| About
airPoint-PRO SeriesT |
| 1. |
How do I connect to my PC/Laptop?
Connect airpointPro directly to the PC/Laptop through the powershot. In case the Ethernet light doesn't come up, toggle the switch on the powershot. After the device has been confiured, you can connect it to the network and toggle the switch back. Please refer to the Quick Install Guide or the User Guide for further details.
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| 2. |
How fast is the airPointPRO Ethernet port?
The Ethernet port supports 10 Mbps and half-duplex over a 10BaseT RJ-45 connector. When you inter-connect airPointPro to an Ethernet based device or switch, ensure that the Ethernet based device or switch is set to either 10Mbps or Auto negotiation mode.
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| 3. |
Is it necessary for me to install the software simpleMonitor ?
No, for normal operation simpleMonitor is not required. It is required for configuration and monitoring only. However, it is highly recommended to install the software on the users PC for monitoring and troubleshooting.
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| 4. |
What do the different lights (LEDs) on the airPointPRO series indicate?
On the airPoint-PRO series the Orange LED shows POWER, Green LED indicates Ethernet activity, Blue LED indicates RF Link.
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| 5. |
How do I upgrade the firmware on the airPointPRO series?
The firmware upgrade is one-click operation. Get the latest software (CD Version which include the firmware) and install. When login to the airPointPro, it will detect the firmware version and may prompt you for upgrade. Choose "Yes" to upgrade.
Alternatively, to upgrade the firmware, follow the instructions given below:
- Click on Start -> Programs -> smartBridges -> airPoint-PRO -> airPoint-PRO FWUpGrade
- Click on Search. Now the IP address of airPoint-PRO will be displayed.
- Click on the airPoint entry in the List
- Enter password for the selected airPoint-PRO
- Click on "Get File Path" to locate the new Firmware file (.rom) in your PC
- Click on "Download Firmware"
Refer to the User Manual for further details.
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| 6. |
Is it necessary to use the powerShot?
Yes, the PowerShot is PoE device in order to power up the airpointPro via Ethernet.
Also using the PowerShot you will be able to restore the device back to factory/WISP defaults.
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| 7. |
What are the different operating modes in airPointPRO series?
The airPoint-PRO can operate in four different Modes, namely
- Access Point - In this mode the airPoint-PRO is operating as a normal 802.11b compliant Access Point. Client Info and Client Auth Tabs of simpleMonitor will be enabled in this Mode.
- Client Bridge - In this mode the airPoint-PRO is operating as ethernet client, and you can associate it with Access Point on the LAN. SiteSurvey and Link Status Tabs of simpleMonitor will be enabled on this Mode. This Ethernet Client supports the multiple PCs.
- Wireless Bridge - In this mode airPoint-PRO can bridge 2 or more LANs wirelessly. This Mode support 2 sub modes as,
- Point to Point - This mode lets one airPoint-PRO talk to another airPoint-PRO wirelessly linking two Ethernet LANs behind together.
- Point to MultiPoint - This mode lets multiple airPoint-PRO linking multiple Ethernet LANs.
- Wireless Repeater - In this Mode airPoint-PRO radio takes turn to act as a Client to associate with the upstream Access Point (airPoint/PRO is recommended for compatibility) and then switch to the normal Access Point mode to service local wireless clients. This capability allows for reaching subscribers in the hard to reach areas. Client Info, Client Auth and Link Status Tabs of simpleMonitor will be enabled on this mode.
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| 8. |
How many client device's can I associate to an access point?
You can have upto 64 client devices associated to an access point at any given point of time
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| 9. |
What are different types of encryption and authentication mechanism possible in the airPointPRO series?
- HEX based WEP encryption
- Internal MAC address based authentication
- Radius Server based MAC authentication
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| 10. |
What is Primary Port (previously Known as Primary DHCP Port)?
Primary Port specifying on which side (Ethernet or Wireless) is the DHCP Server, also specifies on which side is the Gateway which is important when IP Traffic comes from different Subnet since the Responce IP Traffic will be send to Gateway or Router. Also specifies on which side (Ethernet or Wireless) the SNMP Traps will be send.
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| 11. |
What is Repeater mode in airPointPro series and is it recommended to use?
Definition:
A repeater is an access point that extends the radio range of the infrastructure or to overcome an obstacle that blocks radio communication. A repeater is not physically attached to the wired LAN, but communicates through radio to another access point which is primary Access Point connected to the wired LAN. Wireless clients associating to the repeater AP will thus be able to be located farther from the wired LAN.
