Table Of Contents
Basic Configuration
Before You Start
Summary of Configuration Steps
Using the IP Setup Utility
Obtaining and Installing IPSU
Finding the Access Point's IP Address
Setting the Access Point IP Address and SSID
Entering Basic Settings
Using an Internet browser
Using a Terminal Emulator
Selecting Pages and Settings
Applying Changes to the Configuration
Assigning Basic Settings
Default Basic Settings
Basic Configuration
This chapter describes the initial configuration of the access point using the Internet browser-based management system and the serial interface. You can also reach the management system through a Telnet session. Consult the Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Point Software Configuration Guide for complete instructions on using these interfaces.
This chapter includes the following sections:
•
Before You Start
•Summary of Configuration Steps
•Using the IP Setup Utility
•Entering Basic Settings
•Default Basic Settings
Before You Start
Before configuring the access point, you need to obtain the following information (possibly from your network administrator):
•The service set identifier (SSID) for the access point. If dual-band radio operation is supported, different SSIDs for 2.4 GHz and 5-GHz operation may be used.
•A system name for the access point. The name should describe the location or principal users of the access point. The access point default system name is AIR-AP1200-xxxxxx, where xxxxxx is the last 6 digits of the access point MAC address.
•If your network does not use DHCP or BOOTP to assign IP addresses, you need the following:
–IP address for the access point
–IP address for the default gateway
–IP subnet mask for the access point
•The access point's MAC address, which is printed on the label on the bottom of the access point.
•Security settings for the wireless network, such as WEP, LEAP, and MIC settings. Different security settings may be used for the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz wireless LANS. For additional information on configuring the access point security settings, refer to the Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Point Software Configuration Guide.
Summary of Configuration Steps
You use the Express Setup page to assign basic settings to the access point. For instructions on setting up security, filtering, and other access point features, refer to the Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Point Software Configuration Guide.
You will follow these general steps to enter the access point's basic settings:
1. Connect the Ethernet and power cables to the access point. For instructions refer to the "Connecting the Ethernet and Power Cables" section on page 2-9.
2. Use an Internet browser to open the access point's management system by browsing to the access point's IP address or use a terminal emulator and the serial console port.
If your network uses a DHCP server and you are using a Windows operating system (Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, ME, or XP), you can use the IP Setup Utility (IPSU) to find the access point's DHCP-assigned IP address. For other operating systems, you must use the serial console port. For additional information on IPSU, refer to the "Using the IP Setup Utility" section.
To use the console port, you must connect an RJ-45 to DB-9 serial cable (refer to Appendix C, "Console Cable Pinouts") to your computer's COM port and to the console port on the back of the access point and use a terminal emulator to open the management system. For additional information on using the console port, refer to the "Using a Terminal Emulator" section.
3. Enter basic settings on the Express Setup page as described in the "Entering Basic Settings" section.
4. Mount the access point to the ceiling or wall. For mounting instructions, refer to Chapter 4, "Mounting Instructions."
5. Enter security and other access point option settings. For additional information, refer to the Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Point Software Configuration Guide.
Using the IP Setup Utility
The IP Setup utility (IPSU) allows you to find the access point's IP address when it has been assigned by a DHCP server. You can also use IPSU to set the access point's IP address and SSID if they have not been changed from the default settings.
Note IPSU can be used only on the following operating systems: Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, ME, or XP. For other operating systems, you must use the access point console port and a terminal emulator program to configure the access point.
The sections below explain how to install the utility, how to use it to find the access point's IP address, and how to use it to set the IP address and the SSID.
Obtaining and Installing IPSU
IPSU is available on the Cisco web site. Follow these steps to obtain and install IPSU:
Step 1 Use your Internet browser to access the Cisco Software Center at the following URL:
http://www.cisco.com/public/sw-center/
Note You must register or be a registered user of Cisco.com to download software.
Step 2 Click Wireless Software and follow the prompts to your access point software.
Step 3 Click IP Setup Utility (IPSU) and follow the prompts to the latest version of the software.
Step 4 Click IPSUvxxxxxx.exe (where xxxxxx is the version number) and follow the prompts.
Step 5 Read and accept the terms and conditions of the Software License Agreement.
Step 6 Download and save the file to a temporary directory on your hard drive and then exit the Internet browser.
