54Mbps 802.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of the seller. The seller provides this documentation without warranty, term, or condition of any kind. The seller may make improvements or changes in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this documentation at any time.
Contents About This Manual........................................................................................................................................................ V Chapter 1 Introduction............................................................................................................................................... 1 Wireless LAN Basics................................................................................................................................................
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card Configuring an Existing Wireless Network Connection..........................................................................................................20 Specifying a Network Type to Access ......................................................................................................................................21 Link Status Tab .................................................................................................................................
Contents FCC Part 15 Declaration of Conformity (DoC).......................................................................................................... 53 FCC Rules and Regulations - Part 15....................................................................................................................... 54 FCC Radiation Exposure Statement......................................................................................................................... 55 Appendix C Setting Up TCP/IP.....
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card List of Figures Figure 1-1 Figure 1-2 Figure 1-3 Figure 3-13 Figure 3-14 Figure 3-15 Figure 3-16 Figure 3-17 Figure 3-18 Figure 3-19 IV Peer-to-Peer Group (Ad-Hoc Mode)....................................................................................................3 Infrastructure Mode ............................................................................................................................4 Roaming Across Multiple Access Points ......................
Contents About This Manual This manual was written for the following types of wireless adapter: • PC Card • PCI Card • Mini PCI Card For brevity, throughout this manual Wireless LAN Card is used to indicate both types. Also, the following terms/abbreviations are used interchangeably: • • • • Access Point – AP Peer-to-Peer – Ad Hoc Wireless LAN – WLAN Ethernet network – LAN – network This User’s Manual contains information on how to install and configure your Wireless LAN Card.
54Mbps 802.
Chapter 1 Introduction This Wireless LAN Card is an IEEE 802.11g wireless LAN adapter. 802.11g is the latest in the series of 802.11 specifications for wireless local area networks (WLANs) and provides data transfer of up to 54 Mbps. Since 802.11g operates on the same frequency of 2.4 GHz as 802.11b, so it is backwards compatible with existing Wi-Fi devices! It allows your computer to connect to a wireless network and to share resources, such as files or printers without being bound to the network wires.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card Wireless LAN Basics This section conations some Wireless LAN basics to help you better understand how the product work together to create a wireless network. Local Area Network (LAN) Simply put, a LAN is a network that exists in a relatively limited area. A network is two or more computers connected together sharing files and peripheral devices such as printers.
Chapter 1 Introduction Ad-Hoc Mode The Ad-Hoc Group offers peer-to-peer connections between workstations, allowing communication between computers within range that have an 802.11g DSSS compatible PC card installed. A wireless Ad-Hoc network can also access a wired LAN’s TCP/IP service (such as e-mail and the Internet) by using a TCP/IP software router on an Ethernet equipped PowerBook or notebook.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card Infrastructure Mode The Infrastructure network uses an AP or several APs as a gateway, linking the wireless network to a wired LAN. As a result, portable workstations or desktops on your wireless network have access to all of the features of your wired LAN including e-mail, Internet access, network printers and files server.
Chapter 1 Introduction Roaming Multiple Access Points can be installed to extend the wireless service coverage area for seamless wireless access. Within an extended service area, all Access Points and wireless clients must have the same Service Set Identity (SSID). Roaming among different Access Points is controlled automatically to maintain the wireless connectivity at all times.
Chapter 2 Installing the Wireless LAN Card This chapter describes the installation process for the driver and software for the Wireless LAN Card. Proper driver installation is to allow the device to operate on your host computer while the utility software, Broadcom Wireless Configuration Utility, is to help you configure and monitor your Wireless LAN Card.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card Installing Wireless LAN Driver and Software Follow these steps to install the Wireless LAN Card driver and software: Caution: Do not connect the Wireless LAN Card device to your computer before installing its driver. If this happens, the Windows PnP function will detect the wireless adapter and issue a dialog box requesting for its driver. Click Cancel to quit the wizard and unplug the Wireless LAN Card. 8 1. Close all Windows programs that are running.
