Accton Technology Wireless LAN 802.11b/g User Manual

User’s Manual

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

July, 2004

Version 2.0

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.

Microsoft, Encarta, MSN, and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

SoftAP™ is the registered trademark of PCTel.

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products.

PART NUMBER 5991-0114

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

Table Of Contents

1 Introduction.......................................................................................................7

1.1 Inventory Checklist ......................................................................................7

1.2 Supported Security.......................................................................................8

2 Antenna Attachment...........................................................................................9

3 Verifying your Service Pack............................................................................... 10

4 Security Settings..............................................................................................12

5 Service Pack 2: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration.................................13

5.1 Launching Microsoft Windows XP Wireless Network Configuration .............. 13

5.2 Setting the Network Key Automatically........................................................14

5.3 Setting the Network Key Manually............................................................... 16

5.3.1 WEP: Setting the Network Key (Network Security)................................... 19

5.3.2 WPA: Setting the Network Key (Network Security)...................................21

6 Service Pack 1: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration.................................24

6.1 Launching Microsoft Windows XP Wireless Network Configuration .............. 24

6.2 Setting the Network name and Network Security ......................................... 25

6.2.1 WEP: Setting the Network Key (Network Security)................................... 28

6.2.2 WPA: Setting the Network Key (Network Security)...................................30

6.3 Verifying your Wireless Network Connection................................................ 32

6.4 Ad-Hoc Network......................................................................................... 33

7 Activating Access Point Mode............................................................................34

7.1 Installation ................................................................................................35

7.2 Verifying your Wireless Network Connection................................................ 37

8 Access Point Mode ...........................................................................................38

8.1 Launching the SoftAP™ .............................................................................. 38

8.2 The Wireless SoftAP™ Dialog Box ..............................................................40

8.2.1 File Menu ...............................................................................................41

8.2.1.1 Minimize to System Tray ................................................................41

8.2.1.2 Exit...............................................................................................41

8.2.2 Tools Menu............................................................................................. 42

8.2.2.1 Switch to Station Mode...................................................................42

8.2.2.2 Disable / Enable Wireless ...............................................................45

8.2.2.3 Change Admin Password… .............................................................47

8.2.2.4 Options… ......................................................................................49

8.2.2.5 Status….........................................................................................59

8.2.3 Help Menu.............................................................................................. 62

8.3 Setting Security .........................................................................................63

8.3.1 WEP Security Settings ............................................................................. 63

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

8.3.2 WPA Security Settings.............................................................................66

9 Station Mode ...................................................................................................68

9.1 Launching the SoftAP™ .............................................................................. 68

9.2 The Wireless SoftAP™ Dialog Box ..............................................................69

9.2.1 File Menu ...............................................................................................70

9.2.1.1 Minimize to System Tray ................................................................70

9.2.1.2 Exit...............................................................................................70

9.2.2 Tools Menu............................................................................................. 71

9.2.2.1 Switch to Access Point Mode...........................................................71

9.2.2.2 Disable / Enable Wireless ...............................................................74

9.2.2.3 Change Admin Password… .............................................................76

9.2.2.4 Options… ......................................................................................77

9.2.2.5 Status….........................................................................................78

9.2.3 Help Menu.............................................................................................. 80

9.3 Setting Security .........................................................................................80

10 Uninstalling the SoftAP™ .................................................................................. 81

Appendix A: Troubleshooting .................................................................................. 85

Appendix B: Regulatory Notices ............................................................................88

Appendix C: Product Specifications........................................................................92

Index 97

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

Table of Figures

Figure 1: Antenna Attachment ............................................................................................................................9

Figure 2: Accessing Systems Information............................................................................................................ 10

Figure 3: Verification of Service Pack ................................................................................................................11

Figure 4: Wireless Network Icon ......................................................................................................................13

Figure 5: Wireless Network Connection dialog box............................................................................................ 14

Figure 6: Wireless Network Connection dialog box............................................................................................ 15

Figure 7: Connecting to Wireless......................................................................................................................15

Figure 8: Wireless Network Connection dialog box............................................................................................ 16

