User's Manual Part 1
Table Of Contents
- contents
- Preface
- Product Overview
- Preparing for Installation
- Installing the Client Adapter
- Using the Profile Manager
- Configuring the Client Adapter
- Overview
- Setting System Parameters
- Setting RF Network Parameters
- Setting Advanced Infrastructure Parameters
- Setting Advanced Ad Hoc Parameters
- Setting Network Security Parameters
- Using EAP Authentication
- Performing Diagnostics
BETA DRAFT - CISCO CONFIDENTIAL
1-5
Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapters Installation and Configuration Guide for Windows
OL-1394-03
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Software Components
Software Components
The client adapter has three major software components: radio firmware, a driver, and a client utility.
Radio Firmware
The firmware, which is contained in the client adapter’s Flash memory, controls the adapter’s radio. The
client adapter is shipped with the firmware installed; however, a more recent version of the firmware may
be available from Cisco.com.
Note Cisco recommends using the most current version of radio firmware. Chapter 8 provides instructions
for determining the version of your client adapter’s firmware and upgrading it if necessary.
Driver
The driver provides an interface between a computer running a Windows operating system and the client
adapter, thereby enabling Windows and the applications it runs to communicate with the adapter. The
driver is provided on the CD that shipped with the client adapter and must be installed before the adapter
can be used. Chapter 3 provides instructions for installing the driver.
Note The CD has the latest version of the driver available at the time of pressing; however, a more recent
version of the driver may be available from Cisco.com. Cisco recommends installing the most current
version of the driver. Chapter 3 provides instructions for installing the driver from either location.
Client Utility
The client utility, which is entitled Aironet Client Utility (ACU), is an optional application that interacts
with the radio firmware to adjust client adapter settings and display information about the adapter. ACU
is provided on the CD that shipped with the client adapter. If you plan to use ACU, it should be installed
before the adapter is used. Chapter 3 provides instructions for installing ACU.
Note The CD has the latest version of ACU available at the time of pressing; however, a more recent
version of ACU may be available from Cisco.com. Cisco recommends installing the most current
version of ACU. Chapter 3 provides instructions for installing ACU from either location.
Note If your computer is running Windows XP, you can configure your client adapter through the Windows
operating system instead of through ACU. Refer to Appendix E for information. However, ACU is
recommended for configuring the client adapter.