SMC Networks SMC2632W User Manual

™

EZ Connect

Wireless PC Card

 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 (1155 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 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP)

 Easy installation
 Built-in dual diversity antenna

User Guide

SMC2632W

EZ Connect Wireless PC Card

User Guide

The easy way to make all your network connections

38 Tesla
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: [phone]

April 2002
Revision Number: F1.0
Part No.: 01-111349-006
Pub No: 150000013400E R01

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 result from its use. No license is granted by
implication or otherwise under any patent or patent 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 92618

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 Networks, 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 product 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 newer technologies. At that point, the obsolete
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. Replacement products
may be either new or reconditioned. Any replaced or repaired product carries
either a 30-day limited warranty or the remainder of the initial warranty, whichever
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 OPERATE AS
WARRANTED ABOVE, CUSTOMER’S SOLE REMEDY SHALL BE REPAIR OR
REPLACEMENT OF THE PRODUCT IN QUESTION, 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, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING
WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. SMC NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER
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,
CONSEQUENTIAL, 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, INSTALLATION,
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 ABOVE LIMITATIONS 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. Under 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

ii

COMPLIANCES

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 cause harmful
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 outlet on a circuit different from that to which

the receiver is connected

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV 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 this 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.

CAUTION STATEMENT:
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a
minimum distance of 5 centimeters between the radiator and your body. This
transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter.

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.

iii

C

OMPLIANCES

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 interference-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.

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:

• Limit class B according 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 according to EN 61000-3-3/1995

• 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)

o

, 4a,

iv

C

OMPLIANCES

• 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)

LVD:

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

Safety Compliance

Wichtige Sicherheitshinweise (Germany)

1. Bitte lesen Sie diese Hinweise sorgfältig durch.

2. Heben Sie diese Anleitung für den späteren Gebrauch auf.

3. Vor jedem Reinigen ist das Gerät vom Stromnetz zu trennen. Verwenden Sie
keine Flüssigoder Aerosolreiniger. Am besten eignet sich ein angefeuchtetes
Tuch zur Reinigung.

4. Die Netzanschlu ßsteckdose soll nahe dem Gerät angebracht und leicht
zugänglich sein.

5. Das Gerät ist vor Feuchtigkeit zu schützen.

6. Bei der Aufstellung des Gerätes ist auf sicheren Stand zu achten. Ein Kippen
oder Fallen könnte Beschädigungen hervorrufen.

7. Die Belüftungsöffnungen dienen der Luftzirkulation, die das Gerät vor Überhit-
zung schützt. Sorgen Sie dafür, daß diese Öffnungen nicht abgedeckt werden.

8. Beachten Sie beim Anschluß an das Stromnetz die Anschlußwerte.

9. Verlegen Sie die Netzanschlußleitung so, daß niemand darüber fallen kann. Es
sollte auch nichts auf der Leitung abgestellt werden.

10.Alle Hinweise und Warnungen, die sich am Gerät befinden, sind zu beachten.

11.Wird das Gerät über einen längeren Zeitraum nicht benutzt, sollten Sie es vom
Stromnetz trennen. Somit wird im Falle einer Überspannung eine Beschädigung
vermieden.

12.Durch die Lüftungsöffnungen dürfen niemals Gegenstände oder Flüssigkeiten in
das Gerät gelangen. Dies könnte einen Brand bzw. elektrischen Schlag aus­lösen.

13.Öffnen sie niemals das Gerät. Das Gerät darf aus Gründen der elektrischen
Sicherheit nur von authorisiertem Servicepersonal geöffnet werden.

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C

OMPLIANCES

14.Wenn folgende Situationen auftreten ist das Gerät vom Stromnetz zu trennen
und von einer qualifizierten Servicestelle zu überprüfen:

a.Netzkabel oder Netzstecker sind beschädigt.
b.Flüssigkeit ist in das Gerät eingedrungen.
c.Das Gerät war Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt.
d.Wenn das Gerät nicht der Bedienungsanleitung entsprechend funktioniert oder

Sie mit Hilfe dieser Anleitung keine Verbesserung erzielen.
e.Das Gerät ist gefallen und/oder das Gehäuse ist beschädigt.
f. Wenn das Gerät deutliche Anzeichen eines Defektes aufweist.

