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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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.

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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,

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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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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

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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.

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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