™ Aria extreme 54 Mbps Wireless LAN CardBus Card or PCI Card Windows User’s Manual
2004 Sonnet Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Sonnet, the Sonnet logotype, Simply Fast, the Simply Fast logotype, and Aria are trademarks of Sonnet Technologies, Inc. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other product names are trademarks of their respective owners. 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 Sonnet.
About This Manual The following terms and abbreviations are used interchangeably: • • • • Access Point – AP Peer-to-Peer (Computer-to-Computer) – Ad-Hoc Wireless LAN – WLAN Ethernet network – LAN – network This User’s Manual contains information on how to install and configure your Aria extreme CardBus card or Aria extreme PCI card. From this point forward, you will be guided through the correct configuration steps to get your device up and running. 802.
Contents Chapter 1—Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................1 Wireless LAN Basics..............................................................................................................................................................2 Local Area Network (LAN).............................................................................................................................
Connecting to an Access Point or Wireless LAN Card .........................................................................................................39 Viewing the Wireless Connection Status ..............................................................................................................................42 Configuring the Wireless Connection Properties..................................................................................................................
Glossary ................................................................................................................................................................................
List of Figures Figure 1-1 Figure 1-2 Figure 1-3 Figure 3-1 Figure 3-2 Figure 3-3 Figure 3-5 Figure 3-6 Figure 5-1 Figure 5-2 Figure 5-3 Figure 5-4 Figure 5-5 Figure 5-6 Figure 5-7 Ad-Hoc Mode..........................................................................................................................................................................................................3 Infrastructure Mode................................................................................................
Chapter 1—Introduction The Aria extreme is a cross-platform, high-speed 802.11g wireless LAN adapter (CardBus or PCI) card. It enables your computer to connect to a wireless network and access the Internet, and share resources, such as files and networked printers, without being bound to network wires. Operating in 2.4GHz Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) radio transmission range, the Aria extreme transfers data at speeds up to 54Mbps when communicating with other 802.
Wireless LAN Basics This section contains some basic information to help you better understand how the Aria extreme works with other devices to create and operate within a wireless network. Local Area Network (LAN) Simply put, a LAN is a network that exists in a relatively limited area. A network consists of two or more computers connected together, sharing files and peripheral devices such as printers.
Ad-Hoc Mode The Ad-Hoc Group offers peer-to-peer (computer to computer) connections between workstations, enabling communication between computers within range that have a Wireless LAN Card installed. A wireless Ad-Hoc network can also access a wired LAN‘s TCP/IP services (such as e-mail and the Internet) by using a TCP/IP software router on an Ethernet equipped Macintosh PowerBook or Windows notebook computer. Note: Using the Aria extreme card in Ad-Hoc mode, your target peer can be a 802.11b or 802.
Infrastructure Mode The Infrastructure network uses an Access Point (AP) or several APs as a gateway, linking the wireless network to a wired LAN. As a result, portable and desktop computers on your wireless network have access to all of the features of your wired LAN, including e-mail, Internet access, networked printers and file servers. Note: Using the Aria extreme in Infrastructure mode, you can connect to 802.11b and 802.11g compatible Access Points, but not to an 802.11a AP, since 802.
Roaming (Aria extreme CardBus) 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 use the same Service Set Identity (SSID). When roaming among different Access Points, wireless connectivity is maintained automatically at all times.
Chapter 2—Installing the Aria extreme Card and Software This chapter describes the process of driver and utility software installation for Aria extreme CardBus and PCI cards; this chapter also describes the process of hardware installation for the Aria extreme PCI card. The driver software enables the card to operate in your computer, while the utility software, Wireless LAN Utility, helps you configure and monitor your Aria extreme.
54Mbps Wireless LAN Card User’s Manual System Requirements To use the Aria extreme, your computer must meet the following minimum requirements: 8 Pentium (or equivalent) processor, 300 MHz or better recommended 64MB of RAM, additional memory recommended 30 MB or more hard disk space Windows® 98SE/Me/2000/XP For Aria extreme (CardBus card): 32-bit CardBus expansion slot For Aria extreme PCI: One available PCI slot
Chapter 2—Installing the Aria extreme Card and Software Installing the Aria extreme PCI Adapter Card This section covers the installation of the Aria extreme PCI into a desktop computer. If this does not apply to you, skip to the page 11. WARNING: When handling computer products, you must take care to prevent components from being damaged by static electricity.