15. Stellen Sie sicher, daß die Stromversorgung dieses Gerätes nach der EN 60950
geprüft ist. Ausgangswerte der Stromversorgung sollten die Werte von AC 7,5-8V,
50-60Hz nicht über oder unterschreiten sowie den minimalen Strom von 1A nicht
unterschreiten.

Der arbeitsplatzbezogene Schalldruckpegel nach DIN 45 635 Teil 1000 beträgt
70dB(A) oder weniger.

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ABLE OF

EZ Connect™ Wireless PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

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

Hardware Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

LED Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Hardware Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Driver Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Windows 95/98/Me/2000 Driver Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Windows NT 4.0 Driver Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Windows XP Driver Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Utility Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Utility Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Using the Wireless Utility in Windows 98, Me, NT, and 2000 . . 19

Quick-Launch Icon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Site Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Encryption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Advanced Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Using the Windows XP Configuration Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Basic Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Advanced Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

C

ONTENTS

Network Configuration and Planning . . . . . . . . .32

Network Topologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Ad Hoc Wireless LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Infrastructure Wireless LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

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ABLE OF CONTENTS

Setting the Communication Domain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Stationary Wireless PCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Roaming Wireless PCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Adapter Installation Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Network Connection Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

SMC Networks

802.11b Wireless Product Maximum Distance

Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Software Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

viii

EZ C

ONNECT

™ W

IRELESS

PC C

SMC’s EZ Connect Wireless PC Card is an 11 Mbps wireless
network adapter that seamlessly integrates with existing Ethernet
networks to support applications such as mobile users or
temporary conferences. This solution offers a high data rate and
reliable wireless connectivity with considerable cost savings over
wired LANs (which include long-term maintenance overhead for
cabling). Just install enough wireless access points to cover your
network area, plug wireless cards into your notebooks, and start
networking.

Using this card in conjunction with SMC2655W Wireless Access
Point, you can create an instant network that integrates seamlessly
with 10 Mbps Ethernet LANs. Moreover, moving or expanding
your network is as easy as moving or installing additional access
points – no wires!

Features

• 1, 2, 5.5 and 11 Mbps data rate.

• Wireless connection without the hassles and cost of cabling

ARD

• Greater flexibility to locate or move networked PCs

• Integrates with or replaces wired LANs at dramatically lower

cost than wired alternatives

• Seamless connectivity to wired Ethernet LANs augments

existing networks quickly and easily

1

EZ C

ONNECT

™ W

IRELESS

PC C

ARD

• Easy installation

• Working range up to 160 m (528 ft) at 11 Mbps, up to 350 m

(1155 ft) at 1 Mbps (indoor communication)

• Direct Sequence Spread-Spectrum (DSSS) technology provides
robust, interference-resistant and secure wireless connection

• Supports a wide range of systems (Windows 95/98/Me/NT/
2000/XP)

• Plug-and-Play

• Provides a user-friendly interface for configuration

• Enhances your network security with WEP data encryption

• Built-in antenna

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 is difficult to employ

• Frequently changing environments

Retailers, manufacturers, and banks 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 shipping

2

S

YSTEM REQUIREMENTS

companies who need additional workstations for peak
periods. Auditors who require workgroups at customer sites

• 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.

System Requirements

Before you install the EZ Connect Wireless PC Card, check your
system for the following requirements:

• A computer with a PCMCIA Type II slot, and a PCMCIA card
and socket services compliant with revision 2.10 of the PCMCIA
specification

• Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP (Prepare the Windows
installation CD-ROM for use during installation.)

• A minimum of 1500 Kbytes of free disk space for installing the
driver and utility program

• Another IEEE 802.11b compliant device installed in your
network, such as the SMC2655W Wireless Access Point, or
another PC with a wireless adapter.

3

EZ C

ONNECT

™ W

IRELESS

PC C

ARD

Package Checklist

The EZ Connect Wireless PC Card package includes:

• 1 Wireless PC Card (SMC2632W)

• 1 SMC2632W Driver, Utility, & Documentation CD

• 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 possible, retain the carton, including the original
packing materials. Use them again to repack the product if there is
a need to return it for repair.

