Apple A1026 802.11 b/g Wireless LAN Module User Manual
Apple Inc. 802.11 b/g Wireless LAN Module
Apple >
Contents
User Manual
About Your
AirPort Card
Includes information about
the AirPort Card and AirPort software
Template APPLE CONFIDENTIAL
3
1
About Your AirPort Card
With the AirPort Card installed in your computer, you can do the following:
m
Access an AirPort network at home, school, or work and use it to browse the Internet, send
and receive email, and more.
m
Set up a Computer-to-Computer network between two or more AirPort-equipped
computers, which you can use to transfer files or play multiplayer games.
m
Set up a computer to share its Internet connection with computers using AirPort.
m
Set up an AirPort network using an AirPort Base Station, available from your Apple-
authorized dealer or the Apple Store at store.apple.com
About AirPort
AirPort technology offers a simple, fast, and affordable way to provide wireless Internet access
anywhere in your home, classroom, or small office. Instead of using traditional cables to create a
network, AirPort uses wireless local area network (LAN) technology to provide wireless
communication between computers.
How AirPort Works
In a traditional network, computers are connected through a series of wires that transfer
information among them. With AirPort, data is transferred between computers over a wireless
network using radio waves.
Important
If you purchased the AirPort Base Station at the same time as your AirPort Card,
install the AirPort Card and then set up the AirPort Base Station using the instructions provided
with the base station. The AirPort Setup Assistant described in this booklet is the same one used
to set up the AirPort Base Station. To set up the AirPort Base Station and configure your
computer to access the AirPort network it creates, you only need to use the AirPort Setup
Assistant once.
There are three ways to create a wireless network. You can use an AirPort-equipped computer
to create a temporary Computer-to-Computer network, which other AirPort computers within
range can join. You can set up an AirPort-equipped computer with an Internet connection to
share its connection with other computers using AirPort. Or you can create a more permanent
wireless network using an Apple AirPort Base Station. In this kind of network, all wireless
communication goes through the base station to other computers on the network or to the
Internet.
How AirPort Provides Wireless Internet Access
The following are ways that you can use AirPort technology to provide Internet access to
AirPort-equipped computers:
m
Connect an AirPort Base Station (available from your Apple-authorized dealer or the Apple
Store at store.apple.com) to an existing network that already has Internet access, such as in
a school or small office.
m
Connect a cable modem or DSL modem to an AirPort Base Station, or if your base station
has an internal modem, connect it to a telephone line. The AirPort Base Station establishes
an Internet connection and also creates a wireless network through which multiple
computers can access the Internet.
Note:
To use AirPort to access the Internet, you must have an account with an Internet service
provider (fees may apply). Some Internet service providers (ISPs) are not currently compatible
with AirPort.
For more information on using AirPort with your Internet account, contact your ISP or go to the
AppleCare Knowledge Base at kbase.info.apple.com
Template APPLE CONFIDENTIAL
5
Setting Up Your Computer to Use AirPort
Step 1: Do You Need to Install the AirPort Card?
If you ordered your AirPort Card with your new computer, the AirPort Card is already installed.
If the AirPort Card came in a separate kit, you need to install it yourself. Instructions for
installing the AirPort Card are in the manual that came with your computer. You can also find
them on the Apple Support Web site at www.apple.com/support.
Do I need to know the AirPort ID of my AirPort Card?
If you are going to use your computer on a large AirPort network, such as in a school or office,
you may need to provide the AirPort ID (sometimes known as the MAC address) of your AirPort
Card to your network administrator. Your network administrator can use the AirPort ID to
provide an extra level of security for the network. The AirPort ID is 12 characters printed on a
label on the AirPort Card. You can also find your AirPort ID this way by choosing AirPort from
the Configure pop-up menu of the Network pane of System Preferences, and clicking the
AirPort tab.
Do I need to install an AirPort antenna?
No. The antenna used by the AirPort Card is already built into your computer.
