RadioLAN CardLINK 150 User manual

PCI CardLINK™Model 150
USER’SMANUAL
890-021 02/00

TABLE OFCONTENTS
SECTION 1: WHAT TO KNOW FIRST
FCC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
DISCLAIMER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
TRADEMARK DISCLOSURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
CAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
RANGE OF OPERATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
ROAMING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
PERFORMING A SITE SURVEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
MAPPING THE SITE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
PERFORMING THE TEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
SECTION 2: RADIONET MANAGER
INSTALLING RADIONET MANAGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
USING RADIONET MANAGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
COMMON BUTTONS FOUND ON SCREEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
RADIONET MANAGER MENU ITEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
FILE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
MONITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
HELP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
RADIONET™MANAGER VIEW ICONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
LOCAL STATION CONFIGURATION VIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
NETWORK INFORMATION AND STATISTICS VIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
STATION INFO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
CONNECTIVITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
STATISTICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SECTION 3: INSTALLING THE PCI CARDLINK™150 AND TRANSCEIVER
PREPARING THE TRANSCEIVER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
INSTALLING THE PCI CARDLINK MODEL 150 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
CONNECTING THE TRANSCEIVER CABLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
PLACING THE RADIO TRANSCEIVER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
SECTION 4: DRIVER INSTALLATION
WINDOWS 95 OR LATER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
WINDOWS NT 4.0 OR LATER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
WINDOWS 98. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
WINDOWS 2000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
DRIVER REMOVAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
SECTION 5: TROUBLE-SHOOTING
WINDOWS 95 OR LATER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
WINDOWS 98. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
WINDOWS NT 4.0 OR LATER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
WINDOWS 2000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
OPERATING INDICATORS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
APPENDIX A:
GLOSSARY OF TERMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
APPENDIX B:
PCI CARDLINK 150 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

FCC
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which
case the user will be required to correct interference at his own expense.
FCC Registration Number: MCIP101, PCIPC
DISCLAIMER
The instructions in this document have been carefully checked for accuracy and are presumed to be
reliable. RadioLAN and its writers assume no responsibility for inaccuracies and reserves the right
to modify and revise this document without notice. It is our goal at RadioLAN to always supply accu-
rate and reliable documentation. If you discover a discrepancy in this document, please e-mail your
comments or suggested corrections to: [email protected].
No part of this publication may be placed in a retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced in any
way, including but not limited to photograph, photocopy, computer disk or other record, without
prior agreement and written permission from:
RadioLAN, Inc.
455 DeGuigne Drive
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
TRADEMARK DISCLOSURES
RadioLAN has made every effort to provide disclosures when using trademarks owned by other
companies.
Trademarked designations appear throughout this publication. The publisher states that it is using
the designations only for editorial purposes, and to the benefit of the trademark owner with no
intent to infringe upon that trademark. The following trademarks are found in this manual:
Microsoft™, and Windows 98™, and Windows 95™, and Windows NT™, and Windows 2000™are
trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.
Xerox™is a trademark of the Xerox Corporation.
IBM™is a trademark of International Business Machines.
10BaseRadio™, RadioLAN/10™, RadioNET™and PCI CardLINK™are trademarks of RadioLAN, Inc.
Velcro™is a trademark of VELCRO USA, Inc.
WHAT TOKNOW FIRST
SECTION 1:
1

INTRODUCTION
Welcome to wireless networking. The RadioLAN PCI CardLINK™adapter allows you to connect a PC
with a 32-bit PCI slot to a RadioLAN wireless network. RadioLAN wireless networks allow network
stations to access shared network resources using a full 10Mbps connection, without typical
cabling requirements.
The RadioLAN PCI CardLINK comes with NDIS 4 and NDIS 5 drivers to support the following
Microsoft Operating Systems:
• Windows 95™B or later
• Windows NT™4.0 SP3 or later
• Windows 98™
• Windows 2000™
Installation procedures for each of the above operating systems are explained later.
The PCI CardLINK also comes with RadioNET™Manager, RadioLAN’s powerful network connection
application.
RadioNET Manager manages network stations, enabling them to function at an optimum level. You
can also track and test the quality of communications within a network. With RadioNET Manager
you can:
• View detailed information for a specific station
• View several stations at once
• Modify station name
• Modify station Subnet ID
• Enable optional features, like encryption
• Identify access type for each station
• Test individual stations to determine success/failure rate of transmissions
• Test the communication connection between stations
CAUTIONS
•This adapter requires PCI 2.2 BIOS support. Many of the latest PCI 2.1 BIOS PCs support PCI 2.2
functions. If the adapter is not working, you may need a BIOS update from your PC
Manufacturer.
• Do not try to use this adapter across a PCI to PCI Bridge. This is not supported and will not
work. Only use the PCI CardLINK in a primary bus PCI slot. Consult your PC’s documentation to
determine if any slots are across a bridge. Generally, if there are 4 PCI slots or less, then all are
primary slots.
• Do not remove the PCMCIA card from the PCI CardLINK adapter and try to use it in a laptop. This
configuration is not supported and voids the warranty.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
To use RadioNET Manager on a station, computers must meet or exceed the following requirements:
• IBM™-compatible 486 or greater
• 16Mb of RAM
• CD-ROM drive
• Hard disk drive with 2Mb of available space
WHAT TOKNOW FIRST
SECTION 1:
2

