NetComm NP5420 User Manual

Contents

Introduction ....................................................................................................................3

Package Contents ........................................................................................... 4

Features........................................................................................................... 5

What is Wireless LAN?.................................................................................... 6

Wireless LAN Modes ....................................................................................... 7

Notes on Wireless LAN Configuration ............................................................ 8

Hardware Installation .................................................................................................... 9

System Requirements for the Card ................................................................ 9

Install the PCI Adapter ..................................................................................... 9

Connecting the Adjustable Antenna to the Card ............................................ 1 0

LED Indicators ................................................................................................11

Driver Installation ......................................................................................................... 12

Driver installation for Windows XP ................................................................ 1 2

Driver installation for Windows ME................................................................ 14

Driver installation for Windows 2000 ............................................................ 16

Driver installation for Windows 98 ................................................................. 19

Installing and Using the WLAN Utility ......................................................................... 22

Installation in Windows ................................................................................. 22

Using Wireless Utility In Windows XP ........................................................... 2 4

Using the NetComm NP5420 WLAN Utility In Windows 98/2000/ME .......... 28

Appendix A: F AQ .......................................................................................................... 33

Appendix B: Troubleshooting ..................................................................................... 34

Installing Network Protocols .......................................................................... 34

Disabling Windows XP’s Wireless Zero Configuration ................................ 34

Appendix C: Specifications ......................................................................................... 3 6

Appendix D: Registering your NetComm Product ..................................................... 3 6

Trademarks and Notices ............................................................................... 36

Warranty Registration Form .......................................................................... 37

Product Warranty............................................................................................ 39

Limitations of Warranty .................................................................................. 39

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Page 2 NP5420 11G Wireless PC Card User Guide

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the NetComm NP5420 11G Wireless PC Card. This PCI
card provides you with an innovative wireless networking solution. The NP5420 is easy to set
up and use, and with this wireless technology, you can share files and network resources on the
network—without inconvenient wires!

The Card is a network Adapter with 54Mbps data rate operating in the ISM band implementing
the IEEE 802.11g standard. This Adapter provides Device Drivers for Windows Operating
Systems. It also provides tools for the configuration of the Card. The tool, as well as the
installation steps of the plug-and-play procedure for the Windows operating systems, is
described in this document.

Follow these installation steps to ensure the quick and easy installation of your NetComm
NP5420 11G Wireless PC Card:

1. Read the documentation and plan the installation.

2. Install the hardware.

3. Install the drivers.

4. Install and use NetComm's WLAN Utility or use Windows XP WLAN utility (XP only).

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NP5420 11G Wireless PC Card User Guide Page 3

Package Contents

The following items should be contained in your NP5420:

❏ NetComm’s NP5420 11G W ireless PC Card and external

antenna

❏ NetComm Driver / Utility CD-ROM (a copy of

this user’s manual included)

❏ User Guide and Package Contents Note.

If any of the above items are damaged or missing, please contact your dealer immediately.

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Page 4 NP5420 11G Wireless PC Card User Guide

Features

The NetComm NP5420 11G Wireless PC Card complies with the IEEE 802.11g specification,
allowing it to communicate with other wireless devices that support the standard. Features of
the NP5420 are:

■ 2.4GHz frequency band, which complies with the worldwide requirement

■ Wireless interface following the IEEE 802.11g standard

■ PCI interface

■ Enciphering/deciphering of wireless data by the implementation of the WEP algorithm

■ Wire-free access to networked resources beyond the desktop

■ Allows users move between Access Points without resetting their connection configuration

■ Data rate of up to 54 Mbps

■ IEEE802.11g WLAN Card Configuration utility

■ External Antenna with LEDs indicating Power and Link

■ Supports most popular operating systems

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NP5420 11G Wireless PC Card User Guide Page 5

What is Wireless LAN?

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) systems offer a great number of advantages over
traditional wired systems. WLAN is flexible and easy to setup and manage.

Using radio frequency (RF) technology, a WLAN transmits and receives data through the air. A
WLAN combines data connectivity with user mobility. For example, users can roam from a
conference room to their office without being disconnected from the network.

Using WLAN, users can conveniently access-shared information, and network administrators
can configure and augment networks without installing or moving network cables.

WLAN technology provides users with many convenient and cost saving features:
Mobility: WLAN provide LAN users with access to real-time

information anywhere in their organization, providing service
opportunities that are impossible with wired networks.

Ease of Installation: Installing is easy for novice and expert users alike,

eliminating the need to install network cables in walls and
ceilings.

