U MEDIA Communications WCB321A 802.11g (super G) Cardbus Card User Manual

U-MEDIA Communications, Inc. 802.11g (super G) Cardbus Card

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WCB321A User Manual

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802.11g WLAN CardBus Card With Smart Antenna User Guide

Copyright This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is protected under interna-tional copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this manual, nor any of the material contained herein, may be reproduced without written consent of the author. Copyright 2005 Version 1.0 (July, 2005) Disclaimer The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The manufacturer makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. The manufacturer reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes from time to time in the content hereof without obligation of the manufacturer to notify any person of such revision or changes. Trademark recognition All product names used in this manual are the properties of their respective owners and are acknowledged. 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 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 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 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. FCC Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment. 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 interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

IMPORTANT NOTE: FCC Radiation Exposure Statement: This device complies with FCC RF Exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment, under 47 CFR 2.1093 paragraph (d)(2). This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. U-MEDIA declares that WCB-321A, ( FCC ID: SI5WCB321A ) is limited in CH1~CH11 for 2.4 GHz by specified firmware controlled in U.S.A.

iv -- Appendix .......................................................................................................... 39 Maintenance ................................................................................................................39 Checking the Wireless Client Utility Version ........................................................................39 Uninstalling the Wireless Client Utility .................................................................................40 Upgrading the Wireless Client Utility ....................................................................................40 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................41 Problems Starting the 802.11 Wireless Client Utility Program Problems with the Link Status ...............................................................................................41 Problems with Security Settings ............................................................................................41

6 -- Getting Started with the WCB-321A Getting Started with the WCB-321A Congratulations on purchasing the WCB-321A! The quick start guide included with your WCB-321A tells you how to install the Wireless Client Utility and how to operate the Wireless feature of the WCB-321A. This manual provides information for setting up and configuring the WCB-321A. This manual is intended for both home users and professionals. It is not required to read some of the more technical information in this manual (such as in “Wireless LAN Networking” on page 13 and “Configuring Wireless Security” on page 29) to operate and enjoy the WCB-321A. It is included for your reference only. The following conventions are used in this manual: LIKE NOTES AND TIPS, THE IMPORTANT SYMBOL INDICATES INFORMATION THAT CAN IMPROVE NETWORKING. THIS INFORMATION SHOULD NOT BE OVERLOOKED. This section covers the following topics: • Overview of the Wireless Client Utility • Working with Profiles • Checking for Available Access Points • Disabling the Wireless Client Utility THE NOTE SYMBOL INDICATES ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE TOPIC AT HAND. THE TIP SYMBOL INDICATES HELPFULL INFORMATION AND TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR NETWORK EXPERIENCE. THE CAUTION SYMBOL ALERTS YOU TO SITUATIONS THAT MAY DEGRADE YOUR NETWORKING EXPERIENCE OR COMPROMISE YOUR SECURITY. NOTE

Getting Started with the WCB-321A -- 13 3. Make the changes you want to the Basic Settings and click Advanced Settings. Unless you have a thorough understanding of wireless networking, it is recommended that you leave these settings at the defaults. 4. Click WLAN Security. (Refer to “Configuring Wireless Security” for more details on security settings.) Click the drop-down arrow at Security Mode to choose from the following settings: Disabled (No Encryption) All data sent between the access point and the client is left unencrypted and may be viewed by other wireless devices. WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) Encrypts all traffic sent between the access point and the client using a shared key. When using WEP encryption, only access points and PCs using the same WEP Key can communicate with each other.

Getting Started with the WCB-321A -- 15 Checking for Available Access Points The number of access points or hot spots for public use is constantly increasing in major cities. Many Web sites report on the locations of hot spots. Check the following Web sites for updated information for your location. • http://intel.jiwire.com • www.hotspot-locations.com • www.hotspotlist.com • www.wififreespot.com • www.wifinder.com • www.wi-fizone.org If you think you are in the vicinity of an access point, you can use the SiteSurvey screen to list the ones available. To scan for access points using the WCB-321A, refer to the following. 1. Open the Wireless Client Utility and click SiteSurvey. 2. Available wireless networks are listed. Click Refresh anytime to update the list.

