Airgo Networks AGN1023PC0200 2.4GHz True MIMO PC Card User Manual

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Airgo Networks, Inc.900 Arastradero Road Palo Alto, CA 94304P: 650-475-1900 F: 650-475-1708www.airgonetworks.comPart Number: 640-00069-00Published: July 2004Installation and User GuideWireless LAN Client Adapter

Copyright © 2003 by Airgo Networks. All Rights Reserved.No part of this work may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Airgo Networks unless such copying is expressly permitted by U.S. copyright law.

Overview 1Connecting the Wireless LAN Client Adapter 2Installing the Wireless LAN Client Adapter Driver and Client Utility 4Uninstalling the Client Utility and Drivers 8Overview of Wireless Networking 11Service Set Identifiers 12Wireless Bands and Channels 12Client Utility 12Accessing the Client Utility 14Navigating the User Interface 14Configuration Overview 20Scanning for Available Networks 20Working with Profiles 21Profile Window 23Wireless Security 24

Installation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Adapter 3Preface This guide explains how to install and configure the Wireless LAN Client Adapter, which provides PC laptop and desktop users with access to 802.11 access points. The guide is intended for business and consumer users who want to install and configure the Wireless LAN Client Adapter quickly and easily. It is also intended for users who are interested in advanced configuration and troubleshooting.The Wireless LAN Client Adapter products include the following device options:■PC Card adapter for use in laptop and notebook computers■PCI adapter for use in desktop system PCI expansion slots■Mini PCI adapter for use in laptop computer mini-PCI expansion slotsThe Client Utility, a software tool designed to provide basic configuration options for the device, is shipped with each unit along with the device drivers.Organization of this GuideThis guide consists of the following chapters:■Chapter 1, “InstallationOverview,” describes the features of the Wireless LAN Client Adapter and explains how to install it.■Chapter 2, “Introduction to the Client Utility,” provides an overview of the Client Utility.■Chapter 3, “Configuration,”describes the configuration settings of the Client Utility.■Appendix A, “Individual Driver and Client Utility Installation Procedures,” explains how to install the driver and Client Utility as separate tasks.■Glossary defines terms that apply to wireless and networking technology in general and Airgo products.Conventions Used in this GuideThis guide uses the following conventions for instructions and information.Notes, Cautions, and WarningsNotes, cautions, and time-saving tips use the following conventions and symbols.Related DocumentationThe following documentation related to the Airgo Networks wireless networking product line is available via CD-ROM and also on the company website, http://www.airgonetworks.com.NOTE: Notes contain helpful suggestions or information that are important to the task at hand.CAUTION: Caution indicates that there is a risk of equipment damage or loss of data when certain actions are performed.WARNING: Warnings are intended to alert you to situations that could result in injury (such as exposure to electric current, for example).

Preface4 Installation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Adapter■Access Point Installation and Configuration Guide — Describes how to install and configure the Access Point.■NMS Pro Installation and Configuration Guide — Explains how to install and use the enterprise network management application.■Command Line Interface (CLI) Reference Manual — Provides a listing of all the commands available for the Access Point, usable through console access and command line interface; this manual is intended for advanced users and system administrators.

Installation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Adapter 11InstallationOverviewThis chapter explains how to install the Wireless LAN Client Adapter, adapter driver, and Client Utility. It includes the following topics:•Overview •Connecting the Wireless LAN Client Adapter•Installing the Wireless LAN Client Adapter Driver and Client Utility•Uninstalling the Client Utility and DriversOverviewThe Wireless LAN Client Adapter provides the communication link between your laptop or desktop PC and other devices in a wireless network. The adapter operates in the 2.4 GHz radio frequency band and can communicate with any device that meets the IEEE 802.11b or 802.11g wireless network standards. When used with Access Points as part of a wireless network installation, the Wireless LAN Client Adapter offers the following special features:•Enhanced Data Rates•Extended Range •Multi Mode and Multi-band Operation•Interference HandlingThe Client Utility, shipped with each Wireless LAN Client Adapter, includes tools for setting the basic configuration.Device TypesThe Wireless LAN Client Adapter is currently offered in three device types: • PC Card — Extended Type II PCMCIA CardBus (32-bit interface) for use in laptop and notebook computers• PCI Card — PCI adapter for use in desktop computer expansion slots• Mini PCI— Mini PCI adapter for use in laptop computer mini-PCI expansion slotsShipping Package ContentsThe Wireless LAN Client Adapter shipping package contains the following items:•Wireless LAN Client Adapter PC or PCI Card•CD containing the device driver and Client UtilitySystem RequirementsYour PC must meet the following minimum requirements:•Windows XP or Windows 2000•96 MB memory

