Sercomm CB801R 54Mbps Wireless PCMCIA Card User Manual
Sercomm Corporation 54Mbps Wireless PCMCIA Card Users Manual
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Revised Manual
802.11g
PC Card/USB
Wireless Adapter
User Guide
Regulatory Approvals
FCC Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communica-
tions. 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 of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
To assure continued compliance, any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.
(Example - use only shielded interface cables when connecting to computer or peripheral
devices).
Channel
The Wireless Channel sets the radio frequency used for communication.
•Access Points use a fixed Channel. You can select the Channel used. This allows you to
choose a Channel which provides the least interference and best performance. In the USA
and Canada, 11 channel are available. If using multiple Access Points, it is better if adjacent
Access Points use different Channels to reduce interference.
• In "Infrastructure" mode, Wireless Stations normally scan all Channels, looking for an
Access Point. If more than one Access Point can be used, the one with the strongest
signal is used. (This can only happen within an ESS.)
• If using "Ad-hoc" mode (no Access Point), all Wireless stations should be set to use the
same Channel. However, most Wireless stations will still scan all Channels to see if there
is an existing "Ad-hoc" group they can join.
i
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................1
Package Contents.............................................................................................................................1
LEDs....................................................................................................................................................1
Operation............................................................................................................................................2
CHAPTER 2 INITIAL INSTALLATION...............................................................................................3
Requirements ....................................................................................................................................3
Procedure...........................................................................................................................................3
CHAPTER 3 USING THE WINDOWS UTILITY.................................................................................5
Overview.............................................................................................................................................5
System Tray Icon..............................................................................................................................5
Site Survey Screen...........................................................................................................................6
Add Profile Screen...........................................................................................................................7
Profiles Screen...............................................................................................................................10
Link Status Screen........................................................................................................................11
Statistics Screen.............................................................................................................................11
Advanced Screen.............................................................................................................................12
About Screen...................................................................................................................................12
APPENDIX A SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................................................13
PC Card Adapter.............................................................................................................................13
USB Adapter....................................................................................................................................14
Wireless Interface..........................................................................................................................15
APPENDIX B ABOUT WIRELESS LANS .........................................................................................17
Modes ................................................................................................................................................17
BSS/ESS...........................................................................................................................................17
Channels...........................................................................................................................................18
WEP...................................................................................................................................................18
Wireless LAN Configuration.......................................................................................................18
P/N:
Copyright 2004. All Rights Reserved.
Document Version: 1.1 (August, 2004)
All trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners.
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Chapter 1
Introduction
This Chapter provides an overview of the Wireless Adapter's features and ca-
pabilities.
Congratulations on the purchase of your new Wireless Adapter. The Wireless Adapter pro-
vides a wireless network interface for your Notebook or PC.
Package Contents
The following items should be included:
• The Wireless Adapter Unit (PC Card or USB Adapter
• Power Adapter
• Quick Start Guide
• CD-ROM containing the on-line manual.
If any of the above items are damaged or missing, please contact your dealer immediately.
LEDs
PC Card Wireless Adapter
The PC Card Wireless Adapter has 2 LEDs - Ready and Link/Activity.
Ready LED • On - Associated with an Access Point, or connected to an Ad-hoc
wireless network.
• Off - No wireless network available.
Link/Act LED • On - Wireless ethernet connection established.
• Off - No Wireless ethernet connection.
• Flashing - Data being transferred.
USB Wireless Adapter
The PC Card Wireless Adapter has a single Link/Activity LED.
Link/Act LED • On - Wireless ethernet connection established.
• Off - No Wireless ethernet connection.
• Flashing - Data being transferred.
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Wireless 3-in-1 Companion User Guide
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Operation
You should install the supplied software on the CD-ROM before inserting the PC Card or USB
adapter.
3
Chapter 2
Initial Installation
This Chapter covers the software installation of the Wireless Adapter.
Requirements
• Windows 98, ME, 2000, or XP.
• Available PC Card slot (for PC Card Wireless Adapter) or available USB port (for USB
Wireless Adapter).
• CD-ROM drive.
• IEEE802.11b or IEEE802.11g wireless LAN.
Procedure
You should install the supplied software BEFORE inserting the PC Card or USB Adapter.
1. Insert the CD-ROM into the drive on your PC.
2. The installation program should start automatically. If it does not, run the SETUP.EXE
program.
Figure 1: Start Installation
3. On the screen above, click "Next" to start the installation.
4. Step though the procedure until you see the screen below.
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Wireless 3-in-1 Companion User Guide
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Figure 2: Installation completed
5. Click "Finish" to close the installation program.
6. Insert the PC Card or USB Adapter into your PC.
7. The Windows "New Hardware" wizard will then start.
• Allow it to complete the installation of the Windows driver.
