Mitac Digital Technology LBP01 WLAN PCMCIA Card User Manual Revised Users Manual

Mitac International Corporation WLAN PCMCIA Card Revised Users Manual

Contents

Revised Users Manual

LBP01User’s Manual(December 2001)
TRADEMARKSAll brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of theirrespective companies.NOTEInformation in this manual is subject to change without notice.
i0 Table of ContentsRegulations Information..........................................................iiSafety Precautions..................................................................ii1 Introduction ..........................................................................11.1 Product Description................................................................. 11.2 Product View........................................................................... 22 Setting Up .............................................................................32.1 System Requirements............................................................. 32.2 Installing the Driver and Utility................................................. 3For Windows 98/Me/2000 ...................................................... 3For Windows CE.................................................................... 62.3 Inserting the WLAN PC Card...................................................62.4 Removing the WLAN PC Card ................................................ 73 Using Configuration & Monitor Application Utility............83.1 For Windows 98/Me/2000 ....................................................... 83.2 For Windows CE ................................................................... 15A Appendix.............................................................................19A.1 Specifications........................................................................ 20A.2 Uninstalling the Utility and Driver........................................... 20Configuration & Monitor Application Utility ........................... 20WLAN PC Card.................................................................... 20
iiRegulations InformationFederal Communications Commission Interference StatementThis equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital devicepursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protectionagainst harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and canradiate 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 thatinterference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmfulinterference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipmentoff and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the followingmeasures: 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 isconnected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.FCC Caution:To ensure continued compliance, use only shielded interface cables when connecting to computeror peripheral devices. Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the partyresponsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following twoconditions:1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may causeundesired operation.Important Note:FCC Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolledenvironment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other antenna ortransmitter.
iiiSafety Precautions Be sure to read and follow all warning notices and instructions. In order to extend the life of the device it is advised to store it in a protectivecasing whenever carrying the computing device on travel and not operatingthe device. Never use abrasive materials or rinse the device with liquids. At all times, it will be the responsibility of the end-user to ensure that anoutdoor antenna installation complies with local radio regulations. Do not service the product by yourself. Refer all servicing to qualifiedservice personnel. In order to limit Radio Frequency (RF) exposure, the following rules shouldbe applied:– Install the antenna in a location where a distance of 20 cm from theantenna may be maintained.– While installing the antenna in the location, please do not turn onpower of the device.– While the device is working (transmitting or receiving), please do nottouch or move the antenna.– Do not operate a portable transmitter near unshielded blasting caps orin an explosive environment unless it is a type especially qualified forsuch use.
11  IntroductionThis chapter introduces the features and functions of the product.1.1 Product DescriptionCongratulations on purchasing this PCMCIA Wireless Local Area Network(WLAN) Card.Your WLAN PC Card’s 11 Mbps data rate provides an equivalent Ethernetspeed to access corporate networks or the Internet in a wireless environment.When installed, the WLAN PC Card is able to communicate with any802.11b-compliant product, allowing you to work anywhere in the coveragearea, enjoying its convenience and mobility.Your PC Card features: IEEE 802.11b and Wi-Fi-compliant 11 Mbps WLAN access solution Seamless wireless roaming Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) standard Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) 128-bit data encryption Frequency range at 2.4 GHz ISM band Automatic data rate selection at 11 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps, and 1 Mbps PCMCIA Type II Plug-and-Play High sensitivity and output power
2Typical applications include: IEEE 802.11b-compliant WLAN radio Portable PC wireless modem Point-to-Point data Wireless home networking Small Office Home Office (SOHO) wireless application1.2 Product ViewRef Component DescriptionPower andTransmit/ReceiveIndicatorGlows red when the WLAN PC Card is inserted into aPCMCIA slot and is deriving power from it.Glows green when the WLAN PC Card is sensing/transmitting wireless data.IntegratedAntenna Allows the WLAN PC Card to receive and transmitwireless data.