4

H

ARDWARE

The EZ Connect Wireless PC Card supports 1, 2, 5.5 and 11 Mbps
half-duplex connections to Ethernet networks. This card is fully
compliant with 2.4 GHz DSSS CSMA/CA wireless networking as
defined in IEEE 802.11b. It can be installed in any notebook with a
Type II PCMCIA slot. Support is currently provided for Windows
95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP.

D

ESCRIPTION

5

H

ARDWARE DESCRIPTION

LED Indicator

The EZ Connect Wireless PC Card includes two status LED
indicators, as described in the following figure and table.

Power

Link

Link Status Status Description

802.11
AdHoc

Infrastructure Flashing

Flashing
Green

Green

On Green Indicates a valid connection with an

Activity

Indicates that the Wireless PC card is
operating in the 802.11 AdHoc mode.

Indicates that the Wireless PC card is
browsing active access points.

access point.

6

H

ARDWARE INSTALLATION

H

ARDWARE INSTALLATION

Warning: Network cards are sensitive to static electricity. To

protect the card, always touch the metal chassis of your
computer before handling the card.

1. Turn on your computer and boot your operating system.

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

computer.

3. With the PC Card’s 68-pin connector facing the PCMCIA slot

and the “EZ Connect Wireless PC Card” label facing up, slide
the card completely into the PCMCIA slot as shown below.

Note: The PCMCIA slot allows you to “hot swap” PC Cards any

time, even when the power of your computer is on.

7

H

ARDWARE INSTALLATION

4. For Windows 95 (OSR2.1 or above)/98/Me/2000, PCMCIA card
and socket services compliant with revision 2.10 of the
PCMCIA specification are required. Please check the
documents of your PCMCIA driver before installing the
software driver for the EZ Connect Wireless PC Card.

5. Install the appropriate network driver for your operating
system. Drivers can be found on the SMC2632W Driver, Utility,
& Documentation CD. See “Driver Installation” on the next
page for more information.

6. Install the Utility program for your wireless PC card. The
SETUP.EXE file of the utiltiy program can be found on the CD.

8

D

RIVER INSTALLATION

The installation CD labeled “SMC2632W Driver, Utility, &
Documentation CD,” that comes with the package contains all the
software drivers available for the EZ Connect Wireless PC Card.
Any new or updated drivers can be downloaded from SMC’s Web
site at:

http://www.smc.com

Note: Check the SMC website for more support options. You can

access the online support options at:

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

Windows 95/98/Me/2000 Driver Installation

You may find that the instructions here do not exactly match your
version of Windows. This is because these steps and screenshots
were created from Windows 98. Windows 95, Windows
Millennium Edition, and Windows 2000 are very similar, but not
identical, to Windows 98.

Note: For Windows NT and Window XP installations, please

skip to page 12 for instructions.

1. Insert the PC Card into a standard Type II or III PCMCIA slot in
your notebook.

9

D

RIVER INSTALLATION

2. Windows 95/98/Me/2000 will automatically detect the new
hardware and prompt you to install the driver needed. Click
“Next” to find the driver.

3. Insert the driver installation CD into the CD-ROM, specify the
location, E:\driver\win982k (assuming E: is the location of
your CD-ROM drive), and click “Next.”

10

W

INDOWS

4. Click “Next” to copy files from the CD.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

95/98/ME/2000 D

RIVER INSTALLATION

6. After driver installation, Click “Yes” to restart the computer.

11

D

RIVER INSTALLATION

Windows NT 4.0 Driver Installation

1. Insert the PC Card into a standard Type II or III PCMCIA slot in

your notebook.

2. From the desktop, select “Control Panel,” double-click
“Network,” click “Adapters,” and then click the “Add” button in

the Network dialog box.

3. Windows NT will present a list of all its supported adapters.
Click “Have Disk” to continue.

12

W

INDOWS

NT 4.0 D

4. Windows NT will ask for the drive/path containing the
SMC2632W Windows NT drivers. Insert the provided CD into
the CD-ROM drive, type E:\driver\win982k (assuming E: is the
location of your CD-ROM drive), and then click “OK.”

