ASUSTeK Computer WL103B WIRELESS LAN PC CARD User Manual WL 103b 9 3 03 p65
ASUSTeK Computer Inc WIRELESS LAN PC CARD WL 103b 9 3 03 p65
users manual
Wireless Local Area Network Card
WL-103b
(For 802.11b Wireless Networks)
®
User’s Manual
2ASUS WLAN Card
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it,
may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or
translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation
kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF
ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN
NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES
OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS
OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA,
INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS
BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING
FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired,
modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized
in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or
missing.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be
registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used
only for identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent
to infringe.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS
MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND
ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND
SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS
ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS
OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL,
INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Copyright © 2003 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright Information
Product Name: ASUS WLAN Card (WL-103b)
Manual Revision: 1
Release Date: May 2003
ASUS WLAN Card 3
Copyright Information
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (Asia-Pacific)
Address: 150 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 112
General Tel: +886-2-2894-3447
General Fax: +886-2-2894-3449
General Email: info@asus.com.tw
Technical Support
MB/Others (Tel):+886-2-2890-7121 (English)
Notebook (Tel): +886-2-2890-7122 (English)
Desktop/Server: +886-2-2890-7123 (English)
Support Fax: +886-2-2890-7698
Support Email: tsd@asus.com.tw
Web Site: www.asus.com.tw
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)
Address: 44370 Nobel Drive, Fremont, CA 94538, USA
General Fax: +1-510-608-4555
General Email: tmd1@asus.com
Technical Support
Support Fax: +1-510-608-4555
General Support: +1-510-739-3777
Web Site: www.asus.com
Support Email: tsd@asus.com
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany & Austria)
Address: Harkortstr. 25, 40880 Ratingen, BRD, Germany
General Email: sales@asuscom.de (for marketing requests only)
Marketing Fax: +49-2102-9599-31
Technical Support
Support Hotline: Components: +49-2102-9599-0
Support Hotline: Notebook PC:+49-2102-9599-11
Support (Email): www.asuscom.de/kontakt (for online support)
Web Site: www.asuscom.de
Support Fax: +49-2102-9599-11
4ASUS WLAN Card
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ............................................................................. 7
Overview .............................................................................................. 7
The ASUS Wireless LAN Family..................................................... 8
System Requirements ........................................................................ 10
The Product Package ......................................................................... 10
Installation .......................................................................................... 11
ASUS WLAN Utility Quick Start .......................................................... 15
Reading the ASUS WLAN Status Indicators................................. 16
3. Software Reference .............................................................. 17
Chapter Overview............................................................................... 17
Windows XP Wireless Options ..................................................... 18
Control Center Utility .......................................................................... 19
Site Monitor Utility ......................................................................... 22
Wireless Settings Utility ...................................................................... 24
Status - Status Tab ....................................................................... 25
Status - Connection Tab ............................................................... 29
Status - IP Config Tab ................................................................... 30
Config - Basic Tab ......................................................................... 31
Config - Encryption Tab ................................................................ 33
Survey - Site Survey Tab .............................................................. 36
About - Version Info Tab ............................................................... 37
Link State ...................................................................................... 38
Exit Wireless Settings ................................................................... 38
Mobile Manager Utility ........................................................................ 39
New Configuration Wizard ............................................................ 43
Edit Configuration ......................................................................... 44
ASUS WLAN Card 5
Table of Contents
5. Glossary ................................................................................. 48
4. Troubleshooting .................................................................... 58
6. Safety Information................................................................. 68
Federal Communications Commission............................................... 68
FCC Radio Frequency Interference Requirements ...................... 69
FCC RF Exposure Guidelines (Access Points) ............................ 69
FCC RF Exposure Guidelines (Wireless Cards)........................... 70
Canadian Department of Communications ........................................ 70
Operation Channel for Different Domains .......................................... 70
France Restricted Frequency Band.................................................... 71
6ASUS WLAN Card
ASUS WLAN Card 7
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Chapter 1
1. Introduction
Overview
Thank you for purchasing the ASUS WLAN Card. The ASUS WLAN Card is a
PCMCIA compliant “wireless” network interface card (NIC) for any computer equipped
with a PC Card slot (available mainly in Notebook PCs).
The ASUS WLAN Card is designed to be fully compliant with both the IEEE 802.11g
and IEE802.11b wireless local area network (Wireless LAN) standards. As a result of
the completion of the standard, the interoperability of Wireless LAN products among
multiple manufacturers will be guaranteed. The ASUS WLAN Card product provides
high-speed, standards-based Wireless LAN solutions.
The ASUS WLAN Card is designed to be fully compliant with IEEE 802.11g wireless
local area networks (WLAN). 802.11g is an extension to 802.11b, used in majority of
wireless LANs today. 802.11g will broaden 802.11b's data rates to 54 Mbps within the
2.4 GHz band using OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) technology.
802.11g allows backward compatibility with 802.11b devices but only at 11 Mbps or
lower depending on the range and presence of obstructions.
The ASUS WLAN Card supports data rates up to 11 Mbps, with automatic fallback to
5.5, 2, and 1 Mbps in 802.11b networks. It operates in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz frequencies
called the Instrumentation, Science, and Medical (ISM) band. Unlicensed means free
of charge to users.
The ASUS WLAN Card configuration utility is a user-friendly application that helps
you quickly setup multiple roaming nodes using the ASUS WLAN Card. You can even
export the configuration settings to a file and import them to other computers for fast
multiple installations using ASUS Mobile Manager. Wireless LANs are complementary
extensions to existing wired LANs, offering complete mobility while maintaining
continuous network connectivity to both corporate and home Intranets. They add a
new level of convenience for LAN users. PC users stay connected to the network
anywhere throughout a building without being bound by a LAN wires. This is
accomplished through the use of ASUS WLAN Access Points or ASUS WLAN Home
Gateways. ASUS WLAN Home Gateways with built-in Internet gateway capability,
allows your family to share a broadband Modem and one ISP account simultaneously
from different rooms without wires! ASUS WLAN products can keep you connected
anywhere, any time.
Overview
8ASUS WLAN Card
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Chapter 1
WLAN Family
The ASUS Wireless LAN Family
The ASUS Wireless LAN family contains a complete solution for wireless
local area networks in the office or at home.
For 802.11b Wireless Networks
The above illustrations are not to scale.
The ASUS WLAN
802.11b USB Client
(WL-140) is an IEEE
802.11b wireless
USB LAN adapter
that connects to any
computer’s USB port
with the benefit of
being able to place
the antenna anywhere
in order to maximize
signal strength.
The ASUS WLAN
802.11b CF Card (WL-
110) is a IEEE 802.11b
wireless LAN adapter that
fits into a Compact Flash
Type II slot in a Portable
Digital Assistant (PDA).
The ASUS WLAN
802.11b Access Point
(WL-300) creates a
wireless network using the
IEEE 802.11b wireless
standard.
The ASUS
WLAN
802.11b
Gateway
(WL-500)
creates a wireless network using the IEEE
802.11b wireless standard and allows
sharing a single Internet connection.
The ASUS WLAN 802.11b
PC Card (WL-103b) is a
IEEE 802.11b wireless LAN
adapter that fits into a
PCMCIA Type II slot in a
Notebook PC. This new
version presents a better
looking design to replace the
WL-100.
ASUS WLAN Card 9
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Chapter 1
The above illustrations are not to scale.
WLAN Family
The ASUS WLAN 802.11b/a Router
(WL-600) creates a wireless network using
the IEEE 802.11b and 802.11a wireless
standards and allows sharing a single
Internet connection.
The ASUS WLAN
802.11b/a Cardbus Card
(WL-200) is a dual band
(IEEE 802.11a/b) wireless
LAN adapter that fits into
a Notebook PC’s
PCMCIA Type II slot with
Cardbus support.
The ASUS WLAN
802.11b/a PCI Card
(WL-230) is a dual
band (IEEE 802.11a/b)
wireless PCI card that
also supports Bluetooth
connections.
For 802.11b & 802.11a Wireless Networks
The ASUS WLAN
802.11g Access Point
(WL-300g) creates a
wireless network using
the IEEE 802.11g and
802.11b wireless
standards.
For 802.11g & 802.11b Wireless Networks
The ASUS WLAN
802.11g PC Card (WL-
103g) is a IEEE 802.11g
and 802.11b wireless
LAN adapter that fits into
a PCMCIA Type II slot in
a Notebook PC. This new
version presents a better
looking design to replace
the WL-100g.
10 ASUS WLAN Card
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Chapter 1
System Requirements
To begin using the ASUS WLAN Card, you must have the following
minimum requirements:
• Windows XP/2000/ME/98SE
• Standard PCMCIA Slot Type II
• 32MB system memory or larger
• 300MHz processor or higher
The Product Package
When you receive the ASUS WLAN Card package, it should contain the
following items:
• ASUS WLAN Card (PCMCIA Type II)
• ASUS WLAN Card Quick Start Guide
• ASUS WLAN Card User’s Manual
• CD-ROM Disc (Drivers, Utilities, Documentation)
If any of the above items are not included or damaged, contact your
local dealer for instructions.
Requirements
ASUS WLAN Card 11
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Chapter 1
Installation
Follow these instructions to install WLAN card in your system.
1. Install the software using the support CD.
2. Insert the wireless LAN card.
Note: Please install the Utility/Driver software first before inserting
the WLAN Card.
Installing the WLAN Card Utility/Driver
1. Insert the ASUS WLAN Card support CD into the CD-ROM drive and
an autorun menu will appear. (If the menu screen is not visible, double
click SETUP.EXE in the root directory of the support CD.)
3. Click Next on the Welcome screen.2. From the autorun menu, click Install ASUS
WLAN Card Utilities/Driver.
