Instant Wireless® Series Wireless Network PC Card
Use this Guide to install: WPC11
User Guide COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS INDUSTRY CANADA (CANADA) Copyright © 2002 Linksys, All Rights Reserved. Instant Wireless™ is a registered trade- This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. mark of Linksys. Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are registered trademarks Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks and brand names are the property of their The use of this device in a system operating either partially or completely outdoors may require respective proprietors. the user to obtain a license for the system according to the Canadian regulations.
LIMITED WARRANTY EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY (EUROPE) Linksys Group declares that the Instant Wireless™ Series products included in the Instant Linksys guarantees that every Instant Wireless™ Wireless Network PC Card is free from Wireless™ Series conform to the specifications listed below, following the provisions of the EMC physical defects in material and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase, Directive 89/336/EEC and Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC: when used within the limits set forth in the Specifications chapter of this User Guide. If these products prove defective during this warranty period, call Linksys Technical ETS 300-826, 301 489-1 General EMC requirements for Radio equipment. Support in order to obtain a Return Authorization Number. BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR EN 609 50 Safety PROOF OF PURCHASE AND A BARCODE FROM THE PRODUCT’S PACKAGING ON ETS 300-328-2 Technical requirements for Radio equipment. HAND WHEN CALLING. RETURN REQUESTS CANNOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT PROOF OF PURCHASE. When returning a product, mark the Return Authorization Note: This equipment is intended to be used in all EU and EFTA countries. Outdoor use may Number clearly on the outside of the package and include your original proof of pur- be restricted to certain frequencies and/or may require a license for operation. For more chase. All customers located outside of the United States of America and Canada shall details, contact Linksys Corporate Compliance. be held responsible for shipping and handling charges. Note: Combinations of power levels and antennas resulting in a radiated power level of above IN NO EVENT SHALL LINKSYS’ LIABILITY EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE PROD- 100 mW are considered as not compliant with the above mentioned directive and are not UCT FROM DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAM- allowed for use within the European community and countries that have adopted the European AGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCT, ITS ACCOMPANYING SOFT- R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC and/or the CEPT recommendation Rec 70.03. For more details on legal combinations of power levels and antennas, contact Linksys Corporate Compliance. WARE, OR ITS DOCUMENTATION. LINKSYS DOES NOT OFFER REFUNDS FOR ANY PRODUCT. Linksys makes no warranty or representation, expressed, implied, or statuto- Linksys Group™ vakuuttaa täten että Instant Wireless IEEE 802.11 PC Card tyyppinen laite on ry, with respect to its products or the contents or use of this documentation and all direktiivin 1999/5/EY, direktiivin 89/336/EEC ja direktiivin 73/23/EEC oleellisten vaatimusten ja accompanying software, and specifically disclaims its quality, performance, mer- sitä koskevien näiden direktiivien muiden ehtojen mukainen. chantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. Linksys reserves the right to revise or Linksys Group™ déclare que la carte PC Instant Wireless IEEE 802.11 est conforme aux con- update its products, software, or documentation without obligation to notify any individ- ditions essentielles et aux dispositions relatives à la directive 1999/5/EC, la directive ual or entity. Please direct all inquiries to: 89/336/EEC, et à la directive 73/23/EEC. Belgique B L’utilisation en extérieur est autorisé sur le canal 11 (2462 MHz), 12 (2467 MHz), et Linksys P.O. Box 18558, Irvine, CA 92623. 13 (2472 MHz). Dans le cas d’une utilisation privée, à l’extérieur d’un bâtiment, au-dessus d’un espace public, FCC STATEMENT aucun enregistrement n’est nécessaire pour une distance de moins de 300m. Pour une dis- This product has been tested and complies with the specifications for a Class B digital tance supérieure à 300m un enregistrement auprès de l’IBPT est requise. Pour une utilisation device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide rea- publique à l’extérieur de bâtiments, une licence de l’IBPT est requise. Pour les enregistrements sonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. The antenna et licences, veuillez contacter l’IBPT. used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 France F: Bande de fréquence restreinte: seuls les canaux 10, 11, 12, 13 (2457, 2462, 2467, et 2472 MHz respectivement) doivent être utilisés en France. centimeters from all persons and must operate in conjunction with other antenna or trans- Toute utilisation, qu'elle soit intérieure ou extérieure, est soumise à autorisation. Vous pouvez mitters. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if contacter l'Autorité de Régulation des Télécommuniations not installed and used according to the instructions, may cause harmful interference to (
Chapter 1: Introduction 1 The Wireless Network PC Card 1 Appendix A: Troubleshooting 28 Features 1 Common Problems and Solutions 28 Frequently Asked Questions 29 Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network 2 Network Topology 2 Appendix B: Glossary 33 Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode 2 Appendix C: Specifications 41 Chapter 3: Getting to Know Environmental 41 the Wireless Network PC Card 4 The PC Card’s LEDs 4 Appendix D: Warranty Information 42
Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration Appendix E: Contact Information 43 for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 5 Overview 5 Setup Wizard Instructions for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 6
Chapter 5: Hardware Installation 10
Chapter 6: Driver Installation and Configuration for Windows XP 11 Overview 11 Driver Installation for Windows XP 11 Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration 13
Chapter 7: Using the WLAN Monitor for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 15 Overview 15 Accessing the WLAN Monitor 15 Link Information 16 Site Survey 18 Profiles 20 Creating a New Profile 22 1 1-Year Limited Warranty • Free Technical Hours a Day, Support—24 7 Days a Week, Toll-Free US • Capable of up to 128-Bit WEP • Hardware Buffer Chaining Provides High Performance While Reading and • Clear Channel Assessment Increases Network Throughput • Interoperable with 802.11b (DSSS) 2.4GHz-Compliant Equipment • Works with All Standard Internet Applications • Sturdy Metal Design with Integrated Antenna • Equalizer Recovers Integrated Weak Signals and Enhances Sensitivity • Plug-and-Play Operation Provides Easy Setup • Compatible with Virtually All Major Network Operating Systems • 11 Mbps High-Speed Data Transfer Rate • Network PC Card ver. 3.0 is truly a “must-have” for all notebook PC users. Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, 2000, and XP, the Instant Wireless in Ready to run Type II or III PCMCIA-equipped notebook PCs running you’re free to use your other slots for additional accessories. for longer distances. And, since you only need one Type II or III PCMCIA slot, in the chipset keeps you correction operating at higher transmission rates error out interference and “noise” to keep your signal clear.helps filter Improved ered antenna that provides range than ever. a greater The increased sensitivity The Instant Wireless increasing your structure, productivity and keeping you “in touch.” and other resources anywhere within yourto share printers, files, LAN infra- in the boardroom, Instant Wireless Put the “mobile” back into mobile computing! Whether you’re at your desk or Chapter 1: Features The Wireless Network PC Card Calls Writing Buffers ® Wireless Network PC Card now has a new, higher-pow- Introduction ®