54Mbps Wireless LAN Card User’s Manual 4. 5. 6. 7. Remove the Aria extreme PCI card from its packaging, and screw in the included antenna. If you will be connecting to a closed network and access is restricted to specific users, write down the MAC number printed on a label affixed to the back of the card. Install the Aria extreme PCI card into the PCI slot; make sure the card is firmly seated and secured. Close your computer and replace its cover.
Chapter 2—Installing the Aria extreme Card and Software Installing the Wireless LAN Driver and Software WARNING: If you have the Aria extreme CardBus card, do not plug it into your computer before installing its driver. If you do, the Windows Plug-n-Play function will detect the card and a installation dialog requesting its driver will appear; the proper software will NOT be installed.
54Mbps Wireless LAN Card User’s Manual 12 2. Double-click the Utility&Driver folder from the software that you downloaded, and then double-click Setup.exe to launch the installer. 3. When the Welcome window pops up, click Next >. 4. When the License Agreement window appears, click Yes.
Chapter 2—Installing the Aria extreme Card and Software 5. To install the software to the default destination folder, click Next. If you want to install the software to a different folder, click Browse…, select another folder, and then click Next >. 6. For the Aria extreme CardBus card only: When the Insert adapter now… window appears, insert the Aria extreme card label up into the slot.
54Mbps Wireless LAN Card User’s Manual 7. 14 Click Finish when the following window appears; Windows may reboot.
Chapter 2—Installing the Aria extreme Card and Software General Guidelines for OS-Specific Situations Depending on the Windows version running on your computer, different situations will occur during or after the software installation. Follow the instructions on the next page to complete the installation. For Windows 98SE When prompted for the Windows 98SE CD-ROM, click OK. Enter the path to your original Windows 98SE files (CAB files), and then click OK.
54Mbps Wireless LAN Card User’s Manual For Windows XP If a Windows logo compatibility message appears, click Continue Anyway. When a dialog box appears requesting a driver for the Aria extreme, select “Install the software automatically” and click Next >. If you are prompted to provide the driver, click OK, then click Browse to locate the directory you selected to install the Wireless LAN Utility (e.g., C:\Program Files\WLAN\Driver\PCMCIA) and then click OK.
Chapter 3—Using the Wireless LAN Utility Once you have properly installed the driver software for the Aria extreme, you can configure the card using the provided Wireless LAN Utility. The utility window has five tabs: • Link Status - Displays general information about the connection and activity of your current link. You can also enable or disable the card’s data transmission, and change power saving settings for the card. • Configuration - Displays the current network and operating mode settings.
Launching the Wireless LAN Utility To launch the Wireless LAN Utility, go to the Windows Start menu and select Programs > WLAN Utility > WLAN Utility. If you are using Windows XP, go to the next page. Otherwise, skip to page 22.
Note About Using the Wireless LAN Utility Under Windows XP Instead of using the Wireless LAN Utility for configuring your Aria extreme, you may also configure it using the Wireless Zero Configuration Utility included with Windows XP. By default, the Windows utility manages your Aria extreme. As a result, you may find that the Configuration and Encryption tabs are not available in the Wireless LAN Utility. Configuration and Encryption tabs are not visible when Windows XP overrides the Wireless LAN Utility.
Using the Wireless LAN Utility In order to use the Wireless LAN Utility for configuration purposes, you must follow these steps to disable Windows XP’s Wireless Zero Configuration Utility: 1. Double-click the Wireless Zero Configuration Utility tray icon, click Properties (or Advanced), and then select the Wireless Networks tab. Wireless Zero Configuration Utility icon 2.
Reverting to Windows XP’s Wireless Zero Configuration Utility Double-click the Wireless Zero Configuration Utility icon (not the Wireless LAN Utility icon), and then click Advanced (or Properties). Click the Wireless Networks tab, check the “Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings” box, and then click OK.
Link Status Tab The Link Status tab displays general information about the connection and activity of your current link. The following table describes the items found on the Link Status screen. Screen Item Description SSID Displays the name of the wireless network to which your computer is currently connected. Channel Displays the channel currently in use. Tx Rate Displays the data transmission rate. Link Quality Displays the measured link quality.
Reconnect: Reconnects your computer to its target wireless network.
Configuration Tab The Configuration tab displays the current network and operating mode settings for the Aria extreme. The following table describes the items found on the Configuration screen. Screen Item Description Profile Name Name of your current settings. Operating Mode Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc (peer-to-peer). Network Name Specifies the name of the WLAN group in which you want to participate.
