Buffalo AirStation WLI-PCM-L11GP User manual

Before Operation 1
Installation 2
WindowsMe/98/95 Settings 3
Connection to Network 4
Troubleshooting 5
Product Specifications 6
Thank you for purchasing BUFFALO's wireless
LAN card (WLI-PCM-L11GP). This manual mainly
describes trouble shooting, peer-to-peer wireless
connection and other additional information
related to specification.
If you want to install the driver software to connect
to the AirStation, please refer to the "Installation
Instructions" separately.

Precautions for radio wave
•Never use the WLI-PCM-L11GP near the magnetic field around a microwave
oven or in an area where static electricity and/or radio noise is generated. The
radio waves may not be transmitted in these areas.
* When the WLI-PCM-L11GP is used near a wireless printer buffer (MELCO
INC.'s RYP-G or similar products by other manufacturers) that use radio
waves at around 2.4 GHz, the processing speed of both devices may be
affected.
•As the WLI-PCM-L11GP has been approved for conformity to the engineering
standards, the following may be regarded unlawful.
* Disassembling/remodeling the WLI-PCM-L11GP
* Removing the approval label attached to the rear of the WLI-PCM-L11GP
•All rights for this manual are owned by MELCO INC. No part of this manual may be
transmitted, reproduced, or revised without permission from MELCO INC.
•Product names of other companies used in this manual are trademarks or registered
trademarks of the respective companies. Trademark symbols (, , ) are not indi-
cated in this manual.
•Specifications, design, and other descriptions included in this manual are subject to
change without notice.
•This manual is carefully prepared, however, feel free to contact your nearest sales rep-
resentative if you have any questions or problems.
In addition, note that MELCO INC. shall not be liable for any expenses incurred due to
damage or loss arising from the use of the WLI-PCM-L11GP, although MELCO INC.
has been advised of the possibility of such damage.
•This product should be used as a general OA device in offices or at home. MELCO INC
do not accept any liability if the product is used other than as a general OA device.
•Do not use this product for any device or system which requires high safety such as a
medical device or any system which is directly or indirectly related to human lives.
•If this product is used for any device or computing system which requires more reli-
ability than general OA devices, please make sure that you take any necessary
actions to ensure safety and prevent system malfunctioning.

WLI-PCM-L11GP User’s Manual 1
Be sure to follow the instructions given below
for your safety.
Follow the instructions described here to avoid harming yourself, other people,
and property, and to ensure safety. Be sure to read and understand them thor-
oughly before using this product. This manual contains instructions concerning
general operation of the computer to which this product is connected as well as
those concerning the product.
Please take note that our warranty will not cover any failures and problems of the
computer, any losses and failures of data, or failures and problems of this prod-
uct caused by misuse.
SIGNS AND SYMBOLS USED IN THIS MANUAL
Warning signs;
Symbols;
WARNING Failure to follow the instructions shown with this
sign may result in a hazard or the serious injury of
the user.
CAUTION Failure to follow the instructions shown with this
sign may result in the injury of the user or property
damage.
This indicates warnings and cautions. Specific instructions are
given in or around . (Ex. Exercise care to avoid an elec-
tric shock.)
This indicates prohibited matters. Specific instructions are given
in or around . (Ex. Do not disassemble.)
This indicates compulsory rules. Specific instructions are given
in or around . (EX. Disconnect the plug from the recepta-
cle.)

WLI-PCM-L11GP User’s Manual2
WARNING
Compulsory
Be sure to observe instructions by manufacturers of personal
computers and peripherals when installing and using this
product.
No disassembly
Do not disassemble or modify the product.
It may cause a fire or on electric shock.
Unplugging
Turn off the power to the computer and peripheral devices
immediately and unplug them if smoke or an unpleasant
smell is generated.
If you continue using them under such circumstances, a short cir-
cuit resulting in a fire or an electric shock may occur.
Unplugging
Turn of the power to the computer and peripheral devices
immediately and unplug them if you drop the product or it
receives a severe physical shock.
If you continue using them under such circumstances, a short cir-
cuit resulting in a fire or an electric shock may occur. Please con-
tact your nearest sales representative.