Wireless Network PC Card allows you Instant Wireless ®
Wireless
®
Series to communicate with your(wired) hardware Ethernet as well. to workarranged in succession to extend the roaming range, and can be set up radial range of the access point. Multiple points can be within a certain transmit data to PCs equipped with wireless network cards, which can as the main point of communications in a wireless network. Access points access point mode centers around an basis of infrastructure (See Figure 2-1.) The in network should be set up computers, the wireless er, with the wired network peripheral, such as a print- network or need to share a be accessed by a wired wireless network need to If the computers on erals with a wired network or not. depends on whether or not the wireless network needs to share data or periph- municating directly with each other. Choosing between these two modes is wireless-equipped computers com- access point. An ad-hoc configuration tion is a WLAN and wired LAN communicating to each other through an they may be set up: Unlike wired networks, wireless networks have two different modes in which channel and SSID, name for wireless devices. which is an identification connect to the network. Computers in a WLAN share the same frequency (LAN), except that each computer in the WLAN uses a wireless device to work wireless local area network (WLAN) is exactly like a regular local area net- A Wireless Network Chapter 2: Wireless Network PC Card Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode Network Topology infrastructure , which serves mode. infrastructure Planning Your and ad-hoc Figure 2-1 . configura- An infrastructure roam 2 3 ly between them. wireless-equipped computers is limited by the distance and interference direct- computers on a wired network. And, of course, communication between the Hoc mode, wireless-equipped computers are not able to communicate with nating the need for an access point. The drawback of this mode is that, in Ad- less transmitters and receivers to communicate directly with each other, elimi- be used. (See Figure 2-2.) Ad-hoc mode allows computers equipped with wire- with the other computers on wireless network, then the If the wireless network is relatively small and needs to share resources only
Figure 2-2 Instant Wireless ad-hoc
mode can
®
Series Link Wireless Network PC Card Power funtioning. Here are a description of those LEDs: The Wireless Network PC Card has two LEDs to let you know how the card is Wireless Network PC Getting to Know the Chapter 3: The PC Card’s LEDs received.. Notebook. The LED flashes when data is transmitted or and a link is established correctly with the Card is inserted Green ered on. Green . The Link LED lights up and stays solid when the PC Card is pow- . The Power LED lights up when the PC Card 4 5 Insert the Insert Card. Monitor and driver, the PC as well as configure install the WLAN lation procedure for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000. The Setup Wizard will The Wireless Network PC Card Setup Wizard will guide you through the instal- 98SE, Me, and 2000 and Configuration for Windows Installation Software Chapter 4: click the Wizard automatically, should run and Figure 4-1 should appear. If it does not, D:\setup.exe Overview Overview Proceed directly to “Chapter 5: Hardware Installation.” Important forImportant Windows XP users: the Setup Wizard to install the software before installing the hardware. and 2000 users: Me, forImportant Windows 98SE, Start Start Setup Wizard CD-ROM Setup Wizard (if “D” is the letter of your CD-ROM drive). button and choose Figure 4-1 Run into your CD-ROM drive. The Setup . In the field that appears, enter . In the field Do
NOT Instant Wireless run the Setup run Wizard.
You must run
®
Series Setup Wizard Instructions for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 Wireless Network PC Card .After reading the License on the followingAgreement screen, shown in 2. Card, click the To install the PC 1. Figure 4-2, click the the Setup Wizard. Figure 4-1. Click Cancel button to end the installation. User Guide Next button to continue the installation, or click Figure 4-2 to view the User Guide or click Install button on the Welcome Exit screen, to exit 6 7 .The next screen in the Setup Wizard, shown in Figure 4-3, will ask you to 3. previous page. lowercase). Click the be identical for all devices in the network. setting is The default choose a wireless mode. Click the In the communicate with computers on your wired network. other. Do not use the Ad-Hoc mode if you want your wireless computers to ton if you want multiple wireless computers to network directly with each network using a wireless access point. Click the want your wireless computers to network with computers on your wired SSID field, enter the Next SSID button, or click the Figure 4-3 of your wireless network. The SSID must Infrastructure Mode Back
dHcMode Ad-Hoc Instant Wireless button to return to the button to return radio button if you linksys
radio but-
® Series
(all .I o hs nrsrcueMd,go to If youMode, chose Infrastructure 4. Wireless Network PC Card drop-down menu. Click the operating channel for your networkselect the correct from the Mode, the screen shown in Figure 4-4 will appear and you will need to nel to use, select the default channel (Channel 6). nel to use, select the default other devices in your wireless network. If you are unsure about which chan- Channel button to change any settings. - The channel you choose should match the channel set on Next Figure 4-4 button, and go to Step 5 now. If you chose Ad-Hoc Step 5 . Click the Channel Back 8 9 6. After the files have been successfully After the files copied, the screen in Figure 4-6 will 6. .The next screen, shown in Figure 4-5, will ask you to review your settings 5. appear. Click the click the before it starts to copy files. Click the to copybefore it starts files. Back rce o“hpe :Hardware Installation.”Proceed to “Chapter 5: button to change any settings. Exit button. Figure 4-6 Figure 4-5 Next
button to save these settings, or
Instant Wireless
®
Series .Windows will begin copying to your the drivercomputer. files If Windows 5. your Restart note- 4. Card’s With the PC 3. slot on your notebook PC. Locate an available PCMCIA 2. Turn off your notebook PC. 1. Installation Chapter 5:Hardware Wireless Network PC Card in Catr7 sn h LNMntrfrWnos9S,M,and Me, Using the WLAN Monitor for Windows 98SE, “Chapter 7: tion, fyu Ci sn idw 8E e r20,proceed to the next sec- or 2000, Me, If your PC is using Windows 98SE, direct Windows to its proper location (e.g., asks you for the original Windows CD-ROM, the CD-ROM, insert and book PC. PCMCIA slot. completely into the Card slide the PC shown in Figure 5-1, up, as label facing fyu Ci sn idw P rce o“hpe :Driver If your PC is using proceed to Windows“Chapter 6: XP, hardware before installing the software. forImportant Windows XP users: the Setup Wizard to install the software before installing the hardware. and 2000 users: Me, forImportant Windows 98SE, Installation and Configuration for Installation and Configuration Windows XP.” 2000.” o utisalteP Card’sYou must install the PC Figure 5-1 D:\ ). You must run 10 11 1. Windows XP will automatically detect the PC Card. Insert the Setup CD- Card. Insert Windows XP will automatically detect the PC 1. Card. the PC it into your After inserting notebook, you will install the driver and configure Configuration for Windows XP Installation and Chapter 6:Driver Driver Installation for Windows XP Overview (Recommended) the radio button next to ROM into the CD-ROM drive. From the screen shown in Figure 6-1, click . Then, click the Figure 6-1 Install the software automatically Next
button.
