ASUS WL-100GE User Manual

Wireless Local Area Network Card

®

WL-100gE

(For 802.11g & 802.11b Wireless Networks)

PWR

AIR

User’s Manual

E2159 / Jul 2005

Copyright Information

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”).

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
MERCHANT ABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A P AR TICULAR PURPOSE. IN
NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES
OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT , SPECIAL, INCIDENT AL,
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.

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.

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.

SPECIFICA TIONS AND INFORMA TION CONT AINED IN THIS MANUAL
ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE
SUBJECT TO CHANGE A T 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.

Copyright © 2005 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

2 ASUS WLAN Card

Copyright Information

ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.

Company address: 15 Li-Te Road, Beitou, Taipei 11259
General (tel): [phone]
Web site address: www.asus.com.tw
General (fax): [phone]
General email: [e-mail]

Technical support

General support (tel):[phone]
Online support: http://support.asus.com

ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)

Company address: 44370 Nobel Drive, Fremont, CA 94538, USA
General (fax): [phone]
Web site address: usa.asus.com

Technical support

General support (tel):[phone]
Online support: http://support.asus.com
Notebook (tel): [phone] x5110
Support (fax): [phone]

ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany & Austria)

Company address: Harkort Str. 25, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany
General (tel): [phone]
Web site address: www.asuscom.de
General (fax): [phone]
Online contact: www.asuscom.de/sales

Technical support

Component support: [phone]
Online support: http://support.asus.com
Notebook support: [phone]
Support (fax): [phone]

ASUS WLAN Card 3

Table of Contents

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

Overview .............................................................................................. 7

2. Installation ............................................................................... 8

System Requirements .......................................................................... 8

Installation Procedures......................................................................... 9

Installing the WLAN utilities and driver ........................................... 9

Orientating the Antenna ................................................................ 10

Reading the WLAN Status Indicators ........................................... 11

One Touch Wizard (new wireless LAN) ........................................ 12

One Touch Wizard (existing LAN)................................................. 13

Configuring the WLAN utility......................................................... 14

Soft AP (Windows XP Only) ............................................................... 15

3. Software Reference .............................................................. 19

Chapter Overview............................................................................... 19

Windows XP Wireless Options ..................................................... 19

WLAN Control Center......................................................................... 20

Wireless Settings Utility...................................................................... 23

Status - Status Tab ....................................................................... 23

Status - Connection ...................................................................... 26

Status - IP Config.......................................................................... 27

Config - Basic ............................................................................... 28

Config - Encryption ....................................................................... 30

Status - Advanced......................................................................... 33

Survey - Site Survey ..................................................................... 34

Ping............................................................................................... 35

About - Version Info Tab ............................................................... 36

Link State...................................................................................... 37

Exit Wireless Settings ................................................................... 37

Ad Hoc................................................................................................ 38

Windows XP Wireless Properties ....................................................... 40

4 ASUS WLAN Card

Table of Contents

4. Troubleshooting.................................................................... 42

5. Glossary................................................................................. 44

6. Safety Information................................................................. 52

Federal Communications Commission............................................... 52

FCC Radio Frequency Interference Requirements ...................... 53

FCC RF Exposure Guidelines (Access Points) ............................ 53

FCC RF Exposure Guidelines (Wireless Cards)........................... 54

Canadian Department of Communications ........................................ 54

Operation Channel for Different Domains .......................................... 54

France Restricted Frequency Band.................................................... 55

ASUS WLAN Card 5

6 ASUS WLAN Card

1. Introduction

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Overview

Thank you for purchasing the ASUS WLAN Card. The ASUS WLAN Card is
a PCMCIA compliant “wireless” network interface card (NIC) for any computer
equipped with a PC Card slot (available mainly in Notebook PCs).

The ASUS WLAN Card is designed to be fully compliant with both the IEEE

802.11g and IEE802.1 1b wireless local area network (Wireless LAN) standards.
As a result of the completion of the standard, the interoperability of Wireless
LAN products among multiple manufacturers will be guaranteed. The ASUS
WLAN Card product provides high-speed, standards-based Wireless LAN
solutions.

The ASUS WLAN Card is designed to be fully compliant with IEEE 802.11g
wireless local area networks (WLAN). 802.11g is an extension to 802.11b,
used in majority of wireless LANs today . 802.1 1g will broaden 802.1 1b's data
rates to 54 Mbps within the 2.4 GHz band using OFDM (orthogonal frequency
division multiplexing) technology . 802.11g allows backward compatibility with

802.11b devices but only at 11 Mbps or lower depending on the range and
presence of obstructions.

Chapter 1

Introduction

The ASUS WLAN Card supports data rates up to 11 Mbps, with automatic
fallback to 5.5, 2, and 1 Mbps in 802.11b networks. It operates in the unlicensed

2.4 GHz frequencies called the Instrumentation, Science, and Medical (ISM)
band. Unlicensed means free of charge to users.

The ASUS WLAN Card configuration utility is a user-friendly application that
helps you quickly setup multiple roaming nodes using the ASUS WLAN Card.
You can even export the configuration settings to a file and import them to
other computers for fast multiple installations using ASUS Mobile Manager.
Wireless LANs are complementary extensions to existing wired LANs, of fering
complete mobility while maintaining continuous network connectivity to both
corporate and home Intranets. They add a new level of convenience for LAN
users. PC users stay connected to the network anywhere throughout a building
without being bound by a LAN wires. This is accomplished through the use of
ASUS WLAN Access Points or ASUS WLAN Home Gateways. ASUS WLAN
Home Gateways with built-in Internet gateway capability , allows your family
to share a broadband Modem and one ISP account simultaneously from dif ferent
rooms without wires! ASUS WLAN products can keep you connected
anywhere, any time.

ASUS WLAN Card 7

2. Installation

System Requirements

To begin using the WLAN Card, you must have the following minimum
requirements:

Quick Start

Chapter 2

• Windows XP/2000/ME/98SE

• Standard PCMCIA Slot Type II

• 32MB system memory or larger

• 300MHz processor or higher

Installation Procedures

Chapter 2 - Installation

Important: Install the WLAN card utilities before inserting the WLAN
Card into your computer.

Follow these two easy steps before using the WLAN card.

1. Install the WLAN card utilities and driver from the support CD.

2. Insert the WLAN card into your computer.

8 ASUS WLAN Card

Chapter 2 - Installation

Installing the WLAN utilities and driver

Follow these instructions to install the WLAN card utilities and driver. Insert
the support CD and an autorun menu will appear. If your autorun is disabled,
double click SETUP.EXE in the root directory of the support CD.

Chapter 2

Quick Start

1. Select your language and click Install

WLAN Card Utilities/Driver.

3. Click Next after reading the Information. 4. Click Next to use the default Destination

2. Click Next on the Welcome screen.

Folder or click Browse to select another folder.

5. Click Next to place icons in the default pro­gram folder or type another folder name.

ASUS WLAN Card 9

6. When Setup is complete, click Finish to exit
the installation wizard and restart Windows.

Chapter 2 - Installation

7. Windows XP users: When the program is

Quick Start

Chapter 2

Orientating the Antenna

The ASUS WLAN Card has two integrated antennas, one external
omnidirectional antenna and the other is a built-in diversity antenna. It is
recommended that you adjust the external antenna straight up for maximum
range and higher link quality. Lower the external antenna when transporting
your Notebook PC.

launched for the first time (during Windows
restart), you will be asked which function to
use. Select to use utilities for more func­tions.

8. Carefully insert the WLAN card into your
computer’s PC card slot. Windows will au­tomatically find and configure the WLAN
card using the drivers installed in the previ­ous steps.

