C Com GM 100 User Manual

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The 802.11g Wireless LAN Card
User’s Manual
User Instruction Manual for Windows 98 SE / ME / 2000 / XP
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Table of Contents
About This Manual ............................................................................................4
Product Overview..............................................................................................5
802.11g Wireless LAN Card Features...............................................................6
System Requirements.......................................................................................6
Installation Overview.........................................................................................6
Chapter 2 Wireless Network Concepts .........................................................8
Wireless LAN Network Modes...........................................................................9
Planning Your New Wireless Network.............................................................11
Chapter 3 Installation ...................................................................................15
Chapter 4 Configuration & Operation .........................................................18
Wireless LAN Configuration for Windows 98 SE / ME / 2000.........................18
The WLAN Management Utility (Windows 98 SE / ME / 2000) .......................19
Wireless LAN Configuration for Windows XP..................................................35
Uninstall the WLAN Utility ...............................................................................51
Appendix A
Glossary..........................................................................................................53
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Chapter 1 Introduction
Congratulations on your decision to use wireless networking. The 802.11g Wireless LAN Card is a high performance, IEEE Standard 802.11g compatible, wireless networking card that installs into your PC’s slot to support wireless LAN communications at speeds up to 54Mbps with other PC’s located hundreds of feet apart.
Figure 1 Typical Wireless LAN Network
The 802.11g Wireless LAN Card allows reliable, secure and untethered access to your data providing you with exciting new ways to adapt to your lifestyle and needs. Without the limitations of wires, true mobility and data access is seamless in your office or home office.
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Data access from work, streaming audio MP3’s from a notebook to a stereo, downloading Internet content wirelessly from a broadband connection, watching TV on a notebook, are all possibilities with the 802.11g Wireless LAN Card.
About This Manual
This manual provides you with all the information necessary to successfully install and use your new 802.11g Wireless LAN Card. The manual is divided into six chapters and two appendices as follows:
• Chapter 1- Introduction. This chapter provides a brief overview of the
802.11g Wireless LAN Card and the installation process.
• Chapter 2-Wireless Networking Concepts. This chapter introduces the major terms and explains the various concepts associated with configuring wireless LANs.
• Chapter 3-Installation. Provides hardware installation and software setup procedures to prepare your PC for Wireless LAN Card operation. You will also need to perform the LAN configuration procedures described in Chapter 4.
• Chapter 4-Configuration & Operation. This chapter provides operating instructions for the Wireless LAN Card and provides procedures for configuring your wireless LAN after completion of installation and initial setup.
• Chapter 5-Uninstalltion. This chapter details how to uninstall the WLAN Management Utility.
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• Appendix A-Glossary. Defines various terminology associated with Wireless LANs.
Product Overview
The 802.11g Wireless LAN Card gives you the freedom of secure high-speed communications with other PCs without the need for interconnecting wires. You can even connect in to other LAN infrastructures such as your company’s internal Ethernet LAN or your own home network. The antenna and design of the Wireless LAN Card gives you unmatched sensitivity which means your system will remain connected to other wireless PCs at high speeds for longer distances.
The Wireless LAN Card operates according to the IEEE 802.11g Wireless LAN specification, for wireless data communications at speeds up to 54Mbps (Megabits per second). IEEE 802.11g operates on frequencies in the 2.4GHz range using OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) technology.
Backed by international standards and the IEEE organization, IT departments and end-users alike benefit from the reliability and interoperability of products based on these standards. From an investment point of view, it makes good business sense investing in technology that will be support worldwide for many years to come (unlike technologies not backed by international communications standards). Whether you are running a company or a home office, the Wireless LAN Card reduces, or eliminates in some cases, the need to setup wired LAN networks in the office or home office, eliminating costs associated with wiring rooms and buildings.
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802.11g Wireless LAN Card Features
• Up to 54Mbps data transfer rates for high-speed access to data
• Compatible with 802.11g Wi-Fi CERTIFIED equipment (2.4GHz operating range)
• Plug-and-play with Microsoft Windows operating systems
• Secure data access, up to 128-bit WEP encryption protection
• Driver requires minimal memory footprint and CPU support
• Easy upgrades via software driver, no firmware to upgrade
• Provides seamless connectivity to Wireless and hardwired LANs
System Requirements
• PC with Windows 98 SE, Windows 2000, Windows ME, or Windows XP Operating Systems
• One (1) available Slot
• CD-ROM drive (for the drivers and configuration software)
Installation Overview
The installation process is relatively fast and simple.