5. Click Next to use the default Destination
Folder or click Browse to select another
folder.
4. Click Next after reading the information.
12 ASUS WLAN Card
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Chapter 1
7. When Setup is complete, click Finish to exit
the installation wizard.
6. Modify the Program Folder field, if desired.
Click Next to continue. It will start copying
files on your system.
ASUS WLAN Card 13
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Chapter 1
Installing the WLAN Card
PCMCIA Card
1. Turn on your computer and enter Windows.
2. Insert the WLAN Card into the PCMCIA slot on your computer until it
is firmly seated.
CardBus Card
1. Turn on your computer and enter Windows.
2. Insert the WLAN Card into the CardBus PC Card slot on your com-
puter until it is firmly seated.
PCI Card
1. Turn OFF your computer and open your computer chassis. Insert the
WLAN Card into a PCI slot. Attach the antenna to the WLAN Card.
2. Turn on your computer and enter Windows.
USB Adapter
1. Turn ON your computer and enter Windows.
2. Plug the USB Adapter into the USB port of your computer.
3. Windows will automatically detect the WLAN Card. The Found New
Hardware Wizard dialog will appear and begin installing drivers.
4. Windows 98SE/Me users - During the installation, windows may prompt
you insert the " Windows 98SE/ME CD-ROM" which contains some
driver files. Insert your "Windows 98SE/ME CD-ROM" and click Yes.
Windows 2000 users - A Digital Signature Not Found message may
appear. Click Yes to proceed.
Windows XP users - A Windows Logo Testing Not Found message may
appear. Click Continue Anyway to proceed.
5. When the WLAN Card setup is completed, you can start up the WLAN
utility to configure your WLAN Card. Please refer the user manual for
more detailed information.
14 ASUS WLAN Card
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Chapter 1
Verifying the Driver Installation
1. Open the Control Panel through the Start menu.
2. Double-click System icon.
3. Windows 98SE/Me users - Select the Device Manager tab.
Windows 2000/XP users - Select the Hardware tab, and click Device
Manager button.
4. Double-click Network Adapters. There should be no yellow exclama-
tion mark or red cross-sign on the ASUS 802.11b Network Adapter /
ASUS 802.11g Network Adapter selection. It means the adapter in-
stalled correctly.
ASUS WLAN Card 15
Chapter 2 - Installation
Chapter 2
ASUS WLAN Utility Quick Start
After installing the ASUS WLAN driver and utility, you may need to make
some settings before being able to use your wireless connection.
Quick Start
1. Right-click the ASUS WLAN icon and
select “Wireless Settings”
2. Set the Network Name (SSID) to the
same name as the SSID set in your
wireless access point.
3. Use “Site Survey” if you don’t know the
name of your access point(s). 4. Encryption settings must also match
those set in the access point. Talk with
your network administrator if necessary.
Right-Click
6. You can also see the connection quality
on the “Connection” page. Click OK to
exit the utility.
5. Click Apply to save your settings and
check the “Status” page to see the
“Association State”. It should show
“Connected - xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx”.
16 ASUS WLAN Card
Chapter 2 - Installation
Chapter 2
Reading the ASUS WLAN Status Indicators
The part of the ASUS WLAN Card that protrudes out of the PCMCIA socket
consists of two LEDs that indicate the status of the ASUS WLAN Card .
Status Indicators Status Indicators
Network
Power
Network (Green) Power (Green) Definition
Fast Blinking Fast Blinking Associated or joined with network & activity
Slow Blinking Slow Blinking Associated or joined with network & no activity
Alternating Blink Alternating Blink Seaching for network connection
OFF Slow Blinking Power save mode (power-up or reset)
OFF OFF No power to the SpaceLink Cardbus
ASUS WLAN Card 17
Chapter 3 - Reference
Chapter 3
Software Reference
•Control Center – Makes it easy to launch applications and activate
network location settings.
•Mobile Manager – A convenient tool to setup and manage network
location settings.
•Site Monitor – Measures the received signal strength indicator (RSSI)
values of all wireless networks. This tool is used for determining the
best placement of Access Points to provide the most efficient coverage
in a wireless network.
•Troubleshooting - Troubleshooting will test your settings and connec-
tion to try to pinpoint your problem and give you a solution.
•Wireless Settings – Allows users to control the ASUS WLAN Card.
Additional Reference
•Windows XP Wireless Properties - Brief overview of the wireless
settings provided in Windows XP.
3. Software Reference
Chapter Overview
The ASUS WLAN Card software includes five groups of utilities
Windows Start Menu - Programs
18 ASUS WLAN Card
Chapter 3 - Reference
Chapter 3
Software Reference
Windows XP Wireless Options
The wireless options shown below is only available for Windows XP. The
first time you run the Control Center utility, it will automatically show.
Select one of the radio buttons to decide which interface to use with your
ASUS WLAN Card.
Only use XP wireless function – Only use “Windows XP” wireless network
settings to configure the ASUS WLAN Card.
Only use ASUS utilities and disable XP wireless function – Only use
“ASUS WLAN Card utilities” to configure the ASUS WLAN Card.
(recommended)
You can return to the Wireless Option setting at any time by left clicking
the control center icon and choosing “Wireless Option”.
Taskbar Left-Click Menu
ASUS WLAN Card 19
Chapter 3 - Reference
Chapter 3
Control Center
Control Center Utility
Control Center is an application that makes it easy to launch applications
and activate network location settings. Control Center starts automatically
when the system boots. Whenever Control Center is running, you will see
a Control Center icon displayed on the Windows taskbar.
Starting the Control Center manually
• Select ASUS WLAN Control Center in Windows Start menu.
or
• Double click the ASUS WLAN Control Center icon on the desktop.
Using the Control Center Taskbar
The Control Center Taskbar menu display the following information:
• The link quality of the ASUS WLAN Card (Excellent, Good, Fair,
Poor, Not Linked)
• Whether the ASUS WLAN Card is connected to the Internet (Blue:
Connected, Gray: Not Connected)
Taskbar Icon and Status
Windows Start Menu
20 ASUS WLAN Card
Chapter 3 - Reference
Chapter 3
Control Center
Wireless Status Icons (on the taskbar)
Excellent link quality and connected to Internet (Infrastructure)
Good link quality and connected to Internet (Infrastructure)
Fair link quality and connected to Internet (Infrastructure)
Poor link quality and connected to Internet (Infrastructure)
Not linked but connected to Internet (Infrastructure)
Excellent link quality but not connected to Internet (Infrastructure)
Good link quality but not connected to Internet (Infrastructure)
Fair link quality but not connected to Internet (Infrastructure)
Poor link quality but not connected to Internet (Infrastructure)
Not linked and not connected to Internet (Infrastructure)
ASUS WLAN Card 21
Chapter 3 - Reference
Chapter 3
Control Center
Taskbar Icon - Left Menu
Left-clicking the taskbar icon shows
the following menu:
•Wireless Radio On – Turns the
wireless radio ON.
•Wireless Radio Off – Turns
the wireless radio OFF.
•Search & Connect – View the
properties of available Access
Points within range.
•Wireless Option (Windows XP only) – Sets your Windows XP wire-
less networking environment.
Taskbar Icon - Launch Wireless Settings
Double-clicking the taskbar icon:
• Launches the Wireless Settings application.
Taskbar Left-Click Menu
Taskbar Icon - Right Menu
Right-clicking the taskbar icon shows
the following menu items:
•Wireless Settings – Launches
Wireless Settings application.
•Activate Configuration – Al-
lows you to set which profile
to use.
•Mobile Manager – Launches
Mobile Manager application.
•Preferences – Customizes the
way the Control Center pro-
gram behaves. You can create
a Control Center shortcut on
the desktop. You can also set
whether Control Center starts
up with Windows.
•Exit – Closes the Control Cen-
ter program.
Right-Click Menu
22 ASUS WLAN Card
Chapter 3 - Reference
Chapter 3
Site Monitor
Site Monitor Utility
Site Monitor measures the received
signal strength indicator (RSSI)
values of all available wireless
networks. This tool is used for
determining the best placement of
Access Points to provide the best
coverage for a wireless network.
Starting Site Monitor
• Click the Windows Start button, select Programs | ASUS Utility |
WLAN Card | Site Monitor.
or
• Right-click the Control Center icon on the Windows taskbar and then
click Site Monitor.
Main Screen
Measures the signal values of all available wireless networks.
Some Access Points can disable broadcasting SSID to hide them-
selves from “Site Survey” or “Site Monitor” for added security
but still allow you to join if you know their SSID.
Your wireless LAN perfor-
mance may be affected when
running the site monitor.
Windows Start Menu
ASUS WLAN Card 23
Chapter 3 - Reference
Chapter 3
Site Monitor
Monitor
Directed link state test with one particular wireless network, including:
RSSI: This indicates the value of received signal strength of the last received
frame. In principle, the higher the RSSI, the better your communications
quality.
Throughput: This sends a specified number of data packets to the remote
host and calculates the average megabytes per second.
During the test, the Start button toggles to Stop. You can click Start button
to begin the link test and click Stop button at any time to terminate the test.
24 ASUS WLAN Card
Chapter 3 - Reference
Chapter 3
Windows Settings
Wireless Settings Utility
Wireless Settings is an application that allows you to control your ASUS
WLAN Card. Use Wireless Settings to View or Modify the configuration
settings and monitor the operational status of your PC Card. Once Wireless
Settings is launched, you can see the tabbed property sheet. This property
sheet is composed of tabbed “pages”, each with its own group of feature-
specific settings.
Right-Click Menu
If you have more than one ASUS WLAN device, you will be given a
device selection window when you launch the “Wireless Settings”
utility. Select the appropriate model if you face this situation.
