Symbol Technologies 3020 PC, 3025 ISA Users manual

Spectrum24

Wireless LAN Adapter

Models 3020 PC Card &

3025 ISA Adapter

Product Reference Guide

70-20505-01 October 1998

Copyright

Copyright © 1998 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.

Novell and LAN Workplace are registered trademarks of Novell Inc.

Patents

This product is covered by one or more of the following U.S. and foreign Patents:

U.S. Patent No.4,360,798; 4,369,361; 4,387,297; 4,460,120; 4,496,831; 4,593,186; 4,603,262; 4,607,156; 4,652,750; 4,673,805; 4,736,095; 4,758,717; 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; 5,229,591; 5,230,088; 5,235,167; 5,243,655; 5,247,162; 5,250,791; 5,250,792; 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; 5,321,246; 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; 5,578,810; 5,581,070; 5,589,679; 5,589,680; 5,608,202; 5,612,531; 5,619,028; 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; 5,745,794; 5,754,587; 5,658,383; D305,885; D341,584; D344,501; D359,483; D362,453; D362,435; D363,700; D363,918; D370,478; D383,124; D391,250.

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.

Symbol Technologies, Inc.

One Symbol Plaza

Holtsville, N.Y. 11742-1300

Telephone:(800)SCAN234/(516)738-2

ii	Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter User Guide

Regulatory Addendum

Congratulations on your purchase of this Symbol Technologies product. It is manufactured to the highest standards to

ensure trouble-free operation and durability. In order to comply with various U.S. and International regulatory requirements, we have included this addendum with your product. It is an all-encompassing document that applies to the complete line of Symbol products. Therefore, many of the labels shown, and statements indigenous to other devices may not apply to your particular product.

Radio Frequency Interference Requirements

This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commissions Rules and Regulation. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If the equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the

following measures:

•Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that which the receiver is connected.

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

Radio Frequency Interference Requirements -

Canada

This Class A digital apparatus meets the requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

CE Marking and European Union Compliance

Products intended for sale within the European Union are marked with the CEMark which indicates compliance to applicable Directives and European Normes (EN), as follows. Amendments to these Directives or ENs are included: Normes (EN), as follows.

Applicable Directives:

•

•

Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 89/336/EEC

Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC

Applicable Standards:

•EN 55 022 - Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Interference Characteristics of Information technology Equipment

•EN 50 082-1 - Electromagnetic Compatibility - Generic Immunity Standard, Part 1: Residential, commercial, Light Industry

Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter User Guide

iii

•IEC 801.2 - Electromagnetic Compatibility for Industrial Process Measurement and Control Equipment Part 2: Electrostatic Discharge Requirements

•IEC 801.3 - Electromagnetic Compatibility for Industrial Process Measurement and Control Equipment Part 3: Radiated Electromagnetic Field Requirements

•IEC 801.4 - Electromagnetic Compatibility for Industrial Process Measurement and Control Equipment Part 4: Electrical Fast Transients Requirements

•EN 60 950 + Amd 1 + Amd 2 - Safety of Information Technology Equipment Including Electrical Business Equipment

•EN 60 825-1 (EN 60 825) - Safety of Devices Containing Lasers

RF Devices

Symbol’s RF products are designed to be compliant with the rules and regulations in the locations into which they are sold and will be labeled as required. The majority of Symbol’s RF devices are type approved and do not require the user to obtain license or authorization before using the equipment. Any changes or modifications to Symbol Technologies equipment not expressly approved by Symbol Technologies could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Telephone Devices (Modems) - United States

If this product contains an internal modem it is compliant with Part 68 of the Federal Communications Commission Rules and Regulations and there will be a label on the product showing the FCC ID Number and the REN, Ringer Equivalence Number. The REN is used to determine the quantity of devices which maybe connected to the telephone line. Excessive RENs on the telephone line may result in the device not ringing in response to an incoming call. In most but not all areas, the sum of the RENs should not exceed 5.0. To be certain of the number of devices that may be connected to the line, as determined by the total number of RENs, contact the telephone company to determine the maximum REN for the calling area.

