National Datacomm 0610S11 A 2 MBPS WIRELESS LAN PC CARD User Manual 108165

National Datacomm Corporation A 2 MBPS WIRELESS LAN PC CARD 108165

user manual

2Mbps Wireless LANUser’s GuideP/N: 85-506300-00Rev. A1March 2000National Datacomm Corporation4F, No. 24-2, Industry East 4th roadScience Park, Hsin-ChuTaiwan, R.O.C.Technical SupportE-mail: techsupt@ndc.com.twNDC World Wide Webwww.ndc.com.twPCI/PC Card
ii InstantWave PCI/PC CardTRADEMARKSNDC and InstantWave are trademarks of NDC Communications, Inc. All othernames mentioned in this document are trademarks/registered trademarks of theirrespective owners.NDC provides this document “as is,” without warranty of any kind, neitherexpressed nor implied, including, but not limited to, the particular purpose. NDCmay make improvements and/or changes in this manual or in the product(s) and/orthe program(s) described in this manual at any time. This document could includetechnical inaccuracies or typographical errors.FCC 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 residentialinstallation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequencyenergy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may causeharmful interference 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:Ÿ Reorient or relocate the receiving antennaŸ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiverŸ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to whichthe receiver is connectedŸ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for helpYou are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by theparty responsible for compliance could void your authority to operate theequipment.This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to thefollowing two conditions:1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference thatmay cause undesired operation
InstantWave PCI/PC Card iiiPacking ListThe package contents vary depending on whether you have purchased the PnP PCICard, or the PC Card version:The PCI Card package should contain the following items:• One PCI Card• One Antenna• One CD ROM (Windows Driver and Utility program)• One Diskette for Windows NT• This User’s Guide The PC Card package should contain the following items:• One PC Card• One CD ROM (Windows Driver and Utility program)• One Diskette for Windows NT• This User’s Guide
iv InstantWave PCI/PC CardTable Of ContentsINTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................1INSTANTWAVE FAMILY................................................................................................... 1SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS.................................................................................................. 1Hardware Platform...................................................................................................... 1Software Environment ................................................................................................ 1GLOSSARY..........................................................................................................................2GETTING STARTED.......................................................................................................5HARDWARE INSTALLATION............................................................................................. 5PCI Card Installation ................................................................................................. 5PC Card Installation................................................................................................... 6LEDS................................................................................................................................... 6DRIVER INSTALLATION/UNINSTALLATION................................................................... 7Installation in Windows 95 ........................................................................................ 7Uninstalling the Adapter from Windows 95.......................................................... 11Installation in Windows 98 ...................................................................................... 12Uninstalling the Adapter from Windows 98.......................................................... 13Installation in Windows NT 4.0 ............................................................................... 14Uninstalling the Adapter from Windows NT 4.0 .................................................. 16THE INSTANTWAVE WINDOWS UTILITY PROGRAM...............................17INSTANTWAVE UTILITY INSTALLATION ..................................................................... 17USING THE INSTANTWAVE UTILITY PROGRAM ......................................................... 18Adapter Properties .................................................................................................... 20Network Watcher (Infrastructure).......................................................................... 23Network Watcher (Ad-Hoc) ..................................................................................... 23Signal Quality Indicator........................................................................................... 24Throughput Monitor.................................................................................................. 24UNINSTALLING THE UTILITY PROGRAM...................................................................... 24SOFTWARE UPGRADE PROCEDURES...............................................................25TROUBLESHOOTING.................................................................................................26WINDOWS 95/98 .............................................................................................................. 26Installation Problems................................................................................................ 26WINDOWS NT 4.0............................................................................................................ 27Installation Problems................................................................................................ 27GENERAL.......................................................................................................................... 28Utility Error Messages.............................................................................................. 28Operational Problems............................................................................................... 28
InstantWave PCI/PC Card vTECHNICAL SUPPORT..............................................................................................30NDC LIMITED WARRANTY.....................................................................................31INDEX.................................................................................................................................34
