User manual SMC SMC2735W - INSTALLATION GUIDE

EZ Connect 802.11a Wireless CardBus Adapter N 54 Mbps data rate (72 Mbps Turbo Mode): provides alternative for wired LANs that can dramatically cut costs N Coverage area up to 1650 ft N Seamless connectivity to wired Ethernet LANs: augments existing networks quickly and easily N Supports 64/128/152-bit Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) N Supports a wide range of operating systems (Win98/NT/ME/2000/XP) N Built-in antenna N Easy installation Installation Guide SMC2735W EZ Connect User Guide The easy way to make all your network connections 6 Hughes Irvine, CA 92618 Phone: (949) 707-2400 December 2001 Pub. # 150000013700A Part No: 01-111321-006 Copyright Information furnished by SMC Networks, Inc. (SMC) is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by SMC for its use, nor for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties which may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of SMC. SMC reserves the right to change specifications at any time without notice. Copyright © 2001 by SMC Networks, Inc. 6 Hughes Irvine, CA 92618 All rights reserved. Printed in Taiwan Trademarks: SMC is a registered trademark of SMC Networks, Inc. Other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. LIMITED WARRANTY Limited Warranty Statement: SMC Networks, Inc. ("SMC") warrants its products to be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and service, for the applicable warranty term. All SMC products carry a standard 90-day limited warranty from the date of purchase from SMC or its Authorized Reseller. SMC may, at its own discretion, repair or replace any product not operating as warranted with a similar or functionally equivalent product, during the applicable warranty term. SMC will endeavor to repair or replace any product returned under warranty within 30 days of receipt of the product. The standard limited warranty can be upgraded to a Limited Lifetime* warranty by registering new products within 30 days of purchase from SMC or its Authorized Reseller. Registration can be accomplished via the enclosed product registration card or online via the SMC web site. Failure to register will not affect the standard limited warranty. The Limited Lifetime warranty covers a product during the Life of that Product, which is defined as the period of time during which the product is an "Active" SMC product. A product is considered to be "Active" while it is listed on the current SMC price list. As new technologies emerge, older technologies become obsolete and SMC will, at its discretion, replace an older product in its product line with one that incorporates these newer technologies. At that point, the obsolete product is discontinued and is no longer an "Active" SMC product. A list of discontinued products with their respective dates of discontinuance can be found at: http://www.smc.com/index.cfm?action=customer_service_warranty. All products that are replaced become the property of SMC. Replacement products may be either new or reconditioned. Any replaced or repaired product carries either a 30-day limited warranty or the remainder of the initial warranty, whichever is longer. SMC is not responsible for any custom software or firmware, configuration information, or memory data of Customer contained in, stored on, or integrated with any products returned to SMC pursuant to any warranty. Products returned to SMC should have any customer-installed accessory or add-on components, such as expansion modules, removed prior to returning the product for replacement. SMC is not responsible for these items if they are returned with the product. Customers must contact SMC for a Return Material Authorization number prior to returning any product to SMC. Proof of purchase may be required. Any product returned to SMC without a valid Return Material Authorization (RMA) number clearly marked on the outside of the package will be returned to customer at customer's expense. For warranty claims within North America, please call our toll-free customer support number at (800) 762-4968. Customers are responsible for all shipping charges from their facility to SMC. SMC is responsible for return shipping charges from SMC to customer. i LIMITED WARRANTY WARRANTIES EXCLUSIVE: IF AN SMC PRODUCT DOES NOT OPERATE AS WARRANTED ABOVE, CUSTOMER'S SOLE REMEDY SHALL BE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE PRODUCT IN QUESTION, AT SMC'S OPTION. THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, EITHER IN FACT OR BY OPERATION OF LAW, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. SMC NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT ANY OTHER LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE OR USE OF ITS PRODUCTS. SMC SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER THIS WARRANTY IF ITS TESTING AND EXAMINATION DISCLOSE THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT DOES NOT EXIST OR WAS CAUSED BY CUSTOMER'S OR ANY THIRD PERSON'S MISUSE, NEGLECT, IMPROPER INSTALLATION OR TESTING, UNAUTHORIZED ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE BEYOND THE RANGE OF THE INTENDED USE, OR BY ACCIDENT, FIRE, LIGHTNING, OR OTHER HAZARD. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: IN NO EVENT, WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), SHALL SMC BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR FOR LOSS OF REVENUE, LOSS OF BUSINESS, OR OTHER FINANCIAL LOSS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE, USE, PERFORMANCE, FAILURE, OR INTERRUPTION OF ITS PRODUCTS, EVEN IF SMC OR ITS AUTHORIZED RESELLER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR THE LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. NOTHING IN THIS WARRANTY SHALL BE TAKEN TO AFFECT YOUR STATUTORY RIGHTS. * SMC will provide warranty service for one year following discontinuance from the active SMC price list. Under the limited lifetime warranty, internal and external power supplies, fans, and cables are covered by a standard one-year warranty from date of purchase. SMC Networks, Inc. 6 Hughes Irvine, CA 92618 ii COMPLIANCES FCC - Class B 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 instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that the 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 or more of the following measures: · · · · Reorient 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 Industry Canada - Class B This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the interference-causing equipment standard entitled "Digital Apparatus," ICES-003 of the Department of Communications. Cet appareil numérique respecte les limites de bruits radioélectriques applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans la norme sur le matériel brouilleur: "Appareils Numériques," NMB-003 édictée par le ministère des Communications. iii COMPLIANCES iv TABLE Introduction . . . . . . . Package Checklist . . . Hardware Description Applications . . . . . . . LED Indicators . . . . . . System Requirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 2 2 3 4 5 EZ ConnectTM 802.11a Wireless CardBus Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . .1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hardware Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Driver Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Windows 98/2000/ME/XP Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Installation for Windows NT 4.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Network Configuration and Planning . . . . . . . . .21 Network Topologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ad Hoc Wireless LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Infrastructure Wireless LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Infrastructure Wireless LAN for Roaming Wireless PCs . . . . . . . . 22 22 23 24 Configuration and Diagnostic Utility . . . . . . . . . .25 Utility Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Using the Wireless LAN Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Adapter Installation Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Network Connection Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 SMC Networks: 802.11a Wireless Product Maximum Distance Table . . . . . 33 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 v TABLE OF CONTENTS vi EZ CONNECT TM 802.11a WIRELESS CARDBUS ADAPTER Introduction SMC's EZ Connect 802.11a Wireless CardBus Adapter is a 54 Mbps (72 Mbps Turbo Mode) wireless network card that seamlessly integrates with existing Ethernet networks to support applications such as mobile users or temporary conferences. This solution offers fast, reliable wireless connectivity with considerable cost savings over wired LANs (which include long-term maintenance overhead for cabling). Just plug wireless cards into your notebook PCs and start networking. Using this card in conjunction with SMC's EZ Connect SMC2755W 802.11a Wireless Access Point, you can create an instant network that integrates seamlessly with 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LANs. Moreover, moving or expanding your network is as easy as moving or installing additional access points -- no wires! 