1. Place the CD-ROM supplied with your 802.11g Wireless LAN Card (containing the drivers and configuration software) in your CD-ROM drive and the configuration software auto starts. Simply go through a series of self-prompting screens and select from the options to
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configure your Wireless LAN Card for your particular operating system (these procedures are detailed in Chapter 3-Installation).
2. Plug the Wireless LAN Card into your PC’s Slot.
3. Set up your wireless LAN using the instructions in Chapter 4. Record your security codes (WEP keys), etc. for later reference. Repeat steps 1 through 3 for each PC that will be connected to your wireless LAN. Your wireless LAN should now be fully functional.
4. If you are experiencing problems after completion of the installation procedures, refer to Chapter 6, Troubleshooting.
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Chapter 2 Wireless Network
Concepts
For the past few decades, wired Local Area Networks (LAN) or more commonly know as Ethernet, have provided a seamless way of connecting and communicating with multiple PCs, desktops, laptop/notebooks, servers as well as a host of other peripherals, including printers, scanners, etc. LANs have served us well in environments where users were not mobile or had little need to access data other than in their office.
With the advent of notebook computers and an increasingly mobile computing society, the need for wireless networking finds more applications with each passing day. Wireless LANs have evolved to meet the needs of mobile computing and are becoming very popular as compatibility, reliability and familiarity increases and equipment costs decrease.
Wireless LANs (WLAN) allow users to roam freely about a network taking their computers with them while still maintaining a networking connection. In essence, WLANs are an extension of wired LAN networks, where the critical need is data access and mobility. The tradeoffs are slower speeds (although quite satisfactory for Internet and email access) and limited roaming distance, as dictated by the environment.
A basic WLAN network requires client nodes and access points, similar to a LAN with its clients and infrastructure (switches, repeaters, etc.). The access point is the connection to the wired LAN network or a designated computer device performing the supervisory function, while client nodes are typically WLAN adapters installed in peripheral computing devices, such as notebooks, desktops, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and others. Once a WLAN is
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setup, it acts like a wired LAN, using the same protocols designated for communicating via the IEEE Ethernet standard.
Wireless LAN Network Modes
WLANs basically have two modes of operation:
• Ad-Hoc mode
• Infrastructure mode
What is Ad-Hoc mode?
An Ad-Hoc WLAN is created when two or more PCs equipped with Wireless LAN Cards (WLAN clients) are configured to use the same radio channel and Network Name in the same area and can communicate freely with each other, without the need for an Access Point to a hard-wired LAN network. Only PCs that use the same radio channel and network name can communicate over the Ad-Hoc network. This type of a network is a peer-to-peer relationship where each computer talks directly to one another with no one PC being dominant.
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Figure 2 Ad-Hoc Mode: Two or More PCs with 802.11g Wireless LAN
Cards
Configured to Same Radio Channel and Network Name
Infrastructure Mode
When a WLAN access point is introduced into the WLAN, the access point and its clients (each PC) comprise a Basic Service Set (BSS), whereby the access point serves as the connection to the wired LAN for each client. Clients within the same BSS do not directly communicate between each other; rather they communicate to the AP that routes the data to the appropriate destination.
The access point bridges both wired and wireless networks, allowing wired and wireless client communication. This arrangement of WLAN access points and clients is commonly referred to as Infrastructure mode. An access point also extends the range of the WLAN, double over that of client only networks because the access point is able to forward data within its BSS.
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Infrastructure mode enables the network clients to freely roam, once an ESS (Extended Service Set) is established.
With all clients using the same radio channel and ESS ID (sometimes referred to as SSID which is a given name to the network), users are fully mobile within the range of the access point signal. Access points should be situated in location to deliver the largest range of signals, with minimal interference. Best performance and signal quality is often affected by building structures, walls, etc., and may require some trial-and-error to identify the best location for access points.
Figure 3 Infrastructure Mode-Combination Wireless and Hardwired
LANs
Planning Your New Wireless Network
First, determine what components (WLAN cards, access points) and what kind of network will be created (Ad-Hoc, Infrastructure mode). Then select your network name (SSID), WEP key (security password) and channel
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number (1 through 11 in US, 1 through 13 in Europe and 1 through 14 in Japan). All members of the wireless LAN will have to configure their PCs to the same SSID, WEP and Channel number to talk to each other. SSID, WEP key and channel number are essential to understanding and creating a successful wireless network.
