Smc SMC2662W User Manual

™

EZ Connect

Wireless USB Adapter

 11 Mbps data rate – provides alternative to wired LANs

that can dramatically cut costs

 Working range up to 160 m (528 ft) at 11 Mbps,

350 m (1,155 ft) at 1 Mbps

 Seamless connectivity to wired Ethernet LANs

augments existing networks quickly and easily

 DSSS technology provides robust,

interference-resistant, and secure wireless connections

 Supports a wide range of operating systems

(Windows 98/Me/2000/XP)

 Easy installation
 Dual dipole antenna

User Guide

SMC2662W

EZ Connect

June 2002

Part Number: 01-111393-009

Wireless USB Adapter
User Guide

The easy way to make all your network connections

38 Tesla
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: [phone]

Copyright

Information furnished by SMC Networks, Inc. (SMC) is believed to be accurate and reliable.
However, no responsibility is assumed by SMC for its use, nor for any infringements of patents
or other rights of third parties which may r esu lt from its use. No license is granted by
implicatio n or otherwise u nder any patent or pa tent rights of SMC. SMC reserves the right to
change specifications at any time without notice.

Copyright © 2002 by

SMC Networks, Inc.
38 Tesla, Irvine, CA.

All rights reserved. Printed in Taiwan

Trademarks:

SMC is a registered trademark; and EZ Connect is a trademark of SMC Networks, Inc. Other
product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Limited Warranty Statement: SMC Netw or ks, Inc. (“SMC”) warrants its products
to be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and
service, for the applicable warranty term. All SMC products carry a standard 90-day
limited warranty from the date of purchase from SMC or its Authorized Reseller.
SMC may, at its own discretion, repair or replace any product not operating as
warranted with a similar or functionally equivalent product, during the applicable
warranty term. SMC will endeavor to repair or replace any product returned under
warranty within 30 days of receipt of the product.

The standard limited warranty can be upgraded to a Limited Lifetime* warranty by
registering new products within 30 days of purchase from SMC or its Authorized
Reseller. Registration can be accomplished via the enclosed product registration
card or online via the SMC web site. Failure to register will not affect the standard
limited warranty. The Limited Lifetime warranty covers a product during the Life of
that Product, which is defined as the period of time during which the product is an
“Active” SMC product. A prod uc t is considered to be “Active” while it is listed on
the current SMC price list. As new technologies emerge, older technologies become
obsolete and SMC will, at its discretion, replace an older product in its product line
with one that incorporates these newe r technologies. At that point, the obsole te
product is discontinued and is no longer an “Active” SMC product. A list of
discontinued products with their respective dates of discontinuance can be found at

http://www.smc.com/index.cfm?action=customer_service_warranty

All products that are replaced become the property of SMC. Re placement products
may be either new or reconditioned. Any replaced or repaired product carries
either a 30-day limited warran ty or the rem aind er of the in it ial war ranty , whi cheve r
is longer. SMC is not responsible for any custom software or firmware,
configuration information, or memory data of Customer contained in, stored on, or
integrated with any products returned to SMC pursuant to any warranty. Products
returned to SMC should have any customer-installed accessory or add-on
components, such as expansion modules, removed prior to returning the product
for replacement. SMC is not responsible for these items if they are returned with the
product.

Customers must contact SMC for a Return Material Authorization number prior to
returning any product to SMC. Proof of purchase may be required. Any product
returned to SMC without a valid Return Material Authorization (RMA) number
clearly marked on the outside of the package will be returned to customer at
customer’s expense. For warranty claims within North America, please call our
toll-free customer support number at [phone]. Customers are responsible for
all shipping charges from their facility to SMC. SMC is responsible for return
shipping charges from SMC to customer.

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L

IMITED WARRANTY

WARRANTIES EXCLUSIVE: IF AN SMC PRODUCT DOES NOT OPE RATE AS
WARRANTED ABOVE, CUSTOMER’S SOLE REMEDY SHALL BE REPAIR OR
REPLACEMENT OF THE PRODUCT IN QUES TION, AT SMC’S OPTION. THE
FOREGOING WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND ARE IN LIEU
OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, EITHER
IN FACT OR BY OPERATION OF LAW, ST ATUTORY OR OTHER W ISE, I NCLUD ING
WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
P ARTICULA R PUR POSE. SMC N EITHE R ASSUM ES NOR A UTHORIZE S ANY OTHE R
PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT ANY OTHER LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH
THE SALE, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE OR USE OF ITS PRODUCTS. SMC
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER THIS WARRANTY IF ITS TESTING AND
EXAMINATION DISCLOSE THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT DOES NOT
EXIST OR WAS CAUSED BY CUSTOMER’S OR ANY THIRD PERSON’S MISUSE,
NEGLECT, IMPROPER INSTALLATION OR TESTING, UNAUTHORIZED ATTEMPTS
TO REPAIR, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE BEYOND THE RANGE OF THE INTENDED
USE, OR BY ACCIDENT, FIRE, LIGHTNING, OR OTHER HAZARD.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: IN NO EVENT, WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT OR
TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), SHALL SMC BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL,
CONSEQUENTIA L, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OF ANY KIND,
OR FOR LOSS OF REVENUE, LOSS OF BUSINESS, OR OTHER FINANCIAL LOSS
ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE, I NSTALLATION,
MAINTENANCE, USE, PERFORMANCE, FAILURE, OR INTERRUPTION OF ITS
PRODUCTS, EVEN IF SMC OR ITS AUTHORIZED RESELLER HAS BEEN ADVISED
OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR
THE LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR
CONSUMER PRODUCTS , SO THE AB OVE LIMI TATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS MAY
NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS,
WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. NOTHING IN THIS WARRANTY
SHALL BE TAKEN TO AFFECT YOUR STATUTORY RIGHTS.

