EZ Connect™ g 108Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter User Guide The easy way to make all your network connections 38 Tesla Irvine, CA 92618 Phone: (949) 679-8000 May 2005 Pub No: R01
Copyright Information furnished by SMC Networks, Inc. (SMC) is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by SMC for its use, nor for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties which may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of SMC. SMC reserves the right to change specifications at any time without notice. Copyright © 2005 by SMC Networks, Inc.
Compliances Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement 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 residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Compliances Industry Canada - Class B This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the interference-causing equipment standard entitled “Digital Apparatus,” ICES-003 of Industry Canada. Cet appareil numérique respecte les limites de bruits radioélectriques applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans la norme sur le matérial brouilleur: “Appareils Numériques,” NMB-003 édictée par l’Industrie.
Countries of Operation & Conditions of Use in the European Community This device is intended to be operated in all countries of the European Community. Requirements for indoor vs. outdoor operation, license requirements and allowed channels of operation apply in some countries as described below: Note: The user must use the configuration utility provided with this product to ensure the channels of operation are in conformance with the spectrum usage rules for European Community countries as described below.
Compliances French Par la présente SMC Networks déclare que l'appareil Radio LAN device est conforme aux exigences essentielles et aux autres dispositions pertinentes de la directive 1999/5/CE Swedish Härmed intygar SMC Networks att denna Radio LAN device står I överensstämmelse med de väsentliga egenskapskrav och övriga relevanta bestämmelser som framgår av direktiv 1999/5/ EG.
TABLE OF CONTENTS EZ Connect™g 108Mbps WLAN PCI . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Package Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Hardware Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TABLE OF CONTENTS Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Adapter Installation Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Network Connection Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 SMCWPCIT-G Maximum Distance Table . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EZ CONNECT™G 108MBPS WIRELESS PCI ADAPTER SMC’s EZ Connect™g 108Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter (SMCWPCIT-G) is a wireless network adapter for desktop PCs that seamlessly integrates with existing Ethernet networks. This solution offers a high data rate and reliable wireless connectivity with considerable cost savings over wired LANs (which include long-term maintenance overhead for cabling).
APPLICATIONS • Working range up to 160 m (528 ft) at 54 Mbps, or up to 350 m (1,155 ft) at 1 Mbps for indoor communications • Direct Sequence Spread-Spectrum (DSSS) technology provides robust, interference-resistant and secure wireless connection • Supports a wide range of systems (Windows 98SE/Me/2000/XP) • Plug-and-Play • Provides a user-friendly interface for configuration • Enhances your network security with WEP data encryption • Removable antenna Applications EZ ConnectTM g wireless prod
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS • Temporary LANs for special projects or peak time Trade shows, exhibitions, and construction sites that need to set up for a short time period. Retailers, airline, and shipping companies who need additional workstations for peak periods. Auditors who require workgroups at customer sites • Access to databases for mobile workers Doctors, nurses, retailers, office workers who need access to databases while being mobile in a hospital, retail store, office, campus etc.
PACKAGE CHECKLIST Package Checklist The EZ Connect™g 108Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter package includes: • 1 EZ Connect™g 108Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter • 1 EZ Installation Wizard and Documentation CD • 1 External Antenna • 1 Quick Installation Guide Please register this product and upgrade the product warranty at SMC’s web site at www.smc.com Please inform your dealer if there are any incorrect, missing, or damaged parts. If possible, retain the carton, including the original packing materials.
HARDWARE DESCRIPTION The Wireless PCI Adapter supports up to 108 Mbps connections. This card is fully compliant with the specifications defined in IEEE 802.11g standard. It is designed to complement PCI Local Bus computers and supports Windows 98SE/Me/2000/XP. LED Indicators The Wireless PCI Adapter includes two status LED indicators, as described in the following table. LED Status Description Power/ Link On Indicates a valid connection with an access point.
HARDWARE INSTALLATION HARDWARE INSTALLATION Warning: • This network adapter requires a PC and BIOS that supports the PCI Local Bus Specification v2.2 or later. If you are installing in an older computer model, upgrade the BIOS to the latest version. • Network cards are sensitive to static electricity. To protect the card, avoid touching its electrical components and always touch the metal chassis of your computer before handling the card. 1.
HARDWARE INSTALLATION 4. Insert the network card into the slot so that it is firmly seated. Screw the card’s bracket securely into the computer’s chassis. Note: Be careful that it does not touch any conducting parts on the computer motherboard. 5. Attach the antenna to the Wireless PCI Adapter. 6. Replace the chassis cover on your computer and power it on. 7. The Wireless PCI Adapter should be automatically configured by the host computer’s BIOS.
DRIVER AND UTILITY INSTALLATION The SMCWPCIT-G EZ Installation Wizard and Documentation CD that comes with the package contains all the software drivers. Any new or updated software can be downloaded from SMC’s web site at: http://www.smc.com/index.cfm?action=tech_support_support_tools Using the Installation Wizard 1. Insert the EZ Installation Wizard and Documentation CD into your CD-ROM drive. The program will auto-run. Click the Install Driver/Utility option on the wizard.