RANGE OF OPERATION
Within the data range, a station can exchange information at full Ethernet speeds. For best opera-
tion, RadioLAN recommends that you locate all stations within a 120-foot circular area (see Figure
1). This ensures proper operation of the network’s CSMA/CA feature, which overcomes network
communication collisions.
Figure 1: Range of Operation
Obstructions can decrease the data range: RadioLAN products are designed to operate in a semi-open
office environment. Listed below are some obstructions that may reduce your data range:
• Walls made of a metallic substance
• Thick concrete walls
• Walls reinforced with metallic studs
• Foil-backed insulation installed within walls
• Desktop objects that surround your RadioLAN transceiver
Roaming
RadioLAN networks provide an automatic ability to select the Access Point with the best signal.
(Note: The term Access Point in this manual refers to RadioLAN’s BackboneLINK™). This allows the
stations to move from one Access Point to another without user intervention. For instance, a
portable computer using a RadioLAN PCMCIA card may easily move from one area of the building to
another area served by a separate Access Point, while receiving constant 10Mbps service. This
allows the user to take the computer from the office area to a conference room and continue to
work on the network. The station’s software manages the relationship to the nearest Access Point,
and when conditions change, the station will notify the new Access Point that it is selected to pro-
vide service for that station, and the old Access Point to discontinue service. This is done automati-
cally and seamlessly.
Performing a Site Survey
Performing a site survey allows you to map out your signal quality ratings throughout the office
area. To perform the survey, you need a laptop and an Access Point. For example, a RadioLAN
BackboneLINK™and a wireless notebook station using the RadioLAN MOBILINK™. While testing,
each station is monitoring the other for connectivity quality.
Mapping the Site
Create a map of the wireless site. On the map, mark the locations of each stationary station; for
example, mark each office where a wireless station will be located. Also specify and mark the sta-
tion that will connect to the hard-wired 10BaseT local area network. In this example, the Access
Point is the center point of the wireless network. From the Access Point, measure the distance to
each office where a wireless station is located. Note the distance at each station on the map.
WHAT TOKNOW FIRST
SECTION 1:
3
300 feet
radio carrier
range
120 feet
data range

Performing the Test
To perform the test, you must first setup the laptop station to monitor the Access Point. To configure
the station, see Monitor on page 6 for more information.
1. Install and run RadioNET Manager on the laptop. See Section 2: RadioNET Manager
2. View the INFO – CONNECTIVITY screen at the laptop station to monitor the connectivity quality
of the Access Point. See Connectivity on page 7 for more information.
3. Raise and locate the Access Point’s transceiver to the highest possible location, clear from
obstructions on any side.
4. With the portable notebook station, move to the location where each wireless station will be
located. Locate the notebook so that you can position its transceiver as close to the location
where the proposed station’s transmitter will be located. Place the transceiver, then call up the
NETWORK INFORMATION AND CONNECTIVITY screen onto the notebook’s screen. Read the rat-
ing for the Access Point. If the Access Point does not have a rating of 5, attempt to raise the
value to 5 by relocating the transceiver. Note the highest rating that you attain during the test on
the map. Also note the location of the transceiver where this rating was a 5.
Next, move to the next designated station location. Repeat the steps above until you note each
location’s connectivity quality rating from the notebook.
When you have completed your mapping, you will have an illustrated view of the best connectivity
quality that can be attained between the Access Point and each station in the network. You will also
be familiar with the best locations to position transceivers throughout the network.
WHAT TOKNOW FIRST
SECTION 1:
4

