Rev: 1.0.0
PW-DN451D
150M Wireless N PCI Adapter
1910020429
FCC STATEMENT
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 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 telev ision recepti on, which can be det ermined by turning the equip ment 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 bet w een the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an out let on a circuit diff erent fro m that to which the receiv er
is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an exper i enced radio/ TV technician for help.
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.
2) This device must accept any interference r eceived, including inter ference t hat may caus e
undesired operation.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s auth or ity to operate the equipment.
Note: The manufact ur er is not respons ible f or any radio or t v inter fere nce caus ed by unauthor iz ed
modifications to this equipment. Such modifications could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. This device and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with
any other antenna or transmitter.
“To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, this grant is applicable to only
Mobile Configurations. The antennas used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a
separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in
conjunction with any other ant enna or t r ansmitter.”
Outdoor use limited to 10
Military Radiolocation use. Refarming of the 2.4 GHz
CE Mark Warning
This is a class B product. In a do mestic envir onment, this produ ct may cause radio inter ference, in
which case the user may be required to take adequate me asures.
National restrictions
This device is intended for home and office use in all EU countries (and other countries following
the EU directive 1999/5/ E C) w ithout any limitation except for t he count r ies mentioned below:
Country Restriction Reason/remark
Bulgaria
France
Italy
Luxembourg None
Norway Implemented
Russian Federation Only for indoor applications
Note: Please don’t use the product outdoors in Fran ce.
General authorization r eq uire d f or out door use and
public service
mW e.i.r.p. within the band
2454-2483.5 MHz
If used outside of own premises, general authorization is
band has been ongoing in recent years to allow current
relaxed regulation. Full implem entat ion plan ned 2012
required
General authorization required for network and service
supply(not for spectrum)
This subsection does not appl y f or the geogra phical ar ea
within a radius of 20 km from the centre of Ny-Ålesund
CONTENTS
Package Contents .................................................................................................... 1
Chapter 1 Product Overview ................................................................................. 2
1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 2
1.2 Features ..................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Hardware Overview ................................................................................................... 2
Chapter 2 Installation ............................................................................................. 3
2.1 Hardware Installation ................................................................................................. 3
2.2 Software Installation .................................................................................................. 3
Chapter 3 Connect to a Wireless Network ........................................................... 8
3.1 To connect using AWCU ........................................................................................... 8
3.2 To connect using WPS ............................................................................................ 11
3.2.1 PBC (Push Button Configuration) method ................................................. 11
3.2.2 PIN method ................................................................................................. 12
3.3 To connect using Window s built-in wireles s u tility .................................................. 15
3.3.1 In Windows 7 .............................................................................................. 15
3.3.2 In Windows Vista ........................................................................................ 16
3.3.3 In Windows XP ........................................................................................... 18
Chapter 4 Management ........................................................................................ 21
4.1 Profile ....................................................................................................................... 21
4.1.1 Add a profile ............................................................................................... 21
4.1.2 Modify a profile ........................................................................................... 23
4.1.3 Delete a profile ........................................................................................... 23
4.2 Advanced ................................................................................................................. 24
4.3 About ....................................................................................................................... 24
Chapter 5 AP Mode .............................................................................................. 26
Chapter 6 Uninstall Softwa re ............................................................................... 28
6.1 Uninstall the utility softw ar e from your PC .............................................................. 28
6.2 Uninstall the driver software from your PC.............................................................. 29
Appendix A: Specifications ................................................................................... 30
Appendix B: Glossary ............................................................................................ 31
Package Contents
The following items should be found in your package:
One PW-DN451D 150M Wireless N P CI Adapter
Quick Installation Guide
One Resource CD for PW-DN451D, includ ing:
• AR53 Wireless N Client Utility (AWCU) and Drivers
• User G uide
• Other Helpful Information
Note:
Make sure that the package contains the above items. If any of the listed items is damaged or
missing, please contact with your distributor.