These concepts are explained in the following paragraphs.
What is SSID?
A wireless network requires a BSS or ESS to operate and a name associated with it. SSID literally stands for a network name for use with that Service Set of clients and access points if so set up. All computers must have the same SSID as the network in order to communicate over the new network. The SSID name can be any name such as “wireless_lan”, “Bob’s domain”, or “AbCdE123”, and can include numbers as well as be case-sensitive. If the exact SSID name is not used, then that wireless client cannot logon into that network.
What Channel Do I Use?
IEEE 802.11g wireless LAN networks communicate using one of several available channels (each with a different operating frequency) to reduce the interference from other potential sources or users of that channel. Depending on the country where the network is being set up, you may have a choice of up to 14 channels available. In the US, channels 1 through 11 are defined for use in the 2.4GHz spectrum used by 802.11g. In Europe, channels 12 and 13 are added, while Japan can have up to 14 channels. Channels 1, 6 and 11 are the most commonly used channels in the US.
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For your network, choose a channel that offers little interference and configure all users of this network to the same channel.
What is a WEP key?
WEP provides for two levels of security encryption based on the length of bits in a key called a Shared Key. A 40-bit key (which is 5 characters) provides some security; this can be a key like “12345” or “MyLAN”. A 104-bit key is also available and provides more robust security. A 13-character key is required for 104-bit security. Keys can be in ASCII characters or Hexadecimal. ASCII characters are those used in computers and include all typewritten characters including the alphabet and numbers, as well as */”()[] characters. Hexadecimal characters are limited to the numbers 0-9 and the first 6 letters of the alphabet a-f.
Table 1 WEP Key Examples
WEP Key size Number of Digits Example
5 (ASCII) 12345, MyLAN, 78E*5
40-bit (also called 64-bit)
10 (Hexadecimal) 1A37FB458C
13 (ASCII) 1234567890123,This_is_MyLAN
104-bit (also called 128-bit)
26 (Hexadecimal) 1A37FB458C12E34F8523E9FF76
Note: Every key has an added 24-bit provided by the card, which are set by
the manufacturer and not user modifiable. This manual uses the terms 40-bit and 104-bit to represent 64-bit and 128-bit keys respectively. This is the most commonly used terminology in the industry.
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The WEP key for your wireless LAN network is another form of password. Like passwords, certain combinations of passwords are not recommended for use (such as 01234, abcde, or publicly known information like your office phone number, dog’s name, etc.). Protect your WEP key as you would a password.
Note: If you access other networks with already predefined keys, always enter them exactly as they appear taking note of lower and upper case letters.
Any computer accessing a wireless network with WEP enabled not only requires the same SSID but also the same WEP key in order to have access.
With the above factors decided, physical placement of the components will be critical. The maximum range of the wireless LAN will often be decided by the type of environment it is located in and, if in different rooms, by how many obstacles are in the way which reduces the range of the wireless adapters. Often, Ad-Hoc mode will require the wireless clients to be in closer range of each other than Infrastructure type networks. The Wireless LAN Card can operate at up to 100m indoors and up to 300m outdoors, although the physical environment (walls, floors, ceilings, etc.) will limit the range of wireless signals.
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Chapter 3 Installation
1. Insert the installation CD into your CD-ROM drive. The setup program will start automatically.
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2. Click Next to begin the setup.
3. Select the destination folder. To install to the default folder as shown below, click Next to continue.
4. The necessary Driver and Utility files will be copied to your system directory.
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5. Select No and then click Finish to complete the installation (Windows 98 SE and ME users must select Yes).
6. The shortcut will appear on your desktop. By click this icon, you can run the Utility program.
Note:
After installing a new network adapter, Windows automatically configures the TCP/IP protocol to automatically obtain an IP address from a DHCP server. Depending on your setup, you may want to consider specifying a fixed IP address for your new wireless adapter.
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Chapter 4 Configuration &
Operation
Once the driver is installed, the 802.11g Wireless LAN Card will be up and running. If you encounter any difficulties, consult Chapter 6, Troubleshooting. This chapter provides general operation and configuration information for use after initial installation is completed.
Configuration of the Wireless LAN Card is dependent on the operating system. Please follow the instructions carefully to make sure you are taking the appropriate steps for your operating system.