• If using Windows XP, you may see a warning screen like the example below. If you do
see this screen, just click "Continue Anyway"
Figure 3: Windows XP Warning
8. When the Windows wizard is complete, you will now have a new icon in your system tray,
as shown below.
9. You will now have a new icon in your system tray, as shown below.
Figure 4: System Tray Icon
10. You can double- click this icon to configure the Wireless interface. See the following
chapter for details..
5
Chapter 3
Using the Windows Utility
This Chapter provides Setup details for the AP mode of the Wireless Adapter.
Overview
If using Windows XP, you have the option of using Windows itself to configure the Wireless
interface, or using the supplied utility.
To Use Windows XP for Configuration
• Right-click the System Tray icon
• From the pop-up menu, select "Use Zero Configuration as Configuration utility".
To Use the supplied Windows utility for Configuration
• Right-click the System Tray icon
• From the pop-up menu, select "Use ScConfig as Configuration utility".
The Chapter assumes you are using the supplied ScConfig utility.
System Tray Icon
If the ScConfig program is running, it will display an Icon in the System Tray. You can double-
click the
If the program is not running, you can start it using the option in the Start menu created by the
installation.
For the PC Card, this will be Start - Programs - Sphairon - CB801R - ScConfig2500.
For the USB Adapter, this will be Start - Programs - Sphairon - USB801R - ScConfig2500.
Status Information
The System Tray icon indicates the status of the Wireless adapter, as shown below.
Figure 5: Wireless Adapter not Installed
Figure 6: Not Connected
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Wireless 3-in-1 Companion User Guide
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Figure 7: Connected
Connecting to a Wireless Network
Double-click the Icon to open the Site Survey screen, when you can select the Wireless net-
work you wish to join.
Site Survey Screen
This screen is displayed when you double-click the system tray icon.
Figure 8: Site Survey Screen
Information - Site Survey Screen
SSID Available wireless networks are listed.
BSSID This is the MAC address of the Access Point (or Wireless station, if
the network is an Ad-hoc network).
8ignal Strength This is displayed as percentage ( 0 ~ 100%).
Channel No. The channel used by the Wireless network.
Encryption This indicates the encryption method used on the Wireless LAN.
Authentication This indicates the authentication method used on the Wireless LAN.
Network Type This will indicate "Infrastructure" (displayed device is an Access
Point) or "Ad-hoc" (displayed device is a Wireless station.)
Status The area to the left of the "Rescan" button show the current status. In
the example above, it shows "Disconnected".
Setup
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Rescan Click this button to rescan for all Wireless networks.
Add to Profile Click this to complete configuration of the selected Wireless Network.
See below for details.
To Connect to a Wireless Network
1. Double-click on the desired network.
2. You will then see the Add Profile screen.
See below for details on using this screen.
Note that once you are connected to a Wireless network, the Site Survey screen will identify the
current wireless network with a green "handshake" icon, as shown below.
Figure 9: Site Survey Screen - Connected
Add Profile Screen
This screen is accessed by clicking the Wireless Security button on the AP Setup screen.
It has 2 tabs - Configuration and Authentication and Security.
Configuration Tab
Figure 10 Settings Tab
Profile Name Enter a suitable name for this profile. Each profile must have a
unique name.
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SSID If the desired wireless network is currently available, you can
select its SSID. Otherwise, type in the SSID of the desired wireless
network.
PSM Select the desired power saving options.
Network Type Select the desired option:
• Infrastructure - Select this to connect to an Access point.
• Ad Hoc - Select this to if there is no Access point, PCs con-
nect directly to each other.
RTS Threshold This setting is provided for technical support staff.
Fragment Threshold This setting is provided for technical support staff.
Authentication and Security Tab
Figure 11: Authentication and Security Tab
Data - Authentication and Security Tab
Authentication Type You MUST select the option to match the Wireless LAN you
wish to join. The available options are:
• Open - Broadcast signals are not encrypted. This method
can be used only with no encryption or with WEP.
• Shared - Broadcast signals are encrypted using WEP. This
method can only be used with WEP.
• WPA - This method uses a key which is automatically
generated.
• WPA-PSK - PSK means "Pre-shared Key". You must enter
this key value; it is used for both authentication and en-
cryption.
Encryption The available options depend on the Authentication method
Setup
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selected above. The possible options are:
• WEP - If selected, you must enter the WEP data shown
below. This WEP data must match the Access Point or other
Wireless stations.
• AES, TKIP - These options are available with WPA and
WPA-PSK. Select the correct option.
WPA Preshared Key This is for WPA-PSK only.
If using WPA-PSK Enter the PSK (Pre-shared Key), sometimes
called the network key. All Wireless stations must use the same
key.
WEP Key This section is grayed out unless using WEP.
• Key # - You can enter up to 4 keys.
Use the radio button to select the Default key (used for
transmissions.) You must enter the default key; the other
keys are optional.
