Accton Technology 018WN3301F PCMCIA Wireless LAN ard User Manual WN3301F MANUAL

Accton Technology Corp PCMCIA Wireless LAN ard WN3301F MANUAL

Contents

Manual 1

WWNN33330011FFWireless LAN PCMCIA AdapterUSER MANUALVersion 0.9.2, August 16, 2001
2Federal Communications Commission StatementThis device complies with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:This device may not cause harmful interference.This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesiredoperation.This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protectionagainst harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and canradiate radio frequency energy. If this equipment is not installed and used in accordance with themanufacturer's instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipmentdoes cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by duringthe equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or moreof the following measures:§ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.§ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.§ Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver isconnected.§ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required to assurecompliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved bythe party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.Manufacturer's Disclaimer StatementThe information in this document is subject to change without notice and does notrepresent a commitment on the part of the vendor. No warranty or representation, eitherexpressed or implied, is made with respect to the quality, accuracy or fitness for anyparticular purpose of this document. The manufacturer reserves the right to make changesto the content of this document and/or the products associated with it at any time withoutobligation to notify any person or organization of such changes. In no event will themanufacturer be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damagesarising out of the use or inability to use this product or documentation, even if advised ofthe possibility of such damages. This document contains materials protected by copyright.All rights are reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in anyform, by any means or for any purpose without expressed written consent of its authors.Product names appearing in this document are mentioned for identification purchases only.All trademarks, product names or brand names appearing in this document are registeredproperty of their respective owners.This device requires a radio license, unless it (including antenna) is installed totally inside a building.(User must obtain this license from Industry Canada).Printed in Taiwan
3ContentsChapter 1 About the WN3301F PCMCIA Card.......................................................41-1 Features.................................................................................................................................................41-2 Applications............................................................................................................................................41-3 Product Kit..............................................................................................................................................5Chapter 2 Network Configuration and Planning...................................................62-1 Network Topology..................................................................................................................................62-2 Roaming.................................................................................................................................................8Chapter 3 Adapter Installation and Configuration – Windows® 98........................93-1 System Requirements............................................................................................................................93-2 Inserting the Adapter..............................................................................................................................93-3 WN3301F Driver Installation -Windows® 98........................................................................................103-4 Adapter Configuration – Windows® 98.................................................................................................133-5 Protocol Installation – Windows® 98....................................................................................................193-6 WN3301F Setup for Windows NT 4.0..................................................................................................24Chapter 4 Installing and Navigating the PRISM Configuration Utility.................284-1 PRISM Configuration Utility - Installation.............................................................................................284-2 PRISM Configuration Utility- Navigation..............................................................................................31Appendix A Troubleshooting.............................................................................36Appendix B Glossary.........................................................................................38