WLI-PCM-L11GP User’s Manual 3
CAUTION
Prohibited
Never touch this product with wet hands.
It may cause an electric shock when the power plugs of personal
computers and peripheral devices are connected to the AC outlet.
If the plug is not connected, mechanical failure may occur.
Compulsory
Touch something made of metal (a door knob or aluminum
window frame, for example) and release static electricity
before touching the product to avoid damage caused by
static electricity.
Static electricity generated from the human body may damage the
product.
Compulsory
Be sure to create back-up files on other media (floppy disk,
MO disk, etc.) for your data on the hard disk.
MELCO INC. recommends that you create two back-up copies of
data before and after the original data is updated for any critical
data. Data may be deleted or damaged when:
• EIncorrect operation is performed.
• Data is affected by static electricity or electrical noise.
• Hardware is mechanically damaged or repaired.
• Your computer is turned on immediately after being turned off.
• The battery is expired because the device is not used for a long time.
• Hardware is damaged in a natural disaster.
Note that MELCO INC. shall not be liable for any damages arising
from loss or damage of digital data in any cases.

WLI-PCM-L11GP User’s Manual4
Table of Contents
1Before Operation.................................5
Using this manual............................................................... 5
Product outline ................................................................... 6
Contents of package and section names ....................... 10
Setup flow.......................................................................... 11
2Installation .........................................12
Drive configuration........................................................... 12
Before installing the WLI-PCM-L11GP ............................ 13
Installing the WLI-PCM-L11GP ........................................ 16
3WindowsMe/98/95 Settings ..............19
Checking after installation............................................... 19
Preparing for connection to network.............................. 21
Removing the WLI-PCM-L11GP....................................... 25
4Connection to Network.....................26
Connection to network..................................................... 26
Communicating with wireless LAN computers ............. 28
5Troubleshooting................................31
6Product specifications .....................40

WLI-PCM-L11GP User’s Manual 5
1Before Operation
This chapter contains important information you should fully under-
stood before starting operation. Be sure to carefully read the follow-
ing pages.
This manual is created according to the following editorial points.
Please remember these points when using this manual.
Editorial points
CAUTION mark
Describes cautions when handling the WLI-PCM-L11GP. If
these instructions are not observed, injuries or mechanical damage
may occur.
NOTE mark
Describes supplementary information or items which should
be understood when installing the WLI-PCM-L11GP.
REFERENCE mark
Indicates page(s) containing related information.
NEXT mark
Indicates page(s) containing the next step is described.
COLUMN mark
Provides convenient tips.
Terminology
• Descriptions enclosed by double quotation marks " " are software or
dialog box names.
• This product (Wireless LAN Card WLI-PCM-L11GP) is generally
referred to as "the WLI-PCM-L11GP".
Using this manual

WLI-PCM-L11 User’s Manual6
• A computer equipped with the WLI-PCM-L11GP is generally referred
to as the "wireless LAN PC".
Handling precautions
The WLI-PCM-L11GP is a high-precision device. Be sure to read this
manual carefully to ensure correct operation.
MELCO INC. shall not be liable for any failures or problems of the com-
puter, or any failures and problems of the access point caused by misuse.
Features and operating environment of the WLI-PCM-L11GP are
described below.
Features
The WLI-PCM-L11GP is a wireless LAN card for use in computers
equipped with a PC card slot (type II).
The main features are listed below.
• 2.4 GHz low power data communication system (certification not
required).
• Direct sequence spread spectrum (DS-SS) technology ensures high
noise resistance.
• IEEE802.11b compliant, with a data rate of 11 Mbps even on a wire-
less LAN.
• Effective range of 50 m indoors or 115 m outdoors
*25 m indoors or 50 m outdoors when transmitting by 11Mbps
(Do not install this product in close proximity to microwave ovens,
wireless printer buffers or objects made of steel such as steel desks
or steel drawers.)
Operating environment
IBM AT compatible computer equipped with a PC card slot (type II)
Operating system
• WindowsMe/98/95 • WindowsXP/2000
• WindowsNT4.0 with Service Pack 4 or later
* The ACPI feature in Windows98/2000 is not supported.
Product outline

WLI-PCM-L11 User’s Manual 7
Wired LAN and wireless LAN
The following terms are used in this manual to distinguish
between a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX LAN connected by
cables and a LAN using no cables.
Wired LAN ............. LAN connected by cables
Wireless LAN......... LAN using wireless communication
Note that these are not general terms and are used only for descrip-
tions in this manual.
The illustration above is provided to explain a Wired LAN and a
Wireless LAN. It is not a configuration example nor is it a connection dia-
gram. For the details of configuration examples and connection diagrams,
please refer to "Installing the WLI-PCM-L11GP" on page 16 .
Typical configuration of a wired LAN
Typical configuration of a wireless LAN

