3com 3CRWE62092A-AP, 3CRWE62092A-E1, 3CRWE62092A-FR, 3CRWE62092A-IS, 3CRWE62092A-JP User Manual

11 Mbps Wireless LAN
PC Card User Guide

Fully featured wireless local area networking made simple

Version 2.0.3

http://www.3com.com/
http://support.3com.com/warrantyregistration/register.pl

Published December 2001
Version 2.0.3.1

3Com Corporation
5400 Bayfront Plaza
Santa Clara, California
95052-8145

Copyright © 2001, 3Com Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this documentation may be
reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any derivative work (such as translation,
transformation, or adaptation) without written permission from 3Com Corporation.

3Com Corporation reserves the right to revise this documentation and to make changes in content from
time to time without obligation on the part of 3Com Corporation to provide notification of such revision or
change.

3Com Corporation provides this documentation without warranty, term, or condition of any kind, either
implied or expressed, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties, terms or conditions of
merchantability, satisfactory quality, and fitness for a particular purpose. 3Com may make improvements or
changes in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this documentation at any time.

If there is any software on removable media described in this documentation, it is furnished under a license
agreement included with the product as a separate document, in the hard copy documentation, or on the
removable media in a directory file named LICENSE.TXT or !LICENSE.TXT. If you are unable to locate a copy,
please contact 3Com and a copy will be provided to you.

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT LEGEND

If you are a United States government agency, then this documentation and the software described herein
are provided to you subject to the following:

All technical data and computer software are commercial in nature and developed solely at private expense.
Software is delivered as “Commercial Computer Software” as defined in DFARS 252.227-7014 (June 1995)
or as a “commercial item” as defined in FAR 2.101(a) and as such is provided with only such rights as are
provided in 3Com’s standard commercial license for the Software. Technical data is provided with limited
rights only as provided in DFAR 252.227-7015 (Nov 1995) or FAR 52.227-14 (June 1987), whichever is
applicable. You agree not to remove or deface any portion of any legend provided on any licensed program
or documentation contained in, or delivered to you in conjunction with, this User Guide.

Unless otherwise indicated, 3Com registered trademarks are registered in the United States and may or may
not be registered in other countries.

3Com, AirConnect, and XJACK are registered trademarks and the 3Com logo is a trademark of
3Com Corporation.

Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Wi-Fi is a
trademark of the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance.

All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are
associated.

EXPORT RESTRICTIONS: This product or software contains encryption code which may not be exported or

transferred from the US or Canada without an approved US Department of Commerce export license.

C

ONTENTS

1

NTRODUCTION

I

How Does a Wireless LAN Work? 7

Network Association 7
Roaming 7
Security 7
Ad Hoc Networks 7

Setting Up a 3Com Wireless LAN 8

All Wireless Networks 8
Wired/Wireless Networks 9

Product Registration and Support 9

I

NSTALLING

2

Requirements 11
Inserting the PC Card 11
Using the XJACK Antenna 12
Installing the Software 13
Windows Wizard Installation 13

Install Files 13
Set Up the PC Card 14
Install Utilities 14

Windows NT Installation with Networking Installed 14

Installing Under Service Pack 4 15
Installing Under Service Pack 5 and Above 15

Confirming the Installation 18
Custom Installation Options 18

WLAN Service Area 18
Security Settings 18

Installing the Documentation 19

W

THE

Install Files 15
Install CardWizard 16
Set Up the PC Card 17
Install Utilities 17

IRELESS

C

LIENT

U

3

About the 3Com Icon 22
Interpreting Status Icons 22
Using the 3Com WLAN Configuration Utility 25
Using 3Com Administrator Utilities 26

SING

THE

W

IRELESS

LAN

ETTING

4

S

Changing Network and Security Settings 27

Network Settings 27
Security Settings 28

Setting up Auto Network Connect 31
Setting up an Ad Hoc Network 31

Starting an Ad Hoc Network Session 31
Joining an Ad Hoc Network Session 32

Ending an Ad Hoc Network Session 32
Changing Power, Traffic, and Address Settings 33
Changing Your Password 34
Running Diagnostics 34
Viewing Configuration Information 34

5

ROUBLESHOOTING

T

Diagnosing Problems 37
Using the Tools Window 39
Uninstalling the Card 39
Uninstalling Software Utilities 40
Updating PC Card Driver Software 40

Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows 98 SE 40

Windows Millenium Edition (Windows Me) 41

Windows 2000 42

Windows NT 43
Upgrading PC Card Firmware 44

THE

40-bit Shared Key (Wi-Fi) Encryption Settings 29
128-bit Shared Key (WiFi) Encryption Settings 29
128-bit Dynamic Security Link Authentication 30
128-bit Dynamic Security Link Settings 30

W

IRELESS

C

LIENT

C

ONFIGURATION

W

A

B

INDOWS

Installation Under Service Pack 4 45
Installation Under Service Pack 5 and Above 45

Install Files and Networking 45

Install CardWizard 47

Set Up the PC Card 47

Install Utilities 48

INDOWS

W

Install with Networking 49

Softex 2.8.2 and Above 49

Older Softex Versions 50
Install Without Networking 52

Softex 2.8.2 and Above 52

Older Softex Versions 53

NT I

NSTALLATION

NSTALLATION

NT I

W

W

ITHOUT

ITH

OFTEX

S

N

ETWORKING

ARD

C

I

NSTALLED

XECUTIVE

E

ECHNICAL

T

C

Online Technical Services 55

World Wide Web Site 55
3Com Knowledgebase Web Services 55

3Com FTP Site 55
Support from Your Network Supplier 56
Support from 3Com 56
Returning Products for Repair 58

R

EGULATORY

UPPORT

S

C

OMPLIANCE

I

NFORMATION

1

I

NTRODUCTION

3Com wireless technology brings the benefits of a local area network (LAN) to
your office without the restraints and expense of network wiring. If your office
already has an Ethernet LAN, the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN can extend the
network without adding more wires.

How Does a Wireless LAN Work?

Network Association Computers that are equipped for wireless LAN communication are called wireless

Roaming If the office space is large, you can set up multiple access points on the same

Security You can set up security to encrypt your wireless transmissions so that your data

Ad Hoc Networks Wireless clients can associate among themselves at close range without an access

In a traditional LAN, computers communicate through wires. Instead of wires, a
wireless LAN uses radio signals to communicate.

LAN

clients . The wireless communication is called network association . Clients

associate through one or more
act as wireless hubs.

An access point can be connected to a wired network device such as an Ethernet
hub, switch, or router to give clients access to the wired network where they can
share files and printers and gain access to the Internet.

network to increase coverage. When a wireless client begins to lose the signal
as it moves away from an access point, it can reassociate seamlessly with another
access point. This is called

cannot be deciphered if it is intercepted, and to prevent access to the network by
unauthorized clients.

point by using
network, for example, if a group is working away from the office, or if a group in
the office needs to share files apart from the LAN.

ad hoc (temporary) networks. You may wish to set up an ad hoc

access points , which are wireless base stations that

roaming .

HAPTER

C

NTRODUCTION

1: I

8

Setting Up a 3Com Wireless LAN

The type of network you decide to set up depends on the size of your office and
whether or not you require connection to a wired LAN. You can also set up
security for each of the different types of networks. Your set up will probably
resemble one or more of the following examples.

All Wireless Networks The simplest 3Com wireless LAN consists of several clients associating in an ad hoc

network without an access point.

A simple configuration consists of one access point and several clients. The clients
can associate with the wireless network anywhere within the coverage area of the
access point. The access point is not connected to any other network segments.

NET
R

E
H
T

E
S
LES

E
R
E

WIR
W

O
P

For more complex requirements, you can configure several access points as
separate networks at the same site. The access points use different network
identifiers called

wireless LAN service areas ( WLAN service areas , also called

Extended Service Set Identities or ESSID ). Clients can roam within the coverage

areas of access points that have the same WLAN service areas. They cannot roam
to the coverage areas of access points that are configured with different WLAN
service areas.

Product Registration and Support 9

Wired/Wireless

Networks

An access point can be connected to a wired LAN with an Ethernet cable to create
a mixed wired/wireless network. In this configuration, the access point provides
the link between the wired network and wireless clients. Clients can move freely
throughout the service area of the access point and remain associated with the
larger network for services such as printing and Internet access.

Multiple access points can be connected to an existing LAN to provide complete
wireless network coverage. Wireless clients can roam seamlessly between different
access points with the same WLAN service areas and remain associated with the
larger network.

T

E
N
R
E

H
T

E
S
S

LE

E
R
E

WIR
W
O
P

T
E
N

R
E

H
T
E

S
S
E
L
E

R

I
R
E

W
W
O

P

Product Registration and Support

To register your product with 3Com, go to the following Web page:

http://support.3com.com/warrantyregistration/frontpg.pl

For support information, see “Technical Support” and go to the following
Web page:

http://support.3com.com

1

2

2

Requirements

I

NSTALLING

Installing a wireless client consists of inserting the 3Com Wireless LAN PC Card
with XJACK
utilities. If you have 3Com Administrator Utilities installed on a wireless client, you
can manage access points or run a site survey.

Before you start the installation, make sure that you have the following items:

Operating System One of the following:

Web Browser Internet Explorer version 4 required.

PC Card 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN PC Card with XJACK Antenna
Installation Media One of the following 3Com CDs:

Other
Requirements

®

Antenna in your computer and installing the software driver and

THE

n

Windows 95

The 3Com wireless LAN PC Card runs under Windows 95 version B or
higher. If you do not know which version of Windows 95 is installed
on your computer, you can display it as follows:

In the Control Panel, double-click System to display the System
Properties dialog box. Click the General Tab to display the Windows
95 version information. Version B (also known as OSR 2) is identified
as 4.00.950b.

n Windows 98

n Windows Millennium Edition (Windows Me)

n Windows NT with Service Pack 4 or above

n Windows 2000

Internet Explorer version 5.5 recommended.

You can download Internet Explorer from www.microsoft.com

n 3Com End User Utilities CD, which comes with the PC Card and

contains utilities for users.

n 3Com Administrator Utilities CD, which comes with the 3Com

11 Mbps Wireless LAN Access Point and contains utilities for users
and tools for administrators.

n The installation program may ask for the operating system installation

media (usually a CD supplied with your computer) or for a path to
the operating system files. If you have other networking software
installed on your computer, the installation program may ask for its
installation media.

W

IRELESS

C

LIENT

Inserting the PC Card

Turn on the computer.

Insert the 3Com PC Card into the PC Card slot until it seats snugly.

12 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE WIRELESS CLIENT

Arrows on the front of the card indicate the insertion point to the slot. Align the
card properly before inserting it in the slot.

CAUTION: Forcing the card into the slot can damage the computer or the card.