Conventions:
The ‘Adapter’ mentioned in t his user guide stands for PW-DN451D 150M Wireless N PCI Adapter
without any explanations.
1
being transmitted or
PW-DN451D
150M Wireless N PCI Adapter
Chapter 1 Product Overview
1.1 Introduction
The adapter is an 802.11n client device designed to deliver a high-speed and unrivaled wireless
performance for your desktop. With a faster wireless connection, you can get a better Internet
experience, such as down loading, gaming, video str eaming.
The PW-DN451D’s auto-sensing capability allows high packet transfer rate of up to 150Mbps for
maximum throughput. It has good capability on anti-jamming, and it can also interoperate with
other wireless (802.11b) products. The adapter supports WEP, WPA and WPA2 encryption to
prevent outside intrusion and pr otect your personal infor mation from being exposed.
The adapter is easy to install and manage with the Quick Setup Wizard guiding you step-by-step
through the installation process and the AR53 Wireless N Client Utility instructing you to quickly
set up a wireless connecti on.
With unmatched wireless per formance, reception, and sec urity protection, the PW-DN451D is the
best choice for easily addi ng or upgr ading wireless connectivity to your desktop.
1.2 Features
Complies with IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b standards
Supports WPA/WPA2 data security, TKIP/ AES encryption
Supports high rate of up to 150Mbps for maximum throughput, supports automatically adjust
to lower speeds due to distance or ot her operating limitations
Provides 32-bit PCI interface
Supports Ad Hoc and Infrastructur e modes
Good capability on anti-jamming
Supports roaming betw een access points when confi gur ed under Infrastructure mode
Easy to configure and provides monitoring information
Supports Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7
1.3 Hardware Overview
LED status:
Status Working Status
Off
Flashing Slow ly
Flashing Quickly Data is being transmitted or r eceived.
The driver has not been install ed;
The adapter's radio has been disabled.
The driver has been installed but no data is
received.
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Chapter 2 Installation
Please install the PCI adapter into your computer before installing the driver software from the
Resource CD.
2.1 Hardware Installation
1. Turn off your computer and unplug the power cord from the computer.
2. Open the case and locate an available PCI slot. Remove the metal slot cover on the back of
the PC. Keep the screws. Turn to your computer manufacturer for instr uctions if needed.
3. Insert the PCI adapter into the PCI slot. Make sure that all of its pins have touched the slot's
contacts. Once the adapte r has been firm ly inserte d, screw its fastening tab. Then, close your
PC case.
4. Insert t he power cable back into the computer and turn on your computer.
When the Found New Hardware wizard appears, cl ick Cancel.
2.2 Software Installation
The adapter’s Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation procedures for Windows 7,
Windows Vista, and Windows XP. The procedures in different systems are quite similar, theref ore
here takes the procedures in Windows XP for example.
1. Insert the Resource CD into your CD-ROM drive, and open the folder named PW-DN451D.
Double-click Setup.exe to start the installation, and then the following screen for preparing
setup will appear.
Figure 2-1
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150M Wireless N PCI Adapter
2. The InstallShield Wizard window will appear. Click Next to continue.
Figure 2-2
3. Choose a setup type. It is recommended to select Install AR53 Wireless N Client Utility
and Driver. Selecting Install Driver Only will only install dr iver. Click Next to continue.
Figure 2-3
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150M Wireless N PCI Adapter
4. Click Change to specify the destination location for the software or you can leave it default.
Click Next in the screen below to continue.
Figure 2-4
5. Click Install to continue the setup.
Figure 2-5
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150M Wireless N PCI Adapter
6. The utility and drivers will install. This may take 1~2 minutes.
Figure 2-6
7. If Windows XP warns about Windows Logo testing, click Continue Anyway to continue the
installation.
Figure 2-7
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8. After all the steps above, you will see the scr een below. Click Finish to complete the setup.
Figure 2-8
9. After installation, the utility configuration page will automatically pop up as shown in the
following figure and the icon
please refer to Chapter 3 Connect to a Wireless Network
will appear in your system tray. To connect to a network,
.
