Aironet 2200 Series User manual

Products supported: 1200 and 2200
Replaces Models: 690
User’s Guide
1200 and 2200 Series
PCMCIA Wireless LAN Client Card
Products supported:
PC1200 and PC2200
Replaces:
PC1000, PC2000, 690-900, and 690-2400
DOC. 710-003945 Rev. A0

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.
© 1998 AIRONET Wireless Communications. All rights reserved.
The following are trademarked companies and their names and products are used in this guide for information
purposes only.
O/S2, PC A/T™ and PC X/T™ are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation
PC LAN™ is registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation
Microsoft LAN Manager™ is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation
Novell NetWare™ is a registered trademark of Novell Corporation
Netware Lite™ is a registered trademark of Novell Corporation
Printed in USA
Doc 710-003945 Revision A0
March 1998

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 condi-
tions:
1) this device may cause harmful interference, and 2) this device must accept any inter-
ference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide rea-
sonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a res-
idential environment. This equipment generates, uses, and radiates radio frequency
energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference. However there is no guarantee that interference will not occur. If
this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to correct the
interference by one of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from which the receiver is
connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio \ TV technician.
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.

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 mate-
rial broilleur du Canada.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry of Canada. 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.
European Telecommunication Standards Institute
Statement of Compliance
Information to User
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the European Telecommunica-
tions 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 harm-
ful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed
and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications.

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.
•Do not touch or move the antenna while unit is transmitting or receiving
•Do not hold any component containing the radio such that the antenna is very close
or touching any exposed parts of the body, especially the face or eyes, while trans-
mitting
•Do not operate a portable transmitter near unshielded blasting caps or in an explo-
sive environment unless it is a type especially qualified for such use
Warning for Laptop Users
In order to comply with the FCC RF exposure limits, it is recommended that when using
a laptop with the PCMCIA Wireless LAN Card, the antenna should not be positioned
closer than 15 cm (6 inches) from your body or nearby persons for extended periods of
time while it is transmitting (or operating). If the antenna is positioned less than 15 cm
(6 inches) from the user, it is recommended that the user limit exposure time or engage
the power saving features of the radio to reduce RF exposure. See the Technical Refer-
ence Manual for proper operation of power savings mode.

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 .................................................................................................xi
Networking Compatibility .........................................................................................xi
Radio Characteristics ................................................................................................xii
Radio Ranges ............................................................................................................xii
Radio Antenna ..........................................................................................................xiii
Security Features ......................................................................................................xiii
Radio Network Terminology .................................................................................... xiv
Registration Modes .................................................................................................. xvi
Aironet PCMCIA Network System Configurations ...............................................xvii
Chapter 1 - Client Card Installation ................................................... 1-1
Before You Start ............................................................................................................1-2
Installing the Radio Module and Client Card ................................................................1-3
Removing the Client Card and Radio Module ...............................................................1-5
Viewing the LED Display ..............................................................................................1-6
Chapter 2 - Client Card Driver Installation ....................................... 2-1
Overview ........................................................................................................................2-2
NDIS Driver Installation ................................................................................................2-2
Installation Guidelines .............................................................................................2-3
Windows 95 Installation Guidelines ........................................................................2-4
Windows NT Installation Guidelines .......................................................................2-5

ii Contents
Windows for Workgroups Installation Guidelines ...................................................2-6
ODI Driver Installation ..................................................................................................2-7
Installation Guidelines .............................................................................................2-7
Packet Driver Installation ..............................................................................................2-9
Installation Guidelines ...........................................................................................2-10
Chapter 3 - Utilities ...............................................................................3-1
Overview of WinDGS ....................................................................................................3-2
Commands Menu .....................................................................................................3-2
Loading New Firmware ...................................................................................3-2
Edit Properties ..........................................................................................................3-2
Statistics ..........................................................................................................3-3
Status ...............................................................................................................3-3
Linktest ............................................................................................................3-3
Radio Off/On ...................................................................................................3-4
Exit ..................................................................................................................3-4
Options Menu ...........................................................................................................3-4
Preferences ......................................................................................................3-4
Screen Update Timer .......................................................................................3-5
Save Properties Options ...................................................................................3-5
Edit Menu ...............................................................................................................3-5
System Parameters ..................................................................................................3-6
Network Parameters .................................................................................................3-9
Setting ARLAN, MAC, DDP, and PSP Parameters .................................................3-9
ARLANDGS Overview ...............................................................................................3-10
Steps for Diagnostic Testing ..................................................................................3-11
Navigating ARLANDGS Menus ...........................................................................3-11
Using the Mouse ............................................................................................3-12
Using the Keyboard .......................................................................................3-12

