Planet WL-3501 User Manual

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WL-3501

WireFree

USER'S MANUAL

FCC Information

The Federal Communication Commission Radio Frequency Interference Statement includes the following paragraph:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B Digital Device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communication. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

♦ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. ♦ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. ♦ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is

connected.

♦ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio / TV technician for help.

The user should not modify or change this equipment without written approval from company name. Modification could void authority to use this equipment.

For the safety reason, people should not work in a situation which RF Exposure limits be exceeded. To prevent the situation happening, people who work with the antenna should be aware of the following rules:

1. Install the antenna in a location where a distance of 6.5 cm from the antenna may be

maintained.

2. While installing the antenna in the location, please do not turn on the power of wireless card.

3. While the device is working, please do not contact the antenna.

Copyright © 1999 Planet Technology Corp., all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, adapted, stored in a retrieval system, translated into any language, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of Planet Technology Corp. Contents subject to revision without prior notice.

Trademarks

Planet is trademark of Planet Technology Corp., all other trademarks throughout this manual are the property of their respective companies.

Limited Warranty

In no event will Planet be liable for any damage, including loss of data or profits, cost of cover, or other incidental, consequential or indirect damages arising from the installation, maintenance, use, performance, failure or interruption of Planet’s products, whatever caused and on any theory of liability. This limitation will apply even if Planet has been advised of the possibility of such damage.

CE Mark Warning

This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

About This Manual

WireFree WL-3501 User’s Guide is first published by Planet Technology Corp. in 1999. This Revision is for WireFree WL-3501 Version 2.0, issued in August , 1999. The purpose of this manual is for the setup of the product WireFree WL-3501. It includes procedures which help you to avoid unforeseen problems.

Revision

WireFree WL-3501 User’s Guide Part No.EMWL3501v2

Contents

CHAPTER 1 ABOUT WL-3501 PCMCIA CARD..............................................................................................1

1-1 FEATURES AND BENEFITS.............................................................................................................................. 1

1-2 APPLICATIONS.............................................................................................................................................. 1

1-3 PRODUCT KIT............................................................................................................................................... 2

CHAPTER 2 HARDWARE INSTALLATION ....................................................................................................3

2-1 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ...............................................................................................................................3

2-2 HARDWARE INSTALLATION FOR WL-3501 .....................................................................................................3

CHAPTER 3 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION .....................................................................................................5

3-1 SETUP WIREFREE FOR WINDOWS 95 / 98.......................................................................................................5

3-2 SETUP WIREFREE FOR WINDOWS NT 3.51 OR 4.0 ..........................................................................................9

3-3 SETUP WIREFREE FOR NETWARE CLIENT –USING ODI DRIVER (DOS / WINDOWS 3.X).................................13

3-4 SETUP WIREFREE FOR DOS TCP/IP APPLICATIONS .....................................................................................16

CHAPTER 4 NETWORK CONFIGURATION.................................................................................................18

4-1 INSTALLATION OF “WLU” UTILITY .............................................................................................................18

4-2 USING THE WIREFREE UTILITY....................................................................................................................20

CHAPTER 5 TROUBLESHOOTING...............................................................................................................30

APPENDIX A NETWORK CONFIGURATION AND PLANNING.................................................................32

A-1 NETWORK TOPOLOGY................................................................................................................................32

A-2 ROAMING ..................................................................................................................................................35

APPENDIX B SPECIFICATIONS....................................................................................................................39

APPENDIX C GLOSSARY ...............................................................................................................................40

Chapter 1 About WL-3501 PCMCIA Card

The WL-3501 IEEE 802.11 PCMCIA Card is a standard PC card that fits into any standard PCMCIA Type II slot in a notebook computer. As a Plug-and-Play device, Windows 95/98 will automatically detect the card and begin the installation process. When installed, WL-3501 can communicate with other WireFree products to create a wireless network in your office or home.

1-1 Features and Benefits

1. Supports up to 2 Mbps data rate.

2. Working range up to 800 ft. in an open environment.

3. Supports point-to-point and point-to-multipoint access.

4. Seamless connectivity to wired Ethernet and PC network LAN’s augments existing

networks quickly and easily.

5. Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology provides robust, interference-

resistant and secure wireless connection.

6. Wireless connection without the hassles and cost of cabling.

7. Supports a wide range of LAN NOS (Win95/98, NT, NetWare client, DOS)

8. Supports Plug and Play.

9. Easy installation.

10. Greater flexibility to locate or move networked PCs

1-2 Applications

WireFree products offer a fast, reliable, cost-effective solution for wireless client access to the network in applications like these:

1. Remote access to corporate network information

E-mail, file transfer and terminal emulation.

2. Difficult-to-wire environments

Historical or old buildings, asbestos installations, and open area where wiring is difficult to employ.

3. Frequently changing environments

Retailers, manufacturers and banks who frequently rearrange the workplace and change location.

4. Temporary LANs for special projects or peak time

Trade shows, exhibitions and construction sites need temporary setup for a short time period. Retailers, airline and shipping companies need additional workstations for a peak period. Auditors require workgroups at customer sites.

5. Access to database for mobile workers

Doctors, nurses, retailers, white-collar workers need access to database while being mobile in the hospital, retail store or office campus.

6. SOHO (Small Office and Home Office) users

SOHO users need easy and quick installation of a small computer network.

7. Inter-building connection

The wireless building-to-building network installs quickly, requires no monthly lease fees, and provides the flexibility to reconfigure easily. (Please refer to Planet Air Access Series for Inter-Building application.)

1-3 Product Kit

WireFree WL-3501 includes the following items. Please go through each listed item below. If any listed item is not included, please contact your local dealer.

A. WireFree WL-3501 / PCMCIA Adapter

l WL-3501 PCMCIA Type II Adapter…………………………………… x 1

l Driver & Utility Diskette………………………………………………x 1 l Quick Installation Guide………………………………………………x 1

Chapter 2 Hardware Installation

2-1 System Requirements

In order to use the WL-3501 PCMCIA card, your computer must be equipped with the following:

1. A PCMCIA Type II slot, and a PCMCIA card and socket services compliant with revision

2.10 of the PCMCIA specification (or higher).

2. Windows 95 or Windows 98 (with a Windows installation CD-ROM, diskettes for use during

installation)

3. MS-DOS 3.0 or higher.

4. Minimum 500 Kbytes free disk space for installing driver and utility program.

2-2 Hardware Installation for WL-3501

To install WL-3501 wireless LAN PCMCIA adapter, please follow these steps:

Step1: Insert the PCMCIA Adapter

1. Find an available Type II or Type III PCMCIA slot in your computer.

2. With the PCMCIA adapter’s 68-pin connector facing the PCMCIA slot and its “WL-

3501 / PCMCIA” label facing up, slide the PCMCIA adapter completely into the PCMCIA slot.

Fig 2.1 Insert the WL-3501 into Notebook

NOTE: The PCMCIA slot allows “hot swap” of PCMCIA adapter. You may therefore

insert or remove your WL-3501 / PCMCIA adapter from the slot anytime, even when the power of your computer is on.

Step2: Setup PCMCIA Driver

For DOS and Windows 3.1, a PCMCIA card and socket services compliant with revision

2.10 (or higher) of the PCMCIA specification are required. Please check the documents of your PCMCIA driver to install WireFree WL-3501. For applicable drivers, please refer to CardSoft / CardWizard published by SystemSoft, Card Manager by Phonex, AMI Card Manager Pro. by AMI, etc.

Then, continue the installation steps in next chapter - “Software Installation”.

Chapter 3 Software Installation

3-1 Setup WireFree for Windows 95 / 98

1. Insert the WL-3501 PCMCIA adapter into a standard type II PCMCIA slot in your

notebook.

2. Windows 95/98 will automatically detect the new hardware and will prompt you to install the

driver needed.

WLAN/WPCMCIA PCMCIA adapter

3. Select “Search for the best driver for your device”.

4. Select the location of driver from ”Floppy disk devices”, insert the diskette labeled

“WireFree WL-3501 Driver & Utility Diskette” into any 3 1/2 floppy drive in your computer, then click Next.