Getting Started with the WCB-321A -- 17 1. Open the Wireless Client Utility and click Options. 2. Select the Let Windows manage this wireless adapter check box and click Apply Now.

18 -- Wireless LAN Networking Wireless LAN Networking This section provides background information on wireless LAN networking technology. Consult the “Glossary” for definitions of the terminology used in this section. THE INFORMATION IN THIS SECTION IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE. CHANGING NETWORK SETTINGS AND PARTICULARLY SECURITY SETTTINGS SHOULD ONLY BE DONE BY AN AUTHORIZED ADMINISTRATOR. Transmission Rate (Transfer Rate) The WCB-321A provides various transmission (data) rate options for you to select. Options include Fully Auto, 1 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 11 Mbps, 6 Mbps, 9 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 18 Mbps, 22 Mbps, 24 Mbps, 36 Mbps, 48 Mbps, 54 Mbps and 108Mbps. In most networking scenarios, the factory default Fully Auto setting proves the most efficient. This setting allows your WCB-321A to operate at the maximum transmission (data) rate. When the communication quality drops below a certain level, the WCB-321A automatically switches to a lower transmission (data) rate. Transmission at lower data speeds is usually more reliable. However, when the communication quality improves again, the WCB-321A gradually increases the transmission (data) rate again until it reaches the highest available transmission rate. Types of Wireless Networks Wireless LAN networking works in either of the two modes: ad-hoc and infrastructure. In infra-structure mode, wireless devices communicate to a wired LAN via access points. Each access point and its wireless devices are known as a Basic Service Set (BSS). An Extended Service Set (ESS) is two or more BSSs in the same subnet. In ad hoc mode (also known as peer-to-peer mode), wireless devices communicate with each other directly and do not use an access point. This is an Independent BSS (IBSS). To connect to a wired network within a coverage area using access points, set the WCB-321A operation mode to Infrastructure (BSS). To set up an independent wireless workgroup without an access point, use Ad-hoc (IBSS) mode. AD-HOC (IBSS) NETWORK Ad-hoc mode does not require an access point or a wired network. Two or more wireless stations communicate directly to each other. An ad-hoc network may sometimes be referred to as an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS). To set up an ad-hoc network, configure all the stations in ad-hoc mode. Use the same SSID and channel for each station.

When a number of wireless stations are connected using a single access point, you have a Basic Service Set (BSS).

20 -- Wireless LAN Networking In the ESS diagram below, communication is done through the access points, which relay data packets to other wireless stations or devices connected to the wired network. Wireless stations can then access resources, such as a printer, on the wired network.

22 -- Wireless LAN Networking In an ESS environment, users are able to move from one access point to another without losing the connection. In the diagram below, when the user moves from BSS (1) to BSS (2) the WCB-321A automatically switches to the channel used in BSS (2). WIRELESS LAN SECURITY Because wireless networks are not as secure as wired networks, its vital that security settings are clearly understood and applied. The list below shows the possible wireless security levels on your WCB-321A starting with the most secure. EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) is used for authentication and utilizes dynamic WEP key exchange. EAP requires interaction with a RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) server either on the WAN or the LAN to provide authentication service for wireless stations. 1. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) 2. IEEE802.1X EAP with RADIUS Server authentication 3. WEP Encryption 4. Unique ESSID Roaming in an ESS network diagram DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CONFIGURE OR CHANGE SECURITY SETTTINGS FOR A NETWORK WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION AND WITHOUT CLEARLY UNDERSTANDING THE SETTINGS YOU ARE APPLING. WITH POOR SECURITY SETTINGS, SENSITIVE DATA YOU SEND CAN BE SEEN BY OTHERS.

