INTEL LAN 2915ABG User Manual

Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2915ABG 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 using a wireless network in your home or office. This wireless LAN 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 2915ABG Network Connection adapter is compatible with 802.11a, 802.11b or 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 using 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. provide enhanced security measures using 802.1x network authentication. All of your wireless networks connections can be easily managed by Intel PROSet/Wireless software. Intel(R) PRO/Wireless profiles provide enhanced security measures using 802.1x network authentication.

NOTE:

The software is compatible with the Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection and the Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection.

Table of Contents

● Using Intel PROSet/Wireless

● Using Profiles

● Setting up Security

● Security Overview

● Introduction to Wireless Networking

● Connecting to a Network

● Specifications

● Troubleshooting

● Glossary

● 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.

June 2005

Back to Contents

Using Intel PROSet/Wireless Software: Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection User Guide

● Using Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless as your Wireless Manager

● Starting Intel PROSet/Wireless

● Launch Intel PROSet/Wireless from the task tray

● Task Tray Menu Options

● Tool Tips and Balloon Message Prompts

● Intel PROSet/Wireless Main Window

● Connection Status Icons

● Connection Details

● Profile List

● Available Networks

● Menus (Tools and Profile menus)

● Tools Menu ❍ Application Settings

❍ Adapter Settings ❍ Use Microsoft Client ❍ Advanced Statistics ❍ Intel Wireless Troubleshooter ❍ Administrator Tool

● Profiles Menu ❍ Import/Export

❍ Manage Exclusions

● Enabling and Disabling the Radio

● Installing and Uninstalling the Software

● Installing and Uninstalling Single Sign On Feature

Using Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless as your Wireless Manager

Intel PROSet/Wireless can be 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 are using Windows XP as your wireless manager, you can disable it from the Wireless Network tab.

To disable Windows XP as your wireless manager:

1. Double-click the Intel PROSet/Wireless icon in the desktop task tray or click Start > Settings > Control Panel and double-click on Network Connections.

2. Right-click Wireless Network Connection and click Properties.

3. Click on Wireless Networks tab on the Wireless Network Connection Properties.

4. Verify that the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings box is not selected. If it is, deselect it.

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

NOTE:

Verify that the Application Settings option Notify me when another application is using the wireless device is selected. This option prompts you when Windows XP starts to manage your

network profiles

Starting Intel PROSet/Wireless

Launch Intel PROSet/Wireless either from the task tray icon, the Windows Start button, or from the Windows Control Panel icon.

To launch Intel PROSet/Wireless use either of the following methods:

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

● Right-click the task tray icon located in the lower right corner of your Windows Desktop, and click the

menu option Open Intel PROSet/Wireless.

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

Exit Intel PROSet/Wireless:

● To exit Intel PROSet/Wireless and close the task tray icon, click Exit from the task tray menu or click the

Close button on the Intel PROSet/Wireless main window.

Launch Intel PROSet/Wireless from the task tray

To launch Intel PROSet/Wireless, double-click the task tray icon located in the lower right corner of your Windows desktop or right-click the task tray icon and click Open Intel PROSet/Wireless.

Exit Intel PROSet/Wireless

To exit Intel PROSet/Wireless and hide the task tray icon, right-click the task tray icon and click Hide Icon on the task tray menu.

● To show the task tray icon after the Intel PROSet/Wireless is launched, select "Show application icon in

the taskbar" in the Application Settings options.

Close Intel PROSet/Wireless

● ClickClose to close the Intel PROSet Wireless main window. To open the main window, right-click the

task tray icon and clickOpen Intel PROSet/Wireless.

Task Tray Menu Options

The Intel PROSet/Wireless icon displays in the task tray located in the lower right corner of your Windows desktop. Right-click the status icon to display the menu options. Intel PROSet/Wireless can support multiple adapters. These wireless adapters are displayed in the task tray menu options.

Menu Item Description Open Intel PROSet/

Double-click this option to launch Intel PROSet/Wireless.

Wireless Wireless On

Turn the wireless radio on.

Wireless Off Connect to Profile Use Microsoft client

Open Intel PROSet/ Wireless

Hide Icon

Toggles the radio off. Displays the current profiles shown in the Profile List. A profile can also be

activated. Toggles between the Intel PROSet/Wireless and Microsoft Windows* XP Wireless

Zero Configuration Service. When you use the Microsoft client you cannot use your Intel profiles

Remove Intel PROSet/Wireless icon from the task tray. Refer to Application

Settings to display or hide the task tray icon.

