Wireless LAN Configuration, Setup and Setting

Wireless LAN Configuration, Setup and Setting 

This is article is about the Wireless LAN Configuration and you will learn you can setup your wireless network. I will share the wireless router configurations with detailed examples. In next steps we will be brief about how to configure the clients for wireless network. So it is a complete artilcle on Wireless LAN Configuration, Setup and Setting and in the end you will learn some wireless troubleshooting methods.

Configuration of a wireless router

Modern wireless routers offer a variety of features, and most are designed to work without any additional configuration apart from the default configuration. However, it is advisable to change the initial default settings .
Wireless home routers are configured through a GUI web interface.
A basic approach to wireless implementation, as in any basic network work, is to configure and test progressively. For example, before deploying a wireless device, verify that the existing wired network works and that wired hosts can access Internet services.
Once the operation of the wired network is confirmed, the implementation plan consists of the following:

• Step 1 . Begin the WLAN implementation process with a single AP and a single wireless client, without enabling wireless security.
• Step 2 . Verify that the client received a DHCP IP address and can ping the local default router connected by cable, and then explore external Internet.
• Step 3. Configure wireless security with WPA2 / WPA Mixed Personal. Never use WEP, unless there are no other options.
• Step 4 . Make a backup copy of the configuration.

Wireless Router Configuration Example

Before installing a wireless router, consider the following settings:

• SSID Name : WLAN network name.
• Network password (if required): if requested by the system, this is the password required to associate and access the SSID.
• Router password : this is the router administration password, equivalent to the enable secret password of the privileged EXEC mode.
• Name of the SSID of the guest network : for security reasons, guests can be isolated with a different SSID.
• Guest network password : this is the password to access the guest SSID.
• Linksys Smart Wi-Fi username : Internet account required to access the router remotely via the Internet.
• Linksys Smart Wi-Fi password: password to access the router remotely.

The table in the illustration describes the configuration example used to configure the Linksys EA6500 wireless router.

Parameters and administration settings to take into account.
Administration Parameters	Setting
Network Name (SSID)	Home network
Network password	cisco123
Router password	class123
Guest Network Name (SSID)	Red-guests-home
Guest network password	cisco
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi username	My name
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi password	class12345

To configure and install the Linksys EA6500 router software, follow these steps:

• Step 1 . Insert the CD into the CD or DVD drive, and the installation should start automatically. If the installation CD is not available, download the installation program from http://Linksys.com/support .
• Step 2 . Click Next to start the installation. The program starts the installation and shows a status window. During this time, the installation program tries to configure and enable the Internet connection. In the example, the Internet connection is not available and, after some requests to connect to the Internet, the option to skip this step is shown.

The Linksys router configuration window is displayed. This is where the SSID, wireless password and administrative password are configured.

• Step 3 . Click Next to display the router configuration summary screen. Register this setting if the initial table was not previously completed.
• Step 4 . Click Next to display the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account settings window.

This window allows you to manage the router remotely over the Internet. In this example, the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account is not set up because there is no Internet access.

• Step 5 . Click Continue to display the Sign In window. Because the Internet connection was not configured, the router's administrative password is required.
• Step 6. After entering the password, click Log In to display the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi home page.

Linksys Smart Wi-Fi homepage settings

The Linksys Smart Wi-Fi homepage is divided into the following three main sections:

• Router Settings : Use this section to modify connectivity settings, troubleshooting, wireless technology and security.
• Smart Wi-Fi Tools : Use this section to see who is currently connected to the network, create a separate network for guests, configure parental control to protect your children, prioritize bandwidth For specific applications and devices, test the speed of the Internet connection and control access to shared files.
• Smart Wi-Fi Widgets : Provides a quick summary of the Smart Wi-Fi Tools section.

Smart Wi-Fi settings.

Smart Wi-Fi settings allow you to do the following:

• Configure the basic router parameters for the local network . This tool can be used to configure a DHCP reservation, change the router administration password, change the Linksys router IP address, configure Linksys routers with a static route, configure the router with a cable Internet service and configure the MTU parameters of the Linksys router.
• Diagnose and solve network connectivity problems . It contains the current status of the router and connected devices. It can also be used to perform a ping and traceroute test, back up and restore the current router configuration, check the WAN IP address, reset and reset the router to factory default settings, and maintain the router status
• Protect and customize the wireless network . It can also be used to enable and configure the wireless MAC filter and connect devices easily using WPS.
• Keep the network protected against Internet threats by configuring the DMZ feature.
• View the computers and devices connected in the network, and configure port forwarding.

Smart Wi-Fi Tools

Smart Wi-Fi tools provide additional services that include the following:

• Device List : See who is connected to the WLAN.
• Guest Access : Create a separate network for up to 50 guests at home and, at the same time, protect network files with the Guest Access tool.
• Parental Controls : Protect children and family members by restricting access to potentially harmful websites.
• Media Prioritization : Prioritize bandwidth for specific applications and devices.
• Speed ​​Test : This tool is used to test the upload and download speed of the Internet link. It is useful for establishing the baseline.
• USB Storage : controls access to shared files. Configure how users can access shared files.

Backing up a configuration

In the same way that the IOS of a Cisco router must have a backup in case of failure, the configuration of a home router must also have it.

