User’s Guide 1200 and 2200 Series PCMCIA Wireless LAN Client Card Products supported: PC1200 and PC2200 Products supported: 1200 and 2200 Replaces: Replaces Models: 690 PC1000, PC2000, 690-900, and 690-2400 DOC. 710-003945 Rev.
No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of AIRONET Wireless Communications. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. AIRONET Wireless Communications makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents or use of this manual and specifically disclaims any express or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose.
Manufacturers Federal Communication Commission Declaration of Conformity Statement Models: 1200 and 2200 Manufacturer: Aironet Wireless Communications, Inc. 367 Ghent Road, Suite 300 Fairlawn, OH 44334 1-800-3-WIRELESS This device complies with Part 15 rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) this device may cause harmful interference, and 2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
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.
Safety Information The FCC with its action in ET Docket 96-8 has adopted a safety standard for human exposure to radiated frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC certified equipment. The Aironet products meet the uncontrolled environmental limits found in OET-65 and ANSI C95.1, 1991. For proper operation of this radio according to the instructions found in this manual will result in the user exposure to be substantially below the FCC recommended limits.
Government Of Canada Department of Communications Information to User This Class A Digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing Equipment Regulations. Approved Antennas for this equipment: The Aironet PC1200 and PC2200 uses an integral 2.2 dBi Dipole Antenna. There are no provisions for changing this antenna.
Contents About the User Guide ..................................................................................................... vii Introduction ............................................................................................. ix Aironet Client Card Package ....................................................................................... x Aironet Configuration Diskette .................................................................................. xi System Requirements ..........
ii Contents Windows for Workgroups Installation Guidelines ...................................................2-6 ODI Driver Installation .................................................................................................. 2-7 Installation Guidelines .............................................................................................2-7 Packet Driver Installation ..............................................................................................
Contents Running ARLANDGS.EXE ..................................................................................3-13 Viewing the Main Screen .......................................................................................3-14 Viewing the Present Device Configuration .................................................................. 3-14 Using the Main Menu .................................................................................................. 3-15 Performing Quick Setup ..................
iv Contents Editing the ARLANDGS Color Scheme ...............................................................3-27 Using the File Menu to Load and Save Files .........................................................3-27 Menu Descriptions ......................................................................................... 3-28 Performing Diagnostics (Perform Diagnostics) .................................................... 3-28 Configuring the Client Card ...............................................
List of Figures Figure 0.1 - PCMCIA Block Diagram ................................................................... x Figure 0.2 - Network Tree .................................................................................. xv Figure 0.3 - 2.4 GHz Wireless Network without an Access Point ...................... xviii Figure 0.4 - 900 MHz Wireless Workstations off a Wired LAN ........................... xix Figure 0.5 - 2.4 GHz All Wireless LAN ............................................................
List of Tables Table 0.1 - Typical Radio Range ..............................................................................xiii Table 1.1 - LED Display ...........................................................................................1-7 Table 3.1 - Client Card Diagnostic Utilities ..........................................................3-10 Table B-1 - International Channel Sets and Frequencies - 900 MHz....................... B-1 Table B-2 - Channel Set 1 - 900 MHz............................
vii About the User Guide This guide covers the installation of your Aironet Wireless LAN Adapter. Make sure you read Chapter 1 - Client Card Installation before attempting to install, or use the hardware and software described in this guide. The User Guide is arranged as follows: Introduction Provides you with a general introduction to the Aironet Client Card and the various system configurations that are available.
viii Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Client Card
ix Introduction The 1200 and 2200 Series PCMCIA Wireless Client Card inserts into any notebook or Personal Computer fitted with a Type II PCMCIA slot. The Client Card combined with the supplied network adapter drivers, and one of the major local area network programs, provides transparent, wireless communications through the following Aironet products to network nodes: Radio Modules - provide wireless communication in any portable or fixed computer.
x Introduction to the Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Figure 0.
Introduction to the Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter xi Aironet Configuration Diskette The Aironet Configuration diskette contains Network software drivers for Novell, NDIS, ODI, TCP/IP, OS/2 and Microsoft LAN Manager, as well as diagnostic utilities. NOTE: Before performing any task, make a copy of the Aironet Configuration diskette and store the original diskette in a safe place. Use the DOS DISKCOPY command, that is, “desktop a: b:”.
xii Introduction to the Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter ODI Drivers - for Novell Netware Lite and other ODI-compliant networking systems. TCP/IP Packet driver - for use with third party TCP/IP products. For information on the availability of drivers for other Network Operating Systems please contact Aironet Wireless Communications. Radio Characteristics The Aironet Client Card uses a radio modulation technique known as Spread Spectrum Transmission or SST.