If the modem causes harm to the telephone network, the telephone company will notify you in advance; however, if advance notice is not practical, you will be notified as soon as possible. Also, you will be advised of your right to file a complaint with the FCC if you believe it is necessary.

The telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations or procedures that could affect the operation of the modem. If this happens the telephone company will provide advance notice so you may make any necessary modifications to maintain uninterrupted service.

Telephone Devices (Modems) - Canada

If this product contains an internal modem it is compliant with CS-03 of Industry Canada and there will be a Canadian certification number (CANADA: ____) on a label on the outside of the product. This certification means that the equipment meets certain telecommunications network protective, operational and safety requirements. The Department does not guarantee the equipment will operate to the user’s satisfaction.

Before installing this equipment, users should ensure that it is permissible to be connected to the facilities of the local telecommunications company. The equipment must also be installed using an acceptable method of connection. In some cases, the company’s inside wiring associated with a single-line, individual service maybe extended by means of a certified convector assembly (telephone extension cord). The customer should be aware that compliance with the above conditions may not prevent degradation of service in some situations.

Repairs to certified equipment should be made by an authorized Canadian maintenance facility designated by the supplier. Any repairs or alterations made by the user to this equipment, or equipment malfunctions, may give the telecommunications company cause to request the user to disconnect the equipment.

User should ensure for their own protection that the electrical ground connections of the power utility, telephone lines and internal metallic water pipe system, if present, are connected together. This precaution may be particularly important in rural areas.

CAUTION: User should not attempt to make such connections themselves, but should contact the appropriate electric inspection authority, or electrician, as appropriate.

The Load Number (LN) assigned to each terminal device denotes the percentage of the total load to be connected to the telephone loop which is used by the device, to prevent overloading. The termination of a loop may consist of any combination of devices, subject only to the requirement that the total of the Load Numbers of all devices not exceed 100.

iv	Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter User Guide

The Load Number is located on a label on the product.

Contact your local Symbol Technologies, Inc., representative for service and support;

Symbol Technologies, Inc.,

Canadian Sales and Service

2540 Matheson Boulevard East

Mississauga, Ontario

Canada L4W 4Z2

Phone - 905 629 7226

Laser Devices

Symbol products using lasers comply with US 21CFR1040.10, Subchapter J and IEC825/EN 60 825 (or IEC825-1/EN 60 825-1, depending on the date of manufacture). The laser classification is marked one of the labels on the product.

Class 1 Laser devices are not considered to be hazardous when used for their intended purpose. The following statement is required to comply with US and international regulations:

CAUTION: Use of controls, adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous visible or invisible laser light exposure.

Class 2 laser scanners use a low power, visible light diode. As with any very bright light source, such as the sun, the user should avoid staring directly into the light beam. Momentary exposure to a Class 2 laser is not known to be harmful.

Laser information labels are found in the product Quick Reference Guide.

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vi	Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter User Guide

About This Document

Reference Documents

This Reference Guide refers to the following documents:

Part Number

Document Title

70-20135-02 Single High Performance Antenna (ML-2499-HPA1-00/ Twin High Performance Diversity Antenna (ML-2499-DVA 1-00)

70-20136-01 Mountable F-Plane Antenna (ML-2499-DSA1-00) 70-20137-02 Universal Acess Point Wall Bracket (ML-2499-APB1-00)

RFC’s (Request For Comments) may be found on the Web at: http://www.ctrl- c.lin.se/ftp/DOC/RFC.

Conventions

Terminal text is depicted as shown on a 4140 terminal screen.

Keystrokes are indicated as follows:

ENTER identifies a key.