Making a configuration backup is easy with the Linksys EA6500 wireless router.

• Step 1 . Log in to the Smart Wi-Fi homepage. Click on the Troubleshoot icon to display the Status window for troubleshooting.
• Step 2 . Click on the Diagnostics tab to open the Diagnostics window of the Troubleshooting section
• Step 3 . Under the heading Router configuration, click Backup and save the file in an appropriate folder.

Note : To upload a previously saved backup, click Restore, locate the file and begin the restoration process.

Connection of wireless clients

Once the AP or wireless router is configured, the wireless NIC on the client must be configured to allow it to connect to the WLAN.

The user must also verify that the client has successfully connected to the corresponding wireless network, especially since there are likely to be many available WLANs to which it can connect.

WLAN troubleshooting

The resolution of any type of network problems must follow a systematic method. Logical models of network technology, such as OSI and TCP / IP models , divide network functionality into modular layers.

When troubleshooting is done, these layered models can be applied to the physical network to isolate network problems. For example, if the symptoms suggest a physical connection problem, the network technician can focus on troubleshooting the circuit that works in the physical layer. If that circuit works correctly, the technician looks at the areas in another layer that could be causing the problem.

There are three main troubleshooting methods to solve the problems of a network:

• Ascending: start with layer 1 and continue upwards 
• Descending: start in the upper layer and continue downwards 
• Divide and conquer: ping the destination. If the pings fail, check the lower layers. If the pings are done correctly, check the upper layers 

Connectivity issue

When troubleshooting a WLAN, a removal process is recommended .

In the illustration, a wireless client does not connect to the WLAN. If there is no connectivity, check the following:

• Confirm the network configuration on the computer using the ipconfig command . Verify that the PC received an IP address through DHCP or is configured with a static IP address.
• Confirm that the device can connect to a wired network. Connect the device to the wired LAN and ping a known IP address.
• If necessary, reload the drivers for the client, as appropriate. It may be necessary to try a different wireless NIC.
• If the wireless NIC of the client works, check the security mode and encryption settings on the client. If the security settings do not match, the client cannot access the WLAN.

Connection failure of a wireless client

Now, if the computer works but the wireless connection works poorly, check the following:

• How far is the AP computer? Is the computer outside the planned coverage area (BSA)?
• Check the channel settings on the wireless client. The client software must detect the appropriate channel as long as the SSID is correct.
• Also check the presence of other devices in the area that may interfere with the 2.4 GHz band.

Examples of these devices are cordless phones, baby monitors, microwave ovens, wireless security systems and potentially unauthorized APs. Data from these devices can cause interference in the WLAN and intermittent connection problems between the wireless client and the AP.

Next, make sure all devices are really in place. Consider a possible physical security problem. Is there power for all devices, and these are turned on?

Finally, inspect the links between wired devices to detect defective or damaged connectors or missing cables. If the physical plant is in place, ping the devices, including the AP, to verify the wired LAN. If connectivity continues to fail at this time, there may be some error in the AP or its configuration.

When the user's computer is discarded as the source of the problem and the physical condition of the devices is confirmed, begin to investigate the AP's performance. Check the power status of the AP.

Troubleshooting for a slow wireless network

To optimize and increase the bandwidth of dual band 802.11n / ac routers, do the following:

• Update your wireless clients : devices older than 802.11b and even 802.11g can make the entire WLAN slower. To achieve the best performance, all wireless devices must support the same highest acceptable standard.
• Divide traffic : The easiest way to improve wireless performance is to divide wireless traffic between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11n bands. Therefore, IEEE 802.11n (or higher) can use the two bands as Two separate wireless networks to help manage traffic.

For example, use the 2.4 GHz network for basic Internet tasks, such as web browsing, email and downloads, and use the 5 GHz band for multimedia streaming, as shown in Figure 1 .

Traffic division

There are several reasons to use a traffic division method:

• The 2.4 GHz band may be suitable for basic Internet traffic that does not depend on the time factor.
• Bandwidth can still be shared with other nearby WLANs.
• The 5 GHz band is much less populated than the 2.4 GHz band, ideal for multimedia streaming.
• The 5 GHz band has more channels; therefore, it is more likely that the channel chosen will not have interference.

By default, dual band routers use the same network name in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The simplest way to segment traffic is to change the name of one of the wireless networks. With a descriptive and separate name, it is easier to connect to the correct network.

To improve the reach of a wireless network, make sure that the physical location of the wireless router is free from obstructions, such as furniture, fixed items and tall appliances. These block the signal, which reduces the reach of the WLAN.

If this does not solve the problem, a Wi-Fi range extender or wireless network technology can be used.

Firmware update

The IOS of the Linksys EA6500 router is called “ firmware ”. You may need to update the firmware if there is a problem with the device or if a new feature is included in the new firmware update. Regardless of the reason, most modern wireless home routers offer upgradeable firmware.

You can easily update the Linksys EA6500 Smart Wi-Fi router firmware using the following steps:

• Step 1 . Access the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi home page.
• Step 2 . Click on the Connectivity icon to open the Connectivity window
• Step 3 . Under the Firmware Update tab, click Check for Updates.

The router responds No updates found or requests that the new firmware be downloaded and installed.