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www.symbol.com
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter
LA-4121 PC Card and
LA-4123 PCI Adapter
Users Guide
72E-51753-01
Revision B
April 2003
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ii Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
Copyright
Copyright © 2003 by Symbol Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be modified or adapted in any way, for any purposes without permission in writing from Symbol. The material in this manual
is subject to change without notice.
Symbol reserves the right to make changes to any product to improve reliability, function, or design.
No license is granted, either expressly or by implication, estoppel, or otherwise under any Symbol Technologies, Inc., intellectual property rights. An implied
license only exists for equipment, circuits, and subsystems contained in Symbol products.
Symbol, the Symbol logo and Spectrum24 are registered trademarks of Symbol Technologies, Inc.
Other product names mentioned in this manual may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies and are hereby acknowledged.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machine Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Novell and LAN Workplace are registered trademarks of Novell Inc.
Toshiba is a trademark of Toshiba Corporation.
Patents
This product is covered by one or more of the following U.S. and foreign Patents:
4,593,186; 4,603,262; 4,607,156; 4,652,750; 4,673,805; 4,736,095; 4,758,717; 4,760,248; 4,806,742; 4,816,660; 4,845,350;
4,896,026; 4,897,532; 4,923,281; 4,933,538; 4,992,717; 5,015,833; 5,017,765; 5,021,641; 5,029,183; 5,047,617; 5,103,461;
5,113,445; 5,130,520; 5,140,144; 5,142,550; 5,149,950; 5,157,687; 5,168,148; 5,168,149; 5,180,904; 5,216,232; 5,229,591;
5,230,088; 5,235,167; 5,243,655; 5,247,162; 5,250,791; 5,250,792; 5,260,553; 5,262,627; 5,262,628; 5,266,787; 5,278,398;
5,280,162; 5,280,163; 5,280,164; 5,280,498; 5,304,786; 5,304,788; 5,306,900; 5,324,924; 5,337,361; 5,367,151; 5,373,148;
5,378,882; 5,396,053; 5,396,055; 5,399,846; 5,408,081; 5,410,139; 5,410,140; 5,412,198; 5,418,812; 5,420,411; 5,436,440;
5,444,231; 5,449,891; 5,449,893; 5,468,949; 5,471,042; 5,478,998; 5,479,000; 5,479,002; 5,479,441; 5,504,322; 5,519,577;
5,528,621; 5,532,469; 5,543,610; 5,545,889; 5,552,592; 5,557,093; 5,578,810; 5,581,070; 5,589,679; 5,589,680; 5,608,202;
5,612,531; 5,619,028; 5,627,359; 5,637,852; 5,664,229; 5,668,803; 5,675,139; 5,693,929; 5,698,835; 5,705,800; 5,714,746;
5,723,851; 5,734,152; 5,734,153; 5,742,043; 5,745,794; 5,754,587; 5,762,516; 5,763,863; 5,767,500; 5,789,728; 5,789,731;
5,808,287; 5,811,785; 5,811,787; 5,815,811; 5,821,519; 5,821,520; 5,823,812; 5,828,050; 5,848,064; 5,850,078; 5,861,615;
5,874,720; 5,875,415; 5,900,617; 5,902,989; 5,907,146; 5,912,450; 5,914,478; 5,917,173; 5,920,059; 5,923,025; 5,929,420;
5,945,658; 5,945,659; 5,946,194; 5,959,285; 6,002,918; 6,021,947; 6,029,894: 6,031,830; 6,036,098; 6,047,892; 6,050,491;
6,053,413; 6,056,200; 6,065,678; 6,067,297; 6,082,621; 6,084,528; 6,088,482; 6,092,725; 6,101,483; 6,102,293; 6,104,620;
6,114,712; 6,115,678; 6,119,944; 6,123,265; 6,131,814; 6,138,180; 6,142,379; 6,172,478; 6,176,428; 6,178,426; 6,186,400;
6,188,681; 6,209,788; 6,209,789; 6,216,951; 6,220,514; 6,243,447; 6,244,513; 6,247,647; 6,308,061; 6,250,551; 6,295,031;
6,308,061; 6,308,892; 6,321,990; 6,328,213; 6,330,244; 6,336,587; 6,340,114; 6,340,115; 6,340,119; 6,348,773; D305,885;
D341,584; D344,501; D359,483; D362,453; D363,700; D363,918; D370,478; D383,124; D391,250; D405,077; D406,581;
D414,171; D414,172; D418,500; D419,548; D423,468; D424,035; D430,158; D430,159; D431,562; D436,104.
Invention No. 55,358; 62,539; 69,060; 69,187 (Taiwan); No. 1,601,796; 1,907,875; 1,955,269 (Japan); European Patent 367,299; 414,281;
367,300; 367,298; UK 2,072,832; France 81/03938; Italy 1,138,713 3/02
Symbol Technologies, Inc.
One Symbol Plaza
Holtsville, N.Y. 11742-1300
Telephone:(800)SCAN234, (631)738-2400
www.symbol.com
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Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide iii
About This Document
Reference Documents
This Reference Guide refers to the following documents:
Conventions
Keystrokes are indicated as follows:
Typeface conventions used include:
Part Number Document Title
72E-51751-01 Spectrum24 AP-4100 Series Access Point Product Reference Guide
72E-56316-01 Spectrum24 AP-4131 Access Point Product Reference Guide
ENTER identifies a key.
FUNC, CTRL, C identifies a key sequence. Press and release each key in turn.
Press A+B press the indicated keys simultaneously.
Hold A+B press and hold the indicated keys while performing or waiting for another
function. Used in combination with another keystroke.
<angles> indicates mandatory parameters in a given syntax.
[brackets] for command line, indicates available parameters;
in configuration files brackets act as separators for options.
GUI Screen text indicates the control name in a GUI-based application.
Italics indicates the first use of a term, book title, or menu.
‘single quotes’ indicates the exact setting for a parameter.
Screen
indicates monitor screen dialog. Also indicates user input.
A screen is the hardware device on which data appears.
A display is data arranged on a screen.
indicates text shown on a terminal screen.
URL indicates Uniform Resource Locator. Click the URL to launch browser.
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iv Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
This document uses the following icons for certain conditions or types of information:
Indicates tips or special requirements.
Indicates conditions that can cause equipment damage or data loss.
Indicates a potentially dangerous condition or procedure that only Symboltrained personnel should attempt to correct or perform.
Page 5
Contents
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide v
Chapter 1 Introduction ...................................................................................1
Chapter 2 About the Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter .......................3
2.1 Operating Modes .........................................................................4
2.2 11 Mbps Operation ......................................................................5
2.3 Power Management ......................................................................6
2.4 Plug and Play ...............................................................................6
2.5 Spectrum24 PC Card LED Descriptions ...........................................7
Chapter 3 Hardware Installation..................................................................9
3.1 Preparation ..................................................................................9
3.2 Installing the Spectrum24 LA-4121 PC Card ...................................9
3.3 Installing the LA-4123 PCI Adapter, Driver and
Mobile Companion...........................................................................11
3.3.1 External Antenna Connection.............................................14
Chapter 4 Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows 98SE....15
4.1 Installing the Spectrum24 Driver in Windows 98SE.........................16
4.2 Removing a Spectrum24 Driver in Windows 98SE ..........................18
4.3 Configuring the Spectrum24 Adapter in Windows 98SE .................19
Chapter 5 Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows ME ......21
5.1 Installing the Spectrum24 Driver in Windows ME ...........................22
5.2 Removing a Spectrum24 Driver in Windows ME.............................24
5.3 Configuring the Spectrum24 Adapter in Windows ME ....................25
Chapter 6 Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows 2000 ...27
6.1 Installing the Spectrum24 Driver in Windows 2000 ........................28
6.2 Configuring the Spectrum24 Adapter in Windows 2000 .................31
Chapter 7 Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows XP ........33
7.1 Installing the Spectrum24 Driver in Windows XP ............................34
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vi Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
7.2 Configuring the Spectrum24 Adapter in Windows XP .....................37
7.2.1 Removing a driver in Windows XP ......................................39
7.2.2 Installing the Driver for Use With the Windows XP Zero
Config Utility .............................................................................40
Chapter 8 Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows CE........43
8.1 Installing the Spectrum24 Windows CE Driver ...............................44
8.2 Configuring the Spectrum24 PC Card in Windows CE....................46
Appendix A Using the Mobile Companion Utility.................................... A-1
A.1 Installing Mobile Companion............................... .......................A-1
A.2 About Mobile Companion ................................... .......................A-1
A.3 Mobile Companion Task Tray Icons ..................... .......................A-3
A.4 Mobile Companion Property Pages ...................... .......................A-4
A.4.1 WLAN Profiles Property Page ........................................... A-4
A.4.2 Mode Property Page ....................................................... A-6
A.4.3 Encryption Property Page ................................................ A-8
A.4.4 IP Config Property Page ................................................ A-11
A.4.5 Power Property Page .................................................... A-13
A.4.6 Available WLAN Networks Property Page ....................... A-15
A.4.7 Signal Property Page .................................................... A-16
A.4.8 Info Property Page ....................................................... A-18
A.4.9 IP Status Property Page ................................................. A-19
A.4.10 Ping Property Page ..................................................... A-21
A.4.11 APs Property Page ...................................................... A-22
A.4.12 Peers Property Page ................................................... A-23
A.4.13 Optional Settings Property Page .................................. A-24
Appendix B WLAN Adapter Specifications................................................ B-1
Appendix C Troubleshooting .......................................................................C-1
C.1 Windows 98SE Troubleshooting Tips.................... .......................C-1
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Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide vii
C.2 Windows 2000 Troubleshooting Tips ................... .......................C-2
C.3 Windows CE Troubleshooting.............................. .......................C-3
C.3.1 The Handheld Computer Does Not Recognize
the Spectrum24 PC Card ..........................................................C-3
C.3.2 An IP Address is Not Recognized by the
Handheld Computer ................................................................C-3
Appendix D Customer Support....................................................................D-1
D.1 North American Contacts...........................................................D-1
D.2 International Contacts................................................................D-2
D.3 Web Support Sites......................................................................D-2
D.4 Additional Information...............................................................D-2
Appendix E Using the Mobile Companion Utility in Windows CE ....... E-1
E.1 Installing Mobile Companion .......................................................E-1
E.2 About Mobile Companion............................................................E-1
E.3 Mobile Companion Task Tray Icons..............................................E-3
E.4 Mobile Companion Property Pages...............................................E-4
E.4.1 WLAN Profiles Property Page ........................................... E-4
E.4.2 Mode Property Page ....................................................... E-6
E.4.3 Encryption Property Page ................................................ E-8
E.4.4 IP Config Property Page ................................................ E-14
E.4.5 Power Property Page ..................................................... E-16
E.4.6 Available WLAN Networks Property Page ....................... E-18
E.4.7 Signal Property Page .................................................... E-19
E.4.8 Info Property Page ........................................................ E-21
E.4.9 IP Status Property Page ................................................. E-22
E.4.10 Ping Property Page ..................................................... E-24
E.4.11 APs Property Page ...................................................... E-25
E.4.12 Peers Property Page .................................................... E-26
E.4.13 Options Property Page ................................................ E-27
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viii Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
Index............................................................................................................. Index-1
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Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide 1
Chapter 1 Introduction
The LA-4121 PC Card and LA-4123 PCI adapter are Spectrum24 directsequence (DS) products. Spectrum24 DS is a spread spectrum network
operating between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz. Spread spectrum communication
provides a high-capacity network within large or small environments.
Spectrum24 DS products provide a high-capacity network using multiple
access points within large or small environments.
• Spectrum24 bridging architecture allows communication between wired
network devices and mobile devices.
