Multitech RouteFinder RF802WLC User manual

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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, (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.
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, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain,
Sweden 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

RF802WLC Wireless PCMCIA Card
Quick Start Guide
PN S0000180, Revision A
This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior
expressed written permission from Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. All rights
reserved. Copyright © 2001, by Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. makes no representations or warranties with
respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any implied
warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose.
Furthermore, Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. reserves the right to revise this
publication and to make changes from time to time in the content hereof
without obligation of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. to notify any person or
organization of such revisions or changes.
Record of Revisions
Rev ision Date Description
A 7/5/01 Manual released. All pages at Rev. A.
Trademarks
Trademarks of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. are RouteFinder, Multi-Tech, and
the Multi-Tech logo.
MNP and Microcom Network Protocol are registered trademarks of
Microcom, Inc.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows 95, Windows NT, and Windows 2000 are
registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United
States and/or other countries.
Contacting Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. World Headquarters
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
2205 Woodale Drive
Mounds View, Minnesota 55112
Phone: [phone] or 800-328-9717
Fax: [phone]
www.multitech.com

Technical Support
Country By Email By Phone
France: [e-mail] (33) 1-64 61 09 81
India: [e-mail] 91 (124) 6340778
U.K.: [e-mail] (44) 118 959 7774
U.S. and Canada: [e-mail] [phone]
Rest of the World: [e-mail] [phone]
Internet Address: http://www.multitech.com

Contents
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................... 2
WIRELESS LAN BASICS .......................................................................... 3
SAFETY WARNING TELCOM...................................................................... 4
INSTALLATION........................................................................................ 5
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW ........................................................................ 5
WINDOWS 95/98/NT/2000/ME INSTALLATION.......................................... 5
WINDOWS 95/98 UNINSTALLATION........................................................... 7
WINDOWS NT4.0 INSTALLATION .............................................................. 8
WINDOWS NT4.0 UNINSTALLATION.......................................................... 8
WINDOWS 2000/ME INSTALLATION.......................................................... 9
WINDOWS 2000/ME UNINSTALLATION ................................................... 10
CONFIGURATION UTILITY ................................................................... 11
LINK INFO TAB....................................................................................... 12
CONFIGURATION TAB............................................................................. 14
ENCRYPTION TAB .................................................................................. 16
ABOUT TAB ........................................................................................... 18
TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................................ 19
SPECIFICATIONS.................................................................................. 21
LIMITED WARRANTY............................................................................ 23

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The RF802WLC wireless LAN card is an 802.11b standard, high-
speed 11M bps wireless network adapter that plugs into the
PCMCIA slot on your notebook PC. It provides mobile users,
temporary work sites and other wireless applications the
ability to share broadband access to the Internet as well as other
network devices when using the RF802EW wireless access point.
In addition, users can create a wireless peer-to-peer (Ad-hoc)
network with a group of computers all using wireless LAN adapter
cards. The RF802WLC wireless LAN card provides full mobility
from the RF802EW access point up to 300 meters (984 feet)
outdoors and up to 100 meters (328 feet) indoors. Adding a user to
the network is as simple as equipping a PC with a Windows "plug
and play" wireless LAN adapter card.
This manual will assist you with RF802WLC installation,
configuration and troubleshooting.
The RF802WLC package should contain the RF802WLC card,
Quick Start Guide manual (this document), and a diskette or CD
containing Wireless LAN Management utility and drivers.
If any of these items are missing, contact Multi-Tech Systems or
your dealer or distributor.

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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 wired networks. 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 eliminates the need to pull
cable through walls and ceilings.
•Flexible Installation - Wireless technology allows the network to
go where wires cannot.
•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, additions, 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 allow
roaming over a broad area.

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1. Never install telephone wiring during an electrical storm.
2. Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is
specifically designed for wet locations.
3. This product is to be used with UL and cUL listed computers.
4. Never touch insulated wires or terminals unless the telephone
line has been disconnected at the network interface.
5. Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.
6. Avoid using a telephone (other than a cordless type) during an
electrical storm. There may be a remote risk of electrical shock
from lightning.
7. Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of
the leak.
8. To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger
telecommunications line cord.

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This section covers installing and uninstalling the RF802EW.
The RF802EW is easily installed and is used without cables for
using network resources, as with a wired LAN.
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Below are the general steps to perform in establishing a wireless
network connection:
•Install the RF802EW Wireless Access Point (WAP). The WAP
is needed if using Infrastructure network mode.
•Install the software using the System CD.
•Install the RF802EW card in your laptop computer.
•Install the network protocols required to communicate on your
network. You will likely need the TCP/IP protocol.
The following procedures are provided in this section:
•Windows 95/98/NT/2000/ME Installation
•Windows 95/98 Uninstallation
•Windows NT4.0 Installation
•Windows NT4.0 Uninstallation
•Windows 2000/ME Installation
•Windows 2000/ME Uninstallation