Step 7 Double-click IPSUvxxxxxx.exe in the temporary directory to expand the file.
Step 8 Double-click Setup.exe and follow the steps provided by the installation wizard to install IPSU.
The IPSU icon appears on your computer desktop.
Finding the Access Point's IP Address
If your access point receives an IP address from a DHCP server, you can use IPSU to find its IP address. You must run IPSU from a computer on the same subnetwork as the access point. Follow these steps to find the access point's IP address:
Step 1 Double-click the IPSU icon on your computer desktop to start the utility.
The IPSU screen appears (see Figure 3-1).
Figure 3-1 IPSU Get IP Address Screen
Step 2 When the utility window opens, make sure the Get IP addr radio button in the Function box is selected.
Step 3 Enter the access point's MAC address in the Device MAC ID field. The access point's MAC address is printed on the label on the bottom of the unit. It should contain six pairs of hexadecimal digits. Your access point's MAC address might look like the following example:
000164xxxxxx
Note The MAC address field is not case-sensitive.
Step 4 Click Get IP Address.
Step 5 When the access point's IP address appears in the IP Address field, write it down.
If IPSU reports that the IP address is 10.0.0.1, the default IP address, then the access point did not receive a DHCP-assigned IP address. To change the access point IP address using IPSU, refer to the "Setting the Access Point IP Address and SSID" section. To change the access point IP address using the console port, refer to the "Assigning Basic Settings" section.
Setting the Access Point IP Address and SSID
You can use IPSU to change the default IP address and SSID of the access point.
Note The computer you use to assign an IP address to the access point must have an IP address of its own and be located on the same subnet as the access point.
Note IPSU can change the access point IP address and SSID only from their default settings. After the IP address and SSID are changed, IPSU cannot change them again (see the "Using an Internet browser" section or the "Using a Terminal Emulator" section.)
Note When using IPSU to change the SSID in a dual-mode access point, only the SSID for the 2.4-GHz radio is changed from the default value.
Follow these steps to assign an IP address and an SSID to the access point:
Step 1 Double-click the IPSU icon on your computer desktop to start the utility.
Step 2 Click the Set Parameters radio button in the Function box (see Figure 3-2).
Figure 3-2 IPSU Set Parameters Screen
Step 3 Enter the access point's MAC address in the Device MAC ID field. The access point's MAC address is printed on the label on the bottom of the unit. It should contain six pairs of hexadecimal digits. Your access point's MAC address might look like the following example:
004096xxxxxx
Note The MAC address field is not case-sensitive.
Step 4 Enter the IP address you want to assign to the access point in the IP Address field.
Step 5 Enter the SSID you want to assign to the access point in the SSID field.
Note You cannot set the SSID without also setting the IP address. However, you can set the IP address without setting the SSID.
Step 6 Click Set Parameters to change the access point's IP address and SSID settings.
Step 7 Click Exit to exit IPSU.
Entering Basic Settings
You can open the access point's management system through your Internet browser or through the access point's console port using a terminal emulator. Each method is described in this section.
Using an Internet browser
Follow these steps to enter basic settings with an Internet browser:
Step 1 Enter or paste your access point's IP address in the browser's address or location field; if you are using Netscape, the field is labeled Netsite or Location; if you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer, the field is labeled Address. Press Enter.
Step 2 When the access point's Summary Status page appears, click Setup. When the Setup page appears, click Express Setup. The Express Setup screen appears (Figure 3-3).
Note If the access point is new and its factory configuration has not been changed, the Express Setup screen appears instead of the Summary Status screen when you first browse to the access point.
Figure 3-3 Express Setup Screen
Step 3 Enter a system name for the access point in the System Name field. A descriptive system name makes it easy to identify the access point on your network. The default system name is AIR-AP1200-xxxxxx, where xxxxxx is the last 6 digits of the access point MAC address.
Step 4 Select a configuration server protocol from the Configuration Server Protocol drop-down arrow menu. The configuration server protocol you select should match your network's method of IP address assignment. The Configuration Server link takes you to the Boot Server Setup page, which you use to configure the access point to work with your network's BOOTP or DHCP servers for automatic assignment of IP addresses.
The Configuration Server Protocol drop-down menu options include:
•None—Your network does not have an automatic system for IP address assignment.
•BOOTP—With Bootstrap Protocol, IP addresses are assigned based on MAC addresses.