1 InstallationOverview2 Installation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Adapter•CPU 1.0 GHz or greater•At least 10 MB disk capacity available for the driver and Client Utility software.•Type II or Type III cardbus slot for notebooks and laptopsConnecting the Wireless LAN Client AdapterTo install the PC card:•With the computer powered on or off, slide the PC card firmly into an available CardBus slot (Figure 1).Figure 1: PC Card InstallationTo safely remove the PC card while the computer is powered up:1Right-click the system tray icon entitled Safely Remove Hardware or Eject or Stop Hardware.The system prompts you to select the device to stop.2Select Airgo Networks Wireless LAN NIC, and click Stop.3Click OK when asked to confirm.4Press the CardBus eject button on the side of your computer to release the slot locking mechanism and slide the PC card out.LB48016

Connecting the Wireless LAN Client AdapterInstallation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Adapter 3To install the PCI card adapter (Figure 2):1Power down your PC.2Remove the cover that provides access to the PCI expansion slot.3Insert the PCI card into an available PCI slot.4Replace the cover.5Attach the antenna to the external connector on the PCI card.You are now ready to install the Wireless LAN Client Adapter driver software.Figure 2: PCI Card InstallationChecking Adapter ActivityThe LEDs on the PC card and PCI card indicate the state of current communications:• Solid green — The adapter is associated (connected) to the network.• Slow blinking green — The adapter is not associated to the network.• Fast blinking green — The adapter is transmitting or receiving data.

1 InstallationOverview4 Installation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client AdapterInstalling the Wireless LAN Client Adapter Driver and Client UtilityFollow the steps in this section to install the software needed to support your Wireless LAN Client Adapter. The software includes:•Wireless LAN Client Adapter driver•Client UtilityInstallation Steps1If you are using the PCI card, make sure that it is physically installed (page 3). If you are using the PC card, slide it into the CardBus slot on your computer.2Power up your computer.3Insert the Wireless LAN Client Adapter distribution CD.The CD menu opens.4Currently, both the Network Card Drivers and Client Utility are selected and this selection cannot be modified. Click Install Software and the Installation Wizard opens. NOTE: Before installing the Wireless LAN Client Adapter or any other wireless adapter, you must make sure that your system has the latest Microsoft patches to support wireless networking. You can find information and patches at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/broadbandnetworking/10_concept_wireless_security.mspx.NOTE: If the Microsoft Found New Hardware Wizard opens, click Cancel to close the wizard.

Installing the Wireless LAN Client Adapter Driver and Client UtilityInstallation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Adapter 55Click Next.The License agreement window opens. 6Review the license agreement, and then click Ye s .

Installing the Wireless LAN Client Adapter Driver and Client UtilityInstallation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Adapter 7The wizard prompts you to choose an installation location.10 Click Next to accept the default location, or click Browse to select a different location before clicking Next.The wizard completes the installation.11 Click Finish to complete the installation and start the Client Utility.The installation is now complete. If you encounter any difficulties, refer to “Confirming the Installation” on page 33 for additional information.

1 InstallationOverview8 Installation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client AdapterUninstalling the Client Utility and DriversThis section explains how to remove the Client Utility software from your system, which may be necessary if you are upgrading to a newer version of the utility. Follow these steps to uninstall the Client Utility software and adapter driver:1From the Start menu, choose Programs > Airgo Networks > Uninstall Airgo Networks Software.The Uninstall Wizard prompts you to choose the type of maintenance to perform.2Select Remove and click Next.The wizard prompts you to confirm.3Click OK to continue.When the uninstall process is complete, the wizard presents a Finish window. NOTE: Use the Windows System control panel if you need to uninstall only the Wireless LAN Client Adapter driver.

Uninstalling the Client Utility and DriversInstallation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Adapter 94Click Finish. The Uninstall process is now complete.

