BroMax Communications MW251 Wireless PCI LAN Card User Manual MW251 Manua

BroMax Communications Inc Wireless PCI LAN Card MW251 Manua

Manual

PCI Wireless NetworkCardUser’s ManualRev 1.0
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual2Regulatory complianceFCC WarningThis equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class Bdigital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed toprovide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if notinstalled and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmfulinterference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee thatinterference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does causeharmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined byturning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct theinterference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which thereceiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.You are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the partyresponsible for compliance could void your authority to operate the equipment.FCC Radiation Exposure StatementThis equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for anuncontrolled environment.This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cmbetween the radiator & your body.CE Mark WarningThis is a Class B product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radiointerference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual3About this manualThis User’s Manual describes how to install and operate your PCI WirelessNetwork Card. Please read this manual before you install the pro duct.This manual includes the following topics: Product description and features. Software installation procedure. Hardware installation procedure. FAQ
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual4Table of ContentsRegulatory complianceAbout this manualChapter 1- Introduction 5Features 5What is Wireless LAN? 6Wireless LAN Modes 6Notes on Wireless LAN Configuration 7Chapter 2 - Installation and Configuration of the PCIadapter for Windows 8What You Will Need 8Software and Driver Installation 8Uninstall Procedures 14Chapter 3 – Hardware Installation 16Package Contents 16System Requirements for the Card 16Install the PCI Card 16LEDs Indicators 17Connecting External Antenna to the card 18Chapter 4 – Installing Network Protocols 19Installing the Network Protocols for Windows 98 and MillenniumChapter 5 – Configuring the Wireless PCI Card 22Appendix A – FAQ 27Appendix B – Specifications 28
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual5Chapter 1 - IntroductionThank you for purchasing the PCI Wireless Network Card. This high-speed PCIWireless Network Card provides you with an innovative wireless networkingsolution. The Card is easy to set up and use. With this innovative wirelesstechnology, you can share files and printers on the network—without inconvenientwires!The Card is a network card with a rate of 1, 2, 5.5, and 11 Mbps operating in theISM band using Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) transmissionimplementing the IEEE 802.11b standard. This card provides Device Drivers forWindows 98, Windows 2000 and Windows ME. It also provides tools for theconfiguration of the card. The tool, as well as the installation steps of the plug-and-play procedure for the Microsoft Windows 98, Windows ME and Windows2000 operating systems, is described in this document.FeaturesThe PCI Wireless Network Card offers compliance with the IEEE 802.11bspecification. This feature allows them to communicate with other wirelessdevices that support the standard. Features of the card are: Uses 2.4GHz frequency band, which complies with worldwiderequirement Wireless interface following the IEEE 802.11b standard Using PCI interface Enciphering/deciphering of wireless data by the implementation of theWEP algorithm Wire-free access to networked resources from anywhere beyond thedesktop Allows users move between Access Points without resetting theirconnection reconfiguration Delivers data rate up to 11 Mbps Supports 11, 5.5, 2, and 1 Mbps rates Provide PCI Wireless Network Card Configuration utility The Card uses external Antenna with LEDs indicating Power and Link Supports most popular operating systems: Window 98/2000 &Windows ME