WLI-PCM-L11 User’s Manual8
ESS-ID
The ESS-ID is an identification code required for communi-
cation in a wireless LAN.
The same ESS-ID must be set to the AirStation and the
wireless LAN PC to enable communication. (ESS-ID is not
valid when communicating between wireless LAN comput-
ers)
The ESS-ID is upper/lower case sensitive and can consist
of up to 32 alphanumeric characters including the under bar (_).
Wireless Channel
If you have several wireless LAN networks with different
ESS-IDs on one floor, the transfer speed may be affected
when communicating with other wireless LAN networks.
This is because radio waves with the same frequency are
being used. To avoid this problem, set a different frequency
(wireless channel) for each wireless LAN network.
However, close frequencies used on adjacent channels
may interfere with each other. If you use more than one
channel, make sure that you do not use adjacent channels.
* When connecting between wireless LAN computers, the
same wireless channel must be used in all the wireless
LAN computers involved.
* If you change the wireless channel, it may cause radio
wave interference with other wireless devices.

WLI-PCM-L11 User’s Manual 9
Wireless LAN network configuration
Network configurations for wireless LANs can be classified into two
main groups.
• Wireless LAN only network
• Wired and wireless LAN network
* A wireless LAN network configured with third-party wireless LAN products is
not supported.

Wireless LAN only network
You can configure the wireless LAN
only network of the Wireless LAN com-
puters with MELCO INC.'s wireless
LAN cards.

Wired and wireless LAN network
By using MELCO INC.'s AirStation (WLAR-L11
series and WLA-L11 series: provided sepa-
rately), you can connect to the Internet or com-
municate with computers on the wired LAN via
the AirStation.

WLI-PCM-L11 User’s Manual10
The items listed below are included in the package. Please check the
package and contact your nearest sales representative if any items are
missing.
Wireless LAN...................................................................................1
*When an access point or a wireless LAN computer is not available,
the POWER lamp and the ACTIVE lamp will alternate on and off
every few seconds.
Driver CD.........................................................................................1
User’s Manual .................................................................................1
Be sure to read any additional information sheets provided in the pack-
age.
Contents of package and section names
Name Function
PCMCIA con-
nector
Terminal connected to the PCMCIA slot of the com-
puter. Never touch the terminal with your bare hands.
Touching the terminal may cause a malfunction.
POWER lamp This lamp is on (green) when switched on. *
ACTIVE lamp This lamp is on (green) when sending or receiving
data. *

WLI-PCM-L11 User’s Manual 11
Follow the procedures below to connect this product. Read the entire
operation flow carefully and understand it before starting setup.
Setup flow
Read this manual carefully.
1Check contents of package. Page 10
2Send your registration card.
3Install the product to computer. Page 12
4
Install appropriate driver for your environment.
WindowsMe/98/95
Refer to the “Installation Instructions“ separately.
Then, refer to Chapter3 “WindowsMe/98/95 Settings“ of this manual.
WindowsXP/2000/NT4.0
Refer to the online manual included on the Driver CD.
5Install Client Manager.
Refer to the “Installation Instructions“ separately.
6Connection to network. Page 26
If any problem occurs, refer to "Troubleshooting".
Page 31
Setup completed.

WLI-PCM-L11GP User’s Manual12
2Installation
This chapter describes the procedure to install the WLI-PCM-
L11GP into your computer. If you are using WindowsMe/98/95, you
need to check your driver
Check the drive configuration of your computer before installing the
driver. Screens from Windows98 are used in this example.
Drive names on your computer
When using WindowsXP/Me/98/95/2000, go to "Before installing the WLI-PCM-
L11GP" on page 13 .
When using WindowsNT4.0 go to "Installing the WLI-PCM-L11GP" on page 16 .
Drive configuration
1Double-click the My Computer icon.
2Select View R Details.
Check the drive names
listed in the window.
Take note of the drive
names on your com-
puter in the provided
table below. These will
be required in the fol-
lowing steps.
Drive
In the graphic above On your computer
3.5" Floppy Disk A:
Harddisk (Local Disk)
C:
CD-ROM D:

WLI-PCM-L11 User’s Manual 13
When you are using WindowsXP/Me/98/95/2000, be sure to check that the
PC card driver is correctly installed before inserting it.
Checking PC card driver
The PC card driver must be installed in order to use WLI-PCM-L11GP.
Please check your PC card driver configuration before installing the
WLI-PCM-L11GP.
WindowsMe/98/95
Before installing the WLI-PCM-L11GP
1Right-click on My Computer icon on your Desktop.
2Select Properties from the pop-up menu.
3
Click the Device Manager tab and then the + mark on the left of
"PCMCIA socket". Check that no marks indicating a problem ("!" or
"X") are displayed for any of the devices listed for "PCMCIA socket".
The name of PCMCIA controller may vary depending on the model of
your computer.
When an error mark ("!" or "X") is not displayed
Your PC card driver is properly configured.

