U MEDIA Communications WPC360A 802.11g Wireless MIMO PCI Card User Manual WPC 360A 090605
U-MEDIA Communications, Inc. 802.11g Wireless MIMO PCI Card WPC 360A 090605
Users Manual
1
802.11g Wireless MIMO PCI Card
WPC-360A
User Manual
2
Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of 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.
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.
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.
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 minimum distance
20cm between the radiator & your body.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter.
U-MEDIA declares that WPC-360A ( FCC ID: SI5WPC360A ) is limited in CH1~CH11 for
2.4 GHz by specified firmware controlled in U.S.A.
3
CE Mark Warning
This is a Class B product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in which
case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operation in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
4
Table of Contents
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Interference statement 2
CE Mark Warning 3
Getting Started with the WPC-360A 5
Wireless LAN Networking 6
Transmission Rate (Transfer Rate) 6
Type of Wireless Networks 6
Wireless LAN Security 10
Hardware and Wireless Utility 12
About Your 802.11g Wireless MIMO PCI Card 12
Package Content 12
System Requirement 12
LED Definition 12
Product Outline 13
Overview of the Wireless Client Utility 14
Working with Profiles 15
Checking for Available Access Points 22
Disabling the Wireless Client Utility 23
Exploring the Wireless Client Utility Screens 25
The Network Screen 25
The Profile Screen 28
The SiteSurvey Screen 29
The Options Screen 31
The Version Screen 32
Configuring Wireless Security 34
Configuring Security 34
Glossary 43
Appendix 45
Maintenance 45
Troubleshooting 47
5
Getting Started with the WPC-360A
Congratulations on purchasing the WPC-360A! This manual provides information for setting up
and configuring the WPC-360A. 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” and “Configuring Wireless Security”) to operate and enjoy the
WPC-360A. It is included for your reference only.
The following conventions are used in this manual:
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
LIKE NOTES AND TIPS, THE IMPORTANT SYMBOL INDICATES INFORMATION
THAT CAN IMPROVE NETWORKING. THIS INFORMATION SHOULD NOT BE OVER-
LOOKED.
6
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 WPC-360A 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 and 54 Mbps. In most networking scenarios, the factory
default Fully Auto setting proves the most efficient. This setting allows your WPC-360A to
operate at the maximum transmission (data) rate. When the communication quality drops below a
certain level, the WPC-360A 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 WPC-360A 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 WPC-360A
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
7
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.
8
When a number of wireless stations are connected using a single access point, you have a Basic
Service Set (BSS).
9
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.
10
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
WPC-360A 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 WPC-360A 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.
11
To check wireless LAN security settings for a connection, open the Wireless Client Utility and
select the Profile screen. Select the connection you want and click Properties. See “Modifying
Profiles”.
DATA ENCRYPTION WITH WEP
The WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) security protocol is an encryption method designed to try to
make wireless networks as secure as wired networks. WEP encryption scrambles all data pack-
ets transmitted between the WPC-360A and the access point 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.
There are two ways to create WEP keys in your WPC-360A.
• Automatic WEP key generation based on a password phrase called a passphrase. The
passphrase is case sensitive. You must use the same passphrase for all WLAN adapters
with this feature in the same WLAN.
• For WLAN adapters without the passphrase feature, you can still take advantage of this
feature by writing down the four automatically generated WEP keys from the Security
Settings screen of the wireless utility and entering them manually as the WEP keys in the
other WLAN adapter(s).
The WPC-360A allows you to configure up to four WEP keys and only one key is used as the
default transmit key at any one time.
THE WPC-360A SUPPORTS UP TO FOUR 64-BIT, 128-BIT, AND 152-BIT WEP
KEYS. THE 152-BIT WEP MUST COMPLY WITH THE WEP SETTING OF YOUR
ACCESS POINT OR ROUTER.
12
Hardware and Wireless Utility
This chapter introduces the Adapter and prepares you to use the Wireless Utility.
About Your 802.11g Wireless MIMO PCI Card
The Adapter is an IEEE 802.11b, and 802.11g compliant wireless LAN adapter. With the Adapter, you can
enjoy wireless mobility within almost any wireless networking environment.
The following lists the main features of your Card.
9 Your Adapter can communicate with other IEEE 802.11b/g compliant wireless devices.
9 Automatic rate selection.
9 Standard data transmission rates up to 54 Mbps.
9 Proprietary Atheros transmission rates of 108 Mbps
9 Offers 64-bit, 128-bit and 152-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) data encryption for network
security.
