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Adaptec Ultra Wireless AWN-8030 User Manual

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Summary of Contents for Adaptec Ultra Wireless AWN-8030

  • Page 1 Adaptec Ultra Wireless for Notebooks User’s Guide...
  • Page 2 Copyright © 2002 Adaptec, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Adaptec, Inc., 691 South Milpitas Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035.
  • Page 3 Adaptec Technical Support If you have questions about installing or using your Adaptec product, check this document first—you will find answers to most of your questions here. If you need further assistance, use the support options listed below. Technical Support Identification (TSID) Number Before contacting Technical Support, you need your unique 12-digit TSID number.
  • Page 4 Limited 2-Year Hardware Warranty 1. Adaptec, Inc. (“Adaptec”) warrants to the purchaser of this product that it will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase. If the product should become defective within the warranty period, Adaptec, at its option, will repair or replace the product, or refund the purchaser’s purchase price for the product,...
  • Page 5 TERMS APPLICABLE TO THE SOFTWARE, YOU MAY RETURN THE ENTIRE UNUSED PRODUCT FOR A FULL REFUND. In return for acquiring a license to use the Adaptec software (“Software”) and the related documentation, you agree to the following terms and conditions: 1.
  • Page 6 Software is furnished will be free from defects in material or workmanship under normal use and service for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of delivery to you. ADAPTEC AND ITS LICENSORS DO NOT AND CANNOT WARRANT THE PERFORMANCE OR RESULTS YOU MAY OBTAIN BY USING THE SOFTWARE OR DOCUMENTATION.
  • Page 7 Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help. You are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the part responsible for compliance could void your authority to operate the equipment. Adaptec, Inc. FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radiation Exposure Statement This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.

  • Page 8: Table Of Contents

    In this Guide Getting Started Installation Task List Installing the Wireless PC Card Installing the Device Driver Installing the Adaptec Wireless Utility Disabling Zero Configuration (Windows XP only) Installing Network Protocols Connecting to the WLAN Checking Your Network Connection Changing the Set-up of Your WLAN...

  • Page 9: Getting Started

    Adaptec Ultra Wireless for Notebooks User’s Guide Getting Started This User’s Guide provides detailed instructions for installing and configuring the Adaptec AWN-8030 Ultra Wireless for Notebooks PC Card. See the Installation Task List on page 3 the installation process. This Guide also includes a basic overview of wireless and Local Area Network (LAN) technology (see users.

  • Page 10: Installation Task List

    Install the Wireless PC Card. See Install the device driver for your computer’s operating system. page Install the Adaptec Wireless Utility. See Disable Zero Configuration (Windows XP users only). See page Install the network protocols. See Connect to the WLAN. See Installation takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.

  • Page 11: Installing The Wireless Pc Card

    Adaptec Ultra Wireless for Notebooks User’s Guide Installing the Wireless PC Card Your Wireless PC Card, shown below, has a 68-pin connector that attaches to the PC card port of your notebook computer, and two LEDs that help you monitor the status of your wireless connection.
  • Page 12 Removing the Wireless PC Card Your Wireless PC Card is hot-swappable, which means that you can remove it while your computer is running. Caution: To prevent data loss, stop all data transmission before you remove the Wireless PC Card. To remove the Wireless PC Card: 1 Stop the Wireless PC Card, using the Stop or Remove icon in your system tray.

  • Page 13: Installing The Device Driver

    Adaptec Ultra Wireless for Notebooks User’s Guide Installing the Device Driver Before you continue, ensure that you have: Reviewed About Wireless Technology and LANs on page 42 basic overview of WLANs. Installed the Wireless PC Card. See The next step on the Installation Task List device driver.

  • Page 14: Windows Xp Driver Installation

    Windows XP Driver Installation To install the device driver on Windows XP: 1 Install the Wireless PC Card into your computer. See Power on your computer, if it isn’t already running. Windows XP automatically detects the Wireless PC Card and opens the Found New Hardware Wizard.
  • Page 15 Adaptec Ultra Wireless for Notebooks User’s Guide 5 Click Finish. The device driver installation is complete. Windows XP automatically begins the next installation task by opening the software installation wizard for the Adaptec Wireless Utility. Go to Installing the Adaptec Wireless Utility on page 17 continue.

