Universal Scientific CB-G-BR-02 802.11g Wireless LAN Cardbus Adapter User Manual CB G BR 02 Users Manual V1
Universal Scientific Industrial Co., Ltd. 802.11g Wireless LAN Cardbus Adapter CB G BR 02 Users Manual V1
Users Manual
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WLAN 802.11g Cardbus Adapter
Users Manual V1.0
Copyright© 2003 by separated owners. All Rights Reserved.
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Contents
1. Introduction……………………………………………………...…….3
1.1 The Network Type………………………………………………………..4
1.2 Using Your Wireless LAN………………………………………………. 7
1.3 About Client Manager…………………………………………………....8
1.4 Grossary…………………………………………………………………..10
2. Install and Configure a Wireless Network…………….………..…15
2.1 Before You Start…………………………………………………………15
2.2 Software Installation for Windows………………………...………….. 15
2.3 Insert the Cardbus Adaptor……………………………………….…….16
2.4 Configuration the Networks….………………………………………….16
3. Basic TroubleShooting…………………………………..………………..…….20
4. Technical Support…………….………………….……..…………….………… 23
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1. Introduction
Welcome to the world of wireless computer networks.
This document is a short reference guide that will show
you how you can:
• Use WLAN Cardbus adapters to connect the mobile
computers to a wireless network.
• Use mobile computers to roam between different
locations without losing the wireless connection.
• Use the wireless network to share files and printers
with other computer users.
In a Local Area Network (LAN), you can connect two or more computers to each
other. You can use a network to share files or common equipment such as a
printer or a modem. In a wired network, you need special cables and networking
equipment to connect the computers, but in a wireless network, computers
communicate via radio technology that can pass through walls and ceilings.
Users connect the wireless computers by assigning a shared Network Name
value to each Wireless Client Adapter that belongs to your network.
To secure your WLAN Cardbus adapter supports Data Encryption when you
transmit data, we recommend that you always enable this feature to protect your
network against unauthorized access to your files and communications.
The WLAN Cardbus adapter support different network modes such as Peer-to-
Peer Group, Act as Base Station, and Base Station Network that allow users to
connect to an existing network or start the network.
For instructions to install your WLAN Cardbus adapter, please consult the
documentation that is included with the hardware.
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1.1 The Network Type
Peer-to-Peer Group
Network where Wireless Client devices communicate directly with each other as
the following figure shows.
Act as Base Station
Network where you assign one computer to act as the central point of
communication for all wireless computers. The computer in this mode will start
it's own wireless network. This type of network for SOHO or small offices
provides a larger wireless range than a Peer-to-Peer Group. However you can
assign only one computer to act as Base Station.
Base Station Network
Network where Wireless Client devices communicate with each other through
a dedicated Base Station.
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With this type of network for medium to large enterprises, you can add as many
Base Station devices as you like to extend the wireless range. Most Base Station
devices also allow you to connect your wireless network to a wired network
infrastructure.
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Network Type Overview
Network Type Peer-to-Peer Group Act As Base Station Base Station
Characteristic
s
• Ideal for home and
small offices users.
• Ability to share files,
printers or Internet
connection.
• All computers
communicate directly
with each other
• Ideal for small offices and
business networks.
• Just one computer
assigned as the central
point of wireless
communicate for all
computers.
• All computers
communicate only via the
Base Station.
• Ability to share files,
printers or Internet
connection.
• Ideal for larger
companies,
organizations or
enterprises.
• Addition of a special
Base Station device
that acts as the central
point of wireless
communications for all
computers.
• Able to connect to
wired networks and
access to central file
servers, office printers
and corporate email or
Internet.
Advantages • Easy to setup.
• Cost Efficient.
• Network remains
active as long as two
or more wireless
computers are
operational.
• Fairly easy to setup.
• Cost efficient.
• Extended range.
• Extended range.
• Scalability for more
Base Station devices to
extend the range.
• Roaming of wireless
computers between
different locations is
supported.
