Cisco Aironet CB20A User manual

CHAPTER
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5
Configuring the Client Adapter
This chapter explains how to set the configuration parameters for a specific profile.
The following topics are covered in this chapter:
•Overview, page 5-2
•Setting System Parameters, page 5-3
•Setting RF Network Parameters, page 5-7
•Setting Advanced Infrastructure Parameters, page 5-14
•Setting Advanced Ad Hoc Parameters, page 5-18
•Setting Network Security Parameters, page 5-21

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Chapter 5 Configuring the Client Adapter
Overview
Overview
When you choose to create a new profile or edit an existing profile on the Profile Manager screen, the
Properties screens appear with the name of your profile in parentheses. These screens enable you to set
the configuration parameters for that profile.
Note If you do not change any of the configuration parameters, the default values are used.
Note If you are planning to set parameters on more than one of the Properties screens, wait until you are
finished with all of the screens before clicking OK. When you click OK, you are returned to the Profile
Manager screen.
Each of the Properties screens (listed below) contains parameters that affect a specific aspect of the client
adapter:
•System Parameters—Prepares the client adapter for use in a wireless network
•RF Network—Controls how the client adapter transmits and receives data
•Advanced (Infrastructure)—Controls how the client adapter operates within an infrastructure
network
•Advanced (Ad Hoc)—Controls how the client adapter operates within an ad hoc (peer-to-peer)
network
•Network Security—Controls how a client adapter associates to an access point, authenticates to the
wireless network, and encrypts and decrypts data
Table 5-1 enables you to quickly locate the instructions for setting each Properties screen’s parameters.
Table 5-1 Locating Configuration Instructions
Parameter Category Page Number
System page 5-3
RF network page 5-7
Advanced infrastructure page 5-14
Advanced ad hoc page 5-18
Network security page 5-21

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Chapter 5 Configuring the Client Adapter
Setting System Parameters
Setting System Parameters
The System Parameters screen (see Figure 5-1) enables you to set parameters that prepare the client
adapter for use in a wireless network. This screen appears after you create and save a new profile or click
Edit on the Profile Manager screen.
Figure 5-1 System Parameters Screen
Table 5-2 lists and describes the client adapter’s system parameters. Follow the instructions in the table
to change any parameters.

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Chapter 5 Configuring the Client Adapter
Setting System Parameters
Table 5-2 System Parameters
Parameter Description
Client Name A logical name for your workstation. It allows an administrator to
determine which devices are connected to the access point without
having to memorize every MAC address. This name is included in the
access point’s list of connected devices.
Range: You can key in up to 16 ASCII characters
Default: A blank field
Note Each computer on the network should have a unique client
name.
SSID1 The service set identifier (SSID) identifies the specific wireless
network that you want to access.
Range: You can key in up to 32 ASCII characters (case sensitive)
Default: A blank field
Note If you leave this parameter blank, your client adapter can
associate to any access point on the network that is configured
to allow broadcast SSIDs (see the AP Radio Hardware page in
the access point management system). If the access point with
which the client adapter is to communicate is not configured to
allow broadcast SSIDs, the value of this parameter must match
the SSID of the access point. Otherwise, the client adapter is
unable to access the network.
SSID2 An optional SSID that identifies a second distinct network and enables
you to roam to that network without having to reconfigure your client
adapter.
Range: You can key in up to 32 ASCII characters (case sensitive)
Default: A blank field
Note If a profile specifies more than one SSID, it cannot be included
in auto profile selection.
Note This field is unavailable for any profiles that are included in
auto profile selection.
SSID3 An optional SSID that identifies a third distinct network and enables
you to roam to that network without having to reconfigure your client
adapter.
Range: You can key in up to 32 ASCII characters (case sensitive)
Default: A blank field
Note If a profile specifies more than one SSID, it cannot be included
in auto profile selection.
Note This field is unavailable for any profiles that are included in
auto profile selection.

