IEEE 802.11b 11Mbps
Wireless LAN USB Card
User’s Guide
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ............................................................. 4
About the Wireless LAN USB Card..................................5
Wireless LAN Basics........................................................6
Wireless LAN USB Card Operating Modes ................... 10
11 Mbps Operation......................................................... 10
Wireless LAN USB Card LED Descriptions...................11
HARDWARE INSTALLATION....................................... 12
Preparation..................................................................... 12
Installing the Wireless LAN USB Card...........................12
INSTALLING AND CONFIGURING.............................. 14
Installing the WLAN Driver in Windows 98.................... 14
Installing the Windows ME Driver .................................. 16
Installing the Driver in Windows 2000............................17
Verifying the Firmware Version...................................... 20
WIRELESS LAN USB CARD UTILITY ......................... 21
System ........................................................................... 23
Configuration..................................................................26
Profiles........................................................................... 30
Scanning for Access Points − Site Survey.....................37
Options...........................................................................39
About.............................................................................. 40
WIRELESS LAN USB CARD SPECIFICATION ........... 41
TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................. 43
Windows 95/98 Troubleshooting Tips............................ 43
Windows 2000 Troubleshooting Tips............................. 45
CUSTOMER SUPPORT................................................ 46
1
Introduction
The Wireless LAN USB Card is a Direct-Sequence Spread
Spectrum (DSSS) products. DSSS is a spread spectrum
network operating between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz. Spread
spectrum communication provides a high-capacity network
within large or small environments. DSSS products provide
a high-capacity network using multiple access points within
large or small environments.
Based on IEEE 802.11b, Wireless LAN products can
perform at speeds of up to 11 Mbps. This technology works
by using multiple frequencies in the 2.4 GHz range utilizing
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology.
Designed to cover distances of up to 100 meters indoors and
300 meters outdoors, Wireless LAN (WLAN) technology lets
you access your network from anywhere within this radius.
The range of WLAN is limited by the number of walls,
ceilings, floors, or other objects the wireless signals must
pass through. Typical ranges vary depending upon the
types of materials and background RF noise in the WLAN
area.
WLAN products offer the following network features:
• WLAN bridging architecture allows communication
between wired network devices and mobile devices.
• WLAN products support the IEEE 802.11b and WiFi
specifications. This open architecture allows WLAN
devices to communicate with wireless devices from
other manufacturers that conform to the same
specifications.
• WLAN products allows mobile devices to roam
throughout large facilities while remaining connected
to the network.
• WLAN products allow establishment of ad-hoc wireless
workgroup networks.
• WLAN products are protocol-independent, allowing
mobile devices to communicate with a wide range of
servers, hosts and systems.
About the Wireless LAN USB Card
The Wireless LAN USB Card allows USB equipped host
systems to configure, connect to and establish a wireless
network. The Wireless LAN USB Card is fully compliant
with the USB version 1.1 standard.
Features Include:
• IEEE 802.11b compatibility providing wireless
Ethernet connectivity at speeds of up to 11 Mbps.
• Dynamic scaling of the connection speed between 11,
5.5, 2, and 1 Mbps to match the wireless network
conditions.
• Automatic data rate switching providing maximum
reliability, throughput and connectivity.
• Supports wireless data encryption with 64-bit and 128bit WEP standard for security.
• Dual ceramic antennas for antenna diversity to reduce
multi-path interference.
• PCMCIA type II form factor.
• Support for Windows 95, 98, NT4.0, 2000, ME, and XP.
• Simple setup and easy-to-use diagnostic utilities.
• FCC Part 15.247 (US), ETS 300 328 (Europe), ARIB
STD-T66 and RCR STD-33A (Japan) compliant.
• Multiple operating mode options for access point or
peer-to-peer associations.
• Low-power operation.
• In ESS (Infrastructure or 802.11 Station) mode, the
USB Card connects to an access point (AP). In ESS
mode, the USB Card can roam freely between access
point cells in the network or transmit and receive
across subnets. MUs appear as network nodes to other
devices in the network. ESS is the default mode for the
adapter.
