Gigabyte GN-WS33N-RH User manual

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GN-WS33N-RH
802.11 b/g/n Mini Card
Quick Start Guide
http://www.gigabyte.com.tw
Rev. 1.0

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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, 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.
For product available in the USA/Canada market, only channel 1~11 can be
operated. Selection of other channels is not possible.
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.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This module is intended for OEM integrator. The OEM integrator is still responsible for the
FCC compliance requirement of the end product, which integrates this module.
20cm minimum distance has to be able to be maintained between the antenna and the
users for the host this module is integrated into. Under such configuration, the FCC
radiation exposure limits set forth for an population/uncontrolled environment can be
satisfied.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the
user's authority to operate this equipment.
USERS MANUAL OF THE END PRODUCT:

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In the users manual of the end product, the end user has to be informed to keep at least
20cm separation with the antenna while this end product is installed and operated. The
end user has to be informed that the FCC radio-frequency exposure guidelines for an
uncontrolled environment can be satisfied. The end user has to also be informed that any
changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the
user's authority to operate this equipment. If the size of the end product is smaller than
8x10cm, then additional FCC part 15.19 statement is required to be available in the users
manual: This device complies with Part 15 of 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.
LABEL OF THE END PRODUCT:
The final end product must be labeled in a visible area with the following " Contains TX
FCC ID: JCK-GN-WS33N-RH ". If the size of the end product is larger than 8x10cm,
then the following FCC part 15.19 statement has to also be available on the label: This
device complies with Part 15 of 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.

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Contents
CHAPTER 1 PRODUCT OVERVIEW...........................................5
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE AIRCRUISER ULTRA NUSB ADAPTER ....................................5
1.2 FEATURES .................................................................................................................5
1.3 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS .........................................................................................5
CHAPTER 2 INSTALLATION.......................................................7
2-1. SMARTSETUP 3..........................................................................................................7
CHAPTER 3 USING THE WIRELESS UTILITY.........................10
3.1. PROFILE TAB ...........................................................................................................10
3.2. LINK STATUS TAB.....................................................................................................20
3.3. SITE SURVEY TAB ....................................................................................................21
3.4. STATISTICS TAB .......................................................................................................22
3.5. QOS .......................................................................................................................24
3.6. ABOUT TAB..............................................................................................................28
CHAPTER 4 USING GIGABYTE SOFT AP...............................29
4.1 START GIGABYTE SOFT AP.......................................................................................29
4.2 CONFIG SETTING......................................................................................................31
4.3 SECURITY SETTING ..................................................................................................33
4.4 ACCESS CONTROL ...................................................................................................35
4.5 MAC TABLE..............................................................................................................36
4.6 EVENT LOG..............................................................................................................37
4.7 STATISTIC................................................................................................................38
4.8 ABOUT ....................................................................................................................40
APPENDIX A TROUBLESHOOTING.........................................41
APPENDIX B REGULATORY INFORMATION ............................42
APPENDIX C WARRANTY...........................................................43

