Accton Technology ACC2632WV2 Users Manual

™

EZ Connect

Wireless PC Card

 11 Mbps data rate – provides alternative to wired LANs

that can dramatically cut costs

 Working range up to 160 m (528 ft) at 11 Mbps,

350 m (1155 ft) at 1 Mbps

 Seamless connectivity to wired Ethernet LANs

augments existing networks quickly and easily

 DSSS technology provides robust,

interference-resistant, and secure wireless connections

 Supports a wide range of operating systems

(Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP)

 Easy installation
 Built-in dual diversity antenna

User Guide

SMC2632W V.2

EZ Connect Wireless PC Card

User Guide

The easy way to make all your network connections

38 Tesla
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: [phone]

April 2002
Revision Number: F1.0
E042002-R01

Copyright

Information furnished by SMC Networks, Inc. (SMC) is believed to be accurate and reliable.
However, no responsibility is assumed by SMC for its use, nor for any infringements of patents
or other rights of third parties which may result from its use. No license is granted by
implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of SMC. SMC reserves the right to
change specifications at any time without notice.

Copyright © 2002 by

SMC Networks, Inc.

38 Tesla

Irvine, CA 92618

All rights reserved. Printed in Taiwan

Trademarks:

SMC is a registered trademark; and EZ Connect is a trademark of SMC Networks, Inc. Other product and
company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

L

IMITED

Limited Warranty Statement: SMC Networks, Inc. (“SMC”) warrants its products
to be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and
service, for the applicable warranty term. All SMC products carry a standard 90-day
limited warranty from the date of purchase from SMC or its Authorized Reseller.
SMC may, at its own discretion, repair or replace any product not operating as
warranted with a similar or functionally equivalent prod uc t, dur ing the applicable
warranty term. SMC will endeavor to repair or replace any product returned under
warranty within 30 days of receipt of the product.

The standard limited warranty can be upgraded to a Limited Lifetime* warranty by
registering new products within 30 days of purchase from SMC or its Authorized
Reseller. Registrat i on can be accomplished via the enclosed product registration
card or online via the SMC web site. Failure to register will not affect the standard
limited warranty. The Limited Lifetime warranty covers a product during the Life of
that Product, which is defined as the peri od of time dur ing which the produ ct is an
“Active” SMC product. A product is considered to be “Active” while it is listed on
the current SMC price list. As new technologies emer ge, older technol ogies become
obsolete and SMC will, at its discretion, replace an ol der produc t in its produ ct line
with one that incorporates these newer technologies. At that point, the obsolete
product is discontinued and is no longer an “Active” SMC product. A list of
discontinued products with their respective dates of discontinuance can be found
at: http://www.smc.com/index.cfm?action=customer_service_warranty.

All products that are replaced become the property of SMC. Replacement products
may be either new or reconditioned. Any replaced or repaired product carries
either a 30-day limited warranty or the remai nder of the initi al warrant y, whiche ver
is longer. SMC is not responsible for any custom software or firmware,
configuration information, or memory data o f C usto mer cont ained in, sto red o n, or
integrated with any products returned to SMC pursuant to any warranty. Products
returned to SMC should have any customer-installed accessory or add-on
components, such as expansion modules, removed prior to returning the product
for replacement. SMC is not responsible for these items if they are returned with the
product.

Customers must contact SMC for a Return Material Authorization number prior to
returning any product to SMC. Proof of purchase may be required. Any product
returned to SMC without a valid Return Material Authorization (RMA) number
clearly marked on the outside of the package will be returned to customer at
customer’s expense. For warranty claims within North America, please call our
toll-free customer support number at [phone] . Customers are responsible for
all shipping charges from their facility to SMC. SMC is responsible for return
shipping charges from SMC to customer.

