Proxim Wireless 8482WD 802.11a/b/g PCI adapter card User Manual

Proxim Wireless Corporation 802.11a/b/g PCI adapter card

User manual

WLAN 802.11 a/b/gUser ManualProxim8482-WD
Chapter 1 About the WLAN 802.11a/b/g device.......................................................31-1 Introduction...........................................................................................................31-2 Using a Wireless Local Area Network..................................................................31-3 Features and Requirements...................................................................................4Chapter 2 Network Configuring and Planning ............................................................52-1 Ad-Hoc Network...................................................................................................52-2 Access Point (Infrastructure) Network..................................................................6Chapter 3 Atheros Client Utility Installation....................................................................73-1 Atheros Client Utility Installation.........................................................................7Chapter 4 Atheros Client Utility (ACU) Configuration ............................................104-1 Atheros Client Utility icon..................................................................................104-2 Current Status Tab............................................................................................... 114-3 Profile Management............................................................................................144-3-1 Create or Modify a Profile..............................................................................154-3-2 Security Settings in Profile Management........................................................174-3-3 Advanced settings in Profile Management......................................................214-4 Diagnostic Tab ....................................................................................................224-5 Action Menu .......................................................................................................234-5-1 Enable/Disable Radio ......................................................................................234-5-2 Enable/Disable Tray Icon ................................................................................23Chapter 5 Wireless Configuration using Windows XP .....................................................245-1 Configuring Your Wireless Networking Settings................................................245-2 Advanced Wireless Settings................................................................................245-3 Disabling the Radio.............................................................................................255-4 Help and Support Information ............................................................................25Appendix A – Atheros Client Utility Uninstall Process....................................................26Appendix B - Glossary......................................................................................................29Appendix C –Wireless Notices .........................................................................................30
Chapter 1 About the WLAN 802.11a/b/g device1-1 IntroductionThe WLAN 802.11a/b/g device allows you to access Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs),share a local printer and files with others in your network, access the Internet, and roam about theoffice—wirelessly. This wireless Local Area Network solution is designed for both large and smallbusinesses, and it is scalable so that you can add users and new network features as yournetworking needs grow.The WLAN 802.11a/b/g device is a dual band WLAN device that allows for access to both2.4Ghz and 5Ghz WLAN technologies. The WLAN 802.11a/b/g device will operate with at amaximum data rate of 11Mbps with 802.11b (2.4Ghz), 54Mbps with 802.11g (2.4Ghz) wirelessnetworks and a maximum data rate of 54Mbps with 802.11a (5Ghz) wireless networks. TheWLAN 802.11a/b/g device will automatically detect and seamlessly roam between both 802.11b(2.4Ghz), 802.11g (2.4Ghz) and 802.11a (5Ghz) wireless networks1-2 Using a Wireless Local Area NetworkA wireless LAN provides the same functionality of a wired network, but it eliminates the need toinstall networking cables and other networking equipment. Not only is a wireless LAN easier todeploy, but it also allows for mobility through “roaming.” For example the WLAN 802.11a/b/gdevice can roam from a conference room to an office without being disconnected from the network.