•Spectrum24 products support the IEEE 802.11b and WiFi compliance
specifications. This open architecture allows Spectrum24 devices to
communicate with wireless devices from other manufacturers that
conform to the same specifications.
• Spectrum24 products allow mobile devices to roam throughout large
facilities while remaining connected to the network.
• Spectrum24 antenna diversity allows adapters to alternate between
antennas with the best reception, increasing overall performance.
• Spectrum24 products allow the establishment of ad-hoc wireless
workgroup networks.
• Spectrum24 products are protocol-independent, allowing mobile devices
to communicate with a wide range of servers, hosts and systems.
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Introduction
2 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
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Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide 3
Chapter 2 About the Spectrum24 Wireless
LAN Adapter
The Spectrum24 Wireless LAN (WLAN) adapter allows PC Card slot and PCI
adapter slot-equipped host systems to configure, connect to and establish a
Spectrum24 network.
Features Include:
• Multiple operating mode options for access point or peer-to-peer
associations
• Low-power operation for battery-powered devices with PC Card slots
•Standard NDIS (Network Driver Interface Specification) drivers
• Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP and CE (PPC 2002) operating
system support
• WEP, Kerberos, EAP-TLS and KeyGuard data security
• Power management [Continuously Aware Mode (CAM) and Power Save
Polling (PSP)].
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About the Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter
4 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
2.1 Operating Modes
The Symbol Mobile Companion utility installs with the Spectrum24 Windows
driver. Use Mobile Companion to select the operational mode, ESSID,
encryption algorithm and power consumption mode used with the
Spectrum24 adapter.
Spectrum24 LA-4121 PC Cards and LA-4123 PCI adapters support the
following operational modes:
• In Infrastructure mode, the adapter interoperates with an access point
(AP). The adapter can roam freely between access point cells in the
network or transmit and receive across subnets. Mobile Units (MUs)
appear as network nodes to other devices in the network. Infrastructure
is the adapter default mode.
• Select Ad Hoc mode to form peer-to-peer networks without access
points. Use Ad Hoc to create networks where needed within established
Spectrum24 network coverage areas. The MU starting the Ad Hoc
network (the first Spectrum24 adapter transmitting a beacon) determines
the channel and data rate used for the other Spectrum24 adapters within
the network using the same ESSID.
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About the Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide 5
2.2 11 Mbps Operation
The Spectrum24 Wireless LAN adapter supports a maximum 11Mbps data
rate. The adapter automatically shifts to a 5.5, 2 or 1Mbps data rate when
unable to maintain a high quality connection at 11Mbps. When the WLAN
adapter detects improved signal strength, it shifts to an increased data rate,
up to the maximum 11Mbps.
The following factors can dynamically alter the data rate:
• signal strength between the access point and Spectrum24 adapter
• the ratio of good transmitted packets to attempted transmitted packets
that fall below a threshold
• the MU finds a higher transmit rate with another AP.
Physical obstructions and numerous devices operating in close proximity to
one another negatively impact the ability to maintain an 11Mbps access
point association.
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About the Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter
6 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
2.3 Power Management
LA-4121 PC Cards support the Continuously Aware (CAM) and Power Save
Polling (PSP) power-management modes. CAM requires the radio to remain
on. Symbol does not recommend CAM for battery powered devices.
The PCI version of the Spectrum24 WLAN adapter (model LA-4123)
functions in CAM only.
PSP mode allows the PC Card to conserve power by suspending
communication for short periods of time while still associated with an AP.
The AP saves data for transmission to the PC Card when it wakes at given
intervals. When the PC Card wakes to check for data, it switches back into
CAM until it is ready to suspend communications again.
The PSP performance index, which varies from Excellent to Acceptable,
allows users to specify how often the PC Card wakes to check for data.
The Excellent PSP performance index provides the quickest response time
(shortest sleep interval), while the Adequate PSP performance index provides
efficient power consumption (longest sleep interval). Use the Adequate
performance index when periods of PC Card inactivity are anticipated or
when using a battery for a notebook computer.
Use the Symbol Mobile Companion Power Property Page utility to manually
set the PSP performance index.
2.4 Plug and Play
The PCI version of the Spectrum24 WLAN adapter (model LA-4123) supports
Plug and Play systems. This allows a computer to recognize the PCI adapter,
and configure the hardware interrupt, memory and device recognition
addresses. This feature requires less user interaction and minimizes
hardware conflicts.
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About the Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide 7
2.5 Spectrum24 PC Card LED Descriptions
The LA-4121 PC Card LED illuminates during connection or data transfer to
indicate the functional status of the PC Card.
The LA-4123 PCI adapter supports various plane antennas with various
LED behavior. Refer to the documentation shipped with the antenna for a
description of LED behavior.
Status Function
Off PC Card radio is disabled or incapable of
transmission
Slow Flash PC Card associated with an access point
Rapid Flash Indicates data traffic between PC Card and
access point. The faster the flash, the more data
traffic on the network.
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About the Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter
8 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
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Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide 9
Chapter 3 Hardware Installation
3.1 Preparation
Before beginning the installation, verify the hardware package contains the
Spectrum24 PC Card or PCI adapter. Keep the serial number in a safe place.
The Symbol Support Center uses this information to reference warranty and
service contract information.
Verify the model indicated on the card before use. Contact the Symbol
Support Center if an item is missing or not functioning. Refer to Appendix D
for Customer Support contact information.
3.2 Installing the Spectrum24 LA-4121 PC Card
Do not insert the PC Card into the system until instructed to do so following
the driver installation instructions specific to the operating system used.
The Spectrum24 PC Card installation requires:
• a computer with a Type II PC Card slot
• a CDROM drive or internet access
• an available interrupt (IRQ)
• an available I/O port address
• Spectrum24 High Rate 11Mbps Wireless LAN Software CDROM or the
software package downloaded from the Symbol Website.
Installation and removal methods vary for different host devices. Refer to
system documentation for information.
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Hardware Installation
10 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
Avoid exposing the Spectrum24 PC Card to liquids or abrasive materials.
Install the PC Card when prompted to do so following the driver installation
instructions specific to the operating system used. Refer to Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7
and 8 for driver installation procedures specific to the Windows 98SE, ME,
2000, XP and CE operating systems.
1. Insert the PC Card into the computer PC slot when prompted to do so.
2. Slide in the PC Card until it firmly seats.
Align the card properly when inserting. Insert the card firmly without forcing.
Forcing the card into the slot can damage the device or the card.
To comply with FCC and Industry Canada exposure requirements, this
hand-held device is approved for operation near a user’s hand when there is
20 cm or more between the antenna and the user’s body.
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Hardware Installation
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide 11
3.3 Installing the LA-4123 PCI Adapter, Driver and
Mobile Companion
The installation of the LA-4123 PCI adapter requires the physical installation
of the adapter, the driver installation and the Mobile Companion initial setup
be completed as one process. The LA-4123 PCI adapter does not support
the Windows CE operating system.
Use proper grounding for the environment when handling computer
components.
The Spectrum24 PCI adapter installation requires:
• a CDROM drive or Internet access
• an available PCI slot
• an available interrupt (IRQ)
• an available I/O port address
• Spectrum24 High Rate 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Software CDROM or the
software package downloaded from the Symbol Website.
Spectrum24
®
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Hardware Installation
12 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
If there is a version of the Spectrum24 Plus Pack utility suite in the computer,
remove it using the remove programs option within the Windows Control
Panel. Verify there is no existing Spectrum24 Windows driver in the system. If
there is an existing Spectrum24 driver, remove the driver. Reboot the system.
If using a CDROM to install the PCI adapter driver and Mobile Companion,
do not insert the CD in the system until instructed to do so.
To install the PCI adapter, driver and Mobile Companion utility:
Power off the computer before installing the adapter.
1. Remove the computer cover.
2. Locate an available PCI slot in the computer.
3. Remove the retaining screw and bracket for the slot.
4. Align the adapter with the slot and insert firmly.
Verify the adapter seats in the slot evenly.
5. Verify the antenna connectors on the back of the PC are exposed.
6. Secure the adapter to the chassis with a retaining screw.
7. Replace the computer cover.
8. Power on the desktop computer.
A Windows hardware installation window displays. The appearance of
the hardware installation window differs amongst the supported
Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 and XP operating systems.
9. Click Next. Select the option best suited to the hardware and operating
system
The Windows hardware installation wizard prompts the user to specify a
driver installation method and path.
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Hardware Installation
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide 13
10. Select the Search for a suitable driver for my device checkbox.
Click Next or OK.
11. Specify the location of the files. If using a CDROM to install the files,
insert the CD in the computer. Click Next or OK.
The Windows hardware installation wizard displays the location of the
files. Click Next or OK.
If installing the PCI adapter in a Windows 2000 system, the Microsoft Digital
Signature Not Found dialog box could appear at this point in the
installation. A Microsoft digital signature is not required for the driver
installation. Click Ye s to continue.
A Hardware Installation dialog box could display at this stage of the
installation stating the Spectrum24 adapter has not passed Windows Logo
testing to verify its compatibility with Windows XP. Click Continue Anyway.
The driver and Mobile Companion files download to the
desktop computer.
12. Click Finish.
The Mobile Companion Available WLAN Networks property
page displays.
13. Refer to Appendix A for instructions on using the Mobile
Companion utility.
If there is no existing network displayed in the Available WLAN Networks
property page, network settings need to be created before the adapter can
associate to a network. Refer to Appendix A for information on using Mobile
Companion to create an adapter profile.
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Hardware Installation
14 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
3.3.1 External Antenna Connection
The PCI adapter supports a desktop dual-dipole antenna. Contact a Symbol
sales representative for information on the desktop dual-dipole antenna
supported by the LA-4123 PCI adapter.
Install the antenna parallel to the ground for optimal performance.
FCC RF exposure requirements state the PCI adapter external antenna
should be positioned so it is at least 20 cm (8 inches) away from the user.
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Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide 15
Chapter 4 Installing and Configuring the
Driver in Windows 98SE
The Spectrum24 Windows driver ships with the Symbol Mobile Companion
utility. Use Mobile Companion to view and edit Spectrum24 WLAN adapter
settings. To install and configure the driver for a LA-4123 PCI adapter, refer
to 3.3 Installing the LA-4123 PCI Adapter, Driver and Mobile Companion on
page 11. The following driver installation and configuration instructions
apply to the LA-4121 model PC card specifically.
Internet Explorer version 5.5 or higher with Microsoft Service Pack 1
is required on Windows 98 second edition (SE) systems to support the
Mobile Companion utility. Consult with the system administrator if unsure
of these requirements.
Install the Spectrum24 driver from the Spectrum24 High Rate 11 Mbps
Wireless LAN Software CDROM or go to
(http://www.symbol.com/services/downloads)
and download the driver and
Mobile Companion. Once downloaded, extract the files to the computer
hard drive. If internet access is unavailable, contact a Symbol sales
representative for a CD.
Before installing the Spectrum24 Windows driver:
• obtain a Spectrum24 High Rate 11 Mbps Wireless LAN
Software CDROM or download the driver and Mobile Companion
software from the Symbol Web site.
Page 24
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows 98SE
16 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
4.1 Installing the Spectrum24 Driver in Windows 98SE
If there is a version of the Spectrum24 Plus Pack utility suite in the computer,
remove it using the remove programs option within the Windows Control
Panel. Verify there is no existing Spectrum24 Windows driver in the system.
If there is an existing Spectrum24 driver, refer to 4.2 Removing a Spectrum24
Driver in Windows 98SE on page 18.
To install the Spectrum24 driver in Windows 98SE:
If a CDROM is used in the installation, do not insert the Spectrum24 adapter
in the computer before inserting the CD in the CDROM drive. If the driver
files have been downloaded from the Web, go to the Mobile Companion
folder and launch setup.exe before inserting the adapter in the computer.