Using the
XJACK Antenna

The XJACK antenna, which is attached to the end of the PC Card, has two
positions: extended and retracted. The antenna works like a ball-point pen--press
it to extend it, press it again to retract it. The antenna must be extended to make a
network association. To prevent it from damage, the antenna should be retracted
when not in use, when you are inserting the card in your computer, or when you
are transporting the computer.

CAUTION: Do not pull on the antenna to remove the card.

The figure at left below shows the PC Card installed with its antenna retracted.
The figure at right shows the antenna extended.

To get the best reception:

n Clear the area around the antenna of items that could block radio transmission,

such as metal objects, electronic devices, and cordless telephones.

n Even a slight change in antenna orientation can affect the network association.

If necessary, move your computer a few inches to find a better signal.

Installing the Software 13

Installing the Software

Windows Wizard
Installation

Depending on how your computer is set up, the installation program may ask
for the operating system installation media (usually a CD supplied with your
computer) or for a path to the operating system files. If you have other networking
software installed on your computer, the installation program may ask for the
networking software installation media. Make sure that you have the appropriate
installation CDs or that you know the appropriate paths before you begin
installing the software.

If you need help during the installation, see “Troubleshooting”.

Follow the instructions for your operating system:

For this Windows version: See this procedure:

Windows 2000, Windows
Millennium Edition
(Windows Me),
Windows 98, Windows 95

Windows NT “Windows NT Installation with Networking Installed” or

“Windows Wizard Installation”

“Windows NT Installation Without Networking Installed”.

Make sure that the computer is running and the PC Card is inserted. The driver
installation process starts automatically when the PC Card is inserted.

Install Files

1 Put the 3Com CD in the CD-ROM drive.
2 In the Add New Hardware Wizard window, click Next.
3 Respond to the instructions in the next windows:

a When the driver location is confirmed, click Next.
b Verify the driver name (3Com 3CRWE62092A Wireless LAN PC Card) and

click Next.

The installation program copies files from the 3Com CD and Windows
operating system.

This copying process may take a few moments, and the progress bar may seem
to update slowly.

The installation may prompt for your operating system installation CD, for a
path to the operating system, or for the installation CD of other installed
networking software. If it does, remove the 3Com CD and insert the
appropriate CD.

c When you are notified that the installation is complete, remove the CD and

click Finish.

4 At the prompt to restart the computer, click Yes.

14 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE WIRELESS CLIENT

Set Up the PC Card After the computer restarts, the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Client Setup

window opens, in which you specify the PC Card configuration.

1 In the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Client Setup window, select Typical and

click Next.

Typical configures the PC Card with the following default values:

WLAN Service Area—Attach to any WLAN Service Area automatically

Security Setting—No security (Open system)

If you want to customize the PC Card configuration, for example, to add security,
select Custom. See “Custom Installation Options” for details on custom settings.
For the fastest installation, it is recommended that you use the typical settings.
You can customize the configuration later as described in “Setting the Wireless
Client Configuration”.

2 In the Summary window, review the PC Card setup. To install the software utilities,

make sure that the Start client software installation when finished box is checked.

If you are reinstalling the PC Card and already have the software utilities installed,
this box is unchecked.

3 Click Finish to complete the PC Card setup and start the software utilities installation.

Install Utilities

The 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Setup program starts.

1 Read the Welcome page and click Next.
2 Read the Software License Agreement and click Yes. (If you click No, the

installation stops.)

3 Select a destination folder for the software files and click Next.
4 In the Setup Type window, select the type of installation for the software:

Typical—Installs the software and documentation.

Compact—Installs the software, but not documentation.

Custom—Allows you to choose the components to install.

5 Follow the directions in the Select Program Folder window and click Next.
6 In the Desktop Icon Option window, click Yes.
7 In the Setup Complete window, click Finish.
8 If you are prompted to restart your computer, do so.

This completes the basic installation. To confirm the installation, see “Confirming
the Installation”.

Windows NT Installation with Networking Installed

The following procedure is for installing the card software when networking is
already installed on your computer. If networking is not already installed, see
“Windows NT Installation Without Networking Installed”.

Windows NT Installation with Networking Installed 15

Either CardWizard or Softex Card Executive (utilities that help Windows NT load
and manage software) must be installed on your computer to use the PC Card. If
the installation program does not detect one of the utilities, it asks whether you
want to install CardWizard from the 3Com CD.

Internet Explorer version 4 is required to view help files. It is recommended that
you install Internet Explorer version 5 or later.

Installing Under Service

Pack 4

Installing Under Service

Pack 5 and Above

It is recommended that you upgrade to the latest service pack. If you are using
Service Pack 4, you must install CardWizard before inserting the PC Card into
the computer. If you have Softex Card Executive installed, see “Windows NT
Installation With Softex Card Executive” for more details. Otherwise, follow
this procedure:

1 Put the 3Com CD in the CD-ROM drive.
2 If the 3Com 11 Mbps WLAN Menu appears, click Exit.
3 From the Windows Start menu, select Start/Run.
4 In the run dialog box, type the path to the CardWizard installer on the 3Com CD.

For example: d:\cw\disk1\setup.exe

5 Follow the prompts to install CardWizard.

At the prompt to restart, shut down the computer.

6 Insert the PC Card, restart the computer, and continue with the installation.

Refer to “Installing Under Service Pack 5 and Above” for detailed instructions.

The installation procedure consists of installing files, installing CardWizard, setting
up the PC Card, and installing utilities.

Install Files

1 Make sure that the computer is running and the PC Card is inserted.
2 Put the 3Com CD in the CD-ROM drive.

If the 3Com 11 Mbps WLAN Menu appears, click Exit.

3 From the Windows Start menu, select Settings/Control Panel.
4 In the Control Panel, double-click Network.
5 Click the Adapters tab.
6 In the Adapters tab, click Add.
7 In the Select Network Adapter window, click Have Disk.
8 In the Insert Disk window, make sure that the correct path to your CD-ROM drive

appears in the entry box (for example, d:) and click OK.

9 In the Select OEM Option window, select 3Com 3CRWE62092A Wireless LAN PC

Card and click OK.

10 In the PC Card Setup window, accept the default settings and click OK.

The default settings work in most cases. However, you may need to specify values
for your installation.

Wait while the files are copied.

16 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE WIRELESS CLIENT

11 In the Adapters tab, click Close.
12 If the Microsoft TCP/IP Properties screen appears, enter the requested information

for your network environment.

Refer to the Windows NT documentation for assistance. If you choose the DHCP
server option, click Yes to the DHCP prompt. When you are finished entering the
appropriate TCP/IP information, click OK.

13 When prompted to restart the computer, click Yes.

Install CardWizard

If CardWizard was already installed before you began installing the PC Card, the
installation skips this portion and proceeds directly to “Set Up the PC Card.”

1 At the prompt to install CardWizard, click Yes .

If you click No and you do not have CardWizard installed, the installation stops.

2 In the CardWizard window, click Next.
3 In the CardWizard welcome page, click Next.
4 Read the CardWizard Software License Agreement and click Yes.
5 When prompted to remove the PC Card, eject the card and click Yes.
6 In the Select Type of Platform window, select your computer type and click Next.

If your computer type is not listed, select Other Notebook and click Next.

7 Respond to the prompts to install CardWizard.
8 When the CardWizard installation finishes, click the radio button to restart the

computer and click Finish.

9 Insert the PC Card.

Windows NT Installation with Networking Installed 17

Set Up the PC Card

After the computer restarts, the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Client Setup
window opens, in which you specify the PC Card configuration.

1 In the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Client Setup window, select Typical and

click Next.

The Typical comfiguration sets up the PC Card with the following default values:

WLAN Service Area—Attach to any WLAN Service Area automatically

Security Setting—No security (Open system)

If you want to customize the PC Card configuration (to add security, for example),
select Custom. See “Custom Installation Options” for details on custom settings.
For the fastest installation, it is recommended that you use the Typical settings.
You can customize the configuration later as described in “Setting the Wireless
Client Configuration”.

2 In the Summary window, review the PC Card setup and click Finish.
3 When prompted to run the Setup program, click OK.
4 Run the Setup program:

a From the Windows Start menu, select Run.
b In the Run dialog box, enter a path to the Setup program on the 3Com CD. For

example, d:\srsetup.exe.

The 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Setup program starts.

Install Utilities

1 Read the Welcome page and click Next.
2 Read the Software License Agreement and click Yes. (If you click No, the

installation stops.)

3 Select a destination folder for the software files and click Next.
4 In the Setup Type window, select the type of installation for the software:

Typical—Installs the software and documentation.

Compact—Installs the software but not documentation.

Custom—Allows you to choose the components to install.

5 Follow the directions in the Select Program Folder window and click Next.
6 In the Desktop Icon Option window, click Yes.
7 In the next window, if the option to restart the computer appears, select it and

click Finish.

If you had a service pack installed before setting up the PC Card, reinstall it and
restart the computer.

This completes the basic installation. To confirm the installation, see “Confirming
the Installation.”

18 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE WIRELESS CLIENT

Confirming the
Installation

Custom Installation Options

When the PC Card and software are installed correctly, you will see the following
items after you restart the computer:

n PC Card LED is blinking.

n 3Com WLAN Launcher is running. This utility shows the status of your network

association.

n 3Com icon is in the Windows system tray.

n Shortcut icon to the 3Com WLAN Launcher is on your desktop (unless you

specified no icon during the installation).

If you do not see the 3Com WLAN Launcher window, click the 3Com icon in the
Windows system tray to display it.

If the 3Com WLAN Launcher is not already running, you can start it by double
clicking the shortcut on your desktop, or, from the Windows Start menu, select
Start/Programs/3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN/3Com WLAN Launcher.

For more information, see “Using the Wireless LAN”.

If you want to set up a custom configuration during installation, when the
installation program asks for the Setup Type, select Custom and click Next.

You can change the WLAN Service Area and Security settings.

WLAN Service Area Attach to any WLAN Service Area automatically—This option associates the client

automatically to the WLAN service area with the best signal strength.

Specify a WLAN Service Area—Select this option and enter the name of a WLAN
service area. The name must match the name of the access point WLAN Service
Area exactly.

For more information on these settings, see “Changing Network and Security
Settings”.

Security Settings See “Changing Network and Security Settings”for information about Security.

Installing the Documentation 19

Installing the Documentation

Documentation in PDF and HTML formats are supplied on the 3Com CD and are
installed automatically during a typical installation. If you chose not to install
documentation when you installed the PC Card and utilities, you can use
Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel to install it.

1 From the Windows Start menu, select Start/Settings/Control Panel.
2 Double click Add/Remove Programs.
3 In the next window, select 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN and click Add/Remove.
4 In the Install Shield Wizard window, click the Modify radio button and click Next.
5 In the next window, check the boxes next to the documents that you want to

install and click Next.

A dialog box containing a document file name appears.

6 Insert the 3Com CD.
7 Browse to the path on the CD that contains the file name indicated in the dialog

box and click OK.