•DHCP—With Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, IP addresses are leased for predetermined periods of time.
Step 5 Enter an IP address in the Default IP address field.
•If DHCP is not enabled, the IP address entered is the access point's static IP address.
•If DHCP or BOOTP is enabled, the address you enter in this field provides the IP address only when no server responds with an IP address for the access point.
Step 6 Enter an IP subnet mask in the Default IP Subnet Mask field to identify the subnetwork so the access point's IP address can be recognized on the LAN.
•If DHCP or BOOTP is not enabled, this field is the subnet mask.
•If DHCP or BOOTP is enabled, this field provides the subnet mask only when no server responds to the access point's DHCP or BOOTP request.
Step 7 Enter the IP address of your default internet gateway in the Default Gateway field. The entry 255.255.255.255 indicates no gateway. Clicking the Gateway link takes you to the Routing Setup page, which you use to configure the access point to communicate with the IP network routing system.
Step 8 For the AP Radio: Internal (2.4-GHz) settings, perform the following steps:
Note The radio parameters can be different for the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz wireless LANs.
a. Enter an SSID for the access point's 2.4-GHz wireless LAN in the Radio Service Set ID (SSID) field. The SSID is a unique identifier that client devices use to associate with the access point. The SSID can be any alphanumeric entry from 2 to 32 characters.
b. Select a network role for the access point from the Role in Radio Network drop-down arrow. The menu contains the following options:
–Root Access Point—A wireless LAN transceiver that connects an Ethernet network with wireless client stations. Use this setting if the access point will be connected to the wired LAN.
–Repeater Access Point—An access point that transfers data between a client and another access point. Use this setting for access points not connected to the wired LAN.
–Site Survey Client—A station with a wireless connection to an access point. Use this setting for diagnostics, such as when you need to test the access point by having it communicate with another access point.
c. Select an Optimize Radio Network For option to assign either preconfigured settings or customized settings for the access point radio:
–Throughput—Maximizes the data volume handled by the access point but might reduce the access point's range.
–Range—Maximizes the access point's range but might reduce throughput.
–Custom—The access point uses the settings you enter on the AP Radio Hardware page. Click the Custom link to go to the AP Radio Hardware page.
d. To automatically configure the access point to be compatible with other devices on your wireless LAN, select an Ensure Compatibility With option:
–2-Mbps clients—Select this setting if your network contains Cisco Aironet devices that operate at 2 Mbps.
–non-Aironet 802.11—Select this setting if there are non-Cisco Aironet devices on your wireless LAN.
Step 9 For the AP Radio: Module (5-GHz) settings, perform the following steps:
Note The radio parameters can be different for the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz wireless LANs.
a. Enter an SSID for the access point's 5-GHz wireless LAN in the Radio Service Set ID (SSID) field. The SSID is a unique identifier that client devices use to associate with the access point. The SSID can be any alphanumeric entry from 2 to 32 characters.
b. Select a network role for the access point from the Role in Radio Network drop-down arrow. The menu contains the following options:
–Root Access Point—A wireless LAN transceiver that connects an Ethernet network with wireless client stations. Use this setting if the access point will be connected to the wired LAN.
–Repeater Access Point—An access point that transfers data between a client and another access point. Use this setting for access points not connected to the wired LAN.
–Site Survey Client—A station with a wireless connection to an access point. Use this setting for diagnostics, such as when you need to test the access point by having it communicate with another access point.
c. Select an Optimize Radio Network For option to assign either preconfigured settings or customized settings for the access point radio:
–Throughput—Maximizes the data volume handled by the access point but might reduce the access point's range.
–Range—Maximizes the access point's range but might reduce throughput.
–Custom—The access point uses the settings you enter on the AP Radio Hardware page. Click the Custom link to go to the AP Radio Hardware page.
Step 10 To use Simplified Network Management Protocol (SNMP), enter a community name in the SNMP Admin. Community field. This name automatically appears in the list of users authorized to view and make changes to the access point's management system. Click the SNMP link to go to the SNMP Setup page, where you can edit other SNMP settings.
You can define other SNMP communities with User Management (for additional information refer to the Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Point Software Configuration Guide).
Step 11 Click OK to set your configuration changes and the Setup page appears. Your basic configuration is complete, you can close your internet browser.
For additional information on security options, refer to the Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Point Software Configuration Guide.