Starting Wireless Settings
• Open the Windows Control Panel, and then double-click the ASUS
WLAN Card Settings icon.
or
• Click the Windows Start button, select Programs | ASUS Utility |
WLAN Card | Wireless Settings.
or
• Right-click the Control Center icon on the Windows taskbar, select
Wireless Settings.
Windows Start Menu
ASUS WLAN Card 25
Chapter 3 - Reference
Chapter 3
Windows Settings
Status - Status Tab
You can view the information about the ASUS WLAN Card from the general
menu. These fields are blank if the ASUS WLAN Card does not exist.
Connected
Scanning
Radio Disabled
You can turn OFF the ASUS WLAN
Card by clicking the “Disable Radio”
button.
26 ASUS WLAN Card
Chapter 3 - Reference
Chapter 3
Windows Settings
Association State
Displays the connection status as follows:
Connected - The station is now associated with one wireless LAN device.
When operating in Infrastructure mode, this field shows the MAC address of
the Access Point with which you are communicating. When operating in Ad
Hoc* mode, this field shows the virtual MAC address used by computers
participating in the Ad Hoc* network.
Scanning... - The station is now attempting to authenticate and associate with
the desired Access Point or Ad Hoc* node.
Disconnected - The link is connected, but no beacon received.
SSID
Displays the Service Set Identifier (SSID) that the card is either associated or
intending to join.
MAC address
Indicates the hardware address of the card. MAC address is a unique identifier
for networking devices (typically written as twelve hexadecimal digits 0 through
9 and A through F, six hexadecimal numbers separated by colons, i.e.
00:E0:18:F0:05:C0).
Current Channel
Displays the radio channel that the card is currently tuned. This number changes
as the radio scans the available channels.
Current Data Rate
Displays the current transmit data rate in megabits per second (Mbps).
* See Chapter 5 - Glossary
ASUS WLAN Card 27
Chapter 3 - Reference
Chapter 3
Windows Settings
Radio State
Shows the wireless radio on or off.
Radio On - When the wireless radio is turned off, the following icon
appears in the upper left of the Settings property page.
Radio Off - When the wireless radio is turned on, the following icon
appears in the upper left of the Settings property page.
Rescan – Force the radio to rescan all available channels. If your link quality
or signal strength is poor, rescanning can be used to push the radio off a
weak Access Point and search for a better link with another Access Point.
This function will take some time to complete.
Change SSID – Click on this to set the SSID.
Search & Connect – Click on this to connect to an available network.
Save as Profile
Later, when you make individual settings, you may want to use profiles to
save your settings. Profiles will help you combine all your settings for
work, home, roaming, and other locations so that you do not have to repeat
individual settings. When you travel from work to home, for example,
choose a “home” profile that contains all your settings for home use. When
you travel back to work, choose an “office” profile.
28 ASUS WLAN Card
Chapter 3 - Reference
Chapter 3
Windows Settings
Activate Configuration
Auto roaming is enabled by default and will automatically switch to stronger
access points. You can uncheck it if you have many access points and do
not want to constantly switch to different networks. If you want to use a
particular profile. You can also check it here.
Taskbar Right-Click
ASUS WLAN Card 29
Chapter 3 - Reference
Chapter 3
Windows Settings
Status - Connection Tab
You can view the current link statistics about the ASUS WLAN Card. These
statistics are updated once per second and are valid only if the ASUS WLAN
Card exists.
Frame Sent/Received
Transmitted - The number of frames that were transmitted.
Received - The number of frames that were received.
Frame Error
Transmitted - The number of frames that were not successfully transmitted.
Received - The number of frames that were not successfully received.
Connection Quality
Signal Strength - Reflects the signal level related to the Access Point or Ad
Hoc node the station is currently connected to. Ratings are: Excellent, Good,
Fair, and Poor.
Overall Connection Quality
It is derived from the current "Signal Strength". A graph displays a connection
quality range between 0 and 100 percent.
Scanning Connected
30 ASUS WLAN Card
Chapter 3 - Reference
Chapter 3
Windows Settings
Status - IP Config Tab
IP Config tab shows all the current network configuration information for
the ASUS WLAN Card. Use it to verify your network settings.
IP CONFIG will display all the current TCP/IP configuration values
including the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway and Windows
Internet Naming Service (WINS) and DNS configuration.
Button
IP Release - Clicking this button will attempt to release the DHCP IP address
for the ASUS WLAN Card in case you wish to remove your IP address.
IP Renew - Clicking this button will attempt to renew the DHCP IP address
for the ASUS WLAN Card in case you want to obtain a new IP address.
NOTE: The IP Release and IP Renew buttons can only be used on
the ASUS WLAN Card that is configured with DHCP.
ASUS WLAN Card 31
Chapter 3 - Reference
Chapter 3
Windows Settings
Config - Basic Tab
Lets you can change the ASUS WLAN Card configurations without rebooting
your computer.
Network Type
Infrastructure – Select the Infrastructure mode to establish a connection with
an Access Point. Your computer is able to access wireless LAN and wired
LAN (Ethernet), via an associated access point. The Channel field turns to
“Auto” when “Infrastructure” is selected.
Ad Hoc – Select the “Ad Hoc” mode to communicate directly with each other
without using an Access Point. An “Ad Hoc” network is typically formed quickly
and easily without pre-planning. For example, share meeting notes between
networked computers in a meeting room.
Network Name (SSID)
Use the SSID field to configure the SSID for the ASUS WLAN Card. You
can enter a new SSID or select one from the drop-down list box. SSID stands
for “Service Set Identifier”, which is a string used to identify a wireless LAN.
You will only be able to connect Access Points which has the same SSID as
the one you set. Use different SSIDs to segment the wireless LAN and increase
security. SSIDs must all be printable characters and having a maximum of
32 case sensitive characters, such as “ Wireless LAN”.
Set the SSID to a null string, if you wish to allow your station to
connect to any Access Point it can find. But you cannot use null
string in Ad Hoc mode.
32 ASUS WLAN Card
Chapter 3 - Reference
Chapter 3
Windows Settings
Click Apply to save and activate the new configurations.
Channel
Use the Channel field to select the radio channel for ASUS WLAN Card. In an
"infrastructure" network, your ASUS WLAN Card will automatically select
the correct frequency channel required to communicate with an Access Point,
this parameter will be fixed in "Auto" and cannot be changed. In an "Ad Hoc"
network, you can decide the channel number for the ASUS WLAN Card. Any
ASUS WLAN Card can communicate in the same network if they have the
same frequency channel setting.
The radio channels you may use depend on the regulations in your country. For
United States (FCC) and Canada (IC), channels 1 to 11 are supported. For
Europe (ETSI) except Spain and France, channels 1 to 13 are supported. For
Spain channel 10 and 11 are supported. For France channels 10 to 13 are
supported. For operation in Japan (MKK), channels 1 to 14 are supported.
Data Rate
Select the transmit data rate (fix or auto). The data rates supported for the
ASUS WLAN Cards are:
Auto – The adapter will adjust to the most suitable transmission rate.
Fix – 11g: Fix data rate to 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, or 54 Mbps.
11b: Fix data rate to 1, 2, 5.5, or 11 megabits per second.
Others
WEP – Click on this to show the "Encryption" tab.
Advanced – Click on this to show the "Advanced" tab. In most cases, the
default values do not have to be changed.
Troubleshooting – Click on this to show the Troubleshooting utility.
In order to conform with part 15.15(b) of the FCC rules, this device
only provides Channels 1-11 when sold to United States and Canada.
ASUS WLAN Card 33
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Chapter 3
Windows Settings
Config - Encryption Tab
Lets you configure the ASUS WLAN Card encryption settings. For data
confidentiality in a wireless environment, IEEE 802.11 specifies a Wired
Equivalent Privacy (WEP) algorithm to offer transmission privacy similar to
wired network. The WEP uses keys to encrypt transmit data packets and decrypt
received data packets. The encryption process can scramble frame bits to avoid
disclosure to others.
Pull Down Menus
Data encryption (WEP enabled)
This option allows you to enable or disable the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
function. If this check box is selected, a WEP Key is used to encrypt your data
before it is transmitted over the air.
If you enable WEP encryption, you will only be able to communicate with
wireless devices that have use the same WEP keys.
WEP Key
This option is enable only if you enable WEP Encryption. The WEP Key is a
64 bits (5 byte) or 128 bits (13 byte) Hexadecimal digits that is used to encrypt
transmit data packets and decrypt received data packets.
Key Format
You can enter the WEP Key as a Hexadecimal digits (0~9, a~f, and A~F), or as
ASCII characters, based on the state of the Key Format.
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Windows Settings
Key Length
For 64 bits encryption, each Key contains exactly 10 hex digits, or 5 ASCII
characters. For 128 bits encryption, each Key contains exactly 26 hex digits, or
13 ASCII characters.
Two ways to assign WEP keys
1. Manual Assignment - When you click this button, the cursor appears
in the field for Key 1. For 64-bit encryption, you are required to enter
four WEP Keys. Each Key contains exactly 10 hex digits (0~9, a~f, and
A~F). For 128-bit encryption, you are required to enter four WEP Keys.
Each Key contains exactly 26 hex digits (0~9, a~f, and A~F).
2. Automatic Generation - Type a combination of up to 64 letters, num-
bers, or symbols in the Passphrase column, then the Wireless Settings
Utility uses an algorithm to generate four WEP Keys for encryption.
NOTE: This function ease users from having to remember their
passwords and is compatible to some existing WLAN utilities, but
it is not very secure. "Manual Assignment" is more secure.
