TM
Instant Wireless Series
Wireless PC Card
Use this Guide to install:
WPC54A
User Guide
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Instant WirelessTM Series
Wireless PC Card
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
The Wireless PC Card
Features
Appendix A: Troubleshooting
Common Problems and Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
27
27
28
1
1
1
2
2
Package Contents
System Requirements
Appendix B: Glossary
31
Appendix C: Specifications
Environmental
38
38
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Network Topology
Roaming
3
3
3
Appendix D: Warranty Information
Appendix E: Contact Information
38
40
Chapter 3: Installation of the Drivers and WLAN Monitor for
Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000
Before You Start
Running the Automatic Driver Installation
Software and Driver Installation for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000
Ad-Hoc Versus Infrastructure Mode
4
4
4
5
8
Chapter 4: Installation of the Wireless PC Card
12
Chapter 5: Installation of the Drivers and
Configuration for the Wireless PC Card for Windows XP
Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration
13
15
Chapter 6: Installation of Network Protocols
18
Installation of the Network Protocols for Windows 98SE and Me
18
Chapter 7: Configuration of the Wireless PC Card
21
Using the WLAN Monitor
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Chapter 1: Introduction
The Wireless PC Card
Put the “mobile” back into mobile computing! Whether you’re at your desk or
in the boardroom, the Wireless PC Card allows you to share printers, files, and
other resources anywhere within your LAN infrastructure, increasing your pro-
ductivity and keeping you “in touch.”
The Wireless PC Card now has a new, higher-powered antenna that provides a
greater range than ever. The increased sensitivity helps filter out interference
and “noise” to keep your signal clear. Improved error correction in the chipset
keeps you operating at higher transmission rates for longer distances. And,
since you only need one Type II or III PCMCIA CardBus slot, you’re free to
use your other slots for additional accessories.
Ready to run in Type II or III PCMCIA CardBus -equipped notebook PCs run-
ning Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, and XP, the Wireless PC Card is truly a “must-
have” for all notebook PC users.
Features
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Up to 72Mbps Turbo Mode (with Linksys WAP54A only)
Compatible with Virtually All Major Network Operating Systems
Plug-and-Play Operation Provides Easy Setup
Sturdy Metal Design with Integrated Antenna
Works with Virtually All Standard Internet Applications
Interoperable with 802.11a Network Equipment
Capable of up to 152-Bit WEP Security
Free Technical Support—24 Hours a Day,
7 Days a Week, Toll-Free US Calls
•
1-Year Limited Warranty
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Chapter 2: Planning Your
Wireless Network
Network Topology
A wireless LAN is exactly like a regular LAN, except that each computer in the
LAN uses a Wireless PC Card to connect to the network through a wireless
connection. Computers in a wireless LAN must be configured to share the
same radio channel.
The Wireless PC Card provides LAN access for wireless workstations. An inte-
grated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. A
group of Wireless PC Card users and an Access Point compose a Basic Service
Set (BSS). Each PC equipped with a Wireless PC Card in a BSS can talk to
any computer in a wired LAN infrastructure via the Access Point.
Figure 1-1
Package Contents
An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a Wireless PC Card
PC to a wired LAN, and doubles the effective wireless transmission range for
two PCs equipped with a Wireless PC Card. Since the Access Point is able to
forward data within its BSS, the effective transmission range in an infrastruc-
ture LAN is doubled.
•
•
•
•
One WirelessPC Card (IEEE 802.11a)
One Setup Utility CD-ROM with User Guide
One Quick Installation Guide
One Registration Card
Roaming
System Requirements
Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. More
than one BSS can be configured as an Extended Service Set (ESS). This con-
tinuous network allows users to roam freely within an ESS. All PCs that are
equipped with an Wireless PC Card, and are within one ESS, must be config-
ured with the same ESS ID.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Pentium-Class 200MHz or Faster Processor
64MB RAM Recommended
One Available Type II or Type III PCMCIA CardBus Slot
One CD-ROM Drive
Windows 98SE, 2000, Me, or XP
Before enabling an ESS with roaming capability, it is recommended to select a
feasible radio channel and optimum Access Point position. Proper Access Point
positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance perform-
ance.
5 Mb of free disk space for utility and driver installation
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Chapter 3: Installation of the
Note: If you stop the installation before it has finished, you will have to
run the complete installation again before installation of your hardware.