32  Setting UpThis chapter tells you how to setup the device for use.2.1 System RequirementsTo use the device, you need: Operating system: Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000,Windows CE Available PCMCIA slot on your computing device Driver CD Windows installation disks (in case you are prompted for the operatingsystem files)2.2 Installing the Driver and UtilityCAUTION: Do not insert your WLAN PC Card into the PCMCIA slot at this stage until youare required to do so.For Windows 98/Me/2000NOTE: When using Windows 2000 and before proceeding, make sure you have logged onas “Administrator.”1. Insert the driver CD into the CD-ROM drive and double-click the fileSETUP.EXE under the Win98_Me_2000 directory.2. Follow the onscreen instructions to continue.
43. When the next screen appears, select the first option “Application &PCMCIA Drivers” to install the utility (Configuration and MonitorApplication) and the WLAN PC Card driver.NOTE: If the WLAN PC Card driver have been previously installed and have not beenuninstalled prior to this latest installation, the new driver will overwrite the old one withoutprompting you.4. After you have confirmed the driver’s “Destination Location” as well as the“Program Folders,” choose the mode of operation whether Ad-Hoc orInfrastructure on the Operating Mode Dialog window.
5 Ad-Hoc ModeIn Ad-Hoc mode the wireless stations can communicate directly witheach other.When selecting the Ad-Hoc mode you need to specify the ESSID andthe Channel parameters.– ESSID: All stations participating in the Ad-Hoc network shouldhave the same ESSID.– Channel: Select the 14 channels available for use. Infrastructure ModeIn Infrastructure mode the use of an Access Point (AP) is necessary forwireless stations to communicate with each other.When selecting the Infrastructure mode you need to specify the ESSID.– ESSID: Specify the ESSID of the AP to which the wireless stationwill be associated with.NOTE: You can still change the Operating Mode afterwards using the Configuration &Monitor Application utility.
65. After you have made your selection, click Next and a window listing yourinstallation setting appears. If the settings are correct, click Next tocontinue. In case you made a mistake, click Back to make the correction andfollow the onscreen instructions to exit the installation.NOTE: For Windows 2000, select Yes when the “Digital Signature Not Found” windowappears.6. Re-boot your system after completing the installation.For Windows CE1. Insert the driver CD into the CD-ROM drive and double-click the fileSETUP.EXE under the WinCE directory.2. Follow the onscreen instructions to continue.3. Re-boot your system after completing the installation.2.3 Inserting the WLAN PC CardNOTE: Make sure that the WLAN PC Card’s driver as well as the Configuration & MonitorApplication utility has been properly installed (see previous section).1. Find an available Type II PCMCIA slot in your computing device2. With the WLAN PC Card adapter’s 68-pin connector facing the PCMCIAslot, slide the card completely into the slot (refer to your system manual forthe correct orientation).NOTE: If you have never installed the driver of the PCMCIA slot of your system, thenWindows® would automatically detect the new hardware and may prompt you to install it.Have the Windows installation CD ready (in case you are prompted for it) and follow theonscreen instructions to install the driver.
72.4 Removing the WLAN PC CardThe PCMCIA slot permits “hot swapping” of PC Card, allowing you to insert orremove the WLAN PC Card from the slot whenever you like, even when thepower to your computer is on. However, you are advised to always disable theWLAN PC Card prior to removing it from the PCMCIA slot. This allows theWindows® operating system to log off from the network server, disable thedriver properly through the Control Panel, and disconnect power to thePCMCIA slot.
83  Using the Configuration &Monitor Application UtilityIn special circumstances, you may need to change configuration settingsdepending on how you would like to manage your wireless network. TheConfiguration & Monitor Application utility enables you to make configurationchanges and perform user-level diagnostics on your WLAN PC Card as well asmonitor the status of communication.3.1 For Windows 98/Me/20001. Make sure that the Configuration & Monitor Application utility has beeninstalled properly (see Chapter 2).2. As soon as a link is established, the Configuration & Monitor Applicationutility appears as an icon on the Windows’ system tray. Double-click on thisicon.NOTES: When the station is in Infrastructure mode and not associated with an AP, color of theicon is red. When the station is in Infrastructure mode and associated with an AP, color of icon isblue. When the station is in Ad-Hoc mode, color of icon is always blue. When the station is in Ad-Hoc mode and the WLAN PC Card is resetting andinitializing, color of icon is red.3. When the Configuration & Monitor Application utility appears onscreen,make sure that “PCMCIA Card” is selected on the very top of the window.