Default Key
The Default Key field lets you specify which of the four encryption keys you
use to transmit data on your wireless LAN. You can change the default key by
clicking on the down arrow at the right of this field, selecting the number of the
key you want to use and then clicking the Apply button. As long as the Access
Point or station with which you are communicating has the same key in the
same position, you can use any of the keys as the default.
You then click the Apply button to create your encryption keys. After you click
the Apply button, the Wireless Settings Utility uses asterisks to mask your
keys.
NOTE: Click the Apply or OK button to save the encryption set-
tings. The keys you entered will be masked by asterisks.
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Windows Settings
64/128bits versus 40/104bits
You may be confused about configuring WEP encryption, especially when
using multiple wireless LAN products from different vendors. There are
two levels of WEP Encryption: 64 bits and 128 bits.
First, 64 bit WEP and 40 bit WEP are the same encryption method and can
interoperate in the wireless network. This lower level of WEP encryption
uses a 40 bit (10 Hex character) as a “secret key” (set by user), and a 24 bit
“Initialization Vector” (not under user control). This together makes 64
bits (40 + 24). Some vendors refer to this level of WEP as 40 bits and
others refer to this as 64 bits. ASUS WLAN products use the term 64 bits
when referring to this lower level of encryption.
Second, 104 bit WEP and 128 bit WEP are the same encryption method
and can interoperate in the wireless network. This higher level of WEP
encryption uses a 104 bit (26 Hex character) as a “secret key” (set by user),
and a 24 bit “Initialization Vector” (not under user control). This together
makes 128 bits (104 + 24). Some vendors refer to this level of WEP as 104
bits and others refer to this as 128 bits. ASUS WLAN products use the
term 128 bits when referring to this higher level of encryption.
Click Apply to save and activate the new configurations.
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Windows Settings
Survey - Site Survey Tab
Use the Site Survey tab to view statistics on the wireless networks available
to the ASUS WLAN Card. The Site Survey tab is read-only with no user
configurable data fields. Use the Site Survey tab to view the following
network parameters.
•BSSID – View the IEEE MAC addresses of the available networks.
•SSID – View the SSID (service set identification) within available networks.
•CH – View the direct-sequence channel used by each network.
•RSSI – Views the Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) in dB.
•Type – View wireless network status information, the value is either
AP (infrastructure) or STA (Ad Hoc).
•WEP – View wireless network WEP encryption information, the value
is either OFF (disable encryption) or ON (enable encryption).
Buttons
Search – Scan all available wireless networks and show the scan result in
the “Available Network List”.
Connect – To associate a network, select it from the “Available Network
List” and click this button.
Some Access Points
can disable broadcast-
ing SSID to hide them-
selves from “Site Sur-
vey” or “Site Monitor”
for added security but
still allow you to join if
you know their SSID.
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Windows Settings
About - Version Info Tab
Uses the Version Info tab to view program and ASUS WLAN Card version
information. The program version information field includes the Copyright
and utility version. The version information includes the ndis version, driver
name, and driver version.
This screen is an example only. Your version
numbers will be different from what are shown here.
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Windows Settings
Link State
ASUS WLAN Card “Link State” icon appears on the
left side of the ASUS WLAN Card Settings. Use the
icon to view the current signal status.
Exit Wireless Settings
To exit Wireless Settings, you can click OK or Cancel.
This utility may be closed at any time and from any tab.
If you did not save the configuration settings, you will
be prompted to do so.
Excellent Link Quality (Infrastructure)
Good Link Quality (Infrastructure)
Fair Link Quality (Infrastructure)
Poor Link Quality (Infrastructure)
Not linked (Infrastructure)
Linked (Ad Hoc)
Not Linked (Ad Hoc)
ASUS WLAN Card 39
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Chapter 3
Mobile Manager
Mobile Manager Utility
Mobile Manager is a convenient tool to
setup and manage network location
settings. Mobile Manager lets users
configure multiple alternative
configurations for different locations. You
only need to set this once, and then easily
switch configurations when you change
your location.
Starting Mobile Manager
• Click the Windows Start button, select Programs | ASUS Utility |
WLAN Card | Mobile Manager.
or
• Right-click the Control Center icon on the Windows taskbar and then
click Mobile Manager.
Using Mobile Manager - Quick Guide
1. The first time you launch the Mobile Manager utility, it will automati-
cally generate configurations that stores the current settings of all in-
stalled network devices in your system.
2. Change the name of the configuration to a descriptive name like “Work-
Meeting Room” or “Home-ADSL”.
3. On the File menu, click New Configuration, the New Configuration
Wizard dialog appears. Follow the on-screen instructions to create your
own location configurations.
4. After you have created your configurations, you can see them in the
main window.
5. Select the configuration you want to use and then click Activate Con-
figuration from the Activate pull-down menu. Your system will then
switch to the network settings configured to your chosen selection.
Windows Start Menu
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Mobile Manager
Main Window
You can use the Mobile Manager utility main window to create a new
configuration, edit a configuration or activate a configuration. The main window
includes a menu bar, tool bar, and a list view for showing existing configurations.
Using the pull-down menu and toolbar
The following topics show the commands available from the Mobile Manager
pull-down menu and toolbar. If no configuration is selected, some commands
will be grayed out and inaccessible. The toolbar contains buttons for many of
the most commonly used commands in Mobile Manager. It allows quick access
to some of the most useful features of Mobile Manager. The commands provided
by the toolbar buttons are also available from the pull-down menu.
File Menu
New Configuration - Select New Configuration in the File menu
to open a New Configuration Wizard dialog. Use the New Configu-
ration Wizard dialog to create a new configuration. See Using New
Configuration Wizard for details on this command.
Import Configuration - Load a configuration from an INI File.
Export Configuration - Save the selected configuration (contain-
ing Wireless Settings, TCP/IP Settings, Network Settings, ...) to an
INI File. The INI file can be placed on a floppy diskette and then
imported by other computers using Mobile Manager. This can also
be used as a backup feature for yourself.
Exit - Close the Mobile Manager utility.
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Mobile Manager
Mobilize Menu
Auto Roaming – If an association changes, it will automatically
switch into a network configuration that you have made. If no asso-
ciations have been made, it will automatically connect to a wireless
network based on configurations that you specify.
Activate Configuration – Applies the configuration that you have
selected from the list. You may be prompted to restart Windows
depending on the required changes. Follow the instructions on the
screen. Windows 2000 and XP usually do not require restarting your
computer, but Windows 98 and ME usually will require a restart.
Edit Menu
All these commands are also available from the context menu that appears
when you right-click with a configuration in the Mobile Manager window.
Edit Configuration - Select Edit Configuration in the Edit menu to
open an Edit Configuration dialog to edit selected configuration
items. See “Using Edit Configuration” for details on this command.
Rename - Change the name of the selected configuration.
Copy - Duplicate the selected configuration.
Delete - Discard the selected configuration.
View Menu
Large Icons - Displays large icons for each configuration.
Small Icons - Displays small icons for each configuration.
List - Shows the configuration names in a list.
Details - The Detailed view expands this list to include information
about the configurations. The information includes configuration
name, type, and description.
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Mobile Manager
Help Menu
Contents - Displays the WinHelp contents window (the one you
are reading now) for online Help.
About Mobile Manager - Displays the version number and copy-
right information for Mobile Manager. Click on the logo to connect
to ASUS’ website.
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Mobile Manager
New Configuration Wizard
Create a new configuration
Create a new configuration if you are in a specific location that does not
have an existing configuration defined. Use the New Configuration Wizard
to create a configuration in a few easy steps.
1. Do one of the following:
• On the File menu, click New Configuration.
or
• Double-click New Configuration on the Main window.
Then the New Configuration Wizard dialog starts.
2. Choose the type of configuration that you want to create and click Next.
•Wireless Local Area Network Configuration: You must have an
ASUS WLAN Card installed in your PC.
•Wired Local Area Network Configuration: You must have a NIC (LAN
card) (other than ASUS WLAN Card) installed in your PC.
•Dialup Networking Configuration: You must have a modem in-
stalled in your PC.
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3. Enter the name and description you want to use for this configuration
in the Name and description field. And Click Next.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions, it will guide you through the process
of specifying the settings in your configuration. The Wizard reads the
current system settings (TCP/IP, NT Domain, Proxy, File, and Printer
Sharing) and displays it. Depending on the configuration that you have
created, you can set the following groups of settings:
• Wireless settings (for Wireless Configuration)
• Network settings (for Wireless/Wired Configuration)
• TCP/IP settings (for Wireless/Wired Configuration)
• Dialing settings (for Dialup Configuration)
• Dialup Networking settings (for Dialup Configuration)
• Internet settings (for Wireless/Wired/Dialup Configuration)
• Sharing settings (for Wireless/Wired/Dialup Configuration)
See “Using Edit Configuration” for detailed information on each.
5. Enter the appropriate information in the wizard. After specifying the
appropriate information on each page, click Next to continue.
6. On the final window of the New Configuration Wizard, you will see a
Finish button.
• If you do not want to use this new configuration now, click Finish
to save the new configuration. It will be shown in the Mobile Man-
ager main window.
or
• If you want to use this new configuration now, click Mobilize.
Edit Configuration
Edit an existing configuration
Edit a configuration if you want to view or change dialup or LAN settings.
• On the Edit menu, click Edit Configuration.
or
• Double-click one existing configuration on the Main window.
Then the Edit Configuration dialog starts.
The Edit Configuration dialog contains various settings, which you select by
clicking the buttons at the left of the window. Each setting is described below.
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General settings
Name – This field is mandatory, and used for indicating the location
from which you are dialing or connecting to the network. For example,
if this is used for a meeting room at work, you can use a name like
“Work-Meeting Room”. If it is used for home on your ADSL, you can
name like “Home-ADSL”.