You need Acrobat Reader to read the documentation in PDF format and a Web
browser to read the documentation in HTML format. The English versions of
Acrobat Reader and the Internet Explorer Web browser are on the 3Com CD.

You can obtain versions of Acrobat Reader in languages other than English from
the Adobe Web site at www.adobe.com.

You can obtain versions of Internet Explorer in languages other than English
from the Microsoft Web site at www.microsoft.com.

3

USING THE WIRELESS LAN

The 3Com WLAN Launcher shows the status of your network association and
allows you to perform some network association and configuration tasks.

The functions of the 3Com WLAN Launcher buttons are:

Access
Point

Computer Displays the Ad Hoc Network Login window, in which you can do

Padlock Displays the Network/Security tab of the 3Com WLAN Configuration utility.

Hammer Displays the Tools tab of the 3Com WLAN Configuration utility.

Help Displays help.

Close Minimizes the 3Com WLAN Launcher window, but does not quit the

Refreshes the association with the access point when you are associated
with an access point.

When you are associated with an ad hoc network, this button ends the
ad hoc session and associates you to an access point.

the following:

n When you are associated with an access point, you can end the access

point association and start an ad hoc session.

n When you are associated with an ad hoc network, you can start a new

ad hoc session or edit the current ad hoc configuration.

application.

22 CHAPTER 3: USING THE WIRELESS LAN

About the 3Com Icon When the 3Com WLAN Launcher is running, the 3Com icon in the Windows

system tool tray displays the status of the network association:

Associated Green radio waves indicate a good association with an access point.

Not Associated Red circle with a white X indicates no association with an access point.

Card Removed Yellow circle with a black X indicates that no PC Card is detected by the

If the 3Com WLAN Launcher is hidden, click the 3Com icon to display it. You can
also right-click the 3Com icon and select from these menu items:

Open Displays the WLAN Launcher.

Refresh AP Disconnects you from an ad hoc network session and reconnects

End AP/Start Ad hoc Displays the Ad Hoc Network Login window, where you can start

Security Settings Displays the Network/Security tab, where you can set up security.

Tools Displays the Tools tab, where you can run WLAN Launcher

Show Ethernet Link Status Controls the Ethernet status display. This option appears only if

Exit Quits the WLAN Launcher program. After you exit, the 3Com icon

computer.

you to an access point.

or join an ad hoc network session.

applications.

you are associating with a 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Access
Point.

no longer displays in the Windows system tray unless you restart
the WLAN Launcher.

Interpreting Status Icons

The 3Com WLAN Launcher window shows the status of your network
ssociation and continuously updates the status. The following tables describe
the various states.

Good Status

The icon on the left represents your computer (the
client) with the 3Com PC Card installed.

The icon on the right represents the access point.

The green dotted line between the two icons
indicates a good network association.

If both icons are computers, you are associating
with an ad hoc network

For information on how to set up an ad hoc
network, see “Setting up an Ad Hoc Network”.

Good Status

A green dotted line with a padlock between the
two icons indicates a good association with
security.

If you are using a 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN
Access Point and it is properly connected to an
Ethernet network, a network icon is shown.

If the access point is from another manufacturer,
no network icon is shown.

Search Status

The green dotted line with a magnifying glass
between the computer icon and the access point
icon indicates that the client is currently searching
for a network association with an access point.

Interpreting Status Icons 23

The green dotted line with a magnifying glass
between two computer icons indicates that the
client is currently searching for an ad hoc network
association.

24 CHAPTER 3: USING THE WIRELESS LAN

Problem Status

If you see an X or a red line, refer to “Troubleshooting”.

A yellow X on the PC Card slot of the computer
icon indicates that the operating system does not
recognize the card or that no card is inserted.

A red dotted line with an X indicates that the card
is installed properly, but there is no association
between the computer and the access point.

An X on the cable connected to the access point
indicates that the card is installed properly and
there is a good association with the access point,
but there is a problem with the Ethernet
connection to the access point.

If you do not have an Ethernet cable connected to
the access point, you can turn off the Ethernet
status display. Right click the 3Com icon in the
Windows system tray and clear the Show Ethernet

Link Status option.

Using the 3Com WLAN Configuration Utility 25

Using the 3Com WLAN
Configuration Utility

You can use the 3Com WLAN Configuration Utility window to customize the
wireless client set up after installation. If you have 3Com Administrator Utilities,
you can also launch administration tools.

To display the 3Com WLAN Configuration Utility window:

1 In the Windows system tray, click the 3Com icon to display the

3Com WLAN Launcher.

If the 3Com WLAN Launcher is not already running, you can start it from the
Windows Start menu. Select Start/Programs/3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN/3Com
WLAN Launcher.

2 In the 3Com WLAN Launcher, click the Padlock or the Hammer icon to display the

3Com WLAN Configuration Utility window. (The tab that appears on top depends
on the icon used to open the window.)

The 3Com WLAN Configuration Utility window contains these tabs:

n Network/Security—See “Changing Network and Security Settings” and

“Setting up an Ad Hoc Network”.

n Options—See “Changing Power, Traffic, and Address Settings”.

n Tools—See “Changing Your Password”, “Running Diagnostics”, or

“Upgrading PC Card Firmware”. If you have 3Com Administrator Utilities, you
can also perform access point management tasks.

n Info— See “Viewing Configuration Information”.

26 CHAPTER 3: USING THE WIRELESS LAN

Using 3Com Administrator Utilities

The 3Com CD contains tools for managing the PC Card. With the tools installed
on a wireless client, you can change your password, check for firmware upgrades,
or perform a diagnostic test. To install the tools, use the 3Com CD when you install
the client on your computer. The installed tools are located on the 3Com WLAN
Configuration Utility window:

1 In the Windows system tray, click the 3Com icon to display the

3Com WLAN Launcher.

If the 3Com WLAN Launcher is not already running, you can start it from the
Windows Start menu. Select Start/Programs/3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN/3Com
WLAN Launcher.

2 In the 3Com WLAN Launcher, click the Hammer icon to display the Tools tab in

3Com WLAN Configuration Utility window.

The Tools tab contains these tools:

n Change Password—Changes the wireless client password. See “Changing Your

Password”.

n Firmware Upgrade—Upgrades the firmware on the wireless client. See

“Upgrading PC Card Firmware”.

n Diagnostics—Runs diagnostics on the wireless client. See “Running

Diagnostics”.

SETTING THE WIRELESS CLIENT

4

Changing Network and Security Settings

C

ONFIGURATION

You can change security and network settings for the wireless client in the
Network/Security tab.

1 In the Windows system tray, click the 3Com icon to display the

3Com WLAN Launcher.

If the 3Com WLAN Launcher is not already running, you can start it from the
Windows Start menu. Select Start/Programs/3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN/3Com
WLAN Launcher.

2 In WLAN Launcher, click the Padlock icon.

In the top half of the Security/Network tab, you can change settings for an access
point network. In the lower half of the tab, you can configure settings for an
ad hoc network.

3 To configure settings for an access point network, see “Network Settings” and

“Security Settings”.

To configure settings for an ad hoc network, click Start Ad hoc. See “Setting up an
Ad Hoc Network”.

4 If your selection requires encryption key settings, click Encryption Key Settings

and enter the encryption key settings in the next window. (Ask your network
administrator for the encryption settings.) See “40-bit Shared Key (Wi-Fi)
Encryption Settings” and “128-bit Shared Key (WiFi) Encryption Settings”.

Network Settings Network settings determine the wireless network with which the client can

associate. Some wireless LANs are set up with different WLAN service areas.
Clients can roam within the coverage areas of access points that have the same
WLAN service areas. They cannot roam to the coverage areas of access points that
have different WLAN service areas.

To change the settings:

1 In the Windows system tray, click the 3Com icon to display the

3Com WLAN Launcher.

If the 3Com WLAN Launcher is not already running, you can start it from the
Windows Start menu. Select Start/Programs/3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN/3Com
WLAN Launcher.

2 In WLAN Launcher, click the Padlock icon.

28 CHAPTER 4: SETTING THE WIRELESS CLIENT CONFIGURATION

3 In the Security/Network window, WLAN Service Area displays the name of the

wireless network with which the wireless PC client can associate. You can change
this setting as follows:

Attach to any WLAN Service Area automatically

Check this box to associate the client automatically to the WLAN service area with
the best signal strength. This is recommended.

Specify a WLAN Service Area

First uncheck the Attach to any WLAN Service Area automatically box. Then, you
can either enter the name of a service area (up to 32 characters long), or select
from recently used WLAN service areas or from all available WLAN Service Areas
within the range of the client.

Security Settings You can set the level of security used to protect the network communications

between the client and the access point from interception by unintended
recipients. The security settings must match those that the network administrator
has set up on the network. Some security levels require you to supply encryption
settings. The levels of security are:

No Security (Open System) No encryption is used. The network communications could

40-bit Shared Key (Wi-Fi) This option encrypts the wireless transmissions to protect

128-bit Shared Key (WiFi) This option encrypts the wireless transmissions to protect

128-bit Dynamic Security Link This option can only be used with a 3Com 11 Mbps

be intercepted by unintended recipients.

your data and is compatible with other Wi-Fi certified
wireless PC clients and access points from other
manufacturers.

your data and is compatible with wireless PC clients and
access points from other select manufacturers.

Wireless LAN Access Point. It is the highest level of security,
in which you must enter a user name and password. These
must match the user name and password set up by the
administrator on the access points with which you
associate. Each network session automatically creates a
unique, one-time, 128-bit encryption key. You never have
to enter a key.

To maintain wireless association between clients and access points, follow these
guidelines:

n The security setting on the client and the access points must match exactly.

n For 40-bit Shared Key (Wi-Fi) security, the encryption settings on the client and

the access point must match exactly.

n For 128-bit Dynamic Security Link security, the user name and password on the

client and the access points must match exactly.

Changing Network and Security Settings 29

40-bit Shared Key (Wi-Fi) Encryption Settings

40-bit Shared Key (Wi-Fi) security requires you to set up encryption keys. Your
network administrator sets up encryption keys for the wireless network and gives
you an encryption string or hexadecimal keys.

n An encryption string is a string of characters between 8 and 64 characters

long. The string can be any combination of letters and numbers and is case
sensitive. The encryption string can be used only with other 3Com 11 Mbps
wireless PC Cards and access points.

n Hexadecimal keys are sequences of hexadecimal digits arranged into four keys.

A hexadecimal digit may be a letter from A to F or a number from 0 to 9. This
type of encryption is compatible with Wi-Fi certified equipment from other
manufacturers.

To enter an encryption string:

1 In the Security/Network window, select 40-bit Shared Key (Wi-Fi) from the Security

setting list.

2 Click Encryption Key Settings.
3 In the next window, select Specify Encryption String.
4 Type the encryption string in the space provided.
5 Click OK when finished.

To enter hexadecimal keys:

1 In the Security/Network window, select 40-bit Shared Key (Wi-Fi) from the Security

setting list.

