Access Point Connection
Connecting to the AP

An access point can be configured in a variety of ways . The easiest way to configure the AP is to use a Web browser to view the Graphical User Interface (GUI). A Telnet client or a console connection can also be used to configure the AP using the menu or CLI.

Configuration Using the GUI
There are two basic GUI interfaces depending on the AP image:

  • IOS
  • VxWorks

The 350 series AP and Bridge currently use the VxWorks interface. The 1100 only uses the IOS image. The 1200 Series is capable of either, however a IOS AP should not be downgraded to VxWorks. Any AP that is running the IOS image also contains the IOS CLI code common to Cisco routers and switches. This makes an easy transition for existing Cisco network administrators.

The AP will get an IP address using DHCP, if possible. If no DHCP server is available, a Cisco AP will use the static IP address 10.0.0.1, by default.

Configuration Using the CLI
The other primary method of setting up APs is through the use of the CLI. In general, users can utilize different methods to configure access points depending on the model and image version. There are two CLI versions. They are IOS CLI and the VxWorks Menu .

The demonstration activities in this section document the steps required to configure an access point using VxWorks Menu. However, the labs will be using IOS GUI or CLI.

Accessing through Web Browser
Open a Web browser, and enter the IP address for the AP on the address line of the browser. The AP GUI will be displayed, as shown in Figures and .

Accessing through Console Settings
Connect a serial cable from the PC to the access point, and open HyperTerminal. Use the following settings to configure HyperTerminal:

  • Bits per second (baud rate): 9600
  • Data bits: 8
  • Parity: No parity
  • Stop bits: 1
  • Flow control: Xon/Xoff or None

Keep in mind that the console of an IOS device differs from the older menu based VxWorks interface . Also, notice that the AP 1100 does not have a console port and must be configured by way of Telnet or a web browser over a wired or wireless link.

Accessing through Telnet
From a DOS Shell, type telnet <ip-address>. Use the currently assigned IP address on the access point for <ip-address>. An example of a Telnet session is shown in Figure . Other terminal services programs such as PuTTY and HyperTerminal can be used. Telnet and HTTP operate at the application layer . The IOS CLI and the VxWorks menu can be accesses remotely through Telnet.


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