Figure 2-9
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Chapter 3 Connect to a Wireless Network
With both the hardware and software successfully installed into your computer, you can quickly
connect to a wireless network using one of the following methods.
Method One:
To connect using AWCU
PW-DN451D uses the AR53 Wireless N Client Utility as the management software. The utility
provides you an easy interface to connect to a network and to change any settings related to the
wireless adapter.
Method Two:
To connect using WPS
By this method, you can connect to your network quickly on the condition that your router or
access point supports WPS or QSS as is ca l led by some other brands.
Method Three:
To connect using Windo ws bui lt -in wireless utility
Windows users may use the built-in wireless utility to connect to a wireless network. For specific
operations, please go to To connect using Windows built-in wireless u tility
3.1 To connect using AWCU
1. After installation, the utility configuration page will automatically pop up on the screen. If the
.
utility page does not pop up, you can also launch the utility by double-clicking on the
icon on your desktop or the
2. The Network page will display all wireless networks that are available in your area. To
connect to a network, sim ply highlight the wireless network name and click Connect.
SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the name of the wireless network. The adapter will
automatically connect t o your target network next time if you tick Connect automatically .
icon in your system tray.
Figure 3-1
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150M Wireless N PCI Adapter
Figure 3-2
3. If word None appears behind the SSID, this means the network to be connected is not
security-enabled and you can connect to the network without entering a key. To prevent
outside intrusion and safeguard your network, it is strongly recommended to set a password
to your router or access point.
If there is a “lock” icon behind the SSID, this means the wireless network is secure and the
corresponding security type will display. You must know the encryption key/security settings
to connect.
Input the password which can be found on the configuration page of your router or access
point, then click OK to continue. Or push the QSS/WPS button on your router if your router
features the QSS/WPS function to quick ly build a connection without having to enter a key.
Figure 3-3
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150M Wireless N PCI Adapter
Figure 3-4
4. You have now successfully connected to your network. Click Close to enjoy the Internet.
Figure 3-5
5. To view more information about the network currently connected, click Status in the tools
section and the page will display information such as the network type, link quality and
wireless mode.
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150M Wireless N PCI Adapter
3.2 To connect using WPS
Figure 3-6
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) function allows you to add a new wireless device to an existing
network quickly.
If the wireless router supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) or QSS, you can establish a wireless
connection between wireless card and router using either Push Button Configuration (PBC)
method or PIN method. Three WPS connection methods are liste d in t he f ol lowing parts while the
third method is only supported in Windows XP and Windows Vista.
3.2.1 PBC (Push Button Configuration) method
1. Press the WPS/QSS button on the back panel of the r out er .
2. Open AWCU and cli ck WPS tab. Select Push the button on my access point or wireless
router and then click Connect.
Figure 3-7
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150M Wireless N PCI Adapter
3. The adapter will be connecting to the target net work.
Figure 3-8
4. When the following window appears, you have successfully conne ct ed to the network.
Figure 3-9
3.2.2 PIN method
There are two ways to configure the QSS by PIN method:
1) Enter the PIN from your AP device.
2) Enter a PIN into your AP device.
Following are detailed con figur at ion procedures of each way.
3.2.2.1. Enter the PIN from your AP device
1. Open AWCU and click WPS tab. Select Enter the PIN of my access point or wireless
router. In the empty field beside PIN, enter the PIN labeled on the bottom of the router (here
takes 13492564 for example). If you have generated a new PIN code for your router, please
enter the new one instead. Click Connect to contin ue.
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Figure 3-10
2. The adapter will be connecting to the target net work.
Figure 3-11
3. When Figure 3-9 appears, you have successfully connec t ed to the network.
3.2.2.2. Enter a PIN into your AP device
This method is only available i n Windows XP and Windows Vist a.
