Compex WL54G User manual

i
Copyrights © 2003Compex Systems Pte Ltd
All Rights Reserved
This document contains information, which is protected by copyright. Reproduction, adaptation
or translation without prior permission is prohibited, except as allowed under the copyright
laws.
Trademark Information
Compex®, ReadyLINK®and MicroHub®are registered trademarks of Compex, Inc. Microsoft
Windows and the Windows logo are the trademarks of Microsoft Corp. NetWare is the
registered trademark of Novell Inc. All other brand and product names are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Notice: Copyrights © 2003by Compex, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction, adaptation, or
translation without prior permission of Compex, Inc. is prohibited, except as allowed under the
copyright laws.
Manual Revision by Song
Manual Number: U-0384-V1.1C Version 1.1C, July 2003
Disclaimer
Compex, Inc. provides this manual without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied,
including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose. Compex, Inc. may make improvements and/or changes to the product and/or
specifications of the product described in this manual, without prior notice. Compex, Inc will
not be liable for any technical inaccuracies or typographical errors found in this guide. Changes
are periodically made to the information contained herein and will be incorporated into later
versions of the manual. The information contained is subject to change without prior notice.
Your Feedback
We value your feedback. If you find any errors in this user’s manual, or if you have suggestions
on improving, we would like to hear from you. Please contact us at:
Telephone : [phone]
Fax : [phone]
Email: [email protected]

ii
FCC NOTICE
This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This device generates, uses
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this device does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Connect the computer into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
•Increase the separation between the computer and receiver.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the grantee of this device
could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
FCC Compliance Statement: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
This device may not cause harmful interference, and
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Declaration of Conformity
Compex, Inc. declares the following:
Product Name: Compex iWavePort 54Mbps Wireless LAN PCMCIA Card
Model No.: WL54G conforms to the following Product Standards:
Radiated Emission Standards: EN55022A, FCC Part 15 Class B; Conducted Emission
Standards: EN60555Pt2 conducted emission; EN55022A conducted emission, FCC Part 15
Class B; Immunity Standards: IEC 801-2; IEC 801-3; IEC 801-4.
Therefore, this product is in conformity with the following regional standards:
FCC Class B -following the provisions of FCC Part 15 directive;
CE Mark -following the provisions of the EC directive.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
21th July 2003

iii
Technical Support Information
The warranty information and registration form are found in the Quick Install Guide.
For technical support, you may contact COMPEX or its subsidiaries. For your convenience, you
may also seek technical assistance from the local distributor, or from the authorized
dealer/reseller that you have purchased this product from. For technical support by email, write
to [email protected].
Refer to the table below for the nearest Technical Support Centers:
Technical Support Centers
Contact the technical support center that services your location.
U.S.A., Canada, Latin America and South America
*Write
Compex, Inc.
4051 E. La Palma, Unit A
Anaheim, CA 92807, USA
(Call
Fax
Tel:
Tel:
Fax:
BBS:
[phone] (8 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific time)
[phone] ext.122 Technical Support
[phone]
[phone] (24-hour access)
Europe
*Write
ReadyLINK Networktechnology Gmbh
Albert Einstein Straβe 34 / M21
63322 Rödermark, Germany
(Call Tel:
Fax:
BBS:
[phone] (8 a.m.-5 p.m. local time)
[phone]
[phone] (24-hour access)
Email:[email protected]
Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Middle East
and the rest of the World
*Write
Compex Systems Pte Ltd
135, Joo Seng Road #08-01, PM Industrial Building
Singapore 368363
(Call Tel:
Tel:
Fax:
BBS:
(65) 6286-1805 (8 a.m.-5 p.m. local time)
(65) 6286-2086 ext.199 Technical Support
(65) 6283-8337
(65) 6282-8854 (24-hour access)
Internet
access/ E-mail:
FTPsite: [email protected]
ftp.compex.com.sg
Website: http://www.cpx.com or http://www.compex.com.sg
Fax
Fax

iv
About This Document
The product described in this document, Compex iWavePort Series, WL54G is a licensed
product of Compex Systems Pte Ltd. This document contains instructions for installing,
configuring and using the WL54G. It also gives an overview of the key applications and the
networking concepts with respect to the product.
This documentation is for both Network Administrators and the end user who possesses some
basic knowledge and expertise in the networking structure and protocols.
It makes a few assumptions that the host computer has already been installed with TCP/IP
and already up & running and accessing the Internet. Procedures for Windows
98/98SE/ME/2000/XP operating systems are included in this document. However, for other
operating system, you may need to refer to your operating system’s documentation for
networking.
How to Use this Document
The document is written in such a way that you as a user will find it convenient to find
specific information pertaining to the product. It comprises of chapters that explain in details
on the installation and configuration of WL54G.
Conventions
In this document, special conventions are used to help and present the information clearly.
The Compex iWavePort 54Mbps PCMCIA Wireless LAN Card is often referred to as
WL54G in this document. Below is a list of conventions used throughout.
NOTE
This section will consist of important features or instructions
CAUTION
This section concerns risk of injury, system damage or loss of data
WARNING
This section concerns risk of severe injury
References on Menu Command, Push Button, Radio Button, LED and Label appear
in Bold. For example, “Click on the Ok button”