Introduction to the Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter xiii Openness of the Environment - Open areas are better than closed The less cluttered the work environment, the greater the range. Building Materials - Drywall vs Concrete Floor-to-floor radio penetration depends on the building materials used between floors. For example, the range will be greater if the signal is passing through drywall rather than concrete blocks. Table 0.
xiv Introduction to the Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Additional security is achieved through the use of a System Identifier (SID). The SID is a unique, 6 hexadecimal digit value that is attached to each packet sent out over the radio. With over 8 million possible SID settings, a high degree of privacy and security can be assured. See Chapter 3 - Utilities for detailed information on setting the System Identifier.
Introduction to the Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Figure 0.
xvi Introduction to the Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Parent/Child Node - Refers to the relationships between nodes on the Network Tree. For example, the Root Unit (at the top of the tree) would be the Parent of the Repeater and the Repeater would be the Parent of the end nodes. Conversely, the end nodes would be the Children of the Repeater and the Repeater would be the Child of the Root Unit.
Introduction to the Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter xvii PSP - Same as ARLAN Mode, except that it is used for Aironet Client Cards installed in remote battery-powered Radio Nodes, i.e. notebook computers. The Power Saving Protocol (PSP) conserves battery power at the cost of decreased throughput by periodically turning off the radio (See also Power Saving Protocol on previous page.
xviii Introduction to the Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Figure 0.3 - 2.4 GHz Wireless Network without an Access Point A low-traffic Radio Network comprised strictly of Radio nodes fitted with an Aironet Client Card. The Radio nodes can operate in a Peer-to-Peer, or in a client-server network relationship depending on the network operating system being used. Workstation with PCMCIA Card Workstation with PCMCIA Card Workstation with PCMCIA Card Figure 0.
Introduction to the Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter xix Figure 0.4 - 900 MHz Wireless Workstations off a Wired LAN One or more physically separated, workstations — each equipped with an Aironet Client Card — can link to the Ethernet LAN via an Access Point and communicate with the File Server. File Server Wired LAN Access Point (Root Unit) Workstation with PCMCIA Card Workstation with PCMCIA Card Figure 0.4 shows two Aironet Client Cards (in ARLAN Mode) registered to an Access Point.
xx Introduction to the Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Figure 0.5 - 2.4 GHz All Wireless LAN In an all Wireless LAN, the workstations each equipped with an Aironet Client Card are linked to a stand-alone Access Point Root Unit which acts as a hub, linking all Radio Nodes together. Access Point (Root Unit) Workstation with PCMCIA Card Workstation with PCMCIA Card Workstation with PCMCIA Card Figure 0.5 shows three Aironet Client Cards (in ARLAN Mode) registered to an Access Point.
Introduction to the Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter xxi Figure 0.6 - Multiple 900 MHz Microcells on a Wired LAN A Micro-Cellular Network can be created by placing two or more Access Points on an Ethernet LAN, and allowing remote workstations equipped with Aironet Client Cards to register to the Access Points. The ARLAN protocols allow remote workstations to move from the domain of one microcell to another.
xxii Introduction to the Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Figure 0.7 - Multiple Access Points to Extend the 2.4 GHz Network The Aironet Access Point can be configured as a stand-alone Repeater to extend the range of a network, or to overcome an RF blocking obstacle. The Repeater will support remote workstations equipped with an Aironet Client Card.
Chapter 1 - Client Card Installation 1 CHAPTER 1 Client Card Installation This chapter describes how to install the Aironet Client Card. Please refer to the documentation that came with your computer if you need additional information on how to install third-party cards.
1-2 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Before You Start The Aironet PCMCIA consists of two components — a Client Card and a Radio Module with attached tether cable. The Radio Module attaches to the Client Card and the Adapter is inserted into any Type II PCMCIA slot on a notebook or Personal Computer.
Client Card Installation 1-3 Installing the Radio Module and Client Card i NOTE: Before mounting the Radio Module, install the Client Card and verify that it is working properly with your computer. This step will also provide you with a better idea of where to mount the Radio Module so that the tether cable is never strained. To Mount the Radio Module: 1. Slide the mounting plate off of the bracket on the back of the Radio Module. 2.
