Wistron NeWeb DCMA86 802.11a Hi-power mini-PCI module User Manual
Wistron NeWeb Corporation 802.11a Hi-power mini-PCI module
User Manual
WLAN 802.11a mini-PCI Module
User Manual
(DCMA-86)
Version: 1.0
Jan. 2009
1
Copyright Statement
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means, whether electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise without the prior writing of the publisher.
Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP are trademarks of Microsoft® Corp.
Pentium is trademark of Intel.
All copyright reserved.
2
DCMA-86 Compliances
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 Part15 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. The availability of some specific
channels and/or operational frequency bands are country dependent and are firmware programmed at the factory to match
the intended destination. The firmware setting is not accessible by the end user.
Wireless 5 GHz Band Statements:
As the Access Point can operate in the 5150-5250 MHz frequency band it is limited by the FCC to indoor use only so as
to reduce the potential for harmful interference to co-channel Mobile Satellite systems.
High power radars are allocated as primary users (meaning they have priority) of the 5250-5350 MHz and 5650-5850
MHz bands. These radars could cause interference and /or damage to the access point when used in Canada.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
In the event that these conditions can not be met (for example certain laptop configurations or co-location with another
transmitter), then the FCC authorization is no longer considered valid and the FCC ID can not be used on the final
product. In these circumstances, the OEM integrator will be responsible for re-evaluating the end product (including the
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transmitter) and obtaining a separate FCC authorization.
End Product Labeling
This transmitter module is authorized only for use in device where the antenna may be installed such that 20 cm may be
maintained between the antenna and users. The final end product must be labeled in a visible area with the following:
“Contains FCC ID: NKR-DCMA86＂.
Manual Information To the End User
The OEM integrator has to be aware not to provide information to the end user regarding how to
install or remove this RF module in the user＇ s manual of the end product which integrates this
module. The end user manual shall include all required regulatory information/warning as show in this manual.
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Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION 6
1.1 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................5
1.2 FEATURES 5
2. DRIVER/UTILITY INSTALLATION / UNINSTALLATION 6
2.1 INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................6
2.2 ADDITIONAL SETUP PROCESSES ......................................................................................9
2.3 UNINSTALLATION 10
3. CONNECTING TO AN EXISTING NETWORK 12
4. CREATING AN AD HOC NEW NETWORK 17
5. MODIFYING A WIRELESS NETWORK 20
5.1 INFRASTRUCTURE MODE AND AD HOC MODE............................................................... 19
5.2 MODIFYING A WIRELESS NETWORK ..............................................................................20
5.3 DEFAULT SETTINGS WINDOWS XP ZERO-CONFIGURATION...........................................27
5.4 SUPER A/G SETTING 27
5
APPENDIX A: FAQ ABOUT WLAN 28
SPECIFICATIONS 30
6
1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the WLAN 802.11a mini-PCI Module
that provides the easiest way to wireless networking. This User
Manual contains detailed instructions in the operation of this
product. Please keep this manual for future reference.
1.1 System Requirements
- A laptop PC contains:
- 32 MB memory or greater
300 MHz processor or higher
Microsoft® Win2000/ME/98 Second Edition/XP
1.2 Features
Mini-PCI adapter, half size design
IEEE 802.11a compatible: allowing inter-operation among multiple vendors
Support Atheros Super A/GTM Mode
Provide seamless roaming within the IEEE 802.11 a WLAN infrastructure
Site survey function
7
2. Driver/Utility Installation / Uninstallation
2.1 Installation
Note! The Installation Section in this User Manual describes the first-time installation
for Windows. To re-install the driver, please first uninstall the previously installed driver.
See Chapter 2.3 “Uninstallation＂ in this User Manual.
1. Follow the steps below to complete the driver/utility installation:
1.2.
2.3. Insert the Installation Software CD into the CD-Rom Drive.
2.4.
Click “Next＂.
Read the License Agreement and click “Yes＂.
8
Click “Next＂ to continue or click “Browse＂ to choose a destination folder.
Click “Next＂.
Click “Yes＂ to create a shortcut icon on your desktop.
9
Click “Finish＂.
You should now see a shortcut icon on your desktop.
10
2.2 Additional Setup Processes
1. During software installation procedure, each operating system may prompt different
specific options:
1.2.
2.3. Windows 98SE: The system will request the original Windows CD during the
installation process. When the installation is finished, you＇ll have to restart your
computer.
2.4.
3.5. Windows Me: Please restart your computer when the installation is finished.
3.6.