9 Supports IEEE802.1x and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access).
9 Two built-in external antennas.
9 Driver support for Windows XP/2000.
Package Content
¾ 802.11g Wireless MIMO PCI Card
¾ Two external antennas
¾ Installation and Manual CD
¾ Quick Start Guide
System Requirement
z Pentium class desktop computers with at least one available PCI slot
z Microsoft Windows XP or 2K
z CD-ROM drive
LED Definition
The following table describes the LEDs on the 802.11g Wireless MIMO PCI Card
STATUS POWER LED LINK LED
POWER OFF OFF OFF
POWER ON Slow Blinking OFF
Radio on without association Two LEDs slow blinking mutually
Associated without traffic Two LEDs slow blinking together
Associated with traffic Two LEDs blinking together per traffic amount
13
Side view of the PCI Adapter from bracket.
Product Outline
The 802.11g Wireless MIMO PCI Card
PCI Interface
golden fingers
R-SMA Connector
LEDs
LINK LED POWER LED
R-SMA Connector
Fixed Antenna
Fixed
Antenna
14
Overview of the Wireless Client Utility
The Wireless Client Utility is included on the CD that shipped with the WPC-360A. Install the utility
as described in the Quick Start Guide before attaching the WPC-360A to your computer.
IMPORTANT
BE SURE TO INSTALL THE WIRELESS CLIENT UTILITY BEFORE YOU ATTACH
THE WPC-360A TO YOUR COMPUTER. ATTACHING THE WPC-360A
BEFORE THE UTILITY IS INSTALLED COULD CAUSE THE INSTALLATION TO FAIL.
When the WPC-360A is installed, it is configured to automatically
load when you start your computer. The utility icon displays in the
system tray at the bottom-right corner of your screen.
Double-click the WPC-360A icon in the system tray, the following
Network screen opens:
There are five screens in the utility.
• The Network Screen
• The Profile Screen
• The SiteSurvey Screen
• The Options Screen
• The Version Screen
15
The Link Information pane provides information on your current connection. This same pane is
shows at the bottom of all screens so you are always aware of your connection status. l
A profile is a record of the configuration you use to connect to a particular access point. Without
profiles, you would have to reconfigure the WPC-360A each time you change access points.
Using the Profile screen you can configure the WPC-360A to access your home network and your
office network. Each configuration is saved as a profile. Then when you go from the office to your
home you just select the appropriate profile.
CREATING A PROFILE
Refer to the following to add a profile.
1. Click Profile.
WHEN THE WPC-360A IS NOT CONNECTED TO YOUR COMPUTER, MOST
SETTINGS IN THE WIRELESS CLIENT UTILITY ARE UNAVAILABLE. SETTINGS OR
BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT AVAILABLE ARE GRAYED OUT.
Working with Profiles
NOTE
YOU CAN CHANGE PROFILES WITHOUT REBOOTING YOUR COMPUTER. IF YOU
USE WINDOWS CONTROL PANEL TO CONFIGURE YOUR CONNECTIONS, YOU
MUST REBOOT THE COMPUTER WHEN CHANGING ACCESS POINTS.
NOTE
16
2. Click Add. The Wireless Client Utility Profile Wizard opens.
3. Type a descriptive name for the profile such as Home or CoffeShop.
4. Click the drop-down arrow at Network Mode and select Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc. Choose
Infrastructure when connecting to an access point or wireless router. You will need to know the
SSID of the access point.
Choose Ad-Hoc when connecting directly to another computer without using an access point.
You can type anything for the SSID as long as the same SSID is used on the computer you are
connecting to.
17
5. In the SSID pane click Browse. The utility performs a site survey and displays the results.
The SSID (Service Set IDentifier) is the name assigned to a wireless Wi-Fi network. All
devices must use this case-sensitive name, which is a text string up to 32 bytes long, in order to
communicate.
6. Select the SSID you want to connect to and click Add To Profile.
7. Click Next. The WLAN Security Configuration screen appears.
This screen reflects the security settings detected in the access point you want to connect to.
Security settings vary in complexity and you may have to consult your network administrator for
this information. See “Configuring Wireless Security” for more information.
18
8. Select the Security Mode from the drop-down list and then select the appropriate settings for
the security mode.