Figure 9: Wireless Network Connection dialog box............................................................................................ 17

Figure 10: Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box........................................................................... 17

Figure 11: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box .................................................................................. 18

Figure 12: Manually adding a Wireless Network ...............................................................................................20

Figure 13: Wireless network properties dialog box.............................................................................................20

Figure 14: Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box........................................................................... 22

Figure 15: Wireless network properties dialog box.............................................................................................22

Figure 16: Wireless Network icon ....................................................................................................................24

Figure 17: Wireless Network Connection dialog box.......................................................................................... 25

Figure 18: Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box........................................................................... 26

Figure 19: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box .................................................................................. 27

Figure 20: Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box........................................................................... 28

Figure 21: Wireless network properties dialog box.............................................................................................29

Figure 22: Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box........................................................................... 30

Figure 23: Wireless network properties dialog box.............................................................................................31

Figure 24: Wireless Network Connection Status dialog box................................................................................. 32

Figure 25: Conversion to Access Point Mode .....................................................................................................35

Figure 26: Preparing to Install ..........................................................................................................................36

Figure 27: Wireless SoftAP™ icon ...................................................................................................................36

Figure 28: Software Access Point icon...............................................................................................................37

Figure 29: Launching; Software Access Point icon .............................................................................................. 38

Figure 30: Launching; Software Access Point icon menu...................................................................................... 39

Figure 31: Wireless SoftAP™ dialog box.......................................................................................................... 39

Figure 32: Wireless SoftAP™ menus ................................................................................................................ 40

Figure 33: Wireless SoftAP™ File menu............................................................................................................ 41

Figure 34: AP Mode Tools menu....................................................................................................................... 42

Figure 35: AP Mode Tools menu....................................................................................................................... 43

Figure 36: Switch to Station Mode.................................................................................................................... 43

Figure 37: Station Mode switch successful .........................................................................................................44

Figure 38: SoftAP™ in Station Mode................................................................................................................ 44

Figure 39: Wireless SoftAP™ dialog box. Tools menu....................................................................................... 45

Figure 40: Wireless SoftAP™ dialog box; Wireless Disabled..............................................................................45

Figure 41: Tools menu; Enable Wireless............................................................................................................ 46

Figure 42: Tools menu; Change Admin Password…............................................................................................ 47

Figure 43: Change Password dialog box........................................................................................................... 48

Figure 44: Prompt dialog box for Admin Password .............................................................................................49

Figure 45: Tools menu; Options Selection..........................................................................................................49

Figure 46: Options; General Settings tab........................................................................................................... 50

Figure 47: Options; Wireless AP tab................................................................................................................. 51

Figure 48: Types of Security............................................................................................................................. 52

Figure 49: Advanced Wireless AP tab............................................................................................................... 54

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

Figure 50: Options; Devices tab .......................................................................................................................54

Figure 51: Microsoft® Modes ..........................................................................................................................55

Figure 52: Mode Switch selections.................................................................................................................... 56

Figure 53: Options; MAC Filtering tab ..............................................................................................................57

Figure 54: MAC Filtering Enabled ....................................................................................................................58

Figure 55: MAC Address input.........................................................................................................................58

Figure 56: Tools menu; Status…. ......................................................................................................................59

Figure 57: Status of Wireless AP....................................................................................................................... 60

Figure 58: Status of Devices............................................................................................................................. 61

Figure 59: Status of Stations............................................................................................................................. 61

Figure 60: Wireless SoftAP™ Help menu.......................................................................................................... 62

Figure 61: Software Access Point icon...............................................................................................................63

Figure 62: Wireless SoftAP™ dialog box.......................................................................................................... 63

Figure 63: WEP Security choices ......................................................................................................................64

Figure 64: Software Access Point icon...............................................................................................................66

Figure 65: Wireless SoftAP™ dialog box.......................................................................................................... 66

Figure 66: Wireless AP tab; WPA Personal TKIP & AES selected ..........................................................................67

Figure 67: Launching; Software Access Point icon .............................................................................................. 68

Figure 68: Launching; Software Access Point icon menu...................................................................................... 68

Figure 69: Wireless SoftAP™ dialog box.......................................................................................................... 69