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Chapter 1 Product Overview
1.1 Introduction to the 802.11 b/g/n Mini Card
This GN-WS33N-RH 802.11b/g/n Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) PCI-Express
Half Mini-card adapter is composed of the MAC, Baseband, and radio components,
PCI-Express half mini-card interface, and two RF connectors with high throughput
feature. It operates at 2.4GHz frequency band, providing fast (receive up to
150/300Mbps) and secure (WEP 64/128, WPA and WPA2) connections to 802.11n
networks from a single adapter. It is backward compatible with 11b and 11g.
GN-WS33N-RH overcomes environment multi-path effect by multi-input feature and to
keep its stable wireless performance and running wireless anywhere.
1.2 Features
Conform to IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g and draft 802.11n specification
Wireless transmits/receive data rate up to maximum speed of 150/300Mbps
Dynamically scales the data rate
Support 64/128-bit WEP encryption, 802.1x, WPA and WPA2
Support Quality of Service WMM
Automatic power management to reduce battery consumption
Seamless roaming between 11b, 11g and draft 11n networks
1.3 Product Specifications
System Specifications
System
Host Interface PCI Express Mini Card v1.0
Chipset Ralink MAC/BB/RF RT3091
Operating Voltages 3.3V+/-5%
Typical Power
Transmitting (Legacy mode): 280mA by 3.3V, 92mA by 1.5V@ 11b,
290mA by 3.3V, 125mA by 1.5V@ 11g;
Transmitting (HT20 mode): 285mA by 3.3V, 125mA by 1.5V;
Transmitting (HT40 mode): 290mA by 3.3V, 125mA by 1.5V;
Receiving (Legacy mode, HT20): 130mA by 3.3V, 170mA by 1.5V @ 11b/g;
Receiving (HT40 mode): 160mA by 3.3V, 170mA by 1.5V.
RF – 802.11n (backward compatible to 802.11g & 11b)
Frequency Band 2412 ~ 2484 MHz (subject to local regulation)
Modulation Technology OFDM and DSSS
Modulation Techniques 64QAM, 16QAM, QPSK, BPSK, DBPSK, DQPSK, CCK
Data Rates Transmit up to 150Mbps and auto fallback
Receive up to 300Mbps

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Output power
Legacy mode: 18 dBm @11Mbps, 14 dBm @54Mbps;
HT20 mode: 14 dBm @MCS7 (72.2Mbps);
HT40 mode: 14 dBm @MCS7 (150Mbps).
Receive Sensitivity
Legacy mode: -90 dBm @11b, -77 dBm @11g;
HT20 mode: -72 dBm @ MCS7/15;
HT40 mode: -70 dBm @ MCS7/15.
Antenna Two RF connectors
Regulatory and Environmental Compliance
EMC certification FCC part 15 (USA)
Temperature Range Operating: 0 ~ 65 degree C, Storage: -20 ~ 65 degree C
Humidity 10% ~ 85% Non-condensing
Software
Driver Windows 2000/XP/Vista
Security 64/128 bit WEP, WPA and WPA2
Quality of Service (QoS) WMM
Roaming Seamless roaming among 11b/g/n access points.
Management Utility Monitors the network situation.
Mechanical
Weight 4.0 g ±1.0g
Dimension 29.85 *26.7*3.3 mm ±0.15mm
Packaging Generic, Gigabyte, private labeling optional
Subject to be changed without notices.

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Chapter 2 Installation
2-1. SmartSetup 3
Note: The following section applies to users of GIGABYTE Wireless Routers.
GIGABYTE SmartSetup 3 is a powerful, yet user-friendly wireless network configuration
wizard specially designed for GIGABYTE wireless networks. If you are connecting to a
GIGABYTE wireless router, SmartSetup 3 will detect this and activate.
In three easy steps, you can establish a bulletproof WPA(WPA-PSK) wireless network
AND configure your Internet connection. Only GIGABYTE delivers this easy, powerful
and secure solution for your wireless network!
Step 1: Select the GIGABYTE wireless router from the available networks.
Figure 2-5. SmartSetup 3 Network Selection
Step 2: Create a WPA(WPA-PSK) Passphrase using any keyboard character. Make it
no less than 8 but no more than 63 characters in length. Anyone wishing to gain
access to your network, will first need to key-in this Passphrase. In the example
below, we used ‘I love green eggs and ham’.

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Figure 2-6. SmartSetup 3 Define Passphrase

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Step 3: Your GIGABYTE router’s web configuration utility will automatically open, and
detect your ISP type. Just input the Username and Password. Click Continue.
Figure 2-7. Auto detecting your ISP type
Note: If Figure2-7 Setup” from the main menu which displays. For more information
about SmartSetup 3, please see the enclosed Quick Start Guide.

