Cisco Systems 102051 User Manual
BETA DRAFT - CISCO CONFIDENTIAL
Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN Client
Adapters (CB21AG and PI21AG)
Installation and Configuration Guide
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Text Part Number: OL-4211-01
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THE SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION REGARDING THE PRODUCTS IN THIS M ANUAL ARE SUBJECT TO CHA NGE WITHOUT NO TICE. ALL
STATEMENTS, INFORMATION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS IN THIS MANUAL ARE BELIEVED TO BE ACCURATE BUT ARE PRESENTED WITHOUT
WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. USERS MUST TAKE FULL RESPONSI BILITY FOR THEIR APPLICA TION OF ANY PRODUCT S.
THE SOFTWARE LICENSE AND LIMITED WARRANTY FOR THE ACCOMPANYING PRODUCT ARE SET FORT H IN THE INFORMATION PACKET T HAT
SHIPPED WITH THE PRODUCT AND ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY THIS REFERENCE. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE SOFTWARE LICENSE
OR LIMITED WARRANTY, CONTACT YOUR CISCO REPRESENTATIVE FOR A COPY.
The following information is for FCC compliance of Class A devices: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accor dance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case users will be required
to correct the interference at their own expense.
The following information is for FCC compliance of Class B devices: The equipment described in this manual generates and may radiate radio-frequency energy. If it is not
installed in accordance with Cisco’s installation instructions, it may cause interference with radio and television reception. This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital device in accordance with the specifications in part 15 of the FCC rules. These specifications are designed to provide reasonable
protection against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
Modifying the equipment without Cisc o’s writ ten author ization m ay resul t in the equi pment no lo nger comp lyi ng with FCC requi rements for Class A or Class B digital
devices. In that event, your right to use the equ ipment may be limit ed by FCC regul ations , and you may be requir ed to correct a ny interference to radio or television
communications at your own expense.
You can determine whether your equipment is causing interference by turning it off. If the interferen ce stops, it was probably caused by the Cisco equipment or one of its
peripheral devices. If the equipment causes interference to radio or television reception, try to correct the interference by using one or more of the followi ng measures:
• Turn the television or radio antenna unt il the int erference st ops.
• Move the equipment to one side or the other of the televisio n or radi o.
• Move the equipment farther away from the te levision or radio.
• Plug the equipment into an outlet that is on a di fferent cir cuit from the televi sion o r radio. (That is, make certain th e equipment and the te levision or radio are on circuit s
controlled by different circuit breaker s or fuses.)
Modifications to this product no t author ized by Cis co Syst ems, Inc. coul d voi d the FCC appro val and ne gate your authorit y to op erate the pr odu ct.
The Cisco implementation of TCP head er compressi on is an adap tation of a program developed by the Universi ty of Ca lifornia, Berk eley (UCB) as part of UCB ’s public
domain version of the UNIX operatin g system. All rights reserved . Copyri ght © 1981 , Rege nts of the Uni versity of Calif ornia.
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All other trademarks mentioned in this document or Web site are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship
between Cisco and any other company. (0304 R)
Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN Client Adapters (CB21AG and PI21AG) Installat ion and C onfiguratio n Guide
Copyright © 2003 Cisco Systems, Inc.
All rights reserved.
BETA DRAFT - CISCO CONFIDENTIAL
Preface xi
Audience xii
Purpose xii
Organization xii
Conventions xiii
Related Publications xv
Obtaining Documentation xv
Cisco.com xv
Documentation CD-ROM xv
Ordering Documentation xvi
Documentat ion Feedback xvi
Obtaining Technical Assistance xvi
Cisco TAC Website xvi
Opening a TAC Ca se xvii
TAC Case Priority Definitions xvii
CONTENTS
CHAPTER
Obtaining Additional Publications and Information xvii
1 Product Overview 1-1
Introduction to the Client Adapters 1-2
Terminology 1-2
Hardware Components 1-3
Radio 1-3
Radio Antenna 1-3
LEDs 1-3
Software Components 1-4
Driver 1-4
Client Utilities 1-4
Network Configurations Using Client Adapters 1-5
Ad Hoc Wireless LAN 1-5
Wireless Infrastructure with Workstations Accessing a Wi red LAN 1-6
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CHAPTER
CHAPTER
2 Preparing for Installation 2-1
Safety information 2-2
FCC Safety Compliance Statement 2-2
Safety Guidelines 2-2
Warnings 2-3
Unpacking the Client Adapter 2-3
Package Contents 2-3
System Requirements 2-4
Site Requirements 2-5
For Infrastruc ture Devices 2-5
For Client Devices 2-5
3 Installing the Client Adapter 3-1
Inserting a Client Adapter 3-2
Inserting a PC-Cardbus Card 3-2
Inserting a PCI Card 3-3
Changing the Bracket 3-3
Inserting the Card 3-4
Assembling the Antenna 3-5
Mounting the Antenna 3-6
CHAPTER
Installing the Cl ient Adapter Software 3-8
