Support FAQ

Here you can find answers to some of our more frequently asked questions. These questions range from topics involving technical problems to those involving configurations needed upon product installation.

[ WAP-O3 ] [ WAP-C3 ] [ WAP-W3 ] [ Support FAQs for all WAP Products ]

WAP-O3 Support FAQ:

1. How do I make sure my configuration changes were accepted?
2. How do I switch from 802.11g mode to 802.11a mode?
3. I made several changes such as SSID and channel and they are not shown on my laptop, why?
4. What is DFS, and does the WAP-O3 have it?
5. In 802.11a mode, my WAP-O3 keeps automatically switching channels, why?
6. In 802.11a, do some of the selectable channels interfere with each other like in 802.11b and g?
7. Which mode has more range, 802.11a or 802.11b/g?
8. I am using 802.11a and trying to connect to the WAP-O3 with a Crestron TPMC8x and I can’t even see the SSID. Why?
9. When I set the MAC Address filter on the WAP-O3, I cannot access the configuration screen anymore from the wired PC. Why?

Q: How do I make sure my configuration changes were accepted?

Check the home page, titled ACCESS POINT INFO, found under the System menu. The home page indicates the current settings of the device. If you made changes to the device settings and they are not reflected on the home page, you likely need to reboot to complete the changes.

Q: How do I switch from 802.11g mode to 802.11a mode?

Just go to the 802.11a page, found under the Wireless menu, and make your changes. Don’t forget to reboot the WAP-O3 when all the changes are finished. The home page indicates the current settings of the device. If you made changes to the device settings and they are not reflected on the home page, you likely need to reboot to complete the changes.

Q: I made several changes such as SSID and channel and they are not shown on my laptop, why?

After all changes are made, you must reboot the WAP-O3 by selecting Reboot the Device. To verify the current configuration, go to the home page called ACCESS POINT INFO under the System menu.

Q: What is DFS, and does the WAP-O3 have it?

Yes, the WAP-O3 supports DFS. FCC regulations require devices to switch to a different channel if aircraft radar presence is detected. This is called Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS). DFS channels in the 5.0 GHz spectrum are 52 - 140. Non-DFS channels are 36 - 48, and 149 - 165. If there is radar presence, near an airport for instance, the WAP-O3 will automatically switch over to an open non-DFS channel. Many client cards do not support the higher channels, 149-165. Therefore, to avoid channel switching, set the WAP-O3 to a lower channel, 36 - 48.

Q: In 802.11a mode, my WAP-O3 keeps automatically switching channels, why?

Likely, you set the WAP-O3 to a DFS channel and you are experiencing radar interference (see above). Switch to an open non-DFS channel in the 36 - 48 range.

Q: In 802.11a, do some of the selectable channels interfere with each other like in 802.11b and g?

No. In 802.11a, the channels are spaced far apart so that none of the selectable channels overlap. For example, you can put four Wireless Access Points next to each other using 36, 40, 44, and 48 respectively without any interference among the channels.

Q: Which mode has more range, 802.11a or 802.11b/g?

802.11a is on the 5.0GHz spectrum and 802.11b/g is on the 2.4GHz spectrum. In general, the higher the frequency (like 5.0 GHz), the shorter the range and the less capable are the radio waves of penetrating walls and other obstacles. However, the longer-range 2.4GHz spectrum is much more crowed and congested and more likely subjected to interference. In high traffic areas, 2.4GHz will suffer from more interference. Interference decreases the range of wireless coverage so in high congestion areas, 802.11a (5.0GHz) could have more range and provide a more consistently performing network.

Q: I am using 802.11a and trying to connect to the WAP-O3 with a Crestron TPMC8x and I can’t even see the SSID. Why?

The Crestron TPMC8x uses the Intel 2915 ABG chipset and this chipset does not support channels 149 - 165. Make sure the WAP-O3 is not set to these channels. Also, avoid using DFS channels because the WAP-O3 could revert to channels 149 - 165 if it senses aircraft radar interference.

Q: When I set the MAC Address filter on the WAP-O3, I cannot access the configuration screen anymore from the wired PC. Why?

In addition to being an access point, the WAP-O3 is a client bridge device and will filter both wireless and wired clients unless set not to filter. Therefore if you set the MAC address filter and your PC’s MAC Address is not added to the allow list, you will not be able to connect to the WAP-O3 after you rebooted it. Reset the WAP-O3 manually in order to restore factory defaults. You can also uncheck the Filter Wired Clients button to allow your PC or any PC to connect via wired connection.

