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2003 All rights reserved. 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. Disclaimer Information in this document is subject to change without notice. The material contained herein is supplied without representation or warranty of any kind.
Contents Chapter 1 Introduction................................................................................................................................................ 1 Wireless LAN Basics ................................................................................................................................................... 2 Local Area Network (LAN).......................................................................................................................................
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual Modifying a Configuration Profile .............................................................................................................................. 29 Removing a Configuration Profile ............................................................................................................................. 29 Chapter 4 Checking Status or Statistics...............................................................................................
Contents III
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual List of Figures Figure 1-1 Figure 1-2 Figure 1-3 Figure 3-1 Figure 3-2 Figure 3-3 Figure 3-4 Figure 3-5 Figure 3-6 Figure 3-7 Figure 4-1 Figure 4-2 Figure 4-3 Figure 4-4 Figure 4-5 IV Ad Hoc Network.....................................................................................................................................3 Infrastructure Network ......................................................................................................
About This User’s Manual This manual was written for Mini PCI Wireless LAN Card. For brevity, throughout this manual Wireless LAN Card is used to indicate 802.11a/b/g Combo WLAN Card Mini PCI. Also, the following terms/abbreviations are used interchangeably: • • • Access Point-AP 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 802.11a/b/g combo radio solution. Users have the flexibility to connect to 802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g networks effortlessly. The Wireless LAN Card design is based on Atheros WLAN chipset. It supports 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g standards to provide maximum data rates of 54 Mbps (802.11a/g) and 11 Mbps (802.11b).
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual Wireless LAN Basics This section contains some Wireless LAN basics to help you better understand how the products 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 Wireless Network Topologies The 802.11 standard defines two wireless modes: Infrastructure mode and Ad Hoc mode. Ad Hoc Network An Ad Hoc network offers peer to peer connections between wireless stations that are in range of each other. The stations communicate directly with each other without using an Access Point or any connection to a wired network.
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual Infrastructure Network An Infrastructure wireless network consists of at least one Access Point connected to the wired network infrastructure and a set of wireless end stations. The AP acts as a gateway, linking the wireless network to a wired LAN. As a result, wireless stations have access to all of the features of your wired LAN including e-mail, Internet, network printers and files server access.
Chapter 1 Introduction wandering across multiple APs will automatically change the operating radio frequency as required. In a roaming network, all APs and wireless clients must have the same Service Set Identity (SSID) and security setting (if enabled). Alternatively the mobile station may use an SSID of “any” to associate with any available AP, regardless of the AP’s SSID. Roaming among different Access Points is controlled automatically to maintain the wireless connectivity at all times.
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g As this Wireless LAN Card is an IEEE 802.11a/b/g combo radio solution, you can connect to either an 802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g network. Getting familiar of some distinguish differences between these two standards will help you better understand your device. • Operating Frequency Band 802.11b and 802.11g operate in the 2.4GHz band while 802.11a operates in the 5GHz band. Therefore, throughout this manual the 2.
Chapter 2 Installing the Driver and Utility Software This chapter describes the first-time installation of 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, a Windows program, is to help you configure and monitor your Wireless LAN Card. Note: As Mini PCI model is an integrated Wireless LAN Card solution, your laptop computer is probably shipped with its driver and software properly installed.
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual System Requirements To use the Wireless LAN Card, your computer must meet the following minimum requirements: Windows 98/Me/2000/XP 32 MB of RAM or greater 300 MHz processor or higher UL listed I.T.E. computers Installing the driver and software If your operation system has not been installed with the Wireless LAN Card driver, the Windows Plug-and-Play capability will automatically detect the new device (e.g.
Chapter 2 Installing the Driver and Utility Software 9
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual 10 4. Click Yes to accept the license agreement. 5. For first-time installation, select the first option as shown below then click Next.
Chapter 2 Installing the Driver and Utility Software 6. Let Enable icon in system tray check box selected. Click Next. 7. Read the following instructions about the utility (ACU or ZERO) you want to use to control your Wireless LAN Card. Click Next to continue.