Chapter 2 Installing the Wireless LAN Card 3. When the welcome screen pops up, click Next. 4. Upon hardware detection, Windows OS hardware wizard will appear requesting for the driver. Just follow the on-screen instructions to proceed. 5. Click Finish when the following screen appears.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card Now you are done with the installation procedure. The provided Broadcom Wireless Configuration Utility should be launched automatically with its icon appearing on the right side of the taskbar. Proceed to next chapter to configure or fine-tune your Wireless LAN Card settings. Note: If you need to set up the TCP/IP address or the subnet mask, refer to “Appendix C Setting Up TCP/IP” for details.
Chapter 3 Using Broadcom Wireless Configuration Utility Once your wireless adapter software is properly installed, the provided Broadcom Wireless Configuration Utility is ready for use. The utility comes with six tabs. The Wireless Networks tab allows to configure your wireless connection. The Link Status tab displays the current link status. The Site Monitor tab allows to monitor available networks. The Diagnostic tab allows to perform diagnostics.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card Accessing Broadcom Wireless Configuration Utility You can access the Broadcom Wireless Configuration Utility by any of the following methods: • Double-click the Broadcom Wireless Utility icon on the system tray and then click Advanced. • Right-click the tray icon and select Open Utility from its context menu. • Under Control Panel, double-click the Broadcom Wireless Utility icon.
Chapter 3 You can choose to configure your wireless network via either the Broadcom Wireless Configuration Utility or Windows XP-included wireless utility. Using Broadcom Wireless Configuration Utility To use Broadcom Wireless Configuration Utility for configuration purpose, you should disable the Windows XP-included wireless utility by these steps: 1. Double-click the Broadcom wireless icon on system tray and click the Wireless Networks tab.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card Reverting back to Windows XP-included Wireless Utility To revert back to using Windows XP-included wireless utility, double-click the Windows wireless icon (not the Boradcom icon) and then click Advanced (or Properties). Click the Wireless Networks tab and check the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings box and click OK.
Chapter 3 Wireless Networks Tab Wireless Networks tab allows to do the following task: • Connecting to an Existing Wireless Network • Configuring a New Wireless Network Connection • Specifying a Network Type to Access See the appropriate subsection according to your need. Connecting to an Existing Wireless Network To connect to an existing Access Point/Wireless LAN Card, take the following steps: 1. Double-click the Broadcom Wireless Utility icon on the system tray. 2.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card 16 3. If the target wireless network has been set with WEP key, you must enter the same WEP key in the Network key field. Otherwise, this field is dimmed and you do not need to set up the WEP key. 4. Click Connect, then you will join the target network and this dialog window will disappear.
Chapter 3 Configuring a New Wireless Network Connection When you open the Connect to Wireless Network window, a network which does not broadcast its network name will not appear under Available networks. To connect to an existing network but not appear under Available networks, take the following steps: 1. In Connect to Wireless Network window, click Advanced to launch the Broadcom Wireless Configuration Utility window. Then click Add under Preferred networks section.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card 2. In the Wireless Network Properties window, configure the settings below: Network name (SSID): Specifies the name of the Wireless LAN group you want to participate in. Network Authentication (Shared mode): Specifies the authentication type. You should use the same setting as the other wireless stations in your target wireless network.
Chapter 3 Key index (advanced): Specifies the key index value. You can specify up to four keys (the key index are 0, 1, 2 and 3). Note: Contact your network administrator if you are unsure about the WEP setting. Ad Hoc/ Infrastructure Network: If the network you are configuring is an Ad Hoc network, check This is a computer-to-computer (ad hoc) network… check box. Otherwise leave it unchecked for Infrastructure network connection. 3. After entering required fields, click OK to exit this window.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card Your newly configured network will be added under Preferred networks. Your wireless adapter will attempt to connect preferred networks in the order in which they appear in the list. You can change the order of preferred network by selecting the network that you want to move and clicking the Move up or Move down button. Note that in the Preferred networks list, an Ad-hoc network can not be moved to a higher position than an Infrastructure network.