WAP-C3 Support FAQ:

1. How do I make sure my configuration changes were accepted?
2. How do I switch from 802.11g mode to 802.11a mode?
3. I made several changes such as SSID and channel and they are not shown on my screen, why?
4. What is DFS, and does the WAP-C3 have it?
5. In the 802.11a mode, my WAP-C3 keeps automatically switching channels, why?
6. In 802.11a, do some of the selectable channels interfere with each other like in 802.11b and g?
7. Which mode has more range, 802.11a or 802.11b and g?
8. I am using 802.11a and trying to connect to the WAP-C3 with a Crestron TPMC8x and I can't even see the SSID. Why?
9. When I set the MAC Address filter on the WAP-C3, I can't access the configuration screen anymore from the wired PC. Why?
10. My signal strength reading is not strong. What could be the problem?
11. Can I install the WAP-C3 in the wall rather than in the ceiling?

Q: How do I make sure my configuration changes were accepted?

Check the home page, titled ACCESS POINT INFO, found under the System menu. The home page indicates the current settings of the device. If you made changes to the device settings and they are not reflected on the home page, you likely need to reboot to complete the changes.

Q: How do I switch from 802.11g mode to 802.11a mode?

Just go to the 802.11a page, found under the Wireless menu, and make your changes. Don't forget to reboot the access point when all the changes are finished. The home page indicates the current settings of the device. If you made changes to the device settings and they are not reflected on the home page, you likely need to reboot to complete the changes.

Q: I made several changes such as SSID and channel and they are not shown on my screen, why?

After all changes are made, you must reboot the WAP-C3 by selecting Reboot the Device. To verify the current configuration, go to the home page called ACCESS POINT INFO under the System menu.

Q: What is DFS, and does the WAP-C3 have it?

Yes, the WAP-C3 supports DFS. FCC regulations require devices to switch to a different channel if aircraft radar presence is detected. This is called Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS). DFS channels in the 5.0 GHz spectrum are 52 - 140. Non-DFS channels are 36 - 48, and 149 - 165. If there is radar presence, near an airport for instance, the WAP-C3 will automatically switch over to an open non-DFS channel. Many client cards do not support the higher channels, 149-165. Therefore, to avoid channel switching, set the WAP-C3 to a lower channel, 36 - 48.

Q: In the 802.11a mode, my WAP-C3 keeps automatically switching channels, why?

Likely, you set the WAP-C3 to a DFS channel and you are experiencing radar interference (see above). Switch to an open non-DFS channel in the 36 - 48 range.

Q: In 802.11a, do some of the selectable channels interfere with each other like in 802.11b and g?

In 802.11a, the channels are spaced far apart so that none of the selectable channels overlap. For example, you can put four Wireless Access Points using 36, 40, 44, and 48 next to each other without any interference among the channels.

Q: Which mode has more range, 802.11a or 802.11b and g?

802.11a is on the 5.0GHz spectrum and 802.11b/g is on the 2.4GHz spectrum. In general, the higher the frequency (like 5.0 GHz), the shorter the range and the less capable are the radio waves of penetrating walls and other obstacles. However, the 2.4GHz is much more crowed and congested and more likely subject to interference. In high traffic areas, 2.4GHz will suffer from more interference. Interference decreases the range of wireless coverage so in high congestion areas, using 802.11a could provide more range and consistency for your network.

Q: I am using 802.11a and trying to connect to the WAP-C3 with a Crestron TPMC8x and I can't even see the SSID. Why?

The Crestron TPMC8x uses the Intel 2915 ABG chipset and this chipset does not support channels 149 - 165. Make sure the WAP-C3 is not set to these channels. Also, avoid using DFS channels because the WAP-C3 could revert to channels 149 - 165 if it senses aircraft radar interference.

Q: When I set the MAC Address filter on the WAP-C3, I can't access the configuration screen anymore from the wired PC. Why?

In addition to being an access point, the WAP-C3 is a Client Bridge device and will filter both wireless and wired clients unless set otherwise. Therefore if you set the MAC address filter and your PC's MAC Address is not added to the allow list, you will not be able to connect to the wireless access point after you rebooted the access point. You can also uncheck the Filter Wired Clients button to allow your PC or any PC to connect via wired connection.

Q: My signal strength reading is not strong. What could be the problem?