Warning
The AirPort Card has been designed so that you can install it yourself. If, after
reading the instructions, you feel uncomfortable about installing the card, you can have an
Apple-authorized service provider install it for you. If you follow the instructions, you should
not be concerned about damaging your computer. However, if you do attempt to install the
AirPort Card yourself, any damage you may cause to your equipment will not be covered by
the limited warranty on your computer. See an Apple-authorized dealer or service provider
for additional information about this or any other warranty question. Consult the service and
support information that came with your computer for instructions on how to contact an
Apple-authorized service provider or Apple for service.
6
Template APPLE CONFIDENTIAL
Step 2: If Necessary, Set Up the AirPort Base Station
If you purchased the AirPort Base Station at the same time as your AirPort Card, do the
following:
1
If necessary, install the AirPort Card in your computer.
2
Skip the rest of the steps in this booklet and set up the AirPort Base Station using the
instructions provided with the base station.
The AirPort Setup Assistant described in the next step is the same one used to set up the AirPort
Base Station. To set up the AirPort Base Station and configure your computer to access the
AirPort network, you only need to use the AirPort Setup Assistant once.
Step 3: Set Up Your Computer to Use AirPort
If you are going to use your computer with an AirPort network that is already established (such
as in a school or office), do the following:
1
Install the AirPort software using the CD provided with the AirPort Card.
m
If you ordered the AirPort Card with your new computer,
the AirPort software is already
installed. You may not have a separate AirPort CD.
Note:
To make sure that your computer has the latest version of the AirPort software installed,
check the Apple AirPort Web site at www.apple.com/airport
Template APPLE CONFIDENTIAL
7
2
Open the AirPort Setup Assistant, located in the Utilities folder, in the Applications folder on
your hard disk. Select “Set up your computer to join an existing AirPort network” to configure
your computer to access an existing AirPort network.
If an error message says the AirPort Card is not detected:
m
Shut down your computer and make sure the AirPort Card is oriented properly and that it is
completely inserted into the AirPort Card slot. Make sure the AirPort antenna is securely
connected to the card and the connector on the other end of the card is firmly inserted into
the connector in the AirPort Card slot.
If you are unable to detect the network you want to connect to:
m
Make sure that you are in range of an AirPort Base Station. The typical range for AirPort
communication is up to 150 feet (45 meters) in any direction from the base station.
m
Try to move away from possible sources of interference, such as microwave ovens and metal
walls, that may be preventing you from connecting to the network. For a complete list of
sources of interference, see the document “Designing AirPort Networks 2,” located at
www.apple.com/airport.
8
Template APPLE CONFIDENTIAL
Step 4: Join a Wireless Network
To join an AirPort wireless network in, choose a network from the AirPort status icon in the
menu bar. If you are joining a closed network, choose Other from the list, and then type the
name and password of the network.
Joining a 128-Bit Encrypted Wireless Network
If you want to join a wireless network that requires 128-bit encryption, you have two options for
entering a password, depending on the password scheme the network administrator has set up.
If you were given a password that is 13 characters, use double quotation marks before and after
the password. Thirteen-character passwords are usually case-sensitive.
Example:
"password12345"
If you were given a password that is 26 characters, put a dollar sign (
$
) before the password.
Example:
$12345678901234567890abcdef
If you need additional information on your 128-bit password, contact your network
administrator.
Setting Up a Wireless Network With Your Computer
If you create a Computer-to-Computer wireless network or set up your computer to share its
Internet connection with computers using AirPort, by default AirPort uses 40-bit encryption
when you use a password to protect your network. Computers with 128-bit cards access the
network using 40-bit encryption. If you want to require 128-bit encryption on your network, use
the 128-bit password scheme of 13 characters in double quotation marks. Only computers with
128-bit cards can join your network.
To set up your computer to share its Internet connection, click the Internet tab of the Sharing
pane of System Preferences, then select how you want to share the connection. If you are
sharing your computer’s Internet connection using AirPort, click the AirPort Options button and
give your network a name and password.
Template APPLE CONFIDENTIAL
9
What’s Next?
Additional AirPort Software
In addition to the AirPort Setup Assistant, you can use the following software to work
with AirPort.
