Compaq 802.11b MultiPort User manual

b
Installation Guide
Compaq 802.11b MultiPort Module
Document Part Number: 225839-001
June 2001
This guide provides information on installing and setting up the
802.11b MultiPort Module as well as tips on solving common
problems.
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© 2001 Compaq Computer Corporation
Compaq and the Compaq logo Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and other countries.
All other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective
companies.
Compaq shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions
contained herein. The information in this document is provided “as is” without
warranty of any kind and is subject to change without notice. The warranties for
Compaq products are set forth in the express limited warranty statements
accompanying such products. Nothing herein should be construed as
constituting an additional warranty.
Installation Guide
First Edition (June 2001)
Document Part Number: 225839-001
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Installation Guide iii
Contents
1 Getting Started
Using a Wireless Local Area Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–1
Features and Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–2
Selecting a Network Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–2
Ad Hoc Networking Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–3
Infrastructure Networking Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–3
2 Installing Hardware and Drivers
Installing the MultiPort Module and Drivers . . . . . . . . . . 2–1
Removing the MultiPort Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–5
3 Installing Software
Preparing for Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–1
Installing Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–1
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iv Installation Guide
A Troubleshooting
Using the World Wide Web. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A–1
Preparing to Call Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A–1
B Regulatory Compliance Notices
Wireless Notices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B–1
Class B Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B–2
Modifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B–2
Declaration of Conformity for Products
Marked with the FCC Logo—United States Only . . B–3
Canadian Regulatory Wireless Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B–4
Class B Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B–4
European Union Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B–5
Japanese Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B–6
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Installation Guide 1–1
1
Getting Started
The Compaq 802.11b MultiPort Module allows you to access
wireless Local Area Networks, share a local printer and files with
others in your network, access the Internet, and roam about the
office—wire-free.
This wireless Local Area Network solution is designed for both
large and small businesses, and it is scalable so that you can add
users and new network features as your networking needs grow.
Using a Wireless Local Area Network
This product is a Local Area Network (LAN) device. A LAN is
two or more computers that are connected to each other in order
to share files or common equipment such as a printer or a modem.
A wireless LAN provides the same functionality of a wired
network, but it eliminates the need to install networking cables
and other networking equipment. Not only is a wireless LAN
easier to deploy, but it also allows for “roaming.”
For example, when using a portable computer with a Compaq
802.11b MultiPort Module, you can roam from a conference
room to an office without being disconnected from the network.
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1–2 Installation Guide
Getting Started
Features and Requirements
A wireless LAN includes the following features:
■Support for the IEEE 802.11b Standard
■2.4-GHz band operation
■Network speeds up to 11 Mbps
■Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption
To participate in a wireless LAN, you need the following:
■Compaq 802.11b MultiPort Module
■Software CD containing application, drivers, software
reference guide, and help file
■A portable computer with a MultiPort, equipped with a
CD drive, and running Microsoft Windows 98, Windows Me,
or Windows 2000
Selecting a Network Mode
A wireless LAN can be configured for two different modes of
operation. While each method has its advantages, one may be
better suited for your needs. Review the following configurations
to determine which mode is best for you and the hardware and
software you need to build your network.
■Ad hoc networking
■Infrastructure networking
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Getting Started
Installation Guide 1–3
Ad Hoc Networking Mode
Also called “peer-to-peer” networking, this mode is the easiest to
deploy and is ideal for small offices. As a user on this type of
network, you are able to share files with other employees, print to
a shared office printer, and access the Internet through a shared
modem. However, with ad hoc networking your computer is only
able to communicate with other wireless computers that are
within range and in your wireless workgroup.
Infrastructure Networking Mode
The key difference between an infrastructure wireless LAN and
an ad hoc wireless LAN is the addition of one extra element—an
access point. Unlike “peer-to-peer” networking, where networked
computers send data directly to each other, networked computers
using the infrastructure networking mode communicate with each
other through a dedicated access point.
The 802.11b MultiPort Module is compatible with any WiFi
(Wireless Fidelity) interoperability certified access point, such as
the Compaq WL300, WL400, WL410, and WL510.
All data transmitted between two computers on the wireless LAN
passes through the access point.
Advantages Simple to set up
Cost-efficient
Disadvantages Communication is limited to those who are in
range
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1–4 Installation Guide
Getting Started
Additionally, the access point on the infrastructure wireless LAN
can provide access to an existing wired LAN. This link allows
computers on the wireless LAN to access the wired LAN’s
resources and tools, including Internet access, electronic mail
delivery, file transfer, and printer sharing.
Advantages Extended range: The access point extends the
range of the wireless LAN. Each computer can
communicate with other computers equipped
for wireless networking that are within the
range of the access point.
Roaming: As you move throughout the
building, the MultiPort Module determines the
best access point to use to ensure continuous
communication with the network.
Network connectivity: An access point can
provide a wireless LAN access to an existing
wired network by bridging the two networks
together. This gives users of the wireless LAN
access to all functions of the wired
network—from file server access to electronic
mail and Internet.
Disadvantages As this network mode offers more features, it
requires additional components and setup time
to deploy.
Requirements One access point, such as the Compaq
WL300, WL400, WL410, or WL510.
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Installation Guide 2–1
2
Installing Hardware and Drivers
✎Before installing the 802.11b MultiPort Module on a new
computer, the computer software setup process should be
completed and the operating system should be fully operational.
Refer to the “Setting Up the Software” section in the Getting
Started guide included with the computer.
✎If you have previously installed a wireless LAN device, such as a
PC Card, you must uninstall the wireless LAN drivers and
software according to the device manufacturer’s instructions.
Before installing the 802.11b MultiPort Module hardware, insert
the software CD, included with the MultiPort Module accessory
kit, into the CD drive. When the computer is turned on after
installing the hardware, this ensures that the operating system will
prompt you for drivers after detecting the new hardware.
Installing the MultiPort Module and Drivers
To install the MultiPort Module and essential drivers:
1. Insert the MultiPort Module software CD into the CD drive.
2. Turn off the computer.
3. Disconnect any external devices.
4. Remove all battery packs.
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2–2 Installation Guide
Installing Hardware and Drivers
5. Remove the Phillips screw securing the MultiPort cover on
the computer display 1.
6. Remove the MultiPort cover by sliding it toward the front of
the computer 2, then sliding it to the right 3.
✎The MultiPort cover should be stored, then reinstalled on the
display if the MultiPort Module is removed at a later date.
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