Edimax Edimax Wireless LAN Cardbus Adapter User manual

8
80 02 2. .1 11 1g g W Wi ir re el le es ss s L LA AN N M Mi in ni i
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US SB B A Ad da ap pt te er r
User Manual

Version:1.32
(June 7, 2005)
COPYRIGHT
Copyright ©2005/2006 by this company. All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval
system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or
by any means, electronic,mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or
otherwise,without the prior written permission ofthis company
This company makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or
implied, with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any
warranties, merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Any software
described in this manual is sold or licensed "as is". Should the programs
prove defective following their purchase, the buyer (and not this company, its
distributor, or its dealer) assumes the entire cost of all necessary servicing,
repair, and any incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect
in the software. Further, this company reserves the right to revise this
publication and to make changes from time to time in the contents hereof
without obligation to notify any person of such revision or changes.
All brand and product names mentioned in this manual are trademarks and/or registered
trademarks of their respective holders.

Federal Communication Commission
Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment 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 equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
1. Reorientor relocate the receiving antenna.
2. Increase theseparation between the equipmentand receiver.
3. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
4. Consultthe dealer oran experienced radio technician for help.
FCC Caution
This equipment must be installed and operated in accordance with provided
instructions and a minimum 5 cm spacing must be provided between
computer mounted antenna and person’s body (excluding extremities of
hands, wrist and feet) during wireless modes of operation.
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.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the authority to operate equipment.
Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure set forth for an
uncontrolled environment. In order to avoid the possibility of exceeding the
FCC radio frequency exposure limits, human proximity to the antenna shall
not be less than 20cm (8 inches) during normal operation.

R&TTE Compliance Statement
This equipment complies with all the requirements of DIRECTIVE 1999/5/CE
OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL of March 9, 1999 on
radio equipment and telecommunication terminal Equipment and the mutual
recognition of their conformity (R&TTE)
The R&TTE Directive repeals and replaces in the directive 98/13/EEC
(Telecommunications Terminal Equipment and Satellite Earth Station
Equipment) As of April 8, 2000.
Safety
This equipment is designed with the utmost care for the safety of those who
install and use it. However, special attention must be paid to the dangers of
electric shock and static electricity when working with electrical equipment. All
guidelines of this and of the computer manufacture must therefore be allowed
at all times to ensure the safe use of the equipment.
EU Countries Intended for Use
The ETSI version of this device is intended for home and office use in Austria,
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United
Kingdom.
The ETSI version of this device is also authorized for use in EFTA member
states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
EU Countries Not intended for use
None.

CONTENTS
1INTRODUCTION.............................................................1
1.1 FEATURES........................................................................................1
1.2 SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................1
1.3 PACKAGE CONTENTS..........................................................................2
2INSTALLATION PROCEDURE ..........................................3
3CONFIGURATION UTILITY ........................................... 11
3.1 WIRELESS CONNECTION STATUS.........................................................11
3.2 PROFILE MANAGEMENT ....................................................................12
3.3 DIAGNOSTICS ................................................................................. 13
3.4 SECURITY...................................................................................... 14
3.4.1 WPA S ecu rity S ettings....................................................................16
EAP-TLS Security...........................................................................16
EAP-TTLS Security.........................................................................17
PEAP (EAP-GTC) Security..............................................................18
PEAP (EAP-MSCHAP V2) Security..................................................19
LEAP Security................................................................................21
3.4.2 Using WPAPassphraseSecurity.........................................................23
3.4.3 Pre-Shared Encryption Keys..............................................................24
OVERWRITING AN EXISTING STATIC WEP KEY .............................................. 25
DISABLING STATIC WEP ..........................................................................25
4TROUBLESHOOTING.................................................... 26

1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the 802.11g Wireless LAN Mini USB Adapter. This USB Adapter is
designed to comply with IEEE 802.11g Wireless LAN standard and easy to carry with the
Mini size. It is suitable for any Laptop or Desktop computers.
Thisadapter supports 64/128/152-bit WEP data encryption that protects your wireless
network from eavesdropping. It also supports WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) feature that
combinesIEEE 802.1x and TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) technologies. Client
users are required to authorize before accessing to APs or AP Routers, and the data
transmitted in the network isencrypted/decrypted by a dynamically changed secret key.
