Gemtek WL-383F User manual

WL-383F
11Mbps Wireless Mini-USB Module
User's Manual
2002/03/27
Gemtek Technology Co., Ltd.

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Copyright statement
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form
or by any means, whether electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the
prior writing of the publisher.
Printed in Taiwan, 2002/03/27

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 the 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 of the
following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Caution: To assure continued compliance, (example - use only shielded interface cables
when connecting to computer or peripheral devices) any changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this
equipment.
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.
Statement Needed to be Shown on End Product
Since this module is installed inside the end product, the end product should be affixed a label on
visible area showing that this product contain a RF module, and also its FCC ID.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm
between the radiator & your body.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter.

This device is intended only for OEM integrators under the following conditions:
1) The antenna must be installed such that 20 cm is maintained between the antenna and users, and
2) The transmitter module may not be co-located with any other transmitter or antenna.
As long as the 2 conditions above are met, further transmitter testing will not be required. However,
the OEM integrator is still responsible for testing their end-product for any additional compliance
requirements required with this module installed (for example, digital device emissions, PC peripheral
requirements, etc.).
IMPORTANT NOTE: In the event that these conditions can not be met (for example certain laptop
configurations or co-location with another transmitter), then the FCC authorization is no longer
considered valid and the FCC ID can not be used on the final product. In these circumstances, the
OEM integrator will be responsible for re-evaluating the end product (including the transmitter) and
Obtaining a separate FCC authorization.
End Product Labelling
This transmitter module is authorized only for use in devices where the antenna may be installed such
that 20 cm may be maintained between the antenna and users (for example access points, routers,
wirelessASDL modems, and similar equipment). The final end product must be labeled in a visible
area with the following: “ Contains TX FCC ID: MXF-U910327”.
Manual Information That Must be Included
The users manual for end users must include the following information in a prominent location “
IMPORTANT NOTE: To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, the antenna used for
this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and
must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.”

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R&TTE Compliance Statement
This equipment complies with all the requirements of the DIRECTIVE 1999/5/EC OF THE
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL of 9 March 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 manual and of the computer manufacturer 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 (with Frequency channel restrictions), Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and 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.
Potential restrictive use
France: Only channels 10,11,12, and13

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Contents
1. Contents …………………………………………………………………………………………..…...… ….5
2. Introduction……………………………………………………………………….…...………………… .….6
3. Wireless LAN Basics……………………………………………………………………….……...…………7
4. Installation forWindows…………….…..………………………………………………………..…….…….8
4.1 Installation Overview……………………………….……………………………………………..……9
4.2. Installation Procedure ……………………..……….……..……..………….….……………………10
4.3. Uninstallation Procedure…………………………………………..…………………………………17
5. Configuration.Utility …………………………………..………………….…………………………………18
6. Troubleshooting …….…………………………………………..…………………….…………………….27

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2. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing our 11Mbps Wireless Mini-USB Module. This manual will assist you with
the installation procedure.
The package you have received should contain the following items:
• 11Mbps Wireless Mini-USB Module.
• User manual
• Diskette containing Wireless LAN Management utility and drivers
Note: if anything is missing, please contact your vendor
The diskette contains the drivers and the program Configuration Utility that is used for managing the
11Mbps Wireless Mini-USB Module and establishing the wireless connection with your Local Area
Network.

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3. Wireless LAN Basics
Wireless LAN (Local Area Networks) systems offer a great number of advantages over a traditional,
wired system. Wireless LANs (WLANs) are more flexible, easier to setup and manage and often more
cost effective than their wired equivalence.
Using radio frequency (RF) technology, WLANs transmit and receive data over the air, minimizing the
need for wired connections. Thus, WLANs combine data connectivity with user mobility, and, through
simplified configuration, enable movable LANs.
With wireless LANs, users can access shared information without looking for a place to plug in and
network managers can set up or augment networks without installing or moving wires. Wireless LANs
offer the following productivity, convenience and cost advantages over traditional wired networks:
• Mobility -Wireless LAN systems can provide LAN users with access to real-time information
anywhere in their organization. This mobility supports productivity and service opportunities not
possible with wired networks.
• Installation Speed and Simplicity -Installing a wireless LAN system can be fast and easy and can
eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and ceilings.
• Installation Flexibility -Wireless technology allows the network to go where wires cannot go.
• Reduced Cost-of-Ownership -While the initial investment required for wireless LAN hardware
might be higher than the cost of wired LAN hardware, overall installation expenses and life-cycle
costs will be significantly lower. Long-term cost benefits are greatest in dynamic environments
requiring frequent moves, adds, and changes.
• Scalability -Wireless LAN systems can be configured in a variety of topologies to meet the needs
of specific applications and installations. Configurations are easily changed and range from peer-
to-peer networks suitable for a small number of users to full infrastructure networks of thousands
of users that allows roaming over a broad area.

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4. Installation for Windows platform
The following section will assist you to in installing wireless LAN Adapter successfully. You will first
install software (driver) and then insert the 11Mbps Wireless Mini-USB Module, and finally set the
network properties to accommodate resource sharing and select the type of wireless network that you
wish to install. The Wireless LAN can easily be installed and used, without bothering to connect cables
for keeping your computer to use network resources, as in case of wired LAN.

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4.1. Installation Overview
Here are some steps you will perform in establishing your wireless network connection:
lInstall the Access Point (AP) at first. AP is needed in case of Infrastructure network mode.
lInstall the software using the Installation Diskette or CD.
lInstall the 11Mbps Wireless Mini-USB Module.
lInstall the network protocol(s) required to communicate on your network. Most likely you will need
the TCP/IP protocol.