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Chapter 5 Configuring the Client Adapter
Setting System Parameters
Power Save Mode Sets your client adapter to its optimum power consumption setting.
Options: CAM, Max PSP, or Fast PSP
Default: CAM (Constantly Awake Mode)
Power Save Mode Description
CAM (Constantly Awake
Mode)
Keeps the client adapter powered up
continuously so there is little lag in
message response time.
Consumes the most power but offers the
highest throughput. Is recommended for
desktop computers and devices that use
AC power.
Max PSP (Max Power
Savings)
Causes the access point to buffer incoming
messages for the client adapter, which
wakes up periodically and polls the access
point to see if any buffered messages are
waiting for it. The adapter can request
each message and then go back to sleep.
Conserves the most power but offers the
lowest throughput. Is recommended for
devices for which power consumption is
the ultimate concern (such as small
battery-powered devices).
Note When you set Max PSP mode and
close ACU, the following message
appears the next time you open
ACU: “Maximum Power Save
Mode will be temporarily disabled
while you are running this
application.” While ACU is open,
Fast PSP mode is active. When
you close ACU, the card returns to
Max PSP mode.
Fast PSP (Power Save
Mode)
Switches between PSP mode and CAM
mode, depending on network traffic. This
mode switches to CAM when retrieving a
large number of packets and switches back
to PSP after the packets have been
retrieved.
Is recommended when power consumption
is a concern but you need greater
throughput than that allowed by Max PSP.
Table 5-2 System Parameters (continued)
Parameter Description

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Chapter 5 Configuring the Client Adapter
Setting System Parameters
Go to the next section to set additional parameters or click OK to return to the Profile Manager screen.
On the Profile Manager screen, click OK or Apply to save your changes.
Network Type Specifies the type of network in which your client adapter is installed.
Options: Ad Hoc or Infrastructure
Default: Infrastructure
Network Type Description
Ad Hoc Often referred to as peer to peer. Indicates
that your wireless network consists of a
few wireless devices that are not
connected to a wired Ethernet network
through an access point. For example, an
ad hoc network can be set up between
computers in a conference room so users
can share information in a meeting.
Infrastructure Indicates that your wireless network is
connected to a wired Ethernet network
through an access point.
Table 5-2 System Parameters (continued)
Parameter Description

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Chapter 5 Configuring the Client Adapter
Setting RF Network Parameters
Setting RF Network Parameters
The RF Network screen (see Figure 5-2) enables you to set parameters that control how and when the
client adapter transmits and receives data. To access this screen, choose the RF Network tab from the
Properties screens.
Figure 5-2 RF Network Screen

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Chapter 5 Configuring the Client Adapter
Setting RF Network Parameters
Table 5-3 lists and describes the client adapter’s RF network parameters. Follow the instructions in the
table to change any parameters.
Table 5-3 RF Network Parameters
Parameter Description
Data Rate Specifies the rate at which your client adapter should transmit or
receive packets to or from access points (in infrastructure mode) or
other clients (in ad hoc mode).
Auto Rate Selection is recommended for infrastructure mode; setting a
specific data rate is recommended for ad hoc mode.
Options: Auto Rate Selection, 1 Mbps Only, 2 Mbps Only, 5.5 Mbps
Only, or 11 Mbps Only (2.4-GHz client adapters);
Auto Rate Selection, 6 Mbps Only, 9 Mbps Only, 12 Mbps
Only, 18 Mbps Only, 24 Mbps Only, 36 Mbps Only, 48 Mbps
Only, or 54 Mbps Only (5-GHz client adapters)
Default: Auto Rate Selection
Data Rate
Description
2.4-GHz Client
Adapters
5-GHz Client
Adapters
Auto Rate
Selection
Auto Rate
Selection
Uses the 11-Mbps (for 2.4-GHz client
adapters) or 54-Mbps (for 5-GHz client
adapters) data rate when possible but
drops to lower rates when necessary.
1 Mbps
Only
6 Mbps
Only
Offers the greatest range but the lowest
throughput.
2 Mbps
Only and
5.5 Mbps
Only
9 Mbps
Only to 48
Mbps Only
Progressively offers less range but greater
throughput than the 1 Mbps Only (for
2.4-GHz client adapters) or 6 Mbps Only
(for 5-GHz client adapters) option.
11 Mbps
Only
54 Mbps
Only
Offers the greatest throughput but the
lowest range.
Note Your client adapter’s data rate must be set to Auto Rate
Selection or must match the data rate of the access point (in
infrastructure mode) or the other clients (in ad hoc mode) with
which it is to communicate. Otherwise, your client adapter may
not be able to associate to them.

