Cisco Linksys WMP11 Wireless LAN Card User Manual MW251 Manua
Cisco-Linksys, LLC Wireless LAN Card MW251 Manua
Manual
PCI Wireless Network
Card
User’s Manual
Rev 1.0
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Regulatory compliance
FCC Warning
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference 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 the
receiver 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 party
responsible for compliance could void your authority to operate the equipment.
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment.
This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm
between the radiator & your body.
CE Mark Warning
This is a Class B product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio
interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
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About this manual
This User’s Manual describes how to install and operate your PCI Wireless
Network 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
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Table of Contents
Regulatory compliance
About this manual
Chapter 1- Introduction 5
Features 5
What is Wireless LAN? 6
Wireless LAN Modes 6
Notes on Wireless LAN Configuration 7
Chapter 2 - Installation and Configuration of the PCI
adapter for Windows 8
What You Will Need 8
Software and Driver Installation 8
Uninstall Procedures 14
Chapter 3 – Hardware Installation 16
Package Contents 16
System Requirements for the Card 16
Install the PCI Card 16
LEDs Indicators 17
Connecting External Antenna to the card 18
Chapter 4 – Installing Network Protocols 19
Installing the Network Protocols for Windows 98 and Millennium
Chapter 5 – Configuring the Wireless PCI Card 22
Appendix A – FAQ 27
Appendix B – Specifications 28
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Chapter 1 - Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the PCI Wireless Network Card. This high-speed PCI
Wireless Network Card provides you with an innovative wireless networking
solution. The Card is easy to set up and use. With this innovative wireless
technology, you can share files and printers on the network—without inconvenient
wires!
The Card is a network card with a rate of 1, 2, 5.5, and 11 Mbps operating in the
ISM band using Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) transmission
implementing the IEEE 802.11b standard. This card provides Device Drivers for
Windows 98, Windows 2000 and Windows ME. It also provides tools for the
configuration 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 Windows
2000 operating systems, is described in this document.
Features
The PCI Wireless Network Card offers compliance with the IEEE 802.11b
specification. This feature allows them to communicate with other wireless
devices that support the standard. Features of the card are:
Uses 2.4GHz frequency band, which complies with worldwide
requirement
Wireless interface following the IEEE 802.11b standard
Using PCI interface
Enciphering/deciphering of wireless data by the implementation of the
WEP algorithm
Wire-free access to networked resources from anywhere beyond the
desktop
Allows users move between Access Points without resetting their
connection 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
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What is Wireless LAN?
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) systems offer a great number of
advantages over traditional wired systems. WLAN is flexible and easy to setup
and manage. They are also more economical than wired LAN systems.
Using radio frequency (RF) technology, WLAN transmit and receive data
through the air. WLAN combine data connectivity with user mobility. For example,
users can roam from a conference room to their office without being
disconnected from the LAN.
Using WLAN, users can conveniently access-shared information, and network
administrators can configure and augment networks without installing or moving
network cables.
WLAN technology provides users with many convenient and cost saving
features:
• Mobility: WLAN provide LAN users with access to real-time information
anywhere in their organization, providing service opportunities that are
impossible 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 to
specific applications and installations. Configurations are easily changed
and range from peer-to-peer networks suitable for a small number of users
to full infrastructure networks of thousands of users roaming over a broad
area.
Wireless LAN Modes
Wireless LANs can be configured in one of two ways:
Ad-hoc
Networking Also known as a peer-to-peer network, an ad-hoc
network is one that allows all workstations and
computers in the network to act as servers to all other
users on the network. Users on the network can share
files, print to a shared printer, and access the Internet
with a shared modem. However, with ad-hoc
networking, users can only communicate with other
wireless LAN computers that are in the wireless LAN
workgroup, and are within range.
Infrastructure
Networking Infrastructure networking differs from ad-hoc networking
in that it includes an access point. Unlike the ad-hoc
structure where users on the LAN contend the shared
bandwidth, on an infrastructure network the access
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point can manage the bandwidth to maximize
bandwidth utilization.
Additionally, the access point enables users on a
wireless LAN to access an existing wired network,
allowing wireless users to take advantage of the wired
networks resources, such as Internet, email, file
transfer, and printer sharing.
