Basic AP-5131 Configuration
27
Once the IP address is entered, the AP-5131’s Network Time Protocol (NTP) functionality is 
engaged automatically. Refer to the AP-51xx Product Reference Guide for information on 
defining alternate time servers and setting a synchronization interval for the AP-5131 to 
adjust its displayed time. 
5. Click the WAN tab to set a minimum set of parameters for using the WAN interface. 
a. Select the Enable WAN Interface checkbox to enable a connection between the 
AP-5131 and a larger network or outside world through the WAN port. Disable this 
option to effectively isolate the AP-5131’s WAN connection. No connections to a larger 
network or the Internet will be possible. MUs cannot communicate beyond the 
configured subnets.
b. Select the This Interface is a DHCP Client checkbox to enable DHCP for the AP-5131 
WAN connection. This is useful, if the target corporate network or Internet Service 
Provider (ISP) uses DHCP. DHCP is a protocol that includes mechanisms for IP address 
allocation and delivery of host-specific configuration parameters from a DHCP server to 
a host. Some of these parameters are IP address, network mask, and gateway. 
c. Specify an IP address for the AP-5131’s WAN connection. An IP address uses a series 
of four numbers expressed in dot notation, for example, 190.188.12.1.
d. Specify a Subnet Mask for the AP-5131’s WAN connection. This number is available 
from the ISP for a DSL or cable-modem connection, or from an administrator if the 
AP-5131 connects to a larger network. A subnet mask uses a series of four numbers 
expressed in dot notation. For example, 255.255.255.0 is a valid subnet mask.
e. Specify a Default Gateway address for the AP-5131’s WAN connection. The ISP or a 
network administrator provides this address. 
f. Specify the address of a Primary DNS Server. The ISP or a network administrator 
provides this address.
6. Optionally, use the Enable PPP over Ethernet checkbox to enable Point-to-Point over 
Ethernet (PPPoE) for a high-speed connection that supports this protocol. Most DSL 
providers are currently using or deploying this protocol. PPPoE is a data-link protocol for 
dialup connections. PPPoE will allow the AP-5131 to use a broadband modem (DSL, cable 
modem, etc.) for access to high-speed data networks.
a. Select the Keep Alive checkbox to enable occasional communications over the WAN 
port even when client communications to the WAN are idle. Some ISPs terminate 
inactive connections, while others do not. In either case, enabling Keep-Alive maintains 
the WAN connection, even when there is no traffic. If the ISP drops the connection after 
the idle time, the AP-5131 automatically reestablishes the connection to the ISP.
72-70931_01.book  Page 27  Monday, May 4, 2009  8:10 AM