Table of Contents
Copyrights © 2003 Compex Systems Pte Ltd ...............................................................................i
Trademark Information..................................................................................................................i
Disclaimer .....................................................................................................................................i
Your Feedback...............................................................................................................................i
FCC NOTICE.............................................................................................................................. ii
Declaration of Conformity........................................................................................................... ii
Technical Support Information................................................................................................... iii
About This Document .................................................................................................................iv
How to Use this Document..........................................................................................................iv
Conventions.................................................................................................................................iv
Chapter 1 Product Overview..................................................................... 1
1.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Overview ......................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Features and Benefits....................................................................................................... 1
1.3.1 IEEE 802.11g/b compliant................................................................................. 1
1.3.2 Supports 1, 2, 5.5, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 and 54 Mbps Data Rates.................... 2
1.3.3 Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) 64/128-bit data encryption ........................... 2
1.3.4 External Antenna Connector Slot ...................................................................... 2
1.4 Applications..................................................................................................................... 2
1.4.1 When do you need wireless LAN?..................................................................... 2
1.4.2 Networking scenarios for WL54G ..................................................................... 3
1.5 Technical Specifications.................................................................................................. 4
Chapter 2 Getting Started ......................................................................... 5
2.1 Package Content ...............................................................................................................5
2.2 Setup Considerations ........................................................................................................5
2.2.1 Software requirements ....................................................................................... 5
2.2.2 Hardware requirements...................................................................................... 5
Chapter 3 Hardware and Software Installation...................................... 6
3.1 WL54G Hardware and Software Installation for Win98/98SE/ME/2000.........................6
3.2 WL54G Hardware and Software Installation for Windows XP........................................9
Chapter 4 Configuration of PRISM Wireless Settings ......................... 12
4.1 Functions of the PRISM Wireless Settings Program ......................................................12
4.1.1 Under Status Tab ............................................................................................. 13
4.1.2 Under Configuration Tab................................................................................. 13
4.1.3 Under Encryption Tab...................................................................................... 16

Table of Contents
4.1.4 Under IBSS Tab............................................................................................... 17
4.1.5 Under Domain Tab .......................................................................................... 18
4.1.6 Under About Tab ............................................................................................. 19
Chapter 5 TCP/IP Configuration ........................................................... 20
5.1 Adding TCP/IP network protocol for Windows 98/98SE/ME........................................20
5.2 TCP/IP network protocol configuration for Windows 2000/XP.....................................24
Chapter 6 Wireless Network Configuration in Windows XP .............. 27
6.1 Configuring wireless connection profiles in Windows XP .............................................27

Chapter 1 Product Overview
1
Chapter 1 Product Overview
1.1 Introduction
Wireless networking is a convenient way of setting up anetwork both at
home and in the office. The lack of physical infrastructure such as LAN
cables increases the cost of implementing a network environment.
However, with wireless networking, a networking structure can easily be
implemented.
As a home user, you can enjoy the freedom to roam around your house and
maintain connection to your network. Surfing the web, sending e-mail or
downloading a program while in the garden, near your swimming pool or
anywhere in your house has become a reality.
With the many benefits that a wireless network environment brings, many
new offices are contemplating of expanding their network environment
with wireless devices.
1.2 Overview
The Compex WL54G is a simple 54Mbps wireless adapter and is
compliant with both IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11b industry standard. It
offers the convenience of plug and play by simply connecting to a CardBus
interface of your PC or notebook. With a built in external antenna
connector slot, you can purchase a Compex external antenna (WA-HGA-
5+) to connect to the Compex WL54G for a wider coverage area.
1.3 Features and Benefits
Compex WL54G is designed to give you all the support features you need
in a wireless network to establish connection with a wireless client. The list
below identifies some of the features and benefits of WL54G.
1.3.1 IEEE 802.11g/b compliant
The Compex WL54G can interoperate with any other wireless
devices that comply with IEEE802.11b Direct Sequence Spread

Chapter 1 Product Overview
2
Spectrum (DSSS) and with IEEE 802.11g using Orthogonal
Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM).
1.3.2 Supports 1, 2, 5.5,11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 and 54 Mbps Data Rates
The Compex WL54G works at a maximum speed of 54Mbps on the
wireless interface; and is backward compatible to support older
wireless products with lower speeds of 54Mbps.
1.3.3 Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) 64/128-bit data encryption
For data privacy, the Compex iWavePort WL54G uses a 64-bit or
128-bit private encryption key to code your data. This ensures that
only wireless clients configured with the same WEP key are able to
gain access to the data.
1.3.4 External Antenna Connector Slot
To increase the range of the Compex WL54G for wider and better
coverage, a Compex (WA-HGA-5+) external antenna can be
purchasedseparately and fitted to your Compex WL54G.
1.4 Applications
The Compex WL54G facilitates wireless connections to other hosts on a
network.
1.4.1 When do you need wireless LAN?
Installing the Compex WL54G will give you these benefits:
•High mobility at your home or office
•No messy wires
•Overcoming structural restrictions in the building
•Cost effectiveness against laying of cables
•Easy scalability and quick expansion of existing network

Chapter 1 Product Overview
3
1.4.2 Networking scenarios for WL54G
WL54G can be configured for 2 types of wireless architectures –
Infrastructure and Ad-Hoc.
In Ad-Hoc architecture, the wireless clients communicate directly
with one another. No access pointsexistson such a wireless LAN
configuration. Each wireless client is allowed to transfer data
packets with each other.
In Infrastructure architecture, all the wireless clients communicate
through access pointswhich are devices that act as base stationsfor
all wireless communication. The data packets from the wireless
clients are transferred to the access pointsbefore being transmitted
to other hosts on the network.
The following figure shows an example of how aCompex WL54G
can work in Ad-Hoc architecture.
In Ad-Hoc architecture, there is no limit to the number of wireless
clients you can connect.
In Infrastructure architecture, the number of wireless clients
supported depends on the access point.
Figure 1.4.2a Different Networking Infrastructures