Using a Terminal Emulator
This section provides instructions for using the console port and Microsoft's HyperTerminal to set basic access point settings; other terminal emulator programs are similar. Typically, you would use the serial interface when the access point is initially being configured with basic settings and is easily accessible. When the access point is initially configured and mounted in an elevated operating location, the browser interface is more convenient to use to make access point configuration changes.
Selecting Pages and Settings
With the serial interface, when you enter names and settings that appear in brackets you jump to that page or setting. HyperTerminal jumps to the page or setting as soon as it recognizes a unique name, so you need to enter only the first few characters in the page or setting name. For example: to jump from the home page to the Setup page, you only need to type s.
Applying Changes to the Configuration
The serial interface's auto-apply feature is on by default, so changes you make to any page are applied automatically when you move to another management page. To apply changes and stay on the current page, type apply and press Enter.
Assigning Basic Settings
Follow these steps to assign basic settings to the access point using the console port and a terminal emulator program:
Step 1 Connect a RJ-45 to DB-9 serial cable (Cisco part number AIR-CONCAB1200 or refer to Appendix C, "Console Cable Pinouts") to the COM port on your computer and to the console port on the back of the access point.
Note Both the Ethernet and console ports use RJ-45 connectors. Be careful to avoid accidently connecting the serial cable to the Ethernet port connector.
Figure 3-4 shows the location of the access point's console port.
Figure 3-4 Connecting the Serial Cable
Step 2 Open your terminal emulator program.
Step 3 Enter these settings for the connection into your terminal emulator program:
•Bits per second (baud rate): 9600
•Data bits: 8
•Parity: No parity
•Stop bits: 1
•Flow control: Xon/Xoff or None
Step 4 Press = to display the home page of the access point.
If the access point is new and its factory configuration has not been changed, the Express Setup page appears. Go to Step 5.
If the access point has been configured, the Summary Status page appears. Perform the following additional steps:
a. Type s and the Setup screen appears.
b. Type ex and the Express Setup screen appears.
c. Go to Step 5.
Step 5 Type na to select System Name. Enter a system name for the access point and press Enter. A descriptive system name makes it easy to identify the access point on your network.
Step 6 Type t and then press Enter to select Terminal Type. To specify the type of console interface, perform one of the following steps:
a. Type t and then press Enter to select teletype display on the console interface.
b. Type a and then press Enter to select ANSI display on the console interface.
Step 7 Type pr and then press Enter to select Config Server Protocol. To select the type of protocol, perform one of the following steps:
•Type n to select none and press Enter after you make your selection.
•Type b to select BOOTP and press Enter after you make your selection.
•Type d to select DHCP and press Enter after you make your selection.
Step 8 Type ad and then press Enter to select IP Address. Enter an IP address for the access point.
•If DHCP or BOOTP is not enabled, your entry is the access point's static IP address.
•If DHCP or BOOTP is enabled, your entry provides the IP address only when the DHCP or BOOTP server does not respond.
Step 9 Type su and then press Enter to select IP Subnet Mask. Enter an IP subnet mask to identify the subnetwork so the access point's IP address can be recognized on the LAN.
•If DHCP or BOOTP is not enabled, your entry is the static subnet mask.
•If DHCP or BOOTP is enabled, your entry provides the subnet mask only when the DHCP or BOOTP server does not respond.
Step 10 Type g and then press Enter to select Default Gateway. Enter the IP address of your default gateway. The entry 255.255.255.255 indicates no gateway.
•If DHCP or BOOTP is not enabled, your entry is the static default gateway address.
•If DHCP or BOOTP is enabled, your entry provides the default gateway IP address only when a DHCP or BOOTP server does not respond.
Step 11 For the AP Radio: Internal (2.4-GHz) settings, perform the following steps:
Note The radio parameters can be different for the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz wireless LANs.
a. Type ra and then press Enter to select Radio Service Set ID (SSID). Enter an SSID for the access point. The SSID is a unique identifier that client devices use to associate with the access point. The SSID can be any alphanumeric entry from 2 to 32 characters.
b. Type ro and then press Enter to select Role in Radio Network. The network roles include the following options:
–Root Access Point—Type ro and then press Enter to select this setting. A wireless LAN transceiver that connects an Ethernet network with wireless client stations. Use this setting if the access point will be connected to the wired LAN.
