Troubleshooting; Common Problems And Solutions; Frequently Asked Questions - Linksys WPC11 User Manual

Troubleshooting

Common Problems and Solutions

This chapter provides solutions to problems usually occurring during the instal-
lation and operation of the Network 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 Network PC Card.
Make sure that the Network PC Card is properly inserted into the PCMCIA
slot. Note that the card can be inserted either way, but when it is inserted
properly, the "Instant Wireless" logo on the front of the card will not be seen.
If seen from the opposite side, only a small portion of the barcode and no
numbers can be seen when the card is inserted completely. If in doubt, try
inserting the card both ways. The card will slide in further when it is correct.
2. The Network PC Card does not work properly.
• Reinsert the Network PC Card into your notebook's PCMCIA slot. A beep
should be heard if the adapter is properly inserted.
• For non-Windows environments, make sure that a PCMCIA card service
driver is installed on your PC.
• Click the Control Panel and then PC-Card. Check whether it has a PCM-
CIA card in one of the sockets or not. If you find Network PC Card in one
of the sockets, it means the card is 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 Network PC Card if it
is installed successfully. If you see the yellow exclamation mark, the
resources are conflicting. Click PCMCIA card and then PCMCIA card serv-
ice. You will see the status of the Network PC Card. If there is a yellow ques-
tion mark, please check the following:
• Make sure your notebook supports a 5.0V card.
• Make sure your notebook has a free IRQ.
• Make sure you have inserted the right card and installed the proper
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.
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Instant Wireless TM Series Network PC Card
3. I cannot communicate with the other computers linked via Ethernet in
the Infrastructure configuration.
• Make sure that the notebook PC to which the Network PC Card is associat-
ed is powered on.
• Make sure that your Network PC Card is configured on the same channel and
with the same security options as the other computers in the Infrastructure
configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run an application from a remote computer over the wireless net-
work?
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 multiplayer games with other users 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 802.11b standard?
The IEEE 802.11b Wireless LAN standards subcommittee is formulating a
standard for the industry. The objective is to enable wireless LAN hardware
from different manufacturers to communicate.
What IEEE 802.11 features are supported?
The product supports the following IEEE 802.11 functions:
• CSMA/CA plus Acknowledge protocol
• Multi-Channel Roaming
• Automatic Rate Selection
• RTS/CTS feature
• Fragmentation
• Power Management
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. An Ad-hoc wireless LAN is appli-
cable at a departmental scale for a branch or SOHO operation.
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.
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