Linksys WAP54A Connecting the Wireless Access Point, The Setup Tab, Instant WirelessTM Series

Figure 5-1

Instant WirelessTM Series

Chapter 4: Connecting the

Wireless Access Point

1.Locate an optimum location for the Access Point. The best place for the Access Point is usually at the center of your wireless network, with line of sight to all of your mobile stations.

2.Fix the direction of the antenna. Try to place it in a position which can best cover your wireless network. Normally, the higher you place the anten- na, the better the performance will be. The antenna’s position enhances the receiving sensitivity.

3.Connect a standard Ethernet network cable to the Access Point. Then, connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to a switch or hub. The Access Point will then be connected to your 10/100 Network.

4.Connect the AC Power Adapter to the Access Point’s Power Socket. Only use the power adapter supplied with the Access Point. Use of a differ- ent adapter may result in product damage.

Now that the hardware installation is complete, proceed to Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless Access Point for directions on how to setup the Access Point.

Note: In order for all other wireless devices to communicate with the Access Point, those devices must be operating in the Infrastructure Mode. If any wireless devices are configured in the Ad Hoc Mode, they will not be recognized by the Access Point.

Instant WirelessTM Series

Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless Access Point

Important: Before configuring the Access Point, be sure to set up the TCP/IP protocol on your wireless PCs. If this has not already been done, please refer to Appendix B: Setting Up the TCP/IP Protocol.

The Access Point has been designed to be functional right out of the box, with its default settings. However, if you’d like to change these settings, the Access Point can be configured through your web browser with the Web-Based Utility. This chapter explains how to configure the Access Point in this manner.

Open your web browser and enter the Access Point’s IP Address, 192.168.1.252, into the address field. Press the Enter key and the following screen, shown in Figure

5-1, will appear. Leave the User Name field blank. The first time you open the Web- Based Utility, use the

default password: admin. You can set a new password from the Setup tab shown in Figure 5-2. Press the OK button to continue or Cancel to quit.

The Setup Tab

The first tab that appears, shown in Figure 5-2, is the Setup tab. This allows you to change the Access Point’s general settings. Change these settings as described here and click the Apply button to apply your changes or Cancel to cancel your changes. If you require online help, click the Help button.

•Firmware Version. This displays the current version of the Access Point’s firmware. Firmware should only be upgraded if you experience problems with the Access Point and can be upgraded from the Help tab.

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