NetComm NP5430 User manual

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Contents
Chapter 1 - Introduction................................................................................................. 3
Features........................................................................................................... 3
What is Wireless LAN?.................................................................................... 3
Wireless LAN Modes ....................................................................................... 4
Chapter 2 - Hardware Installation................................................................................. 5
Package Contents ........................................................................................... 5
System Requirements for the Adapter ............................................................ 5
Hardware description ...................................................................................... 5
Inserting the Wireless LAN PC Card............................................................... 5
LED Indicators ................................................................................................. 6
Ejecting the Wireless LAN PC Card ................................................................ 6
Chapter 3 - Driver Installation for Windows .................................................................. 7
Driver installation for Windows 98................................................................... 7
Driver installation for Windows 2000 .............................................................. 8
Driver installation for Windows ME.................................................................. 8
Driver installation for Windows XP .................................................................. 9
Chapter 4 - Installing and Using the Wireless Utility.................................................. 10
Installation in Windows ................................................................................. 10
Configuring the Wireless LAN PC Card ........................................................ 10
Using the Wireless LAN PC Card ................................................................. 12
Chapter 5 - Installing Network Protocols .................................................................... 14
Installing the Network Protocols for Windows 98 and Millennium ............... 14
Appendix A: Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 15
Common Problems and Solutions ............................................................... 15
Frequently Asked Questions ......................................................................... 16
Appendix B: Glossary .................................................................................................. 18
Specifications .............................................................................................................. 23
Registering your NetComm Product........................................................................... 24
Trademarks and Notices ............................................................................................ 24
Warranty Registration Form .......................................................................... 25
Product Warranty............................................................................................ 27
Limitations of Warranty .................................................................................. 27

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Chapter 1 - Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the NetComm Wireless LAN PC Card. This high-speed Wireless
LAN PC Card provides you with an innovative wireless networking solution. The Adapter is
easy to set up and use and, with innovative wireless technology of 11G, you can share files and
printers on the network-without wires!
Wireless-G (802.11g) is the 54Mbps wireless networking standard that's almost five times faster
than the widely deployed Wireless-B (802.11b) products found in homes, businesses, and
public wireless hotspots around the country - but since they share the same 2.4GHz radio band,
Wireless-G devices can also work with existing 11Mbps Wireless-B equipment. The new
NetComm 11g PC Card Adapter from NetComm has both standards built in, so you can connect
your notebook to existing 802.11b infrastructure, and also the new screaming fast Wireless-G
networks.
Along with the device Drivers for Windows Operating Systems, your are also provided with a
utility for the configuration of the Adapter. The Utility, as well as the installation steps of the
plug-and-play procedure for the Windows operating systems, is described in this document.
Features
The NetComm Wireless LAN PC Card offers compliance with the IEEE 802.11g specification.
This feature allows them to communicate with other wireless devices that support the standard.
Features of the Adapter are:
■High-speed Wireless-G (802.11g) networking for your notebook computer
■Data rates up to 54Mbps -- 5 times faster than Wireless-B (802.11b)
■Also interoperates with Wireless-B networks (at 11Mbps)
■Wireless security -- up to 128-bit WEP encryption
What is Wireless LAN?
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) systems offer a great number of advantages over
traditional wired systems. WLAN is flexible and easy to setup and manage. They are also more
economical than wired LAN systems.
Using radio frequency (RF) technology, WLAN transmit and receive data through the air.
WLAN combine data connectivity with user mobility. For example, users can roam from a
conference room to their office without being disconnected from the LAN.
Using WLAN, users can conveniently access-shared information, and network administrators
can configure and augment networks without installing or moving network cables.
WLAN technology provides users with many convenient and cost saving features:
■Mobility: WLAN provide LAN users with access to real-time information anywhere in their
organization, providing service opportunities that are impossible with wired networks.