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Chapter 5 Configuring the Client Adapter
Setting RF Network Parameters
Use Short Radio Headers Checking this check box sets your client adapter to use short radio
headers. However, the adapter can use short radio headers only if the
access point is also configured to support them and is using them. If any
clients associated to an access point are using long headers, then all
clients in that cell must also use long headers, even if both this client
and the access point have short radio headers enabled.
Short radio headers improve throughput performance; long radio
headers ensure compatibility with clients and access points that do not
support short radio headers.
Default: Checked
Note This parameter is available only for 2.4-GHz client adapters.
Note This parameter is referred to as Preambles on the access point
screens.
World Mode Checking this check box enables the client adapter to adopt the
maximum transmit power level and the frequency range of the access
point to which it is associated, provided the access point is also
configured for world mode. This parameter is available only in
infrastructure mode and is designed for users who travel between
countries and want their client adapters to associate to access points in
different regulatory domains.
Default: Unchecked
Note This parameter is available only for 2.4-GHz client adapters.
Note When World Mode is enabled, the client adapter is limited to
the maximum transmit power level allowed by the country of
operation’s regulatory agency.
Scan For A Better Access
Point
Checking this check box causes the client to look for a better access
point if the signal strength of its associated access point is less than the
specified value after the specified time and to switch associations if it
finds one.
Example: If the default values of 20 seconds and 50% are used, the
client begins monitoring the strength of the signal received
from its associated access point 20 seconds after becoming
associated. The monitoring continues once per second. If
the client detects a signal strength reading below 50%, it
scans for a better access point.
Range: 5 to 255 seconds; 0 to 75% signal strength
Defaults:Checked, 20 seconds, 50% signal strength
Note The ability to specify the time and signal strength is available
in ACU version 6.1 or later, which is included in Install Wizard
version 1.1 or later.
Table 5-3 RF Network Parameters (continued)
Parameter Description

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Chapter 5 Configuring the Client Adapter
Setting RF Network Parameters
Channel Specifies the frequency that your client adapter will use as the channel
for communications. These channels conform to the IEEE 802.11
Standard for your regulatory domain.
•In infrastructure mode, this parameter is set automatically and
cannot be changed. The client adapter listens to the entire
spectrum, selects the best access point to associate to, and uses the
same frequency as that access point.
•In ad hoc mode, the channel of the client adapter must be set to
match the channel used by the other clients in the wireless network.
If the client adapter does not find any other ad hoc adapters, this
parameter specifies the channel with which the adapter will start its
cell.
Range: Dependent on client adapter radio and regulatory domain
Example for 2.4-GHz client adapters:
1 to 11 (2412 to 2462 MHz) in North America
Example for 5-GHz client adapters:
36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, and 64 (5180, 5200, 5220, 5240,
5260, 5280, 5300, and 5320 MHz) in North America
Default: Dependent on client adapter radio and regulatory domain
Example for 2.4-GHz client adapters:
6 (2437 MHz) in North America
Example for 5-GHz client adapters:
36 (5180 MHz) in North America
Note Refer to Appendix D for a list of channel identifiers, channel
center frequencies, and regulatory domains for each channel.
Table 5-3 RF Network Parameters (continued)
Parameter Description

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Chapter 5 Configuring the Client Adapter
Setting RF Network Parameters
Transmit Power Defines the power level at which your client adapter transmits. This
value must not be higher than that allowed by your country’s regulatory
agency (FCC in the U.S., DOC in Canada, ETSI in Europe, MKK in
Japan, etc.).
Options: Dependent on the power table programmed into the client
adapter; see the table below
Default: The maximum power level programmed into the client
adapter and allowed by your country’s regulatory agency
Possible Power Levels Client Adapter Type
30 mW or 1 mW 340 series PC cards
30 mW, 15 mW, 5 mW, or
1 mW
340 series LM cards and PCI cards
100 mW, 50 mW, 30 mW,
20 mW, 5 mW, or 1 mW
350 series client adapters
20 mW, 10 mW, or 5 mW PC-Cardbus card
Note Reducing the transmit power level conserves battery power but
decreases radio range.
Note When World Mode is enabled, the client adapter is limited to
the maximum transmit power level allowed by the country of
operation’s regulatory agency.
Note If you are using an older version of a 340 or 350 series client
adapter, your power level options may be different than those
listed here.
Table 5-3 RF Network Parameters (continued)
Parameter Description

