Proxim ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard User manual

ORiNOCO
802.11a/g ComboCard
User Guide

ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard User Guide
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.
64567/A

ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard User Guide
TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................5
1-1 INTRODUCING THE ORINOCO 802.11A/G COMBOCARD ...................................................5
1-2 USING A WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORK.........................................................................5
1-3 PRODUCT PACKAGE .................................................................................................................6
1-4 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS.....................................................................6
CHAPTER 2 INSTALLATION ..................................................................................8
2-1 PRE-INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS ....................................................................................8
2-2 WINDOWS ME AND WINDOWS 98 SE INSTALLATION CD REQUIREMENT ........................9
2-3 PROXIM CLIENT UTILITY INSTALLATION .................................................................................9
CHAPTER 3 WIRELESS TOPOLOGIES ..................................................................14
3-1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................14
3-2 PEER-TO-PEER GROUP ...........................................................................................................14
3-3 ACCESS POINT INFRASTRUCTURE .........................................................................................15
CHAPTER 4 PROXIM CLIENT UTILITY CONFIGURATION.....................................19
4-1 PROXIM CLIENT UTILITY ICON...............................................................................................19
4-2 CURRENT STATUS TAB............................................................................................................20
4-3 PROFILE MANAGEMENT........................................................................................................22
4-4 DIAGNOSTIC TAB ...................................................................................................................31
4-5 ACTION MENU........................................................................................................................32
4-6 CONFIGURING YOUR WIRELESS NETWORKING SETTINGS WITH WINDOWS XP ...............33
CHAPTER 5 TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................35
5-1 HOW TO OBTAIN HELP WITH YOUR LAN INSTALLATION....................................................35
5-2 COMMON INSTALLATION PROBLEMS ...................................................................................35
5-3 CONFIGURING NETWORKING CLIENTS AND PROTOCOLS....................................................36
5-4 UNINSTALLING AN ORINOCO COMBOCARD .....................................................................37
5-5 RANGE ....................................................................................................................................40
5-6 LED INDICATORS ...................................................................................................................41
5-7 COMMON TECHNICAL SUPPORT QUESTIONS .......................................................................41
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ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard User Guide
APPENDIX A – SPECIFICATIONS.........................................................................43
A-1 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS.................................................................................................43
APPENDIX B WARRANTY AND REGULATORY INFORMATION ..........................46
B-1 LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER, LIMITATION OF LIABILITY..........................................46
B-2 REGULATORY INFORMATION .................................................................................................47
APPENDIX C TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND GLOSSARY ........................................50
C-1 TECHNICAL SUPPORT CONTACT INFORMATION ...................................................................50
C-2 GLOSSARY ..............................................................................................................................52
Table of Content 4

ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard User Guide
1
Chapter 1 Introduction
1-1 Introducing the ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard
Congratulations on your purchase of an ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard, a high performance
wireless LAN adapter card that complies with the IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g wireless
standards. This means that the card is interoperable with IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g
equipment from any manufacturer. The card cannot use both standards simultaneously but it can
automatically switch between the two. In addition, the card supports 802.11a 2X Turbo mode*,
which provides data rates of up to 108 Mbps.
The ORiNOCO ComboCard supports Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Millennium Edition
(ME), and Windows 98 Second Edition (SE). Computers with an ORiNOCO ComboCard
installed “look” like standard network nodes to the operating system.
The ORiNOCO ComboCard can be used with other 802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g 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.
Proxim is a leading manufacturer of wireless networking equipment. Proxim’s unmatched
expertise in radio networking technology, combined with the company’s extensive experience
serving the communication needs of the mobile computing user, have kept Proxim at the
forefront of the wireless Local Area Networking (LAN) market.
*Available features vary by region/country.
1-2 Using a Wireless Local Area Network
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 mobility through “roaming.” For example, the ORiNOCO 802.11a/g
CamboCard can roam from a conference room to an office without being disconnected from the
network.
Chapter 1 Introduction 5

ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard User Guide
1-3 Product Package
Each ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard comes with the following:
1. One Gold or Silver ORiNOCO ComboCard. (Gold ComboCard model number: 8480;
Silver ComboCard model number: 8481) Both models include two integral antennas
(antennas are inside the casing and not visible to the user)
2. One ORiNOCO Installation CD-ROM containing software and utilities and this user guide in
Portable Document Format (PDF)
3. One ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard Quick Start Guide
If any of these items are missing or damaged, please contact your reseller or ORiNOCO
Technical Support (see C-1 Technical Support Contact Information for contact information).
1-4 System Requirements and Specifications
To begin using an ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard, 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
 PC Card expansion slot (32-bit CardBus)
 At least 64 MB of memory
 A 300 MHz processor or higher
2. At least one other IEEE 802.11a-compliant, 802.11b-compliant or 802.11g-compliant device
 Customers in Europe who want to use the card in 802.11a mode need an
802.11a-compliant Access Point that supports Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS);
802.11a Peer-to-Peer Groups are not available in Europe (see the user documentation
that came with your 802.11a Access Point for details).
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).
Also in 1999, the IEEE modified the 802.11 standard to support devices operating in the 5 GHz
frequency band. This standard is referred to as 802.11a. 802.11a devices are not backward
compatible with 2.4 GHz 802.11 or 802.11b devices. 802.11a radios use a radio technology
called Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) to achieve data rates of up to 54
Mbps.
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ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard User Guide
The 802.11g standard has been in draft form since November 2001. 802.11g will deliver the
same 54 Mbps maximum data rate as 802.11a, yet it offers an additional and compelling
advantage—backward compatibility with 802.11b equipment. This means that 802.11b client
cards will work with 802.11g access points, and 802.11g client cards will work with 802.11b
access points. It should be noted that 802.11b products cannot be “software upgraded” to
802.11g, because 802.11g radios use a different chipset than 802.11b in order to deliver the
higher data rate. However, 802.11g products and 802.11b products can work in the same
network. Because 802.11g and 802.11b operate in the same unlicensed band, the two standards
share the same three channels, which can limit wireless capacity and scalability.
Since 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g are based on the same common standard (IEEE 802.11),
802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g devices have many of the same parameters. This user guide uses
the generic term 802.11 to refer to parameters that apply to 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g
devices.
In addition to supporting 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g modes, the ORiNOCO ComboCard
supports a fourth operating mode: 2XTM Turbo mode. 2X Turbo mode is an extension of the
802.11a standard that allows data rates of up to 108 Mbps. Note that 2X Turbo mode is not part of
the 802.11a standard (so devices using this mode from different vendors may not necessarily be
interoperable with each other), and 2X Turbo mode is not available in all countries.
An 802.11a device and an 802.11b/g device cannot communicate
with each other. Also, a device in 802.11a 2X mode and a device
operating in 802.11a mode (2X mode disabled) cannot
communicate.
1-4-2 Interoperability
The Wi-Fi standard certified at 5 GHz ensures the wireless interoperability with other Wi-Fi
(802.11a) certified devices.
The Wi-Fi standard certified at 2.4 GHz ensure the wireless interoperability with other Wi-Fi
(802.11b) certified devices.
1-4-3 Security
The ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard supports the following security standards (features vary
based on model):
 Cisco Client Extension compatibility (including LEAP)
 Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption using 64 bit, 128 bit or 152 bit encryption
 AES-CCM Encryption support
 Support for Windows 802.1x supplicants
1-4-4 Differences Between Gold and Silver Models
 The Silver model supports 64 bit and 128 bit WEP encryption; the Gold model supports 64
bit, 128 bit and 152 bit WEP encryption.
 The Silver model supports two user profiles; the Gold model supports an unlimited number
of profiles.
 The Gold model supports Transmit Power Control; the Silver model does not support
Transmit Power Control.
Chapter 1 Introduction 7

ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard User Guide
2
Chapter 2 Installation
This chapter describes how to install an ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard and software in a
computer running Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Millennium Edition (ME), or Windows
98 Second Edition (SE).
Note for Windows XP Users: The Windows XP operating system has a built-in feature known
as “Wireless Zero Configuration” which has the capability to configure and control the ORiNOCO
802.11a/g ComboCard (see 4-6 Configuring Your Wireless Networking Settings with Windows
XP). Installing the Wireless LAN Client utility will disable this Windows XP feature.
2-1 Pre-installation Considerations
Review the following pre-installation consideration before installing an ORiNOCO ComboCard.
The ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard must comply with the EMI requirement of the followings:
Emission
802.11a
 North America FCC Part 15b, Part 15e
 Europe EN 300 836(Hiplan1), 839(hiplan2), EMC301 489-1, EN301 489-17
 Japan TELEC STD-72
802.11g
 North America FCC Part 15b, Part 15c
 Europe EN 301 893
 Japan TELEC STD –33, STD- 66
Safety Requirements
 North America UL 60950 Ver.3 for USA, CSA C22.2 for Canada
 Europe EN 60950
ESD Requirement
ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard must withstand 15KV test voltage of electrostatic discharge
under operational conditions.
Chapter 2 Installation 8

ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard User Guide
2-2 Windows ME and Windows 98 SE Installation CD
Requirement
Before beginning the installation of an ORiNOCO ComboCard, confirm that you have a Windows
98 SE or Windows ME installation CD available (depending on the computer’s operating system).
Windows 98/ME users may be prompted to insert a Windows CD during the installation. You
should not need a Windows CD when installing the card in a Windows XP or Windows 2000
computer.
If you do not have a Windows 98/ME CD, it is possible that you already have the Windows
installation files on your hard drive. These Windows installation files are known as Windows
Cabinet or CAB files. The Cabinet files are commonly located in
C:\WINDOWS\OPTIONS\INSTALL\ or C:\WINDOWS\OPTIONS\CABS\.
Windows 98/ME users may need the Windows CD or Cabinet files
to complete the installation of an ORiNOCO ComboCard. Proxim
recommends that you do not proceed with the installation until you
have confirmed that you have one of these Windows installation
media available.
2-3 Proxim Client Utility Installation
The instructions below describe how to install an ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard by running
the ORiNOCO Installation program before inserting the card into the computer. It is
recommended that you insert the card after the setup and configuration procedure is completed.
Follow these steps to install an ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard in a Window 98 SE, Windows
ME, Windows 2000, or Windows XP computer.
1. Turn on the computer and logon to Windows, if applicable.
2. Insert the ORiNOCO Installation CD into the computer’s CD-ROM drive.
3. If the ORiNOCO Installation program does not launch automatically, run SETUP.EXE from the
ORiNOCO Installation CD to launch the program.
4. Click Next on the Software Setup Welcome dialog box as shown in Figure 2-1.
Chapter 2 Installation 9

ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard User Guide
Figure 2-1 Setup “Welcome” Dialog Box
5. The License Agreement screen appears. Click Yes to continue.
Figure 2-2 License Agreement for the Installation of the ORiNOCO ComboCard
Chapter 2 Installation 10

ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard User Guide
6. Choose a destination location for the ORiNOCO ComboCard installation files. You may use
the default path or click Browse to specify a different location. After you are done, click the
Next button.
Figure 2-3 Choose Destination for Installation
7. Be patient while the software is installed on your computer.
Figure 2-4 Software Setup in Process
8. 8. Click Finish to close the Software Setup wizard when prompted.
Chapter 2 Installation 11

ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard User Guide
Figure 2-5 Installation Completed
The Proxim Client Utility will be automatically loaded each time your
computer starts. To access the utility, click the Proxim Client Utility
icon in the Windows Taskbar.
9. Insert the ORiNOCO ComboCard into your laptop’s PC Card slot.
Figure 2-6 Insert the ORiNOCO ComboCard into the Laptop
10. If prompted, follow any on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Chapter 2 Installation 12

ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard User Guide
11. The ComboCard should now be successfully installed.11. The ComboCard should now be successfully installed.
 If you have an Access Point on the network with no security enabled, the ComboCard
should connect automatically.
 If you have an Access Point on the network with no security enabled, the ComboCard
should connect automatically.
 If you have an Access Point on the network with security enabled, double-click the Proxim
icon to launch the Proxim Client Utility; use this utility to create profiles, configure the card,
and enable security.
 If you have an Access Point on the network with security enabled, double-click the Proxim
icon to launch the Proxim Client Utility; use this utility to create profiles, configure the card,
and enable security.
 If you do not have an Access Point, use the Proxim Client Utility to set the card to
Peer-to-Peer Ad Hoc mode.
 If you do not have an Access Point, use the Proxim Client Utility to set the card to
Peer-to-Peer Ad Hoc mode.
ORiNOCO ComboCards sold in Europe do not support
Peer-to-Peer Group when in 802.11a mode.
ORiNOCO ComboCards sold in Europe do not support
Peer-to-Peer Group when in 802.11a mode.
For more information on Peer-to-Peer Groups and Access Point networks, see Chapter 3
Wireless Topologies.
For more information on Peer-to-Peer Groups and Access Point networks, see Chapter 3
Wireless Topologies.
ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard User Guide
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ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard User Guide
3
Chapter 3 Wireless Topologies
3-1 Introduction
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 ComboCard without
any special wireless networking software.
A wireless LAN can be configured for two different 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.
3-2 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 3-1 in next page.
Chapter 3 Wireless Topologies 14

ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard User Guide
Figure 3-1 Peer-to-Peer Group
 The ORiNOCO ComboCard can communicate with an 802.11a, 802.11a 2X Turbo,
802.11b or 802.11g Peer-to-Peer Group (but it can not dynamically switch between the
two). Therefore, you must manually configure the card to use one specific radio mode.
3-3 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 other wired LAN’s resources and tools,
including Internet access, email delivery, file transfer, and printer sharing.
Chapter 3 Wireless Topologies 15

ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard User Guide
You can use the ORiNOCO ComboCard to communicate with 802.11a Access Points, 802.11g
Access Points, 802.11b Access Points, or a combination of Access Point types. The card is
compatible with 802.11a, 802.11g, or 802.11b Access Points from any vendor, including Proxim’s
ORiNOCO and Harmony Access Point products.
3-3-1 Connecting to a Single AP
Figure 3-2 depicts an ORiNOCO network that uses a single Access Point (AP); in this example,
the Access Point is an ORiNOCO AP- 2000 (with an ORiNOCO 802.11g card installed)
Figure 3-2 Communicating with a Single 802.11g Access Point
3-3-2 Roaming Between Multiple APs
For larger environments, the ORiNOCO ComboCard may roam from one Access Point to
another while maintaining the same network connection. The Access Points establish coverage
areas or cells similar in concept to those of a cellular phone network. The card will connect to any
Access Point that is within range.
The ORiNOCO ComboCard supports roaming between APs of the same type (for example, from
one 802.11a AP to another) or roaming between APs of different types (for example, from an
802.11a AP to an 802.11g AP). Figure 3-3 illustrates roaming between APs of the same radio
type.
Chapter 3 Wireless Topologies 16

ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard User Guide
Figure 3-3 Roaming Between APs of the Same Radio Type
Figure 3-4 illustrates roaming between APs of different radio types:
Figure 3-4 Roaming Between APs of Different Radio Types
In either case, each Access Point within a roaming network must have a unique, independent
Channel, but all must have the same Network Name and security settings.
Mobile clients equipped with an ORiNOCO ComboCard have Network Type set to “Access
Point” and have the same Network Name and security settings as the Access Points.
Alternatively, the mobile client’s Network Name may be “any”; this setting lets the client
associate with any available Access Point, regardless of the Access Point’s Network Name (this
assumes that the AP is not a closed system).
Chapter 3 Wireless Topologies 17

ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard User Guide
As the mobile client seamlessly switches from cell to cell, its network connectivity is preserved.
The user can move freely between the Access Points in the network. When the roaming client
leaves the transmission range of one Access Point, the card automatically detects the other
Access Point(s) in the same vicinity to continue the network connection.
3-3-3 Guidelines for Roaming
 An ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard can roam between 802.11a Access Points, 802.11g
Access Points and 802.11b Access Points.
 All 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g Access Points that a client will roam between must have the
same Network Name. Depending on the Wireless Mode selection, a user can roam among
802.11a, 802.11a 2X Turbo, 802.11g and 802.11b Access Points.
 All workstations with ORiNOCO ComboCards installed must use either a Network Name of
“any” or the same Network Name as the Access Points that they will roam between (this
assumes that the AP is not a closed system; see “Network Name” for more information).
 All Access Points and ORiNOCO ComboCards must have the same security settings to
communicate.
 The Access Points’ cells must overlap to ensure that there are no gaps in coverage and to
ensure that the roaming client will always have a connection available.
 Access Points installed in the same vicinity that use the same frequency band (2.4 or 5 GHz)
should each use a unique, independent Channel to avoid potential interference.
 Access Points that use the same Channel should be installed as far away from each other as
possible to reduce potential interference.
Chapter 3 Wireless Topologies 18

ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard User Guide
4
Chapter 4 Proxim Client Utility Configuration
The following sections describe the Proxim Client Utility (PCU). The PCU provides quick access
and friendly interface to configure the Wireless LAN settings. If you are using Windows XP and
have not installed the Proxim Client Utility, 4-6 Configuring Your Wireless Networking Settings
with Windows XP contains information on how to configure your ORiNOCO 802.11a/g
ComboCard using Windows XP Zero Configuration.
4-1 Proxim Client Utility icon
The Proxim Client Utility icon will appear in the Windows Taskbar (also known as the System
Tray) each time your computer is restarted. Double-click the PCU icon to launch the utility.
Figure 4-1 Proxim Utility Icon
The Proxim Client Utility icon will display the current status of the wireless connection. A number
appears in the upper left portion of the icon that indicates the radio’s current operating frequency
(2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). When the radio is in a “no link” state, the frequency band will toggle between
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz while it is scanning through those frequencies. The following are different
status displayed by the icon.
 “Radio Disabled” indicates that the ORiNOCO ComboCard has been disabled through
either Hardware or Software.
 Yellow bars indicate that the signal strength is weak and the wireless connection is at the
limit of its range.
 Green bars indicate good or excellent signal strength.
See Figure 4-2 for the different status of the Proxim Client Utility icon.
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ORiNOCO 802.11a/g ComboCard User Guide
Figure 4-2 Different Status of Proxim Client Utility Icon
4-2 Current Status Tab
The current status tab, shown in Figure 4-3, displays the following information about your
wireless connection.
 Profile Name – The current name of the selected configuration profile.
 Network Type – The current type of wireless network: either Access Point or Ad-hoc.
 Wireless Mode – The current frequency and data rate that has been selected.
 Current Channel – Specifies the current channel that the ORiNOCO ComboCard is
connected to or scanning on.
 Link Status – Indicates whether the card is connected or disconnected to an Access Point
or other wireless client.
 Encryption Type – Describes whether or not the wireless traffic is being encrypting.
 IP Address –The current IP address of the ORiNOCO ComboCard.
Chapter 4 Proxim Client Utility Configuration 20