StarTech.com PCI511WB User manual

802.11b Wireless LAN PCI Adapter
PCI511WB
Instruction Guide
The Professionals’ Source For Hard-to-Find Computer Parts
WIRELESS LAN PCI
ADAPTER
* Actual product may vary from photo

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Caution
This equipment must be installed and operated in accordance with provided
instructions and a minimum 20cm (8 inches) spacing must be provided between
computer mounted antenna and a person’s body (including extremities of hands, wrists,
and feet) during wireless modes of operation.
R&TTE Compliance Statement
This equipment complies with all the requirements of DIRECTIVE 1999/5/CE OF THE
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL of March 9, 1999 on radio equipment
and telecommunication terminal Equipment and the mutual recognition of their
conformity (R&TTE).
The R&TTE Directive repeals and replaces in the directive 98/13/EEC
(Telecommunications Terminal Equipment and Satellite Earth Station Equipment) as of
April 8, 2000.
Safety
This equipment is designed with the utmost care for the safety of those who install and
use it. However, special attention must be paid to the dangers of electric shock and
static electricity when working with electrical equipment. All guidelines of this and of
the computer manufacturer must therefore be allowed at all times to ensure the safe use
of the equipment.
EU Countries Intended for Use
The ETSI version of this device is intended for home and office use in Austria, Belgium,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the
Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The ETSI version of
this device is also authorized for use in EFTA member states: Iceland, Liechtenstein,
Norway, and Switzerland.

1
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Monitoring Your Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Using the Configuration Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Link State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Appendix A: Installation Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Appendix B: Setting Up a Wireless Ad Hoc Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Appendix C: Setting Up an Infrastructure Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

2
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a StarTech.com wireless LAN PCI adapter. Based on the IEEE
802.11b 2.4 GHz wireless standard, the PCI511WB instantly provides your desktop
computer with wireless LAN (WLAN) access. The card features advanced wireless
security technology like Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) and Advanced
Encryption Standard (AES) and up to 11 Mbits/sec of fast data transfer.
Whether you are setting up a peer-to-peer Ad Hoc network with other computers using
802.11b devices (like the StarTech.com USB511WB or CB511WB) or setting up an
Infrastructure network with a wireless access point (like the StarTech.com WAP1011BB),
this cardbus adapter is the perfect way to add your computer to your wireless network.
Features
•Complies with IEEE 802.11b (DSSS) 2.4 GHz standard
•Uses high-speed data transfer rate up to 11 Mbits/sec
•Supports 64/128-bit AES/TKIP/WEP Data Encryption for advanced LAN security
•Supports peer-to-peer communication between wireless users with no Access Point
required
•Automatic rate fallback enables data reliability
•Supports power save mode
•Use detachable antenna with long cable for easy antenna positioning
•Backed by StarTech.com’s lifetime year warranty
Before You Begin
To ensure a quick and easy card installation, please read through this section carefully
before attempting to install the card.
WARNING! PCI cards, like all computer equipment, can be severely damaged by static
electricity. Be sure that you are properly grounded before opening your computer case or
touching your PCI card. StarTech.com recommends that you wear an anti-static strap
when installing any computer component. If an anti-static strap is unavailable, discharge
yourself of any static electricity build-up by touching a large grounded metal surface
(such as the computer case) for several seconds. Also be careful to handle the PCI card by
its edges and not the gold connectors.
System Requirements
•Adesktop computer running Windows XP, 2000, Me, 98SE, WinCE.Net or Linux
•An open PCI slot

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Package Contents
•1x PCI511WB wireless PCI adapter
•1x removable antenna (with cable)
•1x driver/utility CD
Installation
This section will guide you through the installation of your PCI card and the related
software. Please read through the instructions carefully and complete each step in the
order listed.
NOTE: The following instructions are for Windows users only. Linux users should
consult their Linux vendor for installation details.
Installing the Card and Drivers
1. Make sure that your system is unplugged and you are grounded.
2. Remove the cover of your system (see your computer's user manual for details, if
necessary) and gently turn your computer onto its side.
3. Locate an empty PCI slot (usually white in colour) and remove the metal plate that
covers the rear bracket. You may need a Phillips screwdriver to perform this step.
Hang on to the screw! You will need it to secure the card later.
4. Gently insert the card into the empty slot, making sure it is firmly seated.
5. Secure the card in place using the screw you removed in Step 3.
6. Put the computer case back on and turn your computer on.
7. Windows will automatically detect the new device. Insert your driver/utility disk
into the disk drive and direct the system to the appropriate location in the “Driver”
folder on the CD. For example, Windows 2000 users should select the
“Driver\Win2000” folder. The system will now install the necessary drivers.
Removing the Windows XP Wireless Utility
Windows XP has contains a default built-in wireless network utility. It is recommended
that you use the utility provided with the PCI511WB. To remove the default Windows
utility, perform the following steps:
1. Click on Start, Control Panel, and select Network Connections.
2. Right click Wireless Network Connection, and click Properties.
3. Click the Wireless Networks tab.
4. Clear the “Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings” checkbox and
click OK.