1-3 Features and RequirementsThe WLAN 802.11a/b/g device includes the following features:Wireless Features• Support for the IEEE 802.11a standard• Support for the IEEE 802.11b standard• Operates within the 2.4-GHz band• Operates within the 5Ghz band• Maximum data rate of up to 54 Mbps (802.11a/g)• Maximum data rate of up to 11 Mbps (802.11b)Interoperability• WiFi certified at 5Ghz to ensure wireless interoperability with other WiFi (802.11a)certified devices.• WiFi certified at 2.4Ghz to ensure wireless interoperability with other WiFi (802.11b)certified devices.Security• Cisco Client Extension compatibility (including LEAP)• Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption, operating with 64bit, 128bit or 152 bitencryption• AES-CCM Encryption support• Support for Windows 802.1X supplicants
Chapter 2 Network Configuring and PlanningA wireless LAN can be configured for two different modes of operation. While each method has itsadvantages, one may be better suited for your needs. Review the following configurations todetermine which mode is best for you.• Ad-Hoc Network• Access Point (Infrastructure) Network2-1 Ad-Hoc NetworkAn Ad-Hoc network is the simplest to deploy and is ideal for small offices. Ad-Hoc wirelessnetworks can be comprised of two or more wireless client configured to communicate with oneanother. All Ad-hoc clients communicate directly with each other without using an access point(AP). As a user on this type of network, you are able to quickly build up a wireless network inorder to share files with other employees, print to a shared office printer, and access the Internetthrough a single shared connection.Ad-hoc networking is cost effective, because no other devices components are needed (accesspoints, hubs or routers) in order to setup a network. However, with peer-to-peer Ad-Hocnetworking, your computer is only able to communicate with other nearby wireless clients.CharacteristicsNetworked computers send data directly to each otherAdvantages• Simple setup• Cost efficiencyDisadvantagesCommunication is limited to nearby wireless clientsFigure 2-1
2-2 Access Point (Infrastructure) NetworkAn Access Point network is also referred to as an “Infrastructure” network. The key differencebetween a wireless access point network and an Ad-Hoc network is the addition of one extraelement—the Access Point. The Access Point serves as the focal point for all data traffic on yourwireless network, optimally managing all wireless data transactions.Additionally, the wireless Infrastructure can provide access to an existing wired LAN. This linkallows computers on the infrastructure wireless LAN to access the other wired LAN’s resourcesand tools, including Internet access, email delivery, file transfer, and printer sharing.CharacteristicsNetworked computers communicate with each other through a dedicated Access Point. Alldata transmitted between the computers on this wireless LAN passes through the access point.Advantages• Extended range: The access point extends the range of the wireless LAN. Each wirelessclient computer can communicate with other computers equipped with wireless devicesthat are within the range of the access point.• Roaming: As you move throughout the building, the WLAN 802.11a/b/g device willautomatically search for an access point to use, ensuring continuous communication withthe wireless network.• Network connectivity: An access point can provide wireless LAN access to an existingwired network by bridging the two networks together. This gives users of the wireless LANaccess to corporate email, Internet, shared printers and files.DisadvantagesBecause this network mode offers more features, it requires additional components and setuptime to deploy.Figure 2-2
Chapter 3 Atheros Client Utility InstallationNote for Windows XP Users: The Windows XP operating system has a built-in featureknown as “Wireless Zero Configuration” which has the capability to configure and controlthe WLAN 802.11a/b/g device (See Chapter 5). Installing the Wireless LAN Client utilitywill disable this Windows XP feature. For most Windows XP users, it is recommendedthat they do not install the Atheros Client Utility. Installation of the Atheros Client utilityis only needed if your wireless LAN network requires Cisco Client Extension or if youwant to use Atheros Client Utility instead of Windows XP Wireless Zero configurationservices.3-1 Atheros Client Utility Installation1. Begin installation by starting the software setup program according to the step describedbelow…• Windows 2000 – Double click the desktop icon labeled “Software Setup”.• Windows XP - Choose Start\Programs\Software Setup2. Click Next on the Software Setup “Welcome” dialog box.Figure 3-1
3. Scroll down and check the Box labeled, “Atheros Client Utility”.Figure 3-24. Click on the Next button.Figure 3-3
5. Congratulations! Atheros Client Utility has been installed successfully.Please click ‘Finish’ to go to the next step. Figure 3-46. The Atheros Client Utility will automatically be loaded each time your computer started. Toaccess the utility click on Atheros Client Utility icon in the system tray (Uninstall information canbe found in Appendix A)
Chapter 4 Atheros Client Utility (ACU) ConfigurationThe following sections describe the Atheros Client Utility (ACU). The ACU providesquick access and friendly interface to configure the Wireless LAN settings. If you areusing Windows XP and have not installed the Atheros Client Utility, information onconfiguring your WLAN 802.11a/b/g device using Windows XP Zero Configurationfeature can be found in Chapter 5.4-1 Atheros Client Utility iconThe Atheros Client Utility icon will appear in the system tray each time your computer isrestarted. To utilize the utility, double click on the ACU icon.Figure 4-1The Atheros Client Utility icon will display the current status of the wireless connection. .The number that appears in the upper left portion of the icon indicates the currentfrequency (2.4 Ghz or 5 Ghz) that the radio is operating in, when the radio is in a no linkstate the frequency band will toggle between 2.4 and 5 while it is scanning through thosefrequencies. The following are the various states that can be displayed by the icon…• Radio Disabled is indicates that the WLAN 802.11 a/b/g device has been disabledthrough either Hardware or Software• Yellow bars, then the signal strength is very small and the wireless connection is atits limit of range• Green bars indicate good or excellent signal strength is being received.See Figure 4-1 for the various states of the Atheros Client Utility icon.
