U MEDIA Communications WPC370A 2.4GHz Wireless 802.11n(DRAFT) PCI Adapter User Manual WPC 370A

U-MEDIA Communications, Inc. 2.4GHz Wireless 802.11n(DRAFT) PCI Adapter WPC 370A

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WPC370A User Manual

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1 2.4GHz Wireless 802.11n (DRAFT) PCI Adapter User's Guide Version 0.95

2Copyright 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 con-tained herein, may be reproduced without written consent of the author. Copyright 2006 Version 1.0 (June, 2006) 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.

3Federal 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 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 US model of WPC-370A (FCC ID: SI5WPC370A) is limited in CH1-CH11 for 2.4G band by specific firmware controlled by the manufacturer and is not user changeable.

4CE 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.

5Table of Contents Federal Communications Commission Interference statement 3 CE Mark Warning 4 Chapter 1 - Getting Started with the WPC-370A 6 Chapter 2 - Wireless LAN Networking 7 Transmission Rate (Transfer Rate) 7 Type of Wireless Networks 7 Wireless LAN Security 11 Chapter 3 - Hardware and Wireless Utility 13 About Your 11n (Draft) Wireless PCI Adapter 13 Package Content 13 System Requirement 13 LED Definition 13 Hardware and Wireless Utility Installation 14 Using the Utility to Configure Your Network 17 Chapter 4 – Maintenance 26 Uninstall the Driver 26 Uninstall the Client Utility 26 Upgrading the Wireless Utility 26 Glossary 27

6Chapter 1 - Getting Started with the WPC-370A Congratulations on purchasing the WPC-370A! This manual provides information for setting up and configuring the WPC-370A. 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-370A. 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.

7Chapter 2 - Wireless LAN Networking This section provides background information on wireless LAN networking technology. 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-370A provides various transmission (data) rate options for you to select. In most networking scenarios, the factory default Fully Auto setting proves the most efficient. This setting allows your WPC-370A to operate at the maximum transmission (data) rate. When the communication quality drops below a certain level, the WPC-370A 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-370A 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-370A 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

8Independent 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.

9When a number of wireless stations are connected using a single access point, you have a Basic Service Set (BSS).

10In 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.

11In 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-370A 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-370A 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.

12 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 packets transmitted between the WPC-370A 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-370A. • 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-370A allows you to configure up to four WEP keys and only one key is used as the default transmit key at any one time.

13Chapter 3 - Hardware and Wireless Utility This chapter introduces the Adapter and prepares you to use the Wireless Utility. About Your 11n (Draft) Wireless PCI 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 Automatic rate selection. 9 Data rate up to 300Mbps. 9 Offers 64-bit, 128-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) data encryption for network security. 9 Supports IEEE802.1x and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). 9 Three external antennas. 9 Driver support for Windows XP/2000. Package Content ¾ 11n (Draft) Wireless PCI Adapter ¾ Three 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 11n (Draft) Wireless PCI Adapter 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

14Hardware and Wireless Utility Installation Follow the instructions below to install the PCI Card and Wireless Utility. 1. Turn off your computer‚ unplug the power cord and remove the computer's cover. 2. Pick a free PCI expansion slot and remover the protective bracket. Insert the Card into the slot until it is fully seated. 3. Secure the Card bracket with the screw from step 2. Replace the computer’s cover. 4. Connect the external antenna to the Card from the SMA connector. And then, reconnect the power cord and power on the computer. 5. After power on, you will get the “Found News Hardware Wizard” menu; click on Cancel. 6. Insert the Driver and Utility CD into CD drive. 7. If your CD Autorun is enabled, the Main Installation Menu will show. (Otherwise open your CD folder and double-click on the “setup.exe” file) 8. The InstallShield Wizard prepares for installation. 9. The InstallShield Wizard prompts you for confirmation. Click Next on the following menu.

15 10. In the destination Folder screen you are asked to confirm the Destination Folder for the application software. If you would like, you may change the destination folder to another location. Click Next. 11. The wizard is ready to begin installation. Click Install on it. 12. At the Software Installation menu click Continue Anyway.