* SMC will provide warranty service for one year following discontinuance from the
active SMC price list. Un.der the limited lifetime warranty, internal and external
power supplies, fans, and cables are covered by a standard one-year warranty from
date of purchase.

SMC Networks, Inc.

38 Tesla

Irvine, CA 92618

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C

OMPLIANCES

FCC - Class B

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 instructions, may caus e har m ful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that the
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 the receiving antenna

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver

• Connect the equipment into an outl et on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected

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

Note:

In order to maintain compliance with the limits of a Class B digital device,
SMC requires that you use a quality interface cable when connecting to this
device. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by SMC could
void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Attach unshielded twisted-pair cable (UTP) to the RJ-45 port and shielded
USB cable to the USB port.

Industry Canada - Class B

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus as set out in the inte rference-causing equipment standard
entitled “Digital Apparatus,” ICES-003 of Industry Canada.

Cet appareil numérique respecte les limites de bruits radioélectriques applicables
aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans la norme sur le matérial
brouilleur: “Appareils Numériques,” NMB-003 édictée par l’Industrie.

iii

C

OMPLIANCES

EC Conformance Declaration - Class B

SMC contact for these products in Europe is:

SMC Networks Europe,
Edificio Conata II,
Calle Fructuós Gelabert 6-8, 2
08970 - Sant Joan Despí,
Barcelona, Spain.

This information technology equipment complies with the requirements of the
Council Directive 89/336/EEC on the Approximation of the laws of the
Member States relating to Electromagnetic Compatibility and 73/23/EEC for
electrical equipment used within certain voltage limits and the Amendment
Directive 93/68/EEC. For the evaluation of the compliance with these
Directives, the following standards were applied:

RFI Emission:

Immunity:

LVD:

• Limit class B accor din g to EN 55022:1998

• Limit class B for harmonic current emission according to
EN 61000-3-2/1995

• Limitation of voltage fluctuation and flicker in low-voltage
supply system accordin g to EN 6100 0-3 -3/ 199 5

• Product family standard according to EN 55024:1998

• Electrostatic Discharge according to EN 61000-4-2:1995
(Contact Discharge: ±4 kV, Air Discharge: ±8 kV)

• Radio-frequency electromagnetic field according to
EN 61000-4-3:1996 (80 - 1000 MHz with 1 kHz AM 80%
Modulation: 3 V/m)

• Electrical fast transient/burst according to EN 61000-4-4:1995
(AC/DC power supply: ±1 kV, Data/Signal lines: ±0.5 kV)

• Surge immunity test according to EN 61000-4-5:1995
(AC/DC Line to Line: ±1 kV, AC/DC Line to Earth: ±2 kV)

• Immunity to conducted disturbances, Induced by
radio-frequency fields: EN 61000-4-6:1996 (0.15 - 80 MHz with
1 kHz AM 80% Modulation: 3 V/m)

• Power frequency magnetic field immunity test according to
EN 61000-4-8:1993 (1 A/m at frequency 50 Hz)

• Voltage dips, short interruptions and voltage variations immunity
test according to EN 61000-4-11:1994 (>95% Reduction @10 ms,
30% Reduction @500 ms, >95% Reduction @5000 ms)

• EN 60950 (A1/1992; A2/1993; A3/1993; A4/1995; A11/1997)

o

, 4a,

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T

ABLE OF

EZ Connect™ Wireless USB Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Hardware Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

LED Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Package Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Hardware Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Driver Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Windows 98/Me Driver Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Setting Wireless Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Windows 2000 Driver Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Windows XP Driver Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Configuration and Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Utility Installation in Windows 98, Me, and 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Using the EZ Connect Wireless USB Utility

in Windows 98, Me, and 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Quick-Launch Icon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Site Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Encryption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Advanced Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Using the Windows XP Configuration Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Basic Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Advanced Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

C

ONTENTS

v

T

ABLE OF CONTENTS

Network Configuration and Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Network Topologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Setting the Communication Domain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Stationary Wireless PCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Roaming Wireless PCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Network Connection Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

SMC Networks 802.11b SMC2662W Wireless USB Adapter

Maximum Distance Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

vi

™

EZ C

W

IRELESS

SMC’s EZ Connect Wireless USB Adapter, SMC2662W, is an
11 Mbps wireless network adap ter that seamlessly integrates with
existing Ethernet net w or ks to s up port applications such as m obile
users or temporary conferences.

This solution offers fast and r el iable wireless connectivity wit h
considerable cost savings over wired LANs, which include
long-term maintenance overhead for cabling. Just plug wireless
adapters into your desktop PCs and start networking.

Using this adapter in conjunction with an SMC EZ Connect
Wireless Access Point or Wireless Access Point/Bridge, you can
create an instant network that integrates seamlessly with 10 Mbps
Ethernet LANs. More over , mo ving or e xpanding y our network is as
easy as moving or installing additional Wireless APs/Bridges – no
wires!