1 EZ CONNECTTM 802.11A WIRELESS CARDBUS ADAPTER Package Checklist The EZ Connect Wireless CardBus Adapter package includes: · · · 1 EZ Connect 802.11a Wireless CardBus Adapter (SMC2735W) 1 Driver and Utility CD ROM This User Guide Please register this product and upgrade product warranty at: www.smc.com. Please inform your dealer if there are any incorrect, missing or damaged parts. If possible, retain the carton, including the original packing materials. Use them again to repack the product in case there is a need to return it for repair. Hardware Description SMC's EZ Connect 802.11a Wireless CardBus Adapter is fully compliant with 802.11a wireless networking as defined in IEEE 802.11a. It can be installed in any notebook with a CardBus slot. Support is provided for Windows 98/ME/2000/NT4.0/XP. 2 EZ CONNECTTM 802.11A WIRELESS CARDBUS ADAPTER Applications EZ Connect Wireless products offer a fast, reliable, cost-effective solution for wireless client access to the network in applications such as: · · Remote access to corporate network information E-mail, file transfer and terminal emulation Difficult-to-wire environments Historical or old buildings, asbestos installations and open areas where wiring is difficult to employ Frequently changing environments Retailers, manufacturers and banks which frequently rearrange the workplace or change location Temporary LANs for special projects or peak times Trade shows, exhibitions and construction sites which need temporary setup for a short time period. Retailers, airline and shipping companies which need additional workstations for a peak period. Auditors who require workgroups at customer sites. Access to databases for mobile workers Doctors, nurses, retailers, or white-collar workers who need access to databases while being mobile in a hospital, retail store or an office campus. SOHO (Small Office and Home Office) users SOHO users who need easy and quick installation of a small computer network. · · · · 3 EZ CONNECTTM 802.11A WIRELESS CARDBUS ADAPTER LED Indicators The SMC2735W includes two status LED indicators, as described in the following figure and table. Power LED Network LED LED Power Condition On Status Awake from power save. (The CardBus Adapter automatically enters this state after exit from power save mode and before any other activity.) No Power. Power save mode - or indicates association with no activity (if flashing together with Network LED). Indicates associated with network activity. (Flashing together with Network LED.) Neither associated nor looking for association. Associated with no activity. (Flashes together with Power LED.) Associated with network activity. (Flashes together with Power LED.) Looking for a network but no activity. Off Slow Flashing Fast Flashing Network Off Slow Flashing Fast Flashing Alternate Power/Network Alternate Flashing of both LEDs 4 EZ CONNECTTM 802.11A WIRELESS CARDBUS ADAPTER System Requirement Before you install the EZ Connect 802.11a Wireless CardBus Adapter, check your system for the following requirements: · · · · A computer with a CardBus slot Windows 98/NT4.0/ME/2000/XP (Have the Windows installation CD-ROM ready for use during installation) A minimum of 10 Mbytes of free disk space for installing the driver and utility program Other IEEE 802.11a-compliant devices installed in your service area (such as the SMC2755W Wireless 802.11a Access Point) 5 HARDWARE INSTALLATION HARDWARE INSTALLATION 1. Turn your computer on and boot to your operating system. 2. Find an available CardBus slot in your computer. 3. With the EZ Connect 802.11a Wireless CardBus Adapter 68-pin connector facing the CardBus slot and the EZ Connect 802.11a Wireless CardBus Adapter label facing up, slide the card completely into the CardBus slot as shown below. Note: The CardBus slot allows you to "hot swap" the CardBus Adapter at any time, even when your computer is powered on. 4. For Windows 98/NT4.0/ME/2000/XP, CardBus specification is required. Please check the documents for your CardBus Adapter driver before installing the software driver for the SMC2735W. 5. Install the appropriate network driver for your operating system. Drivers can be found on the CD ROM. See "Driver Installation" on page 8 for more information. 6 HARDWARE INSTALLATION 6. Install the EZ Connect Wireless 802.11a CardBus Configuration Utility for your wireless CardBus Adapter. The Setup.exe file can be found on the CD ROM. See "Configuration and Diagnostic Utility" on page 25 for more information. 7 DRIVER INSTALLATION DRIVER INSTALLATION The folder labeled "Driver" on the CD ROM that comes with the package contains all the software drivers available for the EZ Connect 802.11a Wireless CardBus Adapter. Select the driver you need for your system and refer to this guide for the installation and configuration procedure. Any new or updated drivers can be downloaded from SMC's Web site at: http://www.smc.com. You may find that the instructions in this chapter do not exactly match your version of Windows. This is because these steps and screenshots were created from Windows 2000. Windows 98, Windows XP and Windows Millennium Edition are similar, but not identical, to Windows 2000. 