Verifying Installation 3-18
4 Using the Profile Manager 4-1
Overview of Profile Manager 4-2
Opening Profile Manager 4-2
Creating a New Pr ofile 4-4
Including a Profile in Auto Profile Selection 4-7
Selecting the Active Profile 4-8
Modifying a Profile 4-9
Editing a Profile 4-9
Deleting a Prof ile 4-9
Importing and Exporting Profiles 4-10
Importing a Profile 4-10
Exporting a Profile 4-11
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Contents
CHAPTER
5 Configuring the Client Adapter 5-1
Overview 5-2
Setting General Parameters 5-3
Setting Advanced Parameters 5-5
Setting Security Parameters 5-10
Setting the All ow A ss o ciation to Mixed C ells Parameter 5-11
Overview of Security Features 5-12
Static WEP Keys 5-12
EAP (with Dynamic WEP Keys) 5-13
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) 5-14
Fast Roaming (CCKM) 5-15
Reporting Access Points that Fail LEAP Authentication 5-15
Additional WEP Key Security Features 5-16
Synchroniz in g Se c urity Feature s 5-17
Using Static WEP 5-20
Entering a New Static WEP Key 5-20
Overwriting an Exist ing Static WEP Key 5-21
Disabling Static WEP 5-22
Using a WPA Passphrase 5-22
Enabling LEAP 5-23
Enabling EAP-TLS or PEAP 5-26
Enabling EAP-TLS 5-27
Enabling PEAP (EAP-MSCHAP V2) 5-28
Enabling PEA P (EA P- G TC ) 5-29
Disabling EAP 5-31
CHAPTER
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6 Using EAP Authentication 6-1
Overview 6-2
Using LEAP 6-2
Using LEAP with the Windows Username and Password 6-3
After Profile Selection or Card Insertion 6-3
After a Reboot or Logon 6-4
After Your LEAP Credentials Expire 6-4
Using LEAP with a Manually Prompted Login 6-5
After Profile Selection 6-5
After a Reboot, Logon, or Card Insertion 6-6
After Your LEAP Credentials Expire 6-7
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Using LEAP with a Saved Username and Password 6-8
After Profile Selection or Card Insertion 6-8
After a Reboot or Logon 6-8
After Your LEAP Credentials Expire 6-8
Using EAP-TLS 6-9
After Profile Selection or Card Insertion 6-9
After a Reboot or Logon 6-10
Using PEAP 6-10
After Profile Se lection, Card Insertion, Reboot, or Logon 6-10
Windows NT or 2000 Domain Databases Only 6-10
OTP Databases Only 6-11
Restarting the Authentication Process 6-12
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
7 Performing Diagnostics 7-1
Overview of ADU Diagnostic Tools 7-2
Setting Parameters that Affect ADU Diagnostic Tools 7-2
Viewing the Current Status of Your Client Adapter 7-4
Viewing Statistics for Your Client Adapter 7-10
8 Using the Aironet System Tr ay Utility (ASTU) 8-1
Overview of ASTU 8-2
The ASTU Icon 8-2
Tool Tip Window 8-3
Pop-Up Menu 8-5
Help 8-5
Exit 8-5
Open Aironet Desktop Utility 8-5
Troubleshooting 8-6
Preferences 8-6
Enable/Disable Radio 8-7
Manual LEAP Login 8-7
Reauthenticate 8-7
Select Profile 8-8
Show Connection Stat us 8-9
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Contents
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
9 Routine Procedures 9-1
Removing a Client Adapter 9-2
Removing a PC-Cardbus Card 9-2
Removing a PCI Ca rd 9-2
Client Adapter Software Procedures 9-3
Upgrading the Client Adapter Software 9-3
Uninstalling the Client Adapter Software 9-6
ADU Procedures 9-7
Opening ADU 9-7
Exiting ADU 9-8
Finding the Version of ADU 9-8
Viewing Client Adapter Information 9-9
Accessing Online Help 9-10
ASTU Procedures 9-10
Turning Your Client Adapter’s Radio On or Off 9-10
10 Troubleshooting 10-1
Accessing the Latest Troubleshooting Information 10-2
Interpretin g th e In di ca to r LEDs 10-2
Troubleshooti ng the Client Adapter 10-3
Using the Troubleshooting Utility 10-3
Diagnosing Your Client Adapter’s Operation 10-3
Saving the Detailed Report to a Text File 10-6
Disabling a Cisco A ironet Client Adapter 10-7
Disabling the Mic rosoft Wireless Configuration Manager (Windows XP Only) 10-7
Client Adapter Recognition Problems 10-7
Resolving Resource Conflicts 10-8
Resolving Resour ce Conflicts in Windows 2000 10-8
Resolving Resour ce Conflicts in Windows XP 10-9
Problems Associating to an Access Point 10-9
Problems Authenti cating to an Access Point 10-10
Problems Connecti ng to the Network 10-10
Prioritizing Network Connections 10-10
Parameters Missing from Profile Manager Screen 10-10
Windows Wireless Network Connection Icon Shows Unavailable Connection (Windows XP
Only)
10-11
Error Message s 10-11
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APPENDIX
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
A Technical Specifications A-1
B Translated Safety Warnings B-1
Explosive Device Proximity Warning B-2
Dipole Antenna Installation Warning B-3
Warning for Lap to p U se rs B-4
C Declarations of Conformity and Regulatory Information C-1
Manufacturer’s Federal Communication Commission Declaration of Conformity Statement C-2
Department of Communications – Canada C-3
Canadian Complian ce Statement C-3
European Community , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein C-3
Declaration of Conformity with Regard to the R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC C-3
Declaration of Conformity for RF Exposure C-5
Guidelines for Operating Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Clie nt Adapters in Japan C-5
Japanese Translation C-5
English Translation C-5
APPENDIX
Administrative Rul es for Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapters in Taiwan C-6