Description – This field is optional, you can use it to provide more
details about this configuration.
Network settings
Network settings include: “Identification” and “Microsoft Networking”.
Identification
Computer name – Give your computer a unique name of up to 15
characters. Thecomputer name is the name that others on your net-
work will see your computer as. For complete compatibility, do not use
spaces or symbols. It’s generally the same as the DNS hostname, for
example, “JohnDoe”.
Workgroup – Type an existing workgroup name or create a new work-
group by typing a new name that contains up to 15 characters. Use it to
identify your computer group that you belong to.
Computer Description – This information is displayed as a comment
next to the computer name when the computer is seen in “Details” view
(select from the Windows pull-down menu). Use it to describe your
computer, for example, your name, or location.
Microsoft Networking
Logon validation – Specify how Windows 9x clients connect to a Win-
dows NT Server Domain at this location.Check Log on to Windows NT
domain box if you are using a Windows NT Server in domain control-
ler mode. And then enter the Window NT server domain name in Win-
dow NT domain field.
Network logon options – Specify how Windows 9x clients try to logon.
Select Quick logon to wait until the shared network drives is actually
used to attempt the login. Select Logon and restore network connections
to logon to all shared network drives when the user logs into Windows.
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Wireless settings
Network Type
Infrastructure – Select the Infrastructure mode to establish a connec-
tion with an Access Point.
Ad Hoc – Select the Ad Hoc mode to communicate directly with each
other without using an Access Point.
SSID
Using the SSID filed to configure the SSID setting for the ASUS WLAN
Card. SSID stands for Service Set Identifier, which is a string used to identify
a wireless LAN. You will only be able to connect with an Access Point,
which has the same SSID. Use different SSIDs to segment the wireless
LAN and add security.
Note that the SSID must be all printable character string (case sensitivity)
and up to 32 characters long, such as “ WIRELESS LAN”. Set the SSID to
a null string, if you wish to allow your station to connect to any Access
Point it can find. But you cannot use null string in Ad Hoc mode.
Channel
The radio channel used for transmit/receive data. In infrastructure network,
your PC Card will automatically select the correct frequency channel required
to communicate with an Access Point, this parameter will be fixed in “Auto”
and can’t change it. In an Ad Hoc Network, you can decide channel number for
the PC Card to operate. PC Cards can communicate in the network if each has
the same frequency channel setting.
The radio channels you may use depend on the regulations in your country. For
United States (FCC) and Canada (IC), channels 1 to 11 are supported. For
Europe (ETSI) except Spain and France, channels 1 to 13 are supported. For
Spain channel 10 and 11 are supported. For France channels 10 to 13 are
supported. For operation in Japan (MKK), channels 1 to 14 are supported.
WEP
Select enable or disable WEP encryption. Note that if you enable WEP encryption,
you will only connect with wireless devices that have the same WEP keys.
In order to conform with part 15.15(b) of the FCC rules, this device
only provides Channels 1-11 when sold to United States and Canada.
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WEP Key
This option is enable only if you enable WEP Encryption. The WEP Key is a
64 bit (5 byte) or 128 bit (13 byte) Hexadecimal digit that is used to encrypt
transmit data packets and decrypt received data packets. You have two ways to
assign WEP keys:
Automatic Generation - Type a combination of up to 127 letters,
numbers, or symbols in the Magic Word column, then it will auto-
matically generate WEP Keys.
Manual Assignment - Manual type WEP keys which valid values
include numbers, a~f, and A~F.
Default Key
Determines which entry in the default key table to use for transmitted packets.
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5. Glossary
Access Point (AP)
An networking 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
A wireless network composed solely of stations within mutual communication range
of each other (no Access Point).
Basic Service Area (BSS)
A set of stations controlled by a single coordination function.
Broadband
A type of data transmission in which a single medium (such as cable) carries
several channels of data at once.
Channel
An instance of medium use for the purpose of passing protocol data units that may be
used simultaneously, in the same volume of space, with other instances of medium use
(on other channels) by other instances of the same physical layer, with an acceptably
low frame error ratio due to mutual interference.
Client
A client is the desktop or mobile PC that is connected to your network.
COFDM (for 802.11a or 802.11g)
Signal power alone is not enough to maintain 802.11b-like distances in an 802.11a/g
environment. To compensate, a new physical-layer encoding technology was designed
that departs from the traditional direct-sequence technology being deployed today. This
technology is called COFDM (coded OFDM). COFDM was developed specifically
for indoor wireless use and offers performance much superior to that of spread-spectrum
solutions. COFDM works by breaking one high-speed data carrier into several lower-
speed subcarriers, which are then transmitted in parallel. Each high-speed carrier is 20
MHz wide and is broken up into 52 subchannels, each approximately 300 KHz wide.
COFDM uses 48 of these subchannels for data, while the remaining four are used for
error correction. COFDM delivers higher data rates and a high degree of multipath
reflection recovery, thanks to its encoding scheme and error correction.
Each subchannel in the COFDM implementation is about 300 KHz wide. At the low
end of the speed gradient, BPSK (binary phase shift keying) is used to encode 125
Kbps of data per channel, resulting in a 6,000-Kbps, or 6 Mbps, data rate. Using
quadrature phase shift keying, you can double the amount of data encoded to 250 Kbps
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Glossary
per channel, yielding a 12-Mbps data rate. And by using 16-level quadrature amplitude
modulation encoding 4 bits per hertz, you can achieve a data rate of 24 Mbps. The
802.11a/g standard specifies that all 802.11a/g-compliant products must support these
basic data rates. The standard also lets the vendor extend the modulation scheme beyond
24 Mbps. Remember, the more bits per cycle (hertz) that are encoded, the more
susceptible the signal will be to interference and fading, and ultimately, the shorter the
range, unless power output is increased.
Device Name
Also known as DHCP client ID or network name. Sometimes provided by an
ISP when using DHCP to assign addresses.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
This protocol allows a computer (or many computers on your network) to be
automatically assigned a single IP address from a DHCP server.
DNS Server Address (Domain Name System)
DNS allows Internet host computers to have a domain name and one or more IP
addresses. A DNS server keeps a database of host computers and their respective domain
names and IP addresses, so that when a user enters a domain name into the Internet
browser, the user is sent to the proper IP address. The DNS server address used by the
computers on your home network is the location of the DNS server your ISP has assigned.
DSL Modem (Digital Subscriber Line)
A DSL modem uses your existing phone lines to transmit data at high speeds.
Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum (for 802.11b)
Spread spectrum (broadband) uses a narrowband signal to spread the transmission over
a segment of the radio frequency band or spectrum. Direct-sequence is a spread spectrum
technique where the transmitted signal is spread over a particular frequency range.
Direct-sequence systems communicate by continuously transmitting a redundant pattern
of bits called a chipping sequence. Each bit of transmitted data is mapped into chips
and rearranged into a pseudorandom spreading code to form the chipping sequence.
The chipping sequence is combined with a transmitted data stream to produce the
output signal.
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Wireless mobile clients receiving a direct-sequence transmission use the spreading
code to map the chips within the chipping sequence back into bits to recreate the original
data transmitted by the wireless device. Intercepting and decoding a direct-sequence
transmission requires a predefined algorithm to associate the spreading code used by
the transmitting wireless device to the receiving wireless mobile client.
This algorithm is established by IEEE 802.11b specifications. The bit redundancy within
the chipping sequence enables the receiving wireless mobile client to recreate the original
data pattern, even if bits in the chipping sequence are corrupted by interference. The
ratio of chips per bit is called the spreading ratio. A high spreading ratio increases the
resistance of the signal to interference. A low spreading ratio increases the bandwidth
available to the user. The wireless device uses a constant chip rate of 11Mchips/s for all
data rates, but uses different modulation schemes to encode more bits per chip at the
higher data rates. The wireless device is capable of an 11 Mbps data transmission rate,
but the coverage area is less than a 1 or 2 Mbps wireless device since coverage area
decreases as bandwidth increases.
Encryption
This provides wireless data transmissions with a level of security.
Extended Service Set (ESS)
A set of one or more interconnected basic service set (BSSs) and integrated
local area networks (LANs) can be configured as an Extended Service Set.
ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier)
You must have the same ESSID entered into the gateway and each of its wireless
clients. The ESSID is a unique identifier for your wireless network.
Ethernet
The most widely used LAN access method, which is defined by the IEEE 802.3 standard.
Ethernet is normally a shared media LAN meaning all devices on the network segment
share total bandwidth. Ethernet networks operate at 10Mbps using CSMA/CD to run
over 10-BaseT cables.
Firewall
A firewall determines which information passes in and out of a network. NAT can
create a natural firewall by hiding a local network’s IP addresses from the Internet. A
Firewall prevents anyone outside of your network from accessing your computer and
possibly damaging or viewing your files.
Gateway
A network point that manages all the data traffic of your network, as well as to the
Internet and connects one network to another.
IEEE
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The IEEE sets standards for
networking, including Ethernet LANs. IEEE standards ensure interoperability between
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systems of the same type.
IEEE 802.11
IEEE 802.xx is a set of specifications for LANs from the Institute of Electrical and
Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Most wired networks conform to 802.3, the specification
for CSMA/CD based Ethernet networks or 802.5, the specification for token ring
networks. 802.11 defines the standard for wireless LANs encompassing three
incompatible (non-interoperable) technologies: Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum
(FHSS), Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS), and Infrared. 802.11 specifies a
carrier sense media access control and physical layer specifications for 1 and 2 Mbps
wireless LANs.