9. Click Next.
10. Click Save to complete the wizard and save the new profile. (If you do not want to activate
the profile, uncheck the Apply this profile now checkbox.)
MODIFYING PROFILES
You may need to modify settings for a profile, for example, if you purchase a new router, or if your
office administrator provides you with new security settings. Refer to the following to modify a
profile.
19
1. Open the Wireless Client Utility and click Profile.
2. Select the profile you want to modify and click Properties.
20
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 communi-
cate with each other.
21
WPA
WPA encrypts all traffic between the access point and the client using either TKIP or AES
encryption. Depending on the authentication protocol selected, each client must authenticate
using their own unique username, password, and security certificate.
WPA-PSK
WPA-PSK is a compromise between WPA and WEP. Like WEP, it uses a pre-shared key that
every user of the network must have in order to send and receive data. Like WPA, it uses either
TKIP or AES.
5. Make the changes you want and click TCP/IP Config.
Select the Use IP Changer checkbox. This allows you to bypass your existing wireless TCP/
IP settings and configure TCP/IP settings for each profile.
Use DHCP
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assign IP addresses. Check this
radio button if your router is set to DHCP.
Use static IP below
Check this radio button if you have to enter a static IP address.
IT IS RECOMMEDED THAT YOU USE WPA OR WPA-PSK WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
WPA (WI-FI PROTECTED ACCESS) PROVIDES STRONGER ENCRYPTION THAN
THE EARLIER WEP (WIRED EQUIVALENT PRIVACY) METHOD.
IMPORTANT
22
Checking for Available Access Points
To scan for access points using the WPC-360A, 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.
23
3. Select the network you want and click Connect. Or click Add To Profile if you want to con-
nect later.
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.
Disabling the Wireless Client Utility
You may need to have Windows manage your wireless network settings. In that case, you should
disable the Wireless Client Utility. To disable the Wireless Client Utility refer to the following.
1. Open the Wireless Client Utility and click Options.
2. Select the Let Windows manage this wireless adapter check box and click Apply Now.
25
Exploring the Wireless Client Utility Screens
This section covers the following topics:
• The Network Screen
• The Profile Screen
• The SiteSurvey Screen
• The Options Screen
• The Version Screen
The Network Screen
The Wireless Client Utility is included on the CD that shipped with the WPC-360A. Install the utility
as described in the Quick Start Guide before attaching the WPC-360A to your computer.
IMPORTANT
BE SURE TO INSTALL THE WIRELESS CLIENT UTILITY BEFORE YOU ATTACH
THE WPC-360A TO YOUR COMPUTER. ATTACHING THE WPC-360A
BEFORE THE UTILITY IS INSTALLED COULD CAUSE THE INSTALLATION TO FAIL.
When the WPC-360A is installed, it is configured to automatically load when you start your computer.
The utility icon displays in the system tray at the bottom-right corner of your screen.
Double-click the WPC-360A icon in the system tray, the following Network screen opens:
26
WIRELESS SETTING
The Wireless Setting pane settings are described below
Current Profile Shows the current profile you have selected. If you have not
added a profile, only Default shows. The settings shown in the
Network screen are for the current profile. Click the dropdown
arrow to select another profile.
Reconnect (button) Press to reconnect to the current access point.
Network Mode Shows the current network mode. Infrastructure or ad-hoc
mode. (See Note below for more information.)
Securit
y
Shows the securit
y
status.
Authentication Shows the authentication required.(See “Configuring Wireless
Security”)
27
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.
28
THE LINK INFORMATION PANEL IS SHOWN IN ALL SCREENS SO YOU CAN
ALWAYS SEE THE STATUS OF YOUR CURRENT CONNECTION. MONITOR THIS
SETTING AS YOU MOVE AROUND TO ATTAIN A SUITABLE SIGNAL.
The Profile Screen
A profile is a record of the configuration you use to connect to a particular access point. Without
profiles, you would have to reconfigure the WPC-360A each time you change access points.
Using the Profile screen you can configure the WPC-360A to access your home network and your
office network. Each configuration is saved as a profile.
WIRELESS SYSTEMS WORK IN INFRASTRUCTURE MODE OR AD-HOC
(PEER-TO-PEER) MODE. IN INFRASTRUCTURE 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). IN
A
D-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).
NOTE
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PROFILE LIST
The Profile List pane settings are described below.