Instant Wireless
®
Series .When Windows installing the driver, has finished click the 2. Wireless Network PC Card o aenwcmltdteP adsdie ntlain ToYou Card’s configure driver have installation. now completed the PC h CCr,poedt h etscin WnosX Wireless Zero “Windows XP proceed to the next section, Card, the PC Configuration.” Figure 6-2 Finish button. 12 13 .The screen that appears 2. Card, the After installing the PC 1. Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration button and go to step 4. Then click the though it is not secure wireless network, even connect to the selected box next to will appear. Check the the screen in Figure 6-4 enabled,encryption then does not have WEP step 3. If this network enabled,encryption go to If this network has WEP the network you want. wireless network. Select will show any available Figure 6-3). Double-click the icon. your computer’s system tray (see icon will appear in Configuration Windows XP Wireless Zero key in the button. If the network has enabled,WEP encryption enter the WEP Pack 1, select the networkService you want, and click the Windows Pack 1 installed. If you XP with Service have not installed Note: h otmo orsre)t ofgr h CCard. the PC the bottom of your screen) to configure Use Windows XP (in the system trayWireless at Zero Configuration For Windows XP users: In Steps 2 and 3, these are the instructions and screenshots for In Steps 2 and 3, these are the instructions Allow me to Network key Connect . field, and then click the Windows tool. XP has a built-in configuration Figure 6-4
Figure 6-3 Instant Wireless Connect button.
Connect
®
Series or visit For about more information WEP, refer to your access point’s documentation, The screen in Figure 6-6 will 4. The screen in Figure 6- 3. Wireless Network PC Card enter the keyword For about wireless networking more information on a Windows XP computer, active. appear if your connection is Connect Click the field. networkConfirm key re-enter it in the Network key less network in the WEP key of your wire- 5 will appear. Enter the www.linksys.com Your notebook is now connected to your wireless network. button. field, and wireless . in the Windows XP search engine. Congratulations! Figure 6-5 Figure 6-6 14 15 configuration changes, click the configuration search for available wireless networks, click the wireless connection. view about the current To additional status information the connection’s quality is. You can also click the out how wireless signal is and howscreen, youstrong the current good can find The click the icon (see Figure 7-1). WLAN Monitor icon will appear in your system tray. Double- Card, the Wireless Network PC Card After installing the PC settings. that hold differentwireless networks, configuration or create profiles search for available Monitor to check the link information, Use the WLAN and 2000 Monitor for Windows 98SE, Me, Using the WLAN Chapter 7: cesn h LNMonitor Accessing the WLAN Overview Link Information screen, shown in Figure 7-2, will appear. From this Profiles Figure 7-2 tab. Site Survey
More Information Instant Wireless tab. Toperform Figure 7-1
button to
®
Series The Wireless Network PC Card Click the work connection, from 0 to 100%. Link Quality 100%. Signal Strength workingCard is currently mode. in ad-hoc or infrastructure Ad-Hoc Mode click for additional status information. connection and provides about the current a button to link quality information Click the less network connection, shown in Figure 7-4. Link Information Link Information X More Information (Close) button in the upper right corner to exit the (Close) button in the upper right corner WLAN Monitor. - The Link Quality bar indicates the quality of wireless net- or - The Signal Strength bar indicates signal strength, from 0 to Infrastructure Mode screen, shown in Figure 7-3, displays signal strength and button to view about the wire- more information Figure 7-3 - The screen indicates whether the PC 16 17 X Click the work connection, from 0 to 100%. Link Quality 100%. Signal Strength MAC WEP Channel Transfer Rate Wireless Mode SSID State Wireless Network Status DNS DHCP Default Gateway Subnet Mask Address IP Setting TCP/IP (Close) button in the upper right corner to exit the (Close) button in the upper right corner WLAN Monitor. h CCard’s DNS address. - The PC - The status of the wireless network connection. - The unique name of the wireless network. - The status of the security feature. WEP encryption - The MAC address of the wireless network’s access point. - The status of the DHCP client. Back - The channel to which the wireless network devices are set. h CCard’s IP Address. - The PC - The Link Quality bar indicates the quality of wireless net- h CCard’s Subnet Mask. - The PC - connection. The data transfer rate of the current button to return to the initial button to return - The mode of the wireless network in use. currently - The Signal Strength bar indicates signal strength, from 0 to h CCard’s Gateway Default - address. The PC Figure 7-4
Link Information Instant Wireless
screen. Click the
®
Series The Wireless Network PC Card Refresh Surveyed at MAC WEP Channel Wireless Mode Site Information Signal SSID ad-hoc networks available for connection. tion enabled, you will see the screen shown in Figure 7-6. work Connect devices. Site Survey Site Survey , - The SSID or unique name of the wireless network. and click the - The status of the security feature. WEP encryption - The MAC address of the wireless network’s access point. - The percentage of signal strength, from 0 to 100%. - Click the - To connect to one of the networks on the list, select wireless net- - The channel to which the wireless network devices are set. - The time at which the wireless network was scanned. screen, shown in Figure 7-5, displays and a list of infrastructure - The mode of the wireless network in use. currently Connect Refresh button. If the wireless network has WEP encryp- button to perform a newbutton to perform search for wireless Figure 7-5 18 19 On the return to the return to exit the WLAN Monitor. Survey Click the in the Passphrase If the wireless network uses a passphrase, enter the passphrase in wireless network: In the Key 1 WEP screen, or click the Site Survey OK field. If the wireless network uses a field. WEP key, enter the WEP key field. field. drop-down box, select the type of used byWEP encryption the Site Survey button to complete the network to the connection and return 64-bit screen, click the , or screen. Cancel 128-bit Figure 7-6 button to cancel the network connection and X WEP.
