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Proxim Corporation ORiNOCO 802.11a/b ComboCard
Software for Microsoft Windows platform Version: 2.0-B14
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This README.TXT covers current information that may not be included
with the user guide, including known issues and work-arounds for the
product. We advise you to consult the Proxim web site for the latest
software and documentation for this product.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
1. SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION
2. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
3. INSTALLATION NOTES
4. WHAT'S NEW?
5. KNOWN ISSUES
6. TECHNICAL SUPPORT
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1. SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION
1.1 The ORiNOCO ComboCard CD includes the ComboCard 802.11a/b driver,
the ORiNOCO client utility and the ORiNOCO Installation Utility.
The Installation Utility setup will install the following files
in the Windows designated directory:
NDIS 5 Miniport driver for Windows version 2.0.306.0
NTPR11AB.SYS
NTPR11AB.INF
1.2 The ComboCard CD includes the Boingo Wireless software.
Boingo Wireless software makes it easy to see and connect to
hot-spots at public access locations with Wi-Fi access.
To install the Boingo wireless software, leave the "Install
Boingo Software" box checked during the installation of the
ComboCard software.
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2. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
2.1 Operating System
This Driver is supported under the following Microsoft
Windows Operating Systems:
Windows 98 Second Edition
Windows Millennium Edition
Windows 2000
Windows XP Professional
Windows XP Home
2.2 Hardware Requirements
In order to install the ORiNOCO 802.11a/b ComboCard, the system
should have one empty Type II CardBus (32-bit interface) slot.
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3. INSTALLATION NOTES
3.1 Standard Installation
Please refer to the 'Quick Start Guide' and 'User's Guide' that
came with your product.
!! Microsoft Windows XP users: Proxim recommends that you review
the Known Issues list below.
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4. WHAT'S NEW?
4.1 Support for Europe/ETSI Regulatory Domain
This release of the ComboCard software supports the ETSI
regulatory domain.
ETSI Cards support the following:
4.1.1 Supported channels:
802.11a --> 5150-5250 or 5150-5350 MHz
(Depends on card model, -02 or -03)
802.11b --> 2412-2472 MHz
802.11a 2X --> NOT SUPPORTED
4.1.2 Certified .11a EIRP Power
50mW (17dBm EIRP)
4.1.3 Operation Modes
802.11a --> Access Point Only
802.11b --> Access Point and Peer-to-Peer Group
802.11a 2X --> NOT SUPPORTED
4.1.4 EXCEPTIONS FOR FRANCE
The regulatory authority in France only allows the card
to use channels 10, 11, 12 and 13 in the 2446.5 to
2483.5 MHz band when operating in 802.11b mode.
4.2 Support for Japan/MKK Regulatory Domain
This release of the ComboCard software supports the MKK/TELEC
regulatory domain.
MKK Cards support the following:
4.2.1 Supported channels:
802.11a --> 5150-5250 MHz
802.11b --> 2412-2484 MHz
802.11a 2X --> NOT SUPPORTED
4.2.2 Operation Modes
802.11a --> Access Point and Peer-to-Peer Group
802.11b --> Access Point and Peer-to-Peer Group
802.11a 2X --> NOT SUPPORTED
4.2.3 EXCEPTIONS FOR JAPAN
The maximum data rate for Channel 14 (in 802.11b mode)
is limited to 2Mbps. This applies to both Access Point
and Peer-to-Peer Group modes.
4.3 Changes in handling Closed System Access Points
While an Access Point is in Closed System mode, some Access Points
advertise an SSID of ' '(1 blank space) while others advertise a
NULL SSID. Because of this inconsistency, the ComboCard software
has been modified so that any beacon message from an access point
which advertise an SSID of ' ' (1 blank space) or NULL
(SSID length = 0) is identified as a Closed System access point.
4.4 Network Traffic Graph changes
In previous versions, the upper limit of the network traffic graph
has been 200 packets/sec (pps) for 802.11b mode. In this release,
the upper limit has been changed to 500 pps.
4.5 Boingo Installation
In this release, the setup program installs the Boingo Software
by default. If you do not wish to install Boingo software, please
follow the setup program's on-screen instructions and remove the
check mark from the "Install Boingo Software" box.
4.6 Compatibility with NetStumbler
Earlier version of ORiNOCO ComboCard software had known compatibility
issues with NetStumbler software. Installing NetStumbler after
installing ORiNOCO ComboCard software would disable the ORiNOCO
software. This release fixes the NetStumbler compatibility issue.
