ZyXEL Communications ZyAIR 100 User Manual

ZyAIR 100

Wireless PC Card

User’s Guide

Version 1.0

March, 2002

ZyAIR 100 Wireless PC Card

Copyright

Copyright © 2002 by ZyXEL Communications Corporation.

The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any part or as a whole, transcribed, stored in a

retrieval system, translated into any language, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,

mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, photocopying, user’s guide, or otherwise, without the prior written

permission of ZyXEL Communications Corporation.

Published by ZyXEL Communications Corporation. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer

ZyXEL does not assume any liability arising out of the application or use of any products, or software

described herein. Neither does it convey any license under its patent rights nor the patent rights of others.

ZyXEL further reserves the right to make changes in any products described herein without notice. This

publication is subject to change without notice.

Trademarks

Trademarks mentioned in this publication are used for identification purposes only and may be properties of

their respective owners.

ii Copyright

ZyAIR 100 Wireless PC Card

Federal Communications Commission(FCC)

Interference Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

This device may not cause harmful interference.

This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired

operations.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to

Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful

interference in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency

energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to

radio communications.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio/television reception, which can be determined by

turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of

the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

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

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

FCC Statement iii

ZyAIR 100 Wireless PC Card

Information for Canadian Users

The Industry Canada label identifies certified equipment. This certification means that the equipment meets certain

telecommunications network protective, operation and safety requirements. The Industry Canada does not guarantee

that the equipment will operate to a 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 may be extended by means of a

certified connector assembly. The customer should be aware that the 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.

For their own protection, users should ensure 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

Users should not attempt to make such connections themselves, but should contact the appropriate electrical inspection

authority, or electrician, as appropriate.

Note

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the

radio interference regulations of Industry Canada.

iv Canadian Users

ZyAIR 100 Wireless PC Card

ZyXEL Limited Warranty

ZyXEL warrants to the original end user (purchaser) that this product is free from any defects in materials

or workmanship for a period of up to two years from the date of purchase. During the warranty period and

upon proof of purchase, should the product have indications of failure due to faulty workmanship and/or

materials, ZyXEL will, at its discretion, repair or replace the defective products or components without

charge for either parts or labor and to whatever extent it shall deem necessary to restore the product or

components to proper operating condition. Any replacement will consist of a new or re-manufactured

functionally equivalent product of equal value and will be solely at the discretion of ZyXEL. This warranty

shall not apply if the product is modified, misused, tampered with, damaged by an act of God, or subjected

to abnormal working conditions.

Note

Repair or replacement, as provided under this warranty, is the exclusive remedy of the purchaser. This

warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including any implied warranty of

merchantability or fitness for a particular use or purpose. ZyXEL shall in no event be held liable for indirect

or consequential damages of any kind of character to the purchaser.

To obtain the services of this warranty, contact ZyXEL's Service Center; refer to the separate Warranty

Card for your Return Material Authorization number (RMA). Products must be returned Postage Prepaid. It

is recommended that the unit be insured when shipped. Any returned products without proof of purchase or

those with an out-dated warranty will be repaired or replaced (at the discretion of ZyXEL) and the customer

will be billed for parts and labor. All repaired or replaced products will be shipped by ZyXEL to the

corresponding return address, Postage Paid (USA and territories only). If the customer desires some other

return destination beyond the U.S. borders, the customer shall bear the cost of the return shipment. This

warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state.

Online Registration

Do not forget to register your Prestige (fast, easy online registration at www.zyxel.com for free future

product updates and information.

ZyXEL Limited Warranty v

ZyAIR 100 Wireless PC Card

Customer Support

Please have the following information ready when you contact customer support.

• Product model and serial number.

• Warranty Information.

• Date that you received your device.

• Brief description of the problem and the steps you took to solve it.