• Allow connections to a
wired infrastructure or
Internet connection.
Disadvantages • Limited range. • When the Base Station
shuts down, the wireless
network disappears.
• Does not allow expansion
of wireless network with
other Base Station
devices.
• Requires more expertise
to install additional
features.
• Additional cables and
networking equipment
are required.
• Requires more
expertise and time to
install additional
features.
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1.2 Using your Wireless LAN
This section provides general information about:
• Configuration Profile to save network settings
• Roaming
• File and Printer Sharing
• Internet Connection Sharing
Using Configuration Profiles
If you plan to use your wireless Client Station in multiple wireless networks, you
can use network configuration profiles to save the settings for each wireless
network.
For example you can create a Configuration Profile for:
• Your office head quarters.
• A branch-office.
• The private home network.
You can use the Configuration Profile to quickly switch between these
networks.
Roaming
Roaming is a key feature of wireless computer networks that you can use to
move with a mobile computer between different locations without losing your
network connection.
In networks that include two or more Base Station devices, the wireless computer
will automatically connect to the Base Station that provides the best quality of
wireless communications.
If users travel between different network environments, they can create a
Configuration Profile for each network and quickly select the right profile to
connect to the other network.
File and Printer Sharing
File and Printer Sharing is a Microsoft Networks feature that allows you to:
• Access files on other computers.
• Print documents on a printer that is connected to another computer.
To use these options, you must enable File and Printer Sharing on the computer
that contains the files or printer connection that you wish to share.
For more information consult the Microsoft Windows Help:
1. Click the Start button.
2. Click Help.
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3. Use the Help Search to look for "File and Printer sharing".
Internet Connection Sharing
Internet Connection Sharing is a Microsoft Networks feature that allows multiple
computers to access the Internet via the connection of one computer in your
network. For example, your wireless mobile computer could share the broadband
or dial-up connection of a desktop computer.
To share this connection, you must enable Internet Connection Sharing on the
computer that connects to the Internet.
For more information consult the Microsoft Windows Help:
1. Click the Start button.
2. Click Help.
3. Use the Help Search to look for "Internet Connection Sharing".
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1.3 About Client Manager
The Client Manager is a tool that starts automatically every time users boot the
computer. Use the Client Manager to:
• Diagnose the Link Quality of your wireless connection to the network.
• Run Card Diagnostics to verify the operation of the hardware.
• Create or select a wireless Configuration Profile.
• Disable the radio of your Wireless Client Adapter in situations where
local safety guidelines require users to switch of wireless equipment.
To access these functions, click the Client Manager icon on the
taskbar. You can find the icon at the low-right side of your screen.
For more information about color states of the icon or the functions listed above,
please consult the online help of the Client Manager.
Note: The color of the Client Manager icon may differ according to the quality of your
wireless connection. Green means that you have an excellent wireless connection.
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1.4 Glossary
Base Station
Base Station devices are also referred to as access points, which allow you to
connect the wireless client to wired computer networks.
Card Diagnostics
Card Diagnostics is a Client Manager option that allows you to perform a
hardware test on your wireless LAN adapter. It allows you to:
• Obtain an online advice on the status of your adapter.
• Generate a report which you can send to your technical support representative
in case you encounter problems using your wireless adapter.
Client Manager
Software tool for Wireless Client Adapter to:
• Manage wireless Configuration Profile settings
• Diagnose wireless Link Quality
• Run Card Diagnostics
Configuration Profile
The set of wireless parameters that allows users to connect to a specific wireless
network. The parameters include Profile Name and Encryption Key. You can give
each profile a name to allow easy recognition.
Encryption Key
The Encryption Key is a security option that encodes all wireless communications
to avoid unauthorized access to your network and communications.
To allow communication, all wireless devices in your network must use the same
Encryption Key.
Default value: Encryption disabled
Valid values: 40/64-bit WEP Network Interface:
• 5-digit Alphanumeric Value.