1-4 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter CAUTION: The Radio Module is power bearing and should be attached to the Client Card before inser ting the Adapter into the computer. NEVER attach the Radio Module to the Client Card if the Adapter is in the computer and the computer is powered on. To Install the Radio Module and the Client Card: 1. Turn the computer off. 2. Attach the Radio Module Tether Cable connector into the end slot of the PCMCIA Card as shown in Figure 1.3. Figure 1.
Client Card Installation 1-5 Figure 1.4 - Installing the Client Card 6. Power up your computer. If the computer powers up properly, see Chapter 3 - Utilities. If the computer does not power on properly, see Chapter 4 - Troubleshooting and Performance. If the problem cannot be resolved contact Aironet Technical Support.
1-6 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter To Remove the Client Card and Radio Module: 1. Turn off the computer. 2. Eject the Client Card PCMCIA Card. 3. Remove the Radio Module from the mounting plate. 4. Detach the Radio Module tether cable from the Client Card. CAUTION: The Client Card PCMCIA Card can be left in the computer without the Radio Module attached. However, NEVER connect the Radio Module to the Card with the computer powered on.
Client Card Installation 1-7 Table 1.1 - LED Display Status LED Activity LED Description Amber Amber Aironet Client Card PCMCIA Card is functional but the non-volatile memory is not configured. (See Chapter 3 - Utilities for System Configuration) Blinking Green Green Flash Green Off Normal idle state. No data transmission or receive activity Green Green Flash Normal active state. Sending or receiving data or registration maintenance packet.
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Chapter 2 - Client Card Driver Installation 2 CHAPTER 2 Client Card Driver Installation This chapter explains how to install the Aironet Client Card drivers with the supported LAN operating systems.
2-2 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Overview The Aironet Client Card drivers which are located on the Aironet Configuration diskette support the following LAN operating systems: NDIS Drivers - for NDIS-compliant LAN operating systems such as Microsoft LAN Manager, PC LAN, Windows for Workgroups and Windows 95. ODI Drivers - for Novell NetWare Lite and other ODI-compliant networking systems. Packet drivers - for use with third party software such as FTP.
Client Card Driver Installation 2-3 Installation Guidelines 1. Copy the A:\NDIS\DOS\1200-2200\AWCN1200-2200.DOS driver file from the Aironet Configuration diskette to the network directory on the boot disk. 2. Modify the CONFIG.SYS file by adding the following after the line containing, Device=PROTMAN.DOS. Device=[drive:][path]AWCN1200-2200.DOS 3. Edit your current PROTOCOL.INI file to include the following lines. These lines are in the sample file A:\NDIS\DOS\1200-2200\PROTOCOL.INI.
2-4 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter (See Appendix B - International Channel Sets for a list of the available channels and Chapter 3 Utilities for a description of how to select a channel.) TMA=ON 4. ;Defines ; OFF ; ON ; PSP - if ARLAN Mode Peer-to-Peer Normal ARLAN Power Saving is used. Mode Mode ARLAN Mode Reboot the system to activate the NDIS Driver. Windows 95 Installation Guidelines This procedure is for Aironet Client Card.
Client Card Driver Installation 2-5 Windows NT Installation Guidelines You will need the following: Windows NT system installation files (hard disk, floppy disk, or CD) Aironet driver diskette 1. Insert the Aironet Wireless Client Card into your computer. 2. Power up your computer and allow Windows NT to start. 3. Double click on My Computer. 4. Double click on Control Panel. 5. Double click on Devices. 6. Verify the following configuration is in the Devices list: PCMCIA STARTED BOOT 7.
2-6 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter 18. Click OK. 19. Shut down Windows NT and reboot to initialize the card. Installation of the card and driver is complete. Windows for Workgroups Installation Guidelines 1. Start Windows. 2. From the Main program group, click on Windows set-up. 3. Click Options and select Change Network Settings. 4. Click Networks and select Install Microsoft Windows Network and click OK. 5. Click Network Setup and select Drivers. 6. Select Add Adapters.
