Contec Flexlan PC Card FX-DS-110 User manual

FX-DS110-PCC
FLEXLAN-DS110 Series
PC Card
User’s Guide

FX-DS110-PCC i
Copyright
Copyright 2001 CONTEC Co., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form
by any means without prior written consent of CONTEC Co., LTD.
CONTEC Co., LTD. makes no commitment to update or keep
current the information contained in this document.
The information in this document is subject to change without
notice.
All relevant issues have been considered in the preparation of this
document. Should you notice an omission or any questionable
item in this document, please feel free to notify
CONTEC Co., LTD.
Regardless of the foregoing statement, CONTEC assumes no
responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document nor
for results obtained by the user as a result of using this product.
Trademarks
MS, Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, and MS-DOS are
registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
U.S.A. and other countries.
Netscape Navigator is a registered trademark of Netscape
Communications.
Other names of companies and products used in this document
trademarks or registered trademarks of the related companies.
This document does not use the symbols ™, ®, © etc.

FX-DS110-PCCii
Product Configuration
-FX-DS110-PCC …1
-Floppy disk …1
Disk: driver - UtilitySoft
Note: Back up the contents of the disk before use.
-User’s Manual (this booklet)…1
FX-DS110-PCC
Disk
User'sManual
User'sManual
WIRELESS LANCARD
Check the contents to make sure that you have everything listed
above. If you do not have all the items, contact your distributor
or CONTEC group office where you purchased.

FX-DS110-PCC iii
Table of Contents
Copyright............................................................................i
Trademarks ........................................................................i
Product Configuration ..................................................... ii
1. Introduction .............................................................1
Features.........................................................................1
Terminology/Abbreviations...........................................2
Limited One-Year Warranty.........................................3
How to Obtain Service..................................................3
Liability.........................................................................3
Handling Precautions...................................................4
Precautions for Use.......................................................4
Notes on Radio Interference.........................................5
Precautions Related to Electromagnetic
Interference...................................................................5
About the Manual.........................................................6
2. Overview..................................................................7
Component Locations........................................................7
List of Options...................................................................9
Outline of the FLEXLAN-DS110 series.........................10
Features of the FLEXLAN-DS110 series...................10
Production introduction to the FLEXLAN-DS110
series............................................................................11
3. Installation of a driver ............................................ 13
Plugging the FX-DS110-PCC..........................................13
Unplugging the FX-DS110-PCC.....................................14
Installation in a network................................................15
Features of the wireless network...............................15
Operating environment and radio waves..................15
Constructing a network..............................................17
Operation of the FLEXLAN-DS110...........................18

FX-DS110-PCCiv
4. Installation of a driver ............................................ 21
Driver software ...............................................................21
Installing for Windows Me .............................................22
Installing for Windows 98...............................................23
Installing for Windows 95...............................................24
Installing for Windows 2000...........................................26
Installing for Windows NT.............................................27
Uninstallation of hardware........................................28
Uninstalling the driver in Windows Me/98/95..........28
Uninstalling the driver in Windows 2000 .................28
Uninstalling the driver in Windows NT....................28
5. Using and Setting up the Utility Software ................ 29
Installing and uninstalling the utility software............29
Installation..................................................................29
Uninstallation.............................................................30
Using and setting up the utility software......................31
Task Bar Icons ............................................................31
Communication settings.............................................32
RSSI indicating the signal strength of a radio station
.....................................................................................33
Editing the name of a radio station...........................34
6. Troubleshooting...................................................... 35
Cannot detect the LAN card automatically...................35
When Communication Fails...........................................37
7. Appendix................................................................ 39
Product Specifications.....................................................39
Glossary...........................................................................40

FX-DS110-PCC v
List of Figures
Figure 2.1. Component Locations............................................... 7
Figure 2.2. User unit..................................................................11
Figure 2.3. Access point............................................................11
Figure 2.4. Micro access point.................................................. 12
Figure 3.1. Infrastructure Mode................................................ 18
Figure 3.2. ADHOC Mode....................................................... 19
List of Tables
Table 2.1. LED states during normal operation............................ 8
Table 5.1. Task Bar Icons .......................................................... 31
Table 5.2. Main communication settings.................................... 32
Table 7.1. FX-DS110-PCC........................................................ 39