Windows 2000/XP: Select “Install the software automatically＂ when the window with
this option appears, and then click “Next＂ to continue installation.
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2.3 Uninstallation
1. Note! Before uninstallation, please close all running programs.
1.2.
2.3. Click Start>Programs>WLAN a mini-PCI Module >UnInstall WLAN a mini-PCI
Module.
2.4.
Choose “Remove＂. Click “Next＂.
Click “OK＂ to start Uninstall.
Click “Finish＂. Uninstall is now completed.
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1. 3. Connecting to an Existing Network
Double click the shortcut icon of WLAN a mini-PCI Module on the desktop, and the
Configuration window appears.
Click on the Refresh button to list all available networks.
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3.2. Note! To automatically connect to the network with the strongest signal, select Enable
Smart Selection. Any displays in Profile List.
3.
From the list of “Available Networks＂, choose one network by double clicking the
Network Name. One of the following dialog boxes appears. Click “Yes＂ to
continue.
If the chosen network has security enabled, the Security tab displays. Select the
security option used by the network. Contact the network administrator for the correct
settings.
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If selecting WPA or 802.1X, select the EAP type, then click on the Configure button to
select the certificate.
If selecting WPA-PSK, click on the Configure button to enter the PassPhrase.
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If selecting Pre-Shared Key, click on the Configure button to enter the correct
Encryption Keys.
Key entry method:
a.10hex digits: User must enter 10 hexadecimal digits.
The hexadecimal define is "0-9" and "A-F".
ex: 123456abc
b.5 chars: User must enter 5 characters. ex: ab3#@
c.13 chars: User must enter 13 characters.
ex: ab3#@kf08&kdk
d.16 chars: User must enter 16 characters.
ex: ab3#@kf08&kdk456
For WEP key, please contact with MIS administrator.
4. Click on OK (or Apply if using the other tabs) when done to save the settings.
5. Once connected (the icon or in front of the name of the Connected
Network), you can check the signal strength from the icon in the Windows
System Tray.
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Additional Note for Windows XP
In Windows XP, it is recommended that you use the WLAN a mini-PCI Module
Configuration Utility. Before using the Utility, please follow the steps below to
disable the Windows XP Zero Configuration:
Option 1:
1. Double click the shortcut icon to open the Utility.
2. From the Windows System Tray, you should see the signal icon. Right-click it
and select “Disable Zero-Configuration”.
Option 2:
1. Go to “Control Panel” and double click “Network Connections”.
2. Right-click “Wireless Network Connection” of “WLAN a mini-PCI Module”, and
select “Properties”.
3. Select “Wireless Networks” tab, and uncheck the check box of “Use Windows to
configure my wireless network settings”, and then click “OK”.
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4. Creating an Ad Hoc New Network
1. In the Configuration window, click New .
2. Select the “Profile Editor” tab.
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3. Choose the check box of Enable Advanced Setting to edit all settings.
4. If joining or creating an Ad-Hoc network, choose Ad Hoc.
5. If the correct country is not selected, select the country where the computer is
located.
ALERT! Different countries have different regulations that affect which channels
can be used. You should always choose the country where you are physically
located to avoid using an illegal channel.
6. Click OK (or Apply if using the other tabs) to save the settings.
For details of each setting, refer to Modifying a Wireless Network on page 20.
7. Click the Security tab. If not using security, select None.
8. If security is used, select Pre-Shared Key and click on the Configure button.
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9. Enter an encryption key in the Shared: First field.
10. Click OK (or Apply if using the other tabs) to save the settings. The new
Network Name is listed in the Profile List.
The driver does not allow channel selection in Ad-Hoc mode. Instead, the driver
starts with an initial channel then checks channel status. If the channel is busy, the
driver automatically uses a different channel.
For details of each setting, please see chapter 5.
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5. Modifying a Wireless Network
5.1 Infrastructure Mode and Ad Hoc Mode
You can set the Wireless Network Adapter to work in either Infrastructure mode or
Ad Hoc mode.
Infrastructure Mode
In infrastructure mode, devices communicate with each other by first going through
an Access Point (AP). Wireless devices can communicate with each other or can
communicate with a wired network. When one AP is connected to wired network
and a set of wireless stations, it is referred to as a BSS (Basic Service Set).
Ad Hoc Mode
Ad-hoc mode is also called “peer-to-peer mode” or “Independent Basic Service Set
(IBSS)”. In ad hoc mode, devices communicate directly with each other without
using an Access Point (AP).