5. Windows 95/98 will find “WireFree WL-3501 PCMCIA Adapter”, now click Next.

WLAN/WPCMCIA PCMCIA adapter

A:\WPCMCIA.INF

6. Set parameters for WL-3501. Please refer to 4-2, C. for the definition of each parameter.

WLAN/WPCMCIA PCMCIA Adapter Properties

7. Click Finish to complete the hardware installation.

WLAN/WPCMCIA PCMCIA Adapter

8. Restart the computer.

9. Open the Control Panel folder, double-click System and Adapters to see if any error

message appears. If no, that means your WL-3501 is working well.

WLAN/WPCMCIA PCMCIA Adapter

Fig 3.1 Chick OK if WL-3501 works properly.

3-2 Setup WireFree for Windows NT 3.51 or 4.0

1. Login as Administrator.

2. From the desktop, select Control Panel, double-click Network, go to the Interface

Card tab, and then click the Add button.

3. Windows NT will present a list of all its supported adapters. Select OTHERS, or click

Have Disk to continue.

4. Windows NT will ask for the drive/path containing the WireFree WL-3501 Windows

NT drivers. Insert the WL-3501 Driver and Utility diskette into the floppy drive, and then type A:\

A:\

5. Windows NT will attempt to locate an INF file in the specified path. If you have entered

the path name correctly, Windows NT should copy the appropriate drivers to the Windows NT system. You need to recognize the selection.

WLAN/WPCMCIA PCMCIA Adapter

Fig 3.2 Choose device model.

6. A “WireFree/WL-3501 Wireless LAN Adapter Setup” dialog box will show up. Please select the “Default Channel”¡B”Network Type”¡B”RTS Threshold” and

“ESSID” manually according to the setting in the following fig. Your WL-3501 adapter will thereafter work on this configuration under Windows NT. Press OK to continue.

WLAN/WPCMCIA PCMCIA Adapter Setup

7. Now, the drivers would have been properly copied and the installation would proceed to the next step --- “Network Setup”. Please specify each parameter required the network to work on.

WLAN/WPCMCIA PCMCIA Adapter

8. Restart the system.

9. To ensure whether the WL-3501 adapter works fine or not, go to Control Panel and

double-click Devices.

WLAN/WPCMCIA Adapter Driver

3-3 Setup WireFree for NetWare Client – Using ODI Driver

(DOS / Windows 3.x)

For DOS and Windows 3.x NetWare Clients, WireFree provides the ODI driver. The ODI driver program allows you to run Novell NetWare’s IPX protocol stack in your workstation. The WireFree ODI driver supports the Port, Node Address, Protocol and Frame options for creating your own NET.CFG file. For more information on these keywords, please refer to Novell’s “NetWare ODI shell for DOS – NET.CFG options.”

Install a NetWare 3.x/4.x ODI DOS and Windows 3.x Workstation (using NetWare Client

Install)

1. Install the NetWare ODI Client Driver files into your workstation, if not yet installed.

Follow the installation procedure described in the NetWare installation manual.

2. The suggested way to install a NetWare Client (workstation) is to use the NetWare Client

Install program to install all necessary files. Please follow its prompted screens to accomplish the installation procedure and select the WireFree ODI driver as the network driver.

3. To select the ODI driver of the WireFree wireless LAN adapter, copy the files to nwclient

directory.

WPCMCIA.COM WPCMCIA.INS

4. The NetWare Client Install program copies the necessary files for NetWare Client. Please

continue its installation procedure to completion. Upon completion, a new NET.CFG file will be created in your NWCLIENT directory. Typically, this file contains the following lines:

Link Driver WPCMCIA ; or WISA for WL-2400, ISA

FRAME Ethernet_802.3 FRAME Ethernet_802.2

Link Driver WPCMCIA

Fig 3.3 Configure NET.CFG

5. A typical STARTNET.BAT for the ODI workstation performs the following commands:

SET NWLANGUAGE=ENGLISH ; Set NetWare 4.X to English

; Language

LSL ; Link Support Layer Module (provided by

; Novell)

WPCMCIA ; Hardware Specific Module (For PCMCIA, uses

; WL-3501)

IPXODI ; IPX Protocol Stack Module (provided by Novell) VLM ; DOS Support Module (provided by Novell) L: ; Change current drive to connected device

; (L:, for example)

You may run STARTNET.BAT to access (logon) the Novell NetWare server.