• Use the IBSS (802.11 Ad Hoc) mode to form peer-topeer networks without access points. Use IBSS to
create networks where needed within established cells.
The MU starting the IBSS network (the first Wireless
LAN USB Card transmitting a beacon) determines the
channel and data rate used for the other adapters in
the IBSS network.
Wireless LAN Basics
In order to set up and use your Wireless LAN USB Card,
you should have some basic understanding of WLAN
Technology and the various functions of the device.
A wireless is a cellular computer network that uses radio
signals to establish network links.
Wireless LANs support the same network applications that
are used on wired Ethernet LANs. Wireless LAN USB
Cards can be used on laptop and desktop systems and
support the same protocols as Ethernet adapters. For most
users, there is no noticeable functional difference between a
wired Ethernet desktop computer and a WLAN workstation
other than the added benefit of being able to roam within
the WLAN.
A Wireless LAN (WLAN) Access Point provides a link
between the WLAN and the wired Ethernet network and its
resources. Servers, network printers, and Internet
connections can be accessed from Wireless workstations
through a WLAN Access Point.
Radio Transmission
WLAN devices use electromagnetic waves within a broad,
unlicensed range of the radio spectrum to transmit and
receive signals. When a wireless access point is present, it
becomes a base station for the WLAN nodes in its broadcast
range. WLAN nodes transmit digital data using Frequency
Modulation (FM) radio signals. WLAN devices generate a
carrier wave and modulate this signal using various
techniques. In this way, digital data can then be
superimposed onto the carrier signal. The radio signal
carries data to wireless-capable devices within its range.
The antennas of wireless-equipped devices transmit and
receive the signal. The transmission method used by
WLAN devices is called Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum
(DSSS) and operates in a range of the radio spectrum
between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz.
Signal Range
WLAN devices are designed to operate over a radius of 100
meters indoors and 300 meters outdoors. Obstructions such
as walls, ceilings, floors, office equipment, and furniture can
reduce this range. WLAN Access Points act as bridges
between WLAN cells and can extend the total range of a
WLAN. Adding WLAN Access Points to areas of the WLAN
where the signal is inadequate can increase the signal
strength in that area.
In an average American 4-bedroom home, range should not
be a problem.
Network Topology
The IEEE 802.11 standard supports three basic topologies
for WLANs − the Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS), the
Basic Service Set (BSS), and the Extended Service Set
(ESS). WLAN components can be used to extend, enhance
or entirely replace existing Ethernet infrastructure. The
Wireless LAN USB Card can accommodate any of these
WLAN topologies.
IBSS
An Independent Basic Service Set or Ad Hoc network
consists of two or more wireless stations that communicate
directly, peer-to-peer, without the services of a wireless
access point. An example of an Ad Hoc or IBSS network
would be a group of wireless-equipped laptop computers at
a trade show set up to share information. In this
arrangement, one of the WLAN units is elected to act as a
controller or base station, similar to the function of a
wireless access point except there is no connection to a
wired Ethernet LAN. Ad Hoc networks are very easy to set
up and require minimal involvement by network
administrators or IT personnel.
BSS
In a Basic Service Set network, a wireless access point
performs multiple tasks − it is a base station and a network
access controller for the wireless stations in the WLAN.
The access point can also provide a connection to a wired
Ethernet LAN for the BSS member stations. An example of
a BSS might be a business meeting conducted in a room
with only a single Ethernet port available. Each
participant has a wireless laptop computer and requires
simultaneous access to a data server on the Ethernet LAN.
A wireless access point provides the connection to the
Ethernet LAN and acts as the network control station for
the BSS network members.
In a BSS network, the wireless access point performs
functions similar to an Ethernet switch. The access point
controls network access and maintains a dynamically
updated list of all the members of the BSS. Wireless
stations in the BSS are identified by their MAC Addresses.
ESS
An Extended Service Set is a series of two or more basic
service sets (BSSs) networked on an Ethernet LAN. Each
access point provides connections to the Ethernet LAN for
their respective BSS members.
