1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Aironet Manuals
  4. Adapter
  5. ISA3500
  6. User's manual and technical reference manual

Aironet ISA3500 User's Manual And Technical Reference Manual

Wireless lan adapter
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
User's Guide and Technical
Reference Manual
Aironet Wireless LAN Adapter
Products supported:
ISA3500 and PCI3500
DOC-710-004491-A0
PCI
ISA
Aironet Wireless Communications, Inc. • 3875 Embassy Parkway
Akron, Ohio 44333-8357
www.aironet.com

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the ISA3500 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for Aironet ISA3500

Summary of Contents for Aironet ISA3500

  • Page 1 User’s Guide and Technical Reference Manual Aironet Wireless LAN Adapter Products supported: ISA3500 and PCI3500 DOC-710-004491-A0 Aironet Wireless Communications, Inc. • 3875 Embassy Parkway Akron, Ohio 44333-8357 www.aironet.com...
  • Page 2 Aironet Wireless Communications, Inc. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any means, elec- tronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the written permission of Aironet. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Aironet makes no representation or warranties with respect to the contents of this manual and specifically disclaims any express or implied warranties of merchantability or...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    About the User’s Guide and Technical Reference Manual ................. vii Typographical Conventions ........ix Section 1 Welcome to the Aironet 3500 Series Wireless LAN Adapter ..........1-1 Safety Information ..........1-2 Dipole Antenna ..........1-3 High Gain Antennas ........1-3 Other Devices in the Wireless Network ..
  • Page 4 Section 3 Installing the Software ..........3-1 Driver Overview ..........3-1 Windows 95 or Windows 98 NDIS3 Installation . 3-4 Windows NT NDIS3 Installation ......3-5 Windows for Workgroups NDIS2 Installation ..3-7 DOS NDIS2 Installation ........3-8 DOS Packet Driver Installation ......3-10 ODI Driver Installation ........
  • Page 5 Appendix B Using the WinDGS Utility ........... B-1 Commands Menu ............B-1 Select Card ............B-1 Load New Firmware ........... B-2 Edit Properties ............ B-2 Statistics ............. B-2 Status ..............B-2 Link Test ............. B-3 Site Survey ............B-3 Radio Off/On ............B-3 Exit ..............
  • Page 6 Appendix C Manufacturers Federal Communication Commission Declaration of Conformity Statement............C-1 Department of Communications–Canada Canadian Compliance Statement ..... C-2 European Telecommunications Standards Institute Statement of Compliance Information to User..........C-3 Declaration of Conformity........C-4 Appendix D Technical Support ..........D-1 Communications .........D-1 Web Site ............D-1...
  • Page 7 List of Figures Figure 1.1 - Ad Hoc Wireless LAN ....... 1-10 Figure 1.2 - Wireless Infrastructure ......1-11 Figure 1.3 - Wireless Infrastructure with Workstations Accessing a Wired LAN ......1-12 Figure 1.4 - Extended Infrastructure Using Repeaters. 1-13 Figure 1.5 - Minimal Overlap Coverage Option....
  • Page 8 List of Tables Table 3.1 - Driver Disk Structure........3-2 Table 3.2 - Minimum PROTOCOL.INI Driver Settings .. 3-8 Table 3.3 - Minimum AWCPKT.INI Driver Settings ..3-10 Table 3.4 - Minimum NET.CFG Driver Settings ..3-12 Table 3.5 - General Network Keywords ...... 3-16 Table 3.6 - Advanced Network Keywords ....

  • Page 9: About The User's Guide And Technical Reference Manual

    This Guide is arranged as follows: Section 1 – Welcome to the Aironet 3500 Series Wireless LAN Adapter – provides you with a general introduction to the 3500 Series Card, frequency hopping radio technology, and the various configurations you can use when operating...
  • Page 10 Appendix C – Channels – provides channel identifiers and channel center frequencies for various area regulatory agencies. Appendix D – Declaration of Conformity – provides conformity information about the Wireless LAN Adapter. Appendix E – Technical Support – provides contact information for Aironet. viii...