USB A

ONNECT

DAPTER

1

EZ C

PWR On

Power is being supplied to the adapter.

Link On

Adapter is receiving or transmitting data via a wireless

connection.

ONNECT

™ W

IRELESS

USB A

DAPTER

Hardware Description

SMC’s EZ Connect Wireless USB
Adapter supports an 11 Mbps
half-duplex co nnection to
Ethernet networks. This adapter is
fully compliant with 2.4 GHz DSSS
CSMA/CA wireless networking as
defined in IEEE 802.1 1b. It ca n be
installed in a ny notebook or
desktop with a USB port. Support
is currently provid ed for Windows
98/Me/2000/XP.

LED Indicator

The EZ Connect Wireless USB Adapter includes two LED indicators,
as described in the following figure and table.

Status Description

2

Applications

EZ Connect wireless products offer fast, reliable, cost-effective
network access for wireless clients in applications such as:

• Remote access to corporate network information

E-mail, file transfer, and terminal emulation

• Difficult-to-wire environments

Historic or old buildings, asbestos installations, and open areas
where wiring i s difficult to employ

• Frequently changing environments

Retailers, manufacturers, an d ba nks who frequently rearrange
the workplace and change location

• Temporary LANs for special projects or peak time

Trade shows, exhibitions, and construction sites that need to
setup for a short time period. Retailers, airline, and sh ipping
companies who need additional workstations for peak
periods. Auditors who require work groups at customer sites

A

PPLICATIONS

• Access to databases for mobile workers

Doctors, nurses, retailers, white-collar workers who need
access to databases while being mobile in a hospital, retail
store, office, campus etc.

•SOHO users

SOHO (Small Office Home Office) users who need quick and
easy installation of a small computer network

3

I

NSTALLATION

Package Checklist

The EZ Connect Wireless USB Adapter package includes:

• 1 EZ Connect Wireless USB Adapter with one dipole antenna
(SMC2662W)

• 1 CD-ROM containing drivers, utility and documentation

•1 USB cable

•This User Guide

Please register this product and upgrade the product warranty at
www.smc.com.

Please inform your dealer if there are any incorrect, missing, or
damaged parts. If p ossib le, reta in the ca rton, includin g the or iginal
packing materials. Use them again to repack the pr oduc t if th ere is
a need to return it for repair.

System Requirements

Before you install the E Z Co nn ect Wireless USB Adapter, check
your system meets the following requirements:

• An available USB port.

• Windows 98/Me/2000/XP (have the Windows installation
CD-ROM ready for use during driver installation).

• A minimum of 1 MB of free disk space for installing the driver
and utility program.

4

H

ARDWARE INSTALLATION

• Another IEEE 802.1 1b compliant device install ed in your
network, such as the SMC2655W Wireless Access Point, or
another PC with a wireless adapter.

Hardware Installation

1. Select an available USB port on the PC.

2. Carefully insert the USB cable’s Type-A plug (i.e., the flat pl ug)

into the USB port and press until it is firmly seated in the port.

3. Insert the other end of the cab le into the SMC26 62W.

Driver Installation

Warning: Backup your driver CD and use the copy as the workin g

disk to protect the original from accid ental damage.

The CD-ROM that comes with the package contains all the
software/drivers available for the EZ Connect Wireless USB
adapter. New or updated drivers can be downloaded from SMC’s
web site at:

http://www.smc.com

For installation in Win do ws 98/Me see the follow i ng pages. For
Windows 2000 go to “Windows 2000 Driver Installation” on page
21, and for Windows XP see “Windows XP Driver Installation” on
page 24.

5

I

NSTALLATION

Windows 98/Me Driver Installation

1. Windows 98/Me wil l au tomatically detect the new hardware
and prompt you to install the driver. Click Next.

2. Check “Specify a location,” and type E:\Drivers\win982k
(assuming E: is the location of your CD drive). Insert the
CD into the CD drive and click Next.

6

D

RIVER INSTALLATION

3. Click Next to copy files from the CD. Windows may ask you
for the Windows 98 CD. If so, re move the EZ Con nect Wir eless
USB adapter CD, insert the Windows 98 CD and click OK.

4. Click Finish to complete the driver inst allat ion. Y ou may be
asked to restart the computer. Click Yes.

7

I

NSTALLATION

Setting Wireless Properties

1. Click Start/Settings/Control Panel. Double-click the Network
icon.

2. Click on the “Iden tificati on” tab i n the Net work dialo g box and
specify your computer nam e and net wor k workg r oup .

8

D

RIVER INSTALLATION

3. If you want to add more protocols after installation, go to the
“Configuration” tab and click Add.

4. Double-click Protocol and add the network pr otocols y ou wish
to use. If you install TCP/IP, be sure to set the appropriate
Gateway, DNS Server, and Domain for your network. If you
install an IPX/SPX compatible protocol, then you also need to
install the Client fo r Ne tWare Networks.

5. Click File and Print Sharing and check the boxes as required.

6. On the Configuration tab, double-click the SMC2662W adapter.

9

I

NSTALLATION

7. On the Advanced tab you will find a list of properties. To
communicate with SMC 11 Mbps Wireless devices, set the
“Authentic a t ion Type” to “Shared Key.”