For more information on AirPort, see AirPort Help in the Help Center, available in the Help
menu. There you will find information on setting up an AirPort network using an AirPort Base
Station, editing base station settings, avoiding sources of interference, locating additional
information on the Internet, and more.
For in-depth information on configuring AirPort networks, see the “Designing AirPort Networks
2” document, located at www.apple.com/airport..
In addition to AirPort Help and “Designing AirPort Networks 2,” you can find more information
at the following Apple Web sites:
m
The Apple AirPort Web site at www.apple.com/airport
m
The Apple Support Web site at www.apple.com/support
AirPort Admin Utility
The AirPort Admin Utility, located in the Utilities folder
inside the Applications folder, is an advanced tool used to
set up and manage the AirPort Base Station. Use the AirPort
Admin Utility to adjust network, routing, and security
settings, and other advanced options.
AirPort status icon in the menu bar
Use the AirPort status icon to switch quickly between
AirPort networks, monitor the signal quality of the current
network, and turn AirPort on and off.
10
Template APPLE CONFIDENTIAL
AirPort Card Specifications
m
Wireless Data Rate:
Up to __ megabits per second (Mbps)
m
Range:
Up to 50 meters (168 feet) radius from the base station in typical indoor use (varies
with building)
m
Frequency Band:
2.4 gigahertz (GHz)
m
Radio Output Power:
15 dbm (nominal)
m
Standards:
Compliant with 802.11 HR Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)
11 Mbps standard and 802.11 DSSS 1 and 2 Mbps standard
Template APPLE CONFIDENTIAL
13
Communications Regulation Information
FCC Declaration of Conformity
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. See instructions if
interference to radio or television reception is suspected.
Radio and Television Interference
The equipment described in this manual generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy. If it is
not installed and used properly—that is, in strict accordance with Apple’s instructions—it may cause
interference with radio and television reception.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device in
accordance with the specifications in Part 15 of FCC rules. These specifications are designed to provide
reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
You can determine whether your computer system is causing interference by turning it off. If the
interference stops, it was probably caused by the computer or one of the peripheral devices.
If your computer system does cause interference to radio or television reception, try to correct the
interference by using one or more of the following measures:
m
Turn the television or radio antenna until the interference stops.
m
Move the computer to one side or the other of the television or radio.
m
Move the computer farther away from the television or radio.
m
Plug the computer into an outlet that is on a different circuit from the television or radio. (That is, make
certain the computer and the television or radio are on circuits controlled by different circuit breakers
or fuses.)
If necessary, consult an Apple-authorized service provider or Apple. See the service and support
information that came with your Apple product. Or, consult an experienced radio/television technician for
additional suggestions.
Important
Changes or modifications to this product not authorized by Apple Computer, Inc., could
void the FCC Certification and negate your authority to operate the product.
This product was tested for FCC compliance under conditions that included the use of Apple peripheral
devices and Apple shielded cables and connectors between system components. It is important that you
use Apple peripheral devices and shielded cables and connectors between system components to reduce
the possibility of causing interference to radios, television sets, and other electronic devices. You can
obtain Apple peripheral devices and the proper shielded cables and connectors through an Apple-
authorized dealer. For non-Apple peripheral devices, contact the manufacturer or dealer for assistance.
Responsible party (contact for FCC matters only):
Apple Computer, Inc., Product Compliance,
1 Infinite Loop M/S 26-A, Cupertino, CA 95014-2084, 408-974-2000.
Exposure to Radio Frequency Energy
The radiated output power of the optional AirPort Card is far below the FCC radio frequency exposure
limits. Nevertheless, it is advised to use the wireless equipment in such a manner that the potential for
human contact during normal operation is minimized.
Industry Canada Statement
This Class B device meets all requirements of the Canadian interference-causing equipment regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la Class B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur
du Canada.
Europe–EU Declaration of Conformity
This device complies with the specifications ETS 300 328 and ETS 300 826, following the provisions of the
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC.
©
2002 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved.
AirPort, Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, and PowerBook are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the
U.S. and other countries. Apple Store and Balloon Help are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc
034-2205-A
Printed in Taiwan