2.4- and 5-GHz Client Adapters C-6
Chinese Translation C-6
English Translation C-6
5-GHz Client Ad ap te rs C-7
Chinese Translation C-7
English Translation C-7
D Channels, Power Levels, and Antenna Gains D-1
Channels D-2
IEEE 802.11a D-2
IEEE 802.11b/g D-3
Maximum Power Levels and Ant en na Gains D-4
IEEE 802.11a D-4
IEEE 802.11b D-4
IEEE 802.11g D-5
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Contents
APPENDIX
G
LOSSARY
I
NDEX
E Configuring the Client Adapter through Windows XP E-1
Overview E-2
Overview of Security Features E-2
Static WEP Keys E-2
EAP (with Dynamic WEP Keys) E-3
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) E-4
Configuring the Client Adapter E-5
Enabling EAP-TLS Authentication E-9
Enabling PEA P Aut h en tication E-12
Enabling PEAP (EAP-MSCHAP V2) E-13
Enabling PEA P (EA P- G TC ) E-15
Associating to an Access Point Using Windows XP E-17
Viewing the Current Status of Your Client Adapter E-17
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Preface
The preface pr ovide s an overv iew of t h e Ci sco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN Client Adapters
(CB21AG and PI21AG) Installation and Configuration Guide, references related publications, and
explains how to obtain ot h er do cu ment atio n a nd te ch nica l a ssist ance , if ne cessa ry.
The following topics are covered in this section:
• Audience, page xii
• Purpose, page xii
• Organization, page xii
• Conventions, page xiii
• Related Publications, page xv
• Obtaining Docu ment ati on , pa ge xv
• Obtaining Technical Assistance, page xvi
• Obtaining Additional Publications and Information, page xvii
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Audience
Audience
Note Windows 2000 and XP are the on ly su ppo rt ed o per a ting syst em s.
Purpose
Caution This manual pertains sp eci fically to Cisco A iro net CB2 1AG and PI21AG client ad ap ters , wh ose
Preface
BETA DRAFT - CISCO CONFIDENTIAL
This publication is for the pe rson res ponsib le for instal ling, configuri ng, and main taining a Ci sco
Aironet IEEE 802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN Client A dapter (CB21AG or PI21AG) on a compute r running
the Microsoft Windows 2000 or XP operating system. This pe rson s hould be familiar with computing
devices and with network terms and co ncepts .
This publication descri bes the Cisco Aironet CB21AG and PI21AG client adapters and explains how to
install, configure, an d t roubl es hoot the m.
software is incompatible wi th that of o ther Cisco Air onet client a dapters. Refer to the Cisco Air onet 340,
350, and CB20A Wireless LAN Client Adapters Installation and Configuration Guide for Windows if you
are installing or using 340 , 350, or CB2 0A cards.
Organization
This publicat ion co ntai n s th e f ol lowing ch ap te rs :
• Chapter 1, “Product Overview,” describes the client adapters and their hardware and software
components and illustrates two common network configurations.
• Chapter 2, “Preparing for Installation,” provides information that you need to know before installing
a client adapter, such as safety information and system requirements.
• Chapter 3, “Installing the Client Adapter,” provides instructions for installing the client adapter.
• Chapter 4, “Using the Profile Manager,” explains how to use the ADU profile manager feature to
create and manage profiles fo r your clien t adapt er.
• Chapter 5, “Configuring the Client Adapter,” explains how to change the configuration parameters
for a specific profile.
• Chapter 6, “Using EAP Authentic ation,” e xplain s the sequen ce of e v ents that occ urs and the actions
you must take when a profile that is set for EAP authentication is selected for use.
• Chapter 7, “Performing Diagnostics,” explains how to use ADU to perform u ser-level diagnost ics.
• Chapter 8, “Using the Aironet System Tray Utility (ASTU),” explains how to use the Aironet
System Tray Utility (ASTU) to access status information about your client adapter and perform
basic tasks.
• Chapter 9, “Routine Procedures,” provides procedures for common tasks related to the client
adapters, such as uninstalling client adapter software and restarting an adapter.
• Chapter 10, “Troubleshooting,” provide s informa tion for diagnosi ng and corr ecti ng comm on
problems that may be encoun tered w hen inst alling or op erati ng a client ad apte r.
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Preface
Conventions
This publication uses the following conventions to convey instructions and informa tion:
Conventions
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• Appendix A, “Technical Specifications,” lists the physica l, radio, power, and regulatory
specifications for the client adapters.
• Appendix B, “Translated Safety Warnings,” provides translations of client adapter safety warnings
in nine languages.
• Appendix C, “D ecl ara tio ns o f Conf or mit y and Regula tory I nfo rm ation, ” provides declarations of
conformity and regul at ory inf orm ati on f or the cl ient ad ap ters.
• Appendix D, “Cha nnels, Power Levels, and Antenna Gains,” list s the IE EE 802. 11a , b, a nd g
channels supported by the world's regulatory domains as well as the maximum power levels and
antenna gains all owed per dom a in.
• Appendix E, “Configuring the Client Adapter through Windows XP,” explains how to configure and
use your client adap te r w ith Windows XP.
