Asus WiFi-b User Manual

™

WiFi-b

Wireless Fidelity Card

Card

User Guide

Checklist

E1414 Revised Edition V2

September 2003

No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.

SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.

Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.

Contents

Notices........................................................................................................ v

Safety information...................................................................................... vi

About this guide ......................................................................................... vi

WiFi-b™ specifications summary ............................................................. viii

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome........................................................................................1-2

1.2 Package contents ..........................................................................1-2

1.3 Features ........................................................................................ 1-2

1.4 Card layout .................................................................................... 1-3

1.5 LED indicators ............................................................................... 1-3

Chapter 2: Hardware installation

2.1 System requirements.....................................................................2-2

2.2 Installing the WiFi-b™ card ........................................................... 2-3

2.3 Antenna placement........................................................................2-3

2.4 WiFi-b™ modes ............................................................................. 2-4

2.5 Network setup................................................................................2-4

Chapter 3: Software installation

3.1 Support CD information .................................................................3-2

3.1.1 Installing the WLAN Card Utilities and driver ...................3-2

3.1.2 Setting the Windows® XP wireless options .....................3-2

3.1.3 Other support CD options ................................................3-2

3.2 Setup Wizard .................................................................................3-3

3.2.1 Selecting the WiFi-b™ operation mode ...........................3-3

3.2.2 Station Mode....................................................................3-3

3.2.3 My Configuration..............................................................3-5

3.3 Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) .............................................. 3-10

3.3.1 Broadband connection that requires an account ........... 3-10

3.3.2 Broadband connection that is always on ....................... 3-14

3.3.3 Dial-up modem .............................................................. 3-15

Chapter 4: Utility information

4.1 The Control Center utility ............................................................... 4-2

4.1.1 Control Center icons ........................................................4-2

iii

Contents

4.2 Control Center Right-click menu.................................................... 4-2

4.2.1 Wireless LAN Card Settings ............................................ 4-3

4.2.2 Help Menu ....................................................................... 4-9

4.2.3 Change Mode .................................................................. 4-9

4.2.4 Preferences ................................................................... 4-10

4.2.5 About Control Center .....................................................4-10

4.3 Control Center Left-click menu ....................................................4-10

4.4 Configuring WiFi-b™ by Wireless Settings utility ........................ 4-11

4.4.1 Station Mode (STA) ....................................................... 4-11

4.4.2 Soft Access Point Mode (Soft AP) ................................. 4-13

4.5 Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) .............................................. 4-16

4.5.1 Connect to the Internet using a broadband

connection that is always on ..........................................4-16

4.5.2 Connect to the Internet using a broadband or

dial-up connection that requires an account ..................4-17

4.6 Network Bridge ............................................................................4-19

Appendix

A.1 Troubleshooting ............................................................................ A-2

A.2 Channels ...................................................................................... A-5

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and

• This device must accept any interference received including interference that

may cause undesired operation.

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

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment to 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.

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

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

Safety information

In order to maintain compliance with the FCC RF exposure guidelines, this equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance [20cm] between the radiator and your body. Use only with supplied antenna. Unauthorized antenna, modification, or attachments could damage the transmitter and may violate FCC regulations.

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authorization to use this device.

MPE Statement

Your device contains a low power transmitter. When device is transmitted it sends out Radio Frequency (RF) signal.

Caution Statement of the FCC Radio Frequency Exposure

This Wireless LAN radio device has been evaluated under FCC Bulletin OET 65C and found compliant to the requirements as set forth in CFR 47 Sections 2.1091,

2.1093, and 15.247(b)(4) addressing RF Exposure from radio frequency devices. The radiation output power of this Wireless LAN device is far below the FCC radio

frequency exposure limits. Nevertheless, this device shall be used in such a manner that the potential for human contact during normal operation – as a mobile or portable device but use in a body-worn way is strictly prohibited. When using this device, a certain separation distance between antenna and nearby persons has to be kept to ensure RF exposure compliance. In order to comply with the RF exposure limits established in the ANSI C95.1 standards, the distance between the antennas and the user should not be less than [20cm].

SAR Exposure

This device has been tested for compliance with FCC RF Exposure (SAR) limits in typical laptop configurations.

In order to comply with SAR limits established in the ANSI C95.1 standards, it is recommended when using a PC card adapter that the integrated antenna is positioned more than [2.5cm] from your body or nearby persons during extended periods of operation. If the antenna is positioned less than [2.5cm] from the user, it is recommended that the user limit the exposure time.

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need to install and configure your WiFi-b™ card.

How this guide is organized

This manual contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter describes the features of the WiFi-b™ card. It presents the card layout, the standard package contents and LED indicators.

• Chapter 2: Hardware installation

This chapter provides a step-by-step procedure on installing the WiFi-b™ card into an ASUS motherboard. It also provides information on the system requirements and recommended WiFi-b™ wireless network settings.

• Chapter 3: Software installation

This chapter provides information on the WiFi-b™ card software installation and describes configuration of WiFi-b™ using the setup wizard.

