030-300408 Rev. B
180
August 2005
VersaLink™ Gateway (Model 327W)
User Guide
will be refused.
Data Rates (Mbits/s)
These are the allowable communication rates that the AP will attempt to use.
The rates are broadcast within the connection protocol as rates supported by
the VersaLink. If multiple rates are chosen, multi-rate communication and
automatic optimum rate selection is possible. This is the default, and
provides the most flexible system. If the Station signal strength or quality is
poor, and the throughput of the connection is slow or intermittent, select only
the lower two data rates (1 and 2 MB). This can improve performance by
reducing the number of pad packets, re-tries and timeouts that could be
occurring when the higher rates are automatically trying to be used. Lower
rates can be maintained over longer distances and in a wider range of
environments.
Wireless Station Configuration
The configuration of wireless stations must correspond with VersaLink’s configuration. Typically, WLAN station cards
come with a utility for changing the card configuration. Additionally, the WLAN driver might present configuration
options as part of the Properties for the installed wireless network adapter. The following configuration items should be
considered when setting up a station card.
SSID
This is a description of the default connection profile, which VersaLink will
use. Feel free to use whatever description you desire.
Mode
The station’s operating mode must be set to, Infrastructure. Most station
configuration software will use this term to indicate operation with an AP.
Other terms used are ESS or BSS. The terms Ad-Hoc or IBSS indicate
operation without an AP; these terms should not be selected.
Tx Rate (Data Rate)
The station’s transmission rate (data rate) should be set to Automatic. Selecting
a specific data r ate is typically only done in difficult environments where
conditions limit the maximum possible rate to less than 54 megabits per
second.
Encryption
The station’s encryption settings must match the AP’s settings. This includes
the settings for 64-bit, 128-bit, and 256-bit encryption (or none) and the WEP
keys. Make certain that the key entries use the same format. The two typical
formats provided are simple text entry and hexadecimal entry. Text entry is
sometimes termed ASCII entry.
Hexadecimal entry is sometimes termed
Hex or Manual entry. Do not use the Pass Phrase option if it is present.
Authentication
Algorithm
On the station, this setting is typically located under the Advanced properties
for the wireless network adapter. Two or three algorithm settings are usually
present. These might be termed: “Must use Shared for WEP,” “Automatic
based on WEP setting” and/or “WECA compliant.” Select “Automatic based
on WEP setting” or “Must use Shared for WEP.”
Wireless Statistics
Network Name (SSID)
This string, (32 characters or less) is the name associated with the AP. To
connect to the AP, the SSID on a Station card must match the SSID on the
AP.
802.11b/g/g+ MAC Address
(BSSID)
This is the Media Access Controller address of the AP. It is used as the Basic
Service Set Identifier.
Primary FW
Primary firmware version number. This is read from the card and helps
determine the AP firmware to use. The format of the number is: …>. The
version number is also needed to identify existing errata.