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Installing the Utility
1. With your driver/utility in your disk drive, open the Utility folder and click on the
Setup.exe file.
2. Click Next to begin the installation.
3. Click Yes to accept the license agreement. The utility will now be installed on your
system.
4. Click Finish to complete the installation.
5. When the utility is completely installed, a shortcut named Rtl8180 will appear on
your desktop. There will also be a new icon in your taskbar. To use your wireless PCI
adapter, double-click on the shortcut or click on the icon.
Monitoring Your Card
The two LEDs on the card are good indications of the card’s activity and status.
Link: This green LED indicates a proper connection to the network.
Tx/Rx: This orange LED indicates when there is activity on the network.
Using the Configuration Utility
The Configuration Utility helps you configure your PCI511WB and monitor your link
status and network statistics. You can change the following parameters while the device
is active.
To bring up the configuration utility, double-click on the Rtl8180 shortcut or click on the
icon in your taskbar. There are four tabs available on the configuration utility:
•Configuration (p. 5): From the Configuration tab, you can configure different aspects
of your adapter, including your network type, power setting modes, radio channel,
and data rate.
•Link State (p. 7): The Link State screen gives you information about your wireless
connection, including signal strength, signal quality, and transmission statistics.
•Security (p. 9): The Security tab allows you to customize your security settings,
including WEP, TKIP, and AES WLAN technologies.
•Statistics (p. 11): From the Statistics tab, you can get real time information about
packet transmission and receiving status.

5
Configuration
Parameter Description
Network Type Infrastructure: Select this mode if you are using an
802.11 wireless access point like the StarTech.com
WAP1011BB. All communication is done via the WAP.
Ad Hoc: Use this wireless mode if you are connecting
to another wireless base station like the StarTech.com
CB511WB without using an access point.
SSID The SSID is the unique name that identifies a WLAN. The
ID can be up to 32 printable ASCII characters and
prevents the unintentional merging of two co-located
WLANs. Only adapters with identical SSIDs can
communicate with each other.
Fragment Threshold This value defines the maximum size of a packet. Any
packet larger than this value will be fragmented. The
range for this threshold is 256 to 2432 bytes. When
altering this value, minor changes are recommended.
RTS Threshold This value defines the minimum packet size for a
Request to Send (RTS). For packets smaller than this
threshold, an RTS is not sent and the packet is
transmitted directly to the WLAN. The range for this
threshold is 0 to 2432 bytes. When altering this value,
minor changes are recommended.
Beacon Interval This field specifies the duration between beacon
packets (fixed at 100 milliseconds). Beacon packets
include information about the adapter and are
broadcasted to the WLAN at set intervals.

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(Configuration, continued)
Click Apply to save your configuration settings. Click Undo to cancel the settings.
Power Save CAM (Continous Access Mode): Adapter will always be
in Active Mode.
Max: Puts the adapter in power saving mode when idle.
Fast: Puts the adapter in power saving mode when idle,
but allows some components of the adapter to remain
alive. This mode consumes more power than Max mode.
Use Short Preamble Check this box if you want to use the short preamble
type. The preamble defines the length of the CRC block
for communication between the access point and the
adapter. High network traffic areas should use a short
preamble.
Turn Off Radio Check this box to disable the adapter’s wireless
connection.
Show Icon in System Tray Check this box to show the adapter’s icon in your system
tray.
Channel Select the radio channel you want to use for networking.
This field is not active in Infrastructure mode.
Auto Select Rate Check this box if you want the adapter to automatically
choose the most suitable transmission rate.
1MBps, 2MBps, 5.5MBps, If you do not have Auto Select Rate enabled, choose one
11MBps of the following for each field:
Not Used: Prohibits the adapter from operating at this
rate.
Used: Allows the adapter to operate at this rate.
Basic: Restricts the adapter to operate at at least this data
rate. At least one of the fields must be set to Basic.
In case of obstacles or interference where the Basic rate(s)
is unattainable, the adapter will try to use the data rates
listed as Used.

