Copyright: ORiNOCO Wireless LAN v7.62.a Jul. 03, 2002 11:34:38
Citation: (c) 1998-2002 Agere Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved. Jul. 03, 2002


Select Profile

Use this screen to:

·	Activate a wireless profile from the pull-down menu, or

·	Add, Edit or Delete a user-defined wireless profile.

You can add up to 99 different profiles, which will be stored in alphabetical order. To view a profile, use the Edit button.

See also:

·	Using Configuration Profiles


Set Profile Properties

Use this screen to:

·	Assign a name to your wireless profile.

·	Select the Network Type to identify the type of wireless connection for this profile.

·	Peer-to-Peer Group


Identify Network

Use this screen to identify the Network Name of the wireless network to which you wish to connect your computer.

·	When connecting to a Base Station, consult the LAN Administrator of the network for the correct value, or use the Scan button to retrieve a list of open wireless networks.

·	When connecting to a Peer-to-Peer Group, consult one of the workgroup participants for the correct value.

Valid value is a case-sensitive string of ASCII printable characters with a maximum of 32 characters. The value ANY will allow your computer to connect to the first open Base Station network that it can find.

NOTE

In environments with third-party wireless products, this parameter is also referred to as ESSID.


Security Settings

Use this screen to:

·	Enable or disable wireless data Network Name.

·	Enter the encryption key that applies in your network.

You can enter key values in either Alphanumeric Value or Hexadecimal Value. The encryption key value is case-sensitive.

Consult your LAN Administrator for the correct value.


Card Power Management

Use this screen to:

·	Enable Power Management for low power consumption and wireless performance.

·	Disable Power Management for default power consumption and high wireless performance (default).

NOTE

Power Management is only supported in Base Station networks.


TCP/IP Behavior

Use this screen to control the TCP/IP protocol behavior when switching from one wireless profile to another.

Enable this option when your profiles connects to networks with a different TCP/IP Address range. For example your home network and a corporate network.

As most TCP/IP servers assign the TCP/IP lease for 24 hours, your network connection might not work due to an IP Address mismatch when moving between two different network spaces. Enabling this option will ensure your IP Address will be renewed every time you select this profile.


NT Adapter Settings

Use this screen to resolve hardware resource conflicts if the Windows NT operating system does not assign these resources automatically.

·	I/O Base Address

·	Interrupt Request (IRQ)

In normal situations, the default values 0400 and 10 will work just fine.


Add/Edit a Configuration Profile

Using Configuration Profiles

To allow easy recognition, you can assign your own names to each profile.

Before you can start using Configuration Profiles, you have to add a Configuration Profile for each wireless network environment that you want to participate in with your (mobile) Wireless Client Station.

If you plan to use your Wireless Client Station in multiple networking environments that require different configuration settings, you can define dedicated profiles for each environment.

For example you can create a Configuration Profile for:

·	your office head quarters

·	a branch-office

·	your home or SOHO network

After creating configuration profiles, you can easily switch your station from one wireless network to another by selecting one of the profiles.

See also:

·	Network Type.


Network Type

To connect a wireless computer to a network, you will need to identify how you wish to establish the connection.

·	Peer-to-Peer Group

·	To connect to a Base Station Network select the type of Base Station.


I/O Base Address

This specifies the I/O base address to be used by the adapter.

You can select an address from the range of I/O Base addresses in the pull-down list.

Default value is 0400-0437.

IMPORTANT:

To determine which resource settings are available, run the  Windows NT Diagnostics program prior to installing the Wireless Client Adapter driver. If you did not do so yet, abort the driver installation and run the Windows NT Diagnostics program now.

For more detailed information please consult the documentation that came with your Windows NT System.


Interrupt Request (IRQ)

This specifies the interrupt number to be used by the adapter.

You can select a IRQ value from the range of Interrupt Requests in the pull-down list.

Default value is 10.

IMPORTANT:

To determine which resource settings are available, run the  Windows NT Diagnostics program prior to installing the Wireless Client Adapter driver. If you did not do so yet, abort the driver installation and run the Windows NT Diagnostics program now.

For more detailed information please consult the documentation that came with your Windows NT System.


Adapter Settings

Operating Systems that support 'Plug & Play' will be able to allocate the correct values automatically. On such systems, you will not see the tab "Adapter".

On computers running these operating systems, you must identify the following parameters to allow your computer to work properly with the various devices and adapter cards installed:

·	I/O Base Address

·	Interrupt Request (IRQ)

Confirm the factory-set defaults or to select an alternative value using the pull-down boxes.


I/O Base Address

This specifies the I/O base address to be used by the adapter.

You can select an address from the range of I/O Base addresses in the pull-down list.

Default value is 0400-0437.

IMPORTANT:

To determine which resource settings are available, run the Windows NT Diagnostics program prior to installing the Wireless Client Adapter driver. If you did not do so yet, abort the driver installation and run the Windows NT Diagnostics program now.

For more detailed information please consult the documentation that came with your Windows NT System.


Interrupt Request (IRQ)

This specifies the interrupt number to be used by the adapter.

You can select a IRQ value from the range of Interrupt Requests in the pull-down list.

Default value is 10.

IMPORTANT:

To determine which resource settings are available, run the Windows NT Diagnostics program prior to installing the Wireless Client Adapter driver. If you did not do so yet, abort the driver installation and run the Windows NT Diagnostics program now.

For more detailed information please consult the documentation that came with your Windows NT System.