METHOD

LOCATION

WORLDWIDE

NORTH
AMERICA

SCANDINAVIA

AUSTRI A

GERMANY

MALAYSIA

[e-mail]

[e-mail]

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail]

[e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.dk

[e-mail]

[e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.at

[e-mail]

[e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.de

[e-mail]

[e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.com.my

[e-mail]

E-MAIL

SUPPORT/SALES

[phone] ftp.europe.zyxel.com

[phone] ftp.zyxel.com

[phone] ftp.zyxel.dk

[phone] ftp.zyxel.at

[phone]

[phone]

TELEPHONE/FAX WEB SITE/ FTP SITE REGULAR MAIL

[phone] www.zyxel.com

www.europe.zyxel.com

www.zyxel.com

800-255-4101

ZyXEL Communications Corp.,
6 Innovation Road II, Science­Based Industrial Park,
HsinChu, Taiwan 300, R.O.C.

ZyXEL Communications Inc.,
1650 Miraloma Avenue,
Placentia, CA 92870, U.S.A.

ZyXEL Communications A/S,
Columbusvej 5, 2860 Soeborg,
Denmark.

ZyXEL Communications
Services GmbH. Thaliastrasse
125a/2/2/4 A-1160 Vienna,
Austria
ZyXEL Deutschland GmbH.
Adenauerstr. 20/A4 D-52146
Wuerselen, Germany

Lot B2-06, PJ Industrial Park,
Section 13, Jalan Kemajuan,
46200 Petaling Jaya Selangor
Darul Ehasn, Malaysia

vi Customer Support

ZyAIR 100 Wireless PC Card

Table of Contents

Copyright...................................................................................................................................................ii

Federal Communications Commission(FCC) Interference Statement................................................iii

Information for Canadian Users.............................................................................................................iv

ZyXEL Limited Warranty ....................................................................................................................... v

Customer Support...................................................................................................................................vii

List of Figures............................................................................................................................................x

List of Tables..............................................................................................................................................x

Preface.......................................................................................................................................................xi

Chapter 1 Getting to Know Your ZyAIR 100..................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 1-1

1.2 Features of the ZyAIR 100 ...................................................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Applications............................................................................................................................. 1-2

Chapter 2 Hardware Installation ........................................................................................................ 2-1

2.1 System Requirements .............................................................................................................. 2-1

2.2 Installing the ZyAIR 100......................................................................................................... 2-1

Chapter 3 Software Installation........................................................................................................... 3-1

3.1 Windows® 95 (OSR2)/98/ME Setup ...................................................................................... 3-1

3.2 Windows® NT 4.0 Setup ........................................................................................................ 3-6

3.3 Windows® 2000 Setup...........................................................................................................3-11

3.4 Windows® XP Setup..............................................................................................................3-12

3.5 Software Installation Complete ..............................................................................................3-16

Chapter 4 Utility Setup and Configuration ........................................................................................ 4-1

4.1 Utility Setup ............................................................................................................................ 4-1

4.2 Utility Configuration ............................................................................................................... 4-2

4.2.1 Utility Screen................................................................................................................... 4-3

4.2.2 Configuration................................................................................................................... 4-3

4.2.3 Loop Back ....................................................................................................................... 4-8

4.2.4 Access Points Browser .................................................................................................... 4-9

4.2.5 Site Survey .....................................................................................................................4-10

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting................................................................................................................... 5-1

Table of Contents vii

ZyAIR 100 Wireless PC Card

Problems During Driver Installation ...................................................................................................5-1

Problems With the Utility Configuration ............................................................................................5-2

Problems With Access Point Settings .................................................................................................5-2

Problems Communicating With the Computer ...................................................................................5-3

Appendix A Network Configuration...................................................................................................... A

Appendix B Hardware Specifications.................................................................................................... D

Appendix C Important Safety Instructions........................................................................................... E

Index .........................................................................................................................................................G

viii Table of Contents

ZyAIR 100 Wireless PC Card

List of Figures

Figure 2-1 Inserting the ZyAIR 100 into Notebook Computer............................................................2-2

Figure 4-1 Utility - Configuration .......................................................................................................4-3

Figure 4-2 Utility - WEP Encription ...................................................................................................4-4

Figure 4-3 Utility - Advanced Configuration ......................................................................................4-6