IN S T ALLING RADIONET™MANAGER
Installing RadioNET Manager:
1. Insert the CD-Rom into the appropriate drive.
2. Click on Start, then click on Run.
3. Enter D:\rnetmgr\setup.exe (If your CD-Rom drive letter is different, substitute you CD-Rom
drive letter for D). Click on OK.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
USING RADIONET MANAGER
The RadioNET Manager program allows you to use your computer to configure and manage the
wireless local area network. There are three main screens that allow you to make selections that
identify your computer as a network station, and to run tests for quality communication.
On program screens there are several items to interact with:
• Entry Fields
• Drop-down List Boxes
• Buttons
• Check Boxes
Figure 2: Local Station Configuration Screen, Network Parameters
Common Buttons Found on Screens
While using RadioNET Manager, you will see navigation buttons.
These buttons may appear on one or more screens in the program.
Familiarize yourself with these buttons, shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Buttons Commonly Used in the Program
This Button Causes This Action
Close This button allows you to close the particular operation you are
performing without exiting from RadioNET Manager.
Ok This button allows you to accept any changes and /or move on to
another function within the program.
Cancel The program stops the operation. In some cases, it may also
cause the program to move to the previous screen.
RADIONET MANAGER
SECTION 2:
5

RadioNET Manager Menu Items
The menu items are located across the top of the screen just below the RadioNET Manager title line.
The functions available to you are listed below.
• File
• Monitor
• Help
You can use these options in conjunction with various screens in the program, but not all options
are available at all times. The menu items make it easy for you to exit the program, change the mon-
itor station, and receive assistance.
File
The file menu allows you to exit the application.
Exit
This selection permits you to exit the program and return to the primary operating screen.
Monitor
The Monitor Menu gives you the option to view information about a wireless station in your subnet
that you chose to track for signal quality. The menu also allows you to change the station that you
are reviewing by clicking on the Select option. The options give you the ability to move quickly and
easily through a large list of stations.
Monitoring Another Station
It may be important to monitor a station, especially if you are roaming about the office, working
with a portable notebook computer. For example, if you need to ensure communication with a
resource on the hard-wired network, you would monitor your Access Point to that network for signal
quality. If, while monitoring, you notice that the signal quality indicator (connectivity) displays a
level of 2 or lower, you might re-orient your transceiver for better signal quality.
You can also view statistics related to the communication between your station and the one that
you are monitoring. See Statistics on page 12 for more information about statistics.
Details
The Details menu option opens the MONITOR STATION DETAILS screen.
Monitor Station Details
This screen displays read-only information about a specific station within the network. It lists the
station name and its communication quality or connectivity.
Monitoring Remote Stations from the Task Bar
While RadioNET Manager is operating, the Task Bar (usually located on the bottom of the Windows
Desktop) displays a button, which indicates the connectivity of the remote station.
The lightning bolt on the left side of the button changes color, indicating the connectivity quality of
the remote station. The bolt’s color indicates connectivity. By default, this button monitors the
Access Point in use. If you change the Station monitored field, RadioNET Manager stores the selec-
tion until again changed.
Figure 3: Monitor Station Details Screen
RADIONET MANAGER
SECTION 2:
6

Connectivity
This read-only field measures the Connectivity (quality) of a remote station’s communication with
other stations in the group. The connectivity is rated with a number between 0 and 5 that repre-
sents the readability of the radio signal for the station indicated. A score of 5, the highest, indicated
optimum performance of the station’s radio signal. Scores of 3 or 4 indicate satisfactory signal
transmission from the station. A score of 2 or lower indicates a need to make a change in the posi-
tion of the transceivers used to send and receive the signal.
Change
The Change button leads you to the MONITOR STATION SELECTION screen, where you can select a
different station to monitor for connectivity quality (see Select for more information).
Close
When you have finished reviewing the information provided in the MONITOR STATION DETAILS
screen, you may return to the main screen by clicking on Close.
Select
The Select menu item leads you to the MONITOR STATION SELECTION screen, where you can select
a different station to monitor for connectivity quality.
Track Access Point
This checkbox must be cleared to select a station other than your current Access Point. When
checked, the current Access Point is being monitored.
Station to Monitor
This item allows you to specify another station on the wireless network, which you can monitor for
communication quality (connectivity). A listing of choices is provided in the drop-down box. Choose
a station and click OK to view the station details, as displayed in the MONITOR STATION DETAILS
screen.
Exiting the Screen
To exit the MONITOR STATION SELECTION screen and save the change, click on OK. To exit and keep
the old settings, click on cancel. You will return to the main screen or to the MONITOR STATION
DETAILS screen (depending on how you entered).
Figure 4: Monitor Station Selection
Help
If you encounter difficulties while using RadioNET Manager, you will need specific information about
the program you are using to receive assistance from the RadioLAN Technical Support Staff. This
information is contained in the ABOUT RADIONET MANAGER screen. The screen can be accessed
through the Help menu option at the top of the screen.
About RadioNET Manager
This screen contains information about the version of the software. This information is needed by
the RadioLAN Technical Support Staff to assist you with any difficulties you may encounter while
operating the program
OK
Once the necessary information has been attained, exit the screen by clicking OK.
RADIONET MANAGER
SECTION 2:
7