(Close) button in the upper right corner
Instant Wireless
® Series
Site “Creating a New Profile,” for detailed instructions. Wireless Network PC Card The New Edit profile Connect WEP Channel at any given time.) mode, the PC Card dynamically data transfer rate possible shifts to the fastest Transfer Rate Network Type InformationProfile SSID Profile Wizard. saved when holds the initial configuration you ran the Setup profile The default for different networkprofiles setups. You profiles. or export can also import Profiles Profiles - Select a profile, and click the - Select a profile, - Click the - The wireless network’s unique name, as set in the connection profile. - The status of the security feature. WEP encryption , - Name of the connection profile. and click the - To select the profile, connect to a wireless network using a specific - The channel to which the wireless network devices are set. screen, shown in Figure 7-7, lets you save different configuration - The mode of the wireless network in use. currently - connection. (In The data transfer rate of the current New Connect button to create a new profile. See the next section, button to create a new profile. button. Figure 7-7 Edit button to change an existing profile. button to change an existing profile. Auto 20 21 Click the Delete 7-9), and click the Direct Windows to the appropriate folder, from the screen that appears (Figure Import Export Export 7-8), and click the in the screen that appears (Figure another location. Select the appropriate file, - Click the - To in a different save location, click the the profile(s) - Click the X (Close) button in the upper right corner to exit the (Close) button in the upper right corner WLAN Monitor. be automatically to the same folder. selected and exported Note: OK Open Delete Import If you have more than one profile, all profiles will If you all profiles have more than one profile, button. button. button to delete a profile. button to delete a profile. button to import a profile that has been saved in a profile button to import
Figure 7-9 Figure 7-8 Instant Wireless
Export ®
button.
Series .When the 2. On the 1. Wireless Network PC Card Creating a New Profile ate a new profile. Cancel Click name for the new profile. Profiles to return to the previousto return screen. Create connection profile screen, shown in Figure 7-10, click the Figure 7-11 Figure 7-10 OK screen (Figure 7-11) appears, enter a to save the profile name or click to save the profile New button to cre- 22 23 .The 2. municate directly with each other. No access point is used. Ad-Hoc Mode communicate through an access point. Infrastructure Mode previous screen. wireless modes. Click the other. Click the if you want multiple wireless computers to communicate directly with each network via a wireless access point. Click the your wireless computers to communicate with on your wired Choose a network type Next - This mode allows wireless-equipped computers to com- button to continue or the - This mode allows wireless and wired networks to Infrastructure Mode screen (Figure 7-12) shows a choice of two Figure 7-12 Ad-Hoc Mode Back
radio button if you want Instant Wireless button to return to the button to return
radio button
®
Series .The 3. Wireless Network PC Card hs nrsrcueMd,go to Mode, chose Infrastructure drop-down menu. Click the operating channel for your networkselect the correct from the button to change any settings. Channel nel to use, select the default channel (Channel 6). nel to use, select the default other devices in your wireless network. If you are unsure about which chan- Wireless Settings - The channel you choose should match the channel set on screen, shown in Figure 7-13, will appear. If you Next Figure 7-13 Step 4 button, and go to now. If you chose Ad-Hoc Mode, Step 4 . Click the Channel Back 24 25 .The 4. an IP address automatically (DHCP) If your network has a DHCP server, click the radio button next to format: format: Gateway Click the alone. these fields If you Gateway are unsure about the Default and DNS addresses, then leave address). Address and Subnet Mask on this screen. You must specify the IP Specify the IP address If your network does not have a DHCP server, click the radio button next to or click the DNS Default Gateway wired network’s Subnet Mask. Subnet Mask Address IP ous screen. Then go to Network Setting - Enter the DNS addresses of your(wired) network Ethernet here. xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx , and Next Back hsI Address must be unique to your network. - This IP DNS button to continue or the h CCard’s Subnet Mask must be the same as your - The PC button to return to the previousbutton to return screen. Then go to ne h Paddress of your network’s Gateway- Enter the IP here. appropriate for your network. Enter each address in this screen, shown in Figure 7-14, will appear. Step 5 . Enter an (the x’s represent the numbers that make up each Figure 7-14 . IP Address . Click the Back button to return to the previ-button to return ,
Next
Subnet Mask Instant Wireless button to continue, ,
Default ® Obtain
Step 5 Series
. .The 5. Wireless Network PC Card WEP encryption, choose WEP encryption, (Disabled/64-bit WEP/128-bit WEP) WEP button to continue or the work. If you enable WEP, enter a Passphrase or WEP key. Click the disable Wired Equivalent Privacy for your (WEP) encryption wireless net- decimal characters are “0” to “9” and “A” to “F”. then the key must consist of exactly 26 hexadecimal characters. Valid hexa- ly 10 hexadecimal characters. If you are using 128-bit WEP encryption, If you are using 64-bit then the keyWEP encryption, must consist of exact- 1 Key ucts.) Linksys wireless products, enter the WEP key(s) manually on those prod- patible with other Linksys wireless products only. (If you have any non- passphrase must match the of your wireless network and is com- tive and should not be longer than 16 alphanumeric characters. This Passphrase, so that a WEP key is automatically generated. It is case-sensi- Passphrase down menu, and enter either a Passphrase or WEP key. to increase network security), select Security Settings - This WEP key must match the WEP key of your wireless network. - Instead of manually entering WEP keys, you can enter a screen, shown in Figure 7-15, will appear. Enable or Disabled Back Figure 7-15 button to return to the previousbutton to return screen. . To use (recommended WEP encryption 64-bit or 128-bit WEP - If you do not want to use from the drop- Next 26 27 You Click the X (Close) but- have successfully created a connection profile. .The 7. .The 6. o nteuprrgtcre oei h LNMonitor. ton in the upper right corner to exit the WLAN ate another profile. or cre- your profile that you can edit Profiles to the return settings active, and keep the current settings later Click Information now Back tings, click the To edit the new set- click the Profiles to the and return cancel the settings the new settings, click appear. To save the (Figure 7-16) will Settings es Ye Congratulations to implement the new settings immediately to the and return Confirm New Confirm button. Activate new button. To No screen so screen, button. screen. screen to screen will appear next. Click