Figure 4-4 RTS Threshold ................................................................................................................... 4-7

Figure 4-5 Utility - Loop Back ............................................................................................................4-9

Figure 4-6 Utility - Access Point Browser.........................................................................................4-10

Figure 4-7 Utility - Site Survey ......................................................................................................... 4-11

List of Tables

Table 4-1 ZyAIR 100 Utility - Access Point Browser Screen Menu Fields………………………...4-10

Table 5-1 Troubleshooting Installation of Your ZyAIR 100…………………………………………5-1

Table 5-2 Troubleshooting Configuration……………………………………………………………5-2

Table 5-3 Troubleshooting Settings for the Access Point……………………………………………5-2

Table 5-4 Troubleshooting Communication Problems ……………………………………………….5-3

Preface ix

ZyAIR 100 Wireless PC Card

Preface

About Your ZyAIR 100

Congratulations on your purchase of the ZyAIR 100 Wireless PC Card.

Online Registration

Do not forget to register your ZyAIR 100 (fast, easy online registration at www.zyxel.com) for free future
product updates and information.

With a built-in Access Point and powerful routing features of the Prestige series models, you can place a
wireless Prestige anywhere on a local network and create a wireless infrastructure for real-time database
access, file sharing, email, printer sharing, and fast Internet access. A mobile investment saves your office
construction costs, maintenance, and scalability because it's easy to add nodes. A mobile office can
dramatically increase the office efficiency. The ZyAIR 100 is designed for:



Home offices and small businesses with cable, DSL and wireless modem.



Wireless LAN connectivity: allows you to work anywhere in the coverage area.



Multiple office/department connections via access devices.



E-commerce/EDI applications.

Your ZyAIR 100 is easy to install and to configure.

About This User's Guide

This user’s guide is designed to guide you through the hardware and software installation of your ZyAIR
100 for its various applications.

Regardless of your particular application, it is important that you follow the steps outlined in Chapters 2
and 3. You can then refer to the appropriate chapters of the user’s guide, depending on your application.

Related Documentation

 Supporting Disk

More detailed information and examples can be found in our included disk (as well as on the
zyxel.com web site). This disk contains information on configuring your ZyAIR 100, Application
Notes and Troubleshooting.

 Quick Start Guide

x Preface

ZyAIR 100 Wireless PC Card

Our Quick Start Guide is designed to help you get up and running right away. It contains a detailed

easy-to-follow setup steps, default settings, handy checklists and information on setting up your
network using the ZyAIR 100 utility.

 Glossary

Please refer to www.zyxel.com for an online glossary of networking terms.

 ZyXEL Web Site

The ZyXEL download library at www.zyxel.com contains additional support documentation.

Syntax Conventions

• “Type” means for you to type one or more characters and press the carriage return. “Select” or
“Choose” means for you to select one predefined choices.

• Command and arrow keys are enclosed in square brackets. [ENTER] means the Enter, or carriage
return key; [ESC] means the Escape key and [SPACE BAR] means the Space Bar.

• For brevity’s sake, we will use “e.g.,” as a shorthand for “for instance”, and “i.e.,” for “that is” or “in
other words” throughout this manual.

• The ZyAIR 100 Wireless PCMCIA Card may be referred to as the ZyAIR 100 or the ZyAIR in this
user’s guide.

Preface xi

Getting Started

Part I:

GETTING STARTED

Chapters 1 to 3 are structured as a step-by-step guide to help you connect, install and setup your

ZyAIR 100 to operate on your notebook computer.

I

ZyAIR 100 Wireless PC Card

Chapter 1

Getting to Know Your ZyAIR 100

1.1 Introduction

The ZyAIR 100 is an 11 Mbps IEEE 802.11(b) Wireless PC Card and that has a standard PCMCIA adapter
which fits into any standard PCMCIA Type II notebook computer slot. Its 11 Mbps data rate gives
equivalent Ethernet speed to access corporate networks or the Internet in a wireless environment. The
ZyAIR 100 gives you the mobile continence to communicate with any 802.11 and 802.11b-compliant
product, allowing you to stay connected anywhere within a coverage area.