W

ARRANTY

i

L

IMITED WARRANTY

WARRANTIES EXCLUSIVE: IF AN SMC PRODUCT DOES NOT OPERATE AS
WARRANTED ABOVE, CUSTOMER’S SOLE REMEDY SHALL BE REPAIR OR
REPLACEMENT OF THE PRODUCT IN QUESTION, AT SMC’S OPTION. THE
FOREGOING WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND ARE IN LIEU
OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, EITHER
IN FACT OR BY OPERATION OF LAW, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING
WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
P ARTICULAR PURPOSE. SMC NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER
PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT ANY OTHER LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH
THE SALE, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE OR USE OF ITS PRODUCTS. SMC
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER THIS WARRANTY IF ITS TESTING AND
EXAMINATION DISCLOSE THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT DOES NOT
EXIST OR WAS CAUSED BY CUSTOMER’S OR ANY THIRD PERSON’S MISUSE,
NEGLECT, IMPROPER INSTALLATION OR TESTING, UNAUTHORIZED ATTEMPTS
TO REPAIR, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE BEYOND THE RANGE OF THE INTENDED
USE, OR BY ACCIDENT, FIRE, LIGHTNING, OR OTHER HAZARD.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: IN NO EVENT, WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT OR
TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), SHALL SMC BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OF ANY KIND,
OR FOR LOSS OF REVENUE, LOSS OF BUSINESS, OR OTHER FINANCIAL LOSS
ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE, INSTALLATION,
MAINTENANCE, USE, PERFORMANCE, FAILURE, OR INTERRUPTION OF ITS
PRODUCTS, EVEN IF SMC OR ITS AUTHORIZED RESELLER HAS BEEN ADVISED
OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR
THE LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR
CONSUMER PRODUCTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS MAY
NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS,
WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. NOTHING IN THIS WARRANTY
SHALL BE TAKEN TO AFFECT YOUR STATUTORY RIGHTS.

* SMC will provide warranty service for one year following disc ontinuance from t he
active SMC price list. Under the limited lifetime warranty, internal and external
power supplies, fans, and cables are covered by a standard one-year warranty from
date of purchase.

SMC Networks, Inc.

38 Tesla

Irvine, CA 92618

ii

COMPLIANCES

FCC - Class B

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 design ed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, u ses and can radi ate radio frequ ency ener gy
and, if not installed and used in ac cordance with instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio com m unications. However, there is no guarantee that the
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:

• Reorient the receiving antenna

• Increase the separation between the equipment and rec eiver

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which

the receiver is connected

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
FCC Caution: To assure continued compliance, (ex a mple - use only shielded

interface cables when connecting to computer or periph eral devic es). Any change s
or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

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.

CAUTION STATEMENT:
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment. This equipment s hould be installed an d operated with a
minimum distance of 2.5 centimeters between the radiator and your body. This
transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter.

Note:

In order to maintain compliance with the limits of a Class B digital device,
SMC requires that you use a quality interface c able when conn ecting t o this
device. Changes or modifications not expr es sly approved by SMC could
void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Attach unshielded twisted-pair cable (UTP) to the RJ-45 port and shielded
USB cable to the USB port.

iii

C

OMPLIANCES

Industry Canada - Class B

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus as set out in the interference-causing equipmen t standard
entitled “Digital Apparatus,” ICES-003 of Industry Canada.

Cet appareil numérique respecte les limites de bruits radioélectriques applicables
aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans la norme sur le matérial
brouilleur: “Appareils Numériques,” NMB-003 édictée par l’Industrie.

EC Conformance Declaration - Class B

SMC contact for these products in Europe is:

SMC Networks Europe,
Edificio Conata II,

Calle Fructuós Gelabert 6-8, 2
08970 - Sant Joan Despí,
Barcelona, Spain.

This information technology equipment complies with the requirements of the
Council Directive 89/336/EEC on the Approximation of the laws of the Member
States relating to Electromagnetic Compatibility and 73/23/EEC for electrical
equipment used within certain voltage limits and the Amendment Directive 93/68/
EEC. For the evaluation of the compliance with these Dire ctives, the following
standards were applied:

RFI Emission:

Immunity:

• Limit class B according to EN 55022:1998

• Limit class B for harmonic current emission according to

EN 61000-3-2/1995

• Limitation of voltage fluctuation and flicker in low-voltage
supply system according to EN 61000-3-3/1995

• Product family standard according to EN 55024:1998

• Electrostatic Discharge according to EN 61000-4-2:1995

(Contact Discharge: ±4 kV, Air Discharge: ±8 kV)

• Radio-frequency electromagnetic field according to
EN 61000-4-3:1996 (80 - 1000 MHz with 1 kHz AM 80%
Modulation: 3 V/m)

• Electrical fast transient/burst according to EN 61000-4-4:1995
(AC/DC power supply: ±1 kV, Data/Signal lines: ±0.5 kV)

