Download Release Notes for Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Adapters

Release Notes for Cisco Aironet
Wireless LAN Adapters
January 22, 2001
These release notes describe features and caveats for Cisco Aironet 340 and 350 Series Wireless LAN
Adapters. These release notes also contain important information about the devices.
Contents
•
Introduction, page 1
•
New and Changed Information, page 3
•
Installation Notes, page 5
•
Caveats, page 5
•
Troubleshooting, page 8
•
Documentation Updates, page 9
•
Related Documentation, page 9
•
Obtaining Documentation, page 9
•
Getting Technical Assistance, page 10
Introduction
The Cisco Aironet wireless LAN adapters, also referred to as client adapters, are radio modules that
provide transparent wireless data communications between fixed, portable, or mobile devices and other
wireless devices or a wired network infrastructure. The client adapters are fully compatible when used
in devices supporting Plug-and-Play (PnP) technology.
The primary function of the client adapters is to transfer data packets transparently through the wireless
infrastructure. The adapters operate similarly to a standard network product except that the cable is
replaced with a radio connection. No special wireless networking functions are required, and all existing
applications that operate over a network will operate using the adapters.
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Cisco Systems, Inc., 170 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134-1706 USA
Copyright © 2000. Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
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System Requirements
This document applies to three types of client adapters:
•
PC card client adapter (also referred to as a PC card) — A PCMCIA card radio module that can be
inserted into any device equipped with an external Type II or Type III PC card slot. Host devices can
include laptops, notebook computers, personal digital assistants, and hand-held or portable devices.
•
LM card client adapter (also referred to as an LM card) — A PCMCIA card radio module that can
be inserted into any device equipped with an internal Type II or Type III PC card slot. Host devices
usually include hand-held or portable devices.
•
PCI client adapter — A client adapter card radio module that can be inserted into any device
equipped with an empty PCI expansion slot, such as a desktop computer.
System Requirements
PC System
•
Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, or Me
•
486 (33-MHz) processor
•
16 MB RAM free
•
39 MB free disk space
•
VGA+ compatible display adapter
•
256 colors or at least 16 shades of gray
•
640 x 480 resolution monitor
•
CD-ROM drive
Macintosh System
•
MacOS 9.x
•
PowerPC processor
•
32 MB RAM
•
23 MB disk space
•
256 colors or 16 shades of gray
•
640 x 480 resolution monitor
•
CD-ROM drive
•
Open Transport Connectivity
Linux System
•
Kernel version 2.2.xx
•
25 MB free disk space
•
CD-ROM drive
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New and Changed Information
Windows CE System
•
Desktop PC with a CD-ROM drive and running Active Sync
•
Serial or USB connection to Windows CE device
•
Pocket PC (ppc) device with a StrongArm processor running Windows CE 3.0 or
hand-held (hpc) device with a Mips, SH3, SH4, StrongArm, or X86 processor running
Windows CE 2.11
New and Changed Information
New Features in ACU Release 4.13
This section describes new features in Aironet Client Utility (ACU) release 4.13.
Server-Based Authentication
This feature leverages Cisco software and firmware so that your network logon triggers server-based
authentication using your name and password.
Limitations or Restrictions
•
Requires a LEAP-enabled RADIUS server on the network.
•
Client firmware release 4.13 and Access Point firmware release 11.00 are the minimum versions
required for this feature.
dBm Signal Strength Display Option
ACU can display signal strength in dBm. From the Options menu, select Preferences to configure how
signal strength is displayed. In the Signal Strength Display Units box, select Percent or dBm. The
display units affect the Status, Linktest, and Site Survey screens as shown in Table 1.
Table 1
Signal Strength Display Units Selection
Signal Strength Display Units Selected
Percent
dBm
Screens Display
•
Current signal strength
•
Current beacons received or current signal quality
•
Overall link quality
•
Current signal strength
•
Current noise level
•
Signal to noise ratio
Limitations or Restrictions
This feature requires client firmware version 3.92 or later.
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New and Changed Information
World Mode
The client adapter scans for beacons and probe responses transmitted by the Access Point that contain
country information. The radio uses this information to set the frequency and transmit power levels for
the regulatory domain in which it is operating.
Enable the World Mode feature by selecting the World Mode checkbox in ACU or in the Macintosh
pcm3x0PPC client utility.
Limitations or Restrictions
Client firmware release 4.13 and Access Point firmware release 11.00 are the minimum versions
required for this feature.