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■Ease of Installation: Installing is easy for novice and expert users alike, eliminating the need
to install network cables in walls and ceilings.
■Scalability: WLAN 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 suitable for a small number of users to full infrastructure networks of thousands of
users roaming over a broad area.
Wireless LAN Modes
Wireless LANs can be configured in one of two ways:
Ad-hoc Networking
Also known as a peer-to-peer network, an ad-hoc network is one that allows all workstations
and computers in the network to act as servers to all other users on the network. Users on the
network can share files, print to a shared printer, and access the Internet with a shared modem.
However, with ad-hoc networking, users can only communicate with other wireless LAN
computers that are in the wireless ad-hoc workgroup, and are within range.
Infrastructure Networking
Infrastructure networking differs from ad-hoc networking in that it requires an access point.
Unlike the ad-hoc structure where users on the LAN contend the shared bandwidth, on an
infrastructure network the access point can manage the bandwidth to maximize bandwidth
utilization. Additionally, the access point enables users on a wireless LAN to access an existing
wired network, allowing wireless users to take advantage of the wired networks resources, such
as Internet, email, file transfer, and printer sharing. Infrastructure networking has the following
advantages over ad-hoc networking:
■Extended range: each wireless LAN computer within the range of the access point can
communicate with other wireless LAN computers within range of the access point.
■Roaming: the access point enables a wireless LAN computer to move through a building and
still be connected to the LAN.
■Wired to wireless LAN connectivity: the access point bridges the gap between wireless
LANs and their wired counterparts.
Notes on Wireless LAN Configuration
When configuring a wireless LAN (WLAN), be sure to note the following points:
■Optimize the performance of the WLAN by ensuring that the distance between access
points is not too far. In most buildings, WLAN Adapters operate within a range of 30 - 100
meters, depending on the thickness and structure of the walls.
■Radio waves can pass through walls and glass but not metal. If there is interference in
transmitting through a wall, it may be that the wall has reinforcing metal in its structure.
Install another access point to circumvent this problem.
■Floors usually have metal girders and metal reinforcing struts that interfere with WLAN
transmission.

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Chapter 2 - Hardware Installation
This chapter covers installing your NetComm Wireless LAN PC Card into a CardBus slot in
your notebook.
Package Contents
Please make sure that items below are included on package.
■One NetComm Wireless LAN PC Card
■One CD containing drivers and documentation
■One User Guide
System Requirements for the Adapter
■Operating System: Microsoft Windows 98/ME/2000/XP
■Notebook with CD-ROM drive
■One free CardBus slot
■Pentium-Class 90MHz or higher
Hardware description
The Wireless LAN PC Card is encased in a stainless compact frame and has a 68-pin connector
for attaching to the CardBus port of notebook.
Inserting the Wireless LAN PC Card
Note! These instructions apply to most notebook computers. For detailed information on
inserting PC cards into your notebook, consult the notebook manual.
Follow the procedure below to install the Wireless LAN PC Card.
1. With 68-pin connector of the card facing the CardBus slots on notebook, slide the card all
the way into an empty slot.
2. If this is the first time the card has been inserted you will be prompted to install drivers. See
Chapter 3 for details.

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LED Indicators
The following table describes the meaning of LED indicators:
LED MEANING
POWER Indicates that the Adapter is powered on (solid green).
LINK Indicates link status. It is normally blinking. When blinking,
indicates that the card is scanning the channels, and the link is
not active. When lit, indicates that the card is locked to a channel,
and the link is active.
Ejecting the Wireless LAN PC Card
After disconnecting from the LAN, you can eject the Wireless LAN PC Card from the PC Card
slot of notebook.
Note! In Windows XP/2000/ME/98 operating systems, you do not have to power down the
notebook to remove the card. The card is hot-swappable - you can remove the card
when the notebook is powered on. However, Microsoft recommends that you stop
the card. Refer to your Windows 2000/ME/98 online help for information on
stopping the Wireless LAN PC Card.
Most notebooks have an eject lever or button for ejecting PC cards from the PC slots. Consult
your notebook manual for details.
Warning! To prevent data loss, do not eject the Wireless LAN PC Card when a data
transmission is taking place. Exit your communications program normally, stop the
card if necessary, and then remove the card.
After hardware installation is completed, please go to Chapter 3 to install driver on different
Operating System.