• Surge immunity test according to EN 61000-4-5:1995
(AC/DC Line to Line: ±1 kV, AC/DC Line to Earth: ±2 kV)

• Immunity to conducted disturbances, Induced by
radio-frequency fields: EN 61000-4-6:1996 (0.15 - 80 MHz with
1 kHz AM 80% Modulation: 3 V/m)

o

, 4a,

iv

C

OMPLIANCES

• Power frequency magnetic field immunity test according to

EN 61000-4-8:1993 (1 A/m at frequency 50 Hz)

• Voltage dips, short interruptions and voltage variatio ns immunity

test according to EN 61000-4-11:1994 (>95% Reduction @10 ms,
30% Reduction @500 ms, >95% Reduction @5000 ms)

LVD:

• EN 60950 (A1/1992; A2/1993; A3/1993; A4/1995; A11/1997)

Safety Compliance

Wichtige Sicherheitshinweise (Germany)

1. Bitte lesen Sie diese Hinweise sorgfältig durch.

2. Heben Sie diese Anleitung für den späteren Gebrauch auf.

3. Vor jedem Reinigen ist das Gerät vom Stromnetz zu trennen. Verwenden Sie
keine Flüssigoder Aerosolreiniger. Am besten eignet sich ein angefeuchtetes
Tuch zur Reinigung.

4. Die Netzanschlu ßsteckdose soll nahe dem Gerät angebracht und leicht
zugänglich sein.

5. Das Gerät ist vor Feuchtigkeit zu schützen.

6. Bei der Aufstellung des Gerätes ist auf sicheren Stand zu achten. Ein Kippen
oder Fallen könnte Beschädigungen hervorrufen.

7. Die Belüftungsöffnungen dienen der Luftzirkulation, die das Gerät vor Überhit-
zung schützt. Sorgen Sie dafür, daß diese Öffnungen nicht abgedeckt werden.

8. Beachten Sie beim Anschluß an das Stromnetz die Anschlußwerte.

9. Verlegen Sie die Netzanschlußleitung so, da ß niemand darüber fallen kann . Es
sollte auch nichts auf der Leitung abgestellt werden.

10.Alle Hinweise und Warnungen, die sich am Gerät befinden, sind zu beachten.

11.Wird das Gerät über einen längeren Zeitraum nicht benutzt, sollten Sie es vom
Stromnetz trennen. Somit wird im Falle einer Über spannung eine Bes chädigung
vermieden.

12.Durch die Lüftungsöffnungen dürfen niemals Gegenstände oder Flüssigkeiten in
das Gerät gelangen. Dies könnte einen Brand bzw. elektrischen Schlag aus­lösen.

13.Öffnen sie niemals das Gerät. Das Gerät darf aus Gründen der elektrischen
Sicherheit nur von authorisiertem Servicepersonal geöffnet werden.

v

C

OMPLIANCES

14.Wenn folgende Situationen auftreten ist das Gerät vom Stromnetz zu trennen
und von einer qualifizierten Servicestelle zu überprüfen:

a.Netzkabel oder Netzstecker sind beschädigt.
b.Flüssigkeit ist in das Gerät eingedrungen.
c.Das Gerät war Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt.
d.Wenn das Gerät nicht der Bedienungsa nleitung entspreche nd funktioniert oder

Sie mit Hilfe dieser Anleitung keine Verbesserung erzielen.
e.Das Gerät ist gefallen und/oder das Gehäuse ist beschädigt.
f. Wenn das Gerät deutliche Anzeichen eines Defektes aufweist.

15. Stellen Sie sicher, daß die Stromversorgung dieses Ger ätes nach der EN 60950
geprüft ist. Ausgangswerte der Stromversorgung sollten die Werte von AC 7,5-8V,
50-60Hz nicht über oder unterschreiten sowie den minimalen Strom von 1A nicht
unterschreiten.

Der arbeitsplatzbezogene Schalldruckpegel nach DIN 45 635 Teil 1000 beträgt
70dB(A) oder weniger.

vi

T

ABLE OF

Using the Wireless LAN Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Using the SMC2632W WLAN Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Quick-Launch Icon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Site Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Encryption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Advanced Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Driver Installation for Windows NT and

Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Windows NT 4.0 Driver Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Windows XP Driver Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Network Configuration and Planning . . . . . . . . .14

Network Topologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Ad Hoc Wireless LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Infrastructure Wireless LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Setting the Communication Domain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Stationary Wireless PCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Roaming Wireless PCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

C

ONTENTS

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Adapter Installation Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Network Connection Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

SMC Networks 802.11b Wireless Product Maximum Distance

Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Software Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

vii

T

ABLE OF CONTENTS

viii

U

SING THE

W

IRELESS

U

Using the SMC2632W WLAN Utility

Once the installation is complete, the configuration utility can be
accessed from the “Start” menu, as shown below.

