Preparing for Installation

This chapter provides information that you need to know before installing a client adapter.

The following topics are covered in this section:

Safety information

Follow the guidelines in this section to ensure proper operation and safe use of the client adapter.

FCC Safety Compliance Statement

The FCC, with its action in ET Docket 96-8, has adopted a safety standard for human exposure to RF electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC-certified equipment. Cisco Aironet products meet the uncontrolled environmental limits found in OET-65 and ANSI C95.1, 1991. Proper operation of this radio device according to the instructions in this publication will result in user exposure substantially below the FCC recommended limits.

Safety Guidelines

Do not touch or move the antenna while the unit is transmitting or receiving.
Do not hold any component containing a radio such that the antenna is very close to or touching any 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; otherwise, the radio may be damaged.
Use in specific environments:
- The use of wireless devices in hazardous locations is limited to 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).
- The use of wireless devices in hospitals is restricted to the limits set forth by each hospital.
Antenna use:
- In order to comply with FCC RF exposure limits, dipole antennas should be located at a minimum distance of 7.9 inches (20 cm) or more from the body of all persons.
- High-gain, wall-mount, or mast-mount antennas are designed to be professionally installed and should be located at a minimum distance of 12 inches (30 cm) or more from the body of all persons. Please contact your professional installer, VAR, or antenna manufacturer for proper installation requirements.

Warnings

Observe the following warnings when operating the client adapter:

Warning Do not operate your wireless network device near unshielded blasting caps or in an explosive environment unless the device has been modified to be especially qualified for such use.

Warning In order to comply with RF exposure limits established in the ANSI C95.1 standards, it is recommended when using a laptop with a PC card client adapter that the adapter's integrated antenna is positioned more than 2 inches (5 cm) from your body or nearby persons during extended periods of transmitting or operating time. If the antenna is positioned less than 2 inches (5 cm) from the user, it is recommended that the user limit exposure time.

Translated versions of these safety warnings are provided in Appendix B.

Unpacking the Client Adapter

Follow these steps to unpack the client adapter:

Step 1 Open the shipping container and carefully remove the contents.

Step 2 Return all packing materials to the shipping container and save it.

Step 3 Ensure that all items listed in the "Package Contents" section below are included in the shipment. Check each item for damage.

Note If any item is damaged or missing, notify your authorized Cisco sales representative. Any remote antenna and its associated wiring are shipped separately.

Package Contents

Each client adapter is shipped with the following items:

Cisco Aironet PC Card Client Adapter, Cisco Aironet LM Card Client Adapter, or Cisco Aironet PCI Client Adapter
Standard 2-dBi dipole antenna (for PCI client adapter)
Quick Start Guide: Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Adapters
Cisco Aironet Series Wireless LAN Adapters CD
Cisco Information Packet, which contains warranty, safety, and support information
Cisco product registration card

System Requirements

In addition to the items shipped with the client adapter, you will also need the following in order to install the adapter:

A computing device (laptop, notebook, portable or hand-held device) equipped with a Type II or Type III PC card slot or a desktop personal computer equipped with an empty PCI expansion slot

Note All drivers and supporting software (Card and Socket Services) for the PC card slot must be loaded and configured. However, if you are using the Linux operating system, a current version of Card and Socket Services is provided on the Cisco Aironet Series Wireless LAN Adapters CD and can be installed and configured during the driver installation process. See the "Installing the Driver for Linux" section.

A Phillips screwdriver (for PCI client adapter)
Windows NT Service Pack 3 or greater if your computer uses the Windows NT operating system
The following information from your system administrator:
- Your wireless client name
- The protocols necessary to bind to the client adapter
- The case-sensitive service set identifier (SSID) for your RF network
- For Windows CE systems, the primary and secondary Domain Name System (DNS) and Windows Internet Name Service (WINS) for your computer
- If you are not connected to a DHCP server, the IP address, broadcast address (if you are using the Linux operating system), subnet mask, and default gateway address of your computer
- The username and password for your network account

Site Requirements

Because the client adapter 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:

Install the client adapter in an area where large steel structures such as shelving units, bookcases, and filing cabinets will not obstruct radio signals to and from the client adapter.

Install the client adapter away from microwave ovens. Microwave ovens operate on the same frequency as the client adapter and can cause signal interference.

Note Refer to the "Positioning Your Wireless Products" section for additional guidelines on achieving optimum placement of your workstation.

Table of Contents

Preparing for Installation