Askey Computer WLL013 Wireless Lan Card User Manual 503A User Guide

Askey Computer Corp Wireless Lan Card 503A User Guide

users manual

USB WLAN Card.........................................................................................User Guide
User GuideTable of ContentsSection 1Introduction...........................................................................................1-11.1 Package Contents.....................................................................................1-11.2 System Requirements...............................................................................1-11.3 AT76C503A Features...............................................................................1-11.4 Firmware Features....................................................................................1-21.5 Driver Features.........................................................................................1-2Section 2Installation Overview.............................................................................2-1Section 3Installation and Configuration Procedures Under Windows 98/Me/2000...........................................................................................3-13.1 What You Need to Know About Windows 98/Me/2000.............................3-13.2 What You Will Need..................................................................................3-13.3 Installing the Application and Drivers Under Windows 98/Me/2000.........3-13.4 Uninstall Procedure Under Windows 98/Me.............................................3-63.5 Uninstall Procedure Under Windows 2000...............................................3-7Section 4Configuration & Monitor Utility..............................................................4-14.1 How to Install the Configuration & Monitor Utility......................................4-14.2 Using the Configuration & Monitor Utility..................................................4-14.3 How to Uninstall the Configuration & Monitor Utility.................................4-7Section 5Firmware Upgrade Utility......................................................................5-15.1 Firmware Upgrade Utility..........................................................................5-1
1-1Rev. A-4/20/01Section 1IntroductionThe Fast-VNET USB (A) adapter based on Wireless Media AccessController is a network card with a rate of 1, 2, 5.5, and 11 Mbps operating in the ISMband using Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) transmission implementing theIEEE 802.11b standard. For this card currently provides Device Drivers for MSWindows® 98/2000, and Windows® Me. also provides tools for the configurationand firmware upgrade of the cards. These tools, as well as the installation procedure forthe MS Windows 98/2000, and Windows Me operating systems are described in thisdocument.To install the adapter and operate under an operating system two pieces of software areneeded. The first one is the driver, which provides the necessary mechanisms to theoperating system in order to use the adapter as any other networking adapter. Thedriver communicates with the firmware using exchange of commands (Set MIB, GetMIB, Scan, Sync, etc.). The other piece of software needed is the code written on theMAC chip, which is responsible for the interface with the driver, and for the implementa-tion of the IEEE 802.11b functions. 1.1 Package Contents Please make sure that your received the following with your AT76C503A-Evaluation Kit:•Two (2) Fast-VNET USB (A) cards•Two USB Cables•Two antennas•User Guide•Firmware, Drivers, and Software Tools CD1.2 System Requirements •Operating System: MS Windows 98/2000, Windows Me with Service Pack 4 or later•Desktop PC or notebook PC with CD-ROM drive1.3 AT76C503A Features AT76C503A based Fast-VNET adapters offer compliance with the IEEE 802.11b speci-fication. This feature allows them to communicate with wireless devices from othermanufacturers that support the standard. Among the features of the AT76C503A WLANMAC controller are the following:–Wireless interface following the IEEE 802.11b standard supporting DSSS 2.4 GHz wireless PHY–Wireless LAN MAC Unit with ARM7TDMI RISC processor–Integrated 128-byte transmit and 128-byte receive FIFOs, for wireless MAC layer functions
Introduction1-2–16-bit PCMCIA bus interface–Glueless SRAM interface for all MAC operations, supporting up to 16 MB of external memory–Integrated 6Kx32 bit internal SRAM, used for fast program code execution and temporary storage of data–Glueless Flash memory interface, supporting up to 16 MB on non volatile memory for permanent storage of program code–Enciphering/deciphering of wireless data by the implementation of the WEP algorithm–Supports 11, 5.5, 2, and 1 Mbps rates1.4 Firmware Features The IEEE 802.11b firmware implementation for the AT76C503A-EK supports:–Distributed Coordination FunctionCSMA/CABackoff ProcedureNAV ManagementACK ProcedureRetransmission of unacknowledged frames–RTS/CTS Handshake–Duplicate Detection and Recovery–Beacon Generation (ad-hoc mode)–Probe Response (ad-hoc mode)–Fragmentation and Reassembly–Wired Equivalent Privacy Algorithm (WEP-40 bits, 128 bits)–Auto Rate Fallback–TSF synchronization–Short Preamble1.5 Driver Features The drivers for the AT76C502-EK support:–Roaming–Preferred AP–Dynamic configuration–Site Survey –Preamble Type detection–Firmware Upgrade–Authentication Algorithm (Open System, Shared Key)