7
Link State
Parameter Description
Current Channel Shows the current channel used for your wireless
connection.
Data Rate Shows the data rate of your wireless connection.
Link State Checking Status: The adapter is checking the status of
the connection.
Not Associated: The connection has been interrupted.
Press the Rescan button to reconnect the wireless device.
Associated: The adapter is successfully linked to a
wireless device.
Pressing the Detail button shows you the parameters and
link status of the adapter.
Signal Strength This bar indicates the signal strength. A higher
percentage indicates that more radio signal has been
received. You can use this indicator to help find a suitable
location for the adapter. See also Appendix A: Installation
Considerations on page 13.
Signal Quality This bar indicates the quality of the link. The higher the
percentage, the better the quality of the link.
MAC Address Shows the MAC address of the adapter.
Statistics Shows the amount of data packets that have been
successfully/unsuccessfully transmitted or received by
the adapter.

8
Site Survey
The Site Survey button shows all nearby access points or adapters. Click the Refresh
button to collect the SSID and Channel information of all the wireless devices near your
adapter. Double-click on a device in the list to automatically connect to it.

9
Security
Parameter Description
Data Encryption None: Disables WEP Data Encryption.
WEP: Enables WEP Data Encryption. If you enable WEP,
you need to continue by setting the WEP key length and
encryption keys.
TKIP: Enables TKIP Data Encryption. If you enable TKIP
you need to continue by setting the TKIP key length and
encryption keys.
AES: Enables AES Data Encryption. If you enable AES,
you need to continue by setting the AES key length and
encryption keys.
For a further description of the different types of
encryption, see the following page.
Auth Alogorithm This setting must be consistent with the wireless device
you want the adapter to connect to.
Open System: No authentication is needed.
Shared Key: Only wireless devices using a shared key
(WEP, TKIP, or AES) are allowed to connect. You must
make sure that the same key has been set up on both
devices.
Auto Switch:Auto switch the authentication algorithm
depending on the wireless device the adapter is
connecting to.

10
(Security, continued)
Data Encryption
WEP is an authentication alogorithm that protects authorized WLAN users against
eavesdropping. WEP has been found to have some security problems. TKIP is a
temporary quick-fix method defined in the IEEE 802.11i standard to quickly overcome
the weaknesses in WEP security. AES has been developed to ensure the highest degree of
security and authenticity for digital information and is the most advanced solution
defined by IEEE 802.11i for security in the wireless network.
The security setting must be the same on the wireless network. The adapter supports
64/128-bit WEP, TKIP, and AES encryption functions.
Default Key ID Select one of the keys (1~4) as the encryption key.
Key Length Select either 64 or 128-bits. Larger key lengths provide
more security but reduce throughput.
Key 1 ~ Key 4 Fill in the text box by following the rules below:
64-bit: Enter 10 Hexidecimal digits (0, 1, 2 ~ 9, a, b, c,
etc) as the encryption key. For example: 012345abcd
128-bit: Enter 26 Hexidecimal digits (0, 1, 2 ~ 9, a, b, c,
etc) as the encryption key. For example:
0123456789abcdef0123456789.
NOTE: Once you have entered the key, the digits will
dissappear and be replaced by * symbols. Make sure that
you write down the key you entered.

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Statistics
The transmission page gives you real time information about packet transmission and
receiving status. The Value represents the number of times the Counter Name has
occurred. In the example above, there have been 6607 packets received (Rx Packet
Count).