NWServer

WPCMCIA.COM

Fig 3.4 Configure STARTNET.BAT

Fig 3.5 Login NetWare Server.

3-4 Setup WireFree for DOS TCP/IP Applications

1. For the entire legacy TCP/IP applications in DOS environment, please install WireFree

Packet Driver.

2. First, setup the configurations of WL-3501. Type “A:\PACKET\PKTCFG.COM”

Fig 3.6 Configure WL-3501

3. Please select the ”Wireless LAN Net work type” ¡B“ESSID” and “Default Channel”

manually. Press “F10” after setting properly.

Fig 3.7 Save current parameters.

4. To install Packet Driver for WL-3501, load “WLACFG.COM” from DOS command prompt.

Syntax: WLACFG.COM [-h] <packet_int_no>

Options:

[-u] Uninstall packet driver.

<packet_int_no> The software interrupt vector number used by the packet driver program,

which can be from 96 (0x60) to 128 (0x80).

Example: To load packet driver for the WL-2400 card, which will be found first by the

driver, on packet interrupt vector 0x60:

A:\PACKET\WLACFG.COM -h 0x60

Fig 3.8 Packet driver works properly.

Chapter 4 Network Configuration

4-1 Installation of “WLU” utility

1. Insert WireFree WL-3501 Driver & Utility Diskette into floppy drive, and then execute

A:\WLU\setup.exe

Fig 4.1 Step1 of Wireless LAN Utility setup.

2. Click “Next” to continue.

Fig 4.2 Step2 of Wireless LAN Utility setup.

Fig 4.3 Step3 of Wireless LAN Utility setup.

Fig 4.4 Step4 of Wireless LAN Utility setup.

Fig 4.5 Step5 of Wireless LAN Utility setup.

4-2 Using the WireFree Utility

To set up your wireless network environment, please follow these steps: Step 1: Configure the adapter - Select “Network Configuration” in the main menu screen

and follow the instructions.

Step 2: Diagnose the operation - Using “Diagnostics Tools” in the main menu screen and follow

the instructions.

A. Main Menu

A WireFree wireless LAN adapter hardware information window will show on the top of the screen (Fig 5.2) while Main Menu screen is displayed. In this window, you will see current adapter configuration information, that is, the MAC address, firmware version, frequency domain, BSS joined, current channel and ESS ID of the adapter that you installed in your desktop or notebook computers.

The Main Menu screen shows all main functions of the WireFree Utility:

¨ [Network Configuration] - WireFree Utility provides a screen for you to configure

parameters of the WireFree wireless LAN adapter for your wireless network environment.

¨ [Diagnostics Tools] - The WireFree Utility provides several diagnostic tools for you to

diagnose the operation of your wireless network environment.

¨ [Firmware Upgrade] - WireFree Utility provides the function of upgrading the firmware in

the wireless adapter.

¨ [Exit] - End the execution of WireFree Utility.

1. Click Start, point to Programs and run WLA Utility.

2. Main menu appears.

WLAN/WPCMCIA PCMCIA Adapter

C. Network Configuration Screen

The Network Configuration screen allows you to check and modify current configuration of the WireFree wireless LAN adapter. The user-configurable parameters are divided into three groups: ESS ID, Network Type and RTS Threshold.

Fig 4.6 Network Configuration

C-1. ESS ID PARAMETERS

ESS ID: Input a digit ESS ID while the roaming feature is enabled (“ANY” is default

setting).

C-2. NETWORK TYPE PARAMETERS

Station Operation Mode: Set the station operation mode to Ad-Hoc (without Access

Point) or Infrastructure (with Access Point, default setting).

