Intel 2011BWLAN User Manual

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Installation Guide

Compaq 802.11b MultiPort Module

Document Part Number: 225839-001

June 2001

This guide provides information on installing and setting up the

802.11b MultiPort Module as well as tips on solving common
problems.

© 2001 Compaq Computer Corporation

Compaq and the Compaq logo Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and other countries.

All other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective
companies.

Compaq shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions
contained herein. The information in this document is provided “as is” without
warranty of any kind and is subject to change without notice. The warranties for
Compaq products are set forth in the express limited warranty statements
accompanying such products. Nothing herein should be construed as
constituting an additional warranty.

Installation Guide
First Edition (June 2001)
Document Part Number: 225839-001

Contents

1 Getting Started

Using a Wireless Local Area Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–1

Features and Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–2

Selecting a Network Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–2

Ad Hoc Networking Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–3

Infrastructure Networking Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–3

2 Installing Hardware and Drivers

Installing the MultiPort Module and Drivers . . . . . . . . . . 2–1

Removing the MultiPort Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–5

3 Installing Software

Preparing for Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–1

Installing Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–1

Installation Guide iii

A Troubleshooting

Using the World Wide Web. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A–1

Preparing to Call Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A–1

B Regulatory Compliance Notices

Wireless Notices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B–1

Class B Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B–2

Modifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B–2

Declaration of Conformity for Products
Marked with the FCC Logo—United States Only . . B–3

Canadian Regulatory Wireless Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B–4

Class B Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B–4

European Union Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B–5

Japanese Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B–6

iv Installation Guide

Getting Started

The Compaq 802.11b MultiPort Module allows you to access
wireless Local Area Networks, share a local printer and files with
others in your network, access the Internet, and roam about the
office—wire-free.

This wireless Local Area Network solution is designed for both
large and small businesses, and it is scalable so that you can add
users and new network features as your networking needs grow.

Using a Wireless Local Area Network

This product is a Local Area Network (LAN) device. A LAN is
two or more computers that are connected to each other in order
to share files or common equipment such as a printer or a modem.

A wireless LAN provides the same functionality of a wired
network, but it eliminates the need to install networking cables
and other networking equipment. Not only is a wireless LAN
easier to deploy, but it also allows for “roaming.”

1

For example, when using a portable computer with a Compaq

802.11b MultiPort Module, you can roam from a conference
room to an office without being disconnected from the network.

Installation Guide 1–1

Getting Started

Features and Requirements

A wireless LAN includes the following features:

Support for the IEEE 802.11b Standard

■

2.4-GHz band operation

■

Network speeds up to 11 Mbps

■

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption

■

To participate in a wireless LAN, you need the following:

Compaq 802.11b MultiPort Module

■

Software CD containing application, drivers, software

■

reference guide, and help file

A portable computer with a MultiPort, equipped with a

■

CD drive, and running Microsoft Windows 98, Windows Me,
or Windows 2000

Selecting a Network Mode

A wireless LAN can be configured for two different modes of
operation. While each method has its advantages, one may be
better suited for your needs. Review the following configurations
to determine which mode is best for you and the hardware and
software you need to build your network.

Ad hoc networking

■

Infrastructure networking

■

1–2 Installation Guide

Ad Hoc Networking Mode

Also called “peer-to-peer” networking, this mode is the easiest to
deploy and is ideal for small offices. As a user on this type of
network, you are able to share files with other employees, print to
a shared office printer, and access the Internet through a shared
modem. However, with ad hoc networking your computer is only
able to communicate with other wireless computers that are
within range and in your wireless workgroup.

Advantages Simple to set up

Cost-efficient

Disadvantages Communication is limited to those who are in

range

Infrastructure Networking Mode

The key difference between an infrastructure wireless LAN and
an ad hoc wireless LAN is the addition of one extra element—an
access point. Unlike “peer-to-peer” networking, where networked
computers send data directly to each other, networked computers
using the infrastructure networking mode communicate with each
other through a dedicated access point.

Getting Started

The 802.11b MultiPort Module is compatible with any WiFi
(Wireless Fidelity) interoperability certified access point, such as
the Compaq WL300, WL400, WL410, and WL510.

All data transmitted between two computers on the wireless LAN
passes through the access point.

Installation Guide 1–3

Getting Started

Additionally, the access point on the infrastructure wireless LAN
can provide access to an existing wired LAN. This link allows
computers on the wireless LAN to access the wired LAN’s
resources and tools, including Internet access, electronic mail
delivery, file transfer, and printer sharing.

Advantages Extended range: The access point extends the

range of the wireless LAN. Each computer can
communicate with other computers equipped
for wireless networking that are within the
range of the access point.

Roaming: As you move throughout the
building, the MultiPort Module determines the
best access point to use to ensure continuous
communication with the network.

Network connectivity: An access point can
provide a wireless LAN access to an existing
wired network by bridging the two networks
together. This gives users of the wireless LAN
access to all functions of the wired
network—from file server access to electronic
mail and Internet.

Disadvantages As this network mode offers more features, it

requires additional components and setup time
to deploy.

Requirements One access point, such as the Compaq

WL300, WL400, WL410, or WL510.

1–4 Installation Guide