or Auto. See Authentication below for more information. 5. Select the Key Entry Method: Hexadecimal or Ascii Text. 6. Select the Key length: 40 bit WEP or 128 bit WEP. 7.
Configuring the M2900 AP Figure 8—WEP Configuration Table 10—WEP Configuration Open System No authentication is enforced. Shared Key Authentication using a shared key. Shared Key authentication encrypts the SSID and data. Auto Automatically selects the authentication mode depending on the method used by the station attempting to associate to the M2900 AP.
Configuring the M2900 AP Table 10—WEP Configuration (Continued) PassPhrase This allows automatic key generation. Enter the desired passphrase and click on the Generate button. The system will generate all four WEP keys automatically. Default Shared Key The default share key number. There are four shared keys; select one of these keys as the default. Encryption Keys These fields auto-fill if you use a passphrase to generate keys. If your network doesn’t use Video54, Inc.
Configuring the M2900 AP Figure 9—WPA Configuration Table 11—WPA Configuration PassPhrase / Confirm 34 Enter a passphrase and enter it again in the Confirm field.
Configuring the M2900 AP Configuring an Access Control List An access control list (ACL) allows you to determine which wireless devices can access the M2900 AP. You can add only known and trusted computers on your network, and prevent unknown computers from gaining wireless access to the M2900 AP. 1. To find devices, perform a site survey from your home gateway, router or firewall and find the machine (MAC) addresses of wireless adapters on your network.
Configuring the M2900 AP Table 12—Access Control List Configuration Field Description Access Control List • • • 36 Disable: This option creates unrestricted access. Any device on this wireless network may access the M2900 AP. Enable: This option creates restricted access. While ACL is enabled, stations with valid shared key and stations with matching “allow” entries on the ACL are authenticated. This option is usually used to deny access to a specific MAC address.
Configuring the M2900 AP Adding an ACL entry 1. To add a new entry, click the Add button. 2. In the New ACL menu, enter a MAC address of the wireless device you wish to add to the ACL. 3. Select the Access Control List type: Enable, Disable, or Strict. To modify an existing ACL entry, click on the MAC Address field. Deleting an ACL entry 1. To delete an ACL entry, return to the ACL menu. 2. Click the Delete button next to the ACL entry you wish to delete.
Configuring the M2900 AP Table 13—ACL Entry Configuration MAC Address The MAC address of the wireless station. ACL Type The ACL Type options are: • • • • • • • Pass Phrase Allow: Allow a station to associate. This is the default setting. Deny: Reject a station from associating. Default Shared Key: Allow a station to associate if their WEP key matches. 64 bit (enter 10 digits): Allow a station to associate if their 64 bit key (entered as digits) matches.
Viewing System Information Viewing System Information The Information Screens provide information the M2900 AP settings. System Information The System Information screen is the first screen to appear once you login to the M2900 AP.
Viewing System Information Table 14—System Information Field Description System Name The local name for the M2900 AP. MAC Address The MAC address of the M2900 AP, or the station behind the adapter. IP Address The IP address of the M2900 AP. Uptime The system uptime since last reboot, displayed in HH:MM:SS (hours, minutes, seconds). H/W Version The hardware revision. S/W Version The firmware version that is currently operating. Creation Date The date/time that the firmware was created.
Viewing Wireless Information Viewing Wireless Information The Wireless information menu shows the current wireless configurations for the M2900 AP. Figure 13—Wireless Information Table 15—Wireless Information Field Description SSID The SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the name of the wireless network. BSSID The BSSID is the MAC address of the M2900 AP. Wireless Mode The wireless mode, such as 2.4 GHz 54Mbps (802.11b/g) Channel The wireless channel number and operating frequency in MHz.
Viewing Statistics Viewing Statistics The Statistics Screens provide statistics for a Local Area Network (LAN) interface, the wireless interface and wireless stations. Viewing LAN Interface Statistics The LAN Interface statistics screens show information about packets traversing the LAN connected to the M2900 AP. Figure 14—LAN statistics Table 16—LAN Statistics Field Description Unicast Packets The total number of unicast packets received or transmitted by the interface.
Viewing Statistics Table 16—LAN Statistics (Continued) Field Description Rx No Resource The number of received packets that are discarded by the interface due to no system resources. Rx Error Drop The number of received packets that are discarded by the interface due to a hardware error. Rx Unknown Protocols The number of received packets that are discarded by the interface due to an unknown protocol.