Note: Pro duc ts from some other vendors may use the setting

“Open System.” Use the same setting as the other
devices in your netwo rk.

10

D

RIVER INSTALLATION

8. Set the “Channel” to the same radio channel as that used by
the other wireless clients in your group. However, if you are
connecting to a network via an access point, the adapter will
automatically set the channel to the same as that used by the
access point.

11

I

NSTALLATION

9. Wired Equival ent Pri vacy (WEP) is implemen ted in t he adapt er
to prevent unauthorized access. For more secure data
transmissions, set encryption to “128-bit” or “64-bit.” The
128-bit setting gives a higher level o f secur ity. The sett ing mu st

same for all clients in your wireless network. (Default:

be the
Disabled)
Configuration Utility. See “Encryption” on page 34.

To completely configure WEP you must use the

12

D

RIVER INSTALLATION

10. Set the “Fragmentation Threshold.” (The default 2,346 means
“Disabled”) See “Terminology” on page 49 for a description of
“Fragmenta tion Threshold.”

13

I

NSTALLATION

11. Set the “Operating Mode” to “Ad Hoc” or “I nfrastructure”
depending on the type of network to wh ich you want to
connect.

14

D

RIVER INSTALLATION

12. “Preamble Type” offers a dropdown list with three opti ons:
Auto, Long, or Short. (see “Terminology” on page 49 for an
explanation of “Preambl e Type”) If yo u aren't sure whethe r all
the Clients and Access Point radios in your wireless network
support the Short RF preamble, then leave this setting on
“Long.” (Default)

15

I

NSTALLATION

13. “Rate (Mbps)” is the data transmission/reception rate setting. It
can be set to Auto, 1 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, or 11 Mb ps.
Usually this should be set to Aut o. In a radio f requency host ile
environment, a lower rate can provide more stable
transmission quality.

16

D

RIVER INSTALLATION

14. Set the “RTS Threshold” to the same as that used by other
devices in your network. (T he def ault 2,34 7 means “ Disabled ”)
See “Terminology” on page 49 for a description of “R TS
Threshold.”

17

I

NSTALLATION

15. Set the “SSID” identifier to the same as that used by the ad hoc
workgroup or access point to which yo u want to connec t. (The
SMC2655W Access Point default is WLAN) If you will be
roaming amon g m ultiple access p oints with different BSS IDs,
leave this field blank to allow connection to any SSID.

18

D

RIVER INSTALLATION

16. The WEP encryption implemented in SMC’s Wireless USB
adapter is based on the R C4 encrypti on algori thm. The sec urity
keys are four 10 digit keys for the 64-bit WEP setting, and one
26-digit key for the 128-bit WEP setting. WEP must be set in
the configuration utility and all changes can be made there.
See “Using the EZ Connect Wireless USB Utility in Windows
98, Me, and 2000” on page 28, or “Using the Windows XP
Configuration Tool” on page 37, for details).

19

I

NSTALLATION

17. “WEP Key to use” shows the key that will be us ed (1~4) for
encryption.

18. Click OK to exit the open screens and click Yes to restart the
computer if asked to do so. Go to “Utility Installation in
Windows 98, Me, and 2000” on page 27.

20

D

RIVER INSTALLATION

Windows 2000 Driver Installation

1. Windows 2000 w ill au tomatica lly det ect th e new har dware and
prompt you to install the driver.

2. Click Next.

21

I

NSTALLATION

3. Type E:\Drivers\win982k (assuming E: is the location of your
CD drive.) Insert the CD into the CD drive and click Next.

4. Click Next to copy files from the CD.

5. The “Digital Signature Not Found” screen will open. Click Yes
to continue the installation

22

D

RIVER INSTALLATION

6. On the “Completi ng the Fo und New Hard ware Wizar d” screen ,
click Finish to complete the driver installation. The “System
Settings Change” box may ask you to restart the computer. If
so, click Yes.

7. Driver installatio n is now co mplete. Go to “Utility Installation
in Windows 98, M e, and 2000” o n page 27 i f you wish t o install
the optional configuration utility.

23

I

NSTALLATION

Windows XP Driver Installation

1. Windows XP will automati cally detect the new hardw are and
prompt you to install the driver. Check “Install from a list or
specific location (Advanced)” and click Next.

24

D

RIVER INSTALLATION

2. Check “Don’t search. I will choose the driver to install.” The
Select Network Adapter screen will open.

3. Click Have Disk and the “Install From Disk” screen will open.
Type E:\Drivers\xp and click OK.

25

I

NSTALLATION

4. Windows XP wil l f ind the SMC2662 W EZ Connect Wireless
USB Adapter. Click Next.

5. Though the software is fully compatible with Windows XP, it
has not yet been Logo tested by Microsoft. On the Hardware
Installation screen click Continue Anywa y.

6. After the software has been installed, click Finish to complete
the driver installation.

26

C

ONFIGURATION AND

D

IAGNOSTICS

For Windows 98, Me, and 2000, SMC’s EZ Connect Wireless USB
Adapter provides optional management software for quick
network configurati on and eas y diag nostics.

For Windows XP, use the built-in wirelesss configuration tool. Go
to “Using the Windows XP Configuration Tool” on page 37.