Screen Item Description Peer-to-Peer Channel Ad-Hoc mode ONLY. Specifies the selected channel for your wireless network. Note that the channels you are allowed to use are different according to your geographic location. Make sure you select a legal channel that is allowed in your regulatory domain. Transmit Rate US, Canada - Channels 1–11 (FCC) Japan - Channels 1–14 (TELEC) Europe - Channels 1–13 (ETSI) Channels 10–13 for France Determines the data transmission speed.
Screen Item Description For 802.11g AP or wireless client: 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9,11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 and 54 Mbps rates are supported.
Figure 3-2 Configuration Tab Encryption Tab In the Encryption tab, you may change settings to secure your network by using WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). If encryption isn’t necessary, select Disable from the Encryption (WEP security) drop-down menu. To enable WEP, follow the steps below: 1. Select 64 bits or 128 bits as the WEP key length from the Encryption (WEP security) drop-down menu.
2. From the Type list, select the required authentication type. (You should use the same authentication method as used by your target wireless network.) • Open Key: If your target wireless network uses Open Key, your authentication request will be always accepted. • Shared Key: If your target wireless network uses Shared Key, your Aria extreme must be set to use correct WEP key to pass the authentication. If selected, your Aria extreme must use identical WEP keys as the target wireless network. 3.
Figure 3-3 Encryption Tab 4. From the Use WEP Key list select which key you want to use to encrypt your transmitting data. 5. After you have finished entering all the encryption settings, click Apply to activate the changes.
Note: When setting WEP keys for data encryption, all the wireless stations and/or Access Points must use the same encryption key values. For example, if you use Key 1 on your wireless adapter and a value is assigned, then the same value must be assigned to Key 1 for all the users in a wireless network.
For each network, the following information will be displayed: Field Description Network Name Displays the name(s) of the wireless network(s). Channel Lists the channel used by the AP or wireless station. WEP Displays whether WEP is ON or OFF. Signal Displays the signal strength in dBm. Link Quality Measures the signal level. Network Address The MAC address of the AP or wireless client. AP band The frequency band used by the AP. You can identify whether the AP or wireless client supports 802.
Figure 3-5 Site Monitor Tab 32
About Tab The About tab displays information about the Aria extreme card and the Wireless LAN utility, including the Utility, Driver and Firmware version details.
Chapter 4—Using Wireless Tray Icon Functions Viewing Signal Strength Information Whenever you start Windows, you should be able to find the wireless monitor icon loaded in the system tray, located near the clock on the task bar. While connected to a network, you can place your cursor over the icon to view the pop-up text that gives information about the wireless link and signal strength.
System Tray Icon Information The wireless icon graphic changes to reflect the quality of your system’s wireless connection. The table below describes the radio connection quality indicated by the icon, and lists suggestions on how to improve the quality: Graphic Radio Connection Quality Very Good Your Aria extreme card has an excellent radio connection with the network, enabling excellent network communication at the highest transmit rate.
Graphic Radio Connection Quality No signal. You are out of range of the wireless network, or there may be network configuration errors (such as your SSID or WEP encryption key doesn’t match that of the target AP or wireless station). Move your device closer to your target Access Point or wireless station, or verify your SSID or WEP settings. Radio if OFF (no transmission). You have manually disabled the RF signal. Disconnected.
Other Functions Right-click the wireless icon to display the menu shown below: Each item on the context menu is described as below: Radio ON/Radio OFF: Enables or disables the RF signal. Link Status/Configuration/Encryption/Site Monitor/About: Opens the Wireless LAN Utility. HIDE: Closes the menu.
Chapter 5—Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Utility Windows XP provides the built-in Wireless Zero Configuration utility for wireless configuration and monitoring. You can choose to configure your wireless network via either the included Wireless LAN Utility as described in previous section, or the Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration utility described in this chapter. This section only provides the basic instructions for using the Windows XP wireless utility to establish your wireless network.
Note: Depending on whether your wireless network is established, the context menu may show different items. 2. When the Connect to Wireless Network window pops up, you will see all of the nearby Access Points and Wireless LAN cards that are broadcasting. Select the wireless network to which you want to connect. Figure 5-1 Windows XP Configuration Utility-Connect to Wireless Network 3.
4. Click Connect, and then you will join the target network; this dialog window will disappear. When your wireless connection is established, the connection icon appears as shown 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 have entered the correct authentication type for the Aria extreme. For more information, refer to “Authentication” on page 47.
Viewing the Wireless Connection Status After successfully connecting to a wireless network, double-click the wireless connection icon in the system tray again; the Wireless Network Connection Status window will open. You can view general configuration information for the Aria extreme, such as Status, Duration, Speed, Signal Strength, etc.