External omnidirectional antenna

Internal diversity antenna

Inserted with antenna down

10 ASUS WLAN Card

Inserted with antenna up

Chapter 2 - Installation

PWR

AIR

Reading the WLAN Status Indicators

The part of the WLAN Card that protrudes out of the PCMCIA socket consists
of two LEDs that indicate the status of the WLAN Card .

Chapter 2

Quick Start

Power LED

Air LED

Power LED

OFF: No power or error.
ON: Power ON.

Air LED

OFF: No wireless activity.
Blink: Transmitting or receiving wireless data.

ASUS WLAN Card 11

One Touch Wizard (new wireless LAN)

Use the One Touch Wizard to setup your wireless connection.

Quick Start

Chapter 2

Chapter 2 - Installation

1. Select Create a new... and click Next to
use the simplest configuration or select an­other option first.

3. Setup is complete. Click Finish to exit the
wizard or click Next to continue with more
advanced features.

2. Enter the SSID name of the access point that
you wish to connect to. Select Data encryp-
tion if secured connections are enabled.

4. Click OK to start ICSS setup.

5. Select your Internet connection from the list.

6. Setup is complete. Y ou can review your set­tings here.

12 ASUS WLAN Card

Chapter 2 - Installation

One Touch Wizard (existing LAN)

Use the One Touch Wizard to setup your wireless connection.

Chapter 2

Quick Start

1. Select Connect to... and click Next to use
the simplest configuration or select another
option first.

3. Setup is complete. Click Finish to exit the
wizard.

2. Select an AP from the available networks.

ASUS WLAN Card 13

Configuring the WLAN utility

After installing the WLAN Card Utilities, you will need to make
some settings before being able to use your wireless connection.
Double-click the WLAN Control Center icon to start the utility.

Quick Start

Chapter 2

Chapter 2 - Installation

1. Right-click the WLAN icon and select “Wire­less Settings”

3. Use “Site Survey” if you don’t know the
name of your access point(s).

2. Set the Network Name (SSID) to the same
name as the SSID set in your wireless ac­cess point.

4. Encryption settings must also match those
set in the access point. Ask your network
administrator about settings if necessary.
Click Apply to save your settings

5. Check the “Status” page to see the “Asso­ciation State”. It should show “Connected ­xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx”.

6. You can also see the connection quality on
the “Connection” page. Click OK to exit the
utility.

14 ASUS WLAN Card

Chapter 2 - Installation

Soft AP (Windows XP Only)

Soft AP mode allows the WLAN card to act as a virtual access point. The
computer needs to be connected to a wired network using an Ethernet connection
in order to provide network access to WLAN clients.

Chapter 2

Quick Start

1. Select Soft AP Mode

3. Enable ICS* and Firewall if desired. Refer
to Windows help for information on “Inter­net Connection Sharing”.

2. Drag and drop a wired network connection
next to the globe icon.

4. You can easily switch between Soft AP and
Station mode by right clicking the taskbar
icon and selecting “A-S Change Mode”.

*ICS is used to share this computer’s Internet connection with the rest of the computers on your
network. When this computer is connected to the Internet, communication to and from the Inter­net to all the computers on your network are sent through this computer, called the host com­puter. Other computers can send and receive email and access the Web as if it were connected
directly to the Internet.

ASUS WLAN Card 15

Soft AP (Windows XP Only) Cont.

Soft AP mode allows for Access Control configuration.

Access Control

The AP provides facilities to limit the wireless clients that associate with it and
the data packets that can forward through it. Filters provide network security

Quick Start

Chapter 2

or improve performance by eliminating broadcast/multicast packets from the
radio network.

The Access Control List (ACL) contains MAC addresses for wireless clients
allowed to associate with the AP. This provides security by preventing
unauthorized access. The AP also uses a disallowed address list of destinations.
This feature prevents the AP from communicating with specified destinations.
This can include network devices that do not require communication with the
AP or its wireless clients.

Chapter 2 - Installation

Status Page Encryption Page

Clicking Apply after configuring Soft AP will
show the “Access Control” tab.

16 ASUS WLAN Card

Enter a MAC Address on the Access Control
page and select “Accept” or “Reject” or “Dis­able” from the pull-down menu.

Chapter 2 - Installation

Soft AP (Windows XP Only) Cont.

Chapter 2

Quick Start

Soft AP Mode will also provide two extra tabs
on the Status pages - Association Table and
Event Log. The Association T able shows clients
that are currently connected to the Soft AP.

IMPORTANT: If the end points of a chain are connected to each
other a loop is created. Normally it is advised to avoid loops involv­ing bridges as it can lead to performance breakdowns, and broad­cast and multicast storms.

The Event Log tracks messages associated
with the Soft AP.

ASUS WLAN Card 17

Quick Start

Chapter 2

Chapter 2 - Installation

18 ASUS WLAN Card

Chapter 3 - Reference

3. Software Reference

Chapter Overview

The WLAN Card software includes several utilities:

• WLAN Control Center – Makes it easy to launch applications and

activate network location settings.

• Wireless Settings – Allows users to control the WLAN Card.

Additional Reference

• Windows XP Wireless Properties - Brief overview of the wireless

settings provided in Windows XP.

Windows XP Wireless Options

The wireless options shown below is only available for Windows XP. The
first time you run the Control Center utility, it will automatically show.
Select one of the radio buttons to decide which interface to use with your
WLAN Card.

Only use XP wireless function –

Only use “Windows XP” wireless
network settings to configure the
WLAN Card.

Only use utilities and disable XP
wireless function – Only use “WLAN

Card utilities” to configure the WLAN Card. (recommended)

You can return to the Wireless
Option setting at any time by left
clicking the control center icon and
choosing “Wireless Option”.

Chapter 3

Software Reference

Taskbar Left-Click Menu

ASUS WLAN Card 19

Chapter 3 - Reference

WLAN Control Center

Control Center is an application that makes it easy to launch applications
and activate network location settings. Control Center starts automatically
when the system boots. Whenever Control Center is running, you will see
a Control Center icon displayed on the Windows taskbar.

Starting the Control Center manually

• Select WLAN Control Center in Windows Start menu.
or

• Double click the WLAN Control Center icon on the desk-

top.

Control Center

Chapter 3

Using the Control Center Taskbar

The Control Center Taskbar menu display the following information:

• The link quality of the WLAN Card (Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor,
Not Linked)

• Whether the WLAN Card is connected to the Internet (Blue: Con­nected, Gray: Not Connected)

Taskbar Icon and Status (station mode)

Taskbar Icon and Status (access point mode)

20 ASUS WLAN Card

Chapter 3 - Reference

Wireless Status Icons (on the taskbar)

Excellent link quality and connected to Internet (Infrastructure)

Good link quality and connected to Internet (Infrastructure)

Fair link quality and connected to Internet (Infrastructure)

Poor link quality and connected to Internet (Infrastructure)

Not linked but connected to Internet (Infrastructure)

Excellent link quality but not connected to Internet (Infrastructure)

Good link quality but not connected to Internet (Infrastructure)

Fair link quality but not connected to Internet (Infrastructure)

Poor link quality but not connected to Internet (Infrastructure)

Not linked and not connected to Internet (Infrastructure)

Chapter 3

Control Center

ASUS WLAN Card 21

Chapter 3 - Reference

Taskbar Icon - Right Menu

Right-clicking the taskbar icon shows the following menu items:

• Wireless Settings – Launches Wireless Settings application.

• Activate Configuration – Allows you to set which profile to use.

