Copyright: Wireless LAN Driver Help Version 6.42.a  Monday, March 12, 2001 16:24:08
Citation: © 2001 Avaya Communications Inc., All Rights Reserved


Hexadecimal Value 1


Alphanumeric Value 2


RTS 3


CTS 4


MAC 5


MAC Address 6


WEP 7


IP Address 8


SNMP 9


Serial Number 10


TCP/IP 11


UDP 12


BIOS 13


NetBEUI 14


Fragmentation 15


IPX/SPX 16


Radius Server Access Control 17


Access Control Table 18


Beacon Message 19


Beacon interval 20


Association 21


Trap Host 22


FCS 23


PDU 24


MPDU 25


MSDU 26


MIB 27


CSMA/CD 28


ICMP 29


BPDU 30


Root Bridge 31


Designated Bridge 32


Root Port 33


Spanning Tree 34


SNR 35


Noise Level 36


Local Noise 37


Remote Noise 38


Signal Level 39


Roaming 40


SOHO 41


LED 42


Access Control 43


Analysis Polling interval 44


Basic Access Network 45


BOOTP 46


Bridge in 47


Bridge out 48


Broadcast 49


Bytes in 50


Collisions 51


CSMA/CA 52


DHCP 53


Firmware 55


Hidden Station Problem 56


Initiator Station 57


LAN Segment 58


MAC Address Filter 59


Multicast 60


Non-Unicast packets out 61


Out Collisions 62


Read Password 63


Read/Write Password 64


SNMP IP Access List 65


SNMP Polling Interval 66


SNMP Trap Messages 67


Station Name 68


AP Name 69


Storm Threshold 70


Subnet 71


TTL 72


Unicast packets out 73


Up Time 74


FCC 75


ETSI 76


MPT 77


IC 78


ESS 79


Retransmission 80


IEEE 802.11 81


IEEE 82


USB 83

1 About Avaya Wireless2 ;=info_gen_rtf_179467Avaya Wireless Products  2

Wireless Client Station 3

Wireless Network Interface 4

PC Card 5

USB Client 6

Base Station 7

Access Point 8

Access Point-I 9

Access Point-II 10

Residential Gateway-I 11

Accessoires 12

Adapter Card 13

Range Extender Antenna 14

Avaya Wireless Tools 15

Client Manager 16

AP Manager 17

Setup Utility 18

Avaya Wireless Tools and other Products 19

Uninstalling Avaya Wireless Software 20

Wireless Configurations 21

Peer-to-Peer Group 22

Base Station Network 23

Stand Alone Configuration 24

Wireless Access to Ethernet Networks 25

Multiple Access Point Configuration 26

Multiple Channel Configuration 27

Multiple Channel Configuration Requirements 28

Dual Interface Configuration 29

Specifications and Features 30

Wireless Range 31

Transmit Rate 32

Auto Transmit Rate Select Mechanism 33

Transmit Rate in Mixed Environments 34

Channel 35

Channel Set FCC 36

Network Name 37

Encryption 38

64-bit WEP Network Interface 39

128-Bit RC4 Network Interface 40

Power Management 41

Voice IP 42

Website 43

When your Wireless Interface supports 64-bit RC4 encryption: 1

When your Wireless Interface supports 128-bit RC4 encryption: 1

See Also: 1

Caution: 1


Select a Configuration Profile

Before you can start using Configuration Profiles, you have to Create a Configuration Profile for each wireless network environment that you want to participate in with your (mobile) Wireless Client Station.

After creating configuration profiles, you can easily switch your station from one wireless network to another by selecting one of the profile radio buttons.

NOTE

If you will only participate in one wireless network environment, you will typically create only one profile for this network, and keep the profile selection unchanged.


Create a Configuration Profile

Follow these steps to create a new Configuration Profile:

1.	Select one of the radio buttons belonging to an unused profile (a profile without a profile name)

2.	Enter a name for your profile in the empty field next to the selected radio button.

3.	Select the Connection Type from the pull down menu that is next to the profile name you just entered.

4.	Edit Configuration Profile Settings.


Edit Configuration Profile Settings

To edit configuration profile settings.

1.	Select a Configuration Profile from the list of Configuration Profiles in the main window.

2.	Click the Edit Profile button in the main window.

3.	In the Edit Configuration screen you can make profile settings in the tabsheet(s) provided for the selected Connection Type.

4.	Click OK after finishing the profile settings to return to the main window.


Configuration Profile

If you plan to use your Wireless Client Station in multiple networking environments that require different configuration settings, you can define dedicated profiles for each environment.

For example you can Create a Configuration Profile for:

• 	your office head quarters

• 	a branch-office

• 	your home or  SOHO

To allow easy recognition, you can assign your own names to each profile.


Connection Type

To connect a wireless computer to a network, you will need to identify how  you wish to establish the connection. You can do so using the Create a Configuration Profile option.

Looking at the available connection types, two main Wireless Configurations can be distinguished:

• 	Peer-to-Peer Group:Base Station is used in the network that you want participate in or start-up.

• 	Base Station Network:you want to join in this type of network, you must select the type of Base Station that is used in the network.

NOTE

Consult your LAN administrator if you don't know which type of Base Station is used in the network that you want to participate in.


Basic Settings

To enable your Wireless Client Station to participate in an existing network, you will need to enter the correct etwork, you will need to enter the correct .

Network Name.

For some Connection Types, you can also enter Encryption Settings on this tabsheet.


EncryptionSettings

To enable Encryption, select the Enable Data Security check box.

• 	You can enter up to 4 Encryption Keys to decrypt data received via the Wireless Network Interface.

• 	Select one of the Encryption Keys to Encrypt Data Transmission via the Wireless Network Interface.


Advanced Settings

You can use this tabsheet to set the following parameters:

• 	Card Power Management

• 	Interference Robustness

• 	RTS/CTS Medium Reservation

NOTE

The Advanced settings are only available for Configuration Profiles that have been set to connect via an Access Point.


Administrator Settings

This tabsheet should only be used by LAN Administrators in special network environments that require specific settings.

Available administration parameters are:

• 	 MAC Address

• 	Distance between Access Points

NOTE

The Administrator settings are only available for Configuration Profiles that have been set to connect via an Access Point


MAC Address

All networking devices, including the Avaya Wireless network interface, have a unique factory-set Universal MAC Address value.

Some network operating systems use a 'Local MAC Addressing Scheme' that requires that each device will be identified by a 'Local MAC Address' value.

• 	When your network does not require 'Local MAC Addresses' (which is common for most network systems), leave the setting to "Use Universal" (default).

• 	When your network system requires Local MAC Addresses, consult your LAN Administrator to retrieve a 'Local MAC Address', select the option "Use Local" and enter the address value in MAC Address field.value you enter here will override the Universal MAC Address.


Distance between Access Points

This parameter controls the Roaming sensitivity of your Wireless Client Station.

You must set this parameter to a value that mathes the configuration of the Access Points in your network. Consult your LAN administrator for the appropriate setting of this parameter.

NOTE

Setting this parameter to a non-matching value may have unpredictable results on the roaming performance of your wireless station.


Adapter Settings

Operating Systems that support 'Plug & Play' will be able to allocate the correct values automatically. On such systems, you will not see the tab "Adapter".

On computers running Operating Systems that do not support 'Plug & Play', you must identify the following parameters to allow your computer to work properly with the various devices and adapter cards installed:

• 	I/O Base Address

• 	Interrupt Request (IRQ)

Confirm the factory-set defaults or to select an alternative value using the pull-down boxes.


I/O Base Address

This specifies the I/O base address to be used by the adapter.

You can select an address from the range of I/O Base addresses in the pull-down list.

Default value is 0400-0437.

IMPORTANT:

To determine which resource settings are available, run the Windows NT Diagnostics program prior to installing the Wireless Network Interface driver. If you did not do so yet, abort the driver installation and run the Windows NT Diagnostics program now.

For more detailed information please consult the documentation that came with your Windows NT System.


Interrupt Request (IRQ)

This specifies the interrupt number to be used by the adapter.

You can select a IRQ value from the range of Interrupt Requests in the pull-down list.

Default value is 10.

IMPORTANT:

To determine which resource settings are available, run the Windows NT Diagnostics program prior to installing the Wireless Network Interface driver. If you did not do so yet, abort the driver installation and run the Windows NT Diagnostics program now.

For more detailed information please consult the documentation that came with your Windows NT System.


