3Com Router WL-602 User Manual

							Feedback About This User Guide9
Feedback About 
This User GuideYour suggestions are very important to us. They will help make our 
documentation more useful to you. Please e-mail comments about this 
document to 3Com at:
[email protected]
Please include the following information when commenting:
■Document title
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Example:
■3Com Wireless 11n Cable/DSL Firewall Router User Guide
■Part Number 10016790 Rev. AA
■Page 24
Do not use this e-mail address for technical support questions. For 
information about contacting Technical Support, please refer to 
Appendix E.
Related 
DocumentationIn addition to this guide, each Router document set includes one 
Installation Guide. This guide contains the instructions you need to install 
and configure your Router. 
						

							10ABOUT THIS GUIDE 
						

							1
INTRODUCING THE ROUTER
Welcome to the world of networking with 3Com®. In the modern 
business environment, communication and sharing information is crucial. 
Computer networks have proved to be one of the fastest modes of 
communication but, until recently, only large businesses could afford the 
networking advantage.
Wireless 11n 
Cable/DSL Firewall 
RouterThe 3Com Wireless 11n Cable/DSL Firewall Router is designed to provide 
a cost-effective means of sharing a single broadband Internet connection 
amongst several wired and wireless computers. The Router also provides 
protection in the form of an electronic “firewall” preventing anyone 
outside of your network from seeing your files or damaging your 
computers. The Router can also prevent your users from accessing Web 
sites which you find unsuitable.
Figure 1 shows an example network without a Router. In this network, 
only one computer is connected to the Internet. This computer must 
always be powered on for the other computers on the network to access 
the Internet. 
						

							12CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCING THE ROUTER
Figure 1   Example Network Without a Router
When you use the Router in your network (Figure 2), it becomes your 
connection to the Internet. Connections can be made directly to the 
Router, or to a 3Com Switch, expanding the number of computers you 
can have in your network.
Figure 2   Example Network Using a Firewall Router 
						

							Router Advantages13
Router AdvantagesThe advantages of the Router include:
■Shared Internet connection for both wired and wireless computers
■High speed 802.11n wireless networking
■No need for a dedicated, “always on” computer serving as your 
Internet connection
■Cross-platform operation for compatibility with Windows, Unix and 
Macintosh computers
■Easy-to-use, Web-based setup and configuration
■Provides centralization of all network address settings (DHCP)
■Acts as a Virtual server to enable remote access to Web, FTP, and other 
services on your network
■Security — Firewall protection against Internet hacker attacks and 
encryption to protect wireless network traffic
Package ContentsThe Router kit includes the following items:
■One 3Com Wireless 11n Cable/DSL Firewall Router
■One power adapter for use with the Router
■Four rubber feet
■One Ethernet cable
■One CD-ROM containing this User Guide, copies of the quick install 
guide in various languages and the 3Com Detect application.
■Installation guide
■Support and Safety sheet 
■Warranty sheet 
If any of these items are missing or damaged, please contact your retailer. 
						

							14CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCING THE ROUTER
Minimum System 
and Component 
RequirementsYour Router requires that the computer(s) and components in your 
network be configured with at least the following:
■A computer with an operating system that supports TCP/IP 
networking protocols (for example Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Unix, 
Mac OS 8.5 or higher).
■An Ethernet 10 Mbps, 10/100 Mbps or 10/100/1000 Mbps NIC for 
each computer to be connected to the four-port switch on your 
Router.
■An 802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11n draft2.0 compliant wireless NIC.
■An active ADSL or Cable subscription and connection. Note that your 
Cable or ADSL modem needs to have an Ethernet interface.
■A Web browser that supports JavaScript, such as Netscape 4.7 or 
higher, Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, Mozilla 1.2.1 or higher, or 
Apple’s Safari. 
Physical FeaturesThe front panel of the Router contains a series of indicator lights (LEDs) 
that help describe the state of various networking and connection 
operations.
Figure 3   Router - Front Panel 
						