FUNC, CTRL, C identifies a key sequence. Press and release each key

	in turn.
Press A+B	means to press the indicated keys simultaneously.
Hold A+B	means to hold down the indicated keys. Used in
	combination with another keystroke.
Typeface conventions used include.
<angles>	indicates mandatory parameters in a given syntax.
[brackets]	for command line, indicates available parameters; in
	configuration files brackets act as separators for options.
Italics	indicates the first time a term is used, a book title,
	information to be replaced by an actual value, and
	menu titles.

Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter User Guide

vii

‘single quotes’	indicates the exact setting for a parameter.
Screen	indicates monitor screen dialog. Also indicates user input.
Terminal	indicates text shown on a radio terminal screen.

This manual uses the following for certain conditions or types of information:

Indicates tips or special requirements.

Indicates conditions that can cause equipment damage or data loss.

Indicates a condition or procedure that is potentially dangerous. Only qualified, Symbol-trained personnel should attempt to correct or perform.

Special Definitions:

Screen is the device on a terminal where the terminal shows data. A display is an arrangement of data on a screen.

viii	Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter User Guide

Customer Support

Symbol Technologies is committed to providing its customers with World Class Customer Service and Technical Support. The Symbol Support Center is the single point of contact for any technical problem, question or support issue.

The Support Center is operational 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, staffed by full-time professional Technical Specialists.

If Symbol Technical Specialists cannot solve the problem immediately within its tiered technical support center, access to all technical disciplines within Symbol become available for further assistance and support. First response/contact within 24 hours or one business day. Response by email, fax or telephone.

North American Contacts

Inside North America, contact Symbol by:

Symbol Technologies, Inc.

One Symbol Plaza

Holtsville, New York 11742-1300

Telephone: [phone]-SCAN 234

Fax: [phone]

•Symbol Support Center:

–telephone: [phone]

–fax: [phone]

–Email: [e-mail]

–International Contacts

Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter User Guide

ix

Outside North America, contact Symbol by:

Symbol Technologies Technical Support

12 Oaklands Park

Berkshire, RG41 2FD, United Kingdom

Tel: [phone] or 1-516-738-2400 ext. 6213

Additional Information

Obtain additional information by contacting Symbol at:

•1-800-722-6234, inside North America

•[phone], in/outside North America

•http://www.symbol.com/

x	Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter User Guide

Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction...............................................		1
Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Adapter ...............................		3
2.1	MU Mode Operation ........................................	4
2.2	MicroAP Mode Operation .................................	5
2.3	1 and 2 Mbps Operation ..................................	6
2.4	Mobile IP (roaming across routers) Description ..8
2.5	Power Management .........................................	8
2.6	Card and Socket Services..................................	9
2.7	Plug and Play ...................................................	9
2.8	Spectrum24 Adapter LED Descriptions ..............	9
Chapter 3 System Software Supported .....................		11
Chapter 4 Hardware Installation..............................		13
4.1	Preparation ....................................................	13
4.2	Installing the PC Card.....................................	13
4.3	End-Cap Antenna Installation .........................	16
4.4	End-Cap Antenna Removal.............................	16
4.5	Installing the WLAN ISA Adapter.....................	18
	4.5.1 External Antenna Connection ...............	19
Chapter 5 Firmware Update.....................................		21
5.1	Verifying The Firmware Version.......................	21
Chapter 6 Windows 95/NT Driver Installations ........		23
6.1	Windows 95 Driver Introduction.....................	23
6.2	New Features For v4.00 .................................	24
6.3	Current Features in Windows 95.....................	24
6.4	Windows 95 Driver/Transport Updates............	24
6.5	Windows 95 Driver And Transport Uninstall
(Version 4.00 Or Earlier).......................................		25
6.6	Windows 95 Driver Installation .......................	26