Quick-Launch Icon

When the utility program is running, there will be a quick launch
icon in the lower right-hand corner of the task bar. If the icon is on
BLUE, you have a good connection. If it shows RED, you may
need to check the access point (such as SMC2655W Wireless
Access Point) and place it in a higher position, or move closer to
the access point you wish to connect to.

LAN

TILITY

Double-clicking the quick launch icon will open the EZ Connect
Wireless PC Card Utility program, providing quick access to the
adapter settings.

1

U

SING THE WIRELESS

The configuration utility includes the following tools:
Monitor – Allows you to monitor network status and configure

wireless adapter parameters.

Statistics – Shows wireless adapter statistics.
Site Survey – Scans/Shows all the access points in range.
Encryption – Provides WEP security control.
Advanced – Allows you to configure the advanced settings.
Version – Shows the version information.

LAN U

TILITY

Monitor

When you start the wireless PC Card utility, the information
window for the SMC2632W V.2 is shown as in the figure below.
Click on the “Monitor” tab to view the network status of the
wireless adapter.

2

U

SING THE

Click “Change” to configure the “Operating Mode,” “Channel,”
“SSID” and “Tx Rate.” After making a configuration change, the

Submit button will become enabled. Click “Submit” to save the
changes.

Operating Mode – Set the station operation mode to “802.11 Ad
Hoc” for network configurations that do not have an access point,
or to “Infrastructure” for configurations with an access point
(“Infrastructure” is the default setting.)

Channel – If you are setting up an ad hoc wireless LAN (See
“Network Topologies” on page 14.), set the channel number to the

same radio channel as that used by the other wireless clients in
your group. However, if you are connecting to a network via an
access point, then the channel is automatically set to the channel
of the access point to which the adapter connects.

Note: The Channel can only be set when the Operating Mode is

“802.11 Ad-Hoc.”

SSID – Input an SSID string for the wireless network to which you
want to connect (“WLAN” is the default setting.) If you will be
roaming among multiple access points with different BSSIDs, set
the SSID to “ANY” to allow connection to any access point.

SMC2632W WLAN U

TILITY

Tx Rate – Indicates the data transmission rate. Select an
appropriate transmission speed. Lower speeds will give better
range. (Default: Auto.)

Status - Shows the MAC address of the associated access point
(BSS ID).

Signal Strength – Shows the relative strength of the wireless
connection to the access point.

Link Quality – Shows the relative link quality (e.g., lack of frame
errors) of the wireless connection to the access point.

3

U

SING THE WIRELESS

LAN U

TILITY

Statistics

The Statistics screen displays “Data Frames” and “Management
Frames.”

4

Site Survey

The Site Survey screen displays all access points in the wireless
LAN. You can choose one of them to connect to by
double-clicking on an entry.

Encryption

Encryption – Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is implemented in

the adapter to prevent unauthorized access. For more secure data
transmissions, set encryption to “128-bit” or “64-bit”. The 128-bit
setting gives a higher level of security. The setting must be the
same for all clients in your wireless network (Default: Disabled).

The WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) implemented in SMC’s EZ
Connect Wireless PC Card is based on the RC4 encryption
algorithm. The security keys are four 10 digit keys for the 64-bit
WEP setting and one 26-digit key for the 128-bit WEP setting. WEP

5

U

SING THE WIRELESS

security protects your wireless LAN against eavesdropping and
unauthorized access by hackers or intruders.

WEP Key – Security keys for WEP encryption are generated from
your encryption string, so you must use the same key on all the
other stations in your network.

LAN U

TILITY

Authentication Type – Set this to the same as the other devices in
your network. SMC devices use “Shared Key.” Devices from some
other vendors use “Open System.” (Default: Auto)

To use the WEP function, take the following steps:

1. Select “128-bit” or “64-bit” in the “Encryption” field.

2. Choose Key #1 ~ Key #4 from “WEP Key to use.”

3. Click “Submit.”

6

U

SING THE

SMC2632W WLAN U

Advanced Screen

You can use this screen to set values for “Fragmentation
Threshold” (Default: 2346 means Disabled), and “RT S/CTS
Threshold” (Default: 2347 means Disabled).