1 InstallationOverview10 Installation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Adapter

Installation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Adapter 112Introduction to the Client UtilityThe chapter provides an overview of wireless networking and explains how to access the Client Utility to configure your Wireless LAN Client Adapter. It includes the following topics:•Overview of Wireless Networking•Client Utility•Navigating the User InterfaceOverview of Wireless NetworkingThe Wireless LAN Client Adapter connects your PC to a wireless local area network (wireless LAN) by way of radio signals. An access point is the device that forwards data from the wired network to your PC by way of radio signals and connects you with other wireless users. The IEEE 802.11 standard identifies two types of wireless networking modes:•In an infrastructure network, an access point links the wireless LAN to a wired network. By attaching to an existing network infrastructure, you can gain access to other resources on the wired network, other wireless LANs, or the Internet. This is the mode to use when setting up a home network or accessing an office network (Figure 3).•In an ad-hoc wireless network, you establish communications between your PC and a small number of other wireless users without using an access point (Figure 4). Figure 3: Infrastructure NetworkNOTE: The Wireless LAN Client Adapter installed on your PC can communicate with any access point that supports the industry standard IEEE 802.11 wireless communications protocol. It is recommended that you use the Wireless LAN Client Adapter with Access Points in order to take advantage of their advanced range, high data rates, and other features.Wired networkA0017

Client UtilityInstallation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Adapter 13To specify that Windows will not be managing the wireless adapter:1Right-click the wireless icon on the system tray. 2Select View Available Wireless Networks.The window shows the list of available networks.3Click Advanced to open the Wireless Network Connection Properties window, Wireless Networks tab.

2 Introduction to the Client Utility14 Installation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Adapter4Clear the checkbox entitled Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings.5Click OK.You can now use the Client Utility to manage your wireless connections.Accessing the Client UtilityIf you followed the instructions in Chapter 1, the Client Utility is installed on your PC. To start the Client Utility:•Choose Start > Programs > Airgo Networks > Client Utility.The Client Utility application icon will appear in the system tray.Using the Tray IconWhen you start the Client Utility, a small signal icon becomes visible in the system tray on the Windows toolbar (Figure 5). The color of the icon reflects the quality of the wireless connection: green for good, yellow for intermittent connection, red if there is no active connection, and a red X if the Wireless LAN Client Adapter radio is turned off. The tray icon provides access to the Client Utility menu. Figure 5: Client Utility System Tray IconTo open the Client Utility window from the tray icon:•Right-click and select Launch Client Utility or double-click on the icon.To exit the Client Utility:•Right-click and select Exit.To access the help system:•Right-click and select Help.Disabling and Re-Enabling the Wireless LAN Client AdapterYou can easily enable or disable the Wireless LAN Client Adapter radio from the Client Utility. To enable the radio:1Right-click the Client Utility icon in the system tray.2Select Radio On.To disable the radio:1Right-click the Client Utility icon in the system tray.2Select Radio Off.Navigating the User InterfaceThis section explains how to use the compact and expanded views of the Client Utility.Application icon

Navigating the User InterfaceInstallation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Adapter 17Use the horizontal scroll bar to view all the columns. You can resize each column by selecting and moving the column header dividers. Two checkboxes above the Network List influence the display and behavior of the network connections:Figure 9 The next figure shows a Network List with the Show BSSID checkbox selected.The access points for the SSID are listed below, along with the BSSID.Figure 9: Network List with Show BSSID SelectedThe Scan, Save, Create, Edit, and Delete buttons below the Network List are used to detect available access points and work with profiles.The remaining areas in the Expanded View display read-only information about the current connection and settings. The Connection section displays the following information:•The current connection rate for data transmitted between your PC and the access point, in megabits per second. When there is no active data transmission, it shows the rate at which beacons are transmitted.•The radio channel and band used for communications.•The number of transmitted and received bytes of data since the wireless connection was initiated.The Security section shows the authentication and data encryption currently used; and the Power section shows the level of power at which the Wireless LAN Client Adapter is operating.Chapter 3 explains how to scan and connect to a network and how to create and save profiles containing configuration information.Encryption Type of data encryption enabled for this access point or profileNetwork Infrastructure or ad-hocOption DescriptionShow BSSID If this checkbox is selected, the Network List includes an entry for each access point in a given SSID by MAC address.Allow Roaming If this checkbox is selected, you can move from one access point to another without changing the active network selection.Item (continued) Description

2 Introduction to the Client Utility18 Installation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client AdapterBackground Operation and ExitingWhile the Client Utility is running, its icon is always displayed on the Windows system tray. To close the Client Utility window while keeping it operating in the background, click X in the upper right corner of the utility window. To exit the utility, right-click the system tray icon, and select Exit.