Example: Alpha
• 10-digit Hexadecimal Value.
Example: 416C706861
104/128-bit WEP Network Interface:
• 13-digit Alphanumeric Value
Example: AlphaNumKey01
• 26-digit Hexadecimal Value.
Example:
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416C7068614E756D4B65793031
The encryption key is case-sensitive.
Alphanumeric Value
An alphanumeric value is a value that can include both:
• Numeric values in the range of "0-9".
• Alphabetical characters in the range of "a-z" or "A-Z".
Example: AlphaNumKey01
Use both alphabetical and numerical characters to expand the flexibility to enter a
name or value of your choice.
Hexadecimal Value
Numeric value that can include both numeric and a limited number of
alphabetical characters:
• Numeric values in the range of "0-9".
• Alphabetical characters in the range of "a-f" or "A-F".
Example: 416C7068614E756D4B65793031
Hexadecimal values are often written as:
• 0x416C7068614E756D4B65793031, or
• h416C7068614E756D4B65793031
When users need to enter a hexadecimal value, consult the quick installation
guide or the network administrator for the correct notation.
IEEE
Institute of Electrical & Electronics engineers, Inc.
The IEEE is an organization that develops Standards for electrical and electronic
equipment. IEEE Standards documents are developed within the Technical
Committees of the IEEE Societies and the Standards Coordinating Committees
of the IEEE Standards Board.
For more information, consult the IEEE website http://standards.ieee.org
IEEE 802.11
IEEE 802.xx Standards define the access technologies for local and
metropolitan area networks.
The IEEE 802.11 Standard is an inter operability standard for wireless LAN
devices, that identifies different technologies for wireless data communication:
• Radio Technology
• Infrared Technology
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IEEE 802.11 compliant networking products are interoperable when they are
based on the same type of technology, regardless of their manufacturer.
Link Test
The Link Test is a Client Manager option that allows you to test the quality of
your wireless link with the Base Station or your Peer-to-Peer Group partner.
Users can use this option to:
• Determine the cause of poor wireless performance, such as radio
interference or heavy network traffic.
• Determine where the problem occurs in the signal path between your
computer and the Link Test partner .
Link Quality
Quality of the wireless network connection primarily indicated by the Signal-to-
Noise Ratio (SNR). You can test the Link Quality with the Client Manager Link
Test.
Network Name
The Network Name is a value that logically connects wireless devices to the
same network, and distinguishes your wireless network from neighboring
networks.
To allow communication, each wireless device within your network must use the
same Network Name value.
• To connect to a Peer-to-Peer Group, consult one of the workgroup
participants for the correct value.
• To connect to a Base Station, consult your networking administrator for the
correct value.
When users use the Client Manager to create a Configuration Profile,
they can click the Scan button to retrieve a list of Network Name values of all
open wireless networks in the vicinity of your computer.
The Network Name (also referred to as SSID) is a case-sensitive text string with
a maximum of 32 characters.
Noise Level
Noise Level indicates the strength of in-band radio interference. Sources of
interference can be:
• Theft Protection Devices
• Cordless Phones
• Microwave Ovens
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Interference has a negative impact on the quality of the wireless connection. Use
the Client Manager Link Test to determine the source of interference.
Local Noise
The level of radio interference as measured in the areas nearby the wireless
computer.
Remote Noise
The level of radio interference as measured in the vicinity of the remote station
(for example your Link Test Partner).
Signal Level
Signal Level indicates the strength of the wireless signal as received by the
WLAN Cardbus adapter .
Site Monitor
The Site Monitor is a Client Manager option that allows users to test the quality of
the wireless link with all Base Station devices within range of the computer.
Users can use this option to perform a site survey to optimize the placement of
Base Station devices within the network.
SNR
The Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) is the primary quality indicator of your wireless
communications. The SNR indicates the relative strength of the Signal Level
compared to the Noise Level.