Troubleshooting Windows NT

Unfortunately, the Windows NT Diagnostics program does not always show a 100% accuracy in displaying which resources were claimed by other hardware. In exceptional cases you may encounter difficulty installing your  Wireless Network Interface despite the fact that you ran the Windows NT Diagnostics.

In this case you might run into a Hardware Conflict even though you selected values for your wireless network interface that, according to the Windows NT Diagnostics, did not seem to be used by another device. When this is the case you may notice one of the following events:

• 	You are perhaps using a wireless network interface card in combination with an ISA Adapter Card, but you did not yet "introduce the ISA adapter" to your computer using the "Devices" option on the Control Panel to enable the "Start PCMCIA device at boot" option.

• 	Another Device does no longer work after the installation of your wireless network interface.


Another Device does no longer work

In case another device does no longer work after you installed the  Wireless Network Interface, you may have run into a Hardware Conflict. You can verify whether this is caused by the wireless network interface, simply by removing the interface and rebooting the computer:

• 	When the problem persists, the problem is not caused by the wireless network interface.

• 	When the other device functions properly again after removing the 	 wireless	network interface, one of the following two causes may apply:

• 	The resources were already claimed upon booting the device, by a resource setting in the BIOS or CMOS of your computer, or

• 	The driver software of the conflicting device did not notify the Windows NT operating system of its claim upon specific resources.

This means that if you selected resources that appeared to be available according to the Windows NT Diagnostics program, these settings were already claimed by the conflicting device.

In both cases you are encouraged to try alternative values for your wireless network interface to see whether these new values might help solving your problem. Upon doing so, you are advised to change only one parameter at a time.


Hardware Conflict

A conflict of the Adapter Settings of your Wireless Network Interface with another device in your computer.

If you encounter difficulty in connecting your computer using the Wireless Network Interface in a Windows NT environment, the cause is often related to hardware device settings, which prevent the driver from loading properly. In such situations you are advised to explore the following hints, prior to contacting Technical Support.

• 	Verify the settings of the BIOS that is loaded when you (re)start your computer.

• 	Try alternative I/O Base Address values for your wireless network interface. An I/O Base address conflict is most often perceived as no LED activity on the wireless network interface. In some cases an I/O Base conflict might result in hanging the system with a "blue-screen" error.

• 	Try alternative Interrupt Request (IRQ) values for your wireless network interface. An IRQ conflict is most often perceived as little LED activity: Power LED on, Receive/Transmit LED off. When running the Client Manager diagnostic tool, it will display that the radio communications are good, but the Base Station is not displayed with its proper name and is identified by its MAC Address only. When you would select the Link Test diagnostics, you will see that all dynamic indicators are blank.

In most cases selecting either a different I/O Base Address or IRQ value will help you resolve the issue.


Windows NT Diagnostics

This program that is included with the Windows NT operating system, is a tool that enables you to determine which system resources are used hardware installed into your computer.

Running this program will help you to find out whether the factory-set defaults of your  wireless network interface have already been claimed by other hardware devices. If so, this program will also help you to determine which alternative values supported by your wireless network interface are available.

To minimize the risk of hardware conflicts, you are advised always to run this program always prior to installing new hardware.

Consult the Windows documentation for more information about Windows NT Diagnostics.


Operating Systems that support 'Plug & Play'

The following operating systems support 'Plug and Play' for the wireless network interface:

• 	Microsoft Windows 95

• 	Microsoft Windows 95 OSR2

• 	Microsoft Windows 98 & 98 Second Edition (SE)

• 	Microsoft Windows Millenium Edition (ME)

• 	Microsoft Windows 2000


Operating Systems that do not support 'Plug & Play'

The following operating systems do not support 'Plug and Play' for the  wireless network interface:

• 	Microsoft Windows NT v3.51

• 	Microsoft Windows NT workstation v4.0

• 	Microsoft Windows for Workgroups (v3.x)

These operating systems are not able to dynamically allocate system resources such as I/O Base addresses and/or Interrupt Request (IRQ) values to your new hardware.

This means that prior to installing new hardware on such systems, you will need to determine which system resources have been claimed by other devices prior to selecting the resource settings for your  wireless network interface. Failing to do so might lead to an I/O Base address conflict and/or IRQ conflict which might prevent your card or the other device from operating properly.

To determine which resource settings are available:

• 	Run the Windows NT Diagnostics program prior to installing the wireless network interface driver.

• 	Verify the contents of your computer's BIOS or CMOS.


Basic Troubleshooting

If you cannot connect your Wireless Client Station to the network, the first troubleshooting hint is to verify LED activity of the Wireless Network Interface. The LEDs may show the following behavior:

• 	Power LED on, Transmit/Receive LED off

• 	Power LED on, Transmit/Receive LED flickering

• 	Both LEDs blink once every 10 seconds

• 	Power LED is Flickering

• 	No LED Activity

If there is LED activity, run the Client Manager diagnostic tool on your station to:

• 	Run the Link Test to verify the quality of wireless network interface radio communications with the network.

• 	Run the Card diagnostics to investigate and/or resolve version mismatch of the various wireless network interface software components installed on your computer

NOTE

To isolate a potential conflict without unintentionally creating another one, you are advised to change only one value at the time.


Power LED on, Transmit/Receive LED off

This LED status indicates normal operation:

• 	The Wireless Network Interface is powered on

• 	The Transmit/Receive LED indicates there is no activity on the wireless network.

The absence of activity on the Wireless Network Interface might be related to the fact that:

• 	You moved out of Wireless Range of the Base Station(s) that could provide access to the selected network.

• 	There are no Wireless Client Stations in the Wireless Range of your computer to participate in the selected Peer-to-Peer Group.

• 	The Base Station(s) that could provide access to the selected network has (have) a problem (e.g. power is off).


Power LED on, Transmit/Receive LED flickering

This LED status indicates normal operation:

• 	The Wireless Network Interface is powered on

• 	The Transmit/Receive LED indicates activity on the wireless network.

If the radio of your Wireless Network Interface seems to communicate with other radio devices, but does not succeed in actually connecting to the network (i.e. the power and radio LED shows normal activity), you may need to verify whether your operating system installed the correct Network Protocol Settings.


Both LEDs blink once every 10 seconds

This LED indicates that the Wireless Network Interface is powered on and working properly, but it is not able to establish a wireless connection to the wireless network.

Possible causes might be:

• 	Your wireless station is outside the Wireless Range of the Base Station(s) that could provide you access to the selected network.

• 	The Wireless Network Interface of your station has been configured with an incorrect Network Name and/or Encryption settings.

• 	By mistake you selected a configuration profile on your wireless station, that does not belong to the wireless network that you want to connect to.

• 	The Base Station(s) that could provide access to the selected network has (have) been configured to deny access to stations that use the value "ANY" as their Network Name.

Contact your LAN Administrator for information about the correct values of the parameter settings that apply in your network.


No LED Activity

If there is absolutely no LED activity on the Power LED and Receive/Transmit LED of the Wireless Network Interface, this may be due to one of the following reasons:

• 	The Wireless Network Interface device is not properly connected to your computer.

• 	No driver was installed to allow communication between your computer and the wireless network interface.

• 	You are using a wireless network interface in combination with an ISA Avaya Wireless Tools, but you did not yet "introduce" the adapter to your computer using the "Add New Hardware" option on the Control Panel.


Power LED is Flickering

A flickering Power LED identifies that you enabled the Card Power Management option for the Wireless Network Interface of a Wireless Client Station (Advanced Settings).


Network Protocol Settings

Subject to the type and version of your Windows operating system, the correct protocol may or may not be installed automatically when installing the  wireless network interface. Network protocols are for example:

• 	TCP/IP

• 	NetBEUI

• 	IPX/SPX

To verify your network protocol settings:

1.	Click Start, select Settings, then select Control Panel.

2.	Double-click the Network icon to open the Network properties window.

3.	Display the list of network components installed protocols for your 	 wireless	network interface.

• 	When using Windows 95/98, scroll down the list of items in the tab Configuration.

• 	When using Windows NT, select the tab Protocols.

4.	Contact your network administrator for information about:

• 	Which protocols should be included in the list.

• 	What property settings should apply for each of these protocols.

5.	(Optional) Click the:

• 	Add button to add a missing protocol.

• 	Properties button to view/modify the protocol settings.


Encryption Key

To enable encryption, select the Enable Encryption check box, and enter up to 4 different Encryption Keys to decrypt data received via the wireless interface.

