Asus WL-320gE - User Manual

Quick Start Guide
WL-320gE Access Point
QE2802/ Sept 2006
®

Summary

Package Contents

Getting to know the Wireless Access Point

Front panel

Describes the LEDs and layout of the front panel, including status indicators.

Back panel

Details the ETHERNET, RESET, and DC ports on the rear panel.

Wall mount option

Provides instructions for mounting the device to a wall or ceiling.

Configuring the Wireless Access Point

Wired connection

Instructions for connecting the device via Ethernet cable to a PC.

Wireless Connection

Information on establishing a wireless connection using an 802.11b/g card.

Setting IP address for wired or wireless client

Guidance on setting client IP addresses within the same subnet as the AP.

ASUS WLAN Utilities

Instructions to install and launch the ASUS WLAN Utilities software.

Accessing the web page

Steps to access the device's web interface by manually entering the IP address.

Quick Setup in Access Point mode

Guided setup process for configuring the device in Access Point mode.

Quick Setup in Gateway mode

Guided setup process for configuring the device in Gateway mode.

Operation Modes

Bridge Mode (WDS)

Explains how to connect to one or many Access Points using WDS.

Wireless

Site Survey (AP SCAN)

How to use Site Survey to find and associate with available APs.

Client Mode (Station)

Configure the device to act as a wireless client for other devices.

Repeater Mode (URE)

Set up the device to extend wireless coverage as a repeater.

Access Control

Configure MAC address filtering to control client access.

Multi-SSID and VLAN

Set up multiple SSIDs and VLANs for network segmentation.

System Setup

Global Settings

Change login password and select the system language.

SNMP

Configure SNMP for network monitoring and management.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The ASUS WL-320gE Access Point is a versatile wireless networking device designed to provide flexible connectivity solutions for various environments. It functions primarily as a wireless access point, extending network coverage and allowing wireless clients to connect to a wired Ethernet network. Beyond its core access point functionality, the device supports multiple operation modes, including Bridge (WDS), Repeater (URE), and Client (Station) modes, making it adaptable to different networking needs.

Function Description

At its most basic, the WL-320gE acts as an Access Point (AP), enabling wireless devices to join a local area network (LAN) and access the internet. This is its default mode, where it broadcasts a wireless signal (SSID) to which laptops, smartphones, and other Wi-Fi enabled devices can connect. The device is compatible with IEEE 802.11b/g wireless standards, ensuring broad compatibility with existing wireless equipment.

The WL-320gE can also operate in a Bridge Mode (WDS - Wireless Distribution System). In this mode, it allows you to connect two or more wired networks wirelessly, effectively extending the reach of your LAN without running additional Ethernet cables. WDS can be configured in several ways:

• AP Mode: The device serves as a standard access point, allowing wireless clients to connect to a wired Ethernet network.
• WDS Only: The device communicates exclusively with other Access Points configured in WDS mode, creating a dedicated wireless backbone.
• Hybrid: This mode combines the functionalities of an access point and a wireless bridge, allowing both wireless clients to connect and other access points to bridge. For WDS to function correctly, all Access Points involved must be set to the same wireless channel.

Another key operation mode is Repeater Mode (URE - Universal Repeater). In this mode, the WL-320gE extends the range of an existing wireless network. It receives a wireless signal from a root AP and re-transmits it, effectively boosting the wireless coverage in areas with weak signals. This is particularly useful for larger homes or offices where a single access point might not cover all areas adequately.

Finally, the device supports Client Mode (Station). In this configuration, the WL-320gE acts as a wireless client card for wired devices that lack wireless capabilities, such as game consoles, desktop PCs, or network printers. It connects wirelessly to an existing access point and provides an Ethernet port for the wired device to connect, allowing that device to access the wireless network.

The WL-320gE also supports Gateway Mode, which allows it to function as a router, connecting to the internet via ADSL or cable modem. In this mode, it can manage network traffic, assign IP addresses, and provide network address translation (NAT) for devices on the local network. It supports various ISP connection types, including PPPoE, PPTP, static IP, and dynamic IP (cable modem).