Figure 4-24-2 Current Status TabThe current status tab displays the following information about your wireless connection.• Profile Name – The current name of the selected configuration profile.• Network Type – The current type of wireless network that is either Access Point orAd-hoc.• Wireless Mode – The current wireless mode is the frequency and data rate that hasbeen selected.• Current Channel – Specifies the current channel that the WLAN 802.11 a/b/g isconnected to or scanning on.• Link Status – The link can be either connected or disconnected to an Access pointor other wireless client.• Encryption Type – Describes whether or not the wireless traffic is encrypting.• IP Address –The current IP address of the WLAN 802.11 a/b/g device.
Figure 4-3
The Advanced button provides more detailed information regarding your wirelessconnection.• Transmit Power Level – Provides current setting of Radio output power• Network Name (SSID) – The wireless network name (SSID) that the device iscurrently connected with• Power Save Mode – The type of Power Savings that is configured on the device• Frequency – The current frequency that the Wireless device is connected orscanning on.• Transmit Rate – The transmit rate (Mbps) for the current connection for thewireless driver.• Receive Rate –The receive rate (Mbps) for the current connection for the driver.Figure 4-4
4-3 Profile ManagementThe Profile Management tab allows the user to configure several different user definedprofiles. Each profile can be configured to match the appropriate settings of a uniquewireless network.The Profile box lists all the configured profiles. The Details dialog describes the basicsettings (SSID, Network Type, Security Mode) of the highlighted profile. The activeprofile will be displayed with the wireless icon next to it. To make a profile active,highlight the profile and click on the Activate button. By setting a Profile active, youconfigure the wireless device to search for wireless networks that match up to thosespecific profile wireless settings.Figure 4-5The Available networks button allows the user to view a list of all available wirelessnetwork that are within range of the WLAN 802.11 a/b/g . Each wireless network entrydisplays the SSID, encryption settings, signal strength level, channel and wireless modeinformation. You can create a new profile utilizing Available networks button byhighlighting the wireless network you want to create a profile for and clicking on theActivate button.
Figure 4-64-3-1 Create or Modify a Profile1. From the Profile Management tab Click on the New or Modify button2. The Network Configuration Settings dialog box will appear3. In the Profile Name box, type in a unique name that describes the wireless networkyou are configuring the settings to connect to.4. In the SSID boxes type in the SSID that matches up with the wireless network youare trying to configure the profile to connect with. There are three SSID selections(SSID1, SSID2, SSID3) available; this feature allows you to configure a singleprofile to match up to 3 different SSID’s.
Figure 4-75. Select the Security Tab to manage the security settings associated with this profileFigure 4-8
6. Choose the security setting that is required on the wireless network. Once theappropriate security mode is chosen the button next to the selection will enable youto include any additional information required by that security mode.4-3-2 Security Settings in Profile ManagementThe Security Tab allows you to configure the WLAN 802.11a/b/g device to match the securitysettings of the Wireless LAN network.Select the appropriate security mode…• Pre-Shared Keys – This mode is commonly referred to as WEP encryption, andallows for setting of all four WEP keys. The pre-shared key selection also allows forsetting of a unique key, which is used with higher forms of encryption such as AES.• LEAP – This is CCX compliant feature that allows for authentication with Ciscoaccess points. This mode should only be used if your Wireless LAN requires LEAPauthentication• Externally Managed 802.1X Keys – This security mode allows for dynamicswitching of encryption keys using 802.1X authentication. This mode should only beused if your Wireless LAN requires 802.1X authentication.• Disabled – Use this mode when there is no security authentication or encryption iscurrently enabled on your Wireless LAN network.