Valid encryption key values are:

When your Wireless Interface supports 64-bit RC4 encryption:

• 	5-digit Alphanumeric Value in the range of "a-z" and "0-9". Example: SECU1

• 	A 10-digit Hexadecimal Value, preceded by the characters "0x" (zero x). Example: 0xABCD1234FE

When your Wireless Interface supports 128-bit RC4 encryption:

• 	13-digit Alphanumeric Value in the range of "a-z" and "0-9": SECURITY12345

• 	26-digit Hexadecimal Value, preceded by the characters "0x" (zero x).: 0xABCDEF1234567890FEDCBA4321

NOTE

Hexadecimal encryption key strings that are not preceded by the leading "0x" will be interpreted as alphanumerical string.

See Also:

Using Encryption Keys


Using Encryption Keys

• 	The option to enter up to 4 different keys enables you to define a Encryption Key roll-over scheme. For example you could choose to select another key every x weeks, until you reach the fourth key. At that point in time you could enter 3 new Encryption values for the first three Encryption key entries, before the expiration period of the fourth key value. Once all Wireless Client Stations and Access Points have been set to use the first new key again, you can replace the fourth key value with a new key value.

• 	You can use valid key values from Wireless Network Interfaces supporting lower bit encryption on types that support higher bit encryption, for example in environments using multiple types of encryption.

• 	The encryption key values you enter will remain visible only when you enter the character strings. As soon as you close the Security window, the values will be stored in hidden characters: i.e. a next time the Security window will be displayed, you will not be able to read the encryption key values anymore. You are advised to write down the values you enter, before closing the window.

• 	Like with other properties, your Encryption lock is as safe as locking the door to your house: i.e. if you don't stick to secure policies on who will be allowed to use the key, or will know where to find it, even the strongest lock can be opened by an intruder. That's why, for example you wouldn't "hide" the key to your house underneath the doormat. Similar good practice should be applied to the keys you will use to encrypt wireless communications.minimize the risk that intruders might be able to retrieve the Encryption values you are advised to:

• 	Lock away any paper registration sheet that you use to define/remember the defined Encryption values.

• 	Change the Encryption values at regular intervals.


Encrypt Data Transmission

If you decide to use Encryption, you are advised also to encrypt all data that will be transmitted via the wireless interface. You can select one key value for wireless data transmissions from the list of Encryption Keys.\parYou can only select a key that has a correct value assigned.

In case you specified no more than 2 key values (for example), you can only select the ''Data Transmission Key'' from these two values.


Interference Robustness

This (advanced) option can be activated in exceptional cases when troubleshooting slow performance of your wireless network that could be related to in-band interference with radio signal transmitting devices. Interference will usually show a poor Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) that is based upon a good Signal Level and a high Noise Level. This behavior is often perceived on Wireless Client Stations where:

• 	the "trouble" station or Access Point is close to a radio signal transmitting device (like a microwave oven), or

• 	a radio signal transmitting device is located in the signal path between the "trouble" stations and the Access Point.

Caution:

This option should only be used in exceptional cases upon advice of an expert. When this setting is enabled without actual need, you might encounter unpredictable roaming behavior and/or connectivity problems.


Power Management

To extend the battery life of (mobile) Wireless Client Stations, you can use this option to adjust the power consumption behavior of the Wireless Network Interface.

It is normal behavior of the wireless interface power LED to flicker while in power save mode. When Power Management is enabled, the station's network interface will go to "sleep" mode to minimize power consumption. But if the network interface would not scan for beacons and multicast messages coming from Access Points, it might lose its connection to the network during power save mode, and risk to be disconnected by the network operating system (subject to the settings of watchdog timers at the network servers). To stay connected, the network interface will "wake-up" at regular intervals to verify whether there is network traffic addressed to the wireless station.

If you disable Power Management, the interface power LED will be continuously green again to indicate continuous power consumption.

Power Management on Wireless Client Stations requires support from Access Points, as these will need to buffer messages for wireless computers in "sleep mode". This will be done automatically for the wireless stations in power save mode. You do not need to "enable", and can not disable Power Management on Access Points for client stations that have been set to use Power Management.

See Also:

Power Management and Performance


Power Management and Performance

When a wireless station is in Power Management mode, all Access Points will explore the wireless medium actively to determine which Access Point would be most suitable to store messages for this station. This will impose a more active use of the wireless medium, which might lead to more frequent transmission delays for your wireless stations, experienced as slower network response times when engaged in active file transfers over the network. Subject to the type of network communication of your wireless devices, you may need to wager wireless performance versus battery-life

Transaction Processing type of applications will hardly show any difference in network performance when using power management. Examples of this type of applications are Hand-held scanners, or mobile clients that use the wireless connection only to send and/or receive email.

When using a wireless computer to transfer (large) files over the network, such as copying and/or moving files from network drives to your local station and vice versa, you may experience longer network response times when you enable power management as well. The impact of power management on the throughput performance of your station will also depend on:

• 	The size of the transferred files

• 	The recurrence of the file transfer, like for example "auto save features" in Word Processors.

• 	The number of other wireless stations operational within the vicinity of your wireless computer.

When you experience a performance degradation in network response times for your wireless station, this typically implies that your network interface will spend more time in operational mode, resulting in less effective power management. In such cases you may wish to consider if disabling power management might result in better throughput performance.


RTS/CTS Medium Reservation

When you enable Medium Reservation, your Access Point will use a RTS/CTS protocol to control wireless data transmissions, based on the length of the data frame that is to be transmitted.

When the length of the frame:

• 	is less  than the user-defined Medium Reservation Threshold, the frame will be transmitted immediately.

• 	exceeds the Medium Reservation Threshold, the Access Point will transmit a RTS message to the addressed wireless station, and defer transmission until the addressed wireless station returns a CTS response.

The CTS message as returned by the addressed wireless station, will also notify other  wireless stations in its vicinity, to defer transmissions for the time of the transmission as requested by the Access Point.

• 	To enable Medium reservation, select the 'Medium Reservation Enable' check-box, and  enter a Medium Reservation Threshold value. Valid values are any decimal value in the range of '0 to 2347'. Default value: 2347 (= Medium Reservation disabled).

• 	To disable Medium reservation, clear the check mark in the 'Medium Reservation Enable' check-box, or enter the value '2347' in the Medium Reservation Threshold field.


Avaya Wireless Products

The Avaya Wireless product family is a comprehensive set of network equipment that enables you to build any type of network configuration, from a small independent wireless network to a large, completely wireless infrastructure.

The Avaya Wireless products have been designed for interoperability with all other wireless LAN products that use the direct sequence radio technology, as identified in the IEEE 802.11 standard for wireless LANs. Based on market-leading WaveLAN IEEE 802.11b technology, Avaya Wireless provides mobile broadband connection to IP/ Internet for enterprises, homes, and public areas.

In addition the Avaya Wireless products will be certified with the Wi-Fi logo for proven interoperability with the major other 802.11 products.This means that your Avaya Wireless hardware will communicate with other vendors' IEEE 802.11 compliant wireless LAN products.

The Avaya Wireless product family includes:

• 	Products to create a Wireless Client Station

• 	Base Station

• 	Avaya Wireless Tools

For more information about Avaya Wireless Products, you can visit our Website.


Wireless Client Station

A wireless client stations is a computing device equiped with a Wireless Network Interface that can connect to a (wired) network infrastructure via  one or more Base Stations.

Alternatively, you can connect Wireless Client Stations to one another in a Peer-to-Peer Group to share files and printers.


Wireless Network Interface

Avaya Wireless wireless network interfaces are not much different than the network interface for wired LANs. The operating system will not even notice the difference. The wireless network interface supports all protocols that are supported by standard Ethernet adapter cards.

Like wired network interfaces, Avaya Wireless network interfaces are installed with a dedicated driver, but unlike wired network interfaces, Avaya Wireless network interfaces do not need a cable to connect them to the network. Only wireless network interfaces allow you to relocate workstations without the need to change network cabling or connections to patch panels or hubs.

Avaya Wireless wireless network interfaces support interoperability with other IEEE 802.11 compliant Direct Sequence radio devices.

Avaya Wireless offers the following types of wireless network interface devices:

• 	PC Card

• 	Adapter Card

• 	USB Client


PC Card

The PC Card is a Wireless Network Interface that can be used with (mobile) computers that support the PC Card Type II slot. It has two LED indicators and two integrated antennas.

