User manual Table of contents Contents of the Package Getting Started Introduction Minimum PC Configuration required About "One-Click" simpleConnect Installing airNIC Configuring the Wireless Network Adapter Understanding Wireless Networking airNIC Wireless LANs Troubleshooting FAQs
Common Problems and Solutions Service and Support Appendices Appendix A - Technical Specifications Appendix B- Warranty information Appendix C- Declarations of Conformity and Regulatory Information
Contents of the Package ● 1 airNIC Network Adapter ● 1 USB cable (1.
Unpack the airNIC kit and make sure that all the items are present. Please contact your supplier if any item is found damaged/missing.
Getting Started Introduction Thank you for purchasing smartBridges’ airNIC Wireless USB Network Adapter. airNIC provides instant, high-speed wireless network connectivity. The Adapter delivers a complete solution to customers who require mobility and freedom in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). The external Plug-and-Play Adapter connects directly to the USB port of the PC. The state of the art hot Plug-and-Play USB technology eliminates IRQ conflicts and ensures easy installation.
"One-Click" simpleConnect™ software simpleConnect is a proprietary software, developed by smartBridges, which simplifies the airNIC installation process. The “One-Click Installation” technology built into simpleConnect makes it the simplest solution available today. The software automatically installs and configures the device. This makes the entire installation process as simple as 1-2-3.
Installing airNIC Follow these easy steps to install airNIC on your desktop or laptop computer 1. Insert the simpleConnect software CD in the CD-ROM drive. The CD will run automatically and the screen shown below will appear. (In case, the CD drive does not support auto-run feature, browse the CD and run Install.exe ● ● ● Install Button begins the installation process Documentation shows the HTML version of User Manual Exit allows you to exit the set up process. 2.
your PC to ensure that it meets all the requirements to install airNIC. The following screen will be displayed: The following screen will appear to confirm that your PC is qualified to be used with airNIC.
3. Click on Continue. simpleConnect will begin to install the drivers, the Client Monitor Utility and configure the network settings. The following screen will show simpleConnect installation in progress.
4. Once simpleConnect has installed all the necessary files and configured the network settings, you will be prompted to connect the airNIC to your computer.
5. Connect the airNIC Wireless USB Adapter to the USB port of your PC or laptop computer. Windows will automatically detect the airNIC drivers and finish installation of the device. The following screen will appear to confirm the successful installation of airNIC Wireless USB Adapter.
Click Close.
Configuring the airNIC Wireless USB Adapter When the airNIC is plugged into the USB port of the PC, it is automatically detected by the Windows Operating System. The Wireless USB Network Adapter Configuration Utility icon will appear on your system tray. 1. The icon may initially display a red or green monitor. Red monitor indicates that airNIC is not connected to any Access Point. Green monitor indicates that airNIC is connected to one of the Access Points. Double-click on the icon.
The Monitor utility screen shows the current parameters of operation. The Status tab displays the following information. Operating Mode - It indicates whether the airNIC is in Infrastructure mode (connected to Access Point) or Ad-Hoc mode (peer to peer connection). Channel - This is automatically selected when the airNIC is connected/associated to an Access Point in Infrastructure mode. In Ad-Hoc mode, the Channel can be selected manually.
better transfer rate is available. It is, therefore, highly recommended that the user set this to Auto, so that the highest data rate is selected based on the link signal quality. Power Mgmt Mode – The Active mode is used for typical operating condition. Choosing the Power Save mode allows the unit to enter “sleep” mode. However, Active mode is recommended for normal operation. MAC Address – MAC Address (Media Access Controller Address) field indicates the unique MAC ID assigned to your airNIC Adapter.
2. Select the Statistics tab. This screen shows the data packets sent and received by the Adapter. When you click on the Clear button, all packet counts will be set to zero 3. The Site Survey displays a list of available Access Points and other client Adapters operating in Ad-Hoc mode.
operation. Infrastructure indicates Access Point while Ad-Hoc indicates client Adapter. When the Re-Scan button is clicked, the Adapter will scan the wireless media for available Access Points & Adapters operating in Ad-Hoc mode. You can connect to an Access Point (or a client Adapter) on the list by double clicking on its BSSID (MAC ID). 4. Select the Encryption tab. This screen lets you enable or disable WEP encryption on your airNIC Adapter.