WLI-PCM-L11 User’s Manual14
Go to "Installing the WLI-PCM-L11GP" on page 16 .
When an error mark ("!" or "X") is displayed
Follow the steps below to change your PC card driver configuration.
1 Double-click PCMCIA controller with an error mark. PC Card (PCMCIA)
Wizard starts.
2 The message "Welcome to the PC Card (PCMCIA) wizard......" Appears.
Select "No", then click Next.
3 The message "Windows did not find any existing real-mode PC card driv-
ers......" Appears. Select No, then click Next.
4 The message "You have finished the PC card wizard." Appears. Click Fin-
ish.
With Windows 98, the configuration is now comleted. Open Device Man-
ager tab and check that no marks indicating a problem ("!" or "X") are dis-
played for PCMCIA controller.
5 With Windows 95, the message "To continue the configuration of this PC
card, you are required to shut down Windows and turn off the com-
puter......" Click Yes.
6 After Windows restarts, Open Device Manager tab and check that no
marks indicating a problem ("!" or "X") are displayed for PCMCIA controller.
* If you still have a problem with the installation, refer to the
manual of your computer or contact the manufacturer of
your computer.

WLI-PCM-L11 User’s Manual 15
WindowsXP/2000
The name of the PCMCIA controller may vary depending on model of
your computer.
1Click the [Start] button and select [Settings] - [Control Panel]
2Double-click the System icon
3Click the hardware tab, then click the Device Manager button.
4Check that no marks indicating a problem ("!" or "X") are displayed
for any icons under "PCMCIA Adapters".

WLI-PCM-L11 User’s Manual16
The installation position varies depending on the model of your computer. Be
sure to refer to the manual provided by the manufacturer.
If your computer is equipped with a power management function
that automatically cuts power supply to the computer when it is left idle for
a certain period, turn the function off. The WLI-PCM-L11GP cannot be used
if the power management function starts. Refer to the manual provided for
the computer for details on the power management function.
Precautions when installing the LAN card
• Be sure to follow the installation instructions in the manuals provided
with your computer and peripheral equipment.
• Remove dust from connectors.
• Never touch the connectors of the WLI-PCM-L11GP.
• Carefully check the direction of the connectors when installing the
WLI-PCM-L11GP to your computer. The connector may be damaged
if it is forced.
Precautions when removing the LAN card
The LAN card can be inserted and removed with the computer turned
on (Hot Swap feeture), provided Windows98/95 is running. However,
You should set the LAN card to be safely removable on Windows98/95
when you remove it. Refer to "Removing the WLI-PCM-L11GP" on
page 25 .
Go to "Installation to a notebook computer" on page 17 when installing to a note-
book computer.
Go to "Installation to a desktop computer" on page 18 when installing to a desk-
top computer.
Installing the WLI-PCM-L11GP

WLI-PCM-L11 User’s Manual 17
Installation to a notebook computer
Follow the steps below when installing the WLI-PCM-L11GP to a note-
book computer.
When using Windows98/95, the WLI-PCM-L11GP can be installed and removed
with the computer turned on because it supports the Hot Swap feature.
When using WindowsNT4.0, be sure to turn off your computer before installing
the WLI-PCM-L11GP.
When using WindowsMe/98/95, refer to the ”Installation Instructions” separately,
then refer to "WindowsMe/98/95 Settings" on page 19
When using WindowsXP/2000/NT4.0, refer to the “Installation Instructions“ sepa-
rately , and online manual Driver CD.
Insert the WLI-PCM-L11 completely into the
PC Card slot on your somputer.

WLI-PCM-L11 User’s Manual18
Installation to a desktop computer
Either of the boards below must be installed in a desktop computer
before installing the WLI-PCM-L11GP.
• ISA Bus Adapter (WLI-ISA-OP)
• PCI Bus Adapter (WLI-PCI-OP)
Refer to manuals provided with the products for installation procedure.
Refer to the illustration below to install the WLI-PCM-L11GP to a desk-
top computer.
When using WindowsMe/98/95, refer to the ”Installation Instructions” separately,
then refer to "WindowsMe/98/95 Settings" on page 19
When using WindowsXP/2000/NT4.0, refer to the “Installation Instructions“ sepa-
rately , and online manual Driver CD.