User Manual

8-2
Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapters Installation and Configuration Guide for Windows
OL-1394-06
Chapter 8 Using the Aironet Client Monitor (ACM)
Overview of ACM
Overview of ACM
ACM is an optional application that provides a small subset of the features available through ACU.
Specifically, it enables you to access status information about your client adapter and perform basic
tasks. ACM is accessible from an icon in the Windows system tray, making it easily accessible and
convenient to use.
The ACM icon appears only if a client adapter is installed in your computer and you did not disable ACM
during installation. If more than one client adapter is installed, an ACM icon appears in the system tray
for each adapter.
ACM provides information and options in the following ways:
• In the appearance of the icon itself
• Through a tool tip window that appears when you hover the cursor over the icon
• Through a pop-up menu that appears when you right-click the icon
The ACM Icon
The appearance of the ACM icon indicates the connection status of your client adapter. ACM reads the
client adapter status and updates the icon every 2 seconds. Table 8-1 interprets the different appearances
of the ACM icon.
Note Windows 98, 98 SE, 2000, and XP may display their own wireless network connection status icon in the
system tray. Cisco recommends that you turn off the Windows icon and use the ACM icon to monitor
your wireless connection.
Table 8-1 Interpreting the ACM Icon
Icon Description
The client adapter’s radio is turned off.
The client adapter is not associated to an access point.
The client adapter is associated to an access point, but the user is not authenticated.
The client adapter is associated to an access point, and the link quality is excellent or
good.
The client adapter is associated to an access point, and the link quality is fair.
The client adapter is associated to an access point, and the link quality is poor.