TwinMOS Technologies WBGZP1 USB STICK + MOBILE DISK WLAN CARD User Manual NetKey Series WLAN Card English
TwinMOS Technologies Inc. USB STICK + MOBILE DISK WLAN CARD NetKey Series WLAN Card English
USERS MANUAL
TwinMOS
Netkey 802.11b Series
Wireless LAN Adapter
(7 3-TMWBG-001)
User’s Manual
TwinMOS®
Netkey Series WLAN Card
WWW.TwinMOS.COM Page 1
Contents
PACKAGE CONTENTS……........................................................2
INTRODUCTION..........................................................................3
WIRELESS NETWORK OVERVIEW............................................4
NETKEY WIRELESS NETWORK SCENARIOS………..6
INSTALLATION FOR WINDOWS.............................................… ..9
CONFIGURATION UTILITY....................................................… ..16
TROUBLESHOOTING....................................................… ..22
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS.......................................… ..23
FCC CAUTION ................…………………………………………………..........… ..24
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PACKAGE CONTENTS
Unpack your Netkey WLAN adapter kit and verify that all items are present.
l Netkey Wireless LAN Adapter
l User’s Manual (on CD)
l Driver (on CD)
If any of the items described appear to be damaged or missing, please contact your reseller.
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INTRODUCTION
The Netkey WLAN adapter is a wireless network client that complies with the IEEE 802.11b standard
on wireless LANs. The IEEE 802.11b standards compliance means this adapter gives you the flexibility
to connect it to any 802.11b network. The IEEE 802.11b Ethernet standard allows you to connect
computers and devices at speeds up to 11Mbps, dependent upon the distance between wireless adapters,
the configuration of your working environment, or the capabilities or limitations of your computer
systems.
This Netkey WLAN Adapter supports following WLAN features：
l Automatic transmit data rate select mechanism in the transmit range of 1, 2, 5.5 and 11 Mbps.
l Center frequency channel selection (2.4 GHz)
l Roaming over multiple channels.
l Supports USB interface
l Supports power save mode
l 128-bit Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) data encryption.
l Plug and Play installation
This Netkey comes with software drivers for the most popular Microsoft Windows operating systems
and can be integrated into a larger network, running Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, or
Windows 98 in either Ad-Hoc mode or infrastructure mode. This manual provides a quick introduction
to wireless technology and its application as it relates to networking. Take a moment to read through this
manual and familiarize you with wireless technology. You should also give yourself some time to
become familiar with your new wireless network.
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WIRELESS NETWORK OVERVIEW
A wireless local area network (LAN) is a flexible data communications system implemented as an
extension to, or as an alternative for, a wired LAN. Using radio frequency (RF) technology, wireless
LANs transmit and receive data over the air, minimizing the need for wired connections. Thus, wireless
LANs combine data connectivity with user mobility.
A local area network that transmit and receive over the air typically in an unlicensed frequency such as
the 2.4GHz band. A wireless LAN does not require lining up devices for line of sight transmission like
IrDA. Wireless access points (base stations) are connected to an Ethernet hub or server and transmit a
radio frequency over an area of several hundred to a thousand feet which can penetrate walls and other
nonmetal barriers. Roaming users can be handed off from one access point to another like a cellular
phone system. Laptops use wireless modems that plug into an existing Ethernet port or that are self
contained on PC cards, while stand-alone desktops and servers use plug-in cards (ISA, PCI, etc.).
Wireless LANs offer the following productivity, convenience, and cost advantages over traditional wired
networks：
Mobility - WLAN provide LAN users to access data in any location within the operating range of the
WLAN. Ad-hoc management decisions based on real-time information can significantly improve worker
efficiency.
Installation Speed and Simplicity - Installing a wireless LAN system can be fast and easy and can
eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and ceilings.
Installation Flexibility - Wireless technology allows the network to go where wire cannot go.
