Intel 3945ABG User Manual

Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection User Guide

With your wireless network card, you can access wireless networks, share files or printers, or even share your Internet connection. All of these features can be explored with a wireless network in your home or office. This wireless local area network (WLAN) solution is designed for both home and business use. Additional users and features can be added as your networking needs grow and change.

Your Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection adapter is compatible with

802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g wireless standards. Operating at 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz frequency at speeds of up to 54 Mbps you can now connect your computer to existing high-speed networks that use multiple access points within large or small environments. Your wireless adapter maintains automatic data rate control according to access point location to achieve the fastest possible connection. All of your wireless network connections are easily managed by Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless software. Profiles that are set up through the Intel PROSet/ Wireless software provide enhanced security measures with 802.1x network authentication.

NOTE: The software is compatible with the Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945BG Network Connection, Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection and the Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection.

Table of Contents

● Use Intel PROSet/Wireless Software

● Connect to a Network

● Use Profiles

● Set up Security

● Troubleshooting

● Administrator Tool

● Glossary

● Wireless Network Overview

● Security Overview

● Specifications

● Customer Support

● Safety and Regulatory Information

● Warranty

● Adapter Registration

The copying or reproducing of any material in this document in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Intel Corporation is strictly forbidden. Intel(R) is a trademark or registered trademark of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Intel disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

Intel Corporation assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in this document. Nor does Intel make any commitment to update the information contained herein.

"Important Notice FOR ALL USERS OR DISTRIBUTORS!!!!

Intel wireless LAN adapters are engineered, manufactured, tested, and quality checked to ensure that they meet all necessary local and governmental regulatory agency requirements for the regions that they are designated and/or marked to ship into. Since wireless LANs are generally unlicensed devices that share spectrum with radars, satellites, and other licensed and unlicensed devices, it is sometimes necessary to dynamically detect, avoid, and limit usage to avoid interference with these devices. In many instances Intel is required to provide test data to prove regional and local compliance to regional and governmental regulations before certification or approval to use the product is granted. Intel's wireless LAN's EEPROM, firmware, and software driver are designed to carefully control parameters that affect radio operation and to ensure electromagnetic compliance (EMC). These parameters include, without limitation, RF power, spectrum usage, channel scanning, and human exposure.

For these reasons Intel cannot permit any manipulation by third parties of the software provided in binary format with the wireless WLAN adapters (e.g., the EEPROM and firmware). Furthermore, if you use any patches, utilities, or code with the Intel wireless LAN adapters that have been manipulated by an unauthorized party (i.e., patches, utilities, or code (including open source code modifications) which have not been validated by Intel), (i) you will be solely responsible for ensuring the regulatory compliance of the products, (ii) Intel will bear no liability, under any theory of liability for any issues associated with the modified products, including without limitation, claims under the warranty and/or issues arising from regulatory non-compliance, and (iii) Intel will not provide or be required to assist in providing support to any third parties for such modified products.

Note: Many regulatory agencies consider Wireless LAN adapters to be "modules", and accordingly, condition system-level regulatory approval upon receipt and review of test data documenting that the antennas and system configuration do not cause the EMC and radio operation to be non-compliant."

November 2005

Back to Contents

Use Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Software: Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection User Guide

● Use Intel PROSet/Wireless as your Wireless Manager

● Start Intel PROSet/Wireless

● Start Intel PROSet/Wireless from the Taskbar ❍ Taskbar Icons ❍ Tool Tips and Desktop Alerts

● Intel PROSet/Wireless Main Window ❍ Wireless Networks List ❍ Connection Status Icons ❍ Network Properties ❍ Connection Details ❍ Profiles List

● Intel PROSet/Wireless Menus

● Tools Menu ❍ Application Settings

❍ Intel Wireless Troubleshooter ❍ Administrator Tool

● Advanced Menu ❍ Adapter Settings

❍ Advanced Statistics ❍ Use Windows to Manage Wi-Fi

● Profiles Menu ❍ Manage Profiles

❍ Manage Exclusions

● Enable and Disable the Radio

● Install and Uninstall the Software

Use Intel PROSet/Wireless as your Wireless Manager

Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless is used to setup, edit and manage network profiles to connect to a network. It also includes advanced settings such as power management and channel selection for setting up ad-hoc networks.

If you use Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Wireless Zero Configuration as your wireless manager, you can disable it from the Microsoft Windows Wireless Network tab.

To disable Microsoft Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration as your wireless manager:

1. Click Start > Settings > Control Panel.

2. Double-click Network Connections.

3. Right-click Wireless Network Connection.

4. Click Properties.

5. Click Wireless Networks.

6. Verify that the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings is not selected. If it is, clear it.

7. Click OK. This confirms that the Intel PROSet/Wireless utility is configured to manage your network profiles.

NOTE: Check that the adapter is selected. This option prompts you when Microsoft Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration starts

Application Settings option Notify when another application uses the wireless

to manage your network profiles.

Start Intel PROSet/Wireless

To start Intel PROSet/Wireless use one of the following methods:

● Click Start > Programs > Intel PROSet Wireless > Intel PROSet Wireless.

● Right-click the Taskbar icon located in the lower right corner of your Windows Desktop to open the Taskbar

menu. Click Open Intel PROSet/Wireless.

● Double-click the Taskbar icon to open Intel PROSet/Wireless.

Exit Intel PROSet/Wireless:

To close Intel PROSet/Wireless from the main window use one of the following:

● Select File > Exit from the main window.

● Click Close.

● Click the Close button (X) at the top right corner of the window.

Start Intel PROSet/Wireless from the Taskbar

To start Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless, double-click the Taskbar icon located in the lower right corner of your Windows desktop or right-click the Taskbar icon and click Open Intel PROSet/Wireless.

Taskbar Menu Options

The Intel PROSet/Wireless icon displays on the Taskbar located in the lower right corner of your Windows desktop. Rightclick the status icon to display the menu options.