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual6What is Wireless LAN?Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) systems offer a great number ofadvantages over traditional wired systems. WLAN is flexible and easy to setupand manage. They are also more economical than wired LAN systems.Using radio frequency (RF) technology, WLAN transmit and receive datathrough the air. WLAN combine data connectivity with user mobility. For example,users can roam from a conference room to their office without beingdisconnected from the LAN.Using WLAN, users can conveniently access-shared information, and networkadministrators can configure and augment networks without installing or movingnetwork cables.WLAN technology provides users with many convenient and cost savingfeatures:• Mobility: WLAN provide LAN users with access to real-time informationanywhere in their organization, providing service opportunities that areimpossible with wired networks.• Ease of Installation: Installing is easy for novice and expert users alike,eliminating the need to install network cables in walls and ceilings.• Scalability: WLAN can be configured in a variety of topologies to adapt tospecific applications and installations. Configurations are easily changedand range from peer-to-peer networks suitable for a small number of usersto full infrastructure networks of thousands of users roaming over a broadarea.Wireless LAN ModesWireless LANs can be configured in one of two ways:Ad-hocNetworking Also known as a peer-to-peer network, an ad-hocnetwork is one that allows all workstations andcomputers in the network to act as servers to all otherusers on the network. Users on the network can sharefiles, print to a shared printer, and access the Internetwith a shared modem. However, with ad-hocnetworking, users can only communicate with otherwireless LAN computers that are in the wireless LANworkgroup, and are within range.InfrastructureNetworking Infrastructure networking differs from ad-hoc networkingin that it includes an access point. Unlike the ad-hocstructure where users on the LAN contend the sharedbandwidth, on an infrastructure network the access
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual7point can manage the bandwidth to maximizebandwidth utilization.Additionally, the access point enables users on awireless LAN to access an existing wired network,allowing wireless users to take advantage of the wirednetworks resources, such as Internet, email, filetransfer, and printer sharing.Infrastructure networking has the following advantagesover ad-hoc networking:• Extended range: each wireless LAN computerwithin the range of the access point cancommunicate with other wireless LAN computerswithin range of the access point.• Roaming: the access point enables a wireless LANcomputer to move through a building and still beconnected to the LAN.• Wired to wireless LAN connectivity: the accesspoint bridges the gap between wireless LANs andtheir wired counterparts.Notes on Wireless LAN ConfigurationWhen configuring a wireless LAN (WLAN), be sure to note the following points:• Optimize the performance of the WLAN by ensuring that the distancebetween access points is not too far. In most buildings, WLAN cardsoperate within a range of 100 ~ 300 feet, depending on the thickness andstructure of the walls.• Radio waves can pass through walls and glass but not metal. If there isinterference in transmitting through a wall, it may be that the wall hasreinforcing metal in its structure. Install another access point to circumventthis problem.• Floors usually have metal girders and metal reinforcing struts that interferewith WLAN transmission.This concludes the first chapter. The next chapter deals with the hardwareinstallation of the Adapter.
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual8Chapter 2 - Installation and Configurationof The PCI Adapter for WindowsUse the procedures described in this chapter to install and configure the PCIWireless Network Adapter under Windows 98, Millennium, and 2000.Throughout this chapter it is assumed that you have a basic working knowledgeof Windows and of how to install new network cards on them.What You Will NeedDuring the installation, you may be prompted to load operating system files fromthe Windows installation disc. Please have this disc handy.You will also need the Setup Utility CD provided with your package.This Wireless PCI adapter Setup Utility will guide you through the Install andUninstall Procedure for Windows 98, 2000, and ME.Note: You must install this software before installation of the hardware.Software and Driver Installation1. Insert the Setup Utility CD into your CD-ROM Drive. The Setup Utility should runautomatically and the screen shown below should appear. If it does not, click the Startbutton and choose Run. In the box that appears, enter D:/setup.exe (where “D” is theletter of your CD-ROM drive). To install your Wireless PCI Card, click on the Installtab.
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual92. Once you see the following screen, click Next to continue.3. After reading to the Warranty Policy, click Yes if you agree, or No to end the installation.
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual104. The InstallShield Wizard will automatically choose a folder where Setup will install files.Click Next.5. The InstallShield Wizard will ask you to choose a wireless mode. Choose the mode thatapplies to your network. Ad-Hoc Mode is used for simple peer-to-peer networking orsharing of local resources between wireless Networked PCs, and Infrastructure Modeallows a wireless network to be integrated into an existing, wired network through anaccess point, permitting roaming between access points while maintaining a connectionto all network resources. Click Next.