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5.2 Modifying a Wireless Network
1. Open “WLAN a mini-PCI Module Configuration” by double clicking the shortcut
icon on the desktop.
Note! If there’s no network name listed in the “Profile List”, click Refresh
button and double click a Network Name from Available Networks.
The chosen Network Name is listed in the Profile List.
2. From the Profile List, select one Profile and click Modify button .
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3. Select Profile Editor tab and edit the settings. Click OK to save the
modifications.
Configuration Name: This name identifies the configuration. This name
should be unique.
Network Name (SSID1) (SSID2) (SSID3): The name of the wireless
network. This name cannot be longer than 32 characters. If the field is
set to be “ANY” or is left blank, your computer will connect to an AP with
the best signal strength.
Network Connection: Specifies the mode of the network. Two options
are “Infrastructure” and “Ad Hoc”.
Power Saving: Minimizes power consumption while maintaining network
connectivity and high data transfer performance. In Ad Hoc mode, Power
Savings function cannot be enabled. The power management options are:
• Off: PC Card is powered up at all times.
• Normal: PC Card sleeps less often and stays asleep for a shorter period.
• Maximum: PC Card sleeps more frequently and stays asleep as much as
possible.
Wireless Mode: Three options are, “802.11a”, “Super A” or “Auto”.
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“Auto” allows the use of 802.11a mode.
Ad Hoc Net Start: Specifies a band to establish an Ad Hoc network if no
matching SSID is found. Four options are available: 802.11a, 802.11aTurbo.
Scan Mode: Options are Active Scan, Passive Scan and Auto. In Active
Scan, the driver sends out the probe request frames from each channel and
collects the response frames from the responding. In Passive Scan, the
driver scan each requested channel, listening the beacons on each channel.
Transmit Power: This setting allows you to change the output power of the
PC Card to increase or decrease the coverage area.
QoS: Disables or enables the PC Card to cooperate in a network using QoS
(Quality of Service).
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4. Select Security tab and choose the security mode.
Note! Check with your Network Administrator for the security features supported
by your AP.
WPA: Enables the use of WiFi protected Access (WPA). This option
requires IT administration.
a) Select WPA to open the WPA EAP drop-down menu. The options
includes TLS and PEAP.
b) Click on the Configure button and complete the configuration
information in the Define Certificate dialog.
WPA-PSK: Enables the WPA-Pre Shared Key (PSK). Click on the
Configure button and complete the configuration information in the WPA
Passphrase dialog.
802.1x: Enables 802.1x security. This option requires IT administration.
a) Select 802.1x to open the 802.1x EAP drop-down menu. The options
include TLS and PEAP.
b) Click on the Configure button and complete the configuration
information in the Define Certificate dialog.
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Pre-Shared Key: Enables the use of pre-shared keys that are defined on the
AP and the station.
a) Select the Pre-Shared Key radio button.
b) Click on the Configure button and complete the configuration
information in the Define Certificate dialog.
None: No security.
5. Define the Certificate.
Select a Certificate: Select the Certificate to Authenticate to the RADIUS
server from the drop-down menu.
Use any Certificate Authority: The Default Setting. Select this radio
button to use any Certificate Authority (CA) for authentication.
Choose a Certificate Authority: Select this radio button to choose the
desired Certificate Authority for authentication from the drop-down menu.
Server/Domain Name: The the RADIUS server name or the domain name
used for the network access.
Login Name: The username used to log into the server or domain.
Define User Information (PEAP): Click on the Define User Information
button and complete the configuration information in the Define User
Information dialog.
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6. If selecting WPA-PSK, click on the Configure button to enter the PassPhrase.
The PassPhrase must be a minimum of 8 printable ASCII characters. The
PassPhrase should be at least 20 characters to make it more difficult for an
attacker to decipher the key.
7. If selecting Pre-Shared Key, click on the Configure button to enter the
Encryption Keys.When finished, click OK. For WEP key, please contact with
MIS administrator.
Key Entry Method: Determines the entry method for the key. Hexadecimal
(0-9, A-F) or ASCII text (all keyboard characters).
Default Encryption Key: Allows you to choose one encryption key (First,
Second, Third, or Fourth) as the transmit key, which encrypts transmissions
from the PC Card.
Unique Key: Defines the per-session encryption key for the current network
configuration. Not used in Ad-Hoc mode.
Shared Keys: Use these fields to enter the wireless network’s encryption keys.
The keys must be in the correct position (First, Second, Third, or Fourth).