  • Page 11: Typographical Conventions

    About the User’s Guide and Technical Reference Manual Typographical Conventions When reading the User’s Guide and Technical Reference Manual, it is important to understand the symbol and formatting conventions used in the documentation. The fol- lowing symbols are used in the guide. Convention Type of Information Indicates a note which contains important...
  • Page 12 About the User’s Guide and Technical Reference Manual...

  • Page 13: Welcome To The Aironet 3500 Series Wireless Lan Adapter

    Welcome to the Aironet 3500 Series Wireless LAN Adapter Section 1 Welcome to the Aironet 3500 Series Wireless LAN Adapter The Aironet 3500 Series Wireless LAN Adapter provides transparent wireless data communications between fixed, portable, or mobile devices and other wireless devices or a wired network infrastructure (Ethernet or Token Ring).

  • Page 14: Safety Information

    Welcome to the Aironet 3500 Series Wireless LAN Adapter Safety Information The FCC with its action in ET Docket 96-8 has adopted a safety standard for human exposure to radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC certified equip- ment. The Aironet products meet the uncontrolled environ- mental limits found in OET-65 and ANSI C95.1, 1991.

  • Page 15: Dipole Antenna

    Welcome to the Aironet 3500 Series Wireless LAN Adapter Dipole Antenna Always orient antenna such that it is at least 15 cm (6 inches) away from your body. High Gain Antennas High gain wall mount or mast mount antennas are...

  • Page 16: Radio Characteristics

    No special wireless net- working functions are required. All existing applications, which operate over a network, will operate using the Aironet 3500 Series Wireless LAN Adapter.

  • Page 17: Protocols Supported

    Welcome to the Aironet 3500 Series Wireless LAN Adapter Protocols Supported The Aironet 3500 Series Wireless LAN Adapter can be used in a variety of infrastructure configurations. Aironet Access Points (AP3500) provide connections to Ethernet or Token Ring Networks. When using the Aironet standard...
  • Page 18 Welcome to the Aironet 3500 Series Wireless LAN Adapter Here are some operating and environmental conditions that need to be considered: • Data Rates. Sensitivity and range are inversely propor- tional to data bit rates. The maximum radio range is achieved at the lowest workable data rate.

  • Page 19: Link Test

    “anti-jamming” and “low proba- bility of intercept” radio systems. The Aironet Access Point must be set to the same Service Set Identifier (SSID) as all other Aironet devices on the wireless infrastructure. Units with a different SSID will not...

  • Page 20: Terminology

    Welcome to the Aironet 3500 Series Wireless LAN Adapter Terminology When configuring your system, and when reading this manual, keep in mind the following terminology: Association – Each root unit or repeater in the infrastructure contains an association table that controls the routing of packets between the Access Point and the wireless infrastructure.
  • Page 21 If a client node is using the Power Saving Protocol to communicate with the network, the Aironet Access Point must be aware of this mode and implement additional features such as message store and forward. If the client node is powered from an AC line, PSP should not be used.

  • Page 22: System Configurations

    Welcome to the Aironet 3500 Series Wireless LAN Adapter System Configurations The Aironet 3500 Series Wireless LAN Adapter can be used in a variety of network system configurations. Aironet Access Points (AP3500) provide connections to your Ether- net or Token Ring networks or act as repeaters increasing wireless communication range.

  • Page 23: Figure 1.2 - Wireless Infrastructure

    (Root Unit) Workstation Workstation In a wireless infrastructure, an Aironet Access Point is used as a stand-alone root unit. The root unit is not attached to any wired LAN (such as an Ethernet or Token Ring LAN), but functions as a hub linking all stations together. This configuration is similar to the ad hoc network, except the...

  • Page 24: Figure 1.3 - Wireless Infrastructure With Workstations Accessing A Wired Lan

    (roaming). When an infrastructure is configured using multiple Aironet Access Points and/or repeaters, a mobile station is automatically associated and re-associ- ated to the Aironet Access Point which provides the best performance. This is referred to as seamless roaming. 1-12...