Figure 7-17 Figure 7-16 Instant Wireless
Activate new settings
® Series
Link Right-click on • Open the • For non-Windows environments, make sure that a PCMCIA card service • the Network Reinsert PC Card into your notebook’s PCMCIA slot. A beep • Card does not work properly. The Network PC 2. Card. My computer does not recognize the Network PC 1. site at solve your problems. If you an answer can’t here, check the Linksys web- find lation and operation of the Network PC Card. Read the description below to This chapter provides solutions to problems during the instal- usually occurring Appendix A: Troubleshooting Wireless Network PC Card Common Problems and Solutions a yellow question mark, the resources are conflicting. in one of the sockets, it means the card has been detected properly. If you see Card the NetworkPCMCIA card in one of the sockets or not. If youPC find driver is installed on your PC. should be heard if the card is properly inserted. when further it is correct. the card both ways. inserting be seen. If in doubt, try The card will slide in so that the “Instant is inserted Wireless” logo on the front of card cannot either way,slot. Note that the card can be inserted only when but is correct it Card is properly into the PCMCIA inserted Make sure that the Network PC yellow question mark, please check the following: card service resources are conflicting. Click it is installed successfully. If you see the yellow exclamation mark, the ager and click the Make sure that you have the right card and installed prop- inserted • Make sure that your notebook has a free IRQ. • www.linksys.com. er driver. Control Panel . You will see the status of Network PC Card. If there is a My Computer Network Adapter and click on the and select PCMCIA card o ilfn h ewr CCard if . You the Network PC will find Properties PC Card and then click . Check whether it has a . Select the device man- PCMCIA 28 29 applicable scale for a branch or SOHO operation. at a departmental Card, connected as an independent wireless LAN. An Ad-hoc wireless LAN is Power Management What is Ad-hoc? Fragmentation RTS/CTS feature • Automatic Rate Selection • Multi-Channel Roaming • CSMA/CA plus Acknowledge protocol • • • the followingThe product supports IEEE 802.11 functions: What IEEE 802.11 features are supported? different to communicate. manufacturers dards for the industry. The objective is to enable wireless LAN hardware from The IEEE 802.11b Wireless stan- LAN standards subcommittee formulates What is the IEEE 802.11b standard? work). Refer to the game’s documentation for more information. Yes, multiple players as long the game supports over a LAN (local area net- Can I play multiplayer games with other users of the wireless network? operation over a network. a network. Consult the application’s if it supports documentation to determine This will depend on whether or not the application is designed to be used over work? Can I run an application from a remote computer over the wireless net- on the same channel and Card is configured Make sure that your Network PC • Card is associat- Make sure that the notebook PC to which the Network PC • I cannot communicate with the other computers linked via the Ethernet 3. An of computers, each with a NetworkAd-hoc wireless LAN is a group PC Frequently Asked Questions configuration. with the same security options as other computers in Infrastructure ed is powered on. in the Infrastructure configuration. remove the card and do following: Card does not function after attempting the above steps, If the Network PC • Restart your Restart PC and repeat the hardware and software installation as • Uninstall the driver software from your PC. •
specified in this User Guide. specified
Instant Wireless
®
Series Network Access Points.Network Access taining a continuous connection to the wireless network stations and Wireless Set (ESS). Users within an ESS could roam freely between BSSs while main- as an Extended Service mobile workers. More than one BSS can be configured roaming capability for could also support configuration An Infrastructure What is ESSID? with the same BSS ID. BSS must be configured Set (BSS). Computers in a Ad-hoc LAN is called a Basic Service A specific What is BSS ID? it then re-registers, and the communication process continues. a new a newundertakes Wireless search. Upon finding Network Access Point, receives acknowledgment from its original Wireless Network Access Point, it Access Point or whether it should seek a new one. When a node no longer whether tem to determine it is in touch with the original Wireless Network As the user moves on, the end node’s RF transmitter regularly checks the sys- backbone. between end node and host computer can then be transmitted up down the right Wireless Network Access Point and registers its address. Communications the node next selects the to the wired backbone. Based on that information, Network Access Point and the distance of each Wireless Network Access Point ity, as wellby each being carried as the message load currently Wireless access to the system. First, it evaluates as signal strength and qual- such factors In such a system, the user’s a search for the best possible end node undertakes networking technology that links Wireless Network Access Points and nodes. mitting data. Achieving these functions simultaneously requires a dynamic RF must maintain contact with the wireless network even when not actually trans- for example, must always acknowledge receipt of each message. Each node number of different functions. Each node and Wireless Network Access Point, To achieve seamless connectivity, true a the wireless LAN must incorporate gle Wireless Network Access Point. ously while moving freely than that covered throughout an area greater by a sin- Roaming is the ability of a portable computer user to communicate continu- What is Roaming? tral database, or wireless application for mobile workers. scale for wireless access to a cen- is applicable tion. Infrastructure to enterprise configura- wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure An integrated What is Infrastructure? Wireless Network PC Card 30 31