• Chapter 4: Utility information

This chapter provides information on how to configure the WiFi-b™ using the Control Center utility.

• Appendix

The appendix contains sections for troubleshooting and information on IEEE 802.11b channels and frequencies.

Conventions used in this guide

To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.

WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task.

IMPORTANT: Information that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE: Tips and additional information to aid in completing a task.

vii

WiFi-b™ specifications summary

Standard IEEE 802.11b Technology Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) Data Transfer Rate 11Mbps (with automatic fallback to 5.5, 2 and 1Mbps) Host Interface ASUS proprietary WiFi-b™ interface Network Types Supports Infrastructure and Ad Hoc networks Frequency Band 2.4 GHz ~ 2.5 GHz Security 64-bit/128-bit configurable WEP encryption Access Point Software access point function supports up to

31 wireless clients (Windows® XP only)

Operating Distance Indoors: 100 ft (30 m) @ 11Mbps

Outdoors:1000 ft (300 m) @ 11Mbps

Supported OS Station Mode: Windows

Soft AP Mode: Windows® XP

98SE/ME/2000/XP

Antenna Stand-alone dipolar antenna

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

viii

Chapter 1

This chapter describes the features of the WiFi-b™ card. It presents the card layout, the standard package contents and LED indicators.

Product introduction

1.1 Welcome

Thank you for choosing the ASUS WiFi-b™ Card! The WiFi-b™ card is a wireless network interface card for ASUS motherboards with the proprietary Wi-Fi slot. This card conforms to the IEEE 802.11b standard for wireless local area network (WLAN) assuring you of seamless connection to any wireless network. The WiFi-b™ card also allows you to share a single Internet connection with other computers making it a perfect solution for your home or small office network. With easy installation and full software support, WiFi-b™ is sure to keep you ahead in the world of wireless computing.

1.2 Package contents

Check the following items in your ASUS WiFi-b™ package. Contact your retailer if any item is damaged or missing.

ASUS WiFi-b™ card ASUS WiFi-b™ antenna User Guide WiFi-b™ support CD*

* If you purchased an ASUS Wireless Edition motherboard, the WiFi-b™ support CD contents are included in the motherboard support CD.

1.3 Features

The WiFi-b™ card gives you freedom to connect to a wired or wireless local area network and the Internet without the wires and cables. Employing the Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology, the WiFi-b™ card is capable of transmitting and receiving signals through radio waves on the 2.4 GHz band.

Here are other WiFi-b™ features:

• Reliable data transfer rates of up to 11Mbps with automatic fallback to 5.5, 2, and 1Mbps

• Secure data transmission via Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption

• Operating distance of up to 100 ft (30 m) indoors and 1000 ft (300m) outdoors*

• Easy installation and full software support

• Soft access point function supports up to 31 wireless clients (Windows

XP only)

• Supports infrastructure (WiFi-b™ to access point) and ad-hoc (WiFi-b™ to other wireless clients) network types

• Windows

* The WiFi-b™ operating distance may be shorter if there are walls, barriers, or interferences in the home layout or operating environment.

1-2

98SE/ME/2000/XP compatible

ASUS WiFi-b™ Card

1.4 Card layout

WiFi-b™ connectors

Antenna connector

Data Transmission LED Network Link LED

1.5 LED indicators

The WiFi-b™ card comes with a Data Transmission (Green AIR) and Network Link (Yellow LINK) LED indicators. Refer to the table below for LED indications.

AIR LINK Meaning

Fast Blink ON WiFi-b™ radio is on and is transmitting/receiving data ON ON WiFi-b™ radio is on but no data activity OFF OFF No power / WiFi-b™ radio is off or disabled Blink OFF WiFi-b™ is not connected to a wireless LAN

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1-3

1-4

ASUS WiFi-b™ Card

Chapter 2

This chapter provides a step-by-step procedure on installing the WiFi-b™ card into an ASUS motherboard that supports Wi-Fi specification. It also provides information on system requirements and recommended wireless network settings.

Hardware installation

2.1 System requirements

Before installing the WiFi-b™ card, make sure that your system meets the following requirements.

• ASUS motherboard with Wi-Fi slot

• Intel

• Minimum 64MB system memory

• Windows

• CD-ROM drive for software and drivers installation

Notes for P4P800 Deluxe/P4C800 Deluxe/P4P800/P4C800/P4C800-E Deluxe motherboards:

• Update the BIOS before installing the WiFi-b™ card. Download the latest BIOS

Pentium™ 4 or AMD K7/K8 system

98SE/2000/ME/XP operating system

The following ASUS motherboards support the WiFi-b™ card: P4C800-E Deluxe, P4C800 Deluxe, P4C800, P4P800 Deluxe, P4P800, P4P800S-E Deluxe, P4P800S, P4P8X, P4S800-D Deluxe, P4S800D, P4S800, K8V Deluxe, A7N8X-E Deluxe, and A7V600. Visit the ASUS website for an updated list of motherboards with Wi-Fi slot.

file from the ASUS website.