9MonitorThe following configuration parameters are shown: Operating ModeAllows you to choose between Ad-Hoc or Infrastructure mode. In Ad-Hocmode the wireless stations can communicate directly with each other. InInfrastructure mode the use of an Access Point (AP) is necessary forwireless stations to communicate with each other. ChannelThis item is available only if Ad-Hoc mode was selected in the previousfield. Select the 14 channels available for use.
10 SSIDWhen using the wireless station in an Ad-Hoc mode then all participatingstations should have the same SSID. When using the wireless station in anInfrastructure mode the SSID must be the same as the SSID of the AP it isassociated with. TxRateAllows you to specify the transmission rate or choose Auto. Power Mgmt ModeAllows you to enable or disable power management. MAC AddressOn a Local Area Network (LAN) or other network, the MAC (MediaAccess Control) address is your computer’s unique hardware number. Onan Ethernet LAN, it is the same as your Ethernet address.The communication status is also shown (BSSID of the AP to which the WLANPC Card is associated, Signal Strength, and Link Quality). To change theconfiguration parameters press Change, make your changes then click Submitto save your changes.
11StatisticsThe Statistics utility allows you to view the statistic (Packets) information(Data Packets, Mgmt Packets, and Rejected Packets). To renew or update thelist of statistics, press Clear.
12Site SurveyThe Site Survey utility allows you to scan all the channels to locate all the APs(Access Points) within range of your WLAN PC Card. When an/various AP(s)are located, information regarding the BSSID and SSID, signal strength andchannel where the AP operates, whether or not WEP encryption is used, and theoperating mode is shown. Click Re-Scan to update the list.To associate with any of the APs listed, double-click on your choice (on theBSSID field) and the utility will take you back to the Monitor utility showingyou the parameters of the newly established connection.
13EncryptionThe Encryption utility allows you to set four different WEP keys and specifywhich one to use. To set encryption:1. Choose Enabled on the Encryption window.2. Select any of the available WEP keys (Key #1 to #4) on the WEP Key touse window. The WEP keys must be in HEX (hexadecimal) format.3. Select the WEP Mode (Mandatory or Optional). If Mandatory is selected, then not only must you use WEP encryptionbut also any other station you are communicating with must also useWEP encryption for a link to be established. This requirement is part ofthe IEEE 802.11b standard.
14 If Optional is selected, then your station can communicate with everyother station regardless if they use WEP encryption or not.4. Select the Authentication Type (Open System or Shared Key).5. Press Submit for any changes to take effect.Advanced
15The Advanced utility allows you change the following advanced configurationsettings: Preamble TypeBefore selecting Short, make sure that the other station(s) and AP supportsthis feature. The WLAN PC Card has an auto-detect feature that allows it toselect the Preamble Type depending on the Preamble Type of the AP it isassociated with. Fragmentation ThresholdRTS/CTS ThresholdAllows you to set the Fragmentation Threshold (threshold for the activationof the fragmentation mechanism) as well as the RTS Threshold (thresholdfor the activation of the RTS/CTS mechanism). Transmitter contending forthe medium may not hear each other. RTS/CTS mechanism can solve this“Hidden Node Problem.” If the packet size is smaller than the preset RTSThreshold size, the RTS/CTS mechanism will not be enabled. To enableFragmentation and RTS/CTS Threshold, move the slide bar with yourmouse and then use the right and left arrow keyboard keys to select an exactnumber. The figure shows the recommended configuration setting.3.2 For Windows CE1. Make sure that the Configuration & Monitor Application utility has beeninstalled properly (see Chapter 2).2. Start the Configuration & Monitor Application utility on your portablecomputing device. The following screen appears. Click Change to edit anyof the values except MAC Address.
16Operating ModeAllows you to choose between Ad-Hoc or Infrastructure mode. In Ad-Hoc modethe wireless stations can communicate directly with each other. InInfrastructure mode the use of an Access Point (AP) is necessary for wirelessstations to communicate with each other.ChannelThis item is available only if Ad-Hoc mode was selected in the previous field.Select the 14 channels available for use.SSIDWhen using the wireless station in an Ad-Hoc mode then all participatingstations should have the same SSID. When using the wireless station in anInfrastructure mode the SSID must be the same as the SSID of the AP it isassociated with.