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Chapter 3 - Driver Installation for Windows
The following sections cover NetComm Wireless LAN PC Card driver installation in the
Windows Operating Systems.
Note! You have to install your hardware first before you begin to install the drivers.
Driver installation for Windows 98
Follow the steps below to install the NetComm Wireless LAN PC Card drivers for Windows
98.
1. Insert the NetComm Wireless LAN PC Card into a CardBus slot in the notebook. (Refer to
Chapter 2 - Hardware installation.)
2. After Windows 98 detects the NetComm Wireless LAN PC Card, the Add New Hardware
Wizard window appears. Clicks Next to continue the installation.
3. A screen appears prompting you to select an installation method. Select Search for the best
driver for your device. (Recommended) and click Next to continue.
4. Ensure that the CD-ROM drive is selected. Insert the driver CD-ROM into your CD-ROM
drive and click Next to continue.
5. Click Next to continue the installation.
6. Windows 98 copies files to your hard disk. Click Finish to finish the installation.
7. You will be instructed to restart your computer to complete the installation. Click Yes to
reboot the system. After a system reboot, the Wireless LAN Utility will be installed
automatically. Please go to Chapter 4 to install the utility.
Note! In most cases, Windows will automatically copy all of the files needed for
networking. If Windows asks you for the files and prompts you to input the path to
the files. Follow the instructions on your screen, and then click OK to continue.

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Driver installation for Windows 2000
Follow the steps below to install the NetComm Wireless LAN PC Card drivers for Windows
2000.
1. Insert the NetComm Wireless LAN PC Card into a CardBus slot in the notebook. (Refer to
Chapter 2 - Hardware installation.)
2. After Windows 2000 detects the NetComm Wireless LAN PC Card, the Found New
Hardware Wizard window appears. Click Next to start the installation.
3. A screen appears prompting you to select an installation method. Select Search for a suitable
driver for my device (recommended) and click Next to continue.
4. Ensure that the CD-ROM driver is selected and insert the driver CD-ROM into your CD-
ROM drive and click Next to continue.
5. Follow the on screen instructions to complete the driver installation
Then system will start to install Wireless LAN Utility. Please refer to procedures at Chapter 4.
Driver installation for Windows ME
Follow the steps below to install the NetComm Wireless LAN PC Card drivers for Windows
ME.
1. Insert the NetComm Wireless LAN PC Card into a CardBus slot in the notebook. (Refer to
Chapter 2 - Hardware installation.)
2. After Windows ME detects the NetComm Wireless LAN PC Card, the Add New Hardware
Wizard window appears. Select Automatic search for a better driver (Recommended) and
insert the driver CD-ROM into CD-ROM drive and click Next to continue.
3. The system will find the setup files and follow the instruction to copy files to your hard
disk. Click Finish to finish the installation.
4. You will be instructed to restart your computer to complete the installation. Click Yes to
reboot the system. After a system reboot, the Wireless LAN Utility will be installed
automatically. Please go to Chapter 4 to install the utility.
Note! In most cases, Windows will automatically copy all of the files needed for
networking. If Windows asks you for the files and prompts you to input the path to
the files. Follow the instructions on your screen, and then click OK to continue.

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Driver installation for Windows XP
Follow the steps below to install the NetComm Wireless LAN PC Card drivers for Windows
XP.
1. Insert the NetComm Wireless LAN PC Card into a CardBus slot in the notebook. (Refer to
Chapter 2 - Hardware installation.)
2. After Windows XP detects the NetComm Wireless LAN PC Card, the Found New
Hardware Wizard window appears. Select Install the software automatically
[Recommended] and insert the driver CD-ROM into CD-ROM drive and click Next to
continue.
3. Windows will warn you that the driver is not signed. Click Continue Anyway to continue
the installation.
4. When Windows has finished installing software for the device, click Finish to finish the
installation.
Then system will start to install Wireless utility automatically. Please refer to procedures in
Chapter 4.

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Chapter 4 - Installing and Using the Wireless Utility
The following sections cover the NetComm Wireless LAN PC Card utility installation and
configuration.
Installation in Windows
After you have installed driver, your system will start to install Wireless LAN Utility. Please
follow the steps below to install the utility.
1. When the InstallShield begins, click Next to continue.
2. The screen will show you the default destination chosen by the utility. Click Next to
continue or click the Browse button to select an alternate destination.
3. The InstallShield will add program icons to the Program Folder. You may type a new folder
name or select one from the existing folders list. Click Next to continue or click Back to
review or change any settings.
4. The settings of the Wireless LAN PC Card will be displayed. Click Next to continue or click
Back to change the Destination Folder in step 3.
5. Once Windows has finished installing Wireless LAN Utility a screen will be displayed
advising you to restart your computer to finish the installation. Click Finish to reboot the
system.
After you have installed the utility, you will see the Wireless LAN Utility icon in the Windows
taskbar.
Configuring the Wireless LAN PC Card
There are two ways to configure the NetComm Wireless LAN PC Card. One is via the Wireless
LAN Utility; and the other is via the Windows Wireless Network Configuration (Windows XP
only).
Using the Windows Wireless Network Configuration (Windows XP only)
1. Click the right key of the mouse and Exit Wireless LAN Utility.
2. Click Windows Wireless Network Configuration icon.
3. Click Advanced… button.
4. Make sure "Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings" is checked and click
OK.
5. Click the Windows Wireless Network Configuration icon again to open the Windows
Wireless Network Configuration.
6. Select an available network and click Connect button.
7. The Windows Wireless Network Configuration will be enabled. Click the Windows Wireless
Configure icon. Windows Wireless Network Configuration is enabled
8. Click Properties to start Windows Wireless Network Configuration.

