A: Generic Wireless Hardware Setup
Thanks to Malvagia for this submission.

Wireless Access Point:

Physical Connections: This will depend largely on the mode in which the Access Point is being used. In its most basic function, Access Point mode, the AP must be plugged into a known good outlet, and connected via straight-through patch cable to a switch.

Logging into AP: The settings for the AP will most likely be accessible via a web-based interface. The default IP address of the AP can be found in its manual. Enter this IP address into the address bar of a web browser to access the web based configuration. The default username and password should also be listed in the manual. If the AP is configured for Access Point mode, then this can be done via a wireless connection or from a computer that is on the same wired LAN segment. If the AP is being used in other modes, then it will most likely need to be setup from a computer on the same wired LAN segment.

LAN Settings: The AP should have an area in its firmware for the LAN settings. In this area, the user will be able to alter the default settings for IP address, Subnet Mask, and Gateway.

Wireless Settings: Another area in the firmware should be devoted to the wireless settings. This will allow the user to set the SSID, Channel, and Encryption settings. This is also where the settings for AP mode may be located. In addition to being used as an Access Point, many APs now support use as a Repeater, Bridge, Multi-point Bridge, or Wireless Client.

Access Point Mode: In this mode, the AP functions as a wireless hub to which wireless clients can connect. There is no special wireless settings required. The clients must make sure that they are configured to match the APs wireless settings. The AP must be connected to a switch or other LAN segment via patch cable.

Repeater Mode: In repeater mode, the AP functions to extend the range of the wireless network. It receives a signal wirelessly from another AP, and then passes it on to its own wireless clients. The repeater must have its SSID, Channel, and Encryption settings the exact same as the AP whose signal it is to repeat. The user must also enter the LAN MAC address of the main AP. The repeater does not need to be hardwired to anything (except a power source; at least until we get wireless power ). Wireless repeating is often a proprietary solution, and may not work in a mixed brand environment.

Bridge Mode: In bridge mode, the AP serves to create a wireless link between two separate LAN segments. The AP is dedicated to this task alone, and cannot serve any wireless clients. The AP must have its SSID, Channel, and Encryption settings the same as its companion AP that will be on the other end of the wireless link. The user will need to enter the MAC address of the other AP into each access point. The user will also need to make sure to change the default IP of one of the APs, so that there is no IP conflict. Bridging is often a proprietary solution, and may not work in a mixed brand, or even model, environment.

Multi-Point Bridge: A multi-point bridge consists of three or more APs forming a dedicated wireless link between separate LAN segments. Each AP must be set to the same SSID, Channel, and Encryption Key. The user also needs to adjust the IP addresses to avoid IP conflicts. Multi-point bridging is often a proprietary solution, and may not work in a mixed brand, or even model, environment.

Wireless Client Mode: A wireless client serves to wirelessly connect a LAN segment to another AP. The main AP is in access point mode, and the second AP is in client mode. The wireless client needs to have the same SSID, Channel, and Encryption settings as the main AP. The user may need to change the default IP to avoid IP conflicts. Wireless clients are often a proprietary solution, and may not work in a mixed brand, or even model, environment.

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by No_Strings edited by DrTCP
last modified: 2004-09-02 11:37:23