Contents iii
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 ..............................................................................................3-15
Editing the ARLAN.CFG File .....................................................................................3-16
Hardware Settings ..................................................................................................3-16
Setting the Base Address and IRQ Levels ............................................................3-17
Setting System Parameters .....................................................................................3-17
Registration Mode .........................................................................................3-17
Setting System Identifier ...............................................................................3-18
Setting the Radio Node ID ............................................................................3-18
Setting the Network Identifier (NID) ............................................................3-19
Setting the Router ID .....................................................................................3-19
Setting the Specified Router ..........................................................................3-19
Setting Root or Repeater Mode .....................................................................3-20
Establishing a Device Name ..........................................................................3-20
Setting the MAC (Media Access Control) Priority .......................................3-20
Setting the Radio Parameters ..........................................................................3-20
Selecting a Channel Number, Bitrate and Frequency ....................................3-21
Setting the Radio Type ..................................................................................3-22
Setting Advanced Radio Parameters ......................................................................3-22
Configuring ARLAN Parameters .........................................................................3-22
Menu Descriptions .........................................................................................3-23
Configuring PSP Parameters ................................................................................3-24
Menu Descriptions .........................................................................................3-24
Setting DDP Parameters .........................................................................................3-25
Menu Descriptions .........................................................................................3-25
Setting the MAC Parameters ..................................................................................3-26
Menu Descriptions .........................................................................................3-26
Resetting to Factory Settings .................................................................................3-27

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 ........................................................................................3-30
Menu Descriptions..................................................................................................3-32
Performing a LinkTest (Linktest) ................................................................................3-31
Upgrading Firmware ....................................................................................................3-33
Exit ARLANDGS ........................................................................................................3-35
Checking the LED Display ..........................................................................................3-35
Chapter 4 - Troubleshooting and Performance .................................. 4-1
When to Call Technical Support ....................................................................................4-2
Troubleshooting Tips .....................................................................................................4-2
Error Messages ..............................................................................................................4-3
Performance Tips ...........................................................................................................4-4
Improving your Radio Range ...................................................................................4-4
Reducing Network Load ..........................................................................................4-5
Testing the Radio Link .............................................................................................4-5
Appendix A - PCMCIA Specifications ........................................................................A -1
Appendix B - International Channel Sets ....................................................................B -1
Appendix C - Command Line Switches .......................................................................C-1
Appendix D - Current Device Parameters ....................................................................D-1
Appendix E - Aironet Technical Support ...................................................................... E-1

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 ............................................................... xx
Figure 0.6 - Multiple 900 MHz Microcells on a Wired LAN ...............................xxi
Figure 0.7 - Multiple Access Points to Extend the 2.4 GHz Network ..................xxii
Figure 1.1 - Overview of the Aironet Client Card ...............................................1-2
Figure 1.2 - Mounting the Radio Module ........................................................... 1-3
Figure 1.3 - Attaching the Radio Module to the Client Card ............................... 1-4
Figure 1.4 - Installing the Client Card................................................................ 1-5
Figure 1.5 - LED Display .................................................................................. 1-6

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.....................................................................B-2
Table B-3 - Channel Set 6 - 900 MHz.....................................................................B-3
Table B-4 - International Channel Sets and Frequencies - 2.4 GHz ........................B-4
Table B-5 - Channel Set 9 - 2.4 GHz .......................................................................B-5
Table B-6 - Channel Set 10 - 2.4 GHz .....................................................................B-5
Table B-7 - Channel Set 11 - 2.4 GHz .....................................................................B-6
Table B-8 - Channel Set 12 - 2.4 GHz .....................................................................B-6
Table B-9 - Channel Set 13 - 2.4 GHz .....................................................................B-6
Table B-10 - Channel Set 14 - 2.4 GHz ...................................................................B-7
Table B-11 - Channel Set 15 - 2.4 GHz ...................................................................B-7
Table B-12 - Channel Set 18 - 2.4 GHz ...................................................................B-7

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.
Chapter 1 - Client Card Installation
Describes the physical installation of the Client Card.
Chapter 2 - Client Card Driver Installation
Explains how to load the Client Card drivers for the supported LAN
operating systems.
Chapter 3 - Utilities
Describes the procedures for setting the Aironet Client Card system con-
figuration parameters and performing diagnostics and link tests.
Chapter 4 - Troubleshooting and Performance
Provides troubleshooting and performance tips to help you resolve prob-
lems that may occur with the Client Card.
Appendix A - Aironet Client Card Specifications
Appendix B - International Channel Sets
Appendix C - Command Line Switches
Appendix D - Current Device Parameters
Appendix E - Aironet Technical Support

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 net-
work nodes:

Radio Modules - provide wireless communication in any portable
or fixed computer.

Access Points - provide wireless data communication between an
Ethernet network and fixed, portable or mobile wireless computers.

Bridges - provide wireless bridges between two or more Ethernet
LANs and can also function as access points.