New Features in Wireless LAN Adapter Drivers
The following drivers support 340 and 350 series wireless LAN adapters:
•
NDIS—Cisco Aironet driver release 6.64
•
Windows CE 2.1x—Cisco Aironet driver release 1.4
•
Windows CE 3.0—Cisco Aironet driver release 1.5
•
Macintosh OS 9.x—Cisco Aironet driver release 1.0 (initial release)
•
Linux—Cisco Aironet driver release 1.000.2 (initial release)
New features for these drivers include:
•
Support for network security (server-based authentication)
•
Support for Cisco Aironet 350 series radios
Changed information for the NDIS drivers includes:
•
The WepStat icon is not included in driver release 6.64. (It looks like two connected computers and
appears in the Windows system tray when using driver version 6.10.)
New Features in Radio Firmware Release 4.13
This section describes new features in radio firmware release 4.13.
Support for Cisco Aironet 350 Series Radio Hardware
This firmware release supports Cisco Aironet 350 series radio hardware.
Release Notes for Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Adapters
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Installation Notes
EAP and LEAP Authentication
Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) and LEAP (also referred to as EAP—Cisco Wireless) perform
mutual authentication of the client and Cisco Secure RADIUS server.
Limitations or Restrictions
•
The minimum firmware version required for LEAP support is 4.13.
•
Access Point firmware release 11.00 is the minimum version required to support this feature.
Release 11.00 is the first version of firmware that enables the Access Point to be configured as an
EAP or LEAP authenticator.
•
The Access Point requires an EAP authenticator. The RADIUS server must support the type of
authentication you are using (either EAP or LEAP).
Installation Notes
You can find the latest releases of firmware and drivers for wireless LAN adapters at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/pcgi-bin/tablebuild.pl/aironet-340
Caveats
This section describes known problems for ACU version 4.13, for radio firmware release 4.13, and for
the drivers listed in the “New Features in Wireless LAN Adapter Drivers” section on page 4.
Getting Bug Information on Cisco.com
If you are a Cisco.com registered user, you can use the Cisco TAC Software Bug Toolkit, which consists
of three tools (Bug Navigator, Bug Watcher, and Search by Bug ID Number) that help you to identify
existing bugs (or caveats) in Cisco software products.
Access the TAC Software Bug Toolkit today at http://www.cisco.com/support/bugtools/.
Open Caveats for ACU Version 4.13
The following caveats have not been resolved for ACU version 4.13:
No Login Prompt
There is no login prompt when the following combination of conditions is present (CSCds84477):
•
LEAP is installed on the client.
•
The client is running ACU release 4.13.
•
The client card has been ejected, then reinserted.
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Caveats
Take the following action if you are experiencing this problem:
•
Windows 2000—If the client does not associate with the Access Point and there is no login prompt,
manually log out and then log in to reassociate the client with the Access Point and get the login
prompt.
•
Windows Me—If the client does not associate with the Access Point and there is no login prompt,
manually log out and then log in to reassociate the client with the Access Point.
Incorrect Label in Control Panel
In the control panel system properties window, the Cisco Aironet 340 Series Wireless LAN Adapter is
incorrectly referred to as “Cisco Wireless Logon” (CSCds79289).
No user action is required.
Fast PSP Mode Incompatible with LEAP
Client devices using LEAP and Fast PSP mode at the same time become inoperable within 30 minutes
(CSCdt08244 and CSCdt09173). To avoid this problem, do not use Fast PSP mode when using LEAP.
Windows Freezes with LEAP Enabled and Driver Removed
When LEAP is enabled on the client and the driver is removed from the client, Windows freezes
(CSCdt02217). This occurs on clients running Windows NT and Windows 2000 when the user enters a
logon user name and password.
Take the following steps to correct this problem:
Step 1
Use a bootable floppy disk to reboot Windows.
Step 2
Open the Windows system folder, usually C:\Winnt\system32.
Step 3
Locate the file cswgina.dll in the system folder.
Step 4
Copy the original cswgina.dll file (in the system folder) to cswgina.sav.
Step 5
Copy the msgina.dll file (in the system folder) to cswgina.dll.
Step 6
Reboot the PC and logon to Windows.
Step 7
Reinstall the Cisco Aironet client drivers.
Step 8
Use a bootable floppy disk to reboot Windows.
Step 9
Copy the cswgina.sav file to cswgina.dll and put it in back in the system folder.
Step 10
Reboot the PC.
Step 11
If Windows freezes again, repeat Step 1 through Step 6 and immediately start the ACU and disable
LEAP.
Note
Use this workaround if the Windows NT partition is in FAT format. If the Windows
partition is in NTFS format, the workaround is to use the Windows Emergency Repair Disk
to restore the PC registry to its original state (before the client software was installed).
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Caveats
Windows Freezes with LEAP Enabled and Client Card Removed
When LEAP is enabled on the client and the client cards is removed from the client, Windows freezes
(CSCdt02217). This occurs clients running Windows NT and Windows 2000 when the user enters a
logon name and password.
To correct this problem, reinsert the card into the client and reboot the PC.