Troubleshooting Windows NT

Unfortunately, the Windows NT Diagnostics program does not always show a 100% accuracy in displaying which resources were claimed by other hardware. In exceptional cases you may encounter difficulty installing your Wireless Client Adapter despite the fact that you ran the Windows NT Diagnostics.


Another Device does no longer work

In case another device does no longer work after you installed the Wireless Client Adapter, you may have run into a Hardware Conflict. You can verify whether this is caused by the wireless network interface, simply by removing the interface and rebooting the computer:

·	When the problem persists, 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 following two causes may apply:

·	The resources were already claimed upon booting the device, by a resource setting in the BIOS or CMOS of your computer, or

·	The driver software of the conflicting device did not notify the Windows NT operating system of its claim upon specific resources.

This means that if you selected resources that appeared to be available according to the Windows NT Diagnostics program, these settings were 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.


Hardware Conflict

A conflict of the Adapter Settings of your Wireless Client Adapter with another device in your computer.

If you encounter difficulty in connecting your computer using the Wireless Client Adapter in a Windows NT environment, the cause is often related to hardware device settings, which prevent the driver from loading properly. In such situations you are advised to explore the following hints, prior to contacting Technical Support.

·	Verify the settings of the BIOS that is loaded when you (re)start your computer.

·	Try alternative I/O Base Address values for your wireless network interface. An I/O Base address conflict is most often perceived as no LED activity on the wireless network interface. In some cases an I/O Base conflict might result in hanging the system with a "blue-screen" error.

·	Try alternative Interrupt Request (IRQ) values for your wireless network interface. An IRQ conflict is most often perceived as little LED activity: Power LED on, Receive/Transmit LED off. When running the Client Manager diagnostic tool, it will display that the radio communications are good, but the Base Station is not displayed with its proper name and is identified by its MAC Address only. When you would select the Link Test diagnostics, you will see that all dynamic indicators are blank.

In most cases selecting either a different I/O Base Address or IRQ value will help you resolve the issue.


Windows NT Diagnostics

This program that is included with the Windows NT operating system, is a tool that enables you to determine which system resources are used hardware installed into your computer.

Running this program will help you to find out whether the factory-set defaults of your wireless network interface have already been claimed by other hardware devices. If so, this program will also help you to determine which alternative values supported by your wireless network interface are available.

To minimize the risk of hardware conflicts, you are advised always to run this program always prior to installing new hardware.

Consult the Windows documentation for more information about Windows NT Diagnostics.


Operating Systems that support 'Plug & Play'

The following operating systems support 'Plug and Play' for the wireless network interface:

·	Microsoft Windows 95

·	Microsoft Windows 95 OSR2

·	Microsoft Windows 98 & 98 Second Edition (SE)

·	Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (ME)

·	Microsoft Windows 2000


Operating Systems that do not support 'Plug & Play'

The following operating systems do not support 'Plug and Play' for the wireless network interface:

·	Microsoft Windows NT v3.51

·	Microsoft Windows NT workstation v4.0

·	Microsoft Windows for Workgroups (v3.x)

These operating systems are not able to dynamically allocate system resources such as I/O Base addresses and/or Interrupt Request (IRQ) values to your new hardware.

This means that prior to installing new hardware on such systems, you will need to determine which system resources have been claimed by other devices prior to selecting the resource settings for your wireless network interface. Failing to do so might lead to an I/O Base address conflict and/or IRQ conflict which might prevent your card or the other device from operating properly.

To determine which resource settings are available:

·	Run the Windows NT Diagnostics program prior to installing the wireless network interface driver.

·	Verify the contents of your computer's BIOS or CMOS.


Start Client Manager

The Client Manager program starts automatically each time you power up your computer, and will activate the Client Manager icon on the Windows task bar.
If the Client Manager icon is not visible:
1.
Open the Wireless LAN Folder
2.
Click the item Client Manager
.
This will display the Client Manager icon on the Windows task bar.
To view more details, click the Client Manager icon.


Basic Troubleshooting

If you cannot connect your Wireless Client Station to the network, the first troubleshooting hint is to verify Client LED Activity

Alternatively, run the Client Manager diagnostic tool on your wireless station to:

·	Add/Edit a Configuration Profile to verify if the settings of your wireless adapter match the settings of the network.

·	Run the Link Test to verify the quality of wireless network interface radio communications with the network.

·	Run the Card diagnostics to investigate and/or resolve version mismatch of the various wireless network interface software components installed on your computer.

If the wireless connection is working properly, verify the Network Protocol Settings of your wireless adapter.


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 installing the wireless network interface. Network protocols are for example:

·	TCP/IP

·	NetBEUI

·	IPX/SPX

To verify your network protocol settings:

1.	Open the Control Panel.

2.	Right-click the Network icon and select "Properties" to open the Network properties window.

For Windows ME, 2000 and XP this icon is named "My Network Places".

3.	Display the list of network components installed protocols for your wireless network interface.

·	When using Windows 95/98, scroll down the list of items in the tab Configuration.

·	When using Windows NT, select the tab Protocols.

·	When using Windows ME, 2000 and XP right-click "Local Area Connection" and select properties.

This will display a list of network protocols installed on your computer.

4.	Contact your network administrator for information about:

·	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.


Troubleshooting Windows NT

Unfortunately, the Windows NT Diagnostics program does not always show a 100% accuracy in displaying which resources were claimed by other hardware. In exceptional cases you may encounter difficulty installing your Wireless Client Adapter despite the fact that you ran the Windows NT Diagnostics.

In this case you might run into a Hardware Conflict even though you selected values for your wireless network interface that, according to the Windows NT Diagnostics, did not seem to be used by another device.

See also: Another Device does no longer work.