4Chapter 1 About the WN3301F PCMCIA CardThe WN3301 IEEE 802.11 PCMCIA PC Card is compatible with any standard, notebook computerType II or Type III PCMCIA slot. As a Plug-and-Play device, Windows 95/98 will automaticallyrecognize the WN3301 PCMCIA card and initiate the installation process. Upon successfulinstallation, the WN3301 PCMCIA card will communicate seamlessly with other WN3301 wirelesshome and office networking products.1-1 FEATURES1. Supports up to 11 Mbps data rate: T-1 line alternative/replacement that dramatically cutscosts.2. Working range up to 800 ft. in an open environment enhances mobility.3. Supports point-to-point and point-to-multipoint access provides increased flexibility.4. Seamless connectivity to wired Ethernet and PC network LAN’s offers quick, trouble-freeintegration with existing networks.5. Robust Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology provides secure,interference-resistant wireless connection.6. Wireless connections eliminate the hassle and cost of cabling.7. Supports a wide range of LAN (Local Area Network) Network Operating Systems (NOS)including Windows ® 98 and Windows NT™8. Easy Plug and Play installation9. Omni - directional antenna included10. Greater flexibility to locate or move networked PC’s1-2 APPLICATIONSWN3301F products offer a fast, reliable, cost-effective solution for wireless client access to thenetwork the following applications and environments:§ Remote access to corporate network information§ E-mail, file transfer and terminal emulation§ Difficult-to-wire environments§ Historic or older buildings§ Buildings with asbestos insulation§ Open areas where wiring is difficult to employ§ Frequently changing environments§ Retailers, manufacturers or other organizations that frequently rearrange the workplace orrelocate§ Temporary LANs for special projects or peak time usage
5§ Trade shows, exhibitions and construction sites that employ temporary networks.Retailers, airline and shipping companies that need additional workstations for a peakperiod and Auditors that require workgroups at customer sites.§ Access to database for mobile workers§ Medical, Technical and Retail specialists that require roaming access to a database orother network resources.§ SOHO (Small Office and Home Office) users§ Perfect for users that need a small, easy-to-install network that deploys rapidly.§ Inter-building connection§ Wireless building-to-building networks are quickly and easily installed, require no monthlylease fees, and provide the flexibility to reconfigure easily.1-3 PRODUCT KITThe WN3301F product kit includes the following items. Ensure that the items in the following listhave been included. If any of the listed items are missing, please contact your local dealer.§ 1 X WN3301F PCMCIA Type II Adapter§ 1 X Driver§ 1 X User Manual & Utility CD pack
6Chapter 2 Network Configuration and PlanningThe WN3301F supports legacy Ethernet LAN network configuration options as defined by the IEEE802 standards committee.The WN3301F can be configured as:§ Ad-Hoc for departmental or SOHO LANs§ Infrastructure for enterprise LANs§ LAN-Interconnection for point-to-point link as a campus backbone2-1 NETWORK TOPOLOGYFig. 1 - Ad-Hoc Wireless LANAn Ad-Hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers, each equipped with one WN3301F adapter,connected as an independent wireless LAN. Computers in a specific Ad-Hoc wireless LAN must beconfigured to share the same radio channel.Ad-Hoc wireless LAN configurations are appropriate for branch level departments or SOHOoperations.
7Fig. 2 - Infrastructure Wireless LAN ConfigurationThe W3301F provides access to a wired LAN for wireless workstations. An integrated wireless andwired LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. A group of WN3301F PC users and an AccessPoint compose a Basic Service Set (BSS). Each WN3301F PC in a BSS can talk to any computerin the wired LAN infrastructure via the Access Point.An Infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a WN3301F equipped PC to a wired LAN,and doubles the effective wireless transmission range for 2 WN3301F PCs. Since the Access Pointis able to forward data within its BSS, the effective transmission range in an infrastructure LAN isdoubled.Fig. 3 - The effective Transmission RangeThe use of a unique ID in a BSS is essential. All WN3301F equipped PCs configured withoutroaming options in an independent BSS must be configured with a BSS ID corresponding to the Notebook with WN3301 Notebook with WN3301 Notebook with WN3301 Notebook with WN3301 WA3001 Infrastructure Ad -Hoc File Server Desktop PC Desktop PC Notebook with WN3301 Desktop PC With WN3301 WA3001 WA3001 Notebook with WN3301 Desktop PC With WN3301 Desktop PC With WN3301 Desktop PC With WN3301
8WA3001 used in the BSS. Check your WA3001 for its BSS ID or use the Access Point BrowserUtility program to determine the BSS ID.The Infrastructure Wireless LAN configuration is appropriate for enterprise-scale wireless access toa central database, or as a wireless application for mobile users.A point-to-point LAN configuration is possible when two access points are linked with an optionaldirectional antenna (the directional antenna is an optional accessory, please contact your dealer forinformation). The optional directional antenna makes LAN-Interconnection to a wireless backbonebetween buildings possible.2-2 ROAMINGInfrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. More than one BSS can beconfigured as an Extended Service Set (ESS). The continuous network allows users to roam freelywithin an ESS. All WN03301F PCs and WA3001s within one ESS must be configured with thesame ESS ID and use the same radio channel.Fig. 4 - Roaming in an Extended Service Set (ESS)Before enabling an ESS with roaming capability, choosing a feasible radio channel and optimumAccess Point position is recommended. Proper Access Point positioning combined with a clearradio signal will greatly enhance performance. Desktop PC Desktop PC File Server BSS1 BSS2 ESS Notebook with WN3301 Notebook with WN3301WN3001 WA3001 Desktop PC With WN3301 Desktop PC With WN3301 ..... ... ..
