I IEEE 802.11b 11 Mbps

Wireless Notebook CardbusUser’s Manual

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Figure 2. APC 802.11b Wireless Notebook Cardbus Manager Screen

The configuration utility includes five tabs, as follows:Configuration: shows configuration parameters for theWireless Notebook Cardbus.Link information: shows the Wireless Notebook Cardbusstatistics.IP information: shows the Internet Address of theCardbus.Site Survey: scans/shows all the wireless devices in range.Version information: shows the version information for thedriver and utility.At the bottom of each screen are 3 functions that can beselected, as follows:• Radio On/Radio Off: turns the transmission/reception of

the Wireless Notebook Cardbus ON or OFF.• Help: click here to access the help file.• Exit: clicking on this button closes the configuration utility

dialogue box.

ConfigurationUse this utility tab (Figure 3) to configure the Cardbusparameters.

Figure 3. Configuration Tab Screen

� In the Default Key field, select one key as the defaultkey to be used for encryption.

� Manually enter a string of characters in thecorresponding Key # (Key 1~Key 4) field selected instep 3. Click Apply changes to allow the settings totake effect.

Note: When setting up WEP without using the Passphrasefunction, if the Key Type is set to Hex, only hexadecimalcharacters (range: 0~9 and A~F) can be used. WhenEncryption is set to 64-bit, a maximum of 10 hex characterscan be entered in the Key field. And when 128-bitEncryption is selected, a maximum of 26 hex characterscan be entered to generate the key string. If the Key Type isset to ASCII, and Encryption is set to 64-bit, then 5 ASCIIcharacters can be used in the Key field. For 128-bitEncryption, 13 ASCII characters can be used.

.Link informationThis screen (Figure 4) displays the current connectioninformation of the Wireless Notebook Cardbus.Associated BSS ID: the MAC address of the access point towhich the Wireless LAN Card is connected in aninfrastructure network. In an ad hoc network, the BSS ID is arandom number generated by the first station thatcommunicates with other clients in the network.

Figure 4. Wireless Cardbus ManagerLink Screen

Channel: the channel used to communicate with theconnecting wireless device.Current Tx Rate: the data transmission rate. SSID: the Service Set Identification of the wireless networkto which the Wireless Notebook Cardbus is connected.Rx Fragments: is the number of received fragments.Tx Fragments: is the number of transmitted fragments.Link Quality: shows the link quality of the current wirelessconnection.Signal Strength: indicates the relative strength of theconnection between the Wireless Notebook Cardbus and theconnected device.

Model Number WCB2000B

Select Profile: use to specify a profile name for a specificconfiguration of parameters.

New: use to set up a new profile by clicking New.

Save: use to save a profile after configuring the settings,click Save.Delete: to delete a profile, select the profile from the drop-down menu for Select Profile, click Delete.Service Set Identifier (SSID): input an SSID string for thewireless network where the connection is to be made. Thisshould be set to the same value as the SSID of the accesspoint or wireless router that the computer is connected to. Toroam among multiple access points with different BSSIDs,set this value to ANY to allow connection to any accesspoint.Channel: if setting up an ad-hoc wireless LAN (see “NetworkTopologies”), set the channel to the same radio channel asthat used by the other wireless clients in the group. However,if connecting to a network via an access point, the channel isautomatically set by the access point.Note: The available channels are limited to local regulations.

FCC: channels 1-11.Transmit (Tx) Rate: indicates the data transmission rate.Select an appropriate transmission speed. Lower speeds willgive better range.Operating Mode: set the operation mode to 802.11 AdHocfor connections that do not have any access points, or toInfrastructure for connections with an access point (see“Network Topologies” for more information).Tx Power: move the slider up and down to increase ordecrease the transmission power.Encryption: Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) isimplemented in the Wireless Notebook Cardbus to preventunauthorized access. For more secure data transmission,set the Encryption to 128-bit or 64-bit.Key Type: select ASCII or Hex.Default Key: choose the key for encryption.Passphrase: check this box to automatically generate keystrings for encryption (recommended).How to set up WEP:The WEP mechanism is based on the RC4 encryptionalgorithm. The security keys are provided to ensure dataconfidentiality. When selecting 64-bit Encryption, 4 keys willbe generated. When 128-bit Encryption is selected, onlyone key will be generated. WEP security protects thewireless LAN against eavesdropping and unauthorizedaccess by intruders. If WEP is in use, all clients on the samenetwork must use the same WEP key settings in order tocommunicate with each other.To use the WEP function, proceed as follows:Select 128-bit or 64-bit in the Encryption field.

� Check the Passphrase box; enter a string of charactersin this field to automatically generate keys.

� In the Default Key field, select one key as the defaultkey to be used for encryption.

� Click the Apply changes button to allow the settings totake effect.

Or

� Select 128-bit or 64-bit in the Encryption field.

� In the Key Type field, select ASCII or Hex.

IP informationThis screen displays IP information (Figure 5) for yournotebook. Now that you have configured yourWireless Notebook Cardbus to connect to wirelessnetworks, you need to obtain new network settings.