Each BSS member is identified by a unique number, the
BSSID (actually the MAC address of the access point).
Wireless stations (such as a laptop computer with a
Wireless LAN USB Card installed) on an ESS network
automatically select the access point or BSS that can serve
them best (has the best signal). If no access point can be
found, the device will scan for a usable access point.
An ESS network can be set up so that wireless stations can
roam anywhere within the range of the access points and
still maintain links to both the WLAN and the Ethernet
LAN. In this case, each station shares a common ESS. The
ESS network is identified by an ESSID that is known and
used by all of the stations in the ESS network.
Wireless access points can also be used to segment a
wireless network. Under such circumstances, more than
one ESS might be used. Two or more separate ESSs can
occupy the same physical space. Each station on a WLAN
can use only one ESS − and thus only one ESSID.
Wireless LAN USB Card Operating
Modes
The Wireless LAN Monitor Utility is installed at the same
time as the WLAN USB Windows driver. Use the Wireless
LAN Monitor Utility to select the operational mode for, and
to generally monitor and configure, the Wireless LAN USB
Card.
The Wireless LAN USB Card supports the following
operational modes:
• In Infrastructure (ESS or 802.11 Station) mode, the
adapter connects to an access point (AP). In ESS mode,
the adapter can roam freely between access point cells
in the network or transmit and receive across subnets.
MUs appear as network nodes to other devices in the
network. ESS is the default mode for the adapter.
• Use the Ad Hoc (IBSS) mode to form peer-to-peer
networks without access points. Use 802.11 Ad Hoc to
create networks where needed within established cells.
The MU starting the IBSS network (the first Wireless
LAN USB Card transmitting a beacon) determines the
channel and data rate used for the other adapters in
the IBSS network.
11 Mbps Operation
The Wireless LAN USB Card supports a maximum 11 Mbps
data transfer rate. When the adapter’s Tx Rate is set to
Auto, the adapter automatically shifts to a 5.5, 2 or 1 Mbps
data rate when unable to maintain a high quality
connection at 11 Mbps. When the Wireless LAN USB Card
detects improved signal strength, it shifts to an increased
data rate, up to the maximum 11Mbps.
The following factors can dynamically alter the data rate:
• signal strength between the access point and USB
Card
• the ratio of good transmitted packets to attempted
transmitted packets that fall below a threshold
• the adapter finds a higher transmit rate with another
AP or it encounters an unspecified data rate.
Note: An 11 Mbps data transfer rate should only be
anticipated in coverage areas where the Scan tool
(part of the Wireless LAN Monitor Utility) has been
used to determine the strength and quality of the
signal between the adapter and an access point.
Physical obstructions and numerous devices
operating in close proximity to one another negatively
impact the ability to maintain an 11 Mbps access
point association.
Wireless LAN USB Card LED
Descriptions
The Wireless LAN USB Card’s LED illuminates during
connection or data transfer to indicate that the adapter is
functioning and is connected to an Access Point
(Infrastructure mode), or a Peer (Ad hoc mode).
The Wireless LAN USB Card has an additional LED that
flashes when activity is detected on the wireless link.
2
Hardware Installation
The physical installation for the Wireless LAN USB Card
amounts to simply plugging the unit’s USB cable into an
available USB port on a USB enabled computer. The
Wireless LAN USB Card should then be located such that
the minimum number of obstructions such as walls, floors,
ceilings, and office equipment are between it and the
nearest access point.
Preparation
Before beginning the installation, verify the hardware
package contains the Wireless LAN USB Card. Keep the
serial number in a safe place. The Support Center uses this
information to reference warranty and service contract
information.
Note: Verify the model indicated on the adapter and
packaging before use. Contact the Support Center if
an item is missing or not functioning.
Installing the Wireless LAN USB Card
The Wireless LAN USB Card installation requires:
• a computer with an available USB port.
• a CDROM drive or internet access.
• an available interrupt (IRQ).
• an available I/O port address.
Avoid exposing the Wireless LAN USB Card liquids or
abrasive materials.
