Belkin F5D6050 Wireless USB Network Adapter User Manual smc2662w

Belkin International, Inc. Wireless USB Network Adapter smc2662w

Revised Manual

IEEE 802.11bWN3501ARWireless USBAdapter
TABLE OF CONTENTSWireless USB Adapter WN3501AR ........1Package Checklist.......................................1Hardware Description ...............................2Application...........................................................2LED Indicator .....................................................4System Requirements..........................................4Installation ...........................................................5Driver Installation ......................................6Windows 98/Me Installation ............................6Windows 2000 Installation ..............................12Configuration and Diagnostic Utility ... 15 Utility Installation ..............................................15 Using the Wireless LAN Utility ........................15 Quick-Lanuch Icon ............................................16 Monitor Screen ...................................................17 Statistics Screen ...................................................19 Site Survey Screen ...............................................19 Encryption Screen ..............................................20 Advanced Screen .................................................22Network Configuration and Planning .. 23Network Topologies................................ 23Ad Hoc Wireless LAN ......................................23Infrastructure Wireless LAN ............................24Settings the Communication Domain ...........25Troubleshooting ....................................... 26USB adapter Installation Problems .................26Network Connection Problems............. 27
Compliances ............................................. 29 FCC - Class B ..................................................... 29CSA Statement (Canada) ..................................30CE Mark Declaration of Conformance ...........30Specifications ........................................... 31Terminology ............................................. 32
WIRELESS USB ADAPTER WN3501ARWireless USB Adapter WN3501AR is an 11 Mbpswireless network adapter that seamlessly integrateswith existing Ethernet networks to supportapplications such as mobile users or temporaryconferences. This solution offers fast, reliable wirelessconnectivity with considerable cost savings over wiredLANs (which include long-term maintenance overheadfor cabling). Just plug wireless cards into your desktopPCs and start networking.Using this adapter in conjunction with Wireless AccessPoint, you can create an instant network that integratesseamlessly with 10 Mbps Ethernet LANs. Moreover,moving or expanding your network is as easy asmoving or installing additional Access Pointsnowires!PACKAGE CHECKLISTThe Wireless USB Adapter WN3501AR packageincludes: 1 Wireless USB Adapter with dual dipole antenna(WN3501AR) 1 Driver/Utility diskette 1 USB cable This User Guide1
HARDWARE DESCRIPTIONWireless USB Adapter WN3501AR supports an11 Mbps half-duplex connection to Ethernet networks.This adapter is fully compliant with 2.4 GHz DSSSCSMA/CA wireless networking as defined in IEEE802.11b. It can be installed in any notebook ordesktop with a USB port. Support is provided forWindows 98/Me/2000.ApplicationsThe Wireless USB Adapter WN3501AR offers a fast,reliable, cost-effective solution for wireless clientaccess to the network in applications such as:Remote access to corporate networkinformationE-mail, file transfer and terminal emulationDifficult-to-wire environmentsHistoric or old buildings, asbestos installations,and open areas where wiring is difficult to employFrequently changing environmentsRetailers, manufacturers and banks who frequentlyrearrange the workplace and change location2
Temporary LANs for special projects or peaktimeTrade shows, exhibitions and construction siteswhich need a temporary setup for a short timeperiod. Retailers, airline and shipping companieswho need additional workstations for a peakperiod. Auditors who require workgroups atcustomer sitesAccess to databases for mobile workersDoctors, nurses, retailers, white-collar workerswho need access to databases while being mobilein the hospital, retail store or office campusSOHO (Small Office and Home Office) usersSOHO users who need easy and quick installationof a small computer network3
LED IndicatorsThe Wireless USB Adapter WN3501AR includes threeLED indicators, as described in the following figureand table.System RequirementsBefore you install the Wireless USB AdapterWN3501AR, check your system for the followingrequirements: An available USB port in your computer. Windows 98/Me/2000 (Have the Windowsinstallation CD-ROM ready for use duringinstallation). A minimum of 1 MB of free disk space forinstalling the driver and utility program. Another IEEE 802.11b compliant device installedin your network, such as the WL11000 WirelessAccess Point, or the Wireless USB AdapterWN3501AR.4