2-1Section 2Installation OverviewThis is a quick step by step guide on how to install your Fast-VNET USB (A) adapter.Please follow the steps described below and refer to the appropriate sections for furtherdetails:•Power on the computer (laptop).•Please make sure that you don’t insert your USB (A) adapter yet.•Install the drivers and application:Insert the given Installation CD into your CD-Rom drive. Select the Utilities & Driv-ers folder.Locate the executable file “setup.exe” and double click it.Follow the installation instructions from the installSheild Wizard by pressing the“Next” button.Choose the type of installation you are going to perform (Application Only, Applica-tion & PCMCIA Drivers, Application & USB Drivers or Application & PCMCIA & USBDrivers).Give the destination path of where the application will be installed. To set the pathof your choice select Browse and then Next.Choose the Mode of Operation (Ad-Hoc or Infrastucture):In Ad-Hoc Mode, set the ESSID of all station participating to be the same and choose the channel of operation.In Insfrastucture Mode, set the ESSID to be the same with the ESSID of the AP towhich you will be associated with.Confirm the current settings of ESSID, Network Mode and Utility directory and clickNext.Finish the installation.•Plug your USB (A) card.•The “Add New Hardware Wizard” automatically loads the Drivers.•Refer to sections 3 for more details on the installation and configuration under Windows 98/2000 and Windows Me. Section 4 gives detailed instructions on how to use the Configuration Utility while section 5 given detailed instructions on how to use the Firmware Upgrade Utility.
Installation Overview2-2Upgrading your Wireless LAN Software when a new setup is released:For Windows 98/Me•Power on the computer (laptop).•Uninstall the application by running the uninstall program.•When prompted for reboot select “YES”.•After rebooting run the new setup.exe.•When the setup of the application (see instructions above) is completed, you can then plug your USB (A) card. Note: If you select the ”Application Only ” Installation option the installation procedure will only install the Utility while selecting any other option it will also install the latest drivers for your wireless card without prompting you.For Windows 2000•Power on the computer (laptop).•Uninstall the application by running the uninstall program.•When prompted for reboot select “YES”.•Run the new setup.exe.•When the setup of the drivers and application (see instructions above) is completed, you can then plug your USB (A) card.
3-1Section 3Installation and ConfigurationProcedures Under Windows98/Me/2000Use the procedures described in this chapter to install and configure the Fast-VNETUSB (A) card under MS Windows 98/Me/2000.3.1 What You Need to Know About Windows 98/Me/2000Although similar in appearance, Windows 98/Me/2000 have different philosophies wheninstalling a new hardware. Throughout this section it is assumed that you have a basic working knowledge of Win-dows 98/Me/2000 and of how to install new network cards on them. However, in thisparagraph, some specific features of Windows 98/Me/2000 are briefly explained.Windows 98/Me/2000 operating system supports the “Plug & Play” feature. That meansthat once you plug the Fast-VNET card for the very first time, the operating system willdetect the card and automatically install the driver assuming that you have alreadyinstalled the application utility.Another feature is the “Hot Swapping”. With this feature, you can unplug and plug againthe card whenever you want.3.2 What You Will Need During the installation, you may be prompted to load operating system files from theWindows installation disk. Please have this disk handy.You will need the Firmware and Software Tools CD provided with your Evaluation Kit.Note: In order to be able to install the Fast-VNET card on to your PC running under Windows 2000, you will need to log on as “Administrator”.3.3 Installing the Application and Drivers Under Windows 98/Me/2000Note: Please do not plug your USB (A) card until the Application setup has been completed. The setup procedure described below installs the drivers, the Configuration & Monitor Utility and the Firmware Upgrade Utility.1.Insert the Firmware and Software Tools CD into your CD-ROM drive and locatethe executable file “setup.exe”.2.Follow the installation instructions from the InstallShield Wizard by pressing the “Next” button.