Verify the adapter is NOT installed in the computer before beginning the
driver installation.
1. Ensure the previously installed driver has been removed (if necessary).
Verify the PC Card has not been inserted into the PC Card slot.
2. If a CDROM is to be used for the driver and Mobile Companion
installation, insert the CD and extract the driver files to the system. If
downloading the driver and Mobile Companion from the Symbol Web
site (http://www.symbol.com/services/downloads)
, extract the files to the
computer.
3. Go to the Mobile Companion folder and launch setup.exe.
A Symbol Mobile Companion Installer - Welcome window
displays reminding the user not to insert the WLAN card in the system
until prompted.
4. Click OK to continue.
The Symbol Mobile Companion Installer window displays prompting
the user to specify the type of installation desired.
5. Select the Install Mobile Companion on this computer checkbox.
6. Click OK to continue.
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Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows 98SE
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide 17
The Software License Agreement window displays.
7. Click Yes to accept the terms of the Software License Agreement.
The Symbol Mobile Companion Installer window displays prompting
the user to enable 802.11d International Roaming support if using
Symbol WLAN infrastructure components supporting the International
Roaming feature.
8. Check the 802.11d International Roaming Support checkbox if
applicable. Click OK to continue.
The Symbol Mobile Companion Installer - Information window
displays verifying the installation of Mobile Companion and the driver
files on the Windows 98SE/ME computer.
9. Click OK to continue.
10. Insert the Spectrum24 adapter when prompted by the Symbol Mobile
Companion Installer - Information window.
Follow the instructions in Chapter 3 Hardware Installation on page 9 to
install the adapter.
The Mobile Companion Available WLAN Networks property page
displays.
11. Select an existing Spectrum24 network with good signal strength
(3 out of 5 bars) or better and click the Connect icon.
The adapter associates to that network and the signal strength icon
displays in the task tray.
If there is not an existing network displayed in the Available WLAN
Networks property page, a network needs to be created before the adapter
can associate to it. Refer to 4.3 Configuring the Spectrum24 Adapter in
Windows 98SE on page 19.
12. Proceed to 4.3 Configuring the Spectrum24 Adapter in Windows 98SE on
page 19 if additional configuration is required for the adapter or if no
networks display in the Available WLAN Networks property page when
it initially displays.
Page 26
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows 98SE
18 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
4.2 Removing a Spectrum24 Driver in Windows 98SE
To remove an existing Spectrum24 driver in Windows 98SE:
1. Click Start, select Settings and Control Panel.
2. Click on the Network icon.
The Network dialog box displays.
3. Highlight the Symbol PC Card or PCI Adapter.
4. Select Remove.
5. Click OK to remove the driver files from the Windows 98SE
hardware profile.
6. Click Close to close the Network dialog box.
7. Click Yes to restart the system when prompted by Windows 98SE.
8. Proceed to 4.1 Installing the Spectrum24 Driver in Windows 98SE on
page 16 to install the latest version of the driver.
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Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows 98SE
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide 19
4.3 Configuring the Spectrum24 Adapter in
Windows 98SE
To configure the Spectrum24 WLAN adapter for Windows 98SE:
1. Right-click the Mobile Companion task tray icon to display the Mobile
Companion menu.
2. Select Find WLANs.
The Available WLAN Networks page appears with the access point or
Ad Hoc (peer-to-peer) networks available to the adapter displayed.
Use the signal strength bar to the left of each network as a signal
strength and performance indicator for the network. Networks with a
signal strength of Good (3 Green bars out of 5) or better should be
considered for connection. A (!)
!)!)
!) symbol displays to the left of networks
currently out of range.
3. Select a network and click Connect.
If an icon with a key displays to the left of a network, the network is using an
encryption algorithm for additional security. To connect, the user is required
to enter the 40-bit shared key, 128-bit shared key or Kerberos encryption
algorithm set for the target access point or networked client in the Encryption
property page. Consult with the Network Administrator if the encryption
algorithm is unknown.
If there is nothing displayed in the Available WLAN Networks property
page, there are no available access points within proximity that can be heard
by the MU or access points are using multi ESS mode. In multi ESS mode,
non primary ESS IDs do not display.
Page 28
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows 98SE
20 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
The Mode property page displays with the ESSID, Operating Mode and
Profile name for the adapter. Click OK to accept the default adapter
profile information. Use the Encryption property page if the user is
required to select an encryption algorithm to operate within the network.
A profile is a set of configuration settings used by the adapter in different
locations to connect to a Spectrum24 network. Creating different profiles
is a good way of having pre-defined adapter operating parameters
available for use in various Spectrum24 network environments. New
profiles can be created by clicking the New button and existing profiles
can be modified by clicking Edit.
For additional information on using the Mobile Companion utility to create a
new adapter or edit an existing profile, refer to Appendix A.
Page 29
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide 21
Chapter 5 Installing and Configuring the
Driver in Windows ME
The Spectrum24 Windows driver ships with the Symbol Mobile Companion
utility. Use Mobile Companion to view and edit Spectrum24 WLAN adapter
settings. To install and configure the driver for a LA-4123 PCI adapter, refer
to 3.3 Installing the LA-4123 PCI Adapter, Driver and Mobile Companion on
page 11. The following driver installation and configuration instructions
apply to the LA-4121 model PC card specifically.
Install the Spectrum24 driver from the Spectrum24 High Rate 11 Mbps
Wireless LAN Software CDROM or go to
(http://www.symbol.com/services/downloads)
and download the driver and
Mobile Companion. Once downloaded, extract the files to the computer
hard drive. If internet access is unavailable, contact a Symbol sales
representative for a CD.
Before installing the Spectrum24 Windows driver:
• obtain the Spectrum24 High Rate 11 Mbps Wireless LAN
Software CDROM or download the driver and Mobile Companion
software from the Symbol Web site.
Page 30
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows ME
22 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
5.1 Installing the Spectrum24 Driver in Windows ME
If there is a version of the Spectrum24 Plus Pack utility suite in the computer,
remove it using the remove programs option within the Windows Control
Panel. Verify there is no existing Spectrum24 Windows driver in the system.
If there is an existing Spectrum24 driver, refer to 5.2 Removing a Spectrum24
Driver in Windows ME on page 24.
To install the Spectrum24 driver in Windows ME:
If a CDROM is used in the installation, do not insert the Spectrum24 adapter
in the computer before inserting the CD in the CDROM drive. If the driver
files have been downloaded from the Web, go to the Mobile Companion
folder and launch setup.exe before inserting the adapter in the computer.
Verify the adapter is NOT installed in the computer before beginning the
driver installation.
1. Ensure the previously installed driver has been removed (if necessary).
Verify the PC Card has not been inserted into the PC Card slot.
2. If a CDROM is to be used for the driver and Mobile Companion
installation, insert the CD and extract the driver files to the system. If
downloading the driver and Mobile Companion from the Symbol Web
site (http://www.symbol.com/services/downloads)
, extract the files to the
computer.
3. Go to the Mobile Companion folder and launch setup.exe.
A Symbol Mobile Companion Installer - Welcome window
displays reminding the user not to insert the WLAN card in the system
until prompted.
4. Click OK to continue.
The Symbol Mobile Companion Installer window displays prompting
the user to specify the type of installation desired.
5. Select the Install Mobile Companion on this computer checkbox.
6. Click OK to continue.
Page 31
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows ME
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide 23
The Software License Agreement window displays.
7. Click Yes to accept the terms of the Software License Agreement.
The Symbol Mobile Companion Installer window displays prompting
the user to enable 802.11d International Roaming support if using
Symbol WLAN infrastructure components supporting the International
Roaming feature.
8. Check the 802.11d International Roaming Support checkbox if
applicable. Click OK to continue.
The Symbol Mobile Companion Installer - Information window
displays verifying the installation of Mobile Companion and the driver
files on the Windows 98SE/ME computer.
9. Click OK to continue.
10. Insert the Spectrum24 adapter when prompted by the Symbol Mobile
Companion Installer - Information window.
Follow the instructions in Chapter 3 Hardware Installation on page 9 to
install the adapter.
The Mobile Companion Available WLAN Networks property page
displays.
11. Select an existing Spectrum24 network with good signal strength
(at least 3 out of 5 bars) or better and click the Connect icon.
The adapter associates to that network and the signal strength icon
displays in the task tray.
If there is not an existing network displayed in the Available WLAN
Networks property page, a network needs to be created before the adapter
can associate to it. Refer to 5.3 Configuring the Spectrum24 Adapter in
Windows ME on page 25.
12. Proceed to 5.3 Configuring the Spectrum24 Adapter in Windows ME on
page 25 if additional configuration is required for the adapter or if no
networks display in the Available WLAN Networks property page when
it initially displays.
Page 32
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows ME
24 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
5.2 Removing a Spectrum24 Driver in Windows ME
To remove an existing Spectrum24 driver in Windows ME:
1. Click Start, select Settings and Control Panel.
2. Double-click on the Network icon.
The Network dialog box displays.
3. Select the Spectrum24 PC Card or PCI Adapter.
4. Select Remove.
The driver files are permanently removed from the Windows ME
hardware profile. Click OK.
5. Click Yes to restart the system when prompted by Windows ME.
6. Proceed to 5.1 Installing the Spectrum24 Driver in Windows ME on page
22 to install the latest version of the driver.
Page 33
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows ME
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide 25
5.3 Configuring the Spectrum24 Adapter in
Windows ME
To configure the Spectrum24 WLAN adapter for Windows ME:
1. Right-click the Mobile Companion task tray icon to display the Mobile
Companion menu.
2. Select Find WLANs.
The Available WLAN Networks page appears with the access point or
Ad Hoc (peer-to-peer) networks available to the adapter displayed.
Use the signal strength bar to the left of each network as a signal
strength and performance indicator for the network. Networks with a
signal strength of Good (3 Green bars out of 5) or better should be
considered for connection. A (!)
!)!)
!) symbol displays to the left of networks
currently out of range.
3. Select a network and click Connect.
If an icon with a key displays to the left of a network, the network is using an
encryption algorithm for additional security. To connect, the user is required
to enter the 40-bit shared key, 128-bit shared key or Kerberos encryption
algorithm set for the target access point or networked client in the Encryption
property page. Consult with the Network Administrator if the encryption
algorithm is unknown.
If there is nothing displayed in the Available WLAN Networks property
page, there are no available access points within proximity that can be heard
by the MU or access points are using multi ESS mode. In multi ESS mode,
non primary ESS IDs do not display.
Page 34
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows ME
26 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
The Mode property page displays with the ESSID, Operating Mode and
Profile name for the adapter. Click OK to accept the default adapter
profile information. Use the Encryption property page if the user is
required to select an encryption algorithm to operate within the network.
A profile is a set of configuration settings used by the adapter in different
locations to connect to a Spectrum24 network. Creating different profiles
is a good way of having pre-defined adapter operating parameters
available for use in various Spectrum24 network environments. New
profiles can be created by clicking the New button and existing profiles
can be modified by clicking Edit.
For additional information on using the Mobile Companion utility to create a
new adapter or edit an existing profile, refer to Appendix A.
Page 35
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide 27
Chapter 6 Installing and Configuring the
Driver in Windows 2000
The Spectrum24 Windows driver ships with the Symbol Mobile Companion
utility. Use Mobile Companion to view and edit Spectrum24 WLAN adapter
settings. To install and configure the driver for a LA-4123 PCI adapter, refer
to 3.3 Installing the LA-4123 PCI Adapter, Driver and Mobile Companion on
page 11. The following driver installation and configuration instructions
apply to the LA-4121 model PC card specifically.
Install the Spectrum24 driver from the Spectrum24 High Rate 11 Mbps
Wireless LAN Software CDROM or go to
(http://www.symbol.com/services/downloads)
and download the driver and
Mobile Companion. Once downloaded, extract the files to the computer
hard drive. If internet access is unavailable, contact a Symbol sales
representative for a CD.
