Cisco Systems 102050 User Manual
CHAPTER
7
Viewing Status and Statistics
This chapter explains how to use ADU to view the client adapter’s status and its transmit and receive
statistics.
The following topics are covered in this chapter:
• Overview of ADU Status and Statistics Tools, page 7-2
• Setting Parameters that Affect ADU Status and Statistics Tools, page 7-2
• Viewing the Current Status of Your Client Adapter, page 7-4
• Viewing Statistics for Your Client Adapter, page 7-12
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Chapter 7 Viewing Status and Statistics
Overview of ADU Status and Statistics Tools
Overview of ADU Status and Statistics Tools
In addition to enabling you to configure your client adapter for use in various types of networks, ADU
provides tools that enable you to assess the performance of the client adapter and other devices on the
wireless network. These tools perform the following functions:
• Display your client adapter’s current status and configured settings
• Display statistics pertaining to your client adapter’s transmission and reception of data
Table 7-1 enables you to quickly find instructions for using ADU status and statistics tools.
Table 7-1 Status and Statistics Tool Instructions
Tool Page Number
Status 7-4
Statistics 7-12
Setting Parameters that Affect ADU Status and Statistics Tools
Several parameters affect the operation of ADU status and statistics tools. Follow these steps to set these
parameters.
Step 1 Open ADU.
Step 2 Choose Display Settings from the Options drop-down menu. The Display Settings window appears (see
Figure 7-1).
Figure 7-1 Display Settings Window
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Chapter 7 Viewing Status and Statistics
Step 3 Table 7-2 lists and describes the parameters that affect the operation of ADU status and statistics tools.
Follow the instructions in the table to change any parameters.
Table 7-2 Parameters Affecting ADU Status and Statistics Tools
Parameter Description
Signal Strength Display Units Specifies the units used to display signal strength on the Advanced
Refresh Interval Specifies how often the ADU status and statistics windows and the
Setting Parameters that Affect ADU Status and Statistics Tools
Status window and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) on the Available
Infrastructure and Ad Hoc Networks window.
Options: % or dBm
Default: dBm
Units Description
% Displays the signal strength and
signal-to-noise ratio as a percentage.
dBm Displays the signal strength in decibels
with respect to milliwatts (dBm) and the
signal-to-noise ratio in decibels (dB).
ASTU icon are updated.
Range: 1 to 5 seconds between updates (in 1-second increments)
Data Display Specifies whether the data that is displayed on the Diagnostics and
Step 4 Click OK to save your changes.
Default: 3 seconds between updates
Advanced Statistics windows continue to increment until the driver is
reloaded or only until an update occurs (every 1 to 5 seconds).
Options: Relative or Cumulative
Default: Cumulative
Data Display Description
Relative Displays statistical data collected since the
last update, as specified by the Refresh
Interval (1 to 5 seconds).
Cumulative Displays statistical data collected since the
driver was loaded, upon card insertion or
reboot.
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Chapter 7 Viewing Status and Statistics
Viewing the Current Status of Your Client Adapter
Viewing the Current Status of Your Client Adapter
ADU enables you to view the current status of your client adapter as well as many of the settings that
have been configured for the adapter. To view your client adapter’s status and settings, open ADU. The
Current Status window appears (see Figure 7-2).
Figure 7-2 Current Status Window
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Chapter 7 Viewing Status and Statistics
Table 7-3 interprets each element of the Current Status window.
Table 7-3 Basic Client Adapter Status
Status Description
Profile Name The network configuration (or profile) your client adapter is currently
Link Status The operational mode of your client adapter.
Wireless Mode The frequency and rate at which your current wireless connection is
Viewing the Current Status of Your Client Adapter
using.
Note Refer to Chapter 4 for information on creating, modifying, and
selecting profiles.
Val ue : Not Associated, Associated, Authenticating, Authenticated,
Authentication Failed, or Authentication Failed Retrying
Link Status Description
Not Associated The client adapter has not established a
connection to an access point (in
infrastructure mode) or another client (in
ad hoc mode).
Associated The client adapter has established a
connection to an access point (in
infrastructure mode) or another client (in
ad hoc mode).
Authenticating The client adapter is associated to an
access point, and the EAP authentication
process has begun but not yet succeeded.
Authenticated The client adapter is associated to an
access point, and the user is EAP
authenticated.
Authentication Failed The client adapter is associated to an
access point, but the user has failed to EAP
authenticate.
Authentication Failed
Retrying
The client adapter is associated to an
access point, the user has failed to EAP
authenticate, but another authentication
attempt is being made.
capable of transmitting or receiving packets.