26 -- Exploring the Wireless Client Utility WIRELESS SYSTEMS WORK IN INFRASTRUCTURE MODE OR PEER-TO-PEER MODE. IN INFRASTRUCTURE MODE, WIRELESS DEVICES COMMUNICATE TO A WIRED LAN VIA ACCESS POINTS. IN AD-HOC MODE (ALSO KNOWN AS PEERTO-PEER MODE), WIRELESS DEVICES COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER DIRECTLY AND DO NOT USE AN ACCESS POINT. TCP/IP SETTING The TCP/IP Setting pane settings are described below. IP Address Shows the current network IP address. Subnet Mask Shows the current subnet mask status. Gateway Shows the current gateway. DNS Server Shows the current network DNS address. IP Release (button) Click to release the current TCP/IP settings. IP Renew (button) Click to renew the TCP/IP settings. LINK INFORMATION The Link Information pane settings are described below. The Link Information pane shows the network status. SSID Shows the current SSID (Service Set IDentifier). This is the name assigned to a wireless Wi-Fi network. All devices must use this case-sensitive name in order to communicate. Status Shows the current connection status. Link Speed Shows the speed of the current connection. Tx is the transmit speed; Rx the receive speed. Signal Level Shows the signal strength of the current connection. (See Tip below for more information.) BSSID Shows the ID of the current BSS. (See Note below for more information.) Channel Shows the network channel.

30 -- Exploring the Wireless Client Utility DETAILED INFO. SCREEN For details about any of the listed access points, select it from the list and click Detailed Info to see the following screen. (You can also double-click an access point to view the Detailed Info screen. The Options Screen By default, the Wireless Client Utility configures your wireless settings. Use this screen to disable the Wireless Client Utility.

Exploring the Wireless Client Utility Screens -- 31 OPTIONS The Options pane settings are described below. Let Windows manage this wireless adapter (tick box) When you check the Let Windows manage this wireless adapter checkbox, Windows Zero Configuration manages your wireless settings. The Wireless Client Utility still shows the link status of the adapter. Apply Now (button) Click to execute the changes. The Version Screen This screen displays the software and hardware information of the adapter. You cannot make changes to this screen.

32 -- Exploring the Wireless Client Utility Reference the Version screen if you need to contact technical support. See “Maintenance”.

1. In the Properties window, click WLAN Security. 2. Click the drop-down arrow at Security Mode and choose WEP. 3. Click the Use Static WEP checkbox.

32 -- Configuring Wireless Security 4. Click Configure. The WEP Configuration screen appears. WEP Method Select the encryption to match your access point: 64, 128, or 256-bit. The encryption level must match the encryption level used by your access point. Authentication Options are Auto, Open System, and Shared. For most installations choose Auto. Make Key using Pass- Phrase A WEP Key is automatically generated as you type in any Passphrase of your choice. Use this feature when you have used a Passphrase to generate your WEP key on your access point. Manual Input (ASCII) Generate your own WEP Key (4 keys maximum) using ASCII characters. Manual Input (HEX) Generate your own WEP Key using hexadecimal characters. Default Key Four keys are used for decryption; you have to choose a default key from them for encryption. Make sure access point uses same WEP key. CONFIGURING WPA & WPA2 Refer to the following to configure WPA & WPA2.

Configuring Wireless Security -- 33 1. Click the drop-down arrow at Security Mode and choose WPA or WPA2. 2. Click the drop-down arrow at Encryption Method and choose TKIP or AES. To configure 802.1X (authentication protocol) for WPA or WPA2, see “Configuring 802.1X ” on page 34. CONFIGURING WPA-PSK & WPA2-PSK Refer to the following to configure WPA-PSK & WPA2-PSK.

34 -- Configuring Wireless Security 1. Click the drop-down arrow at Security Mode and choose WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK. 2. Click the drop-down arrow at Encryption Method and choose TKIP or AES. (Most access points use TKIP for WPA-PSK & AES for WPA2-PSK.) 3. At PSK Passphrase enter the same pass phrase used to configure the WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK on your access point. CONFIGURING 802.1X You need to know if your access point supports 802.1X and then apply the configuration here. 1. Choose the EAP method under Authentication protocol. 2. Options for User Information depend on the EAP method chosen. CONFIGURING 802.1X – PEAP Refer to the following to configure PEAP.