Wireless LAN Configuration for Windows 98 SE / ME / 2000
If your PC uses Windows 98 SE, Windows ME, or Windows 2000, use the following configuration procedure.
NOTE: If your PC uses Windows XP, skip this procedure and refer to the
paragraph titled, “Wireless LAN Configuration for Windows XP” located further in this chapter.
Utility Startup Configuration Details
The Wireless LAN Card has its own management software. Users can control all functions provided by the application named WLAN Utility. You may run the utility by double clicking the WLAN Utility shortcut on your desktop.
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Three colors are used to describe the status of the connection icon shown in the System Tray. Green indicates excellent connection. Yellow indicates the connection has poor quality, and Red means no connection. Double click the icon and the WLAN utility will be opened.
The WLAN Management Utility (Windows 98 SE / ME / 2000)
The WLAN Utility contains the following four major functions. Each function is described in detail below:
• Status: provide the information of the current wireless connection.
• Profile: allow users easily configure different settings for each profile.
• Survey: support site-survey tool to list the active access points that are within the range of your computer.
• About: provide valuable information about the firmware and software version,
MAC address, and so on.
Status Tab
The Status tab provides information on the current profile, if any, being used in the wireless connection. The information listed on the Status tab is indicated below. Figure 1 shows the screen layout of the Status tab:
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Profile Name
The name of profile currently in use
SSID
The name of the SSID (Service Set Identification) associated with the profile.
Link Status
This field is used to display the current state of the driver. The LINK Status field can be the following: Check this box to have networks automatically connection when available
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Associated - Normal flow of operation between stations in Ad-Hoc mode and
Infrastructure mode.
Not Associated - means the node cannot detect any Ad-Hoc station or access point within the range.
Scanning - Searching for available access point or active node

Network Type

The mode can be either access point or peer-to-peer.
Access Point (Infrastructure Mode) – This mode of operation requires the presence of an access point. All communication is done via the access point, which relays packets to other wireless clients in the BSS as well as to nodes on a wired network such as Ethernet.
Peer-to-Peer (Ad-Hoc Mode) – This is the peer-to-peer mode of operation. All communication is done from client to client without the use of an access point.

Channel

It shows what channel is used now.

Tx Rate

It shows the transmit rate being currently used for an active connection. The value is masked when the state shows the “scanning” message.
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Configuration

This is used to configure the various profiles available to you for wireless connections. The Profile tab contains some of the same fields as the Status tab, but unlike the Status tab, all of the fields in the Profile tab are alterable. Figure 2 shows the screen layout of the profile tab.
General
Profile Name
Allow to give a name to the profile. Any user can add 9 different profiles at most if he wishes. After assigning a new profile name and complete related fields shown below it, you then can press Apply to save the profile. Click “Apply” or “OK” to activate the options that you have set.
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SSID
The identification of BSS (Basic Service Set) is associated with the current profile. The default value is “ANY”. This allows your wireless client to automatically associate to any access point in the vicinity of your wireless client.
TIP: SSID is the name of the Wireless LAN network to connect to. If some are detected, these will be displayed on screen. Otherwise, enter a name to use. SSID is case­sensitive. Always use the same spelling and case when adding computers to the network.
NOTE: Record your SSID below and refer to it when necessary.
SSID name: __________________________________________
Network Type
This field allows you to select from a list of supported network mode. The modes displayed will have “Access Point” and “Peer-to-Peer”. The default value is “Access Point”.
Transmission Rate
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The transmission rate is the rate at which the data packets are transmitted by the client. The default value is “54Mb” and cannot change.
Channel
Changing the channel is only effective in Ad-Hoc networks. Networking operating infrastructure mode can automatically scans for a channel. Be aware that when the peer-to-peer mode is selected, be sure to set your wireless stations with the same channel.
Encryption
The Encryption button is used to equip an additional measure of security on your wireless network, which can be achieved by using WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption. To prevent unauthorized wireless stations from accessing data transmitted over the network, WEP can support high secure data encryption. WEP encrypts each frame transmitted through the radio by using one of the Keys entered from this panel. When an encrypted frame is received, it will only be accepted if it decrypts correctly. This will only happen if the receiver has the same WEP Key used by the transmitter. The Encryption tab contains some fields as below.
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Encryption [WEP security]
The field allows you to select Disabling, 64-bit and 128-bit. When setting 64bit, or 128 bits, it means WEP security is used.
