WLAN 802.
Chapter 1 About the WLAN 802.11a/b/g device....................................................... 3 1-1 Introduction........................................................................................................... 3 1-2 Using a Wireless Local Area Network.................................................................. 3 1-3 Features and Requirements ................................................................................... 4 Chapter 2 Network Configuring and Planning ..................
Chapter 1 About the WLAN 802.11a/b/g device 1-1 Introduction The WLAN 802.11a/b/g device allows you to access Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), share a local printer and files with others in your network, access the Internet, and roam about the office—wirelessly. This wireless Local Area Network solution is designed for both large and small businesses, and it is scalable so that you can add users and new network features as your networking needs grow. The WLAN 802.
1-3 Features and Requirements The WLAN 802.11a/b/g device includes the following features: Wireless Features • Support for the IEEE 802.11a standard • Support for the IEEE 802.11b standard • Operates within the 2.4-GHz band • Operates within the 5Ghz band • Maximum data rate of up to 54 Mbps (802.11a/g) • Maximum data rate of up to 11 Mbps (802.11b) Interoperability • WiFi certified at 5Ghz to ensure wireless interoperability with other WiFi (802.11a) certified devices. • WiFi certified at 2.
Chapter 2 Network Configuring and Planning A wireless LAN can be configured for two different modes of operation. While each method has its advantages, one may be better suited for your needs. Review the following configurations to determine which mode is best for you. • Ad-Hoc Network • Access Point (Infrastructure) Network 2-1 Ad-Hoc Network An Ad-Hoc network is the simplest to deploy and is ideal for small offices.
2-2 Access Point (Infrastructure) Network An Access Point network is also referred to as an “Infrastructure” network. The key difference between a wireless access point network and an Ad-Hoc network is the addition of one extra element—the Access Point. The Access Point serves as the focal point for all data traffic on your wireless network, optimally managing all wireless data transactions. Additionally, the wireless Infrastructure can provide access to an existing wired LAN.
Chapter 3 Atheros Client Utility Installation Note for Windows XP Users: The Windows XP operating system has a built-in feature known as “Wireless Zero Configuration” which has the capability to configure and control the WLAN 802.11a/b/g device (See Chapter 5). Installing the Wireless LAN Client utility will disable this Windows XP feature. For most Windows XP users, it is recommended that they do not install the Atheros Client Utility.
3. Scroll down and check the Box labeled, “Atheros Client Utility”. Figure 3-2 4. Click on the Next button.
5. Congratulations! Atheros Client Utility has been installed successfully. Please click ‘Finish’ to go to the next step. Figure 3-4 6. The Atheros Client Utility will automatically be loaded each time your computer started.
Chapter 4 Atheros Client Utility (ACU) Configuration The following sections describe the Atheros Client Utility (ACU). The ACU provides quick access and friendly interface to configure the Wireless LAN settings. If you are using Windows XP and have not installed the Atheros Client Utility, information on configuring your WLAN 802.11a/b/g device using Windows XP Zero Configuration feature can be found in Chapter 5.
Figure 4-2 4-2 Current Status Tab The current status tab displays the following information about your wireless connection. • Profile Name – The current name of the selected configuration profile. • Network Type – The current type of wireless network that is either Access Point or Ad-hoc. • Wireless Mode – The current wireless mode is the frequency and data rate that has been selected. • Current Channel – Specifies the current channel that the WLAN 802.11 a/b/g is connected to or scanning on.
Figure 4-3
The Advanced button provides more detailed information regarding your wireless connection. • Transmit Power Level – Provides current setting of Radio output power • Network Name (SSID) – The wireless network name (SSID) that the device is currently connected with • Power Save Mode – The type of Power Savings that is configured on the device • Frequency – The current frequency that the Wireless device is connected or scanning on.
4-3 Profile Management The Profile Management tab allows the user to configure several different user defined profiles. Each profile can be configured to match the appropriate settings of a unique wireless network. The Profile box lists all the configured profiles. The Details dialog describes the basic settings (SSID, Network Type, Security Mode) of the highlighted profile. The active profile will be displayed with the wireless icon next to it.
Figure 4-6 4-3-1 Create or Modify a Profile 1. From the Profile Management tab Click on the New or Modify button 2. The Network Configuration Settings dialog box will appear 3. In the Profile Name box, type in a unique name that describes the wireless network you are configuring the settings to connect to. 4. In the SSID boxes type in the SSID that matches up with the wireless network you are trying to configure the profile to connect with.