3
Installing and
Configuring
Installing the WLAN Driver in Windows
98
The Wireless LAN USB Card Windows driver ships with
the Wireless LAN Monitor Utility. The utility is installed at
the same time as the Windows USB driver.
Install the Wireless LAN USB driver from the Wireless
LAN USB Card Installation CD and download the driver
and Wireless LAN Monitor Utility. Once downloaded,
extract the files to the computer hard drive.
Before installing the Wireless LAN USB Card Windows
driver:
• Verify the Wireless LAN USB Card is physically
installed in your computer.
• Obtain the Wireless LAN USB Card Installation CD.
To install the Wireless LAN USB Card driver in Windows
98:
1. Insert the adapter’s USB cable into an available USB
port on the computer.
3. Insert the Wireless LAN USB Card Installation CD, if it
is being used in the installation.
When Windows ME recognizes the adapter, the Add
New Hardware Wizard dialog box appears.
4. Select the Specify the location of the driver checkbox.
Click Next.
5. Select the Search for best driver for your device
checkbox, and select the Specify a location checkbox.
The driver is auto located.
6. Click Next when the Add New Hardware Wizard
displays the location of the driver files.
The Add New Hardware Wizard dialog box displays
stating the required software has been installed.
8. Click Finish.
9. When prompted, restart the computer.
Removing a Wireless LAN Driver in Windows 98
To remove an existing Wireless LAN driver in Windows 98:
1. Click Start, select Settings and Control Panel.
2. Click on the Network icon.
The Network dialog box displays.
3. Highlight the Wireless LAN USB Card.
4. Select Remove.
5. Click OK to remove the driver files from the Windows
98 hardware profile.
6. Click Close to close the Network dialog box.
Installing the Windows ME Driver
The Wireless LAN USB Card Windows driver ships with
the Wireless LAN Monitor Utility. Use this utility to view
and edit Wireless LAN Card settings.
Install the Wireless LAN USB driver from the Wireless
LAN USB Card Installation CD and download the driver
and Wireless LAN Monitor Utility. Once downloaded,
extract the files to the computer hard drive.
Before installing the Wireless LAN USB Card Windows
driver:
• Verify the Wireless LAN USB Card is physically
installed in your computer.
• Obtain the Wireless LAN USB Card Installation CD.
To install the driver in Windows ME:
1. Insert the adapter’s USB cable into an available USB
port on the computer.
3. Insert the Wireless LAN USB Card Installation CD, if it
is being used in the installation.
When Windows ME recognizes the adapter, the Add
New Hardware Wizard dialog box appears.
4. Select the Specify the location of the driver checkbox.
Click Next.
5. Select the Search for best driver for your device
checkbox, and select the Specify a location checkbox.
The driver is auto located.
6. Click Next when the Add New Hardware Wizard
displays the location of the driver files.
The Add New Hardware Wizard dialog box displays
stating the required software has been installed.
8. Click Finish.
9. When prompted, restart the computer.
Removing a Wireless LAN Driver in Windows ME
To remove an existing Wireless LAN driver in Windows ME:
1. Click Start, select Settings and Control Panel.
2. Double-click on the Network icon.
The Network dialog box displays.
3. Select the Wireless LAN USB Card.
4. Select Remove.
The driver files are permanently removed from the
Windows ME hardware profile. Click OK.
Installing the Driver in Windows 2000
The Wireless LAN USB Card Windows driver ships with
the Wireless LAN Monitor Utility. Use this utility to view
and edit Wireless LAN Card settings.
Install the Wireless LAN USB driver from the Wireless
LAN USB Card Installation CD and download the driver
and Wireless LAN Monitor Utility. Once downloaded,
extract the files to the computer hard drive.
Before installing the Wireless LAN Windows driver:
• Verify the Wireless LAN USB Card is physically
installed in your computer.
• Obtain the Wireless LAN USB Card Installation CD.
To install the Wireless LAN driver in Windows 2000:
1. Insert the adapter’s USB cable into an available USB
port on the computer.
3. Insert the Wireless LAN USB Card Installation CD, if it
is being used in the installation.