• Mobile Manager – Launches Mobile Manager application.

• Site Monitor – Launches the Site Monitor application.

• Change Mode (Windows XP Only) - Configures your card in Station

(STA) or Soft Access Point (Soft AP) mode. In STA mode, your card
connects to an access point to access a wireless network or the Internet.
In Soft AP mode, your card transmits and receives signals to and from
other WiFi devices in a wireless network.

Control Center

Chapter 3

• Preferences – Customizes the way the Control Center program behaves.

You can create a Control Center shortcut on the desktop. You can also
set whether Control Center starts up with Windows.

• Exit – Closes the Control Center program.

Taskbar Icon - Left Menu

Left-clicking the taskbar icon shows the
following menu:

• Wireless Radio On – Turns the

• Wireless Radio Off – Turns the

• Search & Connect – View the

wireless radio ON.

wireless radio OFF.

properties of available Access Points within range.

Taskbar Left-Click Menu

• Wireless Option (W indows XP only) – Sets your Windows XP wire-
less networking environment.

Taskbar Icon - Launch Wireless Settings

Double-clicking the taskbar icon:

• Launches the Wireless Settings application.

22 ASUS WLAN Card

Chapter 3 - Reference

Wireless Settings Utility

Wireless Settings is an application that allows you to control your WLAN
Card. Use W ireless Settings to View or Modify the configuration settings and
monitor the operational status of your PC Card. Once Wireless Settings is
launched, you can see the tabbed property sheet. This property sheet is composed
of tabbed “pages”, each with its own group of feature-specific settings.

Starting Wireless Settings

• Open the Windows Control Panel, and then double-click the WLAN
Card Settings icon.

or

• Click the Windows Start button, select Programs | ASUS Utility |
WLAN Card | Wireless Settings.

or

• Right-click the Control Center icon on the Windows taskbar, select
Wireless Settings.

NOTE: If you have more than one WLAN device, you will be given a
device selection window when you launch the “Wireless Settings”
utility. Select the appropriate model if you face this situation.

Status - Status Tab

You can view the information about the WLAN Card from the general
menu. These fields are blank if the WLAN Card does not exist. You can
turn OFF the WLAN Card by clicking the “Disable Radio” button.

Chapter 3

Windows Settings

Station Mode

Access Point Mode

ASUS WLAN Card 23

Chapter 3 - Reference

Association State

Displays the connection status as follows:
Connected - The station is now associated with one wireless LAN device.

When operating in Infrastructure mode, this field shows the MAC address of
the Access Point with which you are communicating. When operating in Ad

*

Hoc

mode, this field shows the virtual MAC address used by computers

participating in the Ad Hoc
Scanning... - The station is now attempting to authenticate and associate with

the desired Access Point or Ad Hoc
Disconnected - The link is connected, but no beacon received.

*

network.

*

node.

Windows Settings

Chapter 3

SSID

Displays the Service Set Identifier (SSID) that the card is either associated or
intending to join.

MAC address

Indicates the hardware address of the card. MAC address is a unique identifier
for networking devices (typically written as twelve hexadecimal digits 0 through
9 and A through F, six hexadecimal numbers separated by colons, i.e.
00:E0:18:F0:05:C0).

Current Channel

Displays the radio channel that the card is currently tuned. This number changes
as the radio scans the available channels.

Current Data Rate

Displays the current transmit data rate in megabits per second (Mbps).

*

See Chapter 5 - Glossary

24 ASUS WLAN Card

Chapter 3 - Reference

Radio State

Shows the wireless radio ON or OFF.
Radio On - When the wireless radio is turned ON, the following icon

appears in the upper left of the Settings property page.
Radio Off- When the wireless radio is turned OFF , the following icon

appears in the upper left of the Settings property page.
Rescan – Force the radio to rescan all available channels. If your link quality

or signal strength is poor, rescanning can be used to push the radio off a
weak Access Point and search for a better link with another Access Point.
This function will take some time to complete.

Change SSID – Click on this to set the SSID.
Search & Connect – Click on this to connect to an available network.

Save as Profile

Later, when you make individual settings, you may want to use profiles to
save your settings. Profiles will help you combine all your settings for
work, home, roaming, and other locations so that you do not have to repeat
individual settings. When you travel from work to home, for example,
choose a “home” profile that contains all your settings for home use. When
you travel back to work, choose an “office” profile.

Click apply first if you have not.

Activate Configuration

Chapter 3

Windows Settings

Auto roaming is enabled by default and will automatically switch to stronger
access points. You can uncheck it if you have many access points and do
not want to constantly switch to different networks. If you want to use a
particular profile. You can also check it here.

ASUS WLAN Card 25

Chapter 3 - Reference

Status - Connection

You can view the current link statistics about the WLAN Card. These
statistics are updated once per second and are valid only if the WLAN
Card exists.

Windows Settings

Chapter 3

Frame Sent/Received

Transmitted - The number of frames that were transmitted.
Received - The number of frames that were received.

Frame Error

Transmitted - The number of frames that were not successfully transmitted.
Received - The number of frames that were not successfully received.

Connection Quality

Signal Strength - Reflects the signal level related to the Access Point or Ad
Hoc node the station is currently connected to. Ratings are: Excellent, Good,
Fair, and Poor.

Overall Connection Quality

It is derived from the current "Signal Strength". A graph displays a connection
quality range between 0 and 100 percent.

26 ASUS WLAN Card

Chapter 3 - Reference

Status - IP Config

IP Config tab shows all the current network configuration information for
the WLAN Card. Use it to verify your network settings.

IP CONFIG will display all the current TCP/IP configuration values
including the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway and Windows
Internet Naming Service (WINS) and DNS configuration.

Button

IP Release - Clicking this button will attempt to release the DHCP IP address
for the WLAN Card in case you wish to remove your IP address.

IP Renew - Clicking this button will attempt to renew the DHCP IP address
for the WLAN Card in case you want to obtain a new IP address.

NOTE: The IP Release and IP Renew buttons can only be used on
the WLAN Card that is configured with DHCP.

Chapter 3

Windows Settings

ASUS WLAN Card 27

Chapter 3 - Reference

Config - Basic

Lets you can change the WLAN Card configurations without rebooting your
computer .

Windows Settings

Chapter 3

Network Type

Infrastructure – Select the Infrastructure mode to establish a connection with
an Access Point. Your computer is able to access wireless LAN and wired
LAN (Ethernet), via an associated access point. The Channel field turns to
“Auto” when “Infrastructure” is selected.

Ad Hoc – Select the “Ad Hoc” mode to communicate directly with each other
without using an Access Point. An “Ad Hoc” network is typically formed quickly
and easily without pre-planning. For example, share meeting notes between
networked computers in a meeting room.

Network Name (SSID)

Use the SSID field to configure the SSID for the WLAN Card. You can enter
a new SSID or select one from the drop-down list box. SSID stands for
“Service Set Identifier”, which is a string used to identify a wireless LAN.
You will only be able to connect Access Points which has the same SSID as
the one you set. Use different SSIDs to segment the wireless LAN and increase
security. SSIDs must all be printable characters and having a maximum of
32 case sensitive characters, such as “ Wireless LAN”.

NOTE: Set the SSID to a null string, if you wish to allow your station
to connect to any Access Point it can find. But you cannot use null
string in Ad Hoc mode.

28 ASUS WLAN Card

Chapter 3 - Reference

Channel

Use the Channel field to select the radio channel for WLAN Card. In an
"infrastructure" network, your WLAN Card will automatically select the correct
frequency channel required to communicate with an Access Point, this parameter
will be fixed in "Auto" and cannot be changed. In an "Ad Hoc" network, you
can decide the channel number for the WLAN Card. Any WLAN Card can
communicate in the same network if they have the same frequency channel
setting.