Figure 5. Wireless Cardbus ManagerIP Information Screen

IP Address — internet address of the notebookcomputer.IP Netmask — a mask used to determine to whatsubnet an IP address belongs.Host Name — the notebook computer name on thenetwork.Gateway — the IP address of the Gateway.DHCP Server — the IP address of the DHCP server.Release — click this button to release the current IPsettings of the Wireless Notebook Cardbus.Renew — click this button to obtain new IP settingsfor the Wireless Notebook Cardbus.

Site browseSite browse (see Figure 6 on the reverse of this page)scans and displays all wireless devices within range.You can connect to a wireless device by double-clicking on that entry.Rescan — click this button to scan for availablenetwork connections.SSID — Service Set ID (see Service Set ID fordetails).BSSID — Basic Service Set ID (see Basic Service SetID for more information).Channel — the radio channel on which the wirelessdevice operates.Encryption — the locking icon indicates that theencryption function has been enabled.Signal — shows the signal strength from the adapterto the listed wireless devices.Network Type — this indicates the operating mode ofthe listed networks (see previous definition ofOperating Mode.)

INTRODUCTIONThank you for purchasing APC’s WirelessNotebook Cardbus (referred to as Cardbus).This document provides information necessaryto install and setup the device and software.

Figure 1. Wireless Notebook Cardbus

PACKAGE CONTENTSThe Cardbus package includes:• 1 Wireless Notebook Cardbus• 1 driver and utility installation and

documentation compact disk (CD)• Plastic carrying case• Quick Installation GuidePlease contact the reseller if any item is missingor damaged.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTSBefore installing the Cardbus, check thesystem for the following:• TCP Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)• A notebook computer with a Personal Com-

puter Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) Type II or Type III slot or with enabled notebook

• A minimum of 1500 Kbytes free disk space for installing the driver and utility program

• Other IEEE 802.11b-compliant devices installed in the network area such as a wireless router or a wireless access point.

UTILITY CONFIGURATIONWireless Card ManagerTo configure the Cardbus, double-click on theWireless Card Manager icon on the desktop tolaunch the utility (see Figure 2), or access itfrom the Start menu.

• The access point that you are connecting to might bedefective. Try connecting to another access point.

• If you cannot access a Windows or NetWare service on thenetwork, check that you have enabled and configured theservice correctly. If you cannot connect to a particularserver, be sure that you have access rights and a valid IDand password.

• If you cannot access the Internet, be sure you haveconfigured your system for TCP/IP.

If your wireless station cannot communicate with a device inthe Ethernet LAN when configured for Infrastructure mode,check the following:• Make sure the access point that the station is associated

with is powered on.• Check the SSID of the access point that you are

connecting to, make sure you set the adapter to the sameSSID.

• If there is still no connection, change the radio channel ofthe access point and all the clients within the same BSS.

• Check if WEP settings have been enabled in the accesspoint to which you are connecting. Make sure that theencryption, default key and passphrase settings of theadapter are set to the same as the access point. Contactyour network administrator for more information.

SPECIFICATIONS

Item SpecificationData Rate 1, 2, 5.5, 11 MbpsNetwork Connection

IEEE 802.11b - Wireless LAN

Operating Range Indoor: Up to 50 m (164 ft) at 11 Mbps, up to 90 m (295 ft) at 2 Mbps, up to 115 m (377 ft) at 1 MbpsOutdoor: Up to 160 m (525 ft) at 11 Mbps, up tp 400 m (1312 ft) at 2 Mbps, up to 550 m (1804 ft) at 1 Mbps

Signal Type Direct Sequence Spread-Spectrum (DSSS)

Operating Frequency

USA, Canada and Europe (ETSI): 2.400-2.4835 GHz

Sensitivity -82 dBm (minimum) at 11 Mbps-85 dBm (minimum) at 5.5 Mbps-87 dBm (minimum) at 2 Mbps-92 dBm (minimum) at 1 Mbps

Modulation CCK, BPSK, QPSKOutput Power +17.5 dBm (normal)Power Consumption

3.3 V, 375 mA transmit, 285 mA receive (normal)

Dimensions 12.8 x 5.3 cm (5.04 x 2.09 in.)Antenna Dual antennaLED Indicator Link, ActivityHost Interface PCMCIA, Type II or Type IIIWireless Standard IEEE 802.11bTemperature Operating: 0 to 50 °C (32 to 122 °F)

Storage: 0 to 70 °C (32 to 158 °F)Humidity 5 to 80% (non-condensing)Vibration/Shock/Drop

IEC 68-2-34, IEC 68-2-27,IEC68-2-32

Certification - CE Mark

EN 50081-1, EN 55022 Class BEN 50082-1, EN 61000-4-2/3/4/6/11

Emissions FCC Part 15(B), ETS 300-328NDIS Drivers Windows 2000, Windows XP

Figure 6. Wireless Cardbus Manager Site Browse Screen(see bottom of previous page)

Version InformationThe Version Information screen (Figure 7) showsinformation on the current version of the driver andconfiguration utility.

