3Com 11 Mbps manual Summary, Survey Procedure

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38CHAPTER 5: CONDUCTING A SITE SURVEY

You should also consider the following items:

■If there any radio frequency (RF) systems already in use at the site, their signals could interfere with the access point signals.

■If the access point will be connecting to a wired LAN, the access point must be installed close enough to connect to the hub with an Ethernet cable.

■Available AC power. See “Electrical Requirements”.

Electrical Requirements The 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN access point draws power over Category 5 Ethernet cabling using a power adapter. Because erratic electrical power can lead to serious transmission problems and loss of data, 3Com recommends using one of the following power alternatives.

■Preferred: Isolated ground circuit with online, uninterruptable power supply (UPS) that also acts as filter and surge suppressor

■Good: Isolated ground circuit with surge suppressor

■Fair: Dedicated circuit with UPS

■Acceptable: Dedicated circuit with surge suppressor

If you must use a nondedicated circuit, avoid using the following types of devices on that circuit, because they can affect the reliability of the circuit:

■Devices with components intended or known to produce heat (such as space heaters, laser printers, heat guns, or soldering irons)

■Single devices drawing more than 20% of the rated value of the circuit

■Multiple devices drawing a total of more than 60% of the rated circuit value

The 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN access point must be provided with power 24 hours a day. 3Com recommends that you avoid providing power to the access point from an energy management system.

Summary of the

Following is a summary of the basic procedure for setting up and running the site

Survey Procedure

survey tests. For details, see the topics indicated in the steps.

 

■ Set up the access point in the first trial location and set up a client in the first

 

work area.

 

See “Setting up Equipment” on page 39.

 

■ On the client computer, launch the Site Survey tool, configure the site survey,

 

and run the tests from the first work area.

 

See “Launching the Tool” on page 39, “Configuring the Survey” on page 39,

 

and “Running the Tests” on page 39.

 

■ Move the client computer to the next work area and run the Site Survey tool

 

again. (Alternatively, run the Site Survey tool on the client desktop computer in

 

the next work area.)

 

Repeat this step for each work area.

 

■ Set up the access point in the next trial location and run the Site Survey tool

 

again from each of the work areas.

 

Repeat this step for each trial location.

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Contents Mbps Wireless LAN Access Point User Guide Version3Com Corporation Bayfront PlazaSanta Clara, California 95052-8145Contents Conducting a Site Survey Regulatory Compliance Information Index Page Access Point 8000 Feature Summary IntroductionInstallation Overview Management toolsInstallation Overview Page Installing the Access Point Deciding Where toBefore You Begin Place EquipmentConnecting Placing the AccessAttached before the access point is installed Standard AntennaPlacing the Access Point SET Connecting Power Connecting to an Ethernet NetworkChecking the LEDs As shown belowOmnidirectional Antenna Model number 3CWE490 3CWE492 3CWE497 3CWE498Ceiling Mount Omnidirectional Antenna Ceiling Mount Hallway AntennaDirectional Panel Antenna Side Installing Software Utilities Page Upper-Layer Access Point SecurityAuthentication Access Point Security Using the Wireless 802.1x RadiusSupport 802.1x AgentEAP-MD5 Using the Wireless 802.1x Agent Page Configuring the Access Point Installing the Device3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Access Point 8000 Configuration ManagerClick Configure Using Display help on the contents of thatConfiguration Management SystemSetting Network Properties Properties Setting DataTransmission Setting Advanced Data TransmissionSetting up Security Setting up a User Access ListSaved passwords on the clients ListSetting up a MAC Address Access ListDefining Radius ServersSetting up a Defining a Tftp ServerSystem Log Upgrading the SystemAdministration PasswordDefaults Resetting the AccessViewing Statistics Viewing System Status Configuring the Access Point Conducting a Site Survey Choosing TrialLocations EnvironmentalSurvey Procedure SummaryLaunching the Tool Setting up EquipmentSite Survey Tool Interpreting Test ResultsSite Survey Menus LAN Site Survey windowPage Troubleshooting Symptom SolutionsContinue to configure the access point using the old IP Online Technical ServicesTechnical Support Country Telephone Number Asia, Pacific Rim Country Telephone Number Europe, Middle East and Africa Europe and South AfricaLatin America North 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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