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Val ue : 5 GHz 54 Mbps, 2.4 GHz 11 Mbps, or 2.4 GHz 54 Mbps
Note Refer to the Wireless Mode parameter in Tab l e 5-3 for
information on setting the wireless mode for your client
adapter.
Network Type The type of network in which your client adapter is being used.
Val ue : Infrastructure or Ad Hoc
Note Refer to the Network Type parameter in Tab l e 5 - 3 for
information on setting the network type.
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Viewing the Current Status of Your Client Adapter
Table 7-3 Basic Client Adapter Status (continued)
Status Description
Server Based Authentication The method by which authentication to a back-end server is being
IP Address The IP address of your client adapter.
Current Channel The channel that your client adapter is currently using for
Chapter 7 Viewing Status and Statistics
performed to establish secure connectivity.
Val ue : None, LEAP, EAP-FAST, EAP-TLS, PEAP (EAP-GTC),
PEAP (EAP-MSCHAP V2), or Host Based EAP
Note Refer to the “Overview of Security Features” on page 5-14 for
details on these server-based authentication types.
communications. This field displays Scanning while the client adapter
searches for a channel.
Val ue : Dependent on radio band and regulatory domain
Note Refer to the Channel parameter in Table 5-3 for information on
setting the channel for your client adapter.
Note Refer to Appendix D for a list of channel identifiers, channel
center frequencies, and regulatory domains for each channel.
Data Encryption The data encryption type that was negotiated with the access point (in
infrastructure mode) or another client (in ad hoc mode) upon
association.
Val ue : None, WEP, CKIP, TKIP, or AES
Note Refer to the “Overview of Security Features” on page 5-14 for
details on these data encryption types.
Signal Strength The signal strength for all received packets. The color of this
parameter’s progress bar provides a visual interpretation of signal
strength.
Val ue : Excellent (green), Good (green), Fair (yellow), Poor (red), or
No Link
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Chapter 7 Viewing Status and Statistics
Click Advanced if you want to view more detailed status information for your client adapter. The
Advanced Status window appears (see Figure 7-3).
Figure 7-3 Advanced Status Window
Viewing the Current Status of Your Client Adapter
Table 7-4 interprets each element of the Advanced Status window.
Table 7-4 Advanced Client Adapter Status
Status Description
Network Name (SSID) The name of the network to which your client adapter is currently
associated.
Note Refer to the SSID1 parameter in Tab le 5-2 for information on
setting the client adapter’s SSID.
Server Based Authentication The method by which authentication to a back-end server is being
performed to establish secure connectivity.
Val ue : None, LEAP, EAP-FAST, EAP-TLS, PEAP (EAP-GTC),
PEAP (EAP-MSCHAP V2), or Host Based EAP
Refer to the “Overview of Security Features” on page 5-14 for details
on these server-based authentication types.
Data Encryption The data encryption type that was negotiated with the access point (in
infrastructure mode) or another client (in ad hoc mode) upon
association.
Val ue : None, WEP, CKIP, TKIP, or AES
Note Refer to the “Overview of Security Features” on page 5-14 for
details on these data encryption types.
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Viewing the Current Status of Your Client Adapter
Table 7-4 Advanced Client Adapter Status (continued)
Status Description
Authentication Type Specifies whether the client adapter must share the same WEP keys as
Message Integrity Check Indicates whether your client adapter is using message integrity check
Chapter 7 Viewing Status and Statistics
the access point in order to authenticate or can authenticate to the
access point regardless of its WEP settings.
Val ue : Open or Shared
Note An incorrect WEP key setting prevents connectivity to the
network regardless of the 802.11 authentication type selected.
Note Refer to the “Setting Advanced Parameters” on page 5-6 for
information on setting the 802.11 authentication mode.
(MIC) to protect packets sent to and received from the access point.
MIC prevents bit-flip attacks on encrypted packets. During a bit-flip
attack, an intruder intercepts an encrypted message, alters it slightly,
and retransmits it, and the receiver accepts the retransmitted message
as legitimate.
Note MIC is supported automatically by the client adapter’s driver,
but it must be enabled on the access point.
Val ue : None, MMH, or Michael
Message Integrity Check Description
None MIC is disabled.
MMH MIC is enabled and is being used with
CKIP.
Michael MIC is enabled and is being used with
WPA and TKIP.
QoS The type of quality of service that is currently being used by your client
adapter. QoS on wireless LANs (WLAN) provides prioritization of
traffic from the access point over the WLAN based on traffic
classification.
Val ue : None or WMM
QoS Description
None WMM standard QoS is not enabled.