vi InstantWave PCI/PC CardList of FiguresFIGURE 1. AN AD-HOC NETWORK..................................................................2FIGURE 2. AN INFRASTRUCTURE NETWORK..................................................2FIGURE 3. A WIRELESS CELL (GROUP)..........................................................3FIGURE 4. ROAMING IN THE SAME DOMAIN..................................................3FIGURE 5. INSERTING THE CARD .....................................................................5FIGURE 6. CONNECTING THE ADAPTER CARD ANTENNA ............................5FIGURE 7. INSERTING THE PC CARD...............................................................6FIGURE 8. SYSTEM PROPERTIES.......................................................................7FIGURE 9. NEW HARDWARE FOUND...............................................................7FIGURE 10. INSTALL FROM DISK .......................................................................8FIGURE 11. UPDATE DEVICE DRIVER WIZARD-1............................................8FIGURE 12. UPDATE DEVICE DRIVER WIZARD-2............................................9FIGURE 13. INSERT DISK .....................................................................................9FIGURE 14. COPYING FILES................................................................................9FIGURE 15. NETWORK IDENTIFICATION .........................................................10FIGURE 16. NETWORK PROPERTIES.................................................................10FIGURE 17. ADD NEW HARDWARE WIZARD-1..............................................12FIGURE 18. ADD NEW HARDWARE WIZARD-2..............................................12FIGURE 19. ADD NEW HARDWARE WIZARD-3..............................................13FIGURE 20. ADD NEW HARDWARE WIZARD-4..............................................13FIGURE 21. SELECT OEM OPTION ..................................................................14FIGURE 22. INSTANTWAVE ADAPTER SETUP ................................................14FIGURE 23. SELECT THE NETWORK TYPE AND CARRIER SET .....................15FIGURE 24. SET ROAMING SWITCH.................................................................15FIGURE 25. SET SECURITY................................................................................15FIGURE 26. ENTER SECURITY ID .....................................................................16FIGURE 27. CHOOSE DESTINATION LOCATION..............................................17FIGURE 28. INSTANTWAVE UTILITY...............................................................18FIGURE 29. TOOLBAR ........................................................................................18FIGURE 30. PREFERENCES.................................................................................19FIGURE 31. LAMP ICON.....................................................................................19FIGURE 32. CONFIGURATION............................................................................20FIGURE 33. WIRELESS ADAPTER PROPERTIES...............................................21FIGURE 34. TROUBLESHOOTING.......................................................................22FIGURE 35. NETWORK WATCHER (INFRASTRUCTURE )................................23FIGURE 36. NETWORK WATCHER (AD-HOC).................................................23FIGURE 37. SIGNAL QUALITY INDICATOR......................................................24FIGURE 38. VIEW STATION THROUGHPUT .....................................................24
InstantWave PCI/PC Card 1IntroductionCongratulations on choosing an InstantWave wireless networking family product.InstantWave was designed with a “Maximizing the convenience of networking”philosophy in mind. You will find InstantWave very easy to configure and use.This User’s Guide gives comprehensive instructions on installing and using theInstantWave PCI and PC Cards, and also explains how to install and use theInstantWave Utility Program.InstantWave FamilyThe InstantWave PCI and PC Card are part of the InstantWave family of easy touse high performance wireless communication products. The family productsinclude:• InstantWave PC Card (NW610A)• InstantWave PCI Card (NW630A)• InstantWave Access Point (NW660A)System RequirementsHardware PlatformA station must be an x86 compatible PC with a PCI bus or PCMCIA interface.The minimum system configuration is the same as that required to run MSWindows (Windows 95, 98, NT 4.0).Software EnvironmentThe stations operate in conjunction with most of the MS Windows (Windows 95,98, NT 4.0), Novell NetWare series.
2 InstantWave PCI/PC CardGlossaryWireless NetworkIn the IEEE 802.11 definition, a wireless network is classified as an Ad-Hocnetwork or an Infrastructure network.Ad-Hoc NetworkAn Ad-Hoc network is formed by a number of wireless stations (without an AccessPoint) communicating via radio waves. For the users, the shared resources on thewireless network appear exactly as they would on a regular wired network. Thewireless operation of the network is totally transparent. Figure 1 depicts a typicalAd-Hoc network scenario.Figure 1. An Ad-Hoc NetworkInfrastructure NetworkAn Infrastructure network is formed by several stations and one Access Point (AP),with the stations within range of the AP. Figure 2 depicts a typical Infrastructurenetwork topology.Figure 2. An Infrastructure NetworkServerWired ComputersAccess PointWireless Computers (PCI/PC Card)Wireless Stations
InstantWave PCI/PC Card 3Group ID/BSSIDA Group ID (the 802.11 standard uses the term BSSID) is the ID of a wireless cell.A wireless cell is usually made up of stations in an area that the radio signal cancomfortably cover. In other words, any wireless station in the cell cancommunicate with any other within reach of the radio signal (Figure 3).Figure 3. A Wireless Cell (Group)Domain Name/ESSIDA domain is usually defined by the network administrator as a segment/subnet of alarge network and may be made up of overlapping wireless cells. Wireless nodescan roam freely within the same domain without disconnecting from the network.Figure 4 depicts a common wireless network setup.Figure 4. Roaming in the Same DomainRoamingThe convenience of a mobile PC is the ability to move freely. The concept issimilar to that of a cellular phone moving from one base station to another.InstantWave offers built-in high performance seamless roaming capabilities.Carrier SetInstantWave products use the unlicensed ISM (Industrial, Scientific, Medical) bandto communicate through radio waves. Different countries offer different radiofrequencies to be used as the ISM band. There are four frequency bands definedby 802.11: Japan (2.471GHz – 2.497 GHz), USA, Canada, and Europe (2.4 GHz –2.4835 GHz), Spain (2.445 GHz – 2.475 GHz), France (2.4465 GHz – 2.4835GHz). If a user wants to use InstantWave in a country not listed above, he/sheneeds to check with their government’s regulating body to find the correctfrequency band to use. All InstantWave products are supplied preset to the countryof sale’s frequency band.Access PointServerAccess PointWirelessStations
4 InstantWave PCI/PC CardAccess PointAn Access Point (AP) provides a transparent bridged connection between a wirednetwork and a wireless network and allows wireless stations to communicate withdevices attached to a wired network.It manages the flow of data packets from the wired LAN to the Wireless LAN andvice versa.