The radio channels you may use depend on the regulations in your country . For
United States (FCC) and Canada (IC), channels 1 to 11 are supported. For
Europe (ETSI), channels 1 to 13 are supported. For operation in Japan (MKK),
channels 1 to 14 are supported.

Data Rate

Select the transmit data rate (fix or auto). The data rates supported for the
WLAN Cards are:

Auto – The adapter will adjust to the most suitable transmission rate.
Fix – 11g: Fix data rate to 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, or 54 Mbps.

1 1b: Fix data rate to 1, 2, 5.5, or 11 megabits per second.

Others

Encryption – Click on this to show the "Encryption" tab.
Advanced – Click on this to show the "Advanced" tab. In most cases, the

default values do not have to be changed.
Troubleshooting – Click on this to show the Troubleshooting utility.

Chapter 3

Windows Settings

Click Apply to save and activate the new configurations.

ASUS WLAN Card 29

Chapter 3 - Reference

Config - Encryption

Lets you configure the Wireless LAN Card encryption settings. For data
confidentiality in a wireless environment, IEEE 802.11 specifies a Wired
Equivalent Privacy (WEP) algorithm to offer transmission privacy similar to
wired network. The WEP uses keys to encrypt transmit data packets and decrypt
received data packets. The encryption process can scramble frame bits to avoid
disclosure to others. The WP A (W i-Fi Protected Access) is an improved security
system for 802.11 that encryption data sent over radio waves. The WPA was
developed to overcome the weakness of the WEP protocol.

Windows Settings

Chapter 3

Network Authentication

Because there is no precise bound in wireless LANs, it needs to be implemented
in another mechanism to provide higher level of security. That is where
Authentication services come in. If a mutual authentication relationship has
not been established between stations and Access Point, an association cannot
be established.

Open - Select this option allows the network to operate on an Open System
mode. A null authentication algorithm. A station can authenticate with any
other station or Access Point and without checking any WEP Key, even if one
exists.

Shared - Select this option allows the network to operate on an Shared Key
mode. In a Share Key Authentication system, four -step exchange of frames is
required to validate that the station is using the same WEP Key as the Access
Point.

30 ASUS WLAN Card

Chapter 3 - Reference

WPA-PSK - Specifies the use of a preshared key with infrastructure mode.
Enables WPA Preshared key , which enables your client adapter to associate to
Access Point using WPA-PSK.

WPA-None - Specifies the use of a preshared key with Ad Hoc mode.
WPA - The network is operating in IEEE 802.1x authentication mode. This

mode is environments with a RADIUS (Remote Access Dial-in User Service)
infrastructure. In a RADIUS environment, various Extensible Authentication
Protocol (EAP) are supported, including PEAP, TLS/Smart Card, TTLS, and
LEAP.

Data encryption

For open and shared authentication mode, the selection of encryption type are
Disable and WEP . For WP A-PSK and WP A authentication mode, it must support
TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) encryption, and may support AES
(Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption.

Disabled - Disable the encryption function.
WEP - A WEP Key is used to encrypt your data before it is transmitted over

the air . You will only be able to communicate with wireless devices that have
use the same WEP keys.

TKIP: TKIP uses an encryption algorithm methods which is more stringent
than the WEP algorithm and also uses existing WLAN calculation facilities to
perform encryption operations. TKIP verifies the security configuration after
the encryption keys are determined.

AES: AES is a symmetric 128-bit block encryption technique which works
simultaneously on multiple network layers.

Wireless Network Key

Selecting “TKIP” or “AES” in the encryption filed is used as a password to
begin the encryption proceed. Note: 8 to 63 characters are required.

Wireless Network Key (WEP)

Chapter 3

Windows Settings

This option is enable only if you enable WEP Encryption. The WEP Key is a
64 bits (5 byte) or 128 bits (13 byte) Hexadecimal digits that is used to encrypt
transmit data packets and decrypt received data packets.

ASUS WLAN Card 31

Chapter 3 - Reference

Key Format

Y ou can enter the WEP Key as a Hexadecimal digits (0~9, a~f, and A~F), or as
ASCII characters, based on the state of the Key Format.

Key Length

For 64 bits encryption, each Key contains exactly 10 hex digits, or 5 ASCII
characters. For 128 bits encryption, each Key contains exactly 26 hex digits, or
13 ASCII characters.

Two ways to assign WEP keys

1. Manual Assignment - When you click this button, the cursor appears

in the field for Key 1. For 64-bit encryption, you are required to enter

Windows Settings

Chapter 3

four WEP Keys. Each Key contains exactly 10 hex digits (0~9, a~f, and
A~F). For 128-bit encryption, you are required to enter four WEP Keys.
Each Key contains exactly 26 hex digits (0~9, a~f, and A~F).

2. Automatic Generation - Type a combination of up to 64 letters, num-

bers, or symbols in the Passphrase column, then the Wireless Settings
Utility uses an algorithm to generate four WEP Keys for encryption.

NOTE: This function ease users from having to remember their pass­words and is compatible to some existing WLAN utilities, but it is
not very secure. “Manual Assignment” is more secure.

Select one as your Default Key

The Default Key field lets you specify which of the four encryption keys you
use to transmit data on your wireless LAN. You can change the default key by
clicking on the down arrow at the right of this field, selecting the number of the
key you want to use and then clicking the Apply button. As long as the Access
Point or station with which you are communicating has the same key in the
same position, you can use any of the keys as the default.

Y ou then click the Apply button to create your encryption keys. After you click
the Apply button, the Wireless Settings Utility uses asterisks to mask your
keys.

32 ASUS WLAN Card

Chapter 3 - Reference

64/128bits versus 40/104bits

You may be confused about configuring WEP encryption, especially when
using multiple wireless LAN products from different vendors. There are two
levels of WEP Encryption: 64 bits and 128 bits.

Firstly, 64 bit WEP and 40 bit WEP are the same encryption method and can
interoperate in the wireless network. This lower level of WEP encryption uses
a 40 bit (10 Hex character) as a “secret key” (set by user), and a 24 bit
“Initialization Vector” (not under user control). This together makes 64 bits
(40 + 24). Some vendors refer to this level of WEP as 40 bits and others refer to
this as 64 bits. Our W ireless LAN products use the term 64 bits when referring
to this lower level of encryption.

Secondly , 104 bit WEP and 128 bit WEP are the same encryption method and
can interoperate in the wireless network. This higher level of WEP encryption
uses a 104 bit (26 Hex character) as a “secret key” (set by user), and a 24 bit
“Initialization Vector” (not under user control). This together makes 128 bits
(104 + 24). Some vendors refer to this level of WEP as 104 bits and others refer
to this as 128 bits. Our Wireless LAN products use the term 128 bits when
referring to this higher level of encryption.

Chapter 3

Windows Settings

ASUS WLAN Card 33

Chapter 3 - Reference

Status - Advanced

This section allows you to set up additional parameters for the wireless router
function. We recommend that you use the default values for all items in this
window.

Windows Settings

Chapter 3

RTS Threshold (0-2347)

The RTS/CTS (Request to Send/Clear to Send) function is used to minimize
collisions among wireless stations. When RTS/CTS is enabled, the router
refrains from sending a data frame until another RTS/CTS handshake is
completed. Enable RTS/CTS by setting a specific packet size threshold. The
default value (2347) is recommended.