Task Tray Icons

The task tray icon provides visual indication of the current wireless connection state. The connection status icon is located in the lower right corner of your Windows desktop. The task tray can be set to visible or not visible in the

Icon Description

Application Settings Tools menu selection.

Wireless off: The wireless adapter is off. The wireless device does not transmit or receive while it is off. Click Wireless on/off to enable the adapter. The icon is white and static.

NOTE:

Searching for wireless networks: The wireless adapter is searching

for any available wireless networks. White icon 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 clickRefresh. Red icon.

Wireless network found: An available wireless network is found. Double-click the icon to display the Available Networks listing, select the network, and click Configure. Yellow icon.

Authentication failed. Not able to authenticate with wireless network. Green icon with a yellow warning triangle

Connected to a wireless network: Connected to a wireless network. Tool tip display network name, speed, and signal quality.

The green icon with waves reflects signal quality. More waves mean better signal quality.

If you are using Windows* XP as your wireless manager, the task tray icon is white. It does not reflect connection status. You can still click the icon to open the task tray menu.

Tool Tips and Balloon Message Prompts

The Tool Tips and Balloon message prompts provide feedback and interaction. To display Tool tips, move your mouse pointer over the icon. Balloon messages prompts are displayed when your wireless network changes state. For example, if you are out of range of any wireless networks, when you come into range a balloon prompt is displayed. Balloon prompts can be enabled or disabled in the

Tool Tips

Application Settings.

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

Tool Tip:

Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Connected to: Mynetwork Signal Strength: Very Good

Balloon Prompts

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

Balloon Prompt

"Wireless network found" Action: Double-click the Balloon Prompt to

connect to the available network.

Intel PROSet/Wireless Main Window

The Intel PROSet/Wireless main window provides basic information about your connection. If you are associated to a network it will contain information such as SSID, profile name, speed, AP settings such as

802.11 band, channel and security mode. The signal quality section of the main windows provides information about the quality of the wireless signal. Click

network adapter.

Details to view detailed parameters of the access point and

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 Profile 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 task tray icon also indicates the current connection status. Refer to

Tray Icons for more information.

Main Window Connection Status Description

Icon Description

Wireless turned off: The wireless adapter is not associated to a network. Click the Turn wireless on button to enable the adapter.

Task

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

Animated Icons:

No wireless networks found: There are no available wireless networks found.

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

connect to available networks displayed in the Available Networks list.

Connected to a wireless network: Connected to a wireless network. The network name, speed, and signal quality display the current connection status. Click the Details button to display details of the current network connection.

Not connected to a wireless network: Not connected to a wireless network.

Network Name

Speed

Signal Quality

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, using infrastructure mode (also called BSSID, ESSID, or Net ID) or other computers in an ad hoc network (also called IBSSID).

Displays the current date transfer rate in mega-bits-per-second (Mbps):

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

● 802.11b - 1, 2, 5.5, or 11

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

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 peer-to-peer mode. The number of vertical green bars indicate 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.

Details Turn wireless

Provides adapter connection status information. See Connection Details for information. Toggle the radio off and on. Refer to Turn radio On/Off for more information.

off/on Help? Close X

Displays the help information for this page. Close the Intel PROSet/Wireless main window. Close the Intel PROSet/Wireless main window.

Connection Details

The Connection Details displays the current network connection information.

Network Connection Details page description

Name Description Profile Name Network Name

IP address Signal Quality

Name of the profile. If this is a one-time connection then <no active profile> is displayed

Network Name (SSID) of the current connection. Internet Protocol (IP) address for the current connection. A radio frequency (RF) signal can be assessed by basically two component:

● strength (quantity) of the signal

● the quality of the signal.

The quality of the signal is determined by a combination of factors - but primarily is composed of signal strength and the ratio of the RF noise present. RF noise occurs both naturally in nature and artificially by electrical equipments. If the amount of the RF noise is high, and/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 more difficult for the radio receiver to discern the data information contained in the signal from the noise itself.

Signal Strength

While adequate signal strength is required for good data communications, even more important is the quality of the signal. A strong signal of poor quality results in poor data communications. If the signal quality is low, investigate sources of noise nearby, as interference from other wireless LANs, other RF transmitters, electric motors or compressors. Also reflections of the signal by metallic or other objects in the area can result in poor signal quality.

Adapter MAC Address

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

Band

Indicates the wireless band of the current connection.

● 802.11a

● 802.11b

● 802.11g

Supported Data rates

Radio Frequency

Channel Number Network Authentication

Data Encryption

CCX Version CCX TPC CCX Power Levels Access Point MAC Address Mandatory Access Point

Close Help?