Scalability: WLAN can be configured in a variety of topologies to adapt

to specific applications and installations. Configurations are
easily changed and range from peer-to-peer networks suitable
for a small number of users to full infrastructure networks of
thousands of users roaming over a broad area.

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Wireless LAN Modes

Wireless LANs can be configured in one of two ways:

Ad-hoc Networking

Also known as a peer-to-peer network, an ad-hoc network is one that allows all workstations
and computers in the network to act as servers to all other users on the network.

Users on the network can share files, print to a shared printer, and access the Internet with a
shared modem. However, with ad-hoc networking, users can only communicate with other
wireless LAN computers that are in the same wireless LAN workgroup, and are within range.

Infrastructure Networking

Infrastructure networking differs from ad-hoc networking in that it includes an access point.
Unlike the ad-hoc structure where users on the LAN contend the shared bandwidth, on an
infrastructure network, the access point can manage the bandwidth to maximize its utilization.

Additionally, the access point enables users on a wireless LAN to access an existing wired
network, allowing wireless users to take advantage of the wired networks resources, such as
Internet, email, file transfer, and printer sharing.

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NP5420 11G Wireless PC Card User Guide Page 7

Infrastructure networking has the following advantages over ad-hoc networking:
Extended range: Each wireless LAN computer within the range of the

access point can communicate with other wireless
LAN computers within range of the access point.

Roaming: The access point enables a wireless LAN computer

to move through a building and still be connected to
the LAN.

Wired to wireless LAN connectivity: The access point bridges the gap between wireless

LANs and their wired counterparts.

Notes on Wireless LAN Configuration

When configuring a wireless LAN (WLAN), be sure to note the following points:

■ Optimize the performance of the WLAN by ensuring that the distance between access

points is not too far. In most buildings, WLAN Adapters operate within a range of 10 ~ 30
metres, depending on the thickness and structure of the walls.

■ Radio waves can pass through walls and glass but not metal. If there is interference in

transmitting through a wall, it may be that the wall has reinforcing metal in its structure.
Install another access point to circumvent this problem or try moving your existing access
point.

■ Floors usually have metal girders and metal reinforcing struts that interfere with WLAN

transmission. It is recommended that you use at least one access point for each level of your
building.

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Hardware Installation

This section gives detailed instructions for connecting your NB5420 to a PCI slot of a desktop
computer.

System Requirements for the Card

■ Operating System: Microsoft Windows 98/ME/2000/XP

■ Desktop computer with a CD-ROM drive

■ One free PCI slot

■ Pentium-Class 90MHz or higher

Install the PCI Adapter

NOTE: These instructions apply to most desktop computers. For detailed information on

inserting a PCI Adapter into your desktop computer, consult the desktop computer
User’s Manual.

1. Turn off the computer‚ unplug the power cord and remove the computer's cover.

2. Pick a free PCI expansion slot and remover the protective bracket.

3. Insert the Card into the slot until it is fully seated.

4. Secure the Card bracket with the screw from step 2.

5. Replace the computer’s cover.

6. Reconnect the power cord and turn on the computer.

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Connecting the Adjust able Antenna to the Card

After installing the Card on computer, connect external Antenna to the Card from the SMA
connector. Hold the antenna in the desired orientation and then turn the lock nut clockwise until
snug (do not over tighten the nut). To adjust the antenna direction, turn the nut counter
clockwise one full turn, adjust the antenna and then tighten the nut.

After hardware installation is completed, please go to the Driver Installation section and follow
the instructions for your operating system.

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LED Indicators

The following table describes the meaning of LED indicators:

LED MEANING
POWER Indicates that the Card is powered on (solid green).
LINK Indicates link status. The LED lights up (solid green) while

the wireless connection is linked.
The LED is blinking green while wireless data transmitting /

receiving.

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NP5420 11G Wireless PC Card User Guide Page 11

Driver Installation

The following sections cover the installation of the NetComm NP5420 WLAN PCI Card driver
in Windows Operating Systems.

Note: You have to install your hardware first before you begin to install the drivers.

Driver installation for Windows XP

Follow the steps below to install the NP5420 11G Wireless PC Card drivers for Windows XP.

1. Insert the NP5420 into a spare PCI slot in your desktop PC. (Refer to the section on
Hardware installation for instructions.)

2. After Windows XP detects the NP5420, the Found New Hardware Wizard window
appears. Select Install the software automatically [Recommended] and insert the driver
CD-ROM into CD-ROM drive and click Next to continue.

3. The following screen will appear. Click Continue Anyway to continue the installation.

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