5. Windows NT will attempt to locate the SYS and INF files in the
specified path. If you have entered the path name correctly,
Windows NT should copy the appropriate drivers to the
Windows NT system. You need to acknowledge the selection
by clicking “OK.”

RIVER INSTALLATION

13

D

RIVER INSTALLATION

6. The Adapter Setup dialog box will appear. Configure the card
as described below, and click “OK.”

IRQ Level - Default: 5 (Check for available resources under
Windows NT Diagnostics.)

I/O Port Address - Default: 240 (Check for available
resources under Windows NT Diagnostics.)

7. Click “Close” to finish the installation.

14

W

INDOWS

8. After driver installation, the system will prompt you to restart
the computer. Click “NO” if you want to continue installation
for your network protocols and options.

9. Select the Services tab and Click “Add...” to install the network
protocols you want to use, such as IPX/SPX, NetBEUI or TCP/
IP. If you install TCP/IP, be sure to set the appropriate
Gateway, DNS Server, and Domain for your network.

10. If you install an IPX/SPX-compatible protocol, then you also
need to install the “Client for NetWare Networks.”

11. Click on the “Identification” tab on the Network dialog box,
and specify your computer name and network workgroup.

12. Restart your computer.

XP D

RIVER INSTALLATION

Windows XP Driver Installation

1. Windows XP will automatically detect the new hardware and

prompt you to install the driver.

15

D

RIVER INSTALLATION

2. Insert the “SMC2632W Driver, Utility, & Documentation CD”
into your CD-ROM drive.

3. Check “Install the software automatically (Recommended)” and
click “Next.”

4. Windows XP will find the “SMC EZ Connect Wireless PC
Card(SMC2632W-V2).” Click “Next.”

16

W

INDOWS

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 Anyway.”

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

XP D

RIVER INSTALLATION

17

U

TILITY INSTALLATION

U

TILITY INSTALLATION

To communicate with SMC 11 Mbps Wireless devices, you may
need to install and configure the Wireless PC Card. To install the
utility software:

Note: You may find that the instructions here do not exactly

match your version of Windows. This is because these
steps and screenshots were created from Windows 2000.
Windows 95, Windows Millennium Edition, and Windows
98 are very similar, but not identical, to Windows 2000.

1. Insert the installation CD labeled “SMC2632W Driver, Utility, &
Documentation CD.”

2.

Click “Start/Run...” and type
the location of your CD-ROM drive).

E:\driver\win982k (assuming E: is

3. Then click “OK” to run the setup program.

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

18

U

TILITY CONFIGURATION

U

TILITY

C

ONFIGURATION

Using the Wireless Utility in Windows 98, Me, NT, and 2000

Once the installation is complete, the configuration utility can be
accessed from the “Start” menu, as shown below.

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 on
GREEN, you have a good connection. If it shows RED, you may
need to check the access point (such as SMC2655W Wireless
Access Point) and place it in a higher position, or move closer to
the access point you wish to connect to.

Double-clicking the quick launch icon will open the EZ Connect
Wireless PC Card Utility program, providing quick access to the
adapter settings.

19

The configuration utility includes the following tools:

Status – 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 range.

Encryption – Provides WEP security control.

Advanced – Allows you to configure the advanced settings.

Version – Shows the version information.

Status

When you start the wireless PC Card utility, the information
window for the SMC2632W is shown as in the figure below. Click
on the “Status” tab to view the network status of the wireless
adapter.

20

Q

UICK-LAUNCH ICON

Click “Change” to configure the “Operating Mode,” “Channel,”
“SSID” and “Tx Rate.” After making a configuration change, the

Submit button will become enabled. Click “Submit” to save the
changes.

Operating Mode – Set the station operation mode to “802.11 Ad
Hoc” for network configurations that do not have an access point,
or to “Infrastructure” for configurations with an access point
(“Infrastructure” is the default setting.)

Channel – If you are setting up an ad hoc wireless LAN (See
“Network Topologies” on page 32.), set the channel number 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, 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

“802.11 Ad-Hoc.”

