Prime Electronics and Satellitics WP222MF00001 Wireless PCMCIA LAN Card User Manual WP222M UserMan
Prime Electronics & Satellitics Inc. Wireless PCMCIA LAN Card WP222M UserMan
Users Manual
Wireless Multimedia LAN
PCMCIA Card
User Manual
P/N:3010WP222M01
Wireless PCMCIA Card
Copyright
Copyright ¤ 2001 by this company. All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a
retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language,
in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical,
chemical, manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of
this company.
This company makes no representations or warranties, either
expressed or implied, with respect to the contents hereof and
specifically disclaims any warranties, merchantability or fitness for any
particular purpose. Any software described in this manual is sold or
licensed "as is". Should the programs prove defective following their
purchase, the buyer (and not this company, its distributor, or its dealer)
assumes the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair, and any
incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect in the
software. Further, this company reserves the right to revise this
publication and to make changes from time to time in the contents
hereof without obligation to notify any person of such revision or
changes.
.
All brand and product names mentioned in this manual are trademarks and/or registered
trademarks of their respective holders.
Wireless Access Point
2
Federal Communication Commission
Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of 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:
1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
2. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
3. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio technician for help.
Notice 1:
The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Notice 2:
Shielded interface cables, if any, must be used in order to comply with
the emission limits.
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set
forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be
installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the
radiator and your body.
Wireless PCMCIA Card
Manual Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Package Content ......................................................1-1
1.2 System Requirement .................................................1-1
1.3 Feature ………………………….……………………… 1-2
Chapter 2 Installation
2.1 Hardware/OS requiements .......................................2-1
2.2 Installing the hardware ..............................................2-1
2.3 Installing the hardware drivers ..................................2-2
Chapter 3 Installing the Network Manager
software …..………………………………………3-1
Chapter 4 Using the Network
4.1 Device Managemet .................................................4-1
4.2 Bridge Access Point .................................................4-4
4.3 Network Management ..............................................4-4
4.4 Enrolling a Bridge Access Point into the netwrok .....4-5
4.5 Adding additional nodes ...........................................4-7
4.6 Bridge Manager ........................................................4-7
4.7 Using WEP ...............................................................4-9
4.8 Tip on using the Network ........................................4-10
Chapter 5 Uninstall
5.1 Windows 98,Me,and Windows 2000……………………5-1
Chapter
1
Introduction
Introduction 1-1
Thank you for purchasing the Wireless Multimedia PCMCIA Card. It
offered a unprecedented multimedia wireless solution and provided the
simultaneous multimedia audio and video stream without any other
network activity. You may use the device to extends Cable/DSL
connection and existing Ethernet network without any wires. This
manual guides you on how to install and properly use the Wireless
Access Point in order to take full advantage of its features.
1.1 Package Contents
Make sure that you have the following items:
x One Wireless PCMCIA Card
x One Installation Manual
x One CD-Title with AP manager Software
If any of the above items are missing, contact your supplier as soon as
possible.
1.2 System Requirements
Before installation, please check the following requirements with your
equipment.