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Using the Wireless LAN PC Card Utility (Windows XP only)
1. Exit the Wireless LAN Utility.
2. Click Windows Wireless Network Configuration icon.
3. Click Advanced… button.
4. Make sure "Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings" is unchecked and click
OK button.
5. Click Start -> All Programs -> Click Start -> All Programs -> "54Mbps WLAN Card
Utility" then click "NetComm NP5430 WLAN utility" to restart the NetComm WLAN PC
Card.
6. The Wireless LAN Utility will appear, Double-click the icon to open the configuration
utility.
7. Click Re-Scan button to start Wireless LAN Utility. (Refer to Configuring the NetComm
Wireless LAN PC Card.)
Using the Wireless LAN Utility In Windows 98, 2000 and ME
Wireless LAN Utility icon
Icon Meaning
Green: indicates a connection is linked to a wireless network.
Red: indicates that the Wireless LAN PC Card is looking for an available access point.
Double-click the icon to open the Wireless LAN Utility. (Refer to the section on Configuring
the Wireless LAN PC Card.)

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Using the Wireless LAN PC Card
1. When the Wireless LAN Utility launches, the first screen will identify the status of your
current connection. Click Re-Scan to search for wireless connection (the adapter will search
for the connection automatically when it is activated).
2. Select the "Configuration" tab.
The profile setting allows you to save configurations in different profiles for different
working environments. The default profile will contain the initial configuration setting when
you install the Card.
Under the Operating Mode drop-box, you may choose either Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc. The
Infrastructure mode allows a wireless adapter to communicate with a wired network
employing an Access Point, while the Ad-Hoc mode allows wireless-to-wireless, peer-to-
peer communication.
If you choose Infrastructure, the SSID should have the same name as the Access Point. If
you choose Ad-Hoc, all clients should share the same SSID name. You may also select which
Transfer Rate you wish to use: 1, 2, 5.5, 11Mbps or Auto Rate.
Under Power Saving Mode, you can select Enabled to allow your adapter to go to sleep
mode while the adapter doesn't precede the data transmission. Or select Disabled to make
the adapter never go to sleep mode.
Click Apply to save the settings.
3. Select the "Site Survey" tab.
The list shows you available Access Points and their features. Click on the desired Access
Point, and then click Connect to connect or Search to search for more Access Points.
Click OK when you are finished.
4. Click on the "Encryption" tab.
Under the drop-box, you can choose to have WEP encryption Disabled, 64-Bit, or 128-Bit.
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is an encryption scheme used to protect wireless data
communication.
The Disabled setting prevents the sharing of data with other computers on the WEP
network.
For data sharing to be enabled, select the level of encryption desired, either 64 or 128-bit.
5. Select the "Advanced" tab.
You can choose the fragmentation threshold to define the maximum data frame size your
adapter will transmit. When the packet error rate is high, you may set the threshold value to
transmit shorter frames.
You may select RTS/CTS threshold to define when will your adapter send out RTS/CTS
frames to reserve bandwidth for transmission. By using the RTS/CTS function, you may
request bandwidth from AP to allow you have better chance to send out your data.

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For the Security, it's only applicable while WEP is enabled.
For the Authentication Type, the current supported algorithms are Open System, Shared
Key, and Auto. The algorithm will be invoked when associated to Access Point. To associate
to the desired Access Point you must set the same algorithm as the one of the desired Access
Point.
When selecting Auto mode, the driver can auto detect the Authentication Type of the Access
Point you are going to associate.
You can also select Preamble Type, which is for framing synchronization. The possible
setting are Long and Short. The setting must be the same as the setting of the Access Point
you are going to associate.
6. The "About" tab shows you copyright and version information about the driver, the
configuration utility, and the firmware.
Click OK to complete the configuration.