When Windows ME recognizes the adapter, the Add
New Hardware Wizard dialog box appears.
4. Select the Specify the location of the driver checkbox.
Click Next.
5. Select the Search for best driver for your device
checkbox, and select the Specify a location checkbox.
The driver is auto located.
6. Click Next when the Add New Hardware Wizard
displays the location of the driver files.
Note: The Microsoft Digital Signature Not Found dialog
box could appear at this point in the installation. A
Microsoft digital signature is not required for the driver
installation. Click Yes to continue.
A progress bar displays showing the progress of the
driver file download.
The Add New Hardware Wizard dialog box displays
stating the required software has been installed.
8. Click Finish.
Updating a Wireless LAN Driver in Windows 2000
To update an existing Wireless LAN driver in Windows
2000:
1. Click Start, select Settings and Control Panel.
2. Double-click on the System icon and select the
Hardware tab.
3. Click on the Device Manager button.
4. Double-click on Network Adapters.
5. Right-click on the Wireless LAN USB Card.
6. Select Properties.
The Wilress LAN USB Card Properties dialog box
displays.
7. Select the Driver tab.
8. Click on the Update Driver button.
The Upgrade Device Driver Wizard displays. Click Next.
9. Select the Search for a suitable driver for my device
checkbox.
Click Next.
10. Specify the location of the driver files in the Optional
search
locations field. Click Next.
11. Click Next when Windows locates the driver files.
Note: The Microsoft Digital Signature Not Found
dialog box could appear at this point in the driver
update. A Microsoft digital signature is not
required for the driver update. Click Yes to
continue.
A progress bar displays showing the progress of the
driver file update.
The Upgrade Device Driver Wizard dialog box displays
again stating Windows has finished installing the
software required for this device.
13. Click Finish.
Verifying the Firmware Version
Verify the adapter firmware is the most recent version to
ensure optimal functionality. In Windows 98, ME, and 2000
Wireless LAN USB Card uses the Wireless Monitor Utility
to view driver and firmware revision data. The Wireless
Monitor Utility System page allows users to verify driver
firmware version data.
4
Wireless LAN Card
Utility
The Wireless LAN Card Utility is used to configure and
monitor the Wireless LAN USB Card for all Windows
operating systems. If functions in the same way for
Windows Me, 98se, and 2000.
The Wireless LAN Card Utility is installed from the
Wireless LAN USB Card installation CD.
To install the Wireless LAN Card Utility, open the CD or
folder containing the Setup program and double-click
Setup.exe.
1. Setup will decompress the necessary files and open
an installation Wizard.
Note: If Setup.exe detects that the Wireless LAN
Monitor Utility has been previously installed, it will
prompt you to uninstall or completely remove the
previous installation rather than re-install the utility.
Removing a previous installation of the Wireless LAN
Monitor Utility will not prevent you from re-installing
the utility later.
2. The InstallShield Wizard will then appear. Click
Next.
3. The Choose Destination Location menu appears.
Click Next to accept the default installation location
or Browse to select an alternate installation location.
4. The Select Program Folder menu appears. Click
Next to accept the default folder name or enter a
name in the Program Folders: field.
5. Setup will then install the Wireless LAN Monitor
Utility to the selected location.
6. When Setup is finished, the InstallShield Wizard
Complete screen prompts you to restart your
computer to complete the installation.
When your computer restarts, the Wireless LAN Card
Utility 2.0 is available by clicking Start, selecting Wireless
LAN, and then Config Utility. The following screen appears:
between the Wireless USB
System
The Adapter is displayed at the top. If more than one is
installed on the computer, one of the installed adapters can
be chosen using the pull-down menu at the right of the
Adapter field.
Adapter Displays the currently
Associated ESSID Displays the ESSID
chosen adapter.
associated with the link
and the Wireless Access
Point.
Associated BSSID Displays the BSSID (MAC
Address) associated with the
link between the Wireless
USB and the Wireless
Access Point.
Network Type Displays the type of network
connection for this link. Can
be Infrastructure − for a link
to a Wireless Access Point,
or 802.11 Ad Hoc − for a link
to another computer with a
Wireless LAN USB Card.
