Virtual Cable Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Ethernet Radio User Guide
Virtual Cable Wi-Fi Wireless Ethernet User’s Manual Copyright Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Complying with all applicable copyright laws is the responsibility of the user. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of the seller. If, however, your only means of access is electronic, permission to print one copy is hereby granted.
Contents Virtual Cable Wi-Fi User’s Manual Chapter 1 Introduction Data Sheet 1 2 Chapter 2 Installation Installing the Hardware Power Ethernet connection Status LEDs Installing the Utility Software 3 3 3 3 4 4 Chapter 3 Utility Software Use the Utility Program Overview of the Tabs Configure Virtual Cable Wi-Fi Configure Virtual Cable Wi-Fi as an Access Point Configure Virtual Cable Wi-Fi as a Station Set up the Encryption Obtain the Link Information View the Packet Statistics Uninstall the Utility Softw
Chapter 1 Introduction The Virtual Cable Wi-Fi is an 802.11b compliant radio with a 10-BaseT interface, Power-Over-Ethernet (POE), and an indoor/ outdoor enclosure. The Virtual Cable Wi-Fi is available with an integrated 9dBi or 15 dBi patch antenna, or an N-type external antenna connector. Note: Throughout this user guide, the terms “Virtual cable Wi-Fi” and “Wireless Ethernet adapter” are used interchangeably.
workstations or other kinds of computing devices into the existing network—just like a hub. A Utility program is needed to pre-configure Virtual Cable Wi-Fi prior to putting the radio in operation. And the Utility program can be used to monitor the communication condition once the radio is in operation. Once configured, the radio runs self-sufficiently without the aid of any driver program in the host computer connected to the radio.
Specifications Model Virtual Cable Wi-Fi (AVCW 100/200/109/209/115/215) Standard 802.11 and 802.11b Host Interface Ethernet, 802.3, RJ-45 receptacle Frequency 2.4GHz – 2.495GHz RF Channels 11 channels (US, Canada), 13 channels (Europe), 13 channels (Japan) Transmission power 14dBm at antenna input typical Receiver sensitivity -80dBm @1e-5 BER typical Antenna Patch antenna with ~9dBi gain Data Rate 11, 5.
Chapter 2 Installing the Wireless Ethernet Adapter Installing the Hardware Power This radio uses OTC's Power-Over-Ethernet system to bring power and data to the radio over OTC's specialized Ariel Category-5 Ethernet cable (supplied with the standard purchase). This is accomplished by using a DC Injector that sits between the Network and the Radio and uses a standard wall outlet for DC power. To setup the Virtual Cable Wi-Fi, follow the instructions below: 1.
Once the hardware is checked out to work properly with the intended host device or network equipment, the radio can be secured to a desired location using the bundled mounting kit. Above: (left) schematic of Virtual Cable Wi-Fi Access Point connected to a network. (right) schematic of Virtual Cable Wi-Fi Station connected to a terminal PC.
Installing the Utility Software System Requirements To use the Virtual Cable Wi-Fi utilities software, your computer must meet the following minimum requirements: Windows® 95 (OSR2)/ 98 (SEC)/ME/2000/XP Ethernet capable computer with RJ-45 port (either built-in or add-on NIC) Installation To install the utility program, simply insert the CD-ROM provided and the installation process will finish with you clicking a few “OK’s”.
Chapter 3 The Utility Software Use the Utility Program Once the radio is properly turned on and connected either directly to the computer running the Utility program or to a port on the same subnet, the Utility is ready for use. To start the Utility program from your Microsoft Windows, click “Start”, then “Program”, move to locate the “Virtual Cable Wi-Fi” group and click on the Utility program icon to launch the Utility program. Overview of the Tabs There are five tabs inside the Utility graphic interface.
Configure Virtual Cable Wi-Fi as an Access Point (ASR-102) By checking the “Change Role to AP” (red-arrowed in screen-shot #3), most Screen-Shot #2 Screen-Shot #3 parameter fields become undimmed and modifiable, as seen in screen-shot #3 . With the exception of the “MAC” field, and sometimes the “Allowed Station List” field, each field can be modified and uploaded into the radio by clicking the Apply button without exiting the program, or by clicking the OK button right before exiting the program.