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, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 54

Displays the frequency of the current wireless connection.

● 5.260 Ghz

● 2.457 GHz

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

WPA2-Personal modes. Displays the 802.11 authentication used by the currently used profile. Refer to

Security Settings for more information.

Displays None, WEP, CKIP, TKIP or AES-CCMP. Refer to Security Settings for more information.

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

0.2, 0.4, 1.0, 6.3, 100.0 mW The Media Access Control (MAC) address for the associated access point. Displays "None" if not enabled. If enabled, the access point MAC address is

displayed. This option directs the wireless adapter to connect to an access point using a specific MAC address (48-bit 12 hexadecimal digits, for example, 00:06:25:0E:9D:84).

Close page. Displays the help information for this page.

Profile List

A profile is a saved group of network settings. Profiles are useful when moving from one wireless network to another. Different profile can be configured for each wireless network. Profile settings can include, the network name (SSID), operating mode, and security settings.

The Profiles List displays the current user and administrator 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. The

NOTE:

Use the Connect button to connect a profile to the selected wireless network. You can also add, edit, and remove profiles from the main window.

Configuration Service also uses the profiles priority list to connect to wireless networks.

Prelogon/Common or Persistent profiles are displayed at the top of the Profiles list. These profiles

have priority over user based profiles. Prelogon/Common profiles in the Profiles list cannot be modified, only viewed.

NOTE:

Use the Enable Auto-Import feature to import profiles into the Profile List. Refer to Automatic

Profile Distribution for more information.

Profiles

Name Description Profile Name

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 if WEP encryption or 802.1x authentication is enabled.

Network Name Arrows

Profiles are network settings that allow your wireless adapter to connect to a network access point (Infrastructure mode) or computer (peer-to-peer ad hoc mode) which does not use an access point. Refer to Set up Profiles for more information.

Name of the wireless network (SSID) or computer.

The wireless adapter is associated with an access point or computer (Ad hoc mode). If a profile has 802.1x settings enabled, this indicates that the adapter is associated and authenticated.

Infrastructure operating mode. Ad hoc operating mode. The network is using Security encryption. The band frequency being used by the wireless network. Name of the wireless network (SSID) or computer. Use the arrows to position profiles in a preferred order for auto-connection.

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

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

Connect

Add

Activate the selected profile and connect to the wireless network.

Create a new profile using the Profile Wizard. Refer to Profile Wizard Overviewfor more information.

Remove

Properties

Delete a selected profile from the Profile List. Not all profiles can be removed from the list, one profile must remain in the list. Refer to

Removing a Profile for more information.

Edit the contents of an existing profile. You can also double-click a profile in the Profile List to edit the profile. Refer to

Editing an Existing Profile for more information.

Available Networks

The Available Networks list displays a list of wireless networks within range of the adapter. Click Connect to launch the Profile Wizard to create a profile for the selected wireless network.

Name Description

The signal strength of the wireless network access point or computer (Ad hoc mode). The signal strength icon bars indicate that the wireless network or computer is available for connection but is still not is associated with an access point or computer (Ad hoc mode).

The wireless network is using Infrastructure operating mode. The wireless network is using Ad hoc operating mode. The wireless network is using Security encryption. The band frequency being used by the wireless network.

Network Name Configure

Name of the wireless network (SSID) or computer. Connect to the selected available Network Name.

Properties

The Networks Properties displays the current network connection status for the wireless adapter. Refer to

Network Properties for information.

Refresh

Refresh the list of available networks. If any new networks are available with range of the adapter, the list is updated to show the new network name.

Network Properties

This page displays the current connection status for the wireless adapter.

Network Connection Details dialog description

Name Description Network Name Band

Operation Mode

Authentication Level

Displays the wireless network name. Band (Frequency): Current band and frequency being used.

Displays Out of Range if no band and frequency is displayed. Displays:

● 802.11b, 802.11g

● 802.11a

● 802.11b

● 802.11g

Displays the current operating mode, Infrastructure [AP] (default) or Ad hoc.

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

Data Encryption

Access Points in this Network <0-50>

● None: No encryption used.

● Shared

● WPA-Enterprise

● WPA-Personal

● Unknown

Displays the 802.11 authentication used by the currently used profile. Displays the 802.1x authentication algorithm; MD5, LEAP, TLS, TTLS and PEAP. Refer to

Security Settings for more

information. Displays: Yes, Normal (open or shared modes), WPA and WPA-

PSK. Refer to

● Signal Strength: The Signal Quality icon bars indicate the

Security Settings for more information.

strength of the transmit and receive signals in percent values between your wireless adapter and the nearest access point.