Client Utility for Macintosh Displays Poor Overall Link Quality
When you are using the Macintosh pcm3x0PPC client utility with a client adapter running radio
firmware version 4.13, the utility always reports that the overall link quality is poor regardless of the
actual link quality (CSCdt10591). To solve this problem, download the latest version of the Macintosh
client utility from Cisco.com.
Open Caveats for Radio Firmware Release 4.13
The following caveat has not been resolved for radio firmware release 4.13:
If a client is associated to an Access Point that is configured for Open authentication, LEAP
authentication, and Full Encryption and the client has a WEP key stored in NVRAM, it is possible for
the client to communicate with the Access Point using the incorrect WEP key (CSCds79736).
This can occur after the following sequence:
1.
LEAP authentication is enabled on the client.
2.
The client associates to the Access Point and is authenticated with LEAP.
3.
LEAP is then disabled on the client, which still has Full Encryption enabled.
4.
When the client reassociates with the Access Point, it incorrectly uses the key in working memory
(the key used during LEAP authentication) instead of using the key stored in NVRAM.
You must force the client to use the key in NVRAM by either rebooting the client or by ejecting and then
reinserting the adapter.
Open and Resolved Caveats for Wireless LAN Adapter Drivers
This section describes known and resolved caveats for the following drivers:
•
NDIS—Cisco Aironet driver release 6.64
•
Windows CE 2.1x—Cisco Aironet driver release 1.4
•
Windows CE 3.0—Cisco Aironet driver release 1.5
•
Macintosh OS 9.x—Cisco Aironet driver release 1.0 (initial release)
•
Linux—Cisco Aironet driver release 1.000.2 (initial release)
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Troubleshooting
Open Caveats
Adapter Configuration Reset During Driver Upgrade
When you use the Windows Update Driver function to upgrade to a new Cisco Aironet driver, the client
adapter’s configuration returns to the default values. The adapter must be reconfigured if the default
values were changed prior to upgrading to the new driver (CSCds60296).
If LEAP was enabled before upgrading to the new driver, the wireless logon still functions correctly and
LEAP is enabled after the system is rebooted. However, because WEP is not enabled (default
configuration), the client cannot authenticate until the adapter is reconfigured.
Reconfigure the client adapter after using the Windows Update Driver function to upgrade to the new
Cisco Aironet driver.
Max PSP Power Save Mode Sometimes Blocks Data
If a client is using NDIS driver 6.64 and is configured with power save mode Maximum PSP (Max PSP),
sometimes the driver does not pass data to the client. This usually happens when entering, then exiting,
ACU though it can happen at other times (CSCdt00712).
With Max PSP, the Access Point buffers incoming messages for the client. The client then wakes up
periodically and polls the Access Point for any buffered messages. After requesting messages, the client
returns to sleep mode.
Use a power save mode other than Max PSP.
Client Adapter Never Times Out When Unable To Authenticate
When the port address or the shared secret is not set correctly on the Access Point and does not match
the CiscoSecure settings, a client adapter trying to authenticate through that Access Point never times
out when trying to log in (CSCdt11557). To correct this condition, change the port address or shared
secret on the Access Point while the adapter is waiting to authenticate (the adapter should immediately
log in) or power cycle the adapter to return to the login screen.
Check Cisco.com for the latest release of ACU, which will address this issue.
Resolved Caveats
If you are using a 340 series PCI client adapter and running Windows 2000 and the adapter is sharing an
interrupt request (IRQ) with another device in the system, your computer could freeze when the other
device requests that IRQ (CSCds12436).
This caveat is resolved in NDIS driver release 6.64.
Troubleshooting
For the most up-to-date, detailed troubleshooting information, refer to the Cisco TAC website at
http://www.cisco.com/tac. Select Wireless LAN under Top Issues.
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Documentation Updates
Documentation Updates
This section describes changes and additions to the documents listed in the “Related Documentation”
section below.
Use Site Survey Active Mode to Examine Link Speed
To examine real-time link speed for your client adapter, use active mode in ACU’s site survey tool. In
passive mode, the link speed indicator reports the speed of echo packets and does not indicate real-time
link speed.
Default Value for Use Short Radio Headers
In ACU’s RF Network screen, the default value for Use Short Radio Headers is Selected.
WepStat Icon Not Included in 6.64 Driver Release
The WepStat icon is not included in driver release 6.64 and, therefore, cannot be used to verify proper
installation of client adapter security options. (It looks like two connected computers and appears in the
Windows system tray when using driver version 6.10.)
Related Documentation
For more information about Cisco Aironet wireless LAN adapters, refer to the following publications:
•
Quick Start Guide: Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Adapters
•
Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Adapters Hardware Installation Guide
•
Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Adapters Software Configuration Guide
Obtaining Documentation
The following sections provide sources for obtaining documentation from Cisco Systems.