Before installing the Spectrum24 Windows driver:
• obtain the Spectrum24 High Rate 11 Mbps Wireless LAN
Software CDROM or download the driver and Mobile Companion
software from the Symbol Web site.
Page 36
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows 2000
28 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
6.1 Installing the Spectrum24 Driver in Windows 2000
If there is a version of the Spectrum24 Plus Pack utility suite in the computer,
remove it using the remove programs option within the Windows Control
Panel. Verify there is no existing Spectrum24 Windows driver in the system.
To install the Spectrum24 driver in Windows 2000:
If a CDROM is used in the installation, do not insert the Spectrum24 adapter
in the computer before inserting the CD in the CDROM drive. If the driver
files have been downloaded from the Web, go to the Mobile Companion
folder and launch setup.exe before inserting the adapter in the computer.
Verify the adapter is NOT installed in the computer before beginning the
driver installation.
1. Ensure the previously installed driver has been removed (if necessary).
Verify the PC Card has not been inserted into the PC Card slot.
2. If a CDROM is to be used for the driver and Mobile Companion
installation, insert the CD and extract the driver files to the system. If
downloading the driver and Mobile Companion from the Symbol Web
site (http://www.symbol.com/services/downloads)
, extract the files to the
computer.
3. Go to the Mobile Companion folder and launch setup.exe.
A Symbol Mobile Companion Installer window displays reminding the
user not to insert the WLAN card in the system until prompted.
4. Click OK to continue.
A Symbol Mobile Companion Installer window displays prompting the
user to specify the type of installation desired.
5. Select the Install Mobile Companion on this computer checkbox.
6. Click OK to continue.
The Software License Agreement window displays.
Page 37
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows 2000
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide 29
7. Click Yes to accept the terms of the Software License Agreement.
The Symbol Mobile Companion Installer window displays prompting
the user to enable 802.11d International Roaming support if using
Symbol WLAN infrastructure components supporting the International
Roaming feature.
8. Check the 802.11d International Roaming Support checkbox if
applicable. Click OK to continue.
The Mobile Companion Installer - Information window displays
verifying the installation of Mobile Companion and the driver files on the
Win2K computer.
9. Click OK to continue.
10. Insert the Spectrum24 adapter when prompted by the Symbol Mobile
Companion Installer - Information window.
Follow the instructions in Chapter 3 Hardware Installation on page 9 to
install the adapter.
The Microsoft Digital Signature Not Found dialog box could appear at this
point in the installation. A Microsoft digital signature is not required for the
driver installation. Click Yes to continue.
The Mobile Companion Available WLAN Networks property
page displays.
11. Select an existing Spectrum24 network with good signal strength (at least
3 out of 5 bars) or better and click the Connect icon.
The adapter associates to that network and the signal strength icon
displays in the task tray.
If there is not an existing network displayed in the Available WLAN
Networks property page, a network needs to be created before the adapter
can associate to it. Refer to 6.2 Configuring the Spectrum24 Adapter in
Windows 2000 on page 31.
Page 38
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows 2000
30 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
12. Proceed to 6.2 Configuring the Spectrum24 Adapter in Windows 2000 on
page 31 if additional configuration is required for the adapter or if no
networks display in the Available WLAN Networks property page when
it initially displays.
Page 39
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows 2000
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide 31
6.2 Configuring the Spectrum24 Adapter in
Windows 2000
To configure the Spectrum24 WLAN adapter for Windows 2000:
1. Right-click the Mobile Companion task tray icon to display the Mobile
Companion menu.
2. Select Find WLANs.
The Available WLAN Networks page appears with the access point or
Ad Hoc (peer-to-peer) networks available to the adapter displayed.
Use the signal strength bar to the left of each network as a signal
strength and performance indicator for the network. Networks with a
signal strength of Good (3 Green bars out of 5) or better should be
considered for connection. A (!) symbol displays to the left of networks
currently out of range.
3. Select a network and click Connect.
If an icon with a key displays to the left of a network, the network is using an
encryption algorithm for additional security. To connect, the user is required
to enter the 40-bit shared key, 128-bit shared key or Kerberos encryption
algorithm set for the target access point or networked client in the Encryption
property page. Consult with the Network Administrator if the encryption
algorithm is unknown.
If there is nothing displayed in the Available WLAN Networks property
page, there are no available access points within proximity that can be heard
by the MU or access points are using multi ESS mode. In multi ESS mode,
non primary ESS IDs do not display.
Page 40
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows 2000
32 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
The Mode property page displays with the ESSID, Operating Mode and
Profile name for the adapter. Click OK to accept the default adapter
profile information. Use the Encryption property page if the user is
required to select an encryption algorithm to operate within the network.
A profile is a set of configuration settings used by the adapter in different
locations to connect to a Spectrum24 network. Creating different profiles
is a good way of having pre-defined adapter operating parameters
available for use in various Spectrum24 network environments. New
profiles can be created by clicking the New button and existing profiles
can be modified by clicking Edit.
For additional information on using the Mobile Companion utility to create a
new adapter or edit an existing profile, refer to Appendix A.
Page 41
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide 33
Chapter 7 Installing and Configuring the
Driver in Windows XP
The Spectrum24 Windows driver ships with the Symbol Mobile Companion
utility. Use Mobile Companion to view and edit Spectrum24 WLAN adapter
settings. To install and configure the driver for a LA-4123 PCI adapter, refer
to 3.3 Installing the LA-4123 PCI Adapter, Driver and Mobile Companion on
page 11. The following driver installation and configuration instructions
apply to the LA-4121 model PC card specifically.
Install the Spectrum24 driver from the Spectrum24 High Rate 11 Mbps
Wireless LAN Software CDROM or go to
(http://www.symbol.com/services/downloads)
and download the driver and
Mobile Companion. Once downloaded, extract the files to the computer
hard drive. If internet access is unavailable, contact a Symbol sales
representative for a CD.
To install the driver without Mobile Companion (If using the adapter with the
Microsoft Zero Config utility), refer to 7.2.2 Installing the Driver for Use With
the Windows XP Zero Config Utility on page 40.
Before installing the Spectrum24 Windows XP driver:
• obtain the Spectrum24 High Rate 11 Mbps Wireless LAN
Software CDROM or download the driver and Mobile Companion
software from the Symbol Web site.
Page 42
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows XP
34 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
7.1 Installing the Spectrum24 Driver in Windows XP
Installing the Spectrum24 driver in Windows XP requires the user to replace
the Symbol Spectrum24 driver provided by the Windows XP operating
system with a newer version of the driver provided on the Spectrum24
High Rate 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Software CDROM or downloaded from the
Symbol Website.
If using EAP (802.1x) security with the adapter, the Symbol Mobile
Companion utility cannot be used as the adapter management tool. To
install the driver without Mobile Companion, refer to 7.2.2 Installing the
Driver for Use With the Windows XP Zero Config Utility on page 40.
To install the Spectrum24 driver in Windows XP:
If a CDROM is used in the installation, do not insert the Spectrum24 adapter
in the computer before inserting the CD in the CDROM drive. If the driver
files have been downloaded from the Web, go to the Mobile Companion
folder and launch setup.exe before inserting the adapter in the computer.
Verify the adapter is NOT installed in the computer before beginning the
driver installation. If the adapter was inserted into the system first, refer to
7.2.1 Removing a driver in Windows XP on page 39, remove the driver and
return to this section.
1. Ensure the previously installed Windows XP driver has been removed.
Verify the PC Card has not been inserted into the PC Card slot.
2. If a CDROM is to be used for the driver and Mobile Companion
installation, insert the CD and copy the driver files to the system. If
downloading the driver and Mobile Companion from the Symbol Web
site (http://www.symbol.com/services/downloads)
, extract the files to the
computer.
3. Go to the Mobile Companion folder and launch setup.exe.
Page 43
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows XP
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide 35
A Symbol Mobile Companion Installer window displays reminding the
user not to insert the WLAN card in the system until prompted.
4. Click OK to continue.
A Symbol Mobile Companion Installer window displays prompting the
user to specify the type of installation desired.
5. Select the Install Mobile Companion on this computer checkbox.
6. Click OK to continue.
The Software License Agreement window displays.
7. Click Yes to accept the terms of the Software License Agreement.
The Symbol Mobile Companion Installer window displays prompting
the user to enable 802.11d International Roaming support if using
Symbol WLAN infrastructure components supporting the International
Roaming feature
8. Check the 802.11d International Roaming Support checkbox if
applicable. Click OK to continue.
The Symbol Mobile Companion Installer - Information window
displays verifying the installation of Mobile Companion and the driver
files on the WinXP computer.
9. Click OK to continue.
10. Insert the Spectrum24 adapter when prompted by the Mobile
Companion Installer - Information window.
Follow the instructions in Chapter 3 Hardware Installation on page 9 to
install the adapter.
The Windows XP Found New Hardware Wizard displays.
11. Select the Install the software automatically (Recommended)
checkbox. Click Next.
12. Select the Spectrum24 Wireless LAN PC Card from the Description
window.
Ensure the correct path to the driver files displays in the Location field.
Click Next.
Page 44
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows XP
36 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
A Hardware Installation dialog box could also display at this stage of the
installation stating the Spectrum24 adapter has not passed Windows Logo
testing to verify its compatibility with Windows XP. Click Continue Anyway.
13. Click Finish to close the Windows XP Found New Hardware Wizard.
A Setup dialog box displays stating the installation is finished. Click OK.
The Mobile Companion Available WLAN Networks page displays.
14. Select an existing Spectrum24 network with good signal strength (at least
3 out of 5 bars) or better and click the Connect icon.
The adapter associates to that network and the signal strength icon
displays in the task tray.
If there is no network displayed in the Available WLAN Networks page, a
network needs to be created before the adapter can associate to it. Refer to
7.2 Configuring the Spectrum24 Adapter in Windows XP on page 37.
Proceed to 7.2 Configuring the Spectrum24 Adapter in Windows XP on
page 37 if additional configuration is required for the adapter or if no
networks display in the Available WLAN Networks property page when
it initially displays.
If not using EAP (802.1x) authentication, the user is required to disable
authentication in Windows XP to use Mobile Companion. Select Start,
Control Panel and Network Connections. Select the Wireless LAN
Connection representing the Spectrum24 adapter. From the Wireless
Network Connection Status window, right-click and select Properties.
Select the Authentication tab. Verify the Enable network access control
using IEEE 802.1x checkbox is not selected. Click OK.
Page 45
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows XP
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide 37
7.2 Configuring the Spectrum24 Adapter in
Windows XP
To configure the Spectrum24 WLAN adapter in Windows XP:
1. Right-click the Mobile Companion task tray icon to display the Mobile
Companion menu.
2. Select Find WLANs.
The Available WLAN Networks page appears with the access point or
Ad Hoc (peer-to-peer) networks available to the adapter displayed.
Use the signal strength bar to the left of each network as a signal
strength and performance indicator for the network. Networks with a
signal strength of Good (3 Green bars out of 5) or better should be
considered for connection. A (!) symbol displays to the left of networks
currently out of range.
3. Select a network and click Connect.
If an icon with a key displays to the left of a network, the network is using an
encryption algorithm for additional security. To connect, the user is required
to enter the 40-bit shared key, 128-bit shared key or Kerberos encryption
algorithm set for the target access point or networked client in the Encryption
property page. Consult with the Network Administrator if the encryption
algorithm is unknown.
If there is nothing displayed in the Available WLAN Networks property
page, there are no available access points within proximity that can be heard
by the MU or access points are using multi ESS mode. In multi ESS mode,
non primary ESSIDs do not display.