  • Page 25: Figure 1.4 - Extended Infrastructure Using Repeaters

    Access Point (Repeater) Workstation An Aironet Access Point can be configured as a stand- alone repeater to extend the range of your infrastructure, or to overcome an RF blocking obstacle. The repeater for- wards traffic between the Aironet 3500 Series Wireless LAN...

  • Page 26: Coverage Options

    Welcome to the Aironet 3500 Series Wireless LAN Adapter Coverage Options The system architecture options of the wireless station and Access Points provide for a variety of coverage alternatives and flexibility. The system can be designed to provide a wide coverage area with minimal overlap (Figure 1.5) or coverage with heavy overlap (Figure 1.6).

  • Page 27: Figure 1.6 - Heavy Overlap Coverage Option

    Welcome to the Aironet 3500 Series Wireless LAN Adapter Figure 1.6 - Heavy Overlap Coverage Option Wired LAN By arranging the Access Points so the overlap in coverage area is nearly maximized, a large number of mobile stations can be supported in the same wireless infrastructure. How- ever, units in overlapping coverage areas on the same frequency will detect adjacent cell traffic and delay trans-...

  • Page 28: Figure 1.7 - Multiple Overlapping Systems Coverage Option

    Welcome to the Aironet 3500 Series Wireless LAN Adapter Figure 1.7 - Multiple Overlapping Systems Coverage Option Wired LAN 2 Wired LAN 1 Multiple systems can operate in the same vicinity. The architecture provides multiple channels, which can exist in the same area with virtually no interference to each other.

  • Page 29: Installing The Hardware

    Installing the Hardware Section 2 Installing the Hardware This section describes the procedures for installing the Wireless LAN Adapter. Here’s what you’ll find in this section: • Before You Start • Installing the Wireless LAN Adapter • Configuring the DIP Switches (ISA Only) •...

  • Page 30: Before You Start

    Standard 2 dBi dipole antenna • Software Driver Diskette If any item is damaged or missing, contact your Aironet sup- plier. Save all shipping and packing material in order to repack the unit should service be required. NOTE: Any remote antenna and its associated wiring are...

  • Page 31: Figure 2.1 - Overview Of The Wireless Lan Adapter

    Installing the Hardware Figure 2.1 - Overview of the Wireless LAN Adapter PnP/Non-PnP, IRQ Level and Base Address DIP Switches Antenna Connector Status and Activity LEDs ISA Card Edge Connector ISA3500 Antenna Connector PCI Card Edge Status and Connector Activity LEDs PCI3500...

  • Page 32: Installing The Wireless Lan Adapter

    Installing the Hardware Installing the Wireless LAN Adapter NOTE: The following procedures and physical connections apply generally to normal and conventional slots. In the cases of custom or non-conventional equipment, be alert to possible differences in slot configurations. Installation 1. Power off all computer system components. 2.
  • Page 33 Installing the Hardware 5. Press the Wireless LAN Adapter into an empty slot until its connector is firmly seated. CAUTION: Do not force the Wireless LAN Adapter into the slot. Forcing it will damage both the Wireless LAN Adapter and the slot. If the Wireless LAN Adapter does not go in easily, remove the card and re-insert.
  • Page 34 Installing the Hardware 6. Reinstall the screw to the top of the CPU back panel.

  • Page 35: Configuring The Dip Switches (Isa Only)

    PnP before shipment (this is the recommended setting). Expansion cards cannot share the same Base Address or IRQ. Check the switch settings on the ISA3500 to ensure they do not conflict with other expansion cards in the com- puter.

  • Page 36: Base Address

    Installing the Hardware Base Address The Wireless LAN Adapter uses 64 bytes of shared memory space with a base address that can be set to any boundary between 0xC000 and 0xDE00. The default factory setting is 0xD000. The Base Address is controlled through DIP switches 4 and 5.