USING THE INSTALLATION WIZARD 2. Windows XP will automatically install the driver. 3. Then you will see the following message.
USING THE INSTALLATION WIZARD 4. Once the adapter has been inserted into your PC, the Found New Hardware Wizard window will appears. 5. Select Yes, this time only and click Next.
USING THE INSTALLATION WIZARD 6. Choose the Install the software automatically option, and click Next. 7. Click Continue Anyway to proceed with the installation.
USING THE INSTALLATION WIZARD Note: Do not select STOP Installation, as this will cancel the installation process, and the drivers will not be installed properly. 8. Click Finish to exit the wizard.
USING THE INSTALLATION WIZARD 9. When the wizard has finished installing the driver, the following screen will appear. Select Yes, I want to restart my computer now. Click Finish and your PC will restart. The driver and utility installation is completed. Your adapter is now ready for use.
UTILITY CONFIGURATION Using the SMCWPCIT-G Utility Program Once the installation is complete, the configuration utility can be accessed from the Start menu, or you can access it through the quick launch icon on the desktop. When the utility program is running, there will be a quick launch icon in the lower right-hand corner of the task bar. If the icon is GREEN, you have a good connection. If it shows RED, try to turn the antenna in a different direction, or move closer to the access point on your network.
USING THE SMCWPCIT-G UTILITY PROGRAM Wireless On/Off - Click this button to turn on/turn off the radio signal of the adapter. Help - Click this button to view the help file. Close - Click this button to exit the utility. Configuration When you start the Wireless PCI Adapter utility, the information window for the SMCWPCIT-G is shown as in the figure below. Select Profile — To specify a profile for a specific configuration of parameters. New — Click this button to create a new profile.
USING THE SMCWPCIT-G UTILITY PROGRAM Common Tab Network Name (SSID) — This is the Service Set ID (SSID) for the wireless network to which you want to connect. Network Type — Set the station operation mode to ad hoc for network configurations that do not have an access point, or to Infrastructure for configurations with an access point. Transmit Rate — Set the transmit rate you want from the pull-down menu. Click Apply Changes after you have made your selection.
USING THE SMCWPCIT-G UTILITY PROGRAM Operating Mode — The adapter supports 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11g turbo mode. Check the type of network that you want to use for your wireless connection. Note: 802.11g turbo mode is capable of Packet Bursting, Fast Frames, Compression, and Dynamic Turbo. It delivers the maximum operation speed of up to 108 Mbps. The Wireless PCI Adapter is backwards compatible with non-Turbo (legacy) devices.
USING THE SMCWPCIT-G UTILITY PROGRAM Turn on the security function, and set detail parameters for your adapter. To prevent unauthorized access, this adapter supports WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). WEP WEP implemented in the SMCWPCIT-G is based on the RC4 encryption algorithm. The security keys provided to ensure data confidentiality are four 10-bit keys for the 64-bit WEP setting and one 26-bit key for the 128-bit WEP setting.
USING THE SMCWPCIT-G UTILITY PROGRAM WPA-PSK Encryption Type WPA is a stronger wireless security solution than WEP. It uses a combination of authentication and broadcast/session keys. Pre-Shared Key (PSK) — If there is no authentication server on your SOHO network, you can issue the Pre-Shared Passphrase to the WLAN Cardbus. Please note that you must use the same passphrase on all the stations in your network. Key Type — Choose the Key Type (ASCII or Hex) from the drop-down list. Notes: 1.
USING THE SMCWPCIT-G UTILITY PROGRAM 3. Do not use a key that is long and complex for your clients to type accurately, as you might forget it. 4. A Hex (hexadecimal) digit is a number or letter in the range 0-9 or A-F. Advanced RTS Threshold - This sets the packet size threshold at which a Request to Send (RTS) signal must be sent to the receiving station prior to the sending station starting communications. Devices contending for the wireless medium may not be aware of each other.
USING THE SMCWPCIT-G UTILITY PROGRAM Fragment Threshold - Sets the minimum packet size that can be transmitted from the adapter without being fragmented. Fragmentation can increase the reliability of transmissions because it increases the probability of a successful transmission due to smaller frame size. The larger the threshold, the faster the speed. Preamble Type - The preamble is used to acquire the incoming signal and synchronize the receiver.
USING THE SMCWPCIT-G UTILITY PROGRAM Link Information The Link information screen displays information on the current wireless network to which you are connected. Network Name - This is the Service Set ID (SSID) for the wireless network to which you want to connect. Base Station Name ID - The MAC address of the access point to which the card is connected in an infrastructure network.
USING THE SMCWPCIT-G UTILITY PROGRAM establish an ad hoc network, make sure the Channel is set to the same radio channel as that used by the other wireless clients in your group. However, if you are connecting to a network via an access point, the adapter will automatically use the same channel as that used by the access point. The available channel settings are limited by local regulations that determine the number of available channels.