FX-DS110-PCCvi

Introduction
FX-DS110-PCC 1
1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the FLEXLAN-DS110series PC-Card
FX-DS110-PCC.
This product is a wireless LAN PC card that operates in the 2.4
GHz band using direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS). It
complies with the IEEE 802.11B wireless LAN standard and can
use 1 to 11or 13 channels.
This document explains how to use the FX-DS110-PCC. Be sure to
read it carefully so that you can use the product correctly.
Features
IEEE 802.11b compliant wireless LAN in the 2.4 GHz band
This product is a wireless LAN card using the 2.4 GHz band,
requiring no license for use.
The product complies with the IEEE 802.11b wireless LAN
standard.
Providing a wireless network environment
The product can connect your PC to the LAN without cabling. It
provides a mobile environment even for a battery-powered device
such as a notebook PC while reducing the wiring cost.
Providing transmission in the 2.4 GHz band using direct
sequence spread spectrum (DSSS)
Spread spectrum makes it very difficult to perform radio tapping,
compared to other general radio communication systems. It also
has a characteristic of being highly immune to electromagnetic
interference.
Data transfer rate of 11 Mbps
The product switches its data rate automatically to 11, 5.5, 2, or 1
Mbps depending on the radio conditions.
Offering up to 11 or 13 channels available
As the Wireless Telegraphy Act was amended, the frequency band
available to wireless LAN was widened and maximum number of

Introduction
FX-DS110-PCC2
channels available increased to 11(FCC model) or 13(CE model).
Using different channels for adjacent wireless networks prevents
radio interference, thereby improving the throughputs of the
network.
Capable of inter-channel roaming
PC Card (TYPE II) compliant interface
Using an option of the PC-CARD(PC)H or either the
FX-PCI-EXT2 or FX-PCI-WOL allows the FX-DS110-PCC to be
connected to an ISA or PCI bus slot.
Capable of constructing a network only with the
FX-DS110-PCC
You can use multiple FX-DS110-PCC cards to construct a Peer-to-
Peer ad hoc network.
Thin, flat antenna
The FX-DS110-PCC fits even a notebook PC.
Terminology/Abbreviations
The following terms and abbreviations are used in this manual for
convenience.
FX-DS110-APL Access point/AP/APL
FX-DS110-PCC,FX-PCI-EXT2 User unit
or a PC containing the above
FX-DS110-APL Wireless terminal
or a device containing the above
Personal computer PC
Full term Term used in this manual

Introduction
FX-DS110-PCC 3
Limited One-Year Warranty
CONTEC Interface boards are warranted by CONTEC Co., LTD. to
be free from defects in material and workmanship for up to one year
from the date of purchase by the original purchaser.
Repair will be free of charge only when this device is returned
freight prepaid with a copy of the original invoice and a Return
Merchandise Authorization to the distributor or the CONTEC group
office, from which it was purchased.
This warranty is not applicable for scratches or normal wear, but
only for the electronic circuitry and original boards. The warranty
is not applicable if the device has been tampered with or damaged
through abuse, mistreatment, neglect, or unreasonable use, or if the
original invoice is not included, in which case repairs will be
considered beyond the warranty policy.
How to Obtain Service
For replacement or repair, return the device freight prepaid, with a
copy of the original invoice. Please obtain a Return Merchandise
Authorization Number (RMA) from the CONTEC group office
where you purchased before returning any product.
*No product will be accepted by CONTEC group without the
RMA number.
Liability
The obligation of the warrantor is solely to repair or replace the product.
In no event will the warrantor be liable for any incidental or
consequential damages due to such defect or consequences that arise
from inexperienced usage, misuse, or malfunction of this device.