Ad-Hoc Default Channel: Select the channel number as your operating radio channel.

C-3. RTS Threshold

If you aren’t concerned with the “Hidden Node Problem”, please select the “Disable” item

NOTE: All parameters you modified on the wireless LAN adapter is kept in the flash ROM

(non-volatile memory) on the adapter. The new parameters will take effect thereafter even though you boot your PC into any other operating systems or insert the adapter into another PC.

D. Diagnostics Tools Screen

The Diagnostics Tools screen shows all diagnostics tools in the WireFree Utility. There are buttons for executing the following diagnostics tools:

WireFree Utility – Diagnostics Tools

Fig 4.7 Diagnostic Tools

¨ [Site Survey] - Inspect channel quality for your site. ¨ [Link Quality Test] - Test point-to-point communication quality. ¨ [Access Point Browser] - Show all active WireFree Access Points in your site.

The instructions of using each diagnostic tool are as follows:

l Site Survey

When Site Survey screen is displayed, the channel quality of all 14 radio channels will be displayed. These channel quality measurements are shown on each gauge for the 14 radio channels. The higher bar means the radio channel having better quality (i.e., less interference).

The channel quality is scanned channel-by-channel repeatedly. You may see some of the gauges changing their height occasionally. To determine the channel quality in a longer time span, you can refer to the average channel quality measurement from the small-shaped dot in each channel quality gauge.

Fig 4.8 Site Survey

WireFree Utility – Site Survey

l Link Quality Test

Link Quality Test is a useful diagnostic tool for you to understand the point-to-point data transmission quality between two wireless LAN stations. Or, if you use the Infrastructure wireless LAN configuration, you can test the transmission quality between your wireless LAN station and the WAP-1000 Access Point.

When Link Quality Test Screen is displayed, you may choose one of the roles that this wireless LAN station should perform.

1. Act as Master test station:

You should input the destination slave test station address before press [Start] button. The slave address can be found from the slave test station’s screen. The “Master Test Station” window will be displayed after pressing [Start] button.

Fig 4.9 Act as Master test station

The “Master Test Station” window contains the following status/ statistical information during the Link Quality Test session:

¨ Slave / Test Address: The physical address of the destination slave test station. (Self

physical address will be displayed while performing Access Point loopback test.)

¨ Packet Sent: Total test packets have been sent. ¨ Packet Received: Total responding packets have been received. ¨ Elapsed Time: Total testing time. ¨ Signal level: The signal level when receiving last responding packet. The signal level is

calculated as the percentage of its signal level measurement relative to the full signal level.

2. Act as Slave test station:

You can press [Start] button to start the slave test station. The ”Slave Test Station” window will be displayed after pressing [Start] button.

The “Slave Test Station” window contains following status/statistical information during the Link Quality Test session:

Fig 4.10 Act as Slave test station

¨ My Address: The slave test station’s physical address. ¨ Packet Received: Total test packets received. ¨ Elapsed Time: Total testing time.

¨ Signal Level: The signal level when receiving last test packet. The signal level is

calculated as the percentage of its signal level measurement relative to the full signal level.

3. Loopback through Access Point:

If you use the infrastructure wireless LAN configuration, you can select the Access Point loopback test. The loopback test is between this wireless station and the associated Access Point.

Fig 4.11 Loopback through Access Point

¨ Packet Sent: Total test packets sent. ¨ Packet Received: Total responding packets received. ¨ Elapsed Time: Total testing time. ¨ Signal level: The signal level when receiving last responding packet. The signal level is

calculated as the percentage of its signal level measurement relative to the full signal level.

The “Access Point Loopback Test” window will be displayed after pressing the [Start] button. This window contains same status / statistical information in the “Master Test Station” window. It works only in “Infrastructure Mode”.

l Access Point Browser

Select the [Access Point Browser] and you will see a screen shown as below. Choose [Go], all

the active Access Points will be shown.

Wireless

OEM

Fig 4.12 Access Point Browser.

