Planet WL-3553, WL-8303 User Manual

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Wireless LAN PCMCIA Card

WL-3553

User’s Manual

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Copyright

Copyright  2004 by PLANET Technology Corp. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may
be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or
computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical,
manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of PLANET.
PLANET makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the
contents hereof and specifically disclaims any warranties, merchantability or fitness for any particular
purpose. Any software described in this manual is sold or licensed "as is". Should the programs prove
defective following their purchase, the buyer (and not PLANET, its distributor, or its dealer) assumes
the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair, and any incidental or consequential damages resulting
from any defect in the software. Further, PLANET reserves the right to revise this publication and to
make changes from time to time in the contents hereof without obligation to notify any person of such
revision or changes.

All brand and product names mentioned in this manual are trademarks and/or registered trademarks
of their respective holders.

Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of 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 communications. 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:

1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

2. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

3. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.

4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio technician for help.

FCC Caution

To assure continued compliance. (example-use only shielded interface cables when connecting to
computer or peripheral devices). Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the Following two
conditions: ( 1 ) This device may not cause harmful interference, and ( 2 ) this Device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

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Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Radiation Exposure
Statement

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure set forth for an uncontrolled environment. In
order to avoid the possibility of exceeding the FCC radio frequency exposure limits, human proximity to
the antenna shall not be less than 20 cm (8 inches) during normal operation.

R&TTE Compliance Statement

This equipment complies with all the requirements of DIRECTIVE 1999/5/CE OF THE EUROPEAN
PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF 9 March 1999 on radio equipment and telecommunication
terminal Equipment and the mutual recognition of their conformity (R&TTE)
The R&TTE Directive repeals and replaces in the directive 98/13/EEC (Telecommunications Terminal
Equipment and Satellite Earth Station Equipment) As of April 8,2000.

Safety

This equipment is designed with the utmost care for the safety of those who install and use it. However,
special attention must be paid to the dangers of electric shock and static electricity when working with
electrical equipment. All guidelines of this and of the computer manufacture must therefore be allowed
at all times to ensure the safe use of the equipment.

EU Countries Not Intended for Use

The ETSI version of this device is intended for home and office use in Austria Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, France (with Frequency channel restrictions). Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg .The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom.
The ETSI version of this device is also authorized for use in EFTA member states Iceland,
Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Potential restrictive use

France: Only channels 10,11,12 and 13

Revision

User’s Manual for PLANET Wireless LAN PCMCIA Adapter
Model: WL-3553
Rev: 2.0 (March, 2004)
Part No. EM-WL3553V2

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Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION..............................................................1

1.1 FEATURES ...............................................................................................................................1

1.2 APPLICATIONS ..........................................................................................................................2

1.3 SPECIFICATION.........................................................................................................................4

1.4 PACKAGE CONTENTS ................................................................................................................4

1.5 MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................5

1.6 INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS.................................................................................................5

CHAPTER 2 INSTALLATION PROCEDURE...................6

2.1 WINDOWS 98/ME/2000 DRIVER INSTALLATION ............................................................................6

2.2 WINDOWS XP/SERVER 2003 DRIVER INSTALLATION.....................................................................9

2.3 CONFIGURATION UTILITY INSTALLATION.....................................................................................11

CHAPTER 3 CONFIGURATION UTILITY........................12

CHAPTER 4 STATION MODE..............................................................13

4.1 GENERAL...............................................................................................................................13

4.2 PROFILE ................................................................................................................................13

4.3 AVAILABLE NETWORK..............................................................................................................15

4.4 ADVANCED.............................................................................................................................16

4.5 STATUS .................................................................................................................................17

4.6 STATISTICS ............................................................................................................................18

CHAPTER 5 AP MODE.....................................................................................19

5.1 GENERAL...............................................................................................................................19

5.2 ADVANCED.............................................................................................................................20

5.3 STATISTICS ............................................................................................................................21

CHAPTER 6 FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTION.............22

APPENDIX...........................................................................................................................23

Chapter 1 Introduction

Thank you for purchasing PLANET WL-3553. This device is an IEEE 802.11b Wireless CardBus
PCMCIA Adapter. It can operate in either Ad-Hoc mode (Point to Point/Point to Multipoint without
Access Point) or Infrastructure mode (Point to Point/Point to Multipoint with Access Point). For new
advance function, AP mode, it can work as a software AP when there is no Access Point in your
Wireless LAN. It can be an AP for you to establish the Network with the clients in Infrastructure mode. It
operates in 2.4GHz unlicensed ISM band in the home or office environment.
The WL-3553 is compatible with Windows 98, Me, 2000, XP, Server 2003 and Linux. It supports
64/128-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) Encryption. Its data rate support 11, 5.5, 2 and 1 Mbps.
With its auto-fallback function, the data rate can be move to lower speed if signal quality is not good
enough.
WL-3553 provided with a built-in dipole antenna and is connected to PC PCMCIA slot. Thus, it is
capable of being placed practically anywhere on or around your computer to get better signal quality
and longer connection distance. The WL-3553 has support full mobility and seamless roaming feature
for mobile users to keep network connection across Access Points. Its range of coverage is up to 350
feet indoor and 1100 feet outdoors.