It supports the SuperG mode feature to enhance the data rate to reach to 108Mbps, it can
enhance the data rate when it connect with Super G product.
Thisadapter is with the versatile features; it is the best solution for you to build your
wireless network.
1.1 Features
•Complieswith the IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11g 2.4GHz standards.
•Up to 54Mbpshigh data transfer rate.( 108M : Super Gmode enabled)
•Support64/128/152-bit WEP, WPA, IEEE802.1xhighlevel of security.
•Complieswith IEEE802.11dcountry roaming standard.
•Support themost popular operating system: Windows98SE/Me/2000/XP.
•SupportsUSB 2.0/1.1/1.0 interface.
•Portable and mini-size design.
•Suitable for AnyNotebookor Desktop PC.
1.2 Specifications
•Standard: IEEE802.11g/b
•BusType: USB 2.0 Type A
•Frequency Band:2.4000~2.4835GHz (Industrial Scientific Medical Band)
•Modulation: OFDM with BPSK,QPSK, 16QAM,64QAM (11g)
BPSK, QPSK, CCK (11b)
•Data Rate:54/48/36/24/18/12/11/9/6/5.5/2/1Mbpsauto fallback(108Mbps: Super Genabled)
•Security:64/128/152-bitWEP Data Encryption, WPA , IEEE802.1x
•Antenna: Internal Antenna
•Drivers: Windows98SE/Me/2000/XP
•LED: Link/Activity
•TransmitPower:16dBm (Typical)
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•Dimension:9(H) x 27(W) x 87(D)
•Temperature:32~131°F (0 ~55°C)
•Humidity:0-95% (NonCondensing)
•Certification: FCC, CE
1.3 Package Contents
Before you begin the installation, please check the itemsof your package. The package
should include the following items:
•One USB Adapter
•One USB 2.0 Extension Cable (100 cm)
•OneQuickGuide
•One CD (Driver/Utility/Manual)
If any of the above items is missing, contact your supplier as soon as possible.
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2 Installation Procedure
Before you proceed with the installation, please read the following chapter!
Note1: For Windows 98SE please make sure your copy of windows is fully updated with the
latest hotfixes by going to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
Note2: For Windows XP or Windows XP SP1, please update your windows with the following
hotfix http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb%3Ben-us%3B822603&x=10&y=13
if your copy of Windows XP has been updated with Service Pack 2 (SP2), you do not
need to apply this hotfix.
Note3: The following installation was operated in Windows XP. (Procedures are similar for
Windows 98SE/ME/2000)
Note4: Ifyou haveinstalled the Wireless PC Card driver & utility before, please uninstall the
old version first.
This chapter describes using the Atheros installer to install the Atheros USB
wireless network adapter driver.
Installation
Important Note: (For Windows 2K/XP) Please ensure that the USB
adapter is plugged intothe computer before startingthe installation
program!!! (For Windows 98SE, do not plug in the device before starting
the installation program)!!!
To install the ACU and USB device driver:
1. For Windows 2k/XP insert the USB device into the computer, (for windows
98SE do not insert the device), and insert the installation CD.
2. Open the InstallShield Wizard (setup2k.exe for Windows XP/2000 and
setup98.exe for Windows98SE/ME).
3. The Atheros Client Installation installer opens. Click Next.
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4. The Atheros license agreement windowappears. Read and accept the
agreement to continue. Click Next.
5. The Installation Program windo w appears with three setup options.
To install the client utilities and driver, select the appropriate installation type
(see Table (2-1) and click Next.
Table 2-1. Installer I nstallat ion Select ions
Radio Button Description
Install Client
Utilitiesand
Driver
(recommended)
Installs the driverand client utilities. Thisis the recommends
option.
Install Driver Only Installsonly the driver without installing the client utilities.
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Make Driver
Installation
Diskette(s)
Creates driverinstallation diskettes.
6. A prompt appears warning that the install requires the system to be rebooted
at the end of the installation process. Click Yes to continue.
7. Choose the setup directory. The default is C:\Program Files \ Atheros.
Click Next.
8. Choose the program folder for the start menu. The default is Atheros. Click
Next.
9. For a windows XP installation, the next screen defines the Windows Zero
Configuration. Windows XP Zero Configuration provides functionality to
automatically try to connect the station to available wireless networks. For
complete information on Windows Zero Configuration, see the Microsoft web
site.