Another Device does no longer work

In case another device does no longer work after you installed the Wireless Client Adapter, you may have run into a Hardware Conflict. You can verify whether this is caused by the wireless network interface, simply by removing the interface and rebooting the computer:

·	When the problem persists, 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 following two causes may apply:

a.	The resources were already claimed upon booting the device, by a resource setting in the BIOS or CMOS of your computer, or

b.	The driver software of the conflicting device did not notify the Windows NT operating system of its claim upon specific resources.

This means that if you selected resources that appeared to be available according to the Windows NT Diagnostics program, these settings were 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.


Hardware Conflict

A conflict of the NT Adapter Settings of your Wireless Client Adapter with another device in your computer.

If you encounter difficulty in connecting your computer using the Wireless Client Adapter in a Windows NT environment, the cause is often related to hardware device settings, which prevent the driver from loading properly. In such situations you are advised to explore the following hints, prior to contacting Technical Support.

·	Verify the settings of the BIOS that is loaded when you (re)start your computer.

·	Try alternative  I/O Base Address values for your wireless network interface. An I/O Base address conflict is most often perceived as no LED activity on the wireless network interface. In some cases an I/O Base conflict might result in hanging the system with a "blue-screen" error.

·	Try alternative  Interrupt Request (IRQ) values for your wireless network interface. An IRQ conflict is most often perceived as little LED activity: Power LED on, Receive/Transmit LED off. When running the Client Manager diagnostic tool, it will display that the radio communications are good, but the Base Station is not displayed with its proper name and is identified by its MAC Address only. When you would select the Link Test diagnostics, you will see that all dynamic indicators are blank.

In most cases selecting either a different I/O Base Address or IRQ value will help you resolve the issue.


Windows NT Diagnostics

This program that is included with the Windows NT operating system, is a tool that enables you to determine which system resources are used hardware installed into your computer.

Running this program will help you find out whether the factory-set defaults of your wireless network interface have already been claimed by other hardware devices. If so, this program will also help you determine which alternative values supported by your wireless network interface are available.

To minimize the risk of hardware conflicts, you are advised to always run this program prior to installing new hardware.

Consult the Windows documentation for more information about Windows NT Diagnostics.


Operating Systems that support 'Plug & Play'

The following operating systems support 'Plug and Play' for the wireless network interface:

·	Microsoft Windows 95

·	Microsoft Windows 95 OSR2

·	Microsoft Windows 98 & 98 Second Edition (SE)

·	Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me)

·	Microsoft Windows 2000

·	Microsoft Windows XP


Operating Systems that do not support 'Plug & Play'

The following operating systems do not support 'Plug and Play' for the wireless network interface:

·	Microsoft Windows NT v3.51

·	Microsoft Windows NT workstation v4.0

·	Microsoft Windows for Workgroups (v3.x)

These operating systems are not able to dynamically allocate system resources such as I/O Base addresses and/or Interrupt Request (IRQ) values to your new hardware.

This means that prior to installing new hardware on such systems, you will need to determine which system resources have been claimed by other devices prior to selecting the resource settings for your wireless network interface. Failing to do so might lead to an I/O Base address conflict and/or IRQ conflict which might prevent your card or the other device from operating properly.

To determine which resource settings are available:

·	Run the Windows NT Diagnostics program prior to installing the wireless network interface driver.

·	Verify the contents of your computer's BIOS or CMOS.


Client LED Activity

See also:
PC Card LED Identification
Power
Transmit/Receive
Status
Steady Green
Flicker
 Green
Normal Operation (
LAN Activity
)
Steady Green
Off
Normal Operation (
No LAN Activity
)
Off
Off
No Power
Flicker
 Green
Flicker
 Green
Power Management Mode
Blink
 Green
Blink
 Green
Searching for a LAN
Steady Green
Blink
 Green
Searching for a LAN


PC Card LED Identification

a.	Power

b.	Radio (wireless activity)


LAN Activity

Your Wireless Client Adapter is working fine, and is exchanging wireless data with the network.

If despite the radio connection your Wireless Client Adapter does not succeed to connect to the network, you may need to verify the  Network Protocol Settings of your Wireless Client Adapter.


No LAN Activity

Your Wireless Client Adapter is working fine, but does not transmit or receive wireless data.


Searching for a LAN

Your Wireless Client Adapter is working fine, but did not detect a wireless Peer-to-Peer Group or Base Station Network that matches the settings of the active configuration profile.

·	Verify the  Radio Specifications to see if you are in range.

·	In a Base Station Network: verify if the Base Station is switched on.

·	In a Peer-to-Peer Group: verify if the other peer is switched on.

·	 Start Client Manager and verify if you activated the correct configuration profile.

·	 Start Client Manager and verify the settings in the configuration profile of your wireless adapter with the settings of your Peer-to-Peer Group or Base Station.

·	Network Name

·	Encryption Key


No Power

Verify if your Wireless Client Adapter is properly connected.

If this does not resolve your problem:

1.	 Start Client Manager

2.	Generate a report with the "Card Diagnostics" in the Client Manager.

3.	Consult your Reseller for Technical Support.


Power Management Mode

The client is in Power Management mode. In power management mode less power will be used, but there is still wireless activity.

Actions: none


Wireless LAN Products

The Wireless LAN product family is a set of wireless network equipment based on radio technology. You can use Wireless LAN to build a variety of wireless network topologies using Wireless Client Station and Base Station devices.

The Wireless LAN products have been designed for inter operability. This means that your Wireless LAN hardware will communicate with other vendors' products carrying the WiFi logo.