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Chapter 5 - Installing Network Protocols
Protocols are necessary for computers to be recognized on your network. Windows 2000 users
need to check their Windows User Guides for protocol installation.
Installing the Network Protocols for Windows 98 and
Millennium
1. From the Start Menu, select Settings and bring up the Control Panel. From the Control
Panel, double-click on the Network icon.
Note! Before adding any network protocols, verify that the protocol is not already
installed. Never install duplicate protocols.
2. Select NetComm NP5430 - 11G Wireless PC card sfrom the list and click the Add button.
3. Highlight Protocol and click the Add button.
4. Select Microsoft from the list of "Manufacturers" and TCP/IP from the list of "Network"
Protocols" and click the OK button to finish the installation.

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Appendix A: Troubleshooting
Common Problems and Solutions
This appendix provides solutions to problems that may occur during the installation and
operation of the NetComm 11g PC Card Adapter. Read the descriptions below to solve your
problems.
1. My computer does not recognize the Adapter.
■Make sure the Adapter is properly inserted into the CardBus slot. Note that the
Adapter can be inserted either way, but is correctly only when it is inserted so that the
"Instant Wireless" logo on the front of the Adapter cannot be seen. If in doubt, try
inserting the Adapter both ways. The Adapter will slide in further when it is correct.
2. The Adapter does not work properly.
■Reinsert the Adapter into your notebook's CardBus slot. A beep should be heard if the
Adapter is properly inserted.
■For non-Windows environments, make sure that a PCMCIA card service driver is
installed on your PC.
■Open the Control Panel and click the PC Card. Check whether it has a PCMCIA card in
one of the sockets or not. If you find the Adapter in one of the sockets, it means that the
Adapter has been detected properly. If you see a yellow question mark, the resources are
in conflict.
■Right-click My Computer and select Properties. Select Device Manager and click the
Network Adapter. You will find the NetComm 11g PC Card Adapter if it is installed
successfully. If you see the yellow exclamation mark, the resources are in conflict. Click
PCMCIA card and then click PCMCIA card service. You will see the status of the
Adapter. If there is a yellow question mark please check the following:
■Make sure that your notebook has a free IRQ.
■Make sure that you have inserted the right Adapter and installed the proper driver.
If the Adapter does not function after attempting the above steps, remove the Adapter
and do the following:
■Uninstall the driver software from your PC.
■Restart your PC and repeat the hardware and software installation as specified in this
User Guide.
3. I cannot communicate with a wired computer linked via an access point in the infrastructure
configuration.
■Make sure that the notebook PC is powered on.
■Make sure that the Adapter is configured with the same SSID and security options as
the other computers in the infrastructure configuration.

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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run an application from a remote computer over the wireless network?
This will depend on whether or not the application is designed to be used over a network.
Consult the application's user guide to determine if it supports operation over a network.
Can I play computer games with other members of the wireless network?
Yes, as long as the game supports multiple players over a LAN (local area network). Refer to the
game's user guide for more information.
Whatis theIEEE 802.11b standard?
It is one of the IEEE standards for wireless networks. The 802.11b standard allows wireless
networking hardware from different manufacturers to communicate, provided that the hardware
complies with the 802.11b standard. The 802.11b standard states a maximum data transfer rate
of 11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.
WhatIEEE 802.11b featuresaresupported?
The product supports the following IEEE 802.11b functions:
o CSMA/CA plus Acknowledge protocol
o Multi-Channel Roaming
o Automatic Rate Selection
o RTS/CTS feature
o Fragmentation
o Power Management
What is ad-hoc mode and what is Infrastructure mode?
An Ad-hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers, each with a WLAN adapter, connected as an
independent wireless LAN. An Ad-hoc wireless LAN is applicable when no AP is available or
you wish to run a private network not joined to the corporate network.
An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. Infrastructure is
applicable to enterprise scale for wireless access to a wired network via an AP.
What is roaming?
Roaming is the ability of a portable computer user to communicate continuously while moving
freely throughout an area greater than that covered by a single access point. Before using the
roaming function, the workstation must make sure that it is the same channel number with the
access point of dedicated coverage area.
To achieve true seamless connectivity, the wireless LAN must incorporate a number of different
functions. Each node and access point, for example, must always acknowledge receipt of each
message. Each node must maintain contact with the wireless network even when not actually
transmitting data. Achieving these functions simultaneously requires a dynamic RF networking
technology that links access points and nodes. In such a system, the user's end node undertakes
a search for the best possible access to the system. First, it evaluates such factors as signal