Wireless SecurityInstallation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Adapter 25wireless communication standard, wireless security continues to evolve, as shortcomings of existing security solutions are uncovered and new solutions are adopted. [Company Name - Short] products provide a complete state-of-the-art security solution for 802.11 wireless networks, using the native wireless support in Windows 2000 and Windows XP where appropriate. Wireless security encompasses two major components: encryption and authentication. Encryption is the means by which data transferred across the wireless link are protected from eavesdropping. Authentication is the means by which the access point verifies the identity of your PC and your identity, and confirms that you have permission to use the network.EncryptionEncryption protects wireless data from being intercepted and deciphered during transmission, and thereby assures the security of your data. Several encryption options are supported:•AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) — excellent financial-grade security•TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) — good security, as an upgrade to legacy systems•WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) — minimal protection security, acceptable only for non-critical data•Open or no encryption — no protection, use only for non-critical communications or with other security protection such as https or VPN/IPsec for corporate communicationsThe latest and most effective encryption methods are part of the WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) cipher suite and are recommended for all environments in which security is an important consideration, whether in the enterprise, small office or home. WPA provides much more complete protection against discovery of encryption keys than do the earlier WEP standards. WPA itself has already spawned two generations of encryption technology, with AES being the latest and most effective standard. TKIP is the encryption protocol that was first introduced with WPA, but it provides less complete protection than does AES.The original 802.11 wireless communication specification standard included WEP for wireless security. Although still widely used today, WEP security does not provide adequate protection against discovery of encryption keys, and may therefore be vulnerable to attack. Use WEP only in cases where the access point does not support higher level security and security is a consideration in your network design.The WEP algorithm requires an encryption key, which is a code used in the encrypting and decrypting of data. Although all WEP methods are vulnerable, 128-bit keys are somewhat more difficult to decrypt than 64-bit keys. WEP provides the option of entering a key in ASCII (text) or hexidecimal (numeric) format. ASCII keys are useful as a text passphrase, while hexidecimal keys provide more protection and support for other devices. Key generation can be manual or automatic, with automatically generated keys providing more protection.AuthenticationEffective authentication methods rely on manual distribution of shared or pre-shared authentication keys or automatic generation of keys by use of a RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) server. A shared or pre-shared key is an authentication string entered at the access point and client PCs. Authentication takes place by matching the key stored in each PC with the key stored in the access point.

Wireless SecurityInstallation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Adapter 27Now use WZC to configure security settings:1Right-click the wireless icon on the system tray. 2Select View Available Wireless Networks. 3The window shows the list of available networks.4Select your network, and click Advanced to open the Wireless Network Connection Properties window, Wireless Networks tab.5Confirm that Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings is selected.

3 Configuration Overview28 Installation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Adapter6Select the network, and click Configure.7Confirm the authentication and encryption selections exactly match those of the access point to which you are connecting. Enter a network key, if required.8If you selected AES for data encryption, open the Authentication tab and select the EAP type appropriate to your network. 9Click OK as needed to close the WZC windows.

