by Brent Raynor
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Wi-Fi signals from a router in a house range from 75 to 150 feet, depending on obstacles and their density. Range extenders or wireless repeaters can be effective, but run at much slower speeds. The Moxa AWK-3121 is designed to connect a remote computer to a wireless LAN over a TCP/IP network. It supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g standards. Included are two 1 dbi dipole antennas, with a range up to 300′. The range can be increased by using omni-directional (Dipole) or directional (Yagi) antennas. Omni-directional antennas spread the signal throughout the house; whereas, directional focus the signal to a specific location.
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In order to connect the Moxa AWK-3121 to an existing wireless router, make sure the encryption method is WPA2-PSK and the wireless key is a match. Avoid using WEP since it is vulnerable to attack.
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Configure the Moxa AWK-3121 as an access point (AP or WAP).
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Apply 12-48VDC power or use PoE (Power over Ethernet). The Moxa AWK-3121 takes 20 seconds to run through its diagnostic state.
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The state light will go from red to green and the red fault light will turn off.
- If the fault light does not go out, this could be a caused by an IP address conflict. Check the Moxa AWK-3121’s configuration. You can also reset the Moxa AWK-3121 to the default configuration, by inserting a paperclip into the reset hole, located above the Moxa logo. Apply gentle pressure to the inside pin and hold it down for five seconds. Release and the AWK-3121 will recycle to its ready state.
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Computer Hardware Setup
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Connect the Moxa AWK-3121 toto a notebook or PC using an Ethernet cable.
- The Moxa AWK-3121 supports MDI/MDI-X auto sensing. This means you can use a straight-through or crossover cable. Once it is connected to the computer, the led indicator on the AWK-3121’s LAN port will illuminate.
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Computer Wireless Setup
- Go to Start, Settings and Network Connections.
- Select Wireless Network Connection
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Right click on the Wireless Network Connection icon and select View Wireless Networks.
- MOXA (default name) will appear as the SSID. This is the WLAN (wireless network LAN) identification name.
- http://www.moxa.com/doc/man/AWK-3121_UM_6e.pdf (AWK-3121 manual –> recommend reading)
Moxa AWK-3121 Configuration
- Open the Moxa AWK Search Utility.
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Search AWK only
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The AWK Search Utility will appear.
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Click on the Search tab.
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Double click on the Moxa AWK-3121 that is going to be configured.
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The computer’s web browser will open.
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The Moxa default username is admin and the password is root. For security reasons, we strongly recommend changing the default password. Select Maintenance -> Password, and then follow the on-screen instructions to change the password.
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Select Wireless Settings.
- In the Basic Wireless Settings, the standard default is Channel 6. Recommend doing a site survey and trying channels 1, 6, or 11.
- If you experience any interference, simply change the channel.
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Select Operation Mode.
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SelectWireless Enable.
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Select AP as the Operation Mode.
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Select WLAN.
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Select WLAN Security Settings.
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Security mode is WPA2.
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WPA type is personal.
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Encryption method is TKIP.
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Enter a phrase or password that matches the computer’s wireless network connection‘s password.
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Slect Save Configuration
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Select Restart
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During start-up, the signal bar status on the Moxa AWK-3121 will illuminate.
- Make sure your computer only has a wireless connection.
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Type a web address in your browser (ie. manuauto.com).
At Manufacturers Automation Inc., we are dedicated to customer service and want to make your experience a pleasant one.
© Copyright 2011, Manufacturers Automation Inc.
Manufacturers Automation Inc. 1600 King Street North St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2NO 800-387-6268 sales@manuauto.com
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