WEP Key
For 64-bit encryption:
• Alphanumeric: 5 characters (case sensitive) ranging from “a-z”, ”A-Z” and “0-9”. (e.g. My*#Key)
• Hexadecimal: 10 hexadecimal digits in the range of “a-f”, "A-F" and "0-9". (e.g. 11AA22BB33).
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For 128-bit encryption:
• Alphanumeric: 13 characters (case sensitive) ranging from “a-z”, ”A-Z” and “0-9”. (e.g.MyKey12345678).
• Hexadecimal: 26 hexadecimal digits in the range of “a-f”, "A-F" and "0-9". (e.g.00112233445566778899AABBCC)
TIP: WEP is a protocol defined in 802.11i to provide encryption capabilities for wireless LAN communications. Because data travels through air, there is a likelihood of unintended receivers listening in on your data conversation. WEP encryption keys can be 64-bit (minimal security) or 128-bit (more secure). Additionally a WEP key is needed to encrypt and decrypt data packets, and any computer on a WEP network must have the same key, otherwise it will not be allowed on that It is recommended that you select WEP encryption to reduce security risks and unauthorized users from using the wireless LAN network and access to important data.
network.
Create Keys with Pass-phrase
WEP keys may be created using a Pass-phrase to randomly generate the four keys. This saves considerable time when entering all four keys into each node on the wireless network.
Key1, Key2, Key3, Key4
These four fields hold the manually entered keys. They will also display the generated keys using a Pass-phrase.
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Ensure that the WEP key entered here matches all other applications and clients using the same network. WEP keys can be case-sensitive, and incorrect keys will not allow clients access to this network.
Note: Record your WEP key size and WEP key in the spaces below for
later reference.
WEP key size: ______________________________________
WEP key: __________________________________________
Use WEP key
This field updates the driver with the four keys displayed in Key1 through Key4. These keys are also written to the registry for permanent storage.
Advanced Button
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RTS Threshold
The field allows you to set enable or disable. When the field is set to Enabled, you can adjust the value between 0 to 2432. RTS threshold is a mechanism implemented to prevent the “Hidden Node” problem. “Hidden Node” is a situation in which two stations are within range of the same access point, but are not within range of each other. Thus, it provides a solution to prevent data collisions. Enabling RTS Threshold may cause redundant network overhead that could negatively affect the throughput performance.
Fragment Threshold
The field allows you to set enable or disable. When the field is set to Enabled, you can adjust the value from 256 to 2346. Fragmentation mechanism is used for improving the efficiency when high traffic flows along in the wireless network. If your wireless devices often transmit large files in wireless network, you can enable the Fragmentation Threshold and the mechanism will split the packet to send.
Misc. Button
For Cisco AP extension Function used. Linking to Cisco AP, you might need to set fast Roaming or Radio measurement items.
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Site Survey Tab
The Survey tab supports powerful Site-Survey tool to discovery all active wireless devices in the radio range. While selecting this wireless device displayed on the screen, users can double click to quick connect the wireless device chosen by users and simultaneously modify the Default profile automatically. If users want to update the survey result, they can press Rescan button again. Each row of the information contains the following columns:
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Number of Discoveries
The total number of wireless LAN devices discovered by this Site-Survey.
SSID
The ESS ID stands for Extended Service Set Identification, and it presents the SSID of the access point. In the peer-to-peer device discovered, all clients should share the same SSID for communication.
BSSID
The BSSID stands for Basic Service Set Identification. During infrastructure mode, it represents the MAC address of the access point.
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Mode
The discovered device is an access point (AP) or a peer-to-peer (P2P) device.
WEP
The discoverable device is encryption enable or disable in this column.
Signal Level
The signal measurement for each discovered device within the radio range. A higher percentage means that this discovered device has stronger signal strength. If the device you want to connect to has lower signal level, you can move it closer to this device or vice versa.
Channel
This field shows the current channel used by the discovered device.
Radio Tab
Setting Radio ON/OFF and setting regulatory Domain Information
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QoS Tab
Disable or Enable Contention Free Burst (CFB) Setting
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Statistic Tab
Shows situation of TX and RX packets.
About Tab
The About tab is used to show Wireless Client Management Utility version, Serial Number and MAC Address of this Network Interface Card, Network Interface Card Driver version and Network Interface Card firmware version. Users need to use these version numbers when reporting their problems to technique support.