Optionally, you can use the Avaya Wireless PC Card in combination with the following accessoires:

• 	Adapter Card

• 	Range Extender Antenna.

The PC Card is available as:

• 	64-bit WEP Network Interface

• 	128-Bit RC4 Network Interface


USB Client

The USB Client is a Wireless Network Interface that can be connected to computers with a USB port.

 The Avaya Wireless USB Client  has two LED indicators and two integrated antennas.

The Avaya Wireless USB Client supports the following  features:

• 	A 64-bit WEP Network Interface

• 	A 128-Bit RC4 Network Interface

• 	Auto Transmit Rate Select Mechanism in the Transmit Rate range of 11, 5.5, 2 and 1 Mbit/s.

• 	Frequency Channel Selection (2.4 GHz).

• 	Roaming over multiple frequency channels.

• 	Card Power Management.


Base Station

Avaya Wireless Base Stations are transparent bridge devices equipped with a Wireless Network Interface, that can be used to connect Wireless Client Stations to a (wired) network.

Avaya Wireless offers the following types of Base Stations:

• 	Access Point

• 	Residential Gateway-I

Alternatively, where no infrastructure with Base Stations is available, you may choose to connect your Wireless Client Station to a Peer-to-Peer Group to share files and printers.

See Also:

Wireless Configurations


Access Point

Avaya Wireless Access Points are transparent bridge devices to connect Wireless Client Stations to a (wired) network.

Avaya Wireless offers the following types of Access Points:

• 	Access Point-I

• 	Access Point-II

Access Points:

• 	support seamless connectivity for Roaming wireless stations in Multiple Channel Configurations.

• 	are equipped with:

• 	one or more Wireless Network Interfaces

• 	one or more Ethernet Interfaces

• 	can be managed with the AP Manager configuration tool.

• 	are identified by a MAC Address


Access Point-I

The Access Point-I is a transparent bridge device equipped with:

• 	An integrated 128-Bit RC4 Network Interface to connect your wireless stations to a (wired) network.

• 	A 10Base-T Ethernet Interface, that can be used to connect your wireless network to an Ethernet network.

Optionally you can use the Access Point-I in combination with a Range Extender Antenna.


Access Point-II

The Access Point-II is a transparent bridge device equipped with:

• 	two PC Card Type II slots A and B, into which Wireless Network Interface PC Cards can be inserted to connect wireless stations to a (wired) network.

• 	A 10/100 Base-T Ethernet Interface, that can be used to connect your wireless network to an Ethernet network.

Optionally you can use the Access Point-II in combination with a Range Extender Antenna.


Residential Gateway-I

The Residential Gateway-I  Base Station  enables you to build various types of wireless network applications in your home or small office environment.

The following network options are available:

• 	Wireless networks

• 	Wireless to Internet via phone line (using the built-in 56k/V90 modem)

• 	Wireless to Internet via Ethernet connection (using an external cable/xDSL/ISDN modem)


Accessoires

• 	Adapter Card

• 	Range Extender Antenna


Adapter Card

To use the PC Card in a (desktop) computer that does not have a PC Card slot Avaya provides the dedicated ISA Adapter and PCI Adapter cards.

To use the PC Card in a (desktop) computer that does not have a PC Card slot Avaya provides the dedicated  PCI Adapter cards.


Range Extender Antenna

You can use the Range Extender Antenna to extend the Wireless Range of a Avaya Wireless PC Card with approximately 15%.

Use of the Range Extender Antenna is recommended in situations where the integrated antenna of your Avaya Wireless PC Card is shielded. For example:

• 	Objects, such as thick stacks of books (or other objects) shield the integrated antenna.

• 	Your computer is installed in a cabinet or underneath a table.

Use of the Range Extender Antenna is especially recommended for the Avaya Wireless PC Card that is installed into a desktop computer, or in an Access Point.


Avaya Wireless Tools

The Avaya Wireless software suite consists of a set of management tools that enables you to:

• 	Configure Wireless Client Stations and Base Stations.

• 	Diagnose the network performance and, if necessary, identify and solve network errors.

• 	Manage and optimize network performance.

The Avaya Wireless software suite consists of the following tools:

• 	Client Manager

• 	AP Manager

• 	PRO Manager

• 	OR Manager

• 	Setup Utility

The Avaya Wireless tools can be installed on stations that run the Microsoft Windows 95, 98 or Windows NT (v.4.0) operating systems. The Avaya Wireless Client Manager also runs on a Windows 2000 platform.


Client Manager

The Avaya Wireless Client Manager is a diagnostic tool for Wireless Client Stations.

The tool provides the following options:

• 	Card Diagnostics:
This option enables you to investigate the operation of the Wireless Network Interface used by the Wireless Client Station.

• 	Link Test:
This option enables you to monitor the wireless communication with Wireless Client Stations in a single wireless cell (for example Peer-to-Peer Groups).

• 	Site Monitor:
This option enables you to verify and optimize placement of your Base Station(s) to provide seamless wireless coverage for Roaming mobile Wireless Client Stations.

The Client Manager is a tool that can only be run on  wireless stations that use Microsoft Windows 95, 98, 2000 or Windows NT.


AP Manager

The Avaya Wireless AP Manager is primarily a tool for LAN administrators or system supervisors. You can use the AP Manager program to configure Access Points and to monitor the performance of your wireless network. It can be run on any station in the network, either wired or wireless.

The AP Manager Tool must be installed on a computer that is identified as the ''manager station'' (typically the computer that the LAN Administrator will use to manage his network).

The AP Manager tool can run on both wired stations (Ethernet) and wireless stations. To run diagnostic measurements, the LAN administrator station must be connected to the network infrastructure that allows the station to access the Access Point using the TCP/IP protocol.

The AP Manager is a tool that can only be run on  wireless or wired stations that use Microsoft Windows 95, 98, 2000 or Windows NT.


PRO Manager

The Avaya Wireless PRO Manager is a tool specially designed for HP Open View systems. The PRO Manager enables you to:

• 	Configure Access Points.

• 	Display and modify the configuration of Access Points.

• 	Diagnose the network performance and, if necessary, identify and solve network errors.

• 	Manage and optimize network performance.


OR Manager

The Avaya Wireless OR Manager is a software tool primarily for use by LAN administrators or system supervisors. You can use the OR Manager program to configure Avaya Wireless Outdoor Routers, to monitor the performance of your wireless network, and for analysis of links between two wireless stations. It can be run on any station in the network, either wired or wireless.


Setup Utility

The Residential Gateway-I Setup Utility is a software tool for setting up a home/small office network using a Residential Gateway-I Base Station.


Avaya Wireless Tools and other Products

You may not always be able to use the Avaya Wireless Tools in combination with products of other vendors, due to the following reasons:

• 	The IEEE 802.11 standard for wireless LANs does not identify standards for diagnostic or management tools; i.e. each vendor may have designed a customized tool to configure and/or manage the IEEE 802.11 wireless network.

• 	The Avaya Wireless software suite has been designed to offer an enhanced set of tools to monitor and analyze a wide range of diagnostic tallies.

• 	Some of these tools require additional functions in the hardware that (by default) is supported by all Avaya Wireless Products, but may not be supported by the other vendors' products.

If other vendors' products do not allow you to display communications quality or configuration parameters using the Avaya Wireless software suite, please refer to the documentation that was shipped with the other vendors' product.


Uninstalling Avaya Wireless Software

If you wish to remove the Avaya Wireless software from the Avaya Wireless LAN administrator station you can use the "Add/Remove" function of your Windows operating system.

To uninstall Avaya Wireless software:

1.	On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button.

2.	Click on Settings and then Control Panel.

3.	On the Control Panel window, double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.

4.	Select the Avaya Wireless management program that you wish to uninstall, and click the Add/Remove button.

The Add/Remove option will remove program files only. If you have stored log files in the program files directory, these files will not be removed.


Wireless Configurations

Subject to the size and requirements, a wireless network can be identified by either one of the following configuration types:

• 	Peer-to-Peer Group

• 	Stand Alone Configuration

• 	Wireless Access to Ethernet Networks

• 	Multiple Access Point Configuration

• 	Multiple Channel Configuration


Peer-to-Peer Group

A Peer-to-Peer group is a group of Wireless Client Station communicate directly to one another, without intervention of a Base Station or network infrastructure.

Peer-to-Peer networks are typically small networks where:

• 	Wireless computers use for example Microsoft file and printer sharing to exchange data directly.

• 	Co-workers can quickly set up an ad-hoc workgroup while on the road or in a temporary workplace.