Menu Item Comments Open Intel PROSet/Wireless

Open Wireless Zero Configuration

Wireless On

Click to start Intel PROSet/Wireless when Intel PROSet/Wireless is your wireless manager. If you select Use Windows to manage Wi-

Fi from the Taskbar menu, the menu option changes to Open Wireless Zero Configuration and Microsoft Windows XP Wireless

Zero Configuration Service is used as your wireless manager. When you use Microsoft Windows, you cannot use your Intel profiles.

If you have Intel PROSet/Wireless installed, the current state of the radio displays in the

Intel PROSet/Wireless main window and on the

Taskbar. Select Wireless On to turn the radio on. Select Wireless Off to turn the radio off.

If your computer has an external switch installed, use it to switch the

Wireless Off

radio on or off. Refer to your computer manufacturer's documentation for more information about this switch.

802.11a Radio Off

Open Intel Wireless Troubleshooter

Connect to Profile Displays the current profiles in the Profile list. Used also to connect to

Use Windows to manage Wi-Fi Use Intel PROSet/Wireless to manage Wi-

This option is available only for wireless adapters that support

802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. Select to turn off the 802.11a radio.

NOTE: This setting is unavailable unless it is set in the

Tool or if your adapter is an Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network

Connection. Opens an application that can assist you to resolve wireless network

connection issues. When a connection issue is detected, a desktop alert appears at the bottom right corner of your desktop. See

Wireless Troubleshooter for more information.

a profile. Toggles between the Intel PROSet/Wireless and Microsoft Windows

XP Wireless Zero Configuration Service. When you use Microsoft Windows, you cannot use your Intel profiles.

Administrator

Intel

Taskbar Icons

The Taskbar icon provides visual indication of the current wireless connection state. The connection status icon is located on the lower right corner of your Windows desktop. The Taskbar icon can be set to display or be hidden in the Tools

Application Settings.

Icon Description

Wireless Off: The wireless adapter is off. The wireless device does not

transmit or receive while it is off. Click Wireless On to enable the adapter. The icon is white and static.

Searching for wireless networks: The wireless adapter searches for any available wireless networks. The icon is white with animation.

No wireless networks found: There are no available wireless networks found. Intel PROSet/Wireless periodically scans for available networks. If you want to force a scan, double-click the icon to launch Intel PROSet/ Wireless and click Refresh. The icon is red.

Wireless network found: An available wireless network is found. Doubleclick the icon to display the Wireless Networks list. Select the network. Click Connect. The icon is yellow.

Authentication failed: Unable to authenticate with wireless network. The icon is green with a yellow warning triangle.

Connecting to a wireless network: Flashes while an IP address is being obtained or an error occurs.

Connected to a wireless network: Connected to a wireless network. A Tool Tip displays network name, speed, signal quality and IP address. The icon is green with waves that reflect signal quality. The more waves, the better the signal quality.

Tool Tips and Desktop Alerts

The Tool Tips and Desktop Alerts provide feedback and interaction. To display Tool Tips, move your mouse pointer over the icon. Desktop alerts are displayed when your wireless network changes state. For example, if you are out of range of any wireless networks, a desktop alert is displayed when you come into range.

Select Show Information Notifications in the

Application Settings to enable desktop alerts.

Tool Tips

Tool tips display when the mouse pointer rolls over the icon. The tool tips display text for each of the connection states.

Desktop Alerts

When user action is required, a desktop alert displays. If you click the alert, then an appropriate action is taken. For example when wireless networks are found, the following alert displays:

Action: Click the desktop alert to connect to network in the Wireless Networks list.

Once connected, the alert displays the wireless network that you are connected to, the speed of the connection, signal quality and IP address.

Desktop alerts are also used to indicate if there is a connection problem. Click the alert to open the

Troubleshooter.

Intel Wireless

Intel PROSet/Wireless Main Window

The Intel PROSet/Wireless Main Window allows you to:

● View the current connection status (signal quality, speed and current network name).

● Scan for available wireless networks.

● Manage profiles.

● Auto-connect profiles to available networks in a specific order defined in the Profile list.

● Connect to Infrastructure and Device to Device (ad hoc) networks.

● Configure adapter settings.

● Troubleshoot wireless connection problems.

Use the Intel PROSet/Wireless to:

● View the current connection status (signal quality, speed and current network name).

● Scan for available wireless networks.

● Manage profiles.

● Auto-connect profiles to available networks in a specific order defined in the Profiles list.

● Connect to infrastructure and ad hoc networks.

● Configure adapter power settings.

Connection Status Icons

The Intel PROSet/Wireless main window displays connection status icons which indicate the current connection status of your wireless adapter. The Taskbar icon also indicates the current connection status. Refer to

information.

Main Window Connection Status Description

The icons are used to designate connection status.

Icon Description

Taskbar Icons for more

Wireless Off: The radio is not associated to a network. Click the Wireless On button to enable the radio.

Indicates connection problems including authentication failures.

Searching for wireless networks: The wireless adapter is scanning for any available wireless networks.

Animated Icons:

No wireless networks found: The adapter does not find any wireless networks.

Wireless network found: An available wireless network is found. You can choose to connect to

available networks displayed in the

Wireless Networks list.

Network Name

Connecting to a wireless network. You are connecting to a wireless network. The crescent

shaped curves switch between green and white until an IP Address is obtained or a connection error occurs.

Connected to a wireless network: You are connected to a wireless network. The network name, speed, signal quality, and IP address display the current connection status. Click the

Details button

to display details of the current network connection. Network Name (SSID): This is the name of the network that the adapter is connected to. The

Network Name SSID must be the same as the SSID of the access point.

Signal Quality

The signal quality icon bars indicate the quality of the transmit and receive signals between your wireless adapter and the nearest access point or computer in Device to Device (ad hoc) mode. The number of vertical green bars indicates the strength of the transmit and receive signals.