x Pentium Based ( And Above ) IBM-Compatible PC System
x CD-ROM drive
1-2 Introduction
x One PCMCIA Slot Interface
x Windows 9x/ME/NT4.0/2000 Operating System with TCP/IP
protocol
1.3 Features
Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b) Certification and Interoperability with
Wireless LAN Standards
IEEE 8021.b & IEEE 802.11e-class Compliant
11 Mbps Transmission Rate
Rugged Metal Design with Integrated Antenna
Contention-Free Access and Dynamic Stream support
Parameterized Quality of Service (QoS) to Support Multimedia
Distribution and Ensure Delivery of Isochronously
/Time-Dependent Content
Excellent Interference Immunity
Peer-to-Peer Communication among Multiple Devices for
Efficient Bandwidth Utilization
Forward Error Correction to Repair Corrupted Packets “ On The
Fly ” during Transmission
Channel Agility to Avoid In-Band Interference from Household
Appliances, such as Microwave Ovens and Cordless Phones
Introduction 1-3
Better Range and Fade Margin for Coverage Throughout The
Home
Open Enrollment for Easily Adding Devices to The Network
Coordinator Redundancy to Prevent Single Point of Failure
Delayed Acknowledgement Improves Payload Efficiency and
Minimizes Overhead for Network Access
1.4 Specification
ΘʳStandard Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11b) and QoS
Θʳ ( IEEE802.11e-class)
ΘʳSignal Type DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum)
ΘʳModulation QPSK / BPSK / CCK
ΘʳPort PCMCIA Type II
ΘʳAntenna Built-in dielectric antenna
ΘʳData Encryption 40 bit WEP encryption ,
128 bit KEY Length(otional)
ΘʳFrequency 2.4GHz –2.4835GHz
ΘʳChannel 11 Channels(US,Canada)
13 Channels(Europe)
14 Channel(Japan)
ΘʳData Rate Up to 11Mbps(with automatic scale back)
1-4 Introduction
ΘʳTransmit Power Guaranteed 15 dBm , Typically 18 dBm
ΘʳReceive Sensitively Guaranteed –76 dBm , Typically –80 dBm
LED Indicators Link Status
Power Host Power
ΘʳTemperature Operating :0Ƭ to 55Ƭ,
Storage : -20к to 70к,
ΘʳHumidity 95% Non-Condensing
ΘʳDimensions 110x54x6mm
Chapter
2
Installation
Installation 2-1
Before you proceed with the installation, it is necessary that you
have enough information about the Wireless PCMCIA Card
2.1 Hardware/OS requirements
ΘʳPentium II PC
Θʳ 64 MB RAM
Θʳ Windows 98/ME/2000
2.2 Installing the hardware
NOTE: Before installing, please remove any prior versions
using the instructions under “Uninstall.” (See Uninstall
on page 5-1)
¾ The PCMCIA card (a.k.a. PC card) has built-in Radio and antenna
attached to one side of the regular PC card form factor. The
physical dimension of the PC card may come in contact with other
PC card attachment directly above. Inserting the PC card on the
upper slot would avoid such contact. Note that the below image of
the PCMCIA card may look different from your PCMCIA card.
2-2 Installation
2.3 Installing the hardware drivers
The examples shown reflect a Windows 2000 operating system.
The actual installation screens may be slightly different on
different Windows OS versions. Perform the following
steps to install the wireless adapter. You may need your
Windows CD during the configuration.
¾ Before installation, it is recommended to close all applications
first.
¾ Once the PCMCIA Adapter is inserted, Windows will detect the
new hardware with a pop up window. Then the hardware wizard
dialog box will appear to facilitate hardware installation. It will
notify you of the detection of the adapter.
Installation 2-3
¾ Windows 2000 may display a “Digital Signature Not Found”
message because the PCMCIA adapter does not contain a
Microsoft digital signature. This does not affect the wireless
functionality. Click on “Yes” to continue.
¾ Windows 2000 will prompt for Driver source CD. Insert the
installation CD into your CDROM drive and click “OK”.
¾ At the “Files Needed” panel, click on “Browse” to select the
“\NIC\install on W2K” folder location on the CD. Be sure to
2-4 Installation
browse to the exact location of the Windows drivers for you
operating system (i.e Windows 98, 2000 or Millennium). Do not
use the automatic search option to locate the drivers, as it will
automatically default to the wrong Windows driver which will
cause installation to fail.
¾ Windows hardware wizard will confirm that PCMCIA wireless
driver has been installed.
¾ When completed click ‘Finish’. You will next be asked to reboot
the computer. Click ‘Yes’.
Installation 2-5
Note: If the system does not shut down (or restart) within 2 minutes
manually power down the computer and then power it back up again
This completes the hardware portion of the installation.
Note: If this is the first time a network device as been installed,
after re-starting the system, you may need to enter a Windows
network ‘User name’ and ‘Password’.
Chapter
3
Installing the Network Manager
software
Configuring 3-1
This section covers the installation of the network management, device
management and Bridge Manager software. Do not proceed with this
section until you have installed the appropriate hardware as described
in the previous sections.