See also:

·	Wireless Configurations

·	Wireless LAN Tools


Wireless Client Station

A wireless client station is a computing device equipped with a Wireless Client Adapter that can connect to a (wired) network infrastructure via a Base Station.

Alternatively, you can connect wireless clients to one another in a Peer-to-Peer Group to share files and printers.


Wireless Client Adapter

Wireless LAN offers the following types of adapters:

·	Wireless LAN PC Card

·	PCI Adapter

·	PCI Card

·	Wireless LAN USB Client

Wireless LAN network adapters are not much different from Ethernet adapters for wired LANs. The operating system will not even notice the difference. The wireless adapters support all protocols that are supported by Ethernet adapter cards.

Like wired adapters, wireless adapters require installation of a dedicated driver, but unlike wired adapters they do not need a cable to connect them to the network.

Only wireless network adapters allow you to relocate workstations without the need to change network cabling or connections to patch panels or hubs.


Wireless LAN PC Card

The Wireless LAN PC Card is a Wireless Client Adapter that you can use to connect any computer that supports a PC Card Type II slot to a wireless network.

The Wireless LAN PC Card has two LED indicators and two integrated antennas.


Wireless LAN USB Client

The Wireless LAN USB Client is a Wireless Client Adapter that you can use to connect any computer that supports a USB port to a wireless network.

The USB Client has two LED indicators and two integrated antennas


Base Station

The Base Station is a transparent bridge device that you can use to connect a Wireless Client Station to a (wired) network.


Accessories

·	PCI Adapter


PCI Card

The PCI Card is a Wireless Client Adapter that you can use to connect any desktop computer that supports a PCI Bus to a wireless network.


PCI Adapter

To use the Wireless LAN PC Card in a (desktop) computer that does not have a PC Card Type II slot, Agere provides the PCI Adapter.


Wireless LAN Tools

The Wireless LAN software suite consists of a set of Windows based management tools that enable you to:

·	View or modify the settings of your Wireless LAN devices

·	Diagnose wireless network performance.


Client Manager

The Client Manager allows you to:

·	View/Modify Settings of your Wireless Client Adapter

·	Run a Link Test to measure wireless communication with a single Link Test partner in a Peer-to-Peer Group or a single Base Station.

·	Run Site Monitor to verify and optimize placement of your Base Station devices.

·	Run Card Diagnostics to investigate the operation of the Wireless Client Adapter hardware.

You can install the program on any Windows computer equipped with one Wireless LAN adapter.


Alphanumeric Value

An alphanumeric value is a value that can include both:

·	Numeric values in the range of '0-9' and

·	Alphabetical characters in the range of 'a-z'.

For example: AP2on2ndfloor.

When used for passwords or encryption keys, alphanumerical characters expand the number of possible code-combinations for each single character.

For example:

·	Numerical values would allow you to select from 10 different values per character only, in the range of '0-9'.

·	Alphabetical values would allow you to select from 26 different values per character only, in the range of 'a-z'. or maximum 52 when the characters would be case-sensitive: 'a-z', and 'A-Z'.

·	Alphanumerical characters enable you to select from 36 different values per character, in the range of '0-9' and 'a-z'. When the field value would be case-sensitive, the number of values per character would be 62:

Per character you could select from a value in the range of '0-9', 'a-z', and 'A-Z'.

See also: Translating Hex & ASCII values


Association

Association refers to the process where a Wireless Client Station establishes a connection to a Base Station that provides access to IEEE 802.11 infrastructures.

This connection applies to the "physical" networking layer only: i.e., it involves nothing more than for example pulling a cable between a wired computer and the wiring closet.

To access networking data, the end-user would still need a login name and login password as implemented by most of today's network operating systems.


Basic Access Network

A basic access network consists of a small sized wireless LAN, with no connections via gateways or routers. The number of Base Stations in this network typically varies between 1 and 5. The administrator stations need to have the TCP/IP protocol stack loaded and use IP addressing to configure and monitor the Base Stations. IP addressing and the TCP/IP protocol are not strictly necessary for client stations.


Beacon Message

Beacon messages are management frames transmitted by a Base Station at regular intervals.

A beacon message contains information that:

·	Identifies the wireless network, and

·	Informs the wireless computing device about the quality of its radio connection with the various Base Station devices throughout the wireless network.

Wireless devices that Roam between different physical locations, will use the Beacon information to determine if and when they should (try to) connect to another Base Station. This will avoid that wireless devices moving away from the Base Station might lose their network connection.

To receive and interpret a Beacon message, the Wireless Client Station must be configured with identical identification parameters as the Base Station interface that transmitted the Beacon message.


BIOS

Basic I/O System (sometimes also referred to as CMOS)

This system is loaded first each time you (re)start your computer. It usually contains basic information about devices and ports installed into your computer. Examples of such settings are:

·	System clock, which determines the date and time settings on your computer

·	Type and number of Hard Disk Drives

·	Type and device settings of Parallel and Serial ports

·	Type and device settings of "on-board" audio cards and/or Ethernet interfaces

The number of settings defined in the BIOS and/or the ability to view or modify these settings may differ from one computer to another.

To access the BIOS or CMOS you typically need to press a specific key when (re)starting your computer. For most computer systems this is either the F1 function key, or the "Delete" key, other systems may use a custom key. Consult the user documentation that came with your computer for more information about accessing the BIOS, and instructions for viewing/modifying settings for your computer.


DNS

Domain Name System

Distributed database used by computers on the Internet to look up each other's addresses.

When any site needs to add or remove computers, it simply updates the correspondent portion of the database and, after a short period, everyone on the net can see the change.