Installation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Adapter 29GlossaryThis glossary defines terms that apply to wireless and networking technology in general and [Company Name - Short] products in particular.802.1x Standard for port-based authentication in LANs. Identifies each users and allows connectivity based on policies in a centrally managed server.802.11 Refers to the set of WLAN standards developed by IEEE. The three commonly in use today are 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g, sometimes referred to collectively as Dot11.Access Control List (ACL) A list of services used for security of programs and operating systems. Lists users and groups together with the access awarded for each.Access Point (AP) An inter-networking device that connects wired and wireless networks together. Also, an 802.11x capable device that may support one or more 802.11 network interfaces in it and co-ordinates clients stations in establishing an Extended Service Set 802.11 networkAdvanced Encryption Standard (AES) An encryption algorithm developed for use by U.S. Government agencies and now incorporated into encryption standards for commercial transactions.Client Utility (ACU) Application that executes on a client station and provides management and diagnostics functionality for the 802.11 network interfaces.Ad-Hoc network A group of nodes or systems communicating with each other without an intervening Access Point. Many wireless network cards support ad-hoc networking modes.Authentication Server A central resources that verifies the identity of prospective network users and grants access based on pre-defined policies.Authentication Zone A administrative grouping of resources for user authentication.Backhaul The process of getting data from a source and sending it for distribution over the main backbone network. Wireless backhaul refers to the process of delivering data from a node on the wireless network back to the wired network. Also referred to a WDS.x.

Glossary30 Installation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client AdapterBasic Service Set (BSS) The set of all wireless client stations controlled by a single access point. The BSSID, or identifier, for the basis service set can be assigned or default to the MAC address of the access point.Bridge A connection between two (or more) LANs using the same protocol. Virtual bridges are used as a means of defining layer 2 domains for broadcast messages. Each virtual bridge uniquely defines a virtual local area network (VLAN).Class of Service (COS) A method of specifying and grouping applications into various QoS groups or categories.Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP) A system of assigning Quality of Service “Class of Service” tags.Domain Name Service (DNS) A standard methodology for converting alphanumeric Internet domain names to IP addresses.Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) A communications protocol enabling IP address assignments to be managed both dynamically and centrally. With DHCP enabled on a node (a system, device, network card, or Access Point), when it boots or is connected to a network, an address is automatically assigned. Each assigned address is considered to be “leased” to a specific node; when the lease expires, a new IP can be requested and/or automatically reassigned. Without DHCP, IP addresses would need to be entered manually for each and every device on the network.Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) A method for selecting the least intrusive and noisy available frequency for operation, part of the 802.11 specification.Dynamic IP Address A TCP/IP network address assigned temporarily (or dynamically) by a central server, also known as a DHCP server. A node set to accept dynamic IPs is said to be a “DHCP client.”Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) Standard that specifies the method of communication between an authentication server and the client, or supplicant, requesting access to the network. EAP supports a variety of authentication methods.Extensible Authentication Protocol Over LAN (EAPOL) Protocol used for 802.1x authentication.EAP-TLS EAP using Transport Layer Security. EAP-based authentication method based on X.509 certificates, which provides mutual, secure authentication. Certificates must be maintained in the authentication server and supplicant.EAP-PEAP Protected EAP-based authentication method based on X.509 certificates. Uses a two-phase approach in which the server is first authenticated to the supplicant.

GlossaryInstallation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Adapter 31This establishes a secure channel over which the supplicant can be authenticated to the server.Extended Service Set (ESS) A set of multiple connected BSSs. From the perspective of network clients, the ESS functions as one wireless network, with clients able to roam between the BSSs within the ESS. ESSID Name or identifier of the ESS used in network configuration.hostname The unique, fully qualified name assigned to a network computer, providing an alternative to the IP address as a way to identify the computer for networking purposes.Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) Protocol governing the transfer of data on the World Wide Web between servers and browser (and browser enabled software applications).Hypertext Transfer Protocol over SSL (HTTPS) A variant of HTTP that uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption to secure data transmissions. HTTPS uses port 443, as opposed to HTTP which uses port 80.Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS) A set of clients communicating with each other or a network via an Access Point.Internet Protocol (IP) The network layer protocol for routing packets through the Internet.IP address 32-bit number, usually presented as a period-separated (dotted decimal) list of three-digit numbers, which identifies an entity on the Internet according to the Internet Protocol standard. Local Area Network (LAN) A group of computers, servers, printers, and other devices connected to one another, with the ability to share data between them.Maskbits Number of bits in the subnet prefix for an IP address, (provides the same information as subnet mask). Each triplet of digits in an IP address consists of 8 bits. To specify the subnet in maskbits, count the number of bits in the prefix. To specify using a subnet mask, indicate the masked bits as an IP address. Example: subnet mask 255.255.255.0 is equivalent to 24 maskbits, which is the total number of bits in the 255.255.255 prefix.Media Access Control (MAC) Address A unique hardware-based equipment identifier, set during device manufacture. The MAC address uniquely identifies each node of a network. Access Points can be configured with MAC access lists, allowing only certain specific devices to connect with the LAN through them, or to allow certain MAC-identified network cards or devices access only to certain resources.