Fragmentation Threshold (256-2346)

Fragmentation is used to divide 802.11 frames into smaller pieces (fragments)
that are sent separately to the destination. Enable fragmentation by setting a
specific packet size threshold. If there is an excessive number of collisions on
the WLAN, experiment with different fragmentation values to increase the
reliability of frame transmissions. The default value (2346) is recommended
for normal use.

Preamble Mode

This parameter is used to control whether frames will transmit with the Long
or Short Preamble. The default value is Long Tx Preamble.

34 ASUS WLAN Card

Chapter 3 - Reference

Frame Bursting

Frame Bursting technology is standards-based W i-Fi performance enhancement
technology that improves wireless network efficiency and boosts throughput.

54g Mode

54g LRS (Limited Rate Support) - is used to communicate with older 11b
clients that only support 4 rates. But 54g cards can still use all 12 rates.

54g Auto - support both 802.11b and 802.11g adapters.
54g Performance - will support ONLY high-performance 54g adapters.

All of these modes only pertain to when the STA is creating their own IBSS
network.

802.1 1b only - support both 802.11b adapters.

All of these modes only pertain to when the STA is creating their own IBSS
network. The default ad-hoc mode is 802.1 1b only.

54g Protection

Extended Rate PHY (ERP) protection mechanism of 802.11g definition.

Auto – Automatically change as AP announcement.
Enabled - Always send frame with protection.
Disabled - Always send frame without protection.

Power Output

Indicates transmit power level.

Encore

It’ s is a proprietary solution to take advantage of the high data rate (125 Mbps),
the consumer will have to possess a wireless card and router compliant with
the Encore technology .

Chapter 3

Windows Settings

Click Apply to save and activate the new configurations.

ASUS WLAN Card 35

Chapter 3 - Reference

Survey - Site Survey

Use the Site Survey tab to view statistics on the wireless networks available
to the WLAN Card. The Site Survey tab is read-only with no user
configurable data fields. Use the Site Survey tab to view the following
network parameters.

• SSID: V iew the SSID (service set identification) of the available networks.

• CH: View the direct-sequence channel used by each network.

• RSSI: View the Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) transmitted

by each network. This information is helpful in determining which net­work to associate to. The value is then normalized to a dBm value.

• Encryption: View wireless network encryption information. All devices

Windows Settings

in the network should use the same encryption method to ensure the com­munication.

Chapter 3

• BSSID: V iew the media access control (MAC) address of the Access Point

or the Basic Service Set ID of the Ad Hoc node.

NOTE: Some Access Points can disable broadcasting SSID to hide
themselves from “Site Survey” or “Site Monitor” for added security
but still allow you to join if you know their SSID.

Buttons

Search – Scan all available wireless networks and show the scan result in
the “Available Network List”.

Connect – To associate a network, select it from the “Available Network
List” and click this button.

36 ASUS WLAN Card

Chapter 3 - Reference

Ping

The Ping tab allows you to verify the
connection of your computer with
another computer in a network. To
ping a connection:

1. Type the IP address of the

connection you want to verify in
the IP Address field.

2. Configure the ping session by

assigning the size and count of
packet to send, and the time limit for a ping session to continue (in
milliseconds).

3. Click the Ping button.

During the ping session, the Ping button toggles into a Stop button. Click
Stop anytime to cancel the ping session.

The session field displays information on the verified connection including
the roundtrip time (minimum, maximum, and average) and packets sent,
received, and lost after a ping session.

Click the Clear button to clear the session field.

Chapter 3

Windows Settings

ASUS WLAN Card 37

Chapter 3 - Reference

About - Version Info Tab

Uses the Version Info tab to view program and WLAN Card version
information. The program version information field includes the Copyright
and utility version. The version information includes the NDIS version,
driver name, and driver version.

Windows Settings

Chapter 3

This screen is an example only. Your version

numbers will be different from what are shown here.

38 ASUS WLAN Card

Chapter 3 - Reference

Link State

WLAN Card “Link State” icon appears on the left side
of the WLAN Card Settings. Use the icon to view the
current signal status.

Excellent Link Quality (Infrastructure)

Good Link Quality (Infrastructure)

Fair Link Quality (Infrastructure)

Poor Link Quality (Infrastructure)

Not linked (Infrastructure)

Exit Wireless Settings

To exit Wireless Settings, you can click OK or Cancel.
This utility may be closed at any time and from any tab.
If you did not save the configuration settings, you will
be prompted to do so.

Chapter 3

Windows Settings

ASUS WLAN Card 39

Chapter 3 - Reference

Ad Hoc

The W ireless LAN card when set to Ad Hoc mode can connect to other wireless
device(s) in a wireless network called an Ad Hoc network. To connect the
Wireless LAN card to another wireless device:

1. Launch the W ireless Settings util­ity by double-clicking the Control
Center icon in the W indows
bar.

2. Click the Survey button to scan
available wireless device(s) within
the Wireless LAN card’s range.

Software Reference

Chapter 3

Select the wireless device you
wish to connect. A wireless device

is indicated by this icon (

®

task-

).

3. Click the Config button to con­figure the device settings. Set the
Network type to Ad Hoc, then
enter the Network Name (SSID)
and Channel of wireless device
you wish to connect. Click Ap-
ply when done.

IMPORT ANT! The encryption settings of the Wireless LAN card and
the wireless device must be identical to establish a connection.

40 ASUS WLAN Card

4. Click the Encryption tab if your

selected wireless device has an
enabled WEP encryption ( ).

Obtain the WEP encryption keys
from the network administrator,
then enter them in the Key 1 ~ 4
fields. Click Apply when finish.

Chapter 3 - Reference

5. Click the Status button to verify

if the W ireless LAN card is con­nected to the device. If connec­tion is established, the Associa-
tion State field shows “Con­nected -

XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX”

6. Click the Connection tab to dis-

play the connection strength and
link quality between the W ireless
LAN card and the wireless de­vice.

Chapter 3

Software Reference

ASUS WLAN Card 41

Chapter 3 - Reference

Windows XP Wireless Properties

1. Double-click System icon in the Control Panel.

Wireless Properties

Chapter 3

2. Double-click WLAN ...

3. The “General” page will show status, dura-

tion, speed, and signal strength. Signal
strength is represented by green bars with
5 bars meaning excellent signal and 1 bar
meaning poor signal.

4. The “Wireless Networks” page will show
Available networks and Preferred networks.
Use the Add button to add the “SSID” of
available networks and set the connection
preference order with the Move up and
Move down buttons. The radio tower with
a signal icon identifies the currently con­nected access point.

42 ASUS WLAN Card

Chapter 3 - Reference

Windows XP Wireless Properties (Cont.)

5. The “Authentication” page allows you to add
security settings. Read Windows help for
more information.

6. The “Advanced” page allows you to set fire­wall and sharing. Read Windows help for
more information.

Chapter 3

Wireless Properties

ASUS WLAN Card 43

Chapter 4 - Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Chapter 4

44

ASUS WLAN Card

Chapter 4 - Troubleshooting

4. Troubleshooting

The following troubleshooting guides provide answers to some of the more
common problems, which you may encounter while installing or using
WLAN Card products. If you encounter difficulties that are not mentioned
in this section, please contact Wireless LAN Technical Support.

Verify if the WLAN Card is installed correctly.

When the WLAN Card setup is complete, you can verify if the driver has
been setup properly. Right click My Computer, select Properties, and
click the Device Manager tab. Then double-click the Network adapters
icon; you should see “802.11g Network Adapter” with an icon of an
expansion card. There should not be a “!” or “?” (problem) or “x” (disabled)
symbol over this icon.