If you are using the signal strength meter in Windows XP or a client manufacturer's signal strength meter, you may not be getting an accurate reading. We recommend a stand alone meter or a reliable free signal strength meter like Netstumbler. If you still measure low signal strength, make sure you are taking the reading facing the WAP-C3's antenna cover, not behind it, since the WAP-C3 was designed to install in the ceiling or wall. If low signal strength still exists, interference may be the culprit. Two of the most common sources are 2.4GHz phones and other wireless access points on the same channel. If you are using 2.4GHz cordless phones, you may consider switching to either 900MHz or 5.8GHz ones. For other wireless access points, make sure you have three channels of separation between them. Also try switching to a channel on the 5.0GHz spectrum where there might be less interference.

Q: Can I install the WAP-C3 in the wall rather than in the ceiling?

Yes, as long as there is a minimum wall depth of 3.5". If installing on a wall, keep in mind the radiation pattern of the antenna. For example, if the house has two floors, the best coverage will be if the WAP-C3 is mounted on the first floor wall close to the ceiling. In this position, it will evenly cover the first and second floors. Also, the WAP-C3 should be mounted to an exterior wall because almost no signal will be transmitted outside of the home which is advantageous for security purposes.

Support FAQs for all Wireless Access Point Products

Here you can find answers to some of our more frequently asked questions for all of our wireless access points. These questions range from topics involving technical problems to those involving configurations needed upon product installation.

1. My WAP keeps dropping the signal or appears to be flaky. What should I do?
2. How do I configure the Access Point?
3. How do I connect my wireless adapter (computer) to the Access Point?
4. I cannot view the Access Point's web site. What should I do?
5. The LEDs on the Access Point are not on. What should I do?
6. I am having trouble connecting to the Internet. What should I do?
7. I have two computers and one computer connects wirelessly to the internet. However, the other one cannot wirelessly connect, even in the same locations. Why is this?
8. I achieve good performance now, but are there ways to get even better performance?
9. If I'm installing several wireless access points, do I set each SSID to a different name or should they all have the same name?
10. My signal strength reading is not strong. What could be the problem?

Q: My WAP keeps dropping the signal or appears to be flaky. What should I do?

Check for interference. If you are using the 2.4GHZ spectrum with 802.11b/g, look for other 2.4GHz devices that could cause interference, such as baby monitors, cordless phones, microwaves, a neighbor's network, etc. Minimize these where possible. For example, purchase cordless phones set to a frequency of 900MHz or 5.8MHz. Try changing channels on the WAP to at least 3 channels higher or lower. Determine your neighbor's channel and allow for 3 channels of separation between your channel and your neighbor's channel. For houses with multiple access points with the same SSID, check each access point separately to ensure your wireless client is not connected to the WAP furthest away. Disconnect the power on all access points except for the one you want to test. Test each access point separately to isolate any problems. Keep checking power as you test for signal strength from farther and farther away.

Q: How do I configure the Access Point?

You can configure the Access Point using a web browser such as Internet Explorer.
1. Connect an Ethernet cable from the LAN-IN port of the PoE module to the Ethernet port on your PC.
2. Set the IP address of your PC to 192.168.1.100 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 . To set your IP address, go to Control Panel, then Network Connections and select your Ethernet adapter. Go to its properties window and manually set your IP address.
3. In your web browser, go to http://192.168.1.250 .
4. For the best results, please use Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher

Q: How do I connect my wireless adapter (computer) to the Access Point?

The procedure may vary based on what operating system and wireless adapter you are using. Some wireless adapters have their own connection utility while others give you the option to use Windows XP. Consult the instructions that came with your wireless adapter. The default out-of-the-box settings for all Pakedge Access Points are:
Wireless network name (SSID): pakedge
Security: Disabled

Q: I cannot view the Access Point's web site. What should I do?

1. Connect an Ethernet cable from the LAN-IN port of the PoE module to the Ethernet port on your PC. 2. Check that the Ethernet LED on the Access Point is blinking. If it is not, check that the Ethernet cable is properly inserted on the PoE module, the Access Point, and your PC.
3. Make sure the IP address of your PC is 192.168.1.100.
4. In your web browser, go to http://192.168.1.250 .
5. Finally, double check you RJ45 cable termination. The WAP lights could be on even if the cable is terminated improperly.

Q: The LEDs on the Access Point are not on. What should I do?

1. Check that the PoE module is plugged into a working electrical outlet.
2. Check that the Ethernet cable from the Access Point to the P-LAN-OUT port of the PoE module is properly inserted on both ends and terminated correctly

Q: I am having trouble connecting to the Internet. What should I do?