Utility Installation in Windows 98, Me, and 2000

To install the utility software:

1. Insert the CD-ROM into your PC’s CD drive.

2. Click Start/Run.

3. Type E:\Utility\Setup.exe and click OK. (assuming E:\ is your
CD drive)

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation.

27

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ONFIGURATION AND DIAGNOSTICS

Using the EZ Connect Wireless USB Utility in Windows 98, Me, and 2000

Once the installation is complete, the configuration utility can be
accessed by clicking St art/Programs/EZ Connect Wireless USB/EZ
Connect Wireless USB Utility.

28

U

SING THE

EZ C

ONNECT WIRELESS

USB U

TILITY IN WINDOWS

Quick-Launch Icon

When the utility program is running, there will be a “Quick
Launch” icon in the lower right-hand corner of the task bar. If the
icon is GREEN, you hav e a good c onnec tion . If it shows RE D, y ou
may need to place the devic e in a higher position, or move clo se r
to the device you wish to co nnect to.

Double-clicking the Quick Launch icon will open the EZ Connect
Wireless USB Utility program, providing quick access to the
adapter settings.

The configurati on ut ility includes the following tools:
Monitor – Allows you to monitor network status and configure

wireless adapter parameters.

Statistics – Shows wireless adapter statistics.
Site Survey – Scans/Shows all the access points in r a ng e.
Encryption – Provides WEP secu rity control.
Advanced – Allows you to configure the advanced settings.
Version – Shows the version information.

98, ME,

AND

2000

29

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ONFIGURATION AND DIAGNOSTICS

Monitor

When you start the wireless USB utility, the information window
for the SMC2662W is shown as in the figure below. Click on the
“Monitor” tab to view the network status of the wireless adapter.

Click Modify to configure the “Operati ng Mode,” “Channel ,” “SSID”
and “Tx Rate.” After making a configuration change, the Apply
button will become enabled. Click Apply to save the changes.

Operating Mode – Set the station operation mode to “802.11 Ad
Hoc” for network configurations that do not h ave an access point,
or to “Infrastruc t ure” for configurations with an acc es s point.
(“Infrastructure” is the default setting)

30

U

SING THE

Channel – If you are setting up an ad hoc wireless LAN (See
“Network Top ologies ” on page 41.), set the channel numbe r to the
same radio chan nel as that used by t he other wireless clients in
your group. However, if you are connecting to a network via an
access point, then the channel is automatically set to the channel
of the access point to which the adapter connects .

Note: The Channel can only be set when the Operating Mode is

SSID – Input an SSID strin g for the w irele ss networ k to whic h you

want to connect (this setting is blank by default). If you will be
roaming among multiple ac cess points with different BSSIDs, leave
this field blank to allow connection to any SSID.

Tx Rate – Indicates the data transmission rate. Select an
appropriate transmissio n speed. Lower speeds will give bet te r
range. See “SMC2662W 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter” on page

46. (Default: Auto)

EZ C

ONNECT WIRELESS

“802.11 Ad-Hoc.”

USB U

TILITY IN WINDOWS

98, ME,

AND

2000

31

C

ONFIGURATION AND DIAGNOSTICS

Statistics

The Statistics screen displays “Data Frames” and “Management
Frames.” See “Terminology” on page 49 for a description of these
terms.

32

U

SING THE

EZ C

ONNECT WIRELESS

USB U

TILITY IN WINDOWS

Site Survey

The Site Survey screen di splays all access points in the wireless
LAN. You can choose one of them to conn ect to by
double-clicking on an ent ry .

SMCAP
SMCAP
SMCAP
SMCAP

98, ME,

AND

2000

33

C

ONFIGURATION AND DIAGNOSTICS

Encryption

Encryption – Wired Equivalent Privac y (WE P) is im plemented in

the adapter to prevent u nau th orized access. For more secure data
transmissions, set encryption to “128-bit” or “64-bit”. The 128-bit
setting gives a higher level of security. Th e setting must be the
same for all clients in your wireless netwo rk (Def ault: Disabled).

The WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) implemented in SMC’s EZ
Connect Wireless USB adapter is based on the RC4 encryption
algorithm. The security keys are four 10 digit keys for the 64-bit
WEP setting and one 26 -digit key for the 12 8-bit WE P sett ing. WEP
security protects your wireless LAN against eavesdropping and
unauthorized access by hackers or intruders.

34

U

SING THE

Create with Passphrase – Security ke ys for WEP encryptio n are
generated from your Passphrase string, so you must use the same
passphrase on all the other stations in your network.

Manual Entry – “Manual Entry ” allows you to m anual ly ent er ke y
elements (two hexadecimal digits in each block).

Default Key ID – Choose the Key ID that has the encryption
string you prefer. If you are using a key generated from the
passphrase, you must use the same pa ssphrase and key on each
station.

To use the WEP function, take the following steps:

1. Select “128-bit” or “64-bit” in the “Encryption” field.

2. Choose “Creat e w ith Passphrase,” type a stri ng in the

3. Select the key, and click Apply.

EZ C

ONNECT WIRELESS

Passphrase field, and click Generate.

Note: A passphrase string can consist of up to 32

alphanumeric characters.

