Asus WL-138G User manual

®
User’s Manual
Wireless Local Area Network Card
WL-138g
(For 802.11g and 802.11b Wireless Networks)

2ASUS WLAN Card
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INCLUDING THE PRODUCTSAND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Copyright © 2003ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright Information
Product Name: ASUS WLAN Card (WL-138g)
Manual Revision: 1 E1498
Release Date: December 2003

ASUS WLAN Card 3
Copyright Information
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (Asia-Pacific)
Address 150 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 112
Telephone [phone]
Web site www.asus.com.tw
Technical Support
Telephone (MB/Component) [phone] (English)
(Notebook) [phone] (English)
(Server/PC) [phone] (English)
(Networking) [phone] (English)
Support fax [phone]
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)
Address 44370 Nobel Drive, Fremont, CA 94538, USA
Fax [phone]
E-mail [email protected]
Web site usa.asus.com
Technical Support
Telephone (General) [phone]
(Notebook) [phone]
Support fax [phone]
Support e-mail [email protected]
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria)
Address Harkort Str. 25, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany
Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Online contact www.asuscom.de/sales
Technical Support
Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Online support www.asuscom.de/support
Web site www.asuscom.de/news
ASUS COMPUTER (Middle East and North Africa)
Address P.O. Box 64133, Dubai, U.A.E.
Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Web site www.ASUSarabia.com

4ASUS WLAN Card
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ............................................................................. 7
Overview .............................................................................................. 7
The ASUS Wireless LAN Family..................................................... 8
The ASUS WLAN™ Family .................................................................. 8
System Requirements ........................................................................ 10
The Product Package......................................................................... 10
2. Installation ............................................................................. 11
Installing the ASUS WLAN Card Driver.............................................. 11
Verifying Drivers............................................................................ 12
Installing the ASUS WLAN Card Utilities............................................ 13
ASUS WLAN Utility Quick Start.......................................................... 15
Reading the ASUS WLAN Status Indicators................................. 16
Orientating the Antenna ................................................................ 16
3. Software Reference .............................................................. 17
Chapter Overview............................................................................... 17
Windows XP Wireless Options ..................................................... 18
Control Center Utility .......................................................................... 19
Site Monitor Utility......................................................................... 22
Wireless Settings Utility...................................................................... 24
Status - Status Tab ....................................................................... 25
Status - Connection Tab ............................................................... 29
Status - IP Config Tab ................................................................... 30
Config - Basic Tab......................................................................... 31
Config - Encryption Tab ................................................................ 33
Survey - Site Survey Tab .............................................................. 36
About - Version Info Tab ............................................................... 37
Link State...................................................................................... 38
Exit Wireless Settings ................................................................... 38
Mobile Manager Utility........................................................................ 39
New Configuration Wizard ............................................................ 43
Edit Configuration ......................................................................... 44
Troubleshooting Utility ........................................................................ 52
Windows XP Wireless Properties ....................................................... 56
4. Troubleshooting .................................................................... 58

ASUS WLAN Card 5
Table of Contents
5. Glossary................................................................................. 60
IEEE 802.11b (11Mbits/sec) ............................................................... 65
Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum (for 802.11b) .............................. 66
IEEE 802.11a (54Mbits/sec) ............................................................... 67
COFDM (for 802.11a/g) ...................................................................... 68
6. Safety Information................................................................. 69
Federal Communications Commission............................................... 69
FCC Radio Frequency Interference Requirements ...................... 70
FCC RF Exposure Guidelines (Access Points) ............................ 70
FCC RF Exposure Guidelines (Wireless Cards)........................... 70
Canadian Department of Communications ........................................ 71
France Restricted Frequency Band.................................................... 72