The signal quality ranges from excellent to out of range. The following factors affect signal quality:

● Signal quality decreases with distance and is affected by metal and concrete barriers.

● Metal objects can reflect signals and cause interference.

● Other electrical devices can cause interference.

Properties Wireless On (Off) Help?

Provides adapter connection status information. See

Properties Button for information.

Switch the radio off and on. Refer to Turn Wireless On or Off for more information. Provides help information for this page.

Closes the Intel PROSet/Wireless main window.

Wireless Networks

The Wireless Networks list displays a list of wireless networks within range of the adapter.

Name Description

The signal strength of the wireless network access point or computer (Device to Device [ad hoc] mode). The signal strength icon bars indicate that the wireless network or

Network Name

Status

computer is available for connection but is still not is associated with an access point or computer (Device to Device [ad hoc] mode).

Network Name (SSID): The name of the network that the adapter is connected to. The Network Name SSID must be the same as the SSID of the access point.

Notification that the adapter is connecting to the wireless network. Once connected, the status is changed to Connected.

Profiles: Identifies a network in the Wireless Networks list that is connected and has a profile in the profiles list.

The wireless network uses Network (infrastructure) mode. The wireless network uses Device to Device (ad hoc) mode.

The wireless network uses Security encryption. The band frequency being used by the wireless network (802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g).

The wireless network is on the exclusion list or the profile is configured for manual connection.

Connect (Disconnect)

Click to connect to a wireless network. Once connected, the button changes to

Disconnect.

Properties

Provides detailed information about the connected network and its access points. See

Network Properties for information.

Refresh Refreshes the list of available networks. If any new networks are available within the

adapter range, the list is updated to show the new network name.

Wireless On (Wireless Off) Close

Help?

Switch the radio off and on. Refer to

Wireless Off (On) for more information.

Closes the Intel PROSet/Wireless main window. Provides help information for this page.

Network Properties

Click the Properties button on the Intel PROSet/Wireless main window to display the security settings for the wireless adapter. You can also add profiles to be excluded from automatic connection. If network exclusion is enabled (see

Application Settings) then the Network Properties also indicates if the network is excluded from automatic connection.

Network Properties details

Name Description Network Name Band

Displays the wireless network name. Current band and frequency being used. Displays Out of Range if no band

and frequency is displayed.

The following bands are listed:

● 802.11a

● 802.11b

● 802.11g

Operation Mode

Authentication Level

Displays the current operating mode:

● Network (Infrastructure)

A wireless network centered around an access point. In this environment, the access point not only provides communication with the wired network, but also mediates wireless network traffic in the immediate neighborhood.

● Device to Device (ad hoc)

A communication configuration in which every computer has the same capabilities, and any computer can initiate a communication session. Also known as a peer-to-peer network or a computer-to-computer network.

Displays the current authentication security mode for the profile being used.

The following network authentication levels are listed:

● Open

● Shared

● WPA-Enterprise

● WPA2-Enterprise

● WPA-Personal

● WPA2-Personal

● Unknown

Data Encryption

Displays the 802.11 authentication used by the currently used profile. Refer to

Security Settings for more information.

The following Data Encryption settings are listed:

● None

● WEP

● TKIP

● CKIP

● AES-CCMP

Refer to

Security Settings for more information.

Access Points in this Network (0-50)

● Signal Strength: The Signal strength icon bars indicate the strength

of the transmit and receive signals between your wireless adapter and the nearest access point.

● Displays one of the following icons: . Indicates the band being

used (802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g).

● Channel: Displays the current transmit and receive channel being

used for a particular wireless network.

● BSSID (Infrastructure operating mode): Displays the twelve-digit

MAC address of the access point of the selected network.

Manage Exclusions Close Help?

Refer to Closes the Network Properties.

Provides help information for this page.

Manage Exclusions for more information.

Connection Details

When you are connected to a network, you can click the Details button on the Intel PROSet/Wireless main window to display the Connection Details.

Connection Details Description

Name Description Profile Name Network Name IP Address

Name of the profile. Network Name (SSID) of the current connection. Internet Protocol (IP) address for the current connection.

Signal Quality

Signal Strength

Adapter MAC Address

Band

A radio frequency (RF) signal can be assessed by two components:

● signal strength (quantity)

● signal quality

The quality of the signal is determined by a combination of factors. Primarily it is composed of signal strength and the ratio of the RF noise present. RF noise occurs both naturally and artificially by electrical equipment. If the amount of the RF noise is high, or the signal strength is low, it results in a lower signal to noise ratio which causes poorer signal quality. With a low signal to noise ratio, it is difficult for the radio receiver to discern the data information contained in the signal from the noise itself.

The signal strength for all received packets. The more green bars displayed, the stronger the signal.

Media Access Control (MAC) address for the wireless adapter.

Indicates the wireless band of the current connection.

● 802.11a

● 802.11b

● 802.11g

Supported Data Rates

Radio Frequency

Channel Number Network

Authentication

Rates at which the wireless adapter can send and receive data. Displays the speed in Mbps for the frequency being used.

● 802.11g: 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 54

● 802.11b: 1, 2, 5.5, and 11

● 802.11a: 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 54

Displays the frequency of the current wireless connection.

● 802.11a: 5.15 GHz to 5.85 GHz

● 802.11b/g: 2.400 GHz to 2.4835 GHz (dependent on country)

Displays the transmit and receive channel. Displays Open, Shared, WPA-Personal and WPA2-Personal modes, WPA-Enterprise, and WPA2-

Enterprise. Displays the 802.11 authentication used by the currently used profile. Refer to

Security Overview for more information.

Data Encryption Displays None, WEP, TKIP or AES-CCMP. Refer to

802.1x Authentication Type

802.1x Authentication

Displays None, MD5, EAP-SIM, TLS, TTLS, PEAP, LEAP, or EAP-FAST. Refer to Security

Ovewrview for more information.