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4.2. Installation Procedure
Please follow the following steps one by one in order to install successfully.
The PRISM WLAN Configuration Utility is installed simultaneously with the driver by executing the
PRISM for Windows.exe file. Installation procedures differ depending on whether this is an initial
installation or an upgrade. The following sections discuss these scenarios.
Note also that some versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems require administrator privileges
to install software. If this is the case for your operating system, be sure that you have such privileges
before executing the PRISM for Windows.exe file.
To upgrade an existing driver, it is not necessary to remove your PRISM card from your computer.
Simply run the PRISM for Windows.exe file to replace the existing driver with the latest version. After
the new driver is installed, you must restart the operating system (if the system was not restarted
during the installation procedure).
1.Insert the given Installation CD in the CD-ROM.
2.Select CD-ROM drives to locate driver files.
3.Find the software in the CD-ROM and run the program “ PRISM for Windows.exe file ” in order
to set up configuration utility & driver.
Follow the instruction and click Continue.
Note: Do not insert the
WLAN
USB adapter until you are asked to do so, failure of which may result in
unsuccessful
installation of your 11Mbps Wireless Mini-USB Module

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4. Accept the license agreement.

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5. It takes a few seconds for copying the utility files and driver.
6. After setup complete, restart the computer.
7. Connect the 11Mbps Wireless Mini-USB Module to the computer, the system will detect new
hardware and auto install the driver.

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8. Once installation is complete, the utility will be pops up.

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9. Click the right button of mouse on My Computer àProperties àDevice Manager.
10.
Right click on the Network Neighborhood using the mouse.
11.
Select Properties from the pop up menu. The network box appears and you see three main tables:
Configuration, Identification, and Access Control.

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12.
Click on the Configuration tab and then click on the Add button. Select Network Component Type
box appears. Click on the Protocol the click the Add button.
13.
Select Network Protocols box appears. From the list of manufactures, click on Microsoft. From the
list of network protocols list, select NetBEUI, then click OK.

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14.
The NetBEUI protocol is now installed. After clicking on OK return back to Network Component
Type box.
15.
Repeat the step 16 and 17 to add IPX/SPX protocol.
16.
Repeat the step 16 and 17 to add TCP/IP protocol.
17.
Click on the TCP/IP option for setting the IP address for your computer. You can select either Static
or DHCP setting. If you use the static IP setup then enter the IP value, Subnet masking , DNS,
Domain/ Workgroup name, and Gateway Address values. After setting these parameter
appropriately, click OK to return to Network Component Type and you can select the File and
Printer Sharing options as well as the Access to your computer like other users connected to that
network by setting the computer sharing options. Click on OK.
18.
Screen message do want to restart your Computer will pop up. Select Yes. It will shut down your
laptop and will restart the system.
Important
: Restart your computer to make the changes effective before you reinstall the
driver.

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4.3. Uninstallation Procedure
If you want to uninstall the WLAN card under Win 98, please follow the steps as below:
1. Start àSetting àControl Panel àAdd / remove àremove Intersil PRISM Wireless LAN for Windows,
click ‘ Add/Remove’ button.
2. Remove Inf. File : Click Start àProgram àWindows Explorer àDisk CàWindows àINF àother
àremove Intersil PRISM NIC
3. Romove sys.File: Click Start àProgram àWindows Explorer àDisk CàWindows àSystem
àremove PRISMNDS.sys
Important
: Restart your computer to make the changes ef
fective before you reinstall the
driver.

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5. Configuration Utility
After the installation of the PRISM WLAN Configuration Utility, its icon appears in the System Tray in
the bottom right corner of your desktop.
The color behind the Intersil logo indicates the link status.
Red indicates no or very poor link quality.
Yellow indicates a usable but weak link.
Green indicates a good or excellent link.
You can also view the status of the link by placing the cursor over the Configuration Utility icon, as
shown in the following illustration. This illustration indicates that the PRISM WLAN Card is able to
communicate, but that the signal to the radio is weak.
The Configuration menu lets you specify the operating parameters for your PRISM WLAN Interface card. When
you first start the Configuration Utility, this menu is displayed. If another menu is displayed, you can display the
Configuration options by clicking on its tab in the Configuration Utility panel.

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5.1 Configuration Tab
The Configuration menu lets you specify the operating parameters for your PRISM WLAN Interface
card. When you first start the Configuration Utility, this menu is displayed. If another menu is
displayed, you can display the Configuration options by clicking on its tab in the Configuration Utility
panel.
Setting the Profile
A profile is a named set of operating parameters for your PRISM WLAN Interface card. The Profile
field lets you set values for all parameters by selecting a previously defined profile. Click the down
arrow at the right of the Profile field to display the available profiles for your PRISM WLAN Interface
card.
You will always have at least one profile, named Default. Initially, this profile contains the parameters
configured at installation. You can modify this profile at any time after the installation. After changing
parameters, you can save them in the profile named in this field by clicking the Apply button in the
Configuration Utility panel.
You can also create additional profiles by typing a name in the Profile field. When you change the
name in the Profile field and then click the Apply button, the Configuration Utility uses the current
parameters for your card to create a separate profile. You can then switch between profiles by clicking
the down arrow at the right of the Profile field, selecting aprofile from the drop-down list, and clicking
the Apply button.
The following example describes a situation in which you would want to create multiple profiles.
Suppose that you use the wireless LAN at your work, but you also have a network in your home (with
a wireless Access Point) for sharing an internet connection and a printer between several computers.
Suppose also that you have another office within your business which also has WLAN capability, but
which is configured differently than your main office.
In this situation, you can create a different profile for each of these three environments. Each profile
specifies the parameters used on a single network. Moving from one location to another, you only
need to apply the appropriate profile to be able to participate in the local network.