TILITY

7

U

SING THE WIRELESS

LAN U

TILITY

Version

The following screen shows the version information.

8

D

RIVER INSTALLATION FOR

W

INDOWS

NT

AND

W

INDOWS

Windows NT 4.0 Driver Installation

1. Insert the PC Card into a standard Type II or III PCMCIA slot in

your notebook.

2. From the desktop, select “Control Panel,” double-click

“Network,” click “Adapters,” and then click the “Add” button in

the Network dialog box.

3. Windows NT will present a list of all its supported adapters.

Click “Have Disk” to continue.

4. Windows NT will ask for the drive/path containing the

SMC2632W Windows NT drivers. Insert the provided CD into
the CD-ROM drive, type “[CD-ROM drive]:\winNT4\,” and then
click “OK.”

5. Windows NT will attempt to locate the SYS and INF files in the

specified path. If you have entered the path name correctly,
Windows NT should copy the appropriate drivers to the
Windows NT system. You need to acknowledge the selection
by clicking “OK.”

XP

SMC EZ Connect Wireless PC Card(SMC2632W V-2)

9

D

RIVER INSTALLATION FOR WINDOWS

6. The Adapter Setup dialog box will appear. Configure the card
as described below, and click “OK.”

I/O Base - Default: 240 (Check for available resources under
Windows NT Diagnostics.)

IRQ Level - Default: 9 (Check for available resources under
Windows NT Diagnostics.)

Mode - Set to “802.11 AdHoc” or “Infrastructure,” depending
on the type of network you want to connect to (see page 14).

NT

AND WINDOWS

XP

10

SS ID - A service set consists of all the stations in a wireless
network. (“Network Configuration and Pla nn i ng ” on page 14.)
All of these stations should have their SSID set to the same
value to identify stations within this network. (Default: ANY)

DS Channel - If you are setting up an ad hoc wireless LAN
(see page 14), set the channel number to the same radio
channel as that used by the other wireless clients in your
group. However, if you are connecting to a network via an
access point, then the channel will be automatically set to that
used by the access point. (SMC2655W Access Point default: 11)

W

INDOWS

RTS Threshold - Set the RTS threshold to the same as that
used by the other devices in your network. (For details see
page 11) (Default: Disabled)

Power Saving - You may enable the “PowerSaveMode” for
reducing power loading. (Default: 2432; that is disabled)

WEP - For more secure data transmission, set the “Use W ep” to
“128 bit” or “64 bit” to ensure wireless network security. The

advanced Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is implemented in
this card to prevent unauthorized access. The 128-bit setting
gives a higher level of security, but the setting must be the
same as the other clients in your wireless network. (Default:
Disabled)

Authentication Algorithm - Set this to the same as the other
devices in your network. SMC devices use “Shared Key.”
Devices from some other vendors use “Open System.”
(Default: Shared Key)

7. After driver installation, the system will prompt you to restart
the computer. Click “NO” if you want to continue installation
for your network protocols and options.

NT 4.0 D

RIVER INSTALLATION

8. Select the Services tab and Click “Add...” to install the network
protocols you want to use, such as IPX/SPX, NetBEUI or TCP/
IP. If you install TCP/IP, be sure to set the appropriate
Gateway, DNS Server, and Domain for your network.

9. If you install an IPX/SPX-compatible protocol, then you also
need to install the “Client for NetWare Networks.”

10. Click on the “Identification” tab on the Network dialog box,
and specify your computer name and network workgroup.

11. Restart your computer.

11

D

RIVER INSTALLATION FOR WINDOWS

NT

AND WINDOWS

XP

Windows XP Driver Installation

1. Windows XP will automatically detect the new hardware and

prompt you to install the driver.

2. Insert the “SMC2632W V.2 Driver, Utility, & Documentation
CD” into your CD-ROM drive.

3. Check “Ins tall the software automatically (Recommended)” and
click “Next.”

12

W

INDOWS

XP D

RIVER INSTALLATION

4. Windows XP will find the “SMC EZ Connect Wireless PC
Card(SMC2632W-V2).” Click “Next.”

5. Though the software is fully compatible with Windows XP, it
has not yet been Logo tested by Microsoft. On the Hardware
Installation screen click “Continue Anyway.”