USB U

TILITY IN WINDOWS

98, ME,

AND

2000

Or

1. Check “Manual Entry” and enter hexadecimal numbers into
one of the key fields. The bit key must be in hexadecimal
numerals (0~9, A~F, e.g., D7 0A 9C 7F E5).

2. Click Apply.

35

C

ONFIGURATION AND DIAGNOSTICS

Advanced Screen

You can use this screen to set values for “Fragmentation
Threshold” (Default: 2346 means Disabled), and “RTS/CTS
Threshold” (Defaul t: 2347 means Disabled). See “Terminology ” on
page 49 for a description of these terms.

36

U

SING THE WINDOWS

XP C

ONFIGURATION TOOL

Using the Windows XP Configuration Tool

Basic Settings

1. Right-clic k t he network connecti on icon on the too lb a r.

2. On the popup me nu, click “Status.” The Wireless Network
Connection Status box will op en.

37

C

ONFIGURATION AND DIAGNOSTICS

3. Click Properties. The Wireless Network Connection Properties
box will open. Click the “Wireless Networks” tab.

4. In the lower secti on of the scree n, click “Learn about set ting up
wireless network conf ig ur ation” and complete the wirele ss
configuration according to the Help and Support Cente r
instructions.

38

U

SING THE WINDOWS

XP C

ONFIGURATION TOOL

Advanced Settings

Click the “General” tab (see the previous screen). In the “Connect
using” field, make sure that the adapter shown is the SMC2662W
EZ Connect Wireless USB Adapter.

1. Click Configure. Click the “Advanced” tab.

2. Set the “Fragmentation Threshold.” (The default 2,346 means
“Disabled”) See “Terminology” on page 49 for a description of
“Fragmenta tion Threshold.”

3. “Preamble Type” offers a dropdown lis t wit h three options:
Auto, Long, or Short. If you aren't sure whether all the Clients
and Access points in your wireless network support the Short
RF preamble, then leave this setting on “Auto.” (Default) See
“Terminology” on page 49 for a description of “Preamble
Type.”

39

C

ONFIGURATION AND DIAGNOSTICS

4. “ Rate (M bps)” is th e data tran smiss ion/r ecep tion rate s ett ing. I t
can be set to Auto, 1 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, or 11 Mb ps.
Usually this should be set to Aut o. In a radio f requency host ile
environment, a lower rate can provide more stable
transmission quality.

5. Set the “RTS Threshold” to the same as that used by other
devices in your network. (T he def ault 2,34 7 means “ Disabled ”)
See “Terminology” on page 49 for a description of “R TS
Threshold.”

40

N

ETWORK

SMC’s EZ Connect Wireless Solution supports a stand-alone
wireless network config ur at ion, as well as an integrated
configuration with 10 Mbp s Ethe rnet LANs . Fo r a list of the
maximum distances between the AP/Bridge and wireless clients,
refer to page 46.

The SMC2662W USB adapter can be configured as:

• Ad hoc – for small departmental or SOHO LANs

• Infrastructure – for en terprise LANs

C

ONFIGURATION

P

AND

LANNING

Network Topologies

Ad Hoc Wireless LAN

An ad hoc wireless LAN
consists of a group of
computers, each equipped
with a wireless adapter,
connected via radio signals as
an independent wire less LAN.
Computers in a sp ecific ad
hoc wireless LAN must be
configured to the same radio
channel.
An ad hoc wireless LAN can
be used for a small branch office or SOHO operation.

PC with Wireless
PCI Adapter

Ad-hoc Wireless LAN

Notebook with
Wireless USB Adapter

Notebook with
Wireless PC Card

41

N

ETWORK CONFIGURATION AND PLANNING

Infrastructure Wireless LAN

The SMC2662W can also provide access to a wired LAN for
wireless workstations . An integrated wired and wireless LAN is
called an Infrastructure configuration. A Basic Service Set (BSS)
consists of a group of wireless PC users, and an access point that is
directly connect ed to the wired LAN. Each wireless PC in this BSS
can talk to any computer in its wireless group via a radio link, or
access other computers or network resources in the wired LAN
infrastructure via the access point.

The infrastructure configuration not only extends the accessibility
of wireless PCs to the w ir ed LAN, but also increases the effective
wireless transmission range for wireless PCs by passing their signal
through one or m ore access points.

A wireless infrastructure can be used for access to a central
database, or for connect ion betwee n mo bile wor kers , as sho wn in
the following figure.

Wired LAN Extension
to Wireless Adapters

File
Server

Desktop PC

Switch

42

Access Point

PC with Wireless
PC I Adapter

Notebook with Wireless
USB Adapter

S

ETTING THE COMMUNICATION DOMAIN

Setting the Communication Domain

Stationary Wireless PCs

The Basic Service Set (BSS) is the communication do main for e ach
access point (such as the SMC2655W ). For wireles s PCs that do not
need to support roaming, set the domain identifier (SSID) for the
wireless adapter to the BSS I D of the access point to which yo u
want to connect. Check with your administrator for the BSS ID of
the access point to which he wants you to connect.