8 DRIVER INSTALLATION Windows 98/2000/ME/XP Installation 1. Insert the CardBus into a standard CardBus slot in your notebook. 2. Windows 98/2000/ME/XP will automatically detect the new hardware and prompt you to install the driver. Click "Next" to find the driver. 9 DRIVER INSTALLATION 3. Insert the CD ROM labeled "SMC2735W/SMC2755W Driver/ Utility/Documentation CD," specify the location "D:\Driver\Win2K (or Win98...)" and click "Next." 10 DRIVER INSTALLATION 4. Click "Next" to copy files from the CD-ROM. 5. Click "Finish" to end the installation. 11 DRIVER INSTALLATION 6. To communicate with SMC EZ Connect 802.11a wireless devices, you may need to configure the CardBus Adapter. From the "Start" menu select "Settings" " then click on "Control Panel." 7. Double click on the "SMC NIC Configuration" icon 12 DRIVER INSTALLATION 8. You may either modify the default settings or create a new configuration profile. To modify the default settings, click "Modify." To create a new configuration profile, click "New." 13 DRIVER INSTALLATION 9. Configuration Name - Enter the desired profile name. Network Name (SSID) - Set the "SSID" (Service Set ID) to the same as that used by the ad hoc workgroup or access point you want to connect to. (The SMC2755W access point default is ANY.) Note: The SSID is upper/lower case sensitive and can consist of up to 32 alphanumeric characters. Network Connection - Set "Network Connection" to "Ad Hoc" or "AP (Infrastructure)" depending on the type of network you want to connect to. (See page 21.) Turbo Mode - Enable "Turbo Mode" to enhance performance to 72Mbps (Default: Disabled). Please note that when the Turbo Mode is enabled for the CardBus Adapter, it must also be enabled for the Access Point. 14 DRIVER INSTALLATION Power Saving Mode - Enable the "Power Saving" mode to reduce power loading. (Default: Normal) Locally Administered Address - Check this checkbox if you wish to set your own MAC address for the Cardbus Adapter. A MAC address consists of 12 hexadecimal numbers. 10. Click "OK" when you have finished the configuration profile. This returns you to the "SMC NIC Configuration" dialog box. The profile can be modified by selecting the profile name from the "Configuration List" and clicking on "Modify." 11. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is implemented in this device to prevent unauthorized access to your wireless network. The EZ Connect 802.11a Wireless CardBus Adapter supports "Shared Key" encryption with key lengths from the standard 64-bit, industry standard 128-bit, to the extended 152-bit. In addition to the standard WEP key, a per-station unique key is also supported. For more secure data transmission, you may set the WEP to ensure network security. All wireless devices must have the same Key ID values to communicate. 15 DRIVER INSTALLATION To enter security keys click on the "Security" tab in the "Network Configuration Settings" screen and check "Enable Security." Note: 64-Bit Manual Entry - Each Key ID contains 10 HEX digits. 128-Bit Manual Entry - Each Key ID contains 26 HEX digits. 152-Bit Manual Entry - Each Key ID contains 32 HEX digits. 12. Click "Close" in the Network dialog box and the system will restart your computer. 13. To add protocols after installation, go to the "Control Panel" and double-click "Network." 16 DRIVER INSTALLATION 14. Click "Add" to install the network protocols you want to use, such as IPX/SPX, NetBEUI or TCP/IP. If you install TCP/IP, be sure to set the appropriate Gateway, DNS Server, and Domain for your network. If you install an IPX/SPX-compatible protocol, then you also need to install the Client for NetWare Networks. 15. Click "File and Print Sharing" to share files or printers. 16. Click "Close" in the Network dialogue box and the system will restart your computer. Installation for Windows NT 4.0 1. Insert the CardBus into a standard CardBus slot in your notebook. 2. From the desktop, select "Settings" and click on "Control Panel." 17 DRIVER INSTALLATION 3. Double click on "Network." 4. Click "Adapters," and then click the "Add" button on the Network dialog box. 18 DRIVER INSTALLATION 5. Windows NT will present a list of all its supported adapters. Click "Have Disk" to continue. 6. Windows NT will ask for the drive/path containing the SMC2735W Windows NT drivers. Insert the CD ROM labeled "SMC2735W/SMC2755W Driver/Utility/Documentation CD," specify the location "D:\Driver\WinNT" and click "OK." 7. Windows NT will attempt to locate an INF file in the specified path. If you have entered the path name correctly, Windows NT should copy the appropriate drivers to the Windows NT system. Acknowledge the selection by clicking "OK." 8. The Adapter Setup dialog box will appear. Configure the card as described below, and click "OK." I/O Base - Default: 240 (Check for available resources under Windows NT Diagnostics.) 