Port Settings Configuration on WAP121 and WAP321 Access Points

Objective

Port Settings are used to set the direction of data transmission and control the flow of the data that goes through the network. The speed of the port can be set to 10 Mbps or 100Mbps. Also, the duplex can be set to full or half. A half-duplex communication means that devices connected to each other cannot transmit packets at the same time. Whereas in full duplex communication, devices can transmit at the same time.

The configuration of port settings on WAP121 and WAP321 is required when there is a need to troubleshoot a scenario when the traffic across the network is very slow or when there are lots of packets dropped even when the network is not very busy. This can be an issue of duplex or speed mismatch. The speed and duplex should be same between the two devices that communicate with each other. 

This article explains how to configure port settings on the WAP121 and WAP321 access points.

Applicable Devices

• WAP121
• WAP321

Software Version

• 1.0.3.4

Port Settings Configuration

Step 1. Log in to the web configuration utility and choose LAN > Port Settings. The Port Settings page opens:

The following information is displayed for each port in Operational Status area:

• Port Type — The type of port which is in operation.

• Link — The port duplex mode (Full or Half) and speed (10/100 Mbps).

Step 2. (Optional) To update settings and reveal any change in the current status, click Refresh.

Step 3. (Optional) In the Administrative Settings area, check the Auto Negotiation check box to allow the access point to auto-negotiate connection speeds and duplex mode. Once this feature is enabled, speed and duplex settings are automatically negotiated with its partner.

Timesaver: If Auto Negotiation is enabled, then skip to Step 6. 

Step 4. Click the desired radio button in the Port Speed field. The available options are:

• 10M — Manually assigns the speed of the port to be 10 Mbps. All the connected devices in the network should be configured to 10 Mbps if they are to communicate with each other.

• 100M — Manually assigns the speed of the port to be 100 Mbps. All the connected devices in the network should be configured to 100 Mbps if they are to communicate with each other.

Step 5.  Click the desired duplex mode in the Duplex Mode field. The chosen transmission mode must match with the connected device for the network to operate flawlessly. The available options are:

• Half — Restricts the transmission of data to one direction at any given time.

• Full — Full duplex connection allows both the device and the connected device to transmit at the same time.

Note: Green Ethernet Mode is available only for WAP321 Access Point.

Step 6. (Optional) Green Ethernet is a technique used to reduce the power consumption of a device, which makes it more eco-friendly and cost-effective. To enable Green Ethernet Mode, check the Green Ethernet Mode check box.

Step 7. Click Save to save the settings.