After the software has been installed, click “Finish” to complete the
driver installation.

13

N

ETWORK CONFIGURATION AND PLANNING

N

ETWORK

SMC’s EZ Connect Wireless Solution supports a stand-alone
wireless network configuration, as well as an integrated
configuration with 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LANs.

The SMC2632W V.2 can be configured as:

• Ad hoc - for small groups that only communicate with each
other

• Infrastructure - for wireless LANs

C

ONFIGURATION

P

AND

LANNING

Network Topologies

Ad Hoc Wireless LAN

An ad hoc wireless LAN
consists of a group of
computers, each equipped
with one wireless adapter,
connected via radio signals
as an independent wireless
LAN. Computers in a specific
ad hoc wireless LAN must
therefore be configured to
the same radio channel. An
ad hoc wireless LAN can be
used in a SOHO or temporary environment.

PC with Wireless
PCI Adapter

Ad Hoc Wireless LAN

Notebook with
Wireless USB Adapter

Notebook with
Wireless PC Card

14

N

ETWORK TOPOLOGIES

Infrastructure Wireless LAN

The SMC2655W access point can also provide wireless
workstations with access to a wired LAN. An integrated wired and
wireless LAN is called an infrastructure configuration. A Basic
Service Set (BSS) consists of a group of wireless PC users, and an
access point that is directly connected to the wired LAN. Each
wireless PC in this BSS can talk to any computer in its wireless
group via a radio link, or access other computers or network
resources in the wired LAN infrastructure via the access point.

The infrastructure configuration not only extends the accessibility
of wireless PCs to the wired LAN, but also extends the effective
wireless transmission range for wireless PCs by passing their signal
through one or more access points.

A wireless infrastructure can be used for access to a central
database, or for connection between mobile workers, as shown in
the following figure.

Wired LAN Extension
to Wireless Adapters

File
Server

Desktop PC

Switch

Notebook with Wireless
PC Card Adapter

Access Point

PC with Wireless
PC I Adapter

15

N

ETWORK CONFIGURATION AND PLANNING

Setting the Communication Domain

Stationary Wireless PCs

The Basic Service Set (BSS) is the communication domain for each
access point. For wireless PCs that do not need to support
roaming, set the domain identifier (SSID) for the wireless card to
the SSID of the access point you want to connect to. Check with
your administrator for the SSID of the access point you should
connect to.

Roaming Wireless PCs

A wireless infrastructure can also support roaming for mobile
workers. More than one access point can be configured to create
an Extended Service Set (ESS). By placing the access points so that
a continuous coverage area is created, wireless users within this
ESS can roam freely. All wireless adapters and access points within
a specific ESS must be configured with the same SS ID and to the
same radio channel.

16

Wireless Cell
Coverage Area

<BSS1>

Desktop PC

PC with Wireless
PCI Adapter

Notebooks with Wireless
PC Card Adapters

Access Point

File
Server

Switch

<ESS>

Seamless Roaming

Access Point

PC with Wireless
PC I Adapter

Notebook with Wireless
PC Card Adapter

<BSS2>

S

ETTING THE COMMUNICATION DOMAIN

Before setting up an ESS for roaming, you need to choose a clear
radio channel and ideal location for the access points to maximize
performance. (Refer to “Troubleshooting” on page 18 for detailed
information on installation and usage.)

17

T

ROUBLESHOOTING

T

ROUBLESHOOTING

Check the following troubleshooting items before contacting SMC
Technical Support.

Adapter Installation Problems

If your computer cannot find the EZ Connect Wireless PC Card or
the network driver does not install correctly, check the following:

• Make sure the adapter is securely seated in the PCMCIA slot.
When you insert the wireless adapter into the notebook’s slot,
a beep should be heard if the adapter is properly inserted.
Check for any hardware problems, such as physical damage to
the card’s connector.

• Try the card in another PCMCIA slot. If this also fails, test your
computer with another SMC2632W V.2 Wireless PC Card that is
known to operate correctly.

• When operating under Windows NT, make sure a PCMCIA card
and socket services driver is installed in your computer. Also
check for resource conflicts using the Windows NT Diagnostics
utility.

• Make sure your computer is using the latest BIOS.

• If there are other network adapters in the computer, they may

be causing conflict. Remove all other adapters from the
computer and test the wireless adapter separately.

