Compex WLU108AG-MC User Manual

WLU108AG-MC

User manual

© Copyright 2007 Compex Systems Pte Ltd

All Rights Reserved
This document contains information, which is protected by copyright.
Reproduction, adaptation or translation without prior permission is prohibited,
except as allowed under the copyright laws.

Trademark Information

Compex® is a registered trademark of Compex, Inc. Microsoft Windows and the
Windows logo are the trademarks of Microsoft Corp. NetWare is the registered
trademark of Novell Inc. All other brand and product names are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Notice: Copyrights © 2007 by Compex, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction,
adaptation, or translation without prior permission of Compex, Inc. is prohibited,
except as allowed under the copyright laws.
Manual Revision by Daniel
Manual Number: U-0550-V1.4C, Version 1.4, May 2007

Disclaimer

Compex, Inc. provides this manual without warranty of any kind, either
expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particul ar purpose. Compex, Inc. may make
improvements and/or changes to the product and/or specifications of the
product described in this manual, without pri or notice. Compex, Inc will not be
liable for any technical inaccuracies or typographical errors found in thi s guide.
Changes are periodically made to the information contained herein and will
be incorporated into later versions of the manual. The i nformation contained is
subject to change without prior notice.

Your Feedback

We value your feedback. If you find any errors in this user’s manual, or if you
have suggestions on improving, we would like to hear from you. Please contact
us at:

Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

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FCC NOTICE

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

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Connect the computer into an outlet on a circuit different from that to

which the receiver is connected.

• Increase the separation between the computer and receiver.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technici an for help.

Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the gran tee
of this device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

FCC Compliance Statement: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditio ns:

1. This device may not cause harmful i nterference, and

2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.

This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.

Caution: Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation.
RF exposure warning: The equipment complies with FCC RF exposure limits set

forth for an uncontrolled environment. The equipment must not be co-located
or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmi tter.

Max. SAR Measurement (1g)

802.11b: 0.542 W/kg

802.11g: 0.540 W/kg

802.11a (5.2GHz): 1.205 W/kg

802.11a (5.8GHz): 1.314 W/kg

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Outdoor operations in the 5.15-5.25GHz band is prohibited.
This device has no Ad-hoc capability or peer-to-peer operations for 5250~5350
and 5470~5725 MHz.

IEEE 802.11b or 802.11g operation of this product in the U.S.A. i s firmware-limi ted
to channels 1 through 11.

IMPORTANT NOTE: In the event that these conditions can not be met (for
example certain laptop configurations or co-l ocation with another transmi tter),
then the FCC authorization is no longer considered valid and the FCC ID can
not be used on the final product. In these circumstances, th e OEM integrator
will be responsible for re-evaluati ng the end product (including the tra nsmitter)
and obtaining a separate FCC authorization.

Note: This device has the same WLAN behavior with all other WLAN devices
because we design this device to be compliant to 802.11 specifications.

The fundamental access method of the IEEE802.11 MAC is CSMA/CA, that
means when one station desiring to transmit sense the medium, if the medium is
busy(i.e. some other station is transmitting) then the station will defer its
transmission to a later time. I f the medium is sensed free then the station is
allowed to transmit. The receiving station will check the CRC of the received
packet and send an acknowledgement packet(ACK). Receipt of the ACK will
indicate that no collisi on occurred. If the sender does not receive the ACK then
it will retransmit the fragment until it gets acknowledged or thrown away after
a given number of retransmissions

When WLAN device is in idle status, it is listening (RX), and it won’t send any
packets.

In fault condition, or WLAN device is out of control, WLAN device self can not
generate any packets, even beacon frames , so that WLAN device won’t send
out unexpected frames to air and break FCC rules.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Compex, Inc. declares that the product:
Product Name: Compex Wireless 108Mbps USB 2.0 Adapter
Model No.: WLU108 conforms to the following Product Standards:

This device complies with the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
(89/336/EEC) issued by the Commission of the European Community.

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Compliance with this directive implies conformity to the following European
Norms (in brackets are the equivalent international standards.)
Electromagnetic Interference (Conduction and Radiation):
EN 55022 (CISPR 22)

EMC Standards:

FCC Part 15: Subpart B, Subpart C, Subpart E;

Low Voltage Directive:

EN 60 950-1: 2001.