Configuring the Wireless Connection Properties To configure the wireless connection properties, open the Wireless Network Connection Status window as described above, and then click the Properties button; the Wireless Network Connection Properties window will open. You can configure the Aria extreme card’s more advanced settings. The following describes the contents of each of the properties window’s tabs to enable you to configure the Aria extreme to suit your needs.
Wireless Networks This tab contains two sections: Available networks and Preferred networks described as below. Under Available networks section, you can also see all the available nearby Access Points and Wireless LAN Cards. Click Refresh to update the list of Access Points and Wireless LAN Cards.
Under Preferred networks section, you can add any wireless networks to which you wish to connect. 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.
After you add several profiles into Preferred networks, you can change the order in which connection attempts to preferred networks are made. Just select the target wireless network and click Move up or Move down to move it to a desired position. Limit Access to Specific Wireless Network Types If you only want to access certain wireless network types, click the Advanced button on the Wireless Networks tab to open the Advanced window.
Once you finish changing the Advanced settings, your Aria extreme will then connect to your desired network, and the connected network will be listed under Available networks. Figure 5-6 Windows XP Configuration Utility-Set up a Network to Aceess Authentication With this tab selected, you can configure your Aria extreme card’s authentication settings. Be sure to disable Enable network access control using IEEE802.
Make sure to disable Enable network access control using IEEE 802.1X.
Chapter 6—Uninstalling the Aria extreme Should you need to uninstall the Aria extreme and its application software for any reason, you should uninstall the associated software first, and then remove the hardware from your computer. Please proceed as follows. Uninstalling the Wireless LAN Card Software Note: Before uninstalling the Wireless LAN Card software, please disable the utility by rightclicking the utility tray icon and select Exit from the context menu.
50 1. Close all programs that are currently running. 2. Click the Windows Start button, point to Programs > WLAN Utility > Uninstall Utility. 3. Click OK to proceed with the software uninstall procedure.
4. Click Finish to complete the software uninstallation. Depending on which Windows version is running, your computer may reboot.
Removing the Aria extreme Card To permanently remove the Aria extreme card from your computer, make sure that you have uninstalled the software before you remove the hardware. If you have an Aria extreme PCI card, follow the procedure described in your computer’s owner’s guide. The Aria extreme CardBus card complies with the PCMCIA standard that allows devices to be inserted into and removed from the computer’s PCMCIA slot when the computer is powered on.
Chapter 7—Troubleshooting Verify the Aria extreme is functioning properly After installation you can verify whether the Aria extreme is properly installed and functioning by followings these steps: 1. Launch the Device Manager as below: • For Windows 98/Me: Under Control Panel, click System > Device Manager. • For Windows 2000/XP: Under Control Panel, click System > Hardware > Device Manager. 2. In the Device Manager window, double-click Network adapters to display your Aria extreme. 3.
Cannot Install under Windows 2000 When attempting to install the software under Windows 2000, the error message “1608: Unable to create InstallDriver instance” is displayed, and the program stopped installing. This error occurs when the Microsoft Network Client is not installed under Windows 2000. To install this network component: 1. Go to Control Panel and double-click the Network and Dial-up Connections icon. Right-click on the Local Area Connection, then select Properties. 2.
• Plug your computer into an electrical outlet on a different branch circuit than that used by the affecting device. • Consult your dealer or an experienced radio technician for help. • Keep your away from microwave ovens and large metal objects. Card Not Detected If Windows does not detect the Aria extreme, try the following: • Make sure the Aria extreme is properly inserted in the computer.
• 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 settings. Check these in the TCP/IP Properties dialog box in the Network Configuration tab. • Make sure you are not trying to connect to an 802.11a wireless adapter. 802.11a and 802.11b/g standards are not interoperable.
Cannot Connect to Access Point If you cannot make a connection to an Access Point, it could be due to one of the following reasons: • Physical connection problems at the Access Point. Check the AP and verify all the connectors are plugged or screwed in securely. • Incorrect network name (SSID). Make sure the SSID used is the same for both the Aria extreme and the Access Point. • Security settings different. Make sure the security settings are the same for both the Aria extreme and the Access Point.
Appendix A—Limited Warranty Wireless LAN Hardware Sonnet Technologies, Inc. warrants that its product(s) shall be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of three years following the date of original purchase. Sonnet’s liability under this warranty shall be limited, at its option, to repairing or replacing product(s) shown to be defective either in materials or workmanship. The sole and exclusive remedy under this warranty shall be such repair or replacement.
any period of time during which the product(s) are not available to you because of defects, without the express written consent of Sonnet. EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WARRANTY AGAINST DEFECTS IN MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP CONTAINED HEREIN, SONNET MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED BY SONNET.