  • Page 16: Windows 2000 Driver Installation

    Windows 2000 Driver Installation To install the device driver on Windows 2000: 1 Install the Wireless PC Card into your computer. See Power on your computer, if it isn’t already running. Windows 2000 automatically detects the Wireless PC Card and opens the Found New Hardware Wizard.
  • Page 17 Adaptec Ultra Wireless for Notebooks User’s Guide 4 Insert the Ultra Wireless for Notebooks CD into your CD-ROM drive. 5 Select CD-ROM driver, then click Next. 6 Click Next.
  • Page 18 7 Click Yes. 8 Click Finish. The device driver installation is complete. Windows 2000 automatically begins the next installation task by opening the software installation wizard for the Adaptec Wireless Utility. Go to Installing the Adaptec Wireless Utility on page 17 continue.

  • Page 19: Windows Me Driver Installation

    Adaptec Ultra Wireless for Notebooks User’s Guide Windows Me Driver Installation To install the device driver on Windows Me: 1 Install the Wireless PC Card into your computer. See Power on your computer, if it isn’t already running. Windows Me automatically detects the Wireless PC Card and opens the Add New Hardware Wizard.
  • Page 20 5 Click Yes to restart your computer. When the restart is complete, Windows Me automatically begins the next installation task by opening the software installation wizard for the Adaptec Wireless Utility. Go to Installing the Adaptec Wireless Utility on page 17...

  • Page 21: Windows 98Se Driver Installation

    Adaptec Ultra Wireless for Notebooks User’s Guide Windows 98SE Driver Installation To install the device driver on Windows 98SE: 1 Install the Wireless PC Card into your computer. See Power on your computer, if it isn’t already running. Windows 98SE automatically detects the Wireless PC Card and opens the Add New Hardware Wizard.
  • Page 22 4 Insert the Ultra Wireless for Notebooks CD into your CD-ROM drive. 5 Select CD-ROM drive, then click Next. 6 Click Next. Windows 98SE copies files to your hard drive. Installing the Device Driver...
  • Page 23 8 Click Yes to restart your computer. When the restart is complete, Windows 98SE automatically begins the next installation task by opening the software installation wizard for the Adaptec Wireless Utility. Go to Installing the Adaptec Wireless Utility on page 17...

  • Page 24: Installing The Adaptec Wireless Utility

    Installed the Wireless PC Card. See Installed the device driver. See The next step on the Installation Task List (see the Adaptec Wireless Utility, a software application that helps you configure your Wireless PC Card. When the device driver installation is complete, Windows automatically opens InstallShield, an installation wizard that will help you install the Adaptec Wireless Utility.
  • Page 25 Adaptec Ultra Wireless for Notebooks User’s Guide 2 The installation wizard chooses a default destination folder for the software files. Click Next to accept the default destination (recommended), or click Browse to select an alternate destination. 3 You can choose where to store program icons in the Program Folder.
  • Page 26 Installing the Adaptec Wireless Utility 4 Click Next. 5 The software installation begins. The Setup Status appears on screen. 6 Click Finish.
  • Page 27 Zero Configuration, which automatically takes over as the default utility for your Wireless PC Card. When the Adaptec Wireless Utility installation is complete, a message appears telling you that you must disable Windows Zero Configuration before using the Adaptec Wireless Utility.

  • Page 28: Disabling Zero Configuration (Windows Xp Only)

    Windows XP system, Windows XP has a built-in configuration application called Zero Configuration that automatically takes over as the default utility for your Wireless PC Card. To use the Adaptec Wireless Utility, you must first disable Zero Configuration. Although Zero Configuration is similar to the Adaptec Wireless Utility in functionality, the Adaptec Wireless Utility is easier to use and has extra security settings.
  • Page 29 Adaptec Ultra Wireless for Notebooks User’s Guide 3 Ensure that the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings box is deselected, then click OK. Ensure checkbox is empty. 4 Open the Adaptec Wireless Utility. (See Wireless Utility is already running, close it and re-open it.