  • Page 37: Irq Level

    Installing the Hardware IRQ Level The IRQ level is selected through DIP switches 1-3. The table below shows the switch position settings required for different IRQ levels. NOTE: When PnP is selected, the information in the table below will read “Don’t Care”. DIP Switch IRQ Level...

  • Page 38: Attaching The Antenna

    Installing the Hardware Attaching the Antenna The Wireless LAN Adapter comes with one 2 dBi dipole antenna. With the unit powered off, attach the antenna to the antenna connector on the Wireless LAN Adapter. NOTE: Do not over-tighten; finger tight is sufficient. Position the antenna vertically for best omni-directional signal reception.

  • Page 39: Viewing The Indicator Displays

    The indicators are a set of displays located on the Wireless LAN Adapter. • Status Indicator – Shows solid green when the Aironet Access Point has accepted a radio association. • Radio Indicator – Used to indicate radio traffic activity.
  • Page 40 Installing the Hardware Table 2.1 – Indicator Description Type Indicator Display Description Status Radio (Green) (Amber) Nonassoci- Blinking Blinking No nodes associated ated Node Fast Fast Associated/ Blinking Blinking One or more nodes Operational Slow when associated transmitting and/or receiving Firmware Solid Solid...

  • Page 41: Installing The Software

    The Wireless LAN Adapter is shipped with two diskettes: • WinDGS diagnostics diskette • Aironet driver diskette This section covers the drivers. The utilities are discussed in Section 4 – Utilities . The DOS, Windows 3.x and Windows for Workgroups based drivers must have a configuration file created (or...

  • Page 42: Table 3.1 - Driver Disk Structure

    Installing the Software The driver disk shipped with the Wireless LAN Adapter is organized as follows: Table 3.1 - Driver Disk Structure README.TXT Contains latest information about the disk contents DIAG Directory containing utilities FLSH3545.COM Flash firmware NDIS2 Directory containing NDIS2 driver files AWC2N35C.DOS NDIS2 driver OEMSETUP.INF...
  • Page 43 PC3500.INF WIN95/98 install file PC3500.SYS NDIS3 driver PC3500.DLL NDIS3 library VXD3500.VXD Virtual device driver for Aironet WinDGS utility OEMSETUP.INF WIN NT install file Directory containing ODI driver files AWCO35C.COM DOS based ODI driver NET.CFG The required configuration file for ODI. The NET.CFG file on the drive diskette contains...

  • Page 44: Windows 95 Or Windows 98 Ndis3 Installation

    NOTE: Expansion cards cannot share the same Base Address or IRQ. Check the switch settings on the ISA3500 to ensure they do not conflict with other expansion cards in the computer. NOTE: PnP must be enabled. See “Configuring the DIP Switches (ISA Only)”...

  • Page 45: Windows Nt Ndis3 Installation

    Windows NT: NOTE: Expansion cards cannot share the same Base Address or IRQ. Check the switch settings on the ISA3500 to ensure they do not conflict with other expansion cards in the computer. 1. Shutdown the Windows NT workstation.
  • Page 46 Installing the Software 10. Select OK when the dialog box shows the appropriate Wireless LAN Adapter. 11. Select the appropriate parameters, such as Infrastruc- ture Mode, SSID, and Bitrate. 12. Verify that the Interrupt and IO Base Address do not conflict with other devices’...

  • Page 47: Windows For Workgroups Ndis2 Installation

    8. Under Add Adapter, choose the appropriate Wireless LAN Adapter. If it is not on the menu list, choose Unlisted or Updated Network Driver. The Install Driver pop up window will ask you for the Aironet driver disk. 9. Place the driver disk in drive A:.