Chapter 3 Specifying a Network Type to Access By default, your wireless station will attempt to connect to an Infrastructure network (if available) first. If an Infrastructure network is not available, an Ad Hoc network will then be attempted. However, it is possible that you want connect to certain networks only. In this situation, you can specify the network to access by clicking the Advanced button on the Wireless Networks tab. Then select your preferred access type and click OK.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card Note that if your preferred network is limited to Access Point or Ad Hoc network, the Preferred networks section on Wireless Networks tab will list only the networks of your preference. If you try to add a new network of non-preferred type, the addition will not appear in the list unless you change the preferred network types. Link Status Tab The Link Status tab contains general information about the connection and activity of your current link.
Chapter 3 Screen Item Description Speed Displays the current packet transmit rate (Mbps). Channel Displays the channel the station is using. Client IP Address Displays the IP address of your wireless adapter. Network Connection Type Displays if the adapter is connected to an Access Point or Ad Hoc network. Radio State Displays whether the RF Signal is enabled or disabled. Signal Displays the signal strength (dBm). On the right side, signal strength is indicated by graphic.
54Mbps 802.
Chapter 3 Statistics The Statistics tab displays the current and accumulated statistics information pertaining to your Wireless LAN Card.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card Site Monitor The Site Monitor tab displays the general information of the wireless network available in the air. You can use the Site Monitor feature to display the communications quality of your computer with multiple Access Points in its vicinity. The Site Monitor allows you to conduct a site survey to: z z z Determine the overall wireless coverage of your wireless network. Optimize placement of the Access Point(s), to provide seamless connectivity to mobile stations.
Chapter 3 Field Description Channel The channel your wireless station is using. Signal Strength Displays the signal strength (dBm). WEP Displays WEP whether is disabled/enabled. For a selected network, the following information will be displayed: Field Description Standard The IEEE 802.11 wireless standard. Supported Rates The supported rates of the wireless network.
54Mbps 802.
Chapter 3 Advanced Site Monitor Clicking the Advanced button on the Site Monitor tab brings out the Advanced Site Monitor screen. The screen displays the following information in addition to those appear on the Site Monitor tab: Field Description AP MAC The MAC address for the wireless network interface of the Access Point. Signal Signal level indicates the strength of the wireless signal as received at the Wireless LAN Card. Both dBm value and graphic indicator are displayed.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card Field Description means a better quality radio link. Both dBm value and graphic indicator are displayed. Supported Data Rates Displays the data rates supported by the Access Point. You can sort the list of Access Points by clicking the filed you want to use as a criteria. You can also create log files based on the monitor measurements on the Advanced Site Monitor screen. To create a log file, click the Start Log button and specify the path and filename for the log file.
Chapter 3 31
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card Diagnostics Tab To perform a diagnostics, select the test you want to perform and then click Run and then click OK if prompted. Note that by running diagnostics your network connection will be temporarily interrupted. Connection will be resume after the completion of selected tasks. After the selected tasks are completed, the test result (Passed or Failed) will be displayed. You can select desired task to see detailed test information in the Status section.
Chapter 3 Test Item Description value is read back. The network controller will not function without its internal memory. Interrupt Test This tests verifies that the network controller internal memory is functioning properly. The test writes patterned values to the memory and reading back the results. The test fails if an erroneous value is read back. The network controller will not function without its internal memory.
54Mbps 802.
Chapter 3 Information Tab The Information tab displays the basic information about the device, including the hardware and software details.
Chapter 4 Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Utility Windows XP provides built-in Wireless Zero Configuration utility for wireless configuration and monitoring. You can choose to configure your wireless network via either the Wireless Client Manager as described in preceding section, or to use the Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration utility. This section only provides the essential instructions on using Windows XP wireless utility to get your wireless network established.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card Note: Depending on whether your wireless network is established, the context menu may come with different items. 2. When the Connect to Wireless Network window pops up, you will see all the Access Points or Wireless LAN Cards that are available in the air. Select the wireless network you want to connect to . Figure 3-4 Windows XP Configuration Utility-Connect to Wireless Network 3.
Chapter 4 4. Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Utility Click Connect, then you will join the target network and this dialog window will disappear. When your wireless connection is established, the connection icon appears as below: Note: If the wireless connection can’t be established, double-click the connection icon and then click Properties. Go to Authentication tab first to make sure that you use the correct authentication type for the Wireless LAN Card.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card Figure 3-5 Windows XP- Connection Status Configuring Your Wireless Properties To configure your wireless properties, open the Wireless Network Connection Status window as described above, and then click the Properties button. This will open the Wireless Network Connection Properties window which allows you to configure more detailed items of the Wireless LAN Card.