• Hex/ASCII - Select the method of entering the key value.
(Note: Hex chars are 0~9 and A~F.)
• Enter the key value or values you wish to use. These must
match the Access Point or other wireless stations. The De-
fault Key is required, the others are optional.
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Profiles Screen
Once you have created a profile, as described above, the Profiles tab will be available on the
main screen.
Figure 12: Profiles Screen
Data - Profiles Screen
Profile Name The name of the Profile. Each profile must have a unique name.
SSID The SSID for this profile.
Channel No. The channel used by the Wireless network associated with this
profile.
Authentication This indicates the authentication method used on the Wireless
network associated with this profile.
Encryption This indicates the encryption method network used on the Wireless
network associated with this profile.
Network Type This will indicate "Infrastructure" or "Ad-hoc".
Buttons
Add Add a new profile
Delete Delete the selected Profile.
Edit Change the selected Profile.
Activate Connect to the Wireless network specified by the selected profile.
Setup
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Link Status Screen
This screen displays the quality of the current wireless link.
Figure 13: Link Status Screen
You may have to wait a few seconds for the screen to be populated.
Statistics Screen
This screen displays details of the traffic sent or received on the current Wireless network.
Figure 14: Statistics Screen
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Advanced Screen
This screen is for use by technical support staff and advanced users only. See the "Help" for
details of the settings on this screen..
Figure 15: Advanced Screen
About Screen
This screen displays details of the traffic sent or received on the current Wireless network.
Figure 16: Screen
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Appendix A
Specifications
This Appendix covers the most likely problems and their solutions.
PC Card Adapter
Model CB801R
Chipset: Ralink RT2560
RF Chip: Ralink RT2525
Bus Type: CardBus
54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9, and 6 Mbps (802.11g)
Data Rates : 11, 5.5, 2, 1 Mbps (802.11b)
Frequency Band : 2.4GHz to 2.462GHz
Wireless Medium : DSSS and OFDM
Media Access Protocol: CSMA/CA
Operating Channels: 1-14(FCC:1-11、ETSI:1-13、Japan:1-14 )
Operating Range: • Indoors: Up to 328 ft (100 meters)
• Outdoors: Up to 1312 ft (400 meters)
Receive Sensitivity :
54 Mbps: -70 dBm
48 Mbps: -72 dBm
36 Mbps: -77 dBm
24 Mbps: -80 dBm
18 Mbps: -82 dBm
12 Mbps: -85 dBm
9 Mbps: -86 dBm
802.11g
6 Mbps: -88 dBm
11 Mbps: -86 dBm
5.5 Mbps: -89 dBm
2 Mbps: -91 dBm
802.11b
1 Mbps: -91 dBm
Wireless Medium: DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum)
Media Access Protocol: CSMA/CA
Transmit Power:
802.11g:
17.5 ± 2 dBm
A
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802.11b:
18.5 ± 2 dBm
Security : 64/128-bit WEP
WPA—Wi-Fi Protected Access
Standards Conformance:
WPA certified, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b
EMI: FCC, CE
Environmental Range:
Operating temperature: 0o to 40oC (32o to 104oF)
Operating humidity: 0 to 90% non-condensing
System Requirements Notebook PC must be running Windows 98SE/ME/XP/ 2000
USB Adapter
Model UB801R
Chipset: Ralink RT2572
RF Chip: Ralink RT2526
Bus Type: USB 2.0
54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9, and 6 Mbps (802.11g)
Data Rates : 11, 5.5, 2, 1 Mbps (802.11b)
Frequency Band : 2.4GHz to 2.462GHz
Wireless Medium : DSSS and OFDM
Media Access Protocol: CSMA/CA
Operating Channels: 1-14(FCC:1-11、ETSI:1-13、Japan:1-14 )
Operating Range: • Indoors: Up to 328 ft (100 meters)
• Outdoors: Up to 1312 ft (400 meters)
Receive Sensitivity :
54 Mbps: -71 dBm
48 Mbps: -73 dBm
36 Mbps: -77 dBm
24 Mbps: -81 dBm
18 Mbps: -83 dBm
12 Mbps: -83 dBm
9 Mbps: -83 dBm
802.11g
6 Mbps: -83 dBm
11 Mbps: -87 dBm 802.11b
5.5 Mbps: -88 dBm
Appendix A - Troubleshooting
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2 Mbps: -89 dBm
1 Mbps: -89 dBm
Wireless Medium: DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum)
Media Access Protocol: CSMA/CA
Transmit Power:
802.11g:
13.5 dBm
802.11b:
17.5 dBm
Security : 64/128-bit WEP
WPA—Wi-Fi Protected Access
Standards Conformance:
WPA certified, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b
EMI: FCC, CE
Environmental Range:
Operating temperature: 0o to 40oC (32o to 104oF)
Operating humidity: 0 to 90% non-condensing
Notebook or desktop PC with USB port; USB 2.0 required for
54 Mbps data rate
System Requirements
Notebook or desktop PC must be running Windows
98SE/ME/XP/ 2000
Model Wireless Adapter
Dimensions 70 mm (W) * 105 mm(D) * 22 mm (H)
Operating Temperature 0° C to 40° C
Storage Temperature -10° C to 70° C
Network Protocol: TCP/IP
Network Interface: 1 * 10/100BaseT Ethernet
1 * Wireless Interface
LEDs 3
Power Adapter 5 V DC External
Wireless Interface
Standards IEEE802.11g WLAN, JEIDA 4.2, roaming support
Frequency 2.4 to 2.4835GHz (Industrial Scientific Medical Band )
Channels Maximum 14 Channels, depending on regulatory authorities
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Modulation DSSS BPSK/QPSK/CCK, OFDM/CCK
Data Rate Up to 54 Mbps
Coverage Area Indoors : 10m @54Mbps, 80m @6Mbps or lower
Outdoors : 30m @54Mbps, 200m @6Mbps or lower
Security WEP 64Bit, WEP 128Bit, WPA-PSK
Output Power 16 dBm (typical)
Receiver Sensitivity -80 dBm Min.