Each field on this “Access Point” sub-tab is explained below. Device Name: Allows the user to enter a user-defined name for the radio. Up to 32 bytes can be used. MAC: Displays the MAC address of the radio when it is configured as an AP. This field cannot be modified. SSID: Service Set Identity is used by a station radio when issuing Association/Re-association Requests to the Access Point. The Access Point uses the match of the SSID as one of the optional conditions for granting or refuting association.
exactly the same SSID as the SSID entered in this sub-tab. The tightest level of network access control is implemented in Level 3, [Hide SSID, Match SSID, Use Allowed List], add one additional criterion for a Station to gain access to the network associated with this AP—its MAC address must appear in the “Allowed Station List” (see below) shown in the lower-right corner of this sub-tab.
system” mode. When the “shared key” option is chosen, the “Encryption” tab of the Utility program must be properly filled out. Fragmentation Threshold: In the presence of hostile RF environment, such as interference, frames longer than this threshold numbers in bytes are divided prior to transmission into one or more fragments equal in length to the fragmentation threshold. The default value is set at 2436 bytes, the maximum 802.11 data frame size, such that no frames are ever fragmented.
Configure Virtual Cable Wi-Fi as a Station (ACR-201) Click on the “Station” sub-tab to display the “Station” page if the “Access Point” page is on top after clicking the “Configuration” tab. Similar to the case of configuring the radio for AP, checking the “Change Role to Station” undims the page and makes most fields modifiable. Some of the fields on the Station sub-tab are identical to those on the “Access Point” sub-tab. Please refer to the “Access Point” section for explanation of these fields.
PS Mode: Power Saving can be enabled only when “Infrastructure” is selected for the “Network Type”. Channel: This field is modifiable only when the “Ad hoc” type is selected for “Network Type”. The Station automatically scans for the right channel to join when operated in the “Infrastructure” mode. In the “Ad hoc” mode, the Station also automatically scans for the right channel to join an existing “ad hoc” Service Set.
Wi-Fi radio will generate an identical set of default keys. The same pass-phrase applied to other Wi-Fi radios, however, may result in very different keys. For this reason, clicking the Apply button after entering the pass-phrase will cause the 4 sets of keys being temporarily displayed under “Manual Entry” as if they were entered manually. (See screen-shots #9 and #10, the display in screen-shot #10 is dimmed and not modifiable.
received data encrypted in any one of the four default keys, but it uses only one of the default keys for transmitting its data. When Use Dynamic WEP Key is checked, only 3 default keys are available for selection (Screen Shot #11). Note that once the Dynamic WEP Key is in force, the Transmission Key Selection (Screen Shot#12) made by the user is only used in the authentication process and is irrelevant in the encryption of transmitted data.
measures are related, but could differ due to various reasons. In general, as a first step toward maximizing Link Quality, one should try to maximize the Signal Strength by moving the radio around. If the radio’s role is AP, the “Link Quality” and “Signal Strength” are not displayed (Screen Shot #14).
Uninstall the Utility Software If you need to uninstall the Utility software for any reason, complete the following steps: 1. Close all programs that are currently running. 2. Click the Window Start button, point to Settings and then click the Control Panel. 3. Double click the Add/Remove Programs icon. 4. Click the Virtual Cable Wi-Fi. This will uninstall the utility program from your computer.
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting Blank Pages Appear When Open the Utility Program This is either because the radio is extremely busy on the RF side or because the Ethernet connection is problematic. Try to hit the Refresh button a few times. If the blank-page condition persists, it is unlikely that the problem is caused by a busy radio. Check your Ethernet connection. Make sure you use at least a legitimate CAT-3 cable, but preferably a CAT-5.
• Make sure that the MAC address of the Station in question is properly entered into the “Allowed Station List” of the AP if enhanced security level 3, [Hide SSID, Match SSID, Use Allowed List], is chosen. • Make sure that the Station in question has exactly the same SSID as the AP if enhanced security level 2 or 3 is chosen. • Make sure that the Station in question has exactly the same WEP keys as the AP.
• Make sure that the radio is not surrounded by many strongly reflecting (metallic) surfaces. With multiple reflecting surfaces between the radio in question and the target radio, a severe “multi-path” problem may introduce high bit error rate despite a strong “Signal Strength”. • Make sure that there is not a condition of severe packet collision caused by a “hidden node” problem.