Key Length: Defines the length of each encryption key.
o For 40/64 bit (enter 10 digits for hexadecimal or 5 characters for ASCII)
o For 104/128 bit (Enter 26 digits for hexadecimal or 13 characters for ASCII)
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When the length is changed, the number of available characters in the field
automatically changes. If a previously entered key is too long, the key is
automatically truncated to fit. If the key length is increased again, the key does
not update to the previous value.
8. Click OK to save the settings.
9. Select “TCP/IP Property” tab. Enter the settings and click “OK” to save the
settings.
If the network uses DHCP server, choose Obtain an IP address automatically.
If the network does not use DHCP server, choose Use the following IP address
to set the relative settings. For the IP configuration information, please contact
the network administrator.
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5.3 Default Settings Windows XP Zero-Configuration
You may also choose the default parameters and directly proceed to Windows XP
zero-configuration through the steps below:
1. Go to “Control Panel” and open “Network Connections”.
2. Right-click the Wireless Network Connection of “WLAN a mini-PCI Module”,
and make sure this connection is Enabled.
3. Right-click the Wireless Network Connection of “WLAN a mini-PCI Module”,
and then click “Properties”.
4. Select “Wireless Networks” tab and select “Use Windows to configure my
wireless network settings” check box.
Note! Clear the check box of “Use Windows to configure my wireless network
settings” will disable automatic wireless network configuration.
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Appendix A: FAQ about WLAN
1. Can I run an application from a remote computer over the wireless network?
This will depend on whether or not the application is designed to be used over a
network. Consult the application’s user guide to determine whether it supports
operation over a network.
2. Can I play computer games with other members of the wireless network?
Yes, as long as the game supports multiple players over a LAN (local area network).
Refer to the game’s user guide for more information.
3. What is Spread Spectrum?
Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequency technique developed by
the military for use in reliable, secure, mission-critical communications systems. It is
designed to trade off bandwidth efficiency for reliability, integrity, and security. In
other words, more bandwidth is consumed than in the case of narrowband
transmission, but the trade-off produces a signal that is, in effect, louder and thus
easier to detect, provided that the receiver knows the parameters of the
spread-spectrum signal being broadcast. If a receiver is not tuned to the right
frequency, a spread-spectrum signal looks like background noise. There are two main
alternatives, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency Hopping
Spread Spectrum (FHSS).
4. What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?
Frequency-Hopping Spread-Spectrum (FHSS) uses a narrowband carrier that changes
frequency in a pattern that is known to both transmitter and receiver. Properly
synchronized, the net effect is to maintain a single logical channel. To an unintended
receiver, FHSS appears to be short-duration impulse noise. Direct-Sequence
Spread-Spectrum (DSSS) generates a redundant bit pattern for each bit to be
transmitted. This bit pattern is called a chip (or chipping code). The longer the chip,
the greater the probability that the original data can be recovered. Even if one or more
bits in the chip are damaged during transmission, statistical techniques embedded in
the radio can recover the original data without the need for retransmission. To an
unintended receiver, DSSS appears as low power wideband noise and is rejected
(ignored) by most narrowband receivers.
5. Would the information be intercepted while transmitting on air?
WLAN features two-fold protection in security. On the hardware side, as with Direct
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Sequence Spread Spectrum technology, it has the inherent security feature of
scrambling. On the software side, WLAN offers the encryption function (WEP) to
enhance security and access control.
6. What is WEP?
WEP is Wired Equivalent Privacy, a data privacy mechanism based on a 64-bit or
128-bit shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard.
7. What is infrastructure mode?
When a wireless network is set to infrastructure mode, the wireless network is
configured to communicate with a wired network through a wireless access point.
8. What is roaming?
Roaming is the ability of a portable computer user to communicate continuously
while moving freely throughout an area greater than that covered by a single access
point. Before using the roaming function, the workstation must make sure that it is the
same channel number with the access point of dedicated coverage area.
To achieve true seamless connectivity, the wireless LAN must incorporate a number
of different functions. Each node and access point, for example, must always
acknowledge receipt of each message. Each node must maintain contact with the
wireless network even when not actually transmitting data. Achieving these functions
simultaneously requires a dynamic RF networking technology that links access points
and nodes. In such a system, the user’s end node undertakes a search for the best
possible access to the system. First, it evaluates such factors as signal strength and
quality, as well as the message load currently being carried by each access point and
the distance of each access point to the wired backbone. Based on that information,
the node next selects the right access point and registers its address. Communications
between end node and host computer can then be transmitted up and down the
backbone. As the user moves on, the end node’s RF transmitter regularly checks the
system to determine whether it is in touch with the original access point or whether it
should seek a new one. When a node no longer receives acknowledgment from its
original access point, it undertakes a new search. Upon finding a new access point, it
then re-registers, and the communication process continues.