Figure 4-9Setting Pre-Shared KeysPre-Shared keys can be defined using the “Define Pre-Shared Keys” boxFigure 4-10
Key Entry Method – Determines the entry method for an encryption key:• Hexadecimal (0-9, A-F)• ASCII text (any keyboard characters, A-Z, 0-9).PreUser Key – Defines the unique encryption key for network configuration security. The PreUser key is used with many authentication mechanism and encryptionShared Keys – Determines a set of shared encryption keys (First, Second, Third, Fourth) usedfor wireless encryption and security. At least one Shared Key field must be populated toenable security using a shared key. If more then one key is defined then Click on the radiobutton to select a key as the default encryption key. Key Length – The options for Key Length are• 64 bit encryption (10 digits)• 128 bit encryption (26 digits)• 152 bit encryption (32 digits)The number of available characters allowed to be entered in the encryption key field willautomatically be determined by the Key length setting. Setting LEAP authenticationLEAP authentication is a part of CCX compatibility and allows you to configure the WLAN802.11 a/b/g device to match the work with a Wireless LAN that incorporates LEAPauthentication. This mode should only be used if your Wireless LAN requires LEAPauthentication. To configure the LEAP settings for a particular profile select LEAP in the security mode andclick on the Define LEAP settings button to configure the settings described below.• Username – The username that is used to log in to the LEAP network• Password – The password used to log in to the LEAP network. This password isencrypted using the same encryption as the encryption keys.
Figure 4-11Figure 4-12
4-3-3 Advanced settings in Profile ManagementThe advanced tab provide more complex wireless settings and these settings should only bemodified if there is a specific requirement on your wireless network.a. Power Save Mode - allows the user to minimize power utilized by the WLAN802.11 a/b/g device. Note: Setting Power Save Mode to enabled (Normal orMaximum) may cause the user to experience an extended connection delay of upto one minute.b. Network Type - allows the user to configure the WLAN 802.11 a/b/g device aseither an Ad-hoc or Access Point type networkc. 802.11b Preamble - allows setting the preamble support to match up with thespecified wireless network.d. Transmit Power Level - allows the user to modify the power output of the radio.Setting. Note: Setting this to any other value except 100% will decrease range ofyour WLAN 802.11a/b/g device.Figure 4-13
Wireless Mode SettingThe wireless Mode settings allow the user to specify which wireless frequency and data rate thewireless network is operating at. If all selections are chosen, the WLAN 802.11 a/b/g devicewill automatically search all frequencies and data rates for wireless networks that match up tothe profile settings.Wireless Mode when starting Ad-Hoc settingThe “Wireless Mode when starting ad-hoc setting” allows the user to determine the type ofad-hoc network to be started. Note: This setting will only take effect if there are no other ad-hoc networks with the same SSID currently operating within range. If existing ad-hocnetworks with the same SSID are currently operating, then the WLAN 802.11 a/b/g devicewill connect using the frequency and data rate provided by the exiting ad-hoc network.4-4 Diagnostic TabThe diagnostic TAB displays the current data statistics for both receive and transmit.Additional statistics and driver information can be displayed using the appropriate labeledbuttons. Figure 4-14
4-5 Action MenuThe Action menu allows for enabling and disabling both the wireless radio and/or system trayicon.Figure 4-154-5-1 Enable/Disable RadioThere may be situations when the user wants to disable the WLAN 802.11 a/b/g device’s radio,so that the wireless device cannot send or receive any wireless traffic. If a user is in anenvironment where there are no wireless networks, the user may turn off the radio in order tominimize power consumption of the WLAN 802.11 a/b/g device.In the ACTION menu of the ACU there is an Enable Radio/Disable Radio selection. The choiceprovided in the menu will toggle the current state of the radio.• Enable Radio: The Radio is currently OFF (Disabled), and the “Enable Radio”selection will turn ON the Radio of the wireless device.• Disable Radio: The Radio is currently ON (Enabled), and the “Disable Radio”selection will turn OFF the Radio of the wireless deviceThe WLAN 802.11 a/b/g device radio also may be disabled through an external button located onyour platform, please review your platform user’s guide for additional information about thewireless enable/disable button4-5-2 Enable/Disable Tray IconIn the ACTION menu of the ACU there is an Enable Tray Icon/Disable tray Icon selection. Thechoice provided in the menu will toggle the current state of the System tray Icon.• Disable Tray Icon: This will remove the tray icon from you system tray. The systemtray icon appears in the system tray again after system is restarted or if the AtherosClient utility is opened again through Start\Programs\Atheros\ACU.Enable Tray Icon: This will allow for the system tray icon to once again be placed in thesystem tray.