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1. Be sure that there is no PCMCIA adapter inserted in your
computer.
2. Start your computer.
3. Insert the System CD in the computer’s CD-ROM drive and
click Setup.
4. Accept the license agreement.
5. Select
SSID. The default is ESSID. You can change this later
using the Configuration utility or network configuration.
Click Next.
6. Select the network type and click Next. The default is
Infrastructure.
7. Click
Next to accept the default destination folder. To change
the path, click Browse,navigate to the folder you want, and
then click Next.
8. Setup will add the program icon to the Program Folder. You
can enter a new folder name, or select one from the existing
Folder list.
9. It takes a few seconds for copying the utility files. Click Finish.
10. Insert the RF802EW card into the open PCMCIA slot and
restart your PC.
11. Click on Control Panel and then on PCMCIA Card. Verify that
the RF820WLC card is installed in one of the sockets. If you
find Wireless LAN 11 Mbps in one of the sockets, the card is
detected properly.
12. Check for the Wireless LAN 11 Mbps by right-clicking My
Computer. Select the Device manager and then Network
Adapters. A yellow question mark (?) on the adapter, shows
the installation is not successful. Select the adapter and click
Remove. Restart your computer after uninstalling the driver to
make the changes effective.
13. Right-click the Network Neighborhood icon.
14. Click Properties on the shortcut menu. The Network box
appears and you see three main tables: Configuration,
Identification, and Access Control.
15. Click the Configuration tab and then click Add. The Select
Network Component Type dialog box appears. Click the
Protocol tab, then click Add.

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16. The Select Network Protocols box displays. From the list of
manufacturers, click Microsoft. From the Network Protocols list,
select NetBEUI, and then click OK.
17. The NetBEUI protocol is now installed. Click OK to return to
Network Component Type box.
18. Repeat steps 15 and 16 to add IPX/SPX and TCP/IP protocols.
19. Click the TCP/IP option for setting the IP address for your
computer. You can select Static or DHCP. If you use the static
IP setup then enter the IP value, Subnet mask, DNS, Domain/
Workgroup name, and Gateway Address values. After setting
these parameters, click OK to return to Network Component
Type. Select the File Sharing and Printer Sharing options as well
as the computer access options. Click OK.
20. Restart your computer.
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To uninstall the PCMCIA/PCI card under Win 95/98, click Start,
point to Programs, then to Wireless LAN 11Mbps PCMCIA Card and
then click Uninstaller. Click Yes to confirm; a message about
removing the "Wireless LAN 11Mbps PCMCIA Card", and all of its
components appears. UninstallShield removes the software
"Wireless LAN 11Mbps PCMCIA Card" successfully.
Important: Restart your computer to make the changes effective
before you reinstall the driver.

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1. With Windows NT networking installed, start your computer.
2. Insert the RF802WLC card into an open PCMCIA card slot.
3. Insert the System CD in the CD-ROM drive and double-click the
Setup icon.
4. Accept the license agreement.
5. Select
SSID. (The default is ESSID; you can change this later
using the Configuration utility or network configuration.
Click Next.
6. Select network type and click Next. The default is
Infrastructure.
7. Give the path of the destination folder. To set the path of your
choice click Browse and then click Next.
8. Setup will add program icon to the Program Folder. You may
type a new folder name, or select one from the existing Folder
list.
9. It takes a few seconds for copying the utility files. Click Finish.
10. In the Microsoft TCP/IP properties table, select Internet protocol
(TCP/IP), then select obtain an IP address automatically or set
your own IP address. Click OK.
11. Restart your computer.
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To uninstall the RF802WLC under Windows 2000, click Start, point
to Programs, then click Uninstaller of Wireless LAN 11Mbps PCMCIA
Card. Confirm message about removing the "Wireless LAN 11 Mbps
PCMCIA Card" and all of its components appear. Click Yes.
Uninstall Shield removes the software. Click OK to finish the
uninstall procedure.
Important: Restart your computer to make the changes effective
before you reinstall the driver.

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Note: Do not insert the PCMCIA Card until you are asked to do so.
This may result in unsuccessful installation of your WLAN PC card.
Follow the steps below (in the order shown) to install the
RF802WLC card successfully.
1. Verify that there is no PCMCIA Card inserted yet.
2. Start your computer.
3. Insert the System CD in the CD-ROM drive and click Setup.
4. Accept the license agreement.
5. Select
SSID. The default is ESSID; you can change this later using
the Configuration utility or network configuration. Click Next.
6. Select the network type and click Next (the default is Infrastructure).
7. Give the path of the destination folder. To set the path of your
choice click Browse and then click Next.
8. Setup adds the program icon to the Program Folder. You may type
a new folder name, or select one from the existing Folder list.
9. It takes a few seconds for copying the utility files. Click Finish.
10. Insert RF802WLC card into the slot, the Wizard will find the new
hardware Wireless LAN 11 Mbps PCMCIA Card, click Next.
11. Choose Display a list of the known drivers for this device so that I
can choose a specific driver, then click Next.
12. Select Hardware types, select Network adapters, click Next, then
click Wireless LAN 11 Mbps PCMCIA Card Adapter. Click Have disk
then enter the path name. The driver files are copied to your hard
drive.
13. Restart your computer and go to Start→Control
Panel→System→Hardware→Device Manager. Find Wireless LAN 11
Mbps PCMCIA Card in Network adapters.If a yellow question mark
(?) displays on the adapter, the installation was unsuccessful.
Select the adapter and click Remove. Then reinstall from step 3.
If your Wireless LAN 11 Mbps PCMCIA Card is installed properly
right-click My Network Place, click Properties to set up local area
connection. Then click OK.
14. Restart your Computer.