WMM Wi-Fi Multimedia, a component of the
IEEE 802.11e WLAN standard for QoS, is
enabled. For this value to appear, QoS and
WMM must be enabled on the access point
to which the client adapter is associated.
Note WMM is supported automatically in the client adapter
software. However, you must enable the Windows QoS Packet
Scheduler to ensure WMM support. Follow the instructions in
the “Enabling Wi-Fi Multimedia” on page 5-59 to enable the
QoS Packet Scheduler.
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Chapter 7 Viewing Status and Statistics
Table 7-4 Advanced Client Adapter Status (continued)
Status Description
Associated AP Name The name of the access point to which your client adapter is associated.
Associated AP IP Address The IP address of the access point to which your client adapter is
Associated AP MAC Address The MAC address of the access point to which your client adapter is
Viewing the Current Status of Your Client Adapter
It is shown only if the client adapter is in infrastructure mode, the
access point was configured with a name, and Aironet Extensions are
enabled (on access points running Cisco IOS Release 12.2(4)JA or
later).
Note This field shows up to 15 characters although the name of the
access point may be longer.
associated. It is shown only if the client adapter is in infrastructure
mode, the access point was configured with an IP address, and Aironet
Extensions are enabled (on access points running Cisco IOS Release
12.2(4)JA or later).
Note If Aironet Extensions are disabled, the IP address of the
associated access point is shown as 0.0.0.0.
associated. It is shown only if the client adapter is in infrastructure
mode.
Note This field displays the MAC address of the access point’s
Ethernet port (for access points that do not run Cisco IOS
software) or the MAC address of the access point’s radio (for
access points that run Cisco IOS software). The MAC address
of the Ethernet port on access points that run Cisco IOS
software is printed on a label on the back of the device.
Power Save Mode The client adapter’s current power consumption setting.
Val ue : CAM (Constantly Awake Mode), Max PSP (Max Power
Saving), or Fast PSP (Power Save Mode)
Note Refer to the Power Save Mode parameter in Table 5-3 for
information on setting the client adapter’s power save mode.
Current Power Level The power level at which your client adapter is currently transmitting.
The maximum level is dependent upon the radio band used and your
country’s regulatory agency.
Val ue : 10, 13, 20, 25, or 40 mW (802.11a band);
10, 20, 32, 50, 63, or 100 mW (802.11b/g band)
Note Refer to the Transmit Power Level parameter in Table 5-3 for
information on setting the client adapter’s power level.
Available Power Levels The power levels at which your client adapter is capable of
transmitting. The maximum level is dependent upon the radio band
used and your country’s regulatory agency.
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Val ue : 10, 13, 20, 25, or 40 mW (802.11a band);
10, 20, 32, 50, 63, or 100 mW (802.11b/g band)
Note Refer to the Transmit Power Level parameter in Table 5-3 for
information on the client adapter’s available power levels.
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Viewing the Current Status of Your Client Adapter
Table 7-4 Advanced Client Adapter Status (continued)
Status Description
Current Signal Strength The signal strength for all received packets. The higher the value, the
Current Signal Quality The signal quality for all received packets. The higher the value, the
Current Noise Level The level of background radio frequency energy in the current radio
Up Time The amount of time (in hours:minutes:seconds) since the client adapter
802.11b Preamble Indicates whether your client adapter is using only long radio headers
Chapter 7 Viewing Status and Statistics
stronger the signal.
Range: 0 to 100% or 0 to –100 dBm
clearer the signal.
Range: 0 to 100%
Note This field appears only if you selected signal strength to be
displayed as a percentage. See the Signal Strength Display
Units parameter in Tab le 7-2 for information.
band. The lower the value, the less background noise present.
Range: 0 to –100 dBm
Note This field appears only if you selected signal strength to be
displayed in dBm. See the Signal Strength Display Units
parameter in Tabl e 7-2 for information.
has been receiving power. If the adapter has been running for more than
24 hours, the time is displayed in days, hours:minutes:seconds.
or short and long radio headers.
Val ue : Short & Long or Long Only
Note This field contains a value only when the client adapter is
operated in 2.4-GHz 11-Mbps or 2.4-GHz 54-Mbps mode.
Note Refer to the 802.11b Preamble parameter in Tabl e 5- 3 for
information on using radio headers.
Current Receive Rate The rate at which your client adapter is currently receiving data
packets.
Val ue : 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, or 54 Mbps
Current Transmit Rate The rate at which your client adapter is currently transmitting data
packets.
Val ue : 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, or 54 Mbps
Channel The channel that your client adapter is currently using for
communications. This field displays Scanning while the client adapter
searches for a channel.