Installation and Configuration Procedures Under Windows 98/Me/20003-23.During the setup process, the window of Figure 3-1 will appear prompting you to select the adapter type you are going to install. If you plan to install an USB (A) card only, then you must choose the “Application & USB Drivers” option. However, if you plan to install an PCMCIA card in the futureI, select the “Application, PCMCIA & USB Drivers” option.Figure 3-1. Selection of adapter typeApplication & PCMCIA Drivers:•By selecting this installation option, you will install the Applications (Configuration & Monitor Utility and Firmware Upagrade Utility) and the latest PCMCIA drivers. If the PCMCIA drivers have been previously installed and they have not been uninstalled prior to the new installation the new drivers will ovewrite the old ones without prompting you.Application & USB Drivers:•By selecting this installation option, you will install the Applications (Configuration & Monitor Utility and Firmware Upagrade Utility) and the latest USB (A) drivers. If the USB (A) drivers have been previously installed and they have not been uninstalled prior to the new installation the new drivers will ovewrite the old ones without prompting you.Application, PCMCIA & USB Drivers:•By selecting this installation option, you will install the Applications (Configuration & Monitor Utility and Firmware Upagrade Utility) and the latest PCMCIA & USB (A) drivers. If the PCMCIA & USB (A) drivers have been previously installed and they have not been uninstalled prior to the new installation the new drivers will ovewrite the old ones without prompting you.Application Only:•By selecting this installation option, you will only install the Applications (Configuration & Monitor Utility and Firmware Upagrade Utility).
Installation and Configuration Procedures Under Windows 98/Me/20003-34.After you have assigned the Destination Location option where the application will be installed (by Default this option is set to C:\Program Files\802.11 Wireless LAN), you can then choose the mode of operation: 3a. Ad-Hoc (Figure 3-2, Figure 3-3) 3b. Infrastucture (Figure 3-4, Figure 3-5).Ad-Hoc ModeIn Ad-Hoc Mode the wireless stations can directly communicate with each other. Figure 3-2. Operating Mode DialogWhen selecting the Ad-Hoc mode you have to specify the ESSID and the Channelparameters (Figure 3-3).•ESSID: Select the ESSID of the Ad-Hoc network. All stations participating in the Ad-Hoc network should have the same ESSID.•Channel: Select the channel to be used. There are 14 channels available.
Installation and Configuration Procedures Under Windows 98/Me/20003-4Figure 3-3. ESSID and Channel DialogAs soon as you have set your selections, press the “Next” button and a window appearswith a review of your installation settings. Please make sure that these values are thedesired ones. In case you have made a mistake you can always select the “Back” buttonto make a correction. Press the “Next” button to continue with the installation, and finallyselect the “Finish” button for the installation to be completed.
Installation and Configuration Procedures Under Windows 98/Me/20003-5Infrastructure ModeIn Infrastructure Mode the use of an Access Point is necessary in order for the wirelessclients to communicate with each other.Figure 3-4. Operating Mode DialogWhen selecting the Infrastructure mode you need to specify the ESSID (Figure 3-5).•ESSID: Select the ESSID of the access point to which the wireless station will be associated with in infrastructure mode.