InstantWave PCI/PC Card 5Getting StartedThis section explains how to quickly setup a wireless station.Hardware InstallationPCI Card InstallationTo install the InstantWave PCI Card into a computer, simply follow these steps:step1. Turn off the power to your computer and all peripherals and unplug thepower cord from the wall socketstep2. Remove the computer’s coverstep3. Select a free PCI Bus expansion slot and remove the slot coverstep4. Carefully install the card in the expansion slot (Figure 5) by firmlypressing until the card is snugly seated. Be sure the card is fully home.Fasten the retaining bracket with the screw from the slot coverFigure 5. Inserting the Cardstep5. Replace the computer cover and reconnect the previously disconnectedcablesstep6. Screw the antenna into the InstantWave card (Figure 6)Figure 6. Connecting the Adapter Card AntennaPCI cardPCI Expansion Slot
6 InstantWave PCI/PC Cardstep7. Repeat the above procedure to fit an InstantWave card into each of theother computers to be networkedPC Card InstallationThe PC Card fits into a Type II or Type III PCMCIA slot. The antenna is encasedin a plastic case, in line with the main body of the PC card, such that it extendsoutside the PCMCIA slot when the card is inserted. The slot must allow for a cardextension of up to 30mm as specified in the PC Card specifications.step1. Insert the PC Card into the Type II slot of the computer. Insert the cardwith the 68-pin connector facing the slot and the label facing up(Figure 7)Figure 7. Inserting the PC Cardstep2. Repeat the above procedure for each of the other computers to benetworkedLEDsThe PCI and PC Card each have two LEDs. Both will blink when the adapter isinitialized. In normal use the green LED blinks when the adapter transmits data,and the orange LED blinks on data reception.
InstantWave PCI/PC Card 7Driver Installation/UninstallationFor Windows 95 see the following section, for Windows 98 go to page 12, forWindows NT 4.0 go to page 14.Installation in Windows 95As the installation method for the Windows 95 versions is slightly different, youshould begin by identifying your version.Right click My Computer and click Properties. The System Properties screen willopen (Figure 8). Check theversion numberFigure 8. System PropertiesOn the General card you will find the Windows 95 version number:• If the version number is 4.00.950 or 4.00.950a you are running theoriginal version of Windows 95. (Follow procedure A below)• For version 4.00.950 B or later, go to procedure B on page 8Procedure A (For Windows 95 versions 4.00.950 and 4.00.950a)step1. Turn on the power and start Windows 95step2. Windows 95 will detect the adapter and the New Hardware Founddialog box will open (Figure 9) Figure 9. New Hardware Found
8 InstantWave PCI/PC Cardstep3. Choose Driver from disk provided by hardware manufacturer, andclick OK. The Install From Disk dialog box will open (Figure 10) Figure 10. Install From Diskstep4. Insert the InstantWave CD-ROM in the CD drive. The driver is in theroot directory of the CD-ROM. Type D:\ (or whatever your CD driveis) and click OK. The system will copy the driver files to the Windows95 systemstep5. Go to page 10, and follow steps 7 to 13 as described in Procedure BProcedure B (For Windows 95 4.00.950 B and 4.00.950 C)step1. Turn on the power and start Windows 95step2. Windows 95 will detect the adapter and the Update Device DriverWizard dialog box will open (Figure 11) Figure 11. Update Device Driver Wizard-1step3. Insert the InstantWave CD-ROM in the CD drive and click Nextstep4. The Update Device Driver Wizard will indicate that Windows 95 foundthe driver in the root directory of the CD-ROM (Figure 12). ClickFinish
InstantWave PCI/PC Card 9.Figure 12. Update Device Driver Wizard-2step5. The installer will copy the driver files into the system. There is aknown problem with the Windows 95 OSR2 device installer. Theinstaller may default to the wrong source location. Typically, theinstaller source path defaults to the Windows installation location. Theuser should manually redirect the installer to the correct source location.The following dialog boxes will be displayedFigure 13. Insert DiskFigure 14. Copying Filesstep6. Click OK on each screen. After the driver files have been copied, setupis complete
10 InstantWave PCI/PC Cardstep7. After the InstantWave Utility files have been copied, the NetworkIdentification dialog box will open (Figure 15). Enter a uniquecomputer name and the Domain Name (ESSID) of the network towhich the wireless adapter will connectFigure 15. Network Identificationstep8. Click Next. The Network Properties dialog box will open (Figure 16)Figure 16. Network Propertiesstep9. Select the Network Type and Carrier Set. If the station is connected toan Access Point, Infrastructure mode must be specified. Select Ad Hocmode to make a peer to peer connection to other wireless stations. Ifthe country of operation is different from the country in which theproduct was purchased, the user can change the carrier set. All wirelessstations and Access Points must use the same Carrier Set in order tocommunicate. Security can be enabled to restrict unauthorized access.When security is enabled, a Security ID is requested. The longest stringfor the Security ID is eight characters. All the wireless devices musthave the same Security ID in order to communicate with each other.Click Finishstep10. Depending on your current installation of Windows 95, the setupprogram may ask you to insert the Windows 95 CD-ROM