Each row of the Access Point information contains the following columns:

¨ BSS_ID: The BSS ID (MAC address) of the Access Point. ¨ ESS_ID: The ESS ID of the Access Point. ¨ Channel: The operating channel number of the respective access point. ¨ Beacon: Each Access Point broadcasts “beacon” periodically. The wireless station will

process these beacons to keep in touch with the network. It counts the beacons cumulatively from the beginning of the Access Point Browser session. This item only shows in the Single-Channel browser screen.

E. Firmware Upgrade

WireFree WL-3501 Utility provides the function of upgrading the firmware in the wireless adapter

to newer version. Choose the [Firmware Upgrade] button in Main Menu, and follow the directions on the screen.

CAUTION: Improper operation of firmware upgrade could damage your adapter. We

strongly suggest that the firmware upgrade is done by experienced computer personnel and follows this instruction well to upgrade the firmware of your wireless LAN adapter.

l Obtain The New Firmware

The latest version of WireFree firmware can be obtained from Planet’s home page at “www.planet.com.tw” or contact your local dealer for detail information.

l Preparation

Before doing firmware upgrade, please:

1. Close all running applications (especially, network applications), or, a reboot of your system

is preferred.

2. Make sure the new firmware file is for your type of wireless LAN adapter (i.e., WL-

2400/ISA, WL-3501/PCMCIA). Otherwise, the firmware upgrade tool will show up an “Invalid Firmware” message and refuse to do anything.

3. Memorize the path and filename to access the new firmware file. The firmware upgrade tool

will ask you for that.

4. Always use the WLU program that works on your current version of firmware to do

firmware upgrade. After firmware being upgraded, please read the documentation of the new firmware to determine if you need to upgrade your WLU program and drivers.

l How to Operate the Firmware Upgrade Tool

Fig 4.13 Firmware Upgrade

¨ Firmware filename: The firmware of WL-3501. ¨ Flash type: The type of current flash bios.

It will take about 5 seconds to finish the installation and verification. (If you access the new firmware file via a floppy drive, the process can take much longer than just 5 seconds).

CAUTION: Do not power off, reset, or try anything to terminate the firmware upgrade

while “Install New Firmware…” pop-up dialog box is in progress. Otherwise, your wireless LAN adapter will be damaged.

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting

1. Problem Solving

l WL-2400 cannot be found by either Plug’n’Play or WLU

Probable Causes & Solution: a. The WL-2400 is not properly inserted into the ISA slot. b. In a non-Plug’n’Play environment, you did not start any Plug’n’Play emulation

program, such as CM, WLJMP. Check Sec. 3-1 Hardware installation for WL-

2400.

l WL-3501 cannot work properly

Probable Causes & Solution: a. Insert the PCMCIA adapter into Notebook’s slot again. A beep should be

heard if the adapter is properly inserted.

b. Check the I/O cable that connects the RF module and the PCMCIA adapter.

The power LED should be turn on if the cable is properly connected.

c. In a non-Windows 95 environment, make sure a PCMCIA card service driver

installed in your computer. Check Sec. 3-2 Hardware Installation for WL-3501.

l WL-2400/WL-3501/ WAP-900 station cannot communicate with computer in the

Ethernet when the Infrastructure mode is configured.

Probable Causes & Solution: a. Make sure the WAP-1000 which the station associated with is powered on. b. Make sure the station is configured with the same operating radio channel as the

WAP-1000.

c. Start the Site Survey Utility to make sure the operating radio channel is in good

quality. Otherwise, change the WAP-1000 and all the stations within the BSS to another radio channel.

d. Make sure the station is configured with the same security option with the WAP-

1000, either turn off or turn on with the same security key.

e. Make sure the BSS ID is the same as the WAP-1000 for a roaming disabled station,

or the ESS ID is the same as the WAP-1000 for a roaming enabled station.

2. How to obtain further assistance

a. Direct your questions to support@planet.com.tw b. Planet’s technical support hot-line is:

Tel: +886-2-22199518 Fax: +886-2-22199528 Direct any of your questions to the sales support department.

d. Check Planet’s Web site at www.planet.com.tw for FAQ and updated information.

