Alpha Networks CG-WLCB54GL User Manual

CG-WLCB54GL

User’s Guide

Contents

Package Contents....................................................3

Introduction...............................................................4

Wireless Basics........................................................7

Getting Started........................................................10

Installation ..............................................................14

Using the Configuration Utility for Windows 2000, 98,

or ME......................................................................27

Using the Configuration Utility for Windows XP......33

Networking Basics..................................................43

Troubleshooting......................................................75

Technical Specifications..........................................80

Package Contents

Contents of Package:

• CG-WLCB54GL

IEEE 802.11g Cardbus Wireless Network Adapter

• Manual and Drivers on CD

If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.

System Requirements:

• A laptop computer with an available 32-bit Cardbus slot

• Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, or Windows 98SE

• At least 32 MB of memory and a 300 MHz processor or higher

• An 802.11a/b Access Point for (Infrastructure Mode)

IEEE 802.11g Cardbus Wireless Network Adapter

Introduction

CG-WLCB54GL is an advanced IEEE 802.11b/g compatible, high performance, wireless card that supports data transfer speeds of up to 54 Mbps in 802.11g mode.

CG-WLCB54GL comes with software drivers for the most popular Microsoft Windows operating systems and can be integrated into a larger network, running Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows 98SE, Infrastructure mode (with an Access Point).

This manual provides a quick introduction to wireless technology and its application as it relates to networking. Take a moment to read through this manual and get acquainted with wireless technology.

IEEE 802.11g Cardbus Wireless Network Adapter

Product Features

• Compatible with IEEE 802.11b standard to provide wireless Ethernet data

rates of up to11Mbps data rate

• Compatible with IEEE 802.11g high rate standard to provide wireless

54Mbps data rate

• Operation at dual 2.4 ~ 2.5GHz frequency bands to meet worldwide

regulations

• Dynamic date rate scaling at 1, 2, 5.5, and 11Mbps for IEEE 802.11b

• Dynamic date rate scaling at 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54Mbps for IEEE

802.11g

• Maximum reliability, throughput and connectivity with automatic data rate

switching

• Supports wireless data encryption with 64/128/152-bit WEP for security

• Supports infrastructure networks via Access Point

• Built-in printed inverted F antenna

• Supports AES enhanced security

• Supports CardBus (32-bit) Type II PC Card

• User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities

• Driver support for Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, and XP

IEEE 802.11g Cardbus Wireless Network Adapter

LEDS

LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. The IEEE 802.11g Cardbus Wireless Network Adapter has two LEDs: POWER and ACTIVITY.

Network Mode LED Activity

Network Activity Both LEDs flash in unison Searching for a

Network Connection Associated with the

Network, but No Activity

Power Save Mode (Power-up or Reset)

Card is disabled Only the POWER LED flashes

Both LEDs flash alternately

Both LEDs flicker dimly

POWER LED – slow rate blink

IEEE 802.11g Cardbus Wireless Network Adapter

Wireless Basics

Wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-use and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home or business. Strictly adhering to the 802.11b and 802.11g standards, our wireless family of products will allow you to access the data you want, when and where you want it. No longer will you be limited to one location or forced to run new wiring through your home or office. You will be able to enjoy the freedom that wireless networking delivers.

A Wireless LAN (WLAN) is a cellular computer network that transmits and receives data with radio signals instead of wires. Wireless LANs are used increasingly in both home and office environments. Innovative ways to utilize WLAN technology are helping people to work and communicate more efficiently. Increased mobility and the absence of cabling and other fixed infrastructure have proven to be beneficial for many users.

Wireless users can use the same network applications they use on an Ethernet LAN. Wireless card cards used on laptop and desktop systems, support the same protocols as Ethernet card cards. For most users, there is no noticeable functional difference between a wired Ethernet desktop computer and a wireless computer equipped with a wireless card other than the added benefit of the ability to roam within the wireless-cell. Under many circumstances, it may be desirable for mobile network devices to link to a conventional Ethernet LAN in order to use servers, printers or an Internet connection supplied through the wired LAN. A Wireless Access Point (AP) is a device used to provide this link. Your new IEEE 802.11g Carbus Wireless Network Adapter can connect to an 802.11b/g AP, as well as other computers that have an 802.11b/g WLAN card installed.

People use wireless LAN technology for many different purposes: Mobility - Productivity increases when people have access to data in any

location within the operating range of the WLAN. Ad-hoc management decisions based on real-time information can significantly improve worker efficiency.

Low Implementation Costs - WLANs are easy to set up, manage, change and relocate. Networks that frequently change, both physically and logically, can benefit from WLANs’ ease of implementation. WLANs can operate in locations where installation of wiring may be impractical. Furthermore, IEEE

IEEE 802.11g Cardbus Wireless Network Adapter

standardization facilitates interoperability of all WLAN devices that conform to the 802.11b or 802.11g sets of standards.

