CAUTION: When enabling more than one LAN port (applies to LAN1, LAN2, Wi-Fi) the IP address for each must be configured on different subnets, otherwise the ports will not function correctly.
Note: The controller can only operate in one mode at a time. For example, a controller in Access Point mode cannot also operate as a Client at the same time.
Any changes to the Wi-Fi Configuration, including enabling or disabling Wi-Fi, require a controller reboot after saving changes.
In the following steps, a reboot prompt appears any time you save a change to a property value. In order to save time, you can choose to not save until you make final changes in the Wi-Fi Configuration view.
- From the Wi-Fi Configuration view, click the Access Point Mode tab and set the Adapter IPv4 Address and/or Adapter IPv4 Netmask values, as needed.
This sets the address that a client uses to make an IP connection to this unit over Wi-Fi while the unit is functioning as an access point.
Note: The IP address and subnet must not conflict with IP addresses used for wired Ethernet connections.
- In the Access Point Configuration area, find the SSID field and enter a name for this access point. A best practice is to replace the default name with a unique, meaningful network name.
- Click the Broadcast SSID checkbox only if configuring the Access Point for field bus devices so that the devices can detect the access point signal and connect as needed. Otherwise, for security purposes do not click the checkbox.
- Enter a Passphrase for the unit (10 character minimum).
This sets an access word or phrase that a client must enter to connect to this network.
- Click the Wpa Mode dropdown list and select the preferred mode. WPA WPA2 (default) will accommodate most devices.
- Click the Key Management Algorithms dropdown list and select an encryption algorithm appropriate for the devices connecting to this network.
- Click the Pairwise Cipher Suites dropdown list and select an encryption suite appropriate for the devices connecting to this network.
Pairwise Cipher Suites are algorithms and protocols for ensuring a secure connection between two devices in a wireless network. They define how data is encrypted and authenticated, so that communication stays protected from interception.
- In the Inactivity Timeout field, enter the desired value (minutes).
This value applies to Access Point Controlled mode only and sets a limit on the amount of time that the Access Point can be inactive. When the Wi-Fi mode is Access Point Controlled mode and the Access Point is inactive for a time greater than the Inactivity Timeout value, the Wi-Fi adapter is shut down. To restart it you can press the Wi-Fi button on the front cover. The Wi-Fi service will restart and operate under the same Inactivity Timeout property value. If you are in Access Point mode, no inactivity limit is enforced.
Note: If you intend to use Wi-Fi for tool connectivity, Access Point Controlled mode is a good option. Choose this mode and set the Inactivity Value to some reasonably small number of minutes that makes sense for your use case. If the intended Wi-Fi usage is for field bus integration, then you should consider using the "Access Point" mode that disables the Inactivity Timeout property
CAUTION: An Access Point represents a potential target for a cyber attack. Leaving the Access Point disabled by default is a recommended security best practice.
- To configure Mode and Channel properties, click the Config Channel button and select from the following:
Note: For WW models, if the country code is not pre-configured then you must set it. For US models, the country code is pre-configured at the factory and cannot be changed.
- Click the Mode dropdown list and select an appropriate IEEE 802.11 type: (a, b, g,or n) to match your needs for the devices connecting to the network.
- Click the Bandwidth dropdown list and select the preferred frequency band. The HT20 HT40 (default) option accommodates most devices.
- Click the Channel dropdown list and select the least congested channel number for your network.
- To configure an Allow List, click the Enable Allow List checkbox and then click the Allow List button to enter MAC addresses that will be permitted to join the network (up to 8 addresses ).
An "Allow List" is an inventory of known MAC addresses that are permitted access to the Wi-Fi access point, functioning as an added layer of protection for the Wi-Fi network. The format for an address group is six bytes, each separated by a colon, for example: 08:00:69:E2:01:FE.
- In the DHCP Server Settings area, in the Client Range Low field , enter the lowest IP address for the range.
Note: The adapter IP should be in the same subnet, but not in the range of addresses defined here.
- In the Max Number of Clients Allowed field, enter the maximum number of concurrent Wi-Fi clients that you will allow to attach to this access point (maximum number is 8), then click Save to keep your change.
Note: The Wi-Fi adapter supports a maximum of 8 user interface devices such as, a laptop, PC, or Wi-Fi phone, at a given time.
Changes are saved but changes are applied only after reboot, so you are prompted for a reboot, however, there is no need to reboot until you complete all changes.
- In the platform Host Configuration group, click on the Wi-Fi Enabled dropdown list and select True.
- In the Switch Position dropdown field, select Access Point or Controlled Access Point.
Note: There is no physical "Switch" to move on the JACE-9000, this property value sets the mode for Wi-Fi operation.
After selecting a mode, you are presented with the Reboot Now? prompt.
- Check the values in your Access Point Mode tab and Host Configuration fields. If you are satisfied with the settings, click Yes to reboot or No to make changes and reboot later.