Appendix A Network Configuration and

Desktop PC

Notebook PC

Desktop PC

Notebook PC

Desktop PC

Notebook PC

Desktop PC

Notebook PC

Planning

WireFree supports the same network configuration options of the legacy Ethernet LANs as

defined by IEEE 802 standard committee.

WireFree can be configured as:

u Ad-Hoc for departmental or SOHO LANs u Infrastructure for enterprise LANs u LAN-Interconnection for point-to-point link as a campus backbone.

A-1 Network Topology

u Ad-Hoc

WL-2400

Ad-Hoc

Wireless LAN 1

WL-3501

WL-2400

WL-3501

WL-2400

Ad-Hoc

Wireless LAN 2

WL-3501

WL-2400

WL-3501

Fig a-1 An Example of Ad-Hoc Wireless LAN

An Ad-Hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers, each equipped with one WireFree adapter, connected as an independent wireless LAN. Computers in a specific Ad-Hoc wireless LAN must be configured at the same radio channel.

Ad-Hoc wireless LAN is applicable at a departmental scale for a branch or SOHO operation.

u Infrastructure

Notebook PC

Desktop PC

Notebook PC

Desktop PC

Notebook PC

Desktop PC

Notebook PC

Desktop PC, File Servers

WL-2400

WL-3501

Ethernet

WL-2400

BSS1

BSS2

WL-3501

WL-2400

WL-3501

Fig a-2 An Example of Infrastructure Wireless LAN

WireFree provides access to a wired LAN for wireless workstations. An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. A group of WireFree PC users and a WAP-1000 Access Point construct a Basic Service Set (BSS). Each WireFree PC in this BSS can talk to any computer in the wired LAN infrastructure via the WAP-1000 Access Point.

Infrastructure configuration not only extends the accessibility of a WireFree PC to the wired LAN, but also doubled the effective wireless transmission range for 2 WireFree PCs. Since WAP-1000 is able to forward data within its BSS, the effective transmission range in an infrastructure LAN is doubled.

Desktop WL-2400

Ad-Hoc

mode

Infrastructure

mode

Desktop WL-24/3500

Fig a-3 The effective Transmission Range

BSS ID is, in essential, the ID of each independent WAP-1000. All WireFree PCs configured without roaming options in this independent BSS must be configured with BSS ID of that WAP-1000. Check your WAP-1000 for its BSS ID or use the Access Point Browser Utility program described in next section, “Roaming”.

Infrastructure is applicable to enterprise scale for wireless access to central database, or wireless application for mobile workers.

u LAN-Interconnection

Access Point

LAN 1

Directional Antenna

Fig a-4 An Example of Wireless LAN-Interconnection

Directional Antenna

LAN 2

Two Access Points could be used, with a directional antenna (it is an optional accessory, please contact your dealer for detail information), as a point-to-point link between two LANs. LAN-Interconnection is applicable to a wireless backbone between buildings.

A-2 Roaming

An Infrastructure configuration also supports roaming capability for mobile workers. More than one BSS can be configured as an Extended Service Set (ESS). On account of a continuous connection to the network, users within this ESS could roam freely. All WireFree PCs and WAP-1000s within one ESS must be configured with the same ESS ID and at the same radio channel.

Desktop PC

Notebook PC

Desktop PC, File Servers

Ethernet

BSS1

WL-3501

BSS2

WL-2400

WL-3501

ESS

Fig a.5 Roaming in an Extended Service Set (ESS)

Before setting up an ESS for roaming, it would be helpful to improve the performance by choosing a feasible radio channel and right places for Access Points. WireFree provides Site Survey and Access Point Browser utilities for the above purposes.