Client Card Driver Installation 2-7 ODI Driver Installation You can install the Aironet Client Card in an ODI-compliant DOS environment such as Novell Netware. This installation procedure requires the following software. DOS 2.0 or higher Aironet Configuration diskette Refer to the applicable LAN operating system documentation for instructions on installing third-party drivers and use the following procedures as guidelines. Installation Guidelines 1. Copy the A:\ODI\DOS\1200-2200\AWCO1200-2200.
2-8 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Socket 1 Frame ETHERNET_802.3 Frame ETHERNET_II Frame ETHERNET_802.2 Frame ETHERNET_SNAP i ;PCMCIA Socket, 1 or 2 valid ;ONLY define frames needed NOTE: When using the Aironet Token Ring Access Point, put Frame ETHERNET_802.2 as the first frame type in the list.
Client Card Driver Installation i 2-9 NOTE: When using the Aironet Token Ring Access Point, put Frame ETHERNET_802.2 as the first frame type in the list. 3. Run the following drivers (you should probably add the following lines to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file in the root directory): LSL AWCO1200 IPXODI NETX i NOTE: Using a VLM driver supplied by Novell instead of NETX can increase system throughput by up to 30 percent.
2 - 10 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Installation Guidelines 1. Copy the A:\PKT\1200-2200\\AWCP1200-2200.COM, A:\PKT\1200-2200\PKTCFG.EXE and A:\PKT\1200-2200\PCMCFG.EXE drivers from the Aironet Configuration diskette to the network directory on the boot disk. 2. Copy the A:\PKT\1200-2200\PKT.
Client Card Driver Installation 2 - 11 6. Run the Packet Driver as follows: AWCPKT[-nwumi] where: -n allow usage with BYU Novell-Packet Driver Converter -w allow usage with windows -u unload Packet Driver TSR -m put driver into monitor mode. For use with the monitor mode ROM. -i specify drive-path-filename of default configuration file PKT.
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\Chapter 3 - Utilities 3 CHAPTER 3 Utilities This chapter describes the procedures for testing the Aironet Client Card and configuration parameters. Here’s what you’ll find in this chapter: WinDGS Overview WinDGS Menus ARLANDGS Overview Performing Quick Setup Editing the ARLAN.
3-2 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Overview of WinDGS WinDGS is used to perform user level diagnostics on your Aironet Wireless LAN Adapter Card when using Windows 95 or Windows NT. Commands Menu The Commands Menu includes: Loading New Firmware Edit Properties Statistics Status Linktest Radio Off/On Exit Loading New Firmware To load new firmware: 1. Make sure the 1200/2200 is up and running. 2. Select Commands. 3. Select Load New Firmware. 4.
Utilities 3-3 Statistics The Statistics screen shows the current statistics from the Aironet Client Card. Statistics are updated at the rate specified by the Screen Update Timer. Clear the current statistics by clicking on the Reset button. Exit the Statistics screen by clicking on OK, or by clicking on the X in the upper right hand corner of the dialog box. Status The Status screen shows the current status from the Aironet Client Card. Status is updated at the rate specified by the Screen Update Timer.
3-4 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter 2. Once the parameters have been entered, click on the Start button at the bottom of the dialog box to start the link test. When the link test is running, necessary statistics will be displayed and updated periodically. 3. To stop the link test, click on Stop, OK, or Cancel at the bottom of the dialog box. Once the link test has sent the number of packets specified, the Stop button will toggle back to a Start button.
Utilities 3-5 Screen Update Timer The Screen Update Timer controls how often the statistics and status screens are updated. The screen can be updated in one second increments, from once a second to once every 60 seconds. The default is once every five seconds. You can use either the edit box or the slider to change this value. Save Properties Options Use Save Properties Options to select the default operations for saving the current adapter configuration.
3-6 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter System Parameters System parameters include: Name SID Registration Mode Specified Router Channel Number, Bitrate and Frequency Priority Name The station name is displayed in the table of connected devices on the Access Point. It provides a logical name to determine which machines are connected without having to memorize every MAC address. The name can be up to 16 characters.
Utilities 3-7 Registration Mode Use the Registration Mode parameter to specify whether you are operating in ARLAN, PSP or Non-ARLAN mode. The default setting is ARLAN Mode. Set to “ARLAN” when operating with Aironet Access Points Set to “PSP” when operating with battery-powered devices Set to “Non-ARLAN” when operating in Peer-to-Peer mode with other Aironet Client Cards and no Aironet Access Points (see Registration Modes for a detailed explanation).