Appendix B—Regulatory Compliance FCC Part 15 Declaration of Conformity (DoC) The following equipment: Product Name: Aria extreme 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.
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.
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator & your body.
Appendix C—Setting Up TCP/IP This section contains instructions for configuring the TCP/IP protocol for the Aria extreme. The IP address policy depends on your wireless network; you should configure the 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 in the Network dialog box.
3. In the network components list, select the TCP/IP protocol for the Aria extreme, e.g., TCP/IP ->Broadcom 802.11g Network Adapter and then click Properties. 4. With the IP Address tab selected, choose one of the methods as required: Option A: Click Specify an IP address. In the IP Address box, enter a valid four-component IP address, either a public or private one as required. In the Subnet Mask box, enter a valid four-component IP address.
5. Click OK to return to the Network dialog box and click OK again to finish the configuration procedure. If your TCP/IP properties have been modified, you will be prompted to restart your computer. Click Yes to have new settings take effect.
For Windows 2000/XP 68 1. Double-click Network Dial-up Connections (Windows 2000) or Network Connections (Windows XP) on Control Panel, then Network Connections. 2. Right-click the Broadcom 802.11g Network Adapter icon and click Properties.
3. With the General tab selected, highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and then click Properties. Option A: Use a 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 a 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.
Appendix D Specifications Host Interfaces CardBus, PCI Spec. 2.2 Form factors Type III B/32bit CardBus, PCI Chipset Broadcom BCM 4306 & BCM 2050 Operation Voltage 3.3VDC Network Standards IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi™) standard and IEEE 802.11g standard (54G) Modulation Techniques DBPSK, DQPSK, CCK, 16QAM, 64QAM Modulation Technology OFDM, DSSS 802.11b – 11 Mbps maximum, Auto-ranging 1, 2, 5.5, and 11 Mbps Data Rate 802.
Operating Frequencies 2.4–2.497 GHz 802.11b - North America: 11, Japan: 14, Europe (ETSI): 13 Operating Channels 802.11g - North America, Japan, Europe (ETSI): 13 RF Output Power 15 dBm maximum output power (14 dBm nominal ± 1 dBm over operating temperature Receiver sensitivity -80dBm @ 6Mbps (PER < 10%) Antenna Type Hardware diversity support: transmit and receive on Main and Auxiliary antenna connectors. 802.11b: Up to 60 M at 11 Mbps, up to 125 M at 1 Mbps Indoor Coverage Area (Typical) 802.
Delay Tolerance 802.11b: Multipath R.M.S Delay Spread @ 1% FER: 11 Mbps > 250 nsec; 5.5 Mbps > 300 nsec Client Utility Automatic location profile, site monitor, current link status, and diagnostics Software Support Microsoft WHQL certified for Windows XP, 2000, and ME. Linux and VxWorks embedded drivers.
Glossary 802.11 Access Point 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. Ad-Hoc (Peer-to-Peer) An 802.11 networking framework in which devices or stations communicate directly with each other, without the use of an Access Point (AP).
Encryption The translation of data into a secret code. Encryption is the most effective way to achieve data security. To read an encrypted file, you must have access to a secret key or password that enables you to decrypt it. Ethernet The most widely used medium access method, which is defined by the IEEE 802.3 standard. Ethernet is normally a shared media LAN; i.e., all the devices on the network segment share total bandwidth.
network on the Internet and an identifier of the particular device (which can be a server or a workstation) within that network. LAN Local Area Network. A communication network that serves users within a defined geographical area. The benefits include the sharing of Internet access, files, and equipment, such as printers and storage devices. Special network cabling (such as 10BaseT) is often used to connect the PCs together.
all devices attempting to connect to a specific WLAN must use the same SSID. A device will not be permitted to join the BSS unless it can provide the unique SSID. An SSID is also referred to as a Network Name because essentially it is a name that identifies a wireless network Subnet Mask TCP Topology A value that defines whether your computer communicates only within your LAN or communicates outside of your LAN, where it is routed out to the rest of the Internet.
WEP WLAN 78 Wired Equivalent Privacy, a security protocol for wireless local area networks defined in the 802.11b standard. WEP is designed to provide the same level of security as that of a wired LAN. LANs are more secure than WLANs because LANs are somewhat physically protected by their structure, having some or all part of the network inside a building protected from unauthorized access.