							Physical Features15
1 Power LED (Illuminated Logo)
White
The 3Com logo serves as power OK indicator. This LED will light if the 
router is receiving power from the power adapter. If it is not lit check the 
power adapter connections. Refer to Chapter 6 Troubleshooting
.
2 Alert LED 
Amber
Fast flash during self test. If self test fails the LED will remain on.
Fast flash during software upgrade.
Fast flash for software reset to the factory defaults.
Fast flash for hardware reset to the factory defaults. 
The LED is on for 2 seconds when the firewall detects a hacker attack.
3Cable/DSL
Blue 
LED on indicates the physical connection is on. 
Fast flash means WAN port traffic activity. 
4 Wireless LAN (WLAN) Status LED 
Blue
If the LED is on it indicates that wireless networking is enabled. If the LED 
is flashing, the link is OK and data is being transmitted or received. If the 
LED is off, the Wireless LAN has been disabled in the Router, or there is a 
problem. Refer to Chapter 6 Troubleshooting
.
5 LAN Status LEDs (4 indicators) 
Blue
If the LED is on, the link between the port and the next piece of network 
equipment is OK. If the LED is flashing, the link is OK and data is being 
transmitted or received. If the LED is off, nothing is connected, or the 
connected device is switched off, or there is a problem with the 
connection (refer to Chapter 6 Troubleshooting
). The port will 
automatically adjust to the correct speed and duplex. 
						

							16CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCING THE ROUTER
6 WPS LED
Blue
WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) is a standard for easy and secure 
establishment of a wireless network, allowing wireless clients to connect 
securely to routers and access points. The WPS LED shows the status of 
the WPS function. It has a number of modes to help monitor the status of 
clients connecting to the Router using the WPS protocol. The status is 
shown by three different flashing rates: slow, medium and quick and 
when light constantly. 
Note: The WPS function will be enabled for 2 minutes once WPS  is 
enabled either by pressing the button or by starting the PIN mode via the 
web interface. This time will end before 2 minutes if a client has 
successfully connected. Only one client should be connected to the 
Router using WPS at any one time. Attempting to connect two or more 
clients at once may result in connection failures. 
When the WPS button is pressed, or  WPS is initiated using the PIN 
method in the web interface, the WPS LED will flash at a medium rate for 
up to 2 minutes to indicate that a WPS connection can be made. When a 
connection attempt is underway, the LED will flash slowly. 
If the connection has been successful, the WPS LED will remain 
illuminated for 5 minutes. If the connection attempt has failed, the WPS 
LED will flash rapidly for 5 minutes. You can re-try the connection by 
pressing the WPS button, when the connection process will re-start. 
If you want to add a further client to the Router, you do not need to wait 
for the 5 minute period to end. You can press the WPS button (or use the 
PIN method via the web interface) as soon as the first client is successfully 
connected.  
						

							Physical Features17
The rear panel (Figure 4) of the Router contains one WPS button, four 
LAN ports, one WAN port, one WiFi on/off button, a reset button, and a 
power adapter socket.
Figure 4   Router - Rear Panel
1 Wireless Antenna
The antennas should be placed in a ‘V’ position when initially installed.
CAUTION:Do not force the antennae beyond their mechanical stops. 
Rotating the antennae further may cause damage.
2 WPS button
Press this button for 3 seconds when making WPS setup. Pushing the 
WPS button will automatically enable WPS. Then initiate the WPS 
procedure on the wireless NIC within two minutes. Refer to your wireless 
NICs documentation on this procedure. The wireless NIC will then be 
securely added to your wireless network.
3 Ethernet Ports (4 ports) 
Using suitable RJ-45 cables, you can connect your Router to a computer, 
or to any other piece of equipment that has an Ethernet connection (for 
example, a hub or a switch). These ports have an automatic MDI/MDIX 
feature, which means either straight-through or a crossover cable can be 
used. 
						

							18CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCING THE ROUTER
4WAN Port
RJ-45 port used to connect the Router with Cable/DSL modem. 
5 WiFi On/Off button
Use this button to turn on/turn off the wireless function. Press the button 
for 3 seconds. 
6 Reset Button
If you want to reset your Router to factory default settings, or cannot 
access the web management interface (for example, due to a lost 
password), then you may use this button. Refer to Forgotten Password 
and Reset to Factory Defaults on page 127 for further details.
7 Power Adapter Socket
Only use the power adapter that is supplied with this Router. Do not use 
any other adapter.