Appendix A: Troubleshooting; Common Problems And Solutions; Frequently Asked Questions - Linksys WCF12 User Manual

Appendix A: Troubleshooting

Common Problems and Solutions

This chapter provides solutions to problems that may occur during the installa-
tion 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
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Instant Wireless Series
TM 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 applica-
ble 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 wire-
less 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 continu-
ously while moving freely throughout an area greater than that covered by a sin-
gle 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 under-
takes 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 sys-
tem 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 acknowl-
edgment from its original Access Point, it undertakes a new search. Upon find-
ing 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.
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