1. Open AWCU and click WPS tab. Select Enter the PIN of this device into my access point
or wireless router. In the field beside PIN, you will see t he PIN value of the adapter which is
randomly generated. Click Connect to continue.
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150M Wireless N PCI Adapter
Figure 3-12
2. Open your router’s W eb-based Utility and click WPS/QSS link on the left of the main menu.
Then click Add devi ce and the following figure w ill appear. Enter the PIN va lue of the ad apter
in the empty field beside PIN an d then click Connect.
Figure 3-13
3. When Connect successfully appears on the screen, the WPS configuration is complete. Or
you can view the adapter ’s utility page t o see w heth er t he con nection has b ee n succ essful as
shown in Figure 3-15.
Figure 3-14
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150M Wireless N PCI Adapter
Figure 3-15
3.3 To connect using Windows bui lt-in wireless utility
3.3.1 In Windows 7
Windows 7 users may use t he built-in wireless utility. Fol low the steps below.
1. Left-click the wireless icon
any available wireless networks in your area. Highlight the wireless network (displayed using
the SSID) to be connected and t hen click Connect.
in your system tray (lower-right corner). The utility will display
2. If the network you would like to connect is security-enabled, enter the same security key or
passphrase that is o n your router. Or push the WPS button (other bran ds may call it QSS) on
the router or access point (You will be prompted to push the button on the window if
WPS/QSS function is sup ported as s hown in the figure be low). If the net work t o be conne cted
is not secure, the connection will be built without entering a key .
Figure 3-16
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PW-DN451D
150M Wireless N PCI Adapter
Figure 3-17
3. You have now successfully connected to the network.
3.3.2 In Windows Vista
Windows Vista users may use the built-in wireless utility. Follow the steps below.
1. Open the wireles s utility by right-clicking on the wireless computer icon in your system tray as
shown in the figure below. Sel ect C onnect to a network.
Figure 3-18
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PW-DN451D
150M Wireless N PCI Adapter
Figure 3-19
2. The utility will display any available wireless networks in your area. Highlight the wireless
network you would like to conn ec t and t hen click Connect.
Figure 3-20
3. If the network you would like to connect is security-enabled, enter the same security key or
passphrase that is on your router. If the network to be connected is not secure, the
connection will be built wit hout ent er i ng a key.
Figure 3-21
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150M Wireless N PCI Adapter
4. You have now successfully connected to the network.
Figure 3-22
3.3.3 In Windows XP
Windows XP users may use t he built-in wireless utility. Follow the steps below.
1. Right-click on the utility icon in your system tray (lower-right corner). Select Switch to
Windows wirel e ss configuratio n t ool.
Figure 3-23
Or double-click the utility icon to load the utility configuration page. Click Advanced in the
tools section and then select Use Windows wireless configuration tool in the figure shown
below. Click OK when Figure 3-25 appears to contin ue.
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Figure 3-24
Figure 3-25
2. Right-click on the wireless computer icon in your system tray (lower-right corner). Select
View Available Wirel ess Networks.
Figure 3-26
3. The utility will display any available wireless networks in your area. Click on a network
(displayed using the SSID ) and c l ick the Connect button.
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Figure 3-27
4. If the network is security-enabled, you will be prompted to enter the key as shown below. If
not, you will connect to the netw ork directly without entering a key.
Figure 3-28
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150M Wireless N PCI Adapter
Chapter 4 Management
This section will show you how to conf igure your PW-DN451D adapter using th e AR53 Wireless N
Client Utility (AWCU).
The PW-DN451D adapter uses the AR53 Wireless N Clie nt Utility as the management software.
The utility provides users with an easy interface to change any settings related to the adapter.
Double-clicking on the icon on your desktop will start the utility.
4.1 Profile
Your wireless networks may vary in different places like home, office or coffee shop. With Profile
management, you can easily sav e and manag e v arious netw or ks to be c onne cted, sav ing you t he
trouble of having to repeat the same configurati ons. Click Profile in the tools s ection, the fol lowing
page will appear.