WEP Displays the status of the
Wired Equivalent Privacy
(WEP) encryption in use on
the link.
MAC Address Displays the MAC address
of the Wireless LAN USB
Card
Status Displays Associated when
the Wireless LAN USB Card
has established a wireless
link with an access point. In
addition, the MAC address
of the associated access
point is displayed.
Link Quality Displays the signal strength
in terms of relative
percentage − 100 being the
highest and 0 being the
lowest.
by the IC and the FCC.
ess LAN USB Card.
Regulatory Domain This field displays the type
MAC Address Displays the MAC address
Firmware Version Displays the version number
of regulatory regimen in use
for the link.
There are 14 channels
available for communication
with a Wireless Access
Point, but there may be
restrictions on which
channels can be used in
some countries. In the US
and Canada, only channels
1 – 11 are authorized for use
Other regions may have
different regulations.
of the Wireless LAN USB
Card.
of the firmware in the
Wirel
This information can be
helpful in debugging.
.
Configuration
Network Type You can use the drop-down
menu to select the type of
network link for your
Wireless LAN USB Card
You can choose
Infrastructure or 802.11 Ad
Hoc network types. Click
the Apply button to make
the selection current.
.
the given WLAN conditions.
ESSID You can specify an ESSID
Tx Rate This field allows the
for use in establishing a link
with an Access Point or
another computer equipped
with a Wireless LAN USB
Card. Entering “ANY” will
allow a link with an Access
Point or another Wireless
LAN USB Card equipped
computer regardless of the
ESSID in use by the remote
end of the Wireless link.
selection of the rate at which
data is transmitted by the
Wireless LAN USB Card
By default, the Wireless
LAN USB Card is set to
Auto − allowing the Wireless
LAN USB Card to
adaptively set the Tx rate to
the highest possible rate for
The Tx rate can also be set
to 1, 2, 5.5, or 11 Mbps. For
most networks, Auto will be
the best choice.
Encryption − WEP Setting
Additional security can be gained by using the Wired
Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption. WEP encrypts each
packet transmitted from the Wireless USB Card using one
of the keys entered in the WEP encryption key field. The
ss link.
The default is disabled.
that will be used to create 4
Wireless Access Point or Wireless LAN USB Card will
accept only encrypted frames that it can decrypt correctly.
Packet decryption can only be accomplished if the receiver
uses the same key as the transmitter.
To access the WEP Configuration menu, click the WEP
Setting button. The following menu appears:
The WEP keys configured for your Wireless LAN USB Card
must be the same as the WEP keys configured for its Access
Point or Ad Hoc remote link.
WEP Type Enables or Disables the use
of WEP for the wirele
Enabling WEP is
accomplished by selecting
64-bit or 128-bit encryption.
Default Key ID Allows the selection of any
one of up to 4 WEP keys
entered in the More menu
below.
Open Sesame Allows the entry of an
alpha-numeric or text string
WEP keys. These keys can
then be used for WEP
encryption. To use Open
Sesame, click the click box to
the left of the Open Sesame
field.
Pressing the More>> button will display the following
screen:
WEP keys can be manually entered. To enter WEP keys
manually, highlight one of the four key entry fields, and
type the key. Click the Submit button to authenticate and
begin using the key.
WEP keys are hexadecimal values. Valid entries are in
hexadecimal format − digits 0 through 9, and letters A
through F.
Remember that the exact same key must be used by the
Wireless LAN USB Card and the Wireless Access Point for
WEP to function
Manual Keys Allows you to enter up to 4
hexadecimal WEP keys for
use in WEP encryption.
Key #1, 2, 3, 4 Allows the entry of 64 or
128-bit alphanumeric keys
for encryption.
Profiles
The Wireless LAN Card Utility allows you to create
different profiles for use with different Wireless LANs or in
different areas within the same Wireless LAN.
