Linksys WM821-M-LS User manual

WM821-M-LS MiniPCI Module
WM821-M-LS
Wireless 802.11N dual-band mini PCI module
User Manual
Rev 1.0

WM821-M-LS MiniPCI Module
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 interfer-
ence 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: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compli-
ance 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 re-
ceived, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
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.
Operations in the 5.15-5.25GHz band are restricted to indoor usage only
IEEE 802.11b or 802.11g operation of this product in the U.S.A. is firmware-limited to channels 1 through
11.

WM821-M-LS MiniPCI Module —Introduction
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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,
3) For all products market in US, OEM has to limit the operation channels in CH1 to CH11 for 2.4G band
by supplied firmware programming tool. OEM shall not supply any tool or info to the end-user regard-
ing to Regulatory Domain change.
As long as 3 conditions above are met, further transmitter test will not be required. However, the
OEM integrator is still responsible for testing their end-product for any additional compliance require-
ments required with this module installed (for example, LVD TV… 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 con-
sidered 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 obtain-
ing a separate FCC authorization. End Product Labeling
This transmitter module is authorized only for use in device where the antenna may be installed such
that 20 cm may be maintained between the antenna and users. The final end product must be la-
beled in a visible area with the following: “Contains FCC ID: Q87-WM821M”.
Manual Information To the End User
The OEM integrator has to be aware not to provide information to the end user regard-
ing how to install or remove this RF module in the user’s manual of the end product
which integrates this module.
The end user manual shall include all required regulatory information/warning as show in this manual.

Preface
iii
Canadian Regulatory Notice
This device complies with RSS-210 of the Industry Canada Rules. Operation is subject to the follow-
ing two conditions:
1) this device may not cause interference and
2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired opera-
tion of the device
Caution:
The device for the band 5150-5250 MHz is only for indoor usage to reduce potential for harmful inter-
ference to co-channel mobile satellite systems.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
IC Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator
and your body.

WM821-M-LS MiniPCI Module —Introduction
iv
Table of contents
Introduction 1
Hardware installation 3
Using the Wireless Utility 4

WM821-M-LS MiniPCI Module
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Chapter 1
Introduction
The WM821-M-LS is a dual-band, quad-mode wireless network adapter that works on all the frequen-
cies allocated for WLAN operation everywhere in the world. It is in compliance with the Draft
IEEE802.11n standard in a 2x3 MIMO configuration. It also complies with the IEEE 802.11a, 802.11g,
and 802.11b standards. WM821-M-LS features the compactness and high bus speed of the Mini PCI
specifications which gives users of laptops, notebooks, tablet PCs, and other mobile computing devices
transparent Internet access anywhere in the world through any Wi Fi network without software changes
or additional hardware.
Able to provide greater than 100Mbps real world throughput using high-speed spatial multiplexing
modes, the WM821-M-LS provides the freedom to work as you wish, wherever you wish, using what-
ever kind of application you wish to use. The adapter installs directly in any host device with a Mini PCI
slot: just plug it in and you’re ready to access local resources and/or the Internet at the highest speed
the WLAN, the location, and the host computer can provide. It is ready to work “out of the box” in any
embedded device or in any computer running Microsoft® Windows 2000, or XP. The WM821-M-LS
Mini PCI Card is truly a “must-have” for every productivity-sensitive laptop, notebook, or tablet PC user
and any bandwidth-sensitive embedded design..
.
Features
•mPCI 32 interface.
•Draft IEEE 802.11n compatible.
•Backward compatible with IEEE 802.11a/b/g standard.
•Wire-free access to networked resources from anywhere beyond the desktop.
•Delivers data rates up to 300 Mbps.
•802.11n: Dynamically shifts among 130, 117, 104, 78, 52, 39, 26 and 13Mbps in a 20MHz band-
width and 300, 243, 216, 162, 108, 81, 54 and 27Mbps in a 40MHz bandwidth, based on signal
strength, for maximum availability and reliability of connection.
•802.11a/g: Dynamically shifts between 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9 and 6 Mbps network speed, based
on signal strength, for maximum availability and reliability of connection.
•802.11b: Dynamically shifts between 11M, 5.5M, 2M, and 1 Mbps network speed, based on signal
strength, for maximum availability and reliability of connection.
•Supports 802.11h (DFS) power adjustment (11a mode only).
•Allows users move between Access Points without resetting the connection reconfigurations.
•Three ultra-mini connectors with for diversity antennae.
•Uses 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency band, complying with regulatories worldwide
•Supports most popular operating systems: Window 2000/XP. Linux support is also available.
•Ensures great security by providing the 64/128 bits Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and WiFi Pro-
tected Access (WPA) defined in the IEEE standard.
•WPA support. Radius clients in EAP-TLS, EAP, TTLS, EAP-LEAP, EAP, PEAP.
•WPA2, WMM-compliant.
•WiFi-Protected Setup(WPS)-supported
WiFi-Protected Setup(WPS)-supportedWhat is Wireless LAN?
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) systems offer a great number of advantages over traditional wired
systems. WLANs are flexible and easy to setup and manage. They are also more economical than
wired LAN systems.

