Users’ Guide PRO/Wireless 2100A LAN 3B Mini PCI Adapter for Model WM3B2100A
Intel(R) PRO/Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter User's Guide This document provides information for the following wireless devices: ● ● Intel(R) PRO/Wireless LAN 2100A 3B Mini PCI Adapter Intel(R) PRO/Wireless LAN 2100 3B Mini PCI Adapter These wireless adapters operate with high-capacity networks using multiple access points within large or small environments.
Back to Contents Page About Wireless LAN Technology ● ● ● ● ● ● Choosing a WLAN Configuring a WLAN Identifying a WLAN Surveying the Site of Your WLAN Factors Affecting Range Stronger Security A wireless network connects computers without using network cables. Computers use radio communications to send data between each other. You can communicate directly with other wireless computers, or connect to an existing network through a wireless access point.
Configuring a Wireless LAN There are three basic components that must be configured for a wireless LAN to operate properly: ● ● ● Network Name—Each wireless network uses a unique Network Name to identify the network. This name is called the Service Set Identifier (SSID). When you set up your wireless adapter, you specify the SSID. If you want to connect to an existing network, you must use the name for that network.
Conducting a site survey for your wireless LAN is the most crucial step in the process of setting up a wireless network. It greatly reduces the amount of troubleshooting you will have to do once you have the wireless LAN set up and ready for connection testing. To conduct a site survey, you will need the following tools: ● ● ● An access point (or laptop computer) that is set up to be the transmitter. It should be mounted near and at the same height as the designated location of your wireless LAN.
Although wireless networks are easy to use, the main issue lies with security. Even if you enable the security settings defined in the 802.11b standard, as well as the security settings of your hardware, your network is still vulnerable. There are a few things you can do to make it more difficult for outsiders to access your network: ● ● ● ● ● ● Change the default network name of your WLAN. Every manufacturer's default settings are public knowledge.
Back to Contents Page What is a Site Survey? A site survey is an in-depth examination and analysis of a proposed wireless LAN site. The purpose of a site survey is to determine the number of access points needed, the types of antennas needed, and the best placement for those access points and antennas. Although the goal of a site survey is simple, the means of arriving at that goal are not.
4. proposed device location that may interfere with reception or transmission and affect network performance. Document stock and inventory levels, current environmental conditions and any materials that may interfere with the wireless LAN. Measure the radio frequency transmissions. The Intel® PRO/Wireless LAN Site Survey Utility allows you to measure the signal strength, transmission rate and the number of successfully transmitted packets.
Back to Contents Page Software Installation Installing Drivers and Intel(R) PROSet Software See the instructions for your operating system: ● ● ● ● ● Windows XP Windows 2000 Windows NT 4.0 Windows Me Windows 98/98SE Back to Contents Page Copyright (c) 2003 Intel Corporation.
Back to Contents Page Installation under Windows XP Preliminary Notes The installation instructions in this section are based on the following assumptions: ● ● ● The wireless adapter hardware has already been installed in the computer in accordance with the computer manufacturer's instructions. The computer has not been powered on since the hardware installation was completed. No other wireless LAN card is installed in this computer.
Disable Windows XP Wireless Configuration (Required) To disable the Windows XP wireless configuration feature so that you can use Intel(R) PROSet for wireless configuration, continue as follows: Instructions are written for use with the Windows XP Start Menu and Control Panel Category View, not with "Classic" Start Menu or Control Panel views. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Click Start and Control Panel.
Discovery (optional): Some versions of this product do not support the Intel(R) PRO Network Connections menu screen for installation of the Administration Tools. If the Intel(R) PRO Network Connections menu screen does not appear, or if it does not have a menu item for Wireless LAN Adapters, you can start the Administration Tools installer manually using Start > Run and browsing to the file APAdmin.msi in the path APPS/PROSet/2KNET32 on the Intel CD supplied with the product.
Back to Contents Page Troubleshooting ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Using a Profile with an incorrect WEP Encryption Key Problems with installation Before calling Customer Support Users are dropped from the wireless network Range decreases as data rate increases Signal doesn't pass through a short or thin wall Signal strength drops when a cell phone is used in area Range is shorter than it should be Interference from fluorescent lights When too much range is undesirable Prevent access to wireless networks fro
1. 2. Remove and re-install the adapter. Uninstall and reinstall the adapter's drivers.
calibrated antennas, range predictions are quite accurate. This is not true in a “typical” office building, where the walls may be simple drywall (which is almost transparent to microwaves), or could be plaster with metal underneath. Most sites are somewhere between these two extremes, and consist of a mixture of surfaces. You can’t tell what is inside a wall by just looking at it, and we can’t tell you exactly what distance you will achieve.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Select the wireless adapter in the Intel(R) PROSet left side pane. From the General page, check that the Network Name (SSID) and operating mode are correct. If the laptop is configured for ad hoc networking, make sure that the channel is correct. To correct these settings, click the Networks tab. Select the profile being used. Click the Edit button and make the changes. Check Security Settings 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Select the wireless adapter in the Intel(R) PROSet left side pane.