  • Page 48: Dos Ndis2 Installation

    Installing the Software DOS NDIS2 Installation The Aironet Wireless LAN Adapter can be installed in a NetBIOS compliant DOS environment such as MicroSoft LAN Manager or PC LAN. The installation of this driver includes creating or editing a configuration file (PROTOCOL.INI).
  • Page 49 Installing the Software 4. Modify the CONFIG.SYS file. After the line containing: Device=PROTMAN.DOS, add Device=[drive:] [path] AWC2N35C.DOS. 5. To modify the system parameters, edit the PROTO- COL.INI file in the network directory. For a list of param- eters which can be modified, see Table 3.2. 6.

  • Page 50: Dos Packet Driver Installation

    1. Power on your computer. 2. Copy the \PKT\AWCP35C.COM file from the Aironet Device Driver diskette to the directory containing the network files. 3. Copy the AWCPKT.INI file from the Aironet Device Driver diskette to the directory containing the Packet driver. 3-10...
  • Page 51 Installing the Software 4. If you would like to modify the system parameters, edit the AWCPKT.INI file. For a list of parameters which can be modified, see Table 3.3. 5. Load the driver by typing AWCP35C [-cinuw] <int_number> at the DOS prompt (i.e. AWCP35C 0x65) and press Enter.

  • Page 52: Odi Driver Installation

    2. Copy the \ODI\AWCO35C.COM driver from the Aironet Driver diskette to the directory containing the network files. 3. Copy the \ODI\NET.CFG file from the Aironet Driver diskette or merge the Aironet supplied NET.CFG file into your existing NET.CFG file in the network directory.

  • Page 53: General Information

    Installing the Software General Information • AWCPKT.INI file must have a section header of [AWCPKT]. • PROTOCOL.INI file can have any section header, but the section must contain the keyword and parameter DRIVERNAME=“AWC2N35C$”. • NET.CFG file must have a section header of [Link Driver AWCO35C].
  • Page 54 Installing the Software NOTE: PROTOCOL.INI does not support some of the white space characters in a quoted string. If a string begins with an alphabetic character and contains no special characters, the quotes may be omitted. • For Packet string parameters, the string can be enclosed with double quotes or single quotes.

  • Page 55: Driver Keywords And Settings

    The default Wireless LAN Adapter configuration is set to: • Constant Awake Mode • Infrastructure Mode – This allows association with any Aironet Access Point matching the SSID supplied by the user • Receive directed packets to this address as well as multicasts and broadcasts •...

  • Page 56: Table 3.5 - General Network Keywords

    Installing the Software The following tables contain keywords and parameter set- tings common to both the NDIS2 PROTOCOL.INI, ODI NET.CFG, and the PKT AWCPKT.INI configuration files. Basic system operation can be adjusted with the following parameters. Table 3.5 - General Network Keywords Keywords Value Description...
  • Page 57 Installing the Software NODEID 1 to 16 character Optional – specifies a readable string name for the station. POWER SAVING CAM, FASTPSP, Optional – specifies a particular MODE (PSP) PSP, PSP-CAM operational mode (default is CAM). CAM = Constant Awake Mode PSP = Power Save Mode FASTPSP = Fast Power Save Mode Note: In Ad Hoc Mode,...

  • Page 58: Table 3.6 - Advanced Network Keywords

    Installing the Software Network performance can be optimized with the following variables. Table 3.6 - Advanced Network Keywords Keywords Value Description RTSTHRESHOLD 0 – 2312 Optional – specifies the minimum frame size, in bytes, for which RTS/ CTS delivery will be used. Packets longer than this value will be deliv- ered using RTS/CTS handshaking (default is 300).

  • Page 59: Table 3.7 - Fragmentation Keywords

    Installing the Software Additional system performance adjustments can be made with the following group of variables. Table 3.7 - Fragmentation Keywords Keywords Value Description FRAGTHRESHOLD 256 – 2312 (must Optional – specifies the fragmenta- be even) tion size in bytes. Frames longer than this value will be transmitted using multiple packets (default is 700).