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual 8. Select the preferred utility then click Next. 9. Click Finish to complete the installation and reboot your computer.
Chapter 2 Installing the Driver and Utility Software Depending on your operating system, following situation may occur during the installation: • For Windows XP: When Found New Hardware Wizard appears, have Install the software automatically selected and follow the on-screen instructions to proceed. If digital signature message appears, just click Continue Anyway. Now you are done with the installation procedure. Proceed to next chapter to configure or fine-tune your Wireless LAN Card settings.
Chapter 3 Utility Configuration The configuration of the Wireless LAN Card is done through the Atheros Client Utility (ACU). The user-mode utility also includes a number of tools to display current statistics and status information pertaining to your Wireless LAN Card. The Atheros Client Utility screen pops up with three available tabs: Current Status, Profile Management, and Diagnostics. This chapter will focus on the Station Configuration tab to guide you through the configuration tasks.
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual Note: If the tray icon is not launched, you can manually start the utility tray icon by selecting Start > Programs > Atheros > Atheros Client Utility. • Right-click the ACU tray icon and select Launch Client Utility… from the context menu. Note to Windows XP Users Windows XP provides built-in Wireless Zero Configuration Utility for wireless network. The utility is enabled by default.
Chapter 3 Utility Configuration Windows XP wireless icon 2. Atheros wireless icon On the Wireless Networks tab, uncheck the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings box and click OK. If you need to revert back to using Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Utility, just go to the Wireless Networks tab and check the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings box and click OK.
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual Profile Name: Enter a unique name to identify this network setting. Configuration names are not case sensitive. Network Names (SSID): 18 • Ad Hoc mode: It is the name of the Wireless LAN group you want to create or participate in. This field has a maximum limit of 32 characters. A network name is mandatory for Ad Hoc mode. The SSID for all stations in a single Ad Hoc network must be the same. Enter only one SSID.
Chapter 3 Utility Configuration Figure 3-1 General tab under the Profile Management Security Tab The Atheros Client Utility provides four types of encryption: Pre-Shared Keys, LEAP, Externally Managed 802.1x Keys and Disabled. Each wireless device within a WLAN must use the same security settings to allow communication.
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual Pre-Shared Keys To use this option, enable the Pre-Shared Keys option on the Security tab and click Define Pre-Shared Keys to set the encryption keys. Then configure the fields below: Key Entry Method: Select the method to enter the key. If Hexadecimal is selected, only digits 0-9 and letters a-f, A-F are allowed. If ASCII Text is selected, you can enter alphanumeric characters. Key Length (bit): Defines the length for each encryption key.
Chapter 3 Utility Configuration Select the default encryption keys to be used (either Per-User Key or Shared Key). You are only allowed to select one Per-User Key, or one Shared Key 1, Shared Key 2, Shared Key 3, or Shared Key 4 whose corresponding field has been completed. Note: Currently, Windows XP does not support 152-bit encryption when using the built-in Wireless Zero Configuration Utility. You must disable the zero configuration in order to use 152-bit encryption.
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual LEAP (Light Extensible Authentication Protocol) Enables the use of LEAP for dynamic security keys. If you want to connect to a network using Cisco LEAP, make sure to check the LEAP option and enter the User Name and Password used to log in to the network in the provided fields. Note: If you are going to connect to an LEAP network, you should disable Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Utility entirely because it is basically incompatible with LEAP.
Chapter 3 Utility Configuration Externally Managed 802.1x Keys Windows XP provides native support for 802.1x standard. Its Wireless Zero Configuration Utility allows to set up 802.1x related parameters. However, to use 802.1x function, your wireless station also needs some essential components, such as a certificate from the certificate authority. Please consult with the network administrator for the configuring procedures.
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual Advanced Tab The configuration items on the Advanced tab are described as below. Power Save Mode: Infrastructure mode ONLY. This feature reduces power consumption by the Wireless LAN Card to extend the battery life of your computer. The options include Off, Normal and Maximum. • Off – The power management is disabled and the card consumes full power from the computer.