The repeater forwards traffic between wireless users and the wired LAN by sending packets to either another repeater or to an access point connected to the wired LAN. When you configure an access point as a repeater, the access point's Ethernet port does not forward traffic.
Effective throughput is cut in half once for each hop away from the parent Access Point. Because each repeater must receive and then re-transmit each packet on the same channel, throughput is cut in half for each repeater you add to the chain.
What are our advise on using Repeater mode:
1. Use Repeater mode only for link extension where there is obstacle that prevent normal RF communication where line of sight is not possible. It is not used to increase RF coverage for more wireless clients.
2. Please make sure the repeater access point associates to the access point with which it has the best connectivity. Setting up a static, specific association between a repeater and a primary access point is a must to improves wireless link stability. Take note the Wireless clients may not be able to establish a radio link to the access point if the repeater access point does not have a valid link or establish stable link to a primary access point.
3. Do not set up a chain of several repeater access points as any uplink failure can cause the entire downlink to fail, and the throughput for client devices at the end of the repeater chain will be quite low.
4. Another aspect when using Repeater mode may cause Hidden Node issue. Packet loss and retransimission are common symptoms when it occurs.
An alternative solution to using Repeater mode would be using two Radios approach, one in Access Point and another in Client Bridge mode connected back to back using Ethernet connection. There would not be any degrade in throughput, instead it has better wireless link performance and stability. Our new product, XO2, which has two Radios in a single device which can function as true Repeater providing carrier class solution.
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| 12. |
What is the benefit of using airPointPro in Client Bridge mode instead of using airBridge as client device?
It is a transparent bridge and allows multiple MAC addresses (multiple PCs/ Ethernet ready devices) to connect at the Ethernet port of the unit. airPointPro in Client Bridge mode can be directly connected to a hub or a switch for connecting multiple devices.
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| 15. |
Can this device able to pass through Frames like PPPoE, VLAN, IPX?
Yes, it can. Ensure "Non-IP Protocol" is enabled under Advanced Tab.
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| Common
Problems and Solutions |
| 1. |
I used simpleNMS to change airPointPro's Fragmentation setting to 2347 and now I can't login to it anymore?
Fragmentation Threshold is supposed to be between 256 and 2346. If the value is set to 2347 using simpleNMS will get password error. Due to a bug in the firmware, the radio deny you from login and need to be factory default. To resolve this, change Fragmentation setting back to 2346 using simpleNMS or factory default the unit.
The simpleMonitor does not allow setting of 2347 and hence most people do not see this bug.
Unfortunately this is simpleNMS bug and allows the setting of up to 2347. In next release cycle we will change the simpleNMS so it can only go up to 2346. In short term we will document it as the Known Issue for simpleNMS.
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| 2. |
Cannot ping the device?
Make sure that Ethernet (ETH), power (PWR) LEDs are ON. If any of the LEDs is OFF, check for the power connection and cable connection. TxRx LED should be flickering or steady.
Make sure the IP settings of the PC are correct. Use ipconfig/all command to confirm that PC has valid IP settings. Usually PC and the airPointPRO will be on the same IP subnet, otherwise proper routing has to be taken care off.
If your are connecting directly to your PC and using powerShot sB 2820 then change the switch from staright to cross, if you are using powerShot sB 2811 then make sure you are using a cross connector.
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| 3. |
Can ping the sB device but not able to login using the simpleMonitor software, what is the problem?
Check if you are using the correct simpleMonitor software appropriate to the device.
Make sure that there is no firewall running on your PC which prevents the broadcast packets to go out, because this will also prevent the simpleMonitor software from searching for the device. WinXP with Internet Firewall enabled will block the search.
You could try to login by manually entering device IP address and password.
The SNMP port 161 and port 162 are enabled which are used for receiving and sending respectively.
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| 4. |
In previous versions of the firmware(1.4k.2 and below), when it comes to wireless bridge configuration, if a computer connected to the LAN network 1 is moved across the wireless link to the other LAN network, it would be not be able to pass traffic across?
With the new firmware 1.4K5 (available in simpleMonitor 1.9), the internal MAC table is periodically flushed to ensure it has the most current MAC address list. This will allow the users to be mobile and still pass traffic without the need to power cycle the unit. This is because of ARP caching. When initially connected to LAN network 1, the wireless bridge builds the MAC table to determine which computers are reachable from the LAN network and those that are reachable through the wireless medium. This table does not get refreshed unless the radio is power cycled. Sometimes this problem is also seen in access point and client bridge configuration.