  • Page 60: Table 3.8 - Power Management Keywords

    Installing the Software The Wireless LAN Adapter power management can be adjusted with the following group of variables. Table 3.8 - Power Management Keywords Keywords Value Description ATIMDURATION Between 0 and Optional – ad hoc/IBSS only – spec- less than the ifies the length of time in Kµsec for beacon interval.
  • Page 61 Installing the Software Table 3.8 - Power Management Keywords (Continued) Keywords Value Description FASTLISTENTIME 0 – 0xFFFF Determines how often to awaken for beacons. Note that the PC Card will always awaken to receive DTIMs when in Fastpsp Mode (default is 100 Kµsec).

  • Page 62: Table 3.9 - Scanning Keywords

    Installing the Software Additional system performance adjustments can be made with the following group of variables. Table 3.9 - Scanning Keywords Keywords Value Description SCANMODE ACTIVE, Optional – parameter to determine PASSIVE, the current scanning mode to be ADVANCED used by the PC Card (default is ACTIVE).

  • Page 63: Table 3.10 - Infrastructure Keywords

    Installing the Software Additional system performance adjustments can be made with the following parameters. Table 3.10 - Infrastructure Keywords Keywords Value Description BEACONLOSTTIME 0 – 0xFFFF Optional – determines the interval of consecutively missed beacons which will cause a re-scan (default is 500 Kµsec).

  • Page 64: Table 3.11 - Ad Hoc Keywords

    Installing the Software Ad hoc system operation is accomplished with the following group of variables. Table 3.11 - Ad Hoc Keywords Keywords Value Description JOINNETTO 0 – 0xFFFF Optional – determines the amount of time that an ad hoc station will scan before starting its own network (default is 10,000 Kµsec [10 sec]).

  • Page 65: Table 3.12 - Wireless Lan Adapter Keywords

    Installing the Software Table 3.12 - Wireless LAN Adapter Keywords Keywords Value Description PORTBASE 0 – 0xFFFF Optional – specifies the starting address for a block of 64 consecu- tive 16-bit I/O ports. Make sure the block of I/O addresses does not overlap the address of another device in the machine.
  • Page 66 Installing the Software 3-26...

  • Page 67: Utilities

    Utilities Section 4 Utilities This section describes procedures for using utilities and updating firmware depending on the operating system used. See Appendix B for detailed configuration procedures for WinDGS using Windows 95 or Windows 98. Here’s what you will find in this section: •...

  • Page 68: Using Windows 3.11 Or Dos To Perform A Link Test Using Telnet

    It is important to remember the information being displayed is from the Aironet Access Point viewpoint. Therefore, packets sent are from the Aironet Access Point to the Wire- less LAN Adapter client. Packets received are from the Wireless LAN Adapter to the Aironet Access Point. Signal quality is an estimate of the signal strength recorded at the time of packet reception by the radio.
  • Page 69 Utilities 8. Start a telnet session on the station to the Aironet Access Point. Depending on the system in use, the telnet application may have logging and note taking capability. If so, enable these modes. 9. Navigate through the Aironet Access Point menu to the link test option.

  • Page 70: Using Windows 95 Or Windows 98 To Perform A Link Test

    Utilities Using Windows 95 or Windows 98 to Perform a Link Test You may use either: • Telnet • The link test or site survey commands in WinDGS • Linkscope...

  • Page 71: Link Test Command In Windgs

    Continuous Link Test is selected. • Packet Size: This parameter specifies the size of the data packet to be sent to the Aironet Access Point. Be aware that the TCP/IP stack that comes with Windows 95 will fragment packets greater than 512 bytes. Therefore,...

  • Page 72: Linkscope

    Linkscope determines the performance of the RF link between a Wireless LAN Adapter and an Aironet Access Point. Any Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT unit associated to an Aironet Access Point can run the linkscope test. Signal strength is displayed along the vertical axis of the graphical display.

  • Page 73: Loading New Firmware Versions

    Utilities Loading New Firmware Versions The firmware is contained in the card’s flash memory. Flash memory allows for easy updating of the firmware as neces- sary. Upgrading Firmware for Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT The WinDGS program is used to load new firmware. To load new firmware: 1.