Therefore, this product is in conformity with the following regional standards:

FCC Class B - following the provisions of FCC Part 15 directive;

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Technical Support Information

The warranty information and registration form are found in the Quick Install
Guide.

For technical support, you may contact Compex or its subsidiaries. For your
convenience, you may also seek technical assi stance from the local di stributor,
or from the authorized dealer/reseller that you have purchased this product
from. For technical support by email, write to [e-mail].

Refer to the table below for the nearest Technical Support Centers:

Technical Support Centers

Contact the technical support center that services your location.

U.S.A., Canada, Latin America and South America

 Write

 Call

Fax

 Write

 Call

Fax

Internet
access/
Website:

Compex, Inc.
840 Columbia Street, Suite B,
Brea, CA92821, USA
Tel:

[phone] (8 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific time)

Tel:

[phone] (Ext.122 Technical Support)

Fax:

[phone]

Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Middle East and the rest of the World

Compex Systems Pte Ltd

135, Joo Seng Road #08-01, PM Industrial Building
Singapore 368363
Tel:

(65) 6286-1805 (8 a.m.-5 p.m. local time)

Tel:

(65) 6286-2086 (Ext.199 Technical Support)

Fax:

(65) 6283-8337
E-mail:
FTPsite:

http://www.cpx.com or http://www.compex.com.sg

[e-mail]
ftp.compex.com.sg

v

Table of Contents

About This Document

The product described in this document, Compex Wireless 108Mbps USB 2.0
Adapter, Compex WLU108 is a licensed product of Compex Systems Pte Ltd.
This document contains instructions for installing, configuring and using Compex
WLU108. It also gives an overvi ew of the key applications and the networking
concepts with respect to the product.

This documentation is for both Network Administrators and the end user who
possesses some basic knowledge in the networking structure and protocols.

It makes a few assumptions that the host compu ter has already been installed
with TCP/IP and already up & running and accessing the Internet. Procedures
for Windows 2000/XP operating systems are included in this document.

How to Use this Document

This document may become superseded, in which case you may fi nd its latest
version at http://www.compex.com.sg

The document is written in such a way that you as a u ser will find it convenient
to find specific information pertaini ng to the product. It comprises of chapters
that explain in detail the installation and configuration of Compex WLU108.

Drivers & Utilities

This manual is written based on Drivers v ersion 1.5.0.102; Utility version 40.1.2.75

vi

Table of Contents

Conventions

In this document, special conventions are used to help and present the
information clearly. The Compex Wireless 108Mbps USB 2.0 Adapter is often
referred to as Compex WLU108 in this document. Belo w is a list of conventions
used throughout.

NOTE

This section will consist of important features or instructions

References on Menu Command, Push Button, Radio Button, LED and Label
appear in Bold. For example, “Click on Ok.”

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Chapter 1 Product Overview

Chapter 1 Product Overview

1.1 Introduction

The Wireless 108Mbps USB 2.0 Adapter delivers the performance and
capabilities that every mobile user is looking for. Embedded with Atheros
chipset, it boasts network robustness, stability and wider coverage for long­range connectivity. Despite its small size, the USB adapter is big on features;
compatibility with wireless 802.11 networks ensures tha t you can be connected
easily.

Bandwidth needs in the home are increasing rapidly with the introduction of
new devices and services. As broadband infrastructure becomes common in
homes, the demand for multimedia services such as video streaming or VoIP
also increases.

Connecting to a wireless LAN without adequate security measures generally
opens up your shared folders to any casual snoopers. To protect your pri vacy,
the USB adapter is armed with many enhanced wireless security features such
as WPA, IEEE 802.1x Authenticati on and 64/128/152-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent
Privacy) to ensure privacy for the heterogeneous mix of users withi n the same
wireless LAN while maintaining full access to the establishment’s resources.

1

Chapter 1 Product Overview

1.2 Features and Benefits

• Compact and Mobile

The USB adapter is designed especially for the mobile generation.
The casing is compact and sleek, and the antenna is built-in to
further preserve the miniature footprint. Weighing just 20 gram s, the
device is light enough to be carried around!

• Fast and Reliable Transmission

The USB adapter can deliver up to 108Mbps wireless throughput. At
the same time, the USB adapter provides reliable wireless
transmission to all wireless users with its auto rate fallback capability.