Chapter 4 Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Utility General This tab allows you to specify the network methods to be used with your Wireless LAN Card. The network policy depends on your wireless network. For TCP/IP protocol, you should configure its properties as instructed by your network administrator. For more information on TCP/IP setting, please refer to “Appendix C Setting Up TCP/IP” on page 57.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card Wireless Networks This tab contains two sections: Available networks and Preferred networks described as below. Under Available networks section, you can also see all the Access Points and Wireless LAN Cards available in the air. Clicking Refresh will update the list of Access Points and Wireless LAN Cards.
Chapter 4 Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Utility Under Preferred networks section, you can add any wireless networks that you wish to connect to. To do this, just click Add to add more Access Points or Wireless LAN Cards to the list. After you click the Add button, the Wireless Network Properties window pops up. Type your network name (SSID) and, if needed, the wireless network WEP settings.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card After you add several profiles into Preferred networks, you can change the order in which connection attempts to preferred networks are made. Just select the target wireless network and click Move up or Move down to move it to a desired position. To Access Certain Wireless Network Only If you just want to access certain wireless network type, click the Advanced button on the Wireless Networks tab (Figure 3-12) to open the Advanced window.
Chapter 4 Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Utility Figure 3-9 Windows XP Configuration Utility-Set up Network to Aceess Authentication This tab allows you to configure the authentication settings of your Wireless LAN Card. The most important setting for the Wireless LAN Card is to disable Enable network access control using IEEE802.1X to ensure successful connection between the Wireless LAN Cards and Access Points or other Wireless LAN Cards. You must disable this function for any reason.
Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card Make sure to clear the Enable network access control using IEEE802.1X check box to ensure successful connection.
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting Radio Interference You may be able to eliminate any interference by trying the following: • Reseat the Wireless LAN Card. • Increase the distance between the wireless computers and the device causing the radio interference. • Plug the computer equipped with the Wireless LAN Card into an outlet on a different branch circuit from that used by the affecting device. • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio technician for help.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card Card Not Detected If the Wireless LAN Card is not detected by Windows, try the following: • Make sure the Wireless LAN Card is properly inserted in the computer. • For PC Card, make sure the slot in your computer is working. • Contact your dealer for additional testing if there is a hardware problem with the Wireless LAN Card.
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting Poor Link Quality If the Link Quality display stays in the Poor range, it could be due to one of the following reasons: • Radio interference. • Distance between Wireless LAN Card and Access Point is too far. Decrease the distance between the Wireless LAN Card and Access Point (or another card).
54Mbps 802.
Appendix A Limited Warranty Wireless LAN Hardware The seller warrants to the end user (“Customer”) that this hardware product will be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and service, for 1 year from the date of purchase from the seller or its authorized reseller.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card Wireless LAN Software The seller warrants to Customer that each software program licensed from it , except as noted below, will perform in substantial conformance to its program specifications, for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase from the seller or its authorized reseller. The seller warrants the media containing software against failure during the warranty period. No updates are provided.
Appendix B Regulatory Compliance FCC Part 15 Declaration of Conformity (DoC) The following equipment: Product Name: Wireless LAN Card is herewith confirmed to comply with the requirements of FCC Part 15 rules. The operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card FCC Rules and Regulations - Part 15 Warning: This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commissions Rules and Regulation. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
Appendix C Setting Up TCP/IP FCC Radiation Exposure Statement This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator & your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card IMPORTANT NOTE: In the event that these conditions can not be met (for example certain laptop configurations or co-location with another transmitter), then the FCC authorization is no longer considered valid and the FCC ID can not be used on the final product. In these circumstances, the OEM integrator will be responsible for re-evaluating the end product (including the transmitter) and obtaining a separate FCC authorization.