Displays None, PAP, MD5, GTC, CHAP, MS-CHAP, MS-CHAP-V2 or TLS. Refer to Security

Overview for more information.

Protocol CCX Version Current TX Power Supported Power

Version of the Cisco Compatible Extensions on this wireless connection. Cisco Compatible Extensions Power Levels.

1.0, 5.0, 20.0, 31.6, 50.1 mW

Levels Access Point MAC

The Media Access Control (MAC) address for the associated access point.

Address Mandatory Access

Point

Displays None, if not enabled. If enabled, from the point MAC address is displayed. This option directs the wireless adapter to connect to an

access point that uses a specific MAC address (48-bit 12 hexadecimal digits, for example, 00:06:25:0E:9D:84).

Security Overview for more information.

Mandatory Access Point setting, the access

Repair

Close Help?

Renews the IP Address. If you have trouble accessing the network, verify if the IP address is valid. If it is 0.0.0.0 or 169.x.x.x, then it is probably not valid. If your network is setup for automatic network address assignment, then click Repair and request a new IP address.

Closes the page. Provides help information for this page.

Profile Management

The Profiles List displays the current user profiles in the order that they are to be applied. Use the up and down arrows to arrange profiles in a specific order to automatically connect to a wireless network.

Use the Connect button to connect to a wireless network. Once connected, a profile is created in the Profiles list. You can also add, edit, and remove profiles from the Profiles 'list.

Different profiles can be configured for each wireless network. Profile settings can include, the network name (SSID), operating mode, and security settings. See

Profiles list

Name Description Profile Name

Network settings that allow your wireless adapter to connect to a network access point (infrastructure mode) or computer (Device to Device [ad hoc]) mode which does not use an access point. Refer to

Profile Management for more information.

Set up Profiles for more information.

Network Name Connection Icons: The network profile status icons indicate the different connection states of the adapter with a

wireless network, the type of operating mode being used, and whether network security is being used.

Arrows Position profiles in a preferred order for auto-connection.

Connect Connect the selected profile for the wireless network. Add

Remove Removes a selected profile from the Profile list. Refer to

Properties

Name of the wireless network (SSID) or computer.

Blue circle: The wireless adapter is associated with an access point or computer (Device to Device [ad hoc] mode). If a profile has 802.1x security enabled, this indicates that the wireless adapter is associated and authenticated.

Indicates infrastructure mode. Indicates Device to Device (ad hoc) mode.

Indicates an Administrator profile. The wireless network uses Security encryption.

● Up-arrow: Move the position of a selected profile up in the Profiles list.

● Down-arrow: Move the position of a selected profile down in the Profiles list.

Use the Profile Wizard to create a new profile. Refer to information.

information. Used to edit the contents of an existing profile. You can also double-click a profile in

the Profile list to edit the profile. Refer to

Edit an Existing Profile for more information.

Create a New Profile for more

Delete a Profile for more

Export/Import: Imports and exports user-based profiles to and from the Profile list. Wireless profiles can be automatically imported into the Profile list. See

Export Profiles for more information.

Import and

Closes the profile management window.

Intel PROSet/Wireless Menus

Use the File, Tools, Advanced, Profiles and Help menus to configure your network settings.

Name Description File

Exit: Close the Intel PROSet/Wireless main window.

Use one of these options to start the Intel PROSet/Wireless Software:

● Click Start > Programs > Intel PROSet Wireless > Intel PROSet Wireless.

● Right-click the Taskbar icon located in the lower right corner of your Windows

Desktop, and click Open Intel PROSet/Wireless.

● Double-click the Taskbar icon to open Intel PROSet/Wireless.

Tools

Advanced

Application Settings: Use to set system wide connection preferences. Refer to

Application Settings for information. Use Ctrl+P from your keyboard as an alternative

to access this feature.

Intel Wireless Troubleshooter: Use to resolve wireless network connection problems. Use Ctrl+W from your keyboard as an alternative to access this feature. Refer to

Intel Wireless Troubleshooter for more information.

Administrator Tool: Used by administrators or the person who has administrator privileges on this computer to configure shared profiles (Pre-logon, Persistent and Voice over IP (VoIP)). Refer to

Administrator Tool for more information. Use Ctrl+T

from your keyboard as an alternative to access this feature.

NOTE: The Administrator Tool is available only if it installed during a custom installation of the Intel PROSet/Wireless software. Refer to

Install or Uninstall the

Software for more information on custom installation.

Adapter Settings: Displays Adapter Settings which correlates to the settings in the Microsoft Windows Advanced settings. Refer to

Adapter Settings for information. Use

Ctrl+A from your keyboard as an alternative to access this feature.

To access Adapter Settings from Microsoft Windows:

● Select Network Connections from the Windows Control Panel

● Right-click the Wireless Network Connection.

● Select Properties from the menu.

● Click Configure to display the Advanced settings for the adapter.

Advanced Statistics: Select to determine how the adapter communicates with an access point. Use Ctrl+S from your keyboard as an alternative to access this feature. Refer to

Advanced Statistics for more information.

Use Windows to manage Wi-Fi: Select to enable Microsoft Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration as the wireless manager. Use F10 from your keyboard as an alternative to access this feature. Refer to

Switch to Microsoft Windows XP Wireless

Zero Configuration for more information.

Profiles

Help

Manage Profiles: Select to create or edit profiles. Use Ctrl+R from your keyboard as

an alternative to access this feature.

Manage Exclusions: Select to exclude networks from automatic connection. Refer to

Manage Exclusions for more information. Use Ctrl+M from your keyboard as an

alternative to access this feature. Intel PROSet/Wireless Help: Starts the online help. Use F1 from your keyboard as

an alternative to access this feature.

To navigate the help window:

● Press F6 to toggle between the left and right pane. Use the up and down arrow

as an alternative on your keyboard to move up and down within the pane.