World Wide Web
You can access the most current Cisco documentation on the World Wide Web at the following sites:
•
http://www.cisco.com
•
http://www-china.cisco.com
•
http://www-europe.cisco.com
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Getting Technical Assistance
Documentation CD-ROM
Cisco documentation and additional literature are available in a CD-ROM package shipped separately
from the Cisco Aironet Series Wireless LAN Adapters CD that shipped with your product. The
Documentation CD-ROM is updated monthly and may be more current than printed documentation. The
CD-ROM package is available as a single unit or as an annual subscription.
Ordering Documentation
Cisco documentation is available in the following ways:
•
Registered Cisco Direct Customers can order Cisco Product documentation from the Networking
Products MarketPlace:
http://www.cisco.com/cgi-bin/order/order_root.pl
•
Registered Cisco.com users can order the Documentation CD-ROM through the online Subscription
Store:
http://www.cisco.com/go/subscription
•
Nonregistered Cisco.com users can order documentation through a local account representative by
calling Cisco corporate headquarters (California, USA) at 408 526-7208 or, in North America, by
calling 800 553-NETS(6387).
Software Configuration Tips on the Cisco TAC Home Page
Visit these Cisco TAC pages for more information on upgrading software. These pages require you to
log in as a Cisco.com registered user.
Cisco Aironet Product
Path from www.cisco.com
Hyperlink
Cisco Aironet 340 Access Points
Cisco > Service & Support > Technical Go to TAC web page
Assistance Center > Products > Cisco
Aironet 340 Access Points
Cisco Aironet 340 Client Adapters
Cisco > Service & Support > Technical Go to TAC web page
Assistance Center > Products > Cisco
Aironet 340 Client Adapters
Cisco Aironet 340 Ethernet Bridges
Cisco > Service & Support > Technical Go to TAC web page
Assistance Center > Products > Cisco
Aironet 340 Ethernet Bridges
Getting Technical Assistance
Cisco provides Cisco.com as a starting point for all technical assistance. Customers and partners can
obtain documentation, troubleshooting tips, and sample configurations from online tools. For Cisco.com
registered users, additional troubleshooting tools are available from the TAC website.
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Getting Technical Assistance
Cisco.com
Cisco.com is the foundation of a suite of interactive, networked services that provides immediate, open
access to Cisco information and resources at anytime, from anywhere in the world. This highly
integrated Internet application is a powerful, easy-to-use tool for doing business with Cisco.
Cisco.com provides a broad range of features and services to help customers and partners streamline
business processes and improve productivity. Through Cisco.com, you can find information about Cisco
and our networking solutions, services, and programs. In addition, you can resolve technical issues with
online technical support, download and test software packages, and order Cisco learning materials and
merchandise. Valuable online skill assessment, training, and certification programs are also available.
Customers and partners can self-register on Cisco.com to obtain additional personalized information and
services. Registered users can order products, check on the status of an order, access technical support,
and view benefits specific to their relationships with Cisco.
To access Cisco.com, go to the following website:
http://www.cisco.com
Technical Assistance Center
The Cisco TAC website is available to all customers who need technical assistance with a Cisco product
or technology that is under warranty or covered by a maintenance contract.
Contacting TAC by Using the Cisco TAC Website
If you have a priority level 3 (P3) or priority level 4 (P4) problem, contact TAC by going to the TAC
website:
http://www.cisco.com/tac
P3 and P4 level problems are defined as follows:
•
P3—Your network performance is degraded. Network functionality is noticeably impaired, but most
business operations continue.
•
P4—You need information or assistance on Cisco product capabilities, product installation, or basic
product configuration.
In each of the above cases, use the Cisco TAC website to quickly find answers to your questions.
To register for Cisco.com, go to the following website:
http://www.cisco.com/register/
If you cannot resolve your technical issue by using the TAC online resources, Cisco.com registered users
can open a case online by using the TAC Case Open tool at the following website:
http://www.cisco.com/tac/caseopen
Contacting TAC by Telephone
If you have a priority level 1 (P1) or priority level 2 (P2) problem, contact TAC by telephone and
immediately open a case. To obtain a directory of toll-free numbers for your country, go to the following
website:
http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/687/Directory/DirTAC.shtml
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Getting Technical Assistance
P1 and P2 level problems are defined as follows:
•
P1—Your production network is down, causing a critical impact to business operations if service is
not restored quickly. No workaround is available.
•
P2—Your production network is severely degraded, affecting significant aspects of your business
operations. No workaround is available.
This document is to be used in conjunction with the documents listed in the “Related Documentation” section.
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Copyright © 2001, Cisco Systems, Inc.
All rights reserved.
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