SSID – Input an SSID string for the wireless network to which you
want to connect (“WLAN” is the default setting.) If you will be
roaming among multiple access points with different BSSIDs, set
the SSID to “ANY” to allow connection to any access point.

Tx Rate – Indicates the data transmission rate. Select an
appropriate transmission speed. Lower speeds will give better
range. (Default: Auto.)

Status - Shows the MAC address of the associated access point
(BSS ID).

Signal Strength – Shows the relative strength of the wireless
connection to the access point.

Link Quality – Shows the relative link quality (e.g., lack of frame
errors) of the wireless connection to the access point.

21

U

TILITY CONFIGURATION

Statistics

The Statistics screen displays “Data Frames” and “Management
Frames.”

22

Q

UICK-LAUNCH ICON

Site Survey

The Site Survey scans and displays all access points in the wireless
LAN. You can choose one of them to connect to by
double-clicking on an entry.

23

U

TILITY CONFIGURATION

Encryption

Encryption – Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is implemented in

the adapter 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 of security. The setting must be the
same for all clients in your wireless network (Default: Disabled).

The WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) implemented in SMC’s EZ
Connect Wireless PC Card 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 128-bit WEP setting. WEP
security protects your wireless LAN against eavesdropping and
unauthorized access by hackers or intruders.

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

24

Q

UICK-LAUNCH ICON

Manual Entry – “Manual Entry” allows you to manually enter key
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 passphrase 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 “Create with Passphrase,” type a string in the

Passphrase field, and click “Generate.”

3. Select the key, and click “Apply.”

Note: A passphrase string can consist of up to 32

alphanumeric characters.

Or

1. Check “Manual Entry” and enter hexadecimal numbers into

25

U

TILITY CONFIGURATION

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.”

Advanced Screen

You can use this screen to set values for “Fragmentation
Threshold” (Default: 2346 means Disabled), and “RTS/CTS
Threshold” (Default: 2347 means Disabled).

26

Version

The following screen shows the version information.

Q

UICK-LAUNCH ICON

27

U

TILITY CONFIGURATION

Using the Windows XP Configuration Tool

Basic Settings

1. Right-click the network connection icon on the toolbar.

2. On the popup menu, click “Status.” The Wireless Network

Connection Status box will open.

28

U

SING THE WINDOWS

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

4. In the lower section of the screen, click “Learn about setting up
wireless network configuration” and complete the wireless
configuration according to the Help and Support Center
instructions.

XP C

ONFIGURATION TOOL

29

U

TILITY CONFIGURATION

Advanced Settings

Click the “General” tab (see the previous screen). In the “Connect
using” field, make sure that the adapter shown is the SMC2632W
V.2 Wireless PC Card.

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

2. Set the “Fragmentation Threshold.” (The default 2,346 means

“Disabled.”) See “Terminology” on page 42 for a description of
“Fragmentation Threshold.”

3. “Preamble Type” offers a dropdown list with 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 42 for a description of “Preamble Type.”

30

U

SING THE WINDOWS

4. “Rate (Mbps)” is the data transmission/reception rate setting. It
can be set to Auto, 1 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 11 Mbps.
Usually this should be set to Auto. In a radio frequency hostile
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 (The default 2,347 means “Disabled.”)
See “Terminology” on page 42 for a description of “RTS
Threshold.”

XP C

ONFIGURATION TOOL

31

N

ETWORK CONFIGURATION AND PLANNING

N

ETWORK

SMC’s EZ Connect Wireless Solution supports a stand-alone
wireless network configuration, as well as an integrated
configuration with 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LANs.

The SMC2632W can be configured as:

• Ad hoc - for small groups that only communicate with each
other

• Infrastructure - for wireless 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 one wireless adapter,
connected via radio signals
as an independent wireless
LAN. Computers in a specific
ad hoc wireless LAN must
therefore be configured to
the same radio channel. An
ad hoc wireless LAN can be
used in a SOHO or temporary environment.