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	6.6.1 Preparation ..........................................	26
6.7 Windows 95 Retail Version .............................		26
6.8 Windows 95 OSR2 Version .............................		27
6.9 Windows 95 Setup .........................................		29
6.10	Configuration...............................................	30
6.11	Windows NT 4.0/3.51 Driver Introduction.....	31
6.12	New Features For v4.00 ...............................	32
6.13	Current Features For NT ...............................	32
6.14	Current Limitations For NT............................	33
6.15	Workstation/Server Primary Installation.........	33
	6.15.1 Preparation ........................................	33
6.16	Windows NT 4.0...........................................	34
6.17	Windows NT 3.51.........................................	36
6.18	First Time Network Installation......................	38
6.19	Windows NT 4.0...........................................	38
6.20	Windows NT 3.51.........................................	40
6.21	Existing Network Installation.........................	43
6.22	Windows NT 4.00.........................................	44
	6.22.1 Windows NT 3.51...............................	46
6.23	Windows NT Driver Update ..........................	49
6.24	Windows NT 4.0...........................................	49
6.25	Windows NT 3.51.........................................	50
	6.25.1 Network Adapter Configuration..........	50
6.26	Windows NT 4.00.........................................	50
6.27	Windows NT 3.51.........................................	51

Chapter 7 DOS/Windows For Workgroups Driver
Installation............................................		53
7.1	Preventing Memory Range Conflicts ................	53
7.2	Spectrum24 Automated Driver Installation ......	54
7.3	NDIS Manual Installation................................	55
7.4	Modifying Config.sys ......................................	56

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7.5 Modifying Autoexec.bat ..................................	56
7.6 Modifying Protocol.ini .....................................	57
7.7 ODI Manual Installation .................................	57
7.8 Modifying Autoexec.bat ..................................	58
7.9 Modifying Net.cfg...........................................	58
7.10 Keyword usage.............................................	59
7.11 Enabling Plug and Play .................................	59
7.12 Enabling CardServices ..................................	60
7.13 Windows for Workgroups (v3.11) ..................	62
7.14 Installing The Driver .....................................	62
Appendix A Windows 95 Network Configuration
Properties ............................................	A 1
Appendix B Windows NT Network Configuration
Parameters ..........................................	B 1
Appendix C Windows NT/95
Utilities Setup ......................................	C 1
C.1 Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 95
S24INFO .....................................................	C 1
C.1.1 Preparation.........................................	C 1
C.1.2 Installing S24INFO..............................	C 1
C.1.3 Starting S24INFO................................	C 2
C.1.4 Uninstalling S24INFO .........................	C 2
C.2 Windows NT 3.51 S24INFO...................	C 2
C.2.1 Preparation.........................................	C 2
C.2.2 Installing S24INFO..............................	C 3
C.2.3 Starting S24INFO................................	C 3
C.2.4 Uninstalling S24INFO .........................	C 3
C.3 Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 95
S24UTIL.......................................................	C 4
C.3.1 Preparation.........................................	C 4

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xiii

	C.3.2 Installing S24UTIL ...............................	C 4
	C.3.3 Starting S24UTIL .................................	C 4
	C.3.4 Uninstalling S24UTIL...........................	C 5
C.4	Windows NT 3.51 S24UTIL ...................	C 5
	C.4.1 Preparation.........................................	C 5
	C.4.2 Installing S24UTIL ...............................	C 6
	C.4.3 Starting S24UTIL .................................	C 6
	C.4.4 Uninstalling S24UTIL...........................	C 6
C.5	Reinstalling S24UTIL or S24INFO...........	C 6
	C.5.1 Conversion .........................................	C 7
C.6	Windows Utilities Description.................	C 7
C.7	Monitor Spectrum24 MU Mode..............	C 8
C.8	Using S24INFO .....................................	C 8
C.9	Statistics and Configuration Screen
Descriptions In MU Mode...........................		C 10
C.10 Statistics and Configuration Screen
Descriptions In MAP Mode .........................		C 20
C.11 S24INFO Troubleshooting Hints ........		C 27
	C.11.1 Symptom: Adapter
	not communicating.....................................	C 27
	C.11.2 Symptom: Adapter associated
	but not communicating...............................	C 27
	C.11.3 Symptom: Out of Memory Error.......	C 28
C.12 Using S24UTIL ..................................		C 28
C.13 Utility Frame .....................................		C 30
Appendix D Spectrum24 DOS Keywords.................		D 1
Appendix E Spectrum24 DOS Utilities......................		E 1
E.1 S_WFA....................................................		E 1

