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.
225839g1.book Page i Wednesday, June 13, 2001 10:45 AM

© 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
225839g1.book Page ii Wednesday, June 13, 2001 10:45 AM

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
225839g1.book Page iii Wednesday, June 13, 2001 10:45 AM

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
225839g1.book Page iv Wednesday, June 13, 2001 10:45 AM

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.
225839g1.book Page 1 Wednesday, June 13, 2001 10:45 AM

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
225839g1.book Page 2 Wednesday, June 13, 2001 10:45 AM

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
225839g1.book Page 3 Wednesday, June 13, 2001 10:45 AM

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.
225839g1.book Page 4 Wednesday, June 13, 2001 10:45 AM

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.
225839g1.book Page 1 Wednesday, June 13, 2001 10:45 AM

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.
225839g1.book Page 2 Wednesday, June 13, 2001 10:45 AM

Installing Hardware and Drivers
Installation Guide 2–3
7. Place the 802.11b MultiPort Module in the MultiPort,
making sure to rest the tabs 1on the back of the module
against the rear edge of the MultiPort.
8. Press down on the rear-left corner of the MultiPort Module 2
and slide the module toward the back of the computer 3until
the connectors are seated.
ÄCAUTION: Do not slide the 802.11b MultiPort Module any farther
than the length of the tabs 1on the back edge of the module.
Failure to follow this precaution can result in damage to the
connectors inside the module and computer display.
9. Install the Phillips screw to secure the MultiPort Module to
the display 4.
225839g1.book Page 3 Wednesday, June 13, 2001 10:45 AM

2–4 Installation Guide
Installing Hardware and Drivers
10. Open the computer and turn it on. After the operating system
is fully operational, Windows should find a new USB device.
If Windows does not find the device, press Fn+F2 to turn on
the MultiPort Module. At this point the New Hardware
Wizard should start and guide you through the process of
installing the drivers for the module.
✎The drivers are located in the root directory of the CD (for
example, if D:\ is your CD drive, the drivers are located in D:\).
11. Follow the on-screen directions to find and install the drivers.
Several dialog boxes are displayed to complete the driver
installation and you may also be prompted for your original
Windows installation disk.
12. For computers running Windows 98 or Windows Me:
After the drivers are installed, a System Settings Change
dialog box is displayed and the operating system prompts you
to restart the computer. Select Yes to accept.
225839g1.book Page 4 Wednesday, June 13, 2001 10:45 AM

Installing Hardware and Drivers
Installation Guide 2–5
Removing the MultiPort Module
1. If the MultiPort Module status light is lit, press Fn+F2 to turn
off the wireless device.
2. Turn off the computer, disconnect any external cables, and
remove all battery packs.
3. Remove the Phillips screw securing the MultiPort Module to
the display 1.
4. Press the MultiPort Module release button 2.
5. Slide the MultiPort Module toward the front of the
computer 3, then slide it to the right 4to remove it.
ÄCAUTION: Do not slide the 802.11b MultiPort Module forward or
backward any farther than the length of the tabs on the back edge
of the module. Failure to follow this precaution can result in damage
to the connectors inside the module and computer display.
6. Install the MultiPort cover and secure it to the display using
the Phillips screw.
225839g1.book Page 5 Wednesday, June 13, 2001 10:45 AM

Installation Guide 3–1
3
Installing Software
Preparing for Installation
Before installing the software, make sure the hardware and
drivers are installed. Refer to Chapter 2, “Installing Hardware and
Drivers,” for more information.
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.
For each computer that you want to add to the wireless LAN,
follow the instructions in the sections that apply to your
computer’s operating system.
✎After completing the installation, refer to the Microsoft Windows
operating system manual, included with your computer, for
information on sharing network resources, such as printers.
Installing Software
1. After the hardware and drivers have been installed, select
Start > Run, enter D:\setup.exe (where D:\ is your CD drive),
and select OK. The Welcome dialog box is displayed.
2. Carefully read the information in the Welcome dialog box
and then select Next.
3. Select Yes to accept the Software License Agreement.
225839g1.book Page 1 Wednesday, June 13, 2001 10:45 AM

3–2 Installation Guide
Installing Software
4. Enter the SSID and select Next.
✎All computers on the same wireless LAN must have the same
SSID. The setup program uses the default SSID “101.” However,
it is strongly recommended that the SSID be changed to one of
your choice.
5. Select the Ad Hoc or Infrastructure network mode in which
your computer will operate and select Next (you can change
this setting at any time after installation).
6. Choose one of the following settings from the Encryption
(WEP) list:
❏64-bit—All communication must be WEP encrypted
with one of four 64-bit keys. Otherwise it is ignored.
❏128-bit—All communication must be WEP encrypted
with the same 128-bit key. Otherwise it is ignored.
❏Disabled—WEP-encrypted communication will be
ignored (continue with Step 8).
7. After enabling WEP by selecting 64 or 128 bit, use one of the
following methods to enter the encryption keys:
❏Create a passphrase.
a. Select Create with Passphrase.
b. Enter a passphrase. The passphrase is a text string
with a maximum of 31 characters.
The passphrase automatically creates all the
appropriate WEP keys needed for data encryption.
All clients and access points within the WLAN
network must use this same passphrase to
communicate.
225839g1.book Page 2 Wednesday, June 13, 2001 10:45 AM