Drivers and WLAN Monitor for
Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000
Before You Start
Note: If you need to abort or terminate the installation, press the
Cancel button at any time during the installation. Otherwise the
installation will continue automatically.
Important for Windows XP users: Do NOT run the Wireless
Network Adapter Setup Wizard. Proceed directly to Chapter 4:
Installation of the Wireless PC Card.
1. To install your Wireless PC Card, click on the Setup button.
Note to Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 users: You must install this
software before installation of the hardware.
2. After you see Figure 3-2, click the Next button to continue.
This Wireless PC Card Setup Wizard will guide you through the Installation
Procedures for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000.
Running the Automatic Driver Installation
1. Insert the Setup Wizard CD into your CD-ROM Drive. The Setup Wizard
should run automatically
and Figure 3-1 should
appear. If it does not, click
the Start button and
choose Run. In the box
that
appears,
enter
D:\setup.exe (where “D” is
the letter of your CD-ROM
drive).
Figure 3-2
Figure 3-1
•
The Setup button begins the software installation process, as shown on the
next page.
•
•
•
The User Guide button shows you a PDF file of the User Guide.
The LINKSYS WEB button links you to the Linksys website.
The Exit button allows you to the exit the Setup Wizard.
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3. Figure 3-3 shows the LicenseAgreement screen. Read the entire agreement
by pressing the Page Down button on your keyboard or by using the on-
screen scroll bar. Click on the Yes button if you agree and want to continue
the installation, or No to terminate the installation.
5. When the screen shown in Figure 3-5 appears, the InstallShield Wizard will
ask you to choose a wireless mode. Choose the mode that applies to your
network. Ad-Hoc Mode is used for simple peer-to-peer networking or the
sharing of local resources between wireless Networked PCs, and
Infrastructure Mode allows a wireless network to be integrated into an
existing, wired network through an access point, permitting roaming
between access points while maintaining a connection to all network
resources. If you are unsure whether to choose Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc,
refer to the next section for more information. After you make your choice,
click the Next button.
Figure 3-3
4. The InstallShield Wizard will automatically choose the folder where Setup
Wizard will install the files. Click the Next button.
Figure 3-5
Figure 3-4
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6. The Setup Wizard will automatically select a channel for your use in the
Ad-Hoc Mode at this time. If you want to specify a channel, after you
install the Wireless PC Card, refer to “Chapter 7:Configuration of the
Wireless PC Card, “and use the WLAN Monitor.
Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode
Unlike wired networks, wireless networks have two different modes in which
they may be set up: Infrastructure and Ad-Hoc. Choosing between these two
modes depends on whether or not the wireless network needs to share data or
peripherals with a wired network or not.
7. Enter in the name of your SSID (Service Set Identifier) for your Ad-Hoc or
Infrastructure setting. The SSID must be identical for all points in the net-
work. The SSID may be up to 32 characters in length, may include any
character on the keyboard, but is case sensitive. If you are unsure, use the
default value of “linksys.” Click the Next button. (See Figure 3-8.)
If the computers on the wireless network need to be accessible by a wired net-
work or need to share a peripheral, such as a printer, with the wired network
computers, the wireless network should be set up in the Infrastructure mode.
The basis of Infrastructure mode centers around an access point, which serves
as the main point of communications in a wireless network (see Figure 3-6).
Access points transmit data to PCs that are equipped with wireless network
cards, which can
roam within a cer-
tain radial range of
the access point.
Multiple access
points can be
arranged to work
in succession to
extend the roam-
ing range, and can
be set up to com-
municate
your
with
Ethernet
hardware as well.
Figure 3-6
If the wireless network is relatively small and needs to share resources only
with the other computers on the wireless network, then the Ad-Hoc mode can
be used (shown in Figure 3-7). Ad-Hoc mode allows computers that are
equipped with Wireless PC Cards to communicate directly with each other and
eliminate the need for an access point. The drawback of this mode is that wire-
less-equipped computers are not able to communicate with computers on a
wired network. And,
c o m m u n i c a t i o n
between the wireless-
equipped computers
is limited by the dis-
tance and interfer-
ence directly between
them.
Figure 3-8
Figure 3-7
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8. The screen shown in Figure 3-9 will appear next. The Wizard will ask you
to review your settings before starting to copy files. Select Back to review
or change any settings, or select Next if you are satisfied with your settings.
Click the Cancel button if you need to stop the installation.
10. The screen in Figure 3-11 may appear. Click on the Yes button if you want
to continue the installation. Click on the No button if you want to cancel the
installation.