InstantWave PCI/PC Card 11step11. The System Settings Change dialog box will ask you if you want torestart your computer. Remove the CD-ROM from the drive and clickYesstep12. After rebooting, the system will automatically install the InstantWaveUtility Program and execute it. The user can monitor the wirelessLAN’s status and configure the adapter’s properties via this program(see page 17 for details)step13. If the TCP/IP protocols are required (necessary for Internet access), addthem by clicking Start/Control Panel/Network/ConfigurationThat completes the hardware and driver installation.Uninstalling the Adapter from Windows 95You may need to uninstall your adapter for the following reasons:1. The installation fails or is interrupted by unknown factors. If this happens theInstantWave Adapter will be marked with an exclamation mark “!” in DeviceManager. Uninstall the adapter using methods described below and thenrestart your computer. The Windows 95 plug and play function will detectthe adapter again2. You want to remove the deviceThe uninstallation process is as follows:To completely remove the adapter and driver from your system you will need tophysically remove the adapter (with the system powered off). The removalprocedure is the reverse of the Hardware Installation procedure on page 5. Restartthe computer and then proceed as follows:step1. In Control Panel click the Network iconstep2. Highlight the InstantWave adapter driver entrystep3. Click the Remove button to remove the old InstantWave adapter driverstep4. Click OK. The system will ask you to restart the PC. Click Yes
12 InstantWave PCI/PC CardInstallation in Windows 98Driver installation and uninstallation in Windows 98 is basically the same as that ofWindows 95 OSR2. Complete the following procedure to install the driverprogram for Windows 98.step1. Turn on the power and start Windows 98step2. Windows 98 will detect the adapter and the Add New Hardware Wizarddialog box will open (Figure 17) Figure 17. Add New Hardware Wizard-1step3. Click NextFigure 18. Add New Hardware Wizard-2step4. Choose Search for the best driver for your device (Figure 18). ClickNext to open the following screen (Figure 19)
InstantWave PCI/PC Card 13Figure 19. Add New Hardware Wizard-3step5. Insert the InstantWave CD-ROM and click Nextstep6. The Add New Hardware Wizard will indicate that Windows 98 foundthe driver in the root directory of the CD-ROM (Figure 20).Click NextFigure 20. Add New Hardware Wizard-4step7. Go to page 10, and follow steps 7 to 13The default network protocol for Windows 98 is TCP/IP. If other networkprotocols are required they can be added via Control Panel/Network.Uninstalling the Adapter from Windows 98step1. Click Start/Settings/Control Panel, and double-click the Network icon,then highlight the InstantWave adapter driver entrystep2. Click the Remove button to remove the old InstantWave adapter driverstep3. Click OK. The system will ask you to restart the PC. Click Yes
14 InstantWave PCI/PC CardInstallation in Windows NT 4.0Important: Before installing the driver in Windows NT 4.0, check that in thecomputer’s BIOS on the PnP and PCI Settings page, “PnP OSInstalled” is set to NO.step1. Double-click My Computer, double-click Control Panelstep2. Double-click the Network icon to open the Network window. Select theAdapters cardstep3. Click Add. The Select Network Adapter dialog box will openstep4. Click Have Diskstep5. Insert the Windows NT driver diskette into drive a (or b) and then typea:\winnt (or b:\winnt)step6. Click OK. The Select OEM Option dialog box will open (Figure 21)Figure 21. Select OEM Optionstep7. Select the correct adapter and click OK. If PC Card is selected, thedialog box for setting the Interrupt number and I/O address will beshown. Users can specify a different Interrupt number and I/O addressfor this adapter if there is a conflict with an existing card in thecomputerFigure 22. InstantWave Adapter Setup
InstantWave PCI/PC Card 15step8. Click OK. The InstantWave PCI Adapter Setup dialog box will open(Figure 23). Select the Network Type and Carrier Set. If the station isconnected to an Access Point, Infrastructure mode must be specified.Select Ad Hoc mode to make a peer to peer connection to other wirelessstations. If the country of operation is different from the country inwhich the product was purchased, the user can change the carrier set.All wireless stations and Access Points must use the same Carrier Set inorder to communicate. The Domain name should be the same as thenetwork domain to which the station will be connectedFigure 23. Select the Network Type and Carrier Setstep9. Click OK. The Roaming dialog box will open (Figure 24)Figure 24. Set Roaming Switchstep10. When Roaming is enabled, the station is allowed to roam to anotherAccess Point under the same Domain Name whenever the radio signalquality of the currently connected AP is below an acceptable level.Click OK. The Security dialog box will appear (Figure 25)Figure 25. Set Security
16 InstantWave PCI/PC Cardstep11. Security is enabled to restrict unauthorized access. When security isenabled a Security ID is requested (Figure 26)Figure 26. Enter Security IDstep12. The longest string for the security ID is eight characters. All thewireless devices must have the same Security ID in order tocommunicate with each other. Enter a Security ID and click OK.Windows NT will begin copying filesstep13. The InstantWave Adapter will now be shown on the Adapters card inthe Network configuration box. Click Closestep14. If the user needs to bind the adapter to TCP/IP, then the TCP/IPprotocols must be addedstep15. The Network Settings Change dialog box will ask you to restart thecomputer. Remove the floppy disk from the floppy drive and click Yesto complete the installationstep16. Owing to Windows NT constraints, the InstantWave Windows UtilityProgram will not be automatically installed. The user needs to installthis program by following the procedure described on page 17Uninstalling the Adapter from Windows NT 4.0step1. Click Start/Settings/Control Panel, and double-click the Network icon.step2. Highlight the InstantWave adapter driver entry and click Removestep3. Click Close. The system will ask you to restart the PC. Click Yes
