NetComm NP7042 User Manual
Contents
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................3
About the NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor ..................................................4
Wireless LAN Basics .............................................................................................................. 5
Installation ......................................................................................................................................8
Preparation .............................................................................................................................. 8
Driver Installation & Configuration ..........................................................................................9
Updating a Wireless LAN Driver in Windows 2000 .............................................................10
Installing the Driver in Windows XP...................................................................................... 11
Updating a Wireless LAN Driver in Windows XP ................................................................. 12
Configuring you Wireless LAN Card Utility .................................................................................13
Microsoft Windows 98/ME/2000 .......................................................................................... 13
Monitor...................................................................................................................................14
Statistics................................................................................................................................16
Site Survey ............................................................................................................................16
Encryption .............................................................................................................................17
Advanced .............................................................................................................................. 19
Profile ....................................................................................................................................20
Info ........................................................................................................................................20
Microsoft Windows XP ......................................................................................................... 21
Advanced Topics ........................................................................................................................23
Network Topology .................................................................................................................23
How to Make Your Wireless Network More Secure ............................................................ 24
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................... 25
Windows Troubleshooting Tips ............................................................................................ 2 5
Registering your NetComm Product ............................................................................................26
Contact Information ...............................................................................................................26
Product Warranty ..................................................................................................................29
Limitations of Warranty.........................................................................................................29
Trademarks and Notices.......................................................................................................30
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Page 2 NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor
Introduction
The NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor is a Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum
(DSSS) product. DSSS is a spread spectrum network operating between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz. This
provides a high-capacity network within either large or small environments using multiple access
points.
Based on IEEE 802.11b, Wireless LAN (WLAN) products can perform at speeds of up to 11
Mbps. This technology works by using multiple frequencies in the 2.4 GHz range utilizing
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology.
Designed to cover distances of up to 100 metres indoors and 300 metres outdoors, WLAN
technology lets you access your network from anywhere within this radius. The range of
WLAN is limited by the number of walls, ceilings, floors, or other objects the wireless signals
must pass through. Typical ranges vary depending upon the types of materials and background
radio-frequency in the WLAN area.
WLAN products offer the following network features:
■ WLAN bridging architecture allows communication between wired network devices and
mobile devices.
■ WLAN products support the IEEE 802.11b and WiFi specifications. This open architecture
allows WLAN devices to communicate with wireless devices from other manufacturers that
conform to the same specifications.
■ WLAN products allow mobile devices to roam throughout large facilities while remaining
connected to the network.
■ WLAN products allow establishment of ad-hoc wireless workgroup networks.
■ WLAN products are protocol-independent, allowing mobile devices to communicate with a
wide range of servers, hosts and systems.
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NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor Page 3
About the NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor
The NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor allows USB equipped host systems to
configure, connect to and establish a wireless network.
Features Include:
■ IEEE 802.11b compatibility providing wireless Ethernet connectivity at speeds of up to 11
Mbps.
■ Dynamic scaling of the connection speed between 11, 5.5, 2, and 1 Mbps to match the
wireless network conditions.
■ Wireless security with 64-bit and 128-bit WEP data encryption.
■ Support for Microsoft Windows 98, Millennium (ME) 2000, and Windows XP.
■ C-Tick compliance.
■ Multiple operating mode options for access point (infrastructure) or peer-to-peer (ad-hoc)
associations.
■ Low-power operation.
■ LED indicators provide power and network link status.
NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor LED Descriptions
The NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor has two LED's.
■ The PWR LED illuminates during connection or data transfer to indicate that the adaptor is
functioning and is connected to an Access Point (Infrastructure mode), or a Peer (Ad hoc
mode).
■ The LNK LED flashes when activity is detected on the wireless link.
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Wireless LAN Basics
In order to set up and use your NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor, you should
have some basic understanding of both wired and wireless network technology and the various
functions of the device.