Reduced Cost-of-Ownership - While the initial investment required for wireless LAN hardware can
be higher than the cost of wired LAN hardware, overall installation expenses and life-cycle costs can be
significantly lower. Long-term cost benefits are greatest in dynamic environments requiring frequent
moves and changes.
Scalability - Wireless LAN systems can be configured in a variety of topologies to meet the needs of
specific applications and installations. Configurations are easily changed and range from peer-to-peer
networks suitable for a small number of users to full infrastructure networks of thousands of users that
enable roaming over a broad area.
Installation Considerations
Designed to go up to 300 feet (100 meters) indoors and up to 900 feet (273 meters) outdoors, Netkey
WLAN adapter lets you access your network from virtually anywhere you want. Keep in mind, however,
that the number and thickness of walls, ceilings or other objects that the wireless signals must pass thru
may limit range. Typical ranges vary depending on the types of materials and background RF noise in
your home or business. The key to maximizing range is to follow these basic principles:
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Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the access point and your receiving device to a minimum
- Each wall or ceiling can reduce your TwinMOS Netkey Wireless product’s range from 3-90 feet (1-30
meters.) For some businesses or for a large residential home deployment, it may be more beneficial to
have more than one access point with overlapping coverage.
1. Be aware of the direct line between Access Points, Residential Gateways, and Computers - A wall
that is 1.5 feet thick (.5 meters), at a 45-degree angle appears to be almost 3 feet (1 meter) thick. At
a 2-degree angle it looks over 42 feet (14 meters) thick! Try to make sure that the Access Points and
Adapters are positioned so that the signal will travel straight through a wall or ceiling for better
reception.
2. Building Materials make a difference - A solid metal door or aluminum studs may have a negative
effect on range. Try to position Access Points, Residential Gateways, and Computers so that the
signal passes through drywall or open doorways and not other materials.
3. Make sure that the antenna is positioned for best reception by using the software signal strength
tools included with your product.
4. Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical devices that generate RF
noise, like microwaves, monitors, electric motors, etc.
For the average residence, range should not be a problem. If you experience low or no signal strength in
areas of your home that you wish to access, consider positioning the Access Point in a location directly
between the Residential Gateways and/or Computers that will be connected. Additional Access Points
can be connected to provide better coverage in rooms where the signal does not appear as strong as
desired.
Using radio frequency (RF) technology, WLANs transmit and receive data over the air, minimizing the
need for wired connections. Thus, WLANs combine data connectivity with user mobility, and, through
simplified configuration, enable movable LANs.
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Netkey WIRELESS NETWORK SCENARIOS
The Netkey WLAN adapter enables you to:
lConnect your computer to an Ad-Hoc workgroup of wireless computing devices (see Figure 1-1 on
page 7).
lConnect your computer to a Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) network that includes a Residential
Gateway (RG) access point (see Figure 1-2 on page 8).
lConnect your computer to a Local Area Network (LAN) Infrastructure that includes Access Points, or
other IEEE 802.11 compliant LAN systems (see Figure 1-3 and Figure 1-4).
lExpand the capabilities of your Access Points, to support wireless devices that have been equipped
with Netkey.
Ad-Hoc Workgroup
The Ad-Hoc workgroup configuration enables you to quickly set up a small wireless workgroup, where
the workgroup participants can exchange files using features like “Files and Printer Sharing” as
supported by Microsoft Networking.
Figure 1-1 Ad-Hoc Wireless Workgroup
You can use this option to setup a temporary or ad-hoc network in environments where no access points
are available (for example in Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) environments). As long as the stations
are within range of one another, this is the easiest and least expensive way to set up a wireless network.
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Home Networking
With the TwinMOS Netkey WLAN adapter, wireless access to the Internet or other computers is at your
fingertips. All you need to do is connect the wireless computers to an external cable, an xDSL or a ISDN
modem and you are ready to：
l Share files and printers, and
l Access the Internet
Figure 1-2 Connect to a Residential Gateway (RG)
Enterprise Networking
With the 11 Mbps Wireless LAN access point you can connect to a corporate Local Area Network (LAN)
infrastructure to have wireless access to all network facilities. LAN Infrastructures may either be:
l Stand-alone wireless LANs (Figure 1-3).
l Wireless network infrastructures connected to an existing Ethernet network (Figure 1-4).