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E.2	S_UTIL ...................................................	E 2
E.3	Examples ...............................................	E 4
E.4	S_INFO..................................................	E 5
E.5	Configuration/Status ..............................	E 7
	E.5.1 Transmit Statistics ...............................	E 10
	E.5.2 AP Table (MU Mode only)....................	E 11
	E.5.3 Associated MU Table
	(MicroAP Mode only)....................................	E 11
	E.5.4 Transmit And Receive Statistics Table...	E 12
E.6	S_VER ..................................................	E 12
E.7	S_UPDATE............................................	E 13
Appendix F WLAN Adapter Specifications ................		F 1
Appendix G Roaming Across Routers/Mobile IP
Setup ...................................................		G 1
G.1 Roaming Across Routers And Mobile IP
Configuration .............................................		G 1
G.2 Configuring the Adapter For Mobile IP
in Windows 95............................................		G 1
G.3 Configuring the Adapter For Mobile IP
In Windows NT 4.0/3.51.............................		G 2
G.4 Configuring the Adapter For Mobile IP
In DOS .......................................................		G 3
	G.4.1 Preparation.........................................	G 3
Appendix H Troubleshooting...................................		H 1
H.1 Windows 95 Troubleshooting Tips..........		H 1
H.2 Windows NT 4.0/3.51 Troubleshooting..		H 2
	H.2.1 Useful tools.........................................	H 4

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H.3 Windows NT ERRORS	............................H 5
Index.....................................................	Index 1

xvi	Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Product Reference Guide

Chapter 1 Introduction

Spectrum24 is a frequency-hopping, spread spectrum network that operates between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz. Spectrum24 operates similarly to Ethernet networks without a wired network infrastructure. Spread spectrum communication provides a high-capacity network within large or small environments. Interference reduction makes it ideal for mobile communications and real-time data access applications.

•Spectrum24 bridging architecture allows communication between wired network devices and mobile devices.

•Spectrum24 switchable data rates allow 1 Mbps and 2 Mbps devices to communicate in the same network environment.

•Spectrum24 supports the IEEE 802.11 specification. This open architecture allows Spectrum 24

devices to communicate with wireless devices from other manufacturers.

•Spectrum24 allows mobile devices to roam throughout large facilities while remaining connected to the LAN.

•Spectrum24 allows protocol firmware upgrades while devices remain operational.

•Spectrum24 antenna diversity feature alternates between antennas with the best reception, increasing overall performance.

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1

Introduction

2	Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Product Reference Guide

Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Adapter

The Spectrum24 Wireless LAN (WLAN) adapter allows ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) or PC Card equipped host systems to configure, connect to and establish a Spectrum24 network. The ISA adapter version of the WLAN implements the Plug and Play standard. When installed in a system with a Plug and Play BIOS (basic input output system), the card requests system resources. The system allocates an Interrupt Request (IRQ), Input-Output (I/O) port and memory address range. Host systems without Plug and Play BIOS acquire Plug and Play functionality through the CSS (Card and Socket services) utilities that normally come bundled with system software.

Features Include:

•Low power operation for battery-powered devices with PC Card slots.

•Standard NDIS (Network Driver Interface Specification) and ODI (Open Data-link Interface) drivers.

•Windows 95, NT 4.0/3.51 driver support.

•Card and Socket Services support.

•Plug and Play support.

•Antenna options (molded external antenna available for PC Card only).