¾ The Network Management Setup starts automatically when the
computer reboots. Click ‘Next’ to start the Network Management
Software installation.
3-2 Configuring
¾ The next screen in this installation (not shown) is a placeholder
for the licensing agreement. To continue click “Yes” to agree to
the license agreement.
¾ In the registration screen enter your Name, Company, and
‘ShareWave’ as the Serial number.Click ‘Next’ to continue.
¾ Here you are given the opportunity to select the Destination of
where you wish to install the program files. It is recommended
that you keep the default path.Click ‘Next’ to continue.
Configuring 3-3
¾ Enter a Network ID (name) for the wireless network security
identification. This name is used to generate a security ID for
enrollment into the local wireless network.
Note: all nodes enrolled into the wireless network must have the same
Network ID Click ‘Next’ to begin the process of installing the Network
Management software.
¾ The below message box will indicate that the system
configuration parameters entered during the installation have
been successfully uploaded to the flash memory. Click ‘OK’.
The installation is now complete.
Chapter
4
Using the Network
Using the Network 4-1
4.1 Device Management
If the icon does not appear in the system tray, double-click the icon on
the desktop.
The icon in the system tray offers additional information by a right click
option ‘Open Device management Dialog’.
ΘʳFigure 1 Device Management Application
4-2 Using the Network
The Bodega Device Manager introduces the “Profiles” concept. Profiles
allow a user to store specific settings for a particular situation or
environment. A user may have an “Office” profile in which the node
operates in Wi-Fi mode and a “Home” profile for Multimedia mode, for
instance. Profiles will help the user manage the appropriate settings
including network IDs, WEP, and operating mode.
Profiles can be created, managed (for editing) and activated from the
Device Manager application by selecting the Profiles menu.
When creating a new profile from this menu, the software will ask the
user to select either a Wi-Fibased or a Multimedia-based profile.
ΘʳFigure 2 Creating a Multimedia Profile
Figure 2 shows the screen to create a new Multimedia profile. Both
settings that are common between Wi-Fi and Multimedia mode (such
as Profile Name and encryption setting) and any settings unique to
Multimedia mode can be set here. Unique settings include the “Auto”
setting for the channel selection and the Channel Agility sensitivity
setting (both unique to the Channel Agility feature). Another
Multimedia-only setting is the “Fix as Master” option, which forces a
particular node to be the network coordinator.
Useing the Network 4-3
ΘʳFigure 3 Creating a WiFi Profile
Figure 3 shows the WiFi profile “create” screen. The WiFi-unique
options that can be set on this screen are the Network and Node type
settings in addition to Data Rate and Power Management settings.
Once two or more profiles are created, the user can switch between
these profiles using the Profiles menu in the main device manager
screen.
ΘʳFigure 4 Managing Profiles
4-4 Using the Network
Figure 4 displays the Manage Profiles screen in which previously
created profiles can be edited, deleted,renamed and copied. The Copy
command is useful in creating multiple profiles that are similar without
having to reset all options manually.
4.2 Bridge Access Point
As described in the previous paragraph, nodes can be switched from
Wi-Fi to multimedia mode (and vice versa) using the device manager
software. As the Access Point/Bridge does not have a user interface
that can be used to switch between multimedia and Wi-Fi, it employs a
manual mode switch. This switch can be found on the AP and is labeled
accordingly.
ΘʳMode Switch – Used to switch between Multimedia (WhiteCap) and
Wi-Fi mode (Wi-Fi = In; Multimedia = Out)
ΘʳFactory Default Reset – Used to reset all parameters (i.e. SSID,
WEP etc) to the factory default
ΘʳController Reset – Used to reset the BAP (similar to power cycling)
ΘʳPower – Connects to (included) power adapter
ΘʳEthernet Port – Connects to HUB for LAN / Internet connectivity
ΘʳUSB Port – Connects to connector, use for configuration only
(Bridge Manager software required)
4.3 Network Management
The Network Manager will start automatically once you logon to
Windows. The icon in the Windows Tray will appear when the Network
Management software is running. From this Icon the earlier described
Device Management and network management application can be
started (right-click on the icon).