18

N

ETWORK CONNECTION PROBLEMS

• Check for a defective computer or PCMCIA connection by
trying the adapter in another computer that is known to operate
correctly.

• If it still does not work, take out the wireless adapter. Delete
CW10.sys from c:\windows\system. Then go to “Control
Panel” and delete the adapter from your net work configuration
menu. Restart your PC and reinstall the card.

Network Connection Problems

If the Link LED on the PC Card does not light, or if you cannot
access any network resources from the computer, check the
following:

• Make sure the correct software driver is installed for your
operating system. If necessary, try reinstalling the driver.

• Make sure the computer and other network devices are
receiving power.

• The access point you want to attach to may be defective. Try
using another access point.

• If you cannot access a Windows or NetW are service on the
network, check that you have enabled and configured the
service correctly. If you cannot connect to a particular server,
be sure that you have access rights and a valid ID and
password.

• If you cannot access the Internet, be sure you have configured
your system for TCP/IP.

19

If your wireless station cannot communicate with a computer in
the Ethernet LAN when configured for Infrastructure mode, check
the following:

• Make sure the access point which the station is associated with
is powered on.

• If you still can’t connect, change the access point and all the
stations within the BSS to another radio channel.

• Make sure the SSID is the same as that used by the acess point
for a station with roaming disabled, or the same as that used by
the access points in the extended service set (ESS).

20

N

ETWORK CONNECTION PROBLEMS

SMC Networks

802.11b Wireless Product Maximum Distance Table

Important Notice

Maximum distances posted below are actual tested distance
thresholds. However, there are many variables such as barrier
composition and construction, as well as local environmental
interference that may impact your actual distances and cause you
to experience distance thresholds far lower than those posted
below. If you have any questions or comments regarding the
features or performance of this product, or if you would like
information regarding our full line of wireless products, you can
visit us at www.smc.com, or you can call us toll-free at

800.SMC.4YOU. SMC Networks stands behind every product sold
with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and a limited-lifetime
warranty.

SMC Wireless Product Maximum Distance Table

Speed and Distance Ranges

Environmental Condition 11 Mbps 5.5 Mbps 2 Mbps 1 Mbps
Open Environment: A

line-of-sight environment
with no interference or
obstruction between the
access point and users.

Semi-Open Environment:
An environment with no
major obstructions su ch as
walls or privacy cubicles
between the access point
and users.

Closed Environment: A
typical office or home
environment with floor to
ceiling obstructions between
the access point and
users.

160 m

(520 ft)

50 m

(160 ft)

25 m

(80 ft)

270 m

(880 ft)

70 m

(230 ft)

35 m

(120 ft)

400 m

(1300 ft)

90 m

(300 ft)

45 m

(150 ft)

450 m

(1500 ft)

120 m

(400 ft)

(180 ft)

55 m

21

S

PECIFICATIONS

S

PECIFICATIONS

General Specifications

Functional Criteria

Data Rate 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps
Transmission Mode Half duplex
Network Connection IEEE 802.11b - Wireless LAN,
Operating Range Up to 350 m (1155 ft) at 1 Mbps,

Up to 160 m (528 ft) at 11 Mbps (indoor)

Radio Signal

Signal Type Direct Sequence Spread-Spectrum (DSSS)
Operating Frequency USA, Canada and Europe (ETSI):

2.400-2.4835 GHz,

Japan: 2.400-2.497 GHz
Sensitivity -76 dBm (typical)
Modulation CCK, BPSK, QPSK
Output Power Less than 15dBm

Physical Characteristics

Power Consumption 5 V, 380 mA transmit, 290 mA receive

(normal)
Dimensions Type II PC Card + antenna 12.8 x 5.3 cm

(5.04 x 2.09 in.)
Antenna Antenna diversity
LED Indicator Power, Link, Activity
Host Interface PCMCIA, Type II

22

Standards Conformance

Wireless Standard IEEE 802.11b

Environmental

Temperature Operating: 0 to 50 °C (32 to 122 °F)

Storage: 0 to 70 °C (32 to 158 °F)
Humidity 5 to 80% (noncondensing)
Vibration/Shock/Drop IEC 68-2-34, IEC 68-2-27, IEC68-2-32

Certification

CE Mark EN50081-1, EN55022 Class B

EN50082-1, IEC 61000-4-2/3/4/6/11
Emissions FCC Part 15(B), ETS 300-328, VCCI
Safety EN60950