● To view information, click Contents in the left-side pane or use Alt+C on your

keyboard as an alternative to access this feature.

● Double-click on a book icon to open a Contents' topic. Use the up and down

arrows to select a topic and press Enter as an alternative to open the subtopics.

● Click Index or Search to look for a specific term. Use Alt+S on your keyboard

as an alternative to access the Search feature.

About: Displays version information for the currently installed application components.

Application Settings (Tools menu)

The settings on this page control the behavior of the Intel PROSet/Wireless software.

Application Settings Description

Name Description Adapter

Lists the network adapter that are currently available. It may be either an Intel(R) PRO/ Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection, an Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945BG Network Connection, an Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection or, an Intel(R) PRO/ Wireless 2200BG Network Connection.

Advanced Settings: The following settings control how Intel PROSet/Wireless behaves and displays information. Taskbar

Show application icon on the taskbar: Select to display the Taskbar status icon. This icon

resides on the Windows Taskbar (Notification Area). This icon provides the status of your wireless connection. Clear to not display the Taskbar status icon.

The Taskbar Status Icon provides several functions:

● Visual feedback for the connection state and wireless activity of your wireless network.

The icon changes color and animation for different wireless activity. See

Taskbar Icons

for more information.

● Menu: A menu is displayed when you right click the icon. From this menu you perform

tasks such as turn on or off the radio or launch the Intel PROSet/Wireless application.

Taskbar Menu Options for more information.

See

● Tool tips and desktop alerts. See:Tool Tips and Desktop Alerts for more information.

Notifications

Show Alert Notifications: Select to display desktop alerts next to the taskbar icon. When

your action is required, a message displays. Only events of high importance trigger a desktop alert. If the desktop alert is selected, then the appropriate action is taken. Clear to not display desktop alerts. Refer to

Tool Tips and Desktop Alerts for more information.

Select one of the following options:

Information Notifications: These desktop alerts are of lower importance. They do not require your interaction but can greatly improve the wireless experience.

● Show Information Notifications: Selected by default. All informational desktop

alerts are displayed next to the taskbar status icon. These desktop alerts improve your wireless experience with notifications when available wireless networks are in range. They also inform you when a wireless connection has been made or has been lost. Refer to

● Show a list of available networks in the area when not connected: When Show

Tool Tip and Desktop Alerts for more information.

Information Notifications is cleared, you can select this item. When the desktop alerts are disabled, this option allows you to continue to be notified of available networks when the wireless adapter is not connected.

Notify when another application uses the wireless adapter: When selected, a message is displayed when other applications are trying to manage your wireless adapter. This is helpful if you use software provided by a hotspot location (coffee shop, airport terminal). To take advantage of the Intel PROSet/Wireless features, disable this software when you leave the hotspot.

Enable TLS rejected certificates notification: Select if you want a warning issued when a PEAP-TLS certificate is rejected by the authentication server. See

Enterprise Security and Set

up the Client for TLS authentication for more information.

Auto Connect

Manage Exclusions

Connect to available network using profiles only: (Default) Connect the wireless

adapter to an available network with a matching profile from the profile is found, you are notified (see disconnected until a matching profile is found or you configure a new matching profile.

Connect to any available network if no matching profile found: Select to connect to a network automatically if you have not configured a profile and are at a location that has an open, unsecured wireless network. NOTE: Open networks have no security. You would need to provide your own security for this wireless connection. One way to secure an open wireless connection is with Virtual Private Networking (VPN) software.

Connect to any network based on profiles only (Cisco mode): Select to try every profile in preferred order. This signifies that you are in the vicinity of an access point which has more than one SSID but only advertises one.

Enable automatic exclude list feature: Select to enable the automatic exclude list feature. This feature provides a way to exclude access points from automatic connection. Refer to

Enable manual exclude list feature: Select to enable the manual exclude list feature. This feature provides a way to exclude networks from automatic connection. Refer to

Exclusions for more information.

Manage Exclusions for more information.

Notifications). The wireless device remains

Profiles List. If no matching

Manage

Wireless Networks List

OK Save settings and return to the previous page. Cancel Help?

Show column sort headers: Select to display the column names in the Wireless Networks

list. Click on a column header to sort the column in either ascending or descending order.

Closes and cancels changes. Provides help information for this page.

Intel Wireless Troubleshooter (Tools menu)

Intel Wireless Troubleshooter is an application that can help you resolve wireless network connection issues. When a connection issue is detected, a desktop alert appears at the bottom right corner of your desktop. Once you click the desktop alert, a diagnostic message displays the recommended steps to resolve the connection problem. For example, if a connection problem occurred because of an invalid password, the Profile Wizard application is launched when you click a displayed hyperlink. You can also launch

Wireless Event Viewer and enable or disable alert notifications. The Intel

Wireless Troubleshooter is supported under Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Windows 2000

The Intel Wireless Troubleshooter page contains two panes. Use your left mouse button on the left pane to display a list of available tools. The right pane displays the current connection issue in a section. Each section has two parts: the error message and the recommended action. The recommended action contains descriptions about available utilities and helps to resolve the associated connection issue. If you click a help link, the help text is displayed in a window. If you click the associated issue resolution link, a program is launched to resolve the connection issue.

Refer to the

Troubleshooting section for information on resolving errors.

Name Description File Help

Exit: Exits Intel Wireless Troubleshooter application. Intel(R) Wireless Troubleshooter Help: Displays online help on the Intel Wireless

Troubleshooter.

About: Displays version information for the Intel Wireless Troubleshooter.

Wireless Event Viewer Disable Notification

Launches Select to disable the alert notifications.

Wireless Event Viewer.

Enable Notification Available Help

Select to enable the alert notifications. Date Time error message:

● Description of error.

● Link to resolve error (if available). See Resolve Errors for more information.

● Link to recommended steps to resolve error.