CSMA/CA

Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance.

Pro-active mechanism used by wireless network devices to avoid collisions of wireless transmissions. The CSMA/CA mechanism is based on sensing whether the medium is free prior to starting transmissions. If the medium is not free, the wireless device will defer its transmission using a random time-out counter until the medium becomes available again.


CSMA/CD

Carrier Sense Multiple Access Control, Collision Detect.

Reactive mechanism used by wired network devices to detect collisions of transmitted frames. The CSMA/CD mechanism is based on starting transmissions without sensing whether the medium is free, and only detect frames that failed as a result of a collision.


CTS

Clear To Send.


RTS

Request To Send.


Embedded Software

Basic operating software for the Wireless LAN hardware that determines basic functionality and features. This software is already loaded into the hardware at the factory, so does not require user installation.

Subject to the type of hardware, the embedded software may also referred to as:

·	Firmware for wireless your wireless Client Station.

·	  Kernel for your Base Station.


Firmware

Embedded software of the Client Station.

This basic operating software for wireless devices hardware is factory-installed. You will only need to update this software when new functions or features have been developed for your hardware.


Kernel

Embedded software of the Base Station.


Encryption

Data Encryption enables you to secure your wireless transmission.

The   Encryption Key will encode all data before wireless transmission and decode it again upon receipt.

All   Wireless Client Station and Base Station devices must use the same Encryption Key.

See also:   Encryption Key


ESS

Extended Service Set.

Definition in the IEEE 802.11 Standard for wireless LANs to identify a wireless network consisting of Base Stations and Clients.


ETSI

European Telecommunications Standards Institute.


FCC

Federal Communications Commission (USA).


IC

Industry Canada.


MPT

Ministry of Post and Telecommunication (Japan)


Fragmentation

When transmitting data via the wireless network, your Wireless Network Interface will automatically split up the file or message in a number of different packets, that are re-assembled again by the communication partner.

Wireless LAN Products use standard IEEE 802.11 compatible frame lengths, where different lengths apply for each Transmit Rate. Fragmentation will apply alternative (usually shorter) frame lengths to split and reassemble the wireless data frames.


Hexadecimal Value

Numeric value that can include both numeric and a limited number of alphabetical characters:

0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, F

Where 0 identifies the lowest value, and F the highest value of the hexadecimal range.

When used for passwords or encryption keys, hexadecimal values expand the number of possible code-combinations as it can replace each alphanumeric character with one pair of hexadecimal characters.

Usually hexadecimal values are identified by a leading 0x, or trailing 'h', to allow you to distinguish a hexadecimal value from a numerical value. For example:

·	1234 'h or 0x1234 will identify a four-digit hexadecimal value, where.

·	1234 will identify a four-digit numerical value.

In case of doubt, consult the user documentation or online help of your product, to find out which type of value applies in a specific situation.

See also: Translating Hex & ASCII values


Translating Hex & ASCII values

When your network includes computers equipped with wireless adapters from different manufacturers, you may encounter difficulty entering the encryption keys because one system might require you to enter a   Hexadecimal Value where the other system prompts you to specify an Alphanumeric Value.

You can use the table below to translate such values to a valid equivalent for the other system.

NOTE

Encryption Key strings are case-sensitive!

Example: If your Encryption Key reads: "Key2Z" the hexadecimal equivalent would be: "4B657932A"

Alphanumeric
 Hex
Alphanumeric
 Hex
A
41
a
61
B
42
b
62
C
43
c
63
D
44
d
64
E
45
e
65
F
46
f
66
G
47
g
67
H
48
h
68
I
49
i
69
J
4A
j
6A
K
4B
k
6B
L
4C
l
6C
M
4D
m
6D
N
4E
n
6E
O
4F
o
6F
P
50
p
70
Q
51
q
71
R
52
r
72
S
53
s
73
T
54
t
74
U
55
u
75
V
56
v
76
W
57
w
77
X
58
x
78
Y
59
y
79
Z
5A
z
7A
Spacebar
20
0
30
!
21
1
31
"
22
2
32
#
23
3
33
$
24
4
34
%
25
5
35
&
26
6
36
'
27
7
37
(
28
8
38
)
29
9
39
*
2A
:
3A
+
2B
;
3B
,
2C
<
3C
-
2D
=
3D
.
2E
>
3E
/
2F
?
3F
[
5B
@
40
5C
]
5D
^
5E
_
5F
`
60
7B
|
7C
7D
~
7E
Del.
7F


Hidden Station Problem

A hidden station is a situation in which two Client Stations are within range of the same Base Station, but are not within range of each other.

The Hidden Station Problem illustrates an example of the "hidden station" problem. Both station A and station B are within range of the Base Station however, station B cannot "hear" station A, therefore station A is a "hidden station" for station B.

The Hidden Station Problem

When station B starts to communicate with the Base Station, it might not notice that station A is already using the wireless medium. When station A and station B send messages at the same time, they might collide when arriving simultaneously at the Base Station. The collision will most certainly result in a loss of messages for both stations.

A situation in a wireless network, where communication fails despite the CSMA/CA mechanism. This problem may typically occur in networks where Base Station devices are located at large distances from one another, and/or multiple wireless stations are located at the periphery of a wireless cell.

In such situations wireless stations are not able to adequately sense whether the medium is free, and might start transmissions simultaneously, resulting in a frame collision.