WM821-M-LS MiniPCI Module —Introduction
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Using radio frequency (RF) technology, WLANs transmit and receive data through the air. WLANs com-
bine data connectivity with user mobility. For example, users can roam from a conference room to their
office without being disconnected from the LAN.
Using WLANs, users can conveniently access shared information, and network administrators can con-
figure and augment networks without installing or moving network cables.
WLAN technology provides users with many convenient and cost saving features:
•Mobility: WLANs provide LAN users with access to real-time information anywhere in their or-
ganization, providing service opportunities that are impossible with wired networks.
•Ease of Installation: Installing is easy for novice and expert users alike, eliminating the need to
install network cables in walls and ceilings.
•Scalability: WLANs can be configured in a variety of topologies to adapt to specific applications
and installations. Configurations are easily changed and range from peer-to-peer networks suit-
able for a small number of users to full infrastructure networks of thousands of users roaming
over a broad area.

3
Chapter 2
Hardware installation
This chapter covers how to installing the Wireless MiniPCI Module in your embedded system.
Hardware description
The Wireless MiniPCI Module has a standard MiniPCI interface for attaching to the MiniPCI connec-
tor on embedded system.
And this module has IPEX connector to connect to external antenna.
Outlook
Following is the MiniPCI module outlook
Figure 1: MiniPCI module outlook

4
Chapter 3
Using the Wireless Utility
This module also come with a wireless utility, following describe how to use the utility.
Configuration Utility
The Client Card Configuration Utility allows configuration of WM821-M high throughput client cards through the following tabs:
• Network Status—displays the status of the network to which the
user is connected. The Configuration Utility
initializes on this page.
• Profile Manager—displays the current profiles and allows the user to set
attributes for network type, security options, and
protocols, as well as create/modify/delete profiles.
• Site Survey—displays site survey information.
• Statistics—displays the statistics of the current session.
• Advanced—used to set protocol parameters.
• AutoLink—to set AutoLink connection
• Admin—used to import and export profiles.
3.1 Network Status Tab
The Network Status tab displays the status of the network. When the Wireless client card Configuration Utility initializes, it displays
the Network Status tab.
Figure 2 :Network Status tab
3.1.1 Select Profile
The Select Profile section displays the name of the profile in use. Additional information about the profile is provided in the Profile
Manager.
Select one of the profiles previously defined by clicking the down arrow and highlighting a profile from the pull-down list.
Figure 3: Select Profile Section