Val ue : Dependent on radio band and regulatory domain
Note Refer to the Channel parameter in Table 5-3 for information on
setting the channel for your client adapter.
Note Refer to Appendix D for a list of channel identifiers, channel
center frequencies, and regulatory domains for each channel.
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Chapter 7 Viewing Status and Statistics
Table 7-4 Advanced Client Adapter Status (continued)
Status Description
Frequency The radio frequency that your client adapter is currently using for
Channel Set The regulatory domain for which your client adapter is currently
Click OK to close the Advanced Status window.
Viewing the Current Status of Your Client Adapter
communications. This field displays Scanning while the client adapter
searches for a frequency.
Val ue : Dependent on radio band and regulatory domain
Note Refer to the Wireless Mode parameter in Tab l e 5-3 for
information on setting the frequency for your client adapter.
configured. This value is not user selectable.
Val ue : America, EMEA, Japan, or Rest of World
Note Refer to Appendix D for a list of channel identifiers, channel
center frequencies, and regulatory domains for each channel.
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Viewing Statistics for Your Client Adapter
Viewing Statistics for Your Client Adapter
ADU enables you to view statistics that indicate how data is being received and transmitted by your
client adapter.
To view your client adapter’s statistics, open ADU and click the Diagnostics tab. The Cisco Aironet
Desktop Utility (Diagnostics) window appears (see Figure 7-4).
Figure 7-4 Cisco Aironet Desktop Utility (Diagnostics) Window
Chapter 7 Viewing Status and Statistics
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This window displays basic transmit and receive statistics for your client adapter. The statistics are
calculated on a relative or cumulative basis as specified by the Data Display parameter and are
continually updated at the rate specified by the Refresh Interval parameter. Instructions for changing the
Data Display and Refresh Interval settings are provided in Tabl e 7- 2 .
Note The receive and transmit statistics are host statistics. That is, they show packets and errors received or
sent by the Windows device.
Note To run the Cisco Aironet Troubleshooting Utility, click Troubleshooting. Refer to “Using the Cisco
Aironet Troubleshooting Utility” on page 10-3 for more information.
Note To view client adapter information, click Adapter Information. Refer to “Viewing Client Adapter
Information” on page 9-10 for more information.
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Chapter 7 Viewing Status and Statistics
Table 7-5 describes each statistic that is displayed for your client adapter.
Table 7-5 Basic Client Adapter Statistics
Statistic Description
Transmit Statistics
Multicast Packets The number of multicast packets that were transmitted.
Broadcast Packets The number of broadcast packets that were transmitted.
Unicast Packets The number of unicast packets that were transmitted successfully.
Total Bytes The number of bytes of data that were transmitted successfully.
Receive Statistics
Multicast Packets The number of multicast packets that were received.
Broadcast Packets The number of broadcast packets that were received.
Unicast Packets The number of unicast packets that were received successfully.
Total Bytes The number of bytes of data that were received successfully.
Viewing Statistics for Your Client Adapter
Click Advanced Statistics if you want to view additional statistics for your client adapter. The
Advanced Statistics window appears (see Figure 7-5).
Figure 7-5 Advanced Statistics Window
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Viewing Statistics for Your Client Adapter
Table 7-6 interprets each element of the Advanced Statistics window.
Table 7-6 Advanced Client Adapter Statistics
Status Description
Transmit Statistics
Frames Transmitted OK The number of frames that were transmitted successfully.
Frames Retried The number of frames that were retried.
Frames Dropped The number of frames that were dropped because of errors or
No ACK Frames The number of transmitted frames that did not have their corresponding
ACK Frames The number of transmitted frames that had their corresponding Ack
RTS Frames The number of request-to-send (RTS) transmissions that were
CTS Frames The number of clear-to-send (CTS) frames that were received in
No CTS Frames The number of request-to-send (RTS) transmissions that were
Retried RTS Frames The number of request-to-send (RTS) frames that were retransmitted.
Retried Data Frames The number of normal data frames that were retransmitted.
Receive Statistics
Beacons Received The number of beacon frames that were received successfully.
Frames Received OK The number of all frames that were received successfully.
Frames Received with Errors The number of frames that were received with an invalid checksum.
CRC Errors The number of cyclic redundancy check (CRC) errors detected in the
Encryption Errors The number of frames that were received with encryption errors.
Duplicate Frames The number of duplicate frames that were received.
AP Mismatches The number of times the client adapter tried to associate to an access
Chapter 7 Viewing Status and Statistics
collisions.
