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.
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter User Guide v
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.ctrlc.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
Terminal
indicates monitor screen dialog. Also indicates user input.
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: 1-516-738-2400/1-800-SCAN 234
Fax: 1-516-738-5990
• Symbol Support Center:
– telephone: 1-800-653-5350
– fax: (516) 563-5410
– Email: support@symbol.com
– 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: 011-44-118-945-7000 or 1-516-738-2400 ext. 6213
Additional Information
Obtain additional information by contacting Symbol at:
• 1-800-722-6234, inside North America
• +1-516-738-5200, 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
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Product Reference Guide xi
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
xii Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Product Reference Guide
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
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Product Reference Guide 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
xiv Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Product Reference Guide
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
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Product Reference Guide xv
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.
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Product Reference Guide 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)
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Product Reference Guide 3
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 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Product Reference Guide
2.2 MicroAP Mode Operation
Wireless LAN Adapter
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
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Product Reference Guide 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:
Mobile Unit Micro AP (Rate Control)
MicroAP Rate Control Table
Supported
Tr an s mi t
Rates
1 1 1 N/A N/A
1 & 2
(Default)
2 N/A N/A N/A 2
Base
Rate 1
Tx Rate 2
11 & 21 & 22
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
Base
Rate 1,
(Default)
Base
Rate 1,
Base
Rate 2
Base Rate
2
6 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Product Reference Guide
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
Tra ns mi t
Rates
1 only 1 Required,
2 Optional
(Default)
1 and 2
Required
2 Only
111N/AN/A
1 & 2 Default 1 Dynamic
Rate Control
Dynamic
Rate
2
Control
2 N/A N/A N/A 2
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Product Reference Guide 7
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.
8 Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Product Reference Guide
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).
Wireless LAN Adapter
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
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Product Reference Guide 9
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
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Product Reference Guide 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
Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Product Reference Guide 13
Hardware Installation
• an available upper memory range of 4Kb if setting up
• an available upper memory range of 32Kb for setting
• a compatible Spectrum24 antenna
• 10 to 16Kb available conventional or upper memory
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
for I/O mode
up memory mode
space (terminate and stay resident driver only; does
not include network protocol stack).
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
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