INSTALLATIONWARNINGS: Backup your driver diskette and use the copy asthe working diskette to protect the original fromaccidental damage.1. Select an unused USB port and remove itsprotective bracket.2. Carefully insert the USB cable and press until it isfirmly seated in the USB port.3. Install the appropriate network driver for youroperating system. Drivers can be found on thedriver diskette. See Driver Installation for moreinformation.4. Install the configuration program for your wirelessUSB adapter. The SETUP.EXE file can be foundon the utility diskette. See Configuration andDiagnostic Utility for more information.5
DRIVER INSTALLATIONThe diskette labeled Driver Diskette, that comeswith the package contains all the software driversavailable for the Wireless USB adapter WN3501AR.Select the driver you need for your system and refer tothis guide for the installation and configurationprocedure. WINDOWS 98/ME INSTALLATION1. Windows 98/Me will automatically detect the newhardware and prompt you to install the driver.Click Next to find the driver.2. Insert the floppy disk labeled Driver/Utilitydiskette specify the location A:\ and clickNext.6
3. Click Next to copy files from the floppy disk.4. Set the Channel to the same radio channel asthat used by the other wireless clients in yourgroup. However, if you are connecting to anetwork via an access point, the adapter willautomatically set the channel to be the same asthat used by the Access Point.7
5. For more secure data transmission, set theEncryption to 128-bit or 64-bit to ensurewireless network security. The advance WiredEquivalent Privacy (WEP) is implemented in thiscard to prevent unauthorized access. The 128-bitsetting gives a higher level of security but thesetting must be the same for all clients in yourwireless network. (Default: Disabled)To completely configure WEP, you must use theConfiguration Utility. Please see EncryptionScreen under the Configuration and DiagnosticUtility section.6. Set the Fragmentation Threshold. (The Defaultis 2346 which means Disabled)8
7. Set the Operating Mode to 802.11 Ad-Hoc orInfrastructure depending on the type of networkyou want to connect to.8. Set the RTS Threshold to the same as that usedby other devices in your network. (The default is2347 which means Disabled)9
9. Set the SSID identifier to the same as that usedby the ad hoc work group or access point youwant to connect to. If you will be roaming amongmultiple Access Points with different BSSIDs, avalue of ANY will allow connection to anySSID.10. Insert Windows98/Me CD-ROM and click OK.Windows will copy source file to your system.10
11. If you want to add more protocols afterinstallation, go to control panel and double-clickNetwork.12. Select the Configuration tab and click Add toinstall the network protocols you want to use,such as IPX/SPX, NetBEUI or TCP/IP.If you install TCP/IP, be sure to set theappropriate Gateway, DNS Server, and Domainfor your network.If you install an IPX/SPX compatible protocol,then you also need to install the Client forNetWare Networks.13. Click File and Print Sharing to share files orprinters.14. Click on the Identification tab on the Networkdialog box, and specify your computer name andnetwork workgroup.15. Click OK in the Network dialog box and thesystem will restart your computer.11
WINDOWS 2000 INSTALLATION1. Windows 2000 will automatically detect the newhardware and prompt you to install the driverClick Next to find the driver.2. Insert the floppy disk labeled Driver/Utilitydiskette choose Floppy disk drivesand clickNext.12
3. Click Next to copy files from the floppy disk.4. Finish the driver installation.13
5. If you want to add more protocols afterinstallation, go to control panel and double clickon Network and Dial-up Connections anddouble click Local Area Connection X, clickProperties.6. Select the General tab and click install toinstall the network protocols you want to use,such as IPX/SPX, NetBEUI or TCP/IP.If you install TCP/IP, be sure to set theappropriate Gateway, DNS Server, and Domainfor your network.If you install an IPX/SPX compatible protocol,then you also need to install the Client forNetWare Networks.14
CONFIGURATION AND DIAGNOSTICUTILITYWireless USB Adapter WN3501AR provides freeoptional management software for quick networkconfiguration and easy diagnostics. The Driver/Utility diskette that comes with the package containsa user-friendly interface for configuring the WirelessUSB Adapter WN3501AR.Utility InstallationTo install the utility software:1. Insert the Driver/Utility diskette in your PCsfloppy drive (A:).2. Select run... from Windows Start menu bar.3. Enter A:\Utility\Setup.exe and click OK.4. Follow the on-screen instructions to finishinstallation.Using the Wireless LAN UtilityOnce the installation is completed, the configurationutility can be accessed by selecting the USB Utilityicon from the IEEE 802.11b Wireless LAN folder.15
Quick-Launch IconAfter the utility program is running, it will have aQuick Launch icon in the lower right hand cornerof the task bar.Double clicking the icon in the Quick Launch bar willopen the USB Utility program, providing quick accessto all settings of the adapter.This configuration software includes the followingfunctions:Monitor - Allow you to monitor network status andconfigure parameters for the wireless adapter.Statistics - Show the statistics of the wireless adapter.Site Survey - Scan/Show all the APs in range.Encryption - Provides WEP security control.Advanced - Allow you to configure the advancedsettings.Version - Show the version information.16