Configuring Wireless Security -- 35 1. At WPA or WPA2 security mode, click Configure button next to Authentication Protocol. 2. Select Inner PEAP protocol. 3. Click Save to finish and return to the previous screen. 4. Type in a unique User ID and Password under User Information. 5. If your network uses a user server certificate click Configure Certificate (see Note below). The following window appears: Use user certificate Check this box if your network requires user certification and then select the certificate from the drop-down menu.

36 -- Configuring Wireless Security Validate server certificate Check this box if your network requires server certification and then select the certificate authority from the drop-down menu. Server name: Type in the name of the server that is used for 802.1X authentication. Server name should match exactly Check this box if the server name should exactly match the name in the certificate. 6. Click OK to apply the settings. Server Certificates require a wired connection to the network so you Can obtain the certificate(s) from the certificate authority. Your network administrator can provide on certificate management. .

Configuring Wireless Security -- 37CONFIGURING 802.1X – EAP-TLS 1. At Security Mode select WPA or WPA2 from the drop-down menu. 2. At Authentication Protocol select TLS from the drop-down menu. 3. TLS requires both server and user certification. Click Configure Certificate (see Note below). The following window appears:

38 -- Configuring Wireless Security Use user certificate Check this box if your network requires user certification and thenselect the certificate from the drop-down menu. Validate server certificate Check this box if your network requires server certification and then select the certificate authority from the drop-down menu. Server name: Type in the name of the server that is used for 802.1X authentication. Server name should match exactly Check this box if the server name should exactly match the name in the certificate. 5. Click OK to apply the settings. Server Certificates require a wired connection to the network so you Can obtain the certificate(s) from the certificate authority. Your network administrator can provide on certificate management. .

Glossary For unfamiliar terms used below, look for entries elsewhere in the glossary. AD-HOC (IBSS) Ad-hoc mode does not require an AP or a wired network. A network that transmits wireless from computer to computer without the use of a base station (access point). Two or more wireless stations communicate directly to each other. An ad-hoc network may sometimes be referred to as an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS). CHANNEL A radio frequency used by a wireless device is called a channel. EAP AUTHENTICATION EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) is an authentication protocol that runs on top of the IEEE802.1X transport mechanism in order to support multiple types of user authentication. By using EAP to interact with an EAP-compatible RADIUS server, an access point helps a wireless station and a RADIUS server perform authentication. ENCRYPTION The reversible transformation of data from the original to a difficult-to-interpret format. Encryption is a mechanism for protecting confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of data. It uses an encryption algorithm and one or more encryption keys. FRAGMENTATION THRESHOLD This is the maximum data fragment size that can be sent before the packet is fragmented into smaller packets. IEEE 802.1X The IEEE 802.1X standard outlines enhanced security methods for both the authentication of wireless stations and encryption key management. Authentication can be done using an external RADIUS server. INFRASTRUCTURE (BSS) When a number of wireless stations are connected using a single AP, you have a Basic Service Set (BSS). ROAMING In an infrastructure network, wireless stations are able to switch from one BSS to another as they move between the coverage areas. During this period, the wireless stations maintain uninterrupted connection to the network. This is roaming. As the wireless station moves from place to place, it is responsible for choosing the most appropriate AP depending on the signal strength, network utilization among other factors.