Name Shows the name of the profile that you assigned. If only default
displays, no profiles have been added.
SSID Shows the name (usually the equipment vendor's name)
assigned to a wireless Wi-Fi network. (The keyword “ANY”
means any available network.)
IP Address Shows the IP address.
Add (button) Click to add a profile.
Remove (button) Click to remove the selected profile.
Properties (button) Click to view properties for the selected profile.
A
pp
l
y
(
button
)
Click to apply changes after modifying settings.
Up (button)
Down (button)
Use the Up/Down buttons to move the selected profile to the
top of the list or to the bottom. When in the Network screen,
the WPC-360A attempts to connect to the network at the top of
this
list first
The SiteSurvey Screen
Use the SiteSurvey screen to scan for available networks in your vicinity.
30
AVAILABLE NETWORKS
The Available Networks pane settings are described below.
SSID Shows the name (usually the equipment vendor's name)
assigned to a wireless Wi-Fi network.
Mode Shows the signal type (802.11b/g).
Strength Shows the signal strength.
Ch Shows the network channel.
Security Shows the security status.
Refresh (button) Click to refresh the list of currently available networks.
Detailed Info (button) Click to view properties for the selected network. (See
Detailed Info. Screen below.)
Connect (button) Click to connect to the selected network. (The network is not
added to the profile list.)
Add To Profile (button) Click to add the network to the profile list.
31
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.
32
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.
33
Reference the Version screen if you need to contact technical support.
See “Maintenance”.
34
Configuring Wireless Security
This chapter covers the configuration of security options in the 802.11 Wireless Client Utility.
Configuring Security
When you create a profile you need to configure the security settings with the information provided
by the administrator. You modify security settings by selecting the profile and clicking Properties.
CONFIGURING WEP
Refer to the following to modify WEP settings.
35
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.
36
4. Click Configure. The WEP Configuration screen appears.
WEP Method Select the encryption to match your access point: 64,
128, or 152-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
Refer to the following to configure WPA.
37
1. Click the drop-down arrow at Security Mode and choose WPA .
2. Click the drop-down arrow at Encryption Method and choose TKIP or AES.
To configure 802.1X (authentication protocol) for WPA, see “Configuring 802.1X ”.
CONFIGURING WPA-PSK
Refer to the following to configure WPA-PSK.
38
1. Click the drop-down arrow at Security Mode and choose WPA-PSK.
2. Click the drop-down arrow at Encryption Method and choose TKIP or AES. (Most access
points use TKIP for WPA-PSK.)
3. At PSK Passphrase enter the same pass phrase used to configure the WPA-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.
39
1. At WPA 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.
40
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.
41
CONFIGURING 802.1X – EAP-TLS
1. At Security Mode select WPA 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:
42
Use user certificate Check this box if your network requires user certification and
then select 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.
4. 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.
.
43
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. Encryp-
tion 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 Ser-
vice 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.
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SSID
The SSID (Service Set Identity) is a unique name shared among all wireless devices in a wire-
less 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 wire-
less clients using an external RADIUS database. If you do not have an external RADIUS server,
use WPA-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 WPC-360A 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
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) 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.
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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
WPC-360A. 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.
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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.
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Troubleshooting
PROBLEMS STARTING THE 802.11 WIRELESS CLIENT UTILITY PROGRAM
PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION
Make sure the WPC-360A is properly inserted into the PCI slot 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 WPC-360A (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
WPC-360A (Wireless 802.11 USB Network Adapter) under Network Adapter.
(Steps may vary depending on the Windows version).
Windows does not
auto-detect the
WPC-360A.
Install the WPC-360A 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 WPC-360A
computer cannot
communicate with the other
computer.
Make sure you are connected to the network.
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Infrastructure Make sure that the AP and the associated computers are turned on and
working properly.
Make sure the WPC-360A computer and the associated AP use the same
SSID.
Change the AP and the associated wireless clients to use another radio
channel if interference is high.
Make sure that the computer and the AP share the same security option
and key. Verify the settings in the Profile Security Settings screen.
Ad-Hoc (IBSS) Verify that the peer computer(s) is turned on.
Make sure the WPC-360A computer and the peer computer(s) are using the
same SSID and channel.
Make sure that the computer and the peer computer(s) share the same
security option and key.
Change the wireless clients to use another radio channel if interference is
high.