2 Click Encryption Key Settings.
3 In the next window, select Specify Encryption Keys.
4 Enter the key settings.

You must enter settings for all four keys.

5 Click one of the radio buttons to select a key to use.
6 Click OK when finished.

128-bit Shared Key (WiFi) Encryption Settings

128-bit Shared Key security requires you to set up encryption keys using one of the
following:

n An encryption string, which is a string of case-sensitive characters 6 to 30

characters long. The string is a combination of letters and numbers and is case
sensitive. The encryption string can be used only with other 3Com 11 Mbps
Wireless LAN clients and access points, and must match exactly across all
devices in the wireless network.

n Hexadecimal keys (for use with compatible equipment from other manufacturers).

The key sequences must match exactly across all devices in the wireless network.

Ask your system administrator for the encryption string or hexadecimal keys.

30 CHAPTER 4: SETTING THE WIRELESS CLIENT CONFIGURATION

To enter an encryption string:

1 In the Security settings window, select 128-bit Shared Key and click Next.
2 In the Encryptions Settings window, select Text Message.
3 Type the encryption string in the spaces provided.
4 Click Next when finished.

To enter hexadecimal keys:

1 In the Security settings window, select 128-bit Shared Key and click Next.
2 In the Encryptions Settings window, select Hexadecimal Keys.
3 Type the encryption key sequences in the spaces provided. You must enter key

sequences for all four keys.

4 Click one of the radio buttons to select a key to use for encrypting data from

your computer.

5 Click Next when finished.

128-bit Dynamic Security Link Authentication

128-bit Dynamic Security Link security can only be used with other
3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN clients and access points.

1 Ask your network administrator for the user name and password.
2 In the Security settings window, select 128-bit Dynamic Security Link and click Next.
3 In the Authentication Settings window, type the user name and password in the

spaces provided.

4 Enter the password again to confirm it.
5 Click Next when finished.

128-bit Dynamic Security Link Settings

128-bit Dynamic Security Link security requires a user name and password. Ask
your network administrator for the user name and password.

1 In the Network/Security window, select

128-bit Dynamic Security Link from the

Security setting list.

2 Click Apply.
3 In the next window, type the user name and password in the spaces provided.
4 Click OK when finished.

After you log in successfully the first time, Windows remembers the password the
next time you log in. Your network administrator may require you to log on
every time.

Setting up Auto Network Connect 31

Setting up Auto Network Connect

Auto Network Connect ensures network association even when traversing
subnets. The client automatically associates with the nearest access point that has
compatible encryption settings and automatically obtains a valid IP address.

This option requires a Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP) server. The client’s
network configuration must be set to obtain its IP address automatically. For more
information on DHCP, see the documentation for your operating system.

Follow these steps to set up Auto Network Connect:

1 In the Windows system tray, click the 3Com icon to display the

3Com WLAN Launcher.

If the 3Com WLAN Launcher is not already running, you can start it from the
Windows Start menu. Select Start/Programs/3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN/3Com
WLAN Launcher.

2 In WLAN Launcher, click the Padlock icon.
3 In the Security/Network window, check the Attach to any WLAN Service Area

automatically box.

4 Click the Options tab.
5 In the Options window, check the Automatically release/renew the IP address box.
6 Click OK.

Setting up an Ad Hoc Network

Starting an Ad Hoc

Network Session

An ad hoc network is useful when you are out of the range of an access point or
when you want to share files with others, but not with the entire network. When
two or more clients are in ad hoc mode and within range of each other, they can
communicate with each other directly through their 3Com Wireless LAN PC Cards
without an access point. One client starts the ad hoc session and names it. Other
clients can then join the ad hoc network session.

Follow this procedure to start an ad hoc network session:

1 In the Windows system tray, click the 3Com icon to display the

3Com WLAN Launcher.

If the 3Com WLAN Launcher is not already running, you can start it from the
Windows Start menu. Select Start/Programs/3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN/3Com
WLAN Launcher.

2 In WLAN Launcher, click the Computer icon.
3 In the Ad hoc Network Login window, type a new network name in the space

provided.

This name identifies your ad hoc network to the rest of the clients.

32 CHAPTER 4: SETTING THE WIRELESS CLIENT CONFIGURATION

4 Select a security setting.

You can select No Security (Open System) or 40-bit Shared Key (Wi-Fi). If you select
40-bit Shared Key (Wi-Fi), enter the required encryption information. (For details
on encryption settings, see “40-bit Shared Key (Wi-Fi) Encryption Settings”.)

This security setting only applies to this ad hoc network and only affects the
transmissions among the participating ad hoc clients. It does not affect security
settings for communication with access points.

5 Select the performance mode.

If only 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN clients will be participating in the ad hoc
network session, click the Enhanced radio button. If clients from other
manufacturers will be participating, click the Wi-Fi interoperable radio button.

6 Click OK.

Joining an Ad Hoc

Network Session

Ending an Ad Hoc

Network Session

The TCP/IP or NetBEUI protocol settings of clients participating in an ad hoc
network session must match. For example, TCP/IP must be configured on the same
subnet and NetBEUI must be configured with the same workgroup.

After a client has started an ad hoc network session, other clients may join it
as follows:

1 In the Windows system tray, click the 3Com icon to display the

3Com WLAN Launcher.

If the 3Com WLAN Launcher is not already running, you can start it from the
Windows Start menu. Select Start/Programs/3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN/3Com
WLAN Launcher.

2 In WLAN Launcher, click the Computer icon.
3 In the Ad-hoc Network Login window, select the network name of the ad hoc

session you are joining from the drop-down list.

4 Set your security to match that of the client that started the ad hoc session.
5 Set the performance mode to match that of the client that started the ad hoc

session.

6 Click OK.

There are two ways to end an ad hoc network session and reassociate with an
access point:

n Right-click the 3Com icon in the Windows system tray and select

End Ad Hoc/Connect to AP from the menu.

n Display the WLAN Launcher and click the Access Point icon.

Changing Power, Traffic, and Address Settings 33

Changing Power,
Traffic, and Address
Settings

You can change power management, network traffic, and IP address settings
as follows:

1 In the Windows system tray, click the 3Com icon to display the

3Com WLAN Launcher.

If the 3Com WLAN Launcher is not already running, you can start it from the
Windows Start menu. Select Start/Programs/3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN/3Com
WLAN Launcher.

2 In WLAN Launcher, click either the Padlock or the Hammer icons.
3 In the WLAN Configuration Utility window, click the Options tab.

In the Options window you can change the settings described below.

Automatically manage power based on the detected power source

When this radio button is selected, and if your computer is able to detect its
power source automatically, the PC Card will automatically switch between the
following modes:

Power saving mode—Recommended when the computer is using battery power.

Continuous access mode—Gives faster network performance and is

recommended when the computer is using AC power.

Manually set the power management

When this radio button is selected, you can select the power mode manually. You
may want to select this mode, for example, if your computer cannot detect its
power source or if you want to improve performance by forcing continuous access
even though you are using battery power.

Windows NT users must select the power mode because the operating system
cannot detect its power source.

Network Traffic Accelerator

If only 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN equipment is being used, it is recommended
that you turn this option on to increase the rate at which traffic is handled.

Automatically release/renew the IP address

Your Internet Protocol address (IP address) contains the information that allows
network traffic to find its way to your computer.

This option requires a Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP) server. The client’s
network configuration must be set to obtain its IP address automatically. For more
information on DHCP, see the documentation for your operating system.

When this box is checked, your computer automatically requests another
IP address if you travel outside of your subnet, so the network connection remains
active. Leave the box unchecked if your network does not have a DHCP server.

To force the system to release and renew an IP address, click Release/Renew Now.
You may want to click this button, for example, if you cannot establish association
with the network or if you roam in an installation that has multiple access points
and you lose network association.

34 CHAPTER 4: SETTING THE WIRELESS CLIENT CONFIGURATION

Changing Your Password

The Change Password utility lets you update the password used in the access
control list of the access point with which the client is associated. This is only
applicable if you have configured the client to use 128-bit Dynamic Security Link
security.

Because access points maintain separate User Control Lists, you must update the
password separately on each access point that you associate with.

1 In the Windows system tray, click the 3Com icon to display the

3Com WLAN Launcher.

If the 3Com WLAN Launcher is not already running, you can start it from the
Windows Start menu. Select Start/Programs/3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN/3Com
WLAN Launcher.

2 In WLAN Launcher, click the Hammer icon.
3 In the Tools window, double-click the Change Password icon.
4 In the Change Password dialog box, follow the instructions to change the

password and click OK.

Running Diagnostics The Diagnostics tool checks adapter presence, network connection, signal

strength, and link quality.

1 In the Windows system tray, click the 3Com icon to display the

3Com WLAN Launcher.

Viewing
Configuration
Information

If the 3Com WLAN Launcher is not already running, you can start it from the
Windows Start menu. Select Start/Programs/3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN/3Com
WLAN Launcher.

2 In WLAN Launcher, click the Hammer icon.
3 In the Tools tab, double-click the Diagnostics icon.
4 Check the boxes next to the tests you want to run.
5 Click Start.

The tests run and the results appear in the status column of the Tools tab.

The Info tab summarizes configuration information about the PC Card and the
wireless LAN. To view configuration information:

1 In the Windows system tray, click the 3Com icon to display the

3Com WLAN Launcher.

If the 3Com WLAN Launcher is not already running, you can start it from the
Windows Start menu. Select Start/Programs/3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN/3Com
WLAN Launcher.

2 In WLAN Launcher, click either the Padlock or the Hammer icons.
3 In the WLAN Configuration Utility window, click the Info tab.

Viewing Configuration Information 35

The following information appears in the Info tab:

Item Description

Driver version Useful for troubleshooting

Firmware version Useful for troubleshooting

MAC Address Unique hardware name for your PC Card.

IP Address Your computer’s current IP address.

Card Type Type of client adapter; for example, PCMCIA or PCI.

Power Source AC power or battery power.

Network Type Access Point or Ad hoc.

Security Settings Type of security set for the PC Card. For information on security,

WLAN Service Area If the network type is Access Point, shows the currently associated

Channel Radio frequency (RF) channel.

Network Name If the network type is Ad hoc, shows the name of the ad hoc

Access Point MAC
Address

Power Management Power mode. For more information on power modes, see

Associated Signal
Strength

Data Rate Data transfer speed. For example, 11 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps, or

see “Security Settings”.

WLAN service area. For information on the WLAN service area,
see “Changing Network and Security Settings”.

If the network type is Ad hoc, this item does not appear in the list.

network. For information on ad hoc networks, see “Setting up an
Ad Hoc Network”.

If the network type is Access Point, this item does not appear in
the list.

Unique hardware name for the associated access point. If the
network type is Ad hoc, this field shows N/A.

“Changing Power, Traffic, and Address Settings”.

Indicates the strength of the radio signal. All light green indicates
the best signal; all dark green indicates no signal.