Installation Speed and Simplicity - Installing a wireless LAN system can be fast and easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and ceilings.

Installation Flexibility - Wireless technology allows the network to go where wires cannot go.

Reduced Cost-of-Ownership - While the initial investment required for wireless LAN hardware might be higher than the cost of wired LAN hardware, overall installation expenses and life-cycle costs will be significantly lower. Long-term cost benefits are greatest in dynamic environments requiring frequent moves, adds, and changes.

Scalability - Wireless LAN systems can be configured in a variety of topologies to meet the needs of specific applications and installations. Configurations are easily changed and range from peer-to-peer networks suitable for a small number of users to full infrastructure networks of thousands of users that allow roaming over a broad area.

Standards - Based Technology

The IEEE 802.11g standard designates that devices operate at an optimal data rate of 54 Megabits per second. This means you will be able to transfer large files quickly or even watch a movie in MPEG format over your network without noticeable delays. This technology works by transmitting high-speed digital data over a radio wave utilizing OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) technology. OFDM works by splitting the radio signal into multiple smaller sub-signals that are then transmitted simultaneously at different frequencies to the receiver. OFDM reduces the amount of crosstalk (interference) in signal transmissions. Our products will automatically sense the best possible connection speed to ensure the greatest speed and range possible with the technology.

Installation Considerations

Designed to traverse distances up to 900 feet (~300 meters), the CGWLCB54GL lets you access your network from your laptop computer virtually anywhere you want. Keep in mind, however, that the number and thickness of walls, ceilings or other objects that the wireless signals must pass thru may limit range. Typical ranges vary depending on the types of materials and background RF noise in your home or business. The key to maximizing the transmission range is to follow these basic principles:

IEEE 802.11g Cardbus Wireless Network Adapter

Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the Access Point and

your receiving device to a minimum - Each wall or ceiling can reduce your Wireless product’s range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.) For some businesses or for a large residential home deployment, it may be beneficial to have more than one access point with overlapping coverage.

2. Be aware of the direct line between Access Points and computers with wireless cards - A wall that is 1.5 feet thick (.5 meters), at a 45-degree angle appears to be almost 3 feet (1 meter) thick. At a 2-degree angle it looks as if it were over 42 feet (14 meters) thick! Try to make sure that the Access Points and Cards are positioned so that the signal will travel in as straight a line through a wall or ceiling as possible for better reception.

3. Building Materials make a difference - A solid metal door or aluminum studs can have a negative effect on range. Try to position Access Points and computers with wireless cards so that the signal passes through drywall or open doorways and not other materials.

4. Make sure that the antenna is positioned for best reception by using the software signal strength tools included with your IEEE 802.11g Carbus Wireless Network Adapter.

5. Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical

devices or appliances that generate RF noise.

For the average residence, range should not be a problem. If you experience low or no signal strength in areas of your home that you wish to access, consider positioning the Access Point in a location directly between the computers with wireless cards that will be connected. Additional Access Points can be connected to provide better coverage in rooms where the signal does not appear as strongly as desired.

IEEE 802.11g Cardbus Wireless Network Adapter

Getting St arted

To begin, select the type of wireless network you will be building. We will discuss the following types of networks in this section:

1. A Home Internet Network

with A Residential Gateway/Router

2. A Home Internet Network with Multiple IP Addresses

Please select, from the four types of networks described above, the type of network that is appropriate for your needs. Please follow the instructions in the corresponding section that follows.

1. A Home Internet Network with A Residential Gateway/Router

(Network administrators with Dynamic IPs can also follow these instructions.)

If you have two or more computers (laptops or desktops) and want to share files, printers, and Internet access using a DHCP-capable Residential Gateway/Router – or − if you want to connect to an Ethernet network that uses Dynamic (DHCP) IP addresses, then follow the instructions on the next page. When it is complete, your network may look similar to this:

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It is a protocol for assigning dynamic IP addresses “automatically.” With a DHCP-capable gateway, there is no need to manually assign an IP address.

IEEE 802.11g Cardbus Wireless Network Adapter

(Requirements: A Residential Gateway/Router connected with an Ethernet (CAT5) cable to an 802.11a/b Access Point or an 802.11a/g Access Point or another computer with an 802.11b/g WLAN card installed).

This type of installation requires that you provide a dynamic IP address for each computer on your network. You will need a DHCP-capable Residential Gateway/Router for your network.

To complete the installation, please follow these steps:

1. Connect the Router/Gateway to a Broadband connection, (e.g., a

Cable modem or a DSL modem.)