Appendix C Appendix C Setting Up TCP/IP Setting Up TCP/IP This section contains instructions for configuring the TCP/IP protocol of the Wireless LAN Card. The IP address policy depends on your wireless network. You should configure your TCP/IP protocol as instructed by your network administrator. For Windows 98/ME 1. Double-click the Network icon on the Control Panel. 2. Click the Configuration tab of the Network dialog box. 3.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card 4. On the IP Address tab, choose one of the methods as required: Option A: Click Specify an IP address. In the IP Address box, enter a valid four-component IP address, either a public or private one as required. In the Subnet Mask box, enter a valid four-component IP address. Then select the Gateway tab and enter your gateway information. Option B: Select Obtain an IP address automatically. Then an IP address will be automatically assigned to your computer. 5.
Appendix C Setting Up TCP/IP For Windows 2000/XP 1. Double-click Network Dial-up Connections (Windows 2000) or Network Connections (Windows XP) on Control Panel. 2. Right-click the Local Area Connection icon corresponding to your wireless adapter (e.g., Broadcom 802.11g Network Adapter) and click Properties.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card 3. On the General tab, highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and then click Properties. Option A: Use fixed IP address. Enable the Use the following IP Address option. Enter the IP address, Subnet Mask and Default gateway. Then click OK. Option B: Use dynamic IP address Select Obtain an IP address automatically. 4. 60 Close the Local Area Connection Properties window. For Windows 2000, if prompted, click Yes to restart your computer.
Appendix C Setting Up TCP/IP 61
Appendix D Specifications Host Interfaces Mini PCI Form factor Chipset Operation Voltage Network Standards Type III B Broadcom BCM 4306 & BCM 2050 3.3VDC IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi™) standard and IEEE 802.11g standard (54G) Modulation Techniques DBPSK,DQPSK,CCK,16QAM,64QAM Modulation Technology OFDM,DSSS Data Rate Network Architectures Operating Frequencies Operating Channels RF Output Power Receiver sensitivity (PER <10%) Antenna Type 802.11b: 11, 5.5, 2, 1 Mbps 802.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card Range Power Consumption Security Delay Tolerance Client Utility Software Support LED Indicators Switch Temperatures Humidity (non-condensing) Certifications 64 connectors. 802.11b: 11 Mbps up to 180m LOS, 60m indoors; 1 Mbps up to 570m LOS, 125m indoors 802.11g: 54 Mbps up to 50m LOS, 20m indoors; 18 Mbps up to 150m LOS, 75m indoors Tx peak: 550 ma @ 3.3VDC; Rx peak: 350 ma @ 3.3VDC; Idle: 225mA @ 3.
Glossary 10BaseT Access Point Ad-Hoc BSS Channel Encapsulated An IEEE standard (802.3) for operating 10 Mbps Ethernet networks (LANs) with twisted pair cabling and a wiring hub. An internetworking device that seamlessly connects wired and wireless networks. Access Points combined with a distributed system support the creation of multiple radio cells that enable roaming throughout a facility.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card ESS 66 Extended Service Set. A set of one or more interconnected Basic Service Sets (BSSs) and integrated Local Area Networks (LANs) can be configured as an Extended Service Set. Ethernet The most widely used medium access method, which is defined by the IEEE 802.3 standard. Ethernet is normally a shared media LAN; i.e., all the devices on the network segment share total bandwidth. Ethernet networks operate at 10Mbps using CSMA/CD to run over 10BaseT cables.
Glossary IP Address An IP address is a 32-bit number that identifies each sender or receiver of information sent across the Internet. An IP address has two parts: the identifier of a particular network on the Internet and an identifier of the particular device (which can be a server or a workstation) within that network. ISP Internet Service Provider. An organization that provides access to the Internet.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card Radio Frequency 68 RF, Terms: GHz, MHz, Hz —The international unit for measuring frequency is Hertz (Hz), equivalent to the older unit of cycles per second. One megahertz (MHz) is one Million-Hertz. One giga hertz (GHz) is one Billion-Hertz. The standard U.S. electrical power frequency is 60 Hz, the AM broadcast radio frequency band is 0.55–1.6 MHz, the FM broadcast radio frequency band is 88–108 MHz, and wireless 802.11 LANs operate at 2.4GHz. SSID Service Set ID.