1 Mbps.

TROUBLESHOOTING

5

Diagnosing Problems The 3Com WLAN Launcher window can help you can diagnose problems. To

display the 3Com WLAN Launcher, double click the 3Com icon in the Windows
system tray.

If you have difficulty using the PC Card, try the solutions in the following table.
If you continue to experience difficulty, see “Upgrading PC Card Firmware” or
“Uninstalling the Card”.

Symptom Solutions

PC Card LED is off. Make sure the card is properly inserted in the slot.

Check the PC Card icon in the Windows control panel and
make sure that the card type can be recognized.

PC Card LED is on, but not
blinking.

PC Card installs as an
unknown device.

Installation program does not
finish. The driver fails to load.

Network association is
intermittent.

In the WLAN Launcher window,
the green dotted line between
associated devices blinks to red
with an X, indicating that the
radio signal is weak.

The diagnostic signal strength or
link quality tests fail.

Make sure the card is properly inserted in the slot.

Uninstall the card and reinstall it.

The Windows Add Hardware Wizard was unable to locate
the PC Card drivers. You may have had no CD or the wrong
CD inserted in the drive, or the 3Com CD may not have
been ready when the wizard looked for the drivers.

Remove the unknown device and repeat the installation
procedure. Make sure that you insert the 3Com CD when
the installation calls for it and that you wait for it to come up
to speed in the drive.

There may be a resource conflict. Use the Device Manager to
resolve resource conflicts. Select System from the Control
Panel, and then click the Device Manager tab.

Make sure that the XJACK antenna attached to the end of
the card is extended. Try reorienting the antenna. For best
use of the antenna:

n Keep the area around the antenna clear from materials

that could block radio transmission, such as metal
objects, electronic devices, and cordless telephones.

n If the signal is weak, change the direction of the antenna

slightly.

n If necessary, move your computer a few inches to find a

better signal.

38 CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING

Symptom Solutions

Computer operating system
does not recognize the card.

In the WLAN Launcher window,
you see a yellow X on the
client icon.

The diagnostic adapter presence
test fails.

Client cannot associate with an
access point.

In the WLAN Launcher window,
you see a red dotted line with
an X.

Diagnostic network connection
test fails.

There is no network association
when the computer becomes
active again after being in sleep
mode or after the PC Card is
removed and reinserted.

Client cannot communicate with
the network.

Client is not working under
Windows NT.

Make sure the card is properly inserted in the slot.

Make sure that PCMCIA support is installed.

Check whether a card is already in use.

Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Millennium Edition
(Windows Me), and Windows 2000: Check whether the
computer has a Plug and Play BIOS.

Windows NT: Make sure that CardWizard is installed on
your computer and that you have removed any utility that is
similar to CardWizard.

Click the Padlock icon to display Security/Network settings.
Make sure that the WLAN Service Area set on the client
matches that set on the access point. Or, set the client to
Attach to any WLAN Service Area.

Make sure that encryption is set up correctly and matches
security set on the access point. See “Changing Network
and Security Settings” and “40-bit Shared Key (Wi-Fi)
Encryption Settings”.

If you are associating with a 3Com AirConnect® access
point, make sure that the Short RF Preamble parameter is
disabled on both access points.

Log out and log in again, or restart the computer to restore
the connections.

Make sure that fixed IP settings are correct.

If you are connecting to a wired network, make sure that
the access point you are associated with is connected to the
wired network.

If you are using a DHCP server, release/renew the IP address.

Make sure that CardWizard is installed and that any utilities
similar to CardWizard are not installed.

The PC Card LED indicates the following:

Condition Description

Off The computer does not recognize the PC Card.

On, but not blinking The computer recognizes the PC Card, but the card is not

Blinking The PC Card is operating. The blink speed ranges from approximately

functioning.

once every 2.5 seconds to approximately 10 times per second. Slow
blinking indicates that the client is either not associated to an access
point or is associated at a slow rate. Fast blinking indicates a good
network association and fast transmission.

Using the Tools Window 39

Using the Tools Window

In the Tools window you can change your password, run diagnostics, or upgrade
the PC card firmware. If you have 3Com Administrator Utilities, you can also
connect to the access point and perform management administration functions.

See the following topics for more information:

n “Changing Your Password”

n “Running Diagnostics”

n “Upgrading PC Card Firmware”

Uninstalling the Card Previous installations or interrupted installation attempts sometimes leave

problems that affect card operation. Possible problems include:

n PC Card fails to function.

n Operating system does not detect the PC Card.

n System issues a warning tone at startup.

If the installation is unsuccessful, your best course may be to completely uninstall
the card and repeat the installation procedure.

CAUTION: Exit any networking applications and remove the PC Card driver
before uninstalling the card.

1 Make sure that you have exited any networking applications.
2 Use the standard operating system procedure to remove the card driver.

The procedure for Windows Me, Windows 98, and Windows 95 is shown below.
Refer to your Windows documentation for the exact procedure under
Windows 2000 and Windows NT.

a From the Windows Start menu, select Settings and then Control Panel.
b In the Control Panel, double-click the System icon.
c In the next window, click the Device Manager tab.
d Double-click Network Adapters.
e Select 3Com 3CRWE62092A Wireless LAN PC Card from the list and

click Remove.

3 Gently press and release the antenna to retract it.
4 Remove the card.

40 CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING

5 Restart the computer.

CAUTION: To avoid damaging the card, do not pull on the antenna.

Uninstalling Software Utilities

Updating PC Card Driver Software

Windows 95,

Windows 98, and

Windows 98 SE

If you want to uninstall the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN software utilities, you
can either use the standard operating system procedure for removing programs or
use the following shortcut procedure:

1 From the Windows Start menu, select Programs, then 3Com 11Mbps Wireless

LAN, then Uninstall 3Com 11Mbps Wireless LAN.

2 When prompted to confirm, click OK.

To update your PC Card driver software, find your operating system below, then
follow the procedure.

1 Turn on the power to the computer and start Windows.
2 From the Windows Start menu, select Settings, then select Control Panel.
3 Double-click the System icon.
4 Select the Device Manager tab.
5 In the Device Manager Window, expand the Network Adapters list.
6 Select 3Com 3CRWE62092A and click Properties.
7 Select the Driver tab and click Update Driver.
8 In the Update Device Driver Wizard, follow the prompts to install the upgrade.
9 When prompted, click Restart for the changes to take effect.

After the computer restarts, the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Setup window
appears, in which you specify the PC Card configuration.

Updating PC Card Driver Software 41

10 In the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Client Setup window, select Typical and

click Next.

For the fastest installation, it is recommended that you use the typical settings.
You can customize the configuration later. Typical configures the PC Card with the
following default values:

WLAN Service Area—Attach to any WLAN Service Area automatically

Security Setting—No security (Open system)

11 In the Summary window, review the PC Card setup. To install the software utilities,

check the Start client software installation when finished box.

12 If the 3Com WLAN Launcher is already running, it is recommended that you exit it

and end the PC Card service routine by doing the following:

a In the Windows system tray, right-click the 3Com icon and select Exit.
b Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to bring up the Close Program window.
c In the Close Program window, select SR Services and click End Task.

13 Click Finish to complete the PC Card setup and start the software utilities

installation.

Windows Millenium

Edition (Windows Me)

The 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Setup program starts.

14 Read the Welcome page and click Next.
15 In the Setup Complete window, click Finish.
16 If you are prompted to restart your computer, do so.

The software is now updated.

1 Turn on the power to the computer and start Windows.
2 From the Windows Start menu, select Settings, then select Control Panel.
3 Double-click the System icon, then select Device Manager.
4 In the Device Manager window, expand the Network Adapters list.
5 Select 3Com 3CRWE62092A and click Properties.
6 Select Driver and click Update Driver.
7 In the Update Device Driver Wizard, follow the prompts to install the upgrade.
8 When prompted, click Restart for the changes to take effect.
9 If the 3Com WLAN Launcher is already running, it is recommended that you exit it

and end the PC Card service routine:

a In the Windows system tray, right-click the 3Com icon and select Exit.
b Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to bring up the Close Program window.
c In the Close Program window, select SR Services and click End Task.

10 Run the Setup program by doing the following:

a From the Windows Start menu, select Run.
b In the Run dialog box, enter the path to start the Setup program on the

3Com CD. For example: d:srsetup.exe.

i

l

42 CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING

11 Read the Welcome page and click Next.
12 In the Setup Complete window, click Finish.
13 If you are prompted to restart your computer, do so.

Windows 2000

1 Turn on the power to the computer and start Windows.
2 Log in to the Windows 2000 Administrator account.
3 From the Windows Start menu, select Settings, then Control Panel.
4 Double-click the System icon.
5 In the System Properties window, select the Hardware tab.
6 In the next window, click Device Manager.
7 In the Device Manager window, expand the Network Adapters list.
8 Double-click 3Com 3CRWE62092A.
9 In the next window, select the Driver tab.

The software is now updated.

10 Click Update Driver.
11 In the Upgrade Device Driver Wizard, follow the prompts to install the upgrade:

a In the Install Hardware Device Driver window, click the Display list of known

drivers so that I can choose a specific driver radio button and click Next.

b In the next window, click Have Disk. In the dialog box, specify the directory

where you downloaded the software and click Continue.

12 When the installation is finished, click Finish.

The 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Setup window appears, in which you specify the
PC Card configuration.

13 In the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Client Setup window, select Typical and

click Next.

For the fastest installation, it is recommended that you use the typical settings.
You can customize the configuration later. Typical configures the PC Card with the
following default values:

WLAN Service Area—Attach to any WLAN Service Area automatically

Security Setting—No security (Open system)

14 In the Summary window, review the PC Card setup. To install the software utilities,

check the Start client software installation when finished box.

15 If the 3Com WLAN Launcher is already running, it is recommended that you exit it

and end the PC Card service routine:

a In the Windows system tray, right-click the 3Com icon and select Exit.
b Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to bring up the Close Program window.
c In the Close Program window, select SR Services and click End Task.

16 Click Finish to complete the PC Card setup and start the software

utilities installation.

The 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Setup program starts.

Windows NT

Updating PC Card Driver Software 43

17 Read the Welcome page and click Next.
18 In the Setup Complete window, click Finish.
19 If you are prompted to restart your computer, do so.

The software is now updated.

1 Turn on the power to the computer and start Windows.
2 Log in to the Windows NT Administrator account.
3 From the Windows Start menu, select Settings, then select Control Panel.
4 Double-click the Network icon.
5 In the Network window, select the Adapters tab.
6 In the Adapters tab, click Update.
7 In the Windows NT Setup window, enter the path to the directory where you

downloaded the software and click Continue.

8 Follow the prompts to update the driver.
9 Restart the computer.

10 If the 3Com WLAN Launcher is already running, it is recommended that you exit it

and end the PC Card service routine:

a In the Windows system tray, right-click the 3Com icon and select Exit.
b Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to bring up the Close Program window.
c In the Close Program window, select SR Services and click End Task.