  • Page 30: Installing Network Protocols

    About Wireless Technology and LANs on page 42 basic overview of WLANs. Installed the Wireless PC Card. See Installed the device driver. See Installed the Adaptec Wireless Utility. See Disabled Zero Configuration (Windows XP users only). page The next step on the Installation Task List network protocols.
  • Page 31 Adaptec Ultra Wireless for Notebooks User’s Guide Windows 98SE/Me Users To install the appropriate network protocols: 1 From the Start menu, click Settings, then click Control Panel. 2 Double-click Network and check that the network protocol isn’t already installed. All installed protocols are listed under the Configuration tab.
  • Page 32 Installing Network Protocols 3 Select Adaptec Wireless PC Card, then click Add. 4 Select Protocol, then click Add.
  • Page 33 Adaptec Ultra Wireless for Notebooks User’s Guide 5 Under Manufacturers, select Microsoft, under Network Protocols, select TCP/IP, then click OK. The system updates the network configuration. 6 Click Yes to restart your computer. 7 See Connecting to the WLAN on page 27 last Installation Task.

  • Page 34: Connecting To The Wlan

    Adaptec Wireless products are preset to work together on a WLAN. If you are using only Adaptec Wireless products on your WLAN, you do not need to change the default settings on your Wireless PC Card. You have completed the Installation Task List.
  • Page 35 Adaptec Ultra Wireless for Notebooks User’s Guide To connect your Wireless PC Card to your WLAN: 1 Open the Adaptec Wireless Utility by double-clicking the Adaptec Wireless Utility icon on your taskbar. 2 Click the Configuration tab. a Ensure that the Operating Mode setting is correct for your WLAN.
  • Page 36 Each station on your WLAN must have the same Preamble Type setting. c Make any necessary changes, then click Apply Changes. 5 Click OK to close the Adaptec Wireless Utility. You have completed the Installation Task List. Checking Your Network Connection on page 30 information on using your Wireless PC Card.

  • Page 37: Checking Your Network Connection

    If it’s dark, there is no wireless connection. Look at the Adaptec Wireless Utility icon on your taskbar. If the icon is green, the wireless connection is made. If the icon is red, the Wireless PC Card is searching for a connection.

  • Page 38: Changing The Set-Up Of Your Wlan

    Changing the Set-up of Your WLAN You can use the Adaptec Wireless Utility to change the set-up of your WLAN by: Changing the operating mode. See Choosing a specific AP. See Changing the Encryption (WEP) settings. See Changing the transfer rate. See Enabling the Power Saving Mode.
  • Page 39 3 In the Operating Mode drop-down box, select your chosen operating mode, as shown above. 4 Click Apply Changes. 5 Click OK to close the Adaptec Wireless Utility, or see to the WLAN on page 27 Step 1 on page for additional information.
  • Page 40 4 Click the Link tab and ensure that the AP’s signal strength and link quality are acceptable. 5 Click Connect. Once the connection is made, the Adaptec Wireless Utility opens the Link Status page, which shows you the connected Wireless network.
  • Page 41 Adaptec Ultra Wireless for Notebooks User’s Guide Changing the Encryption Settings Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a security feature that encrypts the data being sent over the radio waves of your WLAN. Disabled encryption allows your Wireless devices to share data in plain text.
  • Page 42 WLAN. Go to Creating the Keys Manually If you have only Adaptec brand products on your WLAN, you can create a passphrase that automatically generates the required keys and sets a default key. Go to...
  • Page 43 1 Click Create with Passphrase, then type in your chosen word or phrase in the Passphrase text box. As you type, the Adaptec Wireless Utility will auto-generate the required keys and set a default key. (In the example below, the...
  • Page 44 2 Click the Configuration tab. 3 In the Transfer Rate drop-down box, select the transfer rate you want, as shown above. 4 Click Apply Changes, then click OK to close the Adaptec Wireless Utility. Changing the Set-up of Your WLAN...
  • Page 45 1 Open the Adaptec Wireless Utility. See 2 Click the Configuration tab. 3 In the Power Saving Mode drop-down box, select Enabled, as shown above. 4 Click Apply Changes, then click OK to close the Adaptec Wireless Utility. Adjusting the Transmit Threshold Control Settings Changes to the Transmit Threshold Control settings can affect overall network performance.
  • Page 46 The default profile contains the default settings of your Wireless PC Card. To save a new profile: 1 Open the Adaptec Wireless Utility. See 2 Click the Configuration tab. 3 In the drop-down box, type a new profile name, then click Create.