Infrastructure networking has the following advantages
over ad-hoc networking:
• Extended range: each wireless LAN computer
within the range of the access point can
communicate with other wireless LAN computers
within range of the access point.
• Roaming: the access point enables a wireless LAN
computer to move through a building and still be
connected to the LAN.
• Wired to wireless LAN connectivity: the access
point bridges the gap between wireless LANs and
their wired counterparts.
Notes on Wireless LAN Configuration
When configuring a wireless LAN (WLAN), be sure to note the following points:
• Optimize the performance of the WLAN by ensuring that the distance
between access points is not too far. In most buildings, WLAN cards
operate within a range of 100 ~ 300 feet, depending on the thickness and
structure of the walls.
• Radio waves can pass through walls and glass but not metal. If there is
interference in transmitting through a wall, it may be that the wall has
reinforcing metal in its structure. Install another access point to circumvent
this problem.
• Floors usually have metal girders and metal reinforcing struts that interfere
with WLAN transmission.
This concludes the first chapter. The next chapter deals with the hardware
installation of the Adapter.
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Chapter 2 - Installation and Configuration
of The PCI Adapter for Windows
Use the procedures described in this chapter to install and configure the PCI
Wireless Network Adapter under Windows 98, Millennium, and 2000.
Throughout this chapter it is assumed that you have a basic working knowledge
of Windows and of how to install new network cards on them.
What You Will Need
During the installation, you may be prompted to load operating system files from
the 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 and
Uninstall Procedure for Windows 98, 2000, and ME.
Note: You must install this software before installation of the hardware.
Software and Driver Installation
1. Insert the Setup Utility CD into your CD-ROM Drive. The Setup Utility should run
automatically and the screen shown below should appear. If it does not, click the Start
button and choose Run. In the box that appears, enter D:/setup.exe (where “D” is the
letter of your CD-ROM drive). To install your Wireless PCI Card, click on the Install
tab.
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2. 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.
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4. 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 that
applies to your network. Ad-Hoc Mode is used for simple peer-to-peer networking or
sharing of local resources between wireless Networked PCs, and Infrastructure Mode
allows a wireless network to be integrated into an existing, wired network through an
access point, permitting roaming between access points while maintaining a connection
to all network resources. Click Next.
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6. 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 you
choose should be set as the same as the other points in your wireless network. Click
Next.
7. Enter in the name of your SSID for your Ad-Hoc or Infrastructure setting. The SSID
must be identical for all points in the network. To join any available SSID, type in the
default setting Linksys. Click Next..
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8. The Wizard will ask you to review your settings before starting to copy files. Select Back
to 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 the
screen below shows the percentage of files copied.
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10. Once the Wireless PCI adapter configuration Utility has been successfully installed, the
Wizard will ask you to restart your computer. Select Yes, I want to restart my
computer now., then click Finish to restart.
You will now have completed the installation of your Wireless PCI Network Card
Configuration Utility.
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Uninstall Procedures
1. 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. Click
Yes to delete these files.
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4. The InstallShield Wizard will tell you that uninstallation has been completed. Click
Finish to get out of the InstallShield Wizard.
The Wireless PCI Card device driver, application, and its components have all been
uninstalled.
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Chapter 3 - Hardware Installation
This chapter covers connecting your PCI Wireless Network Card to PCI slot of
desktop PC.
Package Contents
Please 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 higher
Install the PCI Card
NOTE: These instructions apply to most desktop/notebook computers. For detailed
information on inserting PCI card into your desktop PC, consult the desktop PC User’s
Manual.
The outlook of PCI wireless Network Card
PCI Interface
golden fingers
SMA Connector
LEDs
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1. Turn off the computer‚ unplug the power cord and remove the computer’s
cover.
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 MEANING
POWER Indicates that the Adapter is powered on when the LED
lights up.
LINK Indicates link status. The LED lights up while the wireless
connection is linked. If the light is blinking, it means there is
data sending or receiving via wireless.
LINK POWER
SMA Connector
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Connecting External Antenna to the Card
After installing the card on computer, connect external Antenna to the card from the SMA
connector
SMA Connector
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Chapter 4 – Installing Network Protocols
Protocols are necessary for computers to be recognized on your network. Windows 2000
users need to check their Windows User Guides for protocol installation.