Page 46
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows XP
38 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
The Mode property page displays with the ESSID, Operating Mode and
Profile name for the adapter. Click OK to accept the default adapter
profile information. Use the Encryption property page if the user is
required to select an encryption algorithm to operate within the network.
A profile is a set of configuration settings used by the adapter in different
locations to connect to a Spectrum24 network. Creating different profiles
is a good way of having pre-defined adapter operating parameters
available for use in various Spectrum24 network environments. New
profiles can be created by clicking the New button and existing profiles
can be modified by clicking Edit.
For additional information on using the Mobile Companion utility to create a
new adapter or edit an existing profile, refer to Appendix A.
If not using EAP (802.1x) authentication, the user is required to disable
authentication in Windows XP to use Mobile Companion. Select Start,
Control Panel and Network Connections. Select the Wireless LAN
Connection representing the Spectrum24 adapter. From the Wireless
Network Connection Status window, right-click and select Properties.
Select the Authentication tab. Verify the Enable network access control
using IEEE 802.1x checkbox is not selected. Click OK.
Page 47
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows XP
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide 39
7.2.1 Removing a driver in Windows XP
If the Spectrum24 adapter was installed in the computer before the driver
installation CD was inserted (if used) or the setup.exe was launched (Web
download installations), the user is required to remove the driver from the
system and begin the installation over.
To remove a driver from the system in Windows XP:
1. Click Start and select Control Panel.
2. Select the Switch to Classic View Windows XP option.
3. Select System and click on the Hardware tab.
4. Click the Device Manager button.
5. Select Network Adapters.
A list of the devices currently supported on the system by Windows XP
displays.
6. Right-click on the Spectrum24 Wireless LAN PC Card and select
Uninstall.
7. Proceed to 7.1 Installing the Spectrum24 Driver in Windows XP on page
34 and reinstall the driver.
Page 48
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows XP
40 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
7.2.2 Installing the Driver for Use With the Windows XP Zero
Config Utility
If using the EAP/TLS (802.1x) security protocol with a Symbol Spectrum24
adapter, install the adapter driver without the Symbol Mobile Companion
utility and use the Windows XP Zero Config utility as the adapter
management tool.
If a version of the Symbol Mobile Companion utility resides on the system,
use Windows XP Add/Remove Programs to uninstall it before installing the
driver for use with the Windows XP Zero Config utility.
To install the driver without Mobile Companion in Windows XP:
1. Ensure the previously installed Windows XP driver has been removed.
Verify the PC Card has not been inserted into the PC Card slot.
2. If using a CDROM for the driver installation, insert the CD and copy the
driver files to the system. If downloading the driver from the Symbol Web
site (http://www.symbol.com/services/downloads)
, extract the files to the
computer.
3. Go to the Driver Only_For XP Zero Config folder and launch
XPdriver.exe.
The UpdateXPdriver window displays prompting the user to insert the PC
Card in the system.
4. Insert the PC Card in the system. Click OK.
The UpdateXPdriver window displays again stating the driver files are in
the process of being transferred.
An XPdriver window could display at this point in the installation requesting
the user remove the CD (if it is being used in the installation) from the system.
Remove the CD and click OK.
The Windows XP Found New Hardware Wizard displays.
Page 49
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows XP
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide 41
5. When prompted for an installation method, select the Install the
software automatically (Recommended) checkbox. Click Next.
A Hardware Installation dialog box could also display at this stage of the
installation stating the Spectrum24 adapter has not passed Windows Logo
testing to verify its compatibility with Windows XP. Click Continue Anyway.
If prompted for the location of the NetWlanXP file, specify its location on the
system. Click OK.
6. Click Finish when prompted to close the Windows XP Found New
Hardware Wizard.
7. Use the Windows XP Zero Config tool as required to connect to a
network and configure the Spectrum24 WLAN adapter. Consult the
system administrator for information on configuring the access point and
associated adapter for EAP security support.
Page 50
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows XP
42 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
Page 51
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide 43
Chapter 8 Installing and Configuring the
Driver in Windows CE
The Spectrum24 Windows CE driver ships with the Symbol Mobile
Companion utility. Use Mobile Companion to view and edit Spectrum24
WLAN adapter settings. The Spectrum24 Windows CE driver supports Pocket
PC 2002 devices. The LA-4123 PCI adapter does not support the Windows
CE operating system.
Install the Spectrum24 Windows CE driver from the Spectrum24 High Rate
11 Mbps Wireless LAN Software CDROM or download the driver from the
Symbol Website. To download the Windows CE driver from the Website, go
to (http://www.symbol.com/services/downloads)
.
For information on using the Mobile Companion utility to configure the
adapter in Windows CE, refer to Appendix E.
If using a Spectrum24 Wireless Networker, Symbol recommends updating
the Spectrum24 WLAN adapter to the latest driver/firmware. To download
the latest driver/firmware, go to
(http://www.symbol.com/services/downloads).
Before installing the Windows CE device driver:
• obtain Windows CE installation media
• verify a LA-4121 PC Card is to be used
Page 52
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows CE
44 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
8.1 Installing the Spectrum24 Windows CE Driver
To install the Spectrum24 Windows CE driver in a PPC 2002 device:
If an existing Spectrum24 Windows CE driver exists on the computer, remove
it before installing a newer version.
Refer to the documentation shipped with the Microsoft ActiveSync program to
ensure the desktop computer used in the driver installation meets the system
requirements for the ActiveSync program.
1. Connect the sync cable to a serial or USB port between the desktop
computer and the handheld computer.
Once a connection exists between the desktop and handheld computers,
file transfers and data synchronization can take place.
Do not insert the adapter in the handheld computer before inserting the CD
into the CDROM drive. Remove the adapter from the system before inserting
the CD.
2. Insert the Spectrum24 High Rate 11Mbps Wireless LAN Software
CDROM into the CDROM drive of the desktop computer or download
the image. Go to:
(http://www.symbol.com/services/downloads).
If a CD was inserted or the setup.exe was executed an Autorun window
displays prompting the user to NOT insert the WLAN card in the system
until prompted.
3. Click OK to continue.
A Symbol Technologies Inc. Mobile Companion Installer window
displays prompting the user to specify the type of installation required.
Page 53
Installing and Configuring the Driver in Windows CE
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide 45
4. Select the Install Mobile Companion on a PocketPC Device checkbox.
5. Uncheck the Install Mobile Companion on this computer
checkbox option.
6. Click OK to continue.
The Software License Agreement displays.
7. Click Yes to accept the terms of the Software License Agreement.
The Mobile Companion Installer - Information window displays
verifying the Mobile Companion and driver files download on the
Windows CE device.
8. Click OK on continue.
If upgrading an existing driver, the following message displays:
Symbol Wireless Networker for PPC 2002 is already installed.
Do you want to proceed with the re-install/upgrade? Click Yes.
The handheld unit displays Symbol Wireless Networker for PPC 2002
is already installed. Reinstall? Click Yes . The driver and Mobile
Companion files extract and download from the desktop computer to the
PPC 2002 device.
If no previous version of the driver exists on the system, the following
message displays:
Install Symbol Wireless Networker for PPC 2002 using the default
application install directory? Click Yes .
9. Insert the adapter in the handheld computer.
The Mobile Companion Available WLAN Networks page displays.
10. Select an existing Spectrum24 network with good signal strength or
better and click the Connect icon.
The adapter associates to that network and the signal strength icon
displays in the task tray
If additional adapter configuration is required, refer to 8.2 Configuring
the Spectrum24 PC Card in Windows CE on page 46.
Page 54
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46 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
8.2 Configuring the Spectrum24 PC Card in
Windows CE
To configure the Spectrum24 WLAN adapter for Windows CE:
1. Click the Mobile Companion task tray icon to display the Mobile
Companion menu.
2. Select Find WLANs.
The Available WLAN Networks page appears with the access point or
Ad Hoc (peer-to-peer) networks available to the adapter displayed.
Use the signal strength bar to the left of each network as a signal
strength and performance indicator for the network. Networks with a
signal strength of Good (3 Green bars out of 5) or better should be
considered for connection. A (!)
!)!)
!) symbol displays to the left of networks
currently out of range.
3. Select a network and click Connect.
If an icon with a key displays to the left of a network, the network is using an
encryption algorithm for additional security. To connect, the user is required
to enter the 40-bit shared key, 128-bit shared key or Kerberos encryption
algorithm set for the target access point or networked client in the Encryption
property page. Consult with the Network Administrator if the encryption
algorithm is unknown.
If there is nothing displayed in the Available WLAN Networks property
page, there are no available access points within proximity that can be heard
by the MU or access points are using multi ESS mode. In multi ESS mode,
non primary ESSIDs do not display.
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The Mode property page displays with the ESSID, Operating Mode and
Profile name for the adapter. Click OK to accept the default adapter
profile information. Use the Encryption property page if the user is
required to select an encryption algorithm to operate within the network.
A profile is a set of configuration settings used by the adapter in different
locations to connect to a Spectrum24 network. Creating different profiles
is a good way of having pre-defined adapter operating parameters
available for use in various Spectrum24 network environments. New
profiles can be created by clicking the New button and existing profiles
can be modified by clicking Edit.
For additional information on using the Mobile Companion utility to create a
new adapter or edit an existing profile, refer to Appendix E.
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Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide A - 1
Appendix A Using the Mobile Companion
Utility
A.1 Installing Mobile Companion
The Mobile Companion utility comes bundled with the adapter driver on the
Spectrum24 High Rate 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Software CDROM.The driver
and Mobile companion utility are also available from the Symbol Web site at
http://www.symbol.com/services/downloads.
Use Mobile Companion to view and configure the adapter settings.
Complete the driver installation instructions for the supported operating
system to install Mobile Companion.
Internet Explorer version 5.5 or higher with Microsoft Service Pack 1 is
required on Windows 98 systems to support the Mobile Companion utility.
Consult with the system administrator if unsure of these requirements.
A.2 About Mobile Companion
Once installed, Mobile Companion starts automatically and appears as an
icon on the task tray. The status icon changes in real-time to reflect the signal
strength and availability of the adapter and the wireless network. Right-click
the icon on the task tray to open the utility. When the utility is initially opened,
the user has the option of selecting Status, WLAN Profiles, Find WLANs, or
Options menu items.
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Select Status to display the Signal, Info, IP Status, Ping and APs (or Peers
if in Ad Hoc mode) property pages. Use these pages to view adapter
software, hardware revision data and current profile information. These
pages can also be used to initiate ping tests to test data transmission
capability, assess signal strength from the adapter (using its current profile)
to the associated AP and display APs (or peers) with the same ESSID as the
current adapter profile.
Select Find WLANs to display the Spectrum24 networks (access points and
networked peers) available for association. The networks are listed by ESSID.
To the left of each network is a signal strength icon. Networks with a signal
strength of Good (3 Green bars out of 5) or better should be considered for
connection. Select a network and select Connect Profile to connect with that
network. The user is required to know the security configuration set for the
access point or networked client (Ad Hoc mode) to connect.
Select WLAN Profiles to create or modify a WLAN adapter profile. A profile
is a set of adapter configuration settings that can be used in different
locations to connect to a Spectrum24 network. Creating different profiles is a
good way of having pre-defined adapter operating parameters available for
use in various Spectrum24 network environments. A list of existing profiles is
available by selecting WLAN Profiles from the main menu.
Select an existing profile and click Connect Profile to use its pre-configured
ESSID, security, network address and power consumption settings or click
Create New Profile to configure new adapter profile device information
using the Mode, Encryption, IP Config and Power property pages.
Select Options to display the Options property page. Use the Options page
to configure system sounds, access point and adapter association
capabilities and profile roaming options. The Options property page can
also be used to password protect the Mobile Companion utility.