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5. KNOWN ISSUES
5.1 Windows XP Wireless Configuration.
Windows XP Wireless Configuration may not find all available
Access Points when a wireless network has a large
number of mixed (both 802.11a and 802.11b) access points.
The Microsoft Wireless Configuration Tool allows approximately
3 seconds to complete a scan for available access points.
However, more time is required to scan all 802.11a, 802.11b and
802.11a 2X Mode channels. This problem has been reported to
Microsoft. At this time, there is no service pack available from
Microsoft with a fix for this issue.
5.2 Compatibility with Cisco VPN Client (Version 3.6) under Windows XP
The Cisco VPN Client installs a "Deterministic Network Enhancer"
device driver. This device driver can cause your system to be
unstable if you are using the Windows Wireless Configuration Tool.
Proxim recommends that you do NOT use Cisco VPN Client version 3.6
with the ORiNOCO 802.11a/b ComboCard while using the Windows
Wireless Configuration Tool. If you are using Windows Wireless
Configuration Tool, you can unbind the device driver with the
following steps:
Steps to Unbind "Deterministic Network Enhancer":
1. Open Network Connections from Control Panel.
2. Find the Wireless Network Connection corresponding to the
ORiNOCO 802.11a/b ComboCard.
3. Right-click the entry and select "Properties".
4. This will bring up "Wireless Network Connection Properties" dialog.
5. Under the "This connection uses the following items" heading,
locate the "Deterministic Network Enhancer" entry.
6. Uncheck "Deterministic Network Enhancer" from the list of items.
7. Click OK.
5.3 802.1x Support
During testing, Proxim identified several 802.1x issues with the
Microsoft client implementation in Windows XP. If you are using
802.1x with Windows XP, Proxim recommends that you check the
Microsoft web site for the latest service pack for Windows XP.
During testing, Proxim identified an 802.1x issue in ORiNOCO AP-2000
related to the re-keying of WEP keys. Please upgrade to AP-2000
firmware version 2.0.2 or higher to resolve this issue.
5.4 Funk Odyssey Client 1.0
ComboCard users may encounter some compatibility issues with Funk
Odyssey Client 1.0. The latest beta software from Funk, Odyssey
Client version 1.1, appears to solve these issues. Contact Funk
Software to obtain beta software 1.1.
5.5 Stop the ComboCard Before Removing from the Computer
Use the "Safely Remove Hardware" system tray icon to stop the card
before ejecting it from the computer. Your system may become
unstable if you eject the card without stopping it first.
5.6 Repair Option in ORiNOCO Installer Does Not Work
This is a known issue with the ORiNOCO installer. Proxim recommends
that you not use this feature until this issue has been resolved.
Proxim is working to fix this issue. Please check Proxim's Web site
periodically to determine if an updated installer is available.
5.7 Limitation on Number of APs in a Wireless Network
If there are more than 64 Access Points in a network, then the
ORiNOCO Site Monitor window will not be able to show all of the
existing Access Points. The Site Monitor can only show up to 64
active Access Points at any time.
5.8 Speaker Noise in Compaq and HP Notebooks
Using an ORiNOCO 802.11a/b ComboCard in certain Compaq and HP
Notebooks results in a faint popping sound in the speakers on
startup and whenever the card is scanning for 802.11b wireless
networks in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. This sound occurs in
unison with the card's flashing LEDs. This noise will stop if
you change the card's operating mode to 802.11a or 802.11a 2X.
5.9 Using Windows XP and WEP with an AP-2000 configured in Mixed Mode
If you have configured a ComboCard installed in a Windows XP
computer to use WEP Encryption, you must manually disable
802.1x support within Windows XP's Network Properties screen
before the card can communicate with an ORiNOCO AP-2000 in
Mixed Mode.
Follow these steps to disable 802.1x:
1. Open the Control Panel's "Network Connections" icon.
2. Right-click the Wireless Network Connection that corresponds
to the ComboCard and choose "Properties".
3. Click the "Authentication" within the "Wireless Network
Connection Properties" screen.
4. Uncheck the "Enable network access control using IEEE 802.1X"
option.
5. Click OK.
6. Restart the computer.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
An ORiNOCO AP-2000 in Mixed Mode supports both 802.1x Security
and WEP Encryption. This allows clients that use either 802.1x
or WEP Encryption to connect to the network.
However, the Windows XP operating system enables 802.1x by
default. This means that a ComboCard configured to use WEP
Encryption will instead try to use 802.1x to establish a
connection with the AP-2000.