Appendix B Error Messages of Enabler Program
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Figure 3: Select Profile
Profiles are created, modified, and deleted through the ProfileManager.
Note
This feature is disabled when Windows Zero Configuration Utility is enabled.
3.1.2 Link Information
The Link Information section contains the current information about the wireless connection. Figure 4: Link Information Sec-
tion
Figure 4: Link Information Section
Table 1:Link Information
Field Description
Status Status of the wireless network connection:
• Card Unplugged Client card is not plugged in, or client card is plugged in but not recognized.
• Connected
Client card is plugged in and connected to a wireless network.
• No Connection
Client card is plugged in, but no wireless connection.
• No Radio
Client card is plugged in, but the radio is turned off. Clear the Radio Off check box to turn the radio on.
• Scanning for Scanning for available APs and wireless stations in the area.
Network SSID Network SSID label (i.e., Network Name). The Network Name is a text string of up to
32 characters.
Network Type Type of environment connected to: • Infrastructure Mode In this mode, wireless clients send and receive in-
formation through APs. When a wireless client communicates with another, it transmits to the AP. First the AP
receives the information and rebroadcasts it, then other devices receive the information. The APs are strategi-
cally located within an area to provide optimal coverage for wireless clients. A large WLAN uses multiple APs to
provide coverage over a wide area. APs can connect to a LAN through a wired Ethernet connection. APs send
and receive information from the LAN through the wired connection.

WM821-M-LS MiniPCI Module —Using the Wireless Utility
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Network BSSID Network Basic Service Set Identifier. The BSSID is a 48-bit identity used to identify a particular BSS within an
area. In Infrastructure BSS networks, the BSSID is the MAC
address of the AP. In independent BSS or Ad-Hoc networks, the BSSID is generated randomly.
Security Reports the type and level of security set. The security level is set through the Profile
Setting of the Profile Manager tab. Configure security settings also through the Site
Survey tab when connecting to a network.
Tx/Rx Rates Current Tx Rate and Rx Rate of the channel being monitored.
3.1.3 Signal Strength / Wireless Mode Indicator
The color-coded Signal Strength bar displays the signal strength of the last packet received by the client card.
Figure 5: Signal Strength
Signal strength is reported as a percentage. A signal in the red indicates a bad connection. A signal in the green indicates a good con-
nection.
The Wireless Mode indicator shows the data rates the client card operates. There are three modes:
. • 802.11a
. • 802.11b
. • 802.11g (backward compatible to 802.11b)
3.1.4 Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
The Internet Protocol specifies the format of packets, also called data grams, and the addressing scheme. Most networks combine IP
with a higher-level protocol called TCP, which establishes a virtual connection between a destination and a source.
Figure 6:Internet Potocol Section
Table 2 Internet Protocol Section Description
Field Description
DHCP Option Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. Either enabled or disabled.
IP Address An identifier for a computer or device on a TCP/IP network. The format of an IP address

Appendix B Error Messages of Enabler Program
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is a 32-bit numeric address written as four numbers separated by periods. Each number
can be 0 to 255.
Subnet Mask A mask used to determine what subnet an IP address belongs to. An IP address has two
components, the network address and the host address. The first two numbers represent the Class B network
address, and the second two numbers identify a particular host on
this network.
Default Gateway The default node on a network that serves as an entrance to another network. In enterprises, the gateway is
the computer that routes the traffic from a workstation to the outside network that is serving the Web pages. In
homes, the gateway is the ISP that connects the user to the Internet.
3.1.5 Actual Throughput Performance
This section of the Network Status tab displays the Current Tx Rate and the Current Rx Rate of the channel being monitored.
Figure 7: actual throughput diagrams
Note
These are actual throughput diagrams (without the WLAN overhead delivered by the client card).
3.1.6 Radio On/Off Check Box
Selecting the Radio Off check box turns off the radio. Clearing the check box turns on the radio. Figure 8: Radio On/Off
Check Box
Figure 8:Radio On/Off Check Box
Another way to turn the radio on or off is to right-click the Configuration Utility icon in System Tray and select Turn Radio Off to
turn the radio off. When the radio is off, select Turn Radio On to turn the radio back on.
Figure 9: Radio On/Off in the System Tray
The system hot key Alt+F2 can also be used to turn the radio on/off.
When the radio is off, there is no radio activity, and the following tabs are disabled:
. • Profile Manager
. • Site Survey