Installation and Configuration Procedures Under Windows 98/Me/20003-6Figure 3-5. ESSID DialogA soon as you have set your selections, press the “Next” button and a window appearswith a review of your installation settings. Please make sure that these values are thedesired ones. In case you have made a mistake, you can always select the “Back” buttonto make a correction. Press the “Next” button to continue with the installation, and finallypress the “Finish” button for the installation to be completed. Notes:1.You can now safely plug your USB (A) card. The “Add New Hardware Wiz-ard” automatically loads the Drivers for your USB (A) card. As soon as the procedure has been completed.2.In the Windows 2000 installation procedure an extra window appears prompting you to select whether you would like to install the “Digital Signa-ture Not Found” or not. You can safely select “YES”.3.4 Uninstall Procedure Under Windows 98/MeIn order to uninstall the Configuration & Monitor Utility from Windows 98/Me, you mustselect the “Unistall Configuration & Monitor Utility” option (Start -> Programs ->802.11 Wireless LAN -> Unistall Configuration & Monitor Utility). It is recommended tostop the USB (A) card and “Exit” the application prior to starting the unistallation proce-dure. If during the unistall procedure you receive an error message, please insert theCD which contains the setup program and try to uninstall the Utility again.The above procedure uninstalls the Configuration & Monitor Utility, but not the carditself. In order to uninstall the Fast-VNET card from Windows 98/Me, you must doubleclick on the “Network” option in the “Control Panel” (Start -> Settings -> Control Panel).Select the "USB Wireless LAN Adapter” card from the list and press the “Remove” but-ton. The system will prompt you to re-boot. Press "Yes" to re-boot.
Installation and Configuration Procedures Under Windows 98/Me/20003-73.5 Uninstall Procedure Under Windows 2000The procedure in order to remove the Monitor & Configuration Utility is the same with theone described for Windows 98/Me.In order to uninstall the Fast-VNET card from Windows 2000 you must select it in theDevice Manager of Windows 2000 and press “Uninstall”. The “Uninstall” procedurecan be performed only if the Fast-VNET card is plugged in.
Installation and Configuration Procedures Under Windows 98/Me/20003-8
4-1Section 4Configuration & Monitor UtilityThe Configuration & Monitor Utility is a powerful application that helps you to configurethe Fast-VNET card and monitor the statistics of the communication. Unlike the stan-dard method of configuring the card via the operating system utilities (e.g. ControlPanel), this application permits the dynamic modification of the configuration parame-ters while the card is operating. It also offers some more configuration optionsoffers the Configuration & Monitor Utility for Windows 98/Me/2000.Note: Please keep in mind that the Configuration & Monitor Utility can be used tochange the above configuration parameters when the cards are active. Whenthe cards are not in use, please use the Control Panel method described in pre-vious sections.4.1 How to Install the Configuration & Monitor UtilityIn order to setup the Configuration & Monitor Utility run the program “setup.exe,” whichyou will find in your installation CD and follow the instructions as they appear on thescreen (see section 3). As soon as a link is established, the application will start runningand will appear as an icon on the system tray. You can locate the application under Start-> Programs -> 802.11 Wireless LAN -> Configuration & Monitor Utility.4.2 Using the Configuration & Monitor UtilityThe Configuration & Monitor Utility appears as an icon on the system tray of Windowsevery time the card is running (see Figure 4-1). You can open it by double-clicking onthis icon. While the station is in infrastructure mode and not associated to an accesspoint, the color of the icon is red. As soon as the station associates itself to an AccessPoint (see page 4-4 “Site Survey”), the icon color automatically turns to blue. In Ad-Hocmode the color is always blue, except when the card is resetting and Initialising where itturns to red during the reset and initialisation procedure.Figure 4-1. The icon of the Configuration and Monitor UtilityWhen the application is opened the following options (tabs) are available:•Monitor•Statistics•Site Survey•Encryption
Configuration & Monitor Utility4-2•Advanced•VersionNote: Please Note that at the very top of the Monitor and Configuration Utility of the application (Figure 4-2), you can either select PCMCIA FastV-NET (3.3V) or USB (A) FastVNET card.MonitorA typical screen of the application in Infrastructure mode is shown in Figure 4-2. Theconfiguration parameters are shown at the top of the screen (Operation Mode, Channel,SSID, TxRate, Power Management Mode and MAC Address of the USB card). In themiddle of the screen there is information about the status of the communication (theBSSID of the Access Point to which the card is associated, Signal Strength, and LinkQuality). In order to change the configuration parameters press the “Change” button,make your changes and then press “Submit” in order to save your changes.Figure 4-2. A typical screen of the Monitor Utility in Infrastructure mode.