Back to Contents Page Installation under Windows 2000 Preliminary Notes The installation instructions in this section are based on the following assumptions: ● ● ● The wireless adapter hardware has already been installed in the computer in accordance with the computer manufacturer's instructions. The computer has not been powered on since the hardware installation was completed. No other wireless LAN card is installed in this computer.
10. specific encryption settings for your network, then click Next. On the Found New Hardware Wizard screen, click Finish. Proceed to install Intel(R) PROSet. Intel(R) PROSet Installation (Required) Continue with the following steps to install the Intel(R) PROSet wireless configuration utility (required): Some versions of this product do not support the Intel(R) PRO Network Connections menu screen for installation of utility software.
. On the Intel(R) PRO Network Connections screen, click Wireless LAN Adapters. This screen may have been launched in step 4 above. If the screen is not visible when you close the Found New Hardware Wizard dialog, display it by removing and re-inserting the Intel CD, or by running autorun.exe from the CD. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. On the Intel PRO/Wireless LAN Adapters menu screen, click Install AP Admin Tools.
Back to Contents Page Installation under Windows NT 4.0 Preliminary Notes The installation instructions in this section are based on the following assumptions: ● ● ● The wireless adapter hardware has already been installed in the computer in accordance with the computer manufacturer's instructions. The computer has not been powered on since the hardware installation was completed. No other wireless LAN card is installed in the computer in which the Mini PCI Adapter hardware has been installed.
12. 13. 14. 15. 16. Click Close. Enter TCP/IP settings for your network and click OK. When prompted to restart the computer, remove the CD-ROM and click Yes. After the computer has restarted, double-click the Network Neighborhood icon on your desktop. Make sure that you have access to the network. If you can log on your adapter has been properly installed. Proceed to Install Intel(R) PROSet II.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Insert the Intel CD into your CD-ROM drive. The Intel(R) PRO Network Connections screen displays. (If it doesn't display, use Start, Run and launch the file autorun.exe from the Intel CD.) On the Intel(R) PRO Network Connections screen, click Wireless LAN Adapters. On the Intel PRO/Wireless LAN Adapters menu screen, click Install AP Admin Tools. On the Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard for Intel(R) Wireless Administration Tools screen, click Next.
Back to Contents Page Installation under Windows Me Preliminary Notes The installation instructions in this section are based on the following assumptions: ● ● ● The wireless adapter hardware has already been installed in the computer in accordance with the computer manufacturer's instructions. The computer has not been powered on since the hardware installation was completed. No other wireless LAN card is installed in this computer.
CD supplied with the product. Skip Steps 8 and 9 below and continue with Step 10. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. Display the Intel(R) PRO Network Connections screen by removing and re-inserting the Intel CD, or by running autorun.exe from the CD. Click Wireless Adapters. On the Intel PRO/Wireless LAN Adapters menu screen, click Install Software. On the Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard for Intel(R) PROSet II screen, click Next.
Copyright (c) 2003 Intel Corporation.
Back to Contents Page Installation under Windows 98SE Preliminary Notes The installation instructions in this section are based on the following assumptions: ● ● ● The wireless adapter hardware has already been installed in the computer in accordance with the computer manufacturer's instructions. The computer has not been powered on since the hardware installation was completed. No other wireless LAN card is installed in the computer.
9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Display the Intel(R) PRO Network Connections screen by removing and re-inserting the Intel CD, or by running autorun.exe from the CD. Click Wireless Adapters. On the Intel PRO/Wireless LAN Adapters menu screen, click Install Software. On the Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard for Intel(R) PROSet II screen, click Next. On the License Agreement screen, after reading the license agreement, select I accept the terms in the license agreement and click Next.
Copyright (c) 2003 Intel Corporation.
Back to Contents Page Using Wireless Profiles in Intel(R) PROSet ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Creating a New Profile Creating a VPN Profile Importing and Exporting Profiles Automatic Profile Distribution Editing an Existing Profile Deleting a Profile Connecting to a Network if a Blank SSID displays Connecting to a Network without a Profile Profile Connection Preferences Loading a Profile from the Task Tray A profile is a saved group of network settings.