Usage Features

The device is designed for ease of use, with LED indicators on the front panel providing quick visual feedback on its status:

• PWR (Power): Indicates if the device is powered on, performing a boot sequence, or if a firmware upgrade has failed.
• LAN (Ethernet Network): Shows the status of the physical Ethernet connection and if data is being transmitted or received.
• AIR (Wireless Network): Indicates if the wireless function is ready or if data is being transmitted or received wirelessly.
• LINK (Link Status): Provides detailed information about client association, including signal strength (strong, better, weak) and whether a client is associated or not.

Configuration of the WL-320gE is primarily done through a web-based interface, accessible via a standard web browser. Initial setup can be performed via a wired Ethernet connection for reliability, though wireless configuration is also possible. The device comes with a default IP address (192.168.1.1) and default login credentials ("admin" for both username and password).

The Quick Setup Guide facilitates a streamlined configuration process for both Access Point and Gateway modes. For Access Point mode, users can quickly set the operation mode (AP, WDS, Client, Repeater), configure wireless interface settings such as SSID, and enable encryption methods like WEP or WPA pre-shared key with TKIP for enhanced security. The system can even generate WEP keys automatically from a passphrase.

In Gateway mode, the Quick Setup guides users through selecting their time zone and ISP connection type (cable, ADSL PPPoE, PPTP, static IP, Telstra BigPond). It prompts for necessary credentials like usernames, passwords, IP addresses, and MAC addresses, depending on the chosen connection type.

For more advanced users, the web interface offers detailed settings for various features:

• Wireless Interface: Allows for fine-tuning of wireless settings, including channel selection, security protocols, and MAC access control.
• Site Survey (AP SCAN): A utility to scan for available wireless networks, displaying their MAC address, SSID, security type, channel, and signal strength (RSSI), which is useful when configuring Client or Repeater modes.
• Access Control: Enhances security by allowing users to specify which wireless clients (based on MAC address) are permitted or denied access to the network. This can be set to "Disable" (allow all), "Accept" (allow only listed), or "Reject" (deny listed).
• Multi-SSID and VLAN: Supports the creation of up to three Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) in addition to the primary wireless network. Each VLAN can have its own SSID, VLAN ID, and independent security settings, allowing for network segmentation and enhanced security or guest network functionality.
• System Setup: Includes global settings for changing the login password and selecting the interface language. It also features SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) support, enabling network administrators to monitor the device's status and receive notifications of critical events, which is valuable in larger network deployments.

Maintenance Features

The WL-320gE incorporates several features to aid in maintenance and troubleshooting:

• Reset Button: A physical reset button on the back panel allows users to restore the device to its factory default settings. This is a crucial feature for troubleshooting configuration issues or when re-purposing the device. It requires pressing and holding the button for five seconds with a pointed object.
• Firmware Upgrade: The device supports firmware upgrades, which can be performed to improve performance, add new features, or fix bugs. The PWR LED blinks during a firmware upgrade, indicating the process is active.
• ASUS WLAN Utilities: A support CD is included with utilities, including the ASUS WLAN Device Discovery tool. This tool helps in identifying the WL-320gE on the network and allows for changing its TCP/IP settings, which is useful if the device's IP address needs to be reconfigured or if there's an IP conflict.
• User Manual: A comprehensive user manual is provided on the support CD, offering detailed instructions for all configuration options and troubleshooting steps.
• Wall Mount Option: The physical design includes mounting hooks on the underside, allowing the device to be securely mounted on a wall or ceiling. This helps in optimizing wireless signal coverage and keeping the device out of the way.
• Auto-Crossover Ethernet Port: The Ethernet port on the WL-320gE features an integrated auto-crossover function, meaning it can automatically detect and adapt to either a straight-through or crossover Ethernet cable. This simplifies cable selection and reduces potential connection issues.

The device's robust design and comprehensive feature set make it a reliable and flexible solution for various wireless networking needs, from simple home network extension to more complex multi-mode deployments in small offices.

Asus WL-320gE Specifications

General

Wireless Standard	802.11b/g
Frequency Band	2.4 GHz
Data Rate	Up to 54 Mbps
Security	WEP, WPA, WPA2
Ports	1 x 10/100 Mbps Ethernet
Operating System Compatibility	Windows, Mac OS, Linux