There is a yellow exclamation mark or a yellow question mark
in Device Manager in front of my WLAN Card.

T o resolve the problem, you should update/reinstall the WLAN Card driver .
In “Device Manager”, right click 802.11g Network Adapter, select
Properties, and select Driver tab. Click on Update Driver button, then
follow the “Update Device Driver Wizard” to complete the driver
installation.

Cannot connect to any Access Points

Follow the procedure below to configure your WLAN Card.
a. Verify that the “Network Type” is in “Infrastructure” mode.

b. Verify that the “SSID” of your WLAN Card is set to the same “SSID”

of an Access Point.

c. Verify that the “Encryption” type is the same as that of an Access Point.

If you enabled “WEP” encryption, you must also set the same WEP
Keys on both sides.

Chapter 4

Troubleshooting

ASUS WLAN Card 45

Chapter 4 - Troubleshooting

Cannot connect to a Station (WLAN Card)

Follow the procedure below to configure your WLAN Card.
a. Verify that the “Network Type” is in “Ad Hoc” mode.

b. Verify that the “SSID” of your WLAN Card is set to the same “SSID”

of the other station (or another WLAN Card).

c. Verify that the “channel” of the WLAN Card is “Auto” or set to the

same “channel” of the other station (or another WLAN Card).

d. Verify that the “Encryption” type is the same as the other station (or

another WLAN Card). If “WEP” encryption is enabled, you must set
the same “WEP” Keys on both stations.

Bad link quality or bad signal strength

There are two possible reasons. First is radio interference, keep the environment
around the WLAN Card away from microwave ovens and large metal objects.
Then try to reorient the WLAN Card antenna. Second is the distance, decrease
the distance between your WLAN Card and the Access Point or station (or
another WLAN Card).

The TCP/IP protocol did not bind to the WLAN PC Card.

Troubleshooting

Chapter 4

This will occur when the computer already has six TCP/IP bindings in Windows
98 or ten bindings in W indows Me. These limits are imposed by the Microsoft
operating system.

Solution: If your computer already has the maximum number of TCP/IP
bindings, remove one of the network adapters from the Network configuration
before installing the WLAN Card driver.

46

ASUS WLAN Card

Chapter 5 - Glossary

5. Glossary

Access Point (AP)

An networking device that seamlessly connects wired and wireless networks. Access
Points combined with a distributed system support the creation of multiple radio cells
that enable roaming throughout a facility.

Ad Hoc

A wireless network composed solely of stations within mutual communication range
of each other (no Access Point).

Basic Rate Set

This option allows you to specify the data transmission rate.

Basic Service Area (BSS)

A set of stations controlled by a single coordination function.

Broadband

A type of data transmission in which a single medium (such as cable) carries
several channels of data at once.

Channel

An instance of medium use for the purpose of passing protocol data units that may be
used simultaneously , in the same volume of space, with other instances of medium use
(on other channels) by other instances of the same physical layer, with an acceptably
low frame error ratio due to mutual interference.

Client

A client is the desktop or mobile PC that is connected to your network.

COFDM (for 802.11a or 802.11g)

Signal power alone is not enough to maintain 802.11b-like distances in an 802.11a/g
environment. T o compensate, a new physical-layer encoding technology was designed
that departs from the traditional direct-sequence technology being deployed today . This
technology is called COFDM (coded OFDM). COFDM was developed specifically
for indoor wireless use and offers performance much superior to that of spread-spectrum
solutions. COFDM works by breaking one high-speed data carrier into several lower­speed subcarriers, which are then transmitted in parallel. Each high-speed carrier is 20
MHz wide and is broken up into 52 subchannels, each approximately 300 KHz wide.
COFDM uses 48 of these subchannels for data, while the remaining four are used for
error correction. COFDM delivers higher data rates and a high degree of multipath
reflection recovery , thanks to its encoding scheme and error correction.

Glossary

Chapter 5

ASUS WLAN Card 47

Chapter 5 - Glossary

Each subchannel in the COFDM implementation is about 300 KHz wide. At the low
end of the speed gradient, BPSK (binary phase shift keying) is used to encode 125
Kbps of data per channel, resulting in a 6,000-Kbps, or 6 Mbps, data rate. Using
quadrature phase shift keying, you can double the amount of data encoded to 250 Kbps
per channel, yielding a 12-Mbps data rate. And by using 16-level quadrature amplitude
modulation encoding 4 bits per hertz, you can achieve a data rate of 24 Mbps. The

802.11a/g standard specifies that all 802.1 1a/g-compliant products must support these
basic data rates. The standard also lets the vendor extend the modulation scheme beyond
24 Mbps. Remember, the more bits per cycle (hertz) that are encoded, the more
susceptible the signal will be to interference and fading, and ultimately , the shorter the
range, unless power output is increased.

Default Key

This option allows you to select the default WEP key. This option allows you
to use WEP keys without having to remember or write them down. The WEP
keys generated using the Pass Phrase is compatible with other WLAN products.
The Pass Phrase option is not as secure as manual assignment.

Chapter 5

Glossary

Device Name

Also known as DHCP client ID or network name. Sometimes provided by an
ISP when using DHCP to assign addresses.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)

This protocol allows a computer (or many computers on your network) to be
automatically assigned a single IP address from a DHCP server.

DNS Server Address (Domain Name System)

DNS allows Internet host computers to have a domain name and one or more IP
addresses. A DNS server keeps a database of host computers and their respective domain
names and IP addresses, so that when a user enters a domain name into the Internet
browser, the user is sent to the proper IP address. The DNS server address used by the
computers on your home network is the location of the DNS server your ISP has assigned.

DSL Modem (Digital Subscriber Line)

A DSL modem uses your existing phone lines to transmit data at high speeds.

Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum (for 802.11b)

Spread spectrum (broadband) uses a narrowband signal to spread the transmission over
a segment of the radio frequency band or spectrum. Direct-sequence is a spread spectrum
technique where the transmitted signal is spread over a particular frequency range.

Direct-sequence systems communicate by continuously transmitting a redundant pattern
of bits called a chipping sequence. Each bit of transmitted data is mapped into chips
and rearranged into a pseudorandom spreading code to form the chipping sequence.
The chipping sequence is combined with a transmitted data stream to produce the
output signal.

48 ASUS WLAN Card

Chapter 5 - Glossary

Wireless mobile clients receiving a direct-sequence transmission use the spreading
code to map the chips within the chipping sequence back into bits to recreate the original
data transmitted by the wireless device. Intercepting and decoding a direct-sequence
transmission requires a predefined algorithm to associate the spreading code used by
the transmitting wireless device to the receiving wireless mobile client.

This algorithm is established by IEEE 802.11b specifications. The bit redundancy within
the chipping sequence enables the receiving wireless mobile client to recreate the original
data pattern, even if bits in the chipping sequence are corrupted by interference. The
ratio of chips per bit is called the spreading ratio. A high spreading ratio increases the
resistance of the signal to interference. A low spreading ratio increases the bandwidth
available to the user . The wireless device uses a constant chip rate of 11Mchips/s for all
data rates, but uses different modulation schemes to encode more bits per chip at the
higher data rates. The wireless device is capable of an 1 1 Mbps data transmission rate,
but the coverage area is less than a 1 or 2 Mbps wireless device since coverage area
decreases as bandwidth increases.

Encryption

This provides wireless data transmissions with a level of security. This option allows
you to specify a 64-bit or a 128-bit WEP key. A 64-bit encryption contains 10 hexadecimal
digits or 5 ASCII characters. A 128-bit encryption contains 26 hexadecimal digits or 13
ASCII characters.