A high SNR indicates an excellent wireless link. A low SNR indicates poor
communications quality that might be caused by a low Signal Level or high Noise
Level in the wireless link path.
Users can read the SNR from the Client Manager icon in the Windows taskbar
and find the icon at the low-right side of the screen.
SOHO (Small Office / Home Office)
Small network that includes up to 10 wireless and/or wired computers.
Sometimes a SOHO network uses a shared connection to an Internet Service
Provider to provide Internet access to individual computers.
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)
IEEE 802.11 compliant encryption scheme based on the RC4 algorithm that is
used to secure wireless data.
WEP is an encryption technology that will secure (encode) all wireless data.
40/64-bit WEP Network Interface
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WLAN Cardbus adaptors that support 40/64-bit WEP data encryption.
This type of interface allows you to enter encryption keys as:
• 5-digit Alphanumeric Value.
• 10-digit Hexadecimal Value.
104/128-bit WEP Network Interface
WLAN Cardbus adapter that supports both 40/64-bit WEP and 104/128-bit data
encryption based on the RC4 algorithm.
This type of interface allows you to enter encryption keys as:
• 5-digit Alphanumeric Value.
• 13-digit Alphanumeric Value.
• 10-digit Hexadecimal Value.
• 26-digit Hexadecimal Value.
Wireless Client
Device with WLAN Cardbus adapter that users can connect to a computer
network.
Wireless Client Adapter
Network adapter that users can use to connect to a computer device to a
wireless network, such as a Peer-to-Peer Group or a Base Station Network.
The wireless client adapter uses radio technology to communicate.
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2. Install and Configure a Wireless Network
2.1 Before You Start
Please verify the contents of the Cardbus adapter Kit:
• A WLAN Cardbus adapter
• A Software driver CD
• A quick install guide
•
If any of the items appear to be damaged or missing, please contact your
supplier.
2.2 Software Installation for Windows
The complete installation of your Cardbus adapter and the necessary drivers
( for Windows 98/ME/2000/XP ) consist of the following steps:
(a) Insert the software driver CD into the CD or DVD drive.
(b) Click the icon to run setup.exe.
(c) For Windows 98SE/ME/2000 users, follow the instructions to install the
driver.
(d) For Windows XP users, just click ‘’Continue Anyway” to continue the
installation.
After the software installation, Insert the CardBus adapter into slot of the
notebook.The system will detect the new device
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2.3 Insert the Cardbus Adapter
Insert the WLAN Cardbus adapter into the Cardbus slot as the following
picture shows.
2.4 Configure the Networks
Basic Settings for Enterprise Networks
If you connect to an enterprise network, please follow the steps to configure
the profile:
(1)Move your cursor to .Right click your mouse and select Open Ulitity.
Note: If you want to install the WLAN PC Card in to a desktop computer, please
use a PCI adapter.
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(2)Switch to Wireless Network page and tick Enable Radio. Select an Available
network and click Configure to configure the AP.
Enter the Profile Name(SSID) and then click OK.
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(2) Tick Show Wireless Icon in sytray and click Advanced. Select “Any
available network” and click Close.
(3)To set security, tick Data encryption (WEP enabled).
Click OK to finish the configuration.
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3. Basic TroubleShooting
Power LED on, Link LED off
This LED status indicates normal operations:
• The Wireless Client Adapter is powered on
• The Link LED indicates there is no activity on the wireless network.
The absence of activity on the Wireless Network Interface might be related to the
fact that:
• You moved out of Wireless Range of the Base Station(s) that could
provide access to the selected network.
• There are no Wireless Client Stations in the Wireless Range of your
computer to participate in the selected Peer-to-Peer Group.
• The Base Station(s) that could provide access to the selected network has
(have) a problem (e.g. the power is off).
Power LED on, Link LED flickering
This LED status indicates normal operations:
• The Wireless Client Adapter is powered on
• The Link LED indicates activity on the wireless network.