Administrator Tool (Tools menu)

The Administrator tool is for administrators or the person who has administrator privileges on this computer. This tool allows the administrator to restrict what level of control the users of this computer have over their wireless connections. This tool is used also to configure common (shared) profiles.

Users cannot modify Administrator settings or profiles unless they have the password for this tool. A password should be chosen that is secure and not easily guessed.

You can export these settings and profiles as one package to other computers on your network. For more information, refer to the

Name Description Application Settings

Administrator Tool section.

An administrator can select which level of control that users have over their wireless network connections. Refer to

Administrator Tool Application Settings.

Administrator Profiles

Adapter Settings

Software

Administrator Packages

Enable or disable Persistent, Pre-Logon and Voice over IP (VoIP) profiles on the computer. Refer to

Administrator Tool Profiles.

An administrator can select which level of control that users have over their wireless network connections. Refer to

Administrator Tool Adapter Settings.

Select which of the Intel PROSet/Wireless applications are installed on a user's computers. Refer to

Administrator Tool Software.

The Administrator Packages are used to save administrative profiles and other settings. You can copy or send this self-extracting executable to clients on your network. When it is run, the contents are installed and configured on the destination computer. Refer to

Administrator Tool Packages.

Change Password

Change the password for the Administrator Tool. See Change Password for more information.

Close Closes the page. Help?

Provides help information for this page.

Adapter Settings (Advanced menu)

The Adapter Settings displays the device properties for the wireless adapter installed on your computer. It may be either an Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection, an Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection or, an Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection.

Adapter Settings Description

Name Description

Ad Hoc Channel

Ad Hoc Power Management

Unless the other computers in the ad hoc network use a different channel from the default channel, there is no need to change the channel.

Value: Select the allowed operating channel from the list.

● 802.11b/g: Select this option when 802.11b and 802.11g (2.4 GHz) ad hoc

band frequency is used.

● 802.11a: Select this option when 802.11a (5 GHz) ad hoc band frequency is

used.

Set power saving features for Device to Device (ad hoc) networks.

● Disable: Select when connecting to ad hoc networks that contain stations that do

not support ad hoc power management

● Maximum Power Savings: Select to optimize battery life.

● Noisy Environment: Select to optimize performance or connecting with multiple

clients.

NOTE: This setting is unavailable if the adapter is an Intel PRO/Wireless 3945BG Network Connection, an Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection, or an Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection.

Ad Hoc QoS Mode

Mixed mode protection

Preamble Mode

Preferred Band

Quality of Service (QoS) control in ad hoc networks. QoS provides prioritization of traffic from the access point over a wireless LAN based on traffic classification. WMM (Wifi MultiMedia) is the QoS certification of the Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA). When WMM is enabled, the adapter uses WMM to support priority tagging and queuing capabilities for Wi-Fi networks.

● WMM Enabled.(Default)

● WMM Disabled

NOTE: This setting is unavailable if the adapter is an Intel PRO/Wireless 3945BG Network Connection, Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection or an Intel PRO/ Wireless 2200BG Network Connection.

Use to avoid data collisions in a mixed 802.11b and 802.11g environment. Request to Send/Clear to Send (RTS/CTS) should be used in an environment where clients may not hear each other. CTS-to-self can be used to gain more throughput in an environment where clients are in close proximity and can hear each other.

Changes the preamble length setting received by the access point during an initial connection. Always use a long preamble length to connect to an access point. Auto Tx Preamble allows automatic preamble detection. If supported, short preamble should be used. If not, use long preamble (Long Tx Preamble).

NOTE: This setting is unavailable if the adapter is an Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection.

Select the operating band. The selections are:

Roaming Aggressiveness

Throughput Enhancement

Transmit Power

● 802.11g

● 802.11a

● 802.11b

NOTE: This setting is unavailable if the adapter is an Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection or Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection.

This setting allows you to define how aggressively your wireless client roams to improve connection to an access point.

● Default: Balanced setting between not roaming and performance.

● Lowest: Your wireless client will not roam. Only significant link quality

degradation causes it to roam to another access point.

Changes the value of the Packet Burst Control.

● Enable: Select to enable throughput enhancement.

● Disable: (Default) Select to disable throughput enhancement.

Default Setting: Highest power setting

Lowest Minimum Coverage: Set the adapter to a lowest transmit power. Enable you

to expand the number of coverage areas or confine a coverage area. Reduce the coverage area in high traffic areas to improve overall transmission quality and avoid congestion and interference with other devices.

Highest Maximum Coverage: Set the adapter to a maximum transmit power level. Select for maximum performance and range in environments with limited additional radio devices.

NOTE: The optimal setting is for a user to always set the transmit power at the lowest possible level still compatible with the quality of their communication. This allows the maximum number of wireless devices to operate in dense areas and reduce interference with other devices that this radio shares radio spectrum with.

Wireless Mode

NOTE: This setting takes effect when either Infrastructure or Ad hoc mode is used.

Select which band to use for connection to a wireless network:

● 802.11a only: Connect the wireless adapter to 802.11a networks only

● 802.11b only: Connect the wireless adapter to 802.11b networks only

● 802.11g only: Connect the wireless adapter to 802.11g networks only.

● 802.11a and 802.11g only: Connect the wireless adapter to 802.11a and

802.11g networks only.

● 802.11b and 802.11g only: Connect the wireless adapter to 802.11b and

802.11g networks only

● 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g: (Default) - Connect to either 802.11a,

802.11b or 802.11g wireless networks.

NOTE: These wireless modes (Modulation type) determine the discovered access points displayed in the

Wireless Networks list.

OK Cancel

Saves settings and returns to the previous page. Closes and cancels any changes.

Advanced Statistics (Advanced menu)

Provides current adapter connection information. The following describes information for the Advanced Statistics page.

Name Description Statistics

Advanced Statistics: This information pertains to how the adapter communicates with

an access point.