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< Version V1.0>
1/30/2009
Wistron Neweb® Corporation
No. 10-1, Lin-hsin I Road, Science-Based Industry Park, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan,
R.O.C.
Tel: +886-3-666-7799
Fax:+886-3-666-7711
Subject to change without notices
© copyrights 2009 by Wistron Neweb®
All rights reserved
Market Specifications for model
DCMA-86 High Power, Industry
WLAN 802.11a Mini-PCI Adapter (MMCX)
32
Revision History
Edition # Reason for revision Issue date Author
1.0 Initial Draft Document
2009/1/30 Ken Liu
Feature List
1. High Power Design, peak power up to 30dBm
2. RoHS compliant product
3. Atheros AR5414A, MAC/BB/Radio single chip solution supports super mode
4. RF connector: 2*MMCX or 2*F.UL
5. Heat sink design provide reliable high power RF performance
6. Screw hole reserved for assembly with AP main board for AP application
7. High speed for wireless LAN connection: IEEE802.11a 54Mbps data rate
33
with Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) and up to
108Mbps with Turbo mode; Provide seamless roaming within the IEEE
802.11a WLAN infrastructure
8. IEEE 802.11a compatible: allowing inter-operation among multiple vendors
9. Support Atheros Super ATM Mode
10. Provide seamless roaming within the IEEE 802.11 a WLAN infrastructure
11. Site survey function
12. Support MicroSoft Windows XP, 2000
13. Interoperability – Complying with WiFi
14. Extended range supporting
15. Support 802.1x, AES-CCM & TKIP, Power Saving Mode
16. 64/128/152-bit WEP Encryption
17. 802.11e standard compatible bursting
18. Wireless multimedia enhancements quality of service support (QoS)
19. Support for IEEE 802.11e,h,I and j standards
34
DCMA-86 Market Product Specification,
WLAN 802.11a® Mini-PCI Adapter
Item Key specifications
Main Chipset DCMA-86, AR5414 BGA Single Chip (with Super AG function)
Frequency Band A Mode:
5.15~5.35 & 5.47~5.725&5.725~ 5.85 GHz for US
Modulation technique 802.11 a
DSSS (DBPSK, DQPSK, CCK)
OFDM (BPSK,QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM)
Host interface Mini-PCI form factor; Mini-PCI Version 1.0 type 3A
Channels support
802.11a
1). US/Canada: 8 non-overlapping channels (5.15~5.35 & 5.47~5.725&5.725~ 5.85 GHz)
Operation voltage 3.3V +/- 10%
Power consumption A Mode: Cont. Tx: 1100mA (typical)~1300mA (max)
Cont. Rx: 250mA (typical)~270mA (max)
Stand by: 280mA (typical)~290mA (max)
Power saving: 40mA (typical)
Output power A Mode: +22.5dBm at 6, 9, 12, 18Mbps
+21.5dBm at 36Mbps
+19dBm at 48Mbps
+18dBm at 54Mbps
Operation distance
802.11a
Outdoor: 85m@54Mbps, 350m@6Mbps
Indoor: 25m@54Mbps, 60m@6Mbps
Operation System supported Windows® 98SE, ME, 2K, XP, NT4.0
Dimension 59.6mm(L) * 50.8mm (W) * 7.5mm (H)
Security 64-bit,128-bit, 152-bit WEP Encryption
802.1x Authentication
AES-CCM & TKIP Encryption
Operation mode Infrastructure & Ad-hoc mode
35
Transfer data rate 802.11a (Normal mode)
54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9, 6Mbps, auto-fallback
802.11a (Super mode)
108,96,72,54, 48,36,24,18,12 Mbps, auto-fallback
Operation temperature -40o ~ 80o C (Industrial Grade); 0~70*C (Commercial grade)
Storage temperature --40o ~ 80o C (Industrial Grade); -10o ~ 80o C (Comercial Grade)
Wi-Fi® Alliance WECA Compliant
WHQL Microsoft® 2K, XP Complaint
FAA S/W radio On/Off support
EMC certificate FCC part 15 (USA)
ETSI, EN301893, EN60950 (Europe)
Media access protocol CSMA/CA with ACK architecture 32-bit MAC
Advance Function Super A
Extended Range
Support JumpStart V1.0 on Microsoft® 2K, XP
Antenna connector 1 x DIP MMCX connectors