InstantWave PCI/PC Card 17The InstantWave Windows UtilityProgramThe InstantWave Utility program is a Windows-based application that allows usersto monitor and configure the wireless adapter. The program includes a NetworkWatcher tool that allows users to determine the best location to place theInstantWave products, or to diagnose the wireless network for problems.The utility program allows users to configure the wireless network type (Ad-Hocor Infrastructure), Domain name (segmented networks), and set the Roamingcapability (Enable/Disable). The Network Watcher tool allows users to viewexisting groups (Group ID/BSSID. See an explanation of this term on page 3) ofwireless cells in a Domain. It provides the option to join a particular group in thenetwork.Tools are also provided for viewing the network in terms of radio signal quality,and for monitoring the station data throughput.InstantWave Utility InstallationInsert the InstantWave Utility program setup CD-ROMstep1. From the Start menu, select Run, and type: d:\utility\setup.exestep2. Click the OK button to start the setup program. The InstantWaveWelcome screen will appear. After reading the installation description,click Next to advance to the Choose Destination Location dialog box(Figure 27)Figure 27. Choose Destination Location
18 InstantWave PCI/PC Cardstep3. From the Choose Destination Location dialog box, click Next to copythe program files to the default location, C:\ProgramFiles\InstantWave, or click Browse to choose another locationstep4. The setup program will copy the necessary files into the specifieddirectory. File copying progress will be displayed in the InstantWaveutility setup screen. Check I would like to launch InstantWave Utility,and click OK. The InstantWave Information dialog box will bedisplayedstep5. Click OK to complete the installation. The InstantWave Utility toolbarwill open (Figure 29)Using the InstantWave Utility ProgramThe following section explains how to use the InstantWave Utility.step1. Click the Start button on the taskbarstep2. Go to Programs and InstantWave Utility. The Station Utility tools willbe shown (Figure 28)Figure 28. InstantWave Utilitystep3. Click Toolbar and the task icons will appear in the upper right corner ofthe screen, offering fast access to the utility functions (Figure 29)Figure 29. ToolbarAdapterPropertiesNetworkWatcherSignal QualityIndicatorThroughputMonitor
InstantWave PCI/PC Card 19step4. Click the icon for the task you wish to perform. The functions providedby the utility program are, reading from left to right on Figure 29:• Adapter Properties• Network Watcher• Signal Quality Indicator• Throughput Monitorstep5. Right-click the InstantWave Utility toolbar. Four functions areprovided:§ Move is used to move the toolbar to a suitable screen position§ Close is used to close the Toolbar§ Preferences allows you to customize utility settings§ About provides product informationstep6. Click Preferences. The Preferences dialogue box will be shown(Figure 30)Figure 30. Preferences§ Launch InstantWave Utility on startup automatically starts theutility at each system boot§ Show Icon on the Taskbar displays an icon on the taskbar(Figure 31)Figure 31. Lamp Icon§ The color of the icon indicates the wireless adapter card’s currentstatus:Color StatusBlack The wireless adapter or the driver is notworking properlyRed Poor signal qualityYellow Acceptable signal qualityGreen Good signal quality
20 InstantWave PCI/PC Card§ Pop up message dialog is used to display a warning message incase of abnormal conditions§ Play sound is used to generate an alert sound in case of abnormalconditionsRight-click on the icon to open a popup menu for fast access to theUtility program, Preferences, and Help.Adapter PropertiesThere are two ways to access Adapter Properties. One is by clickingStart/Programs/InstantWave Utility/Adapter Properties. The other is byclicking the Adapter Properties icon on the InstantWave Utility’s tool bar.Adapter Properties allows the user to view the adapter properties, and to change thewireless configuration of the Station.ConfigurationConfiguration displays, and allows you to modify, some important parameters ofthe InstantWave adapter. All parameter changes are saved and are referred to bythe InstantWave driver when the system boots. Therefore, most of the parameterchanges require a system reboot to make them effective. Changes to EnableRoaming do not require a system reboot. The configuration tab is shown below(Figure 32).Figure 32. Configuration• Network Type - The 802.11 Wireless Specifications allow for two types ofnetwork, Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc (see the Glossary on page 2).Infrastructure is used when networking with an Access Point. The defaultsetting is Infrastructure• Computer Name - The Computer Name must be the same name as entered inControl Panel/Network/Identification.• Domain Name - Stations and APs in the same group must use the samedomain name . This field is defined in the 802.11 Wireless Standard as ESSID
InstantWave PCI/PC Card 21(Extended Service Set ID). Having the same Domain Name allows allwireless nodes in the same Domain (or Cell) to communicate with each other.The default setting is Wireless• Carrier Set - This is preset to the U.S.A., Canada, Europe, Spain, France, orJapan depending on where the product is sold. The parameter shown indicateswhich Radio Frequency (RF) 802.11 specification is currently in use in theadapter• Enable Roaming - Roaming can be turned on or off. When roaming isenabled, the station is allowed to roam to another Access Point in the samedomain when the radio signal quality of the currently connected AP is belowan acceptable level• Security Setting - Security can be turned on to restrict unauthorized access.When Security is enabled a Security ID is requested. The longest string forthe Security ID is eight characters. All the wireless devices must have thesame Security ID in order to communicate with each otherClick OK to close the window. A pop-up screen will ask if you wish to rebootyour computer to make the changes effective. Click YesAdvanced Information Click the Advanced Information tab to view the Adapter Properties (Figure 33). Figure 33. Wireless Adapter Properties The window is divided into three sections as described below:• Basic Information - This section contains the manufacturer’s name and theInstantWave MAC firmware version number. The information is read fromthe MAC firmware of the InstantWave card