10.In this installation, select the Atheros Client Utility and Supplicant.
Click Next. The installer automatically installs the driver.
11.Make sure that the USB device is inserted. If it is not, insert it, then cancel
the found New Hardware Wizard if it appears. Proceed with the installation.
Click OK.
12.Windows may display a Windows Logo error for the USB bootloader. Click
Continue Anyway.
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The installer continues installation.
13.Windows may display a Windows Logo error for the WLAN driver. Click Click
Continue Anyway.
The installer continues installation.
14.Click OK at the prompt to reboot and complete the installation.
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Installing the Atheros USB Wireless Network
Adapter
To install the USB driver and the Atheros Client Utility, see “To install the ACU
and USB device driver:” on page 2-1.
To install the USB Device Driver separately:
1. Insert the USB device into the computer: The Found NewHardware Wizard
opens. Choose advanced installation and click Next.
2. Choose Search for driver in these locations. The driver is located in the
Ndis5x\2KXP directory. (For Windows 98SE/ME computers, the driver is located
in the Ndis5x\98ME).
3. Windows may display a Windows Logo error for the bootloader. Click Continue
Anyway. The installer will continue with the installation.
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4. Click Finish to close the Found New Hardware Wizard and complete installation
of the USB device bootloader.
5. The Found Ne w Ha rd ware Wizard opens to install softwa re for the USB device.
Click Next to continue.
6. Choose Search for driver in these locations. The driver is located in the
Ndis5x\2KXP directory. (For Windows 98SE/ME computers, the driver is located
in the Ndis5x\98ME).
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7. Windows may display a Windows Logo error for the WLAN driver. Click
Continue Anyway. The installer will continue the installation.
8. Click Finish to close the Found New Hardware Wizard and complete installation
of the Atheros USB Network Adapter.
Use the ACU to configure the device driver. The ACU provides extensive online
help to aid in configuring the device. Access the ACU by right-clicking the tray
icon and choosing Atheros Client Utility.
III. Using the Configuration Utility
To setup the USB adapter, double-click the icon in the system tray.
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For Windows XP, there isa “Windows Zero Configuration Tool” by default for you to setup
wireless clients. If you want to use the Utility of the USB adapter, please follow one of the
waysasbelow.
A
. Double
-
click the icon.
B. Cli ck “Advance”.
C. Uncheck “Use Windows to
configure my wireless
network settings”.
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3 Configuration Utility
The Client Utility is a user-mode utility designed to edit and add profiles for,as well as
display and diagnostics pertaining to a selected wireless USB adapter.
3.1 Wireless ConnectionStatus
When you open the Configuration Utility, the system will scan all the channelsto find all the
access points/stations within the accessible range of your card and automatically connect to
the wireless device with the highest signal strength. From the screen, you may know all the
infomration about the wireless connection.
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3.2 Profile Management
Parameter Description
New To add a new configuration profile, click New on the Profile
Management tab. To modify a configuration profile, select the
configuration from the Profile list and click the Modify button.
Modify In theAtherosClientUtility,accessthe General tab byclicking New or
Modify on theProfile Management tab.
Edit thefieldsinthe General tab to configure the configuration
profile.Make sure toalso edittheSecurityandAdvancedtabs.
Remove Select the profile to remove from the list of configuration profiles.
Import 1. From the Profile Management tab, click the Import button.
The Import Profile window appears.
2. Browse to the directory where the profile islocated.
3. Highlight the profile name.
4. Click Open. The imported profile appears in the profiles
list.
Export 1. From the Profile Management tab, highlight the profile to
export.
2. Click the Exportbutton. The Export Profile window
appears.
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3. Browse to the directory to export the profile to.
4. Click Save. The profile isexported to the specified
location.
Order Profiles Including a profile in the auto selection feature allows the wireless
adapter to automatically select that profile from the list of profiles
and use it to connect to the network.
3.3 Diagnostics
The client utility includes a number of toolsto display current diagnosticsand status
information.
Parameter Description
Adapter Information The Adapter Information button containsgeneral information
about the network interface card (the wireless network adapter)
and the network driver interface specification (NDIS) driver.
Advanced Statistics The Diagnostics tab of the Atheros Client Utility provides buttons
used to retrieve receive and transmit statistics. The Diagnostics
tab does not require any configuration
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3.4 Security
This Chapter describes setting up security using the Atheros Client Utility(ACU).