USING THE SMCWPCIT-G UTILITY PROGRAM IP Information The IP information screen displays TCP/IP information for the adapter. Now that you have configured your wireless adapter to connect to the wireless network, your adapter needs to obtain new network settings. By releasing old IP settings and renewing them with settings from the access point, you will also verify that the adapter is configured correctly. IP Address Client – Internet address of your computer.
USING THE SMCWPCIT-G UTILITY PROGRAM Release – Click on this button to release the IP address. Renew – Click on this button to get a new IP address. Site Survey The Site Survey screen scans and displays available wireless devices within range. Choose one of them to connect to by double-clicking on an entry. Network Type - Shows the network type. See “Configuration” on page 15. Network name - Service Set ID (SSID) on the network. See “Configuration” on page 15.
USING THE SMCWPCIT-G UTILITY PROGRAM Secure - This shows security mechnism has been enabled. A key icon indicates the encryption function is enabled. Signal - This shows the signal strength of the listed wireless devices. Channel - This is the channel used for the wireless connection. MAC address - This is the MAC address of the listed wireless devices. Version Information The following screen shows the current version information of the driver and configuration utility.
NETWORK CONFIGURATION AND PLANNING SMC’s EZ Connect Wireless Solution supports a stand-alone wireless network configuration, as well as an integrated configuration with 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LANs.
NETWORK TOPOLOGIES Infrastructure Wireless LAN The SMCWPCIT-G also provides wireless workstations with access to a wired LAN. An integrated wired and wireless LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. A Basic Service Set (BSS) consists of a group of wireless PC users and an access point that is directly connected to the wired LAN.
SETTING THE COMMUNICATION DOMAIN Setting the Communication Domain Stationary Wireless PCs The Basic Service Set (BSS) is the communication domain for each access point. For wireless PCs that do not need to support roaming, set the Service Set Identifier (SSID) for the wireless card to the SSID of the access point to which you want to connect. Check with your network administrator for the SSID. Roaming Wireless PCs A wireless Infrastructure can also support roaming for mobile workers.
SETTING THE COMMUNICATION DOMAIN Before setting up an ESS for roaming, you need to choose a clear radio channel and a suitable location for the access points to maximize performance. (Refer to “Troubleshooting” on the following page for detailed information.
TROUBLESHOOTING Check the following troubleshooting items before contacting SMC Technical Support. Adapter Installation Problems If your computer cannot find the Wireless PCI Adapter, or the network driver does not install correctly, check the following: • Make sure the adapter is securely seated in the PCI slot. Check for any hardware problems, such as physical damage to the card’s connector. • Try the card in another PCI slot.
NETWORK CONNECTION PROBLEMS Network Connection Problems If the Link LED on the SMCWPCIT-G does not light, or if you cannot access network resources from the computer, check the following: • Make sure the correct software driver is installed for your operating system. If necessary, try reinstalling the driver. • Make sure the computer and other network devices are receiving power. • The access point you want to attach to may be defective. Try using another access point.
NETWORK CONNECTION PROBLEMS SMCWPCIT-G Maximum Distance Table Important Notice Maximum distances posted below are actual tested distance thresholds. However, there are many variables such as barrier composition and construction, as well as local environmental interference that may impact your actual distances and cause you to experience distance thresholds far lower than those posted below.
NETWORK CONNECTION PROBLEMS SMCWPCIT-G Wireless PCI Card Maximum Distance Table Environmental Condition Speed and Distance Ranges 54 Mbps 48 Mbps 36 Mbps 24 Mbps 18 Mbps 12 Mbps 6-9 Mbps 60 m 90 m 150 190 220 270 350 Outdoors: (197 ft) (295 ft) (492 ft) (623 ft) (722 ft) (886 ft) (1155 ft) A line-of-sight environment with no interference or obstruction between the access point and users.
SPECIFICATIONS Below is an outline of the technical specifications for the SMCWPCIT-G.
SPECIFICATIONS Physical Characteristics Power Consumption: TX: 480 mA Max, RX: 350 mA Max Dimensions: 120 x 62 mm (4.72 x 2.44 in) LED Indicator: Power/Link, Activity Host Interface: PCI Spec v. 2.2 Antenna Antenna type: External detachable Frequency Band: 2.4~2.5 GHz Impedance: 50 Ohms Nominal Gain: 2.0 dBi Peak Radiation: Omni directional Polarization: Vertical VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio): <= 2.
SPECIFICATIONS Software Drivers NDIS Drivers: Windows 98 SE Windows Me Windows 2000 Windows XP 37
SPECIFICATIONS 38
FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT, CALL: From U.S.A. and Canada (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) (800) SMC-4-YOU; Phn: (949) 679-8000; Fax: (949) 679-1481 From Europe : Contact details can be found on www.smc-europe.com or www.smc.com INTERNET E-mail addresses: techsupport@smc.com european.techsupport@smc-europe.com Driver updates: http://www.smc.com/index.cfm?action=tech_support_drivers_downloads World Wide Web: http://www.smc.com FOR LITERATURE OR ADVERTISING RESPONSE, CALL: U.S.A.