Indicates how well the wireless adapter is communicating with an access point or another wireless computer in peer-to-peer mode. Signal Quality ranges from Excellent to Out of Range.

● Displays a, b, or g. This icon indicates the band being used.

● 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 points in the selected network.

Manage Exclusions

Refer to Manage Exclusions for more information.

Close Help?

Close page. Displays the help information for this page.

Menus

Use theFile, Tools, Profiles and Help menu options to configure your network settings.

Name Description File

Tools

Exit: Close the Intel PROSet/Wireless main window.

To launch Intel PROSet/Wireless:

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

Wireless.

● Right-click the task tray icon located in the lower right corner of your

Windows Desktop, and click the menu option Open Intel PROSet Wireless.

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

Application Settings: Provide system wide connection preferences. UseCtrl+P from your keyboard as an alternative to using your mouse to access this feature. Refer to

Application Settings for information.

Adapter Settings: Displays Adapter Settings corresponding to the settings made in Windows Device Manager, Use Ctrl+A from your keyboard as an alternative to using your mouse to access this feature. Refer to

Adapter Settings

for information.

Use Microsoft* client: Enable Windows XP as the wireless manager. Use F10 from your keyboard as an alternative to using your mouse to access this feature. Refer to Use Microsoft client for more information.

Advanced Statistics: This information pertains to how the adapter is communicating with an access point. Use Ctrl+S from your keyboard as an alternative to using your mouse to access this feature. Refer to

Advanced

Statistics for more information.

Intel Wireless Troubleshooter The Troubleshooter is an application that can assist you in resolving wireless network connection issues. Use Ctrl+W from your keyboard as an alternative to using your mouse to access this feature. Refer to

Intel Wireless Troubleshooter for information.

Administrator Tool: The Administrator tool is for administrators or the person who has administrator privileges on this computer. This option is used to configure shared profiles using Pre-logon and Persistent profiles. Use Ctrl+T from your keyboard as an alternative to using your mouse to access this feature. Refer to

Administrator Tool for more information.

Profiles

Import/Export: Import and export profiles to and from the profile list. Refer to

Import/Export Profiles for information. Use Ctrl+I from your keyboard as an

alternative to using your mouse to access this feature.

Manage Exclusions: Include or exclude specific access points. Refer to Manage

Exclusions for information. Use Ctrl+M from your keyboard as an alternative to

using your mouse to access this feature. Refer to

Exclude List for information.

Help

Intel PROSet/Wireless Help: Launch the online help (F1).

About: Displays version information for the currently installed application

components.

Application Settings (Tools menu)

The Application Settings control how the Intel PROSet/Wireless behaves and displays information.

Name Description Adapter Task Tray

Displays the name of the installed adapter currently being managed by Intel PROSet/Wireless

Show application icon in the taskbar: Select this option to display the task tray status icon. This icon resides in the Windows Task bar (Notification area). Clear to not display the task tray status icon. Selecting Hide Icon from the task tray menu also clears this option.

The Task Tray 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

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

Task Tray Icons for more information.

perform tasks such as turning on/off the radio or launching the Intel PROSet/Wireless application. See:

Task Tray Menu Options for more

information.

● Tool tips and balloon prompts. See: Tool Tip and Balloon Prompts for

more information.

Notifications

Show Alert Notifications: Select this option to display balloon windows next

to the task tray icon. When your action is required, a message prompt displays. Only high importance events (alerts) trigger a balloon window. If the balloon window is selected, then the appropriate action is taken. Clear the box to not display balloon message prompts displayed. Refer to

Tool Tip and Balloon

Prompts for more information.

Select one of the following options:

● Information Notifications: These balloons are of lower importance.

They do not require your interaction but can greatly improve the wireless experience.

● Show Information Notifications: This is selected by default. All

informational balloon windows are displayed next to the task tray status icon. These balloons improve your wireless experience by notifying you when available wireless networks are in range. They also inform you when a wireless connection has been made or has been lost. Refer to

Tool Tip

and Balloon Prompts for more information.

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

When Show Information Notifications is cleared, you can select this item. Since the informational balloon windows are disabled this option allows you to still be notified of available networks when the wireless adapter is not connected.

● Notify me when another application is using the wireless device:

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

Auto Connect

For more information about using the options above, refer to Configuration

Service.

Connect to available network using profiles only: (Default) Connect the wireless adapter to an available network using a matching profile from the

Profiles List. If no matching profile is found you are notified by a notification

(see

Notifications). The wireless device remains disconnected until a matching

profile is found or you configure a new matching profile.