Introduction
FX-DS110-PCC4
Handling Precautions
Take the following precautions when handling this product.
-Before inserting this PC card, check the configuration of the PC
card slot and make sure the card is oriented properly. Improper
insertion may result in a bad connection or damage to the card or
connector.
-Do not apply excessive force to the PC card connector as doing so
may result in a bad connection or damage to the card or
connector.
-This product contains precision electronic elements and must not
be used in locations subject to physical shock or strong vibration.
-Do not attempt to modify this device. The manufacturer will
bear no responsibility whatsoever for the device if it has been
modified.
-Do not use or store this device where it is exposed to direct
sunlight or near stoves or other sources of heat. (Operating
temperature range: 0° to 50°C)
-Do not use or store this device where it is exposed to dust or high
humidity. (Operating humidity range: 10 to 90%)
-Do not use or store this device near strong magnetic fields or
devices emitting electromagnetic radiation.
-Be careful not to let the external supply voltage or drive current
exceed the rating.
Precautions for Use
This product is classified as "wireless equipment for stations of
low-power data transmissions systems" under the Wireless
Telegraphy Act, and does not require a radio transmission license.
The law prohibits modification of the interior of this product.
Note also that this product is approved by the Japanese Wireless
Telegraphy Act and is not intended for use overseas.

Introduction
FX-DS110-PCC 5
Notes on Radio Interference
The frequency band used by this product covers the operating
frequencies of mobile-identification local radio stations (requiring
the license) and specific low-power radio stations (requiring no
license) as well as industrial, scientific, and medical equipment
such as microwave ovens.
1.Before using this product, make sure that there is no mobile-
identification local radio station or specific low-power radio
station operating near the product.
2.If the product should cause radio interference with any mobile-
identification local radio station or specific low-power radio
station, immediately change the operating frequency to avoid
the radio interference.
3.Contact your local retailer or CONTEC if the product has
trouble such as recurrent radio interference with mobile-
identification local radio stations or specific low-power radio
stations.
This product operates in the 2.4 GHz band
and uses DSSS for modulation. The
interfering distance is 40 mm.
Precautions Related to Electromagnetic Interference
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions : (1) this device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Any changes or
modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
CAUTION: To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance
requirements, a separation distance of at least 5 cm must be
maintained between this device and all persons.
2.4DS4

Introduction
FX-DS110-PCC6
About the Manual
This manual consists of the following chapters:
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Overview
Gives an overview of the FX-DS110-PCC.
Chapter 3 Installation of a hardware
Describes how to install the FX-DS110-PCC on your
PC.
Chapter 4 Installation of a driver
Describes the contents of the driver floppy disk for the
FX-DS110-PCC and the procedures for installing the
driver.
Chapter 5 Using and setting up the utility software
Describes the basic settings required for using the
FX-DS110-PCCand how to use and set up the utility
software.
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting
Describes possible problems with the FX-DS110-PCC
and the solutions.
Chapter 7 Appendix
Lists product specifications and provides a glossary of
terms.

Overview
FX-DS110-PCC 7
2. Overview
The FX-DS110-PCC is the product to be plugged into a PC Card
slot to construct a wireless network. This chapter provides an
overview of this product.
Component Locations
WIRELESS LANCARD
PC-CardInterfaceLEDIndicatorsFlatantenna
Figure 2.1. Component Locations
Flat antenna
This product transmits and receives radio waves via the antenna.
Since the antenna is connector-coupled with the body of the
FX-DS110-PCC, an optional antenna can be connected.
Note! Use the original combination of the flat antenna and the PC Card
unit. Be careful not to apply force to the antenna in either of the
directions of the arrows, or the joint section may break.
antenna
PC-Card Interface
The FX-DS110-PCC has the PC Card interface for plugging into a
PC Card slot.

Overview
FX-DS110-PCC8
LED Indicators
The FX-DS110-PCC has two LEDs to indicate its operation status.
The LEDs appear as follows when the PC Card is operating
normally.
Table 2.1. LED states during normal operation
ADHOC (Simple) Mode Infrastructure (Standard
Brouter) Mode
Blink Searching for an AP
Lighting Logging into the AP
Inside Orange Lighting
Position
of
LED Color State The contents of a display
Always on
Power on
Outside Yellowish
green
For the ADHOC (Simple) Mode and Infrastructure (Standard
Brouter) Mode, see the “Operation of the FLEXLAN-DS110”in
Chapter 3.