Roaming Wireless PCs

A wireless
infrastructure can also
support roaming for
mobile workers. More

Desktop PC

than one access point
may be configured
with the same SSID to

Switch

Notebook with
Wireless USB Adapter

create an Extended
Service Set (ESS). By

Access Point

placing the access
points so that a

PC with Wireless
PC I Adapter

continuous coverage
area is created, wireless
users within this ESS can roam freely. All SMC EZ Con nect Wireles s
adapters and EZ Connect Wireless Access Points within a spe cific
ESS must be configured with the same SSID.

File
Server

<BSS1>

Switch

Access Point

<ESS>

SeamlessRoaming

Notebook with Wireless
PC Card Adapter

<BSS2>

Before setting up an ESS for roaming, choose a location for the
access points that maximizes performance (Refer to “Using the EZ
Connect Wireless USB Utility in Windows 98, Me, and 2000” on
page 28 for information on using the “Monitor” and “Site S urvey”
tools.)

43

T

ROUBLESHOOTING

USB Adapter Installation Problems

If your computer cannot find the EZ Connect Wireless USB
Adapter or the ne twork driver does not ins t all correctly, check the
following items:

• Make sure the adapter is connect ed to the USB p ort. Check fo r

any hardware problems, such as physical damage to the
adapter’s connector.

• Try the adapter in another USB port. If this also fail s, t ry using

another SMC2662W wireless adapter that is known to operate
correctly.

• Make sure your computer is using the latest BIOS.

• If there are other ne tw ork adap ters in th e com pute r, th ey may

cause conflicts. Disable or remove all othe r adapters from the
computer and test the wire less adapter separately.

• Check for a defective computer or USB port by trying the

adapter in another computer that is known to operate correctly.

• If there are still difficulties, re move the wireless ad apter. Delete

the file “Vnetusb r.sys” from:
c:\windows\system (for Windows 98/Me)

c:\winnt\system32\drivers (for Windows 2000)
c:\windows\system32\drivers (for Windows XP)

Then go to the Control Panel and delete the adapter from the
network configuration menu. Restart the PC and reinstall the
adapter.

44

N

ETWORK CONNECTION PROBLEMS

Network Connection Problems

If the LED on the USB adapter is not lit , or if you cannot access
network resources from the computer, check the following:

• Make sure the correct software driver is installed. Try
reinstalling the driver.

• Make sure the computer and other network devices are
receiving power.

• The access point you want to connect to may not be
functioning correctly. Try using another acc es s point.

• If you cannot access a Windows or NetWare service on the
network, check that you have enabled and configured the
service correctly. If you cannot connect to a particular server,
be sure that you have access rights and a valid ID and
password.

• If you cannot access the I nterne t, be sur e yo u have c onfigur ed
your system for TCP/IP.

If your wireless station cannot communicate with a computer on
the Ethernet LAN when configured for Infrastructure mode, check
the following:

• Make sure the access point that the station is associated with is
powered on.

• Check that the wireless settings (i.e., WEP, SSID, Channel)
match the access point or other stations to which you are
attempting to connect.

• If you still cannot connect , change t he access poi nt and all t he
stations within the BSS to another radio channel.

45

T

ROUBLESHOOTING

SMC Networks 802.11b SMC2662W
Wireless USB Adapter Maximum Distance Table

Important Notice – Maximum distances posted be low are act ual

tested distance thresholds. However, there are many variables such
as barrier compo si tion and construction, as well as loc al
environmental interference that may impact your actual distances
and cause you to experience distance thresholds far lower than
those posted below. If you have any questions or comments
regarding the fea tures or perfo rmance of this product, or if you
would like information r egarding our full line of wireless pro ducts,
you can visit us on the Web at www.smc.com, or you can call us
toll-free at 800.SMC.4YOU. SMC Networks stands behind every
product sold
limited-lifetime warranty.

Environmental
Condition

Outdoors: A line-of-sight

environment with no
interference or
obstruction between the
Access Point and users.

Indoors: A typical office
or home environment
with floor to ceiling
obstructions between the
Access Point and users.

with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and a

SMC2662W 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter

Maximum Distance Table

Speed and Distance Ranges

11 Mbps 5.5 Mbps 2 Mbps 1 Mbps

160 m

(528 ft)

72 m

(236 ft)

195 m

(640 ft)

73 m

(240 ft)

255 m

(837 ft)

73 m

(240 ft)

350 m

(1,155 ft)

75 m

(246 ft)

46

S

One Built-in Dielectric antenna

One External Dipole antenna

LED Indicator
Host Interface

Power, Link
Mini USB/USB v1.1

PECIFICATIONS

Functional Criteria

Data Rate 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps, Auto
Transmission Mode Half-duplex
Network Connection IEEE 802.11b wireless
Operating Range Max distance at 11 Mbps: 160 m (528 ft)

Max distance at 5.5 Mbps: 195 m (640 ft)
Max distance at 2 Mbps: 255 m (837 ft)
Max distance at 1 Mbps: 350 m (1,155 ft)

Radio Signal

Signal Type Direct Sequence Spread-Spectrum (DSSS)
Operating Frequency USA, Canada: 2.412~2.462 GHz

Europe (ETSI): 2.412~2.472 GHz

Japan: 2.412~2.484 GHz
Sensitivity
Modulation
Output Power 14 dBm

Physical Characteristics

Current Consumption TX: 460 mA max.