There are two basic steps. First, check that your Internet connection, including your broadband modem and router, is working correctly. Second, check that your wireless connection, from the wireless adapter on your PC to the Access Point, is working correctly. Follow the steps below:
Checking your Internet connection
1. Instead of using your wireless connection, connect directly to your Internet connection using an Ethernet cable. Plug in one end of an Ethernet cable to your PC and the other end to your router or broadband modem.
2. Try browsing the Internet. If you cannot connect to the Internet, contact your Internet Service Provider and/or troubleshoot the router and modem.
3. If you can connect to the Internet, check that the Access Point is properly connected to your Internet connection. Check that an Ethernet cable connects the LAN-IN port of the POE Module to an Ethernet port on your router or broadband modem.
Checking your wireless connection
1. Follow the instructions that came with your wireless adapter to wirelessly connect to the Access Point. The default out-of-the-box wireless network name of the Access Point is "pakedge" and security is disabled.
2. Assuming you have not changed the IP address of your Access Point from the default out-of-the-box settings, set the IP address of your wireless adapter to 192.168.1.200.
3. In your web browser, go to 192.168.1.250. This address is the default IP address of your Access Point.
4. If you can view the Access Point's web page, then your wireless connection is OK. Check your Internet connection.
5. If you cannot view the Access Point's web page, check the settings on your wireless adapter:
* Check that you are trying to connect to the "pakedge" wireless network
* Check that the security is disabled
* Check that you are in Infrastructure mode.

Q: I have two computers and one computer connects wirelessly to the internet. However, the other one cannot wirelessly connect, even in the same locations. Why is this?

There could be several reasons that are causing the second computer not to connect.
1. Check the client wireless adapter. The first step is to ensure the client adapter is properly functioning by following the manufacturer's installation directions, updating the firmware, and trying to connect to another wireless network.
2. Check the client card's range. Different client adapters have different ranges depending on the power output and antenna design. For example, built-in client adapters such as the Intel Proset typically have built-in antennas in the screen of a laptop. Therefore, the range of these adapters are far superior to PCMCIA types which are close to the body of a laptop. A simple check could be moving closer to the wireless access point.
3. Vary the output power level for the WAP. Check the connection again. In rare instances, wireless client adapters will be sensitive to high power output levels depending on the quality of the environment and the wireless client adapter’s radio and antenna.

Q: I achieve good performance now, but are there ways to get even better performance?

Here is a list of items to try which may help:
1. Be closer to the wireless access point. The best performance and reliability is when the client is close to the wireless access point. At close distances, the throughput is the highest, the signal is the strongest, and the interaction is less susceptible to interference. Another option using this principle is to install another WAP or a WAP in a repeater mode.
2. Eliminate all potential sources of interference. Common household sources are 2.4GHz cordless telephones, microwaves, and a neighbor’s wireless network. 2.4GHz cordless telephones are probably the biggest source of interference for a wireless network, especially when the phone is in use. It is highly recommended to use 5.8GHz or 900MHz cordless telephones. Microwaves will interfere when they are in use. However, since most households use them infrequently, in relative duration to wireless networks, and for short bursts of time, most users will not perceive any troubles. To avoid a neighbor’s wireless network, determine which channel they are broadcasting. The manufacturer’s default setting is typically channel 6 and most users don’t change it. Then set your WAP to a channel with at least three channels of separation.
3. Upgrade the client adapter from 802.11b to 802.11g. 802.11g uses orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technology which will improve data throughput speeds.

Q: If I'm installing several wireless access points, do I set each SSID to a different name or should they all have the same name?

It is recommended to set the SSID for all Wireless Access Points to be the same name. This generally works best with most client adapters. When users are using the network they will automatically connect to the Wireless Access Point with the strongest signal. If the SSIDs were all different, users would most likely have to manually disconnect and reconnect to the wireless access point with the strongest signal. Ultimately however, the type of client adapter will dictate whether the SSID should be the same or different.

Q: My signal strength reading is not strong. What could be the problem?

If you are using the signal strength meter in Windows XP or a client manufacturer's signal strength meter, you may not be getting an accurate reading. We recommend a stand alone meter or a reliable free signal strength meter like Netstumbler. If low signal strength still exists, interference may be the culprit. Two of the most common sources are 2.4GHz phones and other wireless access points on the same channel. If you are using 2.4GHz cordless phones, you may consider switching to either 900MHz or 5.8GHz ones. For other wireless access points, make sure you have three channels of separation between them.