IEEE 802.11a (54Mbits/sec)
Compared with 802.11b: The 802.11b standard was designed to operate in the 2.4-
GHz ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band using direct-sequence spread-
spectrum technology. The 802.11a standard, on the other hand, was designed to operate
in the more recently allocated 5-GHz UNII (Unlicensed National Information
Infrastructure) band. And unlike 802.11b, the 802.11a standard departs from the
traditional spread-spectrum technology, instead using a frequency division multiplexing
scheme that's intended to be friendlier to office environments.
The 802.11a standard, which supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps, is the Fast Ethernet
analog to 802.11b, which supports data rates of up to 11 Mbps. Like Ethernet and Fast
Ethernet, 802.11b and 802.11a use an identical MAC (Media Access Control). However,
while Fast Ethernet uses the same physical-layer encoding scheme as Ethernet (only
faster), 802.11a uses an entirely different encoding scheme, called OFDM (orthogonal
frequency division multiplexing).
The 802.11b spectrum is plagued by saturation from wireless phones, microwave ovens
and other emerging wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth. In contrast, 802.11a
spectrum is relatively free of interference.
The 802.11a standard gains some of its performance from the higher frequencies at
which it operates. The laws of information theory tie frequency, radiated power and
distance together in an inverse relationship. Thus, moving up to the 5-GHz spectrum
from 2.4 GHz will lead to shorter distances, given the same radiated power and encoding
scheme.
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Compared with 802.11g: 802.11a is a standard for access points and radio NICs that
is ahead of 802.11g in the market by about six months. 802.11a operates in the 5GHz
frequency band with twelve separate non-overlapping channels. As a result, you can
have up to twelve access points set to different channels in the same area without them
interfering with each other. This makes access point channel assignment much easier
and significantly increases the throughput the wireless LAN can deliver within a given
area. In addition, RF interference is much less likely because of the less-crowded 5
GHz band.
IEEE 802.11b (11Mbits/sec)
In 1997, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) adopted the 802.11
standard for wireless devices operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. This standard
includes provisions for three radio technologies: direct sequence spread spectrum,
frequency hopping spread spectrum, and infrared. Devices that comply with the 802.11
standard operate at a data rate of either 1 or 2 Mbps.
In 1999, the IEEE created the 802.11b standard. 802.11b is essentially identical to the
802.11 standard except 802.11b provides for data rates of up to 11 Mbps for direct
sequence spread spectrum devices. Under 802.11b, direct sequence devices can operate
at 11 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps, or 1 Mbps. This provides interoperability with existing
802.11 direct sequence devices that operate only at 2 Mbps.
Direct sequence spread spectrum devices spread a radio signal over a range of
frequencies. The IEEE 802.11b specification allocates the 2.4 GHz frequency band
into 14 overlapping operating Channels. Each Channel corresponds to a different set of
frequencies.
IEEE 802.11g
802.11g is a new extension to 802.11b (used in majority of wireless LANs today) that
broadens 802.11b's data rates to 54 Mbps within the 2.4 GHz band using OFDM
(orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) technology. 802.11g allows backward
compatibility with 802.11b devices but only at 11 Mbps or lower, depending on the
range and presence of obstructions.
Infrastructure
A wireless network centered about an access point. In this environment, the access
point not only provides communication with the wired network but also mediates
wireless network traffic in the immediate neighborhood.
IP (Internet Protocol)
The TCP/IP standard protocol that defines the IP datagram as the unit of information
passed across an Internet and provides the basis for connectionless packet delivery
service. IP includes the ICMP control and error message protocol as an integral part. It
provides the functional equivalent of ISO OSI Network Services.
IP Address
An IP address is a 32-bit number that identifies each sender or receiver of information
that is sent across the Internet. An IP address has two parts: the identifier of a particular
network on the Internet and an identifier of the particular device (which can be a server
or a workstation) within that network.
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ISM Bands (Industrial, Scientific, and Medicine Bands)
Radio frequency bands that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorized
for wireless LANs. The ISM bands are located at 902 MHz, 2.400 GHz, and 5.7 GHz.
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
An organization that provides access to the Internet. Small ISPs provide service via
modem and ISDN while the larger ones also offer private line hookups (T1, fractional
T1, etc.).
LAN (Local Area Network)
A communications network that serves users within a defined geographical area. The
benefits include the sharing of Internet access, files and equipment like printers and
storage devices. Special network cabling (10 Base-T) is often used to connect the PCs
together.
MAC Address (Media Access Control)
A MAC address is the hardware address of a device connected to a network.
NAT (Network Address Translation)
NAT masks a local network’s group of IP addresses from the external network, allowing
a local network of computers to share a single ISP account. This process allows all of
the computers on your home network to use one IP address. This will enable access to
the Internet from any computer on your home network without having to purchase
more IP addresses from your ISP.
NIC (Network Interface Card)
A network adapter inserted into a computer so that the computer can be connected to a
network. It is responsible for converting data from stored in the computer to the form
transmitted or received.
Packet
A basic message unit for communication across a network. A packet usually includes
routing information, data, and sometimes error detection information.
PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International
Association)
The Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA), develops
standards for PC cards, formerly known as PCMCIA cards. These cards are available
in three types, and are about the same length and width as credit cards. However, the
different width of the cards ranges in thickness from 3.3 mm (Type I) to 5.0 mm (Type
II) to 10.5 mm (Type III). These cards can be used for various functions, including
memory storage, land line modems and wireless modems.
PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol)
PPP is a protocol for communication between computers using a serial interface, typically
a personal computer connected by phone line to a server.
PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet)
Point-to-Point Protocol is a method of secure data transmission. PPP using Ethernet to
connect to an ISP.
Radio Frequency (RF) Terms: GHz, MHz, Hz
The international unit for measuring frequency is Hertz (Hz), equivalent to the older
unit of cycles per second. One megahertz (MHz) is one million Hertz. One gigahertz
(GHz) is one billion Hertz. The standard US electrical power frequency is 60 Hz, the
AM broadcast radio frequency band is 0.55-1.6 MHz, the FM broadcast radio frequency
band is 88-108 MHz, and wireless 802.11 LANs operate at 2.4 GHz.
SSID (Service Set ID)
SSID is a group name shared by every member of a wireless network. Only client PCs
with the same SSID are allowed to establish a connection.
Station
Any device containing IEEE 802.11 wireless medium access conformity.
Subnet Mask
A subnet mask is a set of four numbers configured like an IP address. It is used to create
IP address numbers used only within a particular network.
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
The standard transport level protocol that provides the full duplex, stream service on
which many application protocols depend. TCP allows a process or one machine to
send a stream of data to a process on another. Software implementing TCP usually
resides in the operating system and uses the IP to transmit information across the network.
WAN (Wide Area Network)
A system of LANs, connected together. A network that connects computers located in
separate areas, (i.e., different buildings, cities, countries). The Internet is a wide area
network.
WECA (Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance)
An industry group that certifies cross-vender interoperability and compatibility of IEEE
802.11b wireless networking products and to promote that standard for enterprise, small
business, and home environments.
WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
This is a group of computers and other devices connected wirelessly in a small area. A
wireless network is referred to as LAN or WLAN.
56 ASUS WLAN Card
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Glossary
ASUS WLAN Card 57
Chapter 2 - Installation
Chapter 2
58 ASUS WLAN Card
Chapter 2 - Installation
Chapter 2
4. Troubleshooting
The following troubleshooting guides provide answers to some of the more
common problems, which you may encounter while installing or using
ASUS WLAN Card products. If you encounter difficulties that are not
mentioned in this section, please contact ASUS Wireless LAN Technical
Support.
Verify if the ASUS WLAN Card is installed correctly.
When the ASUS WLAN Card setup is complete, you can verify if the driver
has been setup properly. Right click My Computer, select Properties, and
click the Device Manager tab. Then double-click the Network adapters
icon; you should see “ASUS 802.11g Network Adapter” with an icon of
an expansion card. There should not be a “!” or “?” (problem) or “x”
(disabled) symbol over this icon.
There is a yellow exclamation mark or a yellow question mark
in Device Manager in front of my ASUS WLAN Card.
To resolve the problem, you should update/reinstall the ASUS WLAN Card
driver. In “Device Manager”, right click ASUS 802.11g Network Adapter,
select Properties, and select Driver tab. Click on Update Driver button,
then follow the “Update Device Driver Wizard” to complete the driver
installation.
In addition, you may be able to resolve this issue by reinstalling the driver.
Choose ASUS 802.11g Network Adapter, click Remove button in “Device
Manager”, and then run the Add New Hardware Wizard from the Control
Panel.
Cannot connect to any Access Points
Follow the procedure below to configure your ASUS WLAN Card.
a. Verify that the “Network Type” is in “Infrastructure” mode.
b. Verify that the “SSID” of your ASUS WLAN Card is set to the same
“SSID” of an Access Point.
c. Verify that the “Encryption” type is the same as that of an Access Point.
If you enabled “WEP” encryption, you must also set the same WEP
Keys on both sides.
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Chapter 4 - Troubleshooting
Chapter 4
Troubleshooting
Cannot connect to a Station (ASUS WLAN Card)
Follow the procedure below to configure your ASUS WLAN Card.
a. Verify that the “Network Type” is in “Ad Hoc” mode.
b. Verify that the “SSID” of your ASUS WLAN Card is set to the same
“SSID” of the other station (or another ASUS WLAN Card).
c. Verify that the “channel” of the ASUS WLAN Card is “Auto” or set to
the same “channel” of the other station (or another ASUS WLAN Card).
d. Verify that the “Encryption” type is the same as the other station (or
another ASUS WLAN Card). If “WEP” encryption is enabled, you
must set the same “WEP” Keys on both stations.