Appendix A: Limited Warranty Wireless LAN Hardware The seller warrants to the end user (“Customer”) that this hardware product will be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and service, for one (1) year from the date of purchase from the seller or its authorized reseller.
Appendix B: Regulatory Compliance FCC Part 15 Declaration of Conformity (DoC) The following equipment: Product Name: Wireless Ethernet Adapter Model Number: Virtual Cable Wi-Fi WLAN is herewith confirmed to comply with the requirements of FCC Part 15 rules. The operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Appendix C: Application Scenarios Station Antenna Antenna Station RF Cable Cat. 5 Cable AC/DC Adapter RF Cable Cat. 5 Cable DC Injector Cat. 5 Cable Workstation AC/DC Adapter DC Injector Cat. 5 Cable Workstation PC-to-PC Connections: Each PC is connected to an AVCW unit configured as a station operating in AdHoc mode. All antennas must be positioned such that they can link with all other stations.
Antenna Station RF Cable Cat. 5 Cable Omni Antenna AC/DC Adapter DC Injector Access Point Cat. 5 Cable Cat. 5 Cable Workstation RF Cable Antenna AC/DC Adapter DC Injector Station RF Cable Cat. 5 Cable Cat. 5 Cable DSL Router AC/DC Adapter DC Injector Cat. 5 Cable Workstation Multiple Wireless PC Connections: Each PC is connected to an AVCW unit configured as a station operating in Infrastructure mode. All antennas must be positioned such that they can link with the Access Point antenna.
. Access Point Antenna Station Antenna Router RF cable Cat. 5 Cable AC/DC Adapter RF Cable Cat. 5 Cable DC Injector Workstation DC Injector Workstation Workstation Cat. 5 Cable Internet Router Wireless LAN/WAN Connections: Remote LAN uses a router to NAT to a single MAC address and IP. LAN uses a single AWVC station configured in infrastructure mode. Station antenna must be positioned such that it can link with the Access Point antenna.
Station Antenna Router RF Cable Cat. 5 Cable Omni Antenna DC Injector Workstation Access Point Workstation Cat. 5 Cable RF Cable Station Antenna AC/DC Adapter Workstation DC Injector Cat. 5 Cable Router RF Cable Internet Router Cat. 5 Cable DC Injector Workstation Workstation Workstation Multiple Wireless LANs: Each LAN uses a router to NAT to a single MAC address and IP. Each LAN uses an AWVC station configured in infrastructure mode.
Antenna Statio n Router RF Cable DC Injector Cat. 5 Cable Omni Antenna Access Point Router/ Switch Cat. 5 Cable AC/DC Adapter Router/ Switch RF Cable Workstation DC Injector Workstation Workstation Workstation Workstation Workstation Cat. 5 Cable Internet Router . . . Multiple LANs Through a Single Wireless Link: Each LAN uses a separate router than converges on a single router to present a single MAC address and IP. Single station is configured in infrastructure mode.
Glossary 10BaseT An IEEE standard (802.3) for operating 10 Mbps Ethernet networks (LANs) with twisted pair cabling and a wiring hub. Access Point An internetworking device that seamlessly connects wired and wireless networks. Access Points combined with a distributed system support the creation of multiple radio cells that enable roaming throughout a facility. Ad Hoc Network A network composed solely of stations within mutual communication range of each other (no Access Point connected).
radio 2 and 3 both have good link to radio 1. Radio 2 and 3, however, are isolated from each other by, say, a metal wall. Radio 2 therefore is a “hidden node” to radio 3, and vice versa. Since an 802.11 network relies on the CSMA/CA protocol to control network access, hidden nodes break down the Carrier Sensing mechanism of controlling medium access because two or more radios cannot sense the carrier from each other. IEEE 802.11 The IEEE 802.
PCMCIA Personal Computer Memory Card International Association. This Association develops standards for PC cards, formerly known as PCMCIA cards. These cards are available in three types, and are about the same length and width as credit cards. However, the different cards range in thickness from 3.3 mm (Type I) to 5.0 mm (Type II) to 10.5 mm (Type III). These cards can be used for various functions, including memory storage, landline modems, and wireless modems. PS Mode Power Save Mode.
