Installing the Client Adapter
This chapter provides instructions for installing the client adapter.
The following topics are covered in this chapter:
•Installing the Client Adapter Software
•Inserting a Client Adapter
Installing the Client Adapter Software
This section describes how to install Cisco Aironet CB21AG or PI21AG client adapter drivers and utilities from a single executable file named Win-Client-802.11a-b-g-Ins-Wizard-vx.exe, where x represents the release number. Follow these steps to install these client adapter software components on a computer running Windows 2000 or XP.
Caution
Cisco Aironet CB21AG and PI21AG client adapter software is incompatible with other Cisco Aironet client adapter software. The Aironet Desktop Utility (ADU) must be used with CB21AG and PI21AG cards, and the Aironet Client Utility (ACU) must be used with all other Cisco Aironet client adapters.
Caution
Do not eject your client adapter at any time during the installation process, including during the reboot.
Note This procedure is meant to be used the first time the Cisco Aironet CB21AG or PI21AG client adapter software is installed on your computer. If this software is already installed on your computer, follow the instructions in Chapter 9 to upgrade the client adapter software.
Note The Install Wizard disables the Microsoft 802.1X supplicant, if installed, to prevent any potential conflicts between ADU and the supplicant.
Note Only one wireless client adapter can be installed and used at a time. The software does not support the use of multiple cards.
Step 1 Make sure the client adapter is not inserted in your computer. You will be instructed when to insert it.
Step 2 Use your computer's web browser to access the following URL:
http://www.cisco.com/public/sw-center/sw-wireless.shtml
Step 3 Click Option #2: Aironet Wireless Software Display Tables.
Note If you prefer to use an automated tool, you can download software from the Software Selector tool instead of the display tables. To do so, click Option #1: Aironet Wireless Software Selector, follow the instructions on the screen, and go to Step 7.
Step 4 Click Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapters.
Step 5 Under Aironet Client Adapter Installation Wizard (For Windows), click 802.11a/b/g (CB21AG, PI21AG).
Step 6 Click the Install Wizard file with the greatest release number.
Step 7 Complete the encryption authorization form; then read and accept the terms and conditions of the Software License Agreement.
Step 8 Click the file again to download it.
Step 9 Save the file to your computer's hard drive.
Step 10 Use Windows Explorer to find the file.
Step 11 Double-click the file. The "Starting InstallShield Wizard" message appears followed by the Preparing Setup window (see Figure 3-1) and the Cisco Aironet Installation Program window (see Figure 3-2).
Figure 3-1 Preparing Setup Window
Figure 3-2 Cisco Aironet Installation Program Window
Step 12 Click Next. The Setup Type window appears (see Figure 3-3).
Figure 3-3 Setup Type Window
Step 13 Choose one of the following options:
Note To ensure compatibility among software components, Cisco recommends that you install the client utilities and driver.
•Install Client Utilities and Driver (recommended)—Installs the client adapter driver and client utilities.
•Install Driver Only—Installs only the client adapter driver. If you choose this option, click Next and go to Step 25.
•Make Driver Installation Diskette(s)—Enables you to create driver installation diskettes that can be used to install drivers using the Windows Device Manager.
Step 14 Click Next.
Step 15 If a message appears indicating that you are required to restart your computer at the end of the installation process, click Yes.
Note If you click No, you are asked to confirm your decision. If you proceed, the installation process terminates.
The Choose Destination Location window appears (see Figure 3-4).
Figure 3-4 Choose Destination Location Window
Step 16 Perform one of the following:
•If you chose the first option in Step 13, click Next to install the client utility files in the C:\Program Files\Cisco Aironet directory.
Note If you want to install the client utilities in a different directory, click Browse, choose a different directory, click OK, and click Next.
•If you chose the Make Driver Installation Diskette(s) option in Step 13, insert a floppy disk into your computer and click Next to copy the driver to the diskette. Go to Step 25.
Note If you want to copy the driver to a different drive or directory, click Browse, choose a new location, click OK, and click Next.
Step 17 The Select Program Folder window appears (see Figure 3-5).
Figure 3-5 Select Program Folder Window
Step 18 Click Next to add program icons to the Cisco Aironet program folder.
Note If you want to specify a different program folder, choose a folder from the Existing Folders list or type a new folder name in the Program Folder field and click Next.
Step 19 If your computer is running Windows 2000, go to Step 25. If your computer is running Windows XP, the IMPORTANT: Please Read! window appears (see Figure 3-6).
Figure 3-6 IMPORTANT: Please Read! Window
Step 20 Read the information displayed and click Next. The Choose Configuration Tool window appears (see Figure 3-7).
Figure 3-7 Choose Configuration Tool Window
Step 21 Choose one of the following options. Table 3-1 compares the Windows XP and ADU client adapter features.
•Cisco Aironet Desktop Utility (ADU)—Enables you to configure your client adapter using ADU.