Figure 3-11
11. After the Wireless PC Card Setup Wizard is successfully installed, the
screen in Figure 3-12 will appear.
Figure 3-9
9. The next screen is Figure 3-10. The InstallShield Wizard will begin copy-
ing the files. The bar in the middle of the screen below shows the percent-
age of the files that are copied.
Figure 3-12
You have now completed the installation of your Wireless PC Card Setup
Wizard. To Install the Wireless PC Card, please go to Chapter 4: Installation
of the Wireless PC Card.
Figure 3-10
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Chapter 4: Installation of the
Chapter 5: Installation of the
Wireless PC Card
Drivers and Configuration of
the Wireless PC Card for
Windows XP
Important for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 users: You must install
the Adapter’s software before installation of the hardware.
Important for Windows XP users: You must install the Adapter’s
hardware before installation of the software.
After installing the Wireless PC Card into your computer, you will install the
network driver.
1. Locate an available Type II or Type III PCMCIA CardBus slot on your
notebook computer.
1. Windows XP will automatically detect the presence of the Wireless PC Card
in your computer. Insert the Setup Wizard CD into your CD-ROM Drive.
Click the radio button next to Install from a list or specific location
(Advanced). Then click the Next button to continue.
2. With the Wireless PC Card’s 68-pin connector facing the PCMCIA
CardBus slot and the “Wireless PC Card” label facing up, as shown in
Figure 5-1, slide the Wireless PC Card completely into the PCMCIA
CardBus slot while the computer is restarting and before the Windows desk-
top appears.
Figure 4-1
3. You may see several screens appear as the driver installation is finalized. One
may say that a digital signature has not been found. This is normal. No input
should be necessary, and the screens should disappear when the card is ready for
use. Click Yes to continue. Click Finish to complete the installation.
Figure 5-1
The Hardware Installation is complete. Your Wireless PC Card is set up and
ready for use. If using Windows XP, continue to Chapter 5, otherwise, con-
tinue reading to learn about the card’s WLAN Monitor in Chapter 7.
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2. .Click the radio button next to Search for the best driver in these locations.
Select Include this location in the search:, and enter D:\Drivers in the
location field (if “D” is the letter of your CD-ROM drive). Click the Next
button.
4. Windows will tell you when it has finished installation of the new driver.
Click the Finish button.
Figure 5-2
Figure 5-4
3. Windows will notify you that the driver has not passed Windows Logo test-
ing. Since this product has been tested to work with Windows XP, click the
Continue Anyway button.
The Hardware Installation is complete.
Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration
Important for Windows XP users: Windows XP has built-in config-
uration tools. Use the Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration, (in
the system tray at the bottom of your screen) to configure the Adapter.
1. After installation of theWireless PC Card, the Windows XP Wireless Zero
Configuration icon will appear on your system tray. See Figure 5-5.
Double-click the icon of the two monitors and Figure 5-6 will appear.
Figure 5-3
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3. If your Access Point has enabled WEP encryption, the screen in Figure 5-7
will appear. Enter the WEP key in the Network Key. Click the Connect
button.
Figure 5-5
2. The screen that appears will show any available Network. Select a
Network, then click on the Connect button.
Figure 5-7
In order to find out the WEP encryption set by other wireless products in
your network, such as the WAP54A, run the the setup tab from the web
browser to check the WEP encryption tab for the correct key entries. If you
are using other access points, please check their user guides for more
information on WEP encryption configuration.
4. The screen in Figure 5-8 will appear next if your connection is successful.
Figure 5-8
For more information about WEP, refer to the Router’s User Guide or the
KnowledgeBase on the Linksys Website.
Figure 5-6
For further information on Wireless Networking with Windows XP,
search the Windows XP Search Engine using the keyword: “wireless.”
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2. From the Configuration tab, select the WPC54A Wireless Network
Chapter 6: Installation of
Adapter from the list, and click the Add button.
Network Protocols
Protocols are necessary for computers to be recognized on your network.
Windows 2000 and XP users need to check their Windows User Guides for pro-
tocol installation.
Installation of the Network Protocols for Windows 98SE
and Me
1. From the Start Menu, select Settings and bring up the Control Panel. From
the Control Panel, double-click on the Network icon. (See Figure 6-1.)
Figure 6-2
3. Select Protocol, and click the Add button.
Figure 6-1
Note: Before adding any network protocols, verify
that the protocol is not already installed. Never
install duplicate protocols.