Ack frame received successfully.
frame received successfully.
attempted.
response to a successfully transmitted RTS frame.
unsuccessful. The access point sends CTS frames in response to the
client’s RTS frames. This field keeps track of each time the client does
not receive a CTS back from the access point.
data portion of the frame.
point but was unable to because the access point was not the adapter’s
specified access point.
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Note Refer to the Access Point 1 through Access Point 4 parameters
on page 5-13 for information on specifying access points.
Data Rate Mismatches The number of times the client adapter tried to associate to an access
point but was unable to because the adapter’s data rate was not
supported by the access point.
Note Refer to the Wireless Mode parameter in Tab le 5-3 for
information on supported data rates.
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Chapter 7 Viewing Status and Statistics
Table 7-6 Advanced Client Adapter Statistics (continued)
Status Description
Authentication Time-Out The number of times the client adapter tried to authenticate to an access
Authentication Rejects The number of times the client adapter tried to authenticate to an access
Association Time-Out The number of times the client adapter tried to associate to an access
Association Rejects The number of times the client adapter tried to associate to an access
Standard MIC OK The number of frames that were received with the correct message
Standard MIC Errors The number of frames that were discarded due to an incorrect message
CKIP MIC OK The number of frames that were received with the correct message
CKIP MIC Errors The number of frames that were discarded due to an incorrect message
Viewing Statistics for Your Client Adapter
point but was unable to because the access point did not respond fast
enough (timed out).
point but was rejected.
point but was unable to because the access point did not respond fast
enough (timed out).
point but was rejected.
integrity check (MIC) value.
integrity check (MIC) value.
integrity check (MIC) value when CKIP was being used.
Note This field is displayed only if MIC is enabled on the access
point.
integrity check (MIC) value when CKIP was being used.
Note This field is displayed only if MIC is enabled on the access
point.
Click OK to close the Advanced Statistics window.
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Viewing Statistics for Your Client Adapter
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CHAPTER
8
Using the Aironet System Tray Utility (ASTU)
This chapter explains how to use the Aironet System Tray Utility (ASTU) to access status information
about your client adapter and perform basic tasks.
The following topics are covered in this chapter:
• Overview of ASTU, page 8-2
• The ASTU Icon, page 8-2
• Tool Tip Window, page 8-3
• Pop-Up Menu, page 8-5
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Overview of ASTU
Overview of ASTU
ASTU is an optional application that provides a small subset of the features available through ADU.
Specifically, it enables you to access status information about your client adapter and perform basic
tasks. ASTU is accessible from an icon in the Windows system tray, making it easily accessible and
convenient to use. The ASTU icon appears only if a client adapter is installed into your computer and
you did not disable ASTU during installation.
ASTU provides information and options in the following ways:
• In the appearance of the icon itself
• Through a tool tip window that appears when you hover the cursor over the icon
• Through a pop-up menu that appears when you right-click the icon
• Through a Connection Status window that appears when you double-click the icon
The ASTU Icon
Chapter 8 Using the Aironet System Tray Utility (ASTU)
The appearance of the ASTU icon indicates the connection status of your client adapter. ASTU reads the
client adapter status and updates the icon every 1 to 5 seconds, depending on the value entered for the
Refresh Interval on the Display Settings window. Ta ble 8-1 interprets the different appearances of the
ASTU icon.
Note Windows 2000 and XP may display their own wireless network connection status icon in the system tray.
Cisco recommends that you turn off the Windows icon and use the ASTU icon to monitor your wireless
connection.
Table 8-1 Interpreting the ASTU Icon
Icon Description
A white icon indicates that the client adapter’s radio is disabled.
A dark gray icon indicates that the client adapter is not associated to an access point (in
infrastructure mode) or another client (in ad hoc mode).
A light gray icon indicates that the client adapter is associated to an access point (in
infrastructure mode) or another client (in ad hoc mode) but the user is not EAP
authenticated.
A green icon indicates that the client adapter is associated to an access point (in
infrastructure mode) or another client (in ad hoc mode), the user is authenticated if the
client adapter is configured for EAP authentication, and the signal strength is excellent
or good.
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Table 8-1 Interpreting the ASTU Icon (continued)
Icon Description
A yellow icon indicates that the client adapter is associated to an access point (in
infrastructure mode) or another client (in ad hoc mode), the user is authenticated if the
client adapter is configured for EAP authentication, and the signal strength is fair.
A red icon indicates that the client adapter is associated to an access point (in
infrastructure mode) or another client (in ad hoc mode), the user is authenticated if the
client adapter is configured for EAP authentication, and the signal strength is poor.
Tool Tip Window
When you hover the cursor over the ASTU icon, the Tool Tip window appears (see Figure 8-1).