•Power management (Continuously Aware Mode or Power Save Polling mode)

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Wireless LAN Adapter

2.1 MU Mode Operation

In the Mobile Unit (MU) mode, the WLAN adapter connects to an Access Point (AP) or another WLAN installed system operating in MicroAP mode. The MU mode allows the device to roam freely between AP cells in the network. MUs appear as network nodes to other devices.

4

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Wireless LAN Adapter

2.2 MicroAP Mode Operation

In the MicroAP mode, the WLAN adapter performs as an Access Point. The Spectrum24 WLAN adapter installed in a PC without another network connection, establishes a single-cell wireless network coverage area for all 802.11 devices in MU mode. Each MicroAP needs to have a unique ESS_ID. Cells can coexist as separate, individual networks at the same site without interference. The MicroAP does not roam, but it does support roaming. It has to operate in continuous aware mode in order to support CAM and PSP MUs. MUs can operate only within the cell established by WLAN adapter in this mode. The MicroAP mode supports up to 16 MUs. An Access Control List (ACL) containing the MU MAC addresses within the

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5

Wireless LAN Adapter

established cell allows only the specified MUs (within the ACL) to associate with a MicroAP. Set the MicroAP and the MU to the appropriate data rates to communicate. Refer to the MicroAP Rate Control Table for the rates. The table below shows the compatible data rates. The adapter is configured to operate in the MicroAP mode through the Spectrum24 Network configuration dialog screen for Windows 95 and the Spectrum24 NT Installation dialog in Windows NT (refer to the Windows NT/95 installation section). Configure the adapters to operate in the MicroAP mode by setting several keywords (refer to Appendix C) in the NDIS (protocol.ini) or ODI (net.cfg) configuration files.

Table 2-1: MicroAP Rate Control Table

Mobile Unit			Micro AP (Rate Control)
Supported		Base	Base	Base	Base Rate
Transmit		Rate 1	Rate 1,	Rate 1,	2
Rates			Tx Rate 2	Base
			(Default)	Rate 2
1	1		1	N/A	N/A
1 & 2	1		1 & 2	1 & 2	2
(Default)
2		N/A	N/A	N/A	2

2.3 1 and 2 Mbps Operation

The Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter can support 1 or 2 Mbps data rates when properly configured. See table below for configuration dependencies and refer to the software configuration sections in this document for setup. The adapter supports a dynamically switched 1 and 2 Mbps data rate (dynamic rate control) in a properly configured network environment. The MU and the Access Point need to be compatible (refer to the Spectrum24 Access Point User Guide for a detailed Access Point

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Wireless LAN Adapter

configuration) to maintain network connectivity. The table below identifies the supported data rates of a properly configured MU and AP. The factors listed below can dynamically alter the data rate.

•signal strength between the AP and the MU

•the ratio of good transmitted packets to attempted

•transmitted packets fall below a threshold

•the MU finds a higher transmit rate with another AP or it encounters an unspecified data rate.

Table 2-2: AP Rate Control Table

Mobile Unit			Access Point (Rate Set)
Supported		1 only	1 Required,	1 and 2	2 Only
Transmit			2 Optional	Required
Rates			(Default)
1	1		1	N/A	N/A
1 & 2 Default	1		Dynamic	Dynamic	2
			Rate Control	Rate
				Control
2		N/A	N/A	N/A	2

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Wireless LAN Adapter

2.4 Mobile IP (roaming across routers) Description

The Spectrum24 WLAN supports Mobile IP (roaming across routers) when properly configured as an MU and configured to support Mobile IP (refer to appendix G for configuration and setup). Also configure an Access Point to properly pass through routing information. The MU retains its IP address when configured for Mobile IP and can:

•move from one IP subnet to another

•move from an Ethernet segment to a wireless LAN

•move from one Ethernet segment to another.