Note that the Network Management Application is ONLY available
Useing the Network 4-5
when the Network is in Multimedia mode.
Double clicking on the icon in the system tray brings up the network
management utility in your browser.
Note: This utility requires Microsoft’s Internet Explorer with
Java™ technology enabled. If TCP/IP is not installed, you will not
be able to use network management utilities.
The ‘Node Information’ page in network management utility displays a
diagram of the active Multimedia network. Additional information is also
available by clicking on buttons to the left side of the page. The Color
legend on the lower left designates the quality of the connection and is
indicated by the color of the lines between any two nodes. The
information on this page is obtained from the Master node for all nodes
on the network. If the Master node is a non-functional node this HTML
page will not be available on the client nodes and a “troubleshooting
page” will be displayed instead.
4.4 Enrolling a Bridge Access Point into
the network
To add a Bridge node to the network the designated Master node must
allow the Bridge to be “enrolled” into its secured network group. This
4-6 Using the Network
“group” is based on the network identification (or ‘Network ID’) entered
during installation. If the Network ID of a node matches the master’s
Network ID, the node will be automatically enrolled into the group.
To add a Wireless Bridge to the network or add a new node which is
configured to be in an open enrollment mode, click on the ‘Add A New
Node’ button in the Network Management page from any node in the
system.
The Master node will search for node who have not been added to the
group (those which are determined to be in open enrollment).
In the example above the Master node has detected a bridge device
with the MAC address of 00-D0-6C-00-01-29.
To add (or enroll) this Bridge into the network click on the ‘Add’ button.
The Master node will forward its Network ID to the Bridge node which
as been detected to be in open enrollment mode.
Useing the Network 4-7
Refer to paragraph 7.6 for instructions on how to manually configure
the Bridge Access Point. Manual configuration will give you more
control over the BAP settings including network names, SSID and WEP
settings.
4.5 Adding additional nodes
To add a node to the network the designated Master node (typically the
first node installed) must first allow the client to be enrolled into its
secured network group. This group is based on the wireless network
identification (‘Network ID’) entered during installation. If the Network ID
of the client matches the master’s (typically first node installed)
Network ID (name), the client will automatically be enrolled into the
group.
If the clients Network ID does not match the subnet group’s
dentification (i.e. the Network ID assigned to the Master) the client will
not be allowed to enroll into the group. The client’s network
identification (Network ID)
can be changed using the Device Management application.
To reset the Bridge Network ID and place the bridge back into an ‘open
enrollment’ mode press on the ‘Network ID reset’ button on the bridge
(see page 11 for button location)
4.6 Bridge Manager
Refer to section for Bridge Manager installation instructions.
Be sure to (re) connect the USB cable. The bridge will now enter
configuration mode. The Bridge manager can be started by
double-clicking the icon on the desktop (use the “Bridge Device
Manager” icon).
Note: While the bridge is in “configuration mode” (when the USB
cable is inserted), the bridge will not function in the network.
Upon removal of the USB cable the Bridge will assume its normal
4-8 Using the Network
operation.
After the application starts, it will display a general information screen
which provides information for the current Multimedia and Wi-Fi
settings.
To edit these settings, select either the “Multimedia profile” or the “Wi-Fi
profile. As shown below, all relevant settings for both Wi-Fi and
Multimedia mode can be set or modified. Note that the separate profiles
allow for unique settings (i.e. different SSID or network names) in each
mode.
Useing the Network 4-9
4.7 Using WEP
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is a industry standard algorithm for
encryption of wireless data streams. WEP was designed to prevent
“eavesdropping” and is often used when the transmitted data is of a
sensitive nature. Note that when WEP is enabled, you may notice
decreased throughput. This can be contributed to the WEP overhead
on the network and is common to all WEP implementations.
The Bodega platform supports 40-bit WEP in both Multimedia and
Wi-Fi modes. WEP is disabled by default and must be manually
enabled for each node.