9Chapter 3 Adapter Installation and Configuration – Windows® 983-1 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTSIn order to install and use the WN3301F PCMCIA card your PC system must meet the followingrequirements:§ A PCMCIA Type II or Type III slot§ PCMCIA revision 2.10 compliant card and socket services§ Windows® 98 (with the Windows® CD, for use during installation)§ 500 Kbytes free disk space for utility and driver installation3-2 INSERTING THE ADAPTERTo insert the WN3301F Network Adapter into a notebook computer, do the following:1. Locate an available Type II or Type III PCMCIA slot.2. With the PCMCIA adapter’s 68-pin connector facing the PCMCIA slot and the “WN3301FPCMCIA” label facing up slide the PCMCIA adapter completely into the PCMCIA slot.Fig. 5 Insert the WN3301F into NotebookAfter properly inserting the Network Adapter into your notebook, continue with the WN3301F driverand PRISM Configuration Utility installation.NOTE: The PCMCIA slot allows “hot swap” of PCMCIA adapter. You may insert or remove theWN3301F / PCMCIA adapter from the slot anytime, even when the power of your computer is on.NOTE: Windows® 98 requires that the Network card and socket services must be compliant withthe PCMCIA revision 2.10 specification. Please check the documentation of the PCMCIA driverbefore installing the WN3301F PCMCIA adapter. NOTE:FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 centimeters between the radiator and your body.
103-3 WN3301F DRIVER INSTALLATION -WINDOWS® 98Note: Before proceeding, have the Windows® 98 CD ready, as it will be required during the softwareinstallation process.1. Insert the WN3301F an adapter into a standard Type II or Type III PCMCIA card slot, asdescribed in the preceding section.2. Windows® 98 will automatically detect the WN3301F and prompt you to install thenecessary driver. Click “Next” to begin the installation.3. Check “Search for the best driver…” click “Next”.Check “Floppy-disk drives” click “Browse”. Double-click the “Setup” folder icon from the list,double-click the setup.exe icon. Windows® will automatically enter the path click “Next”.
114. Windows® will then acknowledge that it has found the appropriate driver, click "Next"Windows® will now install the driverAs the driver files are being copied to the appropriate location, you will be prompted toinsert the Windows® 98 CD.5. Insert the Windows® 98 CD. Select “D:\win98” from the drop down list (where “D”represents the CD-ROM drive), click “OK”NOTE: You must insert the Windows 98®CD as the driver installation requires special files thatwill not be available even if you have stored a copy of Windows® 98 on your hard drive.
126. After Windows® has finished installing the appropriate files click “Finish”7. You will be prompted to restart your computer, click "YES" to complete the installation.
133-4 ADAPTER CONFIGURATION – WINDOWS® 98After successful installation of the WN3301F and its driver, continue the installation process byconfiguring the W3301F adapter properties. To configure the WN3301F Adapter complete thefollowing steps:1. From the Control Panel, double-click the “Network” icon2. Select "PRISM25 IEEE 802.11 PC Card Adapter" from the list and press the “Properties”button.
143. From the “Properties” menu select the “Advanced” tab.4. Select “Channel” from the list, and choose a “Value” from the drop down list. FCCregulations require a “Value” between 1 and 11.
155. Select “Network Type”, and choose “Infrastructure” or “Ad-Hoc” as the “Value”.Note: “Infrastructure” mode allows a wireless adapter to communicate with a wired network,while “Ad-Hoc” mode allows wireless-to-wireless communication. Consult your SystemAdministrator for information about your network communication type. For more informationabout Infrastructure and Ad-Hoc networks, see Chapter 2 of this manual6. Select “Power Save Mode” and choose a “Value”.NOTE: To allow uninterrupted data communication, choose “Disabled” as the “Value”.Choosing “Enabled” allows your notebook to enter “sleep” mode, however, this will interruptdata communication. Consult your System Administrator to find out the best setting for yournetwork type. For more information about Power Save Mode, see the chapter entitled “PRISMConfiguration Utility” in this manual.
167. Select “Power Save Mode” and choose a “Value”.NOTE: To allow uninterrupted data communication, choose “Disabled” as the “Value”.Choosing “Enabled” allows your notebook to enter “sleep” mode, however, this will interruptdata communication. Consult your System Administrator to find out the best setting for yournetwork type. For more information about Power Save Mode, see the chapter entitled “PRISMConfiguration Utility” in this manual.8. Select “SSID”; enter a “Value” of “PRISM2”.NOTE: The SSID can have any value, but should have the same value as the Access Point(AP). In Ad-Hoc mode, all clients should share the same SSID.
179. Select “Transmit Rate”, and choose a “Value”.NOTE: Fixed 11 Mb/s is the preferred “Value” for environments where the client has line ofsight access and is a short distance away from the AP. Fully Auto is the recommended settingfor clients that are farther away from the AP and where there may be interference between theclient and the AP.10. Select “Use Weep”, and choose a “Value”.NOTE: Wired Equivalent Privacy (Weep) is an encryption scheme used to protect wirelessdata communication. Selecting “Disabled” will prevent you from sharing data with othercomputers if your network uses Weep. If your network is Weep enabled, you must choose“Mandatory”. Consult your System Administrator for more information about your network type.
18For more information about Weep, see the chapter entitled “PRISM Configuration Utility” in thismanual.11. After the configuring the “Properties”, click “OK” and continue with the ProtocolInstallation, described in the following section.

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