  • Page 74: Loading Firmware For Windows 3.11 And Dos

    Utilities Loading Firmware for Windows 3.11 and DOS The FLSH3545.COM program is used to load new firmware to systems operating under DOS and Windows 3.11. To load new firmware: 1. Before upgrading the firmware, uninstall the driver or reboot the computer and do not load the driver during the boot process.

  • Page 75: Error Messages And Trouble Shooting

    Error Messages and Trouble Shooting Section 5 Error Messages and Trouble Shooting The Wireless LAN Adapter provides LED messages and error codes. This section provides the general procedures for correcting common problems encountered when install- ing the Wireless LAN Adapter system.

  • Page 76: Table 5.1 - Green Led Operating Messages

    Error Messages and Trouble Shooting Table 5.1 – Green LED Operating Messages Green LED Condition No power or error Blinking Quickly Power on, self-test OK, scanning for network Blinking Slowly Associated with an infrastructure network Table 5.2 – Amber LED Operating Messages Amber LED Green LED Condition...

  • Page 77: If Your Radio Fails To Establish Contact

    • Check that all parameters are set properly for both the Wireless LAN Adapter and the Aironet Access Point. If the radio fails to establish contact, contact Aironet Technical Support for additional assistance: Phone - (330) 664-7903...
  • Page 78 Error Messages and Trouble Shooting...

  • Page 79: Wireless Lan Adapter Specifications

    Wireless LAN Adapter Specifications Appendix A Wireless LAN Adapter Specifications LAN Drivers Supported Table A.1 – Supported Drivers Protocol Operating System DOS based driver for Novell Netware NDIS 2 MS DOS, Windows 3.xx NDIS 3 Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT Packet MS DOS, Windows 3.xx...

  • Page 80: Radio Specifications

    Wireless LAN Adapter Specifications Radio Specifications Table A.2 – Radio Specifications Item Specification Description Radio Type Frequency Hopping 2.4 GHz ISM Band Operating 2400-2497 North American, ETSI, and Frequency Japan channel coverage, factory configurable FCC ID LOZ102034 (ISA) FCC approval LOZ102035 (PCI) Channeling 1 MHz increments...

  • Page 81: Power Requirements

    Wireless LAN Adapter Specifications Power Requirements Table A.3 – Power Requirements Specification Value 5.0V ±0.25 Volts Operational Voltage Receive Mode Current 500 mA High Power Transmit Mode 800 mA Current Physical Specifications Table A.4 – Physical Characteristics Item Description Size 16.1 cm x 8.1 cm x 1.3 cm 14.7 cm x 8.1 cm x 1.3 cm (6.3 in.
  • Page 82 Wireless LAN Adapter Specifications...

  • Page 83: Using The Windgs Utility

    Using the WinDGS Utility Appendix B Using the WinDGS Utility WinDGS is used to perform user level diagnostics on your Aironet Wireless LAN Adapter Card in the Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT operating system environ- ment. Commands Menu The Commands Menu includes: •...

  • Page 84: Load New Firmware

    Commands Menu Load New Firmware See Section 4 – Utilities for more information on loading and upgrading firmware versions. Edit Properties WinDGS allows you to change the configuration parameters of your currently installed Wireless LAN Adapter. Depend- ing on the preferences you have set, WinDGS can save the current properties to the registry.

  • Page 85: Link Test

    Commands Menu Link Test See Section 4 – Utilities for information on using link test. Site Survey See Section 4 – Utilities for information on using site survey. Radio Off/On Radio Off/On allows you to selectively turn off or on the power to the radio.

  • Page 86: Options Menu

    Commands Menu Options Menu The Options Menu includes: • Preferences • Screen Update Timer • Save Properties Options Preferences The WinDGS Preferences allow you to customize various parameters that control the operation of WinDGS. For example, you can set the rate at which the values are updated in the status and statistics screens via the Screen Update Timer.