Connect to any available network if no matching profile found: If the wireless adapter is disconnected and wireless networks are found, the Intel PROSet/Wireless Configuration service attempts to match a profile from the

Profiles List and if a match is found, connect. If no matches are found and one

of the available networks is open (unsecured), this option allows the Intel Configuration Service to connect to that open 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): This mode supports multiple and blank network names (SSIDs) for access points that support Cisco Compatible Extensions. Select this option to try every profile in preferred order. This specifies that the user knows they are in the vicinity of an access point which has more than one SSID but only advertises one.

Manage Exclusions

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

Manage Exclusions for more information.

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

Manage Exclusions for more information.

Device to Device (Ad hoc)

Device to Device (Ad hoc) Networking

Select one of the following:

● Enable device to device networking: Select to enable both open and

secured connections with a device to device (ad hoc) network.

● Enable secure device to device networking only: Select to only

enable connections to secured device to device (ad hoc) networks.

● Disable device to device networking: Select to disable connections to

device to device (ad hoc) networks.

NOTE: An administrator is able to restrict which of these settings are displayed or whether device to device (ad hoc) networking is available. See

Settings.

OK Cancel Help?

Save settings and return to the previous page. Close the page and cancel changes. Displays the help information for this page.

Adapter Settings (Tools menu)

Administrator

Adapter Settings displays the Device Properties for the Intel® PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection.

Name Description.

Ad Hoc Channel

Value:

802.11b/g:Select this option when using 802.11b and 802.11b (2.4 GHz) ad hoc band frequency.

● Select the allowed operating channel from the list.

802.11a:Select this option when using 802.11a (5 GHz) ad hoc band frequency.

● Select the allowed operating channel from the list.

Ad Hoc Transmit Power

Intel Throughput Enhancement

Decreasing the transmit power level reduces the radio coverage.

Default setting: Highest power setting.

● Lowest: Minimum coverage. Setting the transmission power level

enables you to expand or confine a coverage area in respect to other wireless devices that could be operating nearby. Reducing a coverage area in high traffic areas improves transmission quality by reducing the number of missed beacons and noise in that coverage area.

● Highest Maximum coverage. Set the adapter to a maximum

transmit power level. Select this setting when operating in highly reflective environments and areas where other devices could be operating nearby, and when attempting to communicate with mobile computers at the outer edge of a coverage area.

NOTE: This setting takes effect when using either Infrastructure or ad hoc mode.

Change the value of the Packet Burst Control.

● Enable: Select this option to enable throughput enhancement.

● Disable: (Default) Select this option to disable throughput

enhancement.

Mixed mode protection

Power Management

Preferred Band

Use this option to avoid collision in the 11b/11g mixed environment. Use RTS/CTS enabled where clients may not hear each other. Use CTS-to-self enabled to gain more throughput in an environment where clients are in close proximity and can hear each other.

Power Management: Allows you to select a balance between power consumption and adapter performance. The wireless adapter power settings slider sets a balance between the computer's power source and the battery.

Use default value: (Default) - Power settings based on the computer's power source.

Manual: Adjust the slider for the desired setting. Use the lowest setting for maximum battery life. Use the highest setting for maximum performance. NOTE: Power consumption savings vary based on infrastructure settings.

Select the operating band. The selections are:

● 802.11g

● 802.11a

● 802.11b

Wireless Mode

Select the wireless mode. The selections are:

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

802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g wireless networks.

● 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.

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

Available networks list.

OK Cancel Help?

Save settings and return to the previous page. Close the page and cancel any changes made. Displays the help information for this dialog.

Use Microsoft Client* (Tools menu)

The Microsoft Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration feature provides a built-in wireless configuration utility. This feature can be enabled and disabled in Microsoft Windows XP or by clicking Use Microsoft Client on the Tools menu. If Microsoft Windows XP Zero Configuration is enabled, the features in Intel PROSet/Wireless are disabled. Refer to

Intel PROSet/Wireless Configuration Service for information on re-enabling Intel

PROSet/Wireless.

Administrator Tool (Tools menu)

The Administrator tool is used for administrators or the person who has administrator privileges on this computer. This tool is used to configure common (shared) profiles.

This tool also allows the administrator to restrict what level of control the users of this computer have over their wireless connections.

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.

Name Description Administrator Settings

Administrator Profiles

Settings: Set the user control over their wireless network connections. Options: Enable or disable Persistent and Pre-Logon profiles on the computer.

Persistent Connection: A Persistent profile is active during boot time and when

no user is logged onto the computer.