Figure 4-1
4.1.1 Add a profile
To add a profile, click the Add button on the bottom of the screen. Then the conf iguration window
will appear.
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Figure 4-2
The following items can b e fou nd on the screen.
Profile Name: Enter a name for your profile (e.g. Home, Office, CoffeeShop). The same
name is not allowed. Plea se also note that no space is allowed between words.
SSID: Select the target network from the drop-dow n list.
Network Type: Select the network type. If you are connecting to a wireless router or access
point, select Infrastructure. If you are connecting to another wireless client such as an
adapter, select ad-hoc.
Security Type: Select the security type from the list. Three options are available:
WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK, WEP and None. The security type should be the same as on your
router or access point, other wise, you will not be able to build a suc ces sful connection.
WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK uses a passphrase or key to authenticate your wireless connection.
The key must be the exact same key entered on your wireless router or access point. None
stands for no security. It is recommended to enable WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK on your wireless
router or access point bef or e configuring your wireless ad apt er .
Encryption Type: From the drop-down menu, select the encryption type that is the same as
on your router or access point.
Secu ri ty K e y: Enter the passphrase exactly as it is on your wireless router or access point.
Click the Show characters box t o see t he passphrase. Unchec kin g it w il l hide it.
Start this connection automatically: check this box t o automat ically con nect t o this networ k
next time.
Save: Click Save to save your set t ings.
Complete the above sett ings, the Pr ofile pa ge shou ld loo k like the fo llowing fig ure. To conn ect to a
desired network, just highlight the network you would like to connect to and click the Connect
button on the bottom of the w indow .
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150M Wireless N PCI Adapter
4.1.2 Modify a profile
Figure 4-3
You may edit an existing profile by clicking the Modify button from the Profile page. For instance,
you may like to change the profile name from test to test1 or you may want to specify another
SSID for profile Home. After all the changes, click Save to make the changes take effect.
Figure 4-4
4.1.3 Delete a profile
To delete an existing profile, highlight the profile name and click Remove on the bottom of the
screen or press the Delete button on your keyboard. When the following figure appears, click OK
to continue.
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150M Wireless N PCI Adapter
Figure 4-5
4.2 Advanced
The following configurati ons can be made on the Advanced page:
1) To select wireless configuration tool.
Here you can decide which tool to use, either the AWCU or the Windows wireless
configuration tool. This option is available only in Windows XP.
2) To switch to another wirel es s net w ork adapter.
Here you can switch to an other adapt er instal led in your co mputer. The adapte rs successf ully
installed in your computer will be listed in the drop-down menu if the adapters are supported
by this utility.
3) To switch to SoftAP mode.
Once enabled, the adapter will be able to work as an AP. This option is only available in
Windows 7.
4) To change the power save mode. The default option is ON.
4.3 About
The About screen gives you information about the Driver and Utility versions of the adapter.
Right-click on the
Figure 4-6
icon in your system tray and select About from the list.
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150M Wireless N PCI Adapter
Figure 4-7
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Chapter 5 AP Mode
In Soft AP mode, the adapt er w ill work as an AP. This function is available only in Windows7.
Suppose that only one computer in your house can access the Internet for various reasons like
only one WLAN port is availab le on y our wired bro adband r outer, howev er, ot her wireless-capable
devices also want to share the Internet. Then the adapter can be configured as an AP under the
Soft AP mode, saving you the trouble of having to get a separate access point or a router.
With this feature, a comput er can use a single phy sical wire less adapter t o connect as a client to a
hardware access point while at the same time acting as a software AP allowing other
wireless-ca pable devices to connect t o it.
To switch to this mode, right-click on the utility icon in your system tray and select Switch to
SoftAP mode.
Figure 5-1
Or from the Advanced page of the utility, tick ON under the SoftAP mode as shown in the
following figure. Click OK when prompted to confirm the setting.
Figure 5-2
The Soft AP icon should then ap pear beside Advanced icon in the utility.