1.1 Features

l Wireless connection without the hassles and cost of cabling
l Wireless LAN IEEE802.11b compliant
l Up to 11 Mbps high-speed Transfer Rate
l Base on the 2.4GHz Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) Technology
l Supports 64/128-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption
l Supports Ad-Hoc (Peer to Peer) communication and Infrastructure mode with Access Point
l Supports software AP mode
l Seamless integration with IEEE 802.3 LAN through WAP-1965, WAP-1960 or other IEEE 802.11b

compliant Access Point

l Support IEEE802.1x client
l Supports most popular operating systems including Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/Server 2003 and

Linux

l Build-in Diversity Patch Antenna
l Low Interference and High Susceptibility Guarantee Reliable Performance
l Plug-and -Play installation
l Supports Power Save mode
l Automatic rate fallback enables data security and reliability
l Supports 32-bit CardBus interface

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1.2 Applications

1.2.1 Access Point

WL-3553 provides software Access Point function for users can create the wireless network easily,
as they knew. In this function, it is not just a client anymore. All the wireless clients can connect to
each other via the AP mode WL-3553. For SOHO and SMB users, they can save the money for buy
a WL-3553 to instead Access Point to work.

Software

Access Point

1.2.2 Infrastructure

The WL-3553 provides access to a wired LAN for wireless workstations. An integrated wireless and
wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. A group of WL-3553 PC users and an Access
Point compose a Basic Service Set (BSS). Each WL-3553 PC in a BSS can talk to any computer in
the wired LAN infrastructure via the Access Point.
An Infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a WL-3553 equipped PC to a wired LAN,
and doubles the effective wireless transmission range for 2 WL-3553 PCs. Since the Access Point is
able to forward data within its BSS, the effective transmission range in an infrastructure LAN is
doubled.
The use of a unique ID in a BSS is essential. All WL-3553 equipped PCs configured without roaming
options in an independent BSS must be configured with a BSS ID corresponding to the WL-3553
used in the BSS. Check your WL-3553 for its BSS ID or use the Site Survey function on
Configuration Utility program to determine the BSS ID.
The Infrastructure Wireless LAN configuration is appropriate for enterprise-scale wireless access to
a central database, or as a wireless application for mobile users.
Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. More than one BSS can be
configured as an Extended Service Set (ESS). The continuous network allows users to roam freely
within an ESS. All WL-3553 PCs or other IEEE 802.11b compliant wireless adapter within one ESS
must be configured with the same ESS ID and use the same radio channel.
Before enabling an ESS with roaming capability, choosing a feasible radio channel and optimum
Access Point position is recommended. Proper Access Point positioning combined with a clear radio
signal will greatly enhance performance.

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1.2.3 Ad-Hoc

An Ad-Hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers, each equipped with one WL-3553 adapter or other
wireless adapters, connected as an independent wireless LAN. Computers in a specific Ad-Hoc
wireless LAN must be configured to share the same radio channel.
Ad-Hoc wireless LAN configurations are appropriate for branch level departments or SOHO
operations.

(WL-3553)

(WL-3553)

WL-8303WL-8303

1.2.4 General Application

WL-3553 offers 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

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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. High security connection

The wireless security network installs quickly and provides the flexibility to reconfigure easily.

1.3 Specification

Product Wire Free – 11Mbps Wireless LAN PCMCIA Adapter

Model Name WL-3553
Attach Interface PCMCIA Type II, CardBus
LED Indicators ACT, LNK
Operating Frequency / Channel 2.412~2.462GHz (FCC, Canada) / 11 Channels

2.412~2.4835GHz (TELEC, Japan) / 14 Channels

2.412~2.472GHz (ETSI, Europe) / 13 Channels

RF Modulation Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) Technology

(CCK, DQPSK, DBPSK)
RF Output Power 16dBm
Sensitivity -83dBm (@ PER<8%)
Data Rate 11, 5.5, 2, 1 Mbps with auto-rate fallback
Media Access Protocol CSMA/CA + ACK
Standard Antenna Build-in patch antenna
Range Up to 1100 feet outdoor and 350 feet indoor
Working Mode Ad-Hoc, Infrastructure, Access Point
Power Consumption TX: 3.3V, 340mA

RX: 3.3V, 160mA

Stand by / sleep mode: 3.3V, 20mA
Dimension (mm) 114*54*5 (L*W*H)
Humidity 0 ~ 90%, non-condensing (Operating and storage)
Temperature 0 ~ 55 degree C (Operating), -10~70 degree C(Storage)
Compatibility Windows 98, Me, 2000, XP, Server 2003 and Linux
Management Utility or Windows XP built-in management interface
STANDARDS COMPLIANCE
Electromagnetic Compatibility FCC Part 15 class B, CE Mark, ETSI 300 328

1.4 Package Contents

Before installation, please check the items of your package. The package should include the

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following items:
WL-3553 x 1
Quick Installation Guide x 1
Drivers and User’s Manual CD x 1

If any of the above items are missing, contact your supplier as soon as possible.

1.5 Minimum System Requirements

Before installation, please check the following requirements with your equipment.

• Operating System: Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/Server 2003 or Linux

• PC with CD-ROM drive

• One CardBus PCMCIA slot

1.6 Installation Considerations

l Please keep the number of walls and ceilings between the Access Point and clients. Each wall or

ceiling can reduce your wireless cover range form 3-90 feet. Position your Access points,
Residential Gateways, and computers so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.

l Building materials make a difference – A solid metal door or aluminum studs may have a negative

effect on range. Try to position Access Points, and computers with wireless adapters so that the
signal passes through drywall or open doorways and not other materials.

l Keep the wireless product away form electrical devices or appliances at least 3-6 foot, which may

generate extreme RF noise.