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Driver Version
Device Driver version and date
Link
INPROCOMM Homepage
INPROCOMM E-mail
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Wireless LAN Configuration for Windows XP
Use the following procedure if you are configuring a Wireless LAN Card Wireless LAN Card using a PC running the Windows XP operating system.
To configure your card for use with a network:
1. Left-click on the Wireless Network Connection indicator icon in the System tray (lower right hand area) to launch the Connect to Wireless Network window.
2. A list of available network SSIDs will be provided, if any are detected or available. If a network is chosen and requires a WEP key, the key should be entered in the Network Key field.
TIP: SSID is the name of the Wireless LAN network to connect to. If some are detected, these will be displayed
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on screen. Otherwise, enter a name to use. The SSID is case-sensitive. Always use the same spelling and case when adding computers to the network.
NOTE: Record your SSID below and refer to it when necessary.
SSID name: __________________________________________
What is WEP? WEP is a security protocol defined in
802.11i to provide encryption capabilities for wireless LAN communications. WEP encryption keys can be 40-bit (minimal security) or 104-bit (more secure). Additionally a WEP key is needed to encrypt and decrypt data packets, and any computer on a WEP network must have the same key, otherwise it will not be allowed on that network. It is recommended that you select WEP encryption to reduce security risks and unauthorized users from using the wireless LAN network and access to important data. A 40­bit key is 5 characters (such as “AbCdE”) while a 104-bit key is 13 characters in length. Keys can be entered in ASCII or Hexadecimal (see above “What is WEP” for explanation).
Note:
Record your WEP key size and WEP key in the spaces below for later
reference.
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WEP key size: ______________________________________
WEP key: __________________________________________
3. Click Connect – This will attempt to connect the Wireless LAN Card Wireless LAN Card to the selected network.
Difficulties Connecting to the Network
1. If you are having difficulty connecting, click Advanced to open the Wireless LAN Card Wireless LAN Card Properties.
2. Select the SSID of the network to log on, and click Configure. This will
open up the Wireless Networks Properties window.
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3. Ensure the WEP key is correct. If the Wireless LAN Card is used with an access point, the checkbox This is a computer-to-computer (ad hoc) network… should not be checked.
What is Ad-Hoc? A network mode that selects communications & data access between wireless computers only
. The alternative is Infrastructure mode (data access between wireless computers, access points and/or a wired LAN network).
4. Select OK. If you have Preferred Networks listed, consult the Wireless Network section in Chapter 4 for information about automatically connecting to those networks, depending on network mode selected.
5. Select OK again at the Wireless Properties window.
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6. Finally, click Connect to connect the Wireless LAN Card to the selected network. If there are still difficulties, consult Chapter 6, Troubleshooting.
Advanced Windows XP Configuration
When selecting the Advanced button of the connect to wireless network window, a window of four tabs appears. However, only the Wireless Networks tab is required for network configuration of the Wireless LAN Card.
• General
• Wireless Networks – configuration of the Wireless LAN Card, scans for available and preferred access points and networks
• Authentication
• Advanced
General Tab
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The General Tab is provided by Windows XP.
Screen options include
• Connect Using – shows the Wireless LAN Card
• Configure – (new window) shows typical connection protocols used (e.g. Client for Microsoft Networks, Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) settings)
• Install- installs a new service.
• Uninstall-uninstalls a selected service.
• Properties – for each protocol
Show icon in notification area when connected - A check here will display the connection status of the Wireless LAN Card in the System Tray area of the Windows desktop.
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Wireless Networks window
The Wireless Networks tab displays a list of detected Access Points by name (SSID) as well as the user’s preferred networks to connect to, using the Wireless LAN Card.
If Use Windows to configure my Wireless Network settings check box is checked, this allows Windows to configure wireless network settings for the Wireless LAN Card.
The Available Networks box displays detected, available networks in the area of the Wireless LAN Card. The SSID of the access points in those networks are displayed.
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TIP: SSID is the name of the Wireless LAN network to connect to. If some are detected, these will be displayed on screen. Otherwise, enter a name to use. SSID is case­sensitive. Always use the same spelling and case when adding computers to the network.
Configure allows the user to add a network not configured yet (for use with the Wireless LAN Card) and opens up the Wireless Network Properties window (see below). After this card is configured for that network, it is added to the Preferred Networks list.
Refresh will rescan the area for any networks and display the available networks.
The Preferred Networks box displays the user’s network choices.