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To uninstall the RF802WLC under Windows 2000, click Start, point
to Programs, then click Uninstaller of Wireless LAN 11Mbps PCMCIA
Card. Confirm the message about removing the "Wireless LAN 11
Mbps PCMCIA Card" and all of its components. Click Yes.
UninstallShield removes the software. Click OK to finish the
uninstall procedure.
Important: restart your computer to make the changes effective
before you reinstall the driver.

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The RF802WLC card uses its own management software.
All functions controlled by user are provided by this application.
Usually this application starts automatically. Use Start, Programs,
Wireless LAN 11 Mbps Wireless LAN to start the Manager application
manually.
A new icon should appear in your Icon tray. If the icon is red,
it means that the RF802WLC card configuration is invalid or
incomplete. Sometimes the icon can be red. This can happen
when the driver is in Pseudo BSS mode and the radio channel,
which is used for communication, is defined incorrectly.
If the icon appears in green, the RF802WLC card configuration is
valid. Double-click that icon to display the PC Card Utility dialog
box as shown below. The PC Card Utility provides control of Link
Info, Configuration, Encryption, and also provides an About tab with
version and release date information. Each of these functions is
described and illustrated in the next sections.

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The Link Info tab provides RF802WLC connection information.
Management window Link Info tab
State
Displays the current state of the driver. When the state is
“Associated “means normal flow of operation in Infrastructure
mode. The PC is connected to access point. BSSID is shown in the
form of hex digits. Networking is available. A state of “Scanning”
means that the node is searching for available access point and
can not detect the SSID for an access point within range. An error
message displays if the driver fails to initialize.

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Rescan
Pressing the rescan button causes the driver to restart and begin its
Connection Procedure. The connection procedure differs
depending on the Mode of the driver.
Infrastructure Mode: The driver will scan all available channels
continuously until it finds one or more Access Points that matches
its SS ID. At that point it will try and authenticate and associate
with the Access Point.
Ad Hoc Mode: The driver will scan for 5 seconds looking for an
existing Ad Hoc network using the same SS ID. If one is not found
the driver will start its own Ad Hoc network.
Current Channel and Tx Rate
Displays the channel of the radio and transmit rate are being
currently used for an active connection. This value has no meaning
when the device is “Scanning”.
Throughput
Displays the instantaneous wireless Receive and Transmit
throughput displayed in bytes per second. These values are
updated every two seconds.
Link Quality
The Link Quality bar graph is only active when the node is in
Infrastructure Mode. The bar graph displays the quality of the link
between the node and its Access Point. The quality of the link is
expressed in one of the following terms:
“Poor”
“Weak”
“Fair”
“Good”
“Excellent”
The driver will start looking for a better Access Point if the Link
Quality becomes “Poor”. Link Quality is a measure of receives and
transmits errors over the radio.
Signal Strength
The Signal Strength bar graph is only active when the node is in
Infrastructure Mode. The bar graph displays normalized signal
strength as reported by the radio, averaged over all frames over
100 bytes long that are received from the Access Point.

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The Configuration tab contains several operating parameters of the
driver. Changes to any of the parameters in this panel can be
applied to the driver without rebooting the PC.
Management window with "CONFIGURATION" tab open
Restore Defaults: Click to restores each configuration option to its
default value. Click Apply Changes or OK must be pressed before
the default values are saved to the driver and registry.
Undo Changes: Click to return all options back to their original
values that were present when the Configuration Utility was opened
from the Task Bar.
Apply Changes: Becomes active only when one of the options has
been modified. Click to apply the changed values to the driver and
saves them to the registry for the next time the PC boots up.

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Mode
Select from a list of supported Network “Modes”. The modes
displayed will have three values: “802.11 Ad Hoc”, “Ad Hoc”, and
“Infrastructure”.
802.11 Ad Hoc - This is the 802.11 peer-to-peer mode of operation.
In 802.11Ad Hoc only one wireless “cell”is supported for each
different SSID. All communication is done from Client to Client
without the use of an Access Point. 802.11 Ad Hoc networking use
the same SSID for establishing the wireless connection.
Ad Hoc - A non-compliant mode that will allow Prism2 (and only
Prism2) cards to talk with one another without an AP regardless
any SSID. Since it is not standards compliant, it would have the
interpretability with non-Prism2 radios.
Infrastructure - This mode of operation requires the presence of
an 802.11 Access Point. All communication is done via the Access
Point, which relays packets to other wireless clients in the BSS and
to nodes on a wired network such as Ethernet.
TX Rate – The transmission rate at which the AP client transmits
data packets. You can set this to fixed 1 Mbps, fixed 2 Mbps, fixed
5.5 Mbps, or 11 Mbps.
PS Mode - Power saving mode.