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, contact IEEE Customer Service at:

E-mail/Internet:
Customer.service@ieee.org
http://standards.ieee.org
Phone:
1.732.981.0060 (outside of the US and Canada)
Fax:
1.800.701.IEEE (within the US and Canada)
1.732.981-9667
Mail:
IEEE Customer Service
445 Hoes Lane, PO Box 1331
Piscataway, NJ 08855-1331 USA


IEEE 802.11

IEEE 802.xx Standards define the access technologies for local and metropolitan area networks. IEEE Standards are developed and defined by the IEEE.

The IEEE 802.11 Standard is an interoperability standard for wireless LAN devices, that identifies three major distribution systems for wireless data communication:

·	Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) Radio Technology

·	Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) Radio Technology

·	Infrared Technology

IEEE 802.11 compliant networking products that are based on the same type of distribution system are interoperable with one another, regardless of the device's manufacturer.


IEEE 802.1x

Draft standard for port-based network access control, which provides authenticated network access for IEEE 802.11 wireless networks and to wired Ethernet networks.

·	IEEE 802.1x Authentication


IEEE 802.1x Authentication

Authentication and Dynamic key distribution prior to LAN access.

·	Zero-Configuration IEEE 802.11


Zero-Configuration IEEE 802.11

IEEE 802.11 Specification for wireless LAN systems.

Zero configuration enables the computer operating system to manage the installation, configuration and updates of the drivers for a Wireless Client Adapter.

To support this feature both the client computer and the network must support:

·	The IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.1x standard

·	The TCP/IP protocol

·	Disable the Agere proprietary option Closed Configuration.

At present only computers running Microsoft Windows XP support Zero-configuration.


IPX/SPX

A networking protocol that is commonly used in networking environments that use the Novell Netware network operating system.


NetBEUI

A Microsoft proprietary protocol that is often used in small networking environments. It allows wireless computers that participate in a Peer-to-Peer Group or Base Station Network to share files and printers on their computers.


LAN

Local Area Network


LAN Administrator Station

The LAN Administrator Station is the computer used for managing your Local Area Network


LAN Segment

A logical area within a network that is connected with other areas via a bridge.

For Base Station devices these areas can either be an Ethernet or wireless segment.


LED

Light Emitting Diode

Indicator light that you can find on most Wireless LAN devices.


Blink

LED lights up at regular intervals.


Flicker

LED lights up quickly at irregular intervals.


MAC

Medium Access Control.

See also: MAC Address.


MAC Address

12-digit hexadecimal identification number for networking products.

Every networking device is identified by a unique factory-set number that can not be changed, also referred to as the 'Universal MAC Address'.

·	The MAC Address of a Wireless Client Station is printed on a label on the backside of the hardware.

·	Base Station type devices may have more than one MAC Address:

·	One MAC Address for the wired Ethernet interface of the device, printed on a label on the Base Station, and

·	A MAC Address for the Wireless Network Interface of the Base Station.

·	The wireless MAC Address corresponds with the value printed on a label on the backside of the card inside the Base Station.


Open Environment

Typical radio environment where antennas can "see" each other, i.e. there are no physical obstructions between them.


Semi-open Environment

Typical radio environment where work space is divided by shoulder-height, hollow wall elements; antennas are at desktop level.


Closed Environment

Typical radio environment where work space is separated by floor-to-ceiling brick walls: antennas can not "see" each other.


Open Configuration

Standard IEEE 802.11 mode where the Base Station bridges data for:

·	every Client Station with the correct Network Name

·	every Client Station with the Network Name set to ANY.


Closed Configuration

Wireless LAN proprietary mode where the Base Station denies access to:

·	any Wireless Client Station with the incorrect Network Name

·	any Wireless Client Station with the Network Name set to ANY

This mode is not compliant with the IEEE 802.11 Standard.


Roam

The behavior of mobile Wireless Client Station devices that move between different physical locations in the network.

In Multiple Base Station Network environments roaming stations will automatically connect to the Base Station that provides the best communications quality.


Serial Number

Every Wireless LAN card has a unique identification number of the format:

YYUTxxxxxxxx, where

·	YY identify the year of manufacturing

·	xx identifies the unique item number.

This number is printed on a label that you can find on your product.


SNR

The Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) is the primary diagnostic counter to diagnose wireless performance. SNR indicates the relative strength of the received Signal Level compared to the Local Noise Level.

In most environments, SNR is a good indicator for the quality of the radio link between transmitter and receiver. A higher SNR value means a better quality radio link. The color coding of the SNR-bar indicates the link quality.


Signal Level

Signal Level indicates the strength of the wireless signal as received at the Wireless Client Adapter. As the wireless system may perform quite well even when the signal level is low, the primary indicator to diagnose the communications quality is the level of SNR.

Use the Client Manager Link Test to investigate the communications quality.


Noise Level

Noise Level reflects the level of radio interference as measured at the Wireless Client Adapter.

Noise can be indicated as Local Noise or  Remote Noise.

Possible sources of interference can be:

·	Theft Protection Devices

·	Cordless Phones

·	Microwave Ovens

·	Pager Systems

Use the Client Manager Link Test to investigate the communications quality between each Wireless Client Station and this Base Station.

When the source of interference is identified, eliminate the source of interference, or use this indicator to optimize station or antenna placement for optimal wireless performance.


Local Noise

The level of radio interference as measured in the vicinity of your wireless computer.


Remote Noise

The level of radio interference as measured in the vicinity of the remote station (for example your 'Link Test Partner' or the Base Station).


SOHO

Small Office / Home Office

Relatively small network that comprises up to 10 wireless and/or wired computers.

Occasionally a SOHO network uses a shared connection to an Internet Service Provider to provide internet access to individual workstations.