Site Survey and Access Point Browser are functions of the WireFree Utility program (WLU), which can be found in the WL-2400 / WL-3501 Driver and Utility Diskette. Before utilizing Site Survey and Access Point Browser, a PC with WireFree WL-2400 / WL-3501 adapter and Utility program installed is necessary. For details of WLU, check the chapter of “WireFree Utility-WLU” in the WL-2400 / WL-3501 User’s Manual.

u Site Survey

WAP-1000

WAP-900 or

WAP-1000

WAP-900 or

WAP-1000

WL-3501

Fig a-6 Site Survey Utility

Site Survey function can be found in the WLU program. After running WLU, select [Diagnostics Tools] ð[Site Survey]. Site Survey displays the quality of all 12-radio channels in your environment. Generally, the higher the bar is, the better the quality will be. Choose the radio channel with the best quality as your operating radio channel. If you are setting up an ESS for roaming, configure all the WireFree PCs and WAP-1000s within this ESS with that channel.

u Access Point Browser

WL-3501

Fig a-7 Access Point Browser Utility

Access Point Browser functions can be found in the WLU program. After running WLU, select [Diagnostics Tools] ð [Access Points Browser]. Each Access Point broadcasts “beacon” periodically. The mobile station (with the “roaming” option being enabled) receives beacons from different Access Points, compares the signal level (technically, the RSSI, Radio Signal Strength Indicator), then the mobile station connects to the Access Point with the highest (i.e., best) signal value. Signal level is the indicator of the radio signal coverage of an Access Point. Access Point Browser displays all the beacons received and its signal level in the current physical location. Use a notebook PC running the Access Point Browser to walk around the coverage area of your ESS. The coverage of each Access Point can therefore be measured. Adjust the placement of your Access Points to form continuous radio signal coverage within the ESS.

Appendix B Specifications

Product WireFree

WL-3501

Operating Frequency 2.412-2.462 GHz (FCC, Canada);

2.422-2.462 GHz (ETSI);

2.484 GHz (Japan)

RF Technology Spread Spectrum Direct Sequence

Transceiver RF Output Power 50 mW

Data Rate 2 Mbps

Media Access Protocol CSMA/CA, 802.11 Ready

No. of Channels 12 Channels

Range 800 ft.

Host Bus Interface PCMCIA Type II

Driver ODI, NDIS, Packet Driver

Regulatory Approval FCC Part 15, CE Mark, ETS 300 328

Appendix C Glossary

Access Point  An internetworking device that seamlessly connects wired and wireless networks together.

Ad-Hoc  An Ad-Hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers each with wireless adapters, connected as an independent wireless LAN.

Backbone  The core infrastructure of a network. The portion of the network that transports information from one central location to another central location where it is unloaded onto a local system.

Base Station  In mobile telecommunication, a base station is the central radio transmitter/ receiver that maintains communication with the mobile radio telephone sets within its range. In cellular and personal communications applications, each cell or microcell has its own base station; each base station in turn is interconnected with other cells’ base stations.

BSS  Stands for “Basic Service Set.” An Access Point associated with several wireless stations.

ESS  Stands for “Extended Service Set.” More than one BSS can be configured to be an Extended Service Set. An ESS is basically a roaming domain.

Ethernet  A popular local area data communications network, originally developed by Xerox Corp., that accepts transmission from computers and terminals. Ethernet operates on 10 Mbps baseband, transmitting over shielded coaxial cable or over shielded twisted pair telephone wire.

Infrastructure  An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. PCMCIA  PCMCIA stands for Personal Computer Memory Card International Association,

which develops standards for PC cards, formerly known as PCMCIA cards. They are available in three types that are about the same length and width as credit cards but range in thickness from 3.3 mm (Type I) to 5.0 mm (Type II) to 10.5 mm (Type III). These cards provide many functions, including memory storage, and acting as landline modems and as wireless LAN.

Roaming  A function that enables one to travel with his mobile end system (wireless LAN mobile station, for example) throughout a domain (an ESS, for example) while being continuously connected to the infrastructure.

RTS Threshold  Transmitters contending for the medium may not hear each other. RTS/CTS mechanism can solve this “ Hidden Node Problem”. If the packet size is smaller than the preset RTS Threshold size, the RTS/CTS mechanism will NOT be enabled.

Planet WL-3501 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

FCC Information

CE Mark Warning