Figure 70: Wireless SoftAP™ ; Station Mode .....................................................................................................69

Figure 71: Wireless SoftAP™ File menu............................................................................................................ 70

Figure 72: AP Mode Tools menu....................................................................................................................... 71

Figure 73: Station Mode Tools menu................................................................................................................. 72

Figure 74: Switch to Access Point Mode ............................................................................................................72

Figure 75: Access Point Mode switch successful ................................................................................................. 73

Figure 76: SoftAP™ in Access Point Mode ........................................................................................................73

Figure 77: Wireless SoftAP™ dialog box. Tools menu....................................................................................... 74

Figure 78: Wireless SoftAP™ dialog box; Wireless Disabled..............................................................................74

Figure 79: Tools menu; Enable Wireless............................................................................................................ 75

Figure 80: Tools menu; Change Admin Password…............................................................................................ 76

Figure 81: Change Password dialog box........................................................................................................... 77

Figure 82: Tools menu; Options Selection..........................................................................................................77

Figure 83: Tools menu; Status…. ......................................................................................................................78

Figure 84: Status of Wireless AP....................................................................................................................... 78

Figure 85: Status of Devices...................................................................................................

Figure 86: Wireless SoftAP™ Help menu.......................................................................................................... 80

Figure 87: InstallShield Wizard ........................................................................................................................81

Figure 88: NetCfgWizard dialog box............................................................................................................... 82

Figure 89: InstallShield Wizard complete ..........................................................................................................82

..........................79

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

1 Introduction

Welcome!

Your HP PC includes a Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device. This device allows you to establish a wireless network using your HP PC as a Wireless Access Point or as a Wireless Client (Station Mode) if you already have a wireless network running.

Today, millions of people are installing 802.11 Access Points (Gateways) for wireless networking. Your HP PC is communicating wirelessly via an embedded Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device. The Wireless Software Access Point (SoftAP™ ) available on your HP PC is capable of turning your HP PC into a wireless Access Point (Gateway) enabling other wireless LAN products to connect to the internet through your HP PC securely with high-speed access.

The main purpose of the SoftAP™ , once activated, is to provide two modes of accessing the internet: Station Mode (Client Mode) or Access Point Mode (AP Mode).

Important

It is required that you already have internet access established through an ISP prior to using the SoftAP™ . For further information, please consult your ISP.

If you have already established a wireless network with access to the internet and you would like to wirelessly connect this HP PC to your wireless network, use Station Mode.

If your HP PC is connected to the internet and you would like instructions on how to configure for other machines to share the internet connection through this HP PC please refer to Chapter 7,

Activating Access Point Mode for information on initiating AP Mode.

1.1 Inventory Checklist

Included with your HP PC should be the following items for your Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device:

 CD-ROM (Contains full User’s Manual)  Antenna (Screws to the connector on the back of your HP PC. See Chapter 2)  Printed Quick Install Guide

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

1.2 Supported Security

In order to secure your network from passive or active intrusion four key features are enabled on the Software Access Point:

 WPA personal security  WEP encryption  MAC filtering

Please see Chapter 4 for information on security settings for your Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device or refer to the chapters on or Station Mode for detailed information regarding the set up of either WEP or WPA security and the use of MAC Filtering.

Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration

, Access Point Mode

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

2 Antenna Attachment

This chapter contains instructions for antenna installation.

Important

It is assumed that there is an existing wireless LAN network with an internet connection that has been set up on your computer prior to using the Software Access Point. Please consult your ISP for further information.

If you have already attached the antenna to your HP PC, please skip to Chapter 3.

1. Screw the antenna connector (A) to the antenna jack (B) located on the back of the HP PC.

Figure 1: Antenna Attachment

2. Place the HP PC on a table or place the antenna in an elevated and open area to achieve the

best wireless performance.

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

3 Verifying your Service Pack

Your system is running the Microsoft XP Operating System with either Service Pack 1(SP1) or Service Pack 2 (SP2).

Due to differences in appearance between SP1 and SP2 it is important to check which you are running prior to using this User’s Manual.