For Windows based nodes (i.e. PCI, PCMCIA or USB based nodes),
WEP can be enabled and configured through the Device Management
application. WEP settings are part of the properties of a “Profile” and
can be different for each profile. For example: the “Office” profile may
include WEP settings that match those of your office environment and
the “Home” profile may have WEP turned off.
NOTE: All nodes in a single network MUST have the same WEP
settings to communicate.
To configure the Bridge Access Point for WEP, the Bridge Manager
utility must be used (refer to installation and operation instructions).
4-10 Using the Network
In both Device Management (for the nodes) and Bridge Manager (for
the BAP) four WEP keys can be entered.(using up to 10 characters)
The WEP keys are used to encrypt data prior to transmission. Provided
the othernodes in the network use the same WEP key, they will be able
to decrypt the data.
NOTE: Do not use the “Automatic” WEP key feature. Instead pick an
individual WEP key in the drop-down menu to be used.
4.8 Tips on using the Network
If you are having trouble getting a connection between nodes and have
already checked your network setup,then try moving one or both of the
antennas several inches in any direction. Check the Radio Link Quality
LED to make sure it remains fully on (i.e. very little flashing). With any
high frequency radio device, you may need to move the antenna
slightly to avoid multi-path signals in order to achieve best reception
/transmission.
ΘʳAssign (or specify) an IP address for each computer in the wireless
network group. IP addresses are assigned within the Network
properties Configuration tab
– TCP/IP Properties – IP Address settings (i.e. ‘Specify an IP
address’ should be selected).
Useing the Network 4-11
For example, use a range between 192.168.1.001 to 192.168.1.200
with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0.
Note: If you are using a DHCP service with a Wireless Bridge you
should not use assigned IP’s.
Next, to assure that the ‘fast read’ feature is automatically used when
using TCP/IP protocols verify that the only protocols selected for the
network adapter are TCP/IP and WhiteCap protocols. To verify which
protocols are selected confirm which check-boxes are selected
within the “Bindings” tab located in the Network adapter properties
(Located in the Network Configuration properties)
4-12 Using the Network
For example, if NetBEUI is selected un-check the box and click OK
Re-start the system to activate the current changes.
Note: If the system does not shut down (or restart) within 2 minutes
manually power down the computer and then power it back up again.
Trouble playing MPEG streams…
If you encounter problems playing MPEGs from one node to another,
remember the stream or file may be too large/fast for your CPU to use a
software-decode player utility. Try using hardware MPEG decoder,
often called a DVD decoder card.
Another tip, if your decoder software is hanging or locking up the
system, try different decoding software or switch to a hardware-based
decoding card. Since this product is on the leading edge of technology,
most
software MPEG decoders are not “network aware”. If the stream is
interrupted, even for a moment, the utility may become unstable or can
go into an unrecoverable state.
Chapter
5
Uninstall
Appendix 5-1
5.1 Windows 98 , Me, and Windows 2000
z To completely Un-install the Wireless Network adapter from your
Windows operating system use the Windows Add/Remove
Programs Properties feature located in the Start
/Settings/Control Panel menu.
z Select the Wireless Network Adapter and click on the
‘Add/Remove…’ button.
NOTE: The uninstall program UnInstall.exe can also be invoked by
using the Windows Start/Run option and then using the Browse
feature to point to the utility on CD ROM.
5-2 Uninstall
z Next click the ‘UnInstall’ button.
z Click ‘Exit’
z Now use the Windows Device Manager to uninstall the wireless
adapter as illustrated below.
This completes the removal of the adapter. If you wish to re-install the
card reboot your system. If you wish to completely remove the adapter
shut down your computer and remove the hardware.
Appendix 5-3
Warning
xThis equipment must be installed and operated in
accordance with provided instructions and a minimum
20 cm spacing must be provided between computer
mounted antenna and person’s body (excluding
extremities of hands, wrist and feet) during wireless
modes of operation.
xOptional vehicle mounted antenna must not exceed 10
dBi antenna gain and should be professionally installed.
CAUTION
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved
by the party responsible for compliance could void
the authority to operate equipment.