WM821-M-LS MiniPCI Module —Using the Wireless Utility
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. • Statistics
. • Advanced
. • AutoLink
Note
This feature is disabled when Windows Zero Configuration Utility is enabled.
3.2 Profile Manager Tab
The Profile Manager tab displays the profiles available and allows you to create, modify, and delete profiles.
Figure 10: Figure 14: Profile Manager Tab
Note
The Profile Manager tab is not accessible when Windows Zero Configuration Utility is enabled.
PROFILE MANAGER—PROFILE LIST
The section on the left side of this tab lists all of the profiles available. Highlighting a profile selects it. If the check box next to the pro-
file is selected, that profile is used in auto-configuration mode when the link is lost. If it is not selected, that profile is excluded in auto-
configuration. The buttons associated with this window are as follows.
Table 3: Profile List Section Description
Button Description
Apply Profile Applies the profile selected.

Appendix B Error Messages of Enabler Program
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Apply the profile by double-clicking the desired profile.
Move Up / Down Moves the list up and down in the window.
All profiles with the Network Type set to Infrastructure are displayed before the profiles with the Network Type
set to Ad-Hoc. In auto-configuration mode, the selected profiles at the top of the list have higher priority than
selected profiles at the bottom of the list.
Delete Deletes a profile
Create Creates a profile
Save Saves changes made to a selected profile
PROFILE MANAGER—PROFILE SETTING The Profile Settings are used to set, modify, and display information about the pro-
file selected in the Profile List section. The information is divided into three tabs:
. • Network Info
. • Security
. • Protocol
3.2.1 Profile Setting—Network Info Tab
The Profile Manager initially displays the Network Info tab.
Figure 11: Network Info Tab (Infrastructure Network)
The Network Info tab fields are as follows.
Table 4:Network Info Tab Description
Field Description
Profile Name Name of profile selected
Network SSID Network SSID label
Network Type • Infrastructure When an Infrastructure network is selected, the Profile Setting displays the Wireless Mode
field.
Wireless Mode • Auto

WM821-M-LS MiniPCI Module —Using the Wireless Utility
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Connects to 802.11a network, 802.11g network, or 802.11b network (Infrastructure network only).
• 802.11a
Connects to 802.11a only.
• 802.11g Connects to either 802.11g network or 802.11b network.
• 802.11b
Connects to 802.11b network only.
802.11n Network Enables/disables draft-802.11n/EWC functionality.
If enabled, the Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) index and 802.11n options can
be configured.
Channel Width Sets the channel bandwidth. Available options are Auto, 20 MHz, and 40 MHz.
The default is Auto.
Guard Interval Sets the Guard Interval. Available options are Auto, Standard, and Short.
The default is Auto.
Extension Channel Sets the extension channel mode when bandwidth is 40 MHz. Available options are
Auto, None, Lower, and Upper. The default is Auto.
Antenna Selection Sets the antenna selections. Available options are Auto, Antenna A, Antenna B, 2 by 2,
and 2 by 3. The default is Auto.
Note
The fields Wireless Mode and Preferred Channel are used only when an Ad-Hoc network is
started by the client card. These two attributes are ignored if the client card is connected to an exist-
ing Ad-Hoc network with the same desired SSID.
3.2.2 Profile Setting—Security Tab
Clicking the Security tab displays the following security options:
. • Authentication Mode
. • Encryption Mode (Security off, WEP, TKIP, and AES)
. • WEP Key Setting (Passphrase Key or Authentication Protocol)
Figure 12:Security tab
3.2.2.1 Non-EAP Authentication Modes
The WM821-M Configuration Utility currently supports the following non-EAP authentication modes:
. • Open System—Open Authentication (no key or a pre-shared WEP key is
. required).
. • Shared Key—Shared Authentication (a pre-shared WEP key is required)