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| 5. |
Having trouble in make client bridge mode to associate to third party access point?
smartBridges devices use Address-4 field, which is an optional field as specified by IEEE 802.11b standard. If any IEEE 802.11b compliant wireless access points supporting this field, then it can be used with Client-Bridge mode.
In this case, I would recommend you to use the airBridge series which is a standard Ethernet client device and will work with any access point supporting the 802.11b standard instead of using the airPointPRO series as client devices (CB mode). This will prevent you from having any incompatibility issues with normal 802.11b Access points.
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| 6. |
How to allow PPPoE traffic to pass through?
In order to allow the PPPOE traffic over the APPO/APPT, you need to allow/enable “Non IP-protocol” option (simpleMonitor – Advanced TAB).
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| 7. |
Not able to do remote administration of airPointPRO devices?
Remote administration is possible if the following procedures are followed:
- IP address of the device and PC is properly configured and ensure you can ping the device
- Under Advanced Tab, the Configuration Port should be enabled for both Wireless and Ethernet
- Primary Port is correctly set
- Routing is taken care if manage from different subnet
- No firewall rule is blocking the SNMP UDP port 161 & 162
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| 8. |
The airPoint-PRO often disassociates with all the client devices, or the link is down. It seems the device does not have enough power supply?
Make sure that the Ethernet LED of the airPointPRO is ON, if not check for the power supply.
In case you need to power the device with CAT5 Cable lengths greater than 160 feet or 50 meters (to a maximum of 327 feet or 100 meters) then a DC power supply adapter of output voltage between 15V DC and 18V DC needs to be procured independently from third party sources.
To help you procure the correct power supply adapter, the specification of the power adapter is :
| Output Voltage Range |
between 15V to 18V Regulated (preferred 18V max) |
| Current Ratings |
1 Ampere (minimum) |
| Type of Plug |
Barrel Type |
| Plug Polarity |
outer body = +ve, center = -ve
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| Diameter of plug |
Inner Diameter of the plug = 2.5mm
Outer Diameter of the plug = 5.5mm |
| Length of the plug |
10mm or more |
The supplied standard 12V DC power adapter can power the devices upto 160 feet or 50 meters only with standard CAT5 Cables.
The 18V DC power adapter can be acquired from third party source or smartBridges's distributors/partners.
Some third party such as Mouser : 552-PSA-31U-180 18V@1.6A or 552-PSA-31U-240 24V@1.25A
Note: You may have to change the DC plug out becasue of the plug polarity.
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| 9. |
In the airPointPRO series in repeater mode, the traffic is not passing from the ethernet port?
In repeater mode, access point has the ability to provide a wireless upstream link into the wired network rather than the normal wired link. Additionally, the repeater access point is communicating with the clients as well as the upstream access point over the wireless link. It is also typical for the wired Ethernet port to be disabled while in repeater mode. Hence you are not able to pass traffic in the repeater mode through the Ethernet port.
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| 10. |
Cannot see the link status page and RSSI information when associating the airPointPRO series devices in wireless bridge (WB) mode. How can I see what the signal strength is and make sure the antenna is best aligned?
Yes, you will not be able to see the RSSI and link quality when you operate airPointPRO series devices in Wireless Bridge (WB) mode. Ensure you input the Mac# of the remote device.
In order to align the devices properly, initally have one of them operating as a normal Access Point mode and the other in Client Bridge mode. Align the antenna's properly so that you get the maximum RSSI and link quality, this feature is available in the client Bridge mode.
Once the antenna's are aligned, you can change the operating mode on both the devices to wireless bridge mode and then enter the MAC address of the access points you want to associate to. A detailed explanation is given in the Userguide.
The only way to confirm the link is up is by pinging the respective devices or remote machines.
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| 11. |
Keep getting the following message "Previous Instance of simpleMonitor is running...." when trying to launch the simpleMonitor?
- Check if any instance simpleMonitor application is running as background process. Use Task Manager to kill the process simpleMonitor.
- Many third party SNMP or monitoring softwares uses the same SNMP UDP ports 161/162. You need to close or terminate any such application if running. You can check whether the port is in used by entering this commanad netstat -a at the command prompt or you can also install "Active Ports" freeware from http://www.ntutility.com/freeware.html to check for current active ports on your PC.
- Your Machine may have 2 active Ethernet ports running. Deactivate the other.
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| 12. |
What are the suggestions for a trouble free installation?
- Weatherproof ALL connections using the three layer method and/or liquid tape (maybe put a little bag of dessicant in there too?)
- Use 18VDC regulated PS for any run over 75'
- Keep antenna coax short (2-3') and use LMR 240 or better (LMR 400 is recommended )
- Keep power supply and powerShot in a room temp enviornment
- Don't forget your drip loops before and after any box, antenna or connection.