Figure 6-3
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4. Select Microsoft from the list of “Manufacturers” and TCP/IP from the list of
“Network Protocols.” Click the OK button to close the Network window.
Chapter 7: Configuration of the
Wireless PC Card
Repeat steps 2 through 4 to install other protocols, such as NetBEUI or IPX/SPX.
After installation of the Wireless PC Card, Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, and XP
will automatically identify the Wireless PC Card. Next, you may need to con-
figure the Wireless PC Card’s driver software.
Using the WLAN Monitor
Important for Windows XP users: Windows XP has built-in config-
uration tools. Use the Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration, (in
the system tray at the bottom of your screen) to configure the Wireless
PC Card. See Chapter 5: Installation of the Drivers and Configuration
of the Wireless PC Card for Windows XP.
1. After installation of the Wireless PC Card, the Wireless PC Card WLAN
Monitor icon will appear on your system tray. Double-click on the icon of
the monitor in Figure 7-1, and Figure 7-2 will appear:
Figure 6-4
Figure 7-1
Windows may start copying some files or ask you for your Windows installation
files at this time. Your Windows CD may be required. After the files are copied,
Windows may ask you to restart. Click Yes to restart and complete the installa-
tion process.
Figure 7-2
Figure 7-2 shows you the status of your current connection on the Link
Status page. Click the X (Close) button in the upper right corner to close
the WLAN Monitor or click the Connections button to continue.
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2. The screen in Figure 7-3 shows you any available wireless device for net-
work connection. Select the wireless device, and click the Connect button
to connect or the Refresh button to search for more wireless devices.
Attempt Auto-Connect to ANY network in range will connect you to the
closest network within range. Click the X (Close) button in the upper right
corner to close
4. If you click on the New or Edit button, the screen in Figure 7-5 will
appear. You can enter a name for a new profile and change any of the set-
tings on this page.
the
WLAN
Monitor
click
or
the
P r o f i l e
Setting button
to continue.
Figure 7-5
Figure 7-3
3. When the screen in Figure 7-4 appears, click on the New button to create a
new profile or select a Profile and click on the Edit button to change an
existing profile or Click on the Delete button to delete a profile. Select a
profile and click the Connect button to connect.
Under the Network Type, you may choose either Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc.
Infrastructure mode allows a wireless adapter to communicate with a wired
network that employs an access point, while the Ad-Hoc mode allows wire-
less-to-wireless, peer-to-peer communication.
If you choose
Infrastructure, the SSID should have the same name as the Access Point.
If you choose Ad-Hoc, all clients should share the same SSID name. Click
the Apply button to save the settings or click on the Advanced button for
your WEP encryption settings.
Note: In order to enable WEP encryption, hexadeci-
mal values, which are the letters “A” through “F”
and the numbers “0” through “9”, must be entered.
Figure 7-4
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5. If you click on the Advanced button, the Advanced page will appear. Under
the WEP drop-down box, you can choose to have WEP encryption
Disabled, 64, 128, or 152 Bits. If you choose 64 Bits, the screen in Figure
7-6 will appear. If you choose 128 Bits, the screen in Figure 7-7 will appear.
If you choose 152 Bits, the screen in Figure 7-8 will appear.
Figure 7-8
Important: This hexadecimal number must match the Key
on all other devices on the wireless network, or this device
will be unable to transmit or receive data.
Figure 7-6
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is an encryption scheme used to protect
wireless data communication. The Disabled setting prevents the sharing of
data with other computers on the WEP network. There are two ways to cre-
ate WEP Encryption keys. Type the WEP Encryption keys in the available
fields manually. When manually typing the keys, you must use
Hexadecimal characters, which are the letters “A” through “F” and the
numbers “0” through “9”. To find out the WEP encryption set by other
wireless products in your network, such as the WAP54A, go to the setup tab
from the web browser to check the WEP encryption tab for the correct key
entries. If you are using other access points, please check their user guides
for more information on WEP encryption configuration.
Figure 7-7
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6. The About tab, as shown in Figure 7-9, shows you copyright and version
information about the driver, the application, and the firmware. The ver-
sion number of the driver may vary from this screen, depending on which
version was shipped with your Adapter. You can always visit
button in the upper right corner to complete the WLAN Monitor.
Appendix A: Troubleshooting
Common Problems and Solutions
This chapter provides solutions to problems usually occurring during the instal-
lation and operation of the Wireless PC Card. Read the description below to
solve your problems. If you can’t find an answer here, check the Linksys web-
site at www.linksys.com.