WEP Mode lets you make the use of keys Optional or Mandatory to connect to Access Point or other client Adapter. Authentication Type lets you select between Open System and Shared Key. Open System Authentication is the default authentication method of IEEE 802.11. It is a very simple, two-step process. First the station wanting to authenticate with another station sends an authentication management frame containing the sending station’s identity.
5. Select the Advanced tab. In normal circumstances, you wouldn’t need to change the default parameters on this screen. The default setting for Preamble Type is Short. The default setting for Fragmentation Threshold is Disabled (set at the value 2346). The default setting for RTS/CTS Threshold is Disabled set at the value 2347). 6. Click on Version tab. This displays the version number of the Driver, Firmware & Monitor Application Utility.
Hints for Optimal Performance ● ● ● ● ● ● The airNIC Wireless USB Adaptor has a sensitive integrated antenna for reception & transmission of wireless data. The Adapter allows data transfer even under sub-optimal conditions by automatically adjusting the data transfer rate depending upon the prevailing conditions. However, to achieve the best performance, observe the following precautions: Keep the airNIC away from metal structures, such as CPU cabinet, file cabinet etc.
recommended that the (optional) external Antenna be used with the unit.
Understanding Wireless Networking Getting familiar with the airNIC Wireless USB Adapter airNIC conforms to the IEEE standard 802.11b and operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. It has data rate of up to 11Mbps, which makes it one of the fastest Wireless Adapters on the market today. airNIC can operate in either Ad-Hoc mode (providing Peer-to-Peer network connection without Access Point) or Infrastructure mode (providing network connection using Access Point).
Antenna can be used to further augment the range. There is a USB port at the back of airNIC. One end of the USB cable is plugged into this port and the other end is plugged into a USB-ready PC. airNIC has 3 LED indicators that indicate the status of Power, Link & Data Transmission. Power indicates that the Adapter has been powered up. Link indicates that airNIC is properly installed and ready for use. Transmission indicates the flow of data over wireless media.
much different from it, except that WLAN offers unmatched flexibility, mobility, scalability and convenience. WLAN can be easily used to extend your existing wired LAN or to quickly set up a new LAN environment. Computers in a wireless LAN need to be configured to share the same radio channel.
Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions About airNIC Q: How fast is airNIC ? A: airNIC is capable of a data rate of up to 11Mbps. Q: How do I connect airNIC to my PC ? It is connected to the USB port of the PC. Please refer the user guide for detailed installation procedure. Q: Can I use airNIC with my laptop ? Yes. airNIC can be used with any USB-ready computer. Q: What standard does airNIC conform to ? A: IEEE802.11b for wireless.
Q: What operating systems are supported by airNIC ? A: Windows 98SE, 2000, ME, XP Q: Will I be able to see other computers on LAN ? A: Yes. airNIC allows you to connect to other computers on your network. Q: Is the Wireless Connection secure ? A: Yes. airNIC is capable of providing 128-bit WEP encryption. Q: How can I find out if my PC supports USB? ● Right-click on "My Computer" on your desktop ● Click "Properties" ● Click "Device Manager" ● Click "Universal Serial Bus Controller".
wireless data communication. It is part of the system security behind the wireless IEEE 802.11 protocol, and its goals are to provide confidentiality and data integrity, and to protect access to the network infrastructure by rejecting all non-WEP packets. Q: What is an Access Point ? A: It is a hardware device that converts a wired LAN port/outlet to a wireless port typically for Infrastructure mode.
A: Use of DSSS and FHSS techniques eliminate the interference between different RF devices. Common Problems and Solutions Q: I can’t connect to the Access Point. ● Make sure that the notebook or desktop is powered on and the Wireless USB Network Adapter is properly connected. ● Make sure that your Network Adapter is configured on the same channel, SSID, and WEP as the other computers in the Infrastructure configuration. Q: LEDs are flickering. ● Red should be continuously on.
Service and Support This User Manual provides comprehensive information on Installation and Configuration of airNIC. If, however, you still have problems or need further support, you can get in touch with us at: 10 Anson Road, #22-14 International Plaza, Singapore 079903 Tel: +65-324 0210 Fax: +65-324 0607 Web: http://www.smartbridges.com You can also send your queries to support@smartbridges.