See also: Base Station Network


Base Station Network

A Base Station network is a wireless network where all wireless computers connect to one another or a larger network infrastructure via a dedicated Base Station.

Base Station Networks allow for larger wireless coverage, and more flexiblity in network design, as they can bridge data between:

• 	wireless stations, and

• 	wireless and wired infrastructures.

Base stations exist in different versions, allowing for a variey of network connections:

Stand Alone Configuration

Wireless Access to Ethernet Networks

Multiple Access Point Configuration


Stand Alone Configuration

A stand-alone configuration is the quickest and easiest way to set up a small wireless network. In this configuration only one Base Station is used, functioning as a relay that will forward the data communication from one Wireless Client Station to another within the same wireless cell. A server is not required, wireless stations can communicate like in a Peer-to-Peer Group, but in this configuration via a Base Station.

The wireless infrastructure is identified by a unique Network Name. All equipped devices that wish to connect to this network, must be configured with an identical network name.

Mobile wireless stations will maintain communication with the infrastructure as long as they remain within the Wireless Range of the Base Station in their network.


Wireless Access to Ethernet Networks

Connecting Base Stations to an Ethernet network, allows you to connect a number of Wireless Client Stations (mobile and/or desktop) to an existing Ethernet infrastructure, creating a larger coverage area.


Multiple Access Point Configuration

To extend the total wireless coverage area, you can setup a wireless network with multiple Access Points. To create multiple cell networks, the Access Points must be connected via a wired backbone.

The Access Points can serve mobile Wireless Client Stations Roaming between various locations within a network premises. Roaming wireless stations in a multiple Access Point configuration will:

• 	automatically switch between Access Points, when required, thus maintaining the wireless connection to the network.

• 	communicate with the infrastructure as long as they remain within the Wireless Range of the Base Stations in their network.

In multiple Access Point configurations with a high concentration of wireless stations, it may prove useful to setup a Multiple Channel Configuration.


Multiple Channel Configuration

By allocating different sub-Channels to neighboring Access Points, the Wireless Client Stations in each cell will be able to use the maximum bandwidth available to the cell. Wireless Client Stations that roam in a Multiple Access Point Configuration, will automatically adapt the operating frequency of their radio when required.

Such a multiple channel configuration may prove very useful in environments where:

• 	A high concentration of wireless stations are operational in the same vicinity of one another.

• 	The wireless client stations experience a performance decrease in terms of network response times as a result of the collision avoidance protocol

.

See Also:

Multiple Channel Configuration Requirements


Multiple Channel Configuration Requirements

The preferred channel separation between the Channels in neighboring cells is 25 MHz (5 channels). Subject to available shannels, this means that you can apply up to three different channels within your Avaya Wireless network. Applying two channels that allow the maximum channel separation will decrease the amount of channel cross-talk, and provide a noticeable performance increase over networks with minimal channel separation.

When the number of selectable channels for a Wireless Network Interface sold in your country does not allow you to select such channels, you will not be able to benefit from this configuration option.

As is the case in any Roaming environment, you must configure all  Access Points in multiple channel configurations with an identical Network Name.


Dual Interface Configuration

A second PC Card inserted in the second slot of the Access Point-II  will double the capacity of this Access Point. This option might be used in cases where a high rate of lost messages prevent fast data communication.


Specifications and Features

Radio Specifications

• 	Wireless Range

• 	Transmit Rate

• 	Channel

Features

• 	Power Management

• 	Network Name

• 	Encryption

• 	64-bit WEP Network Interface

• 	128-Bit RC4 Network Interface


Wireless Range

When working close to each other, two wireless devices (devices equipped with a Wireless Network Interface) will communicate at the highest transmit rate as supported by both of the interfaces. However, communications at the highest Transmit Rate may not travel as far as transmissions at lower transmit rates. That's why the Avaya Wireless wireless network interface provides an Auto Transmit Rate Select Mechanism.

When moving a way from each other, Avaya Wireless wireless network interfaces will decrease their transmit rate automatically, but only if required to maintain the wireless connection. When moving closer to each other again, the Auto Transmit Rate Select Mechanism will automatically increase its transmit rate again to the highest possible Transmit Rate that will provide reliable communications.

For specific information about the range of Avaya Wireless Wireless Network Interfaces in different environments, refer to the specifications in the documentation that comes with your product.


Transmit Rate

Avaya Wireless Wireless Network Interfaces support the following Transmit Rates:

• 	11 MB/s

• 	5.5 MB/s

• 	2 MB/s

• 	1 MB/s

Your wireless network interface will try to send its data at the maximum available Transmit Rate whenever possible. With the Auto Transmit Rate Select Mechanism, your wireless network interface will dynamically determine and select the right Transmit Rate for optimal communications.

See Also:

Transmit Rate in Mixed Environments


Auto Transmit Rate Select Mechanism

In case a communication fails, the Wireless Network Interface will retransmit the 'lost message' at the same data speed. When the second attempt fails as well, the wireless interface will automatically switch to a Transmit Rate to attempt the transmission again. Transmissions at lower data speed may provide a larger Wireless Range, which may help in getting the message across.


Transmit Rate in Mixed Environments

If you are using Avaya Wireless Products in "mixed" wireless environments, i.e. networks that include wireless LAN products from multiple vendors or manufacturers, your Wireless Network Interface will automatically adjust its Transmit Rate.

Your Wireless Network Interface will

• 	Operate at the highest possible Transmit Rate, if the third party wireless LAN product also comply with the:

• 	Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) certification as defined by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA).

• 	IEEE 802.11 standard for high-speed wireless LANs

• 	Switch back to the highest compatible Transmit Rate (typically 2 MB/s) as long as the third party product complies to the IEEE 802.11 standard for wireless LANs.


Channel

The Channel value identifies the radio frequency channel that has been programmed into the Base Station.

You do not need to worry about setting or tuning the Wireless Network Interface radio.

• 	In  Network with one or more Base Stations, your Wireless Network Interface will automatically select the correct frequency channel required to communicate with the Base Station(s).

• 	In a Peer-to-Peer Group, the channel will automatically be set to channel 10.

The wireless network interface may support up to 14 radio frequency channels, as defined in the IEEE 802.11 Standard. The number of available channels is subject to radio regulations that apply in your country. In most countries these radio regulations will adhere to either the FCC or ETSI Standards.

To determine the channel set available for your Wireless Network Interface, read the Channel Set from the label on your product, or use the 'Card Diagnostics' tool in the Client Manager.

See Also:

• 	Channel Set FCC

• 	Channel Set ETSI

• 	Channel Set for France

• 	Channel Set for Japan


Channel Set FCC

R-F Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz (2400-2500 MHz)

Channel
(MHz)
FCC
1
2412
X
2
2417
X
3
2422
X
4
2427
X
5
2432
X
6
2437
X
7
2442
X
8
2447
X
9
2452
X
10
2457
X
11
2462
X
12
2467
--
13
2472
--
14
2484
--
X: available,  --: not available


ChannelSet ETSI

R-F Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz (2400-2500 MHz)

Channel
(MHz)
ETSI
1
2412
X
2
2417
X
3
2422
X
4
2427
X
5
2432
X
6
2437
X
7
2442
X
8
2447
X
9
2452
X
10
2457
X
11
2462
X
12
2467
X
13
2472
X
14
2484
--
X: available,  --: not available


Channel Set for France

R-F Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz (2400-2500 MHz)

Channel
(MHz)
France
1
2412
--
2
2417
--
3
2422
--
4
2427
--
5
2432
--
6
2437
--
7
2442
--
8
2447
--
9
2452
--
10
2457
X
11
2462
X
12
2467
X
13
2472
X
14
2484
--
X: available,  --: not available


Channel Setfor Japan

R-F Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz (2400-2500 MHz)

Channel
(MHz)
Japan
1
2412
X
2
2417
X
3
2422
X
4
2427
X
5
2432
X
6
2437
X
7
2442
X
8
2447
X
9
2452
X
10
2457
X
11
2462
X
12
2467
X
13
2472
X
14
2484
X
X: available,  --: not available


Network Name

The Network Name is used to logically connect Wireless Client Stations to an Infrastructure network. To allow Wireless Client Stations to your wireless infrastructure, they must be configured with the same Network Name.


Encryption

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) data encryption enables you to encrypt all data that will be received via the Wireless Network Interface in order to prevent ''eavesdropping''.