5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Enter the network SSID, in the Network Name (SSID) field. Click the operating mode to use, Infrastructure or Ad hoc. The Mandatory AP option is only used if Infrastructure mode is selected. Use this option to connect to a specific access point. Click the Mandatory AP button, enter the Ethernet address for the access point. Click OK to save the setting and return to the General Settings page. Click the Configure TCP/IP and VPN settings checkbox to access the TCP/IP and VPN settings.
9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Click Enable VPN for this profile checkbox. Select the VPN client software from the Available VPN Clients drop-down menu. Select the VPN profile if your VPN client software displays the VPN tunnel name. Click the Close button to close the dialog. Click OK on any of the pages to save all the settings and return to the Networks page. Click the VPN profile name shown in the Profile List. Use the up and down arrows to position the priority of new profile in the priority list.
Automatically importing WLAN profiles is accomplished by monitoring the import folder on your hard disk for new profile files. Only profiles that have the Enable Auto-Import checked on the Profile Wizard dialog can be automatically imported. If a profile of the same name already exists in the Profile List, a dialog is displayed from which you can either reject the import, or accept in which case the existing profile will be replaced.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Select the wireless adapter in the left-side pane. From the General page, click the Networks tab. Click the Scan button. Select the network profile name with shown, and click the Connect button. Click the No, connect me directly without creating a profile option. Note, you can click Yes, create a profile for this network now to create a profile to be used later. Click OK to connect.
3. 2100 3B Mini PCI Adapter. Click Select Profile and select the profile to be launched. Back to Contents Page Copyright (c) 2003 Intel Corporation.
Back to Contents Page Connecting to a Network using Intel(R) PROSet ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Connecting to a Network Automatically Scanning for Available Networks Connecting to a Network Using an Access Point Connecting to a Peer-to-Peer (Ad Hoc) Network Disconnecting from a Network Switching the Adapter Off and On Switching Between Wired and Wireless Adapters Connecting to a Network Automatically The Configuration Service feature operates in background to automatically display available networks not listed in the
matching profile is found, the Configuration Service automatically connects to any available network. This mode is set in the Advanced Setting options. Enabling Automatic Connection The Configuration Service also monitors for the "resume status" after a laptop computer suspend event. When this occurs, the Configuration Service will re-enable the automatic connection service. These features can be enabled again after rebooting your computer or after a suspend and resume cycle.
For Windows XP Zero Configuration: ● ● Select Yes, to disable Windows XP Zero Configuration. Intel(R) PROSet will continue to manage the adapter. Select No, Windows XP will manage the adapter. The current connection will continue with the affected Intel(R) PROSet features show below. You can also prevent the dialog from being displayed again, in which case Windows XP Zero Configuration will automatically manage the wireless adapter.
Connecting to a Network Using an Access Point An infrastructure network consists of one or more access points and one or more computers with wireless adapters installed. Each access point must have a wired connection to the Local Area Network (LAN). The following describes how to create a new profile using the Profile Wizard and connect to an access point using the Connect button. You can also connect to a network, by using the Scan button. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
NOTE: For information about connecting to an ad hoc using a profile, refer to Create an Ad Hoc Profile using the Profile Wizard. 1. 2. Connect using an ad hoc profile. Refer to Creating a New Profile for details. Select an ad hoc profile from the Profile List and click the Connect button. This method uses a pre-defined ad hoc profile created by the Profile Wizard. The ad hoc profile is displayed in the Profile List.
12. 13. 14. change the default channel. Click the Adapter tab, and click the Configure button under Ad Hoc Channel Selection. Choose the operating band select a channel. Click OK to save the setting. Select the Networks tab After creating the new profile, click the profile in the Profile List. Profiles using infrastructure mode are indicated by a computer icon next to the profile name. Click the Connect button to connect to the ad hoc network.
Hardware radio switch On/Off Depending on the current state of the external optional hardware switch, displays on or off on the General page. Switching the radio On/Off Note: When your laptop is switched on, the radio is constantly transmitting signals. In certain situations, such as in a plane, signals from the radio may cause interference. To switch the radio OFF: From the General page, click the Off button. next to Switch Radio On/Off.
Ethernet connection. You can change your wireless preferences from the Advanced Settings dialog and prioritize your wireless and wired adapters from the Adapter Switching dialog. You can also install multiple wired adapters, or install two wireless adapters if the network supports both 802.11a and 802.11b wireless standards. Then when you detach the wired adapter, your computer uses the wireless adapter that gives the best data rate.