- Securly support your cable every 3' but don't crush it with a zip-tie
- Keep everything near the ground except the radio and the antennas
- Clear LOS, clear frenzel zone, don't use higher dB antenna then required for reliable operation
- Securley tape all connections to and from the powerShot to keep them tight and immoble.
Pls also refer to Ideal Installation Guide http://www.smartbridges.com/support/ideal_install.asp
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| 13. |
The airPointPRO in client Bridge mode when in a different subnet is not pingable, this prevents me from remotely monitoring and managing them, what might be the problem?
The Primary Port is important to make this work, irregardless whether the device is configured as static IP address or DHCP client to obtain IP address.
The Primary Port determines which interface ( Ethernet/Wireless ) should be used by airPointPRO for reaching DHCP sever and Default Gateway. Default Gateway is important when IP Traffic comes from different subnet as the Return IP Traffic will be sent via Default Gateway.
Hence if you are using accessing airPointPro through Wireless link, make sure you have the appropriate port selected, in this case wireless.
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| 14. |
Not able to get Radius authentication working in Repeater mode?
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| 15. |
While installing the simple monitor I get this error what to do? C:\Windows\System32\Autoexec.NT The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application. Is their anything wrong wi?
If you try to start or install simple monitor on your Windows XP-based computer, you may receive this error message. This issue may occur if one or more of the following windows files are missing or damaged:
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Config.nt |
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Autoexec.nt |
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Command.com |
For more information please have a look on the Microsoft support link http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324767
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| 16. |
Not able to ping the device interface IP with larger MTU size than 1452?
You cannot ping the device interface IP with any packet size larger than 1452, this however does not stop you to send larger packets. This is by design and is not going to cause any problem to user data traffic.
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| 17. |
The airPointPro in Client Bridge or Repeater mode will occassional disassociate with upstream AP?
In a large majority of cases we find that reverting to the setting of Long Pre-Amble (factory default) will clear the problem. Many other times we find the combination of over powering the RF side with Amp tends to create problem. And other extreme is that installations with low RSSI and LQ values and not enough fade margins have this problem too.
All this points to the instability due to RF and interference related issues. In many cases it is possible to clear the problem.
The new fimrware 1.4k6 for the airPointPRO series which has the watchdog feature in built into it which will attempt to reassociate the link under certain conditions, this will ensure that the link is up most of the time unless there is insufficient signal strength to establish the wireless link or some physical damage to the device.
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| 18. |
The devices FLASH memory seems to get corrupted, what precautions need to be taken to avoid this ?
We have seen that any fluctuations with the power supply comming from the MAINS can corrupt the device flash memory and hence it is recommended to use a use a Spike & a surge suppressor /buster. Make sure that the AC supply has a proper Ground available to the surge /spike suppressor.
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| 19. |
simpleDeploy is not able to search the devices on the wireless side?
Yes, this is for security reason and to prevent download default configuration to the device via the wireless interface. This feature was introduced on the devices using firmware 1.4j6 and above.
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| 20. |
Being physically connected to the Repeater mode AP I cannot search for any other access points wirelessly, why does this happen?
In repeater mode, when you connect your PC to the LAN interface, you can search and login for the repeater mode AP only; it prevents you from searching any other AP's wirelessly since the traffic won't be sent out coming from the Ethernet port. This behavior is correct. Please also refer to http://www.smartbridges.com/support/faq_app.php#86
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| 21. |
The unit has airBridge loaded after some firmware upgrade exercise?
The unit was wrongly "upgraded" with airBridge firmware. If you encounter such issue, please use APsearchmgr utility http://www.smartbridges.com/beta/utility/APSearchMgr.exe to check what firmware is currently loaded and follow the recovery steps below:
1. Know the device IP address or use the AP-SearchMgr utility (in DOS mode) to search the IP address and MAC address of the device.
2. Start the 'airPoint-PRO FWUpGrade' and enter the IP address and password manually.
3. Select the firmware file found in airPoint-PRO directory "802.11APP(ver.1.4k.x).rom" and click Download.
Please do not attemp to use different device firmware for upgrading and this is PROHIBITED!
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| 22. |
I've just moved a PC or Laptop from the Client Bridge site to the AP site, but they can no longer see machines on the other network ?
The most likely explanation is that the MAC forwarding tables on the aPPO in AP and/or CB mode has cached the Mac addresses. This can be resolved by resetting/repowering the radios and the switches they are connected to.
This is fixed in firmware 1.4K5 & above.