11 Run the Setup program:

a From the Windows Start menu, select Run.
b In the Run dialog box, enter the path to start the Setup program on the

3Com CD. For example, d:srsetup.exe.

The 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Setup program starts.

12 Read the Welcome page and click Next.
13 In the Setup Complete window, click Finish.
14 If you are prompted to restart the computer, do so.

The software is now updated.

44 CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING

Upgrading PC Card Firmware

Firmware is the software that is installed on the PC Card at the factory. Some
problems can be solved by installing a new version of the firmware (upgrading
firmware). The following firmware upgrade procedure describes how to download
firmware updates from the 3Com customer support Web site to your PC Card.

1 Log on to the 3Com support site at http://support.3com.com.
2 Click Wireless.
3 Click Download Software/Drivers.
4 Click 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN PC Card firmware files.

The Software License Agreement page opens.

5 Read the agreement and click Yes .
6 Click 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN PC Card firmware files.

The File Download window opens.

7 Check the “Save this program to disk” box and click OK.

The Save As window opens.

8 Select a directory to receive the firmware upgrade file and click Save.

You can select any directory on the computer. The firmware upgrade file
downloads into the directory.

9 Run the PC Card Upgrade utility:

a Make sure that the computer is plugged into an AC power source and that the

PC Card is inserted.

b Double click the 3Com icon in the Windows system tray.
c In WLAN Launcher, click the Hammer icon.
d In the Tools tab, double click the Firmware Upgrade icon.
e In the Firmware Upgrade Tool window, enter the firmware file location path in

the space provided. This is the directory name you selected when you
downloaded the firmware upgrade from the 3Com customer support
Web site.

If you do not remember the file location, click Browse, locate the firmware
upgrade file you downloaded from the 3Com support site, click OK in the
dialog box, and the file will automatically be loaded into the Firmware
Filename space.

f Click Upgrade.
g Read the Firmware Upgrade Warning information and click OK.
h Restart the computer.

WINDOWS NT INSTALLATION WITHOUT

A

Installation Under Service Pack 4

N

ETWORKING INSTALLED

Use the following procedure to install the PC Card software while you are
installing Windows NT Networking. For details on installing networking, see your
Windows NT documentation.

Either CardWizard or Softex Card Executive (utilities that help Windows NT load
and manage software) must be installed on your computer to use the PC Card. If
the installation program does not detect one of the utilities, it asks whether you
want to install CardWizard from the 3Com CD.

Internet Explorer version 4 is required to view help files. It is recommended that
you install Internet Explorer version 5 or later.

It is recommended that you upgrade to the latest service pack. If you are using
Service Pack 4, you must install CardWizard before inserting the PC Card into the
computer, using the following procedure:

1 Put the 3Com CD in the CD-ROM drive.

Installation Under Service Pack 5 and Above

Install Files and

Networking

2 If the 3Com 11 Mbps WLAN menu appears, click Exit.
3 From the Windows Start menu, select Start/Run.
4 In the run dialog box, type the path to the CardWizard installer on the 3Com CD.

For example: d:\cw\disk1\setup.exe

5 Follow the prompts to install CardWizard.

At the prompt to restart, shut down the computer.

6 Insert the PC Card, restart the computer, and continue with the installation.

Refer to “Installation Under Service Pack 5 and Above” for detailed instructions.

The installation procedure consists of installing files and networking, installing
CardWizard, setting up the PC Card, and installing utilities.

1 Make sure that the computer is running and the PC Card is inserted.
2 Put the 3Com CD in the CD-ROM drive.

If the 3Com 11 Mbps WLAN menu appears, click Exit.

3 From the Windows Start menu, select Settings/Control Panel/Network.
4 The system notifies you that “Windows NT Networking is not installed. Do you

want to install it now?” Click Yes. This opens the Network Setup Wizard.

46 CHAPTER A: WINDOWS NT INSTALLATION WITHOUT NETWORKING INSTALLED

5 Check Wired to the network and click Next.
6 When the system prompts to have setup start searching for a network adapter,

click Select from List.

7 In the Select Network Adapter window, click Have Disk.
8 In the Insert Disk dialog box, make sure that the correct path to your CD-ROM

drive appears in the entry box (for example,

9 In the Select OEM Option window, select 3Com 3CRWE62092A Wireless LAN PC

Card and click OK.

10 In the Network Setup Wizard window, click Next.
11 In the Network Protocols list, place a check mark next to each network protocol

required for your site and click Next.

12 In the Network Services window, place a check mark in the box next to each

desired service. Select the default settings and click Next.

The message, “Windows NT is ready to install networking” appears.

13 Click Next.

The Windows NT Setup windows asks for the location of the Windows NT
installation files.

d:) and click OK.

14 Remove the 3Com CD from the CD-ROM drive, put the Windows NT CD in the

drive, and wait for it to spin up to speed. Make sure that the correct path to your
CD-ROM drive appears in the entry box (for example,

d:) and click Continue.

Instead of installing from the Windows NT CD, if you have the Windows NT
system files on your computer, you can enter the path to the Windows NT
installation files (for example,

C:\i386) and click Continue.

The Setup window appears again.

15 In the PC Card Setup window, accept the default settings and click Continue.

The default settings work in most cases. However, you may need to specify values
for your installation.

16 If the Microsoft TCP/IP Properties screen appears, enter the requested information

for your network environment.

Refer to the Windows NT documentation for assistance. If you choose DHCP
server, click Yes at the DHCP prompt. When you are finished entering the
appropriate TCP/IP information, click OK.

17 When the window for enabling or disabling bindings opens, click Next.
18 When Windows NT is ready to start the network, click Next to copy the network files.
19 Enter your computer name and workgroup or domain name when prompted and

click Next.

20 When the system displays “Networking has been installed on this computer,”

click Finish.

21 When prompted to restart the computer, remove the Windows NT CD from the

drive, insert the 3Com CD in the drive, and click Yes.

Install CardWizard

Installation Under Service Pack 5 and Above 47

If CardWizard was already installed before you began installing the PC Card, this
portion is skipped and the installation proceeds directly to “Set Up the PC Card”.

1 When the computer restarts, if the 3Com 11 Mbps WLAN Menu appears, click Exit.
2 At the prompt to install CardWizard, click Yes .

If you click No and you do not have CardWizard installed, the installation stops.

3 In the CardWizard window, click Next.
4 In the CardWizard Welcome page, click Next.
5 Read the CardWizard Software License Agreement and click Yes.
6 When prompted to remove the PC Card, eject the card and click Yes.
7 In the Select Type of Platform window, select your computer type and click Next.

If your computer type is not listed, select Other Notebook and click Next.

8 Respond to the prompts to install CardWizard.
9 When the CardWizard installation finishes, click the Restart the computer radio

button and click Finish.

10 Insert the PC Card.

Set Up the PC Card After the computer restarts, the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Client Setup

window opens. In this window, you can specify the PC Card configuration.

1 In the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Client Setup window, select Typical and

click Next.

Typical configures the PC Card with the following default values:

WLAN Service Area—Attach to any WLAN Service Area automatically

Security Setting—No security (Open system)

If you want to customize the PC Card configuration, for example, to add security,
select Custom. See “Custom Installation Options” for details on custom settings.
For the fastest installation, it is recommended that you use the typical settings.
You can customize the configuration later as described in “Setting the Wireless
Client Configuration”.

2 In the Summary window, review the PC Card setup and click Finish.
3 When prompted to run the Setup program, click OK.
4 Run the Setup program:

a From the Windows Start menu, select Run.
b In the Run dialog box, enter a path to the Setup program on the 3Com CD. For

example, d:\srsetup.exe.

The 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Setup program starts.

Install Utilities

1 Read the Welcome page and click Next.
2 Read the Software License Agreement and click Yes. (If you click No, the

installation stops.)

3 Select a destination folder for the software files and click Next.
4 In the Setup Type window, select the type of installation for the software:

Typical—Installs the software and documentation.

Compact—Installs the software but not documentation.

Custom—Allows you to choose the components to install.

5 Follow the directions in the Select Program Folder window and click Next.
6 In the Desktop Icon Option window, click Yes.
7 In the next window, if the option to restart the computer appears, select it and

click Finish.

If you had a service pack installed before setting up the PC Card, reinstall it and
restart the computer.

WINDOWS NT INSTALLATION WITH

B

Install with Networking

Softex 2.8.2 and Above If you are running Softex 2.8.2 or above on your notebook, the drivers needed

S

OFTEX CARD EXECUTIVE

Use one of the following procedures when installing the PC Card in a notebook
with Windows NT and Softex Card Executive software running.

If you have networking installed on your notebook, choose the appropriate
version of Softex you are running and follow the procedure.

for the PC Card have already been downloaded to your hard drive. Follow
this procedure:

1 Insert the PC Card in your notebook.
2 The PCMCIA Card Not Configured window appears. Make sure the Install system

provided driver for this card (recommended) option is activated, then click OK.

3 The 3CRWE62092A Wireless LAN PC Card window appears. Make sure Auto is

displayed in both the IRQ Number and I/O Base text boxes, then click Continue.
The drivers are installed.

4 Once the drivers are installed, the Microsoft TCP/IP Properties window appears. If it

is not already open, select the IP Address tab and make sure the Obtain an IP
address from a DHCP server option is activated.

5 Click Yes , then click OK.
6 The PCMCIA Card Configuration Complete window appears. Select Manufacturer

3Com Card type 3CRWE62092A Wireless PC Card, then click OK.

7 Reboot your notebook computer.
8 When the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Client Setup window appears, select

Typical and click Next.

Typical configures the PC Card with the following default values:

WLAN Service Area—Attach to any WLAN Service Area automatically

Security Setting—No security (Open system)

If you want to customize the PC Card configuration (to add security, for example),
select Custom. See “Custom Installation Options” for details on custom settings.
For fastest installation, it is recommended you use the typical settings. You can
customize the configuration later as described in “Setting the Wireless Client
Configuration”.

9 In the Summary window, review the PC Card setup and click Finish.

10 Windows displays the following prompt: “Please install the utility software by

running Setup.exe from the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN CD and going to the
Tools and Utilities menu.” Click OK.

11 Insert the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN CD in the CD-ROM drive.

50 APPENDIX B: WINDOWS NT INSTALLATION WITH SOFTEX CARD EXECUTIVE

12 Select Start/Run, then enter x:\setup.exe (where “x” is the drive letter of your

CD-ROM drive).

13 When the 3Com 11Mbps WLAN menu appears, select Tools and Utilities.
14 Select Install the Utility Software and Documentation. The installation starts, and

the files are downloaded.

15 Read the Welcome page and click Next.
16 Read the Software License Agreement and click Yes. (If you click No, the

installation stops.)

17 Select a destination folder for the software files and click Next.
18 In the Setup Type window, select the type of installation for the software:

Typical—Installs the software and documentation.