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Chapter 3 Using the Wireless Utility
*Please note that Gigabyte Wireless Utility does not support Windows Vista
operating system.
The GN-WS33N-RH Wireless Utility is a powerful application that helps you to configure
the Adapter and monitor the statistics of the communication link. It also permits the
configuration for parameters while the Adapter is operating – no restarting is required. It
also offers more configuration options than does Windows native Zero Wireless
Configuration. It appears as the “G” icon in the task bar at the bottom right corner of
screen whenever the Adapter is in operation (see Figure 3-1). The quick start icon also
doubles as a signal strength monitor, as indicated by its four small green lights.
Figure 3-1. GN-WS33N-RH Wireless Utility quick start icon
To open the GN-WS33N-RH Utility, double click the quick start icon located in your system
tray. Or, go to Windows Start menu, select Programs, Gigabyte Wireless Network
Adapters, GN-WS33N-RH and then GN-WS33N-RH Utility.
Note: You may only use the utility to change wireless configurations when the
GN-WS33N-RH is enabled and operating. You have to use Windows native Zero
Configuration tool provided with Windows when the Adapter is not enabled.
Opening the GN-WS33N-RH Wireless Utility, you are presented with the Profile Tab.
There are 5 main tabs with which to control and monitor your GN-WS33N-RH – Profile,
Link, Site Survey, Statistics and the About Tab. The following sections will cover each tab
in detail.
3.1.Profile Tab
The Profile tab shows you the current association information about the profile. (see
Figure 3-2). Profiles are useful if you often associate with different access points. You
can configure a group of settings depending on the access point you often associate with
and save as a profile, Click the Add button to create a new profile (see section below for
further details), the Delete button to delete a selected profile, the Edit button to modify a
selected profile and click the Activate button to have a selected profile become active.

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Figure 3-2. Current profile
Description of items in Figure 3-2 is as follows:
Profile Name: A profile can be saved for various wireless settings in different
environments, i.e. home, office, and the corner coffee shop.
SSID: The Network Name of the wireless router or Access Point.
Channel: Shows the current wireless channel.
Authentication: Sever authentication types. They include “OPEN”, “Shared”, “LEAP”,
“WPA”, “WPA-PSK”, “WPA2” and “WPA2-PSK”.
Encryption: The type of encryption used in this profile: “None”, “WEP”, “AES” and “TKIP”.
Network Type: Informs you if an Access Point (infrastructure) or Ad Hoc is connected. In
Ad Hoc, you may select a channel for each member participating in Ad Hoc.

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3-1-1. Configuration Screen
If you want to ADD new profiles, or EDIT existing ones, the Configuration screen will open.
Here you will Name your profile, and if you like, select an alternate network type (Ad hoc),
restrict on SSID connections and more. All three tabs shown (see Figure 3-3) are related,
so when you’re done with all three (Configuration, Authentication, Advanced) tabs, click
OK.
Figure 3-3. Configuration
Description of items in Figure 3-3 is as follows:
Profile Name: Users can save different profiles names for different configurations.
SSID: Select the AP detected by the system from the drop-down menu or input a SSID.
(Default: ANY)
Power Saving mode: Select “Power Saving Mode” (PSM) to turn off the Adapter’s
transceiver when not in use, or select CAM to continuously turn on transceivers. (Default:
OFF)
Network Type: “Infrastructure” and “Ad Hoc”. When Infrastructure network type is chosen,
PSM will function but not Preamble. On the contrary, when Ad hoc type is chosen,

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Preamble will function but not PSM. Also, the Channel option will appear and 802.1X
Authentication will be disabled. (Default: Infrastructure)
TX Power: Select percentage of transmitted power. (Default: Auto)
RTS Threshold: This is a mechanism implemented to prevent the “Hidden Node” problem,
“Hidden Node” is a situation in which two stations are within range of the same Access
Point, but are not within range of each other. Therefore, they are hidden nodes for each
other and can not detect each other. This mechanism is a way to prevent data collision
when Adapters require transmission. (Default: OFF)
Fragment Threshold: Fragmentation mechanism is used for improving the efficiency
when high traffic flows along in the wireless network. (Default: OFF)
3-1-2. Authentication and Security Screen:
If an authentication or security setting is configured in your Access Point or router, you
must enable this function to ensure successful connection. Use the following tab to
configure data security and ID authentication (see Figure 3-4). You may configure
different settings in the profile, including 802.11 Protocol Authentication and Security and
802.1X Protocol.
Figure 3-4. Authentication and Security