Monitor ScreenWhen you start the wireless USB utility, theinformation window for the WN3501AR is shown asthe figure below. Click on the Monitor tab tomonitor the network status of the wireless adapter,including the BSS ID, current channel, link quality, andsignal strength.Click Modify to configure Operating Mode,Channel, SSID and Tx Rate. Afterconfiguration, just click Apply to save the changes.Operating Mode - Set the station operation mode to802.11 AdHoc for network configurations thatdo not have any Access Points, or toInfrastructure for configurations with AccessPoints. (Infrastructure is the default setting)Channel - If you are setting up an ad hoc wirelessLAN (see page 23), set the channel number to thesame radio channel as that used by the otherwireless clients in your group. However, if you areconnecting to a network via an Access Point, thenthe channel is automatically set to the channel ofthe Access Point that the adapter connects to.SSID - Input an SSID string that you want toconnect to (ANY is the default setting). If youwill be roaming among multiple Access Pointswith different BSSIDs, a value of ANY willallow connecttion to any SSID.17
Tx Rate - Indicates the communication rates. Selectappropriate transmission speed to match yourwireless LAN settings. (Default: Fully Automatic)Note : The Channel can only be set when theOperating Mode is 802.11 Ad-Hoc.18
The Statistics screen displays Data Frames andManagement Frames. (Please see Terminologysection for Data Frames and ManagementFrames definitions)Site Survey ScreenThe Site Survey screen displays all APs in wirelessLAN, and you can choose one of them to connect toby double clicking.19Statistics Screen
Encryption ScreenEncryption - For more secure data transmission, setthe Encryption to 128-bit or 64-bit to ensurewireless network security. Wired Equivalent Privacy(WEP) is implemented in this adapter to preventunauthorized access to your wireless network. The128-bit setting gives a higher level of security, but thesetting must be the same as other clients in yourwireless network. (Default: Disabled)The WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) implemented inWireless USB adapter WN3501AR is based on anRC4 encryption algorithm. The security keys providedto ensure data confidentiality are four 10 digit keysfor the 64-bit WEP setting (first screen below) andone 26-digit key for the 128-bit WEP setting (secondscreen below). This WEP security protects yourwireless LAN against eavesdropping and unauthorizedaccess by hackers or unexpected intruders.Create with Passphrase - Security keys for WEPencryption are generated from your Passphrasestring, so you must use the same passphrase on allthe other stations in your network.Manual Entry - Manual Entry allows the user tomanually enter key elements. ( 2 Hexadecimal digitsin each block)Default Key ID - Choose the Key ID that has theencryption string you prefer. If you are using a keygenerated from Passphrase, you must use the samePassphrase and key on each station.20
To use the WEP function, take the following steps:1. Select 128-bit or 64-bit for the Encryptionfield.2. Then choose Create with Passphrase, type astring in the Passphrase field and clickGenerate, then select the key, and click Apply.Note: Passphrase string can consist of up to 32alphanumeric character.Or choose Manual Entry and enter key elementsin one of the keys 1-4, and click Apply.Note: Each bit key must be hexadecimal.21
Advanced ScreenHere you can set values of FragmentationThreshold(Default: 2346, which means Disabled) andRTS/CTS Threshold(Default: 2347, which meansDisabled).22
NETWORK CONFIGURATION ANDPLANNINGWN3501AR Wireless Solution supports a stand-alonewireless network configuration, as well as an integratedconfiguration with 10 Mbps Ethernet LANs.The WN3501AR USB adapter can be configured as: Ad hoc for departmental or SOHO LANs Infrastructure for enterprise LANsNetwork TopologiesAd hoc Wireless LANAn ad hoc wireless LAN consists of a group ofcomputers, each equipped with a wireless adapter,connected via radio signals as an independent wirelessLAN. Computers in a specific ad hoc wireless LANmust therefore be configured to the same radiochannel.An ad hoc wireless LAN can be used for a branchoffice or SOHO operation.23
Infrastructure Wireless LANThe WN3501AR can also provide access to a wiredLAN for wireless workstations. An integrated wiredand wireless LAN is called an Infrastructureconfiguration. A Basic Service Set (BSS) consists of agroup of wireless PC users, and an access point that isdirectly connected to the wired LAN. Each wirelessPC in this BSS can talk to any computer in its wirelessgroup via a radio link, or access other computers ornetwork resources in the wired LAN infrastructure viathe access point.The infrastructure configuration not only extends theaccessibility of wireless PCs to the wired LAN, butalso doubles the effective wireless transmission rangefor wireless PCs by passing their signal through one ormore access points.A wireless infrastructure can be used for access to acentral database, or for connection between mobileworkers, as shown in the following figure.24