Figure 1-3 Stand Alone Wireless LAN
xDSL
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Figure 1-4 LAN Infrastructure
It’s Easy
The Netkey functions like any standard wired Ethernet card, but Netkey does not need any wires!
Where an Ethernet card requires a cable connection to a hub and/or patch panel, the cable physically ties
you down to the location of the wired connection.
Netkey allows you to connect your computer to a Local Area Network (LAN) system from anywhere
within the wireless coverage area. Expanding or re-designing your network is easy: Add or relocate
access point, power-up your (new) wireless computers, and you’re done!
Unlike Ethernet, TwinMOS Netkey will enable you to roam throughout the network while remaining
connected to the LAN.
Note：The Netkey wireless adapter is a radio product. Refer to the flyer ”Information to the User” for
regulatory information that may apply in your country.
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INSTALLATION FOR WINDOWS
The following section will assist you to install Netkey WLAN adapter successfully. You will install
driver firstly and then plug in the Netkey WLAN adapter, and finally set the network properties to
accommodate resource sharing and select the type of wireless network that you want to install.
In order to establish your wireless network connection, make sure some steps below will be performed.
¦ Install the Access Point (AP) at first if you use Access Point network mode.
¦ Install the driver using the Installation CD.
¦ Plug in the Netkey wireless LAN adapter.
¦ Install the network protocol(s) required to communicate on your network. Most likely you will
need the TCP/IP protocol.
The Octopus Wireless LAN Configuration Utility is installed simultaneously with the driver by
executing the Setup.exe file. Note also that some versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems
require administrator to install software. If this is the case for your operating system, be sure that you
have such privileges before executing the Setup.exe file. To upgrade an existing driver, it is not
necessary to remove your Octopus driver from your computer. Simply run the Setup.exe file to replace
the existing driver with the latest version. After the new driver is installed, maybe you must restart the
operating system (depend on the Windows’ OS).
Please follow the following steps one by one in order to install the Netkey WLAN adapter successfully.
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For Windows XP
Before you proceed with the installation, please notice following descriptions.
Note1: The following installation was operated under Windows XP. (Procedures will be the same for
Windows 98SE/Me/2000.)
Note2: After running the driver package, the Notebook (or PC) with Win98 OS shall be restarted, for
Win2000 or WinXP OS the Notebook (or PC) doesn’t need to be restarted.
Note3: Please do not insert USB Stick adapter into USB port of your computer until Application setup
has been completed.
Install the Driver and Utility
1. Insert the CD into the CD-ROM device and execute the "NetkeyUSB3426.exe" program. The
InstallShield Wizard box will appear, click "Next" to continue.
2. Choose install folder
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3. Insert the Netkey WLAN adapter into the USB port of your computer, the system will automatically
find the device and search for its software.
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Using the Windows XP’s Utility
To connect to your wireless network, please do the following:
◎Double-click the icon marked in red in the taskbar and you may start using the Windows XP’s
wireless utility
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◎ The “Connect to Wireless Network” window will contain a list of all the available Wireless
Networks. Select the proper network for your needs. In this example, “TwinMOS” network was
selected as shown.
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Using the Utility of Netkey adapter
Note: If you don’t disable the XP’s Utility, you can not open the adapter’s utility.
◎ Get into Windows XP’s utility, click “Advanced“ button.
◎In “Wireless Network Connection Properties“ screen, uncheck the setting “Use Windows to configure
my wireless network settings“. Note that if you want to change back to the Windows XP built-in utility,
check the item again.
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◎Please click “Start->All programs->TwinMOS USB WLAN Adapter ->TMConfig”on toolbar.
Double-click on the icon shown below. The “TwinMOS WLAN Configuration” screen will be displayed.
Double click the icon and start using the WLAN USB Stick Adapter.
