Wireless Hacks

Java Configurator for AirPort APs

Configure your AirPort or Lucent-based AP from a Java applet.

Jon Sevy has done extensive work with the AirPort, and has released an open source Java client (http://edge.mcs.drexel.edu/GICL/people/sevy/airport) that configures the AirPort (including Graphite, Snow, and Extreme) as well as the RG-1000. He has also compiled a tremendous amount of information on the inner workings of the AirPort, and makes extensive resources available online at this site. Since his utility is open source and cross platform, and works very well, I use it in the following examples; see it in action in Figure 4-1.

Figure 4-1. The AirPort Java Configurator.

To use the Java Configurator app, you need a copy of the Java Runtime Environment. Download it from http://java.sun.com/ if you don’t already have it. You can start the utility by running the following in Linux:

$ java -jar AirportBaseStationConfig.jar &

Or simply double-click the AirportBaseStationConfig icon in Windows.

The AirPort can be configured over the Ethernet port or over the wireless. When the application window opens, you can click the Discover Devices button to auto-locate all of the APs on your network. When you find the IP address of the AP you want to configure, type it into the Device address field, and type the password into the Community name field. If you’re unsure about the IP address or the password, ...