Configuration & Monitor Utility4-3StatisticsThis option enables you to view the available statistic information (Data packets, Man-agement Packets and Rejected packets). In order to renew or update this list ofstatistics, press the “Clear” button. In order to exit press the “Exit” button at the bottom ofthe screen.Figure 4-3. Stastic information available
Configuration & Monitor Utility4-4Site SurveyBy choosing the Site Survey option in any of the two modes, you can scan all the chan-nels in order to find all the access points within the range of your card. In Figure 4-4, thecard can see four access points. The list includes information about the BSSID andSSID of the access point(s), the signal strength, the channel where the access point(s)operates, and whether or not WEP encryption is used. In order to update this list, pressthe “Rescan” button. If you want to associate with any of the access point(s) listed, dou-ble click on your choice (on the BSSID field), and the system will take you back to theMonitor screen showing you the parameters of the connection newly established.Figure 4-4. Site Survey Option
Configuration & Monitor Utility4-5Encryption By choosing this option in any of the two modes, you can set four different WEP keysand specify which one of them to use. First, either enable or disable encryprion from theappropriate “Encryption” field (see Figure 4-5 below). If you decide to use encryption,you can choose any of the available WEP keys (1 to 4). You also have the option toselect the WEP mode (Mandatory/Optional). If you select “Mandatory”, then not onlyWEP will be used, but also any other station needs to use WEP encryption in order toestablish a communication with your station. This requirement is in line with the IEEE802.11b standard. If, on the other hand, you choose “Optional”, then your station cancommunicate with every other station regardless if they use WEP or not. Please keep inmind that the WEP keys must be in HEX format. Finally, you have the option to selectwhether Open System or Shared Key authentication will be used. In order to take effectthe changes you wish to make, press the “Submit” button at the bottom of the screen.Figure 4-5. Encryption
Configuration & Monitor Utility4-6Advanced By Choosing the Advanced option in any of the two modes, you can change advancedconfiguration settings, such as the Preamble Type, Fragmentation Threshold, andRTS/CTS Threshold (Figure 4-6). Figure 4-5 shows the recommended configuration forthe advanced settings. Before selecting Short Preamble, make sure that the other sta-tions and APs are also supporting this feature.Note: The USB (A) card has an auto-detection feature therefore it automaticatilly selects the Preable Type depending on the Access Point Preamble type. In order to enable the Fragmentation and the RTS/CTS Threshold parameters move the slide bar with your mouse and then use the right and left arrow keys of your keyboard in order to select an exact number.Figure 4-6. Advanced Settings
Configuration & Monitor Utility4-7VersionBy choosing this option, you can view basic information about the Utility like the Driver,Firmware and Application Version. Use the “Exit” button in order to exit the application.Figure 4-7. Version information4.3 How to Uninstall the Configuration & Monitor UtilityIn order to uninstall the Configuration & Monitor Utility, you must select the “UnistallConfiguration & Monitor Utility” option (Start -> Programs -> 802.11 Wireless LAN-> Unistall Configuration & Monitor Utility). It is recommended to “Exit” the Configuration& Monitor Utility prior to starting the unistallation procedure. Finally a window will appearprompting you to reboot and you must select YES.