Bad link quality or bad signal strength
There are two possible reasons. First is radio interference, keep the environment
around the ASUS WLAN Card away from microwave ovens and large metal
objects. Then try to reorient the ASUS WLAN Card antenna. Second is the
distance, decrease the distance between your ASUS WLAN Card and the Access
Point or station (or another ASUS WLAN Card).
The TCP/IP protocol did not bind to the ASUS WLAN PC Card.
This will occur when the computer already has six TCP/IP bindings in Windows
98 or ten bindings in Windows Me. These limits are imposed by the Microsoft
operating system.
Solution: If your computer already has the maximum number of TCP/IP
bindings, remove one of the network adapters from the Network configuration
before installing the ASUS WLAN Card driver.
60 ASUS WLAN Card
Chapter 3 - Reference
Chapter 3
Mobile Manager
5. Glossary
Access Point (AP)
An networking 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
A wireless network composed solely of stations within mutual communication range
of each other (no Access Point).
Basic Service Area (BSS)
A set of stations controlled by a single coordination function.
Broadband
A type of data transmission in which a single medium (such as cable) carries
several channels of data at once.
Channel
An instance of medium use for the purpose of passing protocol data units that may be
used simultaneously, in the same volume of space, with other instances of medium use
(on other channels) by other instances of the same physical layer, with an acceptably
low frame error ratio due to mutual interference.
Client
A client is the desktop or mobile PC that is connected to your network.
COFDM (for 802.11a or 802.11g)
Signal power alone is not enough to maintain 802.11b-like distances in an 802.11a/g
environment. To compensate, a new physical-layer encoding technology was designed
that departs from the traditional direct-sequence technology being deployed today. This
technology is called COFDM (coded OFDM). COFDM was developed specifically
for indoor wireless use and offers performance much superior to that of spread-spectrum
solutions. COFDM works by breaking one high-speed data carrier into several lower-
speed subcarriers, which are then transmitted in parallel. Each high-speed carrier is 20
MHz wide and is broken up into 52 subchannels, each approximately 300 KHz wide.
COFDM uses 48 of these subchannels for data, while the remaining four are used for
error correction. COFDM delivers higher data rates and a high degree of multipath
reflection recovery, thanks to its encoding scheme and error correction.
Each subchannel in the COFDM implementation is about 300 KHz wide. At the low
end of the speed gradient, BPSK (binary phase shift keying) is used to encode 125
Kbps of data per channel, resulting in a 6,000-Kbps, or 6 Mbps, data rate. Using
quadrature phase shift keying, you can double the amount of data encoded to 250 Kbps
ASUS WLAN Card 61
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Glossary
per channel, yielding a 12-Mbps data rate. And by using 16-level quadrature amplitude
modulation encoding 4 bits per hertz, you can achieve a data rate of 24 Mbps. The
802.11a/g standard specifies that all 802.11a/g-compliant products must support these
basic data rates. The standard also lets the vendor extend the modulation scheme beyond
24 Mbps. Remember, the more bits per cycle (hertz) that are encoded, the more
susceptible the signal will be to interference and fading, and ultimately, the shorter the
range, unless power output is increased.
Device Name
Also known as DHCP client ID or network name. Sometimes provided by an
ISP when using DHCP to assign addresses.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
This protocol allows a computer (or many computers on your network) to be
automatically assigned a single IP address from a DHCP server.
DNS Server Address (Domain Name System)
DNS allows Internet host computers to have a domain name and one or more IP
addresses. A DNS server keeps a database of host computers and their respective domain
names and IP addresses, so that when a user enters a domain name into the Internet
browser, the user is sent to the proper IP address. The DNS server address used by the
computers on your home network is the location of the DNS server your ISP has assigned.
DSL Modem (Digital Subscriber Line)
A DSL modem uses your existing phone lines to transmit data at high speeds.
Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum (for 802.11b)
Spread spectrum (broadband) uses a narrowband signal to spread the transmission over
a segment of the radio frequency band or spectrum. Direct-sequence is a spread spectrum
technique where the transmitted signal is spread over a particular frequency range.
Direct-sequence systems communicate by continuously transmitting a redundant pattern
of bits called a chipping sequence. Each bit of transmitted data is mapped into chips
and rearranged into a pseudorandom spreading code to form the chipping sequence.
The chipping sequence is combined with a transmitted data stream to produce the
output signal.
62 ASUS WLAN Card
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Glossary
Wireless mobile clients receiving a direct-sequence transmission use the spreading
code to map the chips within the chipping sequence back into bits to recreate the original
data transmitted by the wireless device. Intercepting and decoding a direct-sequence
transmission requires a predefined algorithm to associate the spreading code used by
the transmitting wireless device to the receiving wireless mobile client.
This algorithm is established by IEEE 802.11b specifications. The bit redundancy within
the chipping sequence enables the receiving wireless mobile client to recreate the original
data pattern, even if bits in the chipping sequence are corrupted by interference. The
ratio of chips per bit is called the spreading ratio. A high spreading ratio increases the
resistance of the signal to interference. A low spreading ratio increases the bandwidth
available to the user. The wireless device uses a constant chip rate of 11Mchips/s for all
data rates, but uses different modulation schemes to encode more bits per chip at the
higher data rates. The wireless device is capable of an 11 Mbps data transmission rate,
but the coverage area is less than a 1 or 2 Mbps wireless device since coverage area
decreases as bandwidth increases.
Encryption
This provides wireless data transmissions with a level of security.
Extended Service Set (ESS)
A set of one or more interconnected basic service set (BSSs) and integrated
local area networks (LANs) can be configured as an Extended Service Set.
ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier)
You must have the same ESSID entered into the gateway and each of its wireless
clients. The ESSID is a unique identifier for your wireless network.
Ethernet
The most widely used LAN access method, which is defined by the IEEE 802.3 standard.
Ethernet is normally a shared media LAN meaning all devices on the network segment
share total bandwidth. Ethernet networks operate at 10Mbps using CSMA/CD to run
over 10-BaseT cables.
Firewall
A firewall determines which information passes in and out of a network. NAT can
create a natural firewall by hiding a local network’s IP addresses from the Internet. A
Firewall prevents anyone outside of your network from accessing your computer and
possibly damaging or viewing your files.
Gateway
A network point that manages all the data traffic of your network, as well as to the
Internet and connects one network to another.
IEEE
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The IEEE sets standards for
networking, including Ethernet LANs. IEEE standards ensure interoperability between
ASUS WLAN Card 63
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Glossary
systems of the same type.
IEEE 802.11
IEEE 802.xx is a set of specifications for LANs from the Institute of Electrical and
Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Most wired networks conform to 802.3, the specification
for CSMA/CD based Ethernet networks or 802.5, the specification for token ring
networks. 802.11 defines the standard for wireless LANs encompassing three
incompatible (non-interoperable) technologies: Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum
(FHSS), Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS), and Infrared. 802.11 specifies a
carrier sense media access control and physical layer specifications for 1 and 2 Mbps
wireless LANs.
IEEE 802.11a (54Mbits/sec)
Compared with 802.11b: The 802.11b standard was designed to operate in the 2.4-
GHz ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band using direct-sequence spread-
spectrum technology. The 802.11a standard, on the other hand, was designed to operate
in the more recently allocated 5-GHz UNII (Unlicensed National Information
Infrastructure) band. And unlike 802.11b, the 802.11a standard departs from the
traditional spread-spectrum technology, instead using a frequency division multiplexing
scheme that's intended to be friendlier to office environments.
The 802.11a standard, which supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps, is the Fast Ethernet
analog to 802.11b, which supports data rates of up to 11 Mbps. Like Ethernet and Fast
Ethernet, 802.11b and 802.11a use an identical MAC (Media Access Control). However,
while Fast Ethernet uses the same physical-layer encoding scheme as Ethernet (only
faster), 802.11a uses an entirely different encoding scheme, called OFDM (orthogonal
frequency division multiplexing).
The 802.11b spectrum is plagued by saturation from wireless phones, microwave ovens
and other emerging wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth. In contrast, 802.11a
spectrum is relatively free of interference.
The 802.11a standard gains some of its performance from the higher frequencies at
which it operates. The laws of information theory tie frequency, radiated power and
distance together in an inverse relationship. Thus, moving up to the 5-GHz spectrum
from 2.4 GHz will lead to shorter distances, given the same radiated power and encoding
scheme.
64 ASUS WLAN Card
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Glossary
Compared with 802.11g: 802.11a is a standard for access points and radio NICs that
is ahead of 802.11g in the market by about six months. 802.11a operates in the 5GHz
frequency band with twelve separate non-overlapping channels. As a result, you can
have up to twelve access points set to different channels in the same area without them
interfering with each other. This makes access point channel assignment much easier
and significantly increases the throughput the wireless LAN can deliver within a given
area. In addition, RF interference is much less likely because of the less-crowded 5
GHz band.
IEEE 802.11b (11Mbits/sec)
In 1997, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) adopted the 802.11
standard for wireless devices operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. This standard
includes provisions for three radio technologies: direct sequence spread spectrum,
frequency hopping spread spectrum, and infrared. Devices that comply with the 802.11
standard operate at a data rate of either 1 or 2 Mbps.
In 1999, the IEEE created the 802.11b standard. 802.11b is essentially identical to the
802.11 standard except 802.11b provides for data rates of up to 11 Mbps for direct
sequence spread spectrum devices. Under 802.11b, direct sequence devices can operate
at 11 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps, or 1 Mbps. This provides interoperability with existing
802.11 direct sequence devices that operate only at 2 Mbps.
Direct sequence spread spectrum devices spread a radio signal over a range of
frequencies. The IEEE 802.11b specification allocates the 2.4 GHz frequency band
into 14 overlapping operating Channels. Each Channel corresponds to a different set of
frequencies.