To use encryption in your wireless network, all Wireless Client Stations and Base Stations, the encryption parameter must be enabled, and they must use the same encryption key.

See Also:

64-bit WEP Network Interface

128-Bit RC4 Network Interface


64-bit WEP Network Interface

Avaya Wireless 64-bit WEP Network Interfaces (also referred to as Silver Label) support the following wireless LAN features:

• 	Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) data encryption, based on the 64 bit RC4 encryption algorithm as defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard on wireless LANs.

• 	Auto Transmit Rate Select Mechanism in the Transmit Rate range of 11, 5.5, 2 and 1 Mbit/s.

• 	Frequency Channel Selection (2.4 GHz).

• 	Roaming over multiple frequency channels.

• 	Card Power Management.


128-Bit RC4 Network Interface

Avaya Wireless 128-Bit RC4 Network Interfaces (also referred to as Gold Label) support the following wireless LAN features:

• 	Superior data encryption based on the 128-bit RC4 algorithm.

• 	Auto Transmit Rate Select Mechanism in the Transmit Rate range of 11, 5.5, 2 and 1 Mbit/s.

• 	Frequency Channel Selection (2.4 GHz).

• 	Roaming over multiple frequency channels.

• 	Card Power Management.


Power Management

To extend the battery life of (mobile) Wireless Client Stations, you can use this option to adjust the power consumption behavior of the Wireless Network Interface.

It is normal behavior of the wireless interface power LED to flicker while in power save mode. When Power Management is enabled, the station's network interface will go to "sleep" mode to minimize power consumption. But if the network interface would not scan for beacons and multicast messages coming from Access Points, it might lose its connection to the network during power save mode, and risk to be disconnected by the network operating system (subject to the settings of watchdog timers at the network servers). To stay connected, the network interface will "wake-up" at regular intervals to verify whether there is network traffic addressed to the wireless station.

If you disable Power Management, the interface power LED will be continuously green again to indicate continuous power consumption.

Power Management on Wireless Client Stations requires support from Access Points, as these will need to buffer messages for wireless computers in "sleep mode". This will be done automatically for the wireless stations in power save mode. You do not need to "enable", and can not disable Power Management on Access Points for client stations that have been set to use Power Management.


VoiceIP

The Avaya Wireless Base Stations are transparent to SpectraLink Voice Priority (SVP) technology, allowing you to build high-speed wireless networks that deliver both voice and data to the end user.

The Spectralink NetLink Wireless Telephone System TM (NetLink WTS) is fully compatible with the 802.11b standard for data transmission as used by the Avaya Avaya Wireless system.

Spectralink SVP technology prioritizes voice IP packets with minimal impact on throughput for data services and helps deliver excellent voice quality on converged wireless networks.

NOTE

For optimal performance of both data and voice services, Avaya advises to limit the number of wireless handsets to a maximum of 5 per wireless cell.

For more information see http://www.spectralink.com


Website

For information about Avaya Wireless Products, or for downloading the latest device drivers, documentation and software updates, you can visit our website at:

http://www.avaya.com


Hexadecimal Value

A hexadecimal number is a numeric value that can include both numeric and a limited number of alphabetical characters.

Hexadecimal values can be selected from the following sequence:

0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, F

Where 0 identifies the lowest value, and F the highest value of the hexadecimal range.

In most occurrences where hexadecimal values apply, you will be able to distinguish the hexadecimal values from standard numerical values.

For example:

• 	3F2C will identify a four-digit hexadecimal value

• 	1234 will most probably identify a four-digit numerical value.

Usually hexadecimal values are identified by a trailing 'h', to allow you to distinguish a hexadecimal value from a numerical value. For example:

• 	1234 'h will identify a four-digit hexadecimal value, where.

• 	1234 will identify a four-digit numerical value.

In case of doubt, consult the user documentation or online helpfile of your product, to find out which type of value applies in a specific situation.


Alphanumeric Value

An alphanumeric value is a value that can include both:

• 	Numeric values in the range of '0-9' and

• 	Alphabetical characters in the range of 'a-z'.

For example: AP2on2ndfloor.

Usually alphanumeric values are applied to specify a name or password, where the use of both alphabetical and numerical characters expands the flexibility to enter a name or value of your choice.

When used for passwords, alphanumerical characters expand the number of possible code-combinations for each single character.

For example:

• 	Numerical values would allow you to select from 10 different values per character only, in the range of '0-9'.

• 	Alphabetical values would allow you to select from 26 different values per character only, in the range of 'a-z'. or maximum 52 when the characters would be case-sensitive: 'a-z', and 'A-Z'.

• 	Alphanumerical characters enable you to select from 36 different values per character,  in the range of '0-9' and 'a-z'.  When the field value would be case-sensitive, the number of values per character would be 62:character you could select from a value in the range of '0-9', 'a-z', and 'A-Z'.


RTS

Request To Send. RTS is part of medium reservation mechanism.


CTS

Clear To Send. CTS is part of medium reservation mechanism.


MAC

Medium Access Control


MAC Address

16-digit hexadecimal identification number for networking products.

Every networking device is identified by a unique factory-set number that can not be changed is also referred to as the 'Universal MAC Address'.

• 	The  MAC Address of a Wireless Client Station  is printed on a label on the backside of the hardware.

• 	Base Station type devices may have more than one MAC Address:

• 	One MAC Address for the wired Ethernet interface of the device, printed on a label on the Base Station, and

• 	A MAC Address for the Avaya Wireless interface of the Base Station.

The wireless MAC Address corresponds with the value printed on a label on the backside of the card inside the Base Station.


WEP

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is used to encrypt data transmitted via the wireless medium. WEP is an IEEE 802.11 compliant encryption scheme based on the RC4 algorithm.


IP Address

Internet Protocol (IP)

32-bit address assigned to hosts using TCP/IP. An IP address belongs to one of five classes (A, B, C, D, or E) and is written as 4 octets separated by periods (dotted decimal format).

Each address consists of a network number, an optional subnet number, and a host number. The network and subnet numbers together are used for routing, while the host number is used to address an individual host within the network or subnet of the network. A Subnet Mask is used to extract network and subnet information from the IP address.


SNMP

Simple Network Management Protocol. A network protocol that can be used to manage networks locally, or world-wide via the internet.


Serial Number

The unique Identification Number of the product. The Serial Number is printed on a label that you can find on the product.


TCP/IP

Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol


UDP

User Datagram Protocol.


BIOS

Basic I/O System (sometimes also referred to as CMOS)

This system is loaded first each time you (re)start your computer. It usually contains basic information about devices and ports installed into your computer. Examples of such settings are:

• 	System clock, which determines the date and time settings on your computer

• 	Type and number of Hard Disk Drives

• 	Type and device settings of Parallel and Serial ports

• 	Type and device settings of "on-board" audio cards and/or Ethernet interfaces

The number of settings defined in the BIOS and/or the ability to view or modify these settings may differ from one computer to another.

To access the BIOS or CMOS you typically need to press a specific key when (re)starting your computer. For most computer systems this is either the F1 function key, or the "Delete" key, other systems may use a custom key. Consult the user documentation that came with your computer for more information about accessing the BIOS, and instructions for viewing/modifying settings for your computer.


NetBEUI

A Microsoft proprietary protocol that is often used in small networking environments. It allows end-users to share resources on their computers by providing 'peer-to-peer' access. This protocol is required to use 'disk-sharing' or allow other users to print files on a printer connected directly to your computer.


Fragmentation

When transmitting data via the wireless network, your Wireless Network Interface will automatically split up the file or message in a number of different packets, that are re-assembled again by the communication partner.

Avaya Wireless Products use standard IEEE 802.11 compatible frame lengths, where different lengths apply for each Transmit Rate. Fragmentation will apply alternative (usually shorter) frame lengths to split and reassemble the wireless data frames.


IPX/SPX

A networking protocol that is commonly used in networking environments that use the Novell Netware network operating system.


Radius Server Access Control

Radius = Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service.

A security mechanism based on a protocol exchange between a Base Station and dedicated server that contains a central database of computer stations that are allowed to access the network.

Authorized stations are identified by the unique Universal MAC Address of their network PC Card.


Access Control Table

The Access Control Table can be used as a security mechanism to restrict access to the wireless network by means of identifying "authorized" stations by the unique MAC Address of their network interface. This user-defined list is typically built and maintained by the LAN Administrator.

The list of MAC Addresses can be created and maintained either on:

• 	All Base Stations in your network, or

• 	A central database that is stored in a dedicated Radius Server.