• USB powered and USB 2.0 fast transfer rate

Leveraging on the USB standard, the USB adapter is powered
through its USB connection and requires no additional power
adapter. USB 2.0 standard allows a significant improvement in
transfer rate, of up to 40 times that of USB 1.1. You have access to
the full 108Mbps transfer rate of Super-AG on USB 2.0. The small form
factor of the USB adapter is conveni ently desi gned to fit exactl y into
a USB port without blocking up neighboring USB ports.

Designed with a USB2.0 interface, the USB adapter can prov ide 40
times higher throughput when connected to the USB2.0 slot of your
PC/notebook. It is also backwards compatible with USB1.1 though
the throughput will then be limited to the 12Mbps of the USB1.1
standard.

• Easy Set up

Using your wireless USB adapter is quick and convenient with USB
plug-and –play. The USB adapter is installed externall y so you do not
have to open up your PC.

• Highly Secured Traffic

The USB adapter supports wireless security features such as
64/128/152-bit WEP and the stronger industry standard WPA and

802.1x authentication to ensure that your data r emains secure while
in transit.

2

Chapter 2 Getting Started

Chapter 2 Getting Started

This chapter outlines the basic requirement for any installation and
configuration on the USB adapter.

2.1 Overall Setup Procedures

Here are some of the basic steps to guide you along:

1. Hardware Installation
Please refer to Section 3.1 “Hardware Installation”.

2. Drivers and Utility Installation
Please refer to Section 3.2 “Drivers and Utility Installation”.

3. Configure your USB adapter
Please refer to Chapter 5 “The Atheros Utility Configuration”.

For Windows XP user, you can use the built-in utility – Wireless Zero
Configuration to configure your USB adapter. Please refer to

Appendix III “Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Utility”.

NOTE

It is advisable to activate EITHER one of the utilities: the Wireless
Zero Configuration Utility OR the Atheros Utility.

3

Chapter 3 Wireless Adapter Installation

Chapter 3 Wireless Adapter Installation

The USB adapter is a plug-and-play device. You can plug it into the USB slot of
your PC/notebook for auto-detection.

3.1 Hardware Installation

1. Insert the USB adapter directly into the USB slot of your PC/notebook.

3.2 Drivers & Utility Installation

1. Insert the Product CD into your computer CD-ROM drive. Click on
Utilities and the system will run the setup.exe automatically.

2. Click on Drivers & Utilities section and the system will run the

setup.exe automatically. Soon the Atheros Client Installation
Program screen appears.

3. Next, the Atheros Client Installation Program screen appears. Click
on the Next> button to proceed.

4

Chapter 3 Wireless Adapter Installation

4. When the Licens e Agreement screen appears, you are required to
read and accept the agreement to continue. Click on the Next>
button to proceed.

5. Select your preferred setup:

Install Client Utilities and Driver (Recommended) option

You are recommended to select this setup type. This option will
install both the drivers and utility that support your USB adapter.

Install Driver Only option (For Windows XP user only)

5

Chapter 3 Wireless Adapter Installation

Select this option if you are going to use the Wireless Zero
Configuration Utility to configure your USB adapter. Note that only
Windows XP comes with the Wireless Zero Configuration Utility.

Make Driver Installation Diskette(s)

Select this option if you wish to make a dupli cate copy of the dri vers
and store in the diskette/s.

6. Click on the Next> butto n and follow the instructions stated on the
screen.

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Chapter 3 Wireless Adapter Installation

For Windows XP users

7. If you are using Windows XP as operating system, the following
screen will appear. Read the notice carefully and click on the Next>
button to proceed.

8. Select your choice of tool to assist you in configuring your USB
adapter. Click on the Next> button to proceed.

7

Chapter 3 Wireless Adapter Installation

Atheros Client Utility (ACU) and Supplicant option

Select this option to install your USB adapter’s utility.
(Recommended)

Third Party Supplicant option

Select this option if you decide to use Wireless Zero Configuration
Utility to configure your wireless device. Installing this tool will only
allow you to view the status of the connected wireless device/s
through the USB adapter’s utility; configuration using the USB
adapter’s utility will not be allowed.

Third Party Supplicant option (continued..)