WLAN devices use electromagnetic waves within a broad, unlicensed range of the radio
spectrum to transmit and receive Frequency Modulation (FM) radio signals. WLAN devices
generate a carrier wave and modulate this signal using various techniques. In this way, digital data
can then be superimposed onto the carrier signal. The radio signal carries data to wirelesscapable devices within its range. The antennas of wireless-equipped devices transmit and receive
the signal. The transmission method used by WLAN devices is called Direct Sequence Spread
Spectrum (DSSS) and they operate in a range of the radio spectrum between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz.
Wireless LANs support the same network applications that are used on wired Ethernet LANs.
The NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor may be used on laptop and desktop
computer systems and support the same protocols as Ethernet adaptors. For most users, there
is no noticeable functional difference between a desktop workstation hard-wired to an Ethernet
network and a WLAN workstation other than the added benefit of being able to roam within the
WLAN.
Your NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor operates in two different modes,
depending on your network configuration and whether or not you also use Wireless LAN
Access Points (AP). Access points provide a link between the WLAN and a wired Ethernet
network and its resources.
Ad-Hoc (IBSS) Mode
Connecting to other network devices, without access points, to form a peer-to-peer network is
called Ad-Hoc (IBSS) mode. Use Ad-Hoc to create simple wireless networks where the number
of wireless computers (also referred to as network nodes) are small. In this configuration, the
first wireless LAN card to start transmitting a beacon will determine the channel and data rate
used for the other Adaptors in the IBSS network. Ad-Hoc networks are very easy to set up and
require minimal involvement by network administrators or IT personnel.
Infrastructure (ESS or 802.11-Station) Mode
In Infrastructure (ESS or 802.11-Station) mode, the NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB
Adaptor connects to an access point (AP). In ESS mode, the WLAN workstation can roam
freely between other access point cells in the network or transmit and receive across subnets.
ESS is the default mode for the NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor.
A Windows based utility is supplied to select the operational mode and to generally monitor and
configure, the NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor.
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NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor Page 5
11 Mbps Operation
The NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor supports a maximum 11 Mbps data
transfer rate. When the adaptors transmit (TX) rate is set to Auto, the adaptor automatically
shifts to a 5.5, 2 or 1 Mbps data rate when unable to maintain a high quality connection at 11
Mbps. When the adaptor detects improved signal strength, it shifts to an increased data rate, up
to the maximum 11 Mbps.
The following factors can dynamically alter the data rate:
■ signal strength between the access point and adaptor,
■ the ratio of good transmitted packets to attempted transmitted packets that fall below a
threshold, or -
■ the adaptor finds a higher transmit rate with another AP or it encounters an unspecified data
rate.
Note: An 11 Mbps data transfer rate should only be anticipated in coverage areas where
the Scan tool (part of the Wireless LAN Monitor Utility) has been used to determine
the strength and quality of the signal between the adaptor and an access point.
Physical obstructions and numerous devices operating in close proximity to one another
negatively impact the ability to maintain an 11 Mbps access point association.
Signal Range
WLAN devices are designed to operate over a radius of 100 meters indoors and 300 metres
outdoors. Obstructions such as walls, ceilings, floors, office equipment, and furniture can reduce
this range. The following example or just some factors that affect the signal range of your
Wireless network.
■ Obstructions. The Wireless LAN radio signal can penetrate through ceilings and walls.
However, each wall or ceiling the signal must pass through to reach other WLAN devices
will reduce the effective range your Wireless LAN.
You should also keep the depth of the obstructions to a minimum. Take an example of a wall
that is half a metre thick. For a radio signal going through the wall, at a forty degree angle, it
must pass through almost one metre of material. At a two degree angle, this increases to over
14 metres! Position adaptors and access points so that the signal will travel straight through
a wall or ceiling for better reception.
Position your adaptors and access points so as to minimise the number and depth of
obstructions and always position your adaptors and access points so that the signal passes
through drywalls or open doorways and not through metallic materials.
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■ Antenna Position: Where possible, keep your adaptors and access points at least 1 or 2
metres away from devices that generate strong radio-frequency or electromagnetic signals,
such as microwaves, computer monitors, cellular telephones and electric motors. Use the
utilities included with your product to measure the best reception (signal quality/strength)
achieved when repositioning the antenna.