In order to verify the level of Microsoft XP being used proceed with the steps shown below.

Figure 2: Accessing Systems Information

1. Select Start in the lower left of your display. The Start menu will appear.

2. Right click on My Computer to access a menu of options for your computer.

3. Select Properties

The system properties dialog box will appear as shown.

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

Figure 3: Verification of Service Pack

Under the General tab check System information. The Service Pack will be listed as shown above.

 Service Pack 1

If your system lists “Service Pack 1” then begin with Chapter 6, Service Pack 1: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration.

 Service Pack 2

If your system lists “Service Pack 2” then begin with Chapter 5, Service Pack 2: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration.

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

4 Security Settings

Security can be set up using WEP (Wired Equivalency Protocol) or WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). It is important to set up matching security types between 802.11 devices. Be certain to check the type of security on your other wireless 802.11b/g device(s ) in order to decide which type of security needs to be set up on your HP PC.

WEP security was the original security standard provided for wireless 802.11 devices. WPA security is a more recent standard of security available, yet all 802.11b/g devices are not yet compatible with the WPA standard.

Note:

After deciding which type of security you need to use with your Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device refer to the Chapters about individual Modes for information on establishing either WEP or WPA security:

WPA security can either be “WPA Personal TKIP” or “WPA Personal AES”. There is no

noticeable difference between these types of WPA nor is there a difference when establishing either in the SoftAP™ . It is only necessary to ensure WPA TKIP and AES compliance with the other 802.11b/g devices you are connecting if you wish to set up WPA security. If your other 802.11b/g devices do not list either TKIP or AES they are most likely compliant with both.



Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration

To verify your Service Pack see Chapter 3.

o Service Pack 1: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration.

For information on establishing either WEP or WPA security see Chapter 6, section

6.2.

o Service Pack 2: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration.

For information on establishing security see Chapter 5.

 Access Point Mode (AP Mode):

For information on establishing either WEP or WPA security see Chapter 8, section 8.3.

Note

: In order to use Access Point Mode (AP Mode) you must first activate your HP PC to

AP Mode (See Chapter 7).

 Station Mode:

For information on establishing either WEP or WPA security see Chapter 3, to verify your Service Pack.

For information on using Station Mode after converting to AP Mode see Chapter 9.

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

5 Service Pack 2: Windows XP Wireless Zero

Configuration

This chapter contains information on configuring your HP PC for Station Mode (as a client) if you do not wish to convert to Access Point Mode (AP Mode). The pictures and instructions refer to those using Windows XP Service Pack 2. If you are using Windows XP Service Pack 1 please refer to Chapter 6 for instructions.

It is necessary to complete the steps in Chapter 2, Antenna Attachment and Chapter 3, Verifying your Service Pack, prior to using Windows XP

Note:

It is assumed that there is an existing wireless network with connection to the internet. If

not, please consult your ISP for further information on establishing an internet connection.

If you have already established a wireless network with access to the internet and you would like to wirelessly connect this HP PC to your wireless network, use Station Mode. Due to Windows XP

Zero Configuration

running the SoftAP™ in Station or Client Mode. To continue using your HP PC in Station Mode you will need only to set-up the security (See Chapter 6 for Windows Chapter 5 for Windows

If your HP PC is connected to the internet and you would like instructions on how to configure for other machines to share the internet connection through this HP PC please refer to Chapter 7, Activating Access Point Mode, for information on AP Mode.

(Windows XP Wireless Network Configuration) your HP PC is currently

 XP Service Pack 2).

Wireless Network Configuration.

 XP Service Pack 1 or

5.1 Launching Microsoft Windows XP Wireless Network Configuration

To launch Windows XP Wireless Network Configuration:

1. In the Systems Tray find the Wireless Networking icon.

Figure 4: Wireless Network Icon

2. Select View Available Wireless Networks and the Wireless Network Connection dialog

box will appear.

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

Note: There may be multiple

Network icons in the system tray. Choose the one for Wireless Network Connection as sho

5.2 Setting the Network Key Automatically

The PC will begin functioning in Station Mode (as a Client) with your Wireless LAN Network as soon as the Network Key is set-up.