Figure 5: RadioNET Manager Version Information Screen
RADIONET MANAGER VIEW ICONS
RadioNET Manager displays three viewing options. These options are displayed as icons on the left
side of the screen. From top to bottom, the view options are:
• Local Station Configuration View (default view)
• Information View
• Diagnostic View
Figure 6, 7, 8: Shots of buttons
Local Station Configuration View
Network Parameters
Network Parameters are settings that identify your computer to the network. These settings also
give you access to the hard-wired network by way of an Access Point.
The LOCAL STATION CONFIGURATION screen gives the network parameters of the station. It pro-
vides the following read-only information:
• Station Name
• Subnet ID
• ACP Select Mode
• Current Access Point
Click on Modify to display the MODIFY NETWORK PARAMETERS screen, allowing you to change
information on the screen.
Figure 9: Local Station Configuration Screen
RADIONET MANAGER
SECTION 2:
8

Station Name
The station name is a unique name that provides information about that particular station. Usually
the station user’s name, or a name describing the function of the desk where the station is located,
is used to make it easier for others to identify the station on various screens. Maximum length is 12.
Subnet ID
The Subnet ID is a network group’s password. This ID allows all users with the same ID to communi-
cate with one another and share resources. Users with a different Subnet ID will not be able to com-
municate (unless they change their Subnet ID). Maximum length is 4.
Station to use as Access Point
Clear the checkbox next to Automatic, and use the drop down box to select a Static Access Point.
Warning: If that Access Point goes down, the current station can not access the wired net-
work. Leave the box checked to have the station automatically choose the best Access Point.
Figure 10: Modify Network Parameters Screen
Features
Click the upgrade button to enter an optional Feature. Encryption is a possible feature, and a key
from RadioLAN is required to use this Feature.
Network Information and Statistics View
To enter the Information View select the middle icon. This view is a three-tab file that provides infor-
mation about the network stations, their connectivity and station transmission statistics.
Information View Icons
In this view several icons are used to provide information about the stations.
Station Info
The STATION INFORMATION tab provides the following information about the network:
• Icons indicating the type of interface access node being used by each station.
• Name of each station in the network
• RadioNET address of each station in the network
• Type of adapter used by each station (which coincides with the icon displayed to the left of the
station name)
• Access Point that the station is using
• ACP Enable activated/deactivated
RADIONET MANAGER
SECTION 2:
9

Figure 11: Network Information and Station Info Tab
The information contained in this table is read-only information and can only be modified through
individual station modifications in the MODIFY NETWORK PARAMETERS found under the
Configuration View.
Station Name
This column lists the Station Name of each PC on the wireless network.
RadioNET Address
This column lists the MAC address for each station on the wireless network.
Adapter Type
This column lists the station type for each station on the wireless network.
Access Point
This column lists the MAC address or name of each wireless station’s Access Point to the hard-wired
network.
ACP Enable
This column indicates if the wireless access point is enabled. N/A indicates that the station in that
row is not an Access Point station.
Connectivity
The CONNECTIVITY tab of the NETWORK INFORMATION screen contains a read-only listing of sta-
tions and their current connectivity. RadioNET Manager calculates connectivity quality based upon
signal strength and interference on the carrier.
You can use this tab to test the connectivity of the stations listed so that you can determine each
station’s ability to communicate with your station. Table 2 on page ?? lists the numeric and color rat-
ings for Connectivity ratings 0 - 5. During the test, RadioNET Manager updates station connectivity
ratings dynamically.
Name
This column displays the station name for each station within the network to be tested.
RADIONET MANAGER
SECTION 2:
10