Size 95 x 65 x 13 mm (3.74 x 2.56 x 0.51 in)
Weight 37 g (1.31 oz)
Temper atu re Operating: 0 to 55 °C (32 to 131 °F)

Humidity 95% non-condensing
Antenna

1/2/5.5/11 Mbps: -90/-88/-83/-80 dBm min.

1/2/5.5/11 Mbps

RX: 260 mA max.

20 mA Standby

Storage: -20 to 70 °C (-4 to 158 °F)

: BPSK/QPSK/CCK/CCK

47

S

PECIFICATIONS

Standards Conformance IEEE 802.1 1b

USB specification revision 1.1

Compliances FCC Class B, C

CISPR 22 Class B

Software

NDIS Driver Windows 98

Windows Me
Windows 2000
Windows XP

NDIS Utility Windows 98

Windows Me
Windows 2000
Windows XP use s built-in wirel ess
configuration utility

48

T

ERMINOLOGY

The following is a list of terminology used in this document.
Access Point – An internetw orking device th at seamlessly

connects wired and wireless networks.
Ad Hoc – An ad hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers each

with LAN adapters, connected as an independent wireless LAN.
BSS – BSS stands for “Basic Service Set.” It is an access point and

all the LAN PCs that are associated with it.
CSMA/CA – Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision

Avoidance.
Data Frame – Packets tr ansmitted/receive d by th e device that

carry data (see Management Frame on th e n ext page).
ESS – ESS (ESS-ID, SSID) stands for “Extended Service Set.” More

than one BSS is configured to become an Extended Service Set.
LAN mobile users can roam between different BSSs in an ESS
(ESS-ID, SSID).

Ethernet – A popular local area data communications network,
which accepts transmissions from computers and terminals.
Ethernet operates on a 10 Mbps baseband transmission rate, using
shielded coaxial cable or twisted-pair cable.

Fragmentation Threshold – In the 802.11 Standard, the MAC
Layer may fragment and reassemble directed MSDUs or MMPDUs.
The fragmentation and defrag mentation mechanisms allow for
fragment re-transmission.

49

T

ERMINOLOGY

Preamble Type – Some Ac cess Points and Client card dr ivers have
a radio setting for “Shor t” RF Preamble. If all the Clients and
Access Points in your wireless network have thi s f eature, then
enabling it can boost your throughput. However, if a radio does
not support this featu re, then it will not be able to communicate
with any other radios th at have this set to “Short.”

Infrastructure – An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called
an Infrastructure configuration.

Management Frame – Control frame for establishing a link
between an access point and a client station. It includes Beacon,
Probe, Authent ication, and Asso ci a tion frames.

MSDUs – MAC Service Data Units.
MMPDUs – MAC Management Protocol Data Units.
Roaming – A wireless LAN mobile user moves around an E SS and

maintains a continuous connection to the Infras tructure networ k .
RTS Threshold – Transmitters contending for the medium may

not be aware of 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.

USB – The Universal Serial Bus allows complete Plug and Play
connection of peripheral dev i c es to a compute r.

WEP – “Wired Equivalent Pr ivacy” is based on the us e of 64-bit or
128-bit keys and the popular RC4 encryption algorithm. Wireless
devices without a valid WEP key are ex cluded from network
traffic.

50

FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT, CALL:

Model Number: SMC2662W
Part Number: 01-111393-009

From U.S.A. and Canada (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

(800) SMC-4-YOU; [phone]; Fax: (949 ) 679-1481

From Europe (8:00 AM - 5:30 PM UK Time)

44 (0) 118 974 8700; Fax: [phone]

INTERNET

E-mail addresses:

[e-mail]
[e-mail]

Driver updates:

http://www.smc.com/index.cfm?action=tech_support_drivers_downloads

World Wide Web:

http://www.smc.com/
http://www.smc-europe.com/

FOR LITERATURE OR ADVERTISING RESPONSE, CALL:

U.S.A. and Canada: (800) SMC-4-YOU; Fax [phone]
Spain: 34-93-477-4935; Fax [phone]
UK: 44 (0) 118 974 8700; Fax [phone]
France: 33 (0) 41 38 32 32; Fax [phone]
Italy: 39 02 739 12 33; Fax [phone]
Benelux: 31 33 455 72 88; Fax [phone]
Central Europe: 49 (0) 89 92861-0; Fax [phone]
Switzerland: 41 (0) 1 9409971; Fax [phone]
Nordic: 46 (0) 868 70700; Fax [phone]
Northern Europe: 44 (0) 118 974 8700; Fax [phone]
Eastern Europe: 34 -93-477-4920; Fax [phone]
Sub Saharian Africa: 27-11 31 4 1133; Fax [phone]
North Africa: 34 93 477 4920; Fax [phone]
Russia: 7 (095) 290 29 96; Fax [phone]
PRC: 86-10-6235-4958; F a x 86-10-6235-4962
Taiwan: 886-2-2659-9669; Fa x 886-2-2659-9666
Asia Pacific: (65) 238 6556; Fax [phone]
Korea: 82-2-553-0860; Fax [phone]
Japan: 81-45-224-2332; Fax [phone]
Australia: 61-2-9416-0437; Fax [phone]
India: 91-22-8204437; Fax [phone]

If you are looking for further co ntact information, please visit www.smc.com or
www.smc-europe.com.

38 Tesla
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: [phone]