Therefore you must disable Windows XP's 802.1x support before
the card can use WEP Encryption to communicate with the AP-2000.
Also, you need to reset the ComboCard (by removing and reinserting
the card or restarting the computer) in order for this change to
take effect.
5.10 Client Cannot Associate After Rebooting ORiNOCO AP-2000
If you reboot an ORiNOCO AP-2000 that has "Auto Channel Selection"
and "Closed System" enabled, the ComboCard will be unable to
associate with the AP until the card is reset.
You can reset the client card in one of three ways:
--Open the ORiNOCO Utility's “Statistics” screen and click
"Reset Statistics".
--Remove the card and reinsert it into the computer.
--Restart the computer.
Note that this issue should only occur if you are using 802.11b
mode. (The AP-2000's 802.11a interface does not support
the "Closed System" feature at this time.)
5.11 Windows XP Remote Desktop Connection
Windows XP's Remote Desktop feature is disabled when the ComboCard's
Security mode is set to Harmony Key Management (HKM). There is no fix
available at this time.
5.12 Configuration Screen Problem
Under some circumstances, the ORiNOCO Utility's Security
Configuration screen may display fields from another screen.
To fix this problem, close the utility and then open it again.
5.13 Client Association Problems After Enabling 802.1x
A ComboCard operating in 802.11b mode may be unable to associate
with an Access Point after selecting 802.1x as the Security mode.
To fix this problem, reset the card.
You can reset the client card in one of three ways:
--Open the ORiNOCO Utility's “Statistics” screen and click
"Reset Statistics".
--Remove the card and reinsert it into the computer.
--Restart the computer.
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6. TECHNICAL SUPPORT
6.1 Finding Information
You can find the most recent device drivers, bridge firmware,
software updates and user documentation on the Proxim Web site.
World Wide Web: HTTP://WWW.PROXIM.COM/SUPPORT or
HTTP://WWW.ORINOCOWIRELESS.COM
6.2 Contact Technical Support
If you encounter problems when installing or using this
product, or would like information about other
ORiNOCO products, please contact your local Authorized
ORiNOCO Reseller or Proxim Corporation Sales office.
If you have any questions about viewing the User's Guide,
please contact ORiNOCO Technical Support using one of the
methods described below:
For the U.S. and Canada:
Phone: 1-866-ORiNOCO (1-866-674-6626)
E-mail: USAsupport@orinocowireless.com
For the Caribbean and Latin America:
Phone: 1-866-ORiNOCO (1-866-674-6626)
E-mail: CALAsupport@orinocowireless.com
For Asia Pacific:
Phone: +1 661-367-2230
E-mail: APACsupport@orinocowireless.com
For Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA):
Your local supplier in the EMEA region is trained to give you
the support you require. Local suppliers have direct access to
the ORiNOCO Technical Support Center and will help you in every
way they can.
Phone: +1 661-367-2230
E-mail: EMEAsupport@orinocowireless.com
6.3 Viewing the User's Guide
This CD-ROM contains the product User's Guide in Portable
Document Format (PDF). To view this document, you must have
Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader version 4.0 (or later) installed
on your computer.
The ORiNOCO 802.11a/b ComboCard ships with Adobe Reader
Version 5.0. You can also download a free copy of Adobe Reader
from Adobe's Web site at
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html.
6.4 Technical Support for Boingo Software
Boingo Wireless software makes it easy to see and connect to
Wi-Fi signals that are within range of your computer and your
ORiNOCO Wi-Fi network card. It constantly "sniffs" the air
to detect nearby signals and makes it easy to connect.
If you have any questions about the Boingo Software included on
this CD-ROM, please contact Boingo directly.
Corporate Headquarters
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Boingo Wireless, Inc.
1601 Cloverfield
Suite 570
Santa Monica, CA
USA
Corporate Phone: 310-586-5180
Sales and Service: 800-880-4117
Fax: 310-586-4060
E-mail: info@boingo.com
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END OF FILE
Download Driver Pack
After your driver has been downloaded, follow these simple steps to install it.
Expand the archive file (if the download file is in zip or rar format).
If the expanded file has an .exe extension, double click it and follow the installation instructions.
Otherwise, open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting Device Manager.
Find the device and model you want to update in the device list.
Double-click on it to open the Properties dialog box.
From the Properties dialog box, select the Driver tab.
Click the Update Driver button, then follow the instructions.
Very important: You must reboot your system to ensure that any driver updates have taken effect.
For more help, visit our Driver Support section for step-by-step videos on how to install drivers for every file type.