19 DRIVER INSTALLATION IRQ Level - Select 9, 10 or 11. (Check for available resources under Windows NT Diagnostics.) Mode - Set to "AdHoc" or "Infrastructure," depending on the type of network you want to connect to (see page 21). SSID - Set the "SSID" identifier to the same as that used by the ad hoc workgroup or access point you want to connect to. (SMC2755W Access point default: ANY) 20 NETWORK CONFIGURATION AND PLANNING NETWORK CONFIGURATION AND PLANNING SMC's EZ Connect Wireless Solution supports stand-alone wireless network configuration, as well as an integrated configuration with 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LANs. The SMC2735W can be configured as: · · Ad hoc for departmental or SOHO LANs Infrastructure for enterprise LANs 21 NETWORK CONFIGURATION AND PLANNING Network Topologies Ad Hoc Wireless LAN An ad hoc wireless LAN consists of a group of computers, each equipped with one wireless adapter, connected via radio signals as an independent wireless LAN. Computers in a specific ad hoc wireless LAN must therefore be configured to the same radio channel. An ad hoc wireless LAN can be used for a branch office or SOHO operation. Ad Hoc Wireless LAN Notebook with Wireless USB Adapter Notebook with Wireless PC Card PC with Wireless PCI Adapter 22 NETWORK CONFIGURATION AND PLANNING Infrastructure Wireless LAN The SMC2735W can also provide access to a wired LAN for wireless workstations. An integrated wired/wireless LAN is called an infrastructure configuration. A Basic Service Set (BSS) consists of a group of wireless PC users, and an access point that is directly connected to the wired LAN. Each wireless PC in this BSS can talk to any computer in its wireless group via a radio link, or access other computers or network resources in the wired LAN infrastructure via the access point. The infrastructure configuration not only extends the accessibility of wireless PCs to the wired LAN, but also increases the effective wireless transmission range for wireless PCs by passing their signal through one or more access points. A wireless infrastructure can be used for access to a central database, or for connection between mobile workers, as shown in the following figure. Wired LAN Extension to Wireless Adapters File Server Desktop PC Switch Notebook with Wireless PC Card Adapter Access Point PC with Wireless PCI Adapter 23 NETWORK CONFIGURATION AND PLANNING Infrastructure Wireless LAN for Roaming Wireless PCs The Basic Service Set (BSS) is the communications domain for each EZ Connect Wireless Access Point. For wireless PCs that do not need to support roaming, set the domain identifier (SSID) for the wireless card to the SSID of the access point to which you want to connect. Check with your administrator for the SSID of the access point to which he wants you to connect. A wireless infrastructure can also support roaming for mobile workers. More than one access point can be configured to create an Extended Service Set (ESS). By placing the access points so that a continuous coverage area is created, wireless users within this ESS can roam freely. All SMC wireless network cards and adapters and SMC2755W Wireless access points within a specific ESS must be configured with the same SSID. File Server Desktop PC Switch Notebook with Wireless PC Card Adapter Switch Notebook with Wireless PC Card Adapter Access Point Access Point Seamless Roaming PC with Wireless PC I Adapter 24 CONFIGURATION AND DIAGNOSTIC UTILITY CONFIGURATION AND DIAGNOSTIC UTILITY SMC's EZ Connect Wireless CardBus Adapter provides free optional management software for quick network configuration and easy diagnostics. The CD labeled "SMC2735W/SMC2755W Driver/Utility/Documentation CD," that comes with the package, contains a Utility Program that has user-friendly interface for configuring the card. Utility Installation To install the utility software: 1. Insert the CD-ROM in your PC's CD player. 2. Select "Run..." from Windows "Start" menu bar. 3. Click on "Browse..." to locate the setup file of this program. 4. Then click on "OK" to run the setup program. 25 CONFIGURATION AND DIAGNOSTIC UTILITY 5. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish installation. Using the Wireless LAN Utility Once the installation is completed, the configuration utility can be accessed from the "Start" menu, as shown below. This configuration software includes the following functions: 26 CONFIGURATION AND DIAGNOSTIC UTILITY General Information Screen When you start the CardBus utility, general information for the SMC2735W is shown under the first tab of the utility windows as shown below. Frame Statistics This, and the following dialog box, provides statistics on frames sent and received by the CardBus Adapter 27 CONFIGURATION AND DIAGNOSTIC UTILITY Transmit Retries 28 CONFIGURATION AND DIAGNOSTIC UTILITY Station This screen displays information on all access points on the network. If "Station Status" is "Associated," the Cardbus Adapter is linked to an access point and information on this access point is shown in the top part of the screen. Channel - The radio channel through which the Access Point communicates to PCs in its BSS. (Default: "52" for the USA and "38" for Japan.) A Basic Service Set (BSS) consists of a group of wireless PC users, and an access point that is directly connected to the wired LAN. Note that the channel for wireless clients is automatically set to the same as that used by the access point to which it is linked. Frequency - The radio frequency at which the CardBus Adapter is communicating with the Access Point. BSSID - The MAC address of the access point. SSID - Service Set ID. (See "Infrastructure Wireless LAN for Roaming Wireless PCs" on page 24.) 29 CONFIGURATION AND DIAGNOSTIC UTILITY Driver This dialog box gives information on how the operating system interacts with the CardBus Adapter. 30 TROUBLESHOOTING TROUBLESHOOTING Check the following troubleshooting items before contacting SMC Technical Support. Adapter Installation Problems If your computer cannot find the EZ Connect Wireless CardBus Adapter or the network driver does not install correctly, check the following: · Make sure the adapter is securely seated in the CardBus slot. When you insert the wireless adapter into the notebook's slot, a click should be heard if the adapter is properly inserted. Check for any hardware problems, such as physical damage to the card's connector. Try the card in another CardBus slot. If this also fails, test your computer with another SMC2735W wireless card that is known to operate correctly. When operating under Windows NT, make sure a CardBus adapter and socket services driver is installed in your computer. Also check for resource conflicts using the Windows NT Diagnostics utility. Make sure your computer is using the latest BIOS. If there are other network adapters in the computer, they may be causing conflict, remove all other adapters from the computer and test the wireless adapter separately. Check for a defective computer or CardBus slot by trying the adapter in another computer that is known to operate correctly. · · · · · 31 TROUBLESHOOTING Network Connection Problems If the Network LED on the CardBus adapter does not light, or if you cannot access any network resources from the computer. Check the following: · · · · Make sure the correct software driver is installed for your operating system. If necessary, try reinstalling the driver. Make sure the computer and other network devices are receiving power. The access point you are using may be defective. Try to use another access point. If you cannot access a Windows or NetWare service on the network, check that you have enabled and configured the service correctly. If you cannot connect to a particular server, ensure that you have access rights and a valid ID and password. If you cannot access the Internet, ensure that you have configured your system for TCP/IP. · If your wireless station cannot communicate with a computer in the Ethernet LAN when configured for infrastructure mode, check the following: · · · · Make sure the access point that the station is associated with is powered on. Make sure your wireless station is configured with the same operating radio channel as the access point. If you still cannot connect, change the access point and all the stations within the BSS to another radio channel. Make sure the BSSID is the same as the access point for a station with roaming disabled, or the SSID is the same as the access point for a station with roaming enabled. 32 TROUBLESHOOTING SMC Networks: 802.11a Wireless Products Maximum Distance Table Important Notice Maximum distances posted below are actual tested distance thresholds. However, there are many variables such as barrier composition and construction as well as local environmental interference, that may impact actual distances and cause you to experience distance thresholds far lower than those posted below. If you have any questions or comments regarding the features or performance of this product, or if you would like information regarding SMC's full line of wireless products, you can visit SMC's Web site at www.smc.com or you can call SMC toll-free at 800.SMC.4YOU. SMC Networks stands behind every product sold with a 30 day satisfaction guarantee and a limited-lifetime warranty. SMC 802.11a Wireless Products Maximum Distance Table Speed and Distance Ranges Environmental 72 Mbps 54 Mbps 48 Mbps 36 Mbps 24 Mbps 18 Mbps 12 Mbps 9 Mbps 6 Mbps Condition 35 m 40 m 221 m 251 m 322 m 350 m 382 m 453 m 503 m Outdoor Environment1 (115 ft) (132 ft) (726 ft) (825 ft) (1056 ft) (1155 ft) (1254 ft) (1485 ft) (1650 ft) Indoor 12 m Environment2 (40 ft) 18 m (60 ft) 25 m (82 ft) 30 m (99 ft) 35 m 40 m 45 m 48 m 50 m (115 ft) (132 ft) (149 ft) (157 ft) (165 ft) Notes: 1. Outdoor Environment: A line-of-sight environment with no interference or obstruction between Access Point and users. 