1. My computer does not recognize the Wireless PC Card.
Make sure that the Wireless PC Card is properly inserted into the PCMCIA
slot. Note that the card can be inserted either way, but is correct only when it
is inserted so that the “Instant Wireless” logo on the front of the card cannot
be seen. If in doubt, try inserting the card both ways. The card will slide in
further when it is correct.
2. The Wireless PC Card does not work properly.
• Reinsert the Wireless PC Card into your notebook’s PCMCIA slot. A beep
should be heard if the card is properly inserted.
• For non-Windows environments, make sure that a PCMCIA card service
driver is installed on your PC.
• Open the Control Panel and click on the PC Card. Check whether it has a
PCMCIA card in one of the sockets or not. If you find the Network PC Card
in one of the sockets, it means the card has been detected properly. If you see
a yellow question mark, the resources are conflicting.
• Right-click on My Computer and select Properties. Select the device man-
ager and click the Network Adapter. You will find the Wireless PC Card if
it is installed successfully. If you see the yellow exclamation mark, the
resources are conflicting. Click PCMCIA card and then click PCMCIA
card service. You will see the status of the Network PC Card. If there is a
yellow question mark, please check the following:
Figure 7-9
•
•
Make sure that your notebook has a free IRQ.
Make sure that you have inserted the right card and installed the prop-
er driver.
If the Network PC Card does not function after attempting the above steps,
remove the card and do the following:
•
•
Uninstall the driver software from your PC.
Restart your PC and repeat the hardware and software installation as
specified in this User Guide.
3. I cannot communicate with the other computers linked via the Ethernet
in the Infrastructure configuration.
• Make sure that the notebook PC is powered on.
• Make sure that your Wireless PC Card is configured on the same channel and
with the same security options as the other computers in the Infrastructure
configuration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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 under-
takes 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.
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 if it supports oper-
ation over a network.
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 net-
work). Refer to the game’s user guide for more information.
What is the IEEE 802.11a standard?
The IEEE 802.11a Wireless LAN standards subcommittee, which is formulat-
ing a standard for the industry. The objective is to enable wireless LAN hard-
ware from different manufacturers to communicate.
As the user moves on, the end node’s RF transmitter regularly checks the sys-
tem 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 acknowl-
edgment from its original Access Point, it undertakes a new search. Upon find-
ing a new Access Point, it then reregisters, and the communication process con-
tinues.
What IEEE 802.11 features are supported?
The product supports the following IEEE 802.11a functions:
•
•
•
•
•
OFDM protocol
Multi-Channel Roaming
Automatic Rate Selection
RTS/CTS feature
What is BSS ID?
Fragmentation
A specific Ad hoc LAN is called a Basic Service Set (BSS). Computers in a
BSS must be configured with the same BSS ID.
What is Ad-hoc?
An Ad-hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers, each with a WLAN adapter,
connected as an independent wireless LAN. Ad-hoc wireless LAN is applica-
ble at a departmental scale for a branch or SOHO operation.
What is ESS ID?
An Infrastructure configuration could also support roaming capability for
mobile workers. More than one BSS can be configured as an Extended Service
Set (ESS). Users within an ESS could roam freely between BSSs while served
as a continuous connection to the network wireless stations, and Access Points
within an ESS must be configured with the same ESS ID and the same radio
channel.
What is Infrastructure?
An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configura-
tion. Infrastructure is applicable to enterprise scale for wireless access to a cen-
tral database, or wireless application for mobile workers.
What is Roaming?
Roaming is the ability of a portable computer user to communicate continu-
ously while moving freely throughout an area greater than that covered by a sin-
gle Access Point. Before using the roaming function, the workstation must
make sure that it is the same channel number with the Access Point of dedicat-
ed coverage area.
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What is Spread Spectrum?
Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequency technique devel-
oped by the military for use in reliable, secure, mission-critical communica-
tions 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).
Appendix B: Glossary
Ad-hoc Network - An ad-hoc network is a wireless network or other small net-
work in which some of the network devices are part of the network only for the
duration of a communications session while in some close proximity to the rest
of the network.
Architecture - The total design and implementation of the network. It includes
the network's topology, transmission technologies and communications proto-
cols, management and security systems, and any other attributes that give a net-
work a particular set of capabilities and functionalities.
What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?
Backbone - The part of a network that connects most of the systems and net-
works together and handles the most data.