IEEE 802.11g
802.11g is a new extension to 802.11b (used in majority of wireless LANs today) that
broadens 802.11b's data rates to 54 Mbps within the 2.4 GHz band using OFDM
(orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) technology. 802.11g allows backward
compatibility with 802.11b devices but only at 11 Mbps or lower, depending on the
range and presence of obstructions.
Infrastructure
A wireless network centered about an access point. In this environment, the access
point not only provides communication with the wired network but also mediates
wireless network traffic in the immediate neighborhood.
IP (Internet Protocol)
The TCP/IP standard protocol that defines the IP datagram as the unit of information
passed across an Internet and provides the basis for connectionless packet delivery
service. IP includes the ICMP control and error message protocol as an integral part. It
provides the functional equivalent of ISO OSI Network Services.
IP Address
An IP address is a 32-bit number that identifies each sender or receiver of information
that is sent across the Internet. An IP address has two parts: the identifier of a particular
network on the Internet and an identifier of the particular device (which can be a server
or a workstation) within that network.
ASUS WLAN Card 65
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Glossary
ISM Bands (Industrial, Scientific, and Medicine Bands)
Radio frequency bands that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorized
for wireless LANs. The ISM bands are located at 902 MHz, 2.400 GHz, and 5.7 GHz.
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
An organization that provides access to the Internet. Small ISPs provide service via
modem and ISDN while the larger ones also offer private line hookups (T1, fractional
T1, etc.).
LAN (Local Area Network)
A communications network that serves users within a defined geographical area. The
benefits include the sharing of Internet access, files and equipment like printers and
storage devices. Special network cabling (10 Base-T) is often used to connect the PCs
together.
MAC Address (Media Access Control)
A MAC address is the hardware address of a device connected to a network.
NAT (Network Address Translation)
NAT masks a local network’s group of IP addresses from the external network, allowing
a local network of computers to share a single ISP account. This process allows all of
the computers on your home network to use one IP address. This will enable access to
the Internet from any computer on your home network without having to purchase
more IP addresses from your ISP.
NIC (Network Interface Card)
A network adapter inserted into a computer so that the computer can be connected to a
network. It is responsible for converting data from stored in the computer to the form
transmitted or received.
66 ASUS WLAN Card
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Glossary
Packet
A basic message unit for communication across a network. A packet usually includes
routing information, data, and sometimes error detection information.
PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International
Association)
The Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA), develops
standards for PC cards, formerly known as PCMCIA cards. These cards are available
in three types, and are about the same length and width as credit cards. However, the
different width of the cards ranges in thickness from 3.3 mm (Type I) to 5.0 mm (Type
II) to 10.5 mm (Type III). These cards can be used for various functions, including
memory storage, land line modems and wireless modems.
PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol)
PPP is a protocol for communication between computers using a serial interface, typically
a personal computer connected by phone line to a server.
PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet)
Point-to-Point Protocol is a method of secure data transmission. PPP using Ethernet to
connect to an ISP.
Radio Frequency (RF) Terms: GHz, MHz, Hz
The international unit for measuring frequency is Hertz (Hz), equivalent to the older
unit of cycles per second. One megahertz (MHz) is one million Hertz. One gigahertz
(GHz) is one billion Hertz. The standard US electrical power frequency is 60 Hz, the
AM broadcast radio frequency band is 0.55-1.6 MHz, the FM broadcast radio frequency
band is 88-108 MHz, and wireless 802.11 LANs operate at 2.4 GHz.
SSID (Service Set ID)
SSID is a group name shared by every member of a wireless network. Only client PCs
with the same SSID are allowed to establish a connection.
Station
Any device containing IEEE 802.11 wireless medium access conformity.
Subnet Mask
A subnet mask is a set of four numbers configured like an IP address. It is used to create
IP address numbers used only within a particular network.
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
The standard transport level protocol that provides the full duplex, stream service on
which many application protocols depend. TCP allows a process or one machine to
send a stream of data to a process on another. Software implementing TCP usually
ASUS WLAN Card 67
Chapter 5
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Glossary
resides in the operating system and uses the IP to transmit information across the network.
WAN (Wide Area Network)
A system of LANs, connected together. A network that connects computers located in
separate areas, (i.e., different buildings, cities, countries). The Internet is a wide area
network.
WECA (Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance)
An industry group that certifies cross-vender interoperability and compatibility of IEEE
802.11b wireless networking products and to promote that standard for enterprise, small
business, and home environments.
WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
This is a group of computers and other devices connected wirelessly in a small area. A
wireless network is referred to as LAN or WLAN.
68 ASUS WLAN Card
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Glossary
6. Safety Information
Federal Communications Commission
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received, including interfer-
ence that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, 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 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.
WARNING! The use of a shielded-type power cord is required in
order to meet FCC emission limits and to prevent interference to
the nearby radio and television reception. It is essential that only
the supplied power cord be used. Use only shielded cables to con-
nect I/O devices to this equipment. You are cautioned that changes
or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void your authority to operate the equipment.
Reprinted from the Code of Federal Regulations #47, part 15.193, 1993.
Washington DC: Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records
Administration, U.S. Government Printing Office.
ASUS WLAN Card 69
Chapter 6 - Appendix
Chapter 6
Appendix
FCC Radio Frequency Interference Requirements
MPE Statement: Your device contains a low power transmitter. When device
is transmitted it sends out Radio Frequency (RF) signal.
This device is restricted to INDOOR USE due to its operation in the 5.15 to
5.25GHz frequency range. FCC requires this product to be used indoors for
the frequency range 5.15 to 5.25GHz to reduce the potential for harmful
interference to co-channel of the Mobile Satellite Systems.
High power radars are allocated as primary user of the 5.25 to 5.35GHz and
5.65 to 5.85GHz bands. These radar stations can cause interference with and /
or damage this device.
FCC RF Exposure Guidelines (Access Points)
This Wireless LAN radio device has been evaluated under FCC Bulletin OET
65C and found compliant to the requirements as set forth in CFR 47 Sections
2.1091, 2.1093, and 15.247(b)(4) addressing RF Exposure from radio frequency
devices. The radiation output power of this Wireless LAN device is far below
the FCC radio frequency exposure limits. Nevertheless, this device shall be
used in such a manner that the potential for human contact during normal
operation – as a mobile or portable device but use in a body-worn way is
strictly prohibit. When using this device, a certain separation distance between
antenna and nearby persons has to be kept to ensure RF exposure compliance.
In order to comply with the RF exposure limits established in the ANSI C95.1
standards, Access Point equipment should be installed and operated with
minimum distance [20cm] between the radiator and your body. Use only with
supplied antenna. Unauthorized antenna, modification, or attachments could
damage the transmitter and may violate FCC regulations.
CAUTION: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved
in this manual could void your authorization to use this device.
70 ASUS WLAN Card
Chapter 6 - Appendix
Chapter 6
Appendix
FCC RF Exposure Guidelines (Wireless Cards)
This device has been tested for compliance with FCC RF Exposure (SAR)
limits in typical portable configurations.
In order to comply with SAR limits established in the ANSI C95.1 standards,
it is recommended when using a WLAN Card adapter that the integrated antenna
is positioned more than [2.5cm] from your body or nearby persons during
extended periods of operation. If the antenna is positioned less than [2.5cm]
from the user, it is recommended that the user limit the exposure time.
Canadian Department of Communications
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme
NMB-003 du Canada.
Operation Channel for Different Domains
N. America 2.412-2.462 GHz Ch01 through CH11
Japan 2.412-2.484 GHz Ch01 through Ch14
Europe ETSI 2.412-2.472 GHz Ch01 through Ch13
France 2.457-2.472 GHz Ch10 through Ch13
ASUS WLAN Card 71
Chapter 6 - Appendix
Chapter 6
Appendix
France Restricted Frequency Band
Some areas of France have a restricted frequency band. The worst case
maximum authorized power indoors is:
• 10mW for the entire 2.4 GHz band (2400 MHz–2483.5 MHz)
• 100mW for frequencies between 2446.5 MHz and 2483.5 MHz
NOTE: Channels 10 through 13 inclusive operate in the band 2446.6
MHz to 2483.5 MHz.
There are few possibilities for outdoor use: On private property or on the private
property of public persons, use is subject to a preliminary authorization
procedure by the Ministry of Defense, with maximum authorized power of
100mW in the 2446.5–2483.5 MHz band. Use outdoors on public property is
not permitted.
In the departments listed below, for the entire 2.4 GHz band:
• Maximum authorized power indoors is 100mW
• Maximum authorized power outdoors is 10mW
Departments in which the use of the 2400–2483.5 MHz band is permitted with
an EIRP of less than 100mW indoors and less than 10mW outdoors:
01 Ain Orientales 36 Indre 66 Pyrénées
02 Aisne 37 Indre et Loire 67 Bas Rhin
03 Allier 41 Loir et Cher 68 Haut Rhin
05 Hautes Alpes 42 Loire 70 Haute Saône
08 Ardennes 45 Loiret 71 Saône et Loire
09 Ariège 50 Manche 75 Paris
11 Aude 55 Meuse 82 Tarn et Garonne
12 Aveyron 58 Nièvre 84 Vaucluse
16 Charente 59 Nord 88 Vosges
24 Dordogne 60 Oise 89 Yonne
25 Doubs 61 Orne 90 Territoire de Belfort
26 Drôme 63 Puy du Dôme 94 Val de Marne
32 Gers 64 Pyrénées Atlantique
This requirement is likely to change over time, allowing you to use your wireless
LAN card in more areas within France. Please check with ART for the latest
information (www.art-telecom.fr)
NOTE: Your ASUS WLAN Card transmits less than 100mW, but more
than 10mW.
72 ASUS WLAN Card