• Add – Adds a new network to this list, even those not in the Available Network list. This option will open up the Wireless Network Properties window (see below).
• Remove – Removes a selected network from the list.
• Properties – Opens up the Wireless Network Properties window (see below), but does not allow changing the network name or type of network (Access Point or Ad-Hoc).
• Move Up/Move Down – Changes the order of selected networks in the Preferred Networks list. If this list has any Access Point networks, Ad-Hoc networks cannot be placed ahead of them.
• Advanced – Allows selection of all or a subset of all the networks in the Preferred Network list. No entries are removed from the list, but some
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networks may not be displayed if they are not selected. Clicking Advanced
displays a new window with three choices.
• Any available network (access point preferred) - The Wireless LAN Card will connect with networks using access points first, but all networks including Ad-Hoc will be displayed.
• Access point (Infrastructure) networks only - The Wireless LAN Card shall only connect with networks using access points.
• Computer-to-computer (Ad-Hoc) networks only - The Wireless LAN Card connects only with Ad-Hoc networks.
TIP: The network mode selects Ad-Hoc communications (data access between wireless computers) or Infrastructure (data access between wireless computers, access points and/or a wired LAN network).
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Based on the selection, all or a subset of all the networks in the Preferred Network list are enabled and displayed. The remainders of the networks in the list are disabled. This selection also decides which type of networks to configure or add.
If the Automatically connect to non-preferred networks check box is selected, then the Wireless LAN Card will try to connect any non-preferred networks after it has tried all the networks in Preferred Network list without any success.
After selection, Close will close this window.
Select OK to store these network settings and to attempt to connect the Wireless LAN Card to the networks in the Preferred Network list. If successful, the Wireless LAN Card will be connected to the chosen network. Otherwise, the Wireless LAN Card will attempt to connect to the next network in the Preferred Network list, until connected or until all choices have been tried.
NOTE: If all the networks have been tried unsuccessfully, and the check box
Automatically connect to non-preferred networks is selected, then
the Wireless LAN Card will attempt to associate with any available SSID.
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Wireless Network Properties Window
The Wireless Network Properties window allows the user to set properties of the Wireless LAN Card for a particular network.
Network name (SSID) - The current network access point or the name of the network being configured.
Data Encryption (WEP enabled) – A check here enables data encryption via WEP. A WEP key is required beforehand.
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TIP: WEP is a protocol defined in 802.11i to provide encryption capabilities for wireless LAN communications. Because data travels through air, there is a likelihood of unintended receivers listening in on your data conversation. WEP encryption keys can be 40-bit (minimal security) or 104-bit (more secure). Additionally a WEP key is needed to encrypt and decrypt data packets, and any computer on a WEP network must have the same key, otherwise it will not be allowed on that network. It is recommended that you select WEP encryption to reduce security risks and unauthorized users from using the wireless LAN network and access to important data.
Network Authentication (Shared mode) – This check box s hould be set if you want to use WEP encryption for Network Authentication.
NOTE: If either of the above check boxes are checked, a new check box
opens up requesting the application providing the WEP key.
Network Key – The WEP key required for encryption.
Ensure that the WEP key entered here matches all other applications and clients using the same network. WEP keys can be case-sensitive, and incorrect keys will not allow clients access to this network.
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Key Format – Choose Hexadecimal or ASCII characters.
Key Length – ASCII: Choose 40-bit (5 characters) or 104-bit (13 characters).
Hexadecimal: Choose 40-bit (10 digits) or 104-bit (26 digits).
Key Index – (0,1,2,3), reserved for use by vendor.
The key is provided for me automatically. This feature is only available
for devices that support 802.1x authentication. The Wireless LAN Card does not support this form of authentication.
This is a computer-to-computer (Ad-Hoc) network; wireless access points are not used – Selects Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc mode for this network.
Select OK to store these network settings in the Preferred Network list database. Clicking OK will not connect the Wireless LAN Card to the network yet.
NOTE: If OK is selected and the application finds that a network with the
same name and type already exists in Preferred Network list, an error message will appear and changes to this network will be lost.
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Authentication
The Authentication tab screen is provided by Windows XP.
Enable network access control using IEEE 802.1X – A check box here will
enable 802.1X advanced authentication and will request the user to choose the EAP type from the selected list.
Authenticate as computer when computer information is available – This checkbox will automatically login as a computer if the information is available.
If no information is available, checking the box Authenticate as guest when
user of computer information is unavailable will accomplish login.
