32CHAPTER 4: CONFIGURING THE ACCESS POINT 8000

 

■ Identify which traps to send to the trap host or hosts.

 

 

Defining a TFTP Server

A TFTP server must be set up in order to perform firmware updates, backups, and

 

restores. The TFTP Setup page identifies the TFTP server that will be used. If you do

 

not have a TFTP server, you can install the one shipped with the access point. Use

 

the 3Com CD (Tools and Utilities options) to install the 3CDaemon TFTP server.

 

You must supply the IP address of the TFTP server computer. The default TFTP

 

client port number is 69, the TCP/UDP port number that is most commonly used

 

for TFTP, although you can change this to a different port number if required.

 

 

Setting up a

The System Log page lets you set up one or two computers for saving log files and

System Log

to enable or disable logging. Log files are not viewable through the Configuration

 

Management System or the access point, and so must be accessed from a host

 

computer running a syslog server.

 

By default, logging is off. If you turn on logging, you must specify at least one

 

host. The access point sends log information to the host using syslog through port

 

514 (the TCP/UDP port number that is most commonly used for syslog).

 

If you do not have a syslog server, you can install the one shipped with the access

 

point. Use the 3Com CD (Tools and Utilities options) to install the 3CDaemon

 

syslog server.

 

 

Upgrading the System

You can download system firmware upgrade files from the 3Com Web site at

 

http://www.3com.com and install those upgrades on the access point. You must

 

have a TFTP server set up on which to store the upgrade file. This is the server

 

specified on the TFTP setup page.

 

To avoid problems that could occur if a wireless association were interrupted

 

during the upgrade, it is recommended that you perform the upgrade from a

 

computer that is wired to the LAN.

To locate an upgrade file and download it to your computer:

1Log on to the 3Com Web site at http://www.3com.com.

2Navigate to the product support page.

3Navigate to the software download page and locate the file you want to download.

4Follow the instructions to download the file into a directory on your computer.

5Copy or move the file to the TFTP server upload/download directory.

To install an upgrade:

1Launch the access point configuration.

2Under Tools, click Upgrade System.

3In the Upgrade System page, make sure the TFTP server IP address is correct.

If you need to change the TFTP server address, click Change. In the TFTP Setup page, enter the server address and click Save. Then under Tools, click Upgrade System to return to the Upgrade System page.

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3Com 11 Mbps manual Defining a Tftp Server, Setting up a, System Log, Upgrading the System
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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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