Proxim B11FNF-USB User manual

ORiNOCO 11b USB Client
Wireless Networks
User Guide

ORiNOCO 11b USB Wireless Networks User Guide
1
Copyright
2003 Proxim Corporation, Sunnyvale, CA. All rights reserved. Covered by one or more of the following U.S.
patents: 5,231,634; 5,875,179; 6,006,090; 5,809,060; 6,075,812; 5,077,753. This user guide and the
software described in it are copyrighted with all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form by any
means without the written permission of Proxim Corporation.
Trademarks
ORiNOCO is a registered trademark, 2X, Proxim, and the Proxim logo are trademarks of Proxim Corporation.
All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.
65160/A

ORiNOCO 11b USB Wireless Networks User Guide
Table of Content
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Table of Content
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................4
1.1 PRODUCT FEATURES..............................................................................................4
1.2 APPLICATIONS .......................................................................................................5
1.3 PRODUCT PACKAGE ...............................................................................................6
1.4 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................6
CHAPTER 2 NETWORK PLANNING ..................................................................8
2.1 PEER-TO-PEER GROUP ..........................................................................................8
2.2 ACCESS POINT INFRASTRUCTURE...........................................................................9
2.3 ROAMING.............................................................................................................10
CHAPTER 3 INSTALLATION ...........................................................................12
3.1 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................12
3.2 INSTALLATION PROCEDURE ..................................................................................12
3.3 ORINOCO 802.11B USB CLIENT UN-INSTALLATION ............................................17
CHAPTER 4 PROXIM CLIENT UTILITY ............................................................20
4.1 PROXIM CLIENT UTILITY .......................................................................................20
4.2 CARD STATUS TAB ...............................................................................................21
4.3 CARD CONFIGURATION.........................................................................................22
4.4 SITE SURVEY .......................................................................................................23
4.5 NETWORK INFORMATION ......................................................................................23
4.6 CONFIGURING YOUR WIRELESS NETWORKING SETTINGS WITH WINDOWS XP
WIRELESS UTILITY.......................................................................................................25
CHAPTER 5 TROUBLESHOOTING ...................................................................31
5.1 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ..................................................31
5.2 HOW TO OBTAIN HELP WITH YOUR LAN INSTALLATION .........................................32
5.3 RANGE ................................................................................................................33
5.4 LED INDICATORS .................................................................................................34

ORiNOCO 11b USB Wireless Networks User Guide
Table of Content
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APPENDIX A GLOSSARY ...............................................................................35
APPENDIX B SPECIFICATIONS AND SUPPORT ..............................................36
B.1 RADIO .................................................................................................................36
B.2 ENVIRONMENTAL AND PHYSICAL..........................................................................36
B.3 TECHNICAL SUPPORT CONTACT INFORMATION .....................................................37
APPENDIX C REGULATORY INFORMATION ..................................................38
C.1 U.S. FCC STATEMENTS ......................................................................................38
C.2 CANADA IC STATEMENTS ....................................................................................39
C.3 EUROPEAN COMMUNITY COUNTRIES REGULATORY STATEMENTS .........................39
C.4 日本の通達 (JAPAN REGULATORY STATEMENT)..................................................40

ORiNOCO 11b USB Wireless Networks User Guide
Chapter 1 Introduction 4
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Chapter 1 Introduction
The ORiNOCO 11b USB Client provides high-speed (11 Mbps) wireless Internet access and
networking for a USB-enabled desktop anywhere, anytime. The USB Client is a Plug-and-Play
device that connects to and draws power from a computer’s USB port. When installing the USB
Client, you do not need to open the desktop, worry about device conflicts, or search for a vacant
ISA or PCI slot.
This IEEE 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter is compatible with a USB slot from any manufacturer.
As a Plug-and-Play device, Windows 98/2000/ME/XP will automatically recognize the wireless
USB Adapter and initiate the installation process. Upon successful installation, the wireless
USB Adapter will communicate seamlessly with other IEEE 802.11b wireless products.
A wireless LAN provides the same functionality of a wired network, but it eliminates the need to
install networking cables and other networking equipment. Not only is a wireless LAN easier to
deploy, but it also allows for “roaming.” For example, when using a desktop or notebook with an
ORiNOCO 802.11b USB, you can roam from a conference room to an office without being
disconnected from the network.
The ORiNOCO 11b USB Client can be used with other 802.11b devices to form a stand-alone
wireless Peer-to-Peer Group or used in conjunction with an Access Point infrastructure to
provide mobile clients with wireless access to an Ethernet network.
1.1 Product Features
The ORiNOCO 802.11b USB adapter provides the following features:
 Supports data rates up to 11 Mbps.
 Supports point-to-point and point-to-multipoint configurations.
 Provides seamless connectivity to existing Ethernet networks.
 Uses Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology to provide a
secure wireless connection.
 Eliminates the hassle and cost of cabling.
 Supports a wide range of LAN (Local Area Network) Network Operating

ORiNOCO 11b USB Wireless Networks User Guide
Chapter 1 Introduction 5
Systems (NOS) including Windows 98/2000/ ME/XP.
 Supports an easy Plug-and-Play installation.
 Includes integrated dual diversity antennas that provide a wide coverage area.
 Provides greater flexibility to locate or move networked PCs.
 Includes an LED indicator that reports on current wireless activity.
1.2 Applications
This Wireless USB Adapter offers a fast, reliable, cost-effective solution for wireless client
access to the network. Sample applications include:
 Remote access to corporate network information.
 E-mail, file transfer and terminal emulation.
 Difficult-to-wire environments.
 Historic or older buildings without Ethernet wiring.
 Buildings with asbestos insulation.
 Open areas where wiring is difficult to employ.
 Re-layout frequently environments.
 Retailers, manufacturers or other organizations that frequently rearrange the
workplace or relocate.
 Temporary LANs for special projects or peak time usage.
 Trade shows, exhibitions and construction sites that employ temporary
networks.
 Retailers, airline and shipping companies that need additional workstations for
a peak period and auditors that require workgroups at customer sites.
 Access to database for mobile workers.
 Medical, technical and retail specialists that require roaming access to a
database or other network resources.
 SOHO (Small Office and Home Office) users.
 Perfect for users that need a small, easy-to-install network that deploys rapidly.