3-8 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Selecting a Channel Number, Bitrate and Frequency The Channel Number parameter appears for all 1200 Series models and the Bitrate and Frequency parameters appear for the Aironet 2200 Series only.
Utilities 3-9 Network Parameters User modifiable parameters are limited to the your choice of MAC Address: Factory MAC Address: This is the unique hardware factory 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. User Defined MAC Address: If you must define your own MAC address, you can enter it here.
3 - 10 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter ARLANDGS Overview (Router and Access Point are used interchangeably throughout this Chapter) Client cards are configured everytime the client card network driver is loaded. Aironet’s DOS based diagnostic utility (ARLANSDGS) provides a method for testing configuration, parameters, hardware, and radio performance. Table 3.1 below lists the files (from the configuration disk) you will need to run ARLANDGS.
Utilities 3 - 11 Steps for Diagnostic Testing The procedures for completing the Aironet PCMCIA diagnostic testing are described in detail throughout the chapter. In general, the basic steps are as follows: 1. Run ARLANDGS.EXE. 2. Select the found Client Card and view the current system configuration parameters. 3. Perform Quick Setup (if new to Aironet products). 4. Save the configuration. 5. Configure the Aironet Client Card with the new parameters (tests hardware). 6.
3 - 12 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Using the Mouse To Select Menu Items Move the mouse cursor over the item you want to select and click once with the left-mouse button. To View On-Line Help Move the mouse cursor over the item you want help for and click once with the right-mouse button. Using the Keyboard ARLANDGS offers many ways to move around the screen and manipulate the windows with the keyboard.
Utilities 3 - 13 Running ARLANDGS.EXE 1. i Insert in Drive “A or B” the backup copy of the Aironet Configuration diskette. NOTE: If you have not yet made a backup copy of the Aironet Configuration diskette, do so by running the DOS DISKCOPY command. Do not use the DOS COPY command since the diskette contains subdirectories. 2. Type: A: or B: ARLANDGS [switches] (See Appendix C - Command Line Switches) The Diagnostics/Setup Utility title screen appears . 3. Click on the OK button or press ENTER.
3 - 14 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Viewing the Main Screen After an Aironet Client Card has been selected, the main ARLANDGS Screen similar to the following appears. P r esen t D ev ice C on fig u r a tio n S ta tu s H a r d w a r e T ype F ir m w a r e B a se A dd r ess IR Q R a dio T ype C h a n n el S et S ocket R eg ister ed A r la n 6 X X V 1 .1 0 D 0 0 0 :0 0 0 0 IR Q 5 0 2 5 -1 A N or th A m er SKT1 .
Utilities 3 - 15 Using the Main Menu The Main Menu contains the following options: Quick Setup: Allows the novice user to setup any Aironet Client Card with the minimum requirements. Edit Configuration-ARLAN.CFG: Allows you to edit all parameters in the ARLAN.CFG file. Perform Diagnostics: Allows you to run a diagnostics test on the Client Card installed. Configure Device: Configures the Client Card with the parameters you have set.
3 - 16 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter 3. A series of screens will appear, prompting you for the following values—Channel number, System ID and Device Name. 4. Once you have entered all the required values, you will be prompted to save them to the ARLAN.CFG file. See Editing the ARLAN.CFG File for detailed information on the Quick Setup values. Editing the ARLAN.CFG File Use the Edit Configuration - ARLAN.CFG option to set and edit the system parameters contained in the ARLAN.CFG file.
Utilities 3 - 17 Setting the Base Address and IRQ Levels The IRQ level is not required to be set for an Aironet PCMCIA. The Base Address must match that of your computers available memory. Setting System Parameters Use the System Parameters option to set the Aironet Client Card system configurations. When you select the System Parameters option the following window appears: System Parameters- ARLAN.
3 - 18 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Setting System Identifier The SID is a 4-byte, hexadecimal digit value that is attached to each packet sent out over the radio. Establishing a SID allows you to group nodes into a microcellular network and exclude those nodes that are within radio range on other networks. The SID value must be an even number, cannot exceed 8 digits and must start with 00 or 02. An example of valid SID values are: 00000102, 0200AA14, 00013A18, 007F6380.
Utilities 3 - 19 Setting the Network Identifier (NID) The Network Identifier represents the 6-byte radio address of the Aironet Client Card. In using the NID, keep in mind the following: The NID will override the 2-byte Radio Node ID address. The address must be unique across the entire network. If the NID is left at the default of 00:00:00:00:00:00 it will use a factory assigned address. Setting the Router ID The Router ID is not required for the Aironet Client Card.