Appendix A Specifications General Characteristics Type Compatibility Media Access Protocol Wireless USB LAN Client Adapter • IEEE 802.11b (High Rate) • Wi-Fi • USB 1.1 CSMA/CA with ACK & RTS/CTS (Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Avoidance with Acknowledgment) Data Rates High Rate: 11Mbps (CCK) Medium Rate: 5.
Network Operating System Microsoft Windows Networking Novell Client 3.x, 4.x Host Operating System Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP LEDs Power, Link, Transmission Radio Characteristics Frequency Band 2.4 GHz ISM Band (2.4 - 2.
Modulation Techniques DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum): • CCK (Complimentary Code Keying), for High and Medium Transmit Rates • DQPSK (Differential Quadrature Phase Shift Keying) for Standard Transmit Rate • DBPSK (Differential Binary Phase Shift Keying) for Low Transmit Rate Security 64-bit & 128-bit WEP encryption Spreading Sequence 11 chip Barker Sequence Frame Error Rate Better than 8% Output Power > +12 dBm Regulations Power Characteristics • Europe: ETS 300-328, CE Marked • USA:
Power Consumption 350 mA Power Supply +5 V DC from USB Physical Characteristics Dimensions L 122mm; W 42mm; H 118mm Weight 120 gms Operating Temperature 0° to 40° C Storage Temperature -25° to 60° C Humidity Operating: 0 to 70% (non-condensing) Storage: 10 to 90% (non-condensation) Supported Frequency sub-bands (in MHz) Channel FCC number countries ETS countries France Japan Singapore 1 2412 2412 Not allocated 2412 Not allocated 2 2417 2417 Not allocated 2417 Not allocated 3 24
7 2442 2442 Not allocated 2442 Not allocated 8 2447 2447 Not allocated 2447 Not allocated 9 2452 2452 Not allocated 2452 Not allocated 10 2457 2457 2457 2457 2457 11 2462 2462 2462 2462 2462 12 Not allocated 2467 2467 2467 2467 13 Not allocated 2472 2472 2472 2472 14 Not allocated Not allocated Not allocated 2484 Not allocated NOTE: • FCC countries adhere to the regulations as defined by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Outdoor Open Space 500 (1640 ft) 700 (2296 ft) 1000 (3280 ft) 1200 (3936 ft) Semi-Open Office 50 (164 ft) 70 (230 ft) 90 (295 ft) 110 (360 ft) Closed Office 30 (98 ft) 40 (131 ft) 45 (147 ft) 50 (164 ft) NOTE: The range of values listed in the table above are typical distances measured at smartBridges’ premises. These represent indicative values and may vary according to actual radio conditions at the location where the airNIC Adapter will be used.
Appendix B Warranty Information smartBridges warrants product to be free of defects, and agrees to repair or replace the product that proves defective. airNIC is warranted for one year from date of purchase. This warranty does not cover accidents, misuse, neglect, unauthorized product modification, or acts of nature. Please visit customer support area of smartBridges web site for making warranty claims. smartBridges may elect to exchange the product or refund the full purchase price of the unit.
Copyright & Trademarks Copyright © 2001 smartBridges. All Rights Reserved. airNIC and simpleConnect are trademarks of smartBridges. Microsoft Windows 98SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000, and Windows XP are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks and brand names mentioned in this Manual are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.
Appendix C Declaration of Conformity and Regulatory Information DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY TO FCC REGULATIONS, Part 15 smartBridges declares that the equipment described in this document is within the requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations - Title 47 Part 15, Subpart B, Class B for a digital device. This declaration is based upon the compliance of the airNIC plug and play Network Adapter to the above standards.
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. ● Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver. ● Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. ● Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
73/23/EEC, Low Voltage Directive with Amendment 93/68/EEC and 89/336/EEC, EMC Directive with Amendments 92/31/EEC and 93/68/EEC. This declaration is based upon compliance of the product to the following standards: EN 55022 (CISPR 22B), RF Emissions Control and EN 50082-1 (IEC 801-2, 3, 4) Immunity to Electromagnetic Disturbance. SAFETY NOTICE This product is intended for use with UL 1950/EN60950/IEC950 (or other NRTL) listed ITE computer that contains operator-accessible USB ports.