Glossary32 Installation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client AdapterMAC address authentication Method of authenticating clients by using the MAC address of the client station as opposed to the user.Network Address Translation (NAT) The translation of one IP address used within a network to another address used elsewhere. One frequent use of NAT is the translation of IPs used inside a company, versus the IP addresses visible to the outside world. This feature helps increase network security to a small degree, because when the address is translated, this provides an opportunity to authenticate the request and/or to match it to known, authorized types of requests. NAT is also used sometimes to map multiple nodes to a single outwardly visible IP address.Network Interface Card (NIC) Generic term for network interface hardware that includes wired and wireless LAN adapter cards, PC Cardbus PCMCIA cards, and USB-to-LAN adapters.Network Management System (NMS) Software application that controls a network of multiple access points and clients.Node Generic term for a network entity. Includes a access point, network adapter (wireless or wired), or network appliance (such as a print server or other non-computer device)Network Time Protocol (NTP) NTP servers are used to synchronize clocks on computers and other devices. APs have the capability to connect automatically to NTP servers to set their own clocks on a regular basis.Ping Packet INternet Groper (ping) A utility which determines whether a specific IP address is accessible, and the amount of network time (measured in milliseconds) for response. Ping is used primarily to troubleshoot Internet connections.Policy-based Networking The management of a network with rules (or policies), governing the priority and availability of bandwidth and resources, based both on the type of data being transmitted, as well as the privileges assigned to a given user or group of users. This allows network administrators to control how the network is used, to help maximize efficiency.Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Power supplied to a device by way of the Ethernet network data cable instead of a electrical power cord.Preamble Type The preamble defines the length of the cyclic redundancy check (CRC) block for communication between the Access Point and a roaming network adapter. All nodes on a given network should use the same preamble type.Quality of Service (QoS) QoS is a term encompassing the management of network performance, based on the notion that transmission speed, signal integrity, and error rates can be managed,

GlossaryInstallation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Adapter 33measured, and improved. In a wireless network, QoS is commonly managed through the use of policies.Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) A client/server protocol and software that enables remote access servers to communicate with a central server to authenticate users and authorize service or system access. RADIUS permits maintenance of user profiles in a central repository that all remote servers can share. Radio Frequency (RF) The electromagnetic wave frequency radio used for communications applications.Roaming Analogous to the way cellular phone roaming works, roaming in the wireless networking environment is the ability to move from one AP coverage area to another without interruption in service or loss in connectivity.Rogue AP An access point that connects to the wireless network without authorization.Secure SHell (SSH) Also known as the Secure Socket Shell, SSH is a UNIX-based command line interface for secure access to remote systems. Both ends of communication are secured and authenticated using a digital certificate, and any passwords exchanged are encrypted.Service Set Identifier (SSID) The SSID is a unique identifier attached to all packets sent over a wireless network, identifying one or more wireless network adapters as “belonging” to a common group. Some Access Points can support multiple SSIDs, allowing for varying privileges and capabilities, based on user roles.Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) A common protocol for message transmission security on the Internet. Existing as a program layer between Internet's Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and Transport Control Protocol (TCP) layers, SSL is a standard feature in Internet Explorer, Netscape, and most web server products.Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) Protocol used to transfer email messages between email servers.Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) An efficient protocol for network management and device monitoring.SNMP trap A process that filers SNMP messages and saves or drops them, depending upon how the system is configured.Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) A protocol that prevents bridging loops from forming due to incorrectly configured networks.Station (STA) An 802.11 capable device that supports only one 802.11 network interface, capable of establishing a Basic Service Set 802.11 network (i.e., peer-to-peer network)