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CONFIGURATION UTILITY
TwinMOS Netkey uses the Configuration Utility as the management software. The utility provides the
user an easy interface to change any settings related to the wireless adapter. When the computer is
started, the Configuration Utility starts automatically and the system tray icon is loaded in the toolbar
(see illustration below.) Clicking on the utility icon will start the Configuration Utility.
Double-click on the icon shown above. The screen below will be displayed.
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Available Network
This screen shows all Access Points or Adapters nearby when operating in Ad-Hoc mode. Click
“Refresh” button to collect the SSID and Strength information of all the wireless devices nearby. If you
want to connect to any device on the list, double-click the item on the list, and the adapter will
automatically connect to the selected device.
Signal Strength
This bar shows the signal strength level. The higher percentage shown in the bar, the more radio signal
been received by the adapter. This indicator helps to find the proper position of the wireless device for
quality network operation.
Signal Quality
This bar indicates the quality of the link. The higher the percentage, the better the quality.
General Connection Setting Table
Select the More Setting Page to access the Configuration menu, as shown below. You can make
changes to any of the fields shown below, without the need to restart your computer.
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Network Type
The Netkey WLAN adapter can operate in one of two modes, which are specified in the Mode field of
the Configuration menu. Clicking the down arrow at the right of the Mode field displays the available
modes.
l Ad-Hoc - This is the 802.11b Ad-Hoc mode of operation. In “Ad-Hoc” mode, only one wireless
“ cell ” is supported for each different NETWORK NAME. All communication is done from
client to client without the use of an Access Point. “Peer-to-Peer” networking uses the same
NETWORK NAME for the wireless adapters in establishing the network connection. When
“Ad-Hoc ” mode is selected, the utility will provide a selection for setting the channel.
l Infrastructure - This mode of operation requires the presence of an 802.11b Infrastructure. All
communication is done through the Infrastructure, which relays packets to other wireless clients
as well as to nodes on a wired Ethernet network.
l Pseudo IBSS-This mode is for manufacture testing.
Channel
When communicating in Ad-Hoc mode, you must specify a channel on which communications will take
place. This field is grayed in infrastructure mode because the Access Point automatically selects the
channel.
Tx Rate
The Transmit Rate field specifies the rate at which the radio in your Netkey WLAN adapter transmits
and receives data. You can set this to the following fixed rates: 1 Mbps; 2Mbps; 5.5 Mbps or 11 Mbps.
Auto - When it is enabled, the device will choose the most suitable transmission rate automatically.
SSID
The name of the wireless network. This name cannot be longer than 32 characters. The default value is
“any”, which will automatically scan and connect the best performance Access point nearby. You may
specify a SSID for the adapter and then only the device with the same SSID can interconnect to the
adapter.
Apply
Click “Apply” button to save and implement the new settings.
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Encryption Setting Table
“WEP Key Setting” page allows you to enhance the security of a network. Every station in a secured
network should enable the Encryption function and the values of the Network Key should be the same.
Authentication Mode
This setting has to be consistent with the wireless devices, which the adapter intends to connect.
•Open System – No authentication is needed among the wireless devices.
•Shared Key – Only wireless devices using a shared key (WEP Key identified) are allowed to
connecting each other. Setup the same key as the wireless devices, which the adapter intends to connect.
•Auto – Auto switch the authentication algorithm depending on the wireless devices, which the
adapter is connecting to.
Key Length
You may select the 64-bit or 128-bit to encrypt transmitted data. Larger key length will provide higher
level of security, but the throughput will be lower.
Default Key ID
Select one of the keys (1~4) as the encryption key.
Key Value
The keys are used to encrypt data transmitted in the wireless network. Fill the text box by following the
rules below.
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•64-bit – Input 10 digit Hex values (in the “A-F”, “a-f” and “0-9”range) as the encryption keys. For
example: “0123456aef“.
•128-bit – Input 26 digit Hex values (in the “A-F”, “a-f” and “0-9” range) as the encryption keys. For
example:“01234567890123456789abcdef“.