• Commands and keywords are in boldface.
• Variables are in italics.
Note Means reader take note. Notes contain helpful suggestions or references to materials not contained in
Caution Means reade r be care ful. In this situation, you might do something that could result in equipment
Warning
Waarschuwing
• Configuration parameters are capitalized.
• Notes, cautions, and warnings use the following conventions and symbols:
this manual.
damage or loss of data.
This warning symbol means danger. You are in a situation that could cause bodily injury. Before you
work on any equipment, be aware of the hazards involved with electrical circuitry and be familiar
with standard practices for preventing accidents. (To see translations of t he warnings that appear
in this publication, refer to the appendix “Translated Safety Warnings.”)
Dit waarschuwingssymbool betekent gevaar. U verkeert in een situatie die lichamelijk letsel kan
veroorzaken. Voordat u aan enige apparatuur gaat werken, dient u zich bewust te zijn van de bij
elektrische schakelingen betrokken risico’s en dient u op de hoogte te zijn van standaard
maatregelen om ongelukken te voorkomen. (Voor vertalingen van de waarschuwingen die in deze
publicatie verschijnen, kunt u het aanhangsel “Translated Safety Warnings” (Vertalingen van
veiligheidsvoorschriften) raadplegen.)
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Conventions
Preface
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Varoitus
Attention
Warnung
Avvertenza
Tämä varoitusmerkki merkitsee vaaraa. Olet tilanteessa, joka voi johtaa ruumiinvammaan. Ennen
kuin työskentelet minkään laitteiston parissa, ota selvää sähkökytkentöihin liittyvistä vaaroist a ja
tavanomaisista onnettomuuksien ehkäisykeinoista. (Tässä julkaisussa esiintyvien varoitust en
käännökset löydät liitteestä "Translated Safety Warnings" (käännetyt turvall isuutta koskevat
varoitukset).)
Ce symbole d’avertissement indique un danger. Vous vous trouvez dans une situation pouvant
entraîner des blessures. Avant d’accéder à cet équipement, soyez conscient des dangers posés par
les circuits électriques et familiarisez-vous avec les procédures courantes de prévention des
accidents. Pour obtenir les traductions des mises en garde figurant dans cet te publication, veuil lez
consulter l’annexe intitulée « Translated Safety Warnings » (Traduction des avis de sécurité).
Dieses Warnsymbol bedeutet Gefahr. Sie befinden sich in einer Situation, die zu einer
Körperverletzung führen könnte. Bevor Sie mit der Arbeit an irgendeinem Gerät beginnen, seien Sie
sich der mit elektrischen Stromkreisen verbundenen Gefahren und der Standardpraktiken zur
Vermeidung von Unfällen bewußt. (Übersetzungen der in dieser Veröffentlichung enthaltenen
Warnhinweise finden Sie im Anhang mit dem Titel “Translated Safety Warnings” (Übersetzung der
Warnhinweise).)
Questo simbolo di avvertenza indica un pericolo. Si è in una situazione che può causare infortuni.
Prima di lavorare su qualsiasi apparecchiatura, occorre conoscere i pericoli relativi ai circuiti
elettrici ed essere al corrente delle pratiche standard per la prevenzione di incidenti. La traduzione
delle avvertenze riportate in questa pubblicazione si trova nell’appendice, “Translated Safety
Warnings” (Traduzione delle avv ertenze di s icurezza).
Advarsel
Aviso
¡Advertencia!
Varning!
Dette varselsymbolet betyr fare. Du befinner deg i en situasjon som kan føre til personskade. Før du
utfører arbeid på utstyr, må du være oppmerksom på de faremomentene som elektriske kretser
innebærer, samt gjøre deg kjent med vanlig praksis når det gjelder å unngå ulykker. (Hvis du vil se
oversettelser av de advarslene som finnes i denne publikasjonen, kan du s e i vedlegget "Translated
Safety Warnings" [Oversatte sikkerhetsadvarsler].)
Este símbolo de aviso indica perigo. Encontra-se numa situação que lhe poderá causar danos fisicos.
Antes de começar a trabalhar com qualquer equipamento, familiarize-se com os perigos
relacionados com circuitos eléctricos, e com quaisquer práticas comuns que possam prevenir
possíveis acidentes. (Para ver as traduções dos avisos que constam desta publicação, consulte o
apêndice “Translate d Safety Warnings” - “Tr aduções dos Avisos de Segurança”).
Este símbolo de aviso significa peligro. Existe riesgo para su integridad física. Antes de manipular
cualquier equipo, considerar los riesgos que entraña la corriente eléctrica y familiarizarse con los
procedimientos estándar de prevención de accidentes. (Para ver traducciones de las advertencias
que aparecen en esta publicación, consultar el apéndice titulado “Translated Safety Warnings.”)
Denna varningssymbol signalerar fara. Du befinner dig i en situation som kan leda till personskada.
Innan du utför arbete på någon utrustning måste du vara medveten om farorna med elkretsar och
känna till vanligt förfarande för att förebygga skador. (Se förklaringar av de varningar som
förekommer i denna publikation i appendix "Translated Safety Warnings" [Översatta
säkerhetsvarningar].)