6ASUS WLAN Card

ASUS WLAN Card 7
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Chapter 1
1. Introduction
Overview
Thank you for purchasing theASUS WLAN Card.TheASUS WLAN Card is
a PCI compliant “wireless” network interface card (NIC) for any computer
equipped with a PCI slot.
TheASUS WLAN Card is designed to be fully compliant with both the IEEE
802.11gandIEE802.11bwirelesslocalareanetwork(WirelessLAN)standards.
As a result of the completion of the standard, the interoperability of Wireless
LAN products among multiple manufacturers will be guaranteed. The ASUS
WLAN Card product provides high-speed, standards-based Wireless LAN
solutions.
TheASUS WLAN Card is designed to be fully compliant with IEEE 802.11g
wireless local area networks (WLAN). 802.11g is an extension to 802.11b,
used in majority of wireless LANs today. 802.11g will broaden 802.11b's data
ratesto 54 Mbps withinthe 2.4 GHz band usingOFDM (orthogonal frequency
divisionmultiplexing)technology.802.11gallows backwardcompatibilitywith
802.11b devices but only at 11 Mbps or lower depending on the range and
presence of obstructions.
The ASUS WLAN Card supports data rates up to 11 Mbps, with automatic
fallbackto5.5,2, and1Mbpsin 802.11bnetworks. Itoperatesinthe unlicensed
2.4 GHz frequencies called the Instrumentation, Science, and Medical (ISM)
band. Unlicensed means free of charge to users.
TheASUSWLAN Card configurationutility is a user-friendlyapplication that
helpsyouquickly setupmultiple roamingnodes usingtheASUSWLANCard.
You can even export the configuration settings to a file and import them to
other computers for fast multiple installations using ASUS Mobile Manager.
WirelessLANsarecomplementaryextensionsto existingwiredLANs,offering
complete mobility while maintaining continuous network connectivity to both
corporate and home Intranets. They add a new level of convenience for LAN
users. PC users stay connected to the network anywhere throughout a building
without being bound by a LAN wires.This is accomplished through the use of
ASUSWLANAccessPointsorASUSWLANHomeGateways.ASUSWLAN
Home Gateways with built-in Internet gateway capability, allows your family
toshareabroadbandModemandoneISPaccountsimultaneouslyfromdifferent
rooms without wires! ASUS WLAN products can keep you connected
anywhere, any time.
Overview

8ASUS WLAN Card
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Chapter 1
WLAN Family
The ASUS Wireless LAN Family
The ASUS Wireless LAN family contains a complete solution for wireless
local area networks in the office or at home.
For 802.11b Wireless Networks
The above illustrations are not to scale.
TheASUSWLAN
802.11b USB
Client (WL-140)
isanIEEE 802.11b
wirelessUSBLAN
adapter that
connects to any
computer’s USB
port with the
benefit of being
able to place the antenna anywhere in
order to maximize signal strength.
The ASUS WLAN
802.11b CF Card
(WL-110) is a IEEE
802.11b wireless LAN
adapter that fits into a
Compact Flash Type II
slot in a Portable
Digital Assistant
(PDA).
The ASUS WLAN
802.11b Access Point
(WL-300) creates a
wireless network using
the IEEE 802.11b
wireless standard.
The ASUS
WLAN
802.11b
Gateway
(WL-500) creates a wireless network
using the IEEE 802.11b wireless
standard and allows sharing a single
Internet connection.
The ASUS WLAN
802.11b PC Card
(WL-103b) is a IEEE
802.11b wireless LAN
adapter that fits into a
PCMCIAType IIslot in
a Notebook PC. This
new version presents a
better looking design to
replace the WL-100.

ASUS WLAN Card 9
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Chapter 1
WLAN Family
The above illustrations are not to scale.
TheASUSWLAN802.11b/aRouter
(WL-600) creates a wireless network
using the IEEE 802.11b and 802.11a
wireless standards and allows sharing
a single Internet connection.
The ASUS WLAN
802.11b/a Cardbus
Card(WL-200)is a
dual band (IEEE
802.11a/b) wireless
LANadapterthatfits
into a Notebook
PC’s PCMCIAType
II slot with Cardbus
support.
The ASUS WLAN
802.11b/aPCICard
(WL-230) is a dual
band (IEEE 802.11a/
b) wireless PCI card
that also supports
Bluetooth
connections.
For 802.11b & 802.11a Wireless Networks
The ASUS WLAN
802.11g Access Point
(WL-300g) creates a
wirelessnetworkusing
the IEEE 802.11g and
802.11b wireless
standards.
For 802.11g & 802.11b Wireless Networks
The ASUS WLAN
802.11g PC Card
(WL-103g)isaIEEE
802.11g and 802.11b
wirelessLANadapter
that fits into a
PCMCIATypeIIslot
in a Notebook PC.
This new version
presents a better
looking design to
replacetheWL-100g.