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Troubleshooting
If you are experiencing trouble with your PCI511WB, first make sure that the card is
firmly seated in the PCI slot.
•Make sure that the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS settings are correctly
entered for the network. Check with your operating system vendor if you are having
difficulty with these network settings. Remember that each computer must be
configured for networking and file sharing before the wireless network is in place.
•Make sure that you have selected the proper network connection mode. Use Ad Hoc
mode if you are connecting two wireless devices without an access point. Use
Infrastructure mode when you are using an access point.
•If you are in Infrastructure mode, make sure that the same SSID is specified for each
wireless client and access point. In Ad-Hoc mode, make sure both wireless clients
have the same SSID.
•If you have enabled encryption options, make sure that the correct encryption key has
been entered on each device. Make sure that the key selected on your PCI511WB is
the same key entered on the other wireless device you want to connect to.
•If your wireless card appears as an “Unknown device” in the Device Manager,
remove the device from Device Manager and repeat the installation procedure.
•Make sure that there are no resource conflicts that may exist. Check your Device
Manager to make sure that device has installed properly.
•If you are experiencing intermittent network connections, try re-orienting the adapter.
See Appendix A: Installation Considerations on page 13 for more details.
•If there is no network association after your adapter wakes up from sleep mode, try
restarting your computer.

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Appendix A: Installation Considerations
The PCI511WB lets you use your desktop computer to access your WLAN, but there are
some things to keep in mind when attempting to set up a wireless connection. The
wireless signal range can be limited by the number, location, thickness, and material of
ceilings, walls or similar that the signal must pass through. To maximize your wireless
range, keep the following considerations in mind when positioning your antenna:
•Try to minimize the number of walls, ceilings, and similar between your wireless
devices. Each wall or ceiling the signal must cross can reduce the signal range by
up to 90 feet (30 m). Position your receiving devices so that the path between them is
as unobstructed as possible.
•The type of material the wireless signal must cross through also affects its range. A
solid metal door or concrete wall can decrease the signal’s range. Whenever possible,
position the adapters so that the signal can pass between drywall or open doors.
•Make sure that you are aware of the line the signal must take to travel between
devices. The angle that the signal is on as it travels through a door, wall, or ceiling
affects how thick the obstruction is. For example, if a wall is 1.5 feet thick and the
signal passes through it at a 45-degree angle, the signal must pass through 3 feet (1m)
of wall. At a 2-degree angle, the wall appears to be 42 feet (14m) thick. Always try to
position your devices so that the signal can travel at 90-degree angles.
•Electrical devices or appliances that generate RF noise (such as microwaves, electric
motors or computer monitors) can interfere with the wireless signal. Try to keep your
adapter at least 3-6 feet (1-2 m) away from these types of devices.

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Appendix B: Setting Up A Wireless Ad Hoc Network
To install an Ad Hoc network, you need two computers and two wireless adapters.
Follow the instructions below to set up an Ad Hoc network between your two adapters,
using the product Quick Install or Instruction Guides for details when necessary.
1. Install your PCI511WB network adapter, drivers, and utility program to your
computer using the instructions provided in the Quick Install guide.
2. Install your second 802.11b wireless adapter, drivers, and utility program to your
other computer using the instructions provided in the Quick Install guide.
3. Using your configuration utility, set each adapter to Ad Hoc mode and make sure
that both adapters are on the same Channel and have the same SSID (see
Configuration on page 5 and 6 for details).
4. From your operating system software, make sure that the IP addresses assigned to
each computer are in the same range as (but not identical to) each other and
that the computers use the same subnet mask. Check with your operating system
vendor for information on setting up networking and file sharing.
For example, if your first computer has an IP address of 192.168.0.2 and a subnet
mask of 255.255.255.0, your second computer could be assigned an IP address of
192.168.0.3 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0.
5. When you have installed all the proper components, use the instructions on your
Quick Install or Instruction guide to connect your two devices.

15
Appendix C: Setting Up an Infrastructure Network
An Infrastructure network consists of both Wired and Wireless elements joined by a
Wireless Access Point. Follow the instructions below to set up an Infrastructure network
between your two adapters, using the product Quick Install or Instruction Guides for
details when necessary.
The example above assumes a previously established wired network with Internet
sharing supplied via a router.
1. Connect your wireless access point to one of your router’s LAN ports using an
Ethernet cable. Use the access point’s instruction guide for installation details.
2. Install your wireless adapters, including their drivers and utility programs using
the instructions provided by the vendor.
3. From your configuration utility, make sure that your Network Type, SSID, Channel,
and Security Settings are all set to the same values for each device on your wireless
network. Also make sure that the IP addresses for each device are in the same range
as (but not identical to) each other and that the computers use the same subnet mask.
Note: You may be able to use your Wireless Access Point to configure these settings
on your wireless adapters. Check with your WAP’s documentation for details.