To build an Access Control Table you can use the AP Manager program.

The Access Control Table is loaded into the Access Point as part of an configuration upload.


Beacon Message

Beacon messages are management frames transmitted by a Base Station at regular intervals. The purpose of Beacon messages is to support Roaming wireless devices.

A beacon message contains information that:

• 	Identifies the wireless network and

• 	Informs the wireless computing device about the quality of its radio connection with the various Wireless Client Stations throughout the wireless network.

Wireless devices that roam between different physical locations, will use the Beacon information to determine if and when they should (try to) connect to another Base Station. This will avoid that wireless devices moving away from the Base Station might lose their network connection.

To receive and interpret a Beacon message, the Wireless Client Station must be configured with identical identification parameters as the Base Station interface that transmitted the Beacon message. Wireless devices equipped with an PC Card must be configured with an identical network name.


Beacon interval

Base Station devices transmit Beacon Messages at an interval of approximately 10 beacons/second.


Association

Association refers to the process where a Wireless Client Station establishes a connection to a Base Station that provides access to an IEEE 802.11 infrastructure.connection applies to the "physical" networking layer only: i.e. it involves nothing more than for example pulling a cable between a wired computer and the wiring closet.

To access networking data, the end-user would still need a login name and login password as implemented by most of today's network operating systems.


Trap Host

Station in an SNMP managed network, where SNMP trap messages are collected.


FCS

Frame Check Sequence.


PDU

Protocol Data Unit


MPDU

MAC Protocol Data Unit


MSDU

MAC Service Data Unit


MIB

Management Information Base


CSMA/CD

Carrier Sense Multiple Access Control, Collision Detect.

Reactive mechanism used by wired network devices to detect collisions of transmitted frames. The CSMA/CD mechanism is based on starting transmissions without sensing whether the medium is free, and only detect frames that failed as a result of a collision.


ICMP

Internet Control Message Protocol


BPDU

Bridge Protocol Data Unit (also referred to as Configuration BPDU).


Root Bridge

The Bridge that has the lowest Bridge priority level in a Spanning Tree topology.


Designated Bridge

In a Spanning Tree configuration, the LAN is usually split up into multiple LAN segments. The Designated Bridge is the bridge that will forward all packets from bridges residing on the same LAN segment to the Root Bridge or bridges residing in other LAN segments and vice versa.

The Designated Bridge is usually the one closest to the Root Bridge.


Root Port

In a Spanning Tree configuration, each bridge unit will identify which bridge port provides the shortest path to the Designated Bridge on the LAN segment and the Designated Bridge on the LAN.


Spanning Tree

In complex network topologies, the Spanning Tree option enables you to enhance data traffic efficiency, and eliminate the possibility of data loops.

With the spanning tree algorithm, all bridges on the LAN exchange special configuration messages (PDU's) that allow them to:

• 	Select a single bridge among all bridges in the connected LAN segments to be the  Root Bridge e

• 	Calculate the distance of the shortest path from them-selves to the root bridge.

• 	select a Designated Bridge in each LAN segment that will forward packets between that LAN segment and the root bridge.

• 	Select a Root Port among all ports of the bridge unit.

This way bridges will dynamically discover a loop-free subset of the LAN topology (a tree), that provides the most efficient level of connectivity between every pair of physically connected Local Area Network segments.

If the 'shortest data path' fails, (for example as a result of a physical breakdown), the Spanning Tree will automatically rebuild the topology within the confines of the available bridged LAN components.


SNR

The Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) is the primary diagnostic counter to diagnose wireless performance. SNR indicates the relative strength of the received Signal Level compared to the Local Noise Level.

In most environments, SNR is a good indicator for the quality of the radio link between transmitter and receiver. A higher SNR value means a better quality radio link. The color coding of the SNR-bar indicates the link quality.


Noise Level

Noise Level reflects the level of local background noise as measured at the Wireless Network Interface.

Noise can be indicated as:

• 	Local Noise , or

• 	 Remote Noise

This counter reflects only the Noise Level value (in %) of the latest frame that was received on this interface.

When the value displayed is changed dynamically, the likely cause will be that there are multiple wireless stations communicating to this wireless interface, where the communications path of one or more stations to Base Station suffers from interference, and  the communications path of the other stations is 'clean'.

Use the Client Manager Link Test to investigate the communications quality between each Wireless Client Station and this Base Station.

The Noise Level, as well as the Signal Level, is expressed in decibel milliwatt (dBm) and has a negative value. The lower (= more negative) the value, the weaker the Noise.


Local Noise

The level of radio interference as measured in the vicinity of your wireless computer.


Remote Noise

The level of radio interference as measured in the vicinity of the remote station (for example your 'Link Test Partner' or the current).


Signal Level

Signal Level indicates the strength of the wireless signal as received at the Wireless Network Interface. As the wireless system may perform quite well even when the signal level is low, the primary indicator to diagnose the communications quality is the level of SNR.

When the value displayed changes dynamically, the likely cause will be that there are multiple stations communicating to this Base Station, where one or more stations may be on the fringe of the radio coverage area of the Base Station suffers from interference, and the other stations are close to the Base Station.

Use the Client Manager or AP Manager Link Test to investigate the communications quality of each Wireless Client Station connected to this Base Station.

The Signal Level, as well as the Noise Level, is expressed in decibel milliwatt (dBm) and has negative values. The lower (= more negative) the value, the weaker the signal. Normal operating range is between -10 and -100.


Roaming

The movement by a mobile Wireless Client Station among multiple wireless cells. The wireless network can locate the wireless station as it 'roams', and provides continuing service to that station.

When moving away from its current Base Station, your network interface will automatically connect to another  Base Station when the quality of radio communications require it do so, in order to maintain the network connection.


SOHO

Small Office/Home Office

A SOHO network is typically a relatively small network that comprises up to 10 wireless and/or wired computers.

Occasionally a SOHO network uses a shared connection to an Internet Service Provider to provide internet access to individual workstations.


LED

The acronym LED (Light Emitting Diode) represents the indicator light on that you can find on most Avaya Wireless devices.


Access Control

A security feature for Access Point that enables you to restrict wireless access to Access Points to authorized stations only.

Authorized stations are identified by the MAC address of their Avaya Wireless PC Card in a so-called 'Access Control Table' file that is loaded into the Avaya Wireless Access Points as part of the configuration

When Access Control is enabled, the Access Point will ignore all requests to forward data to/from Avaya Wireless devices that are not identified in the Access Control Table. You can create or edit Access Control Table files using either the AP Manager or the Client Manager program.


Analysis Polling interval

A parameter that enables you to control the responsiveness of the Avaya Wireless AP Manager Remote Link Test. The Analysis Polling Interval determines how often AP Manager will read the diagnostic tallies of the bridge unit. Valid values: 1-15 seconds.


Basic Access Network

A basic access network consists of a small sized wireless LAN, with no connections via gateways or routers. The number of Access Point in this network typically varies between 1 and 5. The administrator stations need to have the TCP/IP protocol stack loaded and use IP addressing to configure and monitor the Access Points. IP addressing and the TCP/IP protocol are not strictly necessary for client stations.


BOOTP

(Bootstrap Protocol)

The standard protocol that is used to configure systems across internetworks.


Bridge in

The total number of data packets arriving at the Access Point from the LAN segment served by the selected wireless network interface.

This number reflects the sum of Unicast and Non-Unicast packets.


Bridge out

The number of data packets that have been forwarded by the Access Point to the LAN segment served by the selected interface.


Broadcast

Messages transmitted by a single station (typically a server) to all stations on the network. This type of traffic is also referred to as Non-Unicast messages.


Bytes in

The number of bytes (octets) received at the Access Point from the LAN segment served by the selected wireless network interface, including framing characters.


Collisions

The number of packets that were not received properly as a result of a collision, due to multiple stations trying to send packets over the medium simultaneously.


CSMA/CA

Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance.active mechanism used by wireless network devices to avoid collisions of wireless transmissions. The CSMA/CA mechanism is based on sensing whether the medium is free prior to starting transmissions. If the medium is not free, the wireless device will defer its transmission using a random time-out counter until the medium becomes available again.


DHCP

(Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)

DHCP is a Microsoft proprietary extension to the existing bootstrap protocol (BOOTP). DHCP enables a LAN administrator to have a network server configure workstations with an IP Address dynamically without further intervention.

A dynamically assigned IP Address is referred to as an 'Active Lease'. The Active Lease usually has an expiry date, which allows re-allocation of IP addresses that are no longer used.