Advanced Settings options, you can define band priorities. Changing the Settings for Adapter Switching If you have two adapters installed, you can define the adapter to be used first. Adapter priorities can be set in the Adapter Switching dialog. To change the adapter switching settings: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. From the General page, select the wireless adapter on the left side pane. Click the Adapter Switching icon on the left side pane. Click the Adapter Switching checkbox under the Settings heading.
Back to Contents Page Security Overview ● ● ● Wireless Security Security Guidelines Protecting Your Network Wireless Security Since wireless networking devices transmit information through radio waves, it is imperative that you protect your information by configuring your security settings.
● Virtual Private Networks Authentication Types The IEEE 802.1x standard provides a general authentication framework for 802 LANs and specifies an extensible authentication protocol (EAP) to enable LAN transport for many different types of authentication protocols. Encryption Keys To protect client traffic, the 802.11 standard defines Wireless Encryption Privacy (WEP) with fixed encryption keys (and three optional key lengths).
● ● Checkpoint VPN (Non office transparent mode, connect office mode and connect non-office mode) Microsoftt VPN (L2TP over IPsec transport, L2TP for configuration with ESP-in-UDP) 802.11a and 802.11b can be augmented with VPN security to protect TCP/IP based services. Back to Contents Page Copyright (c) 2003 Intel Corporation.
Back to Contents Page Setting Up WEP Encryption and Authentication Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption and shared authentication provides protect for your data on the network. WEP uses an encryption key to encrypt data before transmitting it. Only computers using the same encryption key can access the network or decrypt the encrypted data transmitted by other computers. Authentication provides an additional validation process from the adapter to the access point.
To enable 64-bit (40-bit) or 128-bit encryption with authentication: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Select the wireless adapter in the left-side pane. From the General page, click the Networks tab. Select the profile from the Profile List and click the Edit button or click the Add button if you are using the Profile Wizard. Click the Security tab. Select Security Settings, the third dialog if using the Profile Wizard. Select Shared from the Network Authentication drop-down box.
Back to Contents Page Virtual Private Networks and Encryption A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows remote users who belong to a private network (Intel network) to communicate freely and securely through a public network, such as the Internet. Many companies, including Intel, now use hardware and software VPN solutions that employees with high-speed Internet connections use to establish a secure tunnel between home and the corporate network.
To tighten security measures a system administrator can configure remote access dial-in settings to define a group profile such that all users who are assigned to that profile are required to authenticate by using the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) and encrypt their data by using strong (128-bit) data encryption. By assigning a user to the group profile, these security measures are automatically required when anyone in that group profile connects to the remote access server.
Back to Contents Page Specifications ● ● Intel(R) PRO/Wireless LAN 2100A 3B Mini PCI Adapter Model WM3B2100A Intel(R) PRO/Wireless LAN 2100 3B Mini PCI Adapter Model WM3B2100 Physical Characteristics Form Factor Mini PCI Type 3B (model WM3B2100A and WM3B2100) Dimensions (HxWxD) Type 3B card: 2.34 in x 1.75 in x 0.20 in (59.45 mm x 44.45 mm x 5 mm) Weight 0.6 oz (17 g) Antenna Interface Connector Hirose U.FL-R-SMT mates with cable connector U.
Data Rates 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9, 11, 5.5, 2, 1 Mbps 6 Mbps Indoor Range 100 ft (30 m) @ 11 40 ft (12m) @ 54 Mbps / Mbps / 300 ft (90 m) @ 300 ft (91 m) @ 6 Mbps 1 Mbps Outdoor Range 100 ft (30 m) @ 54 Mbps / 1000 ft (305 m) @ 6 Mbps 400 ft (120 m) @ 11 Mbps / 1500 ft (460 m) @ 1 Mbps 14 dBm (typical) 16 dBm (typical) Transmit 1.7 W 1.6 W Receive 1.3 W 1.0 W Standby 135 mW 135 mW Sleep 45 mW 45 mW Voltage 3.3 V 3.
Product Safety Back to Contents Page Copyright (c) 2003 Intel Corporation.