While using the Atheros USB wireless network adapter, encryption data can protect its as it
is transmitted through the wireless network.
While using the AtherosUSB wirelessnetworkadapter,encryptingdata can
protectitsprivacyasitistransmitted throughthewirelessnetwork.
The ACUallowsconnection profilesof:
zNo security(not recommended)
Linkencryption/decryptionisdisabled,no keysareinstalled.
zWPA security
Enablestheuse of Wi-Fi Protected Access(WPA). Thisoption requiresIT
administration.Thisoption includesthe EAP(with dynamicWEP keys)
security protocols: EAP, PEAP, andLEAP.
WPA isa standard-based,interoperable securityenhancementthat
providesdataprotectionand accesscontrol for wirelessLAN systems. It
isderived from andisforward-compatible with the upcoming IEEE
802.11i standard. WPAleveragesTemporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP)
and Michael messageintegrity check(MIC) for data protection,and
802.1Xforauthenticated keymanagement.
WPA supportstwo mutually exclusive key managementtypes: WPA and
WPA passphrase (also known asWPA-Pre Shared Key (PSK)). Using
WPA, clientsand theauthentication server authenticatetoeach other
usinganEAPauthenticationmethod,and the clientand server generatea
pairwise master key (PMK).The server generatesthePMK dynamically
andpassesit to theaccesspoint.
zWPA-PSK security
EnablesWPA passphrase security (also known asWPA-Pre Shared Key
(PSK)).
z802.1x security
Enables802.1x security. This option requires IT administration. This
option includesthe EAP (withdynamic WEPkeys) security protocols:
EAP,PEAP,and LEAP.
802.1xisthestandard for wirelessLAN security defined by IEEEas802.1x
for 802.11,or simply802.1x. An accesspointthat supports802.1xand its
protocol, Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP),actsastheinterface
between a wirelessclientand an authenticationserver such asa RADIUS
server, to which theaccesspoint communicatesover the wirednetwork.
zPre-Shared Key security (Static WEP)
Static WEPenablestheuse ofup to fourpre-shared (staticwired equivalentprivacy
(WEP)) keysthat are defined on boththe accesspointand theclient station.
These keysare stored in an encrypted formatinthe registry of the
Windowsdevice. When thedriverloadsand readsthe USB device's
registry parameters, italso findsthe staticWEP keys, decryptsthem,and
storesthem in volatile memory on the USBdevice.
If adevicereceivesa packet thatisnot encrypted withthe appropriatekey,
thedevicediscardsthe packet and never deliversittotheintendedrecipient.
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Thisisbecause the WEPkeysof all devicesthatare to communicatewith each
other must match.
Authentication Process
EnablingEAPonthe accesspointand configuringthe USBdevice toLEAP,
EAP-TLS, PEAP (EAP-GTC), or PEAP(EAP-MSCHAPV2) authentication to
thenetworkoccursin the following sequence:
1.The client associatesto anaccesspointand beginsauthentication.
2. Communicatingthrough theaccesspoint, the clientand RADIUS server
complete authentication with the password (LEAPand PEAP) or
certificate (EAP-TLS).The password isnevertransmitted duringthe
process.
3. After successful authentication,the client and RADIUS server derivea
dynamic WEP keyunique to the client.
4.The RADIUS server transmitsthe key to theaccesspointusing a secure
channel onthewired LAN.
5. Forthelengthofa session theaccesspointand the client use thiskey to
encryptor decryptall unicast packets(and broadcast packets).
Overview Of the Security Configuration Options In ACU
Radio Button Description
WPA Enables the use of Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA).
Choosing WPA opens the WPA EAP drop-down menu. The
options include:
EAP-TLS
EAP-TTLS
PEAP (EAP-GTC)
PEAP (EAP-MSCHAP V2)
LEAP
WPA
Passphrase
Enables WPA Passphrase security.
Clickon the Configure button and fill in the WPA Passphrase.
802.1x Enables 802.1x security. This option requires IT administration.
Choosing 802.1x opens the 802.1x EAP type drop-down
menu. The options include:
EAP-TLS
EAP-TTLS
PEAP (EAP-GTC)
PEAP (EAP-MSCHAP V2)
LEAP
If the access point that the wireless adapter is associating to has
WEP set to Optional and the client has WEP enabled, make sure
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