  • Page 47: Troubleshooting

    See Setting the WEP Keys on page 35 information. My Adaptec Wireless Utility icon is red. The Link LED on my Wireless PC Card is not on. Your Wireless PC Card is not linked to the WLAN. You may be outside the range of available APs.
  • Page 48 3 Select an AP, then click Connect. If a link is made, the Adaptec Wireless Utility icon turns green (see page 30) and the Link LED on your Wireless PC Card lights up. If no link is made, click the Link tab. If the Link Quality or Signal Strength values are lower than 25 percent, it’s unlikely...

  • Page 49: About Wireless Technology And Lans

    There are different types of wireless networks, each with it’s own set of features and benefits. Adaptec Wireless Network products are based on the Wi-Fi standard (wireless fidelity, like high fidelity...
  • Page 50 Refer to your operating system’s documentation for more information. You can protect your network from intrusion from the outside world (via the Internet) by installing a router. Go to the Adaptec Web site at www.adaptec.com Wireless Router.

  • Page 51: Technical Specifications

    Adaptec Ultra Wireless for Notebooks User’s Guide Technical Specifications Standards IEEE 802.11b PCMCIA 2.1 and JEIDA 4.2 standard Channels 11 channels (US, Canada) 13 channels (Europe) 14 channels (Japan) Antenna Built-in strip antenna Frequency 2.4 to 2.4835 GHz (Industrial Scientific Medical Band)

  • Page 52: Glossary

    Glossary Glossary Access Point An Access Point (AP) is a wired controller that sends data to the wireless NICs installed in your network computers, and receives data back from them. An AP is often connected to the network computer that has Internet access, or is directly connected to the Internet by a DSL or cable modem.
  • Page 53 Adaptec Ultra Wireless for Notebooks User’s Guide firewall A firewall is a security device that helps prevent users outside your network from accessing your LAN or WLAN. A firewall uses special software that keeps unauthorized users out of your network.
  • Page 54 network protocols Network protocols are rules that determine how devices on a network communicate with each other. Stands for Network Interface Card. A Wireless NIC is a computer card (such as a Wireless PCI adapter, Wireless PC Card, or Wireless USB adapter) that lets your computer link to a WLAN.
  • Page 55 It is expressed in Mbps. The default transfer rate setting, Auto Rate (or Automatic), allows your Wireless device to automatically adjust its transfer speed for optimal performance and the longest operating range. Adaptec recommends that whenever possible, you maintain the Auto Rate setting.
  • Page 56 Glossary Wireless Network ID The Wireless Network ID (also referred to as the SSID) is like a secret code that your AP and your Wireless devices share to prevent unauthorized users from accessing your WLAN. Your Wireless devices can only connect to your AP if they have the same SSID as the AP.
  • Page 57 Adaptec, Inc. 691 South Milpitas Boulevard Milpitas, CA 95035 USA © 2002 Adaptec, Inc. All rights reserved. Adaptec and the Adaptec logo are trademarks of Adaptec, Inc. which may be registered in some jurisdictions. Part Number: 513357-06, Ver. AA, LB 09/02...

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