Chapter 5 Wireless Configuration using Windows XP5-1 Configuring Your Wireless Networking SettingsThe Windows XP operating system has a built-in feature known as “Wireless ZeroConfiguration” which has the capability to configure and control this Wireless LAN device.To configure your device with this feature follow the steps below… 1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel.2. Click Network and Internet Connections.3. Click Network Connections.4. Right-click the network connection associated with your WLAN 802.11 a/b/g device, and selectProperties.5. Click on the Wireless Networks tab.6. Click on the link Setting Up Wireless Network Configuration.When the Help and Support Center window appears, you can access information regarding wirelessNetwork configuration. To access configuration information of your adapter, follow the on-screeninstructions.5-2 Advanced Wireless SettingsThe WLAN 802.11 a/b/g device has several advanced settings which may need to beconfigured depending on your wireless network. It is recommended that these settingsremain unchanged unless there is a specific need that requires modifying these settings.1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel.2. Click Network and Internet Connections.3. Click Network Connections.4. Right-click the connection for your WLAN 802.11a/b/g device, and select Properties.5. From the General tab, click the Configure button.6. Click on the Advanced TAB7. Modify the wireless settings as required
5-3 Disabling the RadioThere may be situations when the user wants to disable the WLAN 802.11 a/b/g device radio, sothat the wireless device cannot send or receive any wireless traffic. If a user is in an environmentwhere there are no wireless networks, the user may turn off the radio in order to minimize powerconsumption of the WLAN 802.11 a/b/g device. Follow the steps outlined in the Section 5-2above labeled “Advanced Wireless settings” and choose the Radio ON/OFF selection.• Select OFF – To turn OFF radio of the WLAN 802.11 a/b/g device• Select ON – To turn ON the radio of the WLAN 802.11 a/b/g device• The WLAN 802.11 a/b/g device radio may also be disabled through an external button located onyour platform, please review your platform users guide for additional information about thewireless enable/disable button5-4 Help and Support InformationConfiguration information and troubleshooting in Windows XP is available inMicrosoft’s Help and Support Center on Windows XP systems. Links to the appropriate MicrosoftWeb sites are also available here.To access this information:1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel.2. Click Network and Internet Connections.3. Click Network Connections.4. Right-click the connection for your WLAN 802.11 a/b/g device, and select Properties.5. From the General tab, click the Configure button.6. From the General tab, click the Troubleshoot button.When the Help and Support Center window appears, you can access information regarding theNetwork adapter. To access configuration information of your adapter, follow the on-screenInstructions. For the network adapter to function in a wireless LAN, you must change the settings atLeast once.