3 - 20 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Setting Root or Repeater Mode The Mode parameter is not required for the Aironet Client Card. Establishing a Device Name The Device Name parameter is used to establish a 15-byte ASCII name for the Aironet Client Card. The Device Name is optional and may be left blank. If you choose to assign a name, and you are operating in ARLAN mode, the name will appear in the Aironet Access Point’s Registration Table. Duplicate names are allowed.
Utilities 3 - 21 Selecting a Channel Number, Bitrate and Frequency The Channel Number parameter appears for all 1200 Series models and the Bitrate and Frequency parameters appear for the Aironet 2200 Series only. Keep in mind the following when selecting Channel Numbers, Bitrates and Frequencies: Appendix B contains both North American and International bit rates, frequencies and channel sets which can be used as a guide in selecting the appropriate combinations for both 900 Mhz and 2.4 GHz models.
3 - 22 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Setting the Radio Type Use the Radio Type parameter to force a specific radio type. This parameter is for test purposes only and should be left at default. Setting Advanced Radio Parameters Use the Advanced Radio Parameters to set configurations for the following parameters—ARLAN, PSP, DDP and MAC. When you select the Advanced Radio parameters the following window appears.
Utilities 3 - 23 Menu Descriptions Registration Fill - Specifies whether FIND_ROUTER packets transmitted during the registration process have a 1500-byte filler or not. This filler is used to ensure only Routers with a good radio link to this device will be considered in the registration process. The default setting is enabled. Spec. Router Time - Only used if Specified Router parameter is set (see Setting the Specified Router).
3 - 24 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Configuring PSP Parameters Use the PSP parameters to configure the PSP (Power Saving Protocol). These parameters affect throughput, response time, and battery conservation and apply only to the PSP registration modes. The parameters should only be modified by experienced users. When you select PSP Parameters, the following Window appears. PSP Parameters -ARLAN.
Utilities 3 - 25 Fast Poll Decay - Controls how fast polling slows down after a nonempty data packet is either received or transmitted. It sets the number of polls that are sent before the Poll Rate Backoff is doubled. The Poll Rate Backoff will not increase beyond the Poll Period. Values can be entered in Decimal Mode or Hexadecimal Mode. The value 0 causes a decay of 2 to be used. Setting DDP Parameters Use the DDP parameters to configure the DDP (Datagram Delivery Protocol).
3 - 26 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Maximum Frame Size - Sets the maximum number of bytes in a frame.Values can be entered in Decimal Mode or Hexadecimal Mode. Receive Mode - Used to set the receive mode of the Aironet device. Used for test purposes only. Scrambling - Used to provide transmission security for 900 MHz radios only. Default is set to on. Save Flag - When left at the default “On”, the Client Card will save and use the current configuration when the PC is rebooted.
Utilities 3 - 27 L Parameter - Sets the L-parameter in the MAC (Media Access Control) random wait equation. The units of this parameter are 0.000001 seconds (1us). The value 0 causes the standard time to be used. This parameter should be left as 0 in order for this device to communicate properly with other Aironet devices. Spreading Code - Used for test purposes only. Must be left at 0.
3 - 28 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Menu Descriptions Save File - Saves current configuration parameter settings to disk. If you are configuring multiple Aironet Client Cards to the same parameters, you should choose the Save Option when setting the parameters for the first time. This will allow you to automatically configure the other Client Cards with the same parameters. Keep in mind, though, you do not have to save the parameters specifically to the ARLAN.
Utilities 3 - 29 Interrupt Test: Sends a packet out and receives the interrupt level settings through the port. Cable Test: Sends packets out to check the cable connection by seeing how many packets are lost. If the Client Card does not pass the diagnostic tests, press the up arrow key to view the on-line troubleshooting tips. See Chapter 4 - Troubleshooting and Performance. Once completed, press any key to return to the Main Menu.
3 - 30 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Configuring the Client Card Use the Configure Device option, to configure the Aironet Client Card with the system parameters you have set. Once the Client Card is configured, all settings will remain in non-volatile memory and will not change until re-configured. When you select the Configure Device option, the diagnostic tests described in the previous section are automatically performed. The results are displayed on screen as shown in the sample below.