Setting the Communication DomainStationary Wireless PCsThe Basic Service Set (BSS) is the communicationdomain for each access point. For wireless PCs that donot need to support roaming, set the domain identifier(SSID) for the wireless card to the BSS ID of theaccess point you want to connect to. Check with youradministrator for the BSS ID of the access point hewants you to connect to.Roaming Wireless PCsA wireless infrastructure can also support roaming formobile workers. More than one access point can beconfigured to create an Extended Service Set (ESS).By placing the access points so that a continuouscoverage area is created, wireless users within this ESScan roam freely. All Wireless adapters and WirelessAccess Points within a specific ESS must beconfigured with the same SS ID.Before setting up an ESS for roaming, you need tochoose a clear radio channel and ideal location for theAccess Points to maximize performance. (Refer toUsing the Wireless LAN Utility on page 15 fordetailed information on installation and usage.)25
TROUBLESHOOTINGCheck the following troubleshooting items beforecontacting Technical Support.USB adapter Installation ProblemsIf your computer cant find the Wireless USB adapterWN3501AR or the network driver doesnt installcorrectly, check the following: Make sure the adapter is connected to the USBport.Check for any hardware problems, such asphysical damage to the adapters connector. Try the adapter in another USB port. If this alsofails, try using another WN3501AR wirelessadapter that is known to operate correctly. Make sure your computer is using the latest BIOS. If there are other network adapters in thecomputer, they may cause conflicts. Disable orremove all other adapters from the computer andtest the wireless adapter separately. Check for a defective computer or USB port bytrying the adapter in another computer that isknown to operate correctly. If there are still difficulties, remove the wirelessadapter. Delete the file Vnetusba.sys from c:\windows\system(For Windows98/Me), c:\winnt\system32\drivers(For Windows2000).Then go to Control Panel and delete theadapter from your network configuration menu.Restart your PC and reinstall the adapter.26
NETWORK CONNECTION PROBLEMSIf the LEDs on the USB adapter are not lit, or if youcant access any network resources from the computer.Check the following: Make sure the correct software driver is installed.Try reinstalling the driver. Make sure the computer and other networkdevices are receiving power. The access point you want to connect to may notbe functioning correctly. Try using anotherAccess Point. If you cannot access a Windows or NetWareservice on the network, check that you haveenabled and configured the service correctly. Ifyou cannot connect to a particular server, be surethat you have access rights and a valid ID andpassword. If you cannot access the Internet, be sure youhave configured your system for TCP/IP.If your wireless station cannot communicate with acomputer on the Ethernet LAN when configured forInfrastructure mode, check the following: Make sure the Access Point which the stationassociated with is powered on. Check to make sure your wireless settings (i.e.WEP, SSID, Channel) match the AP or otherstations you are connecting to. If you still cant connect, change the Access Pointand all the stations within the BSS to anotherradio channel.27
COMPLIANCESFCC Class B CertificationThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.Operation is subject to the following conditions:1. This device may not cause harmful interference.2. This device must accept any interference received,including interference that may cause undesiredoperation.Warning! This equipment has been tested and foundto comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits aredesigned to provide reasonable protection againstharmful interference in a residential installation. Thisequipment generates, uses and can radiate radiofrequency energy and, if not installed and used inaccordance with the instructions, may cause harmfulinterference to radio communications.However, there is no guarantee that interference willnot occur in a particular installation. If this equipmentdoes cause harmful interference to radio or televisionreception, which can be determined by turning theequipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try tocorrect the interference by one or more of thefollowing measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the distance between the equipment andreceiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuitdifferent from the one which the receiver isconnected to. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TVtechnician for help.28FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement:This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits setforth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should beinstalled and operated with a minimum distance of 20 centimetersbetween the radiator and your body.This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunctionwith any other antenna or transmitter.