Appendix A – Atheros Client Utility Uninstall ProcessFollow the steps below to remove the Atheros Client Utility:1. Access the Control Panel from the Start menu2. Click on the ‘Add/Remove Programs’ in the ‘Control Panel’.3. Select ‘Atheros Client Utility’ and click ‘Change/Remove’ button, the dialog as belowdisplays.Figure A-1Figure A-2
2. Select ‘Remove’ and then click the ‘Next’ button to perform the un-installation. Click ‘OK’button if you really want to remove the Atheros Client Utility.Figure A-33. Wait for the un-installation to do its work. Click ‘Finish’ to complete the un-Installation.Figure A-4Figure A-5
Figure A-6
Appendix B - GlossaryACU - Atheros Client Utility (ACU) is the utility that allows for configuration of theWLAN 802.11 a/b/g deviceAccess Point - An internetworking device that seamlessly connects wired and wireless networkstogether.Ad Hoc - A peer- to-peer wireless network without Access Point. A group of wireless clientsconsistent an independent wireless LAN.Backbone - The core infrastructure of a network, the portion of the network that transportsinformation from one central location to another central location. The information is then off-loaded onto a local system.BSS - Basic Service Set. An Access Point associated with several wireless stations.ESS - Extended Service Set. More than one BSS can be configured as an Extended Service Set. AnESS is basically a roaming domain.ESSID –Extended Service Set Identifier. The length of the ESSID information is between 0 and 32octets. A 0 length identifier indicates the broadcast SSID.Ethernet - A popular local area data communications network, originally developed by XeroxCorp., which accepts transmission from computers and terminals. Ethernet operates on 10/100Mbps transmission rate over shielded coaxial cable or over shielded twisted pair telephone wire.Infrastructure - An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an infrastructure configuration.Roaming - A function that allows one to travel with a mobile end system (wireless LAN mobilestation, for example) through the territory of a domain (an ESS, for example) while continuouslyconnecting to the infrastructure.SSID – Service Set Identifier (SSID) is the network name used by the Wireless LAN . The length ofthe SSID information is between 0 and 32 octets.WEP –Wired Equivalent Privacy. The optional cryptographic confidentiality algorithm specifiedby IEEE 802.11 used to provide data confidentiality that is subjectively equivalent to theconfidentiality of a wired local area network (LAN) medium that does not employ cryptographictechniques to enhance privacy.
Appendix C –Wireless NoticesU.S. Regulatory Wireless NoticeThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,including interference that may cause undesired operation.The FCC requires the user to be notified that any changes or modifications made to device that arenot expressly approved by the Hewlett-Packard Company may void the user's authority to operatethe equipment.This product emits radio frequency energy, but the radiated output power of this device is far below the FCCradio frequency exposure limits. Nevertheless, the device should be used in such a manner that the potentialfor human contact with the antenna during normal operation is minimized.!Warning: Exposure to Radio Frequency RadiationThis equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for anuncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated withminimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body.This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any otherantenna or transmitter.Canadian Regulatory Wireless NoticeOperation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) thisdevice must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.European Union NoticeXXXX Products bearing the CE marking comply with the R&TTE Directive (1999/5/EC), EMC Directive(89/336/EEC) and the Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC) issued by the Commission of the EuropeanCommunity.Compliance with these directives implies conformity to the following European Norms (in parentheses arethe equivalent international standards and regulations):• EN 55022 (CISPR 22) – Electromagnetic Interference• EN55024 (IEC61000-4-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11) – Electromagnetic Immunity• EN61000-3-2 (IEC61000-3-2) – Power Line Harmonics
• EN61000-3-3 (IEC61000-3-3) – Power Line Flicker• EN 60950 (IEC 60950) – Product Safety• EN 300 328-2 – Technical requirements for radio equipment• EN 301 489-1, -17 – General EMC requirements for radio equipmentThis product may be used in the following EU and EFTA countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland,Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal,Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Products not marked with “Not for use in France” may be usedin France.Japanese Regulatory Wireless NoticeNote: In Japan 5GHz is for indoor use onlyBrazilian Regulatory Wireless NoticeEste equipamento opera em caráter secundário, isto é, não tem direito a proteção contra interferênciaprejudicial, mesmo de estações do mesmo tipo, e não pode causar interferência a sistemas operando emcaráter primário.2. 4 DS-OF 4

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