3Com 11 Mbps Installing the Access Point, Before You Begin, Deciding Where to, Place Equipment

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INSTALLING THE ACCESS POINT

Before You Begin

 

 

The following items are required for installation:

 

 

 

■ 3Com Integrated Power-over-Ethernet power supply and power cord.

 

 

 

■ Standard category 5 straight (8-wire) Ethernet cable for connecting the access

 

 

 

point to the power supply. This length of cable must reach from the access

 

 

 

point to the power supply.

 

 

 

If you plan to connect the access point to a wired network, you will need an

 

 

 

additional length of Ethernet cable.

 

 

 

■ If you plan to mount the access point on a wall:

 

 

 

■

Mounting template

 

 

 

■ Wall mount hardware kit

 

 

 

■ If you plan to mount the access point to the T-rail grid of an acoustical ceiling:

 

 

 

■

Mounting bracket

 

 

 

■ Two #6 panhead screws

 

 

 

For advanced installations, we recommend that you conduct a site survey before

 

 

 

 

 

 

permanently installing the access point. A site survey tool is provided on the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3Com CD. To conduct the survey, you must also use the administrator utilities to

 

 

 

set up a wireless client. See “Conducting a Site Survey” on page 37.

 

 

 

Only professional network personnel should install the access point, cables, and

 

 

 

 

 

 

antennas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deciding Where to

 

 

Select a clean, dry location that provides good reception. The site should not be

Place Equipment

 

 

close to transformers, heavy-duty motors, fluorescent lights, microwave ovens,

 

 

 

refrigerators and other electrical equipment.

The power supply must be located near a power source. If you are connecting the access point to a wired network, the location must provide an Ethernet connection. You will need to run an Ethernet cable from the power supply to the access point.

An access point provides coverage at distances of up to 1000 feet. Signal loss can occur if metal, concrete, brick, walls, or floors block transmission. If your office has these kinds of obstructions, you may need to add additional access points to improve coverage.

If you plan to use one of the available optional antennas instead of the standard detachable antennas, review “Selecting A Different Antenna” on page 11 before

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Contents Version Mbps Wireless LAN Access Point User Guide95052-8145 3Com CorporationBayfront Plaza Santa Clara, CaliforniaContents Conducting a Site Survey Regulatory Compliance Information Index Page Introduction Access Point 8000 Feature SummaryManagement tools Installation OverviewInstallation Overview Page Place Equipment Installing the Access PointDeciding Where to Before You BeginStandard Antenna ConnectingPlacing the Access Attached before the access point is installedPlacing the Access Point SET Connecting Power As shown below Connecting to anEthernet Network Checking the LEDsModel number 3CWE490 3CWE492 3CWE497 3CWE498 Omnidirectional AntennaCeiling Mount Hallway Antenna Ceiling Mount Omnidirectional AntennaDirectional Panel Antenna Side Installing Software Utilities Page Upper-Layer Access Point SecurityAuthentication Access Point Security 802.1x Agent Using the Wireless802.1x Radius SupportEAP-MD5 Using the Wireless 802.1x Agent Page Manager Configuring the Access PointInstalling the Device 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Access Point 8000 ConfigurationClick Configure Management System UsingDisplay help on the contents of that ConfigurationSetting Network Properties Properties Setting DataTransmission Data Transmission Setting AdvancedSetting up Security List Setting up a UserAccess List Saved passwords on the clientsServers Setting up a MACAddress Access List Defining RadiusUpgrading the System Setting up aDefining a Tftp Server System LogResetting the Access AdministrationPassword DefaultsViewing Statistics Viewing System Status Configuring the Access Point Environmental Conducting a Site SurveyChoosing Trial LocationsSummary Survey ProcedureLaunching the Tool Setting up EquipmentSite Survey Tool Results Interpreting TestLAN Site Survey window Site Survey MenusPage Symptom Solutions TroubleshootingContinue to configure the access point using the old IP Online Technical ServicesTechnical Support Country Telephone Number Asia, Pacific Rim North America Country Telephone Number Europe, Middle East and AfricaEurope and South Africa Latin AmericaCountry Telephone Number Fax Number Regulatory Compliance Information European Community CE Index Snmp management

11 Mbps specifications

3Com 11 Mbps was a pivotal product in the evolution of networking technology, paving the way for wireless communications as we know them today. Introduced in the late 1990s, this wireless LAN (Local Area Network) product utilized the IEEE 802.11 standard, which defined the protocols for wireless networking. Operating at a maximum data rate of 11 megabits per second, it offered users a revolutionary means of connecting devices without the constraints of physical cabling.

One of the main features of the 3Com 11 Mbps solution was its simplicity and ease of installation. Unlike traditional wired networks that involved intricate setups of cabling and switches, 3Com facilitated a swift deployment process. Users could set up a wireless network in minutes, allowing organizations to enhance their productivity without extensive infrastructure.

The technology behind 3Com 11 Mbps was based on Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) modulation. This approach spread the signal over a wider frequency range, which improved resistance to interference from other devices. The 2.4 GHz frequency band used by this network supported compatibility with various devices, making it a flexible option for businesses and homes alike.

In terms of security, 3Com incorporated Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), which aimed to provide a level of data confidentiality comparable to that found in wired networks. However, WEP was later found to have vulnerabilities, leading to the development of more secure protocols like WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2 in subsequent technologies.

Another characteristic that distinguished the 3Com 11 Mbps system was its ability to support multiple devices simultaneously. With the emergence of wireless laptops, printers, and other peripherals, a single access point could service several users without significant performance degradation.

Ultimately, the 3Com 11 Mbps was a significant stepping stone in the development of wireless technology. It showcased the potential of wireless networking and set the standard for future innovations. Although much faster and more secure wireless technologies have since emerged, the legacy of 3Com 11 Mbps resides in the fundamental advancements it brought to the realm of connectivity, making it easier and more accessible for users around the globe.
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