Figure 4-7 5.
6. Choose the security setting that is required on the wireless network. Once the appropriate security mode is chosen the button next to the selection will enable you to include any additional information required by that security mode. 4-3-2 Security Settings in Profile Management The Security Tab allows you to configure the WLAN 802.11a/b/g device to match the security settings of the Wireless LAN network.
Figure 4-9 Setting Pre-Shared Keys Pre-Shared keys can be defined using the “Define Pre-Shared Keys” box Figure 4-10
Key Entry Method – Determines the entry method for an encryption key: • Hexadecimal (0-9, A-F) • ASCII text (any keyboard characters, A-Z, 0-9). PreUser Key – Defines the unique encryption key for network configuration security. The Pre User key is used with many authentication mechanism and encryption Shared Keys – Determines a set of shared encryption keys (First, Second, Third, Fourth) used for wireless encryption and security.
Figure 4-11 Figure 4-12
4-3-3 Advanced settings in Profile Management The advanced tab provide more complex wireless settings and these settings should only be modified if there is a specific requirement on your wireless network. a. Power Save Mode - allows the user to minimize power utilized by the WLAN 802.11 a/b/g device. Note: Setting Power Save Mode to enabled (Normal or Maximum) may cause the user to experience an extended connection delay of up to one minute. b. Network Type - allows the user to configure the WLAN 802.
Wireless Mode Setting The wireless Mode settings allow the user to specify which wireless frequency and data rate the wireless network is operating at. If all selections are chosen, the WLAN 802.11 a/b/g device will automatically search all frequencies and data rates for wireless networks that match up to the profile settings. Wireless Mode when starting Ad-Hoc setting The “Wireless Mode when starting ad-hoc setting” allows the user to determine the type of ad-hoc network to be started.
4-5 Action Menu The Action menu allows for enabling and disabling both the wireless radio and/or system tray icon. Figure 4-15 4-5-1 Enable/Disable Radio There may be situations when the user wants to disable the WLAN 802.11 a/b/g device’s radio, so that the wireless device cannot send or receive any wireless traffic. If a user is in an environment where there are no wireless networks, the user may turn off the radio in order to minimize power consumption of the WLAN 802.11 a/b/g device.
Chapter 5 Wireless Configuration using Windows XP 5-1 Configuring Your Wireless Networking Settings The Windows XP operating system has a built-in feature known as “Wireless Zero Configuration” which has the capability to configure and control this Wireless LAN device. To configure your device with this feature follow the steps below… 1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel. 2. Click Network and Internet Connections. 3. Click Network Connections. 4.
5-3 Disabling the Radio There may be situations when the user wants to disable the WLAN 802.11 a/b/g device radio, so that the wireless device cannot send or receive any wireless traffic. If a user is in an environment where there are no wireless networks, the user may turn off the radio in order to minimize power consumption of the WLAN 802.11 a/b/g device. Follow the steps outlined in the Section 5-2 above labeled “Advanced Wireless settings” and choose the Radio ON/OFF selection.
Appendix A – Atheros Client Utility Uninstall Process Follow the steps below to remove the Atheros Client Utility: 1. Access the Control Panel from the Start menu 2. 3. Click on the ‘Add/Remove Programs’ in the ‘Control Panel’. Select ‘Atheros Client Utility’ and click ‘Change/Remove’ button, the dialog as below displays.
2. Select ‘Remove’ and then click the ‘Next’ button to perform the un-installation. Click ‘OK’ button if you really want to remove the Atheros Client Utility. Figure A-3 3. Wait for the un-installation to do its work. Click ‘Finish’ to complete the un-Installation.
Figure A-6
Appendix B - Glossary ACU - Atheros Client Utility (ACU) is the utility that allows for configuration of the WLAN 802.11 a/b/g device Access Point - An internetworking device that seamlessly connects wired and wireless networks together. Ad Hoc - A peer- to-peer wireless network without Access Point. A group of wireless clients consistent an independent wireless LAN.
Appendix C –Wireless Notices U.S. Regulatory Wireless Notice This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. 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.
• EN61000-3-3 (IEC61000-3-3) – Power Line Flicker • EN 60950 (IEC 60950) – Product Safety • EN 300 328-2 – Technical requirements for radio equipment • EN 301 489-1, -17 – General EMC requirements for radio equipment This product may be used in the following EU and EFTA countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