Pre-Logon/Common Connection: A Pre-Logon profile is active once a user logs onto the computer. When Single Sign On support is installed, this type of profile uses your Windows log on user name and password. Pre-logon/Common are placed at the top of the Profiles List. Since they are at the top of the list, when available they are connected first

Disable Intel Profile Switching. Users will only be able to connect with the first Pre-Logon profile: Disable Profile Switching only applies to Pre-logon profiles.

Add: Launch the Profile Wizard to create a profile.

Remove: Remove a selected profile from the profiles list.

Properties: Edit the selected profile contents.

Change Password

Export Close

Help?

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

Export the settings and profiles as one package to other computers on your

network. Close the page. Displays the help information for this page.

Administrator Settings

These settings allow the administrator to control how users of this computer use their wireless connection.

Name Description Cache Credentials

Cache Credentials:

● Cache the user credentials during a user session:

❍ Select: Cache user credentials in memory so that you are only

prompted the first time before connection instead of each time you connect or disconnect to the network during the Windows log on session.

❍ Clear: Prompt for credentials each time wireless connectivity

(authentication, re-authentication) is established using 802.1x profiles with either the ‘Use Windows Logon' credentials or the ‘Prompt for Credentials on Connection’ option.

Microsoft Windows XP Co-existence

Select one of the options below:

Allow the user to enable Microsoft Windows XP Zero Configuration:

● Select: Displays a prompt, "Microsoft Windows XP is managing your

profiles" indicating that Microsoft Windows XP Zero Configuration is enabled and is managing your wireless adapter. You are prompted to answer the following question: Do you wish to disable Microsoft Windows XP

management and allow Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless to manage your wireless network?

❍ Select Yes, if you want Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless to manage your

wireless adapter.

❍ Select No, if you want Microsoft Windows XP to manage your wireless

adapter.

Do not disable Microsoft Windows XP Zero Configuration Service when Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless is enabled.

● Select: Prevents Microsoft Windows XP Zero Configuration Service from

being disabled when Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless is enabled to manage your wireless adapter.

Single Sign Option for Domain Users

Device to Device (Ad hoc)

Single Sign On Setting:

Select to prefix the domain name to the user name for Single Sign On Authentication.

● Select: The user name and domain are sent to the authentication server

(for example, <DomainName>\<UserName>. This is the default configuration set in the authentication server.

● Clear: Sends only user names to the authentication server. Configure the

authentication server to contact an external database that maintains a list of domains.

Device to Device (Ad hoc) Networking

An administrator can control which settings are available to users in the

Application Settings for device to device (Ad hoc) networks. Select one of the

following:

● Enable device to device networking: Select to enable both open and

secured connections with a device to device (Ad hoc) network.

● Enable secure device to device networking only: Select to only enable

connections to secured device to device (Ad hoc) networks.

● Disable device to device networking: Select to disable connections to

device to device (ad hoc) networks.

OK Cancel

An administrator can restrict whether a user can access the Device to Device (Ad hoc) settings in the

Application Settings. Select to show or hide the settings.

Allow user to configure device to device (ad hoc) settings

● Show device to device application settings

● Hide device to device application settings

Save settings and close the page. Cancel settings and close the page.

Help?

Displays the help information for this page.

Administrator Profile Options

These settings provide advanced profile connection options. Allows the Administrator to enable or disable Persistent and or Pre-Logon profiles on the computer.

Name Description Persistent Connection

Pre-Logon/Common Connection

OK Cancel Help?

Persistent Connection: A Persistent profile is active during boot time

and when no user is logged onto the computer. Pre-Logon/Common Connection: A Pre-Logon profile is active once a

user logs onto the computer. These profiles appear at the top of the profile list. They cannot be modified by the end user without a password.

Save settings and close the page. Cancel settings and close the page. Displays the help information for this page.

Change Password

The Administrator Tool can be password protected. The default setting is no password. When a password is assigned, the Administrator Settings and Profiles can only be accessed if the assigned password is entered. Administrator profiles that are displayed in the Profiles list can be viewed using the Properties button.

To create a password:

1. Click Administrator Tool from the Tools menu.

2. Click Change Password.

3. Enter a password in theNew Password text box.

4. Enter the new password again in theConfirm Password text box. The entered password characters display as asterisks.

5. Click OK to save the new password and close the page.

To change or unlock the existing password:

1. Click Administrator Tool from the Tools menu.

2. Click Change Password.

3. Enter the existing password in theOld Password text box.

4. Enter the new password in theNew Password text box.

5. Enter the new password again in theConfirm Password text box.

6. Click OK to save the new password and close the page.

Advanced Statistics (Tools 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

is communicating 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.