PC with Wireless
PCI Adapter

Ad Hoc Wireless LAN

Notebook with
Wireless USB Adapter

Notebook with
Wireless PC Card

32

N

ETWORK TOPOLOGIES

Infrastructure Wireless LAN

The SMC2655W access point can also provide wireless
workstations with access to a wired LAN. 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 connected 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 wired LAN, but also extends the effective
wireless transmission range for wireless PCs by passing their signal
through one or more access points.

A wireless infrastructure can be used for access to a central
database, or for connection between mobile workers, as shown in
the following figure.

Wired LAN Extension
to Wireless Adapters

File
Server

Desktop PC

Switch

Notebook with Wireless
PC Card Adapter

Access Point

PC with Wireless
PC I Adapter

33

N

ETWORK CONFIGURATION AND PLANNING

Setting the Communication Domain

Stationary Wireless PCs

The Basic Service Set (BSS) is the communication domain for each
access point. For wireless PCs that do not need to support
roaming, set the domain identifier (SSID) for the wireless card to
the SSID of the access point you want to connect to. Check with
your administrator for the SSID of the access point you should
connect to.

Roaming Wireless PCs

A wireless infrastructure can also support roaming for mobile
workers. More than one access point can be configured to create
an Extended Service Set (ESS). By placing the access points so that
a continuous coverage area is created, wireless users within this
ESS can roam freely. All wireless adapters and access points within
a specific ESS must be configured with the same SS ID and to the
same radio channel.

34

Wireless Cell
Coverage Area

<BSS1>

Desktop PC

PC with Wireless
PCI Adapter

Notebooks with Wireless
PC Card Adapters

Access Point

File
Server

Switch

<ESS>

Seamless Roaming

Access Point

PC with Wireless
PC I Adapter

Notebook with Wireless
PC Card Adapter

<BSS2>

S

ETTING THE COMMUNICATION DOMAIN

Before setting up an ESS for roaming, you need to choose a clear
radio channel and ideal location for the access points to maximize
performance. (Refer to “Troubleshooting” on page 36 for detailed
information on installation and usage.)

35

T

ROUBLESHOOTING

T

ROUBLESHOOTING

Check the following troubleshooting items before contacting SMC
Technical Support.

Adapter Installation Problems

If your computer cannot find the EZ Connect Wireless PC Card or
the network driver does not install correctly, check the following:

• Make sure the adapter is securely seated in the PCMCIA slot.
When you insert the wireless adapter into the notebook’s slot,
a beep should be heard if the adapter is properly inserted.
Check for any hardware problems, such as physical damage to
the card’s connector.

• Try the card in another PCMCIA slot. If this also fails, test your
computer with another SMC2632W Wireless PC Card that is
known to operate correctly.

• When operating under Windows NT, make sure a PCMCIA card
and socket services driver is installed in your computer. Also
check for resource conflicts using the Windows NT Diagnostics
utility.

• Make sure your computer is using the latest BIOS.

• If there are other network adapters in the computer, they may

be causing conflict. Remove all other adapters from the
computer and test the wireless adapter separately.

36

N

ETWORK CONNECTION PROBLEMS

• Check for a defective computer or PCMCIA connection by
trying the adapter in another computer that is known to operate
correctly.

• If it still does not work, take out the wireless adapter. Delete
CW10.sys from c:\windows\system. Then go to “Control
Panel” and delete the adapter from your network configuration
menu. Restart your PC and reinstall the card.

Network Connection Problems

If the Link LED on the PC Card does not light, or if you cannot
access any network resources from the computer, check the
following:

• Make sure the correct software driver is installed for your
operating system. If necessary, try reinstalling the driver.

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

• The access point you want to attach to may be defective. Try
using another access 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 Internet, be sure you have configured
your system for TCP/IP.

37

T

ROUBLESHOOTING

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

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

• If you still can’t connect, change the access point and all the
stations within the BSS to another radio channel.

• Make sure the SSID is the same as that used by the acess point
for a station with roaming disabled, or the same as that used by
the access points in the extended service set (ESS).