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Related Publications
For more information abou t Cisco Air onet CB 21AG and PI21AG Wireless LAN Client A dapt ers for
Windows, refer to the following publication:
• Release Notes for Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN Client Adapters (CB21AG and PI21AG)
For more information a bou t re la ted Ci sco A iro ne t pr odu cts, ref er t o t he pu bl icat ions for y our
infrastructure device. You can access Cisco Aironet technical documentation at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/wireless/index.html
Obtaining Documentation
Cisco provides several ways to obtain documentation, techn ical assistance , and other tec hnical
resources. These sect ion s expla in h ow to obta in te chni cal infor ma tion fr om Ci sco Sy stem s.
Cisco.com
Related Publications
You can acc ess t he m ost cur rent C isco docum ent ation on the World Wide Web at th is U RL:
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/home/home.htm
You can access the Cisco website at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com
International Cisco websites can be accessed from this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/public/countries_languages.shtml
Documentation CD-ROM
Cisco documentation and additional literature are available in a Cisco Documentation CD-ROM
package, which may have shipped with your product. The Documentation CD-ROM is updated regularly
and may be more curre nt than printed do cumentati on. The CD-R OM packag e is av ailable as a single unit
or through an an nua l o r q uart erly subsc rip tio n.
Registered Cisco.com u sers c a n orde r a sing l e Do cume nta tio n CD- ROM (product num be r
DOC-CONDOCCD=) through the Cisco Ordering tool:
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All users can order a nnua l or qu art erly su bsc ripti ons thr ough t he onli ne Su bsc ripti on St ore:
http://www.cisco.com/go/subscription
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Obtaining Technical As sistance
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Ordering Documentation
You can find ins tr uct ions for orde ring do cu me nta tio n at this U RL:
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/es_inpck/pdi.htm
You can order Cisco docum entat ion in these way s:
• Registered Cisco.com users (Cisco direct customers) can order Cisco product documentation from
the Networking Produ cts Market Pla ce:
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• Nonregistered Cisco.co m u ser s can o rd er docum en tati on th rou gh a l oc al ac count r epre sen tative by
calling Cisco Systems Corporate Headquarters (California, USA.) at 408 526-7208 or, elsewhere in
North America, by calling 800 553-NETS (6387).
Documentation Feedback
You can submit comm ents el ec troni call y on Cisc o.com . On the Cisco D ocume nta tio n home pag e, click
Feedback at the top of the page.
You can sen d y our com me nts in e-m ail t o bug-doc@c is co.c om .
Preface
You can submit comm ents by using the response ca rd (if pre sent ) behind th e front cover of your
document or by wri ting t o the fo llowing a ddress:
Cisco Systems
Attn: Customer Docume nt Ordering
170 West Tasman Drive
San Jose, CA 95134- 988 3
We ap precia te yo ur comm ents .
Obtaining Technical Assistanc e
For all customers, partners, resellers, and distributors who hold valid Cisco service contracts, the Cisco
T e ch n ical Assistance Center (TAC) prov id es 24 - ho ur, award-winning te ch nical support services, online
and over the phone. Cisco.com features the Cisco TAC website as an online starting point for technical
assistance.
Cisco TAC Website
The Cisco TAC website (http://www.cisco.com/tac) provides o nlin e do cum ent s and tool s for
troubleshooting and re solvin g t ec hnical iss ues w ith C isco pr oduct s and t ech nolog i es. T he Cisc o TAC
website is available 24 hour s a d ay, 365 days a year.
xvi
Accessing all the to ols o n th e Cisc o TAC website requires a Cisco.com use r ID and pa ssword. If y ou
have a valid service contract but do not have a login ID or password, register at this URL:
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Opening a TAC Case
The online TAC Case Open Tool (http://www.cisco.com/tac/caseopen) is the fastest way to open P3 and
P4 cases. (Your network is minimally impaired or you require product i n formation). After you describe
your situation, the TAC Case Op en T o ol automatically rec ommends resources for an i mmediate solution.
If your issue is not resolved using thes e reco mmen dations, you r case wi ll be assigned to a Cisco TAC
engineer.
For P1 or P2 cases (your production network is down or severely degraded) or if you do not have Internet
access, contact Cisco TAC by telephon e. Cisco TAC engineers are assigned immediately to P1 and P2
cases to help keep your business operations runni ng smoothly.
To ope n a case by te leph one, use o ne of the foll owing nu mbers:
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EMEA: +32 2 704 55 55
USA: 1 800 553-2447
For a complete listing of Cisco TAC contacts, go to this URL:
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Obtaining Additional Publications and Information
TAC Case Priority Definitions
T o en sure that all cases are reported in a standa rd format , Cisco has established case priority def i nitions.
Priority 1 (P1)—Your network is “down” or there is a critical impact to your business operations. You
and Cisco will commit all necessary resources around the clock to resolve the situation.
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to satisfactory levels.
Priority 4 (P4)—You require information or assistance with Cisco product capabilities, installation, or
configuration. There is li ttle or no effect on you r business operations.
Obtaining Additional Publications and Information
Information about Cisco products, technologies, and network solutions is available from various online
and printed sources.