Association: If the adapter finds an access point to communicate with, the value is in range. Otherwise, the value is out of range.

● AP MAC Address: The twelve digit MAC address (00:40:96:31:1C:05) of

the AP.

● Number of associations: The number of times the access point has found

the adapter.

● AP count: The number of available access points within range of the wireless

adapter.

● Number of full scans: The number of times the adapter has scanned all

channels for receiving information.

● Number of partial scans: The number of scans that have been terminated.

Roaming: This information contains counters that are related to reasons for the adapter roaming. Roaming occurs when an adapter communicates with one access point and then communicates with another for better signal strength.

● Roaming Count: The number of times that roaming occurred.

● AP did not transmit: The adapter did not receive radio transmission from

the access point. You may need to reset the access point.

● Poor beacon quality: The signal quality is too low to sustain communication

with the access point. You have moved the adapter outside the coverage area of the access point or the access point's device address information has been changed.

● AP load balancing: The access point ended its association with the adapter

based on the access point's inability to maintain communication with all its associated adapters. Too many adapters are trying to communicate with one access point.

● AP RSSI too low: The Receive Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) is too low to

maintain an association with the adapter. You may have moved outside the coverage area of the access point or the access point could have increased

its data rate.

● Poor channel quality: The quality of the channel is low and caused the

adapter to look for another access point.

● AP dropped mobile unit: The access point dropped a computer from the

list of recognizable mobile devices. The computer must re-associate with an access point.

Miscellaneous: Use this information to determine if an association with a different access point increases performance and helps maintain the highest possible data rate.

● Received Beacons: Number beacons received by the adapter.

● Percent missed Beacons: Percent value for missed beacons.

● Percent transmit errors: The percentage of data transmissions that had

errors.

● Signal Strength: Signal strength of the access point that the adapter

communicates with displayed in decibels (dBm).

Transmit/Receive (Tx/

Displays percent values for non-directed and directed packets.

Rx) Statistics

Total host packets: The sum total number of directed and non-directed packets counts.

● Transmit - (Mbps)

● Receive - (Mbps)

Non-directed packets: The number of received packets broadcast to the wireless network.

Directed packets: The number of received packets sent specifically to the wireless adapter.

Total Bytes: The total number of bytes for packets received and sent by the wireless adapter.

Reset Statistics Resets the adapter statistical counters back to zero and begins taking new data

measurements.

Close Help?

Closes and returns to the main window. Provides help information for this page.

Use Windows to Manage Wi-Fi (Advanced menu)

The Microsoft Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration feature provides a built-in wireless configuration utility. This feature can be enabled and disabled within Intel PROSet/Wireless. Click Use Windows to manage Wi-Fi on the Advanced menu or the

PROSet/Wireless are disabled.

Taskbar menu. If Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration is enabled, the features in Intel(R)

Manage Exclusions (Profiles menu)

Exclude List Management is available when you either select Manage Exclusions from the Profiles menu or click the

Properties button on the Wireless Networks list.

IMPORTANT: You are not automatically connected to a network or an access point that is in this list.

Use Exclude List Management to exclude entire wireless networks (SSID). For networks with more then one access point, you may exclude an individual wireless access point (BSSID).

Name Description

Exclude List Management

● Network Name: Name (SSID) of the wireless network.

● Radio: Displays the band if there is a DHCP error.

● MAC Address: The Ethernet MAC address of the device.

● Reason: Explains why this entry was excluded from automatic connection.

● Details: Provides specific information on how the access point was excluded and

how to remove it from exclusion.

This network has been excluded from automatic connection for the following reasons.

-User has excluded this network manually.

To make this network (or access points) eligible for automatic connection again, select it and click the Remove button.

Note:

- The Reset button removes all entries except rogue access points from the list.

- Rogue access points are removed from the list when a connection is made to this access point using valid credentials.

- All excluded access points in a network (other than rogue) are removed from the list when a profile for that network is applied manually

NOTE: Entries that are dimmed are excluded rouge access points. A rogue access point is

any access point unsanctioned by network administrators. These entries cannot be removed from the list.

Add Add a network name (SSID) to the list. Remove Remove an entry from the list.

1. Select the entry from the list.

2. Click Remove.

3. You are asked: Do you want to remove the selected item from the Exclude

List?

4. Click Yes to remove the profile from the list.

Reset list

Removes all of the networks and access points from the Exclude List.

Close Closes page and saves settings. Help?

Provides help information for this page.

Enable or Disable the Radio

To switch the wireless radio on or off, use one of the following:

● The optional hardware radio switch on your computer

● Intel PROSet/Wireless software

● Microsoft Windows

NOTE: When your computer is switched on, the radio is constantly transmitting signals. In certain situations, as in an airplane, signals from the radio may cause interference. Use the following methods if you need to disable the radio and use your notebook without emitting radio signals.

Use the Optional Computer Radio On or Off Switch

If your computer has an external switch installed, use it to switch the radio on or off. Refer to the computer

manufacturer for more information about this switch. If you have Intel PROSet/Wireless installed, the current state of the radio displays in the

Intel PROSet/Wireless main window and on the Taskbar.

Use Intel PROSet/Wireless to Switch the Radio On or Off

From Intel PROSet/Wireless, the radio can be switched on or off. The status icon on Intel PROSet/Wireless displays the current state of the radio.

From the Intel PROSet/Wireless main Window, click Wireless On or Wireless Off to toggle the radio on or off.

Switch the Radio On or Off from the Taskbar Icon

To switch the radio off or on, click the Taskbar icon and select Wireless On or Wireless Off.

How to use the Device Manager to Disable the Radio

The radio can be disabled (made non-functional) from the Microsoft Windows Device Manager.

NOTE: If you disabled the radio from Microsoft Windows, then you must use Microsoft Windows to turn the radio on. You cannot use a hardware switch or Intel PROSet/Wireless to enable the radio again.