For Base Stations you are advised to use a specific IP address for which there is no expiry date. To do so, you can use your DHCP management program to reserve the IP address or a range of IP addresses.

For network devices that require a specific IP address, or for which you do not want the 'IP address lease' to expire, you can use a DHCP Management program to reserve their IP addresses. This is the case with your Base Stations.

Once a range of IP addresses has been reserved, you can use the values in this range to assign to your Avaya Wireless system.

The Unique Identifier is the Media Access Control address (MAC Address) for the DHCP Client. The Client Name should be the computer name for the DHCP Client. However, this name is used for identification purposes in the DHCP Manager interface and, therefore, does not have to be and will not affect the actual computer name.

To see which IP addresses are still available, your DHCP Management program will usually include a 'Scope Active Leases' option. This option allows you to see which DHCP Clients have leased an IP address from the DHCP Server.


Firmware

Basic operating software for Avaya Wireless Wireless Network Interface and Base Station that is factory-installed.

Occasionally firmware upgrades may become available when new functions or features are developed for your Avaya Wireless Products.


Hidden Station Problem

A situation in a wireless network, where communication fails despite the CSMA/CA mechanism. This problem may typically occur in networks where Base Stations are located at large distances from one another, and/or multiple wireless stations are located at the periphery of a wireless cell. such situations wireless stations are not able to adequately sense whether the medium is free, and might start transmissions simultaneously, resulting in a frame collision.


Initiator Station

The (remote) Base Station device that you selected to initiate a AP Manager  Link Test  with a wireless station connected to the selected Base Station.

The Remote Link Test Partner can either be a wireless station, or another Base Station device.


LAN Segment

A logical area within a network that is connected with other areas via a bridge.

For Base Station devices  these areas can either be an Ethernet or Avaya Wireless segment.


MAC Address Filter

An advanced Bridge setup parameter for Base Station devices that enables you to deny data traffic between two specific devices via the wireless interface(s) of the Base Station bridge.

You can use the Static MAC Address filter to optimize the performance of a wireless (and wired) network.

For example, to prevent redundant traffic from being transmitted over the wireless network, you could deny traffic between two particular servers, identified by their MAC Address and their location as perceived by the Base Station (on the 'wired' or wireless' port of the bridge).

In most situations, however, it will be easier to control redundant traffic via other filtering options, such as 'Protocol Filtering'.


Multicast

Messages transmitted by a single station (typically a server) to all stations on the network. This type of traffic is also referred to as Non-Unicast messages.


Non-Unicast packets out

The number of packets requested by higher level protocols, to be transmitted to a subnetwork-unicast address, typically Multicast or Broadcast messages. This number includes the frames that were discarded or not sent.


Out Collisions

The number of transmitted frames that failed as a result of a frame collisions.the wireless interface, a high number of collisions in relation to the number of transmitted frames may indicate either a "busy medium" or the existence of a "hidden station" problem.

See also: Hidden Station Problem


Read Password

A security option that enables you to create a network management level by means of a password.

For example, the 'Read Password' in combination with the correct IP address will authorize a local LAN administrator to display only the AP Manager Monitor function for a specific Access Point, but not to view or modify the Access Point configuration.

You can set the 'Read Password' using the SNMP tab in the AP Manager program.


Read/Write Password

A security option that enables you to create a network management level, by means of a password.

For example, the 'Read/Write' password in combination with the correct IP address will authorize a Corporate LAN Administrator to display all AP Manager Monitor functions and to display or edit the Access Point configuration.

You can set the 'Read/Write' password using the SNMP tab in the AP Manager program.


SNMP IP Access List

An advanced Security option that enables you to authorize SNMP management to a restricted group of SNMP Management stations.

To authorize a station to access the Access Point configuration or diagnostic information, you will need to add the IP address of that station to the so-called SNMP IP Access List.

When you enable the SNMP IP access option, the Access Point will deny all requests to read the configuration data or diagnostic tallies when the IP address of the requesting station is not registered in the SNMP IP access list.

You can use the SNMP IP Access List in combination with other security options such as the 'Read' and 'Read/Write' passwords.

To create or edit the SNMP IP Access List, use the SNMP tab of the AP Manager program.


SNMP Polling Interval

A parameter that enables you to control the responsiveness of the AP Manager Monitor options. Valid values: 1 second - 5 minutes.


SNMP Trap Messages

SNMP trap messages are part of the trap host mechanism which can be used to inform a network administrator when somebody resets the Access Point unit, loads a new configuration into the Access Point, or performs a forced reload procedure.

The trap host alert message will enable the network administrator to verify whether this was an authorized action or not.

To receive the Trap Alert messages, the management station needs to have a standard Trap Host Agent installed to handle the trap messages.


Station Name

The station name is an optional parameter that may be used to designate wireless devices in the network. The name can help to identify a device in one of the Avaya Wireless diagnostic utilities. A station name can consist of up to 31 alphanumeric characters.


AP Name

The name of the Base Station. The Base Station name is defined in the SNMP parameter settings in the Base Station configuration. You can display or modify these settings using the AP manager tool.


Storm Threshold

An advanced Bridge setup option that you can use to protect the network against data overload by:

• 	Specifying a maximum number of frames per second as received from a single network device (identified by its MAC address).

• 	Specifying an absolute maximum number of messages per port.

The 'Storm Threshold' parameters allow you to specify a set of thresholds for each port of the Access Point, identifying separate values for the number of broadcast messages/second and Multicast messages/second.

When the number of frames for a port or identified station exceeds the maximum value per second, the Access Point will ignore all subsequent messages issued by the particular network device, or ignore all messages of that type.


Subnet

A subnet is a logical sub-division of a Local Area Network that has been divided by means of routers or gateways. A subnet may include multiple LAN segments.

Each subnet is identified by the Subnet Mask.

NOTE

 In a wireless network that allows mobile wireless stations to roam between different cells, all Base Stations and wireless stations must be connected to the same LAN subnet."


TTL

(Time-To-Live)

An advanced IP Parameter Setup counter that you can you use to maintain network efficiency. The purpose of the Time To Live counter (TTL) is to avoid endless forwarding of message frames with an incorrect address that pollute the network medium.

The TTL defines a maximum number of passes per hop. Each time the frame is forwarded by a router, the TTL counter decreases by one. When the TTL = 0, the frame is rejected.


Unicast packets out

The number of bytes (octets) transmitted out to the interface.

This is 'true data' from station to station.


Up Time

The amount of time elapsed since the last time the Access Point unit was powered up, reset, or uploaded with a new configuration.


FCC

Federal Communications Commission (USA)


ETSI

European Telecommunications Standards Institute (Europe)


MPT

Ministry of Post and Telecommunication (Japan)


IC

Industry Canada


ESS

[Extended Service Set]

ESS is a parameter that is identified in the  IEEE 802.11 Standard for wireless LANs. In Avaya Wireless  networks this parameter is referred to as Infrastructure Network.


Retransmission

Retransmission is a standard  IEEE 802.11 method of dealing with lost messages. In case a transmitting wireless computer does not receive an acknowledgment that a transmitted message was received, the station will try to transmit the message again. When the retransmission fails as well, your Avaya Wireless computer will switch to a lower  Transmit Rate. using the Auto Fallback mechanism.


IEEE 802.11

IEEE 802.xx Standards define the access technologies for local and metropolitan area networks. IEEE Standards are developed and defined by the IEEE.

The IEEE 802.11 Standard is an interoperability standard for wireless LAN devices, that identifies three major distribution systems for wireless data communication:

• 	Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) Radio Technology

• 	Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) Radio Technology

• 	Infrared Technology

IEEE 802.11 compliant networking products that are based on the same type of distribution system are interoperable with one another regardless of the device's manufacturer.


IEEE

Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers, Inc.

The IEEE is an organization that develops Standards for electrical and electronic equipment. IEEE Standards documents are developed within the Technical Committees of the IEEE Societies and the Standards Coordinating Committees of the IEEE Standards Board.

For more information, contact IEEE Customer Service at:

E-mail/Internet:
Customer.service@ieee.org
http://standards.ieee.org
Phone:
1.732.981.0060 (outside of the US and Canada)
Fax:
1.800.701.IEEE (within the US and Canada)
1.732.981-9667
Mail:
IEEE Customer Service
445 Hoes Lane, PO Box 1331
Piscataway, NJ 08855-1331 USA


USB

Universal Serial Bus