• The Cisco Product Catalog describes the networking products offered by Cisco Systems, as well as
ordering and custome r support ser vices. Access the Cisco Product Catalog at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/products_catalog_links_launch.html
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• Cisco Press publishes a wid e ran ge of n etworki ng pub l icatio ns. Cisco suggest s the se t itle s for new
and experienced users: Internetworking Terms and Acronyms Dictionary, Internetworking
Technology Handbook, Internetworking Troubleshoo tin g G uid e, and th e I nter net workin g Design
Guide. For current Cisco Press titles and other information, go to Cisco Press online at this URL:
http://www.ciscopress.com
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Obtaining Additiona l Publications and Informatio n
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• Packet magazine is the C isco quarterly publication that provides the latest networking trends,
technology breakthrough s, and Cisco products an d solutions t o help ind ustry professi onals ge t the
most from their networking investment. Included are networking depl oyment an d troublesho oting
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and links to numerous in-de pth onli ne resour ces. You can access Packet magazine at this URL:
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• iQ Magazine is the Cisco bimonthl y publica tion that de livers the latest informat ion about Int ernet
business strategies for executives. Yo u can acce ss i Q Magazin e at th is URL :
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• Internet Protocol Journa l is a quarterly jour nal publ ished by Cisco Systems for engineering
professionals involved in designing, developing, and ope ratin g p ubli c a nd pr ivate internets a nd
intranets. You can access the Internet Protocol Journal at this URL:
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• Training—Cisco offers world-class networking t raining. Curren t offerings in network tra ining are
listed at this URL:
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Preface
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CHAPTER
1
Product Overview
This chapter describes the Cisco Aironet CB21AG and PI21AG client adapters and illustrates their role
in a wireless network.
The following topics are covered in this chapter:
• Introduction to the Client Adapters, page 1-2
• Hardware Component s, page 1 -3
• Software Components, p age 1-4
• Network Configurations Using Client Adapters, page 1-5
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Chapter 1 Product Overview
Introduction to the Client Adap ter s
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Introduction to the Client Adapters
The Cisco Aironet IEEE 802. 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Cl ient Adap ters (CB21 AG and PI21AG) are radio
modules that provide transparent wireless data communications between fixed, portable, or mobile
devices and other wi rel ess devices or a w ire d ne twork inf ra struc ture . The cl ient ad ap ters a re f ully
compatible whe n use d in devices suppor tin g “ plu g-and- pla y” (Pn P) tec hnol ogy.
The primary function of the client adapters is to transfer data pack ets transparen tly through the wirele ss
infrastructure by communicating with access points that are connected to a wired LAN. The adapters
operate similarly to a standard network product except that the cable is replaced with a radio connection
and an access point is required to make the connection to the wire. No special wireless networking
functions are r equi red, a nd al l existi ng appl ic ation s tha t o pe rate over a n etwork ca n ope ra te usin g the
adapters.
This document covers the two client adapters described in Table 1-1.
Table 1-1 Client Adapter Types
Client Adapter Model Number Description Illustration
PC-Cardbus
card
AIR-CB21AG An IEEE 802 .11a/b/g -comp liant 2.4 - and 5-GH z 54-Mbps cli ent
adapter card radio module with a Cardbus interface that can be
inserted into any device equipped with an ext ernal 32-bit Cardbus
slot. Host devices can include laptops and notebo ok computer s.
95579
PCI card AIR-PI21AG An IEEE 802.11a/b/g -compl iant 2.4- an d 5-GHz 54-M bps clie nt
adapter card rad io module that can be inserte d into any device
equipped with a n emp t y PCI expa ns ion s lo t, su ch as a deskt op
personal computer.
Terminology
The following terms a re u sed thr ough out t his d oc ume nt:
• client adapter—Refers to both types of adapters.
• PC-Cardbus card or PCI card—Refers to a specific adapter.
• workstati on (or station )—Refers to a computing device with an installed client adapter.
• infrastructure device—Refers to a device tha t connects client adapters to a wired LAN, such as an
access point, bridge, or ba se station . Throughou t this doc ument, access point is used to represent
infrastructure d evices in ge nera l.
ACTIVITY
STATUS
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Hardware Components
The client adapte rs have three major ha rdware com po nents : a radio, a ra dio an tenna, and two LED s.
Radio
The client ada pte rs cont ain a d ual- ba nd ra dio th at is b ot h IEE E 80 2.1 1a a nd 802.1 1b/ g c omp lia nt. Th e
radio uses both direct-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) technology and orthogonal frequency division
multiplexing (OFDM) te chnolo gy f or clie nt a ppl icatio ns in the 2 .4-G Hz Indust ria l Sc ientific Me dic al
(ISM) frequency b and a nd OF DM tec hn ology in th e 5-GH z U nli cen sed N atio nal Infor ma tio n
Infrastructure (UNII) frequenc y bands . It can tr ansmit data at u p to 100 milliw atts (mW) in th e 2.4-GHz
band or up to 40 mW in t he 5- G Hz ban d over a half -du plex ra dio ch anne l op er ati ng at up to 54 Mbps.
The client adapters ope rate wi th other IEEE 802.11 a or 802. 11b/g-c ompliant client devices in ad hoc
mode or with Cisco Airo ne t 340 , 35 0, 110 0, and 1200 Se rie s Acc ess Poi nts a nd ot her I EEE 8 02. 11a or
802.11b/g-compli ant inf rastru cture devices i n infrast ructur e mode. They ar e approved for in door an d
outdoor use in the 2.4-GHz band and for indoor use only in the 5-GHz band except in the United States,
which allows for outdoor use on ch annels 52 thro ugh 64.