22 InstantWave PCI/PC Card• Hardware Configuration Information - Shows the adapter bus type, IOaddress, IRQ number, and the station MAC address• Adapter Status - Displays the adapter’s working statusTroubleshooting Should a problem be encountered using the wireless adapter that cannot beresolved using the ‘Troubleshooting’ section of this manual, click theTroubleshooting tab (Figure 34). A diagnosis program will run and report themessage. Send the diagnostic message together with a description of the symptomsto NDC’s technical support via email. Figure 34. Troubleshooting
InstantWave PCI/PC Card 23Network Watcher (Infrastructure)In an Infrastructure network, Network Watcher scans for all existing wireless cellsin range and displays the AP names, the MAC address, the Domain Name, theSignal Strength, the number of stations currently connected to each AP, and theconnection status. When Network Watcher is run, the program first reads anddisplays information stored in the database. The signal strength entry shows eitherGreen (strong signal), or Yellow (average signal). The information is notdynamically updated. To refresh the data click the Scan button. Network Watcheralso gives users the option of selecting an Access Point to join with manually.Figure 35. Network Watcher (Infrastructure)ScanClick Scan to obtain and display updated data. You may need to wait a short timedepending on the number of wireless cell replies received.JoinSelecting one of the APs from the list will enable the Join command. The Joincommand allows you to manually connect to a specific AP.If joining cannot be accomplished within 20 seconds (possibly due to an AP thathas gone off the air since the data was last refreshed, to RF interference, or a busyAP), the operation will fail. If this happens, you may try joining with the same APagain, or select another AP to join.Network Watcher (Ad-Hoc)On an Ad-Hoc network, Network Watcher displays all the wireless nodes (withtheir Computer Name and Node Address (MAC ID)s) that are currently connectedin the same Group as this station (Figure 36). The inactive timer counts the periodthat there is no traffic between it and the other connected stations.Figure 36. Network Watcher (Ad-Hoc)
24 InstantWave PCI/PC CardRefreshClick Refresh to obtain and display updated data. You may need to wait a shorttime depending on the number of replies received.Signal Quality IndicatorSignal Quality Indicator dynamically displays the present radio signal quality(Figure 37). The quality level is indicated by colors. Green means the signal isgood, Yellow indicates the signal is fair, Red denotes the signal is poor. When thesignal color reaches the yellow to red border, the station will start to roam ifroaming is enabled.Figure 37. Signal Quality IndicatorThroughput Monitor This item enables users to monitor the throughput (transmitted and received bits) ofthe wireless station (Figure 38).Figure 38. View Station ThroughputThe graph shows the amount of transmitted/received bits from/to this station.Uninstalling the Utility ProgramShould you wish to uninstall the InstantWave Utility program, clickStart/Programs/InstantWave Utility/Uninstall InstantWave UtilityOr complete the following steps:step1. Click Start/Settings/Control Panelstep2. Click Add/Remove Programs and select InstantWave Utilitystep3. Click the Remove button
InstantWave PCI/PC Card 25Software Upgrade ProceduresWindows NDIS Driver UpgradeFollow the instructions below to install a new NDIS PCI/PC Card driver release.step1. In Control Panel, click the Network icon, then highlight theInstantWave adapter driver entrystep2. Click the Remove button to remove the old InstantWave adapter driverstep3. Click Close. The system will ask you to reboot the PC. Click YesAfter removing the old InstantWave adapter driver, follow the installationprocedure for your operating system. For Windows 95 versions 4.00.950 and4.00.950a go to page 7, for Windows 95 4.00.950 B and 4.00.950 C go to page 8,for Windows 98 go to page 12, and for Windows NT 4.0 go to page 14.InstantWave Utility Upgradestep1. Click Control Panel. Click Add/Remove Programs, and remove theold InstantWave Utility from the program liststep2. Follow the InstantWave Utility Installation procedure on page 17 toinstall the new InstantWave Utility
26 InstantWave PCI/PC CardTroubleshootingWindows 95/98Installation ProblemsWindows could not find the adapter• The adapter is not properly inserted in the slot1. Power off the computer2. Remove and reinsert the wireless adapter3. Reboot the computer and re-install the adapter driver• A previous adapter installation was aborted by the user, or by Windows1. Look in Control Panel/System/Device Manager/?-Unknown Devices for a Wireless adapter entry2. If an entry exists, delete it from the list, and exit theControl Panel/System folder3. Reboot the computer and re-install the adapter driverThe InstantWave adapter driver cannot be started. Windows displayed a driverstartup problem message window• IRQ conflict with other device1. Open Control Panel/System/Device Manager/NetworkAdapters. You will see an exclamation sign displayed onthe wireless adapter icon2. Highlight the wireless LAN adapter entry and click on theProperties button3. Select the Resources tab. You will see a device conflictmessage displayed in the Conflicting Device list4. Uncheck Use automatic settings, and click on the ChangeSetting button5. Select a new IRQ value. When the Conflicting Device listconfirms there are no conflicts, click OK to close thewindows6. Reboot the computer