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| 23. |
Radius authentication seems to occur every now and then?
There are two possibilities
1) Unknown or unauthorised Mac is trying to associate to the AP, the interval is every 5 sec.
2) Authorised client device is reassociate to the AP after it lost association
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| 24. |
I have Orinoco or 3rd party Wireless client and trying to assoiciate with airPointPro with WEP enable, but I can't get the traffic passing through?
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| 25. |
I am trying to login to the unit in client bridge or repeater mode associated to the main AP, but it says "Check your community password"! even though the password is correct?
We have noticed this issue when there is any nearby AP has the ESSID with length greater than 23 characters. This issue appears to be happened on some units when in Client bridge mode or Repeater mode.
This is resolved in firmware 1.4k.1. Please download latest version CD Setup available at http://www.smartbridges.com/support/app.asp .
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| 26. |
When in repeater mode, all the wireless clients which are associated to it are not able to pass traffic?
In repeater mode, all communication is through wireless connectivity; the Ethernet Port cannot be used for data but management only. Please check that in Client Info Tab, the "Disable Client-to-Client communication is not checked, this would prevent the repeater to pass passing traffic between the AP and the wireless client. So this feature should not be turned on.
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| 27. |
When I disable the "Wireless" Configuration Port for airPointPRO, I can observe that I can’t ping the device any more either from wireless or ethernet interface?
This will happen only if an attempt to access the device over wireless by keying in the IP address into the simpleMonitor after "Wireless" Configuration Port is unchecked. The device will then appear as "Hidden" and this is a security feature where device will stop responding to the SNMP and ICMP request after someone tried to force access the device over wireless link. This will not affect the wireless link or the connectivity to the end clients. To restore access to the device locally (Ethernet connection), it is required to do a power reset.
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| 28. |
The airPointPro failed and will not reset from the PowerShot POE
connector. Using the APsearchmgr and the RecoveryUtility, I can see the
AP is having IP 10.170.254.32 with a MAC address of 22-22-22-22-22-54.
Setting the IP of my NIC in my laptop to 1?
The unit has gone to special default setting probably due to invalid value configured using third party software.
1. Connect the device to PC & power ON. Ensure Ethernet link is up.
2. Download the aPP_Recover.zip software and unzip onto the desktop
3. Change the TCP/IP settings of the PC
IP address: 10.170.254.31
Mask: 255.0.0.0
Gateway: 0.0.0.0
4. At Dos prompt, see if you can ping 10.170.254.32
5. On the desktop, start aPP Recover.exe application
6. Click on Login button
7. Login Box will be popped up. Please input the device IP address (ie 10.170.254.32) and enter password & press OK
8. You will succesfully login to the device if the password is correct.
9. Use Advanced tab to set valid Regulatory Domain & Channel to FCC Channel 6
10. Login again and press Restore defaults button to restore to factory default parameters
11. Change PC's IP address to 192.168.0.30 and you should be able to use the usual simpleMonitor for airPointPro to access the device at the sB default IP address of 192.168.0.24
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| 29. |
I have an Intel 2200 BG card in stealth mode on my PC, and it doesn't associates with my aPPT?
The Intel 2200BG wireless card in stealth mode won't work with airPoint Pro series if the SSID broadcast is disabled. Please ensure that the SSID broadcast is enabled on the accesspoint. The SSID broadcast enable/disable is an optional security option and it works well with all other CPEs.
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| 30. |
Traffic is not passing and occasionally it requires me to power cycle the device in order to get it working?
Due to many reasons such as interference or noisy power , sometimes the devices randomly enters a “lockup” stage where they can no longer pass traffic. This necessitates the service provider to manually reset or power cycle the device. Now, with the new firmware 1.4K8 available at http://www.smartbridges.com/tech_support/cd_setup/airPoint-PRO_23.exe, the device can automatically reset at the interval (in hours) determined by the customer. The feature is available under the Advanced tab of the simpleMonitor. Customer needs to adjust the setting according to the frequency & interval of the lockup. The reset takes only two seconds and has minimal impact on the network operation.
We however do not encourage users to deploy for unaffected devices; as the saying goes “Don’t fix it if isn’t broke”!
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| 31. |
How to launch simpleMonitor from the command line?
In DOS prompt, you can enter the Command Line as follow:
$Full path$\simpleMonitor.exe /IPAddress/CommunityString/Authority
Note: Authority should 0( Admin) or 1(User) and you need to copy its MIB file to the path you are running on.
eg. c:\progra~1\smartbridges\airPoint-PRO\simplemonitor.exe /192.168.0.24/public/0
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