2. Indoor Environment: A typical office or home environment with floor to ceiling obstructions between Access Point and users. 33 SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATIONS Functional Criteria Data Rate Normal Mode: 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps Turbo Mode: 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 72 Mbps Standard IEEE 802.11a - wireless Operating Range Up to 1650 ft (503 m) Radio Signal Signal Type Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) Operating Frequency 5.15 ~ 5.25 GHz (lower band) for US/Canada, Japan 5.25 ~ 5.35 GHz (middle band) for US/Canada Sensitivity Modulation/Rates BPSK (6 Mbps) BPSK (9 Mbps) QPSK (12 Mbps) QPSK (18 Mbps) 16 QAM (24 Mbps) 16 QAM (36 Mbps) 64 QAM (48 Mbps) 64QAM(54 Mbps) BPSK Turbo (12 Mbps) BPSK Turbo (18 Mbps) QPSK Turbo (24 Mbps) Sensitivity (dBm) -85 -84 -83 -81 -78 -74 -69 -65 -82 -81 -80 34 SPECIFICATIONS QPSK Turbo (36 Mbps) 16 QAM Turbo (48 Mbps) 16 QAM Turbo (72 Mbps) -78 -75 -71 Modulation Modulation BPSK(6 Mbps) BPSK(9 Mbps) QPSK(12 Mbps) QPSK(18 Mbps) 16 QAM(24 Mbps) 16 QAM(36 Mbps) 64 QAM(48 Mbps) 64 QAM(64 Mbps) BPSK Turbo(12 Mbps) BPSK Turbo(18 Mbps) QPSK Turbo(24 Mbps) QPSK Turbo(36 Mbps) 16 QAM Turbo(48 Mbps) 16 QAM Turbo(72 Mbps) 5.15-5.25 GHz (dBm) 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 14 16 16 16 16 16 16 5.25-5.35 GHz (dBm) 20 20 19 19 18 18 16 14 20 20 19 19 18 18 Physical Characteristics Input Voltage 3.3 V Power Consumption Base Mode, Uninitialized, 37 mw TX, 1657 mw RX, 1247 mw 35 SPECIFICATIONS Idle/Listening, 1238 mw, Sleep - 40 mw Weight 50 g (4.8 oz) Dimensions 11.5 x 5.3 cm (4.53 x 2.09 in.) Antenna Built-in side-stem antenna LED Indicators Power, Network Host Interface 68-pin connector to CardBus slot Environmental Temperature 32 to 140 °F/ 0 to 50 °C (operating) 32 to 158 °F/ 0 to 70 °C (storage) Humidity 5 to 80% (non-condensing) Vibration/Shock/Drop IEC 68-2-34, IEC 68-2-27, IEC 68-2-32 Emissions FCC Class B Safety CSA/NTRL (CSA 22.2 No. 950 & UL 1950) Vibration/Shock/Drop IEC 68-2-34/IEC 68-2-32 Standards IEEE 802.11a Software Drivers Windows 98 Windows 2000 Windows NT 4.0 36 SPECIFICATIONS Windows XP Windows ME 37 TERMINOLOGY TERMINOLOGY The following is a list of terminology that is used in this document. Access Point ­ An internetworking device that seamlessly connects wired and wireless networks. Ad hoc ­ An ad hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers each with LAN adapters, connected as an independent wireless LAN. Backbone ­ The core infrastructure of a network. The portion of the network that transports information from one central location to another central location where it is unloaded onto a local system. Base Station ­ In mobile telecommunications, a base station is the central radio transmitter/receiver that maintains communications with the mobile radiotelephone sets within its range. In cellular and personal communications applications, each cell or micro-cell has its own base station; each base station in turn is interconnected with other cells' bases. BSS ­ BSS stands for "Basic Service Set." It is an Access Point and all the LAN PCs that are associated with it. CSMA/CA ­ Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance. ESS ­ ESS (ESS-ID, SSID) stands for "Extended Service Set." More than one BSS is configured to become an Extended Service Set. LAN mobile users can roam between different BSSs in an ESS (ESS-ID, SSID). 38 TERMINOLOGY Ethernet ­ A popular local area data communications network, which accepts transmission from computers and terminals. Ethernet operates on a 10 Mbps base band transmission rate, using a shielded coaxial cable or over shielded twisted pair telephone wire. Infrastructure ­ An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. Roaming ­ A wireless LAN mobile user moves around an ESS and maintains a continuous connection to the Infrastructure network. RTS Threshold ­ Transmitters contending for the medium may not be aware of each other. RTS/CTS mechanism can solve this "Hidden Node Problem." If the packet size is smaller than the preset RTS Threshold size, the RTS/CTS mechanism will NOT be enabled. WEP ­ "Wired Equivalent Privacy" is based on the use of 64-bit, 128-bit or 152-bit keys and the popular RC4 encryption algorithm. Wireless devices without a valid WEP key will be excluded from network traffic. 39 TERMINOLOGY 40