Utilities 3 - 31 Performing a LinkTest (Linktest) Use the Linktest function to test the link quality between the Aironet Client Card and other nodes on the Radio Network. When you run a Linktest, the Client Card sends a sequence of packets to a target destination node—either an Aironet Client Card (if running in Non-ARLAN mode) or to an Aironet Access Point (if running in ARLAN mode). If the radio quality is good, the target destination will receive the packet then send the same packet back.
3 - 32 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Menu Descriptions The Linktest menu contains the following options which can be left at default or edited. Keep in mind that when you first run ARLANDGS the default values are used for the linktest. If you edit these values, exit the Linktest menu, and then re-enter, the values shown will be those that were last set, not the defaults. The only exception is the default Destination Address, which is updated on restart into the Linktest.
Utilities 3 - 33 When the Linktest is run, the results are displayed as follows: Link Test Link Test Parameters Packet Length Packets/test Packets/update Pause Time Destination Address Current Test Statistics Transmitted/ Received Lost Out/Lost In Data Throughput: :512 Signal Strength: 10 :100 :5 Signal Quality: 12 :3 :02:40:96:00:35:DF :100/99 :1/0 :964 kbp/s Link Quality: Excellent Percent Lost: 1% Press Any Key If the link quality is fair or poor, see Chapter 4 - Troubleshooting and Performance f
3 - 34 Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter Upgrade Firmware File Name: Product: Version: Size: Checksum: Present: Choose File A B C D E [..] Status: Start Cancel To Upgrade Firmware: 1. From the Choose File window, highlight the drive containing the upgraded firmware files. 2. Click once on the start button to commence downloading the firmware.
Utilities 3 - 35 Exit ARLANDGS Once the Client Card system configuration has been completed, choose Exit ARLANDGS to return to DOS by pressing the ESC Key. Checking the LED Display After the Client Card is fully configured, check the LED display. The Status LED should be solid green indicating that the Client Card is either registered to an Access Point (if ARLAN mode), or ready to transmit/receive (Non-ARLAN mode).
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Chapter 4 - Troubleshooting and Performance 4 CHAPTER 4 Troubleshooting and Performance This chapter introduces some basic troubleshooting and performance techniques to help you if you experience difficulty with your Aironet Client Card.
4-2 AironetPCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter When to Call Technical Support Call Technical Support when you are having difficulties that cannot be resolved using the information supplied in this chapter. Before calling, please have available the following information: Model and part number of the Aironet Client Card Model number of the personal computer Vendor and compliance level of the card and socket service used on the personal computer.
Troubleshooting and Performance 4-3 If you’re unable to communicate with some or all nodes on the Radio Network Check to be certain that the Device Driver is loaded properly. (see Chapter 1 - Client Card Installation and Chapter 2 - Client Card Driver Installation). Check that the Workstation is not out of radio range with other nodes on the Radio Network (see Performance Tips).
4-4 AironetPCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter “Time-out waiting for interrupt” Error initializing ARLAN PCMCIA The Client Card may not be properly seated in the PCMCIA slot. “LANcard RAM region test failed” Error initializing ARLAN PCMCIA An extended memory manager may be using the requested region of memory. Ensure that the memory region selected for the Aironet PCMCIA is excluded from use. (e.g.
Troubleshooting and Performance 4-5 Reducing Network Load Reserve the network for accessing shared data files, common communications utilities and printer facilities. Install and run programs from a workstation’s local drive. Install copies of overlay files on the workstation’s local drive. When editing files, copy to a local directory prior to opening the file. Configure application programs to create temporary files on local disks where possible.
4-6 AironetPCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter
1 Appendix A - PCMCIA Specifications PC Bus Interface Item Description Data Transfer 8-bit Base Address Programmable in 8 KB blocks from C000h to DE00h Interrupts Selectable from IRQ2-IRQ15 Radio Specifications Item Frequency Aironet PC1200 Aironet PC2200 902 to 928 MHz 2.400 to 2.485 GHz Modulation Direct sequence spread spectrum Antenna Omni-directional dipole Power Output 620 mW maximum 100 mW E.I.R.P.
A-2 - Appendix
D-1 Appendix B - International Channel Sets Appendix B contains international channel set tables, for both 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz data rates. Table B-1 provides an alphabetical listing of countries and their corresponding 900 MHz channel sets and frequencies. Tables B-2 and B-3 provides the data rates and frequencies for each 900 MHz channel set. Table B-4 provides an alphabetical listing of countries and their corresponding 2.4 GHz channel sets and frequencies.