Back to Contents Glossary Numerical A B D E F I K M O P R S T U W Numerical 802.11 x: A series of IEEE specifications for LANs: currently 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11g. Using any one of these extensions to the 802.11 standard permits wireless communication between a client and an access point or between two clients. The various specifications govern transmission speeds and radio frequencies as well as fall-back rates and other characteristics. The upcoming standard 802.
including Ethernet. Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency-Hop Spread Spectrum (FHSS): Two incompatible technologies used in radio transmission. E Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP): An authentication protocol that supports multiple authentication methods, such as Kerberos, passwords, or smart cards. Cisco's authentication protocol, LEAP, is based on EAP, an extension to PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol). Encryption: Scrambling data so that only the authorized recipient can read it.
K Kerberos: An authentication system enabling protected communication over an open network using a unique key called a ticket. M Media Access Control (MAC) Address: A hardwired address applied at the factory. It uniquely identifies network hardware, such as a wireless PC Card, on a LAN or WAN. Microcell: A bounded physical space in which a number of wireless devices can communicate.
RC4: An encryption algorithm designed at RSA Laboratories; specifically, a stream cipher of pseudo-random bytes that is used in WEP encryption. Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RAID): An authentication and accounting system that verifies users' credentials and grants access to requested resources. Roaming: Movement of a wireless node between two microcells. Roaming usually occurs in infrastructure networks built around multiple access points.
decode WEP transmissions. The task is not trivial, but it is possible. If your data is extremely sensitive, you should consider some form of secondary protection, such as strong passwords and an additional level of encryption. Suitable software packages are available from reputable suppliers. Although not intended by the original architects, WEP also prevents unauthorized access to your system by an outsider.
Back to Contents Page Customer Support Intel support is available online or by telephone. Available services include the most up-to-date product information, installation instructions about specific products, and troubleshooting tips. Online Support Technical Support: http://support.intel.com Network Product Support: http://www.intel.com/network Corporate Web Site: http://www.intel.
Copyright (c) 2003 Intel Corporation.
Back to Contents Page Intel (R) PRO/Wireless LAN Products Software License Agreement INTEL SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT IMPORTANT - READ BEFORE COPYING, INSTALLING OR USING Do not use or load this software and any associated materials (collectively, the "Software") until you have carefully read the following terms and conditions. By loading or using the Software, you agree to the terms of this Agreement. If you do not agree with the terms of this Agreement, do not install or use the Software. LICENSE.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. IN NO EVENT SHALL INTEL OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, OR LOST INFORMATION) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE, EVEN IF INTEL HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME JURISDICTIONS PROHIBIT EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
Back to Contents Page Intel(R) PRO/Wireless LAN 2100 Products Safety and Regulatory Notices This document contains general safety and regulatory notices applicable to the following product. Detailed regulatory information is supplied as part of the user information for each product. ● ● Intel(R) PRO/Wireless LAN 2100A 3B Mini PCI Adapter (model WM3B2100A) Intel(R) PRO/Wireless LAN 2100 3B Mini PCI Adapter (model WM3B2100) ● ● Safety Notices Local Restrictions on 802.11a and 802.
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● exposed parts of the body, especially the face or eyes, while transmitting. Do not operate the radio or attempt to transmit data unless the antenna is connected; if not, the radio may be damaged. Use in specific environments: ❍ The use of wireless devices in hazardous locations is limited by the constraints posed by the safety directors of such environments. ❍ The use of wireless devices on airplanes is governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Safety Notices for Other Devices in the Wireless Network: Refer to the documentation supplied with wireless Ethernet adapters or other devices in the wireless network. Safety Notice, Underwriters Laboratories: For use with UL-Listed Personal Computers or UL-Listed similar equipment. Local Restrictions on 802.11a and 802.11b Radio Usage Caution: Due to the fact that the frequencies used by 802.11a and 802.11b wireless LAN devices may not yet be harmonized in all countries, 802.11a and 802.
Back to Contents Page Limited Lifetime Hardware Warranty Intel warrants to the original owner that the adapter product delivered in this package will be free from defects in material and workmanship. This warranty does not cover the adapter product if it is damaged in the process of being installed or improperly used.
and refunding money back to their customers may return Intel adapters to their original place of purchase. Intel guarantees that it will accept returns under this policy and refund the original purchase price to customers purchasing directly from Intel. Limitation of Liability and Remedies INTEL'S SOLE LIABILITY HEREUNDER SHALL BE LIMITED TO DIRECT, OBJECTIVELY MEASURABLE DAMAGES.
Back to Contents Page Legal Information Copyright (C) 2001-2003, Intel Corporation. All rights reserved. Intel Corporation, 5200 N.E. Elam Young Parkway, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6497 USA Intel Corporation assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in this document. Nor does Intel make any commitment to update the information contained herein. *Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