depending upon their needs. tion function (WEP) to enhance security and access control. Users can set it up ture of scrambling. On the software side, the WLAN series offers the encryp- technology,Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum it has the inherent security fea- WLAN features two-fold protection in security. On the hardware side, as with Would the information be intercepted while transmitting on air? receivers. as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most narrowband without the need for retransmission. To an unintended receiver, DSSS appears sion, statistical techniques embedded in the radio can recover the original data recovered. Even if one or more bits in the chip are damaged during transmis- the probability that original data can be The longer the chip, greater each bit to be transmitted. is called a chip (or chipping code). This bit pattern for (DSSS) generates a redundant bit pattern Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum an unintended receiver, impulse noise. FHSS appears to be short-duration Properly synchronized, the net effect is to maintain a single logical channel. To that is knownchanges frequency in a pattern to both transmitter and receiver. that Frequency (FHSS) uses a narrowband carrier Hopping Spread Spectrum What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences? (DSSS) and Frequency (FHSS). Hopping Spread Spectrum noise. There are two main alternatives, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum tuned to the right frequency, signal looks like background a spread-spectrum signal being broadcast. If a receiverparameters of the spread-spectrum is not effect, louder and thus easier to detect, provided that the receiver knows the case of narrowband transmission, but the trade-off produces a signal that is, in integrity, and security. In other words, more bandwidth is consumed than in the tions systems. It is designed to trade off for reliability, bandwidth efficiency oped by for use in reliable, the military secure, mission-critical communica- technologySpread Spectrum is a wideband radio frequency technique devel- What is Spread Spectrum? high speed wireless capabilities in the hands of users around globe. worldwide. This presents a truly revolutionary to place convenient opportunity in the vicinity of 2.4 GHz, particular, Spectrum is being made available and Medical) band. for unlicensed use in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific outside of the U.S.The FCC and their counterparts have set aside bandwidth What is ISM band?
Instant Wireless
®
Series shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard. WEP is Wired Equivalent Privacy, a data privacy mechanism based on a 40 bit What is WEP? sharing. printer or file NT/2000, or other LAN operating systems to support Therefore, Instant Wireless Instant Wireless Can Instant Wireless Wireless Network PC Card TM products perform the same function as LAN products. products perform TM products support file and printer sharing? products file support TM products can work with Netware, Windows 32 33 BSS of data. Also, the smallest form Bit per second (bps). amount of time; expressed in bits can transmit in a fixed much data the facility Bandwidth works together and handles the most data. Backbone scale or SOHO operation. mode, and is useful at a departmental Set (IBSS) or as peer-to-peer to as an Independent Basic Service referred with each other without the use of an access point. Ad-hoc mode is also wireless computers operate on a peer-to-peer basis, communicating directly wireless adapter, connected as an independent 802.11 wireless LAN. Ad-hoc Ad-hoc Network to as Wi-Fi networks. 2.4GHz, and for security.WEP encryption 802.11b networks are also referred a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps, an operating frequency of specifies even if they by are manufactured different companies. The 802.11b standard IEEE standard will work with each other,Products that adhere to a specific 802.11b Appendix B: CSMA/CA the coordination of separate activities.support ing place" but exists not so much to accelerate the speed of an activity as to considered by the buffer designer. Like a cache, buffer is a "midpoint hold- buffer and the algorithms for moving data into and out of the buffer need to be being held up by the other. In order for a buffer to be effective, the size of sets of priorities. The buffer allows each device or process to operate without devices or program processes that operate at different speeds or with different Buffer devices to a wired network using a single access point. area networking, this is the CSMA technique that combines slotted time-divi- - digit. A binary The value numbering system. - 0 or 1-used in the binary ( B - A buffer area used by is a shared or assigned memory hardware asic - One of the IEEE standards for wireless networking hardware. - of a networkThe part that connects most of the systems and net- ( - The transmission capacity of a given facility, of how in terms S C ervice ervice arrier arrier - An ad-hoc network of computers, each with a is a group S S ense et) - networkAn infrastructure connecting wireless M Glossary ultiple A ccess/ C
ollision Instant Wireless A
voidance) - In local
®
Series formance and security.formance control of one security database. Dividing LANs into domains improves per- Domain address. is a meaningful and easy-to-remember "handle" for an Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. are located and translated into Internet A domain name DNS IP address. need a permanent static addresses for computers containing DHCP supports Web that servers in which there are more computers than available IP addresses. quently. networks leases, DHCP can dynamically short Using very reconfigure cially useful in education and other environments where users change fre- location. It's espe- user is likely connection at a particular to require the Internet will be valid for a computer. The lease time can vary depending on how long a DHCP uses the concept of a "lease" or amount time that given IP address address when a computer is plugged into different place in the network. tribute IP addresses from a central point and automatically sends a new IP address must be entered. DHCP lets a network and dis- administrator supervise if computers move of the network, to another location in part a new IP Without DHCP, the IP address must be entered manually at each computer and, an IP address must be assigned to each machine. nection to the Internet, unique IP address. When an organization sets up its computer users with a con- needs a protocol (TCP/IP), each machine that can connect to the Internet Protocol (IP) addresses in an organization's network. set of Using the Internet's administrators manage centrally and automate the assignment of Internet Wireless Network PC Card DHCP addressed to a station within the local subnet. Default Gateway tents can easily be accessed, managed, and updated. Database uations is small. compared to packet length and if the number of sit- the time allocated is short (CSMA/CD) to avoid having collisions occur a second time. This works best if sense multiple access/collision detection sion multiplexing with carrier - The domain name system (DNS) is the way domain name that Internet ( D - A subnetwork under the of clients and servers comprised of a group ynamic - A database is a collection of data that organized so that its con- H - The routing device that is not used to forward all traffic ost C onfiguration onfiguration P rotocol) - A protocol that lets network 34 35 DSSS initial installation of a network-compatible operating system. client or server NIC, and is installed during the in the computer; it