Glossary34 Installation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client AdapterStatic IP Address A permanent IP address assigned to a node in a TCP/IP network.Subnet Portion of a network, designated by a particular set of IP addresses. Provides a hierarchy for addressing in LANs. Also called subnetwork.Subnet Mask A TCP/IP addressing method for dividing IP-based networks into subgroups or subnets (compare with maskbits). Each triplet of digits in an IP address consists of 8 bits. To specify using a subnet mask, indicate the masked bits as an IP address. To specify the subnet in maskbits, count the number of bits in the prefix. Example: subnet mask 255.255.255.0 is equivalent to 24 maskbits, which is the total number of bits in the 255.255.255 prefix.Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) Part of the IEEE 802.11i encryption standard. TKIP provides improvements to WEP encryption, including per-packet key mixing, message integrity check and a re-keying mechanism.Traffic Class Identifier (TCID) Part of the standard 802.11 frame header. The 3-bit TCID is used for mapping to class-of-service values.Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) One of the most commonly used communication protocols in modern networking. Addresses used in TCP/IP usually consist of four triplets of digits, plus a subnet mask (for example, 192.168.25.3, subnet 255.255.255.0).Transport Layer Security (TLS) Protocol that provides privacy protection for applications that communicate with each other and their users on the Internet. TLS is a successor to the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). Trunk In telecommunications, a communications channel between two switching systems. In a wireless network, a trunk is a wireless connection from one access point to another.Type of Service (ToS) Sometimes also called IP Precedence, ToS is a system of applying QoS methodologies, based on headers placed into transmitted IP packets.User Datagram Protocol (UDP) A connectionless protocol similar to TCP/IP, but without the same level of error-checking. UDP is commonly used when some small degree of errors and packet-loss can be tolerated without losing program integrity, such as for online games.Virtual LAN (VLAN) A local area network with a definition that addresses network nodes on some basis other than physical location or even whether the systems are wired together or operating using the same local equipment. VLANs are, on average, much easier to manage than a physically implemented LAN. In other words, moving a user from one VLAN to another is a simple change in software, whereas on a regular LAN, the computer or device would need to be connected physically to a different switch

GlossaryInstallation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Adapter 35or router to accomplish the same thing. Network management software of some sort is used to configure and manage the VLANs on a given network. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) Security mode for wireless networks that improves on the authentication and encryption features of WEP.Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) Security protocol for wireless local area networks (WLANs) defined in the 802.11b standard. Uses dynamically or manually assigned keys for encryption and authentication, as dictated by the capabilities of the client station. The WEP algorithms are vulnerable to compromise; therefore, WEP security is only recommended for legacy clients that do not support the newer generation security standards.Windows Internet Name Server (WINS) The Windows implementation of DNS, which maps IP addresses to computer names (NetBIOS names). This allows users to access resources by computer name instead of by IP address. Wi-Fi A play on the term “HiFi,” Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity, which is a term for wireless networking technologies.Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) An acronym for wireless local area network, employing radio frequencies to transmit data (usually encrypted for), much like LANs transmit data over wires and fiber optic cables.

Glossary36 Installation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Adapter

Index38 Installation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Adapterping 46PoE 46policy-based networking 46power settings 24preamble type 46pre-shared key 25profile 16, 20profile name 23profile window 23network settings 24power settings 24security settings 24profilesactivating 21creating 21deleting 22editing 22QQoS 46RRADIUS 47RADIUS server 26Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service. See RADIUSRF 47roaming 17, 47rogue AP 47Sscanningfor available networks 20security 24authentication 24encryption 24security options 26security settings 24service set identifier. See SSIDshow BSSID checkbox 17signal icon 15signal pattern 15signal quality 16SMTP 47SNMP 47SNMP trap 47software patches 4SSH 47SSID 12, 16, 47SSL 47STA 47start ad-hoc network 24starting the Client Utility 14station 47status icon 16STP 47subnet 48subnet mask 48system requirements 1TTCID 48TCP/IP 48Temporal Key Integrity Protocol. See TKIPtext mode 15TKIP 25, 48TLS 48ToS 48tray icon 14trunk 48UUDP 48uninstalling the Client Utility 8using the tray icon 14VVLAN 48WWEP 25, 26, 49ASCII encoding 25hexidecimal encoding 25Wi-Fi 49Wi-Fi Protected Access. See WPAWindowsmanaging wireless adapter 12wireless software patches 4Wireless Zero Config (WZC) 12WINS 49wireless adapterand Windows 12wireless bands and channels 12Wireless Zero Config. See WZCWLAN 49WPA 25, 26, 49WZC 12using to configure security 26

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