Configuration & Monitor Utility4-8
5-1Section 5Firmware Upgrade UtilityFor the Fast-VNET USB (A) cards, offers a firmware utility which is a Windowsapplication (Firmware Upgrade utility) that allows you to upgrade the firmware of yourcard while your card is running. 5.1 Firmware Upgrade Utility Note: Please DO NOT use this utility unless you have got new binary files from . If you use this utility and you do not supply the correct binary file, you may damage your card.The Firmware Upgrade utility allows you to upgrade the firmware of your card while yourcard is running. It will download the new firmware and it will reset your card in order tostart operating with the new firmware.offers the Firmware Upgrade Utility for Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows2000.The Firmware Upgrade Utility is automatically installed when you run the program“setup.exe” of you installation CD (see Section 4- “How to install the Configuration &Monitor Utility”). Locate the program from the Start Menu -> Programs -> 802.11Wireless LAN -> Firmware Upgrade Utility. When you open the program, you willsee the main screen of Figure 5-1.
Firmware Upgrade Utility5-2Figure 5-1. The PCMCIA Firmware Upgrade UtilityPress the “Upgrade” button in order for a file selection window to appear. Browse for thexxxx.rom file that contains the new firmware. After you have located and selected thefile, the firmware upgrade process will begin (Figure 5-2).Figure 5-2. Upgrading the firmware
Firmware Upgrade Utility5-3When the firmware has been upgraded, you will see a notification from the FirmwareUpgrade Utility (Figure 5-3). Press “OK” to complete the upgrade.Figure 5-3. Completion of the firmware upgrade procedure
Firmware Upgrade Utility5-4
© Atmel Corporation 2000.Atmel Corporation makes no warranty for the use of its products, other than those expressly contained in the Company’s standard war-ranty which is detailed in Atmel’s Terms and Conditions located on the Company’s web site. The Company assumes no responsibility forany errors which may appear in this document, reserves the right to change devices or specifications detailed herein at any time withoutnotice, and does not make any commitment to update the information contained herein. No licenses to patents or other intellectual prop-erty of Atmel are granted by the Company in connection with the sale of Atmel products, expressly or by implication. Atmel’s products arenot authorized for use as critical components in life support devices or systems.Atmel Headquarters Atmel OperationsCorporate Headquarters2325 Orchard ParkwaySan Jose, CA 95131TEL (408) 441-0311FAX (408) 487-2600EuropeAtmel U.K., Ltd.Coliseum Business CentreRiverside WayCamberley, Surrey GU15 3YLEnglandTEL (44) 1276-686-677FAX (44) 1276-686-697AsiaAtmel Asia, Ltd.Room 1219Chinachem Golden Plaza77 Mody Road TsimhatsuiEast KowloonHong KongTEL (852) 2721-9778FAX (852) 2722-1369JapanAtmel Japan K.K.9F, Tonetsu Shinkawa Bldg.1-24-8 ShinkawaChuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0033JapanTEL (81) 3-3523-3551FAX (81) 3-3523-7581Atmel Colorado Springs1150 E. Cheyenne Mtn. Blvd.Colorado Springs, CO 80906TEL (719) 576-3300FAX (719) 540-1759Atmel RoussetZone Industrielle13106 Rousset CedexFranceTEL (33) 4-4253-6000FAX (33) 4-4253-6001Atmel Smart Card ICsScottish Enterprise Technology ParkEast Kilbride, Scotland G75 0QRTEL (44) 1355-803-000FAX (44) 1355-242-743Atmel GrenobleAvenue de RochepleineBP 12338521 Saint-Egreve CedexFranceTEL (33) 4-7658-3000FAX (33) 4-7658-3480Fax-on-DemandNorth America:1-(800) 292-8635International:1-(408) 441-0732e-mailliterature@atmel.comWeb Sitehttp://www.atmel.comBBS1-(408) 436-4309 Printed on recycled paper.AX–4/20/01Marks bearing “ and/or TM are registered trademarks and trademarks of Atmel CorporationMicrosoft® Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft.Terms and product names in this document may be trademarks of others
INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION INTERFERENCE STATEMENT This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: -- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. -- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. -- Connect the euipment into an outlet on a circuir different from that to which the receiver is connected. -- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. CAUTION: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the grantee of his device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. End-users and installers must be provided with antenna installation instructions and transmitter operating conditions for satisfying RF exposure compliance

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