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual116. If you chose Infrastructure Mode, go on to step 7 now. If you chose Ad-Hoc Mode,choose the correct operation channel that applies to your network. The channel youchoose should be set as the same as the other points in your wireless network. ClickNext.7. Enter in the name of your SSID for your Ad-Hoc or Infrastructure setting. The SSIDmust be identical for all points in the network. To join any available SSID, type in thedefault setting Linksys. Click Next..
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual128. The Wizard will ask you to review your settings before starting to copy files. Select Backto review or change any settings, or select Next if you are satisfied with your settings.9. The InstallShield Wizard will begin copying the files. The bar in the middle of thescreen below shows the percentage of files copied.
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual1310. Once the Wireless PCI adapter configuration Utility has been successfully installed, theWizard will ask you to restart your computer. Select Yes, I want to restart mycomputer now., then click Finish to restart. You will now have completed the installation of your Wireless PCI Network CardConfiguration Utility.
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual14Uninstall Procedures1. To uninstall the device driver and the Configuration Utility of the Wireless PCI Card,select the Uninstall tab in the Setup Utility.2. A window will appear asking you to confirm uninstallation. Click OK to confirm.3. Any shared files that may no longer be needed by any application will be detected. ClickYes to delete these files.
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual154. The InstallShield Wizard will tell you that uninstallation has been completed. ClickFinish to get out of the InstallShield Wizard.The Wireless PCI Card device driver, application, and its components have all beenuninstalled.
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual16Chapter 3 - Hardware InstallationThis chapter covers connecting your PCI Wireless Network Card to PCI slot ofdesktop PC.Package ContentsPlease make sure that items below are included on package. One PCI Wireless Network Card One Driver / Utility CD-ROM (this use’s manual included) One Quick Installation Guide System Requirements for the Card Operating System: MS Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows ME Desktop PC with CD-ROM drive One free PCI slot Pentium-Class 90MHz or higherInstall the PCI CardNOTE: These instructions apply to most desktop/notebook computers. For detailedinformation on inserting PCI card into your desktop PC, consult the desktop PC User’sManual. The outlook of PCI wireless Network CardPCI Interfacegolden fingersSMA ConnectorLEDs
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual171. Turn off the computer‚ unplug the power cord and remove the computer’scover.2. Pick a free PCI expansion slot and remover the protective bracket.3. Insert the card into the slot until it is fully seated.4. Secure the adapter bracket with the screw.5. Replace the computer’s cover.6. Reconnect the power cord and turn on the computer. LED Indicators Sideview of PCI card from bracket.The following table describes the meaning of LED indicators:LED MEANINGPOWER Indicates that the Adapter is powered on when the LEDlights up.LINK Indicates link status. The LED lights up while the wirelessconnection is linked. If the light is blinking, it means there isdata sending or receiving via wireless. LINK POWERSMA Connector
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual18Connecting External Antenna to the CardAfter installing the card on computer, connect external Antenna to the card from the SMAconnectorSMA Connector
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual19Chapter 4 – Installing Network ProtocolsProtocols are necessary for computers to be recognized on your network. Windows 2000users need to check their Windows User Guides for protocol installation.Installing the Network Protocols for Windows 98 and Millennium1. From the Start Menu, select Settings and bring up the Control Panel. From the ControlPanel, double-click on the Network icon.Note: Before adding any network protocols, verify that the protocol is notalready installed. Never install duplicate protocols.
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual202. Select Wireless LAN PCI Card from the list and click the Add button.3. Highlight Protocol and click the Add button.
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual214. Select Microsoft from the list of “Manufacturers” and TCP/IP from the list of“Network” Protocols” and click the OK button.
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual22 Chapter 5 – Configuring the Wireless PCICard1. After installing the PCI adapter, the Wireless PCI Card Configuration Utility icon willappear on your system tray. Double-click on the icon of the green monitor in the diagrambelow.and the following screen will appear:This screen shows you the status of your current connection. Click OK to close theConfiguration Utility.