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Chapter 5 Configuring the Client Adapter
Setting RF Network Parameters
Clear Channel Assessment Specifies the method that determines whether the channel on which
your client adapter will operate is clear prior to the transmission of
data.
Options: Firmware Default (XXX), Carrier/Correlation (Car/Cor),
Energy Detect (ED), or ED or Car/Cor
Default: Firmware Default (XXX)
Method Description
Firmware Default (XXX) The Clear Channel Assessment (CCA)
mechanism will report that the channel is
busy based on the default value of the
client adapter’s firmware. The firmware’s
CCA default value is shown in
parentheses.
Note The CCA default value for PCM,
LMC, and PCI card firmware is
Car/Cor; the default value for mini
PCI card firmware is ED.
Carrier/Correlation
(Car/Cor)
The CCA mechanism will report that the
channel is busy upon detection of a
direct-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS)
signal. This signal may be above or below
the ED threshold.
Energy Detect (ED) The CCA mechanism will report that the
channel is busy upon detection of any
energy above the ED threshold.
ED or Car/Cor The CCA mechanism will report that the
channel is busy upon detection of a DSSS
signal or any energy above the ED
threshold.
Note This parameter is available only for 2.4-GHz client adapters.
Table 5-3 RF Network Parameters (continued)
Parameter Description

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Chapter 5 Configuring the Client Adapter
Setting RF Network Parameters
Go to the next section to set additional parameters or click OK to return to the Profile Manager screen.
On the Profile Manager screen, click OK or Apply to save your changes.
Data Retries Defines the number of times a packet is resent if the initial transmission
is unsuccessful.
Range: 1 to 128
Default: 16 (2.4-GHz client adapters) or 32 (5-GHz client adapters)
Note If your network protocol performs its own retries, set this to a
smaller value than the default. This way notification of a “bad”
packet is sent up the protocol stack quickly so the application
can retransmit the packet if necessary.
Fragment Threshold Defines the threshold above which an RF data packet is split up or
fragmented. If one of those fragmented packets experiences
interference during transmission, only that specific packet would need
to be resent.
Throughput is generally lower for fragmented packets because the fixed
packet overhead consumes a higher portion of the RF bandwidth.
Range: 256 to 2312
Default: 2312
Table 5-3 RF Network Parameters (continued)
Parameter Description

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Chapter 5 Configuring the Client Adapter
Setting Advanced Infrastructure Parameters
Setting Advanced Infrastructure Parameters
Note You can set advanced infrastructure parameters only if your client adapter has been set to
operate in an infrastructure network. See the Network Type parameter in Table 5-2.
The Advanced (Infrastructure) screen (see Figure 5-3) enables you to set parameters that control how the
client adapter operates within an infrastructure network. To access this screen, choose the Advanced
(Infrastructure) tab from the Properties screens.
Figure 5-3 Advanced (Infrastructure) Screen