• Update the 3Com utilities to V.046 before installing the WiFi-b™ card. The 3Com utility update is available in the WiFi-b™ support CD.

• The PCI slot nearest the WiFi slot may not be used simultaneously with the Wi-Fi slot. If a PCI card is installed on this slot, transfer it to another PCI slot before installing WiFi-b™.

2.2 Installing the WiFi-b™ card

Before handling the card, touch a bare metal portion of your PC to discharge static electricity from your body. Wear a wrist strap grounded to the PC chassis when handling the card.

The PCI5 and the Wi-Fi slot may not be used simultaneously on certain motherboards. Check your motherboard documentation for this limitation.

Follow these instructions to install the WiFi-b™ card in your system.

1. Make sure that the PC is turned off. Unplug the power cord from the electrical socket.

2. Remove the PC cover.

3. Locate the Wi-Fi slot. Refer to your motherboard documentation for the Wi-Fi slot location.

4. Remove the rear panel bracket opposite the Wi-Fi slot. Keep the screw for later use.

2-2

ASUS WiFi-b™ Card

5. Carefully insert the card into the Wi-Fi slot.

To prevent incorrect orientation, a WiFi-b™ connector pin is removed to match the covered hole on the Wi-Fi slot.

6. Secure the card with the screw that you removed earlier.

7. Replace the PC cover and plug in the power cord.

9. Connect the dipolar antenna twist-on connector to the antenna connector (male) of the WiFi-b™ card.

8. Turn on the computer.

An installed WiFi-b™ card

2.3 Antenna placement

Place the antenna at an elevated location to receive or transmit better signal. Do not place the antenna under your table or in a closed compartment.

Chapter 2: Hardware Installation

2-3

2.4 WiFi-b™ modes

The WiFi-b™ card may be set to Station (STA) or Soft Access Point (Soft AP) mode. In STA mode, WiFi-b™ connects to a wireless or wired network through an access point. In Soft AP mode, WiFi-b™ connects other computers with wireless devices to a wireless or wired network.

The following section describes the WiFi-b™ card functions in a typical home or small office network.

2.5 Network setup

After installing the WiFi-b™ card, determine your network settings to avail all WiFi-b™ features. The following network settings are recommended.

WiFi-b™ in Soft Access Point (Soft AP) Mode - Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)

The Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) feature allows wireless clients to share a single Internet connection. In this setup, WiFi-b™ automatically assigns a virtual IP address to each of the wireless clients. The computer with the WiFi-b™ card must create a broadband network connection.

PC with WiFi-b™

INTERNET

ADSL Modem

Wireless clients

WiFi-b™ in Soft Access Point (Soft AP) Mode -ICS and Bridge

In this setup, WiFi-b™ bridges the computer’s network connection to the ADSL modem (wired) and to the wireless client (wireless). WiFi-b™ assigns a virtual IP address to the wireless client. The PC with the installed WiFi-b™ card must setup a broadband network connection.

PC1

PC with

WiFi-b™

PC2

2-4

INTERNET

Hub

ADSL Modem

Wireless client

ASUS WiFi-b™ Card

WiFi-b™ in Soft Access Point (Soft AP) Mode - Bridge

In this setup, WiFi-b™ functions as a wireless hub allowing a wireless client to access the ADSL modem and the Internet. The router assigns a virtual Internet Protocol (IP) address to the wireless client.

PC1

PC2

INTERNET

Hub

PC3 with

WiFi-b™

ADSL Modem

Router

Wireless client

WiFi-b™ in Soft Access Point (Soft AP) Mode - Bridge

In this setup, WiFi-b™ bridges the computer’s network connection to the ADSL modem and to the wireless clients allowing the latter access to the Internet. The real IP address for each wireless client is supplied by the Internet Service Provider. In this setup, every computer must create a broadband network connection.

INTERNET

ADSL Modem

PC with

WiFi-b™

Wireless

clients

The number of computers that can connect simultaneously to the Internet depends on the number of IP address assigned by the ISP.

Chapter 2: Hardware Installation

2-5

WiFi-b™ in Soft Access Point (Soft AP) Mode - Bridge

This setup applies to a host computer with an installed WiFi-b™ card and a network adapter connected to a hub. By bridging the network connections to the hub and the wireless client, the latter is allowed connection to the Internet via the ADSL modem. The Internet Service Provider (ISP) assigns the real IP address to the wireless client. In this setup, every computer must create a broadband network connection.

PC2

PC1 with

WiFi-b™

INTERNET

ADSL Modem

Hub

PC3

Wireless client

The number of computers that can connect simultaneously to the Internet depends on the number of IP address assigned by the ISP.

WiFi-b™ in Station Mode - Infrastructure Network

When set to Station Mode, WiFi-b™ connects to a wired or wireless network via an access point. The router assigns a virtual IP address to each wireless client.

2-6

INTERNET

ADSL Modem

PC1 PC2

Router

Access Point

Hub

Wireless clients

ASUS WiFi-b™ Card

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