17MAC AddressOn a Local Area Network (LAN) or other network, the MAC (Media AccessControl) address is your computer’s unique hardware number. On an EthernetLAN, it is the same as your Ethernet address.Upon clicking Advance, the following screen appears:WEP TypeAllows you to choose between 64 Bit and 128 Bit, or disable WEP encryption.Key #1 ~ #4Select any of the available WEP keys (Key #1 to #4). When 64 Bit WEP Typewas selected in the previous item then the WEP keys must be in decimal format.When 128 Bit WEP Type was selected then the WEP keys must be in HEX(hexadecimal) format.TX RateAllows you to specify the transmission rate or choose Auto.
18Power ManagerAllows you to enable or disable power management.Fragmentation ThreshRTS/CTS ThreshAllows you to set the Fragmentation Threshold (threshold for the activation ofthe fragmentation mechanism) as well as the RTS Threshold (threshold for theactivation of the RTS/CTS mechanism). Transmitter contending for the mediummay not hear each other. RTS/CTS mechanism can solve this “Hidden NodeProblem.” If the packet size is smaller than the preset RTS Threshold size, theRTS/CTS mechanism will not be enabled.Preamble TypeBefore selecting Short, make sure that the other station(s) and AP supports thisfeature. The WLAN PC Card has an auto-detect feature that allows it to selectthe Preamble Type depending on the Preamble Type of the AP it is associatedwith.After making the desired changes, click Submit to go back to the previousscreen.
19A AppendixA.1 SpecificationsNOTE: Specifications are subject to change without notice.Parts SpecificationsMAC (AT76C502A) Wireless interface compliant with IEEE 802.11b-standard,wireless LAN MAC unit with ARM7TDMI RISCprocessor, integrated 128-byte transmit and 128-bytereceive FIFOs, wireless MAC layer functionBaseband (RF3000) On-chip ADCs and DACs, RSSI, AGCBPSK/QPSK/CCK, supports antenna diversityEEPROM ATMEI 4K SPI serial EEPROM (AT25040)MemorySRAM Standard 128 K x 8 SRAMTransceiver (RF2948) 45 ~ 500 MHz IF Quad Demod, on-chip variable basebandfilters, quadrature modulator and upconverter, 2.7 ~ 3.6 Voperation, 2.4 GHz PA driverLAN/Mixer (RF2494) Single 2.7 ~ 3.6 V power supply, 2400 ~ 2500 MHzoperation, two gain settings: 28 dB or 12 dB, 4.5 dBcascaded NF, high gain modeInterface PCMCIA Type II interfacesupply voltage (Vcc): +3.3 VDC, +5VDCDimension (W×H×D) 54×5×90 mmWeight Less than 30 gEnvironment temperature Operating: 0°C (32°F) to 55°C (131°F)Regulation FCC, CE, ULOS support Windows 98/Me/2000/CE
20A.2 Uninstalling the Utility and DriverConfiguration & Monitor Application UtilityFor Windows 98/Me/20001. Exit the Configuration & Monitor Application utility if it is currently active.2. Select the “PC Card (PCMCIA)” icon by clicking on Start, then Settings,then Control Panel and stop the WLAN PC Card.3. Select the “Uninstall Configuration & Monitor Application” option byclicking on Start, then Programs, then 802.11 Wireless LAN.NOTE: If during the uninstall process you receive an error message, insert the driver CDand try to uninstall again.For Windows CEUninstall the Configuration & Monitor Application utility as you wouldnormally remove any other application or program on your portable computingdevice.WLAN PC CardFor Windows 98/Me –1. Select the “Network” icon by clicking on Start, then Settings, then ControlPanel.2. Select the “WLAN PC Card” from the list and click on Remove.3. When the system prompts you to re-boot, select “Yes.”For Windows 2000 –1. Make sure that the WLAN PC Card is plugged into the PCMCIA slot.
212. Select the WLAN PC Card under Device Manager.3. Click on Uninstall.

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