16 13. Click Finish to complete the client utility installation. Please reboot your computer. 14. After rebooting, The Client Utility icon resides on the Desktop at the System Tray automatically. 15. The OS detects the PCI Card after rebooting; the Found New Hardware Wizard window appears, click Next to continue. 16. Choose “Install the software automatically” , and click Next.

17 17. At the hardware installation menu click Continue Anyway. (Our product has been tested under Windows XP and found to be fully compatible click Continue Anyway.) 18. The Windows has finished installing driver for the device. Click Finish to finish the installation.

18Using the Utility to Configure Your Network The following are explanations on how to configure and use the Utility program. After completing the installation procedure, a new icon as shown below will automatically appear in the lower right tray bar. Hold your mouse pointer over the icon, and double click the left mouse button to open the Wireless Client Utility. The Wireless Client Utility window as shown below will appear. The user can now use any of the management functions available in the IEEE 802.11 Wireless Client Utility. Link Information Click the Link Information tab to see general information about the program and its operation.

20Channel Width 20MHz only or 40/20MHz channel support Security Status Security Shows the security type – Disable, WEP, WPA/WPA2, WAP-PSK/WAP2-PSK or 802.1X Authentication Displays the authentication mode. TCP/IP Status IP Address Displays the computer's IP address. Subnet Mask Displays subnet mask Gateway Displays gateway address DNS Server Display DNS server address Site Survey Click the Site Survey tab to see available infrastructure and ad hoc networks. On this screen, click Refresh to refresh the list at any time. Connecting to a different network Hold your mouse pointer over the network icon, and click the right mouse button to select the network.

24tunnel between the client and the authentication server. The tunnel then protects the subsequent user authentication exchange. PEAP (EAP-MSCHAP V2) (Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol) To use PEAP (EAP-MSCHAP V2) security, the server must have WPA-PEAP certificates, and the server properties must already be set. Check with the IT manager TTLS (Tunneled Transport Layer Security) An EAP variant that provides mutual authentication using a certificate for server authentication, and via a secure TLS tunnel for the client LEAP (Lightweight and Efficient Application Protocol) is the general framework for a set of high-performance, efficient protocols which are ideal for mobile and wireless applications. LEAP is designed to address all the technical requirements of the wireless data communications industry, and is oriented towards providing the greatest benefit to the industry and the consumer WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK Enables WPA/WPA2 Passphrase security. Fill in the WPA/WPA2 Passphrase on Security Settings screen. 802.1x Enables 802.1x security. This option requires IT administration. Choosing 802.1x opens the 802.1x Security Settings screen. The options include: TLS PEAP TTLS LEAP Advanced Settings After Security Settings finished, the Advanced Settings screen will be shown as following.

26Chapter 4 - Maintenance This chapter describes how to uninstall or upgrade the Wireless Utility. Uninstall the Driver Follow the steps below to remove (or uninstall) the Card driver from your computer. Step 1. To remove the driver from the OS, go to Start -> Control Panel Step 2. Double-click System Step 3. Under Hardware tab, click Device Manager. Step 4. Double-click Network Card Step 5. Right-click mouse button on “802.11n Wireless Network Adapter”, and choose Uninstall Step 6. Click OK to confirm that you are going to uninstall the driver Uninstall the Client Utility Follow the steps below to remove the Client Utility from your computer. Step 1. To remove the utility from the OS, go to Start -> Control Panel Step 2. Double-click Add-Remove Programs Step 3. Select 802.11n Wireless Network Adapter, and click the Uninstall button Upgrading the Wireless Utility To perform the upgrade, follow the steps below. Step 1. Download the latest version of the utility from the web site and save the file on your computer. Step 2. Follow the steps in Section 3.2 to remove the current Wireless Utility from your computer. Step 3. Restart your computer if prompted. Step 4. After restarting, refer to the procedure in the Chapter 2 to install the new utility.

27Glossary 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.

28SSID 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/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 WPC-370A 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/PA2 Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and WPA2 is a subset of the IEEE 802.11i 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