InstantWave PCI/PC Card 27There are more than one wireless adapter entries shown in the ControlPanel/Network folder. You do not know which one is the current one• A previously installed wireless adapter entry for a different card was notremoved1. Remove all wireless LAN adapter entries from the Networkwindow2. Reboot the PC to re-install the wireless adapterWindows NT 4.0Installation ProblemsWindows NT 4.0 could not find the adapter• The adapter is not properly inserted in the slot1. Power off the computer2. Remove and reinsert the wireless adapter3. Reboot the computer and re-install the adapter driver• A previous adapter installation was aborted by the user, or by Windows NT4.0 1. Look in Control Panel/Network/Adapters2. If an InstantWave adapter entry exists, remove it from thelist and exit the Control Panel/Network dialog box3. Reboot the computer and re-install the adapter driverThe InstantWave adapter driver cannot be started and the adapter LEDs are notflashing• More than one driver is present in the Network setup folder1. Click Control Panel/Network/Adapters2. If there is more than one entry for the same InstantWaveadapter, remove them all3. Reboot Windows NT4. Reinstall the InstantWave adapter driver
28 InstantWave PCI/PC CardGeneralUtility Error MessagesCannot find the Wireless adapter• The Wireless adapter driver is installed, but the wireless adapter is not in thecomputer slotIf you are using the wireless PC card, you will only need to re-insert the PC card into the PCMCIA slot to re-enable thedriver. However, if you are using the PCI adapter, you willneed to power down the PC and insert the PCI card, then rebootthe computerAdapter is not responding• The card is in the system. The wireless adapter driver is not functioning.Follow the Installation Problems section of troubleshooting to resolve driverstartup problems• The green PC feature is setup to cut the system power to the adapter slot whenit is in ‘PC Sleep’ mode. The Windows Utility will temporarily lose contactwith the adapter during Sleep modeRe-starting the Windows Utility after the PC is out of Sleepmode will bring back the adapter. The long-term solution tothis problem is to disable (through the PC BIOS) the PC SleepfunctionOperational ProblemsThe Wireless adapter appears to be functioning. The Tx/Rx LEDs are flashing.However, no network PC can be found when run in Infrastructure WirelessNetwork mode• Station is having difficulties finding an AP to join1. Use Network Watcher to scan for all APs in the samewireless domain2. Select the first AP that has its signal quality displayed ingreen, and join to it3. If all the APs’ signal quality indicator shows yellow, or noAP is on the list, you may be too far away from any AP tobe associated. Move closer to an AP• You have only one AP, and the PC is not placed too far from it, but the PC stillhas difficulties finding the AP1. Check that the antennas are properly connected to the APand the station2. Make sure that the AP is powered on and working3. Use Network Watcher to find and join with the AP
InstantWave PCI/PC Card 29Radio signal quality indicates Yellow or Red whilst in Infrastructure mode• The connected AP is too far away1. Use Network Watcher to find an AP with a stronger signal2. Move your PC closer to the connected AP• The adapter antenna is not connected, or its signal path is blocked by metalcasing, e.g. metal filing cabinets1. Make sure the antenna is firmly screwed in2. Arrange the antenna position to get the best radio signalqualityTransmission or reception throughput is low during network file accessing• Many stations are connected to the same group and heavily utilizing thenetwork1. On an Infrastructure wireless network, use NetworkWatcher to find, and connect to, a different AP with only afew PC connections2. In an Ad-Hoc environment, form your own wireless groupwith a different wireless domain name to start a differentchannel hopping patternAd-Hoc stations can't join each other• Two stations started at the same timeReboot one station• Different Domain Name (ESSID)Change the ESSID, using the InstantWave utility program, tomatch that of the other stations on the Ad-hoc networkORGo to Control Panel/Network/InstantWaveAdapter/Properties/Advanced/ESSID, and change it there
30 InstantWave PCI/PC CardTechnical SupportIf you are having a problem using an NDC product and cannot resolve it, pleasenote the following information and contact NDC Technical Support:• What you were doing when the error occurred• What error messages you saw• Whether the problem can be reproduced• The serial number of the productSend the above information and the output of the Troubleshooting screen (seepage 22) to one of the following addresses:support@ndclan.com (US only)techsupt@ndc.com.tw (Europe and Asia Pacific)For other information about NDC, please visit us at:www.sohoware.comwww.ndc.com.tw
InstantWave PCI/PC Card 31NDC Limited WarrantyHardwareNDC warrants its products to be free of defects in workmanship and materials,under normal use and service, for a period of 12 months from the date of purchasefrom NDC or its Authorized Reseller, and for the period of time specified in thedocumentation supplied with each product.Should a product fail to be in good working order during the applicable warrantyperiod, NDC will, at its option and expense, repair or replace it, or deliver to thepurchaser an equivalent product or part at no additional charge except as set forthbelow. Repair parts and replacement products are furnished on an exchange basisand will be either reconditioned or new. All replaced products and parts willbecome the property of NDC. Any replaced or repaired product or part has aninety (90) day warranty or the remainder of the initial warranty period, whicheveris longer.NDC shall not be liable under this warranty if its testing and examination disclosethat the alleged defect in the product does not exist or was caused by thepurchaser’s, or any third party’s misuse, neglect, improper installation or testing,unauthorized attempt to repair or modify, or any other cause beyond the range ofthe intended use, or by accident, fire, lightning, or other hazard.SoftwareSoftware and documentation materials are supplied “as is” without warranty as totheir performance, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. However,the diskette media containing the software are covered by a 90-day warranty thatprotects the purchaser against failure within that period.Limited Warranty Service ProceduresAny product (1) received in error, (2) in a defective or non-functioning condition,or (3) exhibiting a defect under normal working conditions, can be returned toNDC by following these steps:You must prepare:Ÿ dated proof of purchaseŸ product model number & quantityŸ product serial numberŸ precise reason for returnŸ your name/address/email address/telephone/fax