CSA Statement (Canada)This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class Blimits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatusset out in the Radio Interference Regulations ofIndustry Canada.Le présent appareil numérique német pas de bruitsradio-électriques dépassant les limites applicables auxappareils numériques de la classe B prescrites dens leRèglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté parlIndustrie.CE Mark Declaration of ConformanceThis is to certify that this product complies with ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN45014. It conforms to thefollowing specifications:EMC: EN55022(1988)/CISPR-22(1985) Class BIEC 61000-4-2(2000) 4kVCD/8kVADIEC 61000-4-3(2000) 3V/mIEC 61000-4-4(2000) 1kV- (powerline)IEC 61000-4-6(2000) 3VrmsIEC 61000-4-11(2000) 3VrmsThis product complies with the requirements of theLow Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and the EMCDirective 89/336/EEC, and carries the CE Markaccordingly.29
SPECIFICATIONSFunctional CriteriaData Rate 1, 2, 5.5, 11 MbpsTransmission Mode Half duplexNetwork Connection IEEE 802.11b wirelessOperating Range Max distance of 11Mbps: 180m (590ft)Max distance of 5.5Mbps: 300m (984ft)Max distance of 2Mbps: 450m (1476ft)Max distance of 1Mbps: 550m (1800ft)Radio SignalSignal Type Direct Sequence Spread-Spectrum (DSSS)Operating Frequency USA, Canada and ETSI: 2.4~2.4835GHzJapan: 2.4~2.497GHzSensitivity 1, 2, 5.5 Mbps: -80 dBm,11 Mbps: -78 dBm (minimum)Modulation CCK, BPSK, QPSKOutput Power >+15 dBm (minimum)Physical CharacteristicsCurrent Consumption TX 450 mA MaxRX 320 mA MaxTypical 350 mA MaxDimensions 133 x 108 x 30 mm (5.23 x 4.25 x 1.18 in)Weight 181 g (6.38 oz)Antenna Dual dipole antennaLED Indicator Power, RX, TXHost Interface USB specification reversion 1.1Standards Conformance IEEE 802.11bCertificationFCC Part 15ETSI 300.328ARIB STD 33 & 66SoftwareNDIS Driver/Utility Windows 98Windows MeWindows 200030
TERMINOLOGYThe following is a list of terminology that is used in this document.Access Point - An internetworking device that seamlesslyconnects wired and wireless networks.Ad-Hoc - An Ad-Hoc wireless LAN is a group of computerseach with LAN adapters, connected as an independentwireless LAN.Backbone - The core infrastructure of a network. Theportion of the network that transports informationfrom one central location to another central locationwhere it is unloaded onto a local system.Base Station -In mobile telecommunications, a base stationis the central radio transmitter/receiver that maintainscommunications with the mobile radiotelephone setswithin its range. In cellular and personalcommunications applications, each cell or micro-cellhas its own base station; each base station in turn isinterconnected with other cells bases.BSS - BSS stands for Basic Service Set. It is an AccessPoint and all the LAN PCs that are associated with it.Data Frame  The packets transmit/receive from the device.ESS - ESS (ESS-ID, SSID) stands for Extended ServiceSet. More than one BSS is configured to become anExtended Service Set. LAN mobile users can roambetween different BSSs in an ESS (ESS-ID, SSID).Ethernet - A popular local area data communicationsnetwork, which accepts transmission from computersand terminals. Ethernet operates on a 10 Mbps baseband transmission rate, using a shielded coaxial cableor over twisted pair telephone wire.31
Fragmentation Threshold  In the 802.11 Standard, theMAC Layer may fragment and reassamble directedMSDUs or MMPDUs. The fragmentation anddefragmentation mechanisms allow for fragment re-transmission.Infrastructure - An integrated wireless and wired LAN iscalled an Infrastructure configuration.Management Frame  Control frame for establishing thelink between Access Point and client station. It shouldinclude the Beacon, Probe, Authentication, andAssociation frame.MSDUs  MAC Service Data Units.MMPDUs  MAC Management Protocol Data Units.Roaming - A wireless LAN mobile user moves around anESS and maintains a continuous connection to theInfrastructure network.RTS Threshold  Transmitters contending for the mediummay not be aware of each other. RTS/CTS mechanismcan solve this  Hidden Node Problem. If the packetsize is smaller than the preset RTS Threshold size, theRTS/CTS mechanism will NOT be enabled.USB - The Universal Serial Bus allows complete Plug andPlay connection of peripheral devices to a computer.WEP  Wired Equivalent Privacy is based on the use of64-bit keys and the popular RC4 encryption algorithm.Wireless devices without a valid WEP key will beexcluded from network traffic.32

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