•Microsoft Wireless Configuration Manager—Enables you to configure your client adapter using the Microsoft Wireless Configuration Manager in Windows XP.
Table 3-1 Comparison of Windows XP and ADU Client Adapter Features
|
|
|
Configuration parameters |
Limited |
Extensive |
Capabilities |
Create profiles |
Yes |
Yes |
Enable/disable radio |
No |
Yes |
Security |
Static WEP |
Yes |
Yes |
LEAP authentication with dynamic WEP |
No |
Yes |
EAP-TLS or PEAP authentication |
Yes |
Yes |
Status and statistics |
Status window |
Limited |
Extensive |
Statistics window (transmit & receive) |
No |
Yes |
Note If you choose Cisco Aironet Desktop Utility (ADU) above, the Microsoft Wireless Configuration Manager is disabled. If you ever manually enable it, you are prompted to disable it whenever ADU is activated.
Step 22 Click Next.
Step 23 If you chose Cisco Aironet Desktop Utility (ADU) in Step 21, go to Step 25. If you chose Microsoft Wireless Configuration Manager, the Enable Tray Icon window appears (see Figure 3-8).
Figure 3-8 Enable Tray Icon Window
Step 24 Check the Enable Cisco Aironet System Tray Utility (ASTU) check box if you want to be able to use ASTU even though you have chosen to configure your client adapter through Windows XP instead of ADU and click Next.
Step 25 When prompted to insert your client adapter, perform one of the following:
•If you are using a PC-Cardbus card, insert the card into your computer's Cardbus slot; then click OK. If the Windows Found New Hardware Wizard appears, click Cancel.
Note Refer to the "Inserting a PC-Cardbus Card" section for instructions on inserting a PC-Cardbus card into your computer.
•If you are using a PCI card, click OK. You will insert the card into your computer after you have finished installing the Install Wizard.
The Setup Status window appears (see Figure 3-9).
Figure 3-9 Setup Status Window
The installation process begins, and you are notified as each software component is installed.
Step 26 When a message appears indicating that your computer needs to be rebooted, click OK and allow your computer to restart.
Step 27 If you are using a PCI card, insert the card into your computer's PCI slot.
Note Refer to the "Inserting a PCI Card" section for instructions on inserting a PCI card into your computer.
Step 28 If the Windows Found New Hardware Wizard appears after your computer reboots, click Next, allow the wizard to install the software for the client adapter, and click Finish.
Step 29 If your network setup does not include a DHCP server and you plan to use TCP/IP, follow these steps for your operating system.
•Windows 2000
a. Double-click My Computer, Control Panel, and Network and Dial-up Connections.
b. Right-click Local Area Connection x (where x represents the number of the connection).
c. Click Properties.
d. In the Components Checked Are Used by This Connection field, click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and Properties.
e. Choose Use the following IP address and enter the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway address of your computer (which can be obtained from your system administrator).
f. Click OK to close each open window.
•Windows XP
a. Double-click My Computer, Control Panel, and Network Connections.
b. Right-click Wireless Network Connection x (where x represents the number of the connection).
c. Click Properties.
d. In the This Connection Uses the Following Items field, click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and Properties.
e. Choose Use the following IP address and enter the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway address of your computer (which can be obtained from your system administrator).
f. Click OK to close each open window.
Step 30 If you are prompted to restart your computer, click Yes.
Step 31 Now that your client adapter is properly installed, it is ready to be configured.
•If you are planning to configure your client adapter through ADU, go to Chapter 4, to create configuration profiles.
•If you are planning to configure your client adapter through the Windows XP Wireless Configuration Manager, go to Appendix E, .
Note If you experienced problems during or after installation, refer to Chapter 10 for troubleshooting information.
Inserting a Client Adapter
This section provides instructions for inserting a PC-Cardbus card or PCI card into your computer.
Caution
These procedures and the physical connections they describe apply generally to conventional Cardbus slots and PCI expansion slots. In cases of custom or nonconventional equipment, be alert to possible differences in Cardbus slot and PCI expansion slot configurations.
Inserting a PC-Cardbus Card
Step 1 Before you begin, examine the card. One end has a dual-row, 68-pin connector. The card is keyed so it can be inserted only one way into the Cardbus slot.
Note The Cardbus slot is on the left or right side of the computer, depending on the model.
Step 2 Hold the card with the Cisco label facing up and insert it into the Cardbus slot, applying just enough pressure to make sure it is fully seated (see Figure 3-10). The green LED lights when the card is inserted properly.
Caution
Do not force the card into your computer's Cardbus slot. Forcing it will damage both the card and the slot. If the card does not insert easily, remove the card and reinsert it.