10 ASUS WLAN Card
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Chapter 1
System Requirements
To begin using the ASUS WLAN Card, you must have the following
minimum requirements:
• Windows XP/2000/ME/98SE
• Standard 32-bit PCI Slot
• 32MB system memory or larger
• 300MHz processor or higher
The Product Package
When you receive the ASUS WLAN Card package, it should contain the
following items:
• ASUS WLAN PCI Card
• ASUS WLAN Card Quick Start Guide
• ASUS WLAN Card User’s Manual
• CD-ROM Disc (Drivers, Utilities, Documentation)
If any of the above items are not included or damaged, contact your
local dealer for instructions.
Requirements

ASUS WLAN Card 11
Chapter 2 - Installation
Chapter 2
2. Installation
Installing Driver
3. WindowswillautomaticallydetecttheASUS
WLAN Card once it is inserted into the PCI
slot, then the “Add New Hardware Wizard”
dialog will appear. Click Next.
4. Insert the support CD that came with your
ASUS WLAN Card.
5. Select “Search for the best driver in”... and
“Search removable media...”, then click
Next.
Installing the ASUS WLAN Card Driver
1. Have an experienced person install the ASUS WLAN Card into a free PCI slot. Replace your
chassis door, panels, screws, and cables when completed.
2. Turn ON your computer and enter Windows.
6. Wait while Windows XP creates a restore
point for you system files in case you
need to restore your current system.
7. Click Finish when installation has
complete. Restart your computer if
prompted.

12 ASUS WLAN Card
Chapter 2 - Installation
Chapter 2
Installing Driver
Verifying Drivers
You can verify the ASUS WLAN Card driver in Device Manager. (Access
Device Manager from Start | Control Panel | System | Hardware). A question
mark means that no driver has been installed.An exclamation mark over a
card means that the driver is incorrect. Verify that you are using the correct
product and driver CD. Try repeating the installation and contact customer
support if necessary.

ASUS WLAN Card 13
Chapter 2 - Installation
Chapter 2
Installing Utilities
Installing the ASUS WLAN Card Utilities
After you have installed the ASUS WLAN Card driver, you can install the
WLAN Adapter utilities as shown below.
3. Click Next on the Welcome screen. 4. Click Next after reading the Information.
5. Click Next to use the default Destination
Folder or click Browse to select another
folder.
6. Click Next to place icons in the default
program folder or type another folder
name.
1. Insert theASUS WLAN Card support CD
and an autorun menu will appear. If your
autorun is disabled, double click
SETUP.EXE in the root directory of the
support CD.
2. From the autorun menu, select your
language and click Install ASUS WLAN
Card Utilities.

14 ASUS WLAN Card
Chapter 2 - Installation
Chapter 2
Installing Utilities
7.When Setupiscomplete,clickFinishto exit
the installation wizard.
Several shortcuts will be created
whichcanbeaccessed throughStart.
(“ClassicStartmenu” is shown here.)
8. When the program is launched for the first
time, you will be asked which function to
use. Select to use ASUS utilities for more
functions.
By default, the “ASUS WLAN Control
Center”isset to launch with Windows.
If necessary, you can launch it manu-
ally from the Windows Start Menu.
Installing the ASUS WLAN Card Utilities
(Cont.)

