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....................................................................................................................................................... IV Chapter 1 Introduction............................................................................................................................................... 1 Wireless LAN Basics................................................................................................................................................
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card Card Not Detected .................................................................................................................................................... 36 Cannot Connect to Another Wireless LAN Card....................................................................................................... 36 Poor Link Quality ............................................................................................................................................
Contents 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 Peer-to-Peer Group (Ad-Hoc Mode)....................................................................................................2 Infrastructure Mode ............................................................................................................................3 Roaming Across Multiple Access Points ..................................................
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card 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.
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 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.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card 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. 6 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. 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.
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 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.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card 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: 12 1. Double-click the Broadcom Wireless Utility icon on the system tray. 2.
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. 2.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card When entering the key, the Key format and Key length are changed automatically according to the format and length of the characters you entered. When using Hexadecimal format, only digits 0-9 and letters a-f, A-F are allowed.
Chapter 3 Configuring an Existing Wireless Network Connection On the Wireless Networks tab, if your target network appears under the Available networks or Preferred networks list but you cannot connect to it, you may want to review or reconfigure the settings. If this is the case, just select your target network and then click Configure (for Available networks) or Properties (for Preferred networks) to open the properties window. Then configure the settings as needed.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card 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.
Chapter 3 Screen Item Description AP’s MAC Address The MAC address of the associated AP. Channel The channel your wireless station is using. WEP Displays whether WEP is disabled or enabled in the current wireless network. 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.
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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.
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54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card 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.
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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.
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54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card 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 3. 28 If the target Access Point/Wireless LAN Card has been set with WEP key, you must enter the same WEP key in the Network key field. Otherwise, leave it blank.
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 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 43.
Chapter 4 Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Utility Figure 3-7 Windows XP Connection Properties-Wireless Networks 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 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. You can choose to connect to the following networks: • Any available network ( access point preferred) • Access point (infrastructure) • Computer-to-computer (Peer-to-Peer Group) The default network type is Any available network ( access point preferred).
Chapter 4 Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Utility 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.
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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 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. In the network components list, select the TCP/IP protocol of your Wireless LAN Card, e.g.
54Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card For Windows 2000/XP 44 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.
Appendix C 3. Setting Up TCP/IP 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. Close the Local Area Connection Properties window. For Windows 2000, if prompted, click Yes to restart your computer.
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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.
Mbps 802.11g Wireless LAN Card Temperatures Humidity (non-condensing) Certifications 48 Operates from 0 to 70 ℃ Storage from -40 to 90 ℃ 5 to 95% Wi-Fi; FCC part 15C/15.
Glossary 10BaseT Access Point Ad-Hoc BSS Channel Encapsulated ESS 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 only provides communication with the wired network but also mediates wireless network traffic in the immediate neighborhood. IP 50 Internet Protocol. The standard protocol within TCP/IP that defines the basic unit of information passed across an Internet connection by breaking down data messages into packets, routing and transporting the packets over network connections, then reassembling the packets at their destination.
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 52 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.