Station Name

The station name is an optional parameter that may be used to designate wireless devices in the network. The name can help to identify a device in one of the Wireless LAN diagnostic utilities. A station name can consist of up to 31 alphanumeric characters.


Retransmission

Retransmission is a standard IEEE 802.11 method of dealing with lost messages. In case a transmitting wireless computer does not receive the acknowledgment that a transmitted message was received, the station will try to transmit the message again. When the retransmission fails as well, your wireless computer will switch to a lower  Transmit Rate, using the Auto Fallback mechanism.


USB

Universal Serial Bus


Variant

The Variant level identifies the type of Wireless LAN adapter.

As different variant types may support different functionality and features, you can only use firmware upgrades that are identified by the same Variant type as the one of your card.


Version

The Version number identifies the type of Wireless LAN adapter. This number increments with each new firmware release.

The format of the version identification designator is typically X.xx, where:

X
identifies a major version upgrade
xx
identifies a minor version upgrade
You are advised not to 'downgrade' the firmware of your Wireless LAN card, by loading firmware with a version level that is less than the one currently installed on your card.

In some exceptional cases, typically upon advice of Wireless LAN technical Support you may need to downgrade.

When you attempt to downgrade, the WSU (Wireless Station Update) tool will prompt you to confirm that you wish to overwrite the card's firmware with an older version.


Primary Functions Firmware

The basic operating software of the Wireless LAN adapter, required to interface with standard PC Card sockets and services.

Usually, this software does not need any update. In the exceptional case where an upgrade of your card's Station Functions Firmware requires upgrade of the Primary Functions Firmware as well, this upgrade will be executed automatically, provided that the variant of the firmware upgrade is the same type as the variant of your PC Card's hardware.

See also:

·	Variant

·	Version


Station Functions Firmware

This card software controls the features of your Wireless Client Adapter. It allows the adapter to operate as a Station (STA) in an IEEE 802.11 LAN, when inserted into the computer.

The STA functions firmware includes features such as:

·	'Auto-connect' to IEEE 802.11 networks

·	Option to select the data transmission speed

·	Option to assign a Network Name

See also:

·	Variant

·	Version


Type II Extended

This type refers to the standard Wireless LAN PC Card.

This is a network adapter card that fits into any standard PC Card Type II slot.

This type of card has a small extended part containing the radio antennas. The extended part protrudes slightly from the host device to allow the antennas to transmit/receive wireless signals with as little obstructions as possible.


TCP/IP

Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol

See also:

·	IP Address

·	Subnet

·	Subnet Mask

·	DHCP


IP Address

Internet Protocol Address.

A numeric value to identify network devices that communicate via the TCP/IP protocol.

In networks that use TCP/IP each device must have a unique IP Address, similar to telephones having a unique telephone number.

This unique number of the format xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx can be assigned via one of the following methods:

·	Automatically via DHCP by your LAN or ISP.

·	Manually by the LAN Administrator.

For Base Stations you are advised to use a fixed IP address, either by using a manual address, or by reserving the address on the   DHCP server.


Subnet

A subnet is a logical sub-division of a Local Area Network that has been divided by means of routers or gateways. A subnet may include multiple LAN segments.

Each subnet is identified by the Subnet Mask.

NOTE

In a wireless network that allows mobile wireless stations to roam between different cells, all Base Station devices and wireless stations must be connected to the same LAN subnet.


Subnet Mask

32-bit address mask used in the TCP/IP protocol.

A Subnet Mask indicates the logical location (Subnet) of a network device, similar to the area code that identifies the geographical region of a telephone.

All devices in the same   Subnet share the same Subnet Mask. This value is typically assigned together with the   IP Address.

In a wireless network all Base Station devices and wireless stations must be connected to the same LAN subnet.


DHCP

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol

A Microsoft proprietary extension to the BootP protocol.


BootP

Bootstrap Protocol.

Mechanism to dynamically assign unique IP Address values to network devices without intervention from the LAN Administrator.

This mechanism is based on the principle of one or more dedicated servers that contain a library of IP Addresses assigned to your organization. You can configure the BootP server to assign one IP Address to any network device that sends a "Get IP Address" request.

See also:

DHCP


WECA

Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance

Group of leading equipment and software providers, aiming at inter operability among a wide variety of wireless systems.

http://www.wirelessethernet.org


WiFi

Wireless Fidelity

Inter operability standard of wireless network systems as defined by the WECA organization.

The WiFi logo on your wireless products ensures IEEE 802.11 High Rate quality and certified inter operability with an expanding range of WiFi certified product and solutions.


WEP

Wired Equivalent Privacy

IEEE 802.11 compliant encryption scheme based on the RC4 algorithm that is used to secure wireless data.

WEP encryption is a method of encrypting data that is transmitted over your wireless network to insure data security. In a wired network, data security is maintained through the physical wire. WEP encryption provides the same level of security for your wireless data as if it were being transmitted over standard network cabling. In order to duplicate wired network security levels, wireless data is encrypted at its point of transmission. The receiving device decodes the data. This allows users to have the same amount of security over their wireless network as they would over a wired network.


WSU (Wireless Station Update)

Windows-based tool to update the firmware of the Wireless LAN PC Card and PCI Adapter.

The WSU tool runs on any desktop or laptop computer that:

·	Runs Microsoft Windows 9x, NT4.0, ME, 2000 and XP.

·	Has the Wireless LAN Driver installed.


64-bit WEP Network Interface

Wireless Client Adapter that supports 64-bit WEP data encryption.

This type of interface allows you to enter:

·	5-digit keys in Alphanumeric Value or

·	10-digit keys in   Hexadecimal Value.