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.

● RSSI: Signal strength of the access point with which the

adapter is communicating.

Transmit/Receive (Tx/Rx) Statistics

Reset Statistics

Close Help?

Displays percent values for non-directed, and directed packets.

Total host packets: The sum total number of directed and nondirected 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.

Resets the adapter statistical counters back to zero and begins making new data measurements.

Close the dialog and return to the main window. Displays the help information for this page.

Intel Wireless Troubleshooter (Tools menu)

Intel Wireless Troubleshooter is an application that can assist you in resolving wireless network connection issues. When a connection issue is detected, a balloon tip appears at the bottom right of your desktop screen. Once you click on the balloon tip, a diagnostic message displays the recommended steps to resolve the occurred connection issue. For example, if a connection issue occurred because of an invalid password, the

Profile Wizard application is launched when you click on a displayed hyperlink. You can also launch Wireless

Event Viewer from this page and enable or disable alert notifications. The Intel Wireless Troubleshooter is

supported under Windows XP and 2000. Intel Wireless Troubleshooter Description Intel Wireless Troubleshooter page contains two panes. The left pane displays a list of available tools that can be started using your left mouse button. The right pane displays the current connection issue in a section. Each section has two parts: the error message and the hint text parts. The error message and time stamp are preceded by an icon. The hint text part contains description about available utilities and help for resolving the associated connection issue. If you click on a help text link, the help text is displayed in a pop-up window. If you click on the associated issue resolver link, a program is launched to resolve the connection issue. You can launch

Wireless Event Viewer or enable or disable from the last pane.

File Help

Exit: Exit 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 Enable Notification Available Help

Launch Wireless Event Viewer. Click to disable the alert notifications. Click to enable the alert notifications if an error is detected. Date Time error message

● Description of error

● Link to resolve error (if available). See Resolving Errors below.

● Link to recommended steps to resolve error

Import/Export Profiles (Profiles menu)

Allows you to import and export user based profiles to and from the Profiles List. Wireless Profile can be automatically imported into the Profiles List. See

Import and Export Profiles for more information.

To export Administrator profiles refer to Administrator Export Properties for more information.

Importing Profiles into the Profile List

Wireless profiles can be automatically imported into the Profiles List. This is accomplished by Intel PROSet/Wireless monitoring the import folder on your hard disk for new profile files. Only profiles that have been enabled Enable Auto-Import in

same name already exists in the Profiles List a dialog is displayed allowing you to either reject the imported profile, or accept it, in which case the existing profile is replaced. All imported user based profiles are placed at the bottom of the Profiles List, and the profile file is immediately deleted after it is the imported, whether the import was successful or not. Refer to

Advanced Settings can be automatically imported. If a profile of the

Automatic Profile Distribution for more information.

Password Protected Profiles

Password protected user based profiles can be imported and exported automatically to remote systems. If a profile is password protected, before it can be edited, the assigned password must be entered. Refer to

a Profile Password for more information.

Import/Export Description

Name Description Export profiles

Select the profiles you want to export:

Select individual or multiple profiles from the list. The profile mode icon indicates either infrastructure or ad hoc mode is being used, and if security is being used.

Setting

Browse: Browse your hard disk for the destination directory. The directory path displays in the destination directory window.

Export: Start exporting your profiles.

Import profiles

OK Cancel Help?

Imports profiles into the Profile List. Import: Browse your laptop hard disk for profiles to import.

Save settings and return to the previous page. Close the page and cancel any changes made. Displays the help information for this page.

Manage Exclusions (Profiles menu)

The Exclude List management dialog is displayed when you select this menu option from the Profiles menu.

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

This dialog allows you to exclude entire wireless networks (SSID) or 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. BSSID: MAC address

for the selected access point.

Add Remove

Reason: Indicates the reason that this entry was excluded from automatic

connection.

NOTE:Entries that are colored gray are excluded rogue access points. These entries cannot be removed from the list.

Add an access point to the list. Remove an access point from the list.

Reset list Close Help?

Clear the list. Close page and save settings. Displays the help information for this page.

Turn Wireless Off/On

The wireless radio can be switched off and on using either the optional hardware radio switch on your computer, from Intel PROSet/Wireless, or by disabling the device in Windows.

NOTE:

When your computer is switched on, the radio is constantly transmitting signals. In certain situations, such as in a plane, signals from the radio may cause interference. Use the following methods if you need to disable the radio and use your laptop without emitting radio signals.

Using the optional computer radio off/on switch

If your computer has an external switch installed, it can be used 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 in the

Task Tray.