Appendix B Error Messages of Enabler Program
11
. • Auto Switch—Auto Select Authentication modes (Open System or Shared
. Key, WEP key required)
. • WPA-PSK—WPA Pre-Shared Key
. • WPA2-PSK—WPA2 Pre-Shared Key
3.2.2.2 EAP Authentication Modes
The WM821-M Configuration Utility currently supports the following EAP authentication modes:
. • 802.1x (TLS/PEAP)
. • WPA (TLS/PEAP/LEAP)
. • WPA2 (TLS/PEAP/LEAP)
. • CCX (LEAP)
3.2.2.2.1 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK SUPPORT
In Infrastructure mode, if WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK is selected as the Authentication Mode, the encryption method AES or TKIP can be
selected.
Figure 13: Security selection
Figure 14: Security Tab—WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK with TKIP
Enter the network passphrase into the Passphrase and Confirm boxes.
Note
WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK is not supported in Ad-Hoc network mode.
3.2.2.2.2 802.1X/WPA/WPA2 EAP/TLS SUPPORT
If the 802.1x EAP/TLS option is selected, the encryption method AES or TKIP can be selected, and a certificate is required for the
authentication.

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1. 1. To connect to an AP through the RADIUS server, select 802.1x WPA/WPA2 as the Authentication Mode.
2. 2. Select TKIP or AES as the Encryption Method.
3. 3. Select EAP/TLS (Use Certificate) as the 802.1x Authentication Protocol.
Figure 15:Security Tab—802.1x/WPA/WPA2 EAP/TLS Authentication
4. Click the Configure WPA RADIUS button to configure security settings.
Figure 16:802.1x/WPA/WPA2 EAP/TLS RADIUS Configuration Window
1. 5. Click Browse to activate the dialog for selecting a certificate.
2. 6. Before clicking OK to exit the dialog, make sure that the Login Name is entered.

Appendix B Error Messages of Enabler Program
13
Figure 17:Select Certificate
Figure 18: WPA RADIUS Configuration Window with Certificate
Table 5:802.1x/WPA/WPA2 EAP/TLS RADIUS Configuration Window Description
Field/Button Description
Login Name Login name to the RADIUS server
Certificate Certificate selected for authentication
View Shows the selected certificate
Browse Selects the certificate
3.2.2.2.3 802.1X/WPA/WPA2 PEAP SUPPORT IN INFRASTRUCTURE MODE
To connect to an AP through the RADIUS server, select 802.1x/WPA/WPA2 as the Authentication Mode, PEAP as the Authentication
Protocol, and AES or TKIP as the Encryption Method.

WM821-M-LS MiniPCI Module —Using the Wireless Utility
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Figure 19:Security tab 802.1x/WPA/WPA2 PEAP RADIUS Authentication
Figure 25: 802.1x/WPA/WPA2 PEAP RADIUS Configuration Window
Figure 20: 802.1x/WPA/WPA2 PEAP RADIUS Configuration Window
Table 6: WPA PEAP RADIUS Configuration Window Description
Field Description
Login Name Login name to the RADIUS server
Password Password to login to the RADIUS server
Domain Domain name for login to the RADIUS server (optional)
Inner EAP Protocol Use EAP/MS-CHAP V2 or EAP/GTC to login to the RADIUS server
Click OK to set the configuration.
3.2.2.2.4 WPA/WPA2 EAP/TTLS
To connect to an AP through the RADIUS server, select WPA/WPA2 as the Authentication Mode, TTLS as the 802.1x Authentication
Protocol, and TKIP as the Encryption Method for WPA TTLS or AES as the Encryption Method for WPA2 TTLS.