SET UP AND CONFIGURATION AN ACCESS POINT
ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION
Wireless access points have a browser-based setup utility. Typically, launch a web browser on one of the network client workstations and enter the access point’s primary IP address, such as 192.168.1.1 to bring up the configuration page. To log in, you must provide the administrative password included in the access point documentation.
After logging in, you will be presented with a configuration screen for changing preferences, access point passwords, security, and more. Different access points offer different configuration options.
Configuring the SSID (ESSID) and Signal The SSID option is usually in a clear place in the configuration utility. Set the SSID to be unique. You can choose not to broadcast the SSID, but this will only stop the normal user. Sophisticated wireless intruders have tools to detect networks that are not broadcasting their SSID.
Note One of the great benefits of SSID in the wild is that it allows you to configure multiple wireless networks in close proximity that use the same frequency and channel but do not collide. For narrow locations such as dormitory rooms, office complexes, and apartments, choose a unique SSID for each wireless network to avoid potential duplication issues.
Aside from the SSID (the ESSID of the extended network), broadcast traffic basically includes beacons, which are timing packets sent regularly by the WAP. Beacon packets are important because they make Wi-Fi networks work. Beacon traffic also accounts for a major percentage of network traffic, as most WAPs have beacons set to turn off every 100ms! It can adjust the speed of beacon traffic and speed up network traffic, but above all it slows down the speed at which devices can negotiate to reach the network.
MAC Address Filtering Configuration Use MAC addresses filtering to further enhance security. This creates a list of wireless network clients that are allowed or denied access to the wireless network based on their unique MAC address.
Linksys WAP’s MAC address filtering configuration screen. Just enter the MAC addresses of the wireless nodes you want to allow (or deny) access to your wireless network.
HOW TO SET UP AN ACCESS POINT
When buying new equipment for your home or office, you can always experience some inconvenience in installing it. Of course, some people like to roam around the house, so installing a new device is just a pleasure. However, there are those who find it a nuisance, want to get it done as quickly as possible, or don’t want to risk damaging their equipment.
Ligo Wave is here to make your access point setup experience simple and seamless. Here are some general guidelines on how to set up your access point and what you need to do.
These instructions are general and may vary depending on your device or system.
Necessities. There are a few things that users need to do to set up an access point:
Access Point – The main item on the list. Access points extend the coverage of a LAN by providing an additional location for end devices to connect to a local area network.
Switch or router – A device required for distribution and management of data transferred between access points and end devices within a local area network.
Ethernet cable – A wire required for high-speed data transfer between access points and other devices.
AC/DC adapter (if provided) – Some access points may require a power adapter to function. However, most modern access points support Power over Ethernet (PoE), eliminating the need for an external power adapter.
A Computer – May be required for basic (or advanced) access point or network configuration.
Depending on your hardware and circumstances, you may also need a few other items. This may include modems, access point drivers/suite installation disks, extension cords, wall mounts, and other elements.
STEP 1. DEPLOY THE ROUTER/SWITCH:
If the router or switch is not already installed, do the following:
- Find a suitable location for your device.
If it is a wireless router, consider the potential location of the access point and place it in an appropriate location. This ensures effective distribution of coverage and minimized interference levels.
If it’s a switch or wired router, place it in a location that won’t interfere with your activity and surrounding internal solutions.
- Connect the router to a power outlet and turn it on. PoE-compatible devices do not require a power outlet, just an Ethernet cable. Also, some devices turn on automatically as soon as they are connected to a power source.
STEP 2. DEPLOY THE ACCESS POINT.
- Find a good spot for the device.
If your local area network has other wireless devices such as routers place the access point in a location where that wireless signal has minimal or no interference with other wireless devices within the LAN and provides effective coverage for the network.
If the purpose of the access point is to introduce a wireless connection to a wired LAN place it in a location where the wireless signal can cover the largest possible area with the least number of obstacles and minimal interference.
- An AC/DC adapter connect it to an access point and plug it into an electrical socket. If it is a PoE connection, proceed to the next step.
STEP 3. CONNECT THE CABLES.
There are several cables that the user must connect.
- Connect the access point to the router using an Ethernet cable. The cable must be insert into the router LAN port and the access point’s primary Ethernet port. This introduces an access point to the router’s created local area network.
- Connect the router to your computer using an Ethernet cable. The cable must be insert into the router’s LAN port and the computer’s Ethernet port (there is usually only one). It connects computers to the network and allows direct access point and LAN management.
- If you need to access the Internet over a LAN, connect the router to the modem using an Ethernet cable. Insert the cable into the router’s main Ethernet port and the modem’s Ethernet port (there is usually only one).
STEP 4. CONFIGURE.
Modern technology has virtually eliminated the inconvenience of manual LAN settings, let alone Internet access settings.
If basic setup is requir for an access point or network in general. The computer or user manual should provide instructions on specific steps to perform.
Users can also change options and advanced router settings by connecting to the router through a computer using the IP address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (or the address specified in the manual).