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Chapter 5 Configuring the Client Adapter
Setting Advanced Infrastructure Parameters
Table 5-4 lists and describes the client adapter’s advanced infrastructure parameters. Follow the
instructions in the table to change any parameters.
Table 5-4 Advanced (Infrastructure) Parameters
Parameter Description
Antenna Mode (Receive) Specifies the antenna that your client adapter uses to receive data.
•PC card—The PC card’s integrated, permanently attached
antenna operates best when used in diversity mode. Diversity
mode allows the card to use the better signal from its two antenna
ports.
Options: Diversity (Both), Primary Antenna Only, Secondary
Antenna Only
Default: Diversity (Both)
•LM card—The LM card is shipped without an antenna; however,
an antenna can be connected through the card’s external
connector. If a snap-on antenna is used, diversity mode is
recommended. Otherwise, choose the mode that corresponds to
the antenna port to which the antenna is connected.
Options: Diversity (Both), Primary Antenna Only, Secondary
Antenna Only
Default: Diversity (Both)
•PCI card—The PCI card must use the Primary Antenna Only
option.
Default: Primary Antenna Only
•Mini PCI card—The mini PCI card, which can be used with one
or two antennas, operates best in diversity mode. Diversity mode
allows the card to use the better signal from its two antenna
connectors.
Options: Diversity (Both), Primary Antenna Only, Secondary
Antenna Only
Default: Diversity (Both)
Note This parameter is available only for 2.4-GHz client adapters.
Note The Primary Antenna Only and Secondary Antenna Only
options were formerly named Right Antenna Only and Left
Antenna Only, respectively.
Antenna Mode (Transmit) Specifies the antenna that your client adapter uses to transmit data.
See the Antenna Mode (Receive) parameter above for information on
the options available for your client adapter.
Note This parameter is available only for 2.4-GHz client adapters.

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Chapter 5 Configuring the Client Adapter
Setting Advanced Infrastructure Parameters
Specified Access Point 1- 4 Specifies the MAC addresses of up to four preferred access points
with which the client adapter can associate. If the specified access
points are not found or the client adapter roams out of range, the
adapter may associate to another access point.
You can enter the MAC addresses of the access points in the edit boxes
or choose not to specify access points by leaving the boxes blank.
Default: Blank fields
Note This parameter should be used only for access points that are
in repeater mode. For normal operation, leave these fields
blank because specifying an access point slows down the
roaming process.
RTS Threshold Specifies the size of the data packet that the low-level RF protocol
issues to a request-to-send (RTS) packet.
Setting this parameter to a small value causes RTS packets to be sent
more often. When this occurs, more of the available bandwidth is
consumed and the throughput of other network packets is reduced, but
the system is able to recover faster from interference or collisions,
which may be caused from a high multipath environment
characterized by obstructions or metallic surfaces.
Range: 0 to 2312
Default: 2312
Note Refer to the IEEE 802.11 Standard for more information on
the RTS/CTS mechanism.
RTS Retry Limit Specifies the number of times the client adapter resends a
request-to-send (RTS) packet if it does not receive a clear-to-send
(CTS) packet from the previously sent RTS packet.
Setting this parameter to a large value decreases the available
bandwidth whenever interference is encountered but makes the system
more immune to interference and collisions, which may be caused
from a high multipath environment characterized by obstructions or
metallic surfaces.
Range: 1 to 128
Default: 16 (2.4-GHz client adapters) or 32 (5-GHz client adapters)
Note Refer to the IEEE 802.11 Standard for more information on
the RTS/CTS mechanism.
Table 5-4 Advanced (Infrastructure) Parameters (continued)
Parameter Description

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Chapter 5 Configuring the Client Adapter
Setting Advanced Infrastructure Parameters
Go to the next section to set additional parameters or click OK to return to the Profile Manager screen.
On the Profile Manager screen, click OK or Apply to save your changes.
Enable Radio Management
Support
Checking this check box enables the access point to which the client
adapter is associated to control the use of radio management (RM),
provided RM is enabled on the access point. RM is a system-wide
feature that involves multiple infrastructure nodes. The RM feature on
the access point acts on radio measurement requests from other
network devices to instruct the access point and its associated clients
to perform required radio measurements and then report them.
Default: Checked
Note This parameter is available in Install Wizard version 1.2 or
later for 350 series cards and Install Wizard version 1.3 or
later for CB20A cards.
Note Access points must use Cisco IOS Release 12.2(13)JA or later
to enable RM. Refer to the documentation for your access
point for instructions on enabling this feature.
Table 5-4 Advanced (Infrastructure) Parameters (continued)
Parameter Description

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Chapter 5 Configuring the Client Adapter
Setting Advanced Ad Hoc Parameters
Setting Advanced Ad Hoc Parameters
Note You can set advanced ad hoc parameters only if your client adapter has been set to operate in an ad hoc
network. See the Network Type parameter in Table 5-2.
The Advanced (Ad Hoc) screen (see Figure 5-4) enables you to set parameters that control how the client
adapter operates within an ad hoc network. To access this screen, choose the Advanced (Ad Hoc) tab
from the Properties screens.
Figure 5-4 Advanced (Ad Hoc) Screen