Important

If you do not have an existing wireless network you will need to set up your Gateway prior to using your PC in Station Mode.

If you are attempting to set your PC up to function as an Access Point please see Chapter 7.

1. Find the Network Key (WEP Key or WPA Key) for your Wireless Network.

2. Select View Available Wireless Networks from the Wireless Network icon menu.

The Wireless Network Connection dialog box will appear.

Figure 5: Wireless Network Connection dialog box

3. Select the Wireless Network of your choice by clicking on its name and the entire block will

become highlighted

4. Select Connect in the lower right corner

The Wireless Network Connection dialog box will appear as shown below.

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

Figure 6: Wireless Network Connection dialog box

5. Enter your Network Key (WEP Key or WPA Key) for your Wireless Network.

6. Input the Network Key a second time into the “Confirm network key” box.

Note:

If your network is using WEP encryption, then a HEX or an ASCII format is necessary

when entering your Network Key:

HEX: 10 Characters in HEX notation for 40 bit or 26 characters for 128 bit encryption.

ASCII: 5 characters for 40 bit or 13 characters for 128 bit encryption.

If your network is using WPA it is necessary to enter an 8 – 63 character alphanumeric key-phrase.

The Network Key will accept any of these as it supports both WEP and WPA.

7. Select Connect

The Wireless Network Connection dialog box appears as you are being connected.

Figure 7: Connecting to Wireless

After connection to the network the Wireless Network Connection dialog box will reappear showing the connection as shown in Figure 8.

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

Figure 8: Wireless Network Connection dialog box

5.3 Setting the Network Key Manually

Your HP PC is functioning in Station or Client Mode by default. After launching the application (See Section 5.1, Launching the application) you will need to input the Network name and Network Key. The Network name and Network Key must both be set up for your HP PC to function with your current network in Station Mode.

Before manually setting up the Network name and Network Key on your HP PC you must identify this information on your current wireless network:

 Network name (SSID)  Security WPA-PSK Key OR Security WEP Key

The Wireless Network Connection dialog box appears when you have launched Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration:

Figure : Wireless Network Connection dialog box

Your Network

Note

name will appear in the Available wireless networks box. Any other listed available wireless networks represent the wireless networks established within range of your HP PC. These will vary and do not

rovide secured

access to the internet.

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

Figure 9: Wireless Network Connection dialog box

1. Choose your Wireless Network in the Available wireless networks selection box. Your

network will become highlighted as shown in figure 9.

2. Select Change advanced settings found on the left side of the dialog box.

The Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box appears.

Figure 10: Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box

3. Select the General tab in the Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box.

4. Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) in the “This connection uses the following items:”

selection box.

5. Select Properties.

The Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box appears with the General tab displayed.

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

Figure 11: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box

6. Verify that the following choices are selected:

 Obtain an IP address automatically  Obtain DNS server address automatically

Note: Obtaining an IP address automatically is recommended. If static IP address settings

are preferred, refer to your own wireless network settings.

7. Select OK.

You are returned to the Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box.

For instructions on how to set WEP security refer to Section 5.3.1. For instructions on how to set WPA security refer to Section 5.3.2.

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

5.3.1 WEP: Setting the Network Key (Network Security)

Securing your Software Access Point enabled network is essential in a wireless network environment. Security for the Software Access Point is maintained through the following features:

 Support for WPA (WPA-Personal Security (Wi-Fi protected access) AES and TKIP)  Support for the WEP (Wired Equivalency Protocol)  Support for MAC address filtering

This section gives instruction on how to correctly set up WEP security on your HP PC. If you are currently running a WPA enabled device, skip to Section 5.3.2, WPA: Setting the Network Key (Network Security).

In order to set up your Network Key (WEP security feature) you will need to do the following:

1. Open the Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box:

 Right click on the Wireless Networks icon in the system tray.  Select View Available Wireless Networks from the Wireless Networks icon menu.

The Wireless Network Connection dialog box appears.  Select Change advanced settings on the left side of the dialog box. The Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box appears.  Select the Wireless Networks tab as shown in figure 12 below.

