What is Access Point? How to configure it?

Access Point can be defined as a device that is used as a wireless hotspot. A Router or a Modem can be called as an Access Point. In simple words, a device that helps you to connect to a wireless network is called as an Access point.






Access Point can be configured in 2 ways.
    1.   If the Access Point is a Router or a Modem, You need to configure it along with the internet settings of the router/modem. Generally the Internet Service Provider (ISP)'s settings are not necessary to configure an Access Point. The settings you need are the SSID (Name of the Wireless Network), Wireless Channel and the Wireless Security. Click here to know more about wireless settings and here to know about Wireless Security.




    2.   If the Router or the Modem you using doen not have wireless functionality in it, than you can connect the Access Point with a cable to the router/modem, configure the wireless settings and start broadcasting.




To use the Access Point as a Repeater, view this post.


Lets see about the Cisco WAP200E Access Point. 

WAP200E is a popular for its stability and good consistent performance. If you happen to face any issues with WAP200E, you don't need to reconfigure all the settings. Rather just turn off the device, wait for 5 seconds and turn it back on. It will Work absolutely fine. Weather-resistant housing allows for outdoor deployments, and Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality frees the device from proximity to an electrical outlet. You don't need to connect this device to any power outlet. Its RangeBooster technology reaches up to twice as far as standard 802.11g, with reduced dead spots and improved throughput up to 35 percent.

For more information on WAP200E, Visit this link.

WAP200E Reviews and Purchase.

Weather-resistant housing allows for outdoor deployments, and Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality frees the device from proximity to an electrical outlet. Its RangeBooster technology reaches up to twice as far as standard 802.11g, with reduced dead spots and improved throughput up to 35 percent.

Additional features of the Cisco WAP200E Wireless-G Exterior Access Point include:

• Multiple BSSIDs that connect to individual VLANs to keep traffic separated
• NEMA IP53-rated weather-resistant, lighting-protected housing
• Support for both WEP and WPA security protocols, which keeps your wireless transmissions safe using powerful encryption
• MAC address filtering
• Improved Quality of Service (QoS) over wireless connections for better video and voice performance
• Multiple BSSIDs, wireless roaming, auto-channel selection, and load balancing
• A browser-based configuration utility
• Limited lifetime warranty

How to check the wireless settings on the Linksys Router ?

How to check the wireless settings on the Linksys Router ?

The wireless settings that you need to note on a router are :

1. SSID [ Name of the Wireless Network.
   
2. Wireless Channel &
   
3. Wireless Security.
   

Step 1 : Open the Setup page of the router.

Step 2 : Click on Wireless [Second tab on the Tab].

Step 3 : Look for Wireless Network Name SSID. If the SSID is Linksys, you can change the name to something else. Also note if the SSID Broadcast is set to Enable or Disable.

Step 4 : Click Wireless Security and note the current Security Settings.

If the Security Mode is set to WEP :

In this Example we are using WEP 64 bits.

If the Security Mode is WPA :

In this example, we are using WPA-TKIP.

Step 5 : Click Save Settings.

Enabling MAC Filtering in WAG300N

How to enable the MAC Address Filtering in WAG300N.

Connect a computer to WAG300N.
Open Internet Explorer.
In the Address Bar type : 192.168.1.1 [Default IP Address of WAG300N].
In the Popup for username and password, type admin for username and admin for password [default].

• Once in the setup page, click on Wireless, the second tab on the top.
• Than select Wireless MAC Filter [third sub tab under wireless.
• Here you need to enable the option.
• In the Access Restriction, you need to specify whether u want to prevent or permit the computers from accessing the Internet.
• With firmware 1.01.01, you can list upto 50 Wireless MAC Addresses.
• If you click on the Wireless Client List in the same page, you can see the MAC Addresses of the Wireless [DHCP clients] devices connected to the router.
• The MAC Address is generally located at the bottom of the devices.

Wireless Range !

Tips to improve the Wireless Range.

How Can the Range of a WiFi Network Be Boosted? The wireless signal strength depends on many variables. Like the position of the Router / Access Point, interfering devices, thickness of the walls, the adapter/receiver on the computers. We will discuss some factors that will help boost the wireless range and performance.

The router should not be placed in an isolated part of the house. The router should not be placed near a Television set or any other electronic devise. Avoid placing the router in a cupboard or behind any thing. If the wireless router is against an outside wall of the house , the signal will be weak on the other side of your home. Common sources of interference in residences include brick or plaster walls, microwave ovens, and cordless phones. But there are many other ways to boost the signal of the wireless network. Try keeping the Access Point / Router elevated from the floor and away from any electronic device. Open the Setup page of the Router [the default IP Address is 192.168.1.1] and change the Wireless Channel. Try different combinations to best optimse the coverage. For N-Series devices, keep the Radio Band to 40 MHz Channel, Wide Channel to 9 and Standard Channel to 11-2.462 GHz. If you are using a N-Series Access point / Router, also use a N-Series adaptgers to enjoy the N-Series Connectivity. If you place the router is a central position of the house, the wireless range will be covered in the entire house [ofcourse depends on the size of the house] all the devices will be able to connect wireless without any hassel. The N-Series provides a maximum speed of 270MBPS. You can also replace the wireless antennas on the router to boost the range. Like high gain antennas. Or adjust the position of the antenna on the router or the computers to get better reception. Try using a Range Expander to extend the wireless signal. Keep the firmware on the router and the drivers on the adapter updated.

WRT54GR and WRE54G v3.

How to connect the WRE54G to WRT54GR.

WRE54G uses Wireless Distribution System to communicate with the wireless devices.

• Make sure the firmwares on both the devices are latest.
• Connect a computer to the WRT54GR.
• Connect the WRE54G to WRT54GR.
• On the computer Open Internet Explorer [or any browser].
• In the address bar type : 192.168.1.1 [default IP Address] a popup should appear.
• Make sure the Popup blocker is Disabled.
• The default password is admin.
• Once in the Setup page click on Wireless [Second TAB on the top].
• In this TAB you can configure the wireless settings for tyhe router like the MODE, Name of the network [SSID] and the CHANNEL.
• Whatever settings you do here you need to copy the same on the Range Expander.
• Minimise the WRT54GR Setup Page. Open a new Internet Explorer.
• In the Address Bar type : 192.168.1.240 [Default IP Address of WRE54G].
  The default password is admin.
• Once in the Setup page configure the wireless settings same as that of the WRT54GR.
• Also if the wireless network is encrypted, do the relevant settings on the Range Expander.
• Save Settings. Turn OFF the WRT54GR and WRE54G.
• Place the WRE54G where the signal is weak.
• Turn the WRT54GR ON wait for 10 seconds.
• Turn the WRE54G ON. Check the lights.
• The ACTIVITY led lights up whenever there is a successful wireless connection and will flash whenever there is wireless network activity.
• The LINK led lights up when the Range Expander is powered ON. This light will appear blue when the Range Expander is connected to a functioning Access Point or wireless router. It will light up RED when there is NO Access Point or Wireless router to connected to or the settings on the RE does not match with the router.