The appearance of the Mobile Companion utility can differ depending on the
handheld Windows CE device being used.
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A.3 Mobile Companion Task Tray Icons
Mobile Companion task tray icon displays the signal strength of the adapter
as used with its current adapter profile.
ICON Status
Excellent signal strength (5 out of 5 bars)
Very good signal strength (4 out of 5 bars)
Good signal strength (3 out of 5 bars)
Fair signal strength (2 out of 5 bars)
Poor signal strength (1 out of 5 bars)
Out-of-network range
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A.4 Mobile Companion Property Pages
The Mobile Companion property pages contain wireless network and service
quality information for the adapter. The pages are accessed from the Status,
Find WLANs, WLAN Profiles and Options main menu options.
A.4.1 WLAN Profiles Property Page
Select WLAN Profiles from the Mobile Companion menu to display the
WLAN Profiles property page.
Use the WLAN Profiles property page to view, connect to, or create a new
adapter profile. A completed profile is a set of adapter configuration settings
that can be used in different locations to connect to a Spectrum24 network.
Creating different profiles is a good way of having pre-defined adapter
operating parameters available for use in various network environments.
When the WLAN Profiles property page initially displays, existing profiles
appear in the page. Select a profile and select the Connect Profile icon to set
that profile as the "active" (or current) profile for the adapter. The active
profile displays the transmit and receive icon to the left. Select a profile and
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click on the Edit icon to display the Mode property page where
the ESSID and operating mode can be changed for the profile. Use the
Encryption, IP Config and Power pages as necessary to edit the profile power
consumption and security parameters.
Click on the Create New Profile icon to display the Mode property page
where the ESSID and operating mode can be set for the new profile. Use the
Encryption, IP Config and Power pages as necessary to set the profile power
consumption and security parameters.
Click on the Delete Profile icon to remove the selected profile from the list of
available profiles from within the WLAN Profiles field.
Use the Move Up in list and Move Down in list arrow icons on the side of
the page to order the profiles. If the current profile association is lost, Mobile
Companion attempts to associate with the profiles on the list in the order
displayed until a new association is achieved.
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A.4.2 Mode Property Page
Select the Mode property page to assign the adapter a profile name, set the
adapter profile operating mode and assign an ESSID.
Use the Profile Name field to enter the name of the adapter profile.
A completed profile is a set of adapter configuration settings that can be
used in different locations to connect to a Spectrum24 network. Creating
different profiles is a good way of having pre-defined adapter operating
parameters available for use in various network environments. A list of
existing profiles is available by selecting WLAN Profiles from the Mobile
Companion main menu. Select a profile and click Connect Profile, or select
Create New Profile and enter a new profile name in Mode property page
Profile Name field. Use the Encryption, IP Config and Power property pages
to complete the security, power consumption and network address
parameters for the profile.
Use the 802.11 ESSID field to enter the adapter ESSID. The ESSID is the
802.11 Extended Service Set Identifier. The ESSID is 32-character (maximum)
string identifying the wireless network. The adapter ESSID is required to
match the AP ESSID for the adapter and access point to interoperate.
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Use the Operating Mode pull-down menu to select one of the following
operational modes for the adapter:
• Select Infrastructure to enable the adapter to transmit and receive data
with an access point. Infrastructure is the adapter default mode when
Mobile Companion initially displays.
• Select Ad Hoc to enable the adapter to form its own local network where
adapters communicate peer-to-peer without APs using a shared ESSID.
When Ad Hoc is selected, the Long Preamble checkbox appears. Each
adapter within the Ad Hoc network is required to use the same preamble
length and ESSID to interoperate. Use the Channel number field to
select the channel used within the peer-to-peer network.
Use the Country pull-down menu to select the country of operation for the
adapter. This feature ensures the adapter is using country code information
compatible with the country code data used by the associated access point.
Select International to enable International Roaming support for the
adapter. International Roaming allows the adapter to roam and associate to
access points with differing country codes. Click OK to save the changes.
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A.4.3 Encryption Property Page
Use the Encryption property page to set the adapter profile security level.
The firmware supports Open System (no encryption), 40-bit Shared Key
(40-bit), 128-bit Shared Key (128-bit) and Kerberos encryption algorithms.
The absence of a physical connection makes wireless links vulnerable to
information theft. Encryption is an efficient method of preventing data theft
and improving data security.
The access point and the adapter are required to use the same encryption
algorithm to associate and transmit data. If an access point is set to Open
System and an adapter is set to 40-bit or 128-bit, no association takes place.
Similarly, if an adapter is set to Open System and an access point is set to
40-bit or 128-bit, no association takes place.
If an access point is set to 40-bit and an adapter is set to 128-bit the adapter
can associate to the access point, but no data transmission can take place.
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Choose one of the following Encryption options from the Algorithm
pull-down menu:
• Open Systems (no encryption) - Use the Open System option as the
default setting when no data packet encryption is needed over the
network. Selecting Open System provides no security for the data being
transmitted over the network.
• 40-bit Shared Key - Select 40-bit encryption and enter a 10 Hex digit
(0-1, A-F) encryption key. Use the Reset Keys button to set the encryption
key to the default values.
• 128-bit Shared Key - Select 128-bit encryption and enter a 26 Hex digit
(0-1, A-F) encryption key. The 128-bit encryption option provides a
higher level of security than 40-bit encryption while maintaining an 11
Mbps data rate. Use the Reset Keys button to set the encryption key to
the default values.
The default Hex digit keys are visible any time they are used. As a security
precaution after setting the key values for the network, the digits are replaced
with asterisks **** within the Encryption key fields.
If the associated AP is using a Passkey, the "active" adapter profile is required
to use the same string. The Passkey is a plain text representation of the
WEP keys displayed in the Encryption property page. The Passkey provides an
easy way to enter WEP key data without having to remember the entire 40-bit
(10 character) or 128-bit (26 character) Hex digit string. The Passkey is
case sensitive.
Click the Passkey button to display the Passkey screen. Enter an
easy-to-remember 4 to 32 character string to be used as the WEP algorithm.
Click OK. The MU transforms the Passkey string into a set of four WEP keys
using MD5 algorithms and displays them in the WEP fields. These are the
new WEP keys for the adapter profile. Once displayed in the WEP key fields,
the adapter profile behaves as if the keys were entered manually.
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Configuring Kerberos for the Adapter
Kerberos is a different form of 128-bit data security whereby an adapter is
required to have its request for access point resources authenticated with a
Kerberos server before the server permits the access point to transmit and
receive data with the associated adapter.
Select Kerberos and enter the name of the server that hosts the Kerberos
KDC in the Realm field. The KDC is located on a server and maintains
information about the access points and users it supports. The KDC also
permits the transmission and receipt of data once the credentials of the user
are verified. The KDC field should remain blank unless the default KDC
name (krbtgt) is different on the server. Click OK to save the changes.
Changing the KDC in Mobile Companion displays an error message stating
the adapter has failed to authenticate. Only System and Network
Administrators should alter the KDC values of the access point and adapter.
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A.4.4 IP Config Property Page
Use the IP Config property page to configure the following adapter profile
network address parameters: IP address, subnet, gateway, DNS, and WINS.
Changes made within the IP Config property page only impact the profile
selected in the Mode property page and do not impact the network address
parameters configured for other profiles.
The IP Config property page is unavailable in Windows 98SE and Windows
ME environments.
Select DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) from the IP Type
pull-down menu to obtain a leased IP address and network configuration
information from a remote server. DHCP is the default setting for the adapter
profile. If DHCP is selected, the adapter network address and configuration
fields are not available.
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Select Static to manually assign the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, DNS
and WINS addresses used by the adapter profile.
•IP Address
IP AddressIP Address
IP Address - The Internet is a collection of networks with users that
communicate with each other. Each communication carries the address
(IP address) of the source and destination networks and the particular
machine within the network associated with the user or host computer at
each end. Each node on the IP network must be assigned a unique IP
address that is made up of a network identifier and a host identifier.
Enter the IP address as a dotted-decimal notation with the decimal value
of each octet separated by a period, for example, 192.168.7.27.
•Subnet Mask
Subnet MaskSubnet Mask
Subnet Mask - Most TCP/IP networks use subnets in order to effectively
manage routed IP addresses. Having an organization's network divided
into subnets allows it to be connected to the Internet with a single shared
network address.
•Gateway
GatewayGateway
Gateway - The gateway is a device that is used to forward IP packets to
and from a remote destination.
•DNS
DNSDNS
DNS - The Domain Name System (DNS) is a distributed Internet directory
service. DNS is used mostly to translate domain names and IP addresses.
It is also used to control Internet email delivery. Most Internet services
require DNS to operate properly. If DNS is not configured, Web sites
cannot be located and email delivery fails.
•WINS
WINSWINS
WINS - WINS is a Microsoft NetBIOS name server. WINS eliminates the
broadcasts needed to resolve computer names to IP addresses by
providing a cache or database of translations.
Click OK to save the changes.
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A.4.5 Power Property Page
Select the Power property page to set the Radio Transmission Power level and
the Power Saving Modes for the adapter profile.
Adjusting the Radio Transmission Power level enables the user to expand or
confine the transmission area with respect to other wireless devices that could
be operating nearby. Reducing a coverage area in high traffic areas
improves transmission quality by reducing the noise level (interference) in
that coverage area.
In the Infrastructure operating mode, two transmission power options
are available.
• Select Automatic to use the access point’s current power level. Automatic
is the default mode for adapters operating in the Infrastructure
Operating mode.
• Select Power Plus from the pull-down menu to set the adapter
transmission power one level higher than the level currently set for the
access point.
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In Ad Hoc mode there are five transmission power options.
• Select Maximum power to set the adapter to the highest transmission
power level. Select Maximum power when operating in highly reflective
environments and areas where other devices could be operating nearby
with different address credentials. Additionally, use the maximum power
level when attempting to communicate with devices at the outer edge of
a coverage area.
• Choose 50%, 25% or 10% to set the transmit power level to that
percentage of the maximum power level.
• Choose Minimum power to set the adapter to the lowest transmission
power level. Use the minimum power level when communicating with
devices in close proximity. Additionally, select minimum power in
instances where little or no radio interference from other devices is
anticipated.
The Automatic Power Saving Mode switches to Best Network Performance
when an AC power supply is detected. If a battery is used to power the
system, an appropriate setting between Best Network Performance and
Acceptable Network Performance is automatically chosen based on a
real-time analysis of network usage. The Automatic Power Saving Mode
is the default setting and extends the time before the battery needs to
be recharged.
The Manual Power Saving Mode field allows the user to select a
performance level suited to intended operation. There are 6 settings ranging
from the Best Network Performance (using the most battery power) to
Acceptable Network Performance (using the least battery power). A network
performance description is displayed for each power range.
Click OK to implement power consumption changes for the adapter profile.
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A.4.6 Available WLAN Networks Property Page
Select Find WLANs from the Mobile Companion main menu to display the
Available WLAN Networks property page.
Use the Available WLAN Networks property page to list those Spectrum24
networks (access points or networked peers) available to the adapter for
association. The network name reflects the ESSID of that access point. Each
network displays a signal strength indicator similar in appearance to the
Mobile Companion icon displaying in the Windows taskbar.
If a network displays a key to the left of the signal strength indicator, the
network is using an encryption algorithm. The adapter is required to use an
identical encryption scheme to interoperate with that access point or client. If
the encryption scheme is unknown, ask the system administrator.
Networks with a signal of Good (3 Green bars out of 5) or better should be
considered for connection. Click a network and click the Connect icon to
interoperate with the access point representing that network. Once
connected, the Mode, Encryption, IP Config and Power property pages
display the ESSID, security settings, IP configuration and power level.
Click the Refresh icon to update the list of networks available to the adapter.