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

Figure 12: Manually adding a Wireless Network

2. Select Add under the Preferred networks selection box.

The Wireless Network Properties dialog box appears.

Figure 13: Wireless network properties dialog box

3. Input your Network name (SSID).

4. Uncheck the box “The key is provided for me automatically”.

5. Verify that the Network Authentication is set to Open.

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

6. Verify that the Data Encryption is set to WEP.

7. Input the Network Key of your Access Point, Wireless Broadband Router or Wireless

Gateway.

Note:

Either a HEX or ASCII format is necessary when using the WEP interface. Your WEP

enabled device should already have either HEX or ASCII format pass-phrase associated. Consult the information asked for in section 5.2.



HEX: 10 characters in HEX notation for 40 bit, or 26 characters for 128 bit.



ASCII: 5 characters for 40 bit, 13 characters for 128 bit.

8. Input the Network Key a second time into the “Confirm network key” box.

9. Select OK.

You are returned to the Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box and are able to verify your connection.

5.3.2 WPA: Setting the Network Key (Network Security)

Securing your Software Access Point enabled network is essential in a wireless network environment. Security for the Software Access Point is maintained through the following features:

 Support for WPA (WPA-Personal Security (Wi-Fi protected access) AES and TKIP)  Support for the WEP (Wired Equivalency Protocol)  Support for MAC address filtering

This section gives instruction on how to correctly set up WPA security on your HP PC. If you are currently running a WEP enabled device, return to Section 5.3.1, WEP: Setting the Network Key (Network Security).

In order to set up your Network Key (WPA security feature) you will need to do the following:

1. Open the Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box:

 Right click on the Wireless Networks icon in the system tray.  Select View Available Wireless Networks from the Wireless Networks icon menu.

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

Figure 14: Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box

2. Select Add under the Preferred networks selection box.

The Wireless Network Properties dialog box appears as shown in Figure 15.

Figure 15: Wireless network properties dialog box

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

3. Uncheck the box “The key is provided for me automatically”.

4. Verify that the Network Authentication is set to WPA-PSK.

5. Verify that the Data Encryption is set to TKIP.

6. Input the Network Key of your Access Point, Wireless Broadband Router or Wireless

Gateway.

Note:

A 8 – 63 character alphanumeric key-phrase is necessary when using the WPA interface.

WPA does not require HEX or ASCII notation common with WEP keys. Your WPA enabled device should already have a 8 – 63 character alphanumeric key-phrase. Consult the information asked for in section 5.2 .

7. Input the Network Key a second time into the “Confirm network key” box.

8. Select OK.

You are returned to the Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box and are able to verify your connection.

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

6 Service Pack 1: Windows XP Wireless Zero

Configuration

This chapter contains information on configuring your HP PC for Station Mode (as a client) if you do not wish to convert to Access Point Mode (AP Mode).

It is necessary to complete the steps in Chapter 2, Antenna Attachment and Chapter 3, Veryfying your Service Pack prior to using Windows XP

Note:

It is assumed that there is an existing wireless network with connection to the internet. If

not, please consult your ISP for further information on establishing an internet connection.

If you have already established a wireless network with access to the internet and you would like to wirelessly connect this HP PC to your wireless network, use Station Mode. Due to Windows

Zero Configuration

XP running the SoftAP™ in Station or Client Mode. To continue using your HP PC in Station Mode you will need only to set-up the Network name and network security (Chapter 3).

(Windows XP Wireless Network Configuration) your HP PC is currently

Wireless Network Configuration.

6.1 Launching Microsoft Windows XP Wireless Network Configuration

To launch Windows XP Wireless Network Configuration:

1. In the Systems Tray find the Wireless Networking icon.

Note: There may be multiple

Network icons in the system

Figure 16: Wireless Network icon

2. Select View Available Wireless Networks from the Wireless Network icon menu.

The Wireless Network Connection dialog box will appear.

tray. Choose the one for Wireless Network Connection as sho

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

6.2 Setting the Network name and Network Security

Your HP PC is functioning in Station or Client Mode by default. After launching the application (See Section 6.1, Launching the application) you will need to input the Network name and Network Key. The Network name and Network Key must both be set up for your HP PC to function with your current network in Station Mode.