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150M Wireless N PCI Adapter
Figure 5-3
SoftAP mode: Select to enable or disable t he function.
Internet Connecting Share(ICS): Specify a connection through which devices connected to
your AP can access the Inter net .
SSID: Enter the na me for your soft AP (for exampl e, Jone) so t hat ot hers can know which AP
is yours when trying to connect t o it .
Security Type: The security type here is set t o be WPA2-PSK which is based on 802.1 1i and
uses Advanced Encryption Standard instead of TKIP. It was designed to improv e the secur ity
features of WEP. WPA2-PSK uses a passphrase or key to authenticate your wireless
connection. You needn’t make any configuration her e.
Encryption Type: The encrypt ion type here is set to be AES.
Security Key: Enter the Key in the field to make your AP security enabled (for example
123456789). Only by entering the corresponding key can other computers establish a
successful connection w ith your AP.
IP Address: Here displays the IP address of the Soft AP.
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Chapter 6 Uninstall Software
6.1 Uninstall the utility software from your PC
1. On the Windows taskbar, click StartAll programsWirelessUninstall-AR53 Wireless
N Client Utility.
Figure 6-1 Uninstall Utilit y
2. Follow the Install Shield Wizard to uninstall the utili t y software from your PC.
Figure 6-2
3. Click Finish when the figure below appears.
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Figure 6-3
6.2 Uninstall the driver software from your PC
1. On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, click All programsWireless, and then
click Uninstall-PW-DN451D Driver.
2. Click Uninstall shown in above Figure 6-4, the system will uninst al l t he driver software of the
adapter from your PC.
Figure 6-4 Uninstall Drive r
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Normal
Interface
32 bit PCI Interface
Standards
IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b
Operating System
Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7
Throughput
150Mbps (Maximal)
11b:CCK,QPSK,BPSK
Media Access Protocol
CSMA/CA with A CK
Data Security
WPA/WPA2, WEP, TKIP/AES
Frequency*
2.4 ~ 2.4835GHz
Spread Spectrum
Direct Sequence Sprea d Spectrum (DSSS)
Safety & Emissions
FCC, CE
Environment al and Phy si cal
Appendix A: Specifications
11b: 1/2/5.5/11Mbps
Radio Data Rate
11g: 6/9/12/18/24/36/48/54Mbps
11n: Up to 150Mbps
Modulation
Working Temperature 0℃~40℃ (32℉~104℉)
Working Humidity 10% ~ 90% RH, Non-condensing
Storage Temperature -40℃~ 70℃(-40℉~158℉)
Storage Humidity 5% ~ 90% RH, No n-condensing
* Only 2.412GHz~2.462GHz is allowed to be used in USA, which means only channel 1~11 is
available for American users to choose.
11g:OFDM
11n: QPSK, BPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM
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Appendix B: Glossary
802.11b - The 802.11b standard specifies a wireless product networking at 11 Mbps using
direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) technology and operating in the unlicensed radio
spectrum at 2.4GHz, and WEP encry pt ion for sec ur ity. 802.11b networks are also referred t o
as Wi-Fi networks.
802.11g - Specification for wireless networking at 54 Mbps using direct-sequence
spread-spectrum (DSSS) technology, using OFDM modulation and operating in the
unlicensed radio spectru m at 2.4GHz , and backward comp atibility with IEEE 802.11b dev ices,
and WEP encryption for s ecur ity.
802.11n - 802.11n builds upon previous 802.11 standards by adding MIMO (multiple-input
multiple-output ). MIM O uses multiple t ransmitt er and receiver antennas to allow for increased
data throughput via spat ial mu ltiplexing a nd incre ased rang e by exp loiting t he spatial d iversity ,
perhaps through coding schemes like Alamouti coding. The Enhanced Wireless Consortium
(EWC) was formed to help accelerate the IEEE 802.11n developme nt process and promote a
technology specification for interoperability of next-generation wireless local area networking
(WLAN) products.