Click the Profiles tab to display the following screen:
Click the New button to create a new profile. The following
screen will be displayed:
Enter a name for the new profile and click the OK button to
open the Edit the profile screen shown below:
selection of the rate at which
Network Type Displays the type of network
connection for this link. Can
be Infrastructure − for a link
to a Wireless Access Point,
or 802.11 Ad Hoc − for a link
to another computer with a
Wireless LAN USB card.
ESSID You can specify an ESSID
for use in establishing a link
with an Access Point or
another computer equipped
with a Wireless LAN USB
Card. Entering “ANY” will
allow a link with an Access
Point or another Wireless
LAN USB Card equipped
computer regardless of the
ESSID in use by the remote
end of the Wireless link.
Tx Rate This field allows the
Card.
the given WLAN conditions.
of WEP for the wireless link.
The default is disabled.
of WEP for the wireless link.
The default is disabled.
WEP Enables or Disables the use
If WEP is enabled, clicking on the WEP Setting button will
open the WEP Configuration screen − as shown below:
data is transmitted by the
Wireless LAN USB
By default, the Wireless
LAN USB Card is set to
Auto − allowing the Wireless
LAN USB Card to
adaptively set the Tx rate to
the highest possible rate for
The Tx rate can also be set
to 1, 2, 5.5, or 11 Mbps. For
most networks, Auto will be
the best choice.
Enabling WEP is
accomplished by selecting
64-bit or 128-bit encryption.
WEP Type Enables or Disables the use
Enabling WEP is
accomplished by selecting
64-bit or 128-bit encryption.
Default Key ID Allows the selection of any
one of up to 4 WEP keys
entered in the More menu
below.
Open Sesame Allows the entry of an
alpha-numeric or text string
that will be used to create 4
WEP keys. These keys can
then be used for WEP
encryption. To use Open
Sesame, click the click box to
the left of the Open Sesame
field.
Pressing the More>> button will display the following
screen:
WEP keys are hexadecimal values. Valid entries are in
hexadecimal format − digits 0 through 9, and letters A
through F.
Remember that the exact same key must be used by the
Wireless LAN USB Card and the Wireless Access Point for
WEP to function
Manual Keys Allows you to enter up to 4
hexadecimal WEP keys for
use in WEP encryption.
Key #1, 2, 3, 4 Allows the entry of 64 or
128-bit alphanumeric keys
for encryption.
collisions on the WLAN.
WLAN. The more often RTS
Click the Advanced Setting button to display the Advanced
Configuration screen − as shown below:
Power Save This field Enables or
Disables the power saving
operation mode.
RTS/CTS Threshold This defines a threshold for
the number of packets that
can be received before the
Wireless LAN USB Card
will issue a Request To Send
(RTS) packet. The RTS
packet is used to avoid data
There are some tradeoffs to
consider when setting this
parameter. A small RTS
threshold will cause RTS
packets to be sent more
often, consuming
bandwidth, and reducing the
apparent throughput of the
to be retransmitted.
consumes RF bandwidth.
Fragmentation Threshold This defines a threshold
packets are sent, however,
the quicker the WLAN can
recover from interference or
data collisions. Refer to the
IEEE 802.11b standard for
more information on the
RTS/CTS mechanism. The
default value is 2432
packets.
above for packet size. If a
packet is larger, in octets,
than the threshold, the
packet will be split up, or
fragmented, prior to being
transmitted. Once a packet
is fragmented, if a portion of
the original packet is
corrupted in transit, only
the corrupted portion needs
Throughput is generally
lower for fragmented
packets, however, because
the packet header overhead
The default is 2346 octets.
Scanning for Access Points − Site Survey
The Wireless LAN Monitor Utility allows you to scan the
immediate area (up to 100 meters indoors or 300 meters
outdoors) for WLAN Access Points. To find other Wireless
Access Points, click the Re-Scan button. This will allow the
Wireless LAN Monitor Utility to scan for any Wireless
Access Point that may be in range. Click the Scan button to
initiate a scan. The results of the scan are presented as
shown below:
Options
Click the Options tab to open the following menu:
Click the Show this application to notify me while another
wireless card plug/unplug click box if you want to enable
the Wireless LAN Card Utility to notify you of changes in
the WLAN link.