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Appendix B
About Wireless LANs
This Appendix provides some background information about using Wireless
LANs (WLANs).
Modes
Wireless LANs can work in either of two (2) modes:
• Ad-hoc
• Infrastructure
Ad-hoc Mode
Ad-hoc mode does not require an Access Point or a wired (Ethernet) LAN. Wireless Sta-
tions (e.g. notebook PCs with wireless cards) communicate directly with each other.
Infrastructure Mode
In Infrastructure Mode, one or more Access Points are used to connect Wireless Stations
(e.g. Notebook PCs with wireless cards) to a wired (Ethernet) LAN. The Wireless Stations
can then access all LAN resources.
Access Points can only function in "Infrastructure" mode, and
can communicate only with Wireless Stations which are set
to "Infrastructure" mode.
BSS/ESS
BSS
A group of Wireless Stations and a single Access Point, all using the same ID (SSID), form a
Basic Service Set (BSS).
Using the same SSID is essential. Devices with different SSIDs are unable to communicate with
each other.
ESS
A group of Wireless Stations, and multiple Access Points, all using the same ID (ESSID), form
an Extended Service Set (ESS).
Different Access Points within an ESS can use different Channels. In fact, to reduce interference,
it is recommended that adjacent Access Points SHOULD use different channels.
As Wireless Stations are physically moved through the area covered by an ESS, they will
automatically change to the Access Point which has the least interference or best performance.
This capability is called Roaming. (Access Points do not have or require Roaming capabilities.)
B
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Channels
The Wireless Channel sets the radio frequency used for communication.
• Access Points use a fixed Channel. You can select the Channel used. This allows you to
choose a Channel which provides the least interference and best performance. In the USA
and Canada, 11 channel are available. If using multiple Access Points, it is better if adjacent
Access Points use different Channels to reduce interference.
• In "Infrastructure" mode, Wireless Stations normally scan all Channels, looking for an
Access Point. If more than one Access Point can be used, the one with the strongest signal
is used. (This can only happen within an ESS.)
• If using "Ad-hoc" mode (no Access Point), all Wireless stations should be set to use the
same Channel. However, most Wireless stations will still scan all Channels to see if there is
an existing "Ad-hoc" group they can join.
WEP
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is a standard for encrypting data before it is transmitted.
This is desirable because it is impossible to prevent snoopers from receiving any data which is
transmitted by your Wireless Stations. But if the data is encrypted, then it is meaningless
unless the receiver can decrypt it.
If WEP is used, the Wireless Stations and the Access Point must have the same settings for
each of the following:
WEP Off, 64 Bit, 128 Bit
Key For 64 Bit encryption, the Key value must match.
For 128 Bit encryption, the Key value must match
WEP Authentication Open System or Shared Key.
Wireless LAN Configuration
To allow Wireless Stations to use the Access Point, the Wireless Stations and the Access Point
must use the same settings, as follows:
Mode On client Wireless Stations, the mode must be set to "Infrastructure".
(The Access Point is always in "Infrastructure" mode.)
SSID (ESSID) Wireless Stations should use the same SSID (ESSID) as the Access Point
they wish to connect to. Alternatively, the SSID can be set to "any" or
null (blank) to allow connection to any Access Point.
WEP The Wireless Stations and the Access Point must use the same settings
for WEP (Off, 64 Bit, 128 Bit).
WEP Key: If WEP is enabled, the Key must be the same on the Wireless
Stations and the Access Point.
WEP Authentication: If WEP is enabled, all Wireless Stations must use
the same setting as the Access Point (either "Open System" or "Shared
Key").