Figure 12: Network Information and Connectivity Screen
Quality (Colored) Column
The Quality column is immediately to the right of the name columns. The quality of communication
is rated from 0 - 5, with 5 being the highest, or best possible score. This column indicates the con-
nectivity (or quality) of communication with that station. This number may change when station
connectivity is tested. Right click on the white area of the screen for a percent scale, instead of a
0 - 5 scale.
Figure 13: Connectivity Screen using Percent Scale
Start
The Start button is the first button to the left at the bottom of the connectivity screen. Click it to ini-
tiate the connectivity test for communication quality of stations within the network. When the test is
initiated, an animated icon appears in the left-hand corner of the screen throughout the testing process.
RADIONET MANAGER
SECTION 2:
11

Stop
The Stop button is located at the bottom of the screen between the Start and Reset buttons. By
clicking the Stop button, you can end the connectivity test, making the animated icon in the left-
hand corner disappear. If you change to another RadioNET Manager screen, or minimize RadioNET
Manager the test stops.
Table 2: Signal Quality
Score Color Transceiver Orientation
5 Green Best location
4 Green Good location
3 Yellow Improve if possible
0,1,2 Red Need to Improve
Reset
The Reset button is located on the bottom-right hand corner of the screen. This button allows you
to clear information collected during the connectivity test, and restart the test.
Statistics
RadioNET Manager collects statistics including these while monitoring another station (see
Monitoring Another Station on page 6).
The NETWORK AND INFORMATION STATISTICS screen tab is a read-only screen that provides the fol-
lowing statistical data about network station transmissions and receipts:
• Total number of transmissions
• Percent of successful transmissions
• Average number of retransmissions
• Total number of failed transmissions
• Rate of transmissions in Frames/sec
Figure 14: Network Information and Statistics Screen
• Total number of deferred transmissions
• Total number of transmissions received
• Rate of receiving in Frames/sec
RADIONET MANAGER
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Transmit and Receive Totals
Indicates the total number of frames sent to and received from other stations.
Successful %
The percentage of test frames that successfully reached their destination station.
Avg Retrans
This field displays the average number of retransmissions. The system retransmits a data frame
when the remote station has not acknowledged the original frame.
Failed
This field displays the total number of frames that were not acknowledged by the remote station.
Transmit and Receive Rate
This field displays the speed at which the frames are being sent or received each second.
Deferral
This field displays the number of frames that were deferred to the deferral buffer, and were not
transmitted over the network. Frames are deferred when they are damaged, or otherwise not suit-
able for reliable broadcast.
Transmit and Receive Reset
This button clears the information from all fields in the same section of the screen.
Network Diagnostic View
Ping
The NETWORK PING screen allows you to send test frames to any of the stations on the wireless
network. Ping does not test stations connected to a hard-wired network. The test frame forces a
response from the remote station, which acknowledges the test. This test continues until you
choose Cancel or until the Frames sent field equals the Frames to send field on the screen. During
the test, several read-only fields report the status of the test. This information will help you deter-
mine how well each station is communicating within the network.
Figure 15: Network Ping Screen
Explicit Address
This check box causes the Destination drop down list box to change to a field to type in MAC
addresses. If this box is not checked, the Destination drop down list box displays a list of station
names on the network which have the same Subnet ID as this station.
RADIONET MANAGER
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Frames to Send
This field allows you to select the number of data frames that you will transmit to the station listed
in the Destination box.
Frame Size
This field allows you to select the size of data frames that you will transmit to the station listed in
the Destination box.
Frames Sent
This read-only field indicates the total number of frames that have been sent during the Ping test.
Acknowledgements
This display-only field tallies the total number of acknowledgements received by this station. This
field only counts acknowledgements from the Station in the Destination box.
Successful
This display-only field indicates the percentage of the total frames that were acknowledged by the
station being tested.
Average Retrans
This display-only field indicates the average retransmissions per frame.
Cancel
The Cancel button stops the Ping test before it finishes sending all the frames in the Frames to
Send field. Statistics gathered in display-only fields stop counting, but continue to display until
exiting the screen. RadioNET Manager stores these statistics until you exit the program.
RADIONET MANAGER
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14