Profile Table
Profile name
A profile is a named set of operating parameters for your Netkey WLAN adapter. The Profile field lets
you set values for all parameters by selecting a previously defined profile. Click the down arrow at the
right of the Profile field to display the available profiles for your Netkey WLAN adapter.
Other Table
Advanced Setting
Power Saving Mode
Power Saving mode allows your computer to use reduced power during idle time by going into “sleep”
mode, saving energy costs.
Fragmentation Threshold
The value defines the maximum size of packets, any packet size larger than the value will be fragmented.
If you have decreased this value and experience high packet error rates, you can increase it again, but it
will likely decrease overall network performance. Select a setting within a range of 256 to 2305 bytes.
Minor change is recommended.
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RTS/CTS Threshold
Minimum packet size required for an RTS (Request To Send). For packets smaller than this threshold,
an RTS is not sent and the packet is transmitted directly to the WLAN. Select a setting within a range of
0 to 2305 bytes. Minor change is recommended
Information
The Information Page provides information on the version of the Network Driver, the Configuration
Utility, and the firmware in the USB Stick WLAN adapter. In addition, this page also provides the MAC
address of the USB Stick adapter , as shown in the following illustration.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
If you encounter some problems while installing the Netkey WLAN adapter or you want to confirm
whether your adapter is installed properly or not, we have listed the procedure for checking the various
components after you have installed the adapter. In first part of Troubleshooting, we have suggested the
users to check the various properties of the card to check the proper installation. In second section, we
have listed the various problems that you may encounter during the installation and have also listed the
possible solution. Check the first part to guess the probable reason of unsuccessful installation.
Please check the followings if you encounter some problem while installing the Netkey or yours Netkey
are non-functional.
In Windows 2000:
To check that the Netkey is installed properly, please do the following:
1. Check the Windows 2000 Diagnostics. See if there is any conflict in the Resource allocation or the
I/O Address, IRQ allocations. If you find that the IRQ or I/O Addresses are already assigned to some
other devices, you must change that value.
2. Go to the Control Panel. Double click on the Network Adapter, you will see Netkey Wireless Adapter.
Double clicking on that will show you the status of the Netkey network adapter. If there are no error
signs, the adapter has been installed properly.
In Windows XP:
To check that the Netkey is installed properly, please do the following:
1. Go to START>CONTROL PANEL. Double-click on Network Connections. Right-click on LAN.
Click Properties.
2. The Netkey network adapter will appear, indicating proper installation.
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Networking Characteristics
Compatibility l IEEE 802.11 Standard for WLAN (DSSS)
l Wi-Fi certified by the TwinMOS
Host OS Windows 98/98SE/ME/2000/XP
Media Access Protocol
CSMA/CA with ACK
Network Protocol TCP/IP, IPX, NetBEUI
RF Characteristics
Frequency Range 2.400-2.4835 GHz, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)
Operating Channels
l 1-11 United States (FCC)
l 1-11 Canada (DOC)
l 1-14 Japan (MKK)
l 1-13 Europe (Except Spain and France) (ETSI)
Modulation Technique
l 11 Mbps: CCK
l 5.5 Mbps: CCK
l 2 Mbps: DQPSK
l 1 Mbps: DBPSK
Spreading 11-chip Barker Sequence
Transmit Power 13 dBm @ Nominal Temp Range
Receive Sensitivity Nominal Temp Range：11 Mbps 10-5 BER @ -84 dBm, minimum
Security l 64-bit WEP Encryption
l 128-bit WEP Encryption
Operating Range Open Space：100 ~ 300m; Indoor: 30m ~ 100m
The transmission speed varies in the surrounding environment.
EMC Certification FCC Class B part 15B, 15C; R&TTE
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FCC CAUTION
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. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiated 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:
-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.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of about eight inches (20cm)
between the radiator and your body.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
FCC ID: QS3WBGZP1
Federal Communication Conmmission
This 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
inteference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.