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 trans-
mission, 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 nar-
rowband receivers.
Bandwidth - The transmission capacity of a given facility, in terms of how much
data the facility can transmit in a fixed amount of time; expressed in bits per sec-
ond (bps).
Bit - A binary digit. The value - 0 or 1-used in the binary numbering system.
Also, the smallest form of data.
BSS (Basic Service Set) - A group of Instant Wireless Network PC Card users
and an Access Point.
Buffer - A buffer is a shared or assigned memory area used by hardware devices
or program processes that operate at different speeds or with different sets of pri-
orities. The buffer allows each device or process to operate without being held up
by the other. In order for a buffer to be effective, the size of the buffer and the
algorithms for moving data into and out of the buffer need to be considered by
the buffer designer. Like a cache, a buffer is a "midpoint holding place" but exists
not so much to accelerate the speed of an activity as to support the coordination
of separate activities.
Would the information be intercepted while transmitting on air?
WLAN features two-fold protection in security. On the hardware side, as with
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum technology, it has the inherent security fea-
ture of scrambling. On the software side, WLAN offers the encryption function
(WEP) to enhance security and Access Control.
What is WEP?
WEP is Wired Equivalent Privacy, a data privacy mechanism based on a 40 bit
shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11a.
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Database - A database is a collection of data that is organized so that its contents
can easily be accessed, managed, and updated.
DSSS (Direct-Sequence Spread-Spectrum) - DSSS generates a redundant bit pat-
tern 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 transmis-
sion, 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.
Default Gateway - The routing device used to forward all traffic that is not
addressed to a station within the local subnet.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) - A protocol that lets network
administrators manage centrally and automate the assignment of Internet
Protocol (IP) addresses in an organization's network. Using the Internet's set of
protocol (TCP/IP), each machine that can connect to the Internet needs a unique
IP address. When an organization sets up its computer users with a connection to
the Internet, an IP address must be assigned to each machine. Without DHCP, the
IP address must be entered manually at each computer and, if computers move to
another location in another part of the network, a new IP address must be entered.
DHCP lets a network administrator supervise and distribute IP addresses from a
central point and automatically sends a new IP address when a computer is
plugged into a different place in the network.
Encryption - A security method that applies a specific algorithm to data in order
to alter the data's appearance and prevent other devices from reading the infor-
mation.
ESS - More than one BSS in a network.
Ethernet - IEEE standard network protocol that specifies how data is placed on
and retrieved from a common transmission medium. Has a transfer rate of 10
Mbps. Forms the underlying transport vehicle used by several upper-level proto-
cols, including TCP/IP and XNS.
DHCP uses the concept of a "lease" or amount of time that a given IP address
will be valid for a computer. The lease time can vary depending on how long a
user is likely to require the Internet connection at a particular location. It's espe-
cially useful in education and other environments where users change frequently.
Using very short leases, DHCP can dynamically reconfigure networks in which
there are more computers than there are available IP addresses.
FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) - FHSS continuously changes the
center frequency of a conventional carrier several times per second according to
a pseudo-random set of channels, while chirp spread spectrum changes the car-
rier frequency. Because a fixed frequency is not used, illegal monitoring of spread
spectrum signals is extremely difficult, if not downright impossible depending on
the particular method.
DHCP supports static addresses for computers containing Web servers that need
a permanent IP address.
Firmware - Code that is written onto read-only memory (ROM) or programma-
ble read-only memory (PROM). Once firmware has been written onto the ROM
or PROM, it is retained even when the device is turned off.
Domain - A subnetwork comprised of a group of clients and servers under the
control of one security database. Dividing LANs into domains improves per-
formance and security.
Fragmentation - Breaking a packet into smaller units when transmitting over a
Driver - A workstation or server software module that provides an interface
between a network interface card and the upper-layer protocol software running
in the computer; it is designed for a specific NIC, and is installed during the ini-
tial installation of a network-compatible client or server operating system.
network medium that cannot support the original size of the packet.
Gateway - A device that interconnects networks with different, incompatible
communications protocols.
Hardware - Hardware is the physical aspect of computers, telecommunications,
and other information technology devices. The term arose as a way to distinguish
the "box" and the electronic circuitry and components of a computer from the
program you put in it to make it do things. The program came to be known as the
software.
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Hop - The link between two network nodes.
LAN - A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and associated
devices that share a common communications line and typically share the
resources of a single processor or server within a small geographic area (for
example, within an office building).
IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) - The IEEE
describes itself as "the world's largest technical professional society, promoting
the development and application of electrotechnology and allied sciences for the
benefit of humanity, the advancement of the profession, and the well-being of our
members."
Mbps (MegaBits Per Second) - One million bits per second; unit of measure-
ment for data transmission.
The IEEE fosters the development of standards that often become national and
international standards. The organization publishes a number of journals, has
many local chapters, and several large societies in special areas, such as the IEEE
Computer Society.
NetBEUI (NetBIOS Extended User Interface) - The transport layer for NetBIOS.
NetBIOS and NetBEUI were originally part of a single protocol suite that was
later separated. NetBIOS sessions can be transported over NetBEUI, TCP/IP and
SPX/IPX protocols.
Infrastructure - An infrastructure network is a wireless network or other small
network in which the wireless network devices are made a part of the network
through the Access Point which connects them to the rest of the network.
NetBIOS - The native networking protocol in DOS and Windows networks.
Although originally combined with its transport layer protocol (NetBEUI),
NetBIOS today provides a programming interface for applications at the session
layer (layer 5). NetBIOS can ride over NetBEUI, its native transport, which is not
routable, or over TCP/IP and IPX/SPX, which are routable protocols.
Internet Protocol (IP)- The method or protocol by which data is sent from one
computer to another on the Internet. It is a standard set of rules, procedures, or
conventions relating to the format and timing of data transmission between two
computers that they must accept and use to be able to understand each other.
NetBIOS computers are identified by a unique 15-character name, and Windows
machines (NetBIOS machines) periodically broadcast their names over the net-
work so that Network Neighborhood can catalog them. For TCP/IP networks,
NetBIOS names are turned into IP addresses via manual configuration in an
LMHOSTS file or a WINS server.
IPAddress - In the most widely installed level of the Internet Protocol (IP) today,
an IP address is a 32-binary digit number that identifies each sender or receiver
of information that is sent in packet across the Internet. When you request an
HTML page or send e-mail, the Internet Protocol part of TCP/IP includes your
IP address in the message (actually, in each of the packets if more than one is
required) and sends it to the IP address that is obtained by looking up the domain
name in the Uniform Resource Locator you requested or in the e-mail address
you're sending a note to. At the other end, the recipient can see the IP address of
the Web page requestor or the e-mail sender and can respond by sending another
message using the IP address it received.
There are two NetBIOS modes. The Datagram mode is the fastest mode, but does
not guarantee delivery. It uses a self-contained packet with send and receive
name, usually limited to 512 bytes. If the recipient device is not listening for mes-
sages, the datagram is lost. The Session mode establishes a connection until bro-
ken. It guarantees delivery of messages up to 64KB long.
IPX (Internetwork Packet EXchange) - A NetWare communications protocol
used to route messages from one node to another. IPX packets include network
addresses and can be routed from one network to another.
Network - A system that transmits any combination of voice, video and/or data
between users.
IRQ (Interrupt ReQuest) - A hardware interrupt on a PC. There are 16 IRQ lines
used to signal the CPU that a peripheral event has started or terminated. In most
cases, two devices cannot use the same line.
Node - A network junction or connection point, typically a computer or work sta-
tion.
Notebook (PC) - A notebook computer is a battery-powered personal computer
generally smaller than a briefcase that can easily be transported and convenient-
ly used in temporary spaces such as on airplanes, in libraries, temporary offices,
and at meetings. A notebook computer, sometimes called a laptop computer, typ-
ically weighs less than five pounds and is three inches or less in thickness.
ISM band - The FCC and their counterparts outside of the U.S. have set aside
bandwidth for unlicensed use in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical)
band. Spectrum in the vicinity of 2.4 GHz, in particular, is being made available
worldwide. This presents a truly revolutionary opportunity to place convenient
high-speed wireless capabilities in the hands of users around the globe.
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OFDM - OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Muliplexing) works by break-
ing one high-speed data stream into a number of lower-speed data streams, which
are then transmitted in parallel. Each lower speed stream is used to modulate a
subcarrier. Essentially, this creates a multi-carrier transmission by dividing a
wide frequency band or channel into a number of narrower frequency bands or
sub-channels.
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).
Packet - A unit of data routed between an origin and a destination in a network.
Passphrase - Used much like a password, a passphrase simplifies the WEP
encryption process by automatically generating the WEP encryption keys for
Linksys products.