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual232. Select the Configuration tab. Under the Wireless Mode dropbox, you may chooseeither Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc. The Infrastructure mode allows a wireless adapter tocommunicate with a wired network employing an Access Point, while the Ad-Hoc modeallows wireless-to-wireless, peer-to-peer communication. If you choose Infrastructure,the SSID should have the same name as the Access Point. If you choose Ad-Hoc, allclients should share the same SSID name. You may also select which Transfer Rate youwish to use: 1, 2, 5.5, 11Mbps or Auto Rate. Under Power Saving Mode, selectDisabled for uninterrupted data communication, or Enabled to allow your Wireless USBNetwork Adapter to enter “sleep” mode. Click Apply to save the settings.
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual243. Select the Site Survey tab. The list on the adjacent screen shows you available AccessPoints and their features. Click on the desired Access Point, then click Connect toconnect or Rescan to search for more Access Points. Click OK when you are finished.4. Click on the Encryption tab. Under the drop-box, you can choose to have WEPencryption Disabled, 64-Bit, or 128-Bit. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is anencryption scheme used to protect wireless data communication. The Disabled settingprevents the sharing of data with other computers on the WEP network. For data sharingto be enabled, select the level of encryption desired, either 64 or 128-bit.
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual255. Select the “Advanced” tab. You can choose the fragmentation threshold to define themaximum data frame size your adapter will transmit. When the packet error rate is high,you may set the threshold value to transmit shorter frames. You may select RTS/CTSthreshold to define when will your adapter send out RTS/CTS frames to reservebandwidth for transmission. By using the RTS/CTS function, you may requestbandwidth from AP to allow you have better chance to send out your data. For theSecurity, it’s only applicable while WEP is enabled. You can choose the DenyUnencrypted Data Frames to deny to receive unencrypted data frames to prevent fromunknown intruders probe your station. For the Authentication Type, the currentsupported algorithms are Open System, and Shared Key. The algorithm will be invokedwhen associated to Access Point. To associate to the desired Access Point you must setthe same algorithm as the one of the desired Access Point. You can also select PreambleType which is for framing synchronization. The possible setting are long and Short. Thesetting must be the same as the setting of the Access Point you are going to associate.
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual266. The About tab shows you copyright and version information about the driver, theconfiguration utility, and the firmware. Click OK to complete the configuration.
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual27Appendix A – FAQ1. What is IEEE 802.11 standard? The IEEE 802.11 is a wireless LAN industry standard, and the objectiveof IEEE 802.11 is to make sure that different manufactures’ wirelessLAN devices can communicate to each other.2. What is WEP? As described in the IEEE 802.11 standard, WEP (Wired EquivalentPrivacy) is a data privacy mechanism based on a 40 bit shared keyalgorithm.3. My desktop PC cannot recognize the PCI Wireless Network Card. Please make sure that the Card is inserted into the PCI slot of yourdesktop PC properly. And also make sure that the PCI controller is enabled in the BIOS ofyour desktop PC.4. In Infrastructure mode, my desktop PC cannot communicate with theothers PCs on the network. First, make sure that the SSID is same as the others PC. Check that your Adapter is configured on the same channel & WEP asthe others PCs on the network.
PCI Wireless Network Card User’s Manual28Appendix B – SpecificationsStandards: IEEE 802.11bPCI InterfaceChannels: 11 Channels (US, Canada)13 Channels (Europe)14 Channels (Japan)Antenna: Dipole Antenna with revised SMA ConnectorFrequency: 2.4 to 2.4835GHz (Industrial Scientific Medical Band)Data Rate: up to 11MbpsOperating Ranges: Indoor:Up to 50M @ 11MbpsUp to 80M @ 5.5MbpsOutdoor:Up to 150M @ 11MbpsUp to 300M @ 5.5Mbps

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