Using Intel PROSet/Wireless to switch the radio off/on

From Intel PROSet/Wireless, the radio can be switched on or off. The status icon in the Intel PROSet/Wireless displays the current state of the radio. From the Intel PROSet/Wireless main Window, clickWireless off/on and toggle the radio off and on.

Switching the radio off or on from the Task Tray Icon

To switch the radio off or on, click the Task Tray icon and select Wireless Off (On).

How to Disable the Radio using Device Manager

The radio can be disabled (made non-functional) via the Windows operating system using Device Manager.

Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Windows 2000

1. From your desktop, right-click My Computer and click Properties.

2. Click the Hardware tab.

3. Click Device Manager.

4. Double-click Network adapters.

5. Right-click the installed wireless adapter in use.

6. Choose Disable from the pop-up menu.

7. Click OK.

Install and Uninstall the Software

Intel Wireless Troubleshooter, Intel Smart Wireless Solutions, the Single Sign On feature and Administrator Tool are not installed during theTypical installation process. To install these features, use theCustom option

during the installation process. The PROSet/Wireless has been installed. Refer to instructions.

Single Sign On Feature can also be installed or uninstalled after Intel

Installing and Uninstalling Single Sign On Feature for

To install the software:

1. Insert the Installation CD in your CD drive.

2. Click Install Software on the Intel(R) PRO Network screen.

3. On the License Agreement screen, after reading the license agreement. Select I accept the terms in the license agreement and click Next.

4. Click Custom.

5. Select from the list of features to install:

Intel PROSet/Wireless: The Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless application software.

■ Install: Click Intel PROSet Wireless. Select Install this feature and all subfeatures.

Proceed to step 5.

■ Not install: Click Do not install this feature. A red x displays next to the option indicating

that it will not be installed.

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

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

to step 5.

● Not Install: Click Do not install this feature. A red x displays next to the option indicating that it

will not be installed.

Single Sign On: Provides administrator control of Pre-Logon and Persistent connections.

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

proceed to step 5.NOTE: Windows XP Fast Switching and the Welcome screen are disabled when the Single Sign On feature is installed.

● Uninstall: Click Single Sign On. Select Do not install this feature. A red x displays next to the

option indicating that it will not be installed.

Administrator Tool: Provides administrator control over what level of control each user has over

their wireless network connections.

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

proceed to step 5.NOTE: Windows XP Fast Switching and the Welcome screen are disabled when the Single Sign On feature is installed.

● Not Install: Click Do not install this feature. A red x displays next to the option indicating that it

will not be installed.

5. Click Install.

6. After the software is installed on your computer, the installed components are listed.

7. Click OK.

NOTE:

If the Single Sign On feature was installed. you must reboot the system.

8. Click Yes to reboot.

Install and Uninstall the Single Sign On Feature

The Single Sign On feature, includes Pre-Logon Connect and Persistent Connect features. By default they are not installed during the initial software installation process unless you choose to make a Custom install. There feature can also be installed or uninstalled after Intel PROSet Wireless has been installed.

To install the Single Sign On features after Intel PROSet/Wireless has been installed:

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

2. Select Change.

3. Select Modify on the Program Maintenance screen

4. Click Next.

5. Click Single Sign On. Select Install this feature and all subfeatures. NOTE: Windows XP Fast Switching and the Welcome screen are disabled when the Single Sign On is installed.

6. Click Modify.

7. After the software is installed on your computer, the component is listed as "Installed."

8. Click OK.

To remove the Single Sign On feature:

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

2. Select Change.

3. Select Modify on the Program Maintenance screen

4. Click Next.

5. Click Single Sign On. Select Do not install this feature. A red x displays next to the option.

6. Click Modify.

7. After the software is installed on your computer, the component is listed as "Not Present."

8. Click OK.

Back to Contents

Trademarks and Disclaimers

Back to Contents

Setting up Security: Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection User Guide

● Security Settings Page Options

● Network Authentication: Device to Device

● Network Authentication (Infrastructure): Enable 802.1x Authentication

From the Security Settings page you can enter the required security settings for the selected wireless network.

See the Profile Wizard Overview for a description of when the Profile Wizard is launched.

See Security Overview for more information the different security options for wireless networks.

Security Settings Page Options

The options displayed are dependent on the Operating Mode (Device to Device or Infrastructure) selected on the General Settings page.

Name Setting Network

Authentication

Data Encryption

Open Shared WPA-Enterprise WPA2-Enterprise WPA-Personal WPA2-Personal

None

WEP CKIP

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