Compact—Installs the software but not documentation.

Custom—Allows you to choose the components to install.

19 Follow the directions in the Select Program Folder window and click Next.
20 In the Desktop Icon Option window, click Yes.
21 In the next window, if the option to restart the computer appears, select it and

click Finish.

The PC Card drivers, along with the 3Com utilities and documentation, are now
installed on your notebook.

Older Softex Versions If you are running a version of Softex below 2.8.2 and have networking already

installed, use the following procedure:

1 Insert the PC Card in your notebook
2 The PCMCIA Card Not Configured window appears. Make sure the Manually

install the driver for this card option is activated, then click OK.

3 The Select OEM Driver window appears. From the list window, select Network

Adapter, then click OK.

4 The Network window appears. From the Adapters tab, click Add….
5 In the Select Network Adapter window, click Have Disk….
6 When the Insert Disk window appears, insert the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN CD

in your CD-ROM drive. Enter

x:\softex (where “x” is the drive letter of your

CD-ROM drive), and click OK.

7 The Select OEM Option window appears, with 3Com 3CRWE62092A Wireless PC

Card highlighted. Click OK.

8 In the next window, make sure Auto is displayed in both the IRQ Number and I/O

Base text boxes, then click OK. The files are downloaded to your hard drive.

9 When the download is finished, the Network window appears. Select the Adapter

tab, and 3Com 3CRWE62092A Wireless LAN PC Card is highlighted in the
Network Adapters list window. Click Close.

10 The Microsoft TCP/IP Properties window appears. If it is not already open, select

the IP Address tab and make sure the Obtain an IP address from a DHCP server
option is activated.

Install with Networking 51

11 Click Yes , then click OK.
12 Reboot your computer.
13 When the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Client Setup window appears, select

Typical and click Next.

Typical configures the PC Card with the following default values:

WLAN Service Area—Attach to any WLAN Service Area automatically

Security Setting—No security (Open system)

If you want to customize the PC Card configuration (to add security, for example),
select Custom. See “Custom Installation Options” for details on custom settings.
For fastest installation, it is recommended you use the typical settings. You can
customize the configuration later as described in “Setting the Wireless Client
Configuration”.

14 In the Summary window, review the PC Card setup and click Finish.
15 Windows displays the following prompt: “Please install the utility software by

running Setup.exe from the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN CD and going to the
Tools and Utilities menu.” Click OK.

16 Select Start/Run, then enter

x:/setup.exe (where “x” is the drive letter of your

CD-ROM drive).

17 When the 3Com 11Mbps WLAN menu appears, select Tools and Utilities.
18 Select Install the Utility Software and Documentation. The files are downloaded.
19 Read the Welcome page and click Next.
20 Read the Software License Agreement and click Yes. (If you click No, the

installation stops.)

21 Select a destination folder for the software files and click Next.
22 In the Setup Type window, select the type of installation for the software:

Typical—Installs the software and documentation.

Compact—Installs the software but not documentation.

Custom—Allows you to choose the components to install.

23 Follow the directions in the Select Program Folder window and click Next.
24 In the Desktop Icon Option window, click Yes.
25 In the next window, if the option to restart the computer appears, select it and

click Finish.

The PC Card drivers, along with the 3Com utilities and documentation, are now
installed on your notebook.

52 APPENDIX B: WINDOWS NT INSTALLATION WITH SOFTEX CARD EXECUTIVE

Install Without Networking

If you do not have networking installed on your notebook, choose the appropriate
version of Softex you are running and follow the procedure.

Softex 2.8.2 and Above If you are running Softex 2.8.2 or above on your notebook, the drivers needed

for the PC Card have already been downloaded to your hard drive. Follow this
procedure:

1 Insert the Windows NT CD, and then click OK.
2 Insert the PC Card in your notebook.
3 The PCMCIA Card Not Configured window appears. Make sure the Install system

provided driver for this card (recommended) option is activated.

4 The 3CRWE62092A Wireless LAN PC Card Setup window appears. Make sure

both the IRQ Number and I/O Base text boxes display Auto, then click Continue.
The drivers are installed.

5 After the drivers are installed, Windows asks: “Do you wish to use DHCP?”

Click Yes. Networking is installed.

6 After the networking components are installed, the PCMCIA Card Configuration

Complete window appears. Select Manufacturer 3Com Card type 3CRWE62092A
Wireless PC Card, then click OK.

7 Reboot your notebook.
8 When the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Client Setup window appears, select

Typical and click Next.

Typical configures the PC Card with the following default values:

WLAN Service Area—Attach to any WLAN Service Area automatically

Security Setting—No security (Open system)

If you want to customize the PC Card configuration (to add security, for example),
select Custom. See “Custom Installation Options” for details on custom settings.
For fastest installation, it is recommended you use the typical settings. You can
customize the configuration later as described in “Setting the Wireless Client
Configuration”.

9 In the Summary window, review the PC Card setup and click Finish.

10 Windows displays the following prompt: “Please install the utility software by

running Setup.exe from the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN CD and going to the
Tools and Utilities menu.” Click OK.

11 Insert the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN CD in the CD-ROM drive.
12 Select Start/Run, then enter

x:\setup.exe (where “x” is the drive letter of your

CD-ROM drive).

13 When the 3Com 11Mbps WLAN menu appears, select Tools and Utilities.
14 Select Install the Utility Software and Documentation. The files are downloaded.
15 Read the Welcome page and click Next.
16 Read the Software License Agreement and click Yes. (If you click No, the

installation stops.)

17 Select a destination folder for the software files and click Next.

Install Without Networking 53

18 In the Setup Type window, select the type of installation for the software:

Typical—Installs the software and documentation.

Compact—Installs the software but not documentation.

Custom—Allows you to choose the components to install.

19 Follow the directions in the Select Program Folder window and click Next.
20 In the Desktop Icon Option window, click Yes.
21 In the next window, if the option to restart the computer appears, select it and

click Finish.

The PC Card drivers, along with the 3Com utilities and documentation, are now
installed on your notebook.

Older Softex Versions If you are running a version of Softex below 2.8.2 and do not have networking

installed, use the following procedure:

1 Insert the PC Card in your notebook
2 The PCMCIA Card Not Configured window appears. Make sure the Manually

install the driver for this card option is activated, then click OK.

3 The Select OEM Driver window appears. From the list window, select Network

Adapter, then click OK.

4 When Windows asks if you want networking installed, select Yes.
5 The Network Setup wizard starts. Click the Wired to the network check box to

activate it, then click Next.

6 Click Select from list…, then select Network Adapter - Have Disk.
7 Insert the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN CD in your CD-ROM drive and enter

x:\softex (where “x” is the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive). Click OK.

8 Select OEM Option and highlight 3Com 3CRWE62092A Wireless LAN PC Card in

the list window. Click OK, then Next.

9 Select Network Protocol, and then select your network protocol options. More

than one protocol can be selected, but one of them must be TCP/IP Protocol.
Click Next.

10 The Network Services window appears. Click Next.
11 When Windows asks you to install selected components, click Next.
12 Windows displays the following prompt: “Setup needs to copy some Windows NT

files.” Remove the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN CD from your CD-ROM drive and
insert the Windows NT CD. Enter

x:\i386 (where “x” is the drive letter of your

CD-ROM drive), then click Continue.

13 In the next window, make sure Auto is displayed in both the IRQ Number and I/O

Base text boxes, then click Continue.

14 Windows displays the following query: “Do you wish to use DHCP?” Click Yes.
15 The files are downloaded to your hard drive. When the download is finished,

click Yes.

16 Windows prompts you to insert the 3Com 3CRWE62092A Wireless LAN PC Card

Driver Disk. Insert the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN CD in your CD-ROM drive,
then click OK.

54 APPENDIX B: WINDOWS NT INSTALLATION WITH SOFTEX CARD EXECUTIVE

17 Click OK, then Next, and then Next again.
18 The PCMCIA Card Configuration Complete window appears. Select Manufacturer

3Com Card type 3CRWE62092A Wireless PC Card, then click OK.

19 Reboot your notebook.
20 When the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Client Setup window appears, select

Typical and click Next.

Typical configures the PC Card with the following default values:

WLAN Service Area—Attach to any WLAN Service Area automatically

Security Setting—No security (Open system)

If you want to customize the PC Card configuration (to add security, for example),
select Custom. See “Custom Installation Options” for details on custom settings.
For fastest installation, it is recommended you use the typical settings. You can
customize the configuration later as described in “Setting the Wireless Client
Configuration”.

21 In the Summary window, review the PC Card setup and click Finish.
22 Windows displays the following prompt: “Please install the utility software by

running Setup.exe from the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN CD and going to the
Tools and Utilities menu.” Click OK.

23 Select Start/Run, then enter

x:/setup.exe (where “x” is the drive letter of your

CD-ROM drive).

24 When the 3Com 11Mbps WLAN menu appears, select Tools and Utilities.
25 Select Install the Utility Software and Documentation. The files are downloaded.
26 Read the Welcome page and click Next.
27 Read the Software License Agreement and click Yes. (If you click No, the

installation stops.)

28 Select a destination folder for the software files and click Next.
29 In the Setup Type window, select the type of installation for the software:

Typical—Installs the software and documentation.

Compact—Installs the software but not documentation.

Custom—Allows you to choose the components to install.

30 Follow the directions in the Select Program Folder window and click Next.
31 In the Desktop Icon Option window, click Yes.
32 In the next window, if the option to restart the computer appears, select it and

click Finish.

The PC Card drivers, along with the 3Com utilities and documentation, are now
installed on your notebook.

C Technical Support

3Com provides easy access to technical support information through a variety of services.
This appendix describes these services.

Information contained in this appendix is correct at time of publication. For the most
recent information, 3Com recommends that you access the 3Com Corporation World
Wide Web site.

Online Technical Services

3Com offers worldwide product support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through the
following online systems:

n World Wide Web site
n 3Com Knowledgebase Web Services
n 3Com FTP site

World Wide Web Site

To access the latest networking information on the 3Com Corporation World Wide Web
site enter this URL into your Internet browser: http://www.3com.com/

This service provides access to online support information, such as technical
documentation and a software library, as well as support options that range from
technical education to maintenance and professional services.

3Com Knowledgebase Web Services

The 3Com Knowledgebase is a database of technical information to help you install,
upgrade, configure, or support 3Com products. The Knowledgebase is updated daily with
technical information discovered by 3Com technical support engineers. This
complimentary service, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to 3Com
customers and partners, is located on the 3Com Corporation World Wide Web site at:

http://knowledgebase.3com.com

3Com FTP Site

Download drivers, patches, software, and MIBs across the Internet from the 3Com public
FTP site. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To connect to the 3Com FTP site, enter the following information into your FTP client:

n Hostname: ftp.3com.com
n Username: anonymous
n Password: <your Internet e-mail address>

NOTE: With Web browser software such as Netscape Navigator and
Internet Explorer, you do not need a user name and password .