Hardware Components
Radio Antenna
LEDs
The type of antenna used depends on you r client adapter:
• PC-Cardbus cards have an integrated, permanently attached dual-band 2.4/5-GHz diversity antenna.
The benefit o f the di versity antenna syst em is impro ved co vera ge. The sys tem works by allo wing the
card to switch and sample between its two antenna ports in order to select the optimum port for
receiving data packets. As a result, the card has a better chance of maintaining the radio frequency
(RF) connection in areas of interference. The antenna is housed within the section of the card that
hangs out of the PC card slot when the card is instal led.
• PCI cards have a 1-dBi dual-band 2.4/5-GHz antenna that is permanently attached by cable. A base
is provided with the antenna to enable it to be mounted to a wall or to sit upright on a desk or other
horizontal surface.
The client adapters have two LEDs that glow or blink to indicate the status of the adapter or to convey
error messages. Refer to Chapte r 10 for an interpretation of the LED codes.
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Software Components
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Software Components
The client adapters ha ve two major software co mponents: a d riv er and client utilit ies. These co mponents
are installed together b y running a sin gle e xecuta ble Install W i zard f ile that i s av ailable from Cisco.com.
This file can be run on Windows 2000 or XP and can be used only with CB21AG and PI21AG client
adapters.
Note Chapter 3 provides instructions on using the Install Wizard to install these software components.
Driver
The driver provides an inte rfa ce bet we en a co mpu t er ’s operating system and the client adapter, thereby
enabling the operating system and the applications it runs to communicate with the adapter. The driver
must be installed before the adapter can be used.
Client Utilities
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Two client utilities are available for use with the client adapters: Aironet Desktop Utility (ADU) and
Aironet System T ray Utility (ASTU). These utilities ar e optional applications that interact with the client
adapter’s radio to adjust settings and display information.
ADU enables you to crea te configurat ion profiles for your client ad apter and perform user-level
diagnostics. Because ADU performs a variety of functions, it is documented by function throughout this
manual.
ASTU, which is accessible from an icon in the Windows system tray, provides a small subset of the
features available through AD U. Sp ec ifically, it enables you to a cce ss sta tus infor mat ion ab out you r
client adapter and perform basic tasks. Chapter 8 pro vides detailed informati on and instructions on using
ASTU.
Note If your computer is runni ng Windows XP, you can configure your cli ent adapt er throu gh the Windows
operating system instead of through ADU. Refer to Appendix E for information. However, ADU is
recommended f or configu ring t he c lie nt ad ap ter.
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Network Configurations Using Client Adapters
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Network Configurations Using Client Adap ters
Client adapters can be used in a variety of network configurations. In some configurations, access points
provide connections to your network or act as repeaters to increase wireless communication range. The
maximum communicati on range i s based on how you configure your wi reless net work.
This section describes and illustrates the two most common network configurations:
• Ad hoc wireless local area network (LAN)
• Wireless infrastructure with workstations accessing a wired LAN
For examples of more complex network configurations involving client adapters and access points, refer
to the documentation fo r your access poi nt.
Note Refer to Chapter 5 for information on setting the client adapter’s network type.
Ad Hoc Wireless LAN
An ad hoc (or peer-to-pe er) wireless LAN (see Figure 1-1) is the simplest wireless LAN configuration.
In a wireless LAN using an ad hoc network configuration, all devices equipped with a client adapter can
be linked together an d c om mun icat e dire ct ly w ith ea ch ot her. The use of an in frast ru ctu re device, su ch
as an access point , i s not requi red.
Figure 1-1 Ad Hoc Wireless LAN
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Network Configurations Using Client Adapters
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Wireless Infrastructure with Workstations Accessing a Wired LAN
A microcellular network ca n be create d by placing two or mo re access po ints on a LAN . Figure 1-2
shows a microcellular networ k with workstations accessing a wired LAN through several access points.
This configuration is useful with portable or mobile stations because it allows them to be directly
connected to the wired network even while moving from one microcell domain to another. This process
is transparent, and the connection to the f ile serv er or host is maintained witho ut disruption . The mobile
station stays connected to an access point as long as it can. However, once the transfer of data packets
needs to be retried or beacon s are missed, the stati on automatically sear ches for and associates to another
access point. This process is referred to as seamless roaming.
Figure 1-2 Wireless Infrastructure with Workstations Accessing a Wired LAN
Access Point
(Root Unit)
Wired LAN
Access Point
(Root Unit)
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CHAPTER
Preparing for Installation
This chapter provides information that you need to know before installing a client adapter.
The following topics are covered in this chapter:
• Safety information, page 2-2
• Unpacking the Clie nt A dapt er, page 2-3
• System Requirements, page 2-4
• Site Requirements, page 2-5
2
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Safety information
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Safety information
Follow the guidelines in this section to ensure proper operation and safe use of the client adapter.
FCC Safety Compliance Statement
The FCC, with its action in ET Doc ket 96-8, has adop ted a safe ty standard for human exposur e to RF
electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC-certified equipment. When used with approved Cisco Aironet
antennas, Cisco Aironet products meet the uncontrolled environmental limits found in OET-65 and ANSI
C95.1, 1991. Proper operation of this radio device according to the instructions in this publication will
result in user exposure substantially below the FCC recommended limits.
Safety Guidelines
• Do not touch or move the antenna while the unit is transmitting or receiving.