Installing the Network Protocols for Windows 98 and Millennium
1. From the Start Menu, select Settings and bring up the Control Panel. From the Control
Panel, double-click on the Network icon.
Note: Before adding any network protocols, verify that the protocol is not
already installed. Never install duplicate protocols.
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2. Select Wireless LAN PCI Card from the list and click the Add button.
3. Highlight Protocol and click the Add button.
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4. Select Microsoft from the list of “Manufacturers” and TCP/IP from the list of
“Network” Protocols” and click the OK button.
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Chapter 5 – Configuring the Wireless PCI
Card
1. After installing the PCI adapter, the Wireless PCI Card Configuration Utility icon will
appear on your system tray. Double-click on the icon of the green monitor in the diagram
below.
and the following screen will appear:
This screen shows you the status of your current connection. Click OK to close the
Configuration Utility.
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2. Select the Configuration tab. Under the Wireless Mode dropbox, you may choose
either Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc. The Infrastructure mode allows a wireless adapter to
communicate with a wired network employing an Access Point, while the Ad-Hoc mode
allows 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, all
clients should share the same SSID name. You may also select which Transfer Rate you
wish to use: 1, 2, 5.5, 11Mbps or Auto Rate. Under Power Saving Mode, select
Disabled for uninterrupted data communication, or Enabled to allow your Wireless USB
Network Adapter to enter “sleep” mode. Click Apply to save the settings.
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3. Select the Site Survey tab. The list on the adjacent screen shows you available Access
Points and their features. Click on the desired Access Point, then click Connect to
connect 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 WEP
encryption Disabled, 64-Bit, or 128-Bit. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is an
encryption scheme used to protect wireless data communication. The Disabled setting
prevents the sharing of data with other computers on the WEP network. For data sharing
to be enabled, select the level of encryption desired, either 64 or 128-bit.
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5. Select the “Advanced” tab. You can choose the fragmentation threshold to define the
maximum 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/CTS
threshold to define when will your adapter send out RTS/CTS frames to reserve
bandwidth for transmission. By using the RTS/CTS function, you may request
bandwidth from AP to allow you have better chance to send out your data. For the
Security, it’s only applicable while WEP is enabled. You can choose the Deny
Unencrypted Data Frames to deny to receive unencrypted data frames to prevent from
unknown intruders probe your station. For the Authentication Type, the current
supported algorithms are Open System, and Shared Key. The algorithm will be invoked
when associated to Access Point. To associate to the desired Access Point you must set
the same algorithm as the one of the desired Access Point. You can also select Preamble
Type which is for framing synchronization. The possible setting are long and Short. The
setting must be the same as the setting of the Access Point you are going to associate.
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6. The About tab shows you copyright and version information about the driver, the
configuration utility, and the firmware. Click OK to complete the configuration.
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Appendix A – FAQ
1. What is IEEE 802.11 standard?
The IEEE 802.11 is a wireless LAN industry standard, and the objective
of IEEE 802.11 is to make sure that different manufactures’ wireless
LAN devices can communicate to each other.
2. What is WEP?
As described in the IEEE 802.11 standard, WEP (Wired Equivalent
Privacy) is a data privacy mechanism based on a 40 bit shared key
algorithm.
3. My desktop PC cannot recognize the PCI Wireless Network Card.
Please make sure that the Card is inserted into the PCI slot of your
desktop PC properly.
And also make sure that the PCI controller is enabled in the BIOS of
your desktop PC.
4. In Infrastructure mode, my desktop PC cannot communicate with the
others 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 as
the others PCs on the network.
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Appendix B – Specifications
Standards: IEEE 802.11b
PCI Interface
Channels: 11 Channels (US, Canada)
13 Channels (Europe)
14 Channels (Japan)
Antenna: Dipole Antenna with revised SMA Connector
Frequency: 2.4 to 2.4835GHz (Industrial Scientific Medical Band)
Data Rate: up to 11Mbps
Operating Ranges: Indoor:
Up to 50M @ 11Mbps
Up to 80M @ 5.5Mbps
Outdoor:
Up to 150M @ 11Mbps
Up to 300M @ 5.5Mbps