38

N

ETWORK CONNECTION PROBLEMS

SMC Networks

802.11b Wireless Product Maximum Distance Table

Important Notice

Maximum distances posted below are actual tested distance
thresholds. However, there are many variables such as barrier
composition and construction, as well as local 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
features or performance of this product, or if you would like
information regarding our full line of wireless products, you can
visit us at www.smc.com, or you can call us toll-free at

800.SMC.4YOU. SMC Networks stands behind every product sold
with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and a limited-lifetime
warranty.

SMC2632W 802.11b Wireless PC Card Maximum Distance Table

Speed and Distance Ranges

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.

11 Mbps 5.5 Mbps 2 Mbps 1 Mbps

160 m

(528ft)

72 m

(236 ft)

195 m

(640 ft)

73 m

(240 ft)

255 m

(837 ft)

73 m

(240 ft)

350 m

(1155 ft)

(246 ft)

75 m

39

S

PECIFICATIONS

S

PECIFICATIONS

General Specifications

Functional Criteria

Data Rate 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps
Transmission Mode Half duplex
Network Connection IEEE 802.11b - Wireless LAN,
Operating Range Up to 350 m (1155 ft) at 1 Mbps,

Up to 160 m (528 ft) at 11 Mbps

Radio Signal

Signal Type Direct Sequence Spread-Spectrum (DSSS)
Operating Frequency USA, Canada and Europe (ETSI):

2.400-2.4835 GHz,

Japan: 2.400-2.497 GHz
Sensitivity -80 dBm (typical)
Modulation CCK, BPSK, QPSK
Output Power +15 dBm (minimum), 17 dBm Typcial

Physical Characteristics

Power Consumption 3.3 V, 380 mA transmit, 290 mA receive

(normal)

Dimensions Type II PC Card + antenna 12.8 x 5.3 cm

(5.04 x 2.09 in.)
Antenna Antenna diversity
LED Indicator Power/Link, Activity
Host Interface PCMCIA, Type II

40

S

Standards Conformance

Wireless Standard IEEE 802.11b

Environmental

Temperature Operating: 0 to 50 °C (32 to 122 °F)

Storage: 0 to 70 °C (32 to 158 °F)
Humidity 5 to 80% (noncondensing)
Vibration/Shock/Drop IEC 68-2-34, IEC 68-2-27, IEC68-2-32

Certification

CE Mark EN50081-1, EN55022 Class B

EN50082-1, IEC 61000-4-2/3/4/6/11
Emissions FCC Part 15(B), ETS 300-328, VCCI
Safety EN60950

UL1950/CSA22.2 No.950

Software Drivers

NDIS Drivers Windows 95 OSR2.1 or above version

Windows 98

Windows Me

Windows NT 4.0

Windows 2000

Windows XP

OFTWARE DRIVERS

41

T

ERMINOLOGY

T

ERMINOLOGY

The following is a list of terminology that is used in this document.

Access Point – An internetworking device that 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.

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

Base Station – In mobile telecommunications, a base station is the
central radio transmitter/receiver that maintains communications
with the mobile radiotelephone sets within its range. In cellular
and personal communications applications, each cell or micro-cell
has its own base station; each base station in turn is
interconnected with other cells’ bases.

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.

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).

42

T

ERMINOLOGY

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

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

Roaming – A wireless LAN mobile user moves around an ESS and
maintains a continuous connection to the Infrastructure network.

RTS Threshold – Transmitters contending for the medium may
not be aware of each other. The 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.

WEP – “Wired Equivalent Privacy” is based on the use of 64-bit or
128-bit keys and the popular RC4 encryption algorithm. Wireless
devices without a valid WEP key will be excluded from network
traffic.

43

T

ERMINOLOGY

44

FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT, CALL:

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

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

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: 27-11 314 1133; Fax [phone]
North Africa: 34 93 477 4920; Fax [phone]
Russia: 7 (095) 290 29 96; Fax [phone]
PRC: 86-10-6235-4958; Fax [phone]
Taiwan: 886-2-2659-9669; Fax [phone]
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 contact information, please visit www.smc.com or
www.smc-europe.com.

Model Number: SMC2632W
Part No.: 01-111349-006

38 Tesla
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: [phone]

Publication Number: 150000013400E
Revision Number: F1.0
E042002-R01