Software Components - Cisco AIR-PCI340 Installation And Configuration Manual

Chapter 1 Product Overview

Software Components

The client adapter has three major software components: radio firmware, a driver, and client utilities.
These components are installed together by running a single Install Wizard file that is available from
Cisco.com. This file can be run on Windows 98, 98 SE, NT, 2000, Me, or XP and can be used with any
of the following client adapter types:
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•
•
Chapter 3
components.
Prior to the release of the Install Wizard file, each software component had to be installed separately.
Note
This version of the Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapters Installation and Configuration Guide
for Windows pertains specifically to versions of the software that are available through the Install
Wizard. If you are using, installing, or upgrading to versions of client adapter software that do not use
the Install Wizard, refer to version OL-1394-04 of this manual for information and instructions.
Radio Firmware
The firmware controls the client adapter's radio. The client adapter is shipped with the firmware installed
in Flash memory. However, Cisco recommends that you always use the latest version. You can upgrade
the client adapter's firmware in three ways:
•
•
•
Driver
The driver provides an interface between a computer running a Windows operating system and the client
adapter, thereby enabling Windows and the applications it runs to communicate with the adapter. The
driver must be installed before the adapter can be used.
Cisco Aironet 340, 350, and CB20A Wireless LAN Client Adapters Installation and Configuration Guide for Windows
OL-1394-07
340 and 350 series PC, LM, and PCI cards
350 series mini PCI cards
PC-Cardbus (CB20A) cards
provides instructions on using the Install Wizard to install or upgrade these software
Through the Install Wizard—The Install Wizard automatically upgrades the client adapter's
firmware to the version included in the Install Wizard file.
Through the driver—The driver included in the Install Wizard file is also bundled with client adapter
firmware. Each time you insert a client adapter or reboot your computer, the driver loads and may
install the firmware with which it is bundled (if that firmware is newer than the firmware that is
currently installed in the adapter). You can use the Install Wizard's Disable Firmware Checking
parameter or ACU's Automatically Load New Firmware When NDIS Driver Is Updated parameter
to specify whether the driver upgrades the firmware. Refer to
information.
Through ACU—The Load Firmware icon or Load New Firmware menu option in ACU enables you
to upgrade the client adapter's firmware from an image (*.img) file that contains only firmware.
Refer to the "Upgrading the Firmware" section on page 9-8
Software Components
page 3-6 and page 9-10 for more
for more information.
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