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Chapter 5 Configuring the Client Adapter
Setting Advanced Ad Hoc Parameters
Table 5-5 lists and describes the client adapter’s advanced ad hoc parameters. Follow the instructions in
the table to change any parameters.
Table 5-5 Advanced (Ad Hoc) Parameters
Parameter Description
Antenna Mode (Receive) Specifies the antenna that your client adapter uses to receive data.
•PC card—The PC card’s integrated, permanently attached
antenna operates best when used in diversity mode. Diversity
mode allows the card to use the better signal from its two antenna
ports.
Options: Diversity (Both), Primary Antenna Only, Secondary
Antenna Only
Default: Diversity (Both)
•LM card—The LM card is shipped without an antenna; however,
an antenna can be connected through the card’s external
connector. If a snap-on antenna is used, diversity mode is
recommended. Otherwise, choose the mode that corresponds to
the antenna port to which the antenna is connected.
Options: Diversity (Both), Primary Antenna Only, Secondary
Antenna Only
Default: Diversity (Both)
•PCI card—The PCI card must use the Primary Antenna Only
option.
Default: Primary Antenna Only
•Mini PCI card—The mini PCI card, which can be used with one
or two antennas, operates best in diversity mode. Diversity mode
allows the card to use the better signal from its two antenna
connectors.
Options: Diversity (Both), Primary Antenna Only, Secondary
Antenna Only
Default: Diversity (Both)
Note This parameter is available only for 2.4-GHz client adapters.
Note The Primary Antenna Only and Secondary Antenna Only
options were formerly named Right Antenna Only and Left
Antenna Only, respectively.
Antenna Mode (Transmit) Specifies the antenna that your client adapter uses to transmit data.
See the Antenna Mode (Receive) parameter above for information on
the options available for your client adapter.
Note This parameter is available only for 2.4-GHz client adapters.

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Setting Advanced Ad Hoc Parameters
RTS Threshold Specifies the size of the data packet that the low-level RF protocol
issues to a request-to-send (RTS) packet.
Setting this parameter to a small value causes RTS packets to be sent
more often. When this occurs, more of the available bandwidth is
consumed and the throughput of other network packets is reduced, but
the system is able to recover faster from interference or collisions,
which may be caused from a high multipath environment
characterized by obstructions or metallic surfaces.
Range: 0 to 2312
Default: 2312
Note Refer to the IEEE 802.11 Standard for more information on
the RTS/CTS mechanism.
RTS Retry Limit Specifies the number of times the client adapter resends a
request-to-send (RTS) packet if it does not receive a clear-to-send
(CTS) packet from the previously sent RTS packet.
Setting this parameter to a large value decreases the available
bandwidth whenever interference is encountered but makes the system
more immune to interference and collisions, which may be caused
from a high multipath environment characterized by obstructions or
metallic surfaces.
Range: 1 to 128
Default: 16 (2.4-GHz client adapters) or 32 (5-GHz client adapters)
Note Refer to the IEEE 802.11 Standard for more information on
the RTS/CTS mechanism.
Wake Duration (Kμs) Specifies the amount of time following a beacon that the client adapter
stays awake to receive announcement traffic indication message
(ATIM) packets, which are sent to the adapter to keep it awake until
the next beacon.
Refer to the Power Save Mode parameter in Table 5-2.
Range: 0 Kμs (in CAM mode); 5 to 60 Kμs (in Max PSP or Fast PSP
mode)
Default: 5 Kμs
Note If your client adapter is set to CAM mode, you must set the
wake duration to 0 Kμs. If your client adapter is set to Max PSP
or Fast PSP mode, you must set the wake duration to a minimum
of 5 Kμs.
Note Kμs is a unit of measurement in software terms. K = 1024,
μ= 10-6, and s = seconds, so Kμs = .001024 seconds, 1.024
milliseconds, or 1024 microseconds.
Table 5-5 Advanced (Ad Hoc) Parameters (continued)
Parameter Description