Figure 7. Version Information Screen

Network Configuration and PlanningThis Wireless Solution supports a stand-alone wirelessnetwork configuration, as well as an integrated configurationwith Ethernet LANs. The Cardbus can be configured as:• Ad hoc for departmental or SOHO LANs• Infrastructure for enterprise LANs

Network Topologies - Ad Hoc Wireless LANAn ad hoc wireless LAN (Figure 8) consists of a group ofcomputers, each equipped with a wireless adapter,connected via radio signals as an independent wireless LAN.Computers in a specific ad hoc wireless LAN must beconfigured to the same radio channel. An ad hoc wirelessLAN can be used for a branch office or SOHO operation.

Figure 8. Example of an Ad Hoc Wireless LAN

Infrastructure Wireless LANThe Wireless Notebook Cardbus can also provide wirelessworkstations with access to a wired LAN. An integrated wiredand wireless LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. ABasic Service Set (BSS) consists of a group of wireless PCusers, and an access point that is directly connected to thewired LAN. Each wireless PC in this BSS can talk to anycomputer in its wireless group via a radio link, or accessother computers or network resources in the wired LANinfrastructure via the access point.The infrastructure configuration not only extends theaccessibility of wireless PCs to the wired LAN, but alsoextends the effective wireless transmission range forwireless PCs by passing their signals through one or moreaccess points. A wireless infrastructure can be used for access to a centraldatabase, or for connection between mobile workers, asshown in Figure 9.

Figure 9. Example of an InfrastructureWireless LAN

Setting the Communication Domain- Stationary Wireless PCs The Basic Service Set (BSS) is the communication domainfor each access point. For wireless PCs that do not need tosupport roaming, set the domain identifier (SSID) for thewireless card to the SSID of the access point you want toconnect to. Check with your administrator for the SSID of theaccess point to which you are connecting.

Ad Hoc Wireless LAN

Notebook with

Wireless USB Adapter

Notebook with

Wireless PC Card

PC with Wireless

PCI Adapter

File

Server

SwitchDesktop PC

Access Point

Wired LAN Extension

to Wireless Adapters

PC with WirelessPC I Adapter

Notebook with WirelessPC Card Adapter

WARRANTYThe standard warranty is two (2) years fromthe date of purchase. APC’s standardprocedure is to replace the original unit witha factory reconditioned unit. APC will shipthe replacement unit once the defectiveunit has been received by the repairdepartment, or cross-ship upon the receiptof a valid credit card number. The customerpays for shipping the unit to APC. APCpays ground freight transportation costs toship the replacement unit to the customer.

WARRANTY REGISTRATIONTo register this product for purposes of thewarranty, please go to warranty.apc.com.

APC CONTACT INFORMATION

990-1689 Copyright © 2003 American Power Conversion. Allrights reserved. APC is a registered trademark of AmericanPower Conversion. All other trademarks are the property of theirrespective owners.

Technical Support www.apc.com/supportInternet www.apc.comUSA and Canada 800-800-4272France 0800 906 483Asia-Pacific (+65) 3896 823China (+86) (10) 8529 9888Europe/Middle East/Africa

(+353) 91 702020

Worldwide (+1) 401 789 5735

Roaming Wireless PCs A wireless infrastructure can also support roaming for mobileworkers. More than one access point can be configured tocreate an Extended Service Set (ESS). By placing theaccess points so that a continuous coverage area is created,wireless users within this ESS can roam freely. All wirelessadapters and access points within a specific ESS must beconfigured with the same SSID and to the same radiochannel (see Figure 10).

Figure 10. Example of Seamless Roaming

TroubleshootingCheck the following troubleshooting items before contactingTechnical Support.

Wireless Notebook Cardbus Installation ProblemsIf the notebook computer cannot find the Wireless NotebookCardbus, or the driver software does not install correctly,check the following:• Ensure the Cardbus is securely seated in the PCMCIA

slot. Check for any hardware problems, such as physical damage to the card connector.

• Install the Cardbus in another PCMCIA slot. If this also fails, test the notebook with another wireless Cardbus that is known to operate correctly.

• Ensure the notebook computer is using the latest BIOS (check the manual provided with the notebook computer for details.

• If there are other network adapters in the notebook, they may be in conflict. Remove the other network adapters from the notebook and test the wireless adapter separately.

• Check for a defective notebook computer or PCMCIA connection by trying the adapter in another notebook that is known to operate correctly.

If all fails, and the Cardbus still does not work, take out theCardbus. Uninstall the driver and utility from the notebook,then go to “Control Panel” and delete the Cardbus from thenetwork configuration menu. Restart the notebook andreinstall the Cardbus and the driver and utility software.

Network Connection ProblemsIf the Link LED on the Wireless Notebook Cardbus does notlight, or if you cannot access any network resources from thenotebook, check the following:• Ensure the driver and utility software is installed correctly.

If necessary, try to uninstall and then reinstall the software.• Ensure the notebook and other network devices are

receiving power.

File

Server

Switch

Desktop PC

Access Point

Notebooks with WirelessPC Card Adapters

Seamless Roaming

<BSS2>

<ESS>

<BSS1>

PC with WirelessPC I Adapter

PC with WirelessPCI Adapter

Notebook with WirelessPC Card Adapter

Access Point

Wireless CellCoverage Area