Static IP Address - A permanent IP address that is assigned to a node in an IP
or a TCP/IP network.
PC Card - A credit-card sized removable module that contains memory, I/O, or
a hard disk.
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) - A method (protocol) used along with the
Internet Protocol (IP) to send data in the form of message units between com-
puters over the Internet. While IP takes care of handling the actual delivery of the
data, TCP takes care of keeping track of the individual units of data (called pack-
et) that a message is divided into for efficient routing through the Internet.
PCMCIA - The PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International
Association) is an industry group organized in 1989 to promote standards for a
credit card-size memory or I/O device that would fit into a personal computer,
usually a notebook or laptop computer.
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) - The basic commu-
nication language or protocol of the Internet. It can also be used as a communi-
cations protocol in a private network (either an intranet or an extranet). When you
are set up with direct access to the Internet, your computer is provided with a
copy of the TCP/IP program just as every other computer that you may send mes-
sages to or get information from also has a copy of TCP/IP.
Plug-and-Play - The ability of a computer system to configure expansion boards
and other devices automatically without requiring the user to turn off the system
during installation.
Roaming - The ability to use a wireless device and be able to move from one
access point's range to another without losing the connection.
Throughput - The amount of data moved successfully from one place to anoth-
er in a given time period.
RTS (Request To Send) - An RS-232 signal sent from the transmitting station to
the receiving station requesting permission to transmit.
Topology - A network's topology is a logical characterization of how the devices
on the network are connected and the distances between them. The most common
network devices include hubs, switches, routers, and gateways. Most large net-
works contain several levels of interconnection, the most important of which
include edge connections, backbone connections, and wide-area connections.
Server - Any computer whose function in a network is to provide user access to
files, printing, communications, and other services.
Software - Instructions for the computer. A series of instructions that performs a
particular task is called a "program." The two major categories of software are
"system software" and "application software." System software is made up of
control programs such as the operating system and database management system
(DBMS). Application software is any program that processes data for the user.
TX Rate - Transmission Rate.
WEP (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.
Workgroup - Two or more individuals that share files and databases.
A common misconception is that software is data. It is not. Software tells the
hardware how to process the data.
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Appendix C: Specifications
Appendix D: Warranty
Information
Standards:
IEEE 802.11a
PCMCIA Cardbus
BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE AND A BARCODE
FROM THE PRODUCT’S PACKAGING ON HAND WHEN CALLING.
RETURN REQUESTS CANNOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT PROOF OF
PURCHASE.
Channels:
8 Channels (US, Canada)
Operating Range:
Indoors:
Up to 328 ft. (100M)*
Up to 1148 ft. (350M)*
Outdoors:
IN NO EVENT SHALL LINKSYS’S LIABILITY EXCEED THE PRICE
PAID FOR THE PRODUCT FROM DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCI-
DENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE
USE OF THE PRODUCT, ITS ACCOMPANYING SOFTWARE, OR ITS
DOCUMENTATION. LINKSYS DOES NOT OFFER REFUNDS FOR ANY
PRODUCT.
Environmental
LINKSYS OFFERS CROSS SHIPMENTS, A FASTER PROCESS FOR PRO-
CESSING AND RECEIVING YOUR REPLACEMENT. LINKSYS PAYS
FOR UPS GROUND ONLY. ALL CUSTOMERS LOCATED OUTSIDE OF
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CANADA SHALL BE HELD
RESPONSIBLE FOR SHIPPING AND HANDLING CHARGES. PLEASE
CALL LINKSYS FOR MORE DETAILS.
Dimensions:
4.4" x 2.13" x 0.4"
(110 mm x 54 mm x 10 mm)
Unit Weight:
Power:
1.5 oz. (42 g)
275mA Tx, 225mA Rx
FCC Class B
Certifications:
Operating Temp.:
0ºC to 45ºC (32ºF to 113ºF)
-20ºC to 70ºC (-4ºF to 158ºF)
0% to 90%, Non-Condensing
5% to 90%, Non-Condensing
Storage Temp.
:
Operating Humidity:
Storage Humidity:
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Appendix E: Contact Information
For help with the installation or operation of this product, contact Linksys
Technical Support at one of the phone numbers or Internet addresses below.
Sales Information
Technical Support
RMA Issues
Fax
800-546-5797 (LINKSYS)
866-242-8558
949-261-1288
949-261-8868
Email
Web
FTP Site
ftp.linksys.com
© Copyright 2002 Linksys, All Rights Reserved.
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