Properties – Brings up the Smart Card or Other Certificate properties
screen to set the options for the EAP type, as follows:
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Choices include:
• Use my smart card- Select this option if a smart card is used for network authentication and login.
• Use a certificate on this computer-If Validate server certificate box is checked, two option boxes become available:
− Connect only if server name ends with appears if a specific server is
requested
− Trusted root certificate authority list of options appears to choose a specific
host certificate.
• Use a different user name for the connection – check this box to specify a user name for this connection.
Advanced tab
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The advanced tab is provided by Windows XP.
Choices include
• Internet Connection Firewall – This checkbox will request Windows XP to enable its firewall function for access to the Internet.
• Internet Connection Sharing – This checkbox will allow other computers and user to use this computer’s connection for Internet access. If checked, a second option will allow or restrict access to control or disable the shared connection.
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Chapter 5 Uninstall
Uninstall the WLAN Utility
1. To uninstall the 11g WLAN management Utility and Driver, choose
Start then Programs then 11g WLAN Management Utility, and click Uninstall.
2. You will be asked if you want to uninstall the WLAN Utility and all of its components.
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3. Click Remove option and Next button.
4. Click OK to remove or click Cancel to exit.
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Appendix A
Glossary
Access Point
A wireless LAN adapter, which connects to a wired LAN network (acting as a bridge) and serves as the base for a wireless LAN network, directing communication between clients. An access point is only used in Infrastructure mode. Access Points in a business environment are typically connected to the wired LAN network. In the home, an Access Point would be connected to a broadband Internet device such as a Cable or ADSL modem.
Ad-Hoc
This is a wireless LAN network comprised solely of clients (no access points), which can communicate with each other only when they are in range of each other’s Signal and configured to the same channel and SSID.
BSS – Basic Service Set
This denotes the availability of access points and clients, all in communication with each other. An Ad-Hoc LAN (clients only) may also have a BSS ID; all machines must use the same BSS ID.
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Client
A PC, peripheral or other electronics with a connection to the network, with the sole purpose of using the network for data access and transfer. For example, a notebook PC with the Wireless LAN Card is considered a client.
ESS – Extended Service Set
The availability of access points and clients (BSS) and connections to wired networks, as well as the ability for a client to roam. ESS is available in Infrastructure mode, and all components must have the same ESS ID. Clients within an ESS may roam freely through many BSSs, if they are within range of the wireless LAN networks.
Infrastructure
As opposed to Ad-Hoc, this network mode allows connection to access points and to wired LAN networks or Internet access device such as a cable or ADSL modem.
LAN – Local Area Network
A network of clients/users typically based on the IEEE Ethernet protocol and using TCP/IP (Internet Protocol).
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Roaming
Clients can freely move about the wireless LAN network (ESS).
WEP – Wired Equivalent Privacy
A shared-key encryption protocol used to provide security for wireless data. At least two implementations of WEP exist, with keys based on the number of bits (64 or 128-bit). The more bits in the key, the harder it is to decipher and therefore, the more secure the connection is.
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FCC STATEMEMT:
This device is intended only for OEM integrators under the following
conditions:
1) The antenna must be installed such that 20 cm is maintained between the
antenna and users, and
2) The transmitter module may not be co-located with any other transmitter
or antenna.
As long as 2 conditions above are met, further transmitter test will not be
required. However, the OEM integrator is still responsible for testing their
end-product for any additional compliance requirements required with this
module installed (for example, digital device emissions, PC peripheral
requirements, etc.).
IMPORTANT NOTE: In the event that these conditions can not be met (for
example certain laptop configurations or co-location with another
transmitter), then the FCC authorization is no longer considered valid and
the FCC ID can not be used on the final product. In these circumstances, the
OEM integrator will be responsible for re-evaluating the end product
(including the transmitter) and obtaining a separate FCC authorization.
End Product Labeling
This transmitter module is authorized only for use in device where the
antenna may be installed such that 20 cm may be maintained between the
antenna and users (for example access points, routers, wireless ADSL modems,
and similar equipment). The final end product must be labeled in a visible
area with the following: "Contains TX FCC ID: SMW-GM-100".
Manual Information for End Users
The end user must not have manual instructions to remove or install the
device. The user manual for end users must include the following information
in a prominent location:
"IMPORTANT NOTE: To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, the
antenna used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation
distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or
operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter."
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