Click OK to make the settings current.
About
The release version of the Wireless LAN Monitor Utility is
displayed under the About tab.
A
Wireless LAN USB Card
Specification
Wireless LAN USB Card
Dimensions (less antenna) 3.3 inches x 2.1 in. x 0.2
Weight (with antenna) 1.6 oz (45.36 g)
Operating temperature
Storage temperature
Humidity 95% 95% maximum non
Radio Technology IEEE 802.11b Direct
Modulation Schemes DQPSK, DBPSK, and CCK
Channels Available 11 channels (United States)
Data Rate 11 Mbps with fall-back rates
inches
(85 mm x 54 mm x 5 mm
32 to 130 °F (0 to 55 °C)
-15 to 170 °F (-10 to 75 °C)
condensing
Sequence Spread Spectrum
13 channels (Europe)
14 channels (Japan)
of 5.5, 2. and 1 Mbps
Media Access Protocol CSMA/CA with ACK
RF Power 16 dBm
Antenna Gain 0 dBi
Antenna Type Integrated dual diversity
Operating Volatage 5 VDC
Interface USB 1.1
Range Coverage
LED Indicator Power and Link Status
Indoor: 35 − 100 meters
Outdoor: 100 − 300 meters
LEDs
C
Troubleshooting
Windows 95/98 Troubleshooting Tips
Use the tools provided by Windows 95/98 and LAN
analyzers (FTP Software NETXRAY, Novell LAN analyzer)
to diagnose problems. Some common problems exhibited
when the Wireless LAN USB Card has not been properly
installed include:
• Windows 95/98 does not recognize the Wireless LAN
USB Card when installed.
o Verify that Windows 95/98 Wireless Lan
USB support is installed.
o Verify the computer has a Plug and Play
BIOS.
• The driver fails to load.
o A resource conflict could exist. Use the
Device Manager to resolve resource conflicts.
Select the System applet from the Control
Panel. Select the Device Manager tab.
• The workstation cannot associate to the Wireless
access point.
o Verify the adapter ESSID matches the
ESSID of the AP. Refer to the Configuration
section of this document for details.
• Degraded performance from the Wireless LAN USB
Card.
o Verify a secure antenna connection on the
adapter.
• Network drive mappings disappear when the laptop
suspends or the adapter is removed then reinserted.
Windows 95/98 does not restore Netware network
drive mappings under these conditions.
o Log out and log in again, or restart the
machine to restore the connections.
• Nonfunctioning Wireless LAN USB Card LEDs.
o Verify the Card Type parameter is set
correctly.
o Verify that the adapter ESSID matches the
ESSID of the AP.
• An adapter associates with an access point, but Plus
Pack utilities fail to discover the access point or
work improperly.
o The Plus Pack utilities are closely
integrated with the driver software.
Investigate for system resource conflicts and
reload or reconfigure driver software as
needed.
Windows 2000 Troubleshooting Tips
Use the tools provided by Windows 2000 to diagnose
problems.
• The workstation cannot associate to the Wireless
access point.
o Verify the ESSID matches the ESSID of the
AP. Refer to the Configuration section of
this document for details.
• Degraded performance from the Wireless LAN USB
Card.
o Verify a secure antenna connection on the
Wireless LAN USB Card.
o Verify the antenna remain attached to the
Wireless LAN USB Card if an external
antenna is used.
• Nonfunctioning Wireless LAN USB Card LEDs.
o Verify the Card Type parameter is set
correctly.
o Verify that the adapter ESSID matches the
ESSID of the AP.
D
Customer Support
We provide our customers with prompt and accurate
customer support. Use the Support Center as the primary
contact for any technical problem, question or support issue
involving this product.
If the Customer Support specialists cannot solve a problem,
access to all technical disciplines within available for
further assistance and support. Customer Support responds
to calls by email, telephone or fax within the time limits set
forth in individual contractual agreements.
When contacting Customer Support, please provide the
following information:
• serial number of unit
• model number or product name
• software type and version number.
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