ORiNOCO 11b USB Wireless Networks User Guide
Chapter 1 Introduction 6
1.3 Product Package
The Wireless USB Adapter includes the following items. If any of the items are missing or
damaged, please contact your local reseller.
1. One Gold or Silver ORiNOCO 802.11b USB Adapter
2. One USB Cable
3. One ORiNOCO Installation CD-ROM containing installation software, a management
utility and this user manual in Portable Document Format (PDF) for Windows
98/2000/ME/XP.
4. One ORiNOCO 11b USB Client Quick Start Guide
1.4 System Requirements and Specifications
To begin using an ORiNOCO 802.11b USB Client, you must have the following minimum
requirements:
1. A computer that meets the following specifications:
 Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Millennium Edition (ME), or Windows 98
Second Edition (SE) installed
 At least one unused USB port
 At least 64 MB of memory
 A 300 MHz processor or higher
2. At least one other IEEE 802.11b-compliant device
1.4.1 The IEEE 802.11 Specifications
In 1997, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) adopted the 802.11
standard for wireless devices operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. This standard includes
provisions for three radio technologies: direct sequence spread spectrum, frequency hopping
spread spectrum, and infrared. Devices that comply with the 802.11 standard operate at a data
rate of either 1 or 2 Mbps.
In 1999, the IEEE modified the 802.11 standard to support direct sequence devices that can
operate at speeds of up to 11 Mbps. The IEEE ratified this standard as 802.11b. 802.11b
devices are backwards compatible with 2.4 GHz 802.11 direct sequence devices (that operate
at 1 or 2 Mbps).

ORiNOCO 11b USB Wireless Networks User Guide
Chapter 1 Introduction 7
1.4.2 Interoperability and Security
The Wi-Fi standard certified at 2.4 GHz ensures the wireless interoperability with other Wi-Fi
(802.11b) certified devices.
The ORiNOCO 11b USB Client supports the following security standards (features vary
based on model):
 Cisco Client Extension compatibility (including LEAP)
 Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption using 64 bit or 128 bit encryption
 AES-CCM Encryption support
 Support for Windows 802.1x supplicants
1.4.3 Differences Between Gold and Silver Models
The Silver model supports 64-bit WEP encryption; the Gold model supports 64-bit and 128-bit
WEP encryption.

ORiNOCO 11b USB Wireless Networks User Guide
Chapter 2 Network Planning 8
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Chapter 2 Network Planning
ORiNOCO wireless products look and operate similar to Ethernet products. The only difference
is that a radio replaces the wire between communicating devices. This means that all of your
existing applications that operate over Ethernet will work with the ORiNOCO 11b USB Client
without any special wireless networking software.
The Wireless USB Adapter supports the Ethernet LAN network configurations defined by the
IEEE 802.11b. The Wireless USB Adapter can be configured as:
 Ad-Hoc mode for wireless environments that contain no Access Point.
 Infrastructure mode for wireless environments with an Access Point.
A wireless LAN can be configured for one of these two modes of operation. While each method
has its advantages, one of them may be better suited for your needs. Review the following
configurations to determine which mode is best for you.
2.1 Peer-to-Peer Group
A Peer-to-Peer group (also known as an Ad-Hoc network) is the simplest to deploy and is ideal
for small offices. Peer-to-Peer Group can be comprised of two or more wireless client
configured to communicate with one another. Peer-to-Peer Group clients communicate directly
with each other without using an access point (AP). As a user on this type of network, you are
able to quickly build up a wireless network in order to share files with other employees, print to
a shared office printer, and access the Internet through a single shared connection.
Ad-hoc networking is cost effective, because no other devices components are needed (such
as access points, hubs or routers) in order to setup a network. However, with Ad-Hoc
networking, your computer is only able to communicate with other nearby wireless clients.
By using the off-the-shelf peer-to-peer network operating systems, each computer can
dynamically connect and reconnect to the others with no additional configuration, as illustrated
in Figure 2-1.

ORiNOCO 11b USB Wireless Networks User Guide
Chapter 2 Network Planning 9
Figure 2-1 Peer-to-Peer Group
The ORiNOCO 11b USB Client can communicate with Peer-to-Peer Groups that support the
802.11b wireless standard.
2.2 Access Point Infrastructure
Many companies have an existing Ethernet or wired LAN infrastructure and want to be able
to extend that capability to wireless nodes. This is accomplished by installing one or more
Access Points on the Ethernet network. Access Points are devices that communicate with
both the Ethernet network and the wireless network.
An Access Point network is also referred to as an Infrastructure network. The key difference
between an Infrastructure network and an Ad-Hoc network is the addition of one extra
element—the Access Point. The Access Point serves as the focal point for all data traffic on
your wireless network, optimally managing all wireless data transactions.
Additionally, the wireless Infrastructure can provide access to an existing wired LAN. This link
allows computers on the wireless LAN to access the wired LAN’s resources and tools,
including Internet access, email delivery, file transfer, and printer sharing.