32 InstantWave PCI/PC Card1. Inform the distributor or retailer2. Ship the product back to the distributor/retailer with prepaid freight. Thepurchaser must pay the shipping freight from the distributor/retailer to NDC.Any package sent C.O.D. (Cash On Delivery) will be refused3. Charges: Usually RMA (Returned Material Authorization) items will bereturned to the purchaser via Airmail, prepaid by NDC. If returned by anothercarrier, the purchaser will pay the difference. A return freight and handlingfee will be charged to the purchaser if NDC determines that there was “NoProblem Found” or that the damage was caused by the userWarningNDC is not responsible for the integrity of any data on storage equipment (harddrives, tape drives, floppy diskettes, etc.). We strongly recommend that ourcustomers back their data up before sending such equipment in for diagnosis orrepair.Services after Warranty PeriodAfter the warranty period expires, all products can be repaired for a reasonableservice charge. The shipping charges to and from the NDC facility will be borneby the purchaser.Return for CreditIn the case of a DOA (Dead on Arrival) or a shipping error, a return for credit willautomatically be applied to the purchaser’s account, unless otherwise requested.Limitation of LiabilityAll expressed and implied warranties of a product’s merchantability, or of itsfitness for a particular purpose, are limited in duration to the applicable period asset forth in this limited warranty, and no warranty will be considered valid after itsexpiration date.If this product does not function as warranted, your sole remedy shall be repair orreplacement as provided for above. In no case shall NDC be liable for anyincidental, consequential, special, or indirect damages resulting from loss of data,loss of profits, or loss of use, even if NDC or an authorized NDC distributor/dealerhas been advised of the possibility of such damages, or for any claim by any otherparty.
InstantWave PCI/PC Card 33EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITYFor the following equipment:Product Name::InstantWave Wireless PCI/PC CardModel Number::NW610A (PC Card)NW630A (PCI Card)Produced by:Manufacturer’sName:NATIONAL DATACOMM CORPORATIONManufacturer’sAddress:2F, NO. 28, INDUSTRY EAST 9TH ROADSCIENCE PARK, HSINCHU,TAIWAN, R.O.C.is hereby confirmed to comply with the requirements set out in the CouncilDirective on the Approximation of the Laws of the Member States relating toElectromagnetic Compatibility (89/ 336/ EEC).The product meets or exceeds the following EMC standards:Europe:ETS 300-328, ETS 300-339, ETS 300-826France:SP/DGPT/ATAS/23, ETS 300-328, ETS 300-339The manufacturer/importer is responsible for this declaration:Company Name:NDC (EUROPE) CO., LTDCompany Address:1, EARLSFORT CENTRE,HATCH STREET,DUBLIN 2, IRELANDPerson authorized to make this declaration:Name:CHANG-HUA CHIANGPosition/Title:MANAGING DIRECTOR Date Legal Signature
34 InstantWave PCI/PC CardIndexAAccess Point ........................................4Adapter Bus type ..............................22Adapter Properties ............................21Adapter Properties ............................20Ad-Hoc Network.................................2AntennaPC Card.............................................6PCI card ............................................5BBasic Adapter Information..............21BSSID..................................... 3, 17, 23CCarrier Set ............................................3Configuration.....................................20Connection Status .............................23DDomain Name ........................ 3, 20, 23EESSID..................................................21Extended Service Set ID..................21GGlossary................................................2Group ID...............................................3HHardware Configuration Information..........................................................22IIcons....................................................18Infrastructure Network.......................2Installationin Windows 95.................................7in Windows 98...............................12in Windows NT 4.0......................14PC Card ............................................6PCI Card ...........................................5IO Address.........................................22IRQ Number......................................22LLEDs .....................................................6MMAC Address ............................ 22, 23Manually Connect to AP.................23NNetwork Type....................................20Network Watcher (Ad-Hoc)............23Network Watcher (Infrastructure).23RRadio Frequencies ..............................3Radio Signal Quality................. 24, 29Roaming..................................3, 17, 20SSignal Strength..................................23Station Name .....................................22TToolbar........................................ 18, 19UUninstallingfrom Windows 95 .........................11from Windows 98 .........................13from Windows NT 4.0.................16the Utility Program.......................24Upgrades ............................................25InstantWave Utility ......................25PCI/PC Card ..................................25Using the Utility Program...............18Utility Installation.............................17
InstantWave PCI/PC Card 35Utility Tools .......................................18VView Station Throughput ................24WWireless Cell........................................3Wireless Domain...............................21Wireless Domain Name ...................20Wireless Network Type...................17

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