Before setting up the Network name and Network Key on your HP PC you must identify this information on your current wireless network:

 Network name (SSID)  Security WPA-PSK Key OR Security WEP Key

The Wireless Network Connection dialog box appears when you have launched Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration:

Note:

Your Network name will appear in the Available wireless networks box. Any other listed available wireless networks represent the wireless networks established within range of your HP PC. These will vary and do not provide secured access to the internet.

Figure 17: Wireless Network Connection dialog box

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

1. Choose your Wireless Network in the Available wireless networks selection box.

2. Select Advanced.

The Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box appears.

Figure 18: Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box

3. Select the General tab in the Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box.

4. Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) in the “This connection uses the following items:”

selection box.

5. Select Properties.

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

The Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box appears with the General tab displayed.

Figure 19: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box

6. Verify that the following choices are selected:

 Obtain an IP address automatically  Obtain DNS server address automatically

Note: Obtaining an IP address automatically is recommended. If static IP address settings

are preferred, refer to your own wireless network settings.

7. Select OK.

You are returned to the Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box.

For instructions on how to set WEP security refer to Section 6.2.1. For instructions on how to set WPA security refer to Section 6.2.2.

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

6.2.1 WEP: Setting the Network Key (Network Security)

Securing your Software Access Point enabled network is essential in a wireless network environment. Security for the Software Access Point is maintained through the following features:

 Support for WPA (WPA-Personal Security (Wi-Fi protected access) AES and TKIP)  Support for the WEP (Wired Equivalency Protocol)  Support for MAC address filtering

This section gives instruction on how to correctly set up WEP security on your HP PC. If you are currently running a WPA enabled device, skip to Section 6.2.2, WPA: Setting the Network Key (Network Security).

In order to set up your Network Key (WEP security feature) you will need to do the following:

1. Open the Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box:

 Right click on the Wireless Networks icon in the system tray.  Select View Available Wireless Networks from the Wireless Networks icon menu.  Verify that the wireless network you wish to set up security for is highlighted in the

“Available wireless networks” selection box.

 Select Advanced.

Figure 20: Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

2. Select Refresh to the right of the Available networks selection box.

3. Highlight the Network name (SSID) of your Access Point, Wireless Broadband Router or

Wireless Gateway in the “Available networks” selection box.

4. Select Configure

The Wireless Network Properties dialog box appears.

Figure 21: Wireless network properties dialog box

5. Verify that the Network name (SSID) is the same as the one selected in step 3 of this

section.

6. Uncheck the box “The key is provided for me automatically”.

7. Verify that the Network Authentication is set to Open.

8. Verify that the Data Encryption is set to WEP.

9. Input the Network Key of your Access Point, Wireless Broadband Router or Wireless

Gateway.

Note:

Either a HEX or ASCII format is necessary when using the WEP interface. Your WEP

enabled device should already have either HEX or ASCII format pass-phrase associated. Consult the information asked for in section 6.2.



HEX: 10 characters in HEX notation for 40 bit, or 26 characters for 128 bit.



ASCII: 5 characters for 40 bit, 13 characters for 128 bit.

10. Input the Network Key a second time into the “Confirm network key” box.

11. Select OK.

You are returned to the Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box.

In order to verify your wireless connection see section 6.3, Verifying your Wireless Connection.

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

6.2.2 WPA: Setting the Network Key (Network Security)

Securing your Software Access Point enabled network is essential in a wireless network environment. Security for the Software Access Point is maintained through the following features:

 Support for WPA (WPA-Personal Security (Wi-Fi protected access) AES and TKIP)  Support for the WEP (Wired Equivalency Protocol)  Support for MAC address filtering

This section gives instruction on how to correctly set up WPA security on your HP PC. If you are currently running a WEP enabled device, return to Section 6.2.1, WEP: Setting the Network Key (Network Security).

In order to set up your Network Key (WPA security feature) you will need to do the following:

1. Open the Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box:

“Available wireless networks” selection box.

 Select Advanced.

Figure 22: Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box

2. Select Refresh to the right of the Available networks selection box.

Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device

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