Figure 3-10
Inserting a PC-Cardbus Card into a Computer
Note The configuration profiles for PC-Cardbus cards are tied to the slot in which the card is inserted. Therefore, you must always insert your PC-Cardbus card into the same slot or create profiles for both slots. See Chapter 4, for information on creating profiles for your client adapter.
Step 3 If the Found New Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel.
Step 4 Return to Step 25 of the "Installing the Client Adapter Software" section if you are in the process of installing the client adapter software.
Inserting a PCI Card
You must perform the following procedures in the order listed below to insert a PCI card:
•Change the bracket (if required), see below
•Insert the card, page 15
•Assemble the antenna, page 16
•Mount the antenna, page 17
Changing the Bracket
The PCI card is shipped with a full-profile bracket attached. If the PC into which you are inserting the PCI card requires the card to use a low-profile bracket, follow these steps to change brackets.
Step 1 Remove the two screws that attach the bracket to the card. See Figure 3-11.
Figure 3-11 Changing the PCI Card Bracket
Step 2 Slide the bracket away from the card; then tilt the bracket to free the antenna cable.
Caution
Do not pull on the antenna cable or detach it from the PCI card. The antenna is meant to be permanently attached to the card.
Step 3 Hold the low-profile bracket to the card so that the LEDs slip through their corresponding holes on the bracket.
Step 4 Insert the screws that you removed in Step 1 into the holes on the populated side of the card near the bracket (see Figure 3-11) and tighten.
Inserting the Card
Follow the steps below to insert a PCI card into your PC.
Step 1 Turn off the PC and all its components.
Step 2 Remove the computer cover.
Note On most Pentium PCs, PCI expansion slots are white. Refer to your PC documentation for slot identification.
Step 3 Remove the screw from the top of the CPU back panel above an empty PCI expansion slot. This screw holds the metal bracket on the back panel.
Caution
Static electricity can damage your PCI card. Before removing the card from the anti-static packaging, discharge static by touching a metal part of a grounded PC.
Step 4 Locate an empty PCI expansion slot inside your computer.
Step 5 Slip your card's antenna through the opening near the empty expansion slot so that it is located outside of the computer. See Figure 3-12.
Figure 3-12 Inserting a PCI Card into a PC
|
Antenna cable |
|
LEDs |
|
Card edge connector |
Step 6 Tilt the card to enable the LEDs to slip through the opening in the CPU back panel. See the enlarged view in Figure 3-12.
Step 7 Press the card into the empty slot until its connector is firmly seated.
Caution
Do not force the card into the expansion slot; this could damage both the card and the slot. If the card does not insert easily, remove it and reinsert it.
Step 8 Reinstall the screw on the CPU back panel and replace the computer cover.
Assembling the Antenna
Follow the steps below to assemble the PCI card's antenna.
Step 1 Slide the antenna through the opening in the bottom of the antenna base.
Step 2 Position the antenna so its notches are facing the Cisco label on the front of the base. See Figure 3-13.
Figure 3-13 Inserting the Antenna into Its Base
|
Antenna |
|
Notch |
|
Antenna base |
Step 3 Press the antenna cable into the receptacle on the top of the base as shown in Figure 3-13.
Step 4 Press the antenna straight down into the receptacle until it clicks into place.
Mounting the Antenna
Because the PCI card is a radio device, it is susceptible to RF obstructions and common sources of interference that can reduce throughput and range. Follow these guidelines to ensure the best possible performance:
• Place the PCI card's antenna in an area where large steel structures such as shelving units, bookcases, and filing cabinets will not obstruct radio signals being transmitted or received.
• Place the antenna away from microwave ovens and 2.4- and 5.8-GHz cordless phones. These products can cause signal interference because they operate in the same frequency range as the PCI card.
Follow the steps below to position the PCI card's antenna on a flat horizontal surface or to mount it to a wall.
Step 1 Perform one of the following:
•If you want to use the antenna on a flat horizontal surface, position the antenna so it is pointing straight up. Then go to Step 7.
•If you want to mount the antenna to a wall, go to Step 2.
Step 2 Drill two holes in the wall that are 1.09 in. (2.8 cm) apart. Figure 3-14 shows the distance between the mounting holes on the bottom of the antenna base.
Figure 3-14 Bottom of Antenna Base
Step 3 Tap the two supplied wall anchors into the holes.
Step 4 Drive the two supplied screws into the wall anchors, leaving a small gap between the screw head and the anchor.
Step 5 Position the mounting holes on the bottom of the antenna base over the screws (see Figure 3-15) and pull down to lock in place.
Figure 3-15 Mounting the Antenna
Step 6 The antenna rotates 90 degrees from its base. For optimal reception, position the antenna so it is pointing straight up (see Figure 3-16).
Figure 3-16 Rotating the Antenna
Step 7 Boot up your PC. The green LED lights when the card is inserted properly.
Step 8 Go to Step 28 of the "Installing the Client Adapter Software" section if you are in the process of installing the client adapter software.