Note If the client adapter’s radio is disabled, a message appears instead of the Tool Tip window to inform you
that the wireless network interface is disabled.
Tool Tip Window
Figure 8-1 Tool Tip Window
This window provides information on the current status of your client adapter. Tab l e 8 - 2 lists and
describes each element of the Tool Tip window.
Table 8-2 Tool Tip Window Elements
Status Element Description
Active profile The network configuration (or profile) that your client adapter is
currently using.
Note If auto profile selection is enabled, the active profile does not
appear until the client is associated to an access point.
SSID The name of the network to which your client adapter is currently
associated.
Note When the client adapter is not associated and auto profile
selection is disabled, this field shows the profile’s SSID. When
the client adapter is not associated and auto profile selection is
enabled, this field is left blank.
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Note Refer to the SSID1 parameter in Tab le 5-2 for information on
setting the client adapter's SSID.
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Tool Tip Window
Chapter 8 Using the Aironet System Tray Utility (ASTU)
Table 8-2 Tool Tip Window Elements (continued)
Status Element Description
Connection status The operational mode of your client adapter.
Val ue : Not Associated, Associated, Authenticating, Authenticated,
Authentication Failed, or Authentication Failed Retrying
Connection Status Description
Not Associated The client adapter has not established a
connection to an access point (in
infrastructure mode) or another client (in
ad hoc mode).
Associated The client adapter has established a
connection to an access point (in
infrastructure mode) or another client (in
ad hoc mode).
Authenticating The client adapter is associated to an
access point, and the EAP authentication
process has begun but not yet succeeded.
Authenticated The client adapter is associated to an
access point, and the user is EAP
authenticated.
Authentication Failed The client adapter is associated to an
access point, but the user has failed to EAP
authenticate.
Authentication Failed
Retrying
Note This status may appear very
briefly or not at all as the
authentication failure may result
in the client adapter becoming
disassociated, in which case the
status reads Not Associated.
The client adapter is associated to an
access point, the user has failed to EAP
authenticate, but another authentication
attempt is being made.
Note This status may appear very
briefly or not at all as the
authentication failure may result
in the client adapter becoming
disassociated, in which case the
status reads Not Associated.
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Chapter 8 Using the Aironet System Tray Utility (ASTU)
Table 8-2 Tool Tip Window Elements (continued)
Status Element Description
Link quality The client adapter's signal strength for all received packets.
Link speed and 802.11 mode The rate at which your client adapter is currently transmitting data
Client adapter type A description of your client adapter.
Client adapter IP address The IP address of your client adapter.
Pop-Up Menu
Pop-Up Menu
Val ue : Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor, or No Link
packets and the 802.11 mode that your client adapter is currently using
for communications.
Link speed value:1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, or 54 Mbps
802.11 mode value: 11a, 11b, or 11g
When you right-click the ASTU icon, the ASTU pop-up menu appears (see Figure 8-2).
Figure 8-2 ASTU Pop-Up Menu
The following sections describe each ASTU pop-up menu option.
Note If you used the Aironet System Tray Utility Preferences window or your system administrator used an
administrative tool to deactivate certain ASTU menu options, these options do not appear in the menu
and therefore cannot be selected.
Help
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This option enables you to access the online help.
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Pop-Up Menu
Exit
This option closes ADU and ASTU.
Note To reactivate ADU, double-click the Aironet Desktop Utility icon on your computer desktop. To
reactivate ASTU, choose the Enable Tray Icon option from the ADU Action drop-down menu.
Open Aironet Desktop Utility
This option activates ADU.
Troubleshooting
This option activates the troubleshooting utility, which enables you to identify and resolve configuration
and association problems with your client adapter. Refer to the “Using the Cisco Aironet
Troubleshooting Utility” section on page 10-3 for detailed instructions on using this utility.
Chapter 8 Using the Aironet System Tray Utility (ASTU)
Preferences
When you choose this option, the Aironet System Tray Utility Preferences window appears (see
Figure 8-3).
Figure 8-3 Aironet System Tray Utility Preferences Window
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Chapter 8 Using the Aironet System Tray Utility (ASTU)
This window enables you to determine when ADU and ASTU run and to choose the options that appear
on the ASTU pop-up menu. Follow these steps to make your selections.
Step 1 If you want ASTU to run automatically when Windows starts, make sure the Run the program
automatically when Windows starts check box is checked. Otherwise, uncheck this check box.
Note If you do not choose this option and later want to run ASTU, you must choose the Enable Tray
Icon option from the Action drop-down menu in ADU.
Step 2 In the Menu Options portion of the window, make sure the check boxes of all the options that you want
to appear in the ASTU pop-up menu are checked. Any options that are not checked will not be included
in the menu.