64-bit and 40-bit WEP keys use the same encryption method and can interoperate on
wireless networks. This lower level of WEP encryption uses a 40-bit (10 hexadecimal
digits assigned by the user) secret key and a 24-bit Initialization Vector assigned by the
device. 104-bit and 128-bit WEP keys use the same encryption method.

All wireless clients in a network must have identical WEP keys with the access point to
establish connection. Keep a record of the WEP encryption keys.

Extended Service Set (ESS)

A set of one or more interconnected basic service set (BSSs) and integrated
local area networks (LANs) can be configured as an Extended Service Set.

ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier)

You must have the same ESSID entered into the gateway and each of its wireless
clients. The ESSID is a unique identifier for your wireless network.

Ethernet

The most widely used LAN access method, which is defined by the IEEE 802.3 standard.
Ethernet is normally a shared media LAN meaning all devices on the network segment
share total bandwidth. Ethernet networks operate at 10Mbps using CSMA/CD to run
over 10-BaseT cables.

Glossary

Chapter 5

ASUS WLAN Card 49

Chapter 5 - Glossary

Firewall

A firewall determines which information passes in and out of a network. NAT can
create a natural firewall by hiding a local network’s IP addresses from the Internet. A
Firewall prevents anyone outside of your network from accessing your computer and
possibly damaging or viewing your files.

Gateway

A network point that manages all the data traffic of your network, as well as to the
Internet and connects one network to another .

IEEE

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The IEEE sets standards for
networking, including Ethernet LANs. IEEE standards ensure interoperability between
systems of the same type.

IEEE 802.11

IEEE 802.xx is a set of specifications for LANs from the Institute of Electrical and
Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Most wired networks conform to 802.3, the specification
for CSMA/CD based Ethernet networks or 802.5, the specification for token ring
networks. 802.11 defines the standard for wireless LANs encompassing three
incompatible (non-interoperable) technologies: Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum
(FHSS), Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS), and Infrared. 802.11 specifies a
carrier sense media access control and physical layer specifications for 1 and 2 Mbps
wireless LANs.

Chapter 5

Glossary

IEEE 802.11a (54Mbits/sec)

Compared with 802.11b: The 802.11b standard was designed to operate in the 2.4­GHz ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band using direct-sequence spread­spectrum technology . The 802.11a standard, on the other hand, was designed to operate
in the more recently allocated 5-GHz UNII (Unlicensed National Information
Infrastructure) band. And unlike 802.11b, the 802.11a standard departs from the
traditional spread-spectrum technology , instead using a frequency division multiplexing
scheme that's intended to be friendlier to office environments.

The 802.11a standard, which supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps, is the Fast Ethernet
analog to 802.11b, which supports data rates of up to 1 1 Mbps. Like Ethernet and Fast
Ethernet, 802.11b and 802.1 1a use an identical MAC (Media Access Control). However ,
while Fast Ethernet uses the same physical-layer encoding scheme as Ethernet (only
faster), 802.11a uses an entirely dif ferent encoding scheme, called OFDM (orthogonal
frequency division multiplexing).

The 802.11b spectrum is plagued by saturation from wireless phones, microwave ovens
and other emerging wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth. In contrast, 802.11a
spectrum is relatively free of interference.

50 ASUS WLAN Card

Chapter 5 - Glossary

The 802.11a standard gains some of its performance from the higher frequencies at
which it operates. The laws of information theory tie frequency, radiated power and
distance together in an inverse relationship. Thus, moving up to the 5-GHz spectrum
from 2.4 GHz will lead to shorter distances, given the same radiated power and encoding
scheme.

Compared with 802.11g: 802.11a is a standard for access points and radio NICs that
is ahead of 802.11g in the market by about six months. 802.11a operates in the 5GHz
frequency band with twelve separate non-overlapping channels. As a result, you can
have up to twelve access points set to different channels in the same area without them
interfering with each other. This makes access point channel assignment much easier
and significantly increases the throughput the wireless LAN can deliver within a given
area. In addition, RF interference is much less likely because of the less-crowded 5
GHz band.

IEEE 802.11b (11Mbits/sec)

In 1997, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) adopted the 802.11
standard for wireless devices operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. This standard
includes provisions for three radio technologies: direct sequence spread spectrum,
frequency hopping spread spectrum, and infrared. Devices that comply with the 802.11
standard operate at a data rate of either 1 or 2 Mbps.

In 1999, the IEEE created the 802.11b standard. 802.11b is essentially identical to the

802.11 standard except 802.11b provides for data rates of up to 11 Mbps for direct
sequence spread spectrum devices. Under 802.11b, direct sequence devices can operate
at 11 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps, or 1 Mbps. This provides interoperability with existing

802.11 direct sequence devices that operate only at 2 Mbps.
Direct sequence spread spectrum devices spread a radio signal over a range of

frequencies. The IEEE 802.11b specification allocates the 2.4 GHz frequency band
into 14 overlapping operating Channels. Each Channel corresponds to a different set of
frequencies.

IEEE 802.11g

802.11g is a new extension to 802.1 1b (used in majority of wireless LANs today) that
broadens 802.11b's data rates to 54 Mbps within the 2.4 GHz band using OFDM
(orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) technology. 802.11g allows backward
compatibility with 802.11b devices but only at 11 Mbps or lower, depending on the
range and presence of obstructions.

Infrastructure

A wireless network centered about an access point. In this environment, the access
point not only provides communication with the wired network but also mediates
wireless network traffic in the immediate neighborhood.

Glossary

Chapter 5

IP (Internet Protocol)

The TCP/IP standard protocol that defines the IP datagram as the unit of information
passed across an Internet and provides the basis for connectionless packet delivery
service. IP includes the ICMP control and error message protocol as an integral part. It
provides the functional equivalent of ISO OSI Network Services.

ASUS WLAN Card 51

Chapter 5 - Glossary

IP Address

An IP address is a 32-bit number that identifies each sender or receiver of information
that is sent across the Internet. An IP address has two parts: the identifier of a particular
network on the Internet and an identifier of the particular device (which can be a server
or a workstation) within that network.

ISM Bands (Industrial, Scientific, and Medicine Bands)

Radio frequency bands that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorized
for wireless LANs. The ISM bands are located at 902 MHz, 2.400 GHz, and 5.7 GHz.

ISP (Internet Service Provider)

An organization that provides access to the Internet. Small ISPs provide service via
modem and ISDN while the larger ones also offer private line hookups (T1, fractional
T1, etc.).

LAN (Local Area Network)

A communications network that serves users within a defined geographical area. The
benefits include the sharing of Internet access, files and equipment like printers and
storage devices. Special network cabling (10 Base-T) is often used to connect the PCs
together .

Chapter 5

Glossary

MAC Address (Media Access Control)

A MAC address is the hardware address of a device connected to a network.

NAT (Network Address Translation)

NA T masks a local network’ s group of IP addresses from the external network, allowing
a local network of computers to share a single ISP account. This process allows all of
the computers on your home network to use one IP address. This will enable access to
the Internet from any computer on your home network without having to purchase
more IP addresses from your ISP.

NIC (Network Interface Card)

A network adapter inserted into a computer so that the computer can be connected to a
network. It is responsible for converting data from stored in the computer to the form
transmitted or received.

Packet

A basic message unit for communication across a network. A packet usually includes
routing information, data, and sometimes error detection information.

Pass Phrase

The Wireless Settings utility uses an algorithm to generate four WEP keys
based on the typed combination.