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A.4.7 Signal Property Page
Select Status from the Mobile Companion menu to display the Signal
property page.
Use the Signal property page to display a real-time graph of the signal
quality of the adapter to the associated access point. The number of times
the adapter has roamed to and from access points, the MAC Address of the
associated AP (located on the bottom of the access point), the current data
rate and the network status are displayed. Signal quality is an indicator of
how clearly the adapter can hear the associated access point.
The Missed AP Beacons graph displays the amount of beacons (uniform
system packets broadcast by the access point to keep the network
synchronized) missed by the receiving adapter. The fewer the missed beacons
the better the signal. As long as the LED to the right of the graph is Green the
access point association is not jeopardized by an excess of missed access
point beacons. If the LED is Red, an association with a different access point
could be warranted to reduce the amount of missed beacons and improve
the signal.
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The Txmit Retries (Transmit Retries) graph displays the number of data
packets retransmitted by the adapter. The fewer transmit retries the stronger
the signal. As long as the LED to the right of the graph is Green the access
point association is not jeopardized. If the LED is Red, an association with a
different access point could be warranted to reduce the amount of transmit
retries and improve the signal.
The Signal graph displays the RSSI (Relative Signal Strength Indicator) of the
signal transmitted between the access point and adapter. As long as the LED
to the right of the graph is Green the access point association is not
jeopardized. If the LED is Red, an association with a different access point
could be warranted to improve the signal.
The Signal property page is view only and is not available if the current
operating mode is Ad Hoc.
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A.4.8 Info Property Page
Select the Info tab to display the Info property page.
Use the Info property page to view the adapter’s current software and driver
revision data as well as the operating parameters of the adapters current
profile. The Version Information field displays the Mobile Companion
software version, driver version, firmware, hardware and country
information. This data is consistent for the adapter regardless of which
adapter profile is the current profile.
The Current Status field displays the adapters current Profile Name, ESS ID
and Encryption mode. The current status field also displays a signal strength
performance indicator. The adapter operating information differs depending
on which profile has been enabled as the current profile. All of the fields
within the Info property page are read-only and non-configurable.
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A.4.9 IP Status Property Page
Select the IP Status tab to display the IP Status property page.
Use the IP Status property page to view the adapter’s network address
information. Unlike the IP Config property page, the IP Status page is view
only with no user-configurable data fields.
••••IP Type
IP TypeIP Type
IP Type - DHCP or Static. If DHCP was selected from the IP Config
property page, leased IP address and network configuration information
displays for the adapter. If Static was selected, the variables displayed
were input manually.
•IP Address
IP AddressIP Address
IP Address - The Internet is a collection of networks with users that
communicate with each other. Each communication carries the address
(IP address) of the source and destination networks and the particular
machine within the network associated with the user or host computer
at each end. Each node on the IP network must be assigned a unique
IP address that is made up of a network identifier and a host identifier.
Enter the IP address as a dotted-decimal notation with the decimal value
of each octet separated by a period, for example, 192.168.7.27.
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•Subnet Mask
Subnet MaskSubnet Mask
Subnet Mask - Most TCP/IP networks use subnets in order to effectively
manage routed IP addresses. Having an organization's network divided
into subnets allows it to be connected to the Internet with a single shared
network address.
•Gateway
GatewayGateway
Gateway - The gateway is a device that is used to forward IP packets to
and from a remote destination.
•DNS
DNSDNS
DNS - The Domain Name System (DNS) is a distributed Internet directory
service. DNS is used mostly to translate domain names and IP addresses.
It is also used to control Internet email delivery. Most Internet service
requires DNS to operate properly. If DNS is not configured, Web sites
cannot be located and email delivery fails.
•WINS
WINSWINS
WINS - WINS is a Microsoft NetBIOS name server. WINS eliminates the
broadcasts needed to resolve computer names to IP addresses by
providing a cache or database of translations.
•MAC Address
MAC AddressMAC Address
MAC Address - An IEEE 48-bit address the adapter is assigned at the
factory that uniquely identifies the adapter at the physical layer.
•Host Name
Host Name Host Name
Host Name - The Host Name field displays the name of the device
housing the adapter.
Click Renew to update the information displayed within the IP Status
property page.
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A.4.10 Ping Property Page
Select Ping from the Mobile Companion Status menu to display the Ping
property page.
Use the Ping property page to send and receive ICMP ping packets across
the network to the specified IP address.
Select or enter a target device IP address from the IP pull-down menu.
Select the size of the packet transmission from the Size pull-down menu.
Select Start Test to begin the ping test. Select Stop Test to terminate the
ping test. The average mega-bits per second, signal strength, data rate
currently in use, test statistics and round trip times are displayed for each test.
The associated access point MAC address is also displayed. The signal
strength level and the data transmission rate are displayed in real-time
bar graphs.
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A.4.11 APs Property Page
Select APs from the Mobile Companion Status menu to display the APs
property page.
Use the APs property page to view access points with the same ESSID as the
adapter profile. View the MAC addresses and signal strength levels (as a
percentage) of the known access points. The associated access point displays
a radio wave radiating from its antenna to indicate its associated status.
Right-clicking on an access point icon displays a menu.
Selecting the Set Mandatory item prohibits the adapter from associating
with a different access point. The letter M displays on top of the icon when
the Set Mandatory option has been selected. Selecting Set Roaming allows
the adapter to roam to any access point with a better signal.
These settings are temporary and are not saved. Select Refresh to update the
list of the known APs with the same ESSID. The APs property page only
displays when Infrastructure is selected as the adapter operating mode from
the Mode property page.
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A.4.12 Peers Property Page
Select the Peers tab (when in the Ad Hoc operating mode) to display the
Peers property page.
The Peers property page only displays if Ad Hoc has been selected as the
operating mode from the Mode property page.
Use the Peers property page to view other networked peers (mobile devices)
with the same ESSID as the adapter profile. View the MAC address, power
mode, transmit rate, supported rates and the age out time.
These adapters (peers) are all available when forming a peer-to-peer
network in Ad Hoc mode. Select Refresh to update the list of known peers
with the same ESSID and to update the Peers property page with the latest
Ad Hoc network performance and membership data.
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A.4.13 Optional Settings Property Page
Select Options from the Mobile Companion Status task tray menu to display
the Optional Settings property page.
The Options property page contains checkboxes within the
Optional Settings field. Select or clear the checkboxes to configure
the adapter settings.
Select the Access AP networks checkbox to display available AP networks
and their signal strength within the Available WLAN Networks property
page. These are access points available to the adapter profile for
association. Click OK to enable this option. If this option was previously
disabled, refresh the Available WLAN Networks page to display the AP
networks available to the adapter.
Select the Access Ad-Hoc networks checkbox to display available peer
(adapter) networks and their signal strength within the Available WLAN
Networks property page. These are peers available to the adapter profile for
association. Click OK to enable this option. If this option was previously
disabled, refresh the Available WLAN Networks page to display the Ad Hoc
networks available to the adapter.
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Select the Disable Profile Roaming checkbox to configure the adapter profile
to not roam to another access point profile or peer profile (if in Ad Hoc
mode) if a stronger signal is detected.
Select Enable Sounds to initiate an audible signal when performing a ping
test and associating to an access point. The tones are important to notify
users if the ping is received or if the adapter has roamed to a different
access point.
Mobile Companion has a password protection feature that can be enabled
from the Options property page. When Mobile Companion initially displays
in the task tray, the password is off by default. To create a password for
Mobile Companion, click the Password button and enter a case sensitive
password (10 characters max) in the Current Password field. Click OK.
To change the current password, enter the current password in the Current
Password field and enter a new password in the New Password and
Confirm New Password fields. Click OK.
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Page 83
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide B - 1
Appendix B WLAN Adapter Specifications
PC Card Physical
Dimensions (less antenna) 3.3 inches x 2.1 in. x 0.2 inches
(85 mm x 54 mm x 5 mm)
Weight (with antenna) 1.6 oz (45.36 g)
Operating temperature
-4 to 158° F (-20 to 70° C)
Storage temperature
-22 to 176 °F (-30 to 80 °C)
Humidity 95% 95% maximum non condensing
Cargo/Packaged 6ft (1.8m) drop 5hz vibration Mil-Std 810E
Altitude 15,000 ft. (4.6 km) - Storage 8,000 ft.
(2.4 km) - Operating
Vibration 2 G peak, sine; 0.02 G peak random (5Hz - 2000Hz)
Shock 40 G, 11mS, half sine
ESD meets CE-Mark
PCMCIA Compliance Type II
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B - 2 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
PCI Adapter Physical
Dimensions 6.8 in. x 5 in.
Weight 4.3 oz. (122 g)
Operating temperature
-4 to 158° F (-20 to 70° C)
Storage temperature
-22 to 176 °F (-30 to 80 °C)
Humidity 95% maximum non condensing
Cargo/Packaged 6ft (1.8m) drop 5hz vibration Mil-Std 810E
Altitude 15,000 ft. (4.6 km) - Storage 8,000 ft.
(2.4 km) - Operating
Vibration 2 G peak, sine; 0.02 G peak random (5Hz - 2000Hz)
Shock 40 G, 11mS, half sine
ESD meets CE-Mark
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WLAN Adapter Specifications
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide B - 3
Radio
Frequency Range country dependent. Typically 2412 MHz to
2462 MHz
Radio Data Rate 11 Mbps - Optional
5.5 Mbps - Optional
2 Mbps - Required
1 Mbps - Required
Power Input LA-4121 PC Card - 5V
LA-4123 PCI Adapter - 5V
Range open environment over 100 ft (at 11 Mbps). Typical
office or retail environment 30 - 50 ft (at 11 Mbps).
TX Max. Radiated EIRP US: FCC part 15.247
Europe: ETS 300 320
Japan: RCR STD-33
Modulation Binary GFSK
TX Out-of-Band Emissions US: FCC part 15.247, 15.205, 15.209
Europe: ETS 300 320
Japan: RCR STD-33
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WLAN Adapter Specifications
B - 4 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
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Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide C - 1
Appendix C Troubleshooting
C.1 Windows 98SE Troubleshooting Tips
Use the tools provided by Windows 98SE and LAN analyzers (FTP Software
NETXRAY, Novell LAN analyzer) to diagnose problems. Some common
problems exhibited when the Spectrum24 WLAN adapter has not been
properly installed include:
• Windows 98SE does not recognize the Spectrum24 WLAN adapter when
installed.
– Verify that Windows 98SE PCMCIA support is installed.
– Verify the computer has a Plug and Play BIOS.
• The driver fails to load.
– A resource conflict could exist. Use the Device Manager to resolve
resource conflicts. Select the System applet from the Control Panel.
Select the Device Manager tab.
• The MU cannot associate to the Spectrum24 access point.
– Verify the adapter ESSID matches the ESSID of the AP. Refer to the
Configuration section of this document for details.
– Verify the security settings set for the access point match those
configured for the MU.
• Degraded performance from the Spectrum24 adapter.
– Verify a secure antenna connection on the Specrum24 adapter.
• Network drive mappings disappear when the laptop suspends or the
adapter is removed then reinserted. Windows 98SE does not
restore Netware network drive mappings under these conditions.
– Log out and log in again, or restart the machine to restore the
connections.
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Troubleshooting
C - 2 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
• Nonfunctioning Spectrum24 adapter LEDs.
–Verify the Card Type parameter is set correctly.
– Verify that the adapter ESSID matches the ESSID of the AP.
C.2 Windows 2000 Troubleshooting Tips
Use the tools provided by Windows 2000 to diagnose problems.
• The MU cannot associate to the Spectrum24 access point.
– Verify the adapter ESSID matches the ESSID of the AP. Refer to the
Configuration section of this document for details.
– Verify the security settings set for the access point match those
configured for the MU.