40 -- Glossary SSID The SSID (Service Set Identity) is a unique name shared among all wireless devices in a wireless network. Wireless devices must have the same SSID to communicate with each other. TEMPORAL KEY INTEGRITY PROTOCOL (TKIP) Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) uses 128-bit keys that are dynamically generated and distributed by the authentication server. USER AUTHENTICATION WPA applies IEEE 802.1X and Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) to authenticate wireless clients using an external RADIUS database. If you do not have an external RADIUS server, use WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK (WPA -Pre-Shared Key) that only requires a single (identical) password entered into each access point, wireless gateway and wireless client. As long as the passwords match, clients will be granted access to a WLAN. WEP WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption scrambles all data packets transmitted between the WCB-321A and the AP or other wireless stations to keep network communications private. Both the wireless stations and the access points must use the same WEP key for data encryption and decryption. WPA/WPA2 Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and WPA2 (future upgrade) is a subset of the IEEE 802.11 i security specification draft. Key differences between WPA and WEP are user authentication and improved data encryption. WPA2 is a wireless security standard that defines stronger encryption, authentication and key management than WPA.

Appendix This section provides maintenance and troubleshooting procedures. The following topics are discussed: • See “Maintenance” • See “Troubleshooting” Maintenance Installing a newer version of the Wireless Client Utility may improve the performance of the WCB-321A. Before installing the new version, you must uninstall the old one. CHECKING THE WIRELESS CLIENT UTILITY VERSION To check the current Wireless Client Utility, open the utility on the Version screen. In the S/W Information pane, note the Utility Version number. IMPORTANT If you need to contact technical support, you will need to provide the S/W Information. Be sure to check the screen in the utility that is installed on your computer and not the screen shown in this manual.

42 -- UNINSTALLING THE WIRELESS CLIENT UTILITY Refer to the following to uninstall (remove) the Wireless Client Utility from your computer. 1. Click Start -> All Programs (Windows 2000 Programs) -> 802.11 Wireless Network Adapter -> Uninstall. 2. When prompted, click Yes to remove the driver and utility software. 3. Click Finish to complete the uninstallation. 4. Reboot your computer if prompted. UPGRADING THE WIRELESS CLIENT UTILITY Contact your dealer or technical support for details on downloading the current Wireless Client Utility. Refer to the following to upgrade the Wireless Client Utility. 1. Double-click the Setup.exe file that you downloaded. The installation wizard screen opens. 2. Click Next to continue. 3. Click Next in the Choose Destination Location screen. 4. Click Install to begin the installation. 5. Click Finish to exit the wizard and complete the installation.

Appendix -- 43 Troubleshooting PROBLEMS STARTING THE 802.11 WIRELESS CLIENT UTILITY PROGRAM PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTIONMake sure the WCB-321A power switch is turned off and properly inserted into the USB port and then restart your computer. Perform a hardware scan by clicking Start, Settings, Control Panel and then double-click Add/Remove Hardware. (Steps may vary depending on Windows version). Follow the on-screen instructions to search for the WCB-321A (Wireless 802.11 USB Network Adapter) and install the driver. Check for possible hardware conflicts. In Windows, click Start, Settings, Control Panel, System, Hardware and then click Device Manager. Verify the status of the WCB-321A (Wireless 802.11 USB Network Adapter) under Network Adapter. (Steps may vary depending on the Windows version). Windows does not auto-detect the WCB-321A. Install the WCB-321A in another computer. If the error persists, there may be a hardware problem. In this case, please contact your local dealer for support. PROBLEMS WITH THE LINK STATUS PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION The link quality and/or signal strength is poor all the time from the status bar. Search and connect to another AP with a better link quality using the Site Survey screen. Change the channel used by your AP. Move your computer closer to the AP or the peer computer(s) within the transmission range. There may be too much radio interference (for example microwave or another AP using the same channel) around your wireless network. Relocate or reduce the radio interference. PROBLEMS WITH SECURITY SETTINGS “Disconnected” (meaning authentication failure) Shown in the Status Bar Make sure your AP/Router has the same setting as your client adapter and follow AP/Router’s security settings. LED PWR and LINK are on but cannot receive or sending data and connect to network Make sure your AP/Router has the same setting as your client adapter and follow AP/Router’s security settings. Problems Communicating With Other Computers PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION The WCB-321A computer cannot communicate with the other computer. Make sure you are connected to the network.