Microsoft Windows XP

1. From your desktop, right-click My Computer

2. Click Properties.

3. Click Hardware.

4. Click Device Manager.

5. Double-click Network adapters.

6. Right-click the installed wireless adapter.

7. Choose Disable from the menu.

8. Click OK.

Install and Uninstall the Software

A Typical install includes the Wireless LAN adapter driver, the Intel PROSet/Wireless software, Intel(R) Smart Wireless

Solutions, and the Intel Wireless Troubleshooter.

The follow features are installed during a Custom installation:

● The Administrator Tool

● Wireless Management Instrumentation (WMI) Support

● Single Sign On Pre-Logon Connect to establish a wireless connection prior to user logon to Windows

To install these features, select Custom during installation. Follow the instructions below to install these features. If Intel PROSet/Wireless is already installed, see the

post-installation instructions.

NOTE: If you plan to use Novell(R) Client(TM) for Windows, it should be installed prior to installation of the Intel PROSet/Wireless software. If Intel PROSet/Wireless is already installed, you should remove it prior to installation of Novell Client for Windows.

To install the software:

1. Insert the Installation CD in your CD drive.

2. Click Install Software on the Intel PROSet/Wireless Installer screen.

3. Read the license agreement.

4. Select I accept the terms in the license agreement.

5. Click Next.

6. Click Custom.

7. Select from the list of features to install:

Intel PROSet/Wireless: The Intel PROSet Wireless application software.

● Install: Click Intel PROSet Wireless. Select Install this feature and all subfeatures. Proceed to

step 8.

● Not install: Click This feature will not be available. A red x displays next to the option indicates

that it is not to be installed.

Intel Smart Wireless Solutions: Provides an easy configuration wizard for connection to a wireless router.

● Install: Click Intel Smart Wireless Solutions. Select Install this feature and all subfeatures.

Proceed to step 8.

● Not Install: Select This feature will not be available. A red x displays next to the option indicates

that it is not to be installed.

Intel Wireless Troubleshooter: Helps you resolve wireless connection issues.

● Install: Click Intel Wireless Troubleshooter. Select Install this feature and all subfeatures. Click

Next and proceed to step 8.

● Not Install: Select This feature will not be available. A red x displays next to the option indicates that it

is not to be installed.

WMI Support: Wireless Management Instrumentation functionality allows administrators who do not have Intel PROSet/Wireless installed to manage remotely clients that do have Intel PROSet/Wireless installed.

● Install: Click WMI Support. Select Install this feature and all subfeatures. Proceed to step 8.

● Not install: Click This feature will not be available. A red x displays next to the option indicates

that it is not be installed.

Administrator Toolkit: Installs the Administrator Tool to the Tools menu. This tool is used to configure common (shared) profiles. The Administrator Tool is also used by an Information Technology department to enable or disable features within the Intel PROSet/Wireless software.

● Install: Click Administrator Toolkit . Select Install this feature and all subfeatures. Click Next

and proceed to step 8.

● Not Install: Select This feature will not be available. A red x displays next to the option indicates

that it is not to be installed.

Single Sign On: Installs the Single Sign On features.This tool is used to configure common (shared) profiles with the Administrator Tool.

The Fast User Switching and the Microsoft Windows XP Welcome Screen are disabled when Single Sign On support is installed.

Single Sign On is targeted to the enterprise environment where users logon to their computer with a user name, password and typically a domain. Fast User Switching does not support domain log on.

NOTE: Windows Fast User Switching is enabled by default if you use Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition. It is targeted for the home user; Fast User Switching is also available on Microsoft Windows XP Professional if you install it on a stand alone or workgroup-connected computer. If a computer running Microsoft Windows XP Professional is added to a domain, then Fast User Switching option is not available.

Pre-Logon Connect: A Pre-Logon profile is active once a user logs onto the computer.

● Install: Click Single Sign On. Select Install this feature and all subfeatures. Click Next and

proceed to step 8.

● Not Install: Select This feature will not be available. A red x displays next to the option indicates

that it is not to be installed.

8. Click Install. The installed components are listed after the software is installed on your computer.

9. Click OK.

NOTE: When Pre-Logon Connect is installed, you are asked to reboot after installation of the software.

Add Post-Installation Features

If Intel PROSet/Wireless is already installed, follow the instructions below to add the

Administrator Tool, Intel Smart

Wireless Solutions, Wireless Management Instrumentation functionality and Pre-Logon Connect:

1. Click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs > Intel PROSet/Wireless Software.

2. Click Change/Remove.

3. Click Modify.

4. Click Next.

5. Click the red X next to any of the feaures that are not currently installed.

6. Click Install this feature and any selected subfeatures.

7. Click Modify. After installation, the feature is listed as Installed on the Intel PROSet/Wireless Installer feature list.

8. Click OK.

Uninstall Intel PROSet/Wireless Software

To uninstall Intel PROSet/Wireless:

1. Click Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.

2. Click Intel PROSet/Wireless Software.

3. Click Change/Remove.

4. Click Remove.

5. Click Next.

6. You are asked what you would like to do with your current profiles and settings:

You have chosen to completely remove the Intel PROSet/Wireless software.

Select what to do with your current profiles and settings.

● Do not save my profiles and settings. Select to completely remove all of your current profiles and

settings. If you reinstall the software, the profiles and settings are no longer available.

● Save my profiles and settings in the current format (Intel PROSet/Wireless 10.x). Select to

save your current profiles and settings. If you reinstall the software, your current profiles and settings are available.

● Convert and save my profiles and settings in Intel PROSet/Wireless 9.x format. If you need

to revert to a previous version of Intel PROSet/Wireless software, select to save your settings. After you have reinstalled the software, your current profiles and settings are available. NOTE: Only settings applicable to the prior version of the software are available.

6. Make a selection and click OK.

7. Click Yes to restart your computer.

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