If you have selected Third Party Supplicant configuration tool, a
screen similar to that on the right will appear, prompting you to
enable/disable the system tray icon.

9. Click on the checkbox besides
Enable Atheros System Tray Utility
and click on the Next> button to
proceed.

10. The screen below appears to inform you that the driver will be
automatically installed if you have already inserted your client
adapter into the USB slot of your computer.

8

Chapter 3 Wireless Adapter Installation

Cancel the Found New Hardware Wizard if it appears and click on
the OK button to begin the installation.

11. Click on the OK button to reboot your system and this will complete
the installation.

9

Chapter 3 Wireless Adapter Installation

To confirm if the driver has been successful ly installed on your system,

1. Proceed to your desktop, right click on My
Computer and select Properties.

2. Select the Hardware tab and click on Device
Manager.

10

Chapter 3 Wireless Adapter Installation

The folder name, Atheros USB 2.0 Wireless Network Adapter will
appear in the Network Adapters section. This indicates that the
driver for the USB adapter has been successfully installed on your
system!

To activate the utility program, double click on the icon shown in the
system tray.

If you have double-click on the utility option, the following screen will
appear to give you a glimpse of your connection status . To exit i t, click on
the OK button.

11

Chapter 3 Wireless Adapter Installation

To use the Atheros Client Utility, go to the Start Menu followed by
Programs. Then select Atheros. From Atheros, s elect Atheros Client Utility.

You may now start to configure your USB adapter.

12

Chapter 4 Using the System Tray Utility

Chapter 4 Using the System Tray Utility

This chapter will elaborate on the Atheros system
tray utility found at the right bottom corner of your
screen. Right click on the utility icon and th e menu
will appear.

The following explains the different opti ons available on the menu:

Help

Open the online help.

Exit

Exit the Atheros Client Utili ty application. Once you exit, the i con will disappear
from the system tray.

Open Atheros Client Utility…

Launch the Client Utility.

Different signal strength indications

13

Chapter 4 Using the System Tray Utility

Preferences

This option allows you to set the startup and
menu options for the utility. You can deci de
whether the program should start
automatically when Windows starts, and
which menu items should appear on the pop
up menu.

Disable/Enable Radio

If you are unable to detect the RF signal, disable and enable the radio again.
Once the radio is enabled, the system will prompt you that the RF signals hav e
been successfully enabled.

Click on the OK button to proceed.

14

Chapter 4 Using the System Tray Utility

(

Manual LEAP Login

If you select this option, you will have to m anually start the LEA P authentication
process to login to the network instead of being prompted for your LEAP
username and password during your windows logon.

Optional) Enter the

domain name that you
wish to logon to.

Reauthenticate

Reauthenticate to a LEAP-configured access point each time you login to a
LEAP network.

Select Profile

Click on a configuration profile name to switch to a particular wireless network.
If no configuration profil e exists, you will need to add a profile first.

15

Chapter 4 Using the System Tray Utility

Connection Status

To view the connection status of your wireless USB adapter.
Alternatively, you may also double click on the utility icon in the system tray.

Active Profile Displays the name of the active configurati on profile.
Auto Profile Selection Shows whether auto profile selection is enabled.
Connection Status Displays whether the adapter is connected to a

wireless network.

Link Quality States the quality of the link connection.
SSID Displays the SSID of the network to which the wireless

adapter is associated.

Access Point Name Shows the name of the access point the wirel ess

adapter is connected to (if any).

Access Point IP Address Shows the IP address of the access point the wireless

adapter is connected to (if any).

Link Speed States the speed of the link connection.
Client Adapter IP Address Displays the IP address of the wireless adapter.

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Chapter 5 Wireless Adapter Utility Features

Chapter 5 Wireless Adapter Utility Features

This chapter shows you how to make use of the util ity to view the status of your
wireless connection; to change your settings and also to monitor your wireless
performance via the statistics.

NOTE

It is advisable to activate only one of the utilities: Either the
Wireless Zero Configuration Utility OR the Atheros Utility.

5.1 Current Status Tab

Displays the performance of the USB adapter in the wireless network.

Upon clicking on the Advanced button, you will be able to view all
information on the respective profile, e.g. the types of encryption and
authentication, the signal strength, the MAC address of the conn ected
AP (if you are in Infrastructure mode), etc.

17