Installing Software
Installation Guide 3–3
✎The passphrase is a unique function of the Compaq 802.11b
MultiPort Module and may not be supported with all WLAN
access point products. To ensure interoperability, use the Manual
Entry method for creating the WEP keys or reconfigure the access
points to use the WEP keys that are generated using the
passphrase method.
❏Manually enter the keys.
a. Select Manual Entry.
b. For 64-bit encryption—Enter Key 1 through Key 4.
The manually entered WEP key values are
hexadecimal and can only contain the numbers 0–9
and the letters a–f. The four keys must be entered in
the same order for every client or access point.
For 128-bit encryption—Enter a key. The manually
entered WEP key values are hexadecimal and can
only contain the numbers 0–9 and the letters a–f.
c. For 64-bit encryption only—Select the Default Tx
Key. When you configure the access point, select the
same key to encrypt the data.
8. Accept or Browse to change the default installation and
program folders for the software and select Next. Windows
Setup will copy files and install the software.
9. Select Yes, I want to restart my computer now. Select Finish.
225839g1.book Page 3 Wednesday, June 13, 2001 10:45 AM

3–4 Installation Guide
Installing Software
✎A green, red, or yellow Wireless Monitor icon in the system tray
indicates a successful installation.
■A green icon indicates you are connected to the
wireless LAN.
■If you are operating in an infrastructure networking
mode, a red icon indicates your computer is not
associated with an access point.
If you are operating in an ad hoc networking mode, a red icon
indicates either no client is within range or no client is within
your workgroup.
■A yellow icon indicates the computer is linked to a
wireless LAN, but signal strength or quality is
diminished. Refer to Appendix A, “Troubleshooting,” for
more information.
225839g1.book Page 4 Wednesday, June 13, 2001 10:45 AM

Installation Guide A–1
A
Troubleshooting
Using the World Wide Web
Support services are available on the Internet through the
Compaq support forum. You can either browse the postings as a
guest, or register as a user and submit your own questions.
Compaq responds to questions within one business day.
To access the Compaq support forum, go to the Compaq Web site
at http://www.compaq.com.
Preparing to Call Technical Support
If you cannot solve a problem using the troubleshooting tips in
this section, you may need to call technical support. To receive
the fastest possible solution when you call, run the computer’s
diagnostic utility. Refer to your computer documentation for
information on running diagnostics. Refer to the Worldwide
Telephone Numbers guide included with the computer for
information about contacting a Compaq authorized dealer,
reseller, or service provider. Have the following information
available before calling Compaq:
■Compaq 802.11b MultiPort Module serial number and model
name and number
■Applicable error messages
■Add-on options
■Operating system
■Third-party hardware or software
225839g1.book Page 1 Wednesday, June 13, 2001 10:45 AM

A–2 Installation Guide
Troubleshooting
■Detailed questions
■Technical Support Registration number (if you have
previously called Compaq Technical Support for assistance
with your product; this number is assigned to you the first
time you call Technical Support)
The following table lists possible problems and the recommended
solutions.
Solving Problems
Problem Solution
The wireless monitor icon
does not appear in the
system tray.
■Make sure the Multiport Module is seated
correctly. Refer to Chapter 2, “Installing
Hardware and Drivers.”
■Make sure the MultiPort Module status
light is solid or flashing green. If the
MultiPort Module status light is not lit,
press Fn+F2 to enable the MultiPort
Module.
■Make sure the drivers are installed. Select
Start > Settings > Control Panel >
Network and determine if the Compaq
802.11b Multiport Module is listed as a
network adapter. Refer to Chapter 2,
“Installing Hardware and Drivers,” for
more information on installing drivers.
■The wireless monitor icon software may
not be installed. Refer to Chapter 3,
“Installing Software,” for more information.
The system tray Wireless
Monitor icon is always red.
■Make sure your computer and each
network client to which you are trying to
connect have the same SSID. The SSID
is case sensitive.
■Make sure your WEP settings are correct.
■Make sure you are within range of an
access point or network client.
225839g1.book Page 2 Wednesday, June 13, 2001 10:45 AM

Troubleshooting
Installation Guide A–3
I cannot connect to one of
the users in the network.
■Make sure each network client is up and
running with a green taskbar icon.
■Make sure your WEP settings are correct.
■Move your computer closer to the access
point or other network client.
■Make sure the network client you need to
reach is within range, or within range of
an access point.
■Make sure the network settings are
correct for your local area network.
■The MultiPort Module is not enabled.
Press Fn+F2 to enable the MultiPort
Module.
Contact your network administrator for other
networking issues.
Solving Problems
(Continued)
Problem Solution
225839g1.book Page 3 Wednesday, June 13, 2001 10:45 AM