is designed for a specific between a network card and the upper-layer interface protocol software running Driver ESS information. order to alter the data's appearance and prevent other devices from reading the Encryption is inherently rejected (ignored). point), the DSSS signal is recognized as the only valid signal, and interference receivers. However, to an intended receiver (i.e. another wireless LAN end- as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most narrowband without the need for retransmission. To an unintended receiver, DSSS appears statistical techniques embedded in the receiver can recover the original data code). Even if one or more bits in the chip are damaged during transmission, for all data transmitted. pattern is called a chip (or chipping This bit pattern tinguish the "box"and components of a computer and the electronic circuitry technologytions, and other information devices. arose as a wayThe term to dis- Hardware communications protocols. Gateway a network the original size of packet. medium that cannot support Fragmentation of FHSS is extremely difficult. used, and only the transmitter and receiver know interception the hop patterns, frequency is not according to a pseudo-random set of channels. Because fixed frequency of a conventional(hops) the carrier several carrier times per second FHSS protocols, including TCP/IP and XNS. 10 Mbps. Forms the underlying vehicle used by transport several upper-level on and retrieved from a common transmission medium. Has transfer rate of Ethernet a single network.access points) forming ( E ( ( xtended D - A workstation software or server module that provides an interface F requency irect- - A device that interconnects networks with different, incompatible - IEEE standard network protocol that specifies how- IEEE standard network data is placed protocol that specifies - Hardware is the physical aspect of computers, telecommunica- - A security method that applies a specific algorithm to data in - A security method that applies a specific S equence S - Breaking a packet into smaller units when transmitting over ervice ervice H opping S S et) - A set of more than two or more BSSs (multiple pread S pread S pectrum) - DSSS generates a redundant bit pectrum) S
pectrum) - FHSS continuouslypectrum) changes
Instant Wireless
®
Series by sending another message using the IP address it received. the IP address of Web page requestor or the e-mail sender and can respond e-mail address you're sending a note to. At the other end, the recipient can see Resource Locator you up the domain name in Uniform requested or than one is required) and sends it to the IP address that obtained by looking includes your IP address in the message (actually, in each of the packets if more of Protocol part request an HTML page or send e-mail, the Internet TCP/IP receiver that is sent in packet across the Internet. of information When you today, each sender or digit number that identifies an IP address is a 32-binary IP Address computers that they must accept and use to be able to understand each other. conventions and timing of data transmission between relating to the format two procedures, or It is a standard set of rules, computer to another on the Internet. IP networks. scale, or whento connect the wired and wireless it is necessary a corporation mode is useful at Set (ESS). Infrastructure to as an Extended Service referred Set (BSS). Basic Service A set of two or more BSS in a single network is wireless networkstructure connected to a wired network to as a is referred other and to a wired network going through an access point. byAn infra- first LAN. mode, the wireless devices In infrastructure communicate with each or other devices, each with a wireless adapter, connected as an 802.11 wireless Infrastructure Network IEEE Computer Society. many local chapters, and several large societies in special areas, such as the standards. international The organization publisheshas a number of journals, The IEEE fosters the development of standards that often become national and of our members." of humanity,the benefit the advancement of the profession, and well-being the development and application of electrotechnology and allied sciences for describes itself as "the world's largest technical professional society, promoting Wireless Network PC Card IEEE Hop known as the software. from the program you put in it to make it do things. The program came to be ( I nternet nternet - The link between two network nodes. (The P - In the most widely installed level Protocol (IP) of the Internet I nstitute of rotocol) - The method or protocol by which data is sent from one E - networkAn infrastructure of computers is a group lectrical and E lectronics E ngineers) - The IEEE 36 37 IRQ Mbps that allows the network to identify it at the hardware level. to any networkingmanufacturer Ethernet device, such as a network adapter, MAC building). an office within a small geographic single processor or server area (for example, within share a common communications line and typically share the resources of a LAN venient high-speed wireless capabilities in the hands of users around globe. able worldwide. This presents a truly revolutionary to place con- opportunity in the vicinity of 2.4 GHz, particular, band. Spectrum is being made avail- and Medical) bandwidth for unlicensed use in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific ISM band lines used to signal the CPU that a peripheral event or terminated. has started NIC between users. Network ment for data transmission. Packet ness. puter, typically weighs pounds and is three inches or less in thick- less than five and at meetings. offices, A notebook computer, sometimes called a laptop com- in libraries, temporary niently spaces such as on airplanes, used in temporary er generally smaller than a briefcase that can easily and conve- be transported Notebook station. Node puter system. Also called an adapter. ally a PC, to provide network communication capabilities to and from that com- ( ( ( N - A network junction or connection point, typically a computer or work I L ( ( nterrupt nterrupt M - A unit of data routed between an origin and a destination in network. M etwork ocal - A system that transmits any combination of voice, video and/or data edia ega (PC) - A notebook computer is a battery-powered personal comput- - outside of the U.S.The FCC and their counterparts have set aside A b rea its A I R nterface nterface ccess p e N Q er etwork) - of computers and associated devicesA group that uest) - on a PC. A hardware interrupt There are 16 IRQ s C econd) - One million bits per second; unit of measure- ontrol) C ard) - A board installed in a computer system, usu- Address
- A unique number assigned by the
Instant Wireless
®