2.5 Power Management

The WLAN adapter provides two power-management operation modes: Continuously Aware Mode (CAM) requires the radio to remain on. Symbol does not recommend CAM for battery powered devices.

A WLAN adapter operating in MicroAP mode functions in CAM only. The ISA adapter functions in CAM only.

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Wireless LAN Adapter

Power Save Polling (PSP) mode allows the MU to conserve power by suspending communication while still associated with an AP. The AP saves data for the MU, which wakes at given intervals to check for data. The WLAN adapter drivers support dynamic power management, Algorithm 11 and 12 (refer to Appendix A for usage). Algorithm 11 varies the PSP parameter between 1 and 10 depending on data traffic. Algorithm 12 switches the LAN adapter from PSP mode to CAM, also depending on data traffic.

2.6 Card and Socket Services

The Spectrum24 WLAN adapter supports Card and Socket services. In a DOS environment the WLAN adapter can use Spectrum24 automatic configuration, hot insertion, removal and power management features. Card and Socket Service software packages providing these features include SystemSoft, CardSoft or CardWizard

(not included).

The WLAN adapter supports Card and Socket Services native to Microsoft Windows 95 but not in Windows NT.

2.7 Plug and Play

The Spectrum24 WLAN card Model 3020(PC Card) and Model 3025 (ISA adapter) support Plug and Play systems. This allows the PC to automatically recognize the WLAN adapter, and configure the hardware interrupt, memory and I/O addresses. This feature requires less user interaction and minimizes hardware conflicts.

2.8 Spectrum24 Adapter LED Descriptions

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Wireless LAN Adapter

The WLAN adapter LEDs illuminate during connection or data transfer to indicate the functional status of the WLAN adapter.

LEDs

Mode

LED Function

Associated

As MicroAP

The LED flashes to indicate a

powered MicroAP accepting

MUs.

As MU

A solid LED indicates association

with an AP.

Activity

As MicroAP

A solid LED indicates data traffic

between the MicroAP and MU.

As MU

A solid LED indicates

communication with the AP.

PC Cards without end-cap antennas lack LEDs.

10	Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Product Reference Guide

Chapter 3 System Software

Supported

Spectrum24 WLAN adapters include drivers and applications that support:

•Microsoft Windows 95

•Microsoft Windows NT 3.51 or 4.0

•DOS 3.3 or higher

•Microsoft Windows for Workgroups (v3.11)

•Novell Workplace v4.xx for DOS

•Novell Netware Client v2.x

•FTP PC/TCP v4.xx

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11

System Software Supported

12	Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Product Reference Guide

Chapter 4 Hardware Installation

Physical installation for the PC Card and ISA versions differ for each system. Refer to the system manufacturer documentation for specific information. Software installation requires that the Installation and Utilities diskette accompany the user guide.

4.1 Preparation

Before beginning the installation verify the hardware package contains:

•Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter

•plane antenna (for ISA adapter)

•end-cap antenna (for PC Card)

•installation diskette and utilities.

Verify the model indicated on the card and packaging before use. Contact the Symbol Support Center if an item is missing or not functioning.

4.2 Installing the PC Card

The Spectrum24 WLAN Adapter requires the following:

•a PC with a Type II PC Card slot

•a 3.5 inch floppy drive

•an available interrupt (IRQ)

•an available I/O port address

•Spectrum24 Driver installation Disk

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13

Hardware Installation

•an available upper memory range of 4Kb if setting up for I/O mode

•an available upper memory range of 32Kb for setting up memory mode

•a compatible Spectrum24 antenna

•10 to 16Kb available conventional or upper memory space (terminate and stay resident driver only; does not include network protocol stack).

Installation and removal methods vary for different host devices. Refer to system documentation for information.

Avoid contact with liquids or abrasive materials.

1.Insert the PC Card into the PC slot. Arrows on the front of the PC Card indicate the insertion point to the slot. Slide it in until firmly seated.

14	Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Product Reference Guide