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strength and quality, as well as the message load currently being carried by each access point and
the distance of each access point to the wired backbone. Based on that information, the node
next selects the right access point and registers its address. Communications between end node
and host computer can then be transmitted up and down the backbone.
As the user moves on, the end node's RF transmitter regularly checks the system to determine
whether it is in touch with the original access point or whether it should seek a new one. When a
node no longer receives acknowledgment from its original access point, it undertakes a new
search. Upon finding a new access point, it then re-registers, and the communication process
continues.
What is ISM band?
The FCC and their counterparts outside of the U.S. have set aside bandwidth for unlicensed use
in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band. Spectrum in the vicinity of 2.4 GHz, in
particular, is being made available worldwide. This presents a truly revolutionary opportunity
to place convenient high-speed wireless capabilities in the hands of users around the globe.
What is Spread Spectrum?
Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequency technique developed by the military
for use in reliable, secure, mission-critical communications systems. It is designed to trade off
bandwidth efficiency for reliability, integrity, and security. In other words, more bandwidth is
consumed than in the case of narrowband transmission, but the trade-off produces a signal that
is, in effect, louder and thus easier to detect, provided that the receiver knows the parameters of
the spread-spectrum signal being broadcast. If a receiver is not tuned to the right frequency, a
spread-spectrum signal looks like background noise. There are two main alternatives, Direct
Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS).
What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?
Frequency-Hopping Spread-Spectrum (FHSS) uses a narrowband carrier that changes frequency
in a pattern that is known to both transmitter and receiver. Properly synchronized, the net effect
is to maintain a single logical channel. To an unintended receiver, FHSS appears to be short-
duration impulse noise. Direct-Sequence Spread-Spectrum (DSSS) generates a redundant bit
pattern for each bit to be transmitted. This bit pattern is called a chip (or chipping code). The
longer the chip, the greater the probability that the original data can be recovered. Even if one or
more bits in the chip are damaged during transmission, statistical techniques embedded in the
radio can recover the original data without the need for retransmission. To an unintended
receiver, DSSS appears as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most nar-
rowband receivers.
Would the information be intercepted while transmitting on air?
WLAN features two-fold protection in security. On the hardware side, as with Direct Sequence
Spread Spectrum technology, it has the inherent security feature of scrambling. On the software
side, WLAN offers the encryption function (WEP) to enhance security and access control.
Whatis WEP?
WEP is Wired Equivalent Privacy, a data privacy mechanism based on a shared key algorithm, as
described in the IEEE 802.11 standard.

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Appendix B: Glossary
802.11b One of the IEEE standards for wireless networking hardware.
Products that adhere to a specific IEEE standard will work with
each other, even if they are manufactured by different
companies. The 802.11b standard specifies a maximum data
transfer rate of 11Mbps, an operating frequency of 2.4GHz, and
WEP encryption for security. 802.11b networks are also referred
to as Wi-Fi networks.
802.11g Refers to the extension of the IEEE 802.11 standard for wireless
networking. The 802.11g specifications used by NetComm
specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps using OFDM
modulation, an operating frequency of 2.4GHz, backward
compatibility with IEEE 802.11b devices and WEP encryption
for security.
Ad-hocNetwork An ad-hoc network is a group of computers, each with a wireless
adapter, connected as an independent 802.11 wireless LAN. Ad-
hoc wireless computers operate on a peer-to-peer basis,
communicating directly with each other without the use of an
access point. Ad-hoc mode is also referred to as an Independent
Basic Service Set (IBSS) or as peer-to-peer mode, and is useful at
a departmental scale or SOHO operation.
CTS (Clear To Send) An RS-232 signal sent from the receiving station to the
transmitting station that indicates it is ready to accept data.
Default Gateway The router used to forward all traffic that is not addressed to a
station within the local subnet.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) - A protocol that lets
network administrators manage centrally and automate the
assignment of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses in an
organization's network. Using the Internet's set of protocol
(TCP/IP), each machine that can connect to the Internet needs a
unique IP address. When an organization sets up its computer
users with a connection to the Internet, an IP address must be
assigned to each machine. Without DHCP, the IP address must
be entered manually at each computer and, if computers move to
another location in another part of the network, a new IP address
must be entered. DHCP lets a network administrator supervise
and distribute IP addresses from a central point and
automatically sends a new IP address when a computer is
plugged into a different place in the network.
DHCP uses the concept of a "lease" or amount of time that a
given IP address will be valid for a computer. The lease time can
vary depending on how long a user is likely to require the