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Authentication Type: Before a station connects to a SSID, the authentication type used
by the SSID must be known. Authentication types include OPEN SYSTEM, WPA,
WPA-PSK, WPA2, WPA2-PSK, LEAP and SHARED.
Encryption: To prevent unauthorized access to data transmitted on the network, the
Adapter and the Access Point agree on a type of data encryption. Any station that wishes
to connect must have the same password and encryption scheme to connect. Different
authentication types have different level of security. (Default: TKIP)
WEP encryption: Select one of the four keys as the default encrypted key.
To setup WEP, you will need to set a ASCII or HEX key to connect to Access Point. The
WEP Key can only be saved through the setting of profile.
1. Select a Key #.
2. Select a form of the key (Hex or ASCII).
3. Enter password. Please enter 26 hexadecimal digits or 13 ASCII digits.
4. Click OK to save the settings.
Making HEX keys:
64-bit - Generated as 10 alphanumeric characters (0-9, a-f) (example: 843c29a562)
128bit - Generated as 26 alphanumeric characters (0-9, a-f) (example:
3c29f2536bef3276d32e364a2c)
Note: Using a Hex key is more secure than using an ASCII key, and if you are connecting
to a GIGABYTE Router or Access Point, ASCII keys are not allowed and you must use a
Hex key.
WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK encryption: WPA-PSK/ WPA2-PSK (Preshared Key) uses TKIP
or AES based on your choice. You create a password (or Passphrase as its often called)
and the system will use the Passphrase to create a cipher code in which it will encrypt the
data.
To use WPA-PSK/ WPA2-PSK:
1. Create a Passphrase, and key it in. Use 8~63 ASCII digits.
2. Remember this Passphrase. If you forget the Passphrase, you will have to do a
hard reset of the Access Point in order to restore default settings and connect
again.
3. Click “OK to save these settings.
3-1-2-1. 802.1X Setting - Certification Tab
Clicking Use 802.1X Authentication and then Enter 802.1X configuration from the
Authentication and Security Window will bring up the 802.1x Setting Window and the
Certification Tab (see Figure 3-5).
From the Certification screen, you may configure information about authentication, such as
Tunnel Protocol, ID and Password and Client Certificate or Certificate Chain. (see Figure
3-5 and 3-7)

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Figure 3-5. 802.1X Authentication
Description of items in Figure 3-5 is as follows:
Authentication type: PEAP, TLS/Smart Card, TTLS and MD5-Challenge. (Default:
PEAP)
Session Resumption: This feature can create a new connection without the overhead of
a full handshake.
Identity: The Account’s User ID.
Password: Passwords for users accounts can be used when LEAP and MD5-Challenge
are selected as authentication types.
Use Client Certificate: This certificate is necessary for TLS and an option for PEAP and
TTLS. Check “Use Client Certificate” to verify the authenticity of a Client Certificate during
the authentication process.
Clicking More will open the Client Certificate Selection Window (shown in Figure 3-7).
Users can select one suitable certificate as Client Certificate. (Default: OFF)
Tunnel Authentication: PEAP and TTLS use two-step authentication method. The first
step is that Server sets up a Tunnel with its authentication. No option is need to be
set for Client (the PC with the Adapter). The second step is to confirm the validity of
Client with assigned authentication type in the Tunnel. Data needed for
authentication includes Tunnel ID, Tunnel Password, Client Certificate or Server
Authentication.