Note The Preferences option cannot be deselected. It always appears in the ASTU pop-up menu.
Step 3 Click OK to save your changes.
Pop-Up Menu
Enable/Disable Radio
This option enables you to disable or enable the client adapter’s radio. Disabling the radio prevents the
adapter from transmitting RF energy. You might want to disable the client adapter’s radio in the
following situations:
• You are not transmitting data and want to conserve battery power.
• You are using a laptop on an airplane, hospital, or any other location where radio transmission is not
allowed and want to prevent the adapter’s transmissions from potentially interfering with the
operation of certain devices.
When the radio is enabled, it periodically sends out probes even if it is not associated to an access point
(in infrastructure mode) or another client (in ad hoc mode), as required by the 802.11 specification.
Therefore, it is important to disable it around devices that are susceptible to RF interference.
Note If the client adapter’s radio is disabled, your client adapter is not associated, and a message appears when
you hover the cursor over the ASTU icon to inform you that the wireless network interface is disabled.
Note If your client adapter’s radio is disabled before your computer enters standby or hibernate mode or
before you reboot the computer, the radio remains disabled when the computer resumes. You must enable
the radio to resume operation.
If the radio is enabled, choose Disable Radio to disable the radio.
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If the radio is disabled, choose Enable Radio to enable the radio.
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Pop-Up Menu
Manual Login
This option enables you to manually invoke the authentication process for a profile that is configured to
use a manually prompted LEAP or EAP-FAST username and password. When you choose this option,
the Enter Wireless Network Password window appears. Enter your LEAP or EAP-FAST credentials and
click OK. The LEAP or EAP-FAST Authentication Status window appears, and the authentication
process begins.
Note Refer to Chapter 5 for information on setting a manual LEAP or EAP-FAST profile and Chapter 6 for
details on the authentication process.
Reauthenticate
This option forces your client adapter to try to reauthenticate using the username and password of the
current profile. It is available for all EAP-enabled profiles. When you choose this option, the
authentication process begins.
Chapter 8 Using the Aironet System Tray Utility (ASTU)
Select Profile
If your client adapter is unable to authenticate using the specified username and password, you may be
prompted to re-enter them. If you click Cancel, a message appears indicating that the current profile will
be disabled until you choose the Reauthenticate option, reboot your computer, or eject and reinsert the
client adapter.
This option enables you to select the active profile for your client adapter. When you choose this option,
a profiles submenu appears (see Figure 8-4).
Figure 8-4 Profiles Submenu
From this menu, you can choose between the following options:
• Use Auto Profile Selection—Causes the client adapter’s driver to automatically select a profile
from the list of profiles that were set up in ADU to be included in auto profile selection.
If the client adapter loses association for more than 10 seconds (or for more than the time specified
by the LEAP/EAP-FAST authentication timeout value on the LEAP/EAP-FAST Settings window if
LEAP/EAP-FAST is enabled), the driver switches automatically to another profile that is included
in auto profile selection. The adapter will not switch profiles as long as it remains associated or
reassociates within 10 seconds (or within the time specified by the LEAP/EAP-FAST authentication
timeout value). To force the client adapter to associate to a different access point (in infrastructure
mode) or another client (in ad hoc mode), you must select a new profile.
8-8
Note This option is available only if two or more profiles are included in auto profile selection.
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Note Login scripts are not reliable if you use auto profile selection with LEAP or EAP-FAST. If
you authenticate and achieve full network connectivity before or at the same time as you log
into the computer, the login scripts will run. However, if you authenticate and achieve full
network connectivity after you log into the computer, the login scripts will not run.
• A specific profile—When you select a profile from the list of available profiles, the client adapter
attempts to establish a connection to an access point (in infrastructure mode) or another client (in
ad hoc mode) using the parameters that were configured for that profile.
If the client adapter cannot associate to the access point (or other client) or loses association while
using the selected profile, the adapter does not attempt to associate using another profile. To get it
to associate, you must select a different profile or select Use Auto Profile Selection.
Simply click the desired profile to select it. A check mark appears beside the profile, and the client
adapter attempts to establish a connection using the selected profile.
Show Connection Status
Pop-Up Menu
When you choose this option, the Connection Status window appears (see Figure 8-5).
Figure 8-5 Connection Status Window
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This window provides information on the current status of your client adapter. Table 8-3 interprets each
element of the Connection Status window.
Note You can also access the Connection Status window by double-clicking the ASTU icon.
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Pop-Up Menu
Chapter 8 Using the Aironet System Tray Utility (ASTU)
Table 8-3 Connection Status Window Elements
Status Element Description
Active Profile The network configuration (or profile) that your client adapter is
currently using.