Chapter 3 Utility Configuration support the short preamble. This Wireless LAN Card supports the short preamble. The default Short & Long option allows communication with other 802.11b devices which support short preamble to boost the throughput. If your device is having trouble to communicate with other 802.11b devices, you may try to select the Long Only option. Transmit Power Level: Specifies the transmit power to be used.
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Chapter 3 Utility Configuration Connecting to an Existing Network To check for existing networks near your computer, open the Profile Management tab and click Available Networks… button, the following screen will pop-up. Figure 3-6 Available Networks All available networks will be shown in the above list box. Highlight the network name (SSID) you wish to join in and click the Activate button. If no configuration profile exists for the selected network, the General tab under Profile Management will pop.
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual In the Profile list box highlight the profile name and in Details section will appear information about the selected profile. To get connected, double-click on the profile name or highlight the profile name and click Activate button. Figure 3-7 Selecting Networks Another way to switch the profile is to right-clicking the ACU tray icon and select Configuration Profile … from the context menu.
Modifying a Configuration Profile To modify a configuration profile, highlight the profile name from the Profile list box and click the Modify button. Removing a Configuration Profile To remove a configuration profile: 1. Highlight the profile to remove from the Profile list on the Station Configuration tab. 2. Click the Remove button.
Chapter 4 Checking Status or Statistics The Atheros Client Utility includes a number of options to display statistics and status information. These tools can be accessed via the corresponding tabs of the Atheros Client Utility. Status Monitor Tray Icon The Atheros Client Utility tray icon allows you to easily and quickly monitor your wireless connection status. The tray icon shows the signal strength using colors and the received signal strength indication (RSSI).
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual The number (2.4 or 5) indicates the current wireless base band. The colors and the signal strength are defined as follows: Color Quality RSSI (dBm) Green Excellent 20 dBm + Yellow Good 10-20 dBm Orange Poor <10 dBm Red No Link No connection You can hold the mouse cursor over the tray icon to display transmit and receive speed and the current configuration profile name.
Chapter 4 Checking Status or Statistics Current Status Tab The Current Status tab of the Atheros Client Utility contains general information about the program and its operations. The following table describes the items found in the Current Status tab. Screen Item Description Profile Name The name of the current configuration. Network Type Displays if the adapter is connected to an Access Point or Ad Hoc network. Wireless Mode Displays the connection frequency and maximum speed: 5 GHz 54 Mbps (802.
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual Screen Item Description Encryption Type Displays the current security mode: WEP – use only WEP encryption. AES (Advanced Encryption Security) – only associate with Access Points that supports AES encryption. CKIP – Cisco Key Integrity Protocol Off – No encryption is used. IP Address 34 Displays the IP address of the station.
Chapter 4 Checking Status or Statistics Figure 4-1 Current Status Tab 35
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual Advanced Status You can view advanced information about the program and its operation by clicking the Advanced button on the Current Status tab. The following table describes the items found on the Advanced Status screen. 36 Screen Item Description Country The regulatory domain of the network. Transmit Power Level Displays the transmit power level. Network Name (SSID) The wireless network name. Power Save Mode The power management options.
Chapter 4 Checking Status or Statistics Figure 4-2 Advanced Status Diagnostics Tab The Diagnostics tab lists the following receive and transmit diagnostics for frames received by or transmitted by the wireless network adapter.
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual Figure 4-3 Diagnostics Tab Advanced Statistics Advanced Statistics also show receive and transmit statistical information for the following receive and transmit diagnostics for frames received by or transmitted to the wireless network adapter.
Chapter 4 Checking Status or Statistics • • • • • • • • Frames dropped Beacons received Frames received with errors Encryption errors Duplicate frames CTS frames Authentication rejects Association rejects Figure 4-4 Advanced Statistics 39
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual Driver Information The Driver Information contains general information about the network interface card (NIC) and the network driver interface specification (NDIS). The following table describes the items found on the Driver Information tab. 40 Screen Item Description Card Name The name of the NIC. MAC Address The station's MAC address. It is configured at the factory. Driver The location of the NDIS driver.