–Repeater Access Point—Type re and then press Enter to select this setting. An access point that transfers data between a client and another access point. Use this setting for access points not connected to the wired LAN.
–Site Survey Client—Type s and then press Enter to select this setting. A station with a wireless connection to an access point. Use this setting for diagnostics, such as when you need to test the access point by having it communicate with another access point.
c. Type op and then press Enter to select Optimize Radio Network For. These options assign either preconfigured settings or customized settings for the access point radio:
–Throughput—Type t and then press Enter to select this setting. Maximizes the data volume handled by the access point but might reduce the access point's range.
–Range—Type r and then press Enter to select this setting. Maximizes the access point's range but might reduce throughput.
–Custom—Type c and then press Enter to select this setting. The access point uses the settings you enter on the AP Radio Hardware page. For additional information on the AP Radio Hardware page, refer to the Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Point Software Configuration Guide.
d. Use the Ensure Compatibility With setting to automatically configure the access point to be compatible with other devices on your wireless LAN:
–2-Mbps clients—Type 2 and then press Enter to select this setting. Select this setting if your network contains Cisco Aironet devices that operate at 2 Mbps.
–non-Aironet 802.11—Type no and then press Enter to select this setting. Select this setting if there are non-Cisco Aironet devices on your wireless LAN.
Step 12 For the AP Radio: Module (5-GHz) settings, perform the following steps:
Note The radio parameters can be different for the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz wireless LANs.
a. Type ra and then press Enter to select Radio Service Set ID (SSID). Enter an SSID for the access point. The SSID is a unique identifier that client devices use to associate with the access point. The SSID can be any alphanumeric entry from 2 to 32 characters.
b. Type ro and then press Enter to select Role in Radio Network. The network roles include the following options:
–Root Access Point—Type ro and then press Enter to select this setting. A wireless LAN transceiver that connects an Ethernet network with wireless client stations. Use this setting if the access point will be connected to the wired LAN.
–Repeater Access Point—Type re and then press Enter to select this setting. An access point that transfers data between a client and another access point. Use this setting for access points not connected to the wired LAN.
–Site Survey Client—Type s and then press Enter to select this setting. A station with a wireless connection to an access point. Use this setting for diagnostics, such as when you need to test the access point by having it communicate with another access point.
c. Type op and then press Enter to select Optimize Radio Network For. These options assign either preconfigured settings or customized settings for the access point radio:
–Throughput—Type t and then press Enter to select this setting. Maximizes the data volume handled by the access point but might reduce the access point's range.
–Range—Type r and then press Enter to select this setting. Maximizes the access point's range but might reduce throughput.
–Custom—Type c and then press Enter to select this setting. The access point uses the settings you enter on the AP Radio Hardware page. For additional information on the AP Radio Hardware page, refer to the Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Point Software Configuration Guide.
Step 13 Type sn and then press Enter to select SNMP Admin. Community. Enter an SNMP community name. This name automatically appears in the list of users authorized to view and make changes to the access point's management system.
You can define other SNMP communities with User Management. For additional information on SNMP, refer to the Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Point Software Configuration Guide.
Step 14 Type ap and press Enter to apply your basic settings. Your basic configuration is complete, you can close your terminal emulator.
For additional information on security options, refer to the Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Point Software Configuration Guide.
Default Basic Settings
Table 3-1 lists the default settings on the access point's Express Setup screen.
Table 3-1 Default Settings on the Express Setup Screen
Parameter
|
Default Value
|
System Name
|
AP1200-xxxxxx (the last six characters of the unit's MAC address)
|
Terminal Type (on serial interface only)
|
teletype
|
Config Server Protocol
|
DHCP
|
IP address
|
10.0.0.1
|
IP Subnet Mask
|
255.255.255.0
|
Default Gateway
|
255.255.255.255
|
AP Radio: Internal (2.4-GHz radio)
|
SSID
|
tsunami
|
Role in Radio Network
|
Root Access Point
|
Optimize Radio Network For
|
Throughput
|
AP Radio: Module (5-GHz radio)
|
SSID
|
tsunami
|
Role in Radio Network
|
Root Access Point
|
Optimize Radio Network For
|
Throughput
|
Ensure Compatibility With
|
(none selected)
|
SNMP Admin. Community
|
(blank)
|
