Madge Networks 802.11b - Manual (Page 5)

1 Introduction
1.1 Overview
The Madge advanced Smart Wireless Access Point (advanced AP) enables IEEE 802.11b client
computers to access the resources on an Ethernet network. Because it supports IEEE 802.1x and RADIUS
(Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) for user-based authentication and dynamic encryption key
distribution, it is suitable for enterprises that need strong data security and WISPs (Wireless Internet
Service Providers) that need accounting and billing support.
In Section 2, we describe the steps to install and configure a newly acquired advanced AP. Following the
steps, the advanced AP can be quickly set up to work. In Section 3, detailed explanations of each Web
management page are given for the user to understand how to fine-tune the settings of an advanced AP to
meet his or her specific needs. In addition to using Web-based Network Manager to configure an
advanced AP, the Windows-based Wireless Network Manager can also be used to configure and monitor
advanced APs. See the on-line help of Wireless Network Manager for more information.
1.2 Features
Configuration Reset. Resetting the configuration settings to factory-default values.
IEEE 802.11b:
Access point. Bridging packets between the wireless IEEE 802.11b network interface and
the wired Ethernet LAN interface.
64-bit and 128-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). For authentication and data encryption.
Enabling/disabling SSID broadcasts. The user can enable or disable the SSID (Service
Set ID) broadcast functionality for security reasons. When the SSID broadcast functionality is
disabled, a wireless client computer cannot connect to the advanced AP with a network name
(SSID) of “any”; the correct SSID has to be specified on client computers.
MAC-address-based access control. Blocking unauthorized wireless client computers
based on MAC (Media Access Control) addresses.
IEEE 802.1x/RADIUS. User authentication and dynamic encryption key distribution is
achieved by IEEE 802.1x Port-Based Network Access Control and RADIUS (Remote
Authentication Dial-In User Service).
Replaceable antennas. The factory-supplied antennas can be replaced with high-gain
antennas for different purposes.
NOTE: High gain antennas must be used in accordance with
local regulatory rules.
Management:
Windows-based Wireless Network Manager for configuring, monitoring, and
diagnosing the local computer and neighboring advanced APs. The management protocol is
MAC-based.
Web-based Network Manager for configuring and monitoring advanced APs. The
management protocol is HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol)-based.
SNMP. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) MIB I, MIB II, IEEE 802.1d, IEEE
802.1x and Enterprise MIB are supported.
UPnP. The advanced AP responds to UPnP discovery messages so that a Windows XP user
can locate the AP in My Network Places (the network neighborhood) and use a Web browser
to configure it.
100-408-01 Copyright © 2002 Madge Networks. All rights reserved. Page 1