ASUS WLAN Card 15
Chapter 2 - Installation
Chapter 2
Quick Start
ASUS WLAN Utility Quick Start
After installing the ASUS WLAN driver and utility, you may need to make
some settings before being able to use your wireless connection.
1. Right-click the ASUS WLAN icon and se-
lect “Wireless Settings” 2. Set the Network Name (SSID) to the same
nameas the SSID set in your access point.
3. Use “Site Survey” if you don’t know the
name of your access point(s). 4. Encryption settings must also match those
set in the access point. Talk with your net-
work administrator if necessary.
5. You can also see the connection quality on
the “Connection” page. Click OK to exit the
utility.
6. ClickApplytosaveyoursettingsandcheck
the “Status” page to see the “Association
State”. It should show “Connected -
xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx”.

16 ASUS WLAN Card
Chapter 2 - Installation
Chapter 2
Quick Start
Reading the ASUS WLAN Status Indicators
The ASUS WLAN card consists of one LED that indicates the status of the
ASUS WLAN Card.
OFF: No wireless activity.
Blinking: Transmitting or receiving wireless data.
Orientating the Antenna
TheASUS WLAN Card has one external antenna. It is recommended that you
adjust the external antenna straight up for maximum range and higher link
quality.

ASUS WLAN Card 17
Chapter 3 - Reference
Chapter 3
Software Reference
•Control Center – Makes it easy to launch applications and activate
network location settings.
•Live Update – Makes it easy to update your ASUS WLAN drivers or
utilities automatically through the Internet.
•Mobile Manager – A convenient tool to setup and manage network
location settings.
•Site Monitor – Measures the received signal strength indicator (RSSI)
values of all wireless networks. This tool is used for determining the
best placement ofAccess Points to provide the most efficient coverage
in a wireless network.
•Troubleshooting - Troubleshooting will test your settings and connec-
tion to try to pinpoint your problem and give you a solution.
•Wireless Settings – Allows users to control the ASUS WLAN Card.
Additional Reference
•Windows XP Wireless Properties - Brief overview of the wireless
settings provided in Windows XP.
3. Software Reference
Chapter Overview
The ASUS WLAN Card software includes six groups of utilities
Windows Start Menu - Programs

18 ASUS WLAN Card
Chapter 3 - Reference
Chapter 3
Software Reference
Windows XP Wireless Options
The wireless options shown below is only available for Windows XP. The
first time you run the Control Center utility, it will automatically show.
Select one of the radio buttons to decide which interface to use with your
ASUS WLAN Card.
OnlyuseXPwirelessfunction–Only use “Windows XP” wireless network
settings to configure the ASUS WLAN Card.
Only use ASUS utilities and disable XP wireless function – Only use
“ASUS WLAN Card utilities” to configure the ASUS WLAN Card.
(recommended)
You can return to the Wireless Option setting at any time by left clicking
the control center icon and choosing “Wireless Option”.
Taskbar Left-Click Menu

ASUS WLAN Card 19
Chapter 3 - Reference
Chapter 3
Control Center
Control Center Utility
Control Center is an application that makes it easy to launch applications
and activate network location settings. Control Center starts automatically
when the system boots. Whenever Control Center is running, you will see
a Control Center icon displayed on the Windows taskbar.
Starting the Control Center manually
• Select ASUS WLAN Control Center in Windows Start menu.
or
• Double click the ASUS WLAN Control Center icon on the desktop.
Using the Control Center Taskbar
The Control Center Taskbar menu display the following information:
• The link quality of the ASUS WLAN Card (Excellent, Good, Fair,
Poor, Not Linked)
• Whether theASUS WLAN Card is connected to the Internet (Blue:
Connected, Gray: Not Connected)
Taskbar Icon and Status
Windows Start Menu

20 ASUS WLAN Card
Chapter 3 - Reference
Chapter 3
Control Center
Wireless Status Icons (on the taskbar)
Excellent link quality and connected to Internet (Infrastructure)
Good link quality and connected to Internet (Infrastructure)
Fair link quality and connected to Internet (Infrastructure)
Poor link quality and connected to Internet (Infrastructure)
Not linked but connected to Internet (Infrastructure)
Excellent link quality but not connected to Internet (Infrastructure)
Good link quality but not connected to Internet (Infrastructure)
Fair link quality but not connected to Internet (Infrastructure)
Poor link quality but not connected to Internet (Infrastructure)
Not linked and not connected to Internet (Infrastructure)