Overview
FX-DS110-PCC 9
List of Options
Desktop PC adapter
The desktop PC adapter allows the user unit (FX-DS110-PCC) to be
used on a desktop PC.
There are three types of desktop PC adapters available:
PC-CARD(PC)H as the ISA bus adapter, FX-PCI-EXT2 as the PCI bus
adapter, and FX-PCI-WOL as the PCI bus adapter for Wake-on-LAN.
FX-PCI-EXT2PC-CARD(PC)HFX-PCI-WOL
Antenna
An extension antenna can be used depending on the operating
environment and application. Use the one in a poor communication
state, for example, with the user unit blocked by an obstacle.
There are three types of extension antennas: FX-ANT-P2 as the
device embedded antenna, FX-ANT-P3 for notebook PC, and
FX-ANT-P4 for desktop PC.
FX-ANT-P3FX-ANT-P4FX-ANT-P2

Overview
FX-DS110-PCC10
Outline of the FLEXLAN-DS110 series
The FLEXLAN-DS110 series is a line of three items: the user unit
and two types of access points.
Features of the FLEXLAN-DS110 series
IEEE 802.11b compliant, 2.4 GHz band wireless LAN
This product is a wireless LAN device operating in the 2.4 GHz
band, which can be used with no license. It complies with the
IEEE 802.11b wireless LAN standard.
Direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) offering good noise
immunity
The product employs direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS),
enabling stable communication not susceptible to noise. It also
has a feature of avoiding easy interception of radio waves.
Data transfer rate of 11 Mbps
The product switches its data rate automatically to 11, 5.5, 2, or 1
Mbps depending on the radio conditions.
PC Card, ISA bus, or PCI bus interface to the user unit
Access point FX-DS110-APE providing advanced features
The FX-DS110-APE provides advanced features. It allows for a
variety of forms of operation and is best suited even for a large-
scale network.
Easy setup from within a web browser
Since the FX-DS110-APE has a web server, you can set and
manage it easily over the LAN using your favorite web browser.
SNMP installed
The product is SNMP compliant, supporting MIB II and private MIB.
Tunneling function
The product enables communication without changing settings even
for roaming after moving to a segment different in IP over beyond
the rooter.

Overview
FX-DS110-PCC 11
Production introduction to the FLEXLAN-DS110 series
User unit (FX-DS110-PCC)
The user unit is equivalent to the LAN card for a wired LAN. It is
plugged into the PC for use.
The FX-DS110-PCC is the PC Card (TYPE II) type. The
PC-CARD(PC)H, FX-PCI-EXT2, and FX-PCI-WOL are the ISA
bus adapter, PCI bus adapter, and PCI bus adapter for Wake-on-
LAN, respectively, available as options.
FX-DS110-PCC WIRELES S LANCARD
Figure 2.2. User unit
Access point (FX-DS110-APE)
The access point is used to manage the wireless network, relay
messages, and serve as the bridge to a wired LAN. It has
advanced functions such as routing and tunneling.
FX-DS110-APE
Figure 2.3. Access point

Overview
FX-DS110-PCC12
Micro access point (FX-DS110-APL)
The micro access point can be used as an access point in a small-
scale wireless LAN system or as a station (between the Ethernet and
wireless converter).
You can construct a wireless LAN easily by connecting the micro
access point to an Ethernet built-in device with an UTP cable.
POWER
WRX
WLINK
LINK
RX
FX-DS110-APL
Figure 2.4. Micro access point

Installation of a driver
FX-DS110-PCC 13
3. Installation of a driver
This chapter describes how to install the FX-DS110-PCC on your
PC.
Plugging the FX-DS110-PCC
Follow the procedure below to plug the FX-DS110-PCC on your
PC. To use the PC Card under Windows NT 4.0, shut down the
PC before plugging it in the PC card slot.
(1) Make sure that your PC has a PC Card (TYPE II) slot.
(2) Plug the FX-DS110-PCC into the PC Card slot with the
inserting direction mark sface up.
Notes! -Check the orientation of the card and insert the PC Card slowly.
Applying excessive force to it may break the connector.
-The antenna can be detached so that an optional antenna can be
attached instead. Do not detach or
attach the antenna inadvertently as
doing so degrades its performance.
Do not use the PC Card with no
antenna attached, or the PC Card can
come out of order.
-To the Card Bus slot user
When you use the PC Card in a Card Bus slot on a PC with
incomplete PC Card compatibility, the operation may be
unstable. If this is the case, use the PC Card in the PC Card
dedicated slot.