2. Connect the WLAN Access Point to the router.

3. Install theCG-WLCB54GL into a laptop computer on your wireless

network.

4. Check the Device Manager to confirm that the wireless card is

installed correctly. Please refer to the Networking Basics section in this manual entitled: Checking the Installation of the Drivers for the Wireless Card.

5. By default, the wireless card is set to obtain a Dynamic IP Address. If

you are having difficulty connecting, check to make sure that the IP Address of the wireless card is within the IP address range of your network. Please refer to the Networking Basics section in this manual entitled: Checking The IP Address.

6. Learn to share printers and files. Please refer to the Networking

Basics section in this manual entitled: Adding and Sharing Printers in Windows XP.

2. A Home Internet Network with Multiple IP Addresses

(Network administrators with Static IPs can also follow these instructions.)

If you have two or more computers (laptops or desktops) and want to share files, printers, and Internet access using multiple IP addresses that you have purchased from your Internet Service Provider -or- you want to connect to an Ethernet network that uses Static IP Addresses, then follow the instructions on the next page. When you have completed your network, it should look similar to this:

IEEE 802.11g Cardbus Wireless Network Adapter

Please note that this type of installation requires that your ISP (Internet Service Provider) provides you a static IP address for each computer and the Access Point on your network. Please refer to the manual that came with your Access Point to determine its configuration.

Please follow these steps to complete the installation:

1. Connect the Wireless Access Point to a Broadband connection.

2. Install the CG-WLCB54GL into the laptop computer(s) on your

wireless network.

3. Check the Device Manager to confirm that the wireless card is

installed correctly. Please refer to the Networking Basics section in this manual entitled: Checking the Installation of the Drivers for the Wireless Card.

4. Set the Static IP Address of the wireless cards. Please refer to the

Networking Basics section in this manual entitled: Assigning an IP Address.

IEEE 802.11g Cardbus Wireless Network Adapter

Note: The IP Address for all computers must be in the same IP Address range,

and the Subnet Mask must be the same for all the computers on the network. For example: If the first computer is assigned an IP Address of

192.168.0.2 with a Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0, then the second computer can be assigned an IP Address of 192.168.0.3 with a Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0, etc.

If you are using a PPPoE client (Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet) please contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider) for further instructions regarding connecting to the Internet.

5. To learn to share printers and files. Please refer to the Networking

Basics section in this manual entitled: Adding and Sharing Printers in Windows XP.

IEEE 802.11g Cardbus Wireless Network Adapter

Installation

This section shows you how to install the Utility if you are using the operating systems Windows 2000, ME, 98SE. Follow the instructions given below on how to install the hardware (CG-WLCB54GL) and then the software (driver and utility). For those using Windows XP, the installation procedure will be the same until the utility installation. Windows XP has a built in utility for wireless devices. The configuration utility does not need to be installed for users using the XP operating system.

System Requirements:

• A laptop computer with an available 32-bit Cardbus slot

• At least a 300 MHz processor and 32 MB of memory

• Cardbus Controller properly installed and working

• An 802.11b/g Access Point (for Infrastructure Mode)

1. Installing the CG-WLCB54GL

• Turn on the computer

•

Insert theCG-

WLCB54GL into an

available 32-bit Cardbus

slot.

IEEE 802.11g Cardbus Wireless Network Adapter

Installing the Driver Installing the software involves two steps. The first is to install the

Driver and the second is to install the Configuration Utility.

• When CG-WLCB54GL has been inserted into a 32-bit Cardbus slot, the Found New Hardware screen appears.

• Continue with the installation and the screen below should appear. Click on Yes to proceed with the installation.

IEEE 802.11g Cardbus Wireless Network Adapter

• Insert the Driver CD into the CD-ROM drive. If you have not inserted the Driver CD into the CD-Rom a prompt such as the one below will appear. Click OK.

• Otherwise installation will continue with the following screen and come to completion.

IEEE 802.11g Cardbus Wireless Network Adapter

3. Installing the Configuration Utility

Look for the file named “Setup.exe” on the installation CD-ROM. Doubleclick on it to start the installation for the configuration utility.

 When this screen appears click Next.

Setup.exe

 To install to the folder C:\Program Files\NonBrand Utility click

Next. Otherwise click on Browse to choose an alternate location.

IEEE 802.11g Cardbus Wireless Network Adapter



Click Next to proceed with the utility installation.

IEEE 802.11g Cardbus Wireless Network Adapter



The Setup Status screen will appear to inform you that the installation is in process, as seen below. This same screen will then alert you that all backup files have been removed.

After WLAN Utility has been successfully installed, InstallShield



Wizard will prompt you to restart your computer. Select “Yes, I want to restart my computer now,” and click on Finish.