3Com WL-549 User manual

User’s Manual
3Com Wireless 11g PCI Adapter
Version 1.0
Model:WL-549
Brand :3Com

3Com Wireless 11g PCI Adapter
3Com Wireless 11g PCI Adapter
2
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Microsoft, Encarta, MSN, and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the
entities claiming the marks and names or their products.
PART NUMBER 5188-3746

3Com Wireless 11g PCI Adapter
3
Table of Contents
1Introduction ...............................................................................................5
1.1 Inventory Checklist .............................................................................................. 5
1.2 Supported Security .............................................................................................. 6
2Antenna Attachment...................................................................................7
3WindowsXP Wireless Zero Configuration................................................8
3.1 Launching MicrosoftWindowsXP Wireless Network Configuration ...... 8
3.2 Setting the Network Key Automatically........................................................... 9
3.3 Setting the Network Key Manually.................................................................. 11
3.3.1 WEP: Setting the Network Key (Network Security).............................. 14
3.3.2 WPA/WPA2: Setting the Network Key (Network Security)................. 16
Appendix A: Troubleshooting..........................................................................20
Appendix B: Regulatory Notices ...................................................................21
Appendix C: Product Specifications .............................................................26
Index..............................................................................................................28

3Com Wireless 11g PCI Adapter
3Com Wireless 11g PCI Adapter
4
Table of Figures
Figure 1: Antenna Attachment........................................................................................................ 7
Figure 2: Wireless Network Icon..................................................................................................... 8
Figure 3: Wireless Network Connection dialog box.......................................................................9
Figure 4: Wireless Network Connection dialog box.....................................................................10
Figure 5: Connecting to Wireless .................................................................................................10
Figure 6: Wireless Network Connection dialog box.....................................................................11
Figure 7: Wireless Network Connection dialog box.....................................................................12
Figure 8: Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box ...................................................12
Figure 9: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box .........................................................13
Figure 10: Manually adding a Wireless Network.......................................................................... 14
Figure 11: Wireless Network Properties dialog box.....................................................................15
Figure 12: Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box .................................................16
Figure 13: Wireless Network Properties dialog box.....................................................................17

3Com Wireless 11g PCI Adapter
5
1Introduction
Welcome!
Your HP PC includes a 3Com Wireless 11g PCI Adapter. This device allows you to establish
a wireless network using your HP PC as a Wireless Client (Station Mode) if you already
have a wireless network running.
If you have already established a wireless network with access to the internet, you can
wirelessly connect this HP PC to your wireless network
1.1 Inventory Checklist
Included with your HP PC should be the following items for your Wireless LAN 802.11b/g
Device:
Documentation CD (Contains full User’s Manual)
Antenna (Screws to the connector on the back of your HP PC. See Chapter 2)
Printed Quick Install Guide

3Com Wireless 11g PCI Adapter
6
1.2 Supported Security
In order to secure your network from passive or active intrusion key features are enabled
on WindowsXP Wireless Zero Configuration :
WPA/WPA2 personal security
WEP encryption
Please see Chapter 3 for information on security settings for your Wireless LAN 802.11b/g
Device .

3Com Wireless 11g PCI Adapter
7
2Antenna Attachment
This chapter contains instructions for antenna installation.
Important
It is assumed that there is an existing wireless LAN network with an internet connection
that has been set up on your computer prior to using Wireless LAN 802.11b/g Device .
Please consult your ISP for further information.
If you have already attached the antenna to your HP PC, please skip to Chapter 3.
1. Screw the antenna connector (A) to the antenna jack (B) located on the back of
the HP PC.
Figure 1: Antenna Attachment
2. Place the HP PC on a table or place the antenna in an elevated and open area to
achieve the best wireless performance.
A
B
A B
OR

3Com Wireless 11g PCI Adapter
8
3WindowsXP Wireless Zero Configuration
It is necessary to complete the steps in Chapter 2, Antenna Attachment prior to using
WindowsXP Wireless Network Configuration.
Note: It is assumed that there is an existing wireless network with connection to the
internet. If not, please consult your ISP for further information on establishing an
internet connection.
If you have already established a wireless network with access to the internet and you
would like to wirelessly connect this HP PC to your wireless network, use WindowsXP
Zero Configuration (WindowsXP Wireless Network Configuration).
3.1 Launching MicrosoftWindowsXP Wireless Network Configuration
To launch WindowsXP Wireless Network Configuration:
1. In the Systems Tray find the Wireless Networking icon.
Figure 2: Wireless Network Icon
2. Select View Available Wireless Networks and the Wireless Network Connection
dialog box will appear.
Note: There may be multiple
Network icons in the system
tray. Choose the one for
Wireless Network
Connection as shown.

3Com Wireless 11g PCI Adapter
9
3.2 Setting the Network Key Automatically
The PC will begin functioning in Station Mode (as a Client) with your Wireless LAN
Network as soon as the Network Key is set-up.
Important
If you do not have an existing wireless network you will need to set up your Wireless
Router or Access Point prior to using your PC in Station Mode.
1. Find the Network Key (WEP Key or WPA/WPA2 Key) for your Wireless Network.
2. Select View Available Wireless Networks from the Wireless Network icon menu.
The Wireless Network Connection dialog box will appear.
Figure 3: Wireless Network Connection dialog box
3. Select the Wireless Network of your choice by clicking on its name and the entire
block will become highlighted.
4. Select Connect in the lower right corner.

3Com Wireless 11g PCI Adapter
10
The Wireless Network Connection dialog box will appear as shown below.
Figure 4: Wireless Network Connection dialog box
5. Enter your Network Key (WEP Key or WPA/WPA2 Key) for your Wireless Network.
6. Input the Network Key a second time into the “Confirm network key” box.
Note: If your network is using WEP encryption, then a HEX or an ASCII format is
necessary when entering your Network Key:
oHEX: 10 Characters in HEX notation for 40 bit or 26 characters for 128 bit
encryption.
oASCII: 5 characters for 40 bit or 13 characters for 128 bit encryption.
If your network is using WPA/WPA2 it is necessary to enter an 8 – 63 character
alphanumeric key-phrase.
The Network Key will accept any of these as it supports both WEP and
WPA/WPA2.
7. Select Connect.
The Wireless Network Connection dialog box appears as you are being connected.
Figure 5: Connecting to Wireless