1.2 Features of the ZyAIR 100

The following are the essential features of the ZyAIR 100.

 Supports Data Rate of 1, 2, 5.5 and 11 Mbps

 Ranges up to 800 feet in an open environment

This chapter introduces the main features and applications of the ZyAIR 100.

 Supports Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multi-point Access

 Seamless connectivity to wired Ethernet and computer Network LAN

 Helps to Augment Existing Networks Quickly and Easily

 Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology provides robust, interference-resistant and

secure wireless connections

 Wireless connectivity minus the cost of cabling

 Supports, Windows® DOS/95/98/NT4.0/2000/XP

 Supports Plug and Play

 Ease of installation

 Flexibility and mobility to locate or move networked computers

Getting to Know Your Wireless PC Card 1-1

ZyAIR 100 Wireless PC Card

1.3 Applications

The ZyAIR offers fast, reliable and cost-effective solutions for wireless networks. They include:

 Remote Access to Corporate Network Information

For email, file transfer and terminal emulation access.

 Difficult to Wire Environments

For use in historical or old buildings, asbestos installations and open areas where wiring is impossible
to deploy.

 Frequently Changing Environments

For retailers, manufacturers and those who frequently rearrange the workplace or change location.

 Temporary LANs for Special Projects or During Peak Time

For trade shows, exhibitions and construction sites where a temporary network is required. For
retailers, airline and shipping companies who need additional workstations during peak periods. For
auditors requiring workgroups at customer sites.

 Access to Database for Mobile Users

Doctors, nurses, retailers who need to access their databases on the move in a hospital, retail store,
office or campus.

 SOHO (Small Office and Home Office) Users

SOHO users who need easy and quick installation of a small computer network.

 High Security Connection

Flexible, secure and quick installations.

1-2 Getting to Know Your Wireless PC Card

ZyAIR 100 Wireless PC Card

Chapter 2

Hardware Installation

This chapter shows you how to install the hardware.

2.1 System Requirements

 PCMCIA Type II slot

 PCMCIA card and socket service that is Revision 2.1-compliant to PCMCIA specification (or higher)

 Windows® 95 (OSR2)/98/NT 4.0/2000/ME/XP Operating System. (You must have the actual OS dick

for Windows 95/98)

 500 Kbytes free hard disk space (minimum) for driver and utility program installation.

2.2 Installing the ZyAIR 100

Follow the procedure shown next to install the ZyAIR 100. Please also see the Appendices for important

safety instructions.

Step 1. Locate available Type II or Type III PCMCIA slot in your notebook computer.

Step 2. With the ZyAIR 100 adapter’s 68-pin connector facing the PCMCIA slot and its label side

facing up, slide the ZyAIR 100 completely into the PCMCIA slot as shown next.

Step 3. Go to the next chapter for more instructions on installing the driver.

Hardware Installation 2-1

ZyAIR 100 Wireless PC Card

Figure 2-1 Inserting the ZyAIR 100 into your Notebook Computer

The PCMCIA slot allows “hot swapping” of PCMCIA adapter, allowing you to

insert or remove the ZyAIR 100 from the slot whenever you like even when

power to your computer is on. However, you should always disable the ZyAIR

100 prior to card removal to allow Windows® to log off from the network server.

Disable the ZyAIR 100 properly and disconnect power to the PC Card slot.

2-2 Hardware Installation

ZyAIR 100 Wireless PC Card

Chapter 3

Software Installation

This chapter shows you how to install the ZyAIR 100 driver for Windows® 95 (OSR2)/98/NT

3.1 Windows® 95 (OSR2)/98/ME Setup

Before starting driver installation, make sure that the ZyAIR 100 has been inserted

into a standard type II PCMCIA slot on your notebook computer.

Step 1. Insert the ZyAIR 100 into an avialable PCMCIA slot in your notebook computer. Windows®

will auto-detect the ZyAIR 100 and displays Add New Hardware Wizard dialog box. Click
Next.

4.0/2000/XP Operating Systems.

Software Installation 3-1