B-2 Appendix B - International Channel Sets Table B-2 - Channel Set 1 - 900 MHz Channel # Data Rate kb/s Frequency MHz 0 215 908.50 1 215 910.06 2 215 912.52 3 215 915.00 4 215 917.83 5 215 919.22 6 215 922.26 7 344 911.45 8 344 915.00 9 344 918.55 10 630 915.00 11 860 915.
Appendix B - International Channel Sets Table B-3 - Channel Set 6 - 900 MHz Channel # Data Rate kb/s Frequency MHz 0 172 920.31 1 172 920.93 2 172 921.55 3 172 922.17 4 172 922.79 5 215 921.46 6 215 921.
B-4 Appendix B - International Channel Sets Table B-4 - International Channel Sets and Frequencies - 2.4 GHz Country Channel Set Frequencies MHz North America (U.S.A., Canada, Mexico, New Zealand) 9 2412, 2427, 2442, 2457, 2465 E.T.S.I 10 2412, 2427, 2442, 2457, 2472 Japan 11 2484 France 12 2457, 2465, 2472 Australia 13 2411, 2425, 2439 Germany 14 2427, 2442, 2457 U.K.
Appendix B - International Channel Sets Table B-5 - Channel Set 9 - 2.4 GHz Rate # Data Rate kb/s Freq # Frequency MHz 1 354.84 1 2412 2 354.84 2 2427 3 1000 3 2442 4 2000 4 2457 5 2465 Table B-6 - Channel Set 10 - 2.4 GHz Rate # Data Rate kb/s Freq # Frequency MHz 1 354.84 1 2412 2 354.
B-6 Appendix B - International Channel Sets Table B-7 - Channel Set 11 - 2.4 GHz Rate # Data Rate kb/s Freq # Frequency MHz 1 354.84 1 2484 2 354.84 3 1000 4 2000 Table B-8 - Channel Set 12 - 2.4 GHz Rate # Data Rate kb/s Freq # Frequency MHz 1&2 354.84 1 2457 3 1000 2 2465 4 2000 3 2472 Table B-9 - Channel Set 13 - 2.4 GHz Rate # Data Rate kb/s Freq # Frequency MHz 1&2 354.
Appendix B - International Channel Sets Table B-10 - Channel Set 14 - 2.4 GHz Rate # Data Rate kb/s Freq # Frequency MHz 1&2 354.84 1 2427 3 1000 2 2442 4 2000 3 2457 Table B-11 - Channel Set 15 - 2.4 GHz Rate # Data Rate kb/s Freq # Frequency MHz 1&2 354.84 1 2460 3 1000 4 2000 Table B-12 - Channel Set 18 - 2.4 GHz Rate # Data Rate kb/s Freq # Frequency MHz 1&2 354.
B-8 Appendix B - International Channel Sets
1 Appendix C - Command Line Switches ARLANDGS contains a variety of command line switches which are shown in the Table below. The command line usage for ARLANDGS is: arlandgs [switches] Switch Description -b Download to Client Card at base address -cfg Specify the configuration file with cfg. extension. Default is ARLAN.CFG -dfile Specify the production download file with .img extension. -donce Download once and exit.
C-2 - Appendix
1 Appendix D - Current Device Parameters The Current Device Parameters are contained on the ARLANDGS Main Screen described in Chapter 3-Client Card System Configuration.
D-2 - Appendix
1 Appendix E - Aironet Technical Support Should you need assistance beyond the scope of this manual, please contact your Aironet supplier. If they cannot help resolve your problem, contact the Aironet Technical Support Department. The support representatives can assist you in solving any problems. When requesting support, please have the following items available: 1. Configuration of the system including model numbers of the Aironet equipment used. 2. Antenna information and cable lengths. 3.
E-2 - Appendix
Index A Aironet Configuration Diskette xiii ARLANDGS.
I - ii establishing a LANcard Name 3-21 overview 3-11 performing diagnostics 3-29 running a LinkTest 3-32 selecting a Channel 3-8, 3-22 setting System Identifier 3-6, 3-19 System Identifier option 3-6, 3-19 T Troubleshooting 4-1 to 4-5 error messages 4-3 performance tips 4-4 tips 4-2