UL1950/CSA22.2 No.950

Software Drivers

NDIS Drivers Windows 95 OSR2.1 or above version

Windows 98

Windows Me

Windows NT 4.0

Windows 2000

Windows XP

S

OFTWARE DRIVERS

23

T

ERMINOLOGY

The following is a list of terminology that is used in this document.
Access Point – An internetworking device that seamlessly

connects wired and wireless networks.
Ad Hoc – An ad hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers, each

with LAN adapters, connected as an independent wireless LAN.
Backbone – The core infrastructure of a network. The portion of

the network that transports information from one central location
to another central location where it is unloaded onto a local
system.

Base Station – In mobile telecommunications, a base station is the
central radio transmitter/receiver that maintains communications
with the mobile radiotelephone sets within its range. In cellular
and personal communications applications, each cell or micro-cell
has its own base station; each base station in turn is
interconnected with other cells’ bases.

BSS – BSS stands for “Basic Service Set.” It is an Access Point and
all the LAN PCs that are associated with it.

CSMA/CA – Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision
Avoidance.

ESS – ESS (ESS-ID, SSID) stands for “Extended Service Set.” More
than one BSS is configured to become an Extended Service Set.
LAN mobile users can roam between different BSSs in an ESS
(ESS-ID, SSID).

24

T

ERMINOLOGY

Ethernet – A popular local area data communications network,
which accepts transmission from computers and terminals.
Ethernet operates on a 10 Mbps baseband transmission rate, using
shielded coaxial cable or shielded twisted-pair telephone cable.

Infrastructure – An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called
an Infrastructure configuration.

Roaming – A wireless LAN mobile user moves around an ESS and
maintains a continuous connection to the Infrastructure network.

RTS Threshold – Transmitters contending for the medium may
not be aware of each other. The RTS/CTS mechanism can solve
this “Hidden Node Problem.” If the packet size is smaller than the
preset RTS Threshold size, the RTS/CTS mechanism will NOT be
enabled.

WEP – “Wired Equivale nt Privac y” is based on the use of 64-bit or
128-bit keys and the popular RC4 encryption algorithm. Wireless
devices without a valid WEP key will be excluded from network
traffic.

25

T

ERMINOLOGY

26

FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT, CALL:

From U.S.A. and Canada (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

(800) SMC-4-YOU; [phone]; Fax: [phone]

From Europe (8:00 AM - 5:30 PM UK Time)

44 (0) 118 974 8700; Fax: [phone]

INTERNET

E-mail addresses:

[e-mail]
[e-mail]

Driver updates:

http://www.smc.com/index.cfm?action=tech_support_drivers_downloads

World Wide Web:

http://www.smc.com/
http://www.smc-europe.com/

FOR LITERATURE OR ADVERTISING RESPONSE, CALL:

U.S.A. and Canada: (800) SMC-4-YOU; Fax [phone]
Spain: 34-93-477-4935; Fax [phone]
UK: 44 (0) 118 974 8700; Fax [phone]
France: 33 (0) 41 38 32 32; Fax [phone]
Italy: 39 02 739 12 33; Fax [phone]
Benelux: 31 33 455 72 88; Fax [phone]
Central Europe: 49 (0) 89 92861-0; Fax [phone]
Switzerland: 41 (0) 1 9409971; Fax [phone]
Nordic: 46 (0) 868 70700; Fax [phone]
Northern Europe: 44 (0) 118 974 8700; Fax [phone]
Eastern Europe: 34 -93-477-4920; Fax [phone]
Sub Saharian Africa: 27-11 314 1133; Fax [phone]
North Africa: 34 93 477 4920; Fax [phone]
Russia: 7 (095) 290 29 96; Fax [phone]
PRC: 86-10-6235-4958; Fax [phone]
Taiwan: 886-2-2659-9669; Fax [phone]
Asia Pacific: (65) 238 6556; Fax [phone]
Korea: 82-2-553-0860; Fax [phone]
Japan: 81-45-224-2332; Fax [phone]
Australia: 61-2-9416-0437; Fax [phone]
India: 91-22-8204437; Fax [phone]

If you are looking for further contact information, please visit www.smc.com or
www.smc-europe.com.

Model Number: SMC2632W V.2

38 Tesla
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: [phone]

Revision Number: F1.0 E042002-R01