Series work at home or in small offices. Wireless Network PC Card PCMCIA or a hard disk. PC Card Linksys products. process byencryption automatically generating the keysWEP encryption for Passphrase SOHO hardware how to process the data. A common misconception is that software is data. It not. Software tells the user. tem (DBMS). Application software is any program that processes data for the control programs such as the operating system and database management sys- "system software" and "application software." System software is made up of task is called a "program." a particular The two major categories of software are Software to the receiving to transmit. station requesting permission RTS to another and easily maintain connectivity. with multiple access points, where users can physically relocate from one area to network connectivity.interruption A typical scenario would be a location and ideallyreauthentication should occur without user intervention without reassociate and reauthenticate to the new access point. This reassociation and ty to move out of one access point's range and into another transparently Roaming the system during installation. boards and other devices automatically off without requiring the user to turn Plug-and-Play book or laptop computer. or I/O device into a personal computer,memory that would usually fit a note- organized in 1989 to promote standards for a credit card-size group industry ( R equest ( S - Instructions for the computer.- Instructions that performs A series of instructions mall - In an infrastructure mode wireless network,- In an infrastructure this refers to the abili- - A credit-card sized removable module that contains memory, I/O, ( P - Used much like a password, the WEP a passphrase simplifies ersonal T O - The ability of a computer system to configure expansion- The ability of a computer system to configure o ffice/ S end) - An RS-232 signal sent from the transmitting station C H omputer ome O ffice) - Market segment of professionals whoffice) M emory emory C ard I nternational nternational A ssociation) - An 38 39 AN WA connections. tant of which include edge connections, backbone and wide-area Most large networks contain several levels of interconnection, the most impor- most common network devices include hubs, switches, routers, and gateways. devices on the network are connected and the distances between them. The Topology er in a given time period. Throughput protocols and not only TCP and IP. of a suite or group (developed for the Internet). TCP/IP defines specifically munication language or set of protocols for communications over a network TCP/IP receipt to the sender of packet resulting in transmission control. tocol due to requiring the receiver an acknowledgment of a packet to return of cient delivery over the network. TCP is known as a "connection oriented" pro- individual units of data (called packets) that a message is divided into for effi- the actual delivery of the data (routing), TCP takes care of keeping track of the between network devices over a LAN or WAN. While IP takes care of handling of message units (datagram) Protocol) to send data in the form the IP (Internet TCP for subnets. into a field of the host ID address field part address to turn or subnets. that is matched up with the IP groups, pattern The mask is a binary Subnet Mask (DSSS) and Frequency (FHSS). Spread Spectrum Hopping Spread Spectrum noise. like background There are two main alternatives, Direct Sequence If a receiver is not tuned to the right frequency, signal looks a spread-spectrum receiver knows signal being broadcast. the parameters of spread-spectrum a signal that is, in effect, louder and thus easier to detect, provided that the sumed than in the case of narrowband transmission, but the trade off produces for reliability, integrity, and security. In other words, more bandwidth is con- ical communications systems. It is designed to trade off bandwidth efficiency cy technique developed by for use in reliable, the military secure, mission-crit- Spread Spectrum munication over the WAN is often through public networks such as the tele- tively large geographic area, consisting of two or more LANs. Broadband com- ( T ( W ransmission ( T ide - A network's topology is a logical characterization of how the ransmission - The amount of data moved successfully from one place to anoth- A - The method used for splitting IP networks into a series of sub- rea - Spread Spectrum technology- Spread Spectrum is a wideband radio frequen- N C etwork)- A communications network that covers a rela- ontrol C ontrol P rotocol) - A method (protocol) used along with P rotocol/ I nternet nternet P
rotocol) - The basic com-
Instant Wireless
®
Series ed devices that communicate with each other wirelessly. WLAN bit or 128-bit shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard. Wireless Network PC Card WEP could be considered a the Internet WAN.basic definition, phone (DSL) or cable systems, or through leased lines satellites. In its most ( W ( W ired ireless E quivalent L ocal A P rea rivacy) - A data privacy mechanism based on a 64- N etwork) - of computers and associat- A group 40 41 Storage Humidity: Operating Humidity: Storage Temp.: Operating Temp.: Certifications: Power: Unit Weight: Dimensions: LEDs: Data Rate (Mbps): Operating Range: Channels: Standards: Appendix C: Specifications Environmental Outdoors: Indoors: 0% to 95% Non-Condensing 0% to 90% Non-Condensing -4ºF to 158ºF (-20ºC 70ºC) 32ºF to 131ºF (0ºC 55ºC) FCC Class B, CE Mark 200mA Standby 5V DC, 275mA Tx, 225mA Rx, 1.65 oz. (47g) (115 mm x 54 8 mm) x 0.3" x 2" 4.5" Link, Power Up to 11 Mbps (with automatic scale back) Up to Up to 14 Channels (Japan) 13 Channels (Europe) 11 Channels (US, Canada) 802.11b IEEE
1500 ft. (457M) 300 ft. (91M)
Instant Wireless
®
Series CALL LINKSYS FOR MORE DETAILS. PLEASE RESPONSIBLE FOR SHIPPING AND HANDLING CHARGES. THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CANADA SHALL BE HELD FOR UPS GROUND ONLY. ALL CUSTOMERS LOCATED OUTSIDE OF CESSING AND RECEIVING YOUR REPLACEMENT. LINKSYS PAYS LINKSYS OFFERS CROSS SHIPMENTS, A FASTER PROCESS FOR PRO- UCT. MENTATION. LINKSYS DOES NOT OFFER REFUNDS FOR ANY PROD- OF THE PRODUCT, ITS ACCOMPANYING SOFTWARE, OR ITS DOCU- TAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE FOR THE PRODUCT FROM DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDEN- LIABILITY EXCEED THE PRICE PAIDIN NO EVENT SHALL LINKSYS’ PURCHASE. RETURN REQUESTS CANNOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT PROOF OF FROM THE PRODUCT’S PACKAGING ON HAND WHEN CALLING. BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE AND A BARCODE Appendix D: Wireless Network PC Card Warranty Information 42 43 FTP Site Web E-mail Fax Authorization) Issues RMA (Return Merchandise Technical Support Sales Information addresses below. contact Linksys Technical at one of the phone numbers or Internet Support For help with the installation or operation of Wireless-G Notebook Adapter, Information Contact Appendix E:
ftp.linksys.com http://www.linksys.com [email protected] 949-265-6655 www.linksys.com (or call 949-271-5461) 800-326-7114 800-546-5797 (LINKSYS)
Instant Wireless
® Series oyih 03Lnss All Rights Reserved. © Copyright 2003 Linksys, http://www.linksys.com