Client Cards - Adapter cards that are installed in ISA and MCA
computers to allow wireless communications.
The Client Card contains random access memory (RAM), and a co-pro-
cessor to transfer data to and from the PC’s operating system. (See Fig-
ure 0.1 on the following page). An accompanying Radio Module with an
integrated Antenna attaches to the Client Card via a tether cable, and
can be mounted on the computer to ensure the best radio range.

x Introduction to the Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter
Figure 0.1 - PCMCIA Block Diagram
Aironet Client Card Package
The Aironet Client Card package contains:

Client Card

Aironet Configuration Diskette

Radio Module

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 Configura-
tion diskette and store the original diskette in a safe place. Use the DOS
DISKCOPY command, that is, “desktop a: b:”. Do not use the DOS COPY
command since the diskette contains subdirectories.
System Requirements
Installation of the Aironet Client Card requires:

A computer with a Type II PCMCIA slot

MS-DOS 2.0 or higher

One free 8K expansion memory address block (ranges between

0xC000 and 0xDE00)

A PCMCIA card and socket services compliant with revision 2.10 of
the PCMCIA specification (or higher)

Free memory capacity to load a LAN operating system. Depending
on the LAN operating system, you will need additional free memory.
Consult the relevant LAN documentation for the exact memory
requirements.
Networking Compatibility
The Aironet Client Card is designed for use with industry standard net-
work operating systems. The following Network software drivers are
supplied on the Aironet Configuration diskette:

Novell Netware including SFT/Advanced Netware 286 version 2.1
and up, Entry Level System-Level 2 (8 users), Netware 386 version
3.1 or later.

NDIS Drivers - for NDIS-compliant LAN operating systems such as
Microsoft LAN Manager and PC LAN, Windows for WorkGroups,
Windows 3.1, and Windows 95.

xii Introduction to the Aironet PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter

ODI Drivers - for Novell Netware Lite and other ODI-compliant net-
working systems.

TCP/IP Packet driver - for use with third party TCP/IP products.
For information on the availability of drivers for other Network Operat-
ing Systems please contact Aironet Wireless Communications.
Radio Characteristics
The Aironet Client Card uses a radio modulation technique known as
Spread Spectrum Transmission or SST. This modulation technique pro-
vides high data bandwidth and excellent immunity from interference and
multipath effects.
Two versions of the Radio Module are offered which differ in their fre-
quency band of operation:
Aironet PC1200 - 900 MHz band (902 - 928 MHz range).
Aironet PC2200 - 2.4 GHz band (2.400 - 2.485 GHz range).
Data is transmitted over a half-duplex radio channel operating at data
rates up to 860 kb/s (PC1200) and 2 Mb/s (PC2200).
Radio Ranges
The Aironet Client Card Radio Module is used in indoor wireless Radio
Networks. The radio range achieved depends on the following:
Data Bit Rates - Better receiver gain at lower data bit rates
Lower bit rate links have an advantage over higher bit rate links. There
is a decrease in receiver threshold as the radio data rate increases. The
maximum radio range is achieved at the lowest workable data bit rate.
Antenna Type and Placement - Increased range with antenna height
The key to maximizing range indoors is to place the Access Point
antenna above obstacles such as cabinets, shelves, etc. An antenna
mounted on the ceiling provides excellent coverage.

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 0.1 provides a summary of typical radio ranges to be expected for
different situations.
Table 0.1 - Typical Radio Range
Radio Antenna
The PCMCIA Radio Module comes supplied with an integrated dipole
antenna and provides omni-directional (360 degree) coverage.
Security Features
The Aironet Client Card provides secure and highly reliable data com-
munications by employing Spread Spectrum Technology, previously
developed for military “anti-jamming” and “low probability of inter-
cept” radio systems.
Indoor Range Aironet PC1200 Aironet PC2200
Allantennasat
desktop height
Open Office 76m to 122m
(250 to 400 feet) 38m to 61m (125 to 200 feet)
Cluttered Office 45m to 76m
(150 to 250 feet) 23m to 38m (75 to 125 feet)
Central antenna
elevated 6 feet
Open Office 91m to 182m
(300 to 600 feet) 45m to 91m (150 to 300 feet)
Cluttered Office 61m to 91m
(200 to 300 feet) 30m to 45m (100 to 150 feet)

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 Chap-
ter 3 - Utilities for detailed information on setting the System Identifier.
Radio Network Terminology
When configuring your system, and when reading this User Guide, keep
in mind the following Radio Network terminology:
Network Tree - Conceptually, Aironet’s Advanced Radio Local Area
Network (ARLAN) is designed like an upside-down tree, (see Figure
0.2) with a Root Unit at the top, and Repeaters and Radio nodes branch-
ing down and out from the Root.
Root Unit - An Access Point which is located at the top of a Network
Tree. The Root Unit is the starting point in the network and contains
information in its Registration Table regarding all nodes on the network.
Repeaters - A Repeater is a wireless Access Point which is used to
extend the radio range of your network. A single Access Point is limited
to a specific RF range. If your system configuration includes nodes out-
side this range, you will need to add a Repeater in order for them to
communicate.
Radio Node - A PC, notebook computer, etc. containing a Radio Card.
End Node - A Radio Node that is located at the end of the Network
Tree.