Linksys WCF12 User Guide - Page 15

Instant WirelessTM Series Appendix A: Troubleshooting Common Problems and Solutions This chapter provides solutions to problems that may occur during the installation and operation of the Wireless CompactFlash Card. Read the descriptions below to solve your problems. If you can't find an answer here, check the Linksys website at www.linksys.com. 1. My PDA does not recognize the Wireless CompactFlash Card. • Make sure that the Wireless CompactFlash Card is properly inserted into the CompactFlash port. • Make sure the Link LED is solidly lit. 2. The Wireless CompactFlash Card does not work properly. • Reinsert the Wireless CompactFlash Card into the PDA's CompactFlash port. • Uninstall the utility and driver software from your PC and PDA device. • Restart your PC, and repeat the software and hardware installation as speci- fied in this User Guide. 3. I cannot communicate with the Access Point in the Infrastructure network. • Make sure that the Access Point is powered on. • Make sure that your Wireless CompactFlash Card is configured with the same channel, SSID, and WEP settings as the Access Point. Frequently Asked Questions What is the IEEE 802.11b standard? It is the IEEE standard for wireless networks. This standard allows wireless LAN hardware from different manufacturers to communicate. What IEEE 802.11b features are supported? The product supports the following IEEE 802.11b functions: • CSMA/CA plus Acknowledge protocol • Multi-Channel Roaming • Automatic Rate Selection • RTS/CTS feature • Fragmentation • Power Management 24 Wireless CompactFlash Card What is Ad-Hoc? An ad-hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers, each with a WLAN card, connected as an independent wireless LAN. Ad-hoc wireless LAN is applicable at a departmental scale for a branch or SOHO operation. What is Infrastructure? An integrated wireless and wired LAN using an access point is called an Infrastructure network. Infrastructure is applicable to enterprise scale for wireless access to central database, or as a wireless application for mobile workers. What is Roaming? Roaming is the ability of a portable computer user to communicate continuously while moving freely throughout an area greater than that covered by a single Access Point. Before using the roaming function, the workstation must make sure that it is set to the same channel number with the Access Point of the dedicated coverage area. To achieve true seamless connectivity, the wireless LAN must incorporate a number of different functions. Each node and Access Point, for example, must always acknowledge receipt of each message. Each node must maintain contact with the wireless network even when not actually transmitting data. Achieving these functions simultaneously requires a dynamic RF networking technology that links Access Points and nodes. In such a system, the user's end node undertakes a search for the best possible access to the system. First, it evaluates such factors as signal strength and quality, as well as the message load currently being carried by each Access Point and the distance of each Access Point to the wired backbone. Based on that information, the node next selects the right Access Point and registers its address. Communications between end node and host computer can then be transmitted up and down the backbone. As the user moves on, the end node's RF transmitter regularly checks the system to determine whether it is in touch with the original Access Point or whether it should seek a new one. When a node no longer receives acknowledgment from its original Access Point, it undertakes a new search. Upon finding a new Access Point, it then re-registers, and the communication process continues. What is the BSS ID? A specific ad-hoc LAN is called a Basic Service Set (BSS). Computers in a BSS must be configured with the same BSS ID. 25