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Protocol: Use assigned authentication type in the safe tunnel.
Tunnel ID: Users’ accounts.
Password: Passwords for users’ accounts.
Figure 3-6. Client Certificate Selection List

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3-1-2-2. 802.1x Settings - CA Server Tab
CA Server is used when TLS, TTLS or PEAP is in use. When Use certificate chain is
checked, the Client can verify if such server is reliable and then transmit Client Certificate
after the verification is confirmed.
Figure 3-7. CA Server Setting
To verify the CA server:
1. Confirm if the Server Certificate is issued by assigned certificate issuer. If “Allow
Intermediate Authentication” is checked, the server certificate can be issued by
one intermediate certificate issuer.
2. Check the server name of server certificate is the same as the name entered by
the user or belongs to the same domain.
Use certificate chain: If “Use certificate chain” is checked, it indicates that Client will
confirm whether CA server is reliable. (Default: OFF)
Certificate issuer: CA of a server certificate can be selected from certificate issuers on
the drop-down list. (Default: ANY)
Allow intermediate Certificates: When this option is checked, the certificate issuer can
be an issuer recognized by a specific certificate issuer. On the other hand, the server
certificate must be issued by a certificate issuer selected by the user.
Server name: This value can be a server name or the name of a domain where the server
is located.

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Server name must match exactly: If this option is selected, the server name of server
certificate must be the same as “Server Name” or as the name of domain where the server
is located.
Domain name must end in specified name: If this option is selected, the certificate
issuer must be the domain or secondary domain entered in “Server Name”.
3-1-3. Advanced Screen
The Advanced screen is the third tab in the trio of tabs under Edit Profile (see Figure 3-8).
It includes the 802.11b/g/n wireless transmission mode settings. Once you have finished
configuration, just click OK. Then you will return to the Profile Tab (Figure 3-2). A reboot is
not needed for changes to take effect.
Figure 3-8 Advanced
Description of items in Figure 3-8 is as follows:
Wireless Mode: Sets infrastructure Protocols, including 802.11 B/G mix and 802.11 B
Only. (Default 802.11 B/G mix)

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Ad Hoc Wireless Mode: Sets Ad Hoc Wireless Protocols, including 802.11 B/G mix,
802.11 B Only and 802.11 G Only. (Default: 802.11 B/G mix)
TX Burst: The longest interval between frames is normally one DIFS while frames are
transmitted. When this setting is open, the longest interval between frames is one SIFS
that means the system is allowed to transmit higher capacity of data in one
interval.(Default: OFF)
B/G Protection: 802.11b uses CCK modulation. 802.11g uses OFDM while CCK
modulation for 802.11b is compatible. To prevent data collision between two stations with
802.11b and 802.11g within range of the same Access Point, it is necessary to set 11B/G
Protection. This setting only functions when 802.11 B/G mix is selected as Wireless Mode.
Three setting are available: AUTO, ENABLE and DISABLE.
This is a mechanism implemented to prevent the “Hidden Node” problem, “Hidden Note” is
a situation in which two stations are within range of the same Access Point, but are not
within range of each other. Therefore, they are hidden nodes for each other and can not
detect each other. This mechanism is a way to prevent data collision when WLAN
equipments require transmission. (Default: Auto)
TX Rate: This option adjusts settings of TX Rate according to the setting of “Infrastructure
Wireless Mode. (Default: Auto)

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3.2. Link Status Tab
The Link Status tab displays the current association information about the Adapters
connection with a wireless network. (see Figure 3-9)
Figure 3-9. Link Status
Description of items in Figure 3-9 is as follows:
Status: Shows current link status. “No Link” will appear on the screen when no connection
is available. Otherwise, SSID and BSSID of a link will appear.
Channel: The current channel number used by the Adapter.
Link Speed: Transmission rate (transferring and receiving) at which data is transferred
between Stations with Adapter and AP. The speed will adjust according to different modes
(802.11b, 11g or mixed) and distance.
Throughput: Displays the transmitting (Tx) and receiving (Rx) bytes per second.
Link Quality: Measures quality of the link according to the quality of received AP signal.
Signal Strength: Measures signal strength received by RF signal processor and displays