55

C Technical Support

Support from Your Network Supplier

If you require additional assistance, contact your network supplier. Many suppliers are
authorized 3Com service partners who are qualified to provide a variety of services,
including network planning, installation, hardware maintenance, application training, and
support services.

When you contact your network supplier for assistance, have the following information ready:

n Product model name, part number, and serial number
n A list of system hardware and software, including revision levels
n Diagnostic error messages
n Details about recent configuration changes, if applicable

If you are unable to contact your network supplier, see the following section on how to
contact 3Com.

Support from 3Com

If you are unable to obtain assistance from the 3Com online technical resources or from
your network supplier, 3Com offers technical telephone support services. To find out more
about your support options, call the 3Com technical telephone support phone number at
the location nearest you.

When you contact 3Com for assistance, have the following information ready:

n Product model name, part number, and serial number
n A list of system hardware and software, including revision levels
n Diagnostic error messages
n Details about recent configuration changes, if applicable

Here is a list of worldwide technical telephone support numbers. These numbers are
correct at the time of publication. Refer to the 3Com Web site for updated information.

Country Telephone Number

Asia, Pacific Rim

Australia
Hong Kong
India

Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
New Zealand
Pakistan
Philippines
P.R. of China

Singapore
S. Korea
From anywhere in S. Korea:
From Seoul:
Taiwan, R.O.C.
Thailand

(continued)

1 800 678 515
800 933 486
[phone] or
000800 6501111
001 800 61 009
03 5783 1270
1800 801 777
0800 446 398
[phone]
1235 61 266 2602
10800 61 00137 or
021 6350 1590 or
00800 0638 3266
800 6161 463
82 2 3455 6455
00798 611 2230
00798 611 2230
0080 611 261
001 800 611 2000

56

Support from 3Com

Country Telephone Number

Europe, Middle East, and Africa

From anywhere in these regions, call: [phone] phone

Europe and South Africa

From the following countries, you may use the toll-free numbers:

Austria
Belgium
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Luxembourg
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
U.K.

Latin America

Brazil
Mexico
Puerto Rico
Central and South America

North America 1 800 527 8677

[phone] fax

0800 297468
0800 71429
800 17309
0800 113153
0800 917959
0800 1821502
06800 12813
1800 553117
1800 9453794
800 8 79489
0800 3625
0800 0227788
800 11376
00800 3111206
0800 831416
0800 995014
900 983125
020 795482
0800 55 3072
0800 966197

0800 13 3266
01 800 849CARE
800 666 5065
AT&T [phone]

57

C Technical Support

Returning Products for Repair

Before you send a product directly to 3Com for repair, you must first obtain an
authorization number. Products sent to 3Com without authorization numbers will be
returned to the sender unopened, at the sender’s expense.

To obtain an authorization number, call or fax:

Country Telephone Number Fax Number

Asia, Pacific Rim [phone] [phone]

Europe, South Africa, and
Middle East

Central and South America 525 201 0075 none

Argentina
Bolivia
Brazil

Caribbean
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Mexico
Paraguay
Peru
Uruguay
Venezuela

From the following countries, you may call the toll-free numbers; select option 2 and
then option 2:

Austria
Belgium
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
U.K.

U.S.A. and Canada 1 800 527 8677 none

[phone] [phone]

0810 222 3266
511 241 1691
0800 133266 or
55 11 5643 2700
525 201 0004
562 240 6200
525 201 0004
525 201 0004
525 201 0004
525 201 0004
511 241 1691
525 201 0004
525 201 0004

0800 297468
0800 71429
800 17309
0800 113153
0800 917959
0800 1821502
00800 12813
1800553117
1800 9453794
1678 79489
0800 0227788
800 11376
00800 3111206
0800 831416
0800 995014
900 983125
020 795482
0800 55 3072
0800 966197

none

none

58

INDEX

Numbers

128-bit Dynamic Security Link 28, 30
128-bit Shared Key (WiFi) 29
128-bit Shared Key (Wi-Fi) security 28
3Com Administrator Utilities CD 11
3Com CDs 11
3Com End User Utilities CD 11
3Com icon, in Windows system tray 22
3Com Knowledgebase 55
3Com WLAN Configuration Utility 25
3Com WLAN Launcher 21

buttons 21
starting 18, 25, 27, 31, 32, 33, 34

40-bit Shared Key (Wi-Fi) security 28

A

access point 7
ad hoc network 7, 8, 31
antenna, adjusting 12
association 7, 22, 23

B

base station 7
buttons, 3Com WLAN Launcher 21

C

changing user passwords 34
checking status 22
clients, wireless, defined 7
configuration 8

ad hoc, defined 8
custom 18
examples 8

utility 25
configuring network settings 27
confirming the installation 18
connection (association) 7, 22, 23
continuous access mode 33
custom configuration 18

D

DHCP server, and release/renew IP

address

31, 33

Dynamic Security Link 28, 30

E

encryption 29

string 29
Ethernet status display 22, 24
Extended Service Set Identity (ESSID) 8

F

firmware upgrade

PC Card

44

G

guidelines, security 28

H

hexadecimal keys 29

I

icons, status 22
improving reception 12
Info tab 25
installation 13

confirming 18
media 11
PC Card 11

typical 14, 17, 47, 49, 51, 52, 54
installation media requirements 11
installing new firmware

PC Card
Internet Protocol address, defined 33
IP address

defined

releasing and renewing 33

setting 31, 33

44

33

L

LAN, wireless

defined

7

ways to set up 8
launcher 21

buttons 21

starting 18, 25, 27, 31, 32, 33, 34
LED

PC Card

38

N

network

ad hoc 7, 8, 31

association, defined 22

association, status 23

settings, configuring 27
network supplier support 56
Network/Security tab 25, 27
No Security 28

O

online technical services 55
open system 28
operating system requirements 11

Options tab 25

P

password

changing user

PC Card

inserting
LED 38

power management

continuous access mode
power saving mode 33
setting 33

product registration 9

34

11

33

R

reception 12
registration 9
requirements 11
returning products for repair 58
roaming, defined 7

S

Security

128-bit Shared Key Encryption

Settings

security

128-bit Dynamic Security Link

30

128-bit Shared Key (Wi-Fi) 28
40-bit Shared Key (Wi-Fi) 28
and network settings 27
guidelines 28
no security 28

settings 28
service area, defined 8
set up, wireless LAN 8
settings

encryption

network, configuring 27

security 28

security and network 27
status

display, Ethernet

icons 22
string, encryption 29

29

29

22, 24

T

technical support

3Com Knowledgebase

3Com URL 55

network suppliers 56

product repair 58
Tools tab 25, 26
troubleshooting

55

28,

firmware

PC Card

typical installation 14, 17, 47, 49, 51, 52,

54

44

U

upgrading

PC Card firmware

44

W

warranty, registration 9
Web browser requirements 11
Windows system tray, 3Com icon 22
wireless

association (connection)
clients, defined 7

wireless LAN

defined

7

ways to set up 8
wireless LAN service area 8, 27
WLAN Configuration Utility 25
WLAN launcher 21

buttons 21

starting 18, 25, 27, 31, 32, 33, 34
WLAN service area

defined

8

setting up 27
World Wide Web (WWW) 55

7, 22, 23

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE INFORMATION

FCC RADIO-FREQUENCY
E

XPOSURE NOTICE

FCC PART 15 NOTICE
(A

PPLICABLE TO USE WITHIN

THE USA)

MANUFACTURER’S
D

ECLARATION OF

C

ONFORMITY

This device generates and radiates radio-frequency energy. In order to comply with FCC radio-frequency radiation exposure
guidelines for an uncontrolled environment, this equipment has to be installed and operated while maintaining a minimum
body to antenna distance of 2.5 cm.

This product does not contain any user serviceable components. Any unauthorized product changes or modifications will
invalidate 3Com’s warranty and all applicable regulatory certifications and approvals.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may
not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

WARNING: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

n Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

n Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

n Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from the one which the receiver is connected to.

n Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful:

The Interference Handbook

This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.

3Com Corporation

5400 Bayfront Plaza
P.O. Box 58145
Santa Clara, CA 95054-8145
[phone]

Declares that the product:

Date: 1 November 2000
Brand Name: 3Com Corporation
Model Number: WL-305
Equipment Type: Wireless LAN PC Card

Complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE
(A

PPLICABLE TO USE WITHIN

C

ANADA)

AVIS DE CONFORMITÉ À LA
R

ÉGLEMENTATION

D’INDUSTRIE CANADA

EUROPEAN COMMUNITY - CE
N

OTICE

3Com Corporation WL-306

Tested to Comply

With FCC Standards

FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors and away from windows to
provide maximum shielding. Equipment (or its transmit antenna) that is installed outdoors is subject to licensing.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conform à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

Pour empêcher que cet appareil cause du brouillage au service faisant l'objet d'une licence, cet appareil doit être utilisé à
l'intérieur seulement et devrait être placé loin des fenêtres afin de fournir un écran de blindage maximal.

Marking by the symbol:

indicates compliance of this equipment to the R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC. Such marking is indicative that this equipment meets
or exceeds the following technical standards:

n ETS 300 328 - Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); Wideband Transmission systems; data

transmission equipment operating in the 2,4 GHz ISM band and using spread spectrum modulation techniques

n ETS 300 826 - Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

standard for 2,4 GHz wideband transmission systems and HIgh PErformance Radio Local Area Network (HIPERLAN)
equipment

n ES 59005 - Considerations for the evaluation of human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF's) from mobile

telecommunication equipment (MTE) in the frequency range 30 MHz - 6 GHz

n EN 55022 - Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Interference Characteristics of Information Technology

Equipment. (CISPR 22 Class B).

n EN 60950 - Safety of information technology equipment, including electrical business equipment.

Due to frequency restrictions, the following 3Com products cannot be used in France:

n 3CRWE62092A

n 3CRWE62092A-E1

n 3CRWE62092A-JP

n 3CRWE62092A-IS

n 3CRWE62092A-AP

The following product can be used in France:

n 3CRWE62092A-FR

Dû à de restrictions de fréquence, les produits suivants ne peuvent être utilisés en France:

n 3CRWE62092A

n 3CRWE62092A-E1

n 3CRWE62092A-JP

n 3CRWE62092A-IS

n 3CRWE62092A-AP

Le produit suivant peut être utilisés en France:

n 3CRWE62092A-FR

SAFETY COMPLIANCE NOTICE This device has been tested and certified according to the following safety standards and is intended for use only in Information

Technology Equipment which has been tested and certified to these or other equivalent standards:

n UL Standard 1950 / CSA C22.2 No. 950

n IEC 60950

n EN 60950

3Com Corporation, 5400 Bayfront Plaza, P.O. Box 58145, Santa Clara, CA 95052-8145. [phone]

Copyright © 2001 3Com Corporation. All rights reserved. 3Com is a registered trademark of 3Com Corporation.

Version 2.0.3.1