• Do not hold any component containing a radio such that the antenna is very close to or touching any
exposed parts of the body, especially the face or eyes, while transmitting.
• Do not operate the radio or attempt to transmit data unless the antenna is connected; otherwise, the
radio may be damaged.
Chapter 2 Preparing for In stallation
• High-gain, wall-mount, or m ast-mou nt ant enna s ar e desi gned to b e pro fessiona ll y in stall ed a nd
should be located at a minimum distance of 12 inches (30 cm) or more from the body of all persons.
Please contact your professional installer, VAR, or antenna manufacturer for proper installation
requirements.
• Use in specific environme nts :
–
The use of wireless devices in hazardous locations is limited to the constraints posed by the
safety directors of su ch e nvironments.
–
The use of wir eless d evices on airpl ane s is governed by the Fede ra l Aviation Administrat ion
(FAA).
–
The use of wireless devices in hospitals is restricted to the limits set forth by each hospital.
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Warnings
Observe the following warnings when operating the client adapter:
Unpacking the Client Adapter
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Warning
Warning
Warning
Do not operate your wireless network device near unshielded blasting caps or in an explosive
environment unless the device has been modified to be especially qualified for such use.
In order to comply with FCC radio frequency (RF) exposure limits, dipole antennas should be located
at a minimum of 7.9 inches (20 cm) or more from the body of all persons.
This device has been tested and complies with FCC RF Exposure (SAR) limits in typical laptop
computer configurations and this device can be used in desktop or laptop computers with side
mounted PC Card slots that can provide at least 0.394 in (1 cm) separation distance from the antenna
to the body of the user or a nearby person. Thin laptop computers may need special attention to
maintain antenna spacing while operating. This device cannot be used with handheld PDAs (personal
digital assistants). Use in other configurations may not ensure compliance with FCC RF exposure
guidelines. This device and its antenna must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any
other antenna or transmitter.
Translated versions of the se sa fety warn ings are pr ovided in Appendix B.
Unpacking the Client Adapter
Follow these steps to unpack the client adapter:
Step 1 Open the shipping container and carefully remove the contents.
Step 2 Return all packing material s to the sh ipping c onta ine r and save it.
Step 3 Ensure that all item s listed in the “Pack age Conte nts” section belo w ar e includ ed in the shi pment. Ch eck
each item for damage.
Note If any item is damag ed or m issin g, no tif y your a utho riz ed Cisc o sal es r epre se ntative.
Package Contents
Each client adapter is shipped with the following items:
• 1-dBi antenna permanent ly atta ched by cable, antenna base, low-profile brac ket, two mounting
screws, and two plastic wall anchors (PCI cards only)
• Quick Start Guide: Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wir eless LAN Client Adapters (CB21AG and PI21AG)
• Cisco Aironet 802.1 1a/b /g Wireless Adapte rs (CB21AG and PI21 AG) CD
• Cisco product registration card
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System Requirements
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System Requirements
In addition to the items shipped with the client adapter, you also need the following items in order to
install and use the adapter:
• One of the following computing devices runni ng Windows 2000 or XP:
–
Laptop, notebook, or portable or handheld device equipped with a 32-bit Cardbus slot
–
Desktop personal compu ter equipp ed wit h an empty PCI expansion sl ot
Note Cisco recommends a 300-MHz processor or greater.
• Service Pack 1 for Windows XP (recommended)
• 20 MB of free hard disk space (minimum)
• 128 MB of RAM or g reat er (rec om mende d)
• The appropriate t ools for rem oving your comp uter’s cover and expansio n sl ot dus t cover and fo r
mounting the antenna base (fo r PCI card s)
Chapter 2 Preparing for In stallation
• The following information from your system administrator:
–
The logical name for you r workstat ion (als o referr ed to as client name)
–
The protocols n ece ssar y to bin d t o the cl ien t ad ap t er
–
The case-sensitive service set identifier (SSID) for your RF network
–
If your computer is not co nnected t o a DHCP server, the IP address, subnet mask , and defaul t
gateway address of your c om pute r
–
The wired equivalent privacy (WEP) keys of the access points with which your client adapter
will communicate, if your wireless network uses static WEP for security
–
The username and password for your network ac count
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Site Requirements
This section discusses the site re quiremen ts for both infr astruc ture and cl ient devices.
For Infrastructure Devices
Because of differen ces i n comp one nt co nfigurat ion, p lac em ent , an d p hysi cal environmen t, every
network application is a unique installation. Therefore, before you install any wireless infrastructure
devices (such as access points, bridges, and base stations, which connect your client adapters to a wired
LAN), a site survey must be performe d to determi ne the opti mum pla cement of t hese devices to
maximize range, coverage, an d network pe rform ance.
Note Infrastructure devices are installed and initially configured prior to client devices.
For Client Devices
Site Requirements
Because the client adapter is a radio device, it is susceptible to RF obstructi ons and common sources of
interference that can reduce throughput and range. Follow these guidelines to ensure the best possible
performance:
• Install the client adapter in an area where large steel structures such as shelving units, bookcases,
and filing cabinets will not obstruct radio signals to and from the client adapter.
• Install the client adapter away from microwave ovens. Microwave ovens operate on the same
frequency as the client adapter and can cause signal interference.
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Site Requirements
Chapter 2 Preparing for In stallation
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