  • Page 87: Save Properties Options

    Edit Parameters Save Properties Options Use Save Properties Options to select the default opera- tions for saving the current adapter configuration. Choose either: • Save Properties to the Registry: This option allows you to save the configuration to the Windows Registry. The configuration will be restored the next time you reboot.

  • Page 88: System Parameters

    Edit Parameters System Parameters System parameters include: • Name • SSID • Network Type (Infrastructure or Ad Hoc) • Constant Awake Mode (CAM) • Power Save Mode • Fast Power Save Mode Name The station name is displayed in the table of connected devices on the Access Point.

  • Page 89: Network Type (Ad Hoc Mode

    Edit Parameters Network type (Ad Hoc Mode) This mode is used to set up a small, temporary network between two or more computers. For example, you might set up an ad hoc network between computers in a conference room so users can share information in a meeting.

  • Page 90: Network Parameters

    Edit Parameters Network Parameters User modifiable parameters are limited to the choice of MAC Address: • Factory MAC Address: This is the default MAC address which is guaranteed to be unique. Unless you have a very good reason to define your own MAC address, it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you use the factory MAC address.
  • Page 91 Edit Parameters • Data Retries: This parameter defines the number of times a packet will be re-sent if the initial transmission is unsuccessful. If the network protocol automatically re- tries itself, set this to a small value. A “bad” packet sta- tus will be sent up the protocol stack more quickly so the application can re-transmit the packet.

  • Page 92: Advanced (Infrastructure

    Edit Parameters Advanced (Infrastructure) The following parameters are contained in both the Infra- structure and Ad Hoc Modes: • Specified Access Point • RTS Threshold • RTS Retry Limit Specified Access Point This parameter is the MAC address of the preferred Access Point you want to associate with.

  • Page 93: Advanced (Ad Hoc/Ibss

    Edit Parameters RTS Retry Limit This parameter controls the number of times the Wire- less LAN Adapter will re-send the RTS packet if it does not receive a CTS from the previously sent RTS packet. Setting this to a large value will decrease the available bandwidth whenever interference is encountered, but will make the system more immune to interference and collisions.

  • Page 94: Beacon Period

    Edit Parameters Beacon Period This parameter specifies the duration between beacon packets that are used by IEEE 802.11 systems to synchronize the “hops” (change to another frequency). The beacon packet contains timing information and hop pattern information that is broadcast over the airwaves. Any station that can hear the beacon packet can then synchronize their internal timer so that it can hop at the correct time.

  • Page 95: Manufacturers Federal Communication Commission Declaration Of Conformity Statement

    User Warning The Part 15 radio device operates on a non-interference basis with other devices operating at this frequency. Any changes or modification to said product not expressly approved by Aironet could void the user’s authority to operate this device.

  • Page 96: Department Of Communications-Canada Canadian Compliance Statement

    Appendix C Department of Communications—Canada Canadian Compliance Statement This Class B Digital apparatus meets all the requirements of the Canadian Interference - Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numerique de la classe B respecte les exigences du Reglement sur le material broilleur du Canada. This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry of Canada.

  • Page 97: Information To User

    Appendix C European Telecommunication Standards Institute Statement of Compliance Information to User This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the European Telecommunications Standard ETS 300.328. This standard covers Wideband Data Transmission Systems referred in CEPT recommendation T/R 10.01. This type accepted equipment is designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.

  • Page 98: Declaration Of Conformity

    EN 55011 (B) EN 50082-1 EN 60950 Manufacturer: Aironet Wireless Communication 3875 Embassy Parkway Akron, OH 44333 The undersigned hereby declares the above specified equipment conforms to the above Directives and standards. ® Michael Smedley Director, Manufacturing Engineering Aironet Wireless Communications, Inc.

  • Page 99: Technical Support

    Technical Support group: Telephone - (330) 664-7903 Fax - (330) 664-7990 e-mail - techsupp@aironet.com Web Site For additional product information and technical support, including the capability to download new firm- ware and drivers, use the Aironet web site at: http://www.aironet.com...

This manual is also suitable for:

Pci3500

Table of Contents