Ad hoc Network - An ad hoc network is a group of computers, each w ith a Wireless Adapter,
connected as an indepen dent 802. 11 wireless LAN. Ad hoc wireless computers operate on a
peer-to-peer basis, communic ating dire ctly with each ot her without t he use of an access poi nt.
Ad hoc mode is also referred to as an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS) or as
peer-to-peer mode, and is useful at a departmental scale or SOHO operation.
DSSS - (Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum) - DSSS generates a r edu nda nt bit patt ern f or a ll
data transmitted. This bit pattern is called a chip (or chipping code). Even if one or more bits
in the chip are damaged during transmission, stat i s t i cal t echniques embedded in t he r eceiver
can recover the original data without the need of retransmission. To an unintended receiver,
DSSS appears as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most narrowband
receivers. However, to an intended receiver (i.e. another wireless LAN endpoint), the DSSS
signal is recognized as the only valid signal, and interference is inherently rejected (ig nor ed).
FHSS - (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) - FHSS continuously changes (hops) the
carrier frequency of a conventional carrier several times per second according to a
pseudo-random set of channels. Because a fixed frequency is not used, and only the
transmitter and receiver k now t he hop patterns, interceptio n of FHSS is extremely difficult.
Infrastructure Network - An infrastructure networ k i s a group o f co mputer s or other device s,
each with a Wireless Adapter, connected as an 802.11 wireless LAN. In infrastructure mode,
the wireless devices communicate with each other and to a wired network by first going
through an access point. An infrastructure wireless network connected to a wired network is
referred to as a Basic Service Set (BSS). A set of two or more BSS in a single network is
referred to as an Extended Service Set (ESS). Infrastructure mode is useful at a corporation
scale, or when it is necessar y to connect the wired and wireless networks.
Spread Spectrum - Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequency technique
developed by the military for use in rel iable, s ecur e, miss ion-critical communications systems.
It is designed to trade off bandwidth efficiency for reliability, integrity, and security. In other
words, more bandwidth is consumed than in the case of narrowband transmission, but the
trade off produces a signal that is, in effect, louder an d thus easier to det ect, prov ided that the
receiver knows the param eters of t he sprea d-spectr um signal be ing broad cast. If a receiver is
not tuned to the right frequency, a spread-spectrum signal looks like background noise.
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PW-DN451D
150M Wireless N PCI Adapter
There are two main alternatives, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency
Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS).
SSID - A Service Set Identification is a thirty-two character (maximum) alphanumeric key
identifying a wireless local area network. For the wireless devices in a network to
communicate with each other, all devices must be configured with the same SSID. This is
typically the configuration parameter for a wireless PC card. It corresponds to the ESSID in
the wireless Access Point and to the wireless network name. See also Wireless Network
Name and ESSID.
WEP - (Wired Equivalent Privacy) - A data privacy mecha nism based on a 64 -bit or 1 28-bit or
152-bit shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard. To gain access to a
WEP network, you must know the key. The key is a string of characters that you create.
When using WEP, you must determine the level of encryption. The type of encryption
determines the key length. 128-bit encryption requires a longer key than 64-bit encryption.
Keys are defined by entering in a string in HEX (hexadecimal - using characters 0-9, A-F) or
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange – alphanumeric characters)
format. ASCII format is provided so you can enter a string that is easier to remember. The
ASCII string is converted to HEX for use over the network. Four keys can be defined so that
you can change keys easily .
Wi-Fi - A trade name for the 802.11b wireless networking standard, given by the Wireless
Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA, see http://www.wi-fi.net), an industry standards
group promoting interoperability among 802.11b dev ices.
WLAN - (Wireless Local Area Network) - A group of computers and associated devices
communicate with each other wirelessly, which network serving users are limited in a local
area.
WPA - (Wi-Fi Protected Access) - A wireless security protocol uses TKIP (Temporal Key
Integrity Protocol) encryption, which can be used in conj unction with a RADIUS serv er .
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