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Glossary
802.11b: A family of IEEE-defined specifications for wireless networks. The 802.11b
standard supports data transfer rates up to 11 Mbits/sec in the 2.4 GHz band using DSSS
technology. Also known as WiFi.
Access Point: See wireless access point.
Ad Hoc: A wireless computer-to-computer LAN. An Ad Hoc network can consist of two
devices with wireless adapters, and does not require a WAP, router, or gateway. Also
known as peer-to-peer mode.
BSS (Basic Service Set): In Infrastructure mode, a BSS consists of a Wireless Access Point
and the adapters associated with it.
DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum): A transmission technology used as the basis
for 802.11b wireless transmissions. DSSS helps increase a signal’s resistance to
interference and allows for some data bit recovery.
Encryption: The transformation of data into encoded ciphertext to ensure data
transmission can not be accessed by users outside the network. Encryption uses an
encryption algorithm and encryption keys to encode and decode the information. See
also WEP.
Encryption Algorithm: A formula used to convert data from understandable “plaintext”
into encoded “ciphertext.” Each algorithm uses a key (a string of bits) to perform the
calculations. The larger the key (most are 64 or 128-bits in length), the more difficult to
break the code.
ESS (Extended Service Set): In Infrastructure mode, the ESS consists of two or more
BSSes in the same subnet.
IBSS (Independent Basic Service Set): In Ad Hoc mode, an IBSS consists of two or more
wireless devices that communicate directly and do not use a wireless access point.
Infrastructure: A network configuration that typically combines both wired and wireless
elements. Wireless devices communicate with a WAP in order to communicate with each
other and with the wired elements of the network.
IP Address (Internet Protocol Address): An assigned number used to identify a computer
on a network. An IP address consists of four numbers less than 255 separated by periods
(for example, 192.168.2.1).
LAN (Local Area Network): A group of computers and devices connected together in a
relatively small area (such as a house or an office).
MAC Address (Media Access Control Address): A unique serial number that identifies a
piece of hardware connected to a network.
Plug and Play: A set of specifications that allows a computer to automatically detect and
configure hardware devices. With Plug and Play computers, any new hardware device
that is connected to a computer will automatically be recognised without the user having
to tell the computer the device has been added.

17
SSID (Service Set Identifier): A name that uniquely identifies a WLAN. In order for
wireless devices to communicate with each other, they must have the same SSID.
Subnet: An identifiably separate part of a network that is interconnected with, but still
independent from, the rest of the network. Subnets can help improve network security
and performance and typically use a router.
Subnet Mask: A technique used by the IP protocol to filter messages into a particular
network segment or subnet. Subnet masks are expressed as four decimal numbers
between 0 and 255 separated by periods. (Example: 255.255.255.1) It is used to create
private IP addresses for use within a particular network. Also known as a network mask.
WAN (Wide Area Network): A network that connects computers in geographically
separated areas. The Internet is an example of a WAN.
WAP (Wireless Access Point): A networking device that seamlessly connects wired and
wireless networks. Used in Infrastructure networks, a wireless access point is capable of
connecting to an Ethernet network as well as an 802.11 network.
WEP (Wired Equivalent Protocol): A security protocol designed to provide a wireless
network with the same level of security as a wired LAN. WEP offers protection primarily
by encrypting the information that flows between adapters.
Wi-Fi: See 802.11b.

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Technical Specifications
Standard IEEE 802.11b
Interface PCI V2.2/2.1
Frequency Band 2.400~2.4835 GHz (Industrial Scientific Medical Band)
Modulation CCK@11.5/5.5 Mbits/sec, DQPSK@2 Mbits/sec
DBPSK@1 Mbit/sec
Radio Technology Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)
Data Rate 11/5/5/2/1 Mbits/sec
Security 61/128-bit WEP encryption
Antenna External detachable dipole antenna with RP-SMA
Drivers Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, XP, WinCE.net, Linux
LEDs Tx/Rx, Link
Transmit Power 16 dBm ~ 18 dBm
Channels 1~11: North America
Operating Temperature 32~131ºF (0~55ºC)
Humidity 5-95% (non-condensing)
Certification FCC, CE