RadioLan has provided this information to help you quickly and easily install the station equipment.
Please read the entire information before you begin. Remember to remove power from your PC
before handling circuit boards.
PREPARING THE TRANSCEIVER
The Transceiver is the only external component in the RadioLAN system (see Figure 16). It contains
an internal radio and antenna that allow your personal computer to communicate with other com-
puters on the same network without making hard-wired cable connections to a hub. Each PC using
RadioLAN to connect to the wireless network must have a transceiver.
There is an indicator LED on the transceiver between the two cylindrical antennas. The indicator
illuminates when your station senses activity on the network.
The transceiver comes complete with a stand, used for placing it onto your computer’s monitor or
on a cubical wall. Simply slide the transceiver into the stand (see Figure 17), then place the trans-
ceiver onto a flat surface, or hang it from a cubical wall.
Figure 16: The Transceiver Figure 17: Sliding the Transceiver into the Stand
IN S T ALLING THE PCI CARDLINK
The purpose of the PCI CardLINK adapter card is to interface the transceiver with your personal
computer. It connects to a primary bus PCI slot in your PC.
Before installing the PCI CardLINK card, remove power from your PC, then open the PC by following
the PC manufacturer’s instructions.
1. Locate an available PCI slot on your computer’s system board. Look on page 2 for cautions on
PCI slots and systems.
2. Static electricity may damage the components on the adapter card. Touch a grounded metallic
object before handling the card. It is best to handle the card by holding its bracket or edges.
Remove the PCI CardLINK card from its static-resistant packaging.
3. Record the serial number in the space provided on your QuickStart Guide.
4. Align the PCI CardLINK card’s edge connector with the opening in the slot.
5. While holding the card perpendicular to the system board, press the card firmly into the slot.
Figure 19. Aligning and connecting the Adapter Card
INSTALLING THE PCI CARDLINK™150 AND TRANSCEIVER
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6. Secure the card’s bracket to the PC chassis by installing the screw provided with the PC.
7. Follow the PC manufacturer’s instructions while closing your PC’s enclosure.
Figure 20: Securing the Bracket to the PC Chassis
CONNECTING THE TRANSCEIVER CABLE TO THE PCI CARDLINK
The connector at the end of the transceiver cable does not fit the jack on the Model 150 card’s
bracket.
1. Connect the connector with screws on the adapter cable to the connector at the end of the trans-
ceiver’s cable.
2. Using the adapter cable provided with the kit, attach the connnector with the locking mechanism
to the Model 150 card’s jack.
The connector only attaches to the card in one direction. As you plug the connecter into the jack,
the ends of the two levers move slightly inward, then spring outward as the connector is completely
inserted into the jack of the card. This locks the connector into the jack.
Figure 21: Connecting the Transceiver to the Adapter Card
Figure 22: The Cable Connector
INSTALLING THE PCI CARDLINK™150 AND TRANSCEIVER
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PL A CING THE RADIO TRANSCEIVER
You can place the radio transceiver onto a desktop, or you can hang the transceiver on a cubical
wall. If you choose to hang the transceiver, use a strip of Velcro™to secure the stand to the top of
the wall. When placing the transceiver, follow these guidelines:
• Never place the transceiver in an area where it will be closely surrounded by objects that can block
its signal.
• Always orient the antenna perpendicular to the horizon. You can point the antenna to the
ceiling or to the floor.
• Always locate the transceiver within 120 feet of other wireless stations in the network.
Figure 23: Placing the stand on a Desktop Figure 24: Hanging the Stand from a Cubicle Wall
UNPLUGGING THE CONNECTOR
To remove the connector from the jack, you must press both side levers inward. This releases the
locking mechanism. While pressing the levers inward, gently pull the connector away from the jack.
Be careful not to pull the smaller PCMCIA card out of the main adapter.
Never grasp and tug the cable to remove the connector from the jack. Using the cable to pull the
connector away from the jack can damage the cable. Always grasp the connector as you remove it
from the jack.
INSTALLING THE PCI CARDLINK™150 AND TRANSCEIVER
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WINDOWS 95 B OR LATER
The PCI CardLINK can be inserted before or after driver installation. Windows 95 cannot detect the
adapter, so bring up the Control Panel by clicking on Start, then Settings, then Control Panel.
Choose Add New Hardware from the Control Panel, then Click on Next.
Figure 26: Add New Hardware
Choose No, so Windows does not search for an adapter, then Click on Next.
Figure 27: Search For New Hardware
Choose Network Adapters from the list, and Click on Next.
Figure 28: Network Adapters
Click on Have Disk, then insert the RadioLAN 10BaseRadio PCI Driver CD.
DRIVER INSTALLATION
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