52 ASUS WLAN Card

Chapter 5 - Glossary

PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association)

The Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA), develops
standards for PC cards, formerly known as PCMCIA cards. These cards are available
in three types, and are about the same length and width as credit cards. However, the
different width of the cards ranges in thickness from 3.3 mm (T ype I) to 5.0 mm (Type
II) to 10.5 mm (Type III). These cards can be used for various functions, including
memory storage, land line modems and wireless modems.

PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol)

PPP is a protocol for communication between computers using a serial interface, typically
a personal computer connected by phone line to a server .

PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet)

Point-to-Point Protocol is a method of secure data transmission. PPP using Ethernet to
connect to an ISP.

Preamble

Allows you to set the preamble mode for a network to Long, Short, or Auto.
The default preamble mode is Long.

Radio Frequency (RF) Terms: GHz, MHz, Hz

The international unit for measuring frequency is Hertz (Hz), equivalent to the older
unit of cycles per second. One megahertz (MHz) is one million Hertz. One gigahertz
(GHz) is one billion Hertz. The standard US electrical power frequency is 60 Hz, the
AM broadcast radio frequency band is 0.55-1.6 MHz, the FM broadcast radio frequency
band is 88-108 MHz, and wireless 802.11 LANs operate at 2.4 GHz.

SSID (Service Set Identifier)

SSID is a group name shared by every member of a wireless network. Only client PCs
with the same SSID are allowed to establish a connection. Enabling the Response to
Broadcast SSID requests option allows the device to broadcast its SSID in a wireless
network. This allows other wireless devices to scan and establish communication with
the device. Unchecking this option hides the SSID to prevent other wireless devices
from recognizing and connecting to the device.

Station

Any device containing IEEE 802.11 wireless medium access conformity.

Glossary

Chapter 5

Subnet Mask

A subnet mask is a set of four numbers configured like an IP address. It is used to create
IP address numbers used only within a particular network.

ASUS WLAN Card 53

Chapter 5 - Glossary

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

The standard transport level protocol that provides the full duplex, stream service on
which many application protocols depend. TCP allows a process or one machine to
send a stream of data to a process on another. Software implementing TCP usually
resides in the operating system and uses the IP to transmit information across the network.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

A system of LANs, connected together. A network that connects computers located in
separate areas, (i.e., different buildings, cities, countries). The Internet is a wide area
network.

WECA (Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance)

An industry group that certifies cross-vender interoperability and compatibility of IEEE

802.11b wireless networking products and to promote that standard for enterprise, small
business, and home environments.

WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WP A) is an improved security system for 802.1 1. It is part of
the 802.11i draft security standard. WPA encompasses TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity
Protocol) along with MIC (Message Integrity Check) and other fixes to WEP such as
W eak IV (Initialization Vector) filtering and Random IV generation. TKIP uses 802.1x
to deploy and change temporary keys as opposed to static WEP keys once used in the
past. It is a significant improvement over WEP. WPA is part of a complete security
solution. WPA also requires authentication servers in enterprise security solutions.

Chapter 5

Glossary

Requirements

(1) A WPA compatible Access Point or Wireless router , (2) Operating system updates
that support WPA. In XP, an updated Windows Zero Config service is needed. Users
can download the W indows XP WP A patch here:

http://microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=009D8425-CE2B-47A4-ABEC-274845DC9E91&displaylang=en

Please note that this patch requires the installation W indows XP Service Pack 1, which
is available here: http://www .microsoft.com/WindowsXP/pro/downloads/servicepacks/
sp1/default.asp

For earlier Windows Operating systems, a WPA capable supplicant is required such as
Funk Software’s Odyssey Client.

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)

This is a group of computers and other devices connected wirelessly in a small area. A
wireless network is referred to as LAN or WLAN.

54 ASUS WLAN Card

Chapter 6 - Appendix

6. Safety Information

Federal Communications Commission

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 Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• 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.

WARNING! The use of a shielded-type power cord is required in
order to meet FCC emission limits and to prevent interference to
the nearby radio and television reception. It is essential that only
the supplied power cord be used. Use only shielded cables to con­nect I/O devices to this equipment. Y ou are cautioned that changes
or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void your authority to operate the equipment.

Reprinted from the Code of Federal Regulations #47, part 15.193, 1993.
W ashington DC: Office of the Federal Register , National Archives and Records
Administration, U.S. Government Printing Office.

Appendix

Chapter 6

ASUS WLAN Card 55

Chapter 6 - Appendix

FCC Radio Frequency Interference Requirements

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

This device is restricted to INDOOR USE due to its operation in the 5.15 to

5.25GHz frequency range. FCC requires this product to be used indoors for
the frequency range 5.15 to 5.25GHz to reduce the potential for harmful
interference to co-channel of the Mobile Satellite Systems.

High power radars are allocated as primary user of the 5.25 to 5.35GHz and

5.65 to 5.85GHz bands. These radar stations can cause interference with and /
or damage this device.

FCC RF Exposure Guidelines (Access Points)

This W ireless 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 prohibit. 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, Access Point 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.

Chapter 6

Appendix

56 ASUS WLAN Card

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

Chapter 6 - Appendix

FCC RF Exposure Guidelines (Wireless Cards)

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

In order to comply with SAR limits established in the ANSI C95.1 standards,
it is recommended when using a WLAN 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.

Canadian Department of Communications

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

Operation Channel for Different Domains

N. America 2.412-2.462 GHz Ch01 through CH11
Japan 2.412-2.484 GHz Ch01 through Ch14
Europe ETSI 2.412-2.472 GHz Ch01 through Ch13

ASUS WLAN Card 57

Appendix

Chapter 6

Chapter 6 - Appendix

France Restricted Frequency Band

Some areas of France have a restricted frequency band. The worst case
maximum authorized power indoors is:

• 10mW for the entire 2.4 GHz band (2400 MHz–2483.5 MHz)

• 100mW for frequencies between 2446.5 MHz and 2483.5 MHz

NOTE: Channels 10 through 13 inclusive operate in the band 2446.6
MHz to 2483.5 MHz.

There are few possibilities for outdoor use: On private property or on the private
property of public persons, use is subject to a preliminary authorization
procedure by the Ministry of Defense, with maximum authorized power of
100mW in the 2446.5–2483.5 MHz band. Use outdoors on public property is
not permitted.

In the departments listed below, for the entire 2.4 GHz band:

• Maximum authorized power indoors is 100mW

• Maximum authorized power outdoors is 10mW
Departments in which the use of the 2400–2483.5 MHz band is permitted with

an EIRP of less than 100mW indoors and less than 10mW outdoors:

01 Ain Orientales 36 Indre 66 Pyrénées
02 Aisne 37 Indre et Loire 67 Bas Rhin
03 Allier 41 Loir et Cher 68 Haut Rhin
05 Hautes Alpes 42 Loire 70 Haute Saône
08 Ardennes 45 Loiret 71 Saône et Loire
09 Ariège 50 Manche 75 Paris
11 Aude 55 Meuse 82 Tarn et Garonne
12 Aveyron 58 Nièvre 84 Vaucluse
16 Charente 59 Nord 88 Vosges
24 Dordogne 60 Oise 89 Yonne
25 Doubs 61 Orne 90 Territoire de Belfort
26 Drôme 63 Puy du Dôme 94 Val de Marne
32 Gers 64 Pyrénées Atlantique

Chapter 6

Appendix

58 ASUS WLAN Card

This requirement is likely to change over time, allowing you to use your wireless
LAN card in more areas within France. Please check with ART for the latest
information (www .art-telecom.fr)

NOTE: Your WLAN Card transmits less than 100mW, but more than
10mW.