128-Bit RC4 Network Interface

Wireless Client Adapter that supports both 64-bit WEP and 128-Bit data encryption based on the RC4 algorithm.

This type of interface allows you to enter:

·	5 or 13-digit keys in Alphanumeric Value or

·	10 or 26-digit keys in Hexadecimal Value.


Peer-to-Peer Group

A Peer-to-Peer group is a group of Wireless Client Station devices that communicate directly to one another, without intervention of a Base Station or network infrastructure.

Peer-to-Peer networks are typically small networks where:

·	Wireless computers use for example Microsoft file and printer sharing to exchange data directly.

·	Co-workers can quickly set up an ad-hoc workgroup while on the road or in a temporary workplace.

See also: Base Station Network


Wireless Configurations

Subject to the size and requirements, a wireless network can be identified by either one of the following configuration types:

·	Stand Alone Network

·	Wireless Access to Ethernet Networks

·	Multiple Base Station Network

·	Multiple Channel Configuration


Base Station Network

A Base Station network is a wireless network where all wireless computers communicate via a dedicated Base Station.

Base Station Networks allow for larger wireless coverage, and provide connectivity between wireless and wired infrastructures.

Base Station devices exist in different versions, allowing for a variety of network connections:

Stand Alone Network

Wireless Access to Ethernet Networks

  Multiple Base Station Network


Stand Alone Network

A stand-alone configuration is the quickest and easiest way to set up a small wireless network. In this configuration only one Base Station is used, functioning as a relay that will forward the data communication from one Wireless Client Station to another within the same wireless cell. A server is not required, wireless stations can communicate like in a Peer-to-Peer Group, but in this configuration via a Base Station.

The wireless infrastructure is identified by a unique Network Name. All equipped devices that wish to connect to this network, must be configured with an identical Network Name.

Mobile wireless stations will maintain communication with the infrastructure as long as they remain within the  Transmit Rate of the Base Station in their network.


Wireless Access to Ethernet Networks

Connecting the Base Station to an Ethernet network, allows you to connect Wireless Client Station devices to an existing Ethernet infrastructure.


Multiple Base Station Network

To extend the total wireless coverage area, you can setup a wireless network with multiple Base Station devices. To create multiple cell networks, the Base Station devices must be connected via a wired backbone.

The Base Station devices can serve mobile Wireless Client Station devices that   Roam between various locations within a network premises. Roaming wireless stations in a multiple Base Station configuration will:

·	automatically switch between Base Station devices, when required, thus maintaining the wireless connection to the network.

·	communicate with the infrastructure as long as they remain within the  Wireless Range of the Base Station devices in their network.

Multiple Channel Configuration

To increase the bandwidth of your wireless network, you can configure Base Station devices to use different sub-channels (subject to local radio regulations).

Any Wireless Client Station roaming in a Multiple Base Station Network will automatically change the operating radio frequency when required.

Multiple Channel Configuration


Network Name

The Network Name is a value that logically connects devices within your wireless network, like cabling connects wired computer devices.

This value (also referred to as SSID) distinguishes your wireless network from neighboring networks.

To allow communication, each wireless device within your network must use the same Network Name.

Valid values: Any alphanumeric string of 1 to 32 case-sensitive ASCII printable characters in the range of "a" to "z", "A" to "Z", "0" to "9

·	When connecting to a Peer-to-Peer Group, consult one of the workgroup participants for the correct value.

·	When connecting to a Base Station:

·	Consult the LAN Administrator for the correct value, or

·	Use the   Client Manager Add/Edit Profile option and press the Scan button to retrieve a list of open wireless networks.


Encryption Key

The encryption key allows you to secure your wireless communications.

Default value
No encryption
Valid values
for
64
-bit
RC4 encryption
·
5-digit case-sensitive
Alphanumeric Value
.:
SECU1
·
10-digit
Hexadecimal Value
 in the range of "a-f", "A-F" and "0-9".:
ABCD1234FE
Valid values
 for
 128-bit
RC4 encryption.
·
13-digit case-sensitive
Alphanumeric Value
.:
SECURITY12345
·
26-digit
Hexadecimal Value
 in the range of "a-f", "A-F" and "0-9".:
ABCDEF1234567890FEDCBA4321
See also Translating Hex & ASCII values.


Frequency Channel

The frequency channel parameter gives you the ability to select a sub-channel of the 2.4 GHz channel set. You can use this option to configure your Base Station for one of the following reasons:

·	To to solve a situation where the default channel suffers from interference by an in-band interfering device (e.g. microwave ovens).

·	To configure your network infrastructure to support a Multiple Channel Configuration.

Wireless Client Station devices that roam between different Base Station devices, will automatically adapt the operating frequency of their radio when required.


Power Management

To extend the battery life of your (mobile) Wireless Client Station, you can use Power Management to adjust the power consumption behavior of the Wireless Client Adapter.

Subject to the type of network traffic power management may have some impact on network performance.

See also:

Power Management Enabled


Power Management Enabled

To minimize power consumption, the station will go to "sleep mode" whenever activity is low. At regular intervals it will wake up to verify whether there is network traffic addressed to the wireless station.

Power management only works in combination with Base Station products which can buffer messages for wireless computers in "sleep mode".


Wireless LAN Configuration

·	Open Configuration

·	Closed Configuration.


Open the Control Panel

1.	Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar.

2.	Point to Settings, and click Control Panel.


Open the Wireless LAN Folder

1.	Click the Start button on the Windows task bar.

2.	Point to Programs, and click Wireless LAN.


Microsoft Help

1.	Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar.

2.	Click the item Help