Viewing Statistics Click the Auto Update button to receive periodic updates to these statistics. The button will then display as Stop Update. Click the Stop Update button if you do not wish to receive periodic updates. Figure 15—Wireless Statistics Table 17—Wireless Statistics Field Description Throughput (bps) The average receive or transmit throughput in bits-per-second. Maximum Throughput The high water mark receive or transmit throughput in bits-per-second.
Viewing Statistics Table 17—Wireless Statistics (Continued) Field Description Unicast Cipher The type of unicast cipher used. Multicast Cipher The type of multicast cipher used. Power Save The state of power save mode: on or off. MSDU The number of MSDU (Mag Service Data Unit) received or transmitted by the interface. Data The number of data packets received or transmitted by the interface. Multicast The number of multicast packets received or transmitted by the interface.
Viewing Statistics Viewing the Station List The station list shows any wireless device that is associated with the M2900 AP. When you first configure the M2900 AP, this list will be blank. Once the M2900 AP is connected to your wireless network, all other wireless devices on the same network will be allowed access to the M2900 AP. To control which stations can access the M2900 AP, you can implement an access control list. See “Adding an ACL entry” on page 37 for more information.
Viewing Statistics Viewing Station Statistics The stations statistics menu shows statistics specific to a station that has associated to the M2900 AP. Figure 17—Station Statistics Table 19—Station Statistics Field Description Authentication Type The authentication type used by the selected station. Encryption The state of encryption used by the selected station. Unicast Cipher The state of encryption for unicast traffic. Multicast Cipher The state of encryption for multicast traffic.
Viewing Statistics Table 19—Station Statistics (Continued) Field Description MSDU The number of MSDUs (Mag Service Data Units) received or transmitted by the station. Data The number of data packets received or transmitted by the station. Management The number of management packets received or transmitted by the station. Controls The number of control packets received or transmitted by the station. Errors The total number of error packets received or transmitted by the station.
Updating the Firmware Updating the Firmware This menu provides a utility for updating the M2900 AP’s firmware. A firmware update may be necessary or desirable to add new features, important fixes or enhancements to the M2900 AP. Contact your service provider for more information about Web sites or TFTP/FTP sites used to store firmware images for the M2900 AP.
Updating the Firmware Figure 18—Updating the Firmware 50 MediaFlex 2900 Multimedia Access Point User’s Guide 8000001, May, 2005
Updating the Firmware Table 20—Updating the Firmware Field Description Web Download If you have downloaded a Firmware image from a Web site and stored it locally on your PC, you can click the Browse... button to select the image. The path to the image will appear in the Local File Name: field. Click the Update Firmware button located below Local File Name field. TFTP/FTP Download Allows you to use a TFTP or FTP server to download a firmware image. • • Host Name: enter the IP address of the server.
Rebooting the System Rebooting the System You must reboot the system if you want your configuration changes to take effect.Two types of reboot are provided: 1. Reboot button: re-starts the system. All the configurations that have been saved are preserved through the reboot. Rebooting is necessary in order to make your configuration changes permanent.
Rebooting the System Figure 20—Reboot in Process During a reboot, the antenna LEDs on the top of the M2900 AP will momentarily go out, then light up again. How to tell when the Access point is ready? After about 18 seconds, the antenna LEDs will start flashing in a clockwise pattern, indicating the M2900 AP is ready. The Click here when Access Point is ready link will open the main login page.
Taking a System Support Snapshot Taking a System Support Snapshot The Support menu enables you to take a system snapshot for further analysis and troubleshooting. The system snapshot can be sent and saved to a TFTP or FTP server for analysis by a technical support engineer. If you have not yet configured the TFTP or FTP server, click the Maintenance->Update link. In the Firmware Update menu, enter the TFTP or FTP server information.
Taking a System Support Snapshot Table 21—Support Menu Field Description Server Type Select the server type: TFTP or FTP. File Name Specify the file name for the system snapshot that is to be saved on a TFTP or FTP server.
Taking a System Support Snapshot 56 MediaFlex 2900 Multimedia Access Point User’s Guide 8000001, May, 2005
Appendix A: Technical Specifications Physical Characteristics M2900 AP: Power requirements 5V-18V 10Wb External power adapter: Input: 110-240V AC Output: 5V DC, 2A Physical size 5.72 x 4.92 x 2.9 in (145 x 125 x 74 mm.) Weight 0.53 lbs (0.
Traffic Management and QoS Video clients Video streaming to 802.