Should the signal be inadequate in an area where you wish to use your wireless network,
consider adding Access Points to increase the signal strength in that area.
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NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor Page 7
Installation
The physical installation for the NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor amounts to
simply plugging the unit's USB cable into an available USB port on a USB enabled computer.
The NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor should then be located such that the
minimum number of obstructions such as walls, floors, ceilings, and office equipment are
between it and the nearest access point.
Preparation
Before beginning the installation, verify the hardware package contains the NetComm NP7042 Wireless LAN USB Adaptor. Keep the serial number in a safe place. The Support Centre uses
this information to reference warranty and service contract information.
Note: Verify the model indicated on the adaptor and packaging before use. Contact the
Support Centre if an item is missing or not functioning.
Requirements
The NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor installation requires:
■ a computer with an available USB port.
■ a CD-ROM drive or Internet access.
■ Microsoft Windows 98, Millennium (ME), Windows 2000 or Windows XP
Avoid exposing the NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor to liquids or
abrasive materials.
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Driver Installation & Configuration
The Wireless LAN USB Card is supplied with a Windows driver and a Monitor Utility. The
utility should be installed at the same time as the Windows USB driver and is used to view and
edit Wireless LAN Card settings.
After following the driver installation instructions for your operating system, refer to the section
on Wireless LAN Card Utility for utility installation instructions.
Before installing the Wireless LAN USB Card Windows driver:
■ Verify the Wireless LAN USB Card is physically installed in your computer.
■ Have the NetComm Driver CD ready for insertion.
Installing the WLAN Driver in Windows 98/ME/2000
To install the Wireless LAN USB Card driver in Windows 98, Windows Millennium (ME) or
Windows 2000, you must login as Administrator or a member of the Administrator Group (see
Windows Help for more information on this.)
1. Insert the adaptor's USB cable into an available USB port on the computer.
2. Insert the NetComm Driver CD.
When Windows recognises the Adaptor, the Add New Hardware Wizard dialog box
appears.
3. Select the Specify the location of the driver checkbox. Click Next.
4. Type in the location of the driver or browse for D:\Drivers\operating system, where D:\ is
the letter of your CD ROM drive. Type or select the correct operating system directory
(Win98, WinMe or Win2000) for your computer and click Next to continue.
5. Click Next when the Add New Hardware Wizard displays the location of the driver
files.
Note: The Microsoft Digital 'Signature Not Found' dialog box could appear at this point in
the installation. A Microsoft digital signature is not required for the driver
installation. Click Yes to continue.
The Add New Hardware Wizard dialog box displays stating the required software has
been installed.
6. Click Finish and when prompted, restart the computer.
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NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor Page 9
Removing a Wireless LAN Driver in Windows 98/ME/2000
T o remove an existing W ireless LAN driver in Windows 98 or Windows Millennium (ME).
Note: Windows 2000 automatically removes devices from the hardware profile if they are
not present when Windows starts. It is not necessary to remove the driver files. If
you wish to use the NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor again,
Windows 2000 will automatically re-install the drivers when you reconnect the
adaptor.
1. Click Start, select Settings and Control Panel.
2. Click on the Network icon.
The Network dialog box displays.
3. Highlight the NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor.
4. Select Remove and then OK, if prompted to confirm the removal of the driver files from the
Windows hardware profile.
5. Click Close to close the Network dialog box.
Updating a Wireless LAN Driver in Windows 2000
T o update an existing driver in Windows 2000:
1. Click Start, select Settings and Control Panel.
2. Double-click on the System icon and select the Hardware tab.
3. Click on the Device Manager button.
4. Double-click on Network Adapters.
5. Right-click on the NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor.
6. Select Properties.
The NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor Properties dialog box displays.
7. Select the Driver tab.
8. Click on the Update Driver button.
The Upgrade Device Driver Wizard displays. Click Next.
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