If the radio of your WLAN Cardbus adapter seems to communicate with other
radio devices, but it does not succeed in the network connection (i.e. Both the
power and radio LED show normal activity), you may need to verify if the
Network Protocol Settings are correct.
Both LEDs blink once every 10 seconds
This LED indicates that the power of CB-G-BR Cardbus adapter is on and the
card is working properly, but it is not able to establish a wireless connection to
the wireless network.
Possible reasons might be:
• Your wireless station is outside the Wireless Range of the Base Station(s)
that could provide you access to the selected network.
• The Wireless Network Interface of your station has been configured with a
wrong Network Name and/or Encryption Key settings.
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• you mis-selected a configuration profile on your wireless station and the
profile does not belong to the wireless network that you want to connect
to.
• The Base Station(s) that provide(s) access to the selected network
has/have been configured to deny access to stations that use the value
ANY as their Network Name.
Contact your LAN Administrator for information about the correct values of the
parameter settings.
No LED Activity
If there is no LED activity on the Power LED and Link LED of the CB-G-BR
Cardbus adapter , this may be due to one of the following reasons:
• The CB-G-BR Cardbus device is not properly connected to your computer.
• No driver was installed to allow communication between your computer
and the wireless network interface.
• You are using a wireless network interface in combination with a CB-G-BR
WLAN Cardbus Tools, but you did not yet introduce the device to your
computer using the Add New Hardware option on the Control Panel.
Power LED is Flickering
A flickering Power LED identifies that you enabled the Card Power Management
option for the Wireless Client Adapter of a Wireless Client Station (Advanced
Settings).
Network Protocol Settings
Subject to the type and version of your Windows operating system, the correct
protocol may or may not be installed automatically when users install the wireless
network interface. Network protocols includes TCP/IP,NetBEUI and IPX/SPX.
To verify your network protocol settings, please follow the steps:
1. Click Start and then select Settings. Please select Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Network icon to open the Network properties window.
3. Display the list of network components. Install protocols for your wireless
network interface.
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• When using Windows 98, scroll down the list of items in the
tab Configuration.
4. Contact your network administrator for the following information:
• Which protocols should be included in the list.
• What property settings should apply for each of these
protocols.
5. (Optional) Click the:
• Add button to add a missing protocol.
• Properties button to view/modify the protocol settings.
Another Device Does No Longer Work
In case another device does not work after you installed the CB-G-BR Cardbus
adapter , uses may have run into a Hardware Conflict. Please verify whether this
is caused by the wireless network interface, or simply by removing the interface.
Reboot the computer:
• When the problem exists. (The problem is not caused by the wireless
network interface.)
• When the other device functions properly again after removing the
wireless network interface, one of the two causes below may apply:
The resources were already claimed upon booting the device, by a
resource setting in the BIOS or CMOS of your computer, or
This means if you select resources that appeared to be available according to the
Windows Diagnostics program, these settings are already claimed by the
conflicting device.
In both cases, you are encouraged to try alternative values for your wireless
network interface to see whether these new values might help solving your
problem. Upon doing so, you are advised to change only one parameter at a
time.
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.
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
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 equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment.
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.
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4.Technical Support
The identification of the product :
Product Name : 802.11g Wireless LAN CardBus Adapter
Model Name : CB-G-BR-02
Technical Contact :
Universal Scientific Industrial Co., Ltd. ( Headquarters )
Address : 135, Lane 351, Taiping Rd., Sec. 1, Tsao Tuen, Nan Tou,
Taiwan
USI Taipei Office : 10F, 420, Keelung Road, Sec. 1, Taipei, Taiwan
Contact Person : Ray Huang
Telephone : +886-2-2345-5006, Ext.119
Fax : +886-2-2345-5191
Email : rayhwang@ms.usi.com.tw
Technical Contact in the US :
Address : 685A Jarvis Drive, Morgan Hill, CA 95037, USA
Telephone : +1-408-776-1966
Fax : +1-408-778-5509
Website : www.usi.com.tw