• Degraded performance from the Spectrum24 WLAN adapter.
– Verify a secure antenna connection on the Spectrum24 adapter.
– Verify the antennas remain attached to the Spectrum24 adapter if
Diversity is selected.
• Nonfunctioning adapter LEDs.
–Verify the Card Type parameter is set correctly.
– Verify that the adapter ESSID matches the ESSID of the AP.
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Troubleshooting
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide C - 3
C.3 Windows CE Troubleshooting
The following problem scenarios could be encountered when using the
Spectrum24 PC Card in a Windows CE environment:
C.3.1 The Handheld Computer Does Not Recognize
the Spectrum24 PC Card
The handheld computer could display an Unidentified PC Card Adapter
window when the Spectrum24 PC Card is inserted into the handheld
computer.
This probably means the Spectrum24 32-bit Windows CE driver was not
loaded or was loaded incorrectly. If this is the case the driver files require
reinstallation. Refer to the Spectrum24 32-bit Windows CE driver installation
section of Chapter 8 for detailed installation instructions.
To verify that the handheld computer recognizes the Spectrum24 PC Card:
1. Tap Start and select Settings and Control Panel.
2. Double tap the System icon.
The Expansion Slot: in the System: section of the System Properties
window should list Low_Power_Ethernet.
This window displays the type of processor the handheld computer uses.
3. If the handheld computer does not recognize the Spectrum24 WLAN
adapter and does not display an Unidentified PC Card Adapter
window, remove and reinsert the PC Card.
If the handheld computer has a PC Card locking mechanism verify it is
engaged after the PC Card has been re-inserted.
C.3.2 An IP Address is Not Recognized by the Handheld Computer
Remove and reinsert the PC Card for changes to the IP address to take
effect once the Network settings have been changed from the Windows CE
Control Panel.
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Troubleshooting
C - 4 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
Page 91
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide D - 1
Appendix D Customer Support
Symbol Technologies provides its customers with prompt and accurate
customer support. Use the Symbol Support Center as the primary contact for
any technical problem, question or support issue involving Symbol products.
If the Symbol Customer Support specialists cannot solve a problem, access to
all technical disciplines within Symbol becomes available for further
assistance and support. Symbol Customer Support responds to calls by
email, telephone or fax within the time limits set forth in individual
contractual agreements.
When contacting Symbol Customer Support, please provide the following
information:
• serial number of unit
• model number or product name
• software type and version number.
D.1 North American Contacts
Inside North America, contact Symbol by:
• Symbol Technologies, Inc.
One Symbol Plaza Holtsville, New York 11742-1300
Telephone: 1-631-738-2400/1-800-SCAN 234
Fax: 1-631-738-5990
• Symbol Support Center (for warranty and service information):
– telephone: 1-800-653-5350
– fax: (631) 563-5410
– Email: support@symbol.com
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Customer Support
D - 2 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
D.2 International Contacts
Outside North America, contact Symbol by:
•Symbol Technologies
Symbol Place
Winnersh Triangle, Berkshire, RG41 5TP
United Kingdom
0800-328-2424 (Inside UK)
+44 118 945 7529 (Outside UK)
For other sales offices, use the Symbol Services Web-Site for information:
http://www.symbol.com/services/howto/howto_contact_us.html
D.3 Web Support Sites
MySymbolCare
http://www.symbol.com/services/msc
Symbol Services Homepage
http://symbol.com/services
Symbol Software Updates
http://symbol.com/service/downloads
Symbol Developer Program
http://software.symbol.com/devzone
Symbol Knowledge Base
http://kb.symbol.com
D.4 Additional Information
Obtain additional information by contacting Symbol at:
• 1-800-722-6234, inside North America
• +1-631-738-5200, in/outside North America
• http://www.symbol.com/
Page 93
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide E - 1
Appendix E Using the Mobile Companion
Utility in Windows CE
E.1 Installing Mobile Companion
The Mobile Companion utility comes bundled with the adapter driver on
CDROM. The driver and Mobile companion utility are also available from
the Symbol Web site at
http://www.symbol.com/services/downloads
.
Use Mobile Companion to view and configure the adapter settings in
Windows CE. Complete the driver installation instructions for Windows CE to
install Mobile Companion.
E.2 About Mobile Companion
Mobile Companion starts automatically and appears as an icon on the task
tray. The status icon changes in real-time to reflect the signal strength and
availability of the adapter and the wireless network. Tap on the icon on the
task tray to open the utility. When the utility is initially opened, the user has
the option of selecting Status, Find WLANs, WLAN Profiles or Options
menu items.
Select WLAN Profiles to create or modify a WLAN adapter profile. A profile
is a set of adapter configuration settings that can be used in different
locations to connect to a Spectrum24 network. Creating different profiles
is a good way of having pre-defined adapter operating parameters available
for use in various Spectrum24 network environments. A list of existing
profiles is available by selecting WLAN Profiles from the Mobile Companion
main menu.
Select an existing profile and tap Connect Profile to use its pre-configured
ESSID, security, network address and power consumption settings or tap
Create New Profile to configure new adapter profile device information
using the Mode, Encryption, IP Config and Power property pages.
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E - 2 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
Select Status from the main menu to display the Signal, Info, IP Status, Ping
and APs (or Peers if in Ad Hoc mode) property pages. Use these pages to
view adapter software, hardware revision data and current profile
information. These pages can also be used to initiate ping tests to test data
transmission capability, assess signal strength from the adapter (using its
current profile) to the associated AP and display APs (or peers) with the same
ESSID as the current adapter profile.
Select Find WLANs from the main menu to display the Spectrum24 networks
(access points and networked peers) available for association. The networks
are listed by ESSID. To the right of each network is a signal strength icon
similar to the Mobile Companion icon. Networks with a signal strength of
Good (3 Green bars out of 5) or better should be considered for connection.
Tap a network and tap Connect Profile to connect with that network.
Select Options from the main menu to display the Options property page.
Use the Options page to configure battery consumption avoidance
capabilities, system sounds, access point and adapter association
capabilities and profile roaming options. The Options property page can
also be used to password protect the Mobile Companion utility.
The appearance of the Mobile Companion utility can differ depending on the
device being used.
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Using the Mobile Companion Utility in Windows CE
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide E - 3
E.3 Mobile Companion Task Tray Icons
Mobile Companion task tray icon displays the signal strength of the adapter
as used with its current adapter profile.
ICON Status
Excellent signal strength (5 out of 5 bars)
Very good signal strength (4 out of 5 bars)
Good signal strength (3 out of 5 bars)
Fair signal strength (2 out of 5 bars)
Poor signal strength (1 out of 5 bars)
Out-of-network range
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Using the Mobile Companion Utility in Windows CE
E - 4 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
E.4 Mobile Companion Property Pages
The Mobile Companion property pages contain wireless network and service
quality information for the adapter. The pages are accessed from the Status,
Find WLANs, WLAN Profiles and Options main menu options.
E.4.1 WLAN Profiles Property Page
Select WLAN Profiles form the Mobile Companion main menu to display the
WLAN Profiles property page.
Use the WLAN Profiles property page to view, connect to, or create a new
adapter profile. A completed profile is a set of adapter configuration settings
that can be used in various locations to connect to a Spectrum24 network.
Creating different profiles is a good way of having pre-defined adapter
operating parameters available for use in various network environments.
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Using the Mobile Companion Utility in Windows CE
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide E - 5
When the WLAN Profiles property page initially displays, existing profiles
appear. Tap on a profile and tap the Connect Profile icon to set that profile
as the "active" (or current) profile for the adapter. The active profile displays
the transmit and receive icon to the left. Select a profile and tap the Edit icon
to display the Mode property page where the ESSID and operating mode can
be changed for the profile. Use the Encryption, IP Config and Power pages
as necessary to edit the profile power consumption and security parameters.
Tap t he Create New Profile icon to display the Mode property page where
the ESSID and operating mode can be set for the new profile. Use the
Encryption, IP Config and Power pages as necessary to set the profile power
consumption and security parameters.
Tap t he Delete Profile icon to remove the selected profile from the list of
available profiles from within the WLAN Profiles field.
Use the Move Up in list and Move Down in list arrow icons on the side of
the page to order the profiles. If the current profile association is lost, Mobile
Companion attempts to associate with the first profile displayed and then the
next until a new association is achieved.
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Using the Mobile Companion Utility in Windows CE
E - 6 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
E.4.2 Mode Property Page
Select the Mode property page to assign the adapter a profile name of
device network information, set the adapter profile operating mode and
assign an ESSID.
Use the Profile Name field to enter the name of the adapter profile. A
completed profile is a set of adapter configuration settings that can be used
in different locations to connect to a Spectrum24 network. Creating different
profiles is a good way of having pre-defined adapter operating parameters
available for different users in various network environments. A list of existing
profiles is available by selecting WLAN Profiles from the Mobile Companion
main menu.
Select a profile from within the WLAN Profiles page and tap Connect
Profile, or tap Create New Profile from within the WLAN Profiles page and
enter a new profile name in Mode property page Profile Name field. Use the
Encryption, IP Config and Power property pages to complete the security,
power consumption and network address parameters for the profile.
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Using the Mobile Companion Utility in Windows CE
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide E - 7
Enter an ESSID in the Mode page 802.11 ESSID field. The ESSID is the
802.11 Extended Service Set Identifier. The ESSID is 32-character (maximum)
string identifying the wireless network. The adapter ESSID is required to
match the AP ESSID for the adapter and access point to interoperate.
Use Mode property page Operating Mode pull-down menu to select one of
the following operational modes for the adapter:
• Select Infrastructure to enable the adapter to transmit and receive data
with an access point. Infrastructure is the adapter default mode when
Mobile Companion initially displays.
• Select Ad Hoc to enable the adapter to form its own local network where
adapters communicate peer-to-peer without APs using a shared ESSID.
Check the Long Preamble Headers checkbox if the adapters within the
Ad Hoc network are using a long preamble. All peers within the Ad Hoc
network are required to use the same preamble length to interoperate.
The adapter initiating the Ad Hoc network sets the channel (using the
Channel # menu) that all additional members are required to use.
When in Ad Hoc mode, select Peers from the Mobile Companion Status
menu to view the BSSID or MAC addresses of the other adapters in the
network, their operating mode (PSP or CAM), their transmit rate, their
supported data rate and the length of time an adapter has been out of
the Ad Hoc network. Tap Refresh to update the Peers property page to
the latest Ad Hoc network performance and adapter membership data.
Use the Country pull-down menu to select the country of operation for the
adapter. This feature ensures the adapter is using country code information
compatible with the country code data used by the associated access point.
Select International to enable International Roaming support for the
adapter. International Roaming allows the adapter to roam and associate to
access points with differing country codes. Tap OK to save the changes.
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Using the Mobile Companion Utility in Windows CE
E - 8 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Users Guide
E.4.3 Encryption Property Page
Use the Encryption property page to set the adapter profile security level.
The firmware supports Open System (no encryption), 40-bit Shared Key
(40-bit), 128-bit Shared Key (128-bit,) Kerberos and EAP-TLS encryption
algorithms. The absence of a physical connection makes wireless links
vulnerable to information theft. Encryption is an efficient method of
preventing data theft and improving data security.
The access point and the adapter are required to use the same encryption
algorithm to associate and transmit data. If an access point is set to Open
System and an adapter is set to 40-bit or 128-bit, no association takes place.
Similarly, if an adapter is set to Open System and an access point is set to
40-bit or 128-bit, no association takes place. For information on configuring
the Spectrum24 access point for milt-ESS MU support (VLAN), refer to the
AP-4131 Access Point Product Reference Guide available from the Symbol
Web site.
If an access point is set to 40-bit and an adapter is set to 128-bit the adapter
can associate to the access point, but no data transmission and reception
can take place.
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