Chapter 4 Checking Status or Statistics Figure 4-5 Driver Information 41
Chapter 5 ACU Toolbar There are three menus Action, Options, Help in the ACU toolbar, check the appropriate section for more information. Action Menu You can enable/disable radio frequency or ACU icon in the system tray. Click Exit to shutdown the utility.
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual Options Menu There is only one option under this menu. You can view or change the current display settings. To change the display settings, click on Display Settings…. The display settings dialog box contains tools to set these parameters: Signal Strength Display Units: Sets the units used when displaying signal strength: percentage or decibels. Refresh Interval (seconds): Sets the display refresh interval in seconds.
Chapter 5 ACU Toolbar Figure 5-6 Display Settings Help Menu This menu contains Atheros Client Utility Help in web format and About Atheros Client Utility.
Chapter 6 Uninstalling the Wireless LAN Card Should you need to uninstall the Wireless LAN Card and its application software for any reason, please proceed as follows. The uninstallation procedures are basically the same under Windows 98, Me, 2000 and XP. The graphics here assume a Windows XP environment. 1. Close all programs that are currently running. 2. Right-click on the Atheros Client Utility (ACU) icon in the system tray. Click Exit to shut down the utility. 3.
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual 48 4. Highlight AR5001 Wireless Network Adapter and Client Utility then click Change/Remove. 5. Select Delete the previous installation and click Next.
Chapter 6 Uninstalling the Wireless LAN Card 6. When confirm message appears, click OK. 7. Click Finish.
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual Chapter 7 Troubleshooting My station cannot associate in Ad Hoc mode. Make sure all the stations in the Ad Hoc network are set with the same SSID. You can set up one station to start the Ad Hoc network and wait briefly before setting other stations.
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting Radio Interference You may be able to eliminate any interference by trying the following: • 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. For 802.
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual • If in Ad Hoc mode, make sure the Log on to Windows NT domain check box is not selected in the Client for Microsoft Networks Properties dialog box in the Network Configuration tab. • Incorrect IP address or subnet mask. Check these settings in the TCP/IP Properties dialog box in the Network Configuration tab.
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting If you cannot make a connection to an Access Point, it could be due to one of the following reasons: • Make sure the Wireless LAN Card and the Access Point have no physical connection problems. • • Make sure the SSID for the Wireless LAN Card is the same as the Access Point. Make sure the security setting is the same as that of the Access Point. Also, make sure the default key is the same for both the Wireless LAN Card and the Access Point.
Appendix A 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 network. You should configure your TCP/IP protocol as instructed by your network administrator. 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 and click Properties. 3.
Appendix A Setting Up TCP/IP 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.
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual Appendix B Antenna Information. For Hitachi Cable, Ltd. / Model: HTL017 / Ant. Type: PIFA Ant. IEEE802.11b/g: 1.8 dBi IEEE 802.11a: 1.0 dBi (for 5.745~5.825 GHz) 1.2 dBi (for 5.15~5.35 GHz) For Hitachi Cable, Ltd. / Model: HTL008 / Ant. Type: PIFA Ant. IEEE802.11b/g: 0.2 dBi IEEE 802.11a: -2.4 dBi (for 5.745~5.825 GHz) 0.8 dBi (for 5.15~5.35 GHz) For Tyco Electronics AMP K.K. / Model: TIAN01 / Ant. Type: PIFA Ant. IEEE802.11b/g: 1.5 dBi IEEE 802.11a: -1.
Appendix B Antenna Information. 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.
802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual IMPORTANT NOTE: FCC Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. End users must follow the specific operating instructions for satisfying RF exposure compliance. For operation within 5.15 ~ 5.25GHz frequency range, it is restricted to indoor environment, and the antenna of this device must be integral.
Appendix B Antenna Information. End Product Labeling This transmitter module is authorized only for use in devices where the antenna may be installed such that 20 cm may be maintained between the antenna and users.