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Internet connection at a particular location. It's especially useful
in education and other environments where users change
frequently. Using very short leases, DHCP can dynamically
reconfigure networks in which there are more computers than
there are available IP addresses.
DHCP supports static addresses for computers containing Web
servers that need a permanent IP address. DNS - The domain
name system (DNS) is the way that Internet domain name are
located and translated into Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. A
domain name is a meaningful and easy-to-remember "handle" for
an Internet address.
DSSS (Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum) - DSSS generates a
redundant bit pattern for all transmitted data. This bit pattern is
called a chip (or chipping code). Even if one or more bits in the
chip are damaged during transmission, statistical techniques
embedded in the receiver can recover the original data without the
need for retransmission. To an unintended receiver, DSSS
appears as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored)
by most narrowband receivers. However, to an intended receiver
(i.e. another wireless LAN endpoint), the DSSS signal is
recognized as the only valid signal, and interference is inherently
rejected(ignored).
Dynamic IP Address An IP address that is automatically assigned to a client station in
a TCP/IP network, typically by a DHCP server. Network
devices that serve multiple users, such as servers and printers,
are usually assigned static IP addresses.
ESS (Extended Service Set) - A set of more than two or more BSSs
(multiple access points) forming a single network.
Firmware Code that is written onto read-only memory (ROM) or
programmable read-only memory (PROM). Once firmware has
been written onto the ROM or PROM, it is retained even when
the device is turned off.
IEEE The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The IEEE
describes itself as "the world's largest technical professional
society-promoting the development and application of
electrotechnology and allied sciences for the benefit of humanity,
the advancement of the profession, and the wellbeing of our
members." The IEEE fosters the development of standards that
often become national and international standards. The
organization publishes a number of journals, has many local
chapters, and several large societies in special areas, such as the
IEEE Computer Society.

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Infrastructure Network An infrastructure network is a group of computers or other
devices, each with a wireless adapter, connected as an 802.11
wireless LAN. In infrastructure mode, the wireless devices
communicate with each other and to a wired network by first
going through an access point. An infrastructure wireless
network connected to a wired network is referred to as a Basic
Service Set (BSS). A set of two or more BSS in a single network
is referred to as an Extended Service Set (ESS). Infrastructure
mode is useful at a corporation scale, or when it is necessary to
connect the wired and wireless networks.
IPAddress In the most widely installed level of the Internet Protocol (IP)
today, an IP address is a 32-binary digit number that identifies
each sender or receiver of information that is sent in packet
across the Internet. When you request an HTML page or send e-
mail, the Internet Protocol part of TCP/IP includes your IP
address in the message (actually, in each of the packets if more
than one is required) and sends it to the IP address that is
obtained by looking up the domain name in the Uniform
Resource Locator you requested or in the e-mail address you're
sending a note to. At the other end, the recipient can see the IP
address of the Web page requester or the e-mail sender and can
respond by sending another message using the IP address it
received.
IPCONFIG A utility that provides for querying, defining and managing IP
addresses within a network. A commonly used utility, under
Windows NT and 2000, for configuring networks with static IP
addresses.
ISP An ISP (Internet service provider) is a company that provides
individuals and companies access to the Internet and other
related services such as Web site building and virtual hosting.
LAN A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and
associated devices that share a common communications line and
typically share the resources of a single processor or server
within a small geographic area (for example, within an office
building).
MACAddress The MAC (Media Access Control) address is your computer's
unique hardware number.
mIRC mIRC runs under Windows and provides a graphical interface for
logging onto IRC servers and listing, joining and leaving channels.
Network Mask also known as the "Subnet Mask."