Auto Profile Selection Indicates whether your client adapter is using auto profile selection.
Val ue : Enabled or Disabled
Connection Status The operational mode of your client adapter.
Val ue : Not Associated, Associated, Authenticating, Authenticated,
Authentication Failed, or Authentication Failed Retrying
Connection Status Description
Not Associated The client adapter has not established a
connection to an access point (in
infrastructure mode) or another client (in
ad hoc mode).
Associated The client adapter has established a
connection to an access point (in
infrastructure mode) or another client (in
ad hoc mode).
Authenticating The client adapter is associated to an
access point, and the EAP authentication
process has begun but not yet succeeded.
Authenticated The client adapter is associated to an
access point, and the user is EAP
authenticated.
Authentication Failed The client adapter is associated to an
access point, but the user has failed to EAP
authenticate.
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Note This status may appear very
briefly or not at all as the
authentication failure may result
in the client adapter becoming
disassociated, in which case the
status reads Not Associated.
Authentication Failed
Retrying
The client adapter is associated to an
access point, the user has failed to EAP
authenticate, but another authentication
attempt is being made.
Note This status may appear very
briefly or not at all as the
authentication failure may result
in the client adapter becoming
disassociated, in which case the
status reads Not Associated.
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Table 8-3 Connection Status Window Elements (continued)
Status Element Description
Link Quality The client adapter’s signal strength for all received packets.
SSID The name of the network to which your client adapter is currently
Access Point Name The name of the access point to which your client adapter is associated.
Access Point IP Address The IP address of the access point to which your client adapter is
Pop-Up Menu
Val ue : Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor, or No Link
associated.
Note Refer to the SSID1 parameter in Tab le 5-2 for information on
setting the client adapter’s SSID.
It is shown only if the client adapter is in infrastructure mode, the
access point was configured with a name, and Aironet Extensions are
enabled (on access points running Cisco IOS Release 12.2(4)JA or
later).
Note This field shows up to 15 characters although the name of the
access point may be longer.
associated. It is shown only if the client adapter is in infrastructure
mode, the access point was configured with an IP address, and Aironet
Extensions are enabled (on access points running Cisco IOS Release
12.2(4)JA or later).
Note If Aironet Extensions are disabled, the IP address of the
associated access point is shown as 0.0.0.0.
Current Receive Rate The rate at which your client adapter is currently receiving data
packets.
Val ue : 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, or 54 Mbps
Current Transmit Rate The rate at which your client adapter is currently transmitting data
packets.
Val ue : 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, or 54 Mbps
Client Adapter IP Address The IP address of your client adapter.
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CHAPTER
Routine Procedures
This chapter provides procedures for common tasks related to the client adapter.
The following topics are covered in this chapter:
• Removing a Client Adapter, page 9-2
• Client Adapter Software Procedures, page 9-3
• Enabling or Disabling Your Client Adapter’s Radio, page 9-11
9
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Removing a Client Adapter
Removing a Client Adapter
Follow the instructions in this section to remove a PC-Cardbus card or PCI card from a computing
device, when necessary.
Caution These procedures and the physical connections they describe apply generally to conventional Cardbus
slots and PCI expansion slots. In cases of custom or nonconventional equipment, be alert to possible
differences in Cardbus slot and PCI expansion slot configurations.
Removing a PC-Cardbus Card
To remove a PC-Cardbus card after it is successfully installed and configured (such as when your laptop
is to be transported), completely shut down your computer and pull the card directly out of the Cardbus
slot. When the card is reinserted and the computer is rebooted, your connection to the network should
be re-established.
Chapter 9 Routine Procedures
Note If you need to remove your PC-Cardbus card but do not want to shut down your computer, double-click
the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the Windows system tray, choose the Cisco Aironet client adapter
you want to remove under Hardware devices, click Stop, and click OK to close each open window. Then
pull the card directly out of the card slot.
Removing a PCI Card
Because PCI client adapters are installed inside desktop computers, which are not designed for portable
use, you should have little reason to remove the adapter. However, instructions are provided below in
case you need to remove your PCI card.
Step 1 Completely shut down your computer.
Step 2 Remove the computer cover.
Step 3 Remove the screw from the top of the CPU back panel above the PCI expansion slot that holds your client
adapter.
Step 4 Disassemble the antenna from the base.
Step 